Title: Last Thing You'll Do
Author: Calliope-plantain
Rating: M
Pairing:Regina/Emma
Disclaimer: I do not own Once. All characters in this story sadly do not belong to me; they're simply being borrowed for a little while, and then will be returned. This story was not written for profit and no copyright infringements are intended.
Storyline: Regina could say her life was perfect… and then it got turned upside down.
Author's Note:Wow how as it been a month since I last updated!? I've been busy at a convention, going back to work and getting a new job too. Chapter up until the end will be longer I promise.
Beta: Scarlet-Marauder awesomely encouraged me to write this, and then was my beta. So any mistakes she's missed and any feelings of distress are her fault ;)
Meeting Heidi and Oscar had gone well. Emma had listened to Henry's instructions about feeding them with an opening hand. Regina had entered the stables to Emma's squeal of "But her nose is so soft". After that Oscar's nose was also tested for its softness. Emma had been a little uncertain when that very same nose was nudged against her to see if she also had a mint for him as well. Rocket had given a very wide birth, almost as wide as Emma's eyes had gone when Charming had rode him passed them all.
She had to bite back a grin at Emma's wide eyed expression as she had mounted Oscar in one swift movement. She could not fight back the audible chortle however when the steed nudged Emma again. The blonde did not jump the second time but stroked the animal's nose once more. She nevertheless gave Regina look of mock disgust when Oscar snorted in her direction and received an eye roll in return.
Regina walked the steed out of the stables while Emma helped carry Henry's equipment. It always felt good to feel the beast's muscles move beneath her, as the slight breeze danced in her hair. Ever since she was a child and she had first mounted Rocinante being on the back of a horse felt freeing. It felt right. Even on her darkest days as Queen being on the back of such a magnificent animal made the world, her world, make sense; and today was no exception.
She watched as Emma walked across to them in the paddock having dump Henry's gear near the other mounting block and Charming. Emma's movements slowed as she got closer to the pair and she eyed the horse as if it was about to attack her. While Regina understood Emma's hesitance she couldn't help but smirk at the blonde's expression, it was as if she was seeing a lion rather than a horse. "You don't have to do this you know" Regina offered as gentle and empathetic as she could without letting the full humour of the situation into her tone. She couldn't help but wonder how she and Emma would be acting right now if Emma was well. Would Emma simply have stayed at home or be keeping her mother company by the stable doors? Was Emma doing this because she felt it was something she had to, and Regina was letting her because of it? Riding with Emma was no hardship, and it was something that Regina had wanted to share with her since she'd first mounted Oscar two months ago. However Regina didn't want Emma to think she had to, not for her.
"Yes I do. I will not having our son call me a chicken" Emma exclaimed actually sounding rather annoyed at their son and Regina was hit by curiosity at what the mother and son had been discussing in the stable.
"Okay" Regina folded easily. Emma often had this effect on her. The Evil Queen had gone soft and most of the time she didn't find it within herself to care all that much. She had everything she could want, reputation meant very little to her now. She turned the steed so he came to stand next to the mounting block, she watched as Emma stepped on upon it, using Oscar's shoulder to steady herself. The blond looked determined but the former Queen could still see a trace of trepidation in the green eyes.
"I also want to ride with you" Emma said flashing a toothy smile that melted her heart. She'd be lying if she denied the flutter in her chest and simply smiled back, words escaping her. She had wanted to share riding with Emma and here she was about to do just that. If only everything in life were that easy. There were so many things she wanted to share with the other woman and knew she never would; and so with all her heart she was treasuring every little thing she could.
"Not that foot" Regina says firmly when she sees Emma lift her right foot. A disgruntled face is all she gets from Emma. All beautiful smiles were gone now, and it was almost just as endearing. "Lead with your left foot. If you start with your right you'll have problems when you get up" Regina explained ignoring Emma's deep sigh and eye roll.
