Considering the events of the previous day, it's surprising how either woman was able to achieve a full night's sleep. Though Regina strove to stay awake as long as possible in order to watch over Emma, exhaustion finally made its claim on the brunette sometime after midnight.
The next thing Regina Mills knows, she is gradually being guided into an awakened state by tiny hands and feet in the bed beside her. "Hi, baby," the half-awake woman whispers. "What time is it?" She lifts her head slightly to view the alarm clock on the night stand between the two beds. 8:37, the digital clock reads. The queen voices her realization. "It's time to go." She did not mean to sleep this late, but maybe, she rationalizes, it's a good thing that she and her family had this opportunity to rest before the long drive home. Emma was in greatest need of the peaceful slumber. Emma. The queen is suddenly filled with panic. How could she have let herself fall asleep? She was supposed to be watching over Emma! With dread clouding her awareness, the queen checks the unconscious woman. She is breathing. Biting back tears of relief, Regina makes a gentle attempt to rouse the younger woman. "Emma," she whispers, lightly brushing blonde hairs away from the sleeping woman's face.
The blonde woman grumbles her disapproval. It is obvious she is not at all ready to be awake.
Regina smiles contentedly at the familiarity of the younger woman's objection. Since their reunion, the queen has remained hyper vigilant when it comes to Emma. Knowing all too well what this woman has endured, she accepts the responsibility of constantly reminding Emma that she is safe and protected. Thankfully, this morning, it seems a though Emma is freed from her past and confident in the knowledge that she is secure and surrounded by love. Regina's favorite part of the day has always been, and will always be, waking up to this endearing woman. "It's time to wake up, my love," she encourages.
"It's still dark out," the younger woman complains.
Even when she is being uncooperative, Emma Swan is too adorable and the queen's fondness for her is undeniable. She lightly kisses the blonde woman's shoulder and explains, "That's just the curtains, love. It's almost nine."
"Shit," the younger woman mumbles.
Normally the queen would find Emma's use of profanity attractive, but under the circumstances Regina gently reminds, "Emma, Charlie's here."
With her eyes still closed Emma rolls over to face the pair. "Where's my baby?"
"Mommy," the little girl whines.
"Come here, baby girl," Emma responds, reaching blindly for her child.
Regina is only too happy to help her daughter climb over her form and nestle securely in her blonde mother's arms. The sight of her family safe and sound in the bed that they share fills the queen's heart with elation.
After several minutes of watching her greatest treasures doze, the regal woman places a feathery kiss on Charlie's forehead before slipping out of the bed, mindful not to disturb the snoozing pair.
She takes her time dressing, carefully locating her clothes in the darkness. There really is no point showering before the long trip, Regina reasons. Plus, if she is being honest with herself, she doesn't want to shower alone. However, always a queen, Regina would never been seen in public without makeup. This day is no exception, she decides, as she proceeds with the morning ritual.
Once she has primped, Regina returns to her family in the darkened room. Thankfully, the light emitted from the bathroom is sufficient for her to see their slumbering forms. She glances at the clock, 9:03. It's time to wake her sleeping princesses.
She gently rests her weight on the edge of the bed, next to Emma. Placing her hand on the blonde woman's shoulder, Regina hopes to silently communicate her presence. When she registers the younger woman stirring, she whispers, "Are you awake?"
"I'm awake," Emma murmurs. Though not fully alert, she instinctively rolls over to face Regina and automatically grasps the older woman's arms.
The queen beams at her precious gem as the younger woman's eyes begin to drift open. "Hi."
"Hi," the blonde woman whispers in response.
Regina is only too happy to let Emma hold her as long as she wants. She bends down and places a chaste kiss on the younger woman's lips. While massaging Emma's bicep with her thumb, the queen expresses her concern, "How are you feeling?"
"Better," Emma answers sincerely. "I feel a thousand times better."
"I'm so relieved." This is the truth, but the queen's expression would indicate otherwise.
Fortunately, with Regina, Emma can always tell when something isn't right. "Are you okay?"
She hopes her response comes across as reassuring. "I'm just glad that you're feeling better." Emma's migraine had scared her more than the queen wanted to admit. Luckily for Regina, the sound of her daughter snoring instantly lightens the mood, as both mothers laugh at the adorableness of their child.
