A/N: Happy Sunday peeps. Consider this the chapter where I try to wrap up a few little storylines I feel I've left fluttering in abandonment …
"All your results came back negative."
Emma let out a whoosh of relief and then faltered. "Hang on, negative results are a good thing, right?"
The nurse smiled. "In this instance, yes. All the tests we did showed that you don't have any STIs and you're not pregnant. I'm not recommending you continue to practice unsafe sex but you appear to have dodged all of the many venereal bullets this time."
"Whew," Emma sighed. "Because that would have really blown a hole in my future plans."
She was only half joking. It wasn't as if she really did have any future plans beyond getting out of juvie but equally she doubted Regina would want to be in a relationship with a convicted felon teenager mom. Surely that was the exact opposite of the life she and her parents had dreamed for the daughter of a billionaire. Emma alone was already a stretch; a fatherless baby would have been one step too far. And she wasn't ready to be a mother, with or without Regina. She was a child herself. One day, yes. One day she wanted a family. But not yet.
"We run health and hygiene workshops here regularly, you know," the nurse continued.
"I know how to look after myself and how to wash," Emma bit back, suddenly defensive despite the nurse's kindly nature. "But when you don't have a roof over your head, buying condoms isn't your first priority, ok?"
"Of course," the nurse placated. "But if you do have any questions about health or your body or anything, you can always come to me or whomever is on duty. We're here for you all, ok?"
"Sure, thanks," Emma said shortly as she got to her feet.
She didn't need another woman trying to be her mother. There had been enough of that in the foster system. Most of them had been well-meaning but the relationships had never worked out. It wasn't their fault; it was she who resisted. She was still resisting. Emma didn't need anyone to take care of her. She could look after herself. Exiting the nurse's office, she headed to the dining room to have lunch. But before she made it there, Ruby caught up with her in the corridor.
"Hey, got a minute?" the redhead asked.
"Sure, what's up?" Emma said, stopping and turning to her counsellor.
"Tina Bell just called me. Lily's murder trial is set to start next week. You'll be needed for your testimony. She wants to meet you tomorrow to go over what you're going to say."
Emma felt her stomach drop. She had almost forgotten how she betrayed her friend in exchange for her own future. The legal side of the trial preparation had taken months and she had started to think perhaps the case would just … disappear. Wishful thinking which clearly had not transpired, she mused.
"Fine," Emma said, nerves coiling inside her. "Um, will you be there when I meet Tink?"
"Would you like me to be?"
Emma hesitated. It wasn't that she needed Ruby. Emma didn't need anyone. But she couldn't deny that the thought of her being nearby was comforting, especially given the magnitude of what she was about to do. After a moment, she nodded.
"Then yes, Emma, I'll be there for you. Come to my office after your math class tomorrow afternoon to meet with Miss Bell, ok?"
Emma nodded. Ruby smiled and patted her shoulder before hurrying off. Emma continued on to the dining room. But she wasn't hungry any more. The realisation was hitting her all over again that she had bargained her friend's future for her own. Even though Tink had insisted the prosecution's case didn't hinge on her testimony, Emma couldn't quite believe she was going to become a part of the team which helped to put Lily behind bars.
Did her friend deserve it? Perhaps. She had killed someone, after all. But the only reason she and any of them were in that bank was because of Neal. Sure, the man was dead so he got punished in his own way. But wasn't it too easy? Isn't death a cop out compared to twenty-five years in prison and having to live with the knowledge of the crimes one has committed as well as the impact those crimes have had on others?
Emma felt like that after her meeting with bank's receptionist the previous day for the RJP. It had been emotionally charged, just like the meeting with Regina. Different emotions, but emotional none the less. Luckily for her, the receptionist had said all she needed to and did not want a second meeting. Emma had listened, apologised, answered questions and shared a little of her background. It had gone exactly as the meetings were supposed to go, Ruby had said afterwards. Emma was just pleased it was over.
She was dreading the next one; it was with the parents and wife of the man who had been killed. The meeting wasn't for two weeks but she already struggled to get to sleep each night, mind filled with anticipation. Would the man's family be in court the following week? Probably she mused as her plate was loaded up with food she wasn't remotely hungry for. Would she meet them before the RJP appointment? And if so, what would she say?