Emma scowled but did as she was told. She would have told Emma to lever herself using the front of the saddle but Regina found it was just as easy to guide her via a firm hand to the blonde's waist. "Lean forward" Regina instructed as Emma became level with her. Regina was surprised Emma didn't make a remark about her looking at her backside which was in fact being thrust into her as Emma followed her instructions. "Swing your leg over, over his head" Regina continued resisting the urge to chuckle when Emma's upper body became flush with her own. Thankfully Oscar had his head lowered so Emma's boot didn't clip him as her other leg moved to the other side.
It took Emma a moment to rearrange herself into the saddle and against Regina, only once she was settled did Regina alter the reigns around her. It felt good to have Emma up here, pressed against her front. She felt relaxed and calmed by the warm body pressed against her own. Though from Emma's stiffened posture she could assume Emma wasn't as comfortable as she. It was hardly a surprise considering the other woman's lack of experience on the back of a horse.
"Straighten your back a little" Regina suggested and felt Emma's immediately follow it. The change in posture might make Emma feel more comfortable once the horse was in motion. She was also sure she heard Emma mutter something under her breath, but the hand that wasn't still grasping the saddle horn moved to clutch Regina's thigh felt more secure than the rest of Emma's body. She would let her love down the second she requested it.
"Ready to move on?" Regina asked directly into the ear in front of her. She had watched Henry mount his steed with no hesitation and could see that he was already being led by Charming. He really had come on leaps and mounds these last few weeks.
"We don't need to move or get down. I'm good here thanks" Emma exclaimed with a little more bravado than Regina knew she was feeling. She couldn't help but shake her head slightly as she chuckled at other woman's expense. She really was as stubborn and hard-headed as Regina had always known her to be; and she wouldn't have Emma any other way.
"Do you want me to let you down?" Regina asked maintaining her grip on the other woman's waist so if in the event Emma decided enough was enough and tried to flee she wouldn't take Regina and poor animal down with her, and so she did not fall and hurt herself in the process.
"No. I want to ride I'm just….not all that comfortable" Emma said staggeringly as she once again altered herself against the leather with a small jiggle. It was with an aspirated sigh Emma leant back against her, still feeling as stiff as ever.
"Ready?" Regina asked biting back a grin at Emma's clear annoyance at herself for not being a natural at something that was so foreign to her. Of course it all felt strange and uncomfortable. It had taken Regina years to master herself on the back of horse, and even then skilled riders like herself had accidents.
"Fine" Emma huffed slightly, leaning her head back against Regina's shoulder.
"Don't sound too enthused dear" Regina quipped and felt Emma's chuckle rather than heard it. She also felt Emma's head turn slightly so her breath danced across the column of her throat. It was as if Emma was using her to shield her against any disaster that might occur, knowing Regina would protect her no matter what. The gesture made Regina's grip on Emma's waist tighten ever so slightly as she gently squeezing her calves she felt the horse beneath her move straight into a walk. Despite the slowness of the horse's movements she felt Emma tense against her. Though the tension within the blonde's body seemed to ebb within a few seconds. The experience was clearly not as bad as she had feared. Regina as she had mounted had briefly considered showing Emma Oscar's trot but had long decided it was something to save for another day. Despite Emma's now more relaxed state she knew it was the right decision.
Regina easily let the beast beneath her walk and got him to turn effortlessly. Emma it seemed had decided she wasn't in any harm, and turned to face the front again, though it was now the back of her head that rested against Regina's shoulder. It felt…nice and easy. It almost felt as if it was just them and the world didn't matter. Regina logged in the back of her mind for future riding lessons and trips. If things got too stressful as she knew they undoubtedly would in the upcoming months, being on the back of Oscar helped immensely. Even Emma seemed to have melted perfectly into her frame, though Regina managed just in time to fight back the smirk at knowing Emma might regret being so relaxed upon the back of the horse tomorrow.
