I apologize in advance if any characters seem a little OOC, especially Leopold, I'm not entirely familiar with writing him.
Emma lets out a shaky gasp as her surroundings change yet again. Regina's worried expression flashes before her, red lips mumbling incoherent words before fading into darkness, taking the warmth and comfort of her presence with her.
The blonde reminds herself not to panic, Regina had a plan, not a full-proof one, but it was more than Emma had come up with. True Loves kiss. God, how was she to know if Regina loved her? Why would she? Emma sighs as her feet touch solid ground once again.
"Emma?! Oh my god!" a worried voice rings out. Blinking away the blur of her travel Emma gazes around the odd yet familiar environment as she waits for her body heat to return. Before color could fully return to her clothing, Emma feels warmth crash into her chest, pulling her close. "Emma." a relieved voice whispers into her ear, cracking with emotion.
"Hey." Emma whispers back, tightening her arms around the woman. They silently embrace for a few beats, feeling another's racing hearts.
Regina slowly pulls back, large eyes gazing at the blonde with clear concern. "Are you alright? What happened?" She tries to keep her voice strong but both women could clearly hear the emotion in her tone.
"I'm fine. I-don't really know what happened but I'm okay, I promise." Emma smiles gently at the young woman, in wonder at how very similar both Regina's really were. They both cared more than they want to let on. "What happened while I was gone?"
Regina swallows thickly, blinking away tears. "After you….disappeared everything just kind of…stopped. I-I don't know how to explain it but, the entire castle seemed to just freeze."
Emma looks at her in confusion. "What about you?"
"I was fine. I didn't feel any change but it was so odd." Her eyebrows furrow in confusion. "Aside from the fear of never seeing you again…I felt anger, concern. Then a series of emotions just ran through me." She searches the shinning green eyes before her. "Like I was experiencing emotions for two people at once."
Emma's breath hitches in her throat. Should this be happening? Could her Regina feel what this Regina was feeling too? God, Emma really needed to start reading that book about magic Regina had given her. But she had a feeling a chapter about Emotional Connections during Time Travel would not be included.
"That…is weird." She croaks out. "But what matters is that I'm back and we're both okay."
Regina nods. "Yes, that is what we should focus on." Chocolate eyes flash suddenly. "You idiot! Don't ever scare me like that again!" she glares at the blonde.
Emma bites back a grin. There's the Regina she knows. "Of course, Your Majesty. I'm sure you weren't worried one bit." She smirks.
Regina rolls her eyes. This blonde stranger had nearly given her a heart attack. She had no idea why her heart stopped at the thought of Emma leaving her, she had just met the woman, whatever happens to her is not her problem. But once she had vanished, Regina couldn't shake the dread seeping into her veins. Her mind constantly wishing for the blonde to return back to her, safe and sound.
"How did you do it?" The Queen begins, her hands automatically removing themselves from the blonde. "Some of the greatest wizards alive can't achieve what you've just done." Her dark eyes narrow. "Who exactly are you?"
Emma pauses. "I'm just…a traveler, no one special." Obviously she couldn't tell the woman she was the Savior, the product of True Love. How insane would that sound? Chocolate eyes narrow further. "You apparently are someone. You have magic." She points out.
"Yes…but I was taught, it's not a…inheritance." Emma shrugs, hoping the brunette couldn't hear the tremble in her voice. "What about you? Isn't it improper for the Queen to work with magic?"
Regina cocks an eyebrow. "I never mentioned I have magic."
Fuck. Okay, keep a level head, Swan. "I just can tell. You obviously know something about it, seeing that you pointed out mine." She counters. "Either you're a teacher or a student."
Blinking rapidly, the Queen drops her gaze. This stranger was good at calling bluffs, a first for her. "Alright, I'll give you that. I've just began training, Rump-" she pauses, knowing if she spoke her instructors name aloud he would annoyingly pop into the room and Regina really didn't feel like explaining why she was with this woman. "My instructor thinks I have potential in becoming someone great. I highly doubt it."
