Part Thirty-Five: The One With the Easy Feeling
Emma woke up early, the pale rays of morning sunlight penetrating the glass of the balcony door into the room.
She smiled softly, lowering her hand to the arm wrapped protectively around her waist, and intertwined their fingers together before snuggling closer to Regina's warm body, pressed against her back.
Emma closed her eyes, breathing in the strong scent of wildflowers and apple blossom, thicker in the air.
It was stronger than she ever felt before.
As if they had twined themselves around each other throughout the night as Emma and Regina were and just like them, it became one.
Impossible to know where one begin and the other ended.
Emma moved her leg, the weight of Regina's leg buried between hers made her muscle ache in the most delicious way.
She could already feel herself getting wet again, aching for Regina's tongue and fingers to be buried deep inside of her.
For her to ride Regina as pleasure consumed every nerve of her body and then explode with, under, and above her.
She wasn't surprised about the intensity of their lovemaking.
It was like this with them.
It didn't matter how many times she had her, she would always ache for more.
Emma took a deep breath again, letting their scent fill her lungs. The warm air of Regina's breath was tickling the hairs of her neck, and Emma just surrendered herself to the feeling of Regina pressed against her before she drifted off to sleep again.
When Emma woke up again later that morning, she was alone in bed.
The room was completely dark and the sheets were pulled under her chin, covering her naked body.
Emma stirred, looking at the balcony door in the room, the curtains pulled to cover the glass.
They weren't like that when she woke up earlier.
Regina must have done that when she woke up, to let Emma sleep longer without the sunlight bothering her.
She didn't even feel her move.
Regina had spent her boneless last night.
Emma lifted her arms above her head, stretching her body, hearing a bone crack here and there.
Her muscles were slightly sore but her body was completely relaxed.
Emma pulled the sheets off her body and rose from the bed, walking to the suite.
She looked at herself in the mirror, smiling softly at the red scratches and lightly purple marks on her body.
She knew Regina had the same marks on her.
They were the evidence of how much they gave and took pleasure from one another.
Regina truly had shown her the words she couldn't say.
Emma opened the shower box glass and entered the shower, opening the water and letting it fall over her body. She moaned softly when the warm water touched her skin, kissing every inch of her satisfied body.
Emma washed her hair and then conditioner before soaping her body.
She told Regina she loved her last night.
And she felt Regina's love for her in return.
Emma didn't know why Regina couldn't tell what she felt back to her, why she needed the year.
Why was it so important?
But she was also honest when she said she would wait.
She would.
She knew Regina loved her and one year was nothing next to the rest of their lives.
If one year was the time Regina needed to bury her secret for good so be it.
Emma didn't want to know.
She didn't want anything to do with the slight chance of losing what they had.
Of losing her family.
For the first time in her life, Emma was determined to fight against the instinct of wanting to know everything.
Because she could feel this was dangerous.
She knew it from the second she started to feel all those shattering feelings from Regina on the night of the storm.
And if this secret had the potential of ripping them apart, then Emma would gladly choose a life in blindness.
Because the alternative simply wasn't an option.
Emma finished her shower and dried her body before wrapping the towel around her hair and walking naked into the room.
She put her underwear on and then a pair of black leggings and a cream wool sweater that belonged to Regina. She knew Regina wouldn't mind and the sweater looked cozy and comfortable and the fact that smelled like Regina was just a plus.
Emma unwrapped the towel from her hair and then walked back into the bathroom to hang the towel and brush her hair back.
After she was done, Emma put on her strapped leather sandals and walked out of the room to look for Regina and Henry.
She found Regina in the kitchen, rising something on the sink.
Emma walked silently behind her and wrapped her arms around Regina's waist.
"Morning," Emma whispered in her ear before dropping a soft kiss on her neck.
Regina turned off the water before turning into the embrace, smiling lazily at Emma.
So incredibly beautiful.
How could a single woman have stolen the beauty of the Gods?
Regina stood on her tiptoes wrapping her arms around Emma's neck and then capturing her lips in a kiss.
She moved slowly against her mouth and Emma could almost feel the devotion at each stroke of her tongue, she could feel life at every warm breath she sucked from Regina's mouth.
And then she felt that pull in the pit of her stomach, that dart of pure and devastating lust that already threatened to consume her whole.
To take and taste and drink Regina.
Regina pulled away slowly, smiling against Emma's lips.
"Good morning," Regina said.
Emma pressed her lips against hers one more time, taking in their combined scent of wildflowers and apple blossom.
"I didn't hear you leave the bedroom," Emma said.
"I know," Regina smiled, running her hand down Emma's face "I wore you out last night"
"Oh, you definitely did," Emma laughed "Wanna do it again tonight?" Emma winked.
"Absolutely," Regina bit her lower lip, her eyes running up and down Emma's body.
Emma laughed wholeheartedly, pressing her lips again against Regina's.
Then she walked to the coffee machine filling up a cup.
"Have you eaten breakfast yet?" Emma asked.
"Yeah, Henry and I finished just a little while before you come down," Regina said "Sit down and eat. You must be starved"
"Oh yeah," Emma said feeling her stomach pull on her flesh again for a whole different reason now.
She sat at the table, her eyes roaming over the full breakfast table in front of her.
