Part 18
And Then There Were Four
Emma Swan walked reluctantly, as the golden star stood out boldly attached to her hip. She was currently still the sheriff of Storybrooke and blinked in the glare of the red-orange sun shining down on the colorful and noisy festival. The immediate area was thronged with people, most of which, she knew now came from another place all together.
The young woman finally found herself grabbing food at the buffet, her eyes squinting from all the sights and smells, wondering how anyone managed to find a way through the crowds. She was forced to stop abruptly, as several of the dwarfs darted through the crowd, barely avoiding a collision with her. Her companion was apparently not as agile.
"Oof." Ruby let out her breath in a huff, faltering back as she rebounded off the slender blonde. "What the hell are you doing?"
The sheriff rolled her eyes in annoyance. "I didn't want to smash into the idiot dwarfs running around like children." She responded harshly.
"Well, give a little more warning next time," Red grumbled, rubbing her chest which had impacted with Emma's elbows. The tall slender brunette shaded her eyes with her hand, trying to peer over the crowd. "Can you see a place to sit?"
"Not yet." Emma quieted a sigh. She wished she could just go back to work. She still had a mountain of paperwork to file through in her short absence. Also, it was the only place she didn't think about the one person she wanted to forget but knew she never would.
Instantly, her eye was caught by a flash of short dark hair, and for a split second, she thought she recognized that very person. It turned out to be someone else entirely, and she sighed again. Emma knew deep down it was not her. In fact, she hadn't seen her in weeks; not since the day she fought her own mother for her, and what did she do? She abandoned her the very second Regina needed her the most. She even asked Red to help in her search when she came up short in every turn. It just came as a sad truth that Regina Mills did not want to be found. Some say she went back to the other realm. Others said they thought they saw her actually cross the towns border.
"Oh I think I see one," Ruby said suddenly, poking Emma in the ribs. "Right there. Come on."
Emma had little recourse, but to follow, as the dark haired woman began bulling her way through the seething mass of celebrants toward a table. In fact, that's all she did lately was try to exist in this new life of hers. It still felt strange to see that everything in Henry's book was really real. The hardest thing of all was trying to forget how much her heart ached for the one person she loved more than anything. Once they were closer to their table, Emma noticed Snow and Charming dancing happily. "Great," she muttered to herself. It's not that she wasn't happy for them, it was just that they were always being mushy and so damn sappy all the time. She was becoming nauseous around them, but hell it seemed everything lately was making her nauseous.
"Hey, what's with the face?" Ruby asked as Emma finally glanced down at her food.
The sheriff darted her eyes back up to the only person that truly seemed to actually try to help her without being so motherly about it. "Huh….. I have a face?"
Ruby twisted her lips and gave her a strange face in return, then gave her a smile. "Oh Hun, you have a face. Are you feeling okay?"
"Yeah, I'm okay."
Red regarded her for a moment. "I'm sorry, Em," she frowned and squeezed her hand from across the table as a friendly gesture.
Emma smiled, "I'm serious. I'm okay," then began to poke at her food.
Ruby swallowed a few bites then watched Emma look at her own in disgust. "It is actually really good."
"I'm sure it is."
"The whole point of me dragging you out of that dark office was to get you out of this sad, miserable mood you're in." She paused as she looked at the happy crowd around her, then back to the sheriff. "You have so much; you are our savior, our princess." She said, gazing at the unfazed blonde. "You know it won't be long now until the dwarfs will have mined enough fairy dust so that we will all get to go back home."
Now Emma showed a little interest. "Do you honestly think she is there?"
"For your sake, I hope so. That way, maybe you can get some closure."
The blonde immediately pushed her plate away and dropped her head into her hands. "Why did I do that?" She mumbled in a half sob.
Red quickly came and slid next to Emma and wrapped her arms around her. "You have got to stop beating yourself up over it. You tried to tell her not long after; you searched your heart for her. It's not your fault she didn't want to be found, or even try to fight for you." She slowly drew back and carefully peeled Emma's hands away from her face. "So, now you have to move on."
