A/N: Hello lovelies,

thanks for everything! The love, the support, the follows, the favorites.

It means so much, you have no idea.

I wish I had more time to answer reviews, but life has been busy as hell lately. Hope to catch up soon!

Here comes to next chapter of Wonderland...I hope you'll enjoy it.

It was quite funny to right...at least some parts of it...then again I wanted to bang my head against the next wall xD

But well...nothing good is ever easy ;)

That said I'll leave you to reading...

Much love xo

Ps.: TW - there is some mention of violence in this chapter...but it's really just a tiny bit of a conversation and it's nothing too drastic I think, so everyone should be okay. At least I hope so.


TAKE ME TO WONDERLAND

Chapter 25

The first challenge on their way to Hawaii came in the form of flying.

Since Regina had never been on a plane before she had been quite anxious and while Henry was too excited to care about anything his mother became almost terrified the second the plane started to move.

But with Emma holding her hand and reassuring her time and time again that they would be fine they had gotten over that first obstacle with ease in the end.

The real challenge had begun when they had arrived at their two bedroom suite, because Henry had declared that he was a big boy now and that he wanted his own room and Regina had glared at him with wide eyes, panic written all over her face till Emma had announced that she would take the couch and Regina could sleep in the huge king-size bed.

And while Regina had been immensely relieved by the offer she had started to feel incredibly guilty.

This was Emma's vacation too.

And now Emma would have to spend it on the couch.

But the bare thought of sharing the bed with someone, except for Henry, even in the most innocent of ways, made Regina sick to the stomach.

God, this was so fucked up.

She was so fucked up.

But before Regina could have drowned in her thoughts Emma and Henry had dragged her outside to go for a walk and explore Turtle Bay.

And it had worked its magic immediately, because the area was breathtakingly beautiful and the sound of the ocean helped Regina to calm down.

She really needed to find a way to relax – they were on vacation after all, but of course that was easier said than done.


They had enjoyed a delicious dinner after an exciting first day and Henry had went to bed not long after that, completely worn out.

And Regina and Emma found themselves sitting on the balcony of their suite, non alcoholic pineapple cocktail in hand, watching the waves, enjoying the silence.

Until Regina broke it all of a sudden.

"So, care to tell me why Miss Blanchard is working for you now? You never told me..."

Emma gulped.

When Regina had not asked a few weeks ago after Mary Margaret had mentioned seeing her in the office in the morning she had thought the brunette would let it go.

Cleary she had been mistaken.

"Uh...Virginia quit."

"Why? I thought she had lived for this job..." Regina watched Emma squirm in her seat, "Please, tell me this had nothing to do with me and this article..."

The blonde was tempted to lie, so tempted, but Regina would figure it out anyway, would she not?

"Emma!"

The brunette sounded upset, wounded even and Emma cringed.

Obviously her inner debate had taken too long and the silence had given her away anyway.

"It's no big deal", she tried to reassure Regina, who's eyes grew only wider, "It's no big deal? How many jobs have you lost? Tell me, Emma...don't hide things from me."

They had been too busy to talk about this till now and Regina had also been too scared to ask for the truth, but now she needed to know.

Emma turned in her chair to face Regina and grabbed her hands to squeeze them gently, "Listen...Virginia's decision to quit...well, this story with Sidney Glass was probably the last drop, but it was not the only reason...you have to believe me. She is a woman with high morals and she's never been too happy with my party life and the gossip and everything. When she started to work for me all she saw was my family name and thought it would be a good reference one day...yeah, she did a great job...but so does Mary Margaret...and believe it or not...our little pixie turned out to be a hell of a personal assistant...so it's all good. Nothing to worry about."

"How many jobs, Emma?" Regina demanded and Emma sighed, "Two, but..."

When the brunette tried to pull her hands out of the blonde's grip, Emma only held on tighter, "Will you please listen? It has also gotten me three potential new clients...big jobs too. It's all in the works...so please, Regina...don't beat yourself up over it. It's okay. Some people were not happy with the news...but that was to be expected. But others were impressed because I stood up for what I believe in...and that made quite the impression on some people. But even if it hadn't...I would always stick with you, Regina...because you are what I believe in."

Regina had no idea what to say to that, because she knew it was true. She knew that Emma meant what she said, but it made no sense to her.

Not at all.

