"Sheriff's office." Emma answered the phone in a chirpy mood. It had been a pretty interesting week so far. Petty crime was on the rise in town and as bad as that was, it made her days go a lot quicker and she felt useful again.

"It's me. Can you talk now?" Regina husked down the phone.

Emma swung around in her chair and saw her Dad was still there. "Nope." She knew when Regina wanted to talk, it usually meant dirty.

"Oh, well, I forgot to ask, did Nova ever get back to you?"

Emma had completely forgotten about their conversation and she groaned. "Yeah, she did actually. Uhm, nothing to worry about."

"Good. Did you find out any more about the other development?"

"Uhm, kinda." She really couldn't talk about this on the phone while her dad was in the room. "She didn't know anything about that." She hoped that would be enough.

Regina was silent for a while. "Are you sure?"

"Yup. That's a no go."

"Alright. Are you free tonight?"

Emma grinned. "Yes. Want me to pick up Henry?"

"Yes. I'll see you back at mine. Have a good afternoon." Regina clicked off the phone and stared at the book in front of her. She felt mixed emotions re-reading the passage. If Nova hadn't had a hand in this, it left two options and both worried her. She read it again and closed the book, hiding it in her desk drawer. She couldn't let herself believe it. Not yet.

Regina's hand hovered over the phone debating with herself whether or not to call. No. She got up and strode purposefully out of the office. This was a conversation best had face to face.

~

"What was that about?" David asked when Emma put the phone back on the hook.

"Oh, when you were away last weekend, Leroy got into a state. Regina and I questioned Blue and Nova. I forgot to follow up."

David's eyes went wide. "What do they have to do with Leroy getting wasted?"

Emma winced. "He was pissed at Blue for not letting him see Nova. Did you know they were a thing back in your world?"

David grinned as the penny dropped. "Yeah, we talked once or twice back in the day. Poor guy."

Emma sighed deeply. There was something else she'd meant to approach him about. "Dad, can I ask you something?"

"Always."

She stared off blankly into space trying to find the right words. "With you and mom, like, how did you know?"

David put his paperwork to one side and beamed. "Well, we shared some special moments. My kiss broke her sleeping curse, so that was proof of the pudding."

Emma smiled and wrinkled her brow. "Yeah, so the kiss. Uhm, did you get flashes of each other's lives and memories?"

David narowed his eyes at his daughter. He and Snow didn't talk about that with anyone. "We did. The first time, when I saved her. Did you get that with Henry?"

Emma shook her head. "No. Nothing like that. I just felt pure love. Does it still happen?"

David groaned. It was like they shared the same head space most of the time. "Not exactly, no. We have moments as if we know what the other is about to say or do, but not the same. Why all the questions?"

Emma shrugged. "I guess I'm just curious. This is all new to me. I feel like I've got a lot of catching up to do. The idea of true love and everyone being destined for each other, or not, it's kinda weird. I mean, it makes dating seem totally pointless if everyone's just waiting for their true love to show up."

David looked at her with sadness in his eyes. "It's not an exact science, Emma. You can't avoid dating for fear someone might be paired with someone else. You have to find them first, and the only way to do that is by getting out and meeting people."

Emma pouted. "Yeah, I guess. But, what if you know they have someone or a different destiny? I mean look at Leroy. He's miserable because he can't be with the person he loves. Do people get more than one? What happens if they die or meet their soul mate? Does it just cancel out?"

David felt uncomfortable now. It wasn't exactly his speciality. There were things he never understood himself about the whole thing. He took a deep breath and considered his words carefully. "Love is a privilege. It's never easy, despite what everyone seems to think, and it's a risk you take. You can't experience the highs without the lows. Not even in fairytale land, as you call it."

She looked at him with adoration. It was exactly what she needed to hear and made her feel much better about things. "Thanks Dad. That's really reassuring."

He smiled back. "You're welcome. There's someone out there for you. No doubt about it. Who knows, maybe he'll come knocking on your door when you least expect it." He picked up his pen again and got back to work grinning to himself.

Emma grimaced at the pronoun usage. "Hey, it could be an ogre, or a she!" Her heart raced as she waited for his reaction.

David chuckled. "Sure, and if it was, I'm sure you'd be very happy together."

