Hey guys! I hope you have had the merriest of Christmases! You guys have been so patient and understanding with me, I cannot thank you enough! I'm such a huge sap, I know. But seriously, I wanted to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for reading this story and making me feel not only welcome, but appreciated! I'm still aiming for finishing this before the new year, but it's highly possible it'll be after, in which case, I'll throw in an epilogue to make it up to you! I don't want to rush it because I know you guys deserve a well told story, i don't want to rob you all of that. I promise the overall goal of this chapter will help tie in other things that the rest of the story will bring to your attention. Please hang in there and try to follow. Any questions/suggestions feel free to message or review. As always, reviews=loves! Thanks for reading!

-FR

Chapter 15: Family Dinner

It had been a week since the dinner with David. It was crazy what little time can make such a big difference. They had gone from complete strangers to at least texting-if not calling- every day. Regina was thrilled at the change. She really like David and the love he showed for Emma. She could use that. She has had too many people claiming to be what they weren't and screwed her over, it was time she got some happiness.

She had to admit to herself, she didn't expect Emma to introduce her as her girlfriend. They hadn't been dating that long and didn't think Emma thought it was serious enough to introduce her to the parents already. That's when she realized, it wasn't just a relationship with them, this was real. Emma was apart of Regina, just like Regina was apart of Emma. They had finally found each other; and their happiness. Only this time, they found it within themselves, but each other was a big part of that process.

They learned they could be themselves and still be loved. It didn't matter what they wore, what their aspirations were, what their biggest secrets were; all that mattered was that they loved and cared for each other.

"Emma, can I talk to you?"

"Sure, is everything okay?"

"Yeah, it's fine I just, have something I want to ask you."

"Okay, shoot."

"I really appreciated how you didn't hide me from your father, you were completely honest with him, I know that wasn't exactly easy for you."

"I could never be ashamed of you Regina, I hope you know that."

"I do, and I want you to know, I feel the same way, so later on tonight, my parents are coming to visit me and I'd like you to join us."

"Your parents…and me?"

"Well and me dear."

"Wow, okay big thing here."

"I know it's soon, and if you're not ready by all means take your time there is no rush I assure you."

"Yeah this is soon, but it's important to you yeah?"

"Yes, it is."

"Okay, then what time do I need to be there?"

Regina scooped up Emma in her arms and kissed her as if she had never kissed her before.

"Thank you so much Emma you have no idea how much this means to me."

"I think I do, I couldn't imagine meeting my father and talking with him by myself. You calmed my nerves and helped me to relax. I love you Gina, and I'm here to support you no matter what."

"I love you too. I do have to somewhat prepare you for them though."

"What do you mean? Do they not know you're bisexual?"

"I think they got that confirmation a long time ago. However, they don't know what went on with Robin, and they certainly don't know I'm involved with one of my students."

"Ah."

"It's not that I'm ashamed to be doing so, I love you and what we have. However to other people, including my parents, it's something that is highly frowned upon."

"Then, don't tell them. I didn't tell David who exactly you were for the same reason. If they find out, they find out and we cross that bridge when we get there, but until then, it can be our secret."

"Thank you so much Emma."

"No problem Gina, what time?"

"Six."

"Yeah, sure Mal, I'm having fun." Regina said sarcastically into the phone.

"Well no need to be sassy dear, I was just curious."

"No, you're prying and seeing if Emma and I have rekindled our relationship yet." Regina stated, not in the mood for games.

"Well…since you brought it up…have you?"

"No Mal, we haven't done anything. This whole trip has been a waste of time. We got here and was embarrassed because the lady thinks we're married and having sex up here, when in reality, it's the complete opposite."

"Opposite?"

"Yeah, Emma insisted on sleeping on the couch, I guess to stay away from me."

"Or maybe she can't control herself around you and this is the only way to keep from mauling you."

"Oh geez. Can you like not think dirty for like 10 minutes?"

"No…I think it's physically impossible."

"Of course it is," Regina sighed, throwing the remote on the bed, signing that she officially gave up on anything promising showing up on TV.