"I can't believe you all used to do this" Emma said pulling Regina out of her musings maybe Emma was more uncomfortable than she thought.
"It was one of the only modes of transport" Regina replied softly and felt Emma's body shudder with a chuckle as they passed Charming giving Henry what sounded like instructions about how to hold the reigns properly.
"I'll stick with the Bug" the former Sheriff continued her tone still flickering with humour.
"It's not that bad" Regina retorted incredulously.
"No it's not" Emma replied her tone still full of mirth. "But can't help but wonder how you used to do this in a dress" added quietly so only she could hear the words as Henry rode his steed towards them.
Regina didn't even bother holding back her laugh and it felt good to feel it vibrate through her chest. "Practice" Regina replied simply. "And skill" she added firmly through her tone was still one of jest, still amazed by the ease of their interaction. It was as if nothing had changed, and all for the better.
"Hmmmm" Emma said though her air wasn't one of mocking. In fact the squeeze of the saviour's hand on her thigh seemed almost suggestive. Who knew the idea of Regina riding was such a turn on to the other woman…on second thought she knew that already.
Henry pulled up alongside them. "What takes skill?" the teen asked. Regina watched as he held the reigns and just as easily as she guided his horse around the upcoming bend. She was impressed at how easily the young boy had taken to riding, and at how easily he followed his mother's and grandfather's teachings.
"Riding in a dress" Emma answered simply and she saw Henry grin. The very grin that Emma often gave when she was up to something.
"There is no way you could ride in a dress Ma" Henry quipped followed by a smirk. Regina felt the slight pang in her chest at Henry's ease in using the word "Ma". It wasn't one he had used during Emma's time away, and it almost hurt that she hadn't realised it. Maybe Emma's absence hadn't left him as unaffected as she thought or he made out. Though Regina at times had almost banned him from saying Emma's name so why would he feel he could call her "Ma"? Despite the slither of guilt that fell upon the former Mayor even she heard the almost challenge in their son's voice, a challenge she did not like very much. Emma on the other hand much to Regina's relief did not take the challenge but instead stuck her tongue out at the teenage boy. "Though it would be rather funny to see you ride in that dress you wore in Boston" Henry continued with a quip.
"Whatever kid" Emma retorted back with a burst of laughter that sounded a little too full of mirth to be completely genuine. The notion was only confirmed by the grip upon Regina's thigh tightened almost painfully so. Emma did not want to show weakness in front of their son, and Regina would allow it. Both mothers watched their son roll his eyes as Charming's booming voice called him over. If Regina was in the mood she would scold Henry for being so rude to his Grandfather even if the other man couldn't see it. As it was she simply let the teen lead his steed away unharmed.
"What dress from Boston?" Regina asked directly into the ear almost pressed against her lips, delighting in the slight shiver the action causes in her riding mate.
"The night Henry came to get me I was wearing this pink dress. I was on a job…" Emma explained leaning back even further into Regina's frame.
"Why have I never seen this dress?" the former Queen interrupted trying to sound slightly intimating, though she suspected the hand pressed securely against Emma's abdomen lessened the effect somewhat. There were several things about their relationship that hadn't changed even by getting together. They were still the only person in the town that could stand up to the other, meaning their arguments were often heated and passionate. Only now instead of quips and magical duels their conflicts were often solved between the sheets and ended in sleepy kisses. Something else that had never changed over the course of their relationship was Emma's inability to be effected by the "Evil Queen" persona, and as such often didn't feel intimated by it.
"Just never worn it" Emma replied nonchalantly. Some things really do not change, and Regina wouldn't have it any other way. Certainly not Emma and the way she viewed the former Queen.
"Can I see it on you sometime?" Regina asked softly, resting her chin upon Emma's shoulder. She felt the ghost of a smile lick at her lips as she felt Emma's hand that had been previously melded to the saddle horn come to rest upon hers against the blonde's stomach. The upturn in her lips turned into a full beam as she felt Emma's fingers entwine with her own. Regina fought back the quip that maybe this riding thing wasn't so bad after all. She was just happy to have Emma in her arms.
