Ch. 14 – Melody To My Heart
It's a strange thing: death, especially when you know its mere moments away. Many view death as something that will happen in time with old age, perhaps passing away in your sleep; a natural act. Eventually, everyone passes on. However the feeling is vastly different when you can sense it, when it's right in front of you, when you're conscious of it.
Sometimes death comes at unexpected times and you have that fleeting instant of shock in your heart, like when you glimpse the train right before it hits your car, or when you see the barrel of a gun pointed at you before the shooter pulls the trigger.
Then there are those ill-fated moments rarer than others, when there is enough time to process what's happening before you know your time will eventually, very quickly run out. That is the moment when you feel your heart seize and your palms sweat and a part of your brain tries to catch up to what you've really already figured out.
Many like to think their last moments will end in result of a heroic act, saving someone, dying a hero, sacrificing themselves for the one's they love.
Your entire being is in a panic, yet a sense of calm all at once, up until the moment when your clock has struck its final chime.
Some say, that is the moment your life flashes before your eyes.
XxXxX
Emma couldn't move and she couldn't see. There was no light among the darkness that surrounded her, no clue to explain where she was. She felt numb but oddly enough still had a sense of her limbs, she just couldn't control them. It was like she was frozen, her body a tight cocoon with a slight buzzing in her ears.
She mentally strained against her invisible bonds but to no avail, the simple thought of trying to move wearing her out. She was tired, so tired.
Everything was dark and quiet except for that incessant buzz. She tried to distinguish the sound figuring if she could hear she must be not be dead. Emma tried again, struggling to hear anything of importance like voices and for a brief moment she thought she did, but was only disappointed when the low hum continued to invade her senses.
Pushing back the panic that had begun to creep in the blonde attempted to gather herself in any way she could, though it's hard to do when one can't see, speak, feel, or move. She just had a sense that she was there and it was difficult enough of a task to keep her train of thought.
Alright, if I am alive where am I and how did I get here?
A brief image of a bright light in the forest flashed in front of her eyes before everything went black again and her concentration wavered. Trees and a bright light, that wasn't much to go on but it's all she had at the moment. What was the last thing she had been doing before everything went dark?
Another image flashed, this time a pair of striking brown eyes; Regina.
Slowly now, the memories began to filter in; the forest, the boundary line and barrier, using magic, Gold and Regina on the ground behind her hovering against the wind.
Emma…
The blond snapped her attention to full alert as best she could in her drowsy state listening with all her might; someone had spoken her name. She prayed she wasn't just hearing what her mind wanted her to.
Emma, please…
She knew that voice. Struggling in her stupor, desperate to let her companion know she could hear her, that she was still there, Emma tried to move any part of her body. Even just a finger could be enough.
Ma?
Henry! Henry was there too, he was safe. She tried to fit the pieces together in her jumbled mind, her magic must have worked, the barrier was broken and Gold had released her little boy.
Using the little energy she had Emma concentrated on the two people she knew was with her, willing them to notice she was trying to reach them.
Her hand moved! Mom, I think she can hear us!
Emma felt a sudden pressure on her left hand and she used everything she had to squeeze back. It must have worked because she just managed to hear a sharp intake of breath and the pressure on her hand increased. A new weight pressed on her shoulder, Henry must have come closer to check for signs of life. At least she was getting some feeling back.
True Love's Kiss mom!
What the hell? That brought her up short. Henry knew her and Regina were together? How long had she been out?
Henry, Emma isn't cursed, her body is just very drained.
Damnit, Emma mused, it's not like a kiss would do any harm.
As if her thoughts had been read Regina ignored her own words and Emma felt a soft press against her lips. While there was no bright light or shockwave from a curse breaking, Emma did feel a familiar warmth spread through her body.
As their lips connected a small tremor of their combined magic was just enough to give the blonde a fleeting moment of energy to lift her eyelids.
When the brunette pulled back Emma's hazy vision cleared for a split second to meet a warm gaze that was filled with hope and anticipation.
"Emma," Regina breathed, her face splitting into a breathtaking smile.
The blonde managed a small smile in return and squeezed the hand that still held her own before exhaustion consumed her once more.
XxXxX
Just before Emma was given the okay to go home, Regina had told her what happened after she had blacked out. Like the blonde had suspected she successfully broke the barrier, the town was now open to the outside world.
