Rated: M
Fluff and sexy times. ;)
Alright folks, this is the final chapter, extra long just for you.
What I had originally planned on being a short 3 to 4 part holiday fic turned out to be this giant nearly 50,000 word story. How. the. heck. But, I think it was worth it. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thank you to everyone who reviewed, favourited, or followed, I really do appreciate it.
Until next time, enjoy.
Ch 16 – Always and Forever
"Alright Henry, I think that's quite enough tinsel," Regina chided but the bite was taken out of her words by the twinkle in her eye.
Emma chuckled when Henry made a mad dash to throw one last bunch of the silvery thread on a branch before putting the rest away.
"Okay mom it's ready, turn on the lights!"
"I'll do it!" Emma chirped in, trotting over to the outlet with a bounce in her step.
Just as Regina turned off the room lights, Emma plugged in the tree and all three stepped back to take in their hard work. Coloured and white lights twinkled and reflected off the silver tinsel and ornaments casting small rainbows around the room. With a small fire crackling away in the fireplace it was the perfect picture of a cozy Christmas Eve.
Regina's gaze lifted from the sparkling lights to land on the two people beside her, a warm feeling settling around her heart. Celebrating this holiday with Henry had always given her such joy, his young face would light up when he would barrel down the stairs to discover what 'Santa' had brought overnight and Regina's usual stern exterior would melt away.
Her eyes flitted to the bottom of the tree momentarily causing her brows to pull together. With the months past events there hadn't exactly been time to go shopping for presents. The brunette had managed to go out last minute and buy a few things for Henry and a little something for Emma, but the normally present filled tree was looking rather scarce.
Regina knelt down and took Henry's hands in hers, looking him in the eyes, "Henry, I'm sure you've noticed there aren't as many presents under the tree this year, with everything that has happened your mother and I haven't had time to go shopping." She lifted a hand to smooth out his collar before continuing, "We can all go out later this week and you can pick out whatever you'd like, does that sound alright?"
Henry had never been a greedy child, but Regina always had the urge to spoil him during Christmas time, the onetime of the year she was willing to buy just about anything he wanted.
The boy glanced to Emma before turning back to his kneeling mother, "That sounds great mom, but it's okay, I already got what I really wanted."
Regina lifted an eyebrow in question, "You did? You haven't even opened any presents yet."
He smiled, "This present can't be wrapped."
The brunette was still at a loss as to what her son was talking about. She glimpsed towards Emma who wore a small smirk, but the blonde just shrugged her shoulders.
"I don't understand, what was the present?"
"Everyone's happy endings," Henry said as if it was the simplest thing in the world, "and now," he shrugged looking so much like his birth mother, "we can all be a family."
The shock and longing the brunette felt must have shown on her face because in the next second she felt small arms wrap around her shoulders.
Regina closed her eyes to fight back the tears as she wrapped her own arms around her son's frame. After a moment she reached out her right arm, wordlessly seeking the presence of the blonde. Instantly she felt warm fingers lace with her own and Regina smiled into her son's hair, thanking whatever lucky stars were out there that she was finally happy.
Henry began to wiggle in her arms and Regina pulled back to stand up, keeping her hand connected to Emma's.
Letting out a teary chuckle the brunette cleared her throat trying to gain back some composure and ran a quick hand through Henry's hair before speaking, "Well Henry, you know the tradition, if you'd like you may open one present tonight before bed."
Henry's eyes lit up and he knelt down to search for a gift of his choice landing on a long skinny box wrapped in silver paper with a gold bow.
Emma and Regina took a seat on the couch, hands still firmly linked, while Emma craned her neck to see which gift Henry had chosen.
"That one is from your grandparents," Emma said, already knowing what was inside.
The blonde had a feeling Regina would be slightly less than thrilled when she saw the gift, but then again the brunette didn't like much of anything when it came to Snow White and her Prince.
Tearing through the paper Henry got the box open to reveal a smooth hand-crafted wooden sword.
"Awesome!" Henry exclaimed, pulling the sword out to swing it through the air.
Just as predicted Emma felt Regina stiffen beside her and heard the intake of breath as Regina got ready to condemn such a gift, but the blonde squeezed her hand gaining Regina's attention. Emma gave her a look and raised her eyebrows, her silent plead saying not to worry.