"Sure…not sure it will fit but yeah" Emma's responded and it felt as if Regina had been kicked in the stomach. The air around them seemed to thicken making it nearly impossible for the former Mayor to breathe. Of course the dress wouldn't Emma anymore; the younger woman had lost so much weight since that night three years ago. She'd lost so much in the last few months, and yet was still her Emma more than ever.
"Good" Regina breathed faintly, the sensation of lead weighing her down to impossible depths almost crushing her into nothing. She could feel her heart drumming at a near impossible rate against her ribcage as if it was trying to escape her chest. Emma on the other hand merely snuggled in tighter unaware of Regina's inner struggles. Why did things have to feel so right…so normal? If she had something to fight, something to work on she'd feel better. She wouldn't feel unable to help her partner… so completely and utterly pointless. All she could do was hold on a little tighter and wish for a miracle. That could happen right?
"You just like me in a dress" the snug blonde retorted and Regina couldn't help but place a kiss upon the hair being burrowed into her face. She deeply inhaled the smell of her own shampoo mixed with the scent uniquely Emma, willing her heart and anxiety to calm. She needed to be strong for her son and lover, neither would benefit if she lost her nerve and broke down.
"I think you'll find I prefer you out of them" Regina countered in a weakened version of the same suggestive manner Emma had adopted before their son had interrupted. She didn't even try to fight the small smile that took hold of her lips as she felt Emma shiver at her words. Regina could feel the conflict within her gut. The need to feel useful and to grieve what was coming but also the necessity to just make Emma laugh and to enjoy the time they had left. Maybe that was what Emma needed of her. She needed Regina to be happy with her and to make her laugh. To revel in the enchanting way the blonde giggled and make sure that every day they had left together she heard that noise. That was her mission now, but she knew at times they'd both need time to be upset. Upset over what could have been and would never come to pass.
"Good to know" Emma whispered quietly as they walked passed Henry and Charming once more, neither however looked up for their current task to notice the two women.
"You've never told me about that night" Regina said watching her son nearly hitting his grandfather in the face with the reins in his hands.
"What night?" Emma replied sounding clearly confused. Regina swallowed back the urge to ask if Emma had forgotten their previous conversation. It was difficult for her to consider the blonde's inability to retain certain things with the possibility that anything could be forgotten…she couldn't even fathom how terrifying and upsetting it must be for the sick woman in her arms.
"The night Henry came to get you from Boston" the former Queen supplied cautiously.
"I told you about it that night Regina" Emma remarked disbelievingly.
"No you told Madame Mayor the woman who adopted your son" Regina explained softly and felt Emma's chuckle vibrate through her chest and warming her heart instantly.
"You are aware you are "Madame Mayor the woman who adopted my son" right?" the other woman countered with a tone laced with sarcasm. Emma moved her head possibly to be able to see Regina's face but their position made it impossible.
Regina's only retort was an eye roll that she realised too late that Emma couldn't see. "Yes but I'm also now your partner. Are you telling me I know everything that happened that night and what was going on in your head?" the brunette bite back, though she ensured her tone was nothing but loving. Knowing Emma as she did now, she could only imagine how Emma had felt that night. She could practical visualise the look on her face when Henry introduced himself. As it all had worked out for the better she was sure Emma could laugh about it now, but she knew even if Emma had never shared it with her, that the blonde had probably been terrified.
"God no…I don't even think I know what was going on in my head that night" Emma said with a rush that ended with a bark of laughter and a shake her head causing her hair to impede momentarily with Regina's vision.
"See…" Regina replied all too smugly as she blew the hair from her face. Despite Emma's invincibility against her alternative persona, Regina did still like to win sometimes.
