Good (Morning, Afternoon, Evening, Night) my wonderful, amazing readers. I am SO TERRIBLY sorry that it took me so fucking long to update this. I got busier than I thought I would with work and still dealing with my sprained ankle. I barely had time to write only getting like 30 minutes a day to get some ideas down.

I hope this chapter makes up for the almost month long wait! Thank you all for sticking with me :)

Also, huge thanks to Veronica1986 (ve_swanmills) for the awesome cover photo! All credit goes to her

Chapter 9 - If I'm Lucky

Emma walks into her kitchen the next morning to see Ruby sitting at the kitchen table, reading over some random paper manual, mumbling to herself.

"Pinch the tip of the condom and then slowly roll it down the shaft." Ruby repeats from the instructions she was reading, not even realizing that Emma was in the room.

"Hey Rubes," Emma yawns as she sits down at the kitchen table. "What're you reading?"

"Oh, instructions!" Ruby exclaims when she notices Emma is up. "I wanted to like... educate you!"

"Educate me on what?" Emma raises her eyebrow, giving Ruby a questionable look.

"Sex!" Ruby smiles as she waves a packet of condoms around in the air. Emma's face immediately turns red, her eyes practically bulging out of her skull. "More specifically, condoms!"

Ruby grabs the box of Trojans and waves it in the air. "I got these for you! I figured we could like help you practice."

"I, uh... you don't need to." Emma stutters out, caught off guard.

"Why not?" Ruby pouts, sticking her lower lip out. "You need to be safe."

"I, wow, uh... I know how to use them, Ruby. It's not like I've never had sex before..." Emma playfully rolls her eyes, but Ruby looks so damn sad, she kind of feels bad.

"But I bought bananas to practice on." Ruby whines, crossing her arms.

"Rubes, dude. It's okay!" Emma tries to reassure. She really does appreciate the gesture, but she's also slightly embarrassed. "I mean, thank you, for probably making some poor clerk at the grocery store uncomfortable and getting me these, but uh- I'm not... Regina and I aren't there yet."

"You're not!?" Ruby's demeanor suddenly changes. "Jesus, Swan. Are you waiting for marriage, first?"

"No!" Emma spits out quickly. "No, I just... we haven't talked about it. It's no big deal."

"It's been like a month, Emma. You guys haven't even gotten like close?"

"I mean, like... she kind of made me hard last night." Emma shrugs. "But I just want to make sure it's like the right moment, you know?"

"Aww, you're so cheesy, Swan." Ruby teases and Emma just blushes and smiles like a dork.

Ruby wasn't wrong, though. Emma had become super cheesy when it came to Regina. And the weird thing to her was that she never actually planned on meeting the woman. But she had, and Emma knows in her heart that it was one of the best things that ever happened to her.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever." Emma rolls her eyes before turning her attention back to the box of condoms Ruby had gotten for her. "What the hell is a Magnum Bareskin?"

"THANK YOU!" Ruby practically yells. "They have so many random types of these things that I just took one off the shelf. Apparently those are supposed to feel like nothing's there."

Emma picks up the box and reads the back, "The thinnest Magnum condom... Larger than standard latex condom for extra comfort..."

"Ruby, why didn't you just get like normal sized condoms?" Emma raises her eyebrow.

"Because according to Ashley at the store, and the size you gave me when we first moved in together, you're above average. So like... Magnum!" Ruby justifies.

"Oh man. Okay, so uhm, I've only ever used like regular ones..." Emma bites her lower lip. "I don't even know if these would fit."

"But you told me you're like..." Ruby pauses.

"7 inches, yeah. But regular condoms are still like 7 1/2 inches in length."

"They ARE!?" Ruby exclaims loudly. "Then what's the difference?"

"I don't know, but I guess there's only one way to find out." Emma shrugs. "Try one on at some point."

"You're going to waste a condom just to try it on?"

"You were literally going to use them on bananas!" Emma jokes and Ruby just shrugs.

"Fair enough."

Regina wakes up way later than she's used to on any given day. When she arrived home last night after her date with Emma, she had noticed that Kathryn was already asleep, which saddened her because she really wanted to tell her about her date. She takes little time getting ready for the day before making her way towards her kitchen.

"Kathryn? I have to tell you about this-" Regina stops mid-sentence when she sees that her sister is sitting at her kitchen table. "Z?"

"How could you not tell me that you were dating Emma Swan?" Zelena asks sadly as she stares her sister down.

"I-" Regina sighs. "I was going to, Z."

"I nearly got threatened by her best friend yesterday. I had to find out from a third party!" Zelena whines loudly and Regina feels really bad that she had left her sister out. "Why couldn't you just tell me?"