"Well, if you're not having mind blowing lesbian sex, what are you doing?"

Regina shook her head and lightly chuckled at the bluntness of her friend, "We're doing exactly what Gold wants us to do, train and gather experience."

"I mean…would it still count if you got experience and training in other areas of your life?"

"Mal. Stop. That's seriously the last thing that's going to take place here this weekend."

"Oh I highly doubt that dear," Mal said knowingly

"In the interest of shutting you up, I'm going to tell you about our day. After we unpacked and showered and got ready for the day, we went to not one, but two services for teaching. You know what those two services entailed? Speakers, key note speakers, both of which were boring as hell and went on for two hours about things that either I already knew, or had no business being in a teacher's conference."

"Well, sounds like you're humble as always darling. What about Emma, did she enjoy it?"

"Well, she fell asleep and snored all through the last one, so I'd say she enjoyed it quite nicely, it was soothing."

"Her snoring was soothing? That's weird."

"No you twit, her snoring was appalling, I had to nudge her awake like three times."

Aw that's precious. Did you use true love's kiss?"

"Oh my God, stop, no we didn't there was no kissing, no making out, no sexual encounters just no."

"Ugh, you're love life is officially more boring than mine."

"What?"

"I mean, it's one thing not to have anyone like me, but you have someone legit right in front of you, and you're not making any moves once so ever."

"Mal, please drop this."

"Why sweetie, I thought she's who you wanted."

"She is Mal more than anything, the problem is I'm not who she wants and it kills me knowing that. She's here and she looks at me and I can't breathe when she looks at me like that and I just want to kiss her and apologize again and just have her in my arms, but I can't because she's not mine anymore. I threw her away like she meant nothing to me, and that has decided the fate of this relationship. So she is who I want, but she can't be."

"Gina, you know you didn't throw her away, you gave her her best chance. No one can fault you for that. We've had this discussion many times, and you know I'm right all the time I tell you this. You let her go because you loved her, not because you wanted to leave her."

"I know I know, but that doesn't make it any easier or change the way she sees it."

"Well maybe you need to make her see it?"

"How am I supposed to do that?"

Mal began talking and rambling, undoubtedly suggesting Regina kiss her senseless or start flirting with her, but Regina heard the door slam along with crashes and thuds.

"Mal, I'm going to have to let you go…"

"Why is everything okay?"

"I don't know, I'll call you later okay?"

"Okay dear, have fun."

"Have you noticed every time we meet new people, we always include food?" Emma asked as she set the table.

"Yes well, that way even if the company sucks, the food won't."

"True, very true."

"Hey, I forgot to mention, I invited David over as well."

"David? What? Why?"

"Don't be mad. I just figured this would be good for us babe. Our parents could meet and get a better idea of where both of us come from. Besides, it'll save us from having to do it later."

"True, but remember I wasn't raised with David, he's still an acquaintance. I don't even know him that well."

"Yes well, you won't get to know him by avoiding him. I think he really wants a relationship with you. At least give him a chance, besides, now you will know another person here in case things get awkward."

"Yeah, that's true, thanks babe." Emma said as she kissed Regina on the cheek.

"Anything for you love."

Despite her worries, they had a lovely dinner. Henry had talked Emma's ear off while Cora had went on to complimenting her every move. Emma had never felt so love and accepted; it was new, it was lovely. You could see the relief of Regina's face as well, Emma noticed, it had gone amazing. Everyone got a long with each other, and if she was honest, she could honestly see their families getting together for holidays and special occasions. She wanted to cry about how surreal this was; she never thought she'd have this. A family, a home, and most of all love. She realized how sappy her thoughts were, but she couldn't help it. These moments were the cheesy Hallmark movie moments that we all make fun of, but secretly want.

It was getting late, so David bid his farewells and exited the mansion; hugging everyone as he left. Henry was watching a basketball game in the living room with Emma while Cora and Regina were cleaning up.

"I really like her Regina, I think she suits you."

