PROMPT: After Emma spending over a year saving up for a ring to propose, regina ends up not wanting to get married and Emma is heartbroken.
Emma waves at Regina and watches as her girlfriend drives off. Henry is supposed to stay at his friend's house so she is taking him there. After such a long time they are going to have the mansion only for themselves and Emma has got very big plans for the evening.
It has been a little over two years since they got together and exactly a year since Emma bought the engagement ring. She has wanted to propose Regina many times, but never really had the courage to do so. But tonight when they are alone, she will do it. It will be an awesome opportunity.
Regina has left so she has got some time to prepare everything – she scatters the rose petals all over the bed, lights the candles around the house and sets the table for dinner. They have never been ones for these romantic things, but Emma knows Regina likes it occasionally.
"Emma, love, I am – " Regina calls from the door to the living room, but stops herself immediately as her gaze falls on the candles and Emma - Emma, who is standing in red tight dress that leaves no imagination. Regina's heart surely stops beating for a while before it starts beating frantically. That atmosphere is too intimate and she feels what is going to happen.
She swallows hard and wants to say something, but her words die in her throat as she sees Emma's smile. The blonde is watching her so gently and lovingly that she can barely step forward. Emma comes closer to her and takes her jacket off, looking into the dark eyes with burning passion.
Brushing her thumb momentarily over Regina's lower lip, her smile grows wider. "Hi," she whispers.
Regina only watches her, not able to speak. Actually, she is afraid to speak. However, Emma takes all her worries away, taking her to the low table where their dinner waits.
The evening goes as planned. They keep sharing small smiles or gentle touches. When they finish dinner, Emma leads Regina to the middle of the room where they start dancing to the soft music playing in the background.
"Regina," Emma says quietly, taking Regina's hand and slowly kneels down before her.
Regina's eyes widen in surprise and she feels panic raising within her. Emma looks so happy and hopeful and she hates herself for ruining it, but she has to. She starts rapidly shaking her head and snatches her hand away from Emma's. The blonde's face is immediately clouded with hurt and confusion.
"'Gina? What is it?"
"I can't – " Regina keeps shaking her head and slowly backing, her hands lifted up in defense. "Emma, please, I – I can't, I…" She wants to run so badly, but she never gets the choice because Emma quickly stands up and races past her, slamming the door behind her.
Regina cries and cries and falls down on her knees, hugging herself tightly.
It's past eleven o'clock when Regina wipes away her tears and determinedly walks out of the mansion, running towards the apartment. She needs to explain herself. She needs to do it before she loses her completely.
Snow opens the door after the repeated knocking and is met with tearful Regina, whose eyes are puffy and red-rimmed. "I need to talk to Emma," she states instantly.
Her former enemy watches her carefully, not letting her in. "She's in her room, but she came back from you quite upset. I am not sure this is the best – "
"Snow, please."
They stare at one another for a while, but then Snow steps aside. "Very well."
Regina rushes to Emma's bedroom, not even bothering to knock, immediately walking in. Emma lies on the bed, curled up in a ball and keeps shaking.
"Emma," the brunette whispers. She walks to the bed and lies next to her, the blonde turning around to face her. She looks like someone died. "Emma, please, hear me out."
"If you are here to tell me it is over, don't, because I've gathered that already," Emma's answer came out in raspy voice.
"No. No, it's not over," Regina says back quickly and fiercely. "Don't say that. I love you, Emma."
Emma winces. "Why do you say that? You refused me two hours ago!"
"But my reasons are completely different!" Regina takes a deep breath to calm herself down. "I… I can't be in a marriage again. I know you love me. I know you are nothing like your… like king Leopold, but… I just can't marry you. I can't be in that prison again, I – "
"Shh," Emma hushes her, taking her into her arms, caressing her hair gently, kissing the dark locks. "I am sorry. I have never thought about that. I don't want to make you feel trapped."
"Don't apologize. I am sorry I haven't told you before. Maybe one day I will be ready, but now, it's still too soon."
Emma hooks her finger under Regina's chin, softly lifting it up, and looks into the brown eyes. "I love you, Regina. I will wait for you forever."
Regina swallows a sob and kisses her girlfriend on the lips.