Hey guys, thanks as always for the incredible reviews! I know there's frustration over the back and forth between Emma and Regina...keep hanging in there. And I think you'll like this chapter ;)

Enjoy the rated M chapter 24

Emma walked up the pathway to the mansion, still chuckling to herself over her dog's determination. Without Regina's consent, Blue had made her his favorite human and refused to be denied the taste of the apples from her tree. Emma knocked on the door, hoping Regina hadn't dropped him off at the pound.

"Door's open—come in."

Emma turned the knob and stepped in to the lit foyer of the house. She expected to see Regina get up to greet her, but she was nowhere to be seen.

"Regina," Emma called, as she stepped further inside, "it's me. Listen, Blue escaped and Archie said he saw him headed up this way—"

"In here," her voice came from the living room. As Emma stepped inside the room, she was shocked by the sight. There, plain as day, Regina sat on the couch. Her glasses were perched on the end of her nose as she held a book. And there, beside her, body pressed up tightly against her leg, was Blue. He cradled something in his paws as he chewed down hard. Upon further inspection, she saw it was the teddy bear she'd won for Regina weeks prior.

Regina saw the despairing look on Emma's face as she watched her puppy destroy the gift she'd given her. She couldn't help but smile. "It really does make a delightful chew toy," she said. "I do enjoy watching him tear it to shreds."

Emma stood in silence as she took in Regina's comment, fully acknowledging that it came from being hurt. She nodded lightly before stepping forward. "Thanks for keeping an eye on him," she said, as she moved closer to the couch. She tried to scoop the puppy up in her arms, but as soon as he felt the pull on his tummy, he growled.

Emma looked confused as she stared at Blue, who went right back to gently gnawing away. "Come on, Blue," she pleaded as she tried to pick him up. "Time to go home."

Blue simply looked up at her and growled once more. Instead of returning to his toy, he moved his little body even closer to Regina, putting his paws and head in her lap.

Regina chuckled as she pet the puppy on his head. "Awww," she cooed, "you're a smart boy, aren't you?—yes—I wouldn't want to go with her either."

Emma smirked and crossed her arms. "Cute."

Regina ignored Emma's hissing and continued to coddle the dog. "That's right," she said while scratching his ears, "Emma's a meanie who gives you love and affection, only to leave you to wake to an empty bed," she said softly to Blue as he yawned. "I know, dear."

"Okay," Emma said, "I get the picture—you're still pissed. But keep in mind that you turned me down. Twice."

Regina didn't acknowledge Emma for a moment. It was only when the blonde sat on the couch that she decided to answer, though still looking at Blue. "I turned you down the first time because you suggested we get a hotel, like I'm some cheap hooker," she said, still in a soft voice, "the second time—well—"

"Well what?!" Emma probed in a manner harsher than she had intended. She stared at Regina, who was still focusing on the dog. She avoided Emma's burning glare.

"I got scared, alright!" Regina finally spat out. She calmed herself as she watched Emma react. Surprise was written all over her face. Emma leaned closer, wanting to comfort her as she'd heard the admission, but Regina pulled back.

"Why?" Emma asked. "Why were you scared?"

Regina took a moment before answering. "I suppose I was scared to let you back in. Scared that we were falling back into this mess too quickly."

Emma absorbed the information. "Scared is one thing," she said, "but being scared doesn't make you get blasted, flirt with another person in front of me, and then intentionally make a show about bringing him or her back to your room."

"No, you're right," Regina answered quickly. "Seeing you with her made me do that."

Emma sighed. "I told you that night—I only invited Kate in because I got upset when I saw you flirting with that other woman."

Regina was quiet again. She selected her words carefully. "I wasn't flirting with her," she admitted. "I know her."

Emma moved her head back and gave a startled, disbelieving glare. "You know her?" she asked. "Regina, you live in a make-believe town and only associate with people in said town."

"I see her when I go out of town."

"Oh," Emma nodded as she smiled. "So you are seeing someone. I fucking knew it!"

"No!" Regina spat back. "It's nothing like that. It's just business."

"What business?"

"Never mind that," Regina answered. "The point is—," she paused. She realized she didn't really know what the point was at all.