Emma's magic had created such a potent surge of energy that Regina said even she and Gold had been knocked unconscious for a few moments. Once Regina became aware of her surroundings again she'd scrambled to the blonde to check for any signs of life. With overwhelming relief she discovered Emma still had a pulse, though it was weak.
Despite everything that had just taken place, when Gold called for the brunette's attention he was still his usual smug, controlled self, though Regina could see barely contained excitement behind his eyes that his plan had worked. He said she would find Henry at home safe and sound in his bed. All she had to do was wave a hand over his face and he would awake from the spell.
Before Regina could move a muscle to ring his neck for Emma nearly dying he was already gone.
Quickly focusing her attention back on the woman in her arms Regina enveloped them both in a cloud of purple smoke, landing in her living room. She placed the blonde on the sofa before sprinting up the steps to Henry's room, nearly collapsing at the sight of the boy sleeping soundlessly in his bed.
Dropping to her knees, Regina drew a shaking hand over his face, watching intently as his eyes blinked open before turning to look at her, confusion in his features. When he saw that she was almost in tears the memories of Gold taking him from school flashed freshly in his mind. The only thing the shop owner had told him was the man needed a favor from his mothers and would return him safely when they had completed it. Henry hadn't been able to get a word in edge wise before his eyes were falling shut.
After a bone crushing hug and hurried assurances, Regina ushered him downstairs to Emma. Henry had stopped short and gone very pale upon seeing his other mother unmoving and seemingly dead, but Regina told him everything was going to be fine and transported all three of them to the hospital.
While they watched over Emma, Regina told Henry everything that had occurred while he was asleep; her teaching the blonde magic to break the barrier, the fight with Snow, and hesitantly included that she and Emma were much closer now. She was flustered and irritated at herself for stuttering on a few words but Henry had surprised her by saying he understood and was cool with it.
At first she just looked at him, mouth slightly agape and hurriedly tried to clarify exactly what she meant but he assured her he got it. He had said he was 11, not stupid and he just wanted them both to be happy. He liked when they were all together, as a family.
After that Regina barely contained her tears as she pulled her son into another hug.
The brunette also mentioned to Emma with a bit of a smug expression on her face that when her parents had rushed to the hospital upon hearing the news about their daughter, Snow had very sheepishly apologized for what happened at the diner. She then quickly proceeded to invite them all over for a Christmas brunch, taking care to let Regina know she was included in that invitation as well.
When Emma had finally been released from the hospital the only thing she did when they got back to the mansion was take a shower before promptly crashing into bed. She was asleep before her head hit the pillow.
XxXxX
The room was warm and dimly lit when Emma woke. Rubbing her eyes she looked over to see Regina had drawn the curtains to keep out any unwanted light from the blinding new blanket of snow that fell overnight. The blonde smiled inwardly at the small gesture.
She shuffled her way off the bed and sat still for a moment gazing at the alarm clock on the bedside table. Seeing that it was nearly noon, Emma figured she should get up and move around. As she stood and stretched a groan fell past her lips as her sore muscles protested against the effort, a part of her brain wanting nothing more than to fall back into bed.
Throwing on a pair of jeans and a sweater before quickly brushing her teeth Emma made her way out of the bedroom and to the top of the stairs. Just as she was about to take a step she paused and turned her head to look down the hallway.
Henry's door was cracked open and she could hear music from what sounded like a videogame coming from his room. Emma turned and made her way over, peering in. Sure enough, Henry sat up in his bed, his thumbs moving wildly over a handheld game with a goofy grin in place. Clearly he was winning.
Emma watched him for a moment undetected; he was too absorbed by the small screen to notice her discreet presence. She smiled when he made little mumbles of triumph and had difficulty holding back her laugh when his features would turn into a pout if something wasn't going according to plan.
Henry was only 11 and yet he had already been through quite a lot for his age. He deserved these moments in his childhood where he could just be himself and enjoy the things preteen boys would, like simply play an hour of videogames.
Shaking her head Emma stepped into the room, "Hey you."
Henry looked up and immediately tossed the game to the side, "Emma!"
Walking over she sat on the edge of his bed, "How are you feeling?"
He scoffed, "I'm great, how are you feeling?"
She chuckled at his flippant attitude, like he hadn't just been under a sleeping spell for almost a month.
"I'm just fine kid, feeling much better now than yesterday morning."
He nodded and looked at her with an understanding that went beyond his years, "Yeah, mom told me everything that happened," he took a breath, "I'm glad you're okay."