She would never understand what Emma saw in her, but she had come to realize that trying to talk Emma out of being there for her hurt the blonde every time and that wasf why she stayed silent, never letting go of Emma's hands.

"Regina..." the blonde cleared her throat nervously, "There's something else I have to tell you...I should have told you weeks ago...and I wanted to...but then this newspaper shit happened and I didn't want to make you more miserable and..."

"You can tell me anything, Emma."

It was Regina's turn to squeeze the blonde's hands in reassurance and Emma nodded, taking a deep breath, "Henry knows...he knows about Daniel."

Regina gasped, her eyes wide in horror.

How could Henry possible know?

"He came to me...and asked if it had been his dad who hurt you...and I tried to deny it, but you know the kid...too smart for his own good. He said it had to be him because you never once mentioned his father's name. That you had so many nightmares...and that it wasn't all Gold's doing...he knew, Regina. He just knew..." Emma's voice was barely a whisper now, because truth be told – she was afraid that the brunette would bold if she spoke any louder.

"Is he mad at me?" Regina asked all of a sudden, which startled Emma completely, "What? No! Henry just had some questions and he didn't want to hurt or upset you by asking you if I understood him correctly. He just wanted confirmation that Daniel could not hurt you anymore...and I could promise him that...but I didn't tell him that he was dead...but I guess Henry suspects...and he...he is scared that he...well, that he would become like his father one day..."

The brunette's eyes grew even wider, "He could never..."

"I know! That's what I told him...and I think I was able to make him see that too...he has not talked about it since...and I doubt he ever will...he just wanted to know I guess..." Emma tried to explain and gave Regina a small smile.

"Okay."

"Okay?" Emma sounded as insecure as she felt.

"Well, yeah...I mean...you should have told me sooner...but you at least told me now...and honestly...I think I might have flipped if you had told me...during this whole crap with Mister Glass..." Regina stated, "And thank you for being there for my son...I don't know if I could have...you know..."

"Anytime."


While Emma had fallen asleep right away, Regina had been awake much longer although she had been exhausted.

She had stolen glances over at the couch every other minute, feeling guilty for making Emma sleep there, but mostly her thoughts had been on Henry and his father.

How Henry always tried to protect her and how he could never become anything like Daniel.


Of course Regina had woken from a nightmare in the early morning.

Thinking about Daniel always triggered them, but it had not been that bad in a long time.

She could almost feel his breath on her neck, could almost feel his hands on her.

It took Regina a few minutes to push the dark thoughts away, to regain her composure before she stood up to go to the bathroom.

That was when she realized that Emma was not on the couch anymore.

She had feared that she had woken the blonde up with her nightmare, but when she had not heard anything she had assumed that Emma was still sleeping, but obviously the blonde was not even there.

The bathroom long forgotten Regina went in search for Emma, just to find her standing on the balcony moments later.

"Is everything alright, dear?"

Emma turned, surprised to hear Regina's voice at such an early hour, "Yeah. I just wanted to watch the sunrise...for...for Graham. We used to do that a lot when we were younger."

"I see. Want me to leave you alone?"

"No, it's fine. Stay if you want...what about you? Nightmare?" Emma asked knowingly and it surprised Regina once again how well the blonde could read her.

She simply nodded and when Emma opened her arms Regina stepped into the embrace without a word, enjoying the safety and comfort the embrace provided in the light of the rising day.


Emma and Henry had been so excited to check out the pool that neither of them had realized how uncomfortable Regina had gotten once they had mentioned it over breakfast.

And although the brunette was quite relieved that Henry had not suggested to take a swim in the sea just yet with all the stories she had read about Hawaii and shark attacks she had no intention to go swimming.

Pool or not.

In the end she had sent Emma and Henry down to the pool by themselves and had promised that she would join them in a bit.


When Regina finally arrived at the pool she was wearing shorts and a loosely fitting linen shirt, earning a confused look from Emma and Henry.

"I don't feel like swimming today...I hope you don't mind. But I'd love to sit here and read a bit..."

"Sure. Do what you feel like...we're on vacation after all", Emma replied with a smile, but the feeling that something was off did not go away.

If she would not know better she would suspect that Regina could not swim, but Henry had told her that it had been his mom who had taught him how to swim a few years ago.

Maybe she would get an opportunity to talk to Regina about it later.