Emma giggled feeling a lightness wash over her. It was a start. A small hint in the right direction. She lost herself in her work for the rest of the afternoon.

Across town, Regina stood in Gold's shop and waited for the man to appear. He took his time getting into the front. "Madam Mayor, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

She smiled evily at him and prepared herself for scrutinizing his every expression. "What do you know about clairvoyance curses?"

He smirked and peered at her with a piercing gaze. "Interesting. Who's head are you trying to get into?"

"You know we don't exchange details, Dark One. Tell me what you know." She snapped back keeping her eye on him.

"Really, Regina? There's a better way of mind reading and you are already quite skilled in that department. Take their heart. It's more reliable."

She watched his eyes. He really didn't seem to know anything about it and it was very basic magic for people of their power. "I was looking for something more discreet."

He shrugged and went to his shelf to pick out a vial and a scroll. He placed them on the counter and slide them towards the mayor. "Knock yourself out. You need to dose the victim first, then yourself within twenty-four hours. Read the incantation prior to dosing. It'll give you a clear view for up to three days, depending on distance."

"Does it work both ways?"

He laughed like she was dumb. "Of course not! Oh, and it also doesn't work on me, so don't bother wasting it."

She smirked. "Wouldn't dream of it. Out of curiosity though, how would one go about a two way mind connection?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Heart exchange. Both must be willing and given freely." He was curious now.

"I thought as much. Thank you for clarifying." She looked at the vial and scroll on the table. "You can put that back. I'll figure something else out."

Gold grinned. "If you're sure. It's on the house."

She laughed and turned to walk out of the shop. "Nothing's ever free with you, dear. Oh, by the way, there's a pirate in town and I'm quite sure he's looking for a crocodile. That's on the house."

She got out on the street and paced back towards her office trying to let the facts sink in. She wasn't cursed and she definitely had her own heart in her chest. She let the last two weeks play out in her head, analyzing every minor detail and groaned. There was no doubt about it. She was in love with Emma Swan.

~

Emma left the station early and went home to grab some essentials before heading out to pick Henry up. Her Dad had kept his word and given her the weekend off to relax. She hadn't seen Regina all week, except when she dropped Henry over on Wednesday for him to spend the night. With everything going in in town, new visitors arriving and worry about the barrier, she'd barely had time to pine. Snow got home just as she was finishing her coffee.

"Are you going over to Regina's again?" Snow asked looking at the holdall on the kitchen worktop.

"Yeah. I have a habit of falling asleep on her couch. Thought I'd take a change of clothes just in case it happens again."

Snow looked disappointed. They hardly spent any time together since the curse lifted and she was slightly jealous that her daughter preferred her ex nemesis' company over her own. She plastered on a happy smile but it didn't reach her eyes. Emma felt guilty again. "I know this is awkward for you. I'm sorry."

"No, Emma, it's not that. Not really. I'd just like to spend some time with you. We barely get a chance these days. You and your father get time together at the station. I know we live together and that's great, but I guess I missed out on so much of you growing up. I feel like I barely know you." She had a tear in her eye. Emma came over and gave her a hug.

"Hey, we'll get there. I'm not going anywhere." She sighed into the embrace. "I'll start opening up more, promise. If it's any consolation, I feel the same about Henry. I never thought I'd find him, or you and Dad. We've all got a lot of healing to do."

Snow beamed at her daughter through tears. "I know, sweetie. I'm so proud of you and the woman you've become."

Emma felt a mix of pride and guilt wash over her. She'd shut her out since her discovery and she could only imagine how it would feel if Henry did the same with her. There was a knock on the door and Snow wiped her tears aways. "Expecting someone?"

Emma shook head. "Nope. Must be for you. I gotta go. Henry finishes in five. I'm gonna be late " She picked up the holdall and opened the door in shock. "Woah, what are you doing here?"

It was Captain Hook holding a bunch of roses. "I was curious and asked around the taverns about you. You're Emma. These are for you."

Emma groaned. She did not have time for this at all. "Yeah, I'm Emma and I'm just heading out. Sorry, how did you get my address?" She didn't take the roses and crossed her arms over her chest.

Hook grinned. "I took the liberty of following your land ship and asked the nice lady downstairs."