"Really?"

"Really, I haven't seen you this happy in a very long time, I feel like I'm beginning to get my daughter back."

"I think you are too mother. I never expected this to happen when I met her. I didn't expect her to stick around after Robin did what he did."

"Bastard."

"As true as they may be, he and Zelena gave me the greatest gift by committing their sins, permission to pursue Emma, and I wouldn't be here smiling from ear to ear if they hadn't."

"I truly can't believe Zel would stoop down so low. I mean having sex with a married man is one thing, but your brother in law, that's just down right nasty."

"I know mother, I don't know what sick game she was trying to play, or if that's how it started and it ended up being love."

"Oh please, tell me you don't believe that."

"I don't know mother, I know I didn't love, surely someone has to."

"A loveless marriage for so many years, how did you cope with that."

"I didn't at first, I ignored it as if it didn't bother me. I didn't know another life existed beyond regret and contentment. But now, now that I am with Emma it's like nothing I've ever known before. I can't really explain it, it's just new, and it feels right.

"OH HOW DO YOU MISS THAT?" They heard coming from the living room, both laughing as they peeked to see Henry and Emma with their hands on their head like they had just received disturbing news.

"Well, if it's any indication on how it will go, she's already befriending your father more than Robin did."

"Ha, that's because Robin never made my family a priority, it's different with Emma mom. She knows what it's like to be without family, so it's like number one on her priority list."

"That's very commendable darling, and also very rare. I would hold onto this one dear."

"I plan on it."

Cora was about to give her more nuggets of wisdom when the doorbell rang.

"Emma, love, can you get that?"

"Uh, sure. It's probably David anyway, he probably forgot something."

But when she opened the door, it wasn't David. In fact, it was the last person she expected to see.

Regina laid the phone on the bed, and pulled back the covers to stand up. She cautiously walked out of the room and peeked her head out of the room, and looked towards the person that was responsible for all the noise.

"Emma?" Regina asked as she ran towards the blonde that was collapsed by the door.

"Emma what happened?" She said as she helped the blonde up to her feet.

"Huh? Oh hey Gina…how are you? You're pretty."

"And you're drunk…" Regina said shaking her head as she caught a whiff of the blonde's breath

"I am not. I don't get drunk I had a beer, okay a few beers, it was more than one."

"Uh huh."

"Gina…are you mad at me?"

"I'm not mad at you dear, you're an adult you can behave and act as you please." Regina replied walking towards the kitchen to get some water for the girl.

"You're doing that thing," Emma said as she plumped down on the bar stool facing Regina.

"What thing am I supposedly doing Swan?"

"Oh great, we're back to that now. You're doing that thing where you pretend you're not mad, but you're really hot."

"Ah, thank you for the compliment Swan."

"No, I meant you are really mad. And STOP calling me that."

"Well start acting like Emma again."

"I am Emma. You don't know her anymore. She's not the girl you played around with 20 years ago. She's darker now. That girl you knew is gone." Emma said as she took the water offered to her.

"Miss Swan, I'm aware we both have changed in the past 2 decades, however that doesn't mean you can justify killing your liver."

"Justify? That's where you want to go with this? How about all the times you have tried to justify leaving me so you could protect me? All that was a bunch of bull shit so you can get out of this" Emma said angrily as she stood up from her spot and practically marched over to Regina.

"That is different! I meant it; I wasn't trying to get out of anything, that's really what happened!" Regina said, noticing the close proximity of the blonde and herself.

"Fine! You want to know what happened? You BROKE me. I was an orphan I didn't have high hopes of love and companionship. I didn't come to this fucking town imagining all the betrayal and rejection would just disappear; I was not blind to the fact that people always leave. Then you showed up. You showed me compassion, mercy, and maybe even a little kindness. You showed me how good it could feel to be yours. I thought it was love, I thought I had finally found it, my forever love. I pictured us married with kids and a house, and a fucking dog like a damn lifetime movie. I thought all the mommy and daddy issues didn't matter anymore because someone finally wanted me. Then you suddenly changed your mind."