She did not know for how long she had been reading, stealing glances at Emma and Henry in the pool here and there, when someone from a lounger beside her started to mumble and the sound annoyed Regina enough to drop the book and figure out what the reason for the disturbance was.

That was when she caught sight of Henry and Emma, who were headed her way.

Henry with this wide smile on his face and Emma in a form fitting red bikini.

And some guys and even one or two girls drooling all over the bare sight.

Regina scoffed visibly, which got her a raised eyebrow from Emma once she sat down next to her, "What?"

For some reason the brunette felt caught all of a sudden and she wished the ground would swallow her whole.

No way in hell would she say it.

"What?" Emma asked again while wrapping a towel round her body, "What did I do?"

"Nothing...it's...doesn't matter", Regina tried, but of course the blonde would not let her off the hook that easily, "What is it, Regina? It's the color of my bikini, right? I knew this was a stupid idea...but Ruby insisted...of course...red is her freaking favorite color..."

Emma dropped her head and Regina could not stop herself from laughing at the sight – it was kind of adorable, "You don't have anything to worry about, dear...you made quite the impression on the guys over there."

She nodded her head in their direction, but Emma did not even care to look over, "Since when do I care about some stupid boys?"

Regina chuckled, "Well, I'm sure you didn't only catch the attention of the male guests..."

The words were out of Regina's mouth before she could stop herself and Emma smirked, "Is that so?"

The playfull tone in her voice was unmistakable and Regina sighed in relief – thankfully Emma had not interpreted too much into her statement.

And before Regina knew it the blonde had grown all serious, "I don't care who glares at me...I have everything I need...right here."

But for how long?

Regina could not shake off the thought.

How long would that little family of theirs be enough for Emma?

How long till she would figure out that she missed out on so much.

Emma Swan was a breathtakingly beautiful woman after all.

Not even Regina could deny that.

Well, at least her subconscious could not.


The third day of their vacation was rather uneventful.

Henry had asked them if he could stay at the children entertainment center of the resort and much to his surprise Regina had agreed right away.

Emma had thought it was a great idea as well and that it was his chance to make some friends during their holidays, friends he could write letters to once they would be back in Boston.

Henry had told her how old school that was, but had found the idea tempting anyway, especially once Emma had pointed out that she had kept all the letters she and her friends had exchanged when she was a teenager.

That they were some of her most precious belongings and held the dearest memories.

And so Henry had spent a day around other kids while Regina and Emma had taken a walk on the beach, taking in the beauty of the place, enjoying the sun and the comfort their presence provided for the other.

They had ended up sitting in the sand, enjoying the sun and reading their respective books, once again no words needed.

Until they went to pick up Henry for dinner and the kids entertainer Shannon wished him and his two moms a lovely evening.

Regina wanted to correct the woman in her mid twenties, but Henry beat her to it by saying "Well, Emma is not exactly...you know what...actually she is like my second mom, so thanks. See you tomorrow, Shannon. I had a lot of fun today."

That had Regina silent for most of the dinner.

Emma had recovered a lot faster than the brunette and Henry had babbled on and on about his day with the other kids anyway, so he had not recognized the flood of emotions in his mother's eyes.

But of course Emma had caught up on it, but she had decided not to comment on it before Henry was in bed and asleep.


"I'm sorry..."

Emma stepped onto the balcony, sighing at the sight of Regina sitting in one of the chairs, still deep in thought.

"What do you mean, dear?"

"About what Henry said...I never...it was never my intention to...you know...become some sort of a mother to him...he has you already...and you are the best mom...Henry's words...not mine", Emma hesitated to take a seat.

Regina made a gesture for her to sit down and looked Emma straight in the eye, "Henry is right though...you know. I've been thinking about it all over dinner...and you...you embraced him from the first day you met him as if he would be your own child...you treated him...us...like family. From the beginning...and that's...a really good thing..."

A single tear escaped the brunette's eye and she wiped it away immediately.

"Is it?" Emma was not so sure about it.

"It is, Emma. You have no idea how much this means to me...I never thought I'd have something like this...a friend like you...a family like we have. It means so much."

And I can't lose it.

But of course Regina did not say that.

She simply could not say it, not even if she wanted to.

Because a part of her slowly realized that maybe there was a reason why everybody thought they were a couple.

They were a family, they practically shared Henry.

They almost lived together.

And they truly cared about one another.

But the rest was so far from Regina's grasp that she could not face it yet.