"The point is," Emma interrupted, "I was really hurt that night. By first feeling like you'd rejected me and then by seeing you flirt with people. And then taking that guy back to your room—? I mean, you had to know that would hurt me."

Regina nodded. "That's why I did it." She waited for a moment as she watched Emma begin to fall apart inside. "But I didn't sleep with him."

Hopeful eyes looked up at her. "You didn't?"

Regina shook her head. "No," she said, "but I had every right to—especially after you paraded Kate around." She got up and moved to the bar where she poured them each some cider. "But still, I didn't."

Emma took the glass from Regina's hand and sipped in relief. She thought hard for a moment, realizing she had been the wrong one here. She looked up to Regina, who had sat back down next to the puppy.

"Why didn't you?" Emma asked.

Regina sipped her own glass. "I wanted to hurt you," she said, "not break you."

The statement sank hard in the pit of Emma's stomach. Was this what it was like for Regina every time she'd seen her with Kate? When she went back to Boston each time, did Regina stay up late, wondering what the two of them were doing together?

"Regina," she said softly.

"Hmm?"

Emma took a deep breath. "I haven't either—"

Regina looked confused. "What do you mean?"

"I haven't slept with Kate," Emma said. "Not since you first asked me to come and watch Henry that first weekend."

She didn't want to smile. It didn't feel right to take joy in the fact that Emma had neglected her girlfriend, all because she was still in love with her. Love isn't possession. But at the same time, this in its own right seemed like a silent vow they had both taken.

"I heard you, by the way," Regina said, switching topics, "talking with Belle in the changing room."

"Heard me say what?"

Regina raised an eyebrow, knowing full well Emma was aware of what she was talking about. "When you said you'd get married if you were with the right woman—what did you mean by that?"

Emma took a moment to finish her cider. She looked at the dog beside her, who was fast asleep and therefore easy to scoop up. She did, and got up from the couch.

She looked at Regina and grinned. "Exactly what you think I meant."

Before Regina could develop a response, Emma was out the door, headed home. She left Regina with her mouth open wide. Both women spent the rest of the night with a smile plastered on their faces.

The next morning, everyone was awake early and getting prepared for the wedding. Emma and Henry went down to the church with her parents to get dressed in their attire. Everyone was already there, rushing around by the time they'd arrived.

Emma was still adjusting her tie when Ruby swarmed her. She chuckled as the wolf paced back and forth, babbling off anxieties and apprehensions.

"What if we start to hate each other in a month or a year?" she asked. "Or what if the sex goes downhill after today because, you know, we'll know we don't have to try anymore?"

Emma turned and fixed Ruby's hair, trying to calm her, but she continued. "What if I can't do it? What if I can't be a good wife…and a good mom—oh shit," she let out in one heap, forgetting about her promise to Kathryn not to tell anyone.

Her friend laughed as she told her to hush. "Kathryn's gonna fucking murder me!"

"Relax, Rubes," Emma said, placing her hand on her shoulder. "I already guessed."

"You did?!" Ruby asked. "How did you know?"

Emma chuckled. "You guys were dating for what, like, a month?" Emma asked. "Rubes, no offense, but I know you—the only way you, of all people, would marry a girl after a month is if you got her pregnant."

Ruby blushed, knowing Emma had her number down pat. She sighed, slightly ashamed of the truth. "I do love her though," she said, "this little—surprise—it just sped up the process."

"Good attitude," Emma said, "Rubes, put your wolf back in the cage and stop freaking out. You're gonna be a rock star of a wife and an amazing parent. You're only freaking out because it's happening so fast," she said, looking straight into her friend's eyes. "But, life goes that way—really fast. You just gotta hang on and stop worrying."

Emma patted her on the back, as they walked out of the dressing room. "Now let's get you out there so you can go marry your lady."

Regina had observed Emma's little pep talk with Ruby from a distance. She had stopped walking toward Kathryn's dressing room when she saw the two of them. Her cheeks flushed when she watched Emma take such good care of Ruby. It pleased her to hear encouraging words about love…and parenthood. In that moment, she felt a pang of an emotion undetectable in the pit of her stomach.

She shook her head quickly when Snow tapped her on the shoulder.