"It's complicated, Zelena." Regina says as she sits down, grabbing her sister's hand. "Look, I just... I didn't want to cause unnecessary drama. I wanted to establish what Emma and I were doing before I told you. I'm sorry."

"I just feel so left out. Kathryn knew. And I know that you were probably worried because of what happened with Lily, but you know me better than that. I support you in whatever decisions you make. It hurt, Regina." Zelena replies, looking down at the table.

Regina nods in understanding as she draws in a deep breath. "I know, it just... it took us both by surprise, you know? She's already been super understanding about everything regarding you and Lily, and I just didn't want to mess that up. I really, really like her."

"Oh my god, you're blushing!" Zelena exclaims, almost forgetting that she was slightly upset with Regina. "Aww, that is so cuuuute!"

Regina rolls her eyes and playfully slaps her sisters hand. She leans back in the chair and rubs her eyes with the back of her hand.

"Shut up, Z." Regina says trying to play it off, but the beaming smile on her face at the mere thought of Emma was making her fail miserably.

"No! My baby sister is actually happy!" Zelena squeals before gasping. "WAIT! Did you guys sleep together? Did you finally get laid? Is that why you're glowing?"

Regina's eyes grow wide and she almost chokes on her own spit.

"No!" She rushes out quickly. "I mean, no... we haven't like... you know... yet."

"Well, jeez. What are you waiting for? A freaking proposal? Marriage?" Zelena scoffs. "Please tell me you didn't become some crazy, extremely religious, born again Christian who's abstaining from sex until marriage."

"Nooooo." Regina groans. "It's not like that. I just want to take thing slow this time around. I want it to be the right time."

"You're waiting until you figure out if you love her or not, aren't you?" Zelena wiggles her eyebrows.

"Okay, now you're just being weird." Regina replies. "We've only been dating for a few weeks. We're not even IN a relationship."

"And yet, you're still radiating like the brightest star in the sky." Zelena sing-songs. "And you guys haven't even slept together."

"You're reading into this way too much." Regina mutters, wishing Zelena would just leave it alone for now.

She really couldn't say if Zelena was right or wrong. Everything had changed ever since Emma came into her life. Regina recalls the instance of the spark that set a wildfire of passion and emotion to engulf her. The moment that she knew she was falling hard for Emma. She wouldn't call it love, but it something edging close without so much as a warning. And that absolutely scared her. How she could seemingly feel this way in so little time.

"Well, you're not denying it." Zelena says as she smiles widely at Regina.

"And I'm not confirming it, either." Regina shakes her head.

"Come on, baby sis! Love at first sight exists." Zelena pushes.

"I don't love her." Regina states firmly.

"Yet." Zelena mumbles, rolling her eyes at her sister. "But you will. I can see it in your eyes."

"Don't be so sure, Zelena." Regina says defensively. And she's not too sure why she's fighting so much against what Zelena is saying. Maybe it's because Regina didn't believe in love, not after Mal. It was difficult for her to even think of the concept of love and now, Zelena's making some pretty valid points and Regina can't help but wonder if she's at the stage with Emma.

"Seriously, Regina. What are you so afraid of?" Zelena asks.

"I don't know." Regina shrugs. "It's just like- I've never felt this way before, not even with Mal. And it scares me because if I already feel this strongly about Emma right now, what happens if we actually pursue a relationship? That gives her the power to completely break my heart."

"Well, baby sis, you're right there. But you're forgetting one little thing." Zelena smiles as Regina looks at her expectantly. "It may give her the power to break your heart, but you have to trust her to not do so. Love is a two way street, R."

"I guess you're right." Regina sighs as she plays with her phone. "Maybe I should stop running away from my feelings."

"So what are you waiting for? Go tell her, you idiot!"

"So anyway, she takes me on this boat and tells me about how she hadn't been on one since her father died, but she wanted to face her fears and show me something special about her. It was like the sweetest thing ever." Emma gushes as she tells Ruby and Ariel about her date with Regina.

"Oh my gooood!" Ariel squeals happily. "That's so fucking adorable!"

Emma flashes a cheesy as she blushes and ducks her head. "I just, man, I can't believe things are going so well. I honestly never expected anything to come of all of this."

"You're welcome." Ruby chuckles as she wiggles her eyebrows.

"Hey! I helped!" Ariel cuts in. "I wrote her profile because you couldn't come up with something less boring!"

"It's not my fault!" Ruby exclaims, pushing her red headed friend on the shoulder. "I was the one who found Regina."

"And I was the one who message her first!" Ariel whines. "You can't take all the credit!"

Emma bursts out in laughter as her friends banter back and forth about who did what to get Emma and Regina together.