It was not even a possibilty in her reality at this point, but the truth was lurking in the depths of her heart, only waiting for the right moment to show itself.

To reveal what was so obvious to anyone else.

Consciously Regina was still struggling with the fact that they indeed were a family and what it could possibly mean for their future.

Conscioulsy the fear of losing Emma one day drove her up the walls.

And consciously she tried to fight herself harder than ever before.

Because she would not allow her past to ruin the most precious gift she had ever received – her family.


Henry had run off to the children entertainment center right after breakfast the next day, but had promised to come back after lunch to spend time with Regina and Emma.

And he had made his mother promise that she would come swimming with them.

Ever since her promise had left her lips Regina was oddly tense though and Emma could not help, but worry that something could be terribly wrong.

But Regina avoided any attempt of a conversation right away and started to read in her book, which made Emma only more miserable.

When Henry came back as they had agreed Regina visibly paled, but she got rid of her linen shirt anyway, much to Emma's surprise, because the blonde could have sworn that Regina would bolt.

But she did not.

The brunette simply waited till Henry and Emma were in the pool and then joined them without so much as a blink.

Weird.

Emma was not sure what to think of it.

Regina wore a simple black bathing suit and everything seemed fine. Maybe the brunette was just uncomfortable with Emma seeing her like that?

Especially considering her past where Regina had been forced to undress for people all the time?

But that did not make much sense, now did it?

They were friends and Regina had become quite sassy at times, they even had developed some playfull banter and they both enjoyed it.

It had taken them time to get there, it had not happened over night, but they had come to trust each other and while some situations had the power to become awkward, this should not be one of them.

They were just two friends on vacation, enjoying the sun and the pool.

That was all.


Regina, Emma and Henry had a lot of fun in the pool, splashing water at each other, joking and laughing like every other family and the blonde had almost forgotten about the brunette's strange behavior.

That was until Regina got out of the water and Emma saw the big, ugly scar on the brunette's back.

It was definitely older, but it looked nasty none the less, reaching across her lower back and up to the right side of her ribcage.

Emma's eyes grew wide at the sight and it dawned on her that Regina probably had not wanted for her to see it since she never had taken the slightest glimpse at the brunette's body during her performances at The Rabbit Hole.

She wanted to ask so many questions, but Regina's tense posture was all Emma needed to understand that the brunette was not ready to talk about it and so Emma turned away to chase Henry through the pool once more before getting out herself.


Regina had felt Emma's eyes on her back the second she had stepped out of the pool and she had tried to brace herself for the questions, but they did not come.

And now they were sitting on their respective loungers, chatting about dinner when Henry offered to put sunblocker onto Emma's back, which the blonde appreciated greatly.

Henry accomplished the simple task with a proud smile on his face, about to do the same for his mother when he caught sight of Shannon and begged his mother and Emma to let him go play with the other kids some more and Regina knew better than to say 'No'.

"Cool! Thanks, mom."

He hugged his mother quickly, then turned to Emma and put the bottle of sunblocker into her palm, "You better make sure that mom doesn't get a sunburn..."

That said he chased after Shannon, not caring about the dumbfounded look he had put on Emma's and Regina's face for a second.


Emma did not know what to do.

She kept staring at the bottle, fighting the urge to laugh out loud or cry – she was not sure which one, really.

A shy smile had spread on her face at Henry's comment, but she did not dare look up to meet Regina's eyes.

God, this was so awkward.

Regina clearly was uncomfortable if her shifting her sitting position time and time again was any indication at all.

"Forget the kid said that", Emma mumbled and was about to put the bottle on the small table next to her lounger when Regina finally found her voice again, "No, it's...I mean...Henry is right..."

The blonde could not stop herself from looking at the brunette any longer, because she was not sure if she had heard right, "You sure you are okay with...you know...me...doing that?"

Regina tried to smile, but she was too stressed to succeed, "I...well...I trust you, Emma...it's going to be weird, but..."

"Just say 'stop' if you can't handle it, okay?" Emma suggested carefully and Regina nodded in understanding.

While she squeezed some of the sunblocker onto her right palm Emma recognized that her hand was shivering like crazy. Thankfully Regina had already turned around and could not see it, because nothing good would have come from that.

It would have only put more pressure on the nervous wreck that was Regina Mills.

Emma took a deep breath and put her hand on Regina's shoulder blade as gentle as she could manage, expecting the brunette to flinch or wince any moment, but nothing happened.

