The next couple weeks went by and more often than not, Regina and Zelena were at the Swan's home, no one needing to express that they'd rather be there than at home. However, Emma had a plan and she knew she was running out of time to do it. That was why she was standing outside the Mill's home, shivering in the winter cold. Cora answered and looked surprised before smiling. "Hello, Emma. You just caught me as Henry and I will be leaving shortly for our trip. The girls aren't home, but you can come in and wait if you'd like."

Emma knew Regina and Zelena were gone as that was part of her plan. "I actually came to talk to you and Mr. Mills." Emma said as she came in, taking her boots off. "I know you're on a schedule, but I won't take long."

"Very well, come on through to the sitting room and I'll get Henry." Cora said and Emma went to the room, too nervous to sit. She knew she had to swallow her pride here if she wanted even a chance at this working.

"Emma, so nice to see you again." Henry stated as he came in followed by his wife. "You wanted to speak to us?"

"Yes please." She said, trying not to chew on her lip. "I wanted to apologize for how I acted the other night. You had been so kind and hospitable and I was disrespectful and rude. I'm not normally like that and I'm very sorry."

Henry waived his hand. "No apology needed, Emma."

"I just…" She took a breath. "I almost lost my mother, as you know, and I have learned not to take family and friends for granted. I understand that you have to take this trip and I don't at all judge you for that, but I also feel for Regina and Zelena being without family when they could be with us on Christmas. I know you think it's an imposition, but it honestly isn't at all. My friend Lilly comes over some years, and we just greet her with open arms. I'm really not trying to be rude or disrespectful at all, but I wanted to try one more time to assure you that they are more than welcome at our house."

She was quiet for a few moments as Henry and Cora seemed to have a nonverbal discussion. Finally Henry gave a nod. "I can see this means a lot to you and it is very kind that you've created this friendship with our girls. Yes, they can come, but you must promise me that you'll spend New Year's Eve with us."

Emma smiled. "I'm sure that'll be okay with my parents. Thank you so much, Mr. Mills. It means a lot to me."

He stood and shook Emma's hand. "You're going to make a great negotiator one day. You present your point in a clear, concise way with just a touch of personality behind it. Do you know what you're looking to do after school?"

Emma blushed a little as she let Mr. Mills lead her to the hall to put her boots on. "I um, I was thinking of social work, or maybe following my dad into law enforcement."

"Both of those are great options, Miss Swan, but don't think you can't do more. Lawyer or even political work maybe. You'd have my support either way."

Emma finished putting her boots on and smiled. "Thank you. That's very kind." She said as she went to the door.

"Just as long as you don't become a left wing liberal feminist lesbian who wants equal rights for everyone. I can't stand women like that. Oh, and make sure your future husband is okay with whatever path you chose."

Emma grit her teeth, trying hard not to show the disgust on her face at his comments. She noticed Cora shaking her head in the background and fighting every instinct inside her, she walked out the door. "Thank you, Mr. Mills."

As Emma walked home, she put out of her mind Mr. Mills' last comment and smiled, knowing she'd spend Christmas with Regina. She came into her apartment and kissed her mother's cheek as her mother was working on the computer. "Expect two more for Christmas." She said with a grin.

Mary smiled. "How?"

Emma explained what she did and included the comments Henry said with an eye roll. "It almost makes me want to go into politics and get him out of office."

"Maybe you will, Emma. You can do anything you put your mind to. You can change the world. Oh, and you can go for New Years Eve if you want." Mary said, hugging her daughter before getting back to work.

Emma spent the day with Lilly and later that night when she was in bed, she got a text from Regina. "Whatever you did today impressed my dad. Before they left, he said we can come for Christmas and that you are a very influential person."

Emma chuckled and called Regina, telling her their conversation. "The more I think about it, the more I want to go into politics and become the next Mayor of Storybrooke."

Regina laughed. "You could, Emma, I have no doubt about that. However, I think your heart would be happier helping kids in social work."

"True. Ugh, I don't know."

"You don't need to know right now. Besides, maybe I'll become mayor and you and I can change the world together."

Emma smiled. "I'd like that. Regina? Do you think we'd have a chance to sneak away somewhere on New Years Eve and maybe have a little kiss?"