Bread, cheese, ham, eggs, bacon, yogurt with strawberries, and so much more that Emma almost felt like she was in a Hotel breakfast and had no idea where to start.
Perhaps she would just have to eat a little of everything.
Or a lot.
God, she was hungry!
"Do you want me to warm up the eggs for you?" Regina asked.
"No, that's fine," Emma said putting the food onto her plate while chewing on a piece of bacon "Where is Henry, by the way?"
"He went outside to change the batteries of the lights on the trees," Regina said, leaning against the sink.
"Oh," Emma paused, chewing on a perfect bite of bread, eggs, bacon, and cheese "Are you sure it's safe for him to be outside alone? Are there any wild animals out there?"
Regina smiled amused, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Emma.
"The wildest creature he is going to find out there are probably squirrels," Regina said.
"Well," Emma swallowed "They can give you rabies"
Regina laughed, walking to the fridge and picking up a bottle of water.
"Would you like to go outside and check on him?" Regina asked.
Emma looked at the food in front of her and then back at Regina.
"I'm sure he's fine," Emma said cheekily.
Regina drank the water before walking to Emma, pressing her lips against hers.
"Henry knows these woods like the back of his hand," Regina said "Don't worry about it"
"More," Emma smiled, her eyes still closed.
"More?" Regina asked.
"Kisses," Emma whispered.
Regina leaned forward, a smile still tugging on her lips when she pressed them against Emma's, moving slowly before pulling away.
Emma grunted softly and opened her eyes, watching Regina smile and then wink at her from across the table.
And fuck, that smile made Emma feel an indecent tremor run through her body.
Regina turned her back to Emma, washing something on the sink.
Emma took another bite of her breakfast food, her eyes narrowing on the curve of Regina's beautiful ass in that tight dress she was wearing.
Impure thoughts already invading every corner of her mind, winding and nestling lustfully in her heart.
The sound of the phone ringing and vibrating beside Emma, made her yelp the images of what she wanted to do to Regina vanishing from her mind.
Emma looked to the side, eyeing Katheryn's s name flashing on the screen.
"It's Katheryn," Emma said.
"Can you get that for me, please?" Regina asked, picking up a dishcloth to dry her hands.
Emma picked up Regina's cell phone from the table, connecting the call.
"Hey, Katheryn," Emma said.
"Emma, hi," Katheryn said happily on the other side of the line "How are you?"
"I'm good," Emma said between chews "How are you?"
"Oh, I'm great," Katheryn laughed "More than that actually if you catch my drift"
"Oh God, please spare me," Emma said "If this is something kinky I don't want to know"
"See, that's exactly the reason why Regina is my best friend," Katheryn said "Unlike you, we like details"
"What do you mean details?" Emma asked and then looked at Regina "Have you been telling Katheryn details?"
"Details about what?" Regina asked.
"You know…" Emma gave Regina a look, listening to Katheryn laughing on the phone.
"You are teasing me again, aren't you?" Emma clicked her tongue.
"Am I?" Katheryn asked.
"Why are you calling so early?" Emma asked.
"It's ten in the morning," Katheryn said "And I need to talk to Regina. Is she there?"
"Yep," Emma nodded "Hold on, I'm giving her the phone"
Emma gave the phone to Regina, a soft smile playing on her lips when she pressed the phone against her ear.
"Hey, Kat"
Regina walked across the table, taking a seat in front of Emma as she talked to Katheryn.
Emma resumed eating her breakfast, taking another piece of bacon to eat with her cold eggs, while she listened to Regina.
"Oh, I'm not in town right but… hold on," Regina said.
Regina covered the speaker of the phone with her hand, lowering the phone to the side of her body.
"Do you mind if I invite Katheryn and Jim to come over?" Regina asked Emma.
"Nope," Emma smiled.
"Are you sure?" Regina asked "I know this weekend was supposed to be about us but I was thinking…"
"Regina, it's okay," Emma smiled "It will be fun to have them over"
Regina smiled at Emma before bringing the phone back to her ear.
"Kat, we are at our cabin in the woods," Regina said "Why don't you and Jim come over to stay with us? We have a spare room"
Emma smiled at Regina, emotions clogging her throat.
Our cabin.
That is what Regina had been telling Emma ever since she moved in with her. Our home, our cabin, our family.
Theirs.
Emma took a deep breath, her heart both racing and grounding inside her chest as the overwhelming feeling took over her body.
She let that feeling wash over her, let it make a nest in the deepest and darkest corners of her heart.
She let herself surrender unconditionally to Regina. To their life. To their family.
To their love.
There were no words needed.
Emma knew. She felt it. With every touch, every gesture.
She was Regina's and Regina was hers.
But just as easy as the love filled her heart, darkness stirred inside, crawling like a serpent in the desert.
Because Regina had a secret.
One she could never tell Emma.
And as much as Emma didn't want to know this secret, she couldn't help but fear what it was.
Because how could Emma destroy what was on their way if she didn't even know what she was fighting against?
Regina was sitting on the dark wooden soft sofa on the porch, watching Emma and Henry walk around the lake.
She sipped her wine, letting the strong taste of the fermented grapes dance on her tongue before swallowing the liquid.
The sun was about to come down and was casting an orange glow on the lake, almost making it look like it was on fire.
That view used to be enough to take Regina's breath away.
