Who's excited for Once to be back on Sunday? I'm ready to see Regina in one of her EQ outfits strutting down Storybrooke's main road, who's with me? ;)

New chapter, enjoy.

Ch. 7 – Hot Chocolate and Rare Smiles

"Emma? Emma?"

Emma's eyes fluttered open and she was met with the sight of Henry staring at her barely a foot away.

She blinked and he smiled.

"Hey, are you okay? We lost you there for a second."

Staying silent the blonde glanced down to her left hand that was still being held by Regina. Her touch was so warm, she instantly felt better.

"I- I'm fine. Just a little… tense."

Henry and Regina helped pull her to her feet as she ran a hand through her hair letting out a deep breath. It had been a really long day.

"You were great Emma, I know it must have been hard to stand up to Snow, er- grandma, but she'll understand. You're the White Knight; it's your job to save everyone."

Henry beamed up at her and Emma returned his smile the best she could.

"Come on, let's go make hot chocolate, it'll make you feel better."

He trotted off into the kitchen and as Emma was about to follow him she realized her and Regina were still holding hands. Both women looked down, then back up at the same time, immediately releasing their hold, blushing. Regina recovered first and gestured for Emma to follow Henry, "After you, dear."

XxXxX

Hot chocolate had always been her go to drink for comfort and this time was no different, Henry made it himself and added cinnamon to it just the way both her and her son liked it. Even Regina indulged in a small mug of the chocolaty goodness.

The three were silent as they sipped their beverages and nibbled on some left overs Regina had in the fridge, enjoying the calm after the strenuous day. Emma yawned and slumped back in her chair feeling content and drowsy thanks to the drink and the warm temperature of the room. As if on cue Henry mimicked her actions as he yawned and slid his now empty mug and plate onto the kitchen table.

Regina smiled at her sleepy son, still stunned at how well the day turned out considering everything that had happened. After the curse broke she figured Emma would have taken Henry from her and gladly turned her over to the hands of the angry town. Yet, none of that had happened; in fact it was the complete opposite. Both Emma and Henry were more than a little shocked, yes, but they had stuck by her, protected her even. And when she thought that Emma was going to take Henry from her for good, what she had feared most, Emma had defended her after Henry's accusations of being evil. Emma hadn't turned her son against her, but actually helped him to realize that Regina cared for him and would never hurt him. That meant more to the brunette than she could ever say.

Henry yawned again and Regina stood up from her chair, "Henry, it's getting late and has been a very long day; I think it's time you got ready for bed."

He opened his mouth to protest but shut it turning his head towards Emma who simply gave him a warm smile, "You're mom's right, we could all use a good sleep."

Even as he wanted to fight it, another yawn slipped its way past his mouth and he mumbled in reluctant agreement, slowly shuffling out of his chair to give Emma a hug. He rounded the table and hesitated only a moment before wrapping his small arms around his other mother's waist, burying his head into her shirt. Regina closed her eyes in contentment at her son's display of affection. After today she didn't think she would be receiving any of his hugs for a very long time, if ever at all.

A few moments passed and he released his hold as she knelt down and kissed the top of his head and nudged him in the direction of the stairs.

As he walked out of the room, Regina grabbed his dishes and paused at Emma, "All finished?"

"Yes, thanks."

Regina took her mug and plate as well and placed them in the sink. Just as she was about to turn on the water she jumped at the sudden voice that filled the room.

"Oh my God!"

The brunette spun around startled, "What?"

Emma was looking at her with wide apologetic eyes, "I just now realized I kind of invited myself over when I told my parents I would be staying with you and Henry tonight."

Regina stared back at her staying silent.

"I- I didn't even realize I had done so and I was caught up in the moment arguing with them and learning they're my parents was just a little overwhelming so I didn't want to stay with them, plus I didn't want you and Henry to be alone…" she trailed off looking down at her lap where she twisted her hands together, "and now I'm rambling." She looked back up at Regina, "I'm sorry, I'm sure you just want me to go, I can get a room at Granny's or sleep in my car if nothing else. Thanks for dinner." She got up and left the kitchen, grabbing her leather jacket from the back of the couch where she left it.

"Emma, wait!"

The blonde paused and turned around, her shock mirrored on the face of the brunette as they both realized Regina had just used her first name.

But Regina, being who she was, composed herself almost immediately and pursed her lips as she collected her thoughts.

Emma waited patiently for the brunette to speak; she could tell Regina was struggling for the right words.

Another moment passed before Regina slowly made her way towards the blonde, stopping a few feet in front of her, "If it wasn't for you, I probably wouldn't be here right now. Even with your mother's heart of gold, she would have made sure I paid my price." Regina turned her lips up in a bitter smile before continuing, "But you defended me, why I'm still not quite sure," her face softened, "and more importantly, you didn't turn Henry against me, for that I'm very thankful."

Regina's eyes were hard but Emma could see the vulnerability just beneath the surface.

"I would never take Henry from you Regina. He's your son just as much as he is mine."

Regina smiled and the women stared at each other for a moment before the brunette turned and headed towards the stairs. Emma stood there awkwardly watching her leave before the older woman turned with a smirk seeing Emma's lost look and said, "Follow me."

Emma cursed herself as she felt something stir in her stomach as she followed Regina up the stairs, trying with all her might and failing miserably to not look at her backside. Regina had opted for pants today Emma noticed, but whether she wore pants or a skirt Emma still thought the mayor had the best ass she had ever seen.

They reached the top of the stairs and Regina led them down the hall to the left and stopped in front of the first door.

Look away Emma, look away!