Regina smiled, blushing. "We can try, but we have to be VERY careful."

"I know, and I get it."

Emma had never been so helpful with setting up for Christmas as she was this year. Lilly was over and the Mills sisters came more than once to help decorate, staying most nights since their house was empty. Mary and David even let Emma go there, Mary giving Emma a look that Emma rolled her eyes to. Her and Regina were roommates for crying out loud, if they hadn't done anything at school, they wouldn't do it at Regina's house.

Finally, Christmas Eve was here and since Lilly wasn't staying, they had put a new air mattress in Emma's room, though she still insisted on the sisters sharing the bed. The girls had gone upstairs to get the beds ready once they were back from the Storybrooke Christmas show at town hall.

"Foods up!" Mary called and the girls came down. They had crackers, cheese, meat, cocktail meatballs, chicken wings, shrimp skewers, chips, and cocktail mini-weinies, along with a large relish tray. All finger foods and all looking amazing. They watched the Charlie Brown Christmas movie followed by The Grinch (the classic) and then Emma blushed as Mary put in Emma's favorite since she was a child – the animated 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, though she couldn't stop herself from singing along with her dad to the songs.

Afterwards, they all helped in cleaning up and gathered in the living room. "It's our tradition that we each open one gift before we go to bed." Mary stated, handing Emma and David each a gift. David handed one to Mary and then smiled as he handed one to Zelena and one to Regina. "I'm sure you're aware we can't afford much, but we do our best and didn't want you to be left out."

Zelena's heart soared and she felt tears in her eyes. "You shouldn't have. You should have spent the money on Emma."

Emma shook her head. "No, I really don't need anything."

Regina was quiet, a lump in her throat before she got up. "Wait." She went upstairs and came down with her own gifts. "We have gifts for you, too."

Mary smiled. "We will open them tomorrow, but you didn't have to do that."

"You first dad." Emma said with a smile and David obliged by opening his. It was a hand knitted hat that had a face mask as well.

"Thank you, Mary. I love it. It'll keep me warm when I'm doing my rounds." He said, kissing her cheek. "Now your turn."

Mary opened hers and smiled at the small hand carved wooden picture frame with snowflakes carved into it. "I love it, David. We'll have to get a picture of the five of us to remember this Christmas."

Zelena realized the gifts so far were handmade and she couldn't stop herself from feeling her package. If Mary made her something, she'd cry, she knew it. It took time and love to hand make a gift and that wasn't something she expected. Emma looked over. "Your turn Zelena." The redhead carefully opened the package and tears filled her eyes as she saw the scarf that matched her coat perfectly. It was the softest, deepest green she'd ever seen with bits of glittery yard throughout. "Wow." She said softly. "It's so beautiful. Thank you so much." She looked at Mary and wiped at her eyes. "It's the best gift I've ever gotten."

Mary blushed and waived her off. "Oh I'm sure that's not true."

"No, it is. You took your time and made this with love and that…that's amazing."

Mary leaned over and hugged the girl, feeling Zelena hold her a bit longer. "You and your sister are very special to our family."

Emma smiled watching them and then looked at Regina. "Your turn." She then looked at her dad with a grin. She told him what to make her and she really hoped Regina would like it.

Regina carefully opened the package and gasped, running her fingers along the leather cover. David had used a leather burner and sketched pictures of horses on the cover of a leather bound notebook. Her name was beautifully sketched across the top and a horse that looked so much like her own was featured in the middle. "Wow. I…it's beautiful." She looked at David. "You did this?"

"I did. Emma gave me inspiration."

"I…you're very talented. Thank you so much." She got up and gave the man a hug, which he accepted. She then sat and wiped her eyes. "This is already the best Christmas ever." She said quietly and then sniffed. "Your turn, Emma."

Emma smiled and looked at her parents. "First, I just want to thank my parents for being the best parents I could ask for. I'm so thankful we have another Christmas together and that we're here with amazing company."

Mary smiled. "Good speech, baby girl, now open your gift."

Emma chuckled and opened it. "Mom…Dad…you…" She looked up. "You…how? You spent way too much on me. I can't accept this." Emma said, not taking the item out of the box.

"Emma, you deserve that. You've wanted it for two years and we finally were able to afford it." David stated.