Had it been anyone besides the blonde, Regina would have spoken her mind, but instead she huffed, bit her cheek, and held back the remark floating at the front of her mind.
Emma smiled and turned her attention back to Henry, "Careful there kid, you and David can practice with that outside, got it?"
Henry lowered the sword and pouted slightly but soon enough his lips were turning up again into a smile, his excitement winning out over his disappointment.
Trying to rid her disapproving thoughts of the gift Regina attempted a different approach, "That's a nice gift Henry, that sword is well made."
Henry turned to her, slightly shocked his mom had anything good to say about it.
"Make sure you take good care of it."
He nodded enthusiastically, placing his new gift back in its box.
"Alright then," Regina said, "time for bed. I'll be up in a minute to tuck you in."
"Aww but mom, can't I stay up a bit longer?"
Emma stood and ruffled his hair, "Don't you want Santa Clause to come, kid?"
Henry rolled his eyes, "Please, I know mom is the one who buys all the presents," then after a beat his eyes widened, "Wait… if all the characters in my book are real… mom! Is Santa real?!"
Now it was Regina's turn to roll her eyes, "Bed, Henry."
"But…"
"Bed."
He huffed, grudgingly hauling his box off the floor and headed up the stairs.
Emma chuckled when she could hear him dragging his feet a little louder than necessary and just shook her head. "Merry Christmas, Henry!" she yelled after his retreating form. He really was her kid.
She turned back to Regina who was staring at the tree, apparently lost in thought.
Emma took the moment to appreciate how the light of the fire danced over her olive skin and gave highlights to her rich dark hair.
Walking to the front of the couch, Emma extended a hand waiting for Regina to accept it. The brunette blinked and looked up at the blonde before taking the offered hand and let Emma pull her to her feet.
Emma reached around and gripped her hands at the back of the older woman's waist, pulling her close.
"Thank you for a wonderful evening, Madame Mayor."
Regina scrunched her brow, "I'm not the mayor anymore, dear."
"You'll always be the mayor to me," Emma smiled, leaning in to brush their lips together in a sweet kiss.
Regina hummed in contentment, wrapping her arms around Emma's neck.
When they pulled back, both women were slightly breathless, but wore matching smiles.
"Are you ready for your present?"
Regina leaned back a little farther but kept her hands locked around the blonde, "You got me something? When did you find the time to do that?"
Emma lifted her shoulder if a half shrug, "I have my ways."
She winked and raised her hands to pull Regina's from around her neck, placing soft kisses along each knuckle before letting go and walking backward towards the tree.
She rummaged around in the branches for a few seconds looking for the item she had hid earlier before extracting her hand, holding a small box behind her back so Regina couldn't see.
As Emma walked back towards the brunette, Regina could see the blonde grow nervous, in turn causing Regina's own nerves to flair. She wasn't one to like surprises but she couldn't stop the simmering excitement that also occupied her fluttering stomach. She was hardly ever on the receiving end of gifts, let alone ones that were given willingly, rather than out of obligation.
Emma stopped and peered into deep brown eyes that she knew she would never grow tired of, before lifting her lips in a small smile.
"I don't know if this is your style, but I saw it and it made me think of you. When I did a little more research on its symbolism, it seemed so perfect I couldn't pass it up."
Taking a deep breath Emma brought her hands to her front and heard Regina's breath hitch when the small black box came into view.
Slowly, Emma opened the lid to reveal a silver chain with a beautiful lavender rose pendant.
Regina gasped and her eyes grew wide as she leaned forward to take a closer look. Though it was small, the rose was stunning and intricate in design and the very edges of the petals were adorned with tiny diamonds, sparkling even in the minimal light from the fire.
The brunette lifted a watery gaze opening her mouth to speak, but found she couldn't gather any words.
Emma took the reaction as a positive one and gently led the brunette back over to the sofa, holding the box in one hand and reaching for Regina's hands with the other.
"Roses have countless meanings, but lavender roses I learned, are special." Emma smiled again, her eagerness building to tell the brunette why she had picked out this specific necklace.