"Kathryn needs you," Snow said, "she's nervous that her dress doesn't fit right."

Regina rolled her eyes. Now it was her turn to give the words of wisdom.

"I look like a whale!" the bride to be yelled as her friend entered the room.

Regina came to her side. "Sweetie, you're barely showing," she said.

Kathryn pulled gently on her dress as she looked in the mirror. She rubbed over a tiny suggestion of a bump with her hand.

"SEE!" she cried. "Ughh…Granny will kill us both!"

Regina shrugged a bit and looked to Snow, who shared the same expression. Belle didn't know what to say either. Calming Kathryn's doubts proved already to be a challenge—they all knew that. But a hormonal Kathryn was a whole other level.

"Kathryn, dear," Regina finally said, taking her friend's hand. "You are a beautiful woman. Everyone will be so stunned by how breath-taking you are that they won't even notice that tiny thing you call a bump," she said, rubbing her hand. "And if they do, even Granny, everyone knows it was conceived with the love that you and Ruby share."

Kathryn was crying again, but now out of happiness. She sniffed a bit and Regina handed her a tissue. "Come on," she said, "let's fix your makeup."

The ceremony was beautiful from start to finish. Just as Regina had said, all eyes were on Kathryn, marveling over her beauty. Emma nudged Ruby as they both watched the woman walk down the aisle. When Ruby took her hands in her own, they felt an instant calming sense that made all their fears subside.

During their vows, Emma couldn't help but look over into Regina's eyes. They both smiled, happy this time to meet face to face. As they listened to the words, they each drifted into daydreams of similar ceremonious events. It was silently written on their faces. But neither one was certain if their own wishful thinking had led them to believe that the other, too, was thinking fondly of future nuptials.

A dull roar of delight filled Granny's diner following the wedding. Everyone was laughing, eating, drinking and enjoying one another's company. David came up to his wife and handed her a drink.

"Cheers," he said. "Looks like this just may be the first party setting without a war between the two of them," he went on, pointing to his daughter and Regina.

"Seriously," Snow exhaled in relief, "can we double cheers to that?"

As Granny brought out more platters of food, Ruby merrily wrapped her arm around Emma. The blonde laughed as she sank a few inches with the added weight of her inebriated friend.

"I'm so fucking happy, Ems," the wolf slurred out. "You were right. She's beautiful," she cried, tilting her head over to her wife. Kathryn smiled and offered a playful wave from across the room where she was talking to Archie.

Ruby then looked over at the brunette who was busy chatting with Belle and Gold. "Itssa fucking shame, though," she let out.

Emma was mildly confused by Ruby's turn of pace. "What do you mean, Rubes?"

"You and her—," she sighed and groaned. "You two were supposed to be our couple friends! Ya know—double dates, card night, have babies who will be best friends with ours—"

A shallow ache curdled in the pit of Emma's stomach when she heard her friend's admission. A sober Ruby may have developed these idle daydreams, but she'd never speak them, knowing it'd be painful for the blonde to hear. But she was so consumed by her newfound bliss along with the amount of liquor in her system.

But she was not alone. Emma was surprised to feel the weight of her friend be relieved. It had shifted not because the drunken wolf had suddenly regained full control and balance, but rather because it was being shared, by another. She looked over to see Ruby's other arm resting on Regina's shoulder.

"Hey, Ruby," Regina said softly, "why don't you sit next to your wife for a bit? And maybe have some water, yeah?"

Emma hadn't even seen Regina move from her conversational position across the room. She was so busy, averting her glare, unable to watch her loved one while Ruby rambled about a lost future that would never be. But she had swooped in—literally—to help her fill the role of savior.

Emma smiled as they walked Ruby over to her seat next to Kathryn.

"Hey, Baby!" Ruby cried in excitement.

Kathryn laughed. "Hi there," she said as she helped them position Ruby. "Looks like you're having fun."

"Had to drink for both of us!" the wolf explained through a haze.

Regina looked up to her friend. "Watch out for this one," she warned, playfully.

Kathryn gently patted Ruby's thighs. "Oh, don't you worry," she smiled. "I'm getting used to taking care of her."

Emma and Regina both smiled as they left the newly married couple. They walked by the bar, where Regina picked up two glasses of wine, and slowly wandered over to a corner of the room.