"Emma I didn't-"

"Enough apologizing let me finish. You know what I've done in the past twenty years? I got drunk every night for 6 months. I had sex, lots and lots of meaningless sex with men and women and didn't give a damn about their name," she paused as she saw the look of betrayal on Regina's face as it quickly turned to pursed lips.

"Well, what ever helps you sleep at night I suppose," Regina bit back and she backed up from the blonde and made her way to the living room, Emma following closely.

"You don't get to do that. You don't get to judge me. You don't get to come back into my life and criticize how I got over you. You don't get a say on how I fixed what YOU broke."

Regina turned back to face the younger woman, stepped closer and closed the space between them, "Do you really think you were the only one broken? I mean sure my heartbreak may be a little less obvious being as I knew how to keep my legs closed and didn't go around fucking strangers because where I'm from sex is supposed to be special, but I was hurt and all the hope you had provided me with over that year was suddenly gone. I was back to being the numb, hopeless, broken shell that I was when you found me, so no, maybe I don't get a say in your life now, but I will tell you, you've fallen quite a ways Miss Swan."

"Yeah and who's to blame for that Mills? If sex was so special to you, why did you have it with Robin and not me. You claimed you wanted to take your time with me, and let things blossom and grow or whatever kind of Dr. Phil shit you spat at me, and I was vulnerable around you, and you spat me back on the street."

"That's what this is about that I didn't fuck you? Are you kidding me?"

"NO that's not what this is about; I'm just counting the ways you chose Robin over me!"

"I DID NOT CHOOSE HIM FOR THE LAST FUCKING TIME"

"I mean God, I'm such an idiot. You never loved me. This was all just a game to you wasn't it?" Emma spat out as Regina started walking to the stairs.

"Swan I'm not doing this with you, you're drunk go to sleep."

"Oh sure, leave the second things get hard, that's what you're good at."

Regina spun back around and got into Emma's face, "YOU REALLY THINK that's what happened? That I left to make things EASIER. Please tell me Miss Swan, what part of this whole ordeal has been easy for me? The part where I was blackmailed into leaving you, or when I broke both of our hearts? Oh wait I know, the part that's happening right now where I'm still in love with you twenty years later and I get to hear you go on and on about all the people you've had sex with, yeah I think that's the easiest part so far."

Emma stepped back, a genuine shock on her face.

"You still love me?"

Regina sighed while lifting a hand to run through her hair, "Emma, I never stopped."

"So it's true?"

Emma froze. She blinked fast with all her might, expecting it all to be a dream. No matter how long she closed her eyes, the image before her never changed.

"Tamara, what are you doing here?"

"You know exactly why I'm here Emma."

"There's nothing you can do to me now. I'm eighteen; I can do what I want."

"Oh yes dear, you can, however she," Tamara pointed to Regina who by now was beside the blonde, "she can't."

"Excuse me?"

"I honestly thought you were smarter than this Emma," she continued, walking past both of them and into Regina' house," I knew you were a whore and got around, but your teacher darling, really?"

"You will NOT speak to her that way in our own home!"

"OUR home?" Tamara spun around and faced both of them, "I'm sorry, didn't Robin live here with you, you know before he chose your sister above you? What's a matter? Can't keep someone happy unless they're 10 years younger than you?"

"LEAVE HER OUT OF THIS!"

"But why would I do that dear, especially since I know it bugs you both. Honestly dear, you both are nauseating."

"How do you even know about him and who the hell are you to come into my house?"

"News travels fast darling. I see we're back to just "my home" now, better keep it that way if you know what's best for you."

"Mom, Daddy, maybe it's best if you all head to the kitchen." Regina said.

"Uh, no. I think we're fine right here sweetie." Cora said.

"PLEASE mother." Regina begged.

"Fine, but if you need us, we'll be here."

As soon as they both exited to the kitchen, Regina turned back around to the woman that was a stranger yet an enemy all at once, "I'm not going to ask you again, who the hell are you?"