"She is definitely your kid," Emma points out.
Regina fakes offense. "What?"
Emma never could pass up an opportunity to tease Regina. She loves it when they play. "Baby, I know you're a poised and graceful queen, but you also saw logs with the best of them."
Only Emma Swan could make her feel this way. Even by bringing up something that would normally be a great source of embarrassment, Regina feels incredibly good about herself. She is in love with a woman who loves her, every part of her. "You're lucky I love you," the older woman flirts.
Apparently the insult had earned Emma a kiss. She reciprocates the tender display of affection. "I love you too."
Honestly the queen would be happy to stay in this moment for the remainder of the day. She is utterly content in the arms of her beloved. Despite the happiness she feels, Regina accepts the role of the responsible one and informs, "We should get going if we want to get back to Storybrooke before dark."
"Yeah, you're right." Apparently, Emma is just as reluctant to break contact.
Buying some time, Regina suggests, "We should wake Charlie."
Emma rolls back onto her side and attempts to coax her baby girl awake. "Hey kid. It's time to wake up sleepyhead."
"Breakfast?"
Although this little nugget may appear to be Regina's clone, in this moment it is clear that she is definitely Emma's child.
"It is time breakfast," Regina responds with enthusiasm.
"But we need to get up first," the blonde mother encourages.
Bursting with utter bliss by the interaction between her two favorite people, Regina excuses herself. "I'm going to get the rest of our things from across the hall. You two take your time."
"Do you need any help?"
"No sweetie, I can manage. I'll be right back." Instinctively, the brunette woman walks over to the window first with the goal of letting in the sunlight. "Will the sun bother you?"
"Uh-uh," Emma replies, through her yawn. "It'll help me wake up." Though she believed that she was prepared for the sudden shock of daylight, her eyes were not. "Yup, there it is." She is temporarily blinded.
Regina is immediately alarmed, remembering how much the littlest amount of light bothered the blonde woman the previous night. "Honey?"
"I'm fine, Regina." She tries to laugh in hopes of easing the older woman's mind. "I'm just being dramatic."
The queen breathes a sigh of relief and walks back to the bed. "Don't ever change." She kisses the younger woman in relief. "I love you."
"I love you too."
Regina kisses her beloved again before walking toward the door.
The previously listless little girl is suddenly animated. "Mommy?" she calls. The child is immediately fearful that her brunette mother is going away.
Her baby girl's trepidation tugs the queen's heart. "I'll be right back, sweetheart. I just have to get our things from across the hall." Regina only hopes that her words are reassuring.
Without prompting, Emma comes to Regina's aid and successfully calms the anxious child. Lifting her baby onto her lap, the blonde woman explains, "Mommy's not leaving us, kiddo. It's okay."
"I'll be right back, baby." Regina confirms, solidifying her previous statement.
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A few minutes later, Regina returns with a suitcase, a small backpack, and a couple of stuffed animals.
Though she is still comfortably resting in bed, the blonde woman offers her assistance when she sees Regina struggling to get through the door. "Do you need help?"
When the queen catches sight of her baby girl, snuggled comfortably in her blonde mother's arms, she assures, "No, honey, I've got it." Her family is just too beautiful. She wouldn't forgive herself for spoiling such a tender moment.
Even though Regina didn't ask, Emma still offers an explanation for what looks like lounging in bed and watching TV. "I just wanted to check the weather before we start driving."
"That's a good idea," Regina concedes.
The little girl brightens at the sight of her brunette mother. She quickly climbs off her blonde mother's lap, slides off the bed, and comes bouncing toward the older woman.
"Good morning, baby!" Regina lifts her precious girl with ease and kisses her cute little face.
The happy child giggles in her mother's embrace. "Mommy, it's time for breakfast," she announces.
"You are absolutely right, it is time for breakfast. Why don't you see if you can get Mommy out of bed?"
After steadying her child on the floor, Regina busies herself by removing her personal toiletries from the bathroom and subtly snatching a few left by the hotel's maid service, at the same time listening with fondness to the interaction between her baby and her favorite blonde. But she is suddenly startled when she hears Charlie scream.
The queen drops what is currently in her hands and rushes into the bedroom in a panic. "Charlie?!"
"Hi, Mommy." The smiling girl is lying on her back and her blonde mother is hovering over her, wearing a matching smile.