The sheriff jerked back and stood up. "I don't want to move on! I love her!" Her lips trembled as the tears ran down her face, gazing at all the happy people dancing because their beloved evil queen has now disappeared. "Sorry, but I refuse to celebrate this." She barked, and quickly left the loud cheerful crowd.
On her way through the quiet streets, back up to the sheriff's office, she noticed the vandalized paint smeared all over Mr. Gold's store. They even searched for the man they called the dark one, but it seemed he was just as gone as Regina was. Well, that was one subject she did agree on. She was just as glad to see him gone, even though deep down in the pit of her stomach, she had a feeling his dreadful head would magically appear again when everyone least expected it.
She let herself gaze at the small shop for a moment. She knew she should find the culprit who spray painted the front of it. Instead she just sighed, and with her shoulders slumped, she trudged on.
Hours went by and Emma found that she was walking aimlessly around. She walked right by her office, and then stood about a block from Regina's half burned mansion. She couldn't make herself walk any closer. She had searched the house over and over for her, and she knew there was nothing left of the mayor in that house any longer.
On this particular night, Graham filled her thoughts. Then, her thoughts twisted into the fist fight she had with Regina outside her father's mausoleum. Wow, that was some fight. Emma found herself actually smiling as she thought about that incident. The evening was now turning cold as the unmistakable fall breeze whirled around her. She pulled her collar up to ward off her chill, and that's when she realized where her feet had finally taken her.
She cocked her head to the side as she stared up at the small grey building, and slowly let out the breath she been holding. She felt a strange feeling come over her, as her heart skipped wildly in her chest. She came here in her search for Regina weeks back and found no sign of her; but now, standing right outside the large door, she felt a sudden shift within her. It was something she hadn't felt since the last time she saw the woman she loved dearly.
"Might as well," she murmured to herself, entering slowly. She found she was staring down at the concrete slab that read Henry Mills, and for some reason, she decided to clean the dust from it. With a few strokes of her hand, the entire block shifted just a little; and that's when Emma's noticed flickering lights from below. "What the hell?"
She took a step back, and then pushed the entire length back, revealing a small set of stairs. "Well what'd ya know…very cleaver, Regina."
Emma swiftly ran down the steps, to a room with mirrors and flickering torches, along a red brick corridor. She scanned frantically in search for her, but no trace of Regina was to be found. The blonde closed her eyes and felt her body tremble, fighting hard to not give in to the deep pain she felt; but it wasn't hard enough, as the tears slowly began to fall down her cheeks. Slumping down to her knees, she stared directly at her reflection in one of the mirrors. Shaking her head, she cried. "I never learn, when will I learn…."she muttered, choking down her sobs. "I fell in love with one of the strongest women I have ever met. She is completely stunning. Then, at the first sign of hardship, I run. God, I'm such a coward." She sniffed. "Some savior I turned out to be."
She stayed that way for awhile, crying over the woman she lost, and trying to absorb the fact that Regina was gone and was never going to come back. The sheriff finally found her feet again, wiping the dust from her knees and the last remains of her tears away. She took one last breath to settle herself, then forced a smile. "I love you, Regina. I'm so so sorry." She had no earthly idea why she said that to an empty room, but she did. She finally shrugged and turned to walk back up the stairs. Then, she heard a soft, muffled voice.
"Wait."
Emma froze. Did she really hear that, or did she imagine it? She almost didn't turn around; but then, she heard the voice again. "Emma," it was a soft whisper but she knew that voice anywhere. She spun quickly back around and the vision in front of her made her breath catch hard in her throat.
"Regina," she said tightly, trying so very hard to control her emotions. "You're here." She took a breath. "I'm so sorry." She took another breath, but still stood in the very spot. She was afraid to move toward the other woman; not because she was scared of her, but because she feared Regina would disappear away in a flash. She knew she couldn't handle that; so, she dipped her head instead. "You okay?"
Regina still looked impassive, as her eyes didn't move from the floor. So, Emma slowly inched a little closer. "Please, Regina, look at me; even though I don't deserve it."