"Oh, I'm sorry love, I thought it was obvious. I'm Tamara, Emma's foster mother."

"You WERE. You were my foster mother."

"Oh stop being ridiculous and come home."

"Why, so Greg can beat me again while you just sit and watch?"

Regina was fuming, feeling as though she could run Tamara through a wall with just her glare alone.

"I can assure you, she's not going anywhere with you."

"Controlling aren't we, pity, that won't make a relationship last."

"She's not controlling, she just knows me and the lack of patience I have to deal with the likes of you."

"Oh, really, because it wasn't too long ago, we were enough for you Emma. You were thankful just to have a roof above your head, a place to rest your head, and food in your mouth; although from the look of it, food isn't the only thing your mouth finds purchase in now is it?"

"THAT IS ENOUGH!"

"IT WILL BE ENOUGH WHEN I SAY SO."

Emma stiffened. Fighting back the tears as she stood there, silent.

"Did you honestly think I'd let you both get away with this? Taking away our money just so you can act on some teacher/student sexual fantasy?"

"That is NOT what this is!" Regina said, loudly.

"Of course it's not. I also suppose you didn't just get lonely while your husband was warming someone else's bed. Emma isn't just a one night stand that got a little comfortable right? She's not your pet hanging around you to get fucked?"

She didn't know what came over her, but as soon as the words hit her ears, Regina wasn't in control of her body. Without thinking, she slapped Tamara across the face, causing her lip to bleed.

"Oh, a bit aggressive are we? I assume you don't beat Emma like this, although if you did, that explains why she's still around you. She loves being treated like dirt. It reminds her that no one could ever love her, and puts her back in her place; like the orphan she is."

"That is QUITE enough bitch." Regina and Emma, who were both crying, whipped their head to see where that voice came from.

"I beg your pardon?"

"I bet you do. These two women are both adults, which means what they do or choose not to, is legal. You can't prove otherwise. Unlike what you are doing, barging in on someone else's property without their consent."

"And slapping me, is that justified?"

"Self defense, I would've shot you by now. It's honestly your word against ours dear, which one do you think they'll believe."

"Fine, I'll be on my way, but this isn't the last you've seen of me."

"Oh, I think it would be in your best interest if it were. You see, I overheard some interesting facts of who you are as a foster parent, and while that may not matter to you, I happen to be an important lawyer not too far from here. Do you know how many connections I have? Do you know how fast I could have you and your husband arrested, and be banned from fostering ever again? It would be in your best interest to leave Miss Swan and my daughter alone."

"Your empty threats do not scare me," Tamara said, her shocked face suggesting otherwise.

"Of course they don't dear," Henry said with a condescending smile, "you should know even though you didn't, Emma has found someone who loves her; multiple people actually, and you would do well not to threaten any of those people or herself. You never know what kind of power they hold."

Tamara just stood and glared at all three of them, Cora slowly emerging from the kitchen.

"What's a matter dear? No comment on that one?" Cora teased.

Tamara turned and stormed out of the house. Regina just hugged Emma as they both released a breath they didn't realize they had been holding.

"Emma, don't listen to her. You are so much more than her words baby you've got to know that." Regina whispered as she stroked her hair.

"I know, I just can't believe that just happened. I can't believe your family stood up for me."

They parted ways and held hands, facing towards Regina's parents.

"Thank you daddy," Regina finally breathed out.

"No problem at all, although I'm surprised you hid your exact relationship from us."

"I just, figured it was delicate, I wanted you to know when I knew you knew her and loved her so much you couldn't judge us."

"Sweetheart, she has put the smile back on your face, we love her already," Cora said.

The blonde and brunette just stood there and held each other's gaze before Henry finally spoke up, "She was right about one thing, you both are nauseating."

"Shut up," They both teased, walking back to the living room to continue watching the game, as a family.

The next thing Regina knew, Emma crashed her lips onto her own in a fiery kiss. Regina's back hit the wall as Emma's hand traced up to cup Regina's face and her tongue begged for entrance. Regina smiled as she granted permission and the two began kissing open mouthed, tongues fighting for control. Emma pressed her body into Regina as she moved her knee to settle between her legs.