She offered him a crooked smile, "Me too kid, it got a little scary there for a second, huh?"
He nodded again. They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Emma remembered one particular conversation Henry and Regina had in the hospital and she fought the blush that wanted to form on her cheeks.
"So, um…"
He looked up, his eyes asking her continue.
"Your mom and I, we uh, well she said she…"
"I know, ma." Henry cut her off knowing what she was trying to say.
Emma raised her eyebrow, trying to keep her cool, "And you're alright with it?"
"Yeah," he shrugged, "just as long as you don't get all gross in front of me."
"Can't make any promises," she teased, reaching forward to ruffle his hair.
He laughed and swatted her away before looking more serious, "I don't know, I think before it might have bothered me because she was the Evil Queen, you know?" His brows pulled together thinking of his memories before the curse broke, "but now, I know she isn't really evil and she helped you when no one else could. I think if we were a family that would make her happy."
The blonde smiled fondly at her son, he had turned out to be kind, smart, and thoughtful and she had Regina to thank for that.
"What do you think?" He asked her, bringing Emma back to the conversation.
"I completely agree with you, Henry." She brought him in for a hug and gave him a light kiss on the head.
"Love you," she mumbled.
"You too, ma."
As Emma pulled away she heard a new form of music coming from downstairs.
"You hear that?" she asked Henry as she stood from the bed.
He was already reaching for his game before answering, "Mom's playing the piano, she plays more often when it's Christmas time."
"Regina plays the piano?"
He glanced up from his game, the look on his face screaming, 'duh' like she should have known that, before focusing his attention on the screen once more.
Exiting his room the blonde crept down the stairs making sure to keep her footsteps light. As she walked over the hardwood floor, inching her way towards the living room the blonde paused when a flash of red caught her eye. Slowly turning her head Emma fully took in her surroundings; Regina had decorated while she was asleep.
Brilliant red poinsettia's sat on either side of the front door and entry ways to each room, there were garlands with bows wrapping the banister and the archway to the dining area, and in the corner sat a tree with white and gold wrappings. The colours contrasted wonderfully with the mansion's black and white elegance.
Even after everything they had gone through the past month the ex-mayor still managed to make her house look like something out of a magazine. Glancing around again Emma found she was very thankful for the effort. Her heart sored at the sight and the prospect of having a reason to celebrate this year.
Still in her stealth mode the blonde tip toed to the other side of the room and stopped just short of the living room entry, lingering behind the wall as her full attention was drawn towards the brunette playing a wonderful tune a few feet away. Dressed in her typical fashion, Regina was wearing a slimming deep purple dress that hugged every curve and rode up slightly while she was seated on the bench.
Emma smiled when she noted the brunette had opted to remove her heels in order to play the pedals.
Not wanting to interrupt but also having a need to be near the woman Emma slowly took a step inside.
"I didn't know you could play," she spoke softly.
"I don't keep a piano in my house purely for decoration Miss Swan," Regina replied, her fingers never wavering from the keys.
"Well, I wouldn't put it past you Miss Mills," the blonde tossed back as she eased her way onto the seat, her hip slightly brushing against the brunette's.
Regina smiled inwardly at the contact but her fingers continued to dance perfectly.
Emma was content to sit still and watch the brunette play as she listened to the melody fill the room. Glancing from moving fingers to Regina's face Emma noted the woman looked very at ease when she was playing the piano. The frown lines disappeared, her brow was relaxed, and Emma contemplated she could watch Regina all day just to see her in such a peaceful state.
As Regina played the final note she turned to the blonde, a small smile adorning her lips, "Do you play?"
"No," Emma shook her head, "I've kinda always wanted to learn, but never had the chance. I do play a little guitar though."
"I like the guitar," Regina offered. "Perhaps we could do a trade. I'll teach you piano if you show me guitar."
"Deal," Emma said, resting her hand on Regina's stocking clad thigh, her thumb moving in slow circles.
Regina glanced down at the hand quickly before returning her eyes to the blonde's. She smiled, but Emma could still see a sliver of the internal struggle the older woman went through when she was trying to be open. She made a mental note to work on erasing any lingering hesitation the brunette still had between them. Emma loved her, she always would.
Leaning even closer on the bench Emma threaded her fingers through dark hair and pulled Regina towards her, closing any remaining space between them. Both women sighed at the contact when their lips met.