"Hey," MM said appearing opposite her as she took her seat. "So, all good?"
"What?" Emma asked, confused at the vague question.
"The tests," MM prompted. "Are you clean or do you have the clap."
Emma wrinkled her nose. "No, I'm clean thanks."
"Good," MM grinned, reaching over a snaffling some of the soggy fries off Emma's plate. "So, are you playing basketball this afternoon?"
"Maybe," Emma shrugged. She didn't feel much like playing if she was honest but perhaps the exercise would help to clear her head.
"Hey," MM said, tapping her hand where it lay on the table. "Are you ok?"
Emma looked up and forced a smile for her new friend. "I'm fine, honestly."
The pixie haired brunette looked unconvinced but seemed to decide against pushing Emma further. Surprisingly, she had become less intrusive and nosey since the two of them had become friends. Or perhaps she was just satisfied with the information Emma chose to share with her. Either way, Emma was pleased she had confided in her bunkmate. It was nice to have someone to talk to, even if her friend was a thief.
"Hey, stop eating my food," Emma said, swatting away the skinny hand which was now reaching for her yoghurt pot.
MM pouted but retreated her sneaky fingers, instead launching into a conversation about the team's new offensive tactic for their basketball match. Emma forced herself to listen, if only because it meant she was distracted from what was to come the following week.
"Tink, you know my parents have put a fucking team of security guards on me." Regina hissed into her cell phone. "How am I supposed to bunk off school and get down to the courthouse without them finding out?"
"I don't know," the lawyer replied. "But you're a bright girl. I'll leave it up to you figure out the logistics. I just figured you'd want to know what's happening."
Regina sighed. "I do. Thanks. Did you tell Emma you'd tell me?"
"No, I didn't want to get her hopes up just in case you can't make it. She's already nervous about the whole thing so I didn't want to add to the stress. But I think your presence could really help calm her down. And as she's a witness and because of her crime and the sentence she's been given, I'll be able to prep her in one of the small meeting rooms not the cells downstairs, so you two can have some time together. Just don't tell your parents, ok?"
"Of course not," Regina said at once. "Tink, thank you, seriously. But I have to ask you, why are you doing this?"
There was a pause and then; "I'm rooting for you guys. I've seen you together and there's something special between you. Can I help it if I'm a fan of young love?"
Regina spluttered through the sip of water she had just taken. "Love?" she asked, coughing as she wiped the splattered water droplets from her homework which was spread over the desk before her.
"Yeah, sweetie, love. Haven't you worked that out yet?"
"Well, yeah, sort of. But I hadn't told anyone except Zelena. I haven't even told Emma. Do … do you think she feels the same way?" Regina faltered over the final words.
"Perhaps that's something the two of you can talk about. Next week. Thursday. She'll be the first witness after lunch if all goes to schedule. I'm arriving at midday to help prep her. See you there?"
"Yes," Regina nodded, already planning how she could get out of school unseen by her security shadows and make her way to Emma as Tink said her goodbyes and hung up.
Whatever it required, she knew she'd take the risk. It had been over a week since their RJP meeting and she was desperate to see Emma. The next session wasn't booked in for another three weeks. One a month, they'd agreed upon, for as long as they needed. But the idea of not seeing Emma for three more weeks was almost unbearable. At least with the court case they had the chance to spend a little time together. The problem was, how could she get to the court without her parents finding out?
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Zelena hissed.
"Do you have a better plan?" the brunette asked without looking at her friend who was stood behind her.
"No, but this is extra stupid. I mean, this wig is terrible. My hair is way better." She tugged at the orange waterfall cascading down Regina's back.
"Shut up and stop complaining. Are you ready?"
Zelena grumbled but nodded. "If you scratch my car, I'll kill you."
Regina turned slowly. "Fire hydrant, Zee. That's all I'm saying, ok?"
The redhead pouted and pushed Regina in the small of the back and together they walked out of the school and into the parking lot. Arms linked as always, they made their way to their vehicles. Regina couldn't help but glance at the black sedan parked outside from beneath a curtain of orange wig. Beside her, Zelena scratched her head.
