A/N: Sorry it's taken so long to post the next chapter. My computer's fan died so I had to use my step-sister's laptop and didn't get much time to write since school is being stressful. Hope you like this chapter! If it's getting bad or anything is to rushed let me know.
Disclaimer: I own no characters affiliated with the show ONCE UPON A TIME and make no profits from it.
~Ali
His heavy arm lay atop her. She couldn't breathe, what breath she could manage coming in short gasps. She wiggled, trying to shift from his overbearing grasp without waking him. She knew she wouldn't: he was a very heavy sleeper, but she worried for what would happen if she did.
Being married was nothing like the tales her father used to tell her. It was lonely. It was a bed shared only when her husband wanted the one thing in her life she had to give him. He was kind, yes. He was gentle, yes. But when he looked in her eyes and saw nothing but sorrow and regrets he didn't stop. He was king. He was her king. She was his queen.
She's almost out, the palm of his hand the only thing left to escape from. That's when he grunts, turning positions in his sleep. His arm snaking around her waist, pulling her flat against his chest once more… tighter this time. She cannot escape. She won't be able to escape until he is dead and gone. So that's what she does, while tucked away in his vice grip. She plans his murder. Because when she can't breathe, it's the only clarity her exhausted mind has.
SNAP.
The king was dead.
She was free. Her elation at this news rose inside her, bubbling into a smile, hidden by the black veil that covered her face.
She was free and she could breathe.
SNAP.
"Don't think you could get away from me that easily, my queen," his voice purred from the previously empty side of the bed.
She jumped away, her legs tangling in the sheets as he reached out for her. "H-How," she stuttered, throat constricting.
He smirked. "You will never be free."
He grabbed her once more by the waist. His arm lay heavily atop her, across her chest, restricting her breathing.
Once again she was trapped under his weight, even though he was supposed to be dead. "Please, let me go," she whimpered. A tear slipped down her cheek. "Please." He ignored her, burying his nose into the soft curtain of her dark hair and the crook of her neck. She turned her head from him.
Another tear slipped down her cheek, her helplessness leaking out for others to see. If only the other person in the room cared enough to look. "Please."
SNAP.
"Regina," a familiar voice wakes her from her slumber.
The dark haired mayor shoots up looking at the woman beside her in worry. "Is something wrong with Henry," she asks, breathlessly.
Emma blinks slowly, her forehead wrinkled in confusion. "No, nothing is wrong with Henry."
"Then why are you waking me up?" Regina asks an irritated huff in her voice. Emma sits up and scoots backwards until she is leaning against the head board, the blanket falling to bunch in her lap.
"You were crying in your sleep Regina," Emma says softly. She lifts a hand to gently run it along the former queen's cheek, tracking damp paths with the pad of her thumb. Regina instinctively leans into the warm palm, her eyes slipping shut in exhaustion. "I didn't realize your nightmares were this bad."
Regina is silent, her tired mind picking up speed, trying to come up with an excuse.
"Stop," Emma says forcefully, causing Regina's eyes to snap open.
Regina's voice cracks as she speaks. "What?"
"I can practically see your mind whirling a mile a minute and hear the hum of cogs turning in your brain," Emma says. "Don't think up an excuse or witty come back, tell me about your nightmare."
A fresh tear slips down Regina's cheek and Emma immediately looks guilty. "I'm sorry Regina, you don't have to," Emma whispers. Regina turns away. Emma sighs and a finger tapping under Regina's chin lightly brings her back to face Emma. "Please tell me why you're crying now."
"I…" she starts, only for her throat to constrict and her to lose her words.
"Is it something I said," Emma asks hesitantly. Regina nods and Emma sucks in a breath. She pushes the blanket off of herself and stands, blonde hair falling in messy waves around her shoulders as she grabs her red leather jacket from beside the bed and slips it on.
The blonde sheriff is halfway to the door when Regina's voice stops her. It breaks her heart hearing the normally strong woman's voice crack again. "Where are you going?" Regina worried the blonde would leave and she would be alone once more to confront her nightmares.