Regina turned and Emma snapped her head up to meet the brunette's eyes.

She smirked and Emma feared she had been caught but Regina just reached out and opened the door that Emma discovered led into a guest bedroom.

"You can sleep here. There are clean sheets on the bed, you have your own bathroom, and you'll find fresh towels in the cupboard."

The blonde looked around the room, it was immaculate just like the rest of the house, done in neutral tones but not completely black and white like the mayor's own room. Although it still screamed Regina, Emma liked it; it was clean and airy but had a more welcoming tone to it.

Before Emma could thank Regina she heard her name being called from down the hall.

"Emma?"

The blonde looked to Regina and shrugged with a shy smile before stepping out of the room and went to see Henry.

She poked her head into the room and stepped inside, "What's up kid, everything okay?"

Henry was already in bed, but he looked anxious as if he thought she would disappear in the five minutes since he last saw her. "Just wanted to say goodnight."

She went over and sat on the edge of his bed. He looked at her and she gave him a knowing smile, "Everything is going to be alright, Henry."

He looked down and released a big sigh. Emma had never been really good with children, but she was trying her best to be good for Henry. And while Henry was young, he was no child; he knew a lot and was quite observant for his age.

"Come on," Emma rubbed his knee, "tell me what's on your mind."

He looked back up at her, eyes shining, "Everything. I believed in the curse so much and no one would ever believe me, even though they didn't say it I know everyone thought I was crazy. Now that it actually is real…"

"It's kinda scary isn't it?"

Henry nodded.

Emma rubbed his knee again trying to comfort him.

"Look, like I told you before, this isn't going to be easy. Everything is going to change now. I found out my parents are Snow White and Prince Charming of all the people in the world, people are going to think of me as some Savior, and your mom, your mom…"

"Is the Evil Queen," Henry finished.

Emma sighed, "She was the Evil Queen Henry, not anymore. I have a feeling your mom has had a much rougher life than she's let on. She told us that she was consumed by magic, that her mother practiced dark magic, it kinda came off to me that her mom wasn't the best role model."

Henry bobbed his head in agreement, lost in Emma's words.

"I've lived in too many foster homes to count and some of them were worse than others. I remember one home where my foster parents were drunks and they did bad things, and even back then as a kid, I could tell their children were going to follow in their footsteps. It was sad, but true. Do you understand what I'm telling you?"

Henry nodded again, looking sullen.

"I think when Regina was a young girl her mom did bad things too and something happened to make that girl who wanted to be free disappear. She needed to learn to be tough, you never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have…" Emma muttered, and Henry realized she wasn't just thinking about his adoptive mom in that moment.

Emma blinked and focused back on wide hazel green eyes, "I'm not telling you this to scare you Henry, I'm just trying to help you understand that you are so incredibly lucky to have Regina as your mom, to have someone who loves you and wants you. It's incredible that she turned out to be such a strong, determined woman after whatever happened to her. Because Evil Queen or not, if there is one thing in this world that she cares about at all, it's you."

At that Henry smiled.

"I know it's hard kid, but just give her a chance; she would do anything for you."

"Yeah, I know." Henry whispered.

Emma stood up and leaned over to tuck him in.

"Alright, time for bed," she placed a kiss on his forehead and affectionately pinched his cheek.

Henry squirmed from her grasp but smiled up at her none the less.

She knelt down beside him and rested her chin on the edge of his mattress, "You want to say goodnight to your mom? I think she would like that."

He nodded and Emma got up, "Alright, I'll send her in."

"Night, Emma."

"Goodnight, Henry." She turned and left the room and headed down the hall to her own, but when she got there it was empty.

She walked back out and went to the room at the end of the hallway and gently knocked.

Regina opened the door, makeup still on and not a hair out of place, but she had changed from her previous attire. Now all Emma saw was a dark purple silk robe that reached mid-thigh exposing a large expanse of the mayor's creamy bronzed skin. Emma swallowed and tried not to picture what was under said robe.

She deftly cleared her throat trying to not let it show that Regina was affecting her, "Henry would like to say goodnight to you."

The brunette's eyebrows rose before she spoke, "Oh, alright."

Emma nodded stiffly and turned around making her way back towards the guest room as Regina slipped into Henry's.

Emma could hear their muffled voices but didn't linger to hear what was being said. She had just reached the guest room door and grasped the handle when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning around she was caught off guard when she saw Regina standing there, less than a foot away.

Emma could see the brunette hesitate for only a second before a pair of strong, warm arms wrapped around her neck and pulled her close, rendering the blonde speechless.

But even as words failed her, Emma found her arms wrapping themselves around Regina's waist of their own accord, holding the brunette to her softly.

"Thank you." Regina whispered in her ear. She had only spoken two words but to Emma, they spoke volumes.

The older woman pulled away and Emma missed the contact immediately. She wondered if Regina felt the same.

Just as Emma thought Regina was going to turn and leave, the brunette trailed her hands from around Emma's neck down her arms to lightly grasp her hands, giving the blonde a small gentle smile that was usually only ever witnessed by Henry.

"Goodnight, Emma."

With that, she did turn and head for her own bedroom, closing the door behind her.

"Goodnight, Regina." Emma whispered to empty air before slipping into her own room for the night. Unaware of the woman just down the hall who leaned against the inside of her door while silent tears crept down her cheeks as she thought of the words she heard the blonde had spoken to their son. Taking deep breaths with a hand to her chest, Regina closed her eyes, willing to calm the frantic rhythm of her beating heart. It was in that moment she realized that maybe she had a chance, this wasn't the end and maybe, Emma Swan really was her very own savior.

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