"Okay you have a point, and yes I will tell you. But can you please let me down" Emma said her speech even quicker than her previous words. All feelings of smugness was wiped from Regina system as she felt worry flood through her veins and bitterness corrupt her mouth.
"Of course…Are you okay?" Regina asked trying to keep her voice as steady as possible as she guided them over to the mounting block as not to cause alarm to either Charming or Henry who were only a few hundred yards away.
"Yep just want to get down before I throw up" Emma replied trying, and failing to make the situation sound mundane and boring as possible. Regina would never be able to forget Emma's morning vomiting sessions before she left. She would never forget the days she woke to the sounds of the blonde retching behind their bathroom door or Emma's sobbing in her arms as she fought the urge to bring up the only thing left in her stomach…Bile. Emma's throw away remark and tone do nothing but increase the feeling of worry in the pit of her stomach.
Emma barely waits until Oscar is stationed next to the mounting box before she attempts to flee the steed's back. "Basically do what you did mounting him, but in reverse" Regina says as fast as she can as Emma's leg swung back across the horse's neck. Once again she was thankful the blonde didn't clip the animal in her hasty attempt to dismount. She held Emma's waist once more as she slid from the saddle a little messily.
"The Bug doesn't give you motion sickness" Emma said with a slight jest to her voice as her boots touched the ground, though the colour had all but drained from the blonde's already pale face.
"Are you okay?" Regina asked, leaning down so she was closer to Emma's height and so Henry wouldn't hear their conversation. She however heard Charming speaking slightly louder than was necessary and couldn't help but wonder if the man was aware of what was happening. Even if he didn't she was thankful he was there to be a welcome distraction to their teen son.
"Yeah just going to go and sit with Mom while you finish up" Emma replied with a wave of her hand. Even Regina could see the blonde was not as carefree as she was making out, as the other woman stood slightly bent at the waist. The lesson had at least thirty minutes left though Regina knew if it was needed they could cut the lesson short.
"Okay" Regina asked making the horse move once again and trot across to their son and his grandfather making sure not to look back at the sickly woman. If she did she wouldn't be able to leave her side, and she wished more than anything that she did not need her to. Henry needed her. Emma needed her, and so she would play her part to a tee.
However she couldn't fully concentrate on the lesson. Thankfully it seemed Charming had noticed her lapse in attention because he was leading the session, Regina simply had to keep up and offer tips when necessary. Her lack of attentiveness was a result of her inability to keep her watchful eye away from Emma. She had watched as Snow had greeted her daughter with slight surprise at being joined. She had watched as the two women discussed something, Emma seemed to be more animated than Snow. The older woman simply nodded and interjected when she deemed appropriate. Regina couldn't help but wonder if the last few months' of phone calls had been like this. Or maybe Emma was making up for lost time now she was finally able to talk to her mother openly.
Regina's attention from the huddled women was pulled away when Henry nearly slipped from Heidi's back. Thankfully he had taken action and remained seated using the techniques she and Charming had shared with him. It wasn't the first time the young teen had fallen off, but it was the first time he'd been able to remain on the horse once he'd been unseated. By the time Regina looked back across towards the stable door Snow had vacated her spot, leaving Emma to sit on the ground writing in what looked to be her diary. Regina understood the blonde's need to remember things but if she spent all her time writing it all down she'd miss everything she was trying so hard not to forget.
Snow didn't return until the riding trio had dismounted and led their horses passed Emma into the stables. Regina noted that the former Sheriff did not follow them in, but waited until the horses were back in their stalls. Looking across she saw Emma leaning against the doorframe of the nearest entrance, she watched as a small smile flickered across her face but did not quite reach her eyes.
As the family made their way to their cars Regina had two surprises thrust upon her. The first was their son bounding his way towards the bug clearly wanting to ride with them not his grandparents and the second, which surprised her even more, was Emma shoving the car's keys into her hand. Due to Henry's close proximity all Regina could do was shoot Emma an inquisitive look and saw moist green eyes looking back at her.
