Emma pulled frantically at her trapped ankle, sure she was dead. If not dead, then going insane. Because a ghost was standing in front of her, illuminated by the sun like some sort of demented angel. How could this be?
Standing before her was Neal; the man she had loved, the man who had betrayed her, the man she had shot, the man she had watched die. That fateful night he had dropped to the pavement, blood spreading across his chest like wildfire. His eyes had rolled back in his head, his body limp with blood pooling beneath him, as she turned and fled. Out of town, out of her current life.
Not only was Neal alive, but he looked… somewhat healthy. He had packed on a few pounds, but not enough to be overweight. His dark brown hair was cut short, his face hiding a five o'clock shadow. His brown eyes looked clear and alert. Surprised to see her. No longer was he the cracked out, drug-stricken man she had been in love with. He was alive. And she had to face him.
"Let me help you." Neal stooped down and gently grabbed her underneath her arms, freeing her ankle before just as carefully letting her go.
Guilt washing over her, Emma forced herself to face him. "You're alive."
Neal smiled and spread his arms. "In the flesh. The living accommodations are a bit of a downer, but I'm working on it."
Emma's mouth opened and shut. She had so many things to say, so many things to ask. For starters, how could you? How are you here right now? Do you blame me for things going wrong?
Instead, she started with, "You look… good."
Neal's expression sobered. "I'm clean. I guess getting shot and arrested really changes perspective, huh?"
Emma shook her head, wondering how he was living so close to her this whole time. She had countless nightmares about him, yet he was significantly better now without her around. He was alive, for one.
"Can we… go get a meal somewhere? Catch up?" Guilt struck Emma again as she realized once again why she was out here. She should be searching for Mary Margaret. But also… questioning Neal might be a step in the right direction. Maybe he has seen Mary Margaret.
Neal hitched his thumb over his shoulder. "Sure. The chef is on vacation so I've had to fend for myself." He smiled, his brown eyes shining playfully.
Emma led him back to her car parked just outside of town and headed for the next town over. She couldn't believe Neal was being so jocund; he should be yelling at her, accusing her of the horrible crime she committed. Instead, he was acting like he did when they first met—before drugs had consumed them.
They pulled into a diner/motel parking lot and headed inside, finding a quiet booth in the corner despite the lack of diners occupying the place. A chipper blonde woman with a southern twang gave them menus and smiled a little too much, finally leaving them be after trying and failing to initiate small talk.
Neal glanced over at the menu with a ravished look while Emma just stared at him. He finally met her gaze and lifted an inquisitive eyebrow. "You were dead," Emma managed to say.
Understanding the weight of the sentence, Neal sighed and set the menu down. "Technically, no. You shot me, true. The cops showed up right after you fled. They found the bag of money and drugs, pinned it on me. My heart stopped for three minutes in the ambulance. But, by sheer will or fate or whatever you want to call it, I made it. As soon as I was out of critical care, I was arrested. Shackled to the hospital bed. They cut my morphine, after realizing I was a user."
The blonde waitress reappeared, telling them she had ordered the special for them both. Neither of them cared; there were more pressing matters. Once she had left to welcome a new set of diners, Neal continued his story.
"I recovered fully. Was sent to a rehab facility in Arizona. Detox was a bitch, even worse than being shot, but I survived. The deal was I either do hard time, or rehab. And after I was clinically dead, I saw my papa. He told me to straighten my ass out, that I wasn't dying yet. So after rehab, I decided to live in the forest to rebuild myself. Stocked up on supplies, found an abandoned fixer upper, and here I am. Being on my own in nature has been so liberating."
Tears sprang to Emma's eyes. She swallowed past the lump in her throat. Anger burned inside of her. "I worried for so long that I had killed you. That if I ever returned to Boston I'd be arrested and charged for your murder. I shouldn't have run. I'm sorry for shooting you, really I am." She stared down at the table, too afraid to meet Neal's gaze. "Why did you betray me, Neal? You knew the apartment was going to be searched, thanks to your drug dealer buddies. You set out to leave me there, unknowing, blindly trusting you."