But now nothing in the world could ever compare to the woman in front of her.
The woman who stole her whole heart.
The woman she was devastatingly in love with.
Regina sipped her wine again, smiling softly when Henry's laugh reached her years.
They weren't going to hike up to the rock today to watch the sunset.
They were waiting for Katheryn and Jim to arrive to spend the rest of the weekend with them.
This would be the first time Regina would ever receive anyone in that house.
That house used to be just hers.
Then it became hers and Henry's.
Now it was hers, Henry's, and Emma's.
And Regina couldn't think of a better opportunity to receive her friends and filled every corner of the house with laughter than with her family by her side.
Regina leaned on the couch, closing her eyes for a second, taking in the cold air and the combined scent of her and Emma.
It had been so thicker in the house, especially after the night before with Emma.
After she said she loved her.
After Regina showed how much she loved her back.
Regina smiled softly taking in the words again, letting them sink deeper into her heart.
She just needed a year.
One year and would all be over.
One year and they would be out of danger.
One year, and she would tell Emma every day how much she loved her.
But until then, Regina would have to settle for showing her.
She wouldn't let a day go by without Emma knowing, even without words, how true her feelings for her were.
Because Emma was the only one.
She would live and die loving only Emma.
Regina opened her eyes, watching Henry and Emma walk back to the house.
Henry was running in front of Emma, smiling freely and with features so light that Regina felt something tug inside her chest.
But not in a bad way.
Because that smile on his face was all she ever wanted for her son, the second she held him in her arms.
All she would ever want was for Henry to be happy.
Henry walked up the stairs of the porch, smiling at Regina before climbing up to her lap, nesting his head under her chin.
Regina put the wine glass on the small table beside the couch and wrapped her arms around her son, kissing the top of his head.
Emma entered the porch one moment later, smiling beautifully at Regina before sitting on the couch beside them.
There was nothing in the world, no one she wouldn't kill to keep them safe.
No matter what happen, no matter the price, Regina would bleed dry before letting any harm come to her family.
"Did you explain the turn they have to make where the earth road ends?" Henry asked.
"Of course I did," Regina kissed his head again.
"Because we need to remake that road, it's completely taken over by grass," Henry said.
"Yeah, I know," Regina said "But it's not like we don't know how to get here"
"Yes, but that was before when it was just the two of us," Henry lifted his head to look at Emma "But it's not just us anymore"
"That is very true," Regina turned her head to smile at Emma.
Emma slid closer, putting her hand on Regina's thigh.
"We need to come back here when it's summer," Henry said "We can spend all day just swimming on the lake"
"Really?" Emma asked.
"Yep," Henry said "Except for when mom is complaining that I'm too deep into the lake"
"Well, excuse me for not wanting my only son to drown," Regina said sarcastically.
"I swim in that lake since I was a baby," Henry laughed "I'm not going to drown"
"You taught him how to swim?" Emma asked.
"I taught him how to stay safely where his feet touch the bottom of the lake," Regina said "The rebellious attitude of going deeper is all on him"
Emma chuckled as Henry rolled his eyes playfully, a perfect image of Regina.
"I'm going to get some water," Henry said hopping off Regina's lap "You guys want anything?"
"Nope, I'm good, kid," Emma said.
"Me too," Regina said right after.
Henry entered the house, leaving the two of them alone on the porch.
"So," Emma smiled cheekily "Does this summer thing includes you in a bikini all day?"
Regina smiled seductively at Emma, roaming her eyes over her body.
"Indeed, it does," Regina said.
"Fuck," Emma said lowly tilting her head to the side "How long till summer?"
Regina laughed, closing her fingers around Emma's blouse and pulling her closer capturing her lips in a kiss.
Emma leaned closer and slid her hand up Regina's thigh to her waist, sinking her fingers there.
Regina moaned softly at the invasion of Emma's tongue in her mouth and then at the feel of Emma's hands grabbing her over the fabric of her dress.
The violent need to have Emma twined around every inch of Regina's body, ripping her apart with the pure desire to have Emma naked beneath her.
To have her gasping for air, screaming her name, quivering under her touch.
And then drink and drink and drink more and more from her until Emma couldn't pour anymore.
Until the only thing she remembered was Regina's name and touch.
Emma broke the kiss blowing warm breath over Regina's lips.
"Thank God you are putting them near Henry's bedroom," Emma said breathlessly against Regina's lips.
Regina smiled, pressing her lips quickly against Emma's.
"Let's just hope they are too tired from the drive and want to sleep right the way," Emma said.
"That still leaves us with Henry," Regina laughed.
"How about bedtime rules?" Emma asked playfully.
Regina chuckled and then nestled on Emma's body, laying her head on Emma's shoulder and wrapping one arm around her waist.
Emma wrapped her arms around Regina's body, her fingers running lazily up and down the long sleeve of her dress.
"I like here," Emma said.
"Me too," Regina kissed Emma above the breast before looking out at the lake again.
"We should stay here," Emma whispered "We should stay here until this year you need ends"
Regina snuggled closer, listening to the soft beat of Emma's heart.
Letting it echo inside of her.
Letting it quiet her fears and wake her hopes.
"This place is too far from town, which is why I chose it," Regina said "We can't take Henry away from school and I can't run the town from here"
If things were still, she could.