"You scared me," Regina scolds. Her heart is still pounding.
"She's fine," Emma remarks. It is obvious she is without remorse. "She just got attacked by the tickle monster!" The blonde woman resumes tickling her baby mercilessly as the child squeals pleas for help.
That explains the scream, the queen registers. "Oh, I see." She doesn't blame Charlie, but she is not about to let Charlie's mother get away with scaring her. "Tickle monster, huh?" Thankfully, she opted to wear pants today. That will make this easier, the queen muses. She tackles the blonde, playfully turning her on her back and lightly pinning her to the bed.
"Hey," the younger woman half-heartedly protests. She is entirely turned on. Regina can straddle her any time she wants, Emma notes.
"Go on Charlie, I've got her," the eager brunette woman instructs.
The liberated child does as she is told, slides of the bed, and cheers in delight. "Yay!"
With mischief in her eyes, the queen begins to tickle Emma fervently as the younger woman voices her phony objections. Regina is relentless; she skillfully attacks the spots where Emma is most vulnerable, eliciting an exuberant amount of laughter.
Before long, the younger woman is laughing so hard that her face flushes and tears begin to leak from the corners of her eyes. "Regina!"
"I'm just making this a fair fight," is the queen's nonchalant response.
The younger woman continues to complain, even though it's clear she is not being harmed. "How is this fair? You're killing me!"
"Yay, Mommy!" The little girl is bouncing up and down in excitement.
Fortunately for Emma, the queen is running out of steam. The exhausted woman straightens up, gasping for breath, giving Emma a chance to breathe as well. "Alright, Charlie, I think she's had enough."
Despite the fact that the tickle fight required a great deal of energy, Emma makes a mental note: Always do this as much as possible.
Still struggling to catch her breath, Regina speaks first. "I'm sorry. I couldn't resist."
The now relaxed younger woman replies, "Nah, it's cool. It's just my bladder. I don't want to have an accident." She is still smiling wildly. Only Regina makes her feel this comfortable and carefree.
The older woman laughs at the adorableness of her fiancée, but she feels a sense of guilt when she sees the tears streaming down her beloved's temples. "Oh, honey, I'm sorry," she soothes as she pets the younger woman's face.
The blonde woman instinctively covers Regina's hand with her own. "It's okay. I'm alright." Holding the older woman's gaze, Emma admits, "That was fun." She only hopes that comment makes Regina feel better. She absolutely cherishes this woman.
Regina lets a relieved giggle escape. It was fun, she thinks. Only Emma could make her feel this good. "I missed you."
In this moment Emma feels as if she is the most important person in the entire world. How does this woman have the power to affect her this deeply with only a single look? "I missed you too."
Before both women forget where they are, an excited three-year-old joins them on the bed. "Mommy, I want breakfast."
"Priorities," Emma acknowledges.
Nothing could shake the queen from her reverie. She has surrendered to the bliss of being in the arms of her True Love again. "She is definitely your child," Regina points out and offers Emma a chaste kiss before climbing off her. Turning her attention toward her child, Regina says what Charlie has been waiting all morning to hear. "Alright, sweetie, we can get breakfast now."
The little girl only responds by jumping up and down on the bed and cheering her delight.
Though she is glad that her daughter is happy, the queen's over-protective nature takes over. She gently corrects, "Charlie, be careful. I don't want you to fall and hurt yourself."
Instinctively, Emma reaches out a strong arm to still her child. "That means no more jumping on the bed, kiddo. Listen to your mom." Normally she doesn't like to be firm, but when Charlie's safety is a concern Emma makes an exception.
"Can we go now?" Charlie whines. It is obvious that this child is incapable of sitting still.
The patient young mother tries to quiet her very animated daughter. "And where exactly do you think you're going without any pants on, hmm?"
"She takes after you, you know." Apparently Regina is in flirtatious mood. The tickle fight must have re-energized her.
"What?" Emma fakes offense, but she understands exactly what Regina is referring to. "I only answered the door in my underwear that one time." She purposefully emphasizes the last two words.
The queen moves in as if she is going to kiss the younger woman, but stops short enough for Emma to feel her breath tickle her lips. "And I will never forget it," she purrs. She abruptly shifts her attention, leaving the blonde woman wanting more. "Come here, sweetie, let's get you dressed," she encourages, referring to her smiling baby.