Emma watches her, wishing she could tell her how great of a person she'll grow to be, a great mother, friend. "I'm sure that's not true, you look like you're a great student." She smiles gently. It was so weird, knowing if her Regina needed comfort, she would've known exactly what to say, more or less. But with the younger version, it felts almost as though she were meeting Regina for the first time.
The young Queen smiles back shyly. "Thank you. Sometimes I fear I will never grasp true control over my magic. It has…caused a bit of trouble already." She blinks her eyes down to the carpet in embarrassment.
"Believe me; I completely understand where you're coming from." Emma runs a hand through her hair. She had lost track of how many times she'd almost taken one of Regina's fingers off from the slightest distraction.
Regina chuckles lightly then lets it fade. "It's odd, but I feel as though you're the only one who would understand." She begins to nibble on her lower lip, "Is that odd of me?" she asks quietly, almost afraid of the reply.
Emma shakes her head, daring herself to step closer to the woman. "No, it's not. In fact, I don't think you're the only one feeling that way." A smile flits across the Queen's features, making the dim light in her eyes brighten. Emma smiles back, happy to see her look so genuinely content, even more so, she loved the fact that she was the one to bring the smile to her face. Her Regina has barely cracked a decent smile since her return, not while Henry doesn't have any memory of her.
Regina hesitantly reaches out for the blonde, taking her hand into her own. A thousand emotions tumble within her, she was terrified the wrong one would slip out. Regina hasn't been very emotional person since Daniel past but suddenly Emma appears and a flood of feelings are taking over. She couldn't say she hadn't missed this feeling.
"Emma I um…" she dips her head bashfully. "I am extremely glad I met you."
Emma blinks rapidly, not expecting this. Cliché lines definitely weren't a common Regina trait. She smiles. "This wasn't exactly how I pictured today would go." Not by a long shot. "But I can't say I'm complaining. It's not everyday you get to meet a Queen." She winks.
The brunette's cheeks color. "To most I'm not a Queen, just the girl who replaced Snow White's mother. But it's an honor nonetheless, I suppose." Her tone turns cold, distant. Emma recognized it immediately and knew nothing good ever followed.
"Hey…" she gently strokes the woman's cheek, hoping she wasn't crossing any lines. "You're my Queen and I know you'll rule this land perfectly."
Unable to catch herself, Regina leans into Emma's hand, eyelashes fluttering in contentment. Emma's heart sputters. "Hmmm." She sighs, feeling the tenderness in Emma's touch, an emotion she hasn't been familiar with in a long time. Feeling her heart race and warmth curl down to her toes with a simple touch. It was the feeling she hadn't realized she was yearning for.
But it was wrong.
Quickly placing a reasonable amount of distance between them, Regina reminds herself that she was married. Whether she was happy or not, she had made a commitment to this man and she was a woman of her word. She couldn't allow herself to start romanticizing about some charismatic blonde traveler.
"I have to go. It's getting late." She stammers out, wanting to take back every word she spoke.
Emma blinks rapidly at the rejection, knowing she shouldn't feel hurt but feeling it anyway. "Okay…." She mumbles slowly lowering her hand back to her side.
She didn't want her to leave. She wanted to stay and talk with the brunette until the sun flits through the glass windows. The very thought of Regina walking out of her sight to go lay beside her scummy Grandfather made her blood boil. But what the hell could she do? Besides, she had a big day tomorrow; it wasn't everyday she needed to get a woman to fall in love with her.
She smiles tightly, dipping her head. "I'll go get ready for bed." She gestures towards the dresser. "We can talk tomorrow, once I've fully rested." She nods, running a hand through her hair.
"Of course. I bid you a goodnight, Emma." Regina smiles apologetically at her, starting for the door.
"Goodnight, Regina." The blonde replies feeling her heart race. It had just really hit her; this woman could possibly be her True Love. Regina Mills could be the person her heart was bound too. It both terrified and excited her.