"Guys, guys! Stop!" Emma shakes her head while her laughter dies down. "Thank you, both of you, for getting my head out of my ass and introducing me to Regina."

"You're welcome!" They say in unison.

Emma's phone vibrates in her pocket and she checks on her friends who are wrapped up in another conversation. She grabs her phone and looks at the screen, her smiling widening when she sees a text from Regina on the screen.

Regina: Hey :) what are you up to?

Emma: not much, just at Granny's with Rubes and Ariel. You?

Regina: out with Z and Kat at The Rabbit Hole. Do you guys want to join us?

Emma looks up from her phone at her friends who have randomly started arguing over something. What? Emma has no clue.

"What? That's not possible!" Ariel exclaims loudly.

"Dude, I'm not even joking. Watch a nature documentary or something." Ruby rolls her eyes at the redhead.

"I just- no. You're telling me that SWANS can be GAY?"

"Well yeah," Ruby chuckles, nodding her head towards Emma. "Look at Emma."

"HEY!" Emma interjects.

"Come on, Em!" Ariel laughs uncontrollably. "It was funny."

"You both suck." Emma huffs out when her phone vibrates again.

Regina: I mean, you don't have to. I totally didn't think that through with the whole Zelena being with us thing, I'm sorry... I understand if it's way too soon to be around my sister.

"Do you guys want to go out?" Emma asks Ruby and Ariel.

"Sure!" They reply. "Where?"

"Some bar called The Rabbit Hole. Regina's there with Kathryn and her sister. They invited us." Emma shrugs her shoulders.

"Is that a good idea, Emma?" Ariel asks, quirking up an eyebrow. "The last time you saw Zelena, you punched a picture frame and had to get stitches."

"Yeah, and I still don't trust her." Ruby narrows her eyes.

"Both fair arguments," Emma starts out, "but if I'm lucky, and Regina and I keep seeing each other, I'm going to have to get along with her sister. Zelena is a big part of Regina's life and I am not going to make her choose between the two of us. It's not fair to anyone to act like that over something that's in the past."

"Aww. That was cute." Ariel squeals.

"And you also have a point, Emma." Ruby adds. "We may not like Zelena, but we do have to be civil."

"Can we just talk about how cute it is for a second?" Ariel butts in. "Emma is putting her past with Zelena to the side for Regina. It's absolutely adorable!"

"Yeah, Swan. You need to lock that down, like now!" Ruby smiles widely. "I mean, I personally wouldn't do anything for anyone like you're doing for Regina unless I loved them."

Ariel gasps excitedly. "Oh my god! Emma, do you love her?"

Emma shrugs her shoulders. She really didn't know the answer to that question. Yes, she really, REALLY liked Regina. Enough so that she's willing to forgive Zelena for being a part of her broken heart in the first place. She didn't want to lose Regina, this much she knew to be true. Regina was something else and Emma knew that somewhere in her heart, her feelings for the brunette were strong. It could be love, but Emma wasn't willing to admit that just yet.

"I don't think so. Not yet, anyway." Emma replies, causing Ariel's face to fall. "But I think if we continue dating, it'll happen eventually."

This makes Ariel light back up at the comment. "I'm so happy for you!"

"Me too, Emma." Ruby smiles as her and Ariel hug their best friend. "I'm glad you are finally happy."

"Now, text her back and tell her we'll be there."

Regina's standing in a corner of the Rabbit Hole, eyeing the door every few seconds to see if Emma and her friends have arrived. She was relieved (and surprised) when Emma texted her back saying they were coming. She knew the time would come when Emma and Zelena would have to see each other, and she shuddered at the thought of the tension that could potentially spark when that happened. But Emma's response had put her at ease, feeling like a huge weight had been lifted off of her shoulders.

She opens her phone up and re-reads the text message as she waits for the blonde to arrive.

Emma: of course we'll join you! I've actually been meaning to talk you about something in regards to your sister, and it would be best if she was there to hear it. It's not bad, I promise! We'll be on our way soon.

Regina smiles at the text, seeing the typing bubbles appear. She patiently waits to see what Emma was typing when another message comes through.

Emma: Hey! Sorry we're running late. Ruby accidentally put in the wrong destination address and we got lost. :) can't wait to see you.

Regina: it's perfectly okay! Just let me know when you'll be here.

"I'm here." Regina hears Emma's voice say. She lifts her head and is instantly met with the dorkiest smile she had ever seen Emma show.

"Hey." Regina beams as she leans forward and kisses Emma on the lips. "Glad you made it."

"Me, too." Emma replies, eyeing the bar. "Drinks?"

"Of course." Regina grabs a hold of Emma's hand as they walk towards the bar where Ariel and Ruby were.