"He's right. You sacrificed so much when I was sick." Mary said, moving over and sitting next to her daughter. "You gave up your childhood to get a job so we could pay bills. That wasn't your job, baby, but you did it with no complaints. You gave us your paycheck with no grumbling and baby, it helped us more than you know."

"But now, we're good. We're caught up on bills and we had enough to finally get you that. I admit, your other gifts aren't much, but we really wanted you to have this."

Emma hugged her parents. "I don't need other gifts."

"What is it?" Zelena asked impatiently, but with a smirk.

Emma smiled and pulled out a crisp, shining red leather jacket. "I've wanted this for so long."

"It's…nice." Regina said, though Emma laughed because she knew Regina didn't like it.

"It's not your style, Princess." Emma said with a smirk as she put it on. "But I love it. Mom, dad, it fits like a glove."

Zelena tilted her head. "You know, you can pull that off actually. It looks good on you."

Everyone had one last mug of hot chocolate before heading to bed, the girls barely talking as sleep took over them. The next morning, Emma woke up to the smells of breakfast. Bacon, eggs, hash browns, cinnamon rolls, hot chocolate, and coffee and her stomach rumbled. She noticed her bed was empty and saw she had slept in a bit later than she normally did. She grabbed her clothes and went downstairs. "Morning. I'm gonna shower quick." She said, rushing to the bathroom. Once she felt human, she came out and hugged her parents. "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, baby girl." David said, hugging her back. "Now, go enjoy the new snowfall with your friends before we have breakfast."

"They're outside?" Emma asked, sneaking a piece of bacon.

"Yes, now shoo." Mary said, kissing her cheek.

Emma got on her winter clothes and went outside, laughing at the two trying to make a snowman. She joined them and then they were called in for breakfast. After eating, they gathered in the living room to exchange the rest of their gifts. The Mills' girls ended with scarves, hats, mittens, and a journal each while Emma also got new winter gear and a picture frame her dad carved. Emma had framed pictures she drew for her parents and wished she had more. "Without working, I don't have much money." She said sadly.

"Baby, we love the pictures." Mary said and David nodded.

"I'm putting it on my desk at work. Thank you, Emma."

She looked over at Regina and Zelena. "I wanted to get you more, but…well here." She said, handing them their gifts. Inside were a variety of handmade bracelets, necklaces, and drawn pictures. "I'm sorry it's so elementary."

"Shush, Emma." Regina said, putting a bracelet on. "It's wonderful."

"Yes, thank you." Zelena said with a big smile.

Mary then opened hers from the girls and gasped. "Girls you…you spent way too much." She said, pulling out a bottle of perfume. "How did you know this was my favorite?"

"Emma told us." Zelena admitted, though she frowned. "I…I wish I would have made you something though. It would have meant more."

"Nonsense." Mary said. "I love it, but I still say you spent too much."

David opened his and smiled. It was a gold fountain pen with swans etched on it. "Wow, thank you."

"I know it seems old fashioned, but dad swears they're good gifts." Regina said nervously.

"It is. I love it." David said and another round of hugs were given.

Emma opened hers from Zelena and smiled as she looked at it. "No way! First edition? Zelena, you really shouldn't have. Now I feel terrible about your gift."

Zelena sighed. "Please don't. You've given us so much more than you know, Emma, a first edition book isn't too much."

"Still, thank you." She held it up for her parents. "The Swan Princess." She chuckled. "I told Zelena it was one of my favorites."

"That's precious." Mary said with a smile.

Emma then opened Regina's, her hands shaking. It was a small box and inside was a silver chain with a swan pendent on it. In the swan was a diamond as the eye. "Regina…" She said, shocked at the gift. "It's beautiful."

"Let me put it on you." Regina said and took it, putting it around Emma's neck. "I saw it and had to get it for you."

"Thank you. Thank you so much." Emma said, hugging her.

Emma was quiet the next few hours as the family continued watching Christmas movies and by that night, Regina was scared she did something wrong. When Emma went upstairs, Regina followed her. "Emma? Are you okay?" She asked quietly, surprised when Emma turned around with tears in her eyes.

"No. I'm so sorry for my shitty gifts." She said, letting out her emotions. "You should take the necklace back, I don't deserve it."