"I don't want to hurt you Regina, if I said something to hurt you so badly that you cry I can't do this, you deserve someone who doesn't make you cry."
Regina's sharp laughter cuts through her. "You idiot," she mumbles. "You didn't hurt me. It's just no one has ever wanted to know what I was feeling before. It's a new sensation."
"Oh," Emma says, face flushing. She digs a toe into the soft carpet on Regina's floor, suddenly feeling foolish.
"Are you coming back to bed or not," Regina asks quietly. Emma smirks and the dark haired mayor does not resist the urge to roll her eyes. The blonde sheds the jacket before crawling back under the thick duvet. She hums in approval as she recovers both herself and Regina. She gently tugs the dark haired woman's arm until Regina sighs and snuggles back under as well, her head resting comfortably against the blonde's shoulder.
They both don't speak for a few minutes: Regina in that time is gathering her thoughts while Emma knows to wait until the mayor decides the time is right.
"You can never tell you mother about anything I tell you in confidence," Regina starts.
Emma smiles as she inhales the scent of Regina's shampoo, apples and cinnamon. "I promise," she whispers in the exhale.
Regina sighs once again, her arm snaking around the sheriff's waist and pulling her closer. She feared if she let her go, the blonde would up and leave again. "It was about my marriage…to Leopold," she admits quietly.
Emma sucks in another sharp breath but waits for Regina to continue. "I… He… When we shared a bed," Regina starts, tears pricking her eyes, "after we, well you know, he would cling to me in his sleep. I could never breathe properly, his arm was too heavy. During those nights I never slept. It was a nightmare while I was awake. I do not appreciate confined spaces since my marriage." She falls silent.
"I'm so sorry Regina," Emma says, quietly. Regina squeezes Emma closer to her. "Do you want me to let you go; I could sleep in another bed."
Panic prickles at Regina's spine. "No, stay please."
"As long as you want," Emma whispers.
Soon the blonde's breathing evens out. Sleeping, she curls her body around Regina, her arm slung over the mayor's waist. The former queen does not feel the overbearing weight of Emma's arm. It fits comfortably around her as if it was meant to be. That night, wrapped in her complicated-relationship partner's arms, she sleeps easily. She can breathe.
…
"I try so damn hard for you Regina, why do you keep pushing me away," Emma screams at the dark haired woman standing across from her. "I need to know you want me around."
"If you're not sure Miss Swan, walk away. Do what you've told me you always do when you are stressed out and run. Take the cowards way out," Regina spits back, vehemently.
Emma looks horrified for a split second, her face crumpling. "Is that what you want me to do Regina, you want me to walk away," the blonde asks, her voice lowering from its high volume.
Regina looks taken aback by the fast change in tone. "Yes, just walk away Miss Swan."
It was as if Regina had slapped the blonde in the face, her expression changed from hurt too angry to indifference in a matter of seconds. She brusquely turned around, blonde curls swinging wildly about her shoulders.
Regina clamps a hand to her mouth, trying to smother the rising sobs before they come. Her shoulders hunch in on themselves, pulling her further into herself, shaking as her eyes follow the blonde's form move a greater difference from her.
Emma reaches the curb and Regina's eyes slide shut against the onslaught of tears. Why did she have to do this to herself? Nothing ever lasted for her; not even love.
She didn't hear Emma's footsteps returning, the blood pounding in her ears to hard, but she felt her hand being ripped away from her mouth.
Her eyes snap open and meet conflicted blue ones. The blonde leans in, lips brushing Regina's hesitantly. When she meets no resistance she pulls the dark haired woman closer, the force bruising. Regina's tastes hot chocolate and cinnamon as the blonde's tongue snakes into her mouth, exploring gently. The bitter taste of coffee mixes with mint as Emma and Regina's tongues battle for dominance.
Grumpy's leering and gruff voice breaks them apart as he shouts from across the street, "Get a room!"
Panting, they lean against each other, forehead's touching. Emma's hands are still curled into the material of Regina's coat, keeping her close. "I will never walk away from you Regina. As long as you want me here I will stay by your side. I don't want to take the coward's way out anymore; I don't want to run from you. You and Henry, you're my family, but if you're not sure, if you want me to walk away say so and I will. I will give you your space."