So far, so good.

At least her hand had stopped shaking when it had made contact with the brunette's skin and so Emma continued her ministrations, realizing that the tension in Regina's body started to disappear.

She could do this, they could do this.

They were friends for Heaven's sake.

But then Emma caught sight of the scar fir the second time and that made her freeze instantly, "Does...does it hurt? I mean...if it does I won't...touch it..." she rasped out, her mind in overdrive once again.

"No, it's alright...it doesn't hurt."

Anymore.

Emma continued to apply the sunblocker on Regina's lower back, still careful not to move too quickly, the movement of her hand nothing, but gentle. And caring.

The simple task had become a great adventure, but in the end Emma felt proud that she had managed to do it without giving herself, or Regina, a heart attack.

It had felt great to be able to do that, even if it was nothing spectacular for anyone else, but it was for Emma.

It meant the world, because it had proven once again how far they had come.

But it also made Emma see once again what she could never have.


Regina was surprised once again.

And that was probably an understatement.

She had expected this whole sunblocker thing to be weird or cause her some sort of panic attack, but nothing had happened.

She had not even flinched.

It had felt...nice.

She had truly enjoyed Emma's gentle touch.

It had been so long since someone had treated her that gentle – as if she would be the most precious thing.

Well, if she was honest nobody had ever touched her like that.

And it had made Regina see once again that everything with Emma was different.

That Emma was worth her trust, that Emma would never harm her.

Of course she had seen the blonde's shaking hand, out of the corner of her eye, but she had not wanted to make Emma more nervous by commenting on it although it had been quite the challenge to bite back what would have been a very sassy comment.

In the end she had been glad that she had not said a word, because Emma had sounded almost fearful when she had asked if it would be okay to brush over her scar.


Henry had found his way back to them right before dinner, which had turned into a really joyful affair when he had told them about his afternoon with kids entertainer Shannon and the other kids.

Jesus, some children were clumsy.

Regina had went for a shower afterwards and Emma and Henry were sitting on the brunette's bed, playing cards until the boy stopped dead in his tracks all of a sudden.

"What's wrong, kid?"

Henry checked if the water in the bathroom was still running and when he was positive he leaned in and whispered, "You said...when we talked about my dad...and how he was not nice to my mom...that we always have to make sure that mom knows that we love her...remember?"

"Uh...yeah...of course I remember", Emma was a bit confused.

"Good. So I thought we could do something nice for mom tomorrow night?" Henry asked, his eyes pleading.

Emma nodded, "Sure. What did you have in mind?"

"I don't know...I'm ten...and besides...you are the one who is good at planning things", he smirked innocently.

And Emma sighed, "Fine. But only because I love you so much."

Henry's grin only widened, "And mom."

Oh kid, you have no idea.


Henry had went to bed shortly after Regina had returned from the bathroom and Emma made an attempt to get up and over to the couch, but Regina grabbed her arm and made her stop, taking a seat on the bed as well, facing the blonde.

"Daniel gave me that scar...I don't remember it well, I must have been high I guess..."

"Regina, you don't have to tell me", Emma interrupted and took Regina's hand to squeeze it gently.

"But I want to."

The blonde nodded in understanding, never letting go of the brunette's hand, "Then I'll listen."

"It was during the time I...while he kept me in the basement...he was drunk and outraged by something...maybe because of the baseball game or something...I remember...him yelling upstairs...most likely at the TV...he had been down in the room a few hours earlier, giving me some pill...so I was pretty out of it...but I remember him freaking out when I still would not budge...and agree to...you know...he unchained me and threw me through the room like some doll...and I remember hitting something sharp on one of the walls...but that's pretty much it. I lost consciousness not long after that...and when I woke up my whole back was on fire..." Regina explained, dropping her head, "And I'm stuck with this ugly thing ever since."

Emma moved closer to Regina and put her free palm under the brunette's chin to make her look at her, "You're beautiful."

Regina wanted to laugh at the absurdity of the statement, because she considered herself a lot of things, but definitely not beautiful, but the sincerity in Emma's eyes startled her into silence.

It was the way Emma looked at her, had always looked at her, it was the respect and the adoration she had received from the blonde, that made her almost believe it.

Emma obviously saw something in her nobody else ever had.

And Regina came to appreciate that more and more.