The brunette finally raised her head up and both women took a moment to stare at one another. "I was so dumb." The sheriff admitted throatily, swallowing painfully as she gazed upon the other woman's sad appearance. "Please forgive me."
Tears formed in the mayors dark eyes. "You hurt me."
Emma nodded, "I know, and I don't deserve your forgiveness, but the truth is I can't live without you." Now tears glistened Emma's eyes. "I maybe got lost for a moment, granted it was a terrible moment, and I never should have done that….but there was never a second when I ever stopped loving you."
Regina knew she wasn't perfect either; in fact, she knew it took a lot for the savior to admit that to her. Deep down, she knew that Emma had to have forgiven her for all the horrible things she did in her past, to even be here now. "I didn't think you would still… I just figured you believed some people can't change. The look you gave me broke my heart." She cried. "So, I believed that my mother was right after all, and she did win."
Emma shook her head. "No, Regina. She's not right. People can change. I've seen you. The real you." She paused to take a breath and to take those last remaining steps that separated them. "I forgave you for everything you did in your past the moment I told you I loved you. I just didn't realize it at the time. So, I'm asking you, can you find it within your heart to forgive me for hurting you? For being a fool?"
For the second time in her life, Regina opened her heart completely. She let everything she was feeling show in her face, allowing Emma to see how she truly felt. She did not blink away the moisture that rose in her eyes; instead, gladly letting it form and slide down her face. She closed her eyes, bowing her head; she then felt a hesitant touch on her cheek. She opened her eyes quickly to see Emma withdraw her hand uncertainly. "Yes," she whispered, catching it and bringing it back to her face.
"Yes?" The blonde's brow knitted together, trying to absorb the meaning in Regina's response. Then, an unnerving pain clenched tightly in her stomach, she pulled her hand swiftly away, bending over and grasping tightly to her midsection. She dwindled down to her knees from the pain.
Panic laced the brunette's eyes and she quickly knelt down beside her. "Emma, what's wrong?"
The blonde slowly held a finger up in front of her, quietly telling the mayor she needed a minute without actually talking. Regina couldn't help it. She needed Emma like she needed air, and she pulled her gently into her arms. "Tell me what's wrong?" She whispered tenderly.
Emma blew out her breath harshly and returned Regina's embrace, hugging her tightly. "I've missed you so much." She cried on the queen's shoulder, and let her ease away her ache the way only the brunette could do.
"And, I missed you." Regina said. Immediately she sensed the other woman relax against her, snuggling deeper into the embrace, burrowing into the hollow of the mayor's neck and breathing deep the woman's scent. The fragrance and warmth of the skin so close made her cling to Regina as if she were afraid she might suddenly disappear. For long, wonderful moments she allowed herself to be sheltered from all that was awaiting them outside; and, instead, took rest and comfort in the haven of Regina's arms.
"I do, however, need to know," Regina noted after a long while. "You still are suffering, I can sense it. So tell me what's going on?"
Emma peered up at her, "I'm fine now."
Regina carefully pulled the other woman with her as they got to their feet. She kept a firm grip on Emma's hand and with the other she spun the mirror around to reveal a gorgeous room behind it. "Damn," the blonde muttered as she observed the room. "So this is where you have been hiding."
Regina shrugged. "Home away from home," she said with a slight smile. "Now, are you going to tell me what's wrong with you?"
"I honestly don't know. I just haven't felt very well; it must be because of the magic. However, my opinion is it's because I was missing my other half." She partially smiled, pulling Regina back into her arms. The brunette did the same, sliding her arms around Emma's neck. She rested her head there, finding a peace and comfort she knew she would only find in her saviors arms.
Regina jerked back, startled. "Did you hear that?" She said, her voice concerned. Her forehead dropped as she gazed deeply at the blonde.
Emma slowly shook her head, "no," she whispered and listened for a moment. "What do you hear?"
Regina gazed into the soft green eyes across from her own and slowed her breathing. Then, very gently she placed her hand over Emma's heart. "Shhhhhh, quiet your heart, Emma."
The blonde blinked. "Wha, you want me to what?"
Regina smiled, "Please, for me? I love the sound of your heart more than anything, but right now, I need you to silence it."