It becomes clear that Regina has zero intention to stop flirting. As she begins dressing her child, she continues. "You want to know a secret Charlie? Your mother has some strange ideas about decency."
"Hey, you liked it," Emma reminds. Regina may have won the tickle fight, but she is not about to let Regina win now. The younger woman prides herself on being and expert when it comes to the art of seduction. If only she had known Regina in the Enchanted Forest, there is no competition. "Charlie, your mom was totally flirting with me." Even though Emma knows that her daughter hasn't yet learned what flirting means, she still enjoys making her baby girl laugh.
The brunette woman is completely satisfied with herself. There is no way Emma can beat her at her own game. Still, she has to admit, the effort is cute. "Was I?"
"You gave me an apple." As she hears herself say it, Emma recognizes that she is sounding desperate, rather than flirtatious.
Charlie is thoroughly pleased with her mothers' exchange, as she watches them in enchantment.
Maintaining poise, the queen whispers to her giggling child, "What she fails to remember is that I also gave her mother an apple."
As Emma continues to gather her things, she makes one last attempt. "Yeah, but I doubt you looked at her the same way you looked at me."
"How exactly did I look at you?"
The coolness of the queen's delivery makes Emma tingle. Damn, this woman is good! Admitting defeat, the blonde woman announces, "I need to get dressed."
Regina can't deny the feeling of superiority. No one can beat her in the art of seduction, not even Emma Swan. Switching her attention to her sweet little girl, Regina returns to a simpler topic. "What are you going to get for breakfast Charlie?" The excited child is currently holding her brunette mother's hands and dancing in place. At least this way, Regina reasons, she can keep her baby from hurting herself. "You can have anything you want," she encourages, spinning her daughter in a circle.
Without stopping, Charlie shouts her answer. "French fries!"
"French fries?!" Regina laughs at her baby's inherited charm. "You don't want pancakes?"
"And pancakes!"
The regal woman laughs in response. "That's a very big appetite for such a little girl."
Emma had been listening to the interaction and steps out of the bathroom to comment, "Oh man, this kid can pack it away."
Regina certainly takes notice of Emma's taught abdomen, appreciating the fact that the woman had not bothered to put her shirt on yet. She looks amazing in her black bra.
"I don't know where it all goes, but she eats like a champ," Emma continues, taking notice of Regina's eyes raking over her form. Regina never was subtle about checking her out.
Even though the queen considers herself the master of seduction, Emma's body will always win, every time.
Trying to mask her sudden arousal, Regina refocuses her attention. "You take after your mother." She was referring to Emma's appetite for food, but her mind is somewhere else entirely. Luckily, Charlie is still too young to register the chemistry between her parents.
"Aw, thanks babe." She seals the comment with a chaste kiss, leaving the queen thirsty for more. It becomes apparent to Emma that all she had to do to win the flirting contest was to take off her shirt.
The dazed queen is instantly snapped out of her reverie when her eager three-year-old inquires, "Can we go now?"
When Regina notices that Emma has returned to the bathroom in order to finish getting ready, she formulates a course of action.
"I just need to make sure we have everything first," she explains. It is a lame excuse, but she needs Emma now. Carrying her daughter over to the bed, Regina makes a suggestion. "How about I find some cartoons for you and you sit here and watch TV while Mommy and I finish packing? Would that be okay?"
The little girl nods her response. She never would oppose cartoons.
"Channel 52," Emma calls from the bathroom.
Just the sound of her voice sends a chill up the older woman's spine. "Thank you," the marveled queen responds.
The now fully clothed blonde, with her toothbrush in her hand emerges from the bathroom and leans her weight against the bedroom wall. "I checked the line-up while you were across the hall," she adds, sending her lover a flirtatious glance.
Why does Emma have to torture her? Regina wonders.
"Mommy, it's Sponge Bob!"
Once again, the queen is rescued by a three-year-old.
"Sponge Bob?" Emma is genuinely curious. Sponge Bob is one of the few cartoons that she can tolerate and she actually enjoys watching with Charlie.
This woman is driving her crazy. "Yes, baby, I see! Now, be a good girl and watch TV until we're ready to leave."
She rises from the bed and slowly follows Emma to the bathroom, but stops in the doorway in order to observe the gorgeous blonde in the mirror.