"Here's your beer, Swan." Ruby turns around to hand Emma the drink. "Hey, Regina!"

"Hi!" Regina waves before looking at the redhead. "I don't think we properly met, before. I'm Regina."

"Ariel. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Ariel nods her head. "Can we get you a drink?"

"Sure, thank you."

"Can we get another AMF, please?" Ariel asks the bartender who winks at her before proceeding to make the beverage. "Where's the rest of your group?"

"They're battling it out in billiards." Regina chuckles. "We can go join them soon."

"Cool." Ariel says, handing Regina her drink.

Regina takes a sip and instantly cringes. "God, what is in this?"

"Vodka, gin, rum, tequila, blue curaçao, sweet and sour, and a splash of 7-up." Ariel counts on her fingers.

"Dear lord, that's a strong drink."

"I can get you something else if you'd like, babe." Emma offers and Regina instantly melts at the comment. She knows Emma doesn't notice that she had said it, but Regina definitely did. It made her heart swell.

"Aw, no, it's fine. I just wasn't expecting it to be so strong." Regina says sweetly. "You don't have to get me another drink."

"Are you sure? I don't mind." Emma asks again.

"Positive. Thank you, though."

"Of course." Emma flashes her infamous smile.

They're so caught up in their own little world that they don't realize that Zelena, Kathryn, Ruby, and Ariel were all staring at them. It isn't until someone clears their throat that they break eye contact and both turn red.

"Ah- uh... sorry." Emma apologizes as they turn to their friends. "Kathryn, it's nice to see you again."

"You, too!" Kathryn says loudly over the music. "So I totally just kicked Z's ass in pool. Who's next?"

"I'll go!" Ruby yells, grabbing Ariel's arm and pushing Kathryn towards the billiards table, leaving the other three behind.

Emma stands there awkwardly, rubbing the back of her neck with her hand. She looks at Regina before glancing over at her sister who was also sporting the same uncomfortable look.

"I-" Emma pauses as she musters up the courage to speak. "I wanted to talk with you, Zelena."

Shocked, Zelena nods. "Okay. Uhm, what about Regina?"

"She needs to be there as well."

Regina presses her lips in a small smile and nods her head. They move to a quieter corner in the bar and sit down.

"So, this is awkward, I think we're both aware of that. But... I want to put whatever happened in our past behind us." Emma takes in a deep breath and musters up the courage to finish her 'talk'. "Yes, I was extremely hurt at what had transpired with the whole Lily thing and I wanted to hate you so much. But Ruby told me that you were completely unaware that I even existed until it was too late. And then, it all made sense. Lily was that kind of person, manipulative and greedy. Always getting what she wanted regardless of the consequence. I can't rightfully be mad at you for following your heart because that's what I'm doing now."

Emma then turns and makes eye contact with Regina. "I'm not the best at relationships. I know I'll probably get scared and I'm still working on the fact that I'm kind of dorky and weird, but... Regina, I- I like you so much and I mean, it's like totally terrifying and stuff."

Regina wipes the stray tear streaming down her cheek away as she and Emma both chuckle. "I like you, too, Emma. A lot more than I was ever willing to admit."

"I guess- what I'm trying to say is..." Emma turns to face Zelena now. "I forgive you."

"Thank you." Was all Zelena could reply with before Emma is staring at Regina with so much adoration in her eyes, Zelena could practically see the hearts floating around their heads.

"And-" Emma clears her throat, grabbing a hold of Regina's hand. "I want to be with you. Like- relationship wise. If you're cool with that."

Regina glances over at Zelena whose mouth is agape and who is frantically nodding her head. She turns her attention back to Emma, seeing Zelena run and grab their friends out of the corner of her eye.

"Are you asking me to be your girlfriend, Swan?" Regina smirks and Emma just smiles her toothy grin.

"I mean, if you want." Emma says nonchalantly.

Regina leans forward and captures Emma's lips with her own. It's short and sweet, but packed with everything Regina felt, everything she needed to say. It left both of them breathless.

"It's more than I could ever want." Regina mumbles as she nuzzles her face into the crook of Emma's neck. "So, my answer is yes. I would love to be your girlfriend."

"FINALLY!" All four of their friends scream as Regina and Emma kiss again. "Took you long enough."

Emma continues kissing her girlfriend (yes, she still shocked, too), and raises her hand to flip all of the rest of the group off. Not that she minded at all that they were all there for this extremely heartwarming and exhilarating moment, but right now, this was about her and Regina.

And Emma couldn't be any happier.

AND BAM! SwanQueen is OFFICIAL. But just because we get a lot of the fluff doesn't mean the drama is going to end. Oh no, this story is definitely going to have a few more roadbumps ;)