She did it for years when the curse was at its strongest.
She would take Emma and Henry and hide in that cabin forever.
But now, Regina couldn't risk just running.
She needed to keep her eyes on things, she needed to make sure the curse was safe.
She needed to watch Gold.
He was awake, and he wanted Emma to break the curse to pay him a favor.
But whatever he wanted from her, he wasn't going to get it.
Regina wouldn't let him touch her.
The price was hers.
Henry walked back to the porch, sitting on the steps.
A moment passed and then another.
Bliss washed over her in the silent moment where nothing else existed but her family.
The sound of a car approaching echoed around the silent wood.
Regina pulled away from Emma as Henry stood up, looking back at them.
"They are here," Henry said.
Regina rose from the couch, Emma getting up with her. She intertwined her fingers with Emma, and walked to Henry, wrapping her arm around his shoulder as the car stopped in front of the cabin.
Katheryn opened the car door, looking amazed at the cabin, Jim doing the same on the other side.
Her expressions were almost as similar to Emma's when they arrived there the day before.
Regina supposed she couldn't blame them.
The cabin was quite impressive.
Katheryn walked in their direction, smiling softly at Regina.
"Regina, oh my God," Katheryn said "This place is incredible"
Katheryn pulled Regina into her arms, hugging her tightly before kissing her cheek.
And when she let go, Emma clicked her tongue squinting her eyes at Katheryn.
"Katheryn," Emma said seriously.
"Emma," Katheryn said amused.
Regina rolled her eyes, a soft smile playing on her lips.
Jim walked up the steps, stopping behind Katheryn and then greeting everyone.
"Regina, this place is beautiful," Jim said.
"Thank you," Regina smiled.
"You know, when you said you guys were at your cabin, I thought it was this small thing," Katheryn said "This is bigger than your house in town"
"See, that's what I said," Emma pointed at Katheryn.
"You two are exaggerating," Regina brushed off "Come on, let's get you guys inside"
"We need to get the things we brought out of the car," Jim said looking at Katheryn.
"I'll help you," Emma said.
"Me too," Henry quipped.
"Well then," Katheryn smiled.
Jim kissed Katheryn softly before walking to the car, Emma and Henry behind him.
And then she hooked her arms with Regina's as Regina walked with her inside the house.
"Did you guys find the way here okay?" Regina asked.
"Jim did," Katheryn laughed "I had no idea where we were. This place is very well hidden"
"That's the point," Regina said.
Regina showed Katheryn the living room and then the kitchen, where they sat by the kitchen table.
By the time Emma, Henry and Jim walked back inside the house, Katheryn and Regina were already drinking a glass of wine.
"I left our bags by the stairs," Jim said carrying a cardboard box.
He put the box on top of the table, and Emma did the same with the one she was carrying.
"What's in the boxes?" Regina asked, sipping her wine.
Emma walked behind her, wrapping one arm around her collarbone and then kissing her cheek before taking the glass from Regina's hand and taking a sip.
"Beer, wine, and meat for a barbecue," Katheryn said "We figured we could make one since we are out here in the woods"
"Katheryn, you didn't have to bring anything," Regina said.
"Of course we did," Katheryn smiled "And on the other box are all the stuff Henry asked us to bring"
"Excuse me?" Regina blinked her eyes.
"Did you bring everything?" Henry asked entering the kitchen.
"Almost," Katheryn said "Granny was out of chocolate cake, so I brought her apple pie instead"
"That works too," Henry smiled.
"I'm sorry, what's happening?" Regina asked.
She looked between Katheryn and Henry, her eyes lingering a little longer at him.
"I called Katheryn and asked her to bring a few stuff from Granny's," Henry said "Tomorrow is Sunday, we have to keep our family tradition"
"When did you call her, kid?" Emma laughed.
"When you two were busy making out," Henry said "Which is all the time" He narrowed her eyes at Emma.
"Oh my God" Regina said, feeling her cheeks burn.
As Katheryn and Emma laughed hard.
"Kat, I am so sorry," Regina said "How much was it? I'll pay you back"
"Oh, stop it," Katheryn brushed it off "We are all family here"
Regina smiled softly, squeezing Emma's arm over her collarbone.
It was funny how this feeling of family could appear in more ways than just one.
Emma was moaning inside Regina's mouth, pleasure invading every corner of her body as Regina's fingers moved inside of her.
She was holding Regina's face between her hands, blowing warm breath inside her mouth as she drew another gasp of air, her eyes locking with Regina's.
She could feel her inner walls clenching around Regina's fingers.
She could feel the pleasure Regina was giving her rip her apart, inch by inch.
Every bit of her was wonderfully teased by Regina moving on top of her.
Regina captured Emma's lips in a kiss, her tongue moving hungrily and demanding against hers.
Regina's nipples brushed against Emma's as they kissed, the hard tips rasping against one another sending a new wave of pleasure through her body.
Deliciously and torturously so.
Emma curled her toes on the sheets, spreading her legs a little wider.
Regina broke the kiss, smiling lustfully at Emma as she fucked her harder and harder the heel of her hand brushing against her clit each time she entered her.
Emma could hardly breathe.
The pleasure was accumulating inside of her, roaring in her bloodstream, screaming for Regina never to stop.