"Stop it," Regina hissed.
"This wig is itchy as fuck," she grumbled. "I think it has nits."
"Shut up and get in my car," Regina said as they reached the Mercedes. "Drive it to mine and into the garage ok? Then go to my bedroom and wait there. Mom won't be back from her charity board meeting until three and Daddy is in Europe, ok?"
"Yeah, I know the plan. I hide in your bedroom while you go and make out with your girlfriend in a courtroom."
"Pretty much," Regina grinned. "Now, get in the car before those guys realise you're not me."
"I can't even believe they would be fooled for a minute. I mean, I'm so much prettier than you."
"Fuck off," Regina said laughing as Zelena ducked into the Mercedes and she headed towards the Porsche parked beside it.
Once inside, she waited for Zelena to back her car out of its space and drive off. She did the same and caught up with the redhead at the parking lot exit. As her best friend pulled the Mercedes smoothly into the traffic, she saw the sedan slide into the flow behind it and drive away. Regina smirked before joining the throng of New Yorkers heading into the city centre. At the first set of lights, Zelena turned left towards Regina's family home, the sedan right on her tail. Regina continued onwards, in the direction of the court.
Tink smiled and waved as she saw Emma climb out of the van. She was handcuffed but as soon as she was inside the meeting room, she'd be released. The blonde looked nervous but smart. She was wearing the suit which Tink had bought for her and her hair looked freshly washed. Aside from the handcuffs, she looked like a normal, respectable young woman.
"Hey," she said as Emma reached her, a guard from the juvenile centre at her side with a stony expression on his face. "How are you?"
"I'm here," she shrugged. "Can we get this over with?"
Tink nodded and turned, leading the way into the court and the room which she had secured for their wait before Emma was due to appear. She decided not to tell Emma about her little surprise. She'd find out soon enough.
"How was the journey?"
"Picturesque," Emma deadpanned.
Tink realised that her question had been foolish. The woman had been locked in the back of a windowless truck. Of course it had been bad. They continued their walk in silence until they got to the room. Stopping outside the door, Tink instructed Emma's companion to uncuff the blonde. He did so, informing the lawyer that he'd be waiting outside to escort Emma to the courtroom. With a nod of agreement, Tink opened the door and ushered Emma inside.
"Regina." The blonde stopped dead as soon as she saw who was sat at the table in front of her.
"Emma," the older teen smiled, jumping to her feet and rushing towards the startled girl.
Tink closed the door and stepped away, heading towards the cluster of chairs and turning her back on the embrace. Emma opened her arms just as Regina launched herself into them, throwing her own around the dumbstruck blonde and burying her face in the thick, silky hair.
"What are you doing here?" Emma asked, her arms automatically encircling Regina's slender frame.
"I came to see you," Regina said, still not letting Emma go. "Tink told me you'd be here."
Emma looked past Regina's shoulder and saw the lawyer smirking at them. 'Thank you,' she mouthed before pulling back and cupping Regina's face in her hands. The kiss was slow and soft, the action still new and unfamiliar. Regina's lips parted as Emma's tongue grazed over the plump flesh, allowing the exploration. Hands landed on Emma's hips, an attempt to ground Regina's spinning head as the blonde's tongue teased her own.
Sliding her hands backwards, her fingers trailed down the defined jaw onto the smooth skin of her neck before interlacing at the nape, angling Regina's head gently backwards as she deepened the kiss. A low, quiet moan escaped as Regina felt Emma take control. Fingertips dug more tightly against her hips, pulling Emma closer.
Neither woman wanted the kiss to end. But eventually Emma pulled back, placing several chaste pecks on the slightly swollen lips, unable to break away completely.
"Wow," Regina said, gazing up into Emma's flushed face.
"Wow," Emma nodded, resting her forehead against Regina's. "I can't believe you're here."
"I had to see you," Regina said simply. "I missed you."
Emma smiled and kissed Regina again, unable to get enough of the soft lips. "I missed you too. So much. I can't believe it's only been two weeks."
"I know," Regina replied. "But luckily Tink is on our side."