"A lavender rose is a sign of enchantment or love at first sight and by giving said flower to someone it is a way to sincerely express that love and appreciation." Blushing, Emma took another breath to continue, determined to show Regina just how much she meant to her.
"Regina, the moment we met there was something about you that had me hooked right from the start. Of course I didn't know it yet, neither of us did as any conversation we had were mostly arguments, but there was a fire and passion to you that I always admired, especially your fierce protectiveness and love for Henry.
"When the curse broke, no matter what happened, I already knew I would protect you in any way I could. When Gold threatened Henry and we had to work together and ended up growing closer to break the barrier, I knew I had fallen for you even then.
"Spending Christmas with you and Henry has made me realize just how much I want this, a family, and I know we'll still have our ups and downs, we'll still bicker at each other, but at the end of the day I want you to know I love you and I'm not going anywhere."
Emma paused to carefully take the necklace out of its box and unclip the chain, gesturing at Regina to turn so she could place it around her neck.
With tears still in her eyes, Regina complied and let out the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding once the blonde's hands brushed her skin.
"As I'm sure you know, the colour purple means royalty and so a lavender rose also holds the meaning of regal majesty or splendor." With shaking fingers Emma managed to fasten the clip and let out a breath of her own. She turned Regina back towards her and took the beautiful face in her hands.
"And you," Emma said, "are most definitely all of those things. People may not address you as Your Majesty anymore, but you'll always be my Queen and for as long as you let me, I'll always be your Knight."
Waiting with baited breath for the brunette to say something, Emma thought that maybe she had gone too far, but all her insecurities flew out the window when she felt a pair of lips crash onto hers.
Emma laughed, overjoyed, finally breaking away to rest their foreheads together, "So you like it?"
The brunette let out a breathy laugh of her own before nodding in agreement, "Yes, yes it's beautiful. Thank you, Emma."
"You're welcome," Emma whispered, leaning back in for another kiss.
"MOM!"
Both women turned towards the stairs at the sudden interruption, hearing Henry's call.
Regina gave Emma a sideways glance and a promise to be right back before heading upstairs to tuck in their son.
A smile permanently etched its way onto the blonde's face as her gaze lingered on the fireplace. Emma had been so nervous that Regina wouldn't like the necklace but when she had raised her eyes to see the brunette's reaction she knew it had been a good choice.
The sound of heels on hardwood caused Emma to look up, her smile widening at just the sight of the brunette.
"Our son inherited your lack of patience, I think." Regina said with a smirk.
"Oh no, he got that from you."
It was when Regina stepped into the room that Emma noticed the older woman was holding something behind her back, hiding a surprise of her own this time.
Regina took up her seat on the couch as she pulled the package out to rest on her lap.
"Your gift is quite different from what you got me, but I hope you like it just the same."
Lifting the package she handed it to Emma who began to slide her fingers under each strip of tape, taking care to not rip the paper. The present was perfectly wrapped, crisp white paper with royal purple ribbon, looking like it belonged in a display case.
It was fairly heavy and Emma's mind was reeling trying to figure out what it could be when she lifted the last fold of paper away to reveal a dark brown leather photo album. Silently she ran her fingers along the material, taking in the smooth texture before lifting the cover to look inside.
The first picture she saw was of a little baby boy, he was lying in a crib facing up towards the camera, completely wrapped in a bundle of blankets. She took note of his hair, which was merely a tiny brown swirl on the top of his head.
The second picture on the page was another of the boy but this time he wasn't alone. The image appeared to be a self-taken photo showing Regina, who looked just the same as she did now, holding the small boy in her arms. Her face was split into a breathtaking smile.
"That was the day I first held Henry."
Emma looked up to see Regina staring lovingly at the photo. Reaching forward the blonde took one of Regina's hands in hers and looked back down to flip to the next page.
Each photo after the next was of Henry, sometimes with Regina in the field of view as well, starting when he was an infant and ending on his latest birthday.
The album showed every Halloween, every Thanksgiving, every Christmas and birthday all mixed in among the other events of his childhood.
Emma went through the whole album without saying a word, the room was silent except for the occasional pop from the fire or Regina pointing out something from a specific photo. When she got to the end there were a few blank pages left.