Regina lowered her head to Emma's neck, sinking her teeth into her flesh.
Emma moaned indecently, feeling her juices pour out of her and drenched Regina's already soaked fingers.
She was so close.
Emma's whole body was on fire, pulsating in every nerve of her flesh.
Emma lowered her hands to Regina's back, sinking her fingers and nails into her soft skin.
Regina licked Emma's neck up, capturing her earlobe into her mouth, her tongue rolling around the flesh.
"Do you want to come?" Regina whispered out of breath in Emma's ear.
"Yes," Emma moaned.
"Do you want to come with my fingers buried inside of you?" Regina asked, "Or do you want to come in my mouth?"
"Fuck," Emma whispered chokingly, sinking her fingers in Regina's skin again.
She damn near came just by hearing that.
Regina smiled against her skin, her fingers moving faster inside of Emma.
"So?" Regina asked again.
"Your mouth," Emma moaned "I want to come in your mouth"
Regina kissed Emma's lips, pulling her fingers from inside of her.
And Emma felt so empty that she nearly regretted her choice.
Regina broke the kiss, capturing Emma's right breast inside her mouth.
She rolled her tongue around the hard nipple, each stroke of her tongue rushing down to her clit, making Emma wetter.
Regina licked her way to Emma's other breast, her tongue teasing her nipple and fingers sinking on her rib bones.
Emma felt the stickiness of her juices against her skin, Regina spreading them over her body as she kissed Emma lower and lower and lower.
Each kiss made that need for Regina echo in her body.
Regina settled between Emma's legs, licking her flatly.
Emma moaned when her velvety tongue licked her cunt, her back arching from the bed and hands gripping the sheets.
Regina closed her mouth around Emma's clit, sucking and teasing with the tip of her tongue.
Emma rolled her eyes, shamelessly calling Regina's name, pleasure shattering her deliciously.
Regina's tongue was a torture in the best possible way.
Regina entered Emma with her tongue, her thumb rubbing her clit.
Emma felt that fire burn her whole, her lips whispering a breathless prayer for Regina's name.
She closed her fingers on Regina's hair, pushing her closer to her center and moving her cunt against Regina's face, faster and faster until her orgasm broke inside of her and Emma screamed Regina's name.
Fullness.
That was what Emma felt as waves and waves of the aftershocks of her orgasm ran through her body.
Every bit of her was satisfied.
Regina moved on top of Emma, the tip of her tongue running up her body.
Emma felt her stomach clench and her skin crawl under Regina's tongue, her whole body reacting to her as if she hadn't just spent her with pleasure.
Regina would always be the fuel that made Emma's ember burn completely.
And Emma wanted to burn in that fire again and again and again.
Regina pressed her lips against Emma's, kissing her slowly, letting Emma taste herself on her lips and tongue.
And when she broke the kiss, she laid between Emma's breasts, her fingers making soft circles on Emma's ribs.
It tickled.
It shivered her.
It made her crave her fingers inside her again.
"We should shower and go downstairs," Regina said "We have guests"
"I'm not sure I can stand on my feet right now," Emma said.
Regina smiled against her skin, kissing Emma between her breasts.
And then she lifted her head to Emma's lips, kissing her softly before getting up from the bed, completely ignoring Emma's protests.
Emma could barely stand the absence.
Her whole body craved for Regina.
Emma heard the water running in the bathroom, her legs jerking and clit tingling between her legs at the sound.
So she just smiled and rose from the bed, walking inside the shower, arms wrapping around Regina's waist and fingers moving between her thighs entering and moving inside her until Regina was the one quivering inside her arms.
One hour later, they made their way downstairs.
Emma held Regina's hand between hers as they walked to the kitchen, the sound of laughter already reaching their ears.
Everyone was awake already, sitting around the kitchen table a small feast from Granny's on top of it.
"Good morning, ladies," Katheryn said teasingly "I'm glad you two could finally join us"
"Morning," Regina said, her voice slightly smoky.
Katheryn smiled sideways at Regina, giving her a knowing look. But instead of feeling embarrassed, Regina just winked at Katheryn an easy smile dancing on her lips.
It was both ridiculously amusing and incredibly hot
And Emma never wanted that smile to leave her lips.
Or being the reason why she smiled so beautifully.
Regina let go of Emma's hand, walking in Henry's direction.
Emma missed her touch before her fingers even left her skin completely.
"Good morning, honey," Regina said, kissing the top of Henry's head.
"Morning, mom," Henry said cheerfully "Ma, look, the traditions live"
"Yeah, I can see that kid," Emma laughed.
Jim rose from his seat beside Katheryn, kissing her lips softly before walking to the sink when the coffee machine beeped.
"Do you guys want some coffee?" Jim asked "I hope you don't mind that we made ourselves home around your kitchen"
"No, of course not," Regina said "As Kat said, we are all family here"
Regina smiled softly at Katheryn, who smiled back at her.
And the easy feeling between the two of them made Emma think of Mary Margaret.
They once shared that easy friendship too.
But instead of being supportive like Katheryn, Mary Margaret decided to hunt Emma simply because she loved Regina.
She said so many times Regina hated her for no reason, but what reasons did she have to hate Regina and condemn their relationship?
Why couldn't she just accept Emma loved Regina and be happy for her like Katheryn was?