Zelena, who was helping Mary in the kitchen, looked at the woman and bit her lip. Mary gave her a small smile and a look saying 'just pretend you can't hear'.

Regina went to Emma and hugged her tight. "You hush now, Emma. I'm sorry that I made you feel bad, I really didn't mean to. I love your gifts so much. They were made with care and thought. Remember I told you I never had anything handmade? Now I do, from all of you, and these are the best gifts I could have asked for."

"Regina, this necklace must have cost you a fortune and all I gave you was string and pictures."

Regina shook her head. "You've given me so much more, Emma. You've let me be me for so long. You gave me chance after chance to get my act together, you gave me a place to be open and honest, you've given me your family for crying out loud. I have never felt so much love in my life than I do when I'm here and I know Zelena feels the same. You've given us a chance to share the wonderful life you have. I wish I had the words to tell you how much all of that means, to put a value on it, but Emma, it's invaluable. It's truly priceless."

Emma wiped her eyes and wrapped her arms around Regina. "Thank you." She said quietly. She then pulled back and kissed the brunette.

Regina was in shock, but after half a second, she was kissing her back. It was sweet and innocent, but it made Regina's heart pound and the butterflies in her stomach take flight. Then it was over and the girls were smiling at each other.

Regina and Zelena went home the next day and Emma enjoyed a day with her mom while her dad worked. All too soon it was New Years Eve and Emma was a ball of nerves as she got ready. She knew there'd be other upper class people there, but she had to keep her end of the bargain. Mary and David had been invited, but had declined and told Emma she could call them if she decided to come home.

Once Emma was there, however, she was glad she went. Regina, Zelena, and other kids of guests basically had the den to themselves. They played music, talked, ate, and actually had a good time. Two minutes before midnight, Regina grabbed Emma's arm and pulled her into the library – which was empty and dark save for light coming in from outside. "You wanted to be alone at midnight."

Emma smiled. "Yes. Let's not get caught." She whispered. The two of them counted down and at midnight, they kissed. This was a real and proper kiss with inexperienced tongues reaching out to explore and fingers gripping at clothing.

They heard footsteps and separated before the light was turned on. "What are you two doing in here?" Asked an old man with a dark sparkle in his eyes.

"Oh, Mr. Gold, hi. We were playing hide and seek. Immature, I know, but we were bored." Regina said, hoping he was buying her lie.

"Right, well don't let daddy see you playing hide and seek, Miss Mills, he won't like it very much." He smirked. "But don't worry, he doesn't have to know."

"Thanks." Regina said, pulling Emma out of the room. "Shit! Shit, shit, shit!"

Emma followed Regina to her room. "It's okay, Regina. He didn't actually see anything and if he does say anything, we just deny it."

"He's convinced I'm going to marry his son and our families would be joined. He'll probably use this against me somehow."

"So if he does, you just 'date' his son. I mean, you're in school most of the time anyway and that way, no one will guess your secret. Just relax, it'll be okay."

"I hope so. Thanks, Emma."

"So who is that blonde girl your daughter seems so taken with?" Mr. Gold asked Cora.

"Oh, that's Emma Swan. She's Regina's roommate at school and both my girls are friends with her."

"I'd be careful with that one, dearie. She is classes below Regina and probably a terrible influence on her."

"They're school friends, Gold, and Emma's actually been a great influence on both my girls. Why are you trying to get involved in things that don't involve you?"

"I just want to make sure nothing interferes with our arrangement." He said in a low voice.

"Emma has nothing to do with that." Cora said, looking around to be sure no one heard them. "There's no way Emma could interfere with Regina and Neal being together."

"Oh, there is. She could convince Regina that she's a lesbian."

"Hush! Do not let Henry hear you say that word in the same sentence as my daughter's name."

"Maybe I should. Maybe he could guarantee that wouldn't happen."

"Regina is not a lesbian and I will not have you spreading lies about my daughter. I think it's time you leave."

"Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you."

Cora sighed as she watched the man leave. She had her own gut feeling about Regina, but she knew what her husband would do if he found out and she refused to let her daughter ever go through that. The woman knew it was time she make some huge – life changing decisions. Her daughters would not be hurt, no matter what.