"Oh yeah?" Emma asked, pulling away so she could look at her lawyer. "And which side is that?"
"The side of young love," the older blonde said with a wink.
At those words, Regina's cheeks darkened considerably, eyes blown wide. But Emma took the comment in her stride and grinned at Tink before leaning down to kiss Regina again.
"It's so good to see you," she said. "Are you going to come into court with me?"
Regina shook her. "I can't, not with the press. But I wanted to be here with you. I know this isn't going to be easy for you, testifying against your friend."
Back to earth with a bump, Emma's lips set in a firm line and she nodded, taking a step back away from Regina and letting her hands fall to her side. The brunette felt a wave of guilt at having ended their moment but she also knew she had to be realistic, and so did Emma.
"Come on," she said, reaching for Emma's hands and interlacing their fingers. "Let's just talk it through. Tink will help you."
Reluctantly, Emma allowed herself to be led over to the table where the lawyer was waiting patiently for them. Tink knew that if the Mills found out what she was doing for their daughter, she'd in all likelihood be out of a job. But she had seen what Regina and Emma shared and something deep inside her wanted to help the two women be together.
"How are you feeling about testifying, Emma?" Tink asked as her client sat down in front of her, Regina seated beside her with their hands still clasped.
"Like the worst human on the planet," Emma replied. "What I'm doing for Lily is unforgivable."
"What Lily did is unforgivable," Regina reminded her. "She killed someone, Emma. She deserves to be punished for that."
"And, as I've told you, the prosecution case is solid. All we need to do is tell us what you saw and then what Neal told you. You didn't witness the crime itself, but you can speak to the order of events. Now, you know the defence lawyer will object when you tell the jury what Neal told you because it will be considered hearsay. But it doesn't matter. What is said in a courtroom cannot be unsaid, even if the judge agrees with the objection. The jury will remember that little nugget and it will just add to all the other evidence, ok?"
"Yes," Emma nodded. "I know what I have to do and I know what I have to say but … Lily will never forgive me."
Regina squeezed Emma's hand. "Is that a problem?"
"Of course," Emma frowned. "We're friends."
"She's a murderer, Emma," Regina said simply. "You can't be friends with a murderer."
"That's not the only thing about her," Emma sighed. "We were good friends before. I know what she's done is wrong but I feel bad for her. She had a shitter childhood than me and then I got her wrapped up in Neal's scheme. If it wasn't for me, she wouldn't have done this."
"Emma," Tink said firmly. "You can't think like that. You can't blame yourself and you can't think about what ifs. The event has happened. A man is dead. And Lily must be punished for that. The circumstances are immaterial."
"My circumstances are what helped me get a one year sentence," Emma shot back. "The circumstances do matter. I mean, Regina spoke for me in court; who's speaking for Lily?"
"One of her foster moms is coming in apparently. She's got people in her corner, don't worry. And while Regina and I admire your loyalty to Lily, you do realise that you need to do this for that lenient sentence to stay in effect, right?"
"Yeah, I know," Emma sighed. "But I don't have to be happy about it, right?"
"No, fair enough," Tink replied. "Just as long as we're clear on what you have to say. If anything goes wrong, the deal could be off for you."
Emma pursed her lips but nodded. She'd already done it; betrayed her friend by taking the deal. Now she just had to stand in open court and tell the truth, even if it did help the prosecution team hammer another nail into Lily's coffin.
"Right, well, I'm going to go and sit in the corner of the room and make a very unimportant phone call while facing the wall. In the meantime, as long as you both remain fully dressed, I'm going to give you some privacy." Getting to her feet, Tink performed an exaggerated wink and then did as promised, dragging over a chair and placing it so she was looking directly at the white wall as she pulled out her cell.
Regina made a mental note to thank Tink later and turned to Emma. "Are you ok?" she asked, seeing the blonde chewing her bottom lip.
"No, I'm the worst friend in the world," she grumbled. "I'm literally selling Lily out to save myself. She thinks I'm her friend, Regina. Seeing me on the stand is going to crush her."
"And seeing you in prison for five years would crush me," Regina replied.
"So this is a choice? You or Lily?"