Regina looked curious at Emma before walking back in her direction, wrapping one arm around her waist and cherishing her cheek with her hand.
"Are you okay?" Regina asked worriedly.
And that touch was so grounding.
It centered her, pushing away devious thoughts.
"Yeah, I am," Emma smiled pressing her lips quickly with Regina's before looking at Jim "And Jim, I would love some coffee"
"Me too," Regina said, turning her head to look at him.
Emma kissed Regina's lips again, before taking her hand and walking around the table where they sat across from Katheryn and Jim.
"I still can't believe you called Katheryn and asked her to bring all of this," Regina clicked her tongue at Henry.
"We can't have a tradition if it only happens once," Henry said.
"Well then," Regina looked at Katheryn "I supposed you and Jim are invited to have breakfast with us next Sunday at Granny's," Regina smiled wickedly "It's Emma's treat"
"Excuse me?" Emma asked, half a grilled cheese hanging between her fingers.
Jim walked back to the table, putting two mugs of coffee in front of them.
"Well," Regina looked at Emma "It's your time to pay"
"Oh, you, you sneaky little…"
Regina laughed lightly and Emma could hardly resist the urge to kiss her lips.
So she just dropped the grilled cheese on her plate and smashed her lips against Regina's, the reverberation of her laughter rippling through her heart.
"Oh my God," Henry said dramatically "Stop embarrassing me, we have guests"
Regina smiled against Emma's lips, kissing her again before letting go of her.
But God, how Emma never wanted to let go of her.
Regina reached for a few pieces of bacon, putting two on Emma's plate and keeping the rest of herself.
Emma chuckled lightly, taking her grilled cheese from her plate and taking another bite.
"We should make a fire tonight," Henry said "It's been a while since we don't make one in front of the lake"
"Henry," Regina smiled at him "That is an amazing idea. What do you guys think?" Regina asked Jim and Katheryn.
"We are here for it," Jim smiled "I would very much like to take a look around the area, I mean, this place is amazing"
"Yes, of course," Regina said "Henry can be your guide, he knows these woods like the back of his hand"
"That I do," Henry smiled proudly "You should come too, Ma"
"I'm here for it, kid," Emma laughed "What about you, Katheryn?"
"Uh, I think I prefer to stay indoors and maybe catch up with my best friend," Katheryn winked at Regina "I haven't seen you in a week and I want details"
"Seriously, are you telling her details?" Emma turned to look at Regina.
"Details about what?" Henry asked.
"Nothing," Regina squinted her eyes at both Katheryn and Emma "And I would love to catch up too"
Katheryn winked at Emma teasingly, taking a sip of her coffee.
And once again, Emma felt that stab in her heart mixed with a pang of sadness.
Because she wished Mary Margaret could have been that kind of friend.
She wished Mary Margaret was the kind of friend who was supportive of her relationship with the woman she was so desperately in love with.
Regina was sitting on the couch, crossed legs, looking at Katheryn sitting next to her.
It was the middle of the afternoon and Henry had left the house with Jim and Emma to show them around the woods.
He was so excited about the task.
Proud that Regina trusted him to show them around the area.
The smile on his face as he gave Jim and Emma instructions lit something inside her heart.
She loved seeing her little boy so happy.
There was nothing in this world Regina wouldn't do to protect that smile.
To keep her son and Emma happy.
And most importantly, to keep them safe.
"Regina, thank you so much for having us here," Katheryn said "This place is incredible"
Regina focused her eyes and thoughts on Katheryn, smiling softly at her.
"It's my pleasure," Regina said "I'm really happy you two are here"
Katheryn smiled softly at Regina, reaching for her hand and squeezing it lightly.
"You look so happy," Katheryn said "I don't think I have to ask how things with Emma are going"
Regina smiled at Katheryn, covering her hand with hers.
"I can't remember a time in my life when I was this happy" Regina said.
And at that moment, she breathed how true how words were.
"Emma makes me happy in a way I never even knew existed in the world," Regina said "What I feel for her is deeper than anything I ever felt for anyone in my life before"
"Regina," Katheryn smiled softly at her "You are so in love with her"
"I am," Regina nodded, a lump forming in her throat.
Because it wasn't fair that she couldn't say that to Emma.
She couldn't say how much she loved her.
How Emma was her whole heart.
"I'm so happy for you," Katheryn said "You deserved to be happy. We deserve to be happy"
"We do, yes," Regina said "How are things with Jim"
"Oh God, he is amazing," Katheryn laughed, pulling her hand from between Regina's "And I don't mean just like that"
"Kat," Regina laughed, lightly patting her leg.
"I love him. I am completely in love with him and I want to start my life with him," Katheryn said.
"As you should," Regina said "He seems like a great guy"
"He is," Katheryn nodded.
"But if he hurt you I am coming for his balls," Regina said seriously.
And then she joined Katheryn when she burst out laughing.
"Well, I hope it doesn't come to that," Katheryn said "But if it does, I'll totally help you"
"Thanks," Regina winked at her.
Katheryn cleared the joyful tears from the corner of her eyes before trapping a lock of hair behind her ear.
"I kinda need to ask you a favor," Katheryn said.
"What is it?" Regina asked.