"Fuck, Emma." Regina said as she threw back her head against the wall, breaking the kiss.

Emma started tracing a trail down Regina's neck with her tongue and kissed in the same places back up to under her ear. She took her earlobe in between her teeth and nibbled there, only letting go to whisper in Regina's ear, "I plan to."

Regina couldn't take it any longer, the fire, the passion she had built up in her came and exploded like a volcano as she suddenly switched the position of her and the blonde. She stopped, looked hungrily into Emma's eyes and roughly grabbed the collar of the woman's jacket with both hands. With desire in her eyes, she tugged the woman to herself and kissed her fiercely, crushing their lips together with a mighty force.

It wasn't tenderly, it wasn't lovingly, it was rough. It was 20 years of built up angst and frustration. It was 20 years of being unsatisfied and bitter. They bit, they sucked, and they nipped at each other's mouth until their breathing became heavy. Regina stepped back a moment to catch her breath.

"What's wrong Mills? Can't take it? Am I too rough?" Emma teased.

"Dear, you're not rough enough." Regina said as she crashed her lips back on Emma's, this time hands under Emma's shirt, searching for her breasts. Emma's fingernails dug into Regina's hips as she held her there, encouraging her to keep going.

Regina hissed at the pain, and began groping Emma so much rougher than before. Both her hands were on a breast and slowly began massaging them.

"God I've missed this." Regina said as she fastened the pace on Emma's breast and began kissing Emma's neck.

"I guarantee not as much as I have." Emma breathed out, which got her a small sharp bite from Regina.

"You taste so good Emma, I missed your mouth," Regina stated as she sucks on Emma's bottom lip, "I've missed your breasts," she breathed out as she started twisting and pinching her nipples, "I've missed hearing you moan," Regina attacked Emma's neck with fury in her eyes and sucked at her pulse point, earning a deep groan from Emma as her hands found Regina's ass.

Suddenly, Emma reached up and grabbed a fistful of Regina's hair and slung her to the opposite wall before she attacked Regina's mouth. Regina let out a gasp as Emma parted her legs again and stuck her leg right back where it was previously.

"It's been 20 years, I deserve to hear you come first." Was all that came out of Emma as she ripped Regina's shirt open; sending buttons flying everywhere. She shimmied Regina out of her shirt before feeling her breasts and drawing an imaginary line with her tongue from her cleavage to her neck.

"You're so beautiful," Emma breathed out, stopping only to take in the sight of Regina shirtless before her. A shrill of panic ran through Regina's mind as Emma slowly brought her hand in between Regina's legs. What if sober Emma didn't want this? Was she taking advantage of her? She would not do that, could not do that, not to Emma.

As Emma started massaging her center, sending sparks of pleasure all through her body, Regina had to make it stop.

"Emma…" she choked out. Emma took it as encouragement and increased her speed.

"Emma. Stop. I need you to stop."

Emma slowed down her pace, but didn't remove her hand. She leaned her head on the wall, right besides Regina's and whispered, "Regina, please. It's been too long."

"I know…but you're drunk."

"I'm sober enough to know I want this."

"Emma it doesn't work like that. I want you," Regina said as she put both hands on Emma's hips, "I want you so bad, but not like this. I want you to want me, with no help of alcohol consumption. I don't want you to wake up and have regrets that's not how our first time is supposed to go."

"Wow," Emma said as she retreated towards the couch.

"Please don't be upset with me Em," Regina said as she walked slowly towards her.

"Gina, you basically stopped in the middle of something that could've caused you an orgasm. I'm not upset. I can't believe after all these years, you still respect me enough to say no."

Regina sat down on the couch beside Emma and put her hand tentatively on her thigh, "I told you Emma, I will never stop trying to protect you. What do you say we head to the bedroom and get some sleep huh?"

Emma gently nodded and allowed Regina to pull her up and guide her to the bedroom.