When Emma had wanted to go to sleep Regina had insisted that they both could sleep in the huge bed and had kept ranting on and on about how she should have offered that from the beginning, but Emma had stopped her before the brunette could have beat herself up about it even more.

And so they found themselves in the same bed for the very first time since they had met each other, both women unsure if they would be able to sleep at all.

"If...if you feel it's too much...just say a word and I'll go back to the couch...it's no problem, really", Emma assured, "With me...everything you do will always be your choice...I'll never force anything on you...I hope you know that."

Regina tried to swallow the lump in her throat, but failed, so she just nodded.

A choice.

That was the magical thing about Emma.

The blonde tried so hard to give her a choice whenever possible.

Regina had not been aware how precious that was for a long time although she had prayed for choices all her life, but only now that she really had one she truly understood that having a choice was what had set her free.

She had no doubt that Emma would let her live in the apartment even if they would not be friends, because Emma simply was this good hearted person.

Even if she would want nothing to do with the blonde at all, Emma would try to help her anyway.

That realization had hit her while they had not on been on speaking terms before Christmas and Emma had not made any attempt to get rid of her, but it had never occured to Regina how important that realization had been.

But now that the blonde was lying next to her it finally hit home.

She was here because she wanted to.

Emma was here, because she wanted her to be.

And with that thought and a smile on her face Regina drifted off to a dreamless sleep, free of nightmares, but with the knowledge that she was safe.


When she woke up the next morning Emma was lying on her side, facing her, but obviously still sound asleep and it gave Regina the time to study the blonde closely.

Emma looked so peaceful and fragile.

As if she could be shattered into a thousand little pieces any second.

Regina had expected to freak out, at least a little, to another person in the same bed, but she had woken up feeling nothing, but comfort and warmth.

And then she had smiled again, knowing that it was Emma, who was lying next to her and the world had been fine.


Emma did not dare to blink.

She was aware that Regina was watching her.

She could not remember falling asleep, but she remembered thinking that Henry had been right.

They had to do something nice for Regina and a plan had started to form in her head right then.

Obviously she had fallen asleep during her scheming, just to wake up in her personal hell.

She had woken up way before Regina, but had not dared to move, afraid to startle the peacefully sleeping brunette.

And the sight had made Emma's heart ache in ways she had never known before, in ways she had never known possible.

She had fought the urge to move closer to Regina, to wrap her arms around her and hold her close, but it had almost killed her.

And of course it had done nothing to make the longing go away.

God, what she would give to be able to wake up holding Regina.

It was ridiculous, really.

And painful.

She just wanted to hold her.

And never let go again.

This was not about getting physical with Regina, not even about kissing her, although Emma wished she could steal a peck from the brunette here and there, but the first time in Emma's life she was more interested in the person than in simply having sex.

She was so completely and utterly in love with Regina that it scared her.

She had never felt anything like that before.

Not even with Jade back in the day.

But of course she had to fall in love with the one person she could never be with.

And that was the reason why Emma could not enjoy the bliss of the morning for what it was.

It simply hurt too much.

It was pure hell.


Henry's appearance had made it all better for the blonde, because he provided the distraction she so desperately needed.

And the kid had not been bothered by finding both of them in the same bed either.

He had noticed it with a smile and had jumped right in between them, tickling Emma till she groaned to indicate that she was awake.

Which she had been all along anyway.

To Regina's surprise Henry had begged to spend the day with her and her alone and Emma had only smirked at the kid – of course he had found a way to ensure she had enough time to plan a surprise for his mom.

Henry was too smart for his own good and for hers as well.

For everyone's good, really.

And so Henry and Regina had left after breakfast and Emma had headed off to talk to the receptionist, a plan already in mind.


By the time Regina and Henry returned to the suite it was close to 6.30 pm.

They had forgotten time over shopping and writing postcards to some of Henry's friends from school. They had also gotten some more for Emma, because clearly Killian and the otheres expected one as well.

Regina cursed herself for being so late, but as soon as she realized that the suite was empty she frowned.

Where was Emma?

Had she gone to dinner without them?

Had she gone to dinner with someone else?

Right that second Henry appeared next to her and handed her a note – definitely Emma's hand writing.

'Meet me on the beach at sunset. Ask the receptionist for directions.

Emma'

What the hell?

But then it dawned on Regina.