"No, the choice is you or Lily, not me and you already made that decision. You agreed to testify months ago, Emma. And I think your loyalty to her is admirable, I really do. But you must be able to recognise that Lily has committed a crime which needs to be punished. She's dangerous. Far more dangerous than our legal system considers you. And you know that I don't think you're dangerous at all. In fact, you make me feel safe."
Emma couldn't help but smile, her tortured lip released from her teeth. "I would pick you, by the way. If there was a choice between you and Lily, you and anyone actually, I'd pick you. But that doesn't mean I'm not entitled to feel crummy about what I'm doing, right?"
"Of course you're entitled to your emotions, sweetheart," Regina said, reaching forwards and caressing Emma's cheek. "Feel whatever you need to feel. But thank you, for choosing me."
"Thank you for choosing me," Emma said, leaning forwards and kissing Regina softly. "I still can't believe it, you know?"
"Well, start believing it. Because it's happening. We're happening?"
"We are?"
"Oh yeah, we are," Regina grinned, kissing Emma firmly. "This is the best relationship I've ever been in already so imagine what it will be like when you get out."
Emma smiled. "Only nine months to go."
"They'll fly by. I can't believe it's already November."
"Me neither," Emma replied. "Although I'll have to be in an adult prison for the past two months."
"At least I'll be able to visit you then, once you're not a minor. We might even be allowed a conjugal."
Emma's eyes widened. "W-what?"
"I mean, if we want." Had she misread Emma's desire for her? Regina started to doubt herself as she saw the shock on Emma's face.
"No, I mean, I would love … that," Emma stumbled. "But, wouldn't it be your first time? If it happened, I mean."
Regina blushed. "Yes."
"Then it's not happening in a prison. If you've waited to find the right person, you can wait until we're at least in a beautiful, romantic location with candlelight and soft music and a sea breeze coming in through an open window which looks onto a deserted moonlit each, not a crappy visitor's room with a filthy bed."
"Yeah, perhaps you're right," Regina nodded.
"I am right," Emma said, leaning back towards the brunette. "But I need you to know that there's no pressure. From me, I mean. You can take as long as you want to decide if you're ready. Me too, actually. I've not been particularly selective in the past with my partners and I want to change that with you. It has to be right for both of us."
"Ok," Regina nodded. "Thank you. But, for the record, you are the right person."
"But the day we met you said you wouldn't have sex with someone unless -"
"I love you," Regina blurted out, loud enough for Tink to stop her conversation on her phone and turn towards the teens.
Emma blinked several times, as if trying to process the information. "What?"
"I love you," Regina repeated. "I realised after our meeting. I know it's quick and I know I don't know you well but I love you, Emma. I just … I need you to know that."
"Why?"
"Why do I need you to know how I feel?"
"No, why do you love me?"
Regina sighed and reached for Emma's hands. "Because, Emma Swan, you are one of the kindest, sweetest, most loving, generous, interesting, passionate and fiercely protective people I have ever met. I might not know everything about you yet but I want to and I can't wait for us to spend more time together, outside of courtrooms and prisons and … banks."
There was a pause, followed by a chuckle. "Yeah, let's steer clear of banks for a while. It's not like I have any money to put into an account anyway."
Regina grinned. "Deal. No banks."
Leaning forwards, Emma joined their lips once more. She felt Regina melt into the contact and allowed the connection to continue, soft and delicate. Regina's tongue traced the seam of her lips, a gentle request for entry which Emma granted at once. The teen took her time, exploring Emma's mouth, swiping her tongue against the blonde's as their fingers tightened together.
"Oh," Emma said, pulling back suddenly. "I forgot something."
"What?"
"I love you too."
A/N: I decided not to make Emma pregnant. It was a complication too far for these characters. From your previous reviews, it was a mix of people wanting her to be pregnant with Henry and not wanting it. Since I'm nearing the end of where I see myself writing these versions of our ladies, I went for not. Let's focus on our loved up gals and nothing more, right? Also, out of interest, I did look up conjugal visits for same sex relationships in New York and you need to be married or in a civil partnership just like heterosexual relationships, just FYI.