Neal nodded, understanding her anger. "It was cowardly. I was wrong. But I've had a long time to contemplate my choices and forgive myself. I was near death, Emma. That changes a person. And don't think that I forgot about you… I thought of you every single day. Hoping you were happy and healthy."
Emma sucked in a sharp breath as Neal reached out to cover her hand with his own. She gently pulled away. Neal was the love of her life at one point, true, but he also enabled her and was sick as much as she was. Regina helped her move past that. Regina accepted her, maybe even loved her, tried to protect her even though they had known each other for a few months.
She had to accept this fact: Neal didn't blame her. He took the fall.
"I'm different now, Neal. I've… found someone. A person who has helped me overcome my addiction. I loved you. But I've moved past that. I… I wish I could take back what I did to you. But that doesn't change my feelings."
Neal smiled, a genuinely happy smile. "I'm glad. And I don't regret you shooting me. I regret leaving you and saving myself. If it's any consolation, I was asking for it."
Emma decided to change the subject. "The reason I asked you here—other than marveling over the fact that you're alive—is I have a friend who's missing. Her name is Mary Margaret Blanchard. She may have wandered outside of town and gotten lost, or maybe she was taken. She is in her thirties, has black hair styled in a pixie cut, blue eyes, a feminine but strong build, about 5'2. Have you seen anyone near your cabin?"
Neal thought for a moment, then shook his head. "I haven't seen anything other than wildlife. Sorry, Emma. If it helps any, I'll keep a lookout."
Emma sighed, holding her head in her hands. "Thanks for the input. I was just hoping she would be in the forest somewhere. She was a great friend, a sweet person who wouldn't hurt a fly. It doesn't make sense."
"You'll find her," Neal reassured her. "I know you; you don't give up so easily."
They ate their food in comfortable silence before Emma dropped Neal off at his cabin. Before they parted ways, Emma hugged him tightly. Their past may be damaged, but their future didn't have to be. Neal seemed genuinely happy with the new path in life he had taken and had given Emma his number in case he spotted Mary Margaret or needed supplies.
After a few more hours of searching, Emma headed back to Storybrooke—home—with a lighter conscience and open heart. Her search hadn't proven itself to be successful, but knowing Neal was alive and happy improved her outtake on life. They would find Mary Margaret; she was sure of it.
XXXX
Regina sat through another droll council meeting, having turned her brain off long ago. The missing humans was a consequential matter, however, the council appeared content to argue over facts they already knew.
The connection between the missing humans didn't coincide with each other. The humans were reported missing months apart. The missing humans who managed to find their way back to town had no memory of their time since they crossed the town line and ordinarily perished. Blah blah blah.
No amount of debating was beneficial in solving the issue. Those humans were still out there, still wandering around helpless. Mary Margaret was out there, and Emma was counting on Regina to bring her home. She didn't have time for this.
"Why don't we focus on solving the issue rather than debating what caused it?" Regina cut in. "The 'what' can come later after we've helped the currently missing humans."
All eyes turned on her. One of the elders raised his hand and gestured toward her. "You are the protector of Storybrooke. Am I correct?"
Regina cleared her throat. "Yes, sir. My sister and I protect Storybrooke. We have recently had a beloved schoolteacher go missing, and I came here to enlist your help in finding her and protecting the remaining humans."
"Why are you special as opposed to the other protectors who have had more humans missing in their towns?" One council member questioned.
Regina held her chin high. "I come from the Mills family. Daughter to Henry and Cora Mills."
There was a murmur among the council members. Regina felt guilty name dropping the parents whom she no longer considered herself close to, but knew it was necessary to be heard.
"Very well," an elder spoke. "What have you been so patiently waiting to say?"
"I think magic has a significant role in the disappearances. Perhaps not the magic of us vampires, but the magic of the towns themselves. Considering the vampires' magic has proved futile in recovering the humans, I have reason to believe a stronger, magical being is behind this."
"And who, pray tell, is the being behind this theory?" An elder questioned.
"I don't know," Regina admitted. Her response elicited more murmurs. "However," she continued, "I think it's wise to research this theory. You have enough maesters who are extremely knowledgeable; they might know who is behind this. Or have an idea, anyhow."
"Is there anyone you know of besides the vampires who have magic, Mayor Mills?" An elder spoke.
