The next morning, Emma woke up earlier than she normally would have without setting an alarm. It was surreal waking up in Regina's house, but she had slept like a dream. The bed was unspeakably comfortable. The pillows were perfect. She couldn't remember the last time she felt this rested. She couldn't help but feel a certain warm happiness waking up so close to Regina. This was definitely a new level of intimacy reached between them, and even Emma couldn't deny how excited each tiny step had always made her. When she glanced over at the nightstand, she found a note in Regina's handwriting.

Come down to the kitchen and join us for breakfast.

Emma smiled. It was the simplest and sweetest gesture she could have imagined. She loved breakfast, but there was never a time in her life she'd been this excited about it. After freshening up and getting dressed, she eagerly headed downstairs. When she walked into the kitchen, she found Regina cooking. The smell of apples and cinnamon tickled her nose.

"God, that smells good."

Regina jumped a little at the sound of her voice before she turned and gave her the warmest smile. "Good morning, Emma!"

Emma beamed at her. The energy she felt from her was familiar and different all at once.

"I made some coffee! Help yourself. Breakfast should be ready soon," she gestured before turning back to the stove.

"Thanks! What are you making?"

"One of Henry's favorites. Apple cinnamon French toast with bacon."

"Oh my God, that sounds delicious and decadent."

Regina laughed. "It is. I don't indulge in it too often, which is why Henry is usually pretty excited when I make it."

"I bet. Where is he anyway?"

"He's still upstairs. He should be down soon."

Emma looked out the kitchen window into the back yard as she sipped on her coffee. "Wow, I've never really seen your backyard before."

Regina glanced up at her. "Oh…well, I'd be happy to show it to you after breakfast."

Emma smiled. "That sounds great."

Just then, Henry entered the room rubbing his eyes and yawning. "Morning, Mom…" he mumbled.

"Morning, kid," Emma greeted him brightly, realizing he hadn't noticed her yet.

Henry's eyes opened wide. "Mom! What are you doing here? Is everything ok?"

Regina laughed. "Everything is fine, Henry. Your mom and I had a little too much to drink last night so she stayed in the spare bedroom."

Henry thought about the explanation he was given for a moment before he nodded and smiled. "Well, I'm glad you're here."

Emma hugged him and kissed his forehead. "Me too, kid."

"What's for breakfast," he asked.

Regina smiled. "Your favorite."

Henry closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. "Oh my God, yes! Thank you! I'm so glad mom's here for this! You're going to love this."

Regina and Emma both giggled at him. "I'm sure it's going to be incredible," Emma said as she gazed at Regina.

Regina met her eyes just for a moment before she dropped gaze back to the stove to hide the flush in her cheeks. "All right you two, this is almost ready. Why don't you set the table?"

Henry and Emma instantly fell into action. Regina couldn't help but find it incredibly endearing to see the two of them so dutifully working together to set the table for her. It also made her laugh to herself to realize both of them were incredibly food motivated. The more commonalities she found between Emma and Henry, the more her heart grew. Once they'd begun to eat, Emma and Henry spent most of it dramatically groaning their approval and praise. Regina laughed and shook her head.

"My God, you two! Just stop and eat your breakfast. I swear, no one needs magic to manipulate either of you. All it takes is food."

"I'm sorry, but this French toast is magic," Emma said.

Henry nodded in agreement as Regina shook her head with a smile. "Well, I'm glad you like it."

"Mom, you should come over for breakfast more often," Henry suggested.

Emma looked towards Regina nervously for approval. Surprisingly, she didn't see a single ounce of hesitation in her eyes when she answered. "Of course. You're welcome anytime, Emma."

Emma smiled at both of them. "I'd love to."

The three of them moved easily together through the kitchen as they cleaned up. Emma couldn't help but think of the time she and Henry were in New York and what it might have been like if Regina had been with them. Henry had been watching them carefully all morning. He could tell that his operation was flowing in the right direction, so he decided to take a step back. It was time to give this seed a little space to grow.

"I'll see you guys later. Grandpa is taking me fishing."

Emma and Regina looked at each other confused. "He is?"

"Yeah, I just forgot to mention it. I'll text you guys later."

Regina kissed his cheek. "All right, then. Be careful. We love you."

Emma smiled at Regina's inclusion of her, and then smiled at Henry before kissing his other cheek. "We do. Have fun, kiddo."