"You can totally say no, by the way," Katheryn gestured with her hands "I know it's a lot to ask"
"Just tell me, Kat," Regina said "If it's within my reach I'll be happy to do it"
Katheryn smiled at Regina, taking her hand between hers.
"David and I filed the divorce papers but it's not really going anywhere," Katheryn said "We've already split everything inside the house and he has officially moved out now, but the bureaucracy to dissolve our marriage is starting to take a tow on me, you know?"
"I can imagine," Regina nodded.
"I was wondering if you could make some calls?" Katheryn asked, "You are the Mayor and so, you probably know everyone who handles these things, maybe you could put a word out for me to accelerate things?"
"Of course," Regina said "I'll make some calls as soon as we get back on Monday"
"Really?" Katheryn looked hopeful at Regina "Is this too much to ask? You can tell me if it is"
"No, it isn't," Regina smiled "I want you to move on with your life and be happy with Jim. It's my pleasure to finally end your marriage with David"
"Oh, God, Regina, thank you. Thank you so much"
Katheryn leaned forward pulling Regina into her arms in a tight embrace.
And Regina hugged her back just as strongly, her heart humming content inside her chest.
Katheryn was someone special to her.
A true friend.
Perhaps the only friend she ever had.
And she would do anything to right all the wrongs her curse brought to her life.
Or at least as much as she could without risking breaking the curse.
"Now, I need you to give me some dirty details on Emma," Katheryn said lightly in her ear "I need something to tease her with later"
"I am not giving you details," Regina rolled her eyes.
"Oh, don't be a prude," Katheryn said "You are my best friend, tell me the good stuff"
"Katheryn!" Regina laughed.
"Seriously? I walk away for five minutes and you have your hands all over her"
Katheryn laughed wholeheartedly, breaking away from Regina, the sound echoing inside the living room.
Regina looked behind her shoulder, watching Emma walk in their direction.
The way she was narrowing her eyes at Katheryn was the most adorable and unnecessary thing Regina have ever witnessed.
Emma sat behind Regina, wrapping her arms around her collarbone and then pulling her closer to her body.
And away from Katheryn.
Regina's body reacted immediately.
She melted herself on Emma's body, her fingers running lazily over her arm and skin heating when Emma kissed her neck and cheek.
"I must admit, you have perfect timing," Katheryn winked at Emma.
"Very funny," Emma said, pulling Regina even closer.
"What are you doing here?" Regina asked, "Where are Henry and Jim?"
"They are still on the tour into the woods," Emma said before kissing Regina's cheek.
"And why are you not with them?" Katheryn asked.
"I had this urge to come back to Regina," Emma said "Now I know why"
Regina chuckled, snuggling closer to Emma's body, feeling her cheek pressed against her temple, her arms enveloping her body.
No matter how many lives she lived, Emma's touch was the one she would always crave.
The only touch her soul would ever desire.
"Henry said something about picking up wood for the fire," Emma said, "He asked me to tell you he would do that"
"Oh good," Regina said "That reminds me, I need to take the grill out of the basement"
"I can do that," Emma said kissing her temple "But I want Katheryn with me"
"Why?" Kathryn frowned.
"Because I do not trust you alone with Regina," Emma clicked her tongue.
"Oh, stop it," Regina patted Emma's arm.
"It's so hard to control the urge when I'm near her," Katheryn winked at Regina.
"See?" Emma pointed at Katheryn.
"Katheryn, you are not helping," Regina narrowed her eyes at her.
"I wasn't trying to," Katheryn laughed.
Regina rolled her eyes, smiling at Katheryn and squeezing Emma's arm.
This was the fullness her thirst for revenge had never brought to her life.
And in that second, Regina wished that easy feeling would never go away.
Because now she could truly understand how wrong her mother's words were.
Love was not weakness.
If anything, love was strength.
Night had fallen over the woods, its darkness illuminated by the silver moon in the sky and the fire burning high near the lake.
The orange flames danced with the wind, carrying a blow of coldness and warmth when the night air surrounded her body.
Or perhaps that warmth was just Emma's desire burning between her legs wanting to take Regina.
Emma sipped her beer, watching Regina chat with Katheryn near the fire from where she was sitting.
Regina was wearing a red dress that hugged her body like a second skin. Her breasts were pushed deliciously together showing so much cleavage that Emma had to moisten her lips every time her eyes wandered in that direction.
And the way Regina's ass was perched inside that dress made the most obscene thoughts flash behind her eyes.
Regina was fucking hot.
And every time Emma ran her eyes over her body she felt her stomach tug with desire and her underwear drench between her legs.
It was hard to contain the savage instinct before her curves.
Emma wanted Regina spread open in the middle of the bed screaming her name with nothing but her tongue buried deep inside of her.
Emma took a deep breath, raw lust burning in the pit of her stomach and rippling through her body.
She ran her eyes over Regina's again, from that black high-heeled boot she was wearing, up her naked legs, the curve of her ass, her flat stomach, and full breast.
Emma let her eyes linger on them for a second or two longer.
And when her eyes met Regina's, she was breathing just as heavily as Emma was, her eye glowing with a mischievous lust that made Emma's toes curl inside her boots.
Regina smiled at Katheryn, squizzing her arm lightly.
Then she turned her head to look at Emma, locking her eyes with hers as she walked in her direction.