"Thanks for the save back there," Emma said as she took a glass from Regina.

Regina nodded. "Of course, dear. It looked like you needed it—especially given the topic."

Emma choked on her wine at the words. "You heard that?!"

Regina nodded once more. "Yes," she admitted, swallowing her own wine, "I choked up too when she mentioned ba—". She stopped short. Emma knew she was going to say 'babies'—meaning the imagined offspring that they might have—if they were together.

The blonde fumbled a bit, swirling the contents of her glass. She looked over at Henry, the real son that they did share. He was blushing and talking to Grace.

"You know," she said, still watching their son, "he's staying at my parents' place tonight—"

Regina remained silent for a moment, still watching her son stumble through a conversation. He certainly unfortunately inherited his blonde mother's inability to flirt with women—for this, she was currently grateful as it likely meant she wouldn't have to scare away too many girlfriends.

She then turned to Emma. She watched her gaze—it was soft and guarded, but still inviting. She didn't need to ask. The brunette was already there, and wanting the same thing. Regina took both of their glasses and put them on the table. She extended a hand to Emma. After a moment, Emma placed a hand in hers, and Regina quietly led the way home.

They didn't speak on the walk home. Instead, they slipped into a comfortable silence, only needing the warmth from the other's hand as communication. The quiet was only interrupted as they ascending the staircase to Regina's bedroom when the brunette turned around to address the blonde.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Regina asked.

Emma only nodded, not needing words.

Regina pressed further. "Because I need you," she said, pausing, "I need you to be sure."

Emma pushed forward, continuing to climb the stairs. "Regina, I'm certain. I want this."

Regina released Emma's hand and moved to cup her face, as she stood on the stair just above Emma. The blonde inched upward, into the kiss, pressing her lips hard. She draped her arms around Regina's neck, as she helped her walk up the remaining steps.

They backed into the bedroom, slowly, still holding each other in sweet and gentle embraces. They only parted long enough to begin undressing. They laughed to each other, as they had both instantly gone to remove the other's attire, getting tangled in the middle. Regina rescinded, allowing Emma to unzip her dress. She removed the jacket of Emma's tux, still allowing her gown to say up. Emma caressed the brunette's newly exposed skin just above her breasts, making her smile as she tugged on Emma's tie.

Regina pulled her toward the bed, though not expecting to cause them to fall backward.

"And I thought Ruby had too much to drink," Emma teased.

Regina pulled the tie tighter for the remark, causing Emma to choke a bit. "We both know it was your clumsiness that caused that, dear," she scoffed. "Now shut up and pay attention to me."

Emma smiled as Regina pulled her up on top of her body. She straightened her knees slightly, as she and Regina fought to wriggle off the dress. Once off, Emma picked the gathered silk material and pressed it to her nose, inhaling the rich scent of vanilla and apple mixed with something that was pure Regina. Regina released a shallow breath at the gesture, and Emma could see from her face that the act had made her wet with need.

Regina leaned up, meeting the blonde halfway, as she went about undoing the tie. She placed it beside her before removing the rest of her clothes. Emma kissed every exposed area of Regina's skin, hearing muttered moans as she went. With the blonde hovering over her naked body, she scratched her nails into her back, forcing an arch.

The two pressed their bodies closer, feeling the warmth engulf them. They tossed and turned, unable to stop returning to the other's lips. Emma flung Regina on top of her, grabbing the curves of her hips.

She stopped as she looked at Regina. It was the first time in over a year that she had such an opportunity to marvel at the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen. Her hesitation made Regina nervous.

"What?" Regina asked softly, wanting to grab for a sheet. But when she did, Emma took her hand instead. She brought her hand back to the brunette's own body and held her hand against it to her bare chest.

"I just—," Emma stumbled on the words. "You're so beautiful. I just—fuck."

Seeing Emma upset surprised her. Regina moved her hand to touch her cheek. "Hey," she whispered, "it's okay."

Emma cradled the brunette's hand in-between her cheek and shoulder. "I never told you how beautiful you are—"

Regina could sense that there may have been more words on Emma's mind, but she put her finger to the blonde's lips and kissed her on the forehead. She moved over to her ear and whispered.