Henry smiled at her encouragingly before sprinting out the door. He immediately called Snow to inform her of what was happening. In an effort to help him cover his excuse, she told David he should take Henry fishing. Thankfully, he really needed no explanation. He was all too happy to spend time with his grandson.

Once Henry was gone, Regina poured another cup of coffee for the two of them. "Would you like to see the back yard?"

"Sure!"

Regina led Emma out to a spacious covered back porch with plush furniture and a swing. As they stepped out into the yard, she could see a small tree house in one of the many trees. There was also a playset with swings, a slide, and monkey bars. Emma smiled as she imagined Regina pushing little Henry on the swings. Regina noticed what she was looking at and knew what she must be thinking.

"One night, Henry insisted on spending the night in the tree house. I eventually caved and let him. The next day, he declared he was going to live there from then on and it was an all-out war for a week," she said as she laughed.

Emma giggled as she imagined the two of them arguing. "He can be pretty persistent."

Regina raised her brow. "Where do you think he gets that from?"

Emma rolled her eyes as she smiled. They walked around the yard as Emma continued to explore. There was a small koi fishpond with a bench in one corner of the yard. The flowers and trees were beautiful and fragrant. All of it was peaceful. The two of them wandered back to the porch where they sat on the swing together. Emma sighed as she took another drink of her coffee.

"It's beautiful here, Regina. Last night, I slept better than I have in years. Breakfast was incredible. This backyard is just so peaceful and picture perfect. I'm never going to stop being grateful that Henry grew up here."

Regina placed her hand over Emma's and smiled. "I'm glad you're comfortable here. This is your home now too, you know? The door is open any time you need it."

Emma looked down at their hands resting together and fought the emotions swelling inside of her. "Thanks," she whispered.

Regina let go of her hand and raised her chin, forcing her to meet her gaze. "I mean it, Emma."

Emma looked deep into her eyes and nodded. Regina smiled and continued to drink her coffee. They sat in comfortable silence together for a while before Emma began to get caught up in her thoughts. "I guess I should get going. I need to shower and get some clean clothes," she said as she smiled awkwardly.

Regina smirked. "I'll walk you out."

Once they were at the front door, the tension between them had resurfaced. Regina held open the front door for her and followed her out onto the front porch. "It was nice spending time together."

Emma nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, it was. Thanks again for letting me stay and making me breakfast."

"Like I said, you're welcome here any time."

They looked at each other for a moment, each of them longing to reach out to the other. Yet, neither of them felt quite confident enough to in the moment. Emma sighed and smiled. "See ya later."

Regina nodded. "See ya."

She watched Emma walk to her car before she turned to go back inside. Emma watched her from the car and stared at the house she'd stayed in the night before. There was a major shift happening. Emma was terrified that she was getting ahead of herself. As she headed home, she tried hard not to think of Regina, but couldn't. Regina was all she could think of now. When she got home, her own house felt incredibly empty. She immediately changed into work out clothes and went out for a run to clear her head.

When Regina went back inside, she leaned against the door and sighed. In her study, she walked around looking for something to occupy her mind. A part of her just wanted something to do, and a part of her wanted to find any kind of sign as to what she should do next. Her emotions felt all jumbled up in a familiar way. She was falling in love. She just didn't want to think too much about it. Desperate for a momentary distraction, she settled onto her couch and turned on the television. Regina had always enjoyed watching various travel shows and documentaries. She loved learning what she could about the strange world she'd sent them all to. As she watched, she began to imagine Emma out there in the world. They'd been to New York together before. Regina had wanted to take the time to explore where Henry had spent his year away from her, but there was never time. The more her mind wandered, an idea began to form.

…..

Henry sent a text to both of his moms that he'd be spending the night with his grandparents. David was going to teach him how to clean and cook the fish they'd caught that day. A picture of their success was sent shortly after. Both women were incredibly proud of him and happy to see him enjoying some classic family bonding time. Regina immediately sent Emma a message.

Well, it seems our son has reached a new rite of passage. Feel like celebrating at Granny's?

Sure! When?

Meet me in an hour?

I'll be there!

The two of them spent most of dinner singing praises of their son and cooing over the pictures he sent. They were incredibly comfortable and happy in each other's company. When they'd finished dinner, neither of them was ready to part ways. Once outside, Regina gathered up her courage.