They stare at another momentarily, neither wanting to leave the others presence. Regina takes in the blonde beauty in awe of someone so perfectly different. Life in the palace was safe, luxurious but utterly boring and lonely. Maybe meeting Emma was Fate, her opportunity to finally break free from these cold stone walls. A chance for her to know what real love is like.
But maybe she should stop gazing at her first.
"So…I'll see you tomorrow. We'll meet in the front corridor." Regina suggests, shifting her gaze from the blonde.
Emma shakes her head clear. "Uh yeah, yeah that sounds great."
Regina nods and turns to the door, opening it an inch. "Goodnight." She whispers before exiting into the empty hallway.
Emma stares at the closed door for a few moments, blinking rapidly. She had no idea what she getting herself into and –for the tenth time since arriving- she wishes her Regina was here. She would be calm and level-headed and always ready with a plan. It's one of the many things Emma loved about her, she never let anyone share her fear no matter how drastic the situation. Emma didn't think it was fair but the brunette would never allow her opinion, thinking she was saving everyone by putting herself in danger. It was incredibly stupid most of the time, but it was Regina's way of logic.
Emma sighs, walking to the dresser to shift through the drawers until she could find a gown that wasn't itchy at the collar. She quickly undresses, hanging her jacket on the post of the bed, and slides into the silk covers. Shifting around until she finds the most comfortable position, Emma flutters her eyes close guiding her mind to shut down and give into the darkness.
Regina sighs, the sound echoing down the vacant hallway. She knew what she had to do but dreaded even the thought of it. Being in the presence of the king was the same as a being a ghost floating nearby, unseen, unheard and unimportant. Now that Leopold was aware of her leaving and bringing in a new visitor, he would want to speak with her. She slowly starts for his study wishing she could about face and slide beside Emma in bed. Not in a romantic sense, being held lovingly would be enough for the Queen.
She pauses before his study, taking in a deep breath. Raising a shaky hand she knocks twice against the wooden door.
"Enter."
Regina squares her shoulders as she pushes open the door. She hardly sets foot inside the study; it was too dark of a place compared to the beautiful gardens. More so, she hated being in any enclosed space with the King.
Clearing her throat, she steps to the center of the room, keeping her eyes forward. "Your Highness, as I'm sure you've already been informed, we have a guest staying with us."
The King doesn't look from his desk to his wife. "Yes, I know. Why is she here?"
"I-I found her on the road, she was lost and cold."
Leopold finally meets Regina's eyes, making the young woman flinch. "That's kind of you, Regina." He smiles at her, standing from his chair. "I can't wait to meet her, is she sleeping now?" Regina nods, watching his every move. "Then we'll talk in the morning. Regina, my dear, come." He stretches out a hand to her.
Regina hesitates before slowly moving forward. She gingerly allows his fingers to enclose around hers, pulling her beside him. Doing her best not to flinch once her flesh touches his, she smiles softly. "I think you will like her, she seems to be very controversial." She knew she would never tell the King of their guests' magical talents, he didn't even know of her own.
He chuckles. "I bet she is, if you decided to bring her in. You've always had a knack of the oddballs, Regina." He smiles at her gently, not in a way to make her feel less embarrassed by her choices, more so making her feel as though she had made yet another wrongful decision. Sometimes Regina thinks he's right.
"She's not odd. Just different. Sometimes different is good."
"Maybe. But what happens when it's not?" Leopold asks, reaching up to push back a stray hair from her young face. She stiffens, reminding herself to relax. It's been almost four months since their marriage, yet everyday Regina has a moment before she wakes where she can recall the simpler, happiest time in her life with her Daniel before she rolls over to come face to face with a King instead of a kind-hearted stable boy.