Like a fucking Queen.
Regina smiled sideways at Emma, running her tongue over her upper lip.
Emma swallowed dry, her stomach contracting painfully and clit burning between her legs.
Perhaps it was Regina's tongue she needed buried inside of her.
Regina sat on Emma's lap, her ass rubbing deliciously against Emma's crotch. She wrapped her arms around Emma's neck and pressed her lips on Emma's ear, her warm breath tickling her skin.
"I can feel your indecency from across the fire," Regina whispered.
Emma ran her hand over Regina's thigh, her skin heating and shivering at her touch.
"Have I ever told you how fucking hot you are?" Emma asked, her voice slightly rough.
Regina looked into Emma's eyes, smiling lasciviously at her.
"Perhaps you would like to show me that later?" Regina asked.
"Follow me and I'll show you right now," Emma winked at her.
Regina laughed lightly and leaned forward to kiss Emma.
Emma moved her hand to Regina's waist, pulling her closer, and deepened the kiss.
Regina broke the kiss one moment later, smiling against her lips when Emma just kissed her back.
"Behave," Regina said "Our son is here. And we have guests"
Emma grunted her protest, picking up the beer bottle from the sand and taking a sip.
And then Regina just took the beer from Emma's hand, winking at her before tipping the bottle and taking a sip.
"Fucking hot," Emma said.
Regina smiled at her, pressing her lips quickly against Emma's before mentioning she would get up.
But Emma just sank her fingers around her waist, pulling her even closer to her body.
She wouldn't let Regina leave.
She liked too much the curve of her ass sitting on her lap.
Regina smiled at Emma whispering behave again.
But instead of getting up, she just took another sip of the beer bottle, her fingers playing lightly with the hairs on Emma's neck.
"I can't believe we are going back to Storybrooke tomorrow," Emma said.
"I know," Regina sighed "It's been a fun weekend"
"Are you sure we can't just stay here?" Emma asked.
"We'll be back," Regina smiled at her "Especially during summer"
Regina leaned closer to Emma, pressing her lips against her ear.
"I am too looking forward to watching you all day inside an indecent bikini"
Emma felt every whispered world in her core.
"Dear God! I can feel the heat from the two of you hotter than that fire"
Emma looked away from Regina and watched Katheryn sit on the chair next to her.
Regina moved her ass deliciously on Emma's lap, her fingers curling a lock of hair on Emma's neck as she smiled at Katheryn.
"Can you blame me?" Regina asked.
Katheryn laughed lightly before taking a sip of her wine glass.
"You switched to beer?" Katheryn asked pointing at the bottle Regina was holding.
"For now," Regina looked seductively at Emma "My throat went dry for a moment"
"Oh my God," Kathryn said "You are so giving me details"
"I am not giving you details," Regina laughed.
"Then I am summoning you to a night of wine and cheese at my house," Katheryn winked at Regina "This week"
"Yeah, not gonna happen," Emma pointed at Katheryn "I am not leaving her alone with you anymore"
"Excuse me?" Regina asked.
"Kidding," Emma smiled cheekily "Ish"
Regina chuckled pressing her lips against Emma's.
"Look at them," Katheryn said softly.
Both Regina and Emma turned their heads at the lakeshore watching Jim and Henry play with sword sticks and laughing lightly.
"I want to spend my life with that man," Katheryn said.
Emma sank her fingers into Regina's thigh, something warming inside her chest.
She knew the feeling so well.
She too wanted to spend her life with Regina.
Regina looked at Emma and pressed her lips softly against hers.
And Emma almost felt as if she was silently telling what she was feeling.
I want to spend my life with you too.
A moment later, Jim and Henry walked to where they were sitting and chatting.
He kissed Katheryn's lips before sitting by her feet on the sand as Henry offered a wooden tray full of barbecue meat for them to taste.
"We should play a game," Henry said "It's better when we have more people"
"What do you have in mind, Henry?" Jim asked.
"Oh, don't fall for that cute face," Emma laughed before pointing between Henry and Regina "These two don't play fair. They are brutal"
"I've no idea what you are talking about," Regina hummed.
"Me neither," Henry said "It's not our fault if you can't play right"
"Are you kidding me?" Emma asked.
"It seems like someone is sore for losing a game," Katheryn laughed.
"I am not…" Emma clicked her tongue "You know what? Let's play a game"
Henry and Regina looked at each other mischievously making every hair on Emma's body stand up.
"Should we go inside?" Henry asked.
"No, it's a beautiful night," Regina said "Let's just pull the table closer"
"We are shorter by one chair," Henry said.
"Your mom can stay where she is," Emma laughed.
"Ew, gross, Ma," Henry made a face "I'll go get the game"
Katheryn laughed lightly as Henry ran inside the house.
Jim rose from the sand and pulled the wooden table closer, rearranging the vacant chairs around it.
The rest of the night was almost magical.
It was filled with so much laughter and happiness that Emma felt each one of them echoing in her heart.
And the face Katheryn made when Regina convinced her not to attack her army only to destroy Katheryn's on the second round was so priceless that she wished she had her phone with her to take a picture.
But later that night, when it was just the two of them inside their bedroom, moving naked on top of each other, sweating and gasping for air as pleasure consumed their bodies and soul, that was when Emma truly felt the magic of the night.