Prompt: Okay wait. Can we stop joking around like we'd ever actually date? It's really starting to hurt

Disclaimer: I don't own Once Upon A Time, I just like the show and characters. Eventual SwanQueen, Established RedBeauty

Chapter 4

Regina cocked her head in such a way that made Emma fall in love with her even more. She was speechless at what the blonde had just said, maybe even scared of it.

No, Emma didn't love her. She knew she couldn't. After trying to kill her how many times since she'd come to Storybrooke? After blaming her for Henry's capture to Neverland?

'Love is weakness Regina.'

That's what Cora had always told her, always made her believe. She proved that point when she murdered Daniel in cold blood.

Still.. there was a part of Regina, of seventeen year old wide eyed in love Regina, that longed to believe Emma. "Are you telling me the truth Ms Swan?"

Emma closed the space between them and took Regina's hands in hers squeezing them tightly. "I swear to you I'm telling you the absolute truth. You don't have my superpower, but I know you know I'm being honest. This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do besides give up Henry."

Regina heard the sincerity beneath the blonde's words, and just like that her composure broke. Bottled up tears began to fall from her eyes as she allowed Emma to wrap strong arms around her. Leaning into the blonde, Emma scooped Regina up and carried her to the couch.

The two stayed in their embrace for what seemed like hours. Henry was spending the night with David and Snow, per Emma's request so she could talk to Regina. Now she was unbelievably glad she had the foresight to arrange it. If Henry walked in to see his mom crying because of Emma, Henry wouldn't need magic to hurt Emma. The love of a protective son would have done it.

Regina found herself with her hand against Emma's heart, and she couldn't help but smile. The Savior had a heart that was soft yet strong. Sturdy yet fragile, much like Regina's. Regina knew Emma had a hard life growing up in the foster system, so she knew what kind of risk the woman had taken admitting she loved her.

"Em?" Regina called gently.

"Hm?"

"Stay with me."

Emma wasn't sure what to make of the request, other than to say that she intended to do just that. It was night now as Emma looked out the living room window, when she looked at the clock on the wall she was shocked to see it was already 11pm. She looked back at Regina and whispered as she kissed her forehead, "I'm not going anywhere. Let's get you to bed My Queen."

Hand in hand they took to the steps that led to Regina's master bedroom. Regina was nervous, though Emma could see right past the mask the brunette wore. Once settled in the room the two stared at each other and spoke at the same time.

"We don't have to-"

"Do you want to-"

They laughed and blushed at one another as they sat on the bed together. Emma spoke first. "We don't have to take this further than sleeping tonight Gina."

Regina blinked, astonished. She was sure Emma would want to seal their relationship. Before she could say so Emma spoke again. "I want us to take it slow, I want us to work. We don't need something like sex to tarnish that. I love you and I'm wiling to wait as long as we need to before we're ready."

Regina smiled at Emma, gave her a kiss on the cheek and sauntered off to the bathroom, gathering her pajamas on the way.

AN: Guys I am SO sorry I haven't updated in a while. The summer is my busy season for work and I've been dealing with my depression getting bad. I am going to try for 1 more update to this fic today as well as 3 for When Will My Life Begin. Regular updates will start next Friday unless I specify otherwise because of work. Thank you all for understanding! Leave reviews please?