She sighs, opening her mouth to reply when the squeak of the door captures both their attention. Snow White, wide-eyed and smirking, stands in the doorway clad in a light blue nightgown. "I'm sorry, I couldn't sleep but I don't want to interrupt anything…"
"Nonsense, come." Leopold's tone melts from kind to sugary sweet at the sight of his daughter. Regina already knew her cue to step back and allow father and daughter to embrace lovingly as she looks on. "Regina and I were just talking about our new guest, weren't we dear?" he looks to Regina briefly.
She nods. "Snow has met her while I was showing her to her quarters." And nearly destroying the castle in the process. Though, the Queen knew better than to add that. In Leopold's eyes, his rosy-cheeked child can do no wrong.
He chuckles, eyes twinkling as he looks back down to Snow. "Now why is it that everyone has met this woman but me?" he smiles. "Was she kind, my dear Snow flower?" he strokes her raven hair lovingly.
She nods enthusiastically. "Oh yes, Father! She seemed very nice and she has the most beautiful name!" she sighs dramatically. Regina refrains from rolling her eyes.
"Oh? None as perfect as Snow White I'm sure."
"Emma. Her name was Emma. Isn't it lovely, Father?"
"It is quite lovely my dear."
Regina decides to mumble her exit back to her bedchambers before she had to listen to Snow ramble on about her favorite names as Leopold hangs on to every word, knowing neither royal would pay any attention to her leaving.
Back in the empty corridors, she sighs sorrowfully, wanting to run back out into the streets of the kingdom or perhaps just back to Emma.
A smile stretches across her features. Snow had one thing right, Emma was a lovely name and it suited the woman perfectly. She begins to stroll slowly down the hallway, taking time to curtsey at paintings along the way. She could hardly wait for tomorrow to come, a first since she spent her first night in the palace. Usually she had nothing to look forward to day after day, just merely existing until Rumple shows for their lessons. But now it seemed that tomorrow deemed a purpose, it had a certain light to it the Queen just couldn't put her finger on.
All she knew is she had never wished the sun to rise quicker.
What feels like minutes later, Emma sits up with a start, eyes-wide at her unfamiliar surroundings, finding herself standing in a foggy room, unable to see two feet ahead.
"Hello?" she calls out wearily, blinking until her eyes adjusts to the dim lighting. For several minutes only silence replies. Emma sighs; she really didn't feel like traveling through anymore dimensions today. She squints into the fog making out a dark figure in the distance. "Hey! Can you hear me?" she cries out, praying she's making a friend not a foe. The figure slowly starts towards the blonde, looking as cautious as Emma felt. They stop a few feet before her, body half-turned ready to bolt.
The fog shifts slightly, swirling to the right of the figure. Emma blinks in amazement once she catches a glimpse of her. "Regina?" she breathes out.
The brunette stiffens, unsure whether to trust this voice or not. "Em…ma?" She whispers wearily.
Emma takes a step forward, making the fog shift further out of her line of sight. She could make out part of a shocked face, full lips slightly parted. "We have got to stop meeting like this." She chuckles.
Regina rolls her eyes. "Yes, I suppose we do. Why are you here?" she folds her arms across her chest but Emma can see her shoulders relax.
"Where and why shouldn't I be here?"
"It's my dream." She pauses at Emma's confused face. "A dream waiting room persay. It's where everyone starts before they travel into their dream worlds. Why you're in mine is my question."
Emma's eyebrows furrow together as she processes this new information. Yeah, she definitely needed to crack open that magic book. "I thought you were in mine?"
Regina sighs. "I guess this means we're in each others. It's not unusual for two people to meet up halfway if they're dreaming about the other." Emma could be wrong, but was that a blush creeping up the brunette's cheeks?
"You were dreaming about me?" She grins smugly.
Regina scoffs. "Don't flatter yourself. Perhaps I should've elaborated. The people don't have to be dreaming. Sometimes they could've just been thinking about another before drifting off."
Emma's grin widens. "So you were thinking about me?"