"I hope there will be many more pictures to come in the future, I left those blank so we could add pictures of all three of us."
Emma just nodded, trying to swallow the lump that had formed in her throat. This had been the best gift she could have ever received. She had missed out on so much of Henry's childhood, his first steps, his first words, and for Regina to take the time to document those special moments and share them with her was overwhelming.
"Emma?" Regina squeezed the hand that was holding hers, growing slightly anxious of the blonde that had been silent the entire time.
Finally, Emma returned the brunette's gaze, not even bothering to hide her tears. Leaning to the side, she placed the album next to her on the couch and scooted forward once again taking Regina's face into her hands, slowly drawing her lips into a kiss. It was slow and gentle and Emma tried to direct every emotion she was feeling into that kiss as she knew words could never do justice as to how much this meant to her.
They stayed like that for a moment, unmoving except for Emma's thumbs tracing olive cheeks and Regina's fingers running lightly over the blonde's lower back.
Emma pulled back only to lean in again and kiss full lips once more. When green eyes eventually met brown Emma found her voice and offered the brunette a watery smile.
"Regina, I… thank you for this, you have no idea…" she trailed off looking back down at the album.
A finger lifted her chin to bring her eyes back up to see kind ones staring back at her, "I know."
Those were the only words the older woman offered besides a small smile as she leaned back in to seal their lips.
Placing her hands on stocking covered thighs, Emma squeezed and deepened the kiss. She felt warm, her cheeks were slightly flushed and her heart beat heavily in her chest, but it wasn't from the wine at dinner or the heat of the fire. It wasn't even from the tears that had just spilt from her eyes; it was purely from the presence of the woman next to her.
Regina threaded her fingers through thick blonde locks drawing Emma even closer, their breathing becoming heavier and the kiss more passionate. Emma twisted one hand around the brunette's waist while the other crept its way up the inside of Regina's leg, fingers tickling along each inch the higher it went.
Tearing herself away from swollen lips Emma began a trail of kisses along the brunette's jaw leading to the crook of her neck. Her mouth made its way up to the soft shell of an ear, her tongue darting out to trace its edge.
Regina moaned at the sensation that shot through her body, like a live wire that zipped up her spine.
Trying to gain back an ounce of control Regina reluctantly pulled away, only to stand on slightly unsteady feet pulling the blonde with her. Without a word, she linked her hand with Emma's and led them both towards the stairs and up to the master suite.
Once the light was on and the door was closed Emma moved to pin the brunette against the wall but Regina slipped from her grasp, swaying across the room to light a few candles.
Emma watched, focused solely on the only important thing in the room, "It would go faster if you used magic, you know."
Regina's lips quirked as she straightened her back, placing the used match in a small cup, "I know, but sometimes I enjoy doing things the old fashioned way."
Emma nodded and reached out flipping off the light switch basking the room in darkness, save for a warm glow from the vanilla scented candles.
She closed her eyes and breathed in the fragrance letting it calm her senses, the scent instantly making her think of the brunette.
As she reopened her eyes Regina had taken a few steps forward and Emma immediately mirrored her actions meeting the older woman in the center of the room at the foot of the bed.
Raising her arms Emma traced her finger tips along Regina's neck, over her shoulders, and down her exposed arms, finally coming to rest around her wrists before bringing them back to wrap around her own waist. She then threaded her fingers through dark tresses finding the nape of Regina's neck as she leaned forward to place a soft kiss against a smooth cheek.
Emma turned her head and placed another peck over the scar on the brunette's upper lip, gently nibbling before consuming her mouth in a full kiss.
She could feel Regina's grip on her sweater tighten as Emma moved back down to her neck placing hot open mouthed kisses along her collar bone, licking a faint trail up the base of her throat. Both women let out soft moans when their bodies embraced even tighter.
"Emma, please." Regina breathed out, her fingers already having found purchase beneath the blonde's top, nails grazing creamy skin.
Emma groaned and moved her lips back up to meet the brunette's, tongues exploring and caressing.
Reaching around Emma pulled down the zipper of Regina's dress until it was nothing but a pool of fabric at her feet. Regina tugged and yanked Emma's sweater over her head, the brunette's nimble fingers already moving on to the clip of her dress pants.