"What are we Emma," Regina asks quietly. She pulls away from the blonde, Emma letting go of her jacket as she takes a step back, giving her space.
Emma pauses and takes a steadying breath. "I thought you were my girlfriend Regina, not just some woman I share a bed with most nights. Is that okay? I want to tell people that you are my girlfriend, not just the other mother of my son. Is that what you want to be?"
"Is that what you want me to be," Regina questions. "Your girlfriend?"
"Absolutely," Emma replies, wrapping an arm around Regina's waist and pulling her closer.
Regina smiles at the younger woman. "Then yes, I want to be your girlfriend."
Emma's smile is blinding and she cups Regina's cheek and pulls her even closer, Regina's eyes slide shut once again. Her lips brush the other woman's chastely before she moves away. "Friday night, I'm picking you up and we are going on a date," Emma says.
"What if I was busy," Regina says, teasingly.
Emma smirks. "Then you're going to have to cancel whatever you had planned. Be ready by eight o'clock."
With that she moves away from Regina and heads in the direction of her car. She smiles coyly over her shoulder at Regina before throwing open the door, hopping in and driving off.
Regina's smile in response is immediate and without thought. It looked like she had a date Friday night.
…
She checked her clock for the fifth time in a row. There was an hour until eight o'clock, an hour until her date with Emma.
She was excited for this date. Her heart raced every time she thought of the childish blonde, and the mystery of whatever was planned for the night.
Half her closet was laid out before her on her king sized bed and she couldn't figure out what to wear. It would be easier if she knew where they were going tonight. Secretly she hoped the sheriff wasn't too stuck in her ways that she'd take them to Granny's but you never knew with that one.
"Henry," she called half-heartedly, wishing she wasn't about to stoop this low.
He moves into view, lanky arms swinging as he walks and a knowing smirk on his face. He crosses his arms, smirk still in place as he leans against the doorframe. "Yes," he asks.
Regina rolls her eyes at him. "Don't give me that tone of voice young man," she scolds playfully. He just tilts his head in response, sizing her up and seeing how much she's joking before he gives her a small smile. Hot tears prick at her eyes as she moves to him, cupping his cheek gently, painfully reminded that her little boy was growing up, and seeing as he was practically taller than her now. "Henry," she says lovingly.
"I know mom," he says, leaning forward to kiss her forehead. When he pulls back and her eyes open, tears forcefully and quickly wiped away, he asks, "So what are you wearing tonight?"
She sighs. "I have honestly no clue what to wear. I don't know whether where we are going is casual or fancy. I don't want to look ridiculous." She gives him a side-eye and a mischievous smile which has him questioning whether to grin back or cower in fear. "If someone knew where the date was going to be tonight, letting their mother know would be very helpful," she says, throwing her dark hair over her shoulder in an attempt at nonchalance.
He doesn't reply, just pulls out his phone and starts flipping through messages. Finally he finds the one he's looking for and tips the cell her way.
On it is messages between Emma and Henry from early that day:
EMMA: Henry, don't tell your mother where the date is even if she tries to bribe you. I will double whatever she has offered… If she asks, tell her to wear the red, knee length. It's my favourite…
HENRY: TMI ma, I won't tell. I promise…
HENRY: P.S. she tried bribing me with a hundred bucks.
EMMA: …Nice try kid. But I got to go get ready for tonight. See you later.
HENRY: Bye.
Regina smirks at Henry, he smiles sheepishly. "It was worth a try," he mutters. His dark-haired mother gives his shoulder a squeeze as she chuckles. "Oh yeah, ma says to make sure you're not late. I should let you get ready." He moves further into the hallway, until Regina calls his name. "Yeah," he asks.
"I love you," she replies.
He smiles. "I love you too."
With that he's out of view and she's turning back to her bed full of clothes. She finds the dress Emma mentioned and waltzes over to the mirror, holding the dress in front of her and turning this way and that, trying to find a good angle. She caught herself smiling at the thought of Emma's look when she's sees that Regina went with the blonde's advice. She was quite looking forward to it.