Regina groans. "You really are letting that 'Savior' title go to your head. But I'll admit, yes, I was thinking about you." Emma smirks. "Not directly you though, more so of your situation and anyway I could help bring you back."
"Have you thought of anything?"
"No. So far your only option is True Loves kiss." She clears her throat, shifting her arms beneath her breasts. "What happened once you returned back to…me?"
Emma licks her lips. "Well, first you hugged me." Regina's expression remains neutral. "Then you said something about feeling emotions for two people. Any idea what that means?"
Regina pauses, thinking over the information. "No clue…well maybe…" she mutters to herself as Emma watches her with careful eyes. "It's possible that whenever you're with present me, my past self can feel whatever emotions I'm feeling at the time."
Emma nods slowly, feeling dumber by the second. "Okay…so can you feel what past you is feeling?"
Regina shrugs. "I don't know. What I felt then is completely from different from what I'm feeling now." She sighs. "Whenever you're with me-her I've already felt those emotions, so I couldn't feel them again."
"But you've never felt those emotions with me." They lock gazes intently, trying to figure out what the other is thinking. "Can whatever or whoever I interact with in the past alter what's happening in the present?"
"Possibly. But unless you murder or something along those lines, nothing should be drastically altered. And like I've said before, True Loves kiss will return everything back to normal." If their love truly works.
Emma nods, suddenly feeling self-conscious in her thin nightgown. "This is insane." She sighs.
"I agree. Us being each other True Love's is absolutely prepost-"
"Not that," Regina pauses, feeling her heart race. "The fact that I have insanely powerful magic and have no clue how to control it." She sighs, wishing she had chair to lean against. "Regina, what kind of Savior doesn't have any idea how to save people, let alone herself?"
Regina frowns, looking over the blonde in concern. "You just haven't found control yet and that's normal. You don't have to beat yourself up about it." She starts softly, taking a small step forward. "Emma, you're more powerful than you realize and you're smart enough to figure out what you're doing. Think of all the people you've saved already, Henry, your parents, me..." She gives her a small smile. "And that was far before you realized you had magic."
Emma smiles at the woman, sliding towards her. "Thanks, Regina. But I still have so much to learn…"
"That's where I come in. I promise I won't let you make a fool of yourself in front of the town." She teases, wanting the blonde's smile to meet her beautiful eyes.
She chuckles. "God I wish you were here with me so I wouldn't feel so goddamn helpless."
Regina gathers all her strength to stop herself from taking the woman's face into her hands. "I doubt I'd be much help. Time travel is sort of out of my element." She chuckles softly, glancing down at her fingers.
"Of course you would. Do you even know how amazing you are?" Regina's gaze snaps up to Emma's, lips parting in awe. "You're one of the smartest people I know, Regina. And talented, and…." Emma doesn't complete her sentence, cheeks burning in embarrassment. "I-I just…sorry…"
"No! It's okay. That was very kind. Maybe you should try that on my younger self." Regina smiles gently, sure the blonde could hear her racing heart. She would've given anything to hear the rest of that sentence. "If can remember correctly, that was the kind of behavior I drooled over." Emma chuckles softly, biting her lower lip. Regina watches her teeth gently scrap across pink skin, wishing she run her tongue along that lip, pull her closer into a sweet caress. She clears her throat, blinking her eyes up to the fog surrounding them.
"I meant it, you know." Emma whispers, peeking up at the brunette through long lashes. Regina pulls her eyes back to the emeralds before her, their shine contrasting with dreary surroundings. Regina realizes, with warmth filling her heart, that this is how Emma will always look to her. A light shinning in the darkness of her life.
Whether it was her past self or present, Regina knows Emma will capture her heart without trying to be anyone but herself. And that's what will draw young Regina to her, her pure soul and heart is irresistible to someone as closed-off and damaged as her. She sighs, knowing this plan has a high chance of failing. But she couldn't help but want to feel as though she had a chance at a happy ending.
The room suddenly trembles, making the women reach out to another for balance. Instead of feeling soft flesh both find themselves touching cold glass.