Emma kicked the flats off her feet and broke the kiss for a moment to appreciate the sight in front of her. With her vision now having adjusted to the low light of the room, Emma's eyes widened at the woman who stood before her.
Regina was clad in nothing but black lace, from her bra down to her panties and garter belt attached to dark stockings. With Regina having not yet kicked off her high heels, Emma had a fleeting thought that she might actually pass out.
Regina smirked and sat down on the end of the bed, slowly drawing herself backwards towards the headboard. When she crooked her finger in a come-hither motion, that was all the blonde needed to get her mind to snap to attention and her feet to move.
Climbing on top, Emma lowered herself down and her deep exhale was matched by the woman underneath her when their bare skin connected.
Soon they were a tangle of limbs and sheets as their undergarments were slowly peeled away, leaving nothing but naked terrain of each other's bodies to be explored and cherished.
Emma ground her hips down eliciting a gasp of pleasure from the brunette who had her hands firmly locked around Emma's shoulders. The blonde kissed her way down enveloping a taut nipple into her mouth, swirling her tongue, while her right hand ensured the other breast got equal attention.
Regina writhed and panted as Emma continued to lavish her, any nervousness she had when they were previously in a similar position was completely gone. Her whole body was on fire, her blood flowing hot in her veins, and her heart pumping with a greater strength than she thought possible.
She slipped a hand behind Emma's neck to draw her up into a searing kiss, looking deep into green eyes that had turned dark with desire. "I love you," she said, letting any walls that remained completely fall down for the woman that was currently making her feel so wanted, so loved.
Emma's gaze never faltered as she responded, "And I love you."
Letting her eyes flutter closed, Regina bit her lower lip as Emma inched her way back down toned olive skin, nipping sensitive spots along the way.
"You are so beautiful," Emma mumbled out as her lips grazed over a hip bone and her hands kneaded quivering thighs.
With one last quick look at the brown haired beauty Emma dipped her head and traced her tongue along the brunette's wet heat.
Regina's hips jerked off the bed and the blonde wrapped an arm over her to keep her body still.
"Oh God, Emma, yes…"
With her other arm, Emma tightened her hold around Regina's thigh and opened her legs wider, as her tongue continued to dance and dip into Regina's center.
The brunette had a vice like grip on the sheets and was biting her lip so hard she thought she might actually draw blood. Releasing it from her teeth, she sucked in a lungful of air trying to take in all of the wonderful sensations the blonde was drawing from her body.
Every pant, every moan and hitch of her breath drew her closer to that edge she so desperately wanted to reach.
She heard the blonde moan as her thighs trembled again when Emma's tongue flicked just the right way over her clit.
Regina was close now; she could feel it, the pressure building and the warmth spreading through her system.
"Emma," she gasped the blonde's name, one hand leaving the sheets to tangle in gold curls.
"Please," Regina tried again to get the younger woman's attention, wanting to have the blonde close so when she reached that peak they could fall together.
Hearing the plead Emma looked up to see Regina gazing at her with an intensity she had never before seen.
Emma felt fingers tug her hair and she immediately understood what Regina wanted. Licking her lips, she moved up the brunette's body connecting in a kiss once again.
Emma slipped the hand that wasn't supporting her weight back down and entered Regina with two fingers, slowly gliding out to draw circles before sliding back in.
The brunette traced Emma's lip with her tongue as her own hand stretched over a firm stomach and slipped into Emma's awaiting heat.
A heavy moan escaped Regina's parted lips at discovering how wet Emma was, her fingers pumping in and out with ease.
They brought each other higher, their skin slick with sweat and flushed from exertion but both were so close they wouldn't dare to stop now.
Emma buried her face in Regina's neck and ground her teeth together as she teetered on the edge.
"God, Regina."
"Stay with me, Emma…"
Regina nudged the side of the blonde's face getting Emma to lift her head, "Stay with me," she breathed out.
Emma rested her forehead against Regina's as they continued to bring each other closer, so close now to that ultimate bliss.
One beat, two beats, their eyes connected and their lips crashed as they came together, wave after wave of pleasure soaring through their bodies.