"I can't! I'm sorry" Emma flustered with a low hiss clearly trying to not gain Henry's attention as they drew nearer to the boy leaning against the yellow car. Regina had never driven the bug before, she had no need to but Emma had never allowed it anyway. The younger woman seemed to think the antique vehicle maybe in danger with Regina in charge. She wasn't overly fond of the brightly coloured car but she certainly didn't want to inflict damage upon it.
Regina let her gaze dash across Emma's face searching for a reason the other woman was giving up one of her most prized possessions when she had never before. Seeing none she felt the rush of bewilderment rise even further however she simply nodded. With all her being she fought the urge to ask the blonde what was wrong and ignore her son's look of confusion when she climbed into the driver's seat instead of his birthmother.
Regina easily followed the Charmings through the smaller winding roads towards the coast. Henry was talking nonstop about riding and how he was going to make a huge sand castle with a moat that may or not may reach from the sea. She let the boy's tones wash over her, while Emma's silence felt as if it could crush the driving trio at any given moment. Henry didn't seem to notice Emma's absence from the conversation as the blonde stared almost unseeingly so out of the window. The thick tension that was rolling from the woman's small frame did nothing to ease Regina's worries, it in fact intensified them tenfold making the ever present butterflies in her stomach flutter sickeningly so.
It was only when they pulled up behind David's car that Emma moved at all. The blonde got out of the car to allow Henry to clamber passed her from the back and then he was off with a sprint towards his grandparents. Regina couldn't help the familiar rush of pride when her teenage son took one of the bags carrying their supplies from Mary Margaret. Emma was still stood with her hands clutching her door also watching the scene unfold in front of her. It was so mundane. So ordinary but she like Emma felt the joy and pain of it. The joy of having it, witnessing it; and the pain of knowing it won't last.
Climbing out of the car and locking the door behind her, Regina made her way to Emma's side. Regina felt the other woman jump as placed a hand on Emma's shoulder but she didn't turn to face her. Thankfully Henry didn't look back as he and his grandfather race around the corner but Snow did. It was with a look of polite confusion she waved them over to her. Regina couldn't speak, all she could feel were Emma's muscle tightened against her hand on her lower back. The older brunette simply held on finger up, indicating the need for a minute alone and was thankful when the pixie haired woman nodded and followed her husband and grandson out of sight.
The blonde's hands were deathly white from the grip she had upon the top of the car door. In fact Regina was surprised the metal hadn't altered its shape beneath the force of it. Regina swallowed gently before whispering the blonde's name as gently as she could as to not startle Emma again. What she did not expect was the other woman to spin on the spot and engulf her entirely. Emma's form melded so completely against her own she struggled to know where she finished and Emma begun. Despite the public nature of their relationship Regina found it difficult at times when Emma instigated public displays of affection. All cares of what an outsider may think were gone the second she felt Emma's arms surround her tightly.
"Thank you" Emma breathed against her ear making the former Queen shiver, but her own grip upon the other woman only tightened. Regina felt Emma move, only to rest her forehead against the older woman's shoulder. "My head just hurts" Emma's slight whine was muffled against her flesh but was heard with painful clarity. It wasn't just the urge to vomit Emma had been dealing with.
Regina lifted a hand to the back of Emma's head, feeling the woman shiver when her fingers wove their way through the shortened tresses. She'd stand here as long as Emma needed her to. "We don't need to do this today" Regina whispered into the mess of blonde hair near her mouth and couldn't help the rush of guilt at the realisation on some level she meant telling their son about Emma's condition as well. She however had no time to swell on it as was nearly nutted in the face by Emma's rebounding head as it was lifted swiftly.
"Yes we do. I'm not letting him down Regina!" Emma all but rushed her tone was thick with anguish that hurt Regina's heart to listen to it. She felt the pain so deep within that it was almost suffocating, because she, Regina had said the very same thing. The former Queen before she knew of Emma's fate had accused Emma of letting their son down. Of course Emma believed it. Regina could feel Emma's heart beating against her front, trying to out beat its twin within the brunette's chest.