Snow came to the door with curiosity. When Hook saw her, he bowed. "Forgive me, your highness. I had no idea. Apologies for the intrusion."

Snow blushed and giggled. "I'm not, royalty, anymore. Not here at least. Sorry, have we met?" She looked at the roses, then at Emma and grinned from ear to ear.

"Not officially, no. I'm Captain Killian Jones. It's an honor to make your acquaintance, Snow White."

Emma fidgeted on her feet. "Sorry, I really gotta go pick up Henry. Alone. Bye mom."

Hook inhaled sharply. "Mom? You're the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming?"

She wiggled her eyebrows and pushed past him to get out the apartment. "Yup. Sorry bud. See you around." She disappeared off down the stairs and Killian stood in stupor until Snow spoke.

"She's not usually like that. It's just her son finishes school now and she has to collect him."

"The boy? He's hers? Not the Queen's?"

Snow hummed in a high pitched tone. "Yes, erm, they are both his mothers. You're new in town, I take it?"

He nodded with a disbelieving grin. "I am indeed.Well, then I'm barking up the wrong tree, I see. My goodness what an odd land."

Snow's face reddened and she quickly backtracked giggling like a school girl. "Oh dear, no! Not like that, good heavens, no! You see, while we were cursed, the queen adopted him. She's available. Emma. Not Regina."

Hook smiled grateful for the clarification. "I see I have much to learn here. Perhaps you would be so kind as to give me a few tips?"

"Of course.So how did you get here? I'm assuming you are from the Enchanted Forest."

"I sailed here on my ship after the curse broke."

Snow's eyes widened along with her grin. "You have a ship? Why don't you come in and have a cup of tea. I'll get you up to speed on everything and you can tell me about back home." She stood back and let the pirate into her home.

"Sounds wonderful. Thank you for your hospitality, your highness."

She giggled again. "Oh please, call me Snow. Or Mary Margaret."

~

Henry got in the car in a huff. "You're late. Again."

"Hey, I'm sorry. Grandma was a bit sad, then that pirate dude showed up at the apartment."

Henry scowled at her. "The pirate? What did he want?"

"Don't know and don't care. How was school?" She changed the subject and carried on driving.

"Not great. Miss Hubbard gave me a C in Math. Mom's gonna kill me."

Emma winced. "Ooh, yup. You're dead. I thought you were doing extra study for math. What happened?"

Henry shrugged. "I guess Mom forgot. She's been really busy lately. And then when you come, we just do fun stuff. It's cool."

The blonde groaned. She felt like the worst parent on the planet. She'd been so wrapped up in Regina, she hadn't noticed how his routine had changed quite dramatically. It wasn't a bad thing, per se, but he was a smart kid and Regina really invested alot in his education. She didn't want to undo all their hard work. "Let me talk to her. Maybe lay off the video games tonight."

"But Ma, It's Friday!"

"Do you want an F next week?"

"No." He sulked and crossed his arms over his chest. When they got back, he ran up the path and stomped off to his room.

Regina came out the of her study to see what the noise was about. "What happened?"

Emma groaned. "He's sulking cos' I told him no video games tonight."

Regina looked at her in disbelief. "You disciplined him? Dare I ask why?" Her hand went to her hip and Enma felt like she was in trouble now.

"He got a C in Math, but it wasn't exactly discipline. I just thought he should spend the time studying so it doesn't drop again next week. I think maybe, that's my fault that his grades are slipping."

Regina shook her head. "No, its mine. I've been preoccupied lately with some research. I'll pick it up with him next week. He's been getting away with a lot these last few months. I haven't been disciplining him out of fear. So, thank you." She sighed and opened her arms needing the hug probably as much as Emma did. "It doesn't feel good to be the bad guy, does it?"

Emma pouted. "No! It's horrible! Ugh, we can't keep tiptoeing around him though. I see that now. It doesn't do him any favors always getting his own way."

Regina nodded against the blonde's shoulder. She recognized where she'd been too harsh in the past and not harsh enough in recent months. It felt like a relief now being able to share that with someone. She turned her head to kiss the woman, afraid her words wouldn't express it.

'We both have a lot to learn when it comes to parenting. I am grateful we can share that.'