…
Eight o'clock on the dot and a sharp knock sounds on the door. Regina won't admit it but she had been waiting at the door for a good ten minutes, her nerves running wild. The knock startled her and she felt her heart climb into her throat and lodge there.
She took a calming breath before twisting the knob and pulling the door open. Her mouth dropped open in a most unladylike manner as she took in the blonde before her. Her hair hung in perfect ringlets, draping down past her shoulders. She was wearing a thigh-length black dress with spaghetti straps.
Emma in turn had her eyes roving over Regina's outfit, the red knee-length hugging every curve. The two meet eyes, Regina blushes endearingly, the red tinge heating her cheeks. Emma smiles and holds out her hand, which contains a large bouquet of roses. "Beautiful roses, for a beautiful woman," Emma says, immediately flushing at how cheesy she sounds.
Regina takes them gently, cradling against her chest as she smells them. "They're lovely Emma, thank you," she says. She turns her head and calls over her shoulder, "Henry, come say hello to your mother."
Not even thirty seconds later Emma can hear Henry pounding down the stairs. "Hey ma," he says. "You look nice."
She leans forward and musses his hair. "Thanks kid." She pauses then her face drops into a serious expression that has Regina's heart lurching in worry. "Henry, is it alright if I take your mom on this date?"
Regina's brows furrows. The mayor couldn't figure out why she was asking Henry if it was alright.
Henry's smile was wide though and he wraps his blonde mother in a hug. When he pulls back she has tears in her eyes, something startling considering the blonde wasn't normally one to cry. Regina realizes something must have been decided during the hug because Henry nods. "I trust you not to break my mom's heart," he says, oddly serious. "Or we are going to have a serious talk."
Emma nods back, the graveness of the situation etched in her features. Regina was still puzzled by this seemingly important exchange by the time Henry's face lit up once more. He reaches for the flowers still in Regina's grasp and she has an oddly hard time letting go. "I'll put these in a vase," he says. "You guys don't want to be late."
Emma nods, her face lighting up in a way identical to Henry's. She reaches for Regina, her arm wrapping around the brunette's waist. "You're quite right Henry, we will call you later."
He nods and waves as Emma pulls Regina down the front path. Regina waves hurriedly over her shoulder as Emma guides her towards the yellow bug parked out front.
After a good five or ten minutes of sitting in silence, Emma at the wheel, Regina leans away from the window and asks, "So where are we going?"
Emma's lip curls up at the side and Regina's heart flutters against her rib cage. "I'm not telling you."
Regina doesn't argue, just crosses her arms across her chest and mutters, "Well I'll find out soon enough."
Without warning Emma jerks the wheel so they are pulling over and shifts the gears into park. Regina looks around expectantly and sees nothing but shops that don't sell food. She turns with crinkled brow to her blonde companion. "What are we doing here," She asks.
Emma leans over towards Regina, but bypasses the flustered brunette and reaches instead for the glove box. Out she pulls silk material that has Regina on edge. "Emma," she says carefully, unsure of the situation.
"Oh relax Regina," Emma says with a wink. "I would never hurt you." Regina nods, hesitation still flicking across her dark eyes. "Do you trust me?"
Regina nods hesitantly again and when she speaks her voice is lower than she thought it would be, "Yes."
Emma holds out the silk for Regina to see. "Turn around," her voice is soft and questioning, she is giving Regina ample opportunity to say no. But Regina doesn't say no. She's a little apprehensive sure but she doesn't say no and when Emma's face lights up with a wide smile as she starts to turn in the seat she knows it's worth it.
Her breathing shallows as Emma's arms come around her shoulders. The silk fabric of the blindfold is fitted snug so she can't see anything and she turns back towards Emma.
"How many fingers am I holding up," the blonde asks.