"Emma you're not" Regina breathed, trying to swallow the lump in her throat that was threatening to overcome her. She watched as a single tears rolled down the blonde's cheek. Regina's heart seemed to swell in her chest. It felt tight and restricted as it struggled to keep beating under the pain she saw reflected in her lover's face.
"I can't even drive for five minutes without worrying my next migraine is going to cause me to plough into oncoming traffic endangering my family" Emma explained frantically as more tears fell and her pitch and tone heightened almost inaudibly so.
"That's why you wanted me to drive" Regina replied easily wiping away the hot tears that fell from the jade eyes. It stung to watch Emma's turn her face towards Regina's hand, and the brunette effortlessly cupped the damp cheeks with both hands. Emma's slightly sheepish look was answer enough, only confirmed by the small nod that followed. As each new tear fell the former Queen wiped them away with a sweep of her thumb; the brunette fought against her own tears. She refused to cry again, not when Emma needed her to be strong for her. She would be Emma's knight in shining armour as Henry would say.
"It was stupid to bring the bug, you should have driven" Emma brokenly continued once more, only she didn't let her eyes reach Regina's gaze. As their bodies were still pressed together she felt Emma's shiver, only this one was not of pleasure but grief.
"Emma" Regina said delicately and felt Emma's huff against her face. The brunette realised she wasn't going to get another response and tilted the jaw her hands upwards, making it impossible for the blonde too look anywhere else but at her. "We're fine" she said deliberately staring Emma right in the eye, almost daring her to disagree with her. In true Emma Swan fashion of course she did.
"Yeah because you drove. What if something had happened?" Emma whined with a wave of her hand that clipped Regina's shoulder due to their proximity. She chose to ignore it.
It didn't" the brunette she countered clearly and saw Emma's mouth opening in argument before she'd even finished her two word reply.
"It could have!" Emma said her voice louder than it had previously been. Regina bit her lip in order to stop her immediate retort because Emma needed something that was thought out. There was little Regina could say to make the other woman feel better. Nothing had gone wrong! Emma had known something might have and had trusted her enough to confine in her and share the burden. She had allowed Regina to help her in the way she needed. That alone amazed the other woman.
Regina saw Emma's mouth open to continue what would undoubtedly be an incoherent rant and without thinking she seized it. The other woman's argument was immediately muffled and almost as instantly silenced. She felt Emma's lips meld and move with her own as she used the hands cupping Emma's face to pull her in closer. The kiss was not urgent or rushed. Regina could feel Emma's hand resting over her heart and felt it clench at the tender action.
Pulling away she allowed her forehead to rest against Emma, enjoying the other woman's boots giving Emma a slight height advantage. As she opened her eyes, Regina could feel Emma's breath tickling her face and wanted more than anything for the saviour to open her eyes. She couldn't however break the look of calm upon the other woman's face for anything.
"You're safe and so are we. I promise you" Regina breathed and felt her heart skip a beat as Emma opened her eyes. She could see the fight within the eyes looking at her. The fight to just give up, the fight to run but also the fight to believe her. To keep going, and maybe she'd succeed. "If need be I'll drive us places and you and Henry can play those annoying car games you love so much" the brunette continued with a heavy sigh but knew her beaming grin was even bigger than the one she saw form in slow motion on Emma's face.
"We're okay" Regina stated more firmly this time and felt Emma nod as if she believed every word that came out of her mouth. Regina wasn't even sure if she believed it but she knew if she had Emma by her side she could survive anything. "Come on" Regina said letting her hand fall to take her love's hand in her own and pulled her away from the car and to slam the door behind her. "We better go save your mother before David and Henry try and bury her" she said jestingly and felt her heart skip at the gently chuckle from the woman gripping her hand so tightly.