Henry wanting to spend the day with her alone and now a cryptic note from Emma - that was hardly a coincidence.

"Henry Mills!" she glared at her son, who was trying to sneak away without her notice, but her voice stopped him dead in his tracks and he turned around, looking as guilty as it could get.

"Care to tell me what this is about?" Regina demanded, but he only shrugged, "I don't know."

"Why do I not believe you..."

"Mom, listen...I...I really wanted to spend a day with you...because you work a lot when we are home...and I miss you...but..I admit it was kinda...catching two flies with one stone...because it gave Emma time to prepare...well, her surprise...but don't ask me what it is...because I really don't know", he tried to defend himself and Regina chuckled, "Why is it that you always team up with Emma on me?"

"I'd say we try to figure that one out another day...because sunset is in about half an hour...and we have to change clothes...and figure out where to go", Henry suggested with a wink.

"Right."


The first thing Regina saw was countless lit torches leading the way.

She felt Henry taking her hand and dragging her along in excitement.

It took them only a few minutes to catch sight of Emma, who was standing at the shore in a colorful summer dress and barefoot, the water playing at her ankles, her face illuminated by the down going sun.

And Regina thought that the blonde had never looked more beautiful than in that moment.

As soon as Emma recognized them she headed their way, a warm and welcoming smile on her face and Henry bounced once she pointed at a blanket a few feet away, where food and drinks were already waiting for them.

Emma bent down to hug Henry and whispered into his ear, "Good surprise?"

"The best!" he answered and stormed off towards the blanket, leaving the two women to themselves and Regina chuckled, "He's starving."

"You don't say..." Emma joked and laughed out loud, "I hope you had a great day..."

"In fact we had", Regina nodded, but then she looked the blonde straight in the eye, "What's all this?"

"A surprise?" Emma suggested innocently.

"So I've heard...but what's the occasion?" Regina kept asking, obvioulsy not willing to drop the subject without an explanation.

"No occasion. I had the time...and the place...I mean...do I really need a reason to do something nice for my family?" Emma prayed that Regina would let it go, because she was not sure how long she could keep quiet anymore when it came to her feelings.

"No, you don't need a reason..." the brunette agreed and Emma let out the breath she had been holding.

She wanted to join Henry, but Regina took her hand and made her stop, "Thank you for doing this for me. And for Henry. For doing this for us."

"You're welcome."


Dinner had been absolutely delicious once again.

Henry had given Emma a full report of his day with his mom and Regina had told the blonde that there was no way they would go home before Emma had helped them write postcards to their friends.

When one of the resort's waitresses showed up to gather the empty plates Henry announced that he was tired and wanted to go to bed, much to Emma's and Regina's surprise.

Neither woman wanted to leave yet, but before one of them could have said anything the waitress had offered to take Henry to the suite.

And then they were alone once again.

Emma fighting against herself and Regina completely oblivious to the battle going on right next to her.

"I've been thinking of going to Graham's cabin for a couple of days when we are back home...taking Tamo-tsu and going there...to see if everything's alright...you know", Emma announced all of a sudden, because she needed to get her thoughts off of the woman sitting next to her.

"That sounds like a lovely idea, dear..."

"Yeah...you might think I'm insane, but I really miss that furball...I totally forgot to call Ruby and check if he's doing fine."

"He is", Regina answered and blushed, "I might have called her...once or twice...to see if they were doing okay."

Emma chuckled, "You love him just as much as I do...admit it already."

"Never."

Regina chuckled as well, "Oh, by the way...Ruby obviously ended up in a shrub, because Tamo-tsu appears to be madly in love with the poodle of Ruby's neighbours."

The blonde laughed out loud at that, not able to get rid of the image her brain had created – it was simply too funny.

Regina could not hold back the laughter either, because she could see it all the same and she wished someone would have video taped the incident for them to watch once they returned to Boston.

And so they kept sitting at the beach while the sun disappeared and the night rose around them, with nothing, but the sound of the waves surrounding them and the silence between them became comfortable once again.

Maybe Regina's presence was enough after all.

But Emma knew at this point she was only kidding herself.

And while they kept stealing glances at each other unnoticed, Regina's subconsicous and heart slowly began to register that Emma Swan could be the answer to her every prayer.

But at the same time Emma realized that she needed a more permanent distraction than Henry.

Because the kid would not always be around to save her.

And her feelings were slowly getting the best of her.