After spitting out the last remnants of toothpaste, the younger woman casually informs, "You realize we're going to have to pry her away from the television in a few minutes."
The queen is left speechless. She is completely mesmerized by the incredible woman in front of her.
To complete the morning ritual, the younger woman proceeds to put her hair into a ponytail. As she does this, she turns to face her admirer. "What else do we have left to pack?" Of course she knew exactly what she was doing and smiles in satisfaction when Regina envelopes her, instantly engaging in a passionate kiss.
When they break for air, the dazed young woman remarks, "I guess it's a good thing that I brushed my teeth." Of course she was joking, which is why she is utterly confused when she notices the older woman avoiding eye contact. She didn't realize that Regina had been struggling for the past twelve hours. She holds the brunette woman close in an effort to calm her. "Baby, what's wrong?"
The queen recognizes that there is no point hiding her true feelings from the woman she loves. Emma already knows her heart. "I was so scared, Emma," she whispers against the blonde woman's shoulder.
The blonde woman frantically searches her memory. As soon as she ponders Regina's admission, she understands that Regina must be referring to the previous night. It makes complete sense to the younger woman that her partner would be terrified. She had never witnessed one of Emma's migraines before. "Regina, I'm fine," she assures, encouraging the older woman to meet her eyes. "It's going to take a lot more that a migraine to kill me."
"I know." Fighting back her tears, the queen sniffles. "I know." She exhales the breath she wasn't even aware she had been holding, letting herself be comforted by her lover's embrace.
"You don't have to worry about me. I'm with you now. You are my strength, Regina." She only hopes that her sincerity shows and further eases this woman's mind. But, Emma worries that she has made a horrible mistake when Regina eyes fill with tears and her face contorts in a pained expression. "Shit, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you." How could she be so thoughtless?
The brunette woman shakes her head in disagreement. She fears that the younger woman misunderstands the motivation for her tears. Meeting blue eyes now, Regina confesses, "You have made my life more wonderful than I could have ever imagined."
The younger woman responds by placing a soft kiss on the brunette woman's trembling lips. Only Regina could make her feels so valued. "It's okay, baby," she whispers, hoping to soothe the upset woman. She kisses her again. "I'm here." When she kisses her again, Emma notices the older woman reciprocating and gradually deepening the kiss.
Even though the queen is thoroughly enjoying this incredibly hot make-out session, after several minutes Regina feels the need to restate the obvious. "Emma," she breathes. "We have to get back to Storybrooke."
Apparently, the blonde woman is nowhere near ready to lose contact. "I'm right where I want to be," she whispers against the older woman's neck.
The queen tries to argue, but there is no denying the pleasure she is currently experiencing as the younger woman's hands travel beneath her open blouse. "Emma, your daughter is ravenous," the queen regretfully reminds.
Meeting brown orbs this time, the younger woman smiles in contentment and responds with a chaste kiss. "She's your daughter too, you know."
"Yes, but right now, she has the appetite of a Charming."
Gazing at her queen in adoration, the younger woman confirms what Regina already knows to be true. "I am so in love with you, Regina Mills."
The queen beams at her beloved. Only Emma Swan could make her feel this way. "And I have never been more in love with you than I am right now, Emma Swan."
The pair engages in a tender kiss, relishing the closeness and security. As they continue to hold each other, Emma breaks the comfortable silence. "I wish we could stay like this forever." She is quickly amends her previous statement. "I mean, I wish you were naked, but—"
"I get the idea," the enamored queen responds, kissing her endearing fiancée once again. "I promise I'll make it up to you…" She turns on the heat. "…once we're back in Storybrooke."
The younger woman has to admit, Regina Mills is indeed the master of seduction. There is no denying her anticipation. "Yeah?"
"Mm-hmm," the queen purrs before kissing her woman again. "I need to give you a proper welcome home, after all."
Without hesitation, the stimulated woman makes the responsible suggestion. "I think we should hit the road."
The queen is only too pleased with Emma's enthusiasm. She calmly reminds, "First, breakfast. You need coffee and a decent meal before the drive back." Expressing her anxiety this time, the queen adds, "I don't want you getting another migraine."
The young woman melts in her lover's embrace. "Thank you for taking such good care of me."
"I always will," Regina confirms.