Emma stares with large eyes, pressing her hand harder against the invisible wall, as if she could somehow break through if she pushed hard enough. Regina stares back sadly, knowing they were trapped in two different worlds.
"Don't fight it, Emma. It means one us is waking up soon." She explains quietly, keeping her hand against the glass.
"But…we just got here. You just got here…" Emma whispers, shaking her head. She couldn't leave the brunette again, not with her in so much danger. Not to mention she was terrified of roaming her homeland alone. "Regina, I can't-I don't…" Pure fear reflects in pools of green. "I need you."
Regina blinks rapidly, struggling to keep her calm state. "You're smart enough to figure this out, Emma."
"Will I do that 'traveling between two dimensions' thing again?"
"Most likely. Though you're timing is unpredictable. So try not to appear during a town meeting or something."
Emma rolls her eyes. "What do we tell my parents? Oh god and what about Henry?"
Regina pauses thoughtfully, pressing her hand against the wall. "I'll tell them you had to go back to New York to get something for the case." She shrugs. It wasn't her best plan, but what could she do? If word got out that Emma was trapped in a different world Zelena would waste no time in destroying her while she was outnumbered.
Emma nods, swallowing thickly. "You'll be okay right?" She searches concerned chocolate eyes.
"Don't worry about me, Emma. I'll be-"
"How can not? Regina, it's my job to protect you and how can I do that if I'm stuck in the past?" Emma's voice cracks with emotion as her hands curl into fists against the wall. "If anything happens to you…"
"I'll be fine. Our problem is getting you home." Regina meets you gaze steadily. Another round of trembles shudders throughout the room. The pair clenches their jaws as they hold onto the glass as best they can. "Emma, we're going to wake soon."
Emma can feel her heart sink down to her feet. "Then I'll have to find a way to get you to love me." She mumbles, knowing this was way out of her league. Dragons, she could handle. But love? She'd rather face a fire-breathing beast any day.
Regina's reply is cut off as the room shudders violently, throwing the women in opposite directions. The glass separating the women trembles as though it would shatter at any moment. Regina groans, clutching her arm as she stumbles to her feet. Her dazed state wears off immediately at the sight of Emma lying still on the floor across her.
"Emma!" she shouts, banging against the glass. "Get up, please…please." She whispers feeling her heart constrict in her chest. She couldn't lose her now, who would take care of their son? And Zelena? Regina simply won't allow death to rip away someone she loves again. She knows she wouldn't be able to recover this time.
"Emma, get up!" she shouts, pounding against the glass with all her might. Not even a crack appears against the pane. Her eyes grow round as she sees the blonde stir slightly, a low groan echoes against the glass. Regina breathes out a sigh of relief. Though it's short-lived as the room throbs violently once again, the surrounding fog thickening around them. Regina knew they didn't have much time left.
"Emma, listen to me. We're waking up. Just remember what I told you and stay calm, if you allow any deep emotions to surface your magic could erupt and questions will be asked. Lay low, okay?" she blows air from her nose in frustration, pep talks aren't her strong suits. "You'll be home soon. I'll do all I can to figure this out. I-" she pauses clearing her throat. "I know you can do this."
Emma slowly stands shakily to her feet, pressing her throbbing head against the glass. "Regina, I'm scared." She whispers.
The brunette meets her gaze, chocolate eyes glazed with fear "Me too."
They stare worriedly at another, feeling consciousness seize and pull them from the comfort of another's presence. Both were sick and tired of having the other in their grasps only to be ripped away again. The fog thickens further, the murky color blinding their visions.
Emma bolts upright in silk sheets, visions of Regina's concerned face dancing behind her eyes. Bright sunlight filter through the curtains, a glaring reminder of her plans ahead. She sighs, wishing she was facing up against dragons instead.
Also apology for anything too cliche, it's around 1:00 a.m, sorry if I'm feeling romantic