The sheriff trusted her completely and nodded. She exhaled slowly, closing her eyes, as she concentrated on this simple task. She heard the brunette's gasp, felt her body freeze, then quickly pulled away. Emma instantly opened her eyes. "Regina," she said, her voice shaky and unsure from the expression the other woman was giving her.
The queen tilted back sharply, placing a hand over her mouth and taking a few steps away from the blonde. "This can't be happening." She swallowed. "Please tell me I'm wrong."
"What?" Emma felt at a loss and didn't know what to do. "Tell me what's going on!" She clenched her eyes shut from the pain that was back.
Regina noticed the blonde's painful expression and placed a caring hand on her arm. "Emma."
"What's happening?" She murmured with difficulty, as she watched Regina swallow nervously.
"I just need to know."
The blonde flinched. "Need to know what?" Shock laced her wide eyes as she stared at Regina.
"Shhhhhhh," the queen soothed and skimmed her hands down, then slowly up, Emma's shirt. Her warm hands soothed over the restless ache she was feeling. The sheriff watched the other woman in wonder, but relaxed under her ministrations. Then slowly a thrilled smile formed on the queens red lips along with a lonely tear that found its way from her soft brown eyes.
Emma opened her mouth to say something; but snapped it shut when she watched Regina slip down to her knees and her warm hands found their way to the blonde's back. She then rested her ear so very tenderly on Emma's belly for a moment, only turning so she could gently place a kiss where her ear was. The sheriff watched in silence, still completely puzzled by everything. When Regina peered up at her nothing but love and adoration spilled from her eyes, Emma's own knees buckled and she fell down next to the brunette. Their foreheads resting together, as their arms held each other. "I love you Emma Swan." Regina breathed and drew her head up for that long awaited loving kiss.
"I can't believe I almost doubted you." She whispered when they pulled away.
Confusion creased Emma's brow. "I still have no idea what is going on."
That drew a happy laugh from the mayor. "Promise me you won't run or freak out."
"Never again." She promised.
Regina slightly dipped her head. "You're with child, dear," she informed her seriously.
Now it was Emma's turn to laugh. "Nice one, Regina," she said, staring at her in disbelief.
The Queen looked her right in the eye, maintaining her serious expression. "I wouldn't joke about this," she said very warmly, as she laced their fingers back together and softly placed both of their hands over the blonde's stomach. "Tell me you can hear it, and if you try, I know you can sense her."
Emma's face went pale, as she heard Regina's words; not only that, she felt the tiny beating against her palm. "I'm going to be sick." She let out a shuddering breath and jerked her hand away.
"This is not funny." Emma's voiced squeaked, and then dropped to a ragged scared gasp. "Don't you dare play this on me." Her head fell and her breaths were coming in and out fast from the anxious feelings that stirred deep within her.
Regina frowned, as she gathered her up in her arms. "Listen to me. I love you. I would never say this to you if it weren't true." She soothed, as she stroked her hair.
"How… I wasn't with anyone." She sniffed, and pushed her away in shock. "This isn't happening! I must be cursed or something!"
Regina reached out and cupped the blonde's face to get her attention. "Emma, look at me. Please open your heart and just listen." The brunette tried to clarify as calmly as she could. "You are with child." She took another breath, and searched deep inside herself, trying to find the words. "And you were with somebody. You were with me."
Unwillingly, Emma finally gazed deep into the queen's eyes. "What are you saying?" She exhaled shakily.
Regina gazed back and offered her such a sweet tender smile that Emma had no choice but to let the tears pool in her eyes. "I'm saying," Her eyes danced in delight. "We are having a baby!"
The blonde couldn't breathe, as her brain started to malfunction. "Uh,… um…how?"
Regina blushed deeply. "Our love is apparently stronger than we both realized."
"Huh," Emma muttered, her voice unsteady. "I'm still …" her voice faded off, as she stared into the distance in a daze.
The mayor pulled the blonde's beautiful hand up so she could press her lips softly to it. "I know, but its real. She's real." She paused to place her hand to the side of the sheriff's cheek. "Look at me….please."