Regina shifted in her seat. If they found out about Emma, it would be an open and shut case. They would assume Emma was to blame and execute her. She couldn't let that happen. She had to distract them somehow.
"Magic has been detected in many mortals before. Mediums, magicians, sociopaths, geniuses. There is no dwindling it down. The little magic these mortals possess is nowhere near influential enough to cause the destruction happening now."
"Then it's settled," the high elder spoke, quieting the chatter between the councilmen. "We will have the maesters research this theory of a higher magical being. In the meantime, every town—regardless of whether its humans have gone missing—will be provided with more protectors. Mayor Mills, your mother has insisted on stationing in Storybrooke. We will send another protector to assist her."
Regina felt the blood drain from her face. After the delightful phone call with her mother days ago, in which she had accused her of not doing her job properly, the last thing she needed was to be stuck with her indefinitely. Cora Mills was nosey and would know immediately that something was amiss with Emma.
Regina tried to reject the proposal. "My sister and I have Storybrooke under control ourselves—"
"Meeting adjourned!" The high elder interrupted.
As soon as she was out of the building and safely in her car, Regina dialed Emma's number and impatiently waited for her to answer. Emma barely got out a hello before Regina was relaying the decision the council had made.
"Emma you need to get out of Storybrooke. The council is sending my mother and another protector there. I know you said you have big problems in Boston, but I made a promise to protect you, and I can't do that unless you're out of town."
"Everything is going to be okay, Regina," Emma reassured her. "I can be in Boston in a couple hours if I drive fast. Are you staying in a hotel?"
"No, on my own property. The house I own here." Regina gave the address, feeling a little better now that Emma was leaving Storybrooke. "I'll see you soon. Please be careful." I love you was right on the tip of her tongue, but she held back.
XXXX
Emma packed her things from the manor with a heavy heart. She knew—hoped—that this wouldn't be the last time she was here. Her eyes lingered on the bed, the place where she had asked Regina to stay; and she had. She had opened her heart to Emma here. There were so many new memories they had yet to make.
Emma's eyes slipped closed as a stray tear traveled down her cheek. Storybrooke was her home. Regina was her home. And now it was being ripped away from her.
She wiped the tear away angrily. She shouldn't be dwelling on such trivial thoughts; Mary Margaret was missing and alone. This was for her sake, as well as the town's. Steeling herself, Emma left the manor behind and set out to Boston.
The sun was beginning to set in dazzling purples and oranges as the bustling city of Boston lit up in front of her. Emma's heart sped in her chest; Boston brought back so many harsh memories. She used to love the lights, the diversity, the smell of the restaurants and the grunginess of the streets. Now it felt cold and distant—unforgiving.
Soon, she arrived in a place of Boston she had never been before: the suburbs. Large trees and cul-de-sacs complimented grand houses block after block. Emma's eyes widened at the sight. Kids played outside in their front yards unsupervised, dogs ran along the fence line, barking at the new vehicle passing their territory. It was the American dream.
Regina's property came into view at the end of a cul-de-sac. This house was bigger than the one in Storybrooke, if that was even possible. Three stories of bright cobalt color, wide windows, an expansive wraparound porch half the size of Emma's old apartment.
The door opened just as Emma stepped out of the car. Regina ran toward her, not even bothering to close the door behind her. Emma didn't hesitate to wrap the woman in her arms, melting at the feel of Regina embracing her just as tightly. She could stay like this forever.
That's when she noticed Regina was crying. Emma gently pulled back, surprised to see tears in the vampire's eyes. "Regina, what's the matter? I'm here, I'm safe."
"The toll it must be on you to come back to Boston after what you went through must be unbearable. I'm sorry I wasn't able to convince the council not to send others to Storybrooke. I failed you."
Emma shook her head. "You didn't fail me, Regina. You're doing what you have to. Besides… my past here in Boston is in the past. I just have to keep moving forward."
Regina looked confused. "But you were so concerned about coming back. I worried I was putting you in more danger than if you were to stay in Storybrooke."
Emma leaned in and kissed Regina gently. "I'll explain once we're inside this beautiful house of yours. You got any wine?"