"I didn't either," she said softly. "Emma—you are beautiful."

Their acknowledgement gave them strength. As their kisses deepened once more in a sensual rhythm, they both had their confirmation. Tonight wasn't about lust or sex. It was about connection. It was about love. It was about them.

Emma sucked at the nape of her neck, forcing Regina's lips to part with a sigh. She moved her hands against her chest, cupping and fondling both breasts. Regina's hips began to tremble, asking for more. Emma's hand gradually slipped beneath her. She felt Emma's fingers traced her belly, moving further down and suddenly felt her palm press hard. As the touch made her own pelvis thrust forward, she allowed her hand to span and hold her lover's thigh.

They both began to inch closer to each other's centers. Emma curled her fingers up, palm still pressed to Regina. Regina bit her lip hard as she began to tingle. As Emma massaged the area, Regina glided her hand down, now feeling the heat from Emma. Their eyes locked with a glance as they teased each other with similar movements. As their hips rotated, they both begged for gratification.

Together, they entered one another, causing two deep gasps. The shallow breathing continued as they heaved with the deep thrusts. Regina began murmuring short and sweet whimpers of pleasure, making Emma smile. She was close behind.

"Stay with me," Emma pleaded to her lover. Regina nodded, pulling the blonde into a final kiss. Their lips locked as they moaned, vibrating into the other as they released together. Their embrace broke as the euphoric rush came over them.

Regina fell to the bedside, wrapping herself around the Emma as the blonde pulled the sheets toward them. Emma pulled her closer and allowed Regina to nestle herself onto her chest.

Emma laced her fingers through the older woman's hair. "Stay with me," she said once more. Regina looked up in mild confusion.

"Stay with you?" she reiterated. "Dear, I'm not the one leaving to an apartment in Boston in the morning."

Emma huffed. "You know what I mean." She looked down at Regina, who seemed to be waiting for her to say something more. Emma held Regina tightly and moved to rub small circles on her shoulder.

"I want to leave Kate," she finally said.

Regina sat up slightly, propping herself up on her elbow. "You what?"

Emma nodded. "You heard me," she said, "I'm going to leave her. I'm going to tell her everything. I'm going to come back to you," she sighed, "if you'll have me."

Regina sat completely overcome with shock. She opened her mouth, trying to find the words to say, but they wouldn't come. But instead, Emma continued.

"Regina, I need you," she whispered. "I need you more than anything I've ever needed in my entire life. I don't know how much longer I can go without having you by my side."

The older woman felt a tear welt up behind her eye. She brushed her hand to wipe it as it came tumbling down. She wanted nothing more than to say yes and agree to the arrangement. But something held her back.

"Emma," she said slowly as she touched her cheek, "this is—this is crazy." She sighed, her heart breaking as she saw the blonde begin to cry as well.

"Darling," she continued, "this is lovely, but it's all—"

"Too fast," Emma added, "I know."

Regina sighed heavily again. "I'm just worried, dear. What if all this was just the hype of the affair?" She thought for a moment. "Maybe we should wait—," she added, giving Emma hope. "you know—ride this out. A month apart."

Emma listened carefully. "A month apart," Regina said once more. "Let's take the time to think about things. If we really want this."

"I know I really want this though!" Emma protested.

Regina stroked the blonde to comfort her. "Honey, I know you want this," she whispered. She looked into her eyes. "I need you to be sure you're ready to love me again," Regina added, "I need you to be sure for me."

Emma finally nodded again. "So in a month—?"

"In a month," Regina said, "if we both truly want this—another shot—we'll meet."

"Where?"

Regina smirked. "As if you needed to ask, dear," she whispered. "The bench—our bench."

Emma smiled and hugged her lover closer to her bare skin. "Come here," she whined, feeling as though she couldn't get close enough.

Regina laughed as she felt Emma nuzzle her from behind. She turned her head to kiss her. "And don't you dare think about moving, because I swear to God—"

"I know, don't worry," Emma answered. "Not going to run—not scared anymore."

Regina's heart warmed upon hearing Emma's mumbled words as she slipped into sleep. She allowed herself to rest with ease in her embrace, confident that her grip would not loosen in the morning hours.