Panting, Emma's arms gave out and she let her body drape across Regina's, completely spent.
As their breathing evened Regina wrapped her arms around Emma's frame holding her close; never wanting to let go.
After a moment, Emma shuffled to drape the wrinkled sheet across their bodies and lifted her head to check the time; it was now past midnight.
Looking over to meet heavy lidded eyes Emma smiled, "Merry Christmas, Regina."
Regina's lips curved to match the blonde's, "Indeed it is," she replied, pausing a moment to take in the woman now snuggled by her side.
She looked into those green eyes and found nothing but love and adoration, something Regina's heart had craved for so long.
Emma looked at her knowingly, leaning in for a light kiss before draping her arm around the brunette's waist, securing them both as they drifted into a peaceful sleep.
XxXxX
When Emma opened her eyes the next morning it was still early, Henry wouldn't be up for at least another hour and they weren't expected to be at her parents until just before noon.
She looked over at the sleeping woman beside her, chest rising and falling with each breath. Emma's eyes drifted to the necklace that was fastened around Regina's neck, the small diamonds glittering from any flicker of light they picked up.
Extending a hand, she carefully traced the small pedals with her finger, moving on to the silver chain and drifting off to tan skin. Slowly she made a light trail up the brunette's neck, simply enjoying the feel of the soft skin under her touch.
"That feels nice."
Emma's eyes flickered up to see chocolate brown watching her. Snaking her hand around Regina's back Emma leaned in and kissed her soundlessly on the lips.
"Would it be okay if I said I wanted to stay like this forever," Emma spoke into the crook of Regina's neck pulling her close, "and never let you go."
A soft sigh escaped the brunette, her hand automatically lifting to thread through blonde curls, "I was thinking the exact same thing last night."
Emma rolled to her side so she was lying flat across Regina, her chin resting on the brunette's chest.
"How did I get so lucky," she asked staring into brown eyes, "to have the privilege of loving you?"
Regina blinked as a light burn tingled behind her eyes, tears threatening to appear forcing herself to look away.
"Oh Emma, there's still so much you don't know."
Emma turned her head so her cheek was lying flat against Regina's chest, "I'll never stop caring for you Regina, no matter what. Everything that has happened in your life has made you into the woman you are today and that is the woman I fell in love with, nothing you say can change that."
"I've done terrible things," Regina said, her voice laced with sorrow.
Lifting her head once more, Emma only nodded and placed a gentle kiss on olive skin, "I don't expect you to tell me everything all at once, but I hope, one day at a time, you'll share parts of your past with me, the good and the bad."
Moving her lips over smooth skin a few more times Emma looked up willing the other woman to look her way. When the brunette didn't turn Emma spoke her name in a hushed tone, "Regina…"
With just the single use of her name being spoken the brunette could hear the gentleness and patience in Emma's voice and Regina couldn't help but draw her eyes to meet the woman looking at her.
The blonde slid her hands along the sheets until they found purchase and laced with the woman's beneath her. Scooting up slightly Emma kept her gaze locked with Regina's as she opened her mouth to speak, "I have never met, nor will I ever meet anyone as beautiful as you."
As Regina looked into Emma's unwavering eyes she understood that the blonde wasn't just talking about physical beauty but how Emma viewed her as a person as well and that to Regina is what mattered the most. In her youth, people saw her corporal charm but they never regarded her much beyond that. As a daughter she had been her mother's puppet in a game of power, as a wife she had been a slave to the throne, and as a queen she was lost and consumed by revenge.
She always held on too tight to the things she desired; admiration, power, magic, but the thing she craved for most, to be loved, was always out of reach and so she had given up on it closing herself off never to be tempted or disappointed again. Yet despite all of her walls, she had Henry, who from the first day upon meeting him had slowly started to chip away at her cold heart and now, she had Emma who broke through that last line of defense and brought a light to her soul.
For so long she dismissed or pushed away anything that had potential to bring her happiness for fear of not being able to take another failure at love and cause her heart to stop beating altogether. But if there was anything those green eyes were telling her right now, it would be that some things are worth holding onto, some things are worth taking the risk, and some things will turn out to give you your happy ending.