As they broke the kiss, Emma got a snippet of another thought behind that one. She leant in for another kiss but Regina pursed her lips together and stepped out of her reach. "I think I'm going to talk to Henry. I'll be back down shortly. Can you pour the wine?"

Emma nodded. Whatever it was, Regina would tell her at some point. "I was a bartender for avwhile. I think I can handle it." She watched Regina saunter up the stairs and went to retrieve the wine and two glasses. She was nervous tonight. Things felt different between them. Heavier somehow. Maybe it was her impression after the conversation with her Dad. Maybe it was from being the bad guy to her son. She took a big slug of wine and tried not to stew.

Regina returned after almost half an hour. "He's taking a shower now. I need to confess something." She took the wine and downed half of it. Emma's stomach churned. This was it. This was what she feared.

"I went to see Gold today after we spoke. I've been looking into the reason behind our current situation."

Emma looked confused. "Which situation?"

Regina laughed. "The telepathy situation."

She felt relieved. "Oh, okay. What did you find out?

"Well, it's not a curse, or a wish. Something must have happened after we were intimate the first time." She waited, hoping Emma would join up some dots.

The blonde nodded and dropped her head. "Yeah, I figured that too. Nova told me something else and I checked in with my Dad after you called too."

Now Regina felt nervous. "What did she say?"

Emma was clearly embarrassed and could barely look at the brunette. "She said that sometimes, uhm, people with really strong connections could do it. Also, because we are powerful magic wielders, or something like that."

Regina nodded considering the option. It was similar to the conclusion she'd reached and Gold had confirmed in a round about way. "What exactly did you talk to your father about?"

"Not about us. But I asked if he and my mom ever had flashes of each others memories and thoughts. He said in the beginning, yeah. Their first true loves kiss. But it doesn't happen now between them, so..." She was blushing furiously and took another large gulp of wine.

"I went to Gold because I thought he perhaps had a hand in things. He didn't, and he reminded me of a few facts about heart magic. I think, I may have developed some feelings for you."

Emma's ears pricked up. She hadn't heard right. She couldn't have done. "Sorry, what did you say?"

She had to just spit it out. Emma would read her mind the next time they kissed anyway. "I think that because of what we did that night, when you surrendered your heart to me, I may have developed some deeper feelings for you in the process. That is likely why we are hearing each other's thoughts, when we kiss. We have perhaps connected on a heart level."

Emma grinned and reached across the table to grab Regina's hand. "Okay, you made that sound really technical. I guess we are thinking the same thing?"

Regina looked deep into Emma's eyes, unsure if she was returning the sentiment or her mind was playing tricks on her. "I'm saying, I fell in love with you."

Emma stared back hoping her lie detector wasn't broken. Her heart was palpitating. "I fell in love with you too." She pulled the brunette to her feet and tenderly kissed her. A bright burst of energy swept between them, around them and through them as the light of true loves kiss confirmed their match officially.

'I thought I was going crazy falling for you so quickly'

Emma allowed her uncensored thoughts to come to the forefront as their tongues danced.

'I didn't think it was possible. I wasn't expecting this. I didn't know.'

Regina let her thoughts run freely and her tears streamed down her face. She hadn't ever had a true loves kiss and she honestly thought she never would.

They broke apart grinning at the other in a stupor. "Wow! I can't believe you love me."

Regina laughed. "This is not how I expected this evening to go. I was quite certain you'd run to the hills and accuse me of being a stereotypical fairytale character."

"Well, yeah. The true loves kiss is a pretty standard trope of any decent fairytale." She pulled Regina back in and kissed her again. She stopped looking confused.

"Has it gone?"

Regina kissed her again as hard as she could. "It's gone."

They kissed again and got a little carried away. Emma mumbled between bursts. "Do you think it's permanent?"

"I have no idea."

"If it is, I'm really gonna miss reading your dirty thoughts."

"Likewise, Miss Swan."

"I'm coming down the stairs." Henry shouted and made as much noise as possible on each step. "I'm coming in the kitchen in five, four..."

Regina and Emma chuckled and the mayor poofed a steaming lasagna on the table.

"Why do you bother cooking if you can just do that?" Emma moaned.

Regina shrugged. "I like cooking. It's fun."