Emma returned her gaze back to the glossy brown eyes that showed her the truth. "This doesn't happen. Not in my world." She said, her tone much warmer and gentler.
The corners of the queen's lip curled up. "Oh, but sweetie, this is your world now. Honestly, this hasn't ever happened before." She paused, as her eyebrows dove together in thought. "At least, not that I'm aware of."
The sheriff eyed her uncertainly. "Then, how do you know… that she's…." she faded off, as a wave of nausea fell over her.
Regina pulled the blonde to her feet and lead her to the large bed. "Here, lie down."
"I'm okay." Emma said, shaking her head stubbornly.
The queen rolled her eyes. "Please, for me." She sighed.
She finally relented and slowly stretched out on bed, and immediately felt the shift. "Oh," she muttered hazily.
A smug grin appeared on the mayor. "Nice, isn't it."
Emma slowly nodded; then, felt the bed dip as she watched Regina situate herself next to her. "So how do you know?" She murmured, as the queen gently slid her arm across her waist, laying her head softly on her shoulder.
"Do you recall what you said to me that night at Nerverland, when you were so hell bent on getting Hook by yourself?"
The blonde took a moment, then nodded again. "Good," Regina said softly. "You said you saw a vision, a vision of me and Henry….right?"
"Yeah," Emma sighed in wonder, her arm finally moving to pull Regina into her side even closer.
"Now, can you tell me if you saw anything else?"
Emma was about to shake her head no, when it hit her. She did see something else; she just choice to ignore it at the time. "Oh. My. God." She gasped.
Regina leaned up on her elbow so she could gaze down at her. "What did you see?"
The blonde arched her eyebrow in wonder. "Wait, how did you know?"
"I didn't. I only guessed." She admitted smugly. "I guess I was right."
Emma's hand flew to her mouth, as the tears started to fall again. "Hey, hey, what's with the tears?" The brunette whispered softly; then, kissed the princess with the greatest of care on her temple and again on her cheek.
The sheriff took a steady breath. "She's so beautiful."
Regina smiled, her eyes glowing as she looked at her. "Who's beautiful dear?"
"Our child."
The mayor felt her breath, and her heart, catch in her throat. "Yeah," she muttered, her voice low, so she could control the quiver in it.
"The spitting image of her mother."
Tears pooled in the queen's wide eyes. "She looks like you?" She asked instantly, in a shocked tone.
Emma smiled and drew herself up to kiss her lightly on the lips. "No," she said sincerely, but held her gaze.
Acknowledging what Emma just said, Regina blinked back her tears. "Me?" she whispered tentatively.
The sheriff nodded with a huge smile. "You."
The queen held her breath as she swallowed. She didn't know if she should smile or cry; apparently, she settled on both. "Oh Emma," she said softly, as she met that intent pale gaze. She leaned over and began kissing the blonde on the mouth, flicking Emma's lips with her tongue to part them; then, deepening the kiss with passionate intent.
"Regina," she breathed huskily when they parted. "Do you know how much I missed you?"
"Maybe," the mayor responded, swallowing hard as she helped remove Emma's jacket. "Maybe just as much as I missed you."
"Oh, I doubt that." The sheriff smiled wistfully at her; and Regina leaned closer, kissing her sweetly. "Particularly these," she rasped and kissed her again. "And the way you smell." She breathed; then, kissed along her throat. "But, above all, I just missed being near you." She muttered, fighting the lump that appeared in her throat.
Regina moved up and hooked a leg over the blonde's thigh so she could get closer; then, kissed her deeply. "Emma, my dear," she said against her mouth. "Instead of telling me, why don't you just show me."
Emma gave her a quick smile; then, kissed and pulled Regina more on top of her as she settled back onto the soft pillows. "Anything my queen wants, she shall get."
Regina smiled and slowly kissed her princess, holding her tightly because finally they had each other. Their undying love, their bond with Henry, and now something they will always have together. Even better, they were in her little hide away, and no one could interrupt them this time. Regina would have grinned haughtily if she wasn't getting so thoroughly kissed.
….. TBC