"Emma, would you mind if we went back to your place? I wanted to talk to you about something."

Emma felt nervous and a little worried. "Yeah, of course! Is everything ok?"

Regina nodded. "Everything's fine. I just have some things on my mind."

Emma nodded. "Do you want to ride together or meet me there?"

"I can drive. I don't want you to have to bring me back to my car."

"I don't mind."

Regina smiled. "It's ok. I'll see you there."

When they arrived at Emma's, Regina followed her inside and looked around. Emma hung up their coats and shifted around nervously. "Would you like something to drink?"

"Yes, thank you," she said as she followed Emma into the kitchen.

She watched as Emma grabbed some glasses and poured them some whiskey. "You know, I've never gotten around to telling you this, but I really do like your house. It's beautiful."

Emma smiled and relaxed a bit. "Thanks."

"I was a little surprised when I first came here. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect."

Emma raised her brow. "What, you expected my place to look like some college dorm room or something?"

Regina smiled apologetically as Emma rolled her eyes. "I have good taste! I keep telling you this."

Regina laughed and accepted the drink as Emma offered it. "All right! I just said you did a good job with the house."

"Mmhmm…" she muttered as she took a drink. "Do you want to sit in the living room? I can build a fire."

"That sounds lovely."

Regina made herself comfortable as she watched Emma build a fire. She ran through her thoughts a few more times as she took another couple of drinks for encouragement. When Emma joined her, she readied herself.

"Ok, that should get going in a few minutes. What's on your mind?"

Regina took a deep breath and suddenly found her mind went blank. Panic started to race through her as she scrambled for the words she wanted to say. She took another drink. When she looked into Emma's eyes, she focused.

"Emma, I need you to promise me something."

Emma straightened up and looked seriously at her. "What do you need?"

"I need you to promise me that you won't…run away."

Emma looked a bit hurt and then confused. "Run away from what, Regina? Is this about before? I thought we talked about this."

Regina shook her head. "Emma, I think I know what's going on with you."

Emma shifted nervously. "What do you think you know besides what I've already told you?"

"I think I know who you have feelings for. At least I hope I'm right."

Emma struggled to keep her breathing steady. "Ok then…"

"Emma, I…" Regina began to struggle, unsure of how to continue. Emma took this as a sign that she was about to get some bad news.

"Regina, you don't have to worry. I'm just going to forget about it. I promise, it doesn't have to make things difficult."

Regina immediately shook her head. "No, Emma! I don't want you to forget about it. I don't want you to run away from it. I want…I want…you," she breathed out.

Emma was stunned. "You…you do?"

Regina sighed and smiled softly. "I do. Emma, I've had feelings for you for longer than I've allowed myself to admit."

Emma's jaw dropped as her lip began to tremble. "You have?"

Regina's eyes were misty as she nodded. "Yes, I have. I've never had with anyone what I have with you. I think I was afraid that would never be possible. Then, when Robin came into my life, I thought that was the path I was supposed to take. Now…now he's gone. I did love him. I do love him. A part of me always will. Emma, we've both lost the two great loves of our lives. What if we were meant for each other?"

Emma's eyes filled with tears of disbelief. "I never thought you'd ever consider something like that with me."

"Oh, Emma," she exclaimed as she took both of her hands, "how could I have ever imagined the Savior would ever think twice about being with the Evil Queen?"

They both laughed a little as a few gentle happy tears left their eyes. "You didn't just break my curse, Emma. You saved me from myself. You taught me what it meant to be friends, to be part of a family. You believed in me when no one else did. You've fought for me and saved me so many times. I've never been able to keep myself from fighting for you too. I trust you with my life. Maybe everything we've been looking for has been right in front of us this entire time."

"Regina, all I want is to give you all of the happiness that you deserve."

Regina framed Emma's face in her hands. "So do I, Emma. I just want us to be happy. I'm so tired of fighting and losing. Being with you and Henry, feels like home."

"It does. I love being together. I kept thinking about the year in New York this morning and how much I wished we could have shared all that time and all those memories together."

"We can still make memories together. It's not too late."

They gazed into each other's eyes for a long moment before they leaned in and pressed their lips together. A small gasp escaped them before they sank into it. After a moment, they broke apart and stared at each other