"Three... Two... One." Henry came in the kitchen and let out a sigh of relief seeing his mom's on opposite sides of the table. "I'm sorry about earlier, Ma. I'll start checking my work again. Promise."

He took his seat and Regina served them all. The evening was relaxed and light. Now they knew exactly how much they cared for one another, there was nothing between them but warmth and a new sense of hope. All the worries they'd each had seemed to melt away with the infamous true loves magical kiss. It was the confirmation that each of these broken and insecure women needed to finally accept love into their hearts fully.

As they sat watching Transformers, Emma nuzzled into Regina's neck. "I thought I was moving too fast too but we've known each other for two years. Maybe that's why we needed to read each other's minds. I don't think I would have made a move if I hadn't heard what you thought."

Regina nodded. "I think you are correct. Even being together, neither of us were able to believe it was real. I think now, we can put those doubts aside and just enjoy it."

"I don't want to hide anymore, Regina. as fun as it is, I don't like lying to people "

Regina nodded. "It's your choice. I'm in no hurry to make announcements, but if you want to, that's fine. Do you still want us to talk to your parents together?"

"I don't know. I think maybe I should talk to my mom alone first and lay some other cards on the table. I really pushed her away since everything happened."

Regina squeezed her hand. "I will support you either way."

Emma leant in and whispered. "But can we keep the games going?"

Regina's eyes burned with lust. "Oh, the games are a non-negotiable."

The movie finished and they both went up to tuck Henry in then went into Regina's room. They couldn't hide their smiles and just stared at each other. Regina pulled Emma towards the bed and lay her down before slowly undressing herself. "I've often wondered something." She lifted the shirt up over her head and shimmied out of her pants.

Emma wriggled out of her clothes and chucked them on the floor. "What's that?"

Regina climbed up over Emma's body and settled between her legs flush with her body. She was still grinning and propped her cheek on her fist. "Well, true loves kiss is magical. But what about the sex?"

Emma moaned grinning back. "Good question. Wanna find out?"

"You bet your ass I do, Miss Swan." She leant in to kiss her and something strange happened. Emma felt the loss immediately. She reached up to pull Regina's head towards her and her hand passed right through her.

"What the hell is this now?"

Regina leant in again trying and found she couldn't feel Emma, or the bed or anything. "Oh no. Emma can you hear me?"

"Yes I can. What's happening?"

"Emma, my love. You broke the curse." She felt herself being pulled away and her tears streamed down her face. "It's taking me back where I belong. I love you. Never forget that."

Emma reached out with her magic and tried to stop. "No! Don't you dare leave me! Not now. Not like this."

"I can't stop it. Take care of Henry."

The room fell silent and Emma blasted her magic agaisnt the wall screaming. "Shit! Fuck!" She grabbed her clothes and dressed quickly. She needed to talk to someone. But who? Gold? Blue? Her parents? What was she going to say. How could anyone help?

Her heart raced and her skin felt clammy. She checked in on Henry to make sure he was okay. He was fast asleep. She couldn't leave him here alone at night. She called her parents. Neither answered their cell phone so she called the land line.

"Hello?" A stange man's voice answered.

"Sorry, I think I called the wrong number." She was about to hang up.

"Is that you, Emma? How dis you get in there?"

"Who is this?"

"It's Killian. Your charming parents were entertaining me until they disappeared. Have you disappeared too?"

Emma sat on the bed in shock. "I broke the curse."

"Well, yes. Your dear mother was filling me in on all the events or the last few years."

She looked at her phone forgetting she was holding it. "Killian, I need you to do something for me. Just stay there until tomorrow. If they return tell them to call me straight away. Any time."

"I can do that."

"Okay. Thanks. Put this back how you found it and answer it again if it rings okay?" She hoped he understood the concept of a phone call and hung up. She dialled Ruby next. Again, no answer.

Then Granny, Gold, The convent, even Leroy. Nobody answered in the entire town. By the time she stopped dialling all the residents of Storybrooke, it was almost four in the morning. She cried herself to sleep burying her head in Regina's pillow. She couldn't do anything until the morning.

A/N: That wasn't what I was expecting... don't know about you? I'm not done, don't worry thanks again for your continued support!