As a usual habit, Regina busied herself in her office, dealing with the latest budget for the Christmas streets decoration, so that she didn't think of the look on Emma's eyes that morning nor the tug at her stomach she had felt at the thought of leaning in. Of course, she had failed and her mind drifted to that thought every 5 minutes.
She growled and left the pen on the table to massage her temples, and only then realised it was dark outside. It was past 7; she hadn't realised the time. Regina decided it was good for the day and, after signing one more document, she picked up her things and walked to the car.
Her phone rang on her pocket once and as she entered her car, she pulled it out and read a text on the screen. It was from Emma.
Do you need new Christmas decoration?
She blinked at it, not sure about what she meant, when her phone rang again and received another text.
MM only have decorations with birds on it. Awful. Henry and I are going to but new decoration tomorrow.
Regina smiled; of course Snow's decorations would be awful. Still, she stared at her phone, not sure about how to answer. She must've taken long enough, because her phone rang and saw another text.
Maybe you could come with us?
Regina bit her lip to stop the smile that fought its way out at the proposition. Her fingers hovered over the screen, thinking her answer, and then typed.
Text me the hour and place and I'll be there.
She started the car, but the reply came in so fast she didn't have time to leave the parking lot.
Awesome. That shop at the end of Main Street, the one with the big Santa outside at 6. See you there!
Regina left her phone on the passenger's seat and breathed out happily, trying to ignore the little voice in her head that reminded her the kiss on the kitchen. And failing.
As the Mayor approached the meeting point, she saw Emma casually leaning on the storefront looking at her phone, but here was no sight of Henry.
"Regina," Emma breathed as she saw her almost at her side. "Henry couldn't wait. He's already inside."
"Shall we go in then?" Regina asked pointing at the door. Emma nodded and bowed her head to hide a smile, but Regina didn't miss it. Once inside, they quickly found Henry, looking at different sets of Christmas balls.
"Finally! I think these are the best looking," he pointed out at blue and white balls staring at his adoptive mother waiting for a confirmation. She looked at all the options and then nodded.
"I agree, they are."
"Cool, so we can get these," he said putting the package inside the cart.
"Hey," Emma protested, her eyebrows furrowed and her hands on her hips. "And what about my opinion?"
Both Henry and Regina looked at her with mirrored expressions on confusion on their faces, but it was the kid who spoke. "You wanted to but that big Santa to put it on our door," he said as if that explained it all, and turned to keep walking, leading the way with the small cart.
Emma huffed, "It is a good idea."
Regina laughed at the situation; at least their son had picked up some things from her, like the good taste. They walked behind him, and the Mayor noticed Emma always kept at an arm distance from her, even when they stopped to debate the best choice with Henry.
"I didn't know he would be so bossy," the Sheriff murmured after a few rejections at her ideas.
Regina smiled, "Christmas is his favourite holiday; I guess he just wants it to be perfect."
"I don't think the perfection of a holiday measures with the decoration, but with the people you spend it."
The Mayor was about to argue her when Henry interrupted them as he tugged on Emma's shirt. "Can we but some chocolate bars when we finish?"
"I told you you were banned from chocolate bars until you learn to control yourself. I'm not going thought another of your sugar rushes again," she said shaking her head.
"But mom," he tried pouting. "I'm hungry."
"There's sugar free food at home, you can eat that when we finish here." He growled but turned and kept walking, looking at the chocolate bars by the corner of his eyes. Emma sighed, "I don't know how you could do this and still keep your sanity at a good level."
Regina smiled and glanced at their son, "With love and lots of patience. You're not doing it as bad as I thought, though."
Emma looked up at her, a smile on her face, and Regina got the feeling she wasn't told that very often, "Really?"
"Yes, Emma. Really," she admitted with a reassuring grin.
The Sheriff nodded proudly, more to herself than to Regina, and looked over at Henry, "I've got it easy; you educated him very well."
"That doesn't take the credit away from your efforts," she said matter-of-factly.
She noticed Emma's blush of her cheeks as she cleared her throat, "Uhm, so what are you doing for Christmas? Are you going to the Christmas Eve party?"
Regina's features hardened and clenched her jaw, "I didn't get the invitation."
"Oh, that's not a problem. I invite you. You can spend the night with Henry," and me, she said with her eyes, but Regina missed and looked forward instead.
"I don't feel like sharing a room full of people who hates me. I'll just give Henry his present afterwards."
Emma stopped, making the other woman halt and turn to her, "But you can't spend Christmas alone."
Regina stared at her, her eyes watery, "I have no choice."
They held the gaze for a moment, and for the first time that evening, Emma didn't stand at an arm distance, but closer to her. The Sheriff opened her mouth to speak, but once again Henry interrupted, "I think we got everything."
Regina blinked the tears away and looked down to smile at him, "Let's pay then." Emma watched them as they picked up the decorations from the cart in silence. She understood Regina but at the same time she actually wanted her to have a good time. And deep inside, she wanted to spend Christmas with her.
When they exited the shop, Emma opened her car to put all the bags in it with Regina's help. "Mom, will you come to the party on Thursday?" Henry asked looking up at the Mayor.
The two adults shared a look and then Regina kneeled to be at the same level as the kid, "I…already have plans, sweetheart. But I hope to see you on Friday?" She raised her head to look at Emma, the question more to her than to her son. "I've got a feeling Santa will leave something for you at our…my house."
Henry's eyebrows shot up at that, "You think?"
Regina laughed and nodded, "I definitely think so."
"Cool." Suddenly he hugged Regina, who lost her balance, taken aback by it. When she realised it and started to hug back, Henry was already pulling out and he got into the car.
Regina rose to her feet, still happily surprised about the gesture, and Emma smiled at her, "I think it is going really well."
"Yes, it is," the Mayor said smiling sheepishly. "Thank you, Emma. For everything"
Emma stepped ahead to put her hand on the Mayor's arm, "I told you, you can be happy, Regina."
Her hand lingered as they stared into each other's eyes. Regina felt breathless and her eyes flickered at Emma's smiling lips just a second, but it was enough for Emma to see it.
"I have to go," she said taking a step back. "Good luck with the decorations."
Regina waved goodbye and turned, walking towards the mansion, her heart still missing a beat. She had no drop of alcohol on her body and she had thought about kissing Emma, about being happy with Emma. She shook her head, telling herself to bury those feelings. After all, she didn't think Emma would even reciprocate those feelings. I'm just confused, she thought for herself, but she knew she wasn't fooling anyone as she remembered Emma's lips on hers.
A/N: I know in this timeline Henry's almost 11 and him believing in Santa is weird, but c'mon, it's Henry we're talking about.