Regina managed to chuckle at her joke and led her inside. Over tea, Emma relayed what had happened. Her past in Boston with Neal, the night things took a turn for the worse, running into Neal in the woods. Regina sat in silence, shellshocked but listening thoughtfully.
"I never wanted you to know. You, or anybody else in Storybrooke," Emma finished. "I thought if you knew, you would hate me. Kick me out of town or call the cops to come arrest me."
Regina reached out and took her hand. "I could never hate you, Emma. I know all about dark pasts and trying to move forward. I'm glad you were able to confide in me. You'll be safe here, for the time being."
Emma noticed a stray tear fall down Regina's cheek again. She patiently waited for Regina to speak again. "Just as I was getting to know you, I lose you. How unfair."
Emma wiped her tear away. "It won't be forever. We'll get this magic issue under control and then I can come home. In the meantime, we can talk on the phone. I know it's not enough but do you know what?"
Regina looked up through watery brown eyes. "What?"
Emma smiled. "We have tonight together. And right now, all I want is to enjoy being here with you. Let's order a pizza and watch some cheesy romance movies. I know you're a Hallmark movie fan."
Regina scoffed playfully. "Unnecessary carbs and annoying insta-love movies? You don't know me at all."
Emma quirked an eyebrow. "The pizza is more for me. I don't think they can replace red sauce for human blood. Also, I may have done some digging and found out that you have a platinum membership to the Hallmark channel movie app."
Regina leaned forward and kissed her hard, effectively shutting her up. Suddenly, food was the last thing on Emma's mind. Regina's fingers tangled in her hair, mouth hot, breath warm and urgent.
Emma broke the kiss. "Bedroom," she panted.
Regina hummed and bit on her bottom lip, allowing her fangs to graze but not draw blood. Emma ached with need. Suddenly, Regina swept her off her feet as easy as a newborn baby and carried her up the stairs to the bedroom.
Emma gasped with surprised pleasure as Regina all but threw her on the bed, climbing on top of her and pinning her arms down as she kissed her again. Of course Regina liked it rough—she's an immortal vampire.
Emma canted her hips up in a silent suggestion and Regina pressed her leg between her thighs. Emma bit down on the woman's lip hard to keep from begging. Regina purred, seeming to understand her dilemma.
"Is there something you want, Emma?" She teased, rubbing her through her jeans. Suddenly they were too tight; too constricting in the moment.
"You know what I want," Emma whined, cheeks flushed with arousal.
Regina chuckled darkly and tugged her jeans down. The sight of the blonde's pale thighs just barely fitting tight black panties caused her body to ache in desire. Her fangs poked her lip as if they too were struck with desire.
Emma's back arched as Regina's hand slipped beneath her panties into wet heat. She was silky smooth and so so wet. Regina gently caressed her folds, thumb brushing against her exposed clit.
"God please!" Emma cried out. It had been so long since she'd been touched. Suddenly it was the only thing she wanted.
"Mm," Regina hummed, "I like to hear you beg."
Emma rocked her hips against her hand. Regina obliged and slipped one finger, then two, inside of her. Then she leaned down—she couldn't resist—and slid her tongue into the wetness splayed out before her.
Emma reached down and gripped her hair, pressing her harder against her. Regina flicked her clit with her tongue, brown eyes watching the younger woman writhe in agonized ecstasy. She began thrusting her fingers faster in and out of her, reaching her free hand down beneath her own panties to touch herself.
"More! Please more!" Emma pleaded.
Regina added a third finger and then quickly a fourth, her pussy clenching as a strained moan escaped Emma's throat. "Is this okay?" She asked.
Emma nodded and reached down to force her hand deeper inside of her. "More please."
Regina increased her pace, watching Emma's back bow perfectly, sweat glistening off her skin. Her heightened senses drove her crazy as she smelled Emma's arousal and the sweat on her skin. The woman's blood was rushing through her body as her blood pressure increased. She could watch Emma come undone forever.
Her fingers moved in a near blur and as she felt Emma stiffen around her, she sank her fangs into Emma's inner thigh. It seemed to heighten her orgasm as she cried out loudly before going limp against the bed. Regina quickly came to her aid.