Regina pauses. "Three," she answers, disliking not knowing the actual answer. When Emma doesn't reply she figures she got the question wrong. A click in the silence is all she can hear as a whoosh of fresh air wafts through the bug. "Miss Swan," she questions. No response. "Miss Swan," her voice is sharper this time as the blonde's name rolls off her tongue. She jumps when she hears the passenger side door open.
"You coming," Emma's voice rings close, the sheriff's breath whispering into dark hair. The mayor allows Emma to lead her from the car before she smooth's out her dress. When Emma's body heat disappears from her side her heart hammers nervously in her chest. However just as soon as it's gone, it's back, a bare arm sliding through hers and holding on. "Sorry we have to walk for a bit," Emma starts, "But I wanted it to be a surprise."
"That's alright dear," Regina says, voice easily dropping into the otherwise silent night's air.
It takes another five minutes before they reach the restaurant. Warm air greets Regina as Emma holds the door open.
"Emma," an unknown voice greets the pair. "I didn't realize you were serious about the blindfold."
A hand warms the small of Regina's back and Emma leans in closer to her. "Oh, I'm pulling all the strings on this one Matt," Emma replies.
He chuckles. "Well everything is set up, I'll lead the way."
Emma's hand on her back urges Regina forward. Regina leans close to Emma, whispering into her ear, "You know I don't appreciate being talked about like I'm not here, Miss Swan. I also don't like not knowing where I am."
The brunette can just sense the smug smirk on the blonde's face. "Patience, Regina, patience."
"Here you are you two, enjoy your meal," Matt says.
Emma sits Regina down in one of the chairs before taking her own. "You may remove the blindfold Regina," Emma commands.
The former queen's fingers are hesitant as they loosen the knot in the silk. When it slips away she gasps. "Oh Emma," she murmurs. An elaborate setup greets her misting eyes.
The blonde smiles shyly. "Do you like it?"
"It's amazing."
Emma's lips curl mischievously. "Well eat up, Madam Mayor. We have a long night planned."
…
"I had a nice time tonight," Regina says quietly as the two make their way back to Emma's bug.
Emma glances at her. "Yeah?"
The brunette nods in reply. "No one has gone through this much trouble for me before," she admits.
Emma's lopsided grin greets Regina as she meets the blonde's eye. "I would say I can't see why but for the first year of us knowing each other you were trying to kill me." Regina scoffs quietly but Emma catches it and chuckles. "It was rather endearing how hard you tried Regina, don't get me wrong, but I kind of like this side of you better."
The mayor gives her a grin. "I'm sure you do Miss Swan."
When they reach Emma's car, the blonde opens the door for her date. Regina slides in carefully and as she turns to grab her seat belt is caught in a chaste kiss by the sheriff. Her cheeks heat as Emma pulls away. "I'm glad you're having a good time," Emma starts. "But this night is still not over." The door is slammed shut with a smirk before Regina can questions the blonde.
It doesn't stop her however, because as soon as Emma slides into her own seat she asks, "And what else do you have planned for tonight?"
Emma gives her a smirk as she turns the key in the ignition. "You'll just have to wait and see," the blonde replies.
Regina groans in response, crossing her arms across her chest and huffing out a sigh as she settles into the seat.
…
When Emma next stops it's outside of Granny's Bed and Breakfast. "What are we doing here Miss Swan," Regina questions.
"Miss Swan, really," Emma goads, as the car is shut off. "I thought we were past that."
"Yes well, when you annoy me dear it just slips out."
Emma laughs and moves from the car to Regina's side, opening the door for her. She takes the brunette's hand in hers as they walk up the short path to the front door. "It's locked," Regina says, hesitantly.
Emma holds up the key in a triumphant grin. "Granny knows we were coming," she explains as she slides the key into the lock.
Regina eyes the sheriff warily. "Should I be worried," the brunette asks.
The blonde scoffs. "Of course not," she replies before shoving the door open. Emma leads Regina through the diner and up the stairs at the back to a door. "Close your eyes," Emma says, quietly.
The mayor's eyes snap shut and her breath catches as she hears the door being opened. Emma's hand takes hold of her elbow gently and leads her into the room.
"Okay," Emma whispers from near the door. "Open your eyes."
…