A/N: I don't own Once Upon a Time or the song Volver a Amar (which you should all listen to because it fills me with SwanQueen feels to the max). I do own this story, and I sincerely hope you all enjoy it.

Chapter 26

Emma blearily rubbed her eyes, glancing up at the clock. She could smell something wonderful, and the thought of food almost instantly raised her from her slumbering position. Stretching, she made her way downstairs, when a soft voice stopped her in her tracks. Was Regina..singing? As quietly as she could, Emma crept down the stairs, mindful of the two that squeaked with the slightest hint of pressure. Finally, blissfully, she had made it to the living room, and she paused, listening as intently as she could to her former teacher's voice, committing to memory the lilt, the soft sway as Regina's voice hit higher notes, only to immediately fall again, deeper than ever. Emma gave a start when she realized the woman was singing in another language; as Regina sumptuously rolled her R's, Emma could feel her skin blazing. She had not yet heard Regina speak Spanish before, and she realized then just how incredibly fucking hot it was. She squirmed a little and edged quietly to the wall, peaking into the room. Regina's back was turned, and Emma leaned against the wall, watching as the brunette waltzed fiercely around the room, flipping pancakes with an expert flick of her wrist. Emma strained, attempting to make out the words as Regina flowed with them.

"Llegas a mi vida como un sol.."

Sol? Was that sun?

"Borrando para siempre mi dolor.."

Pain? Try as she might, Emma could barely make out every other word, and she was content simply listening to the older woman sing. Regina's voice, much like her body, much like her soul, was made of pure perfection, and Emma loved her so much in that moment, her heart felt as if it would burst. The blonde sighed softly, but Regina had heard it. The teacher whirled around, shock on her face, and without thought threw the stick of butter that she had been busy unwrapping towards Emma who, having just woken up, simply had not quite developed the skills to dodge it yet. The cold condiment hit her forehead with a thud, and she barely managed a giggle before falling backwards. Regina clasped a hand over her mouth in an attempt to stifle the uttered shout of "oh, shit", and Emma's laughter as she replied, "language, Miss Mills," was contagious. Regina rushed to the blonde, laughing so hard tears slipped down her face, and gracefully helped the blonde back on her feet, pulling her close.

"My sincerest apologies, Miss Swan."

Emma merely continued laughing in response, shuddering when Regina placed a gentle kiss on the red mark that had quickly appeared on her forehead.

XX

Emma groaned as she bit into the fluffiest pancake she had ever tasted. Regina smirked; the way to Emma's heart evidently included food, and clearly the woman would not have to work hard to win her over.

"Miss Mills, that song you were singing..what was it?"

Regina turned crimson once more, looking away. Regina had absolutely no intention of telling Emma what song she had been singing along with, and instead busied herself with tidying up the kitchen. She would not dare admit to the strong feelings she had for Emma, but she knew the blonde wasn't stupid, and would figure it out eventually. It seemed better to simply let things happen of their own volition, and for the first time ever Regina calmly placed her trust in the universe.

"Any plans for today, Miss Swan?"

Emma recognized Regina's attempt to segue into a new conversation and thought better of continuously questioning her. She simply responded in the negative; neither woman had anything to do, really, and they lazily willed the day away, allowing the strange excitement they both felt at going on a trip the next day to keep them busy. Around nine that evening, the pair finally, blissfully drifted to sleep, curled up in one another's arms.

XX

AN: Back to the grind!