"Emma, are you okay? Talk to me, love." Regina caressed the blonde's face, watching her eyes flutter a couple times before opening.
Emma grinned and leaned up to kiss her. "I think you broke me. That was amazing."
Regina's breath hitched as Emma's hands wandered. On autopilot, she yanked her remaining clothes off. Emma inhaled softly at the sight. Regina was so fucking beautiful. Emma quickly got the upper-hand and flipped them so Regina was beneath her.
Emma latched onto an erect nipple and sucked, scratching her nails lightly up and down the vampire's sides. Regina moaned, a low guttural sound. Emma's hands traveled down in between the apex of her thighs. She felt Regina shiver beneath her as she rubbed in between her folds.
"For such a powerful immortal being, you're putty in my hands, Madame Mayor."
Regina whined, actually fucking whined—and pressed against Emma's hand. Seeing how desperate she was, Emma quickly pushed two fingers inside of her and began slamming them in and out. In a matter of seconds the older woman had orgasmed.
Not ready for the moment to be over just yet, Emma pulled her hand out and pinned her hips to the bed. She began assaulting her sensitive clit with her tongue, sucking and nibbling and loving the taste of her.
Regina screamed and grabbed her hair, alternating between pushing her away and pulling her closer. Emma patiently continued what she was doing until she felt Regina's body stiffen, one last moan escaping her throat. When Regina again pushed her away, Emma let her.
Sweat glistened on Regina's body as she panted. "Fuck, Emma."
Emma laughed and crawled up to lay beside her. "I thought we just got done doing that," she teased.
Regina swatted her playfully. "You know what I mean."
Emma's heart nearly burst inside her chest as Regina nuzzled into her contentedly. "I wish we could stay like this forever."
Regina heard the sadness in her tone and saw Emma's aura darken a shade. "I know. I'm sorry."
Emma turned to face her. "What do you have to be sorry for? None of this is your fault."
Regina sighed. "I was ignorant. I never thought Storybrooke would have the problem the other towns did. And because of that, Mary Margaret is missing."
"You couldn't have prevented it, Regina. You're doing the best you can. Everything will be alright, I promise," Emma reassured her, caressing her cheek. "I'm not going anywhere."
Regina felt tears spring to her eyes. "No you're not. I'm leaving you."
"Not forever. I'll be fine here. I'll search for Mary Margaret in the city so I can do my part. Along with eating tons of takeout and binge-watching Netflix, of course."
Regina chuckled softly. "You're such a nerd. I love you." Immediately, she regretted saying it out loud. Emma was bound to pull away for saying it so soon; or worse, the universe would notice that she was finally happy again for the first time in centuries and take that happiness away.
So she was surprised when Emma responded with, "I love you too."
Regina had to blink a few times to clear her head. "Really?"
"You say that like it's the most unfathomable thing, Regina. Yes, I love you. You accept me, flaws and dark pasts and all. Anyone who would get to know you the way that I have would be stupid not to love you."
Regina was pulled out of bed as Emma hopped up like the energizer bunny. "Now come on, let's get some food and watch some other people get it on. And by that, I mean implied, because you don't get to see the good stuff unless you watch porn."
XXXX
The night passed by quickly. Emma got her pizza and Regina ordered her own food from a blood restaurant she was familiar with. They snuggled together on the couch under a big blanket and made fun of silly movies until they got so wrapped up in each other that the movies soon became background noise.
It was late in the night when they finally forced themselves to sleep. The sun rose too quickly, and a heaviness settled in the pit of Regina's stomach as she gathered her things. Emma soon woke and watched wordlessly from the bed.
"Hopefully this will only be a week at the most. I'll call you every day and check in," Regina promised.
Emma followed her to the car and hugged her tightly, reluctant to let go. "Drive safe. Don't fall in love with any other sexy blondes you happen to meet."
Regina smiled and held Emma tighter. "No one can hold a candle to you, Swan. Let me know if you need anything, alright?"
Emma pulled back and kissed her, lingering. "I love you," she said once they broke apart.
"I love you," Regina responded before finally letting her go.
Emma stood in the driveway and watched until the car finally disappeared down the road. She stayed there long after, as her tears dried on her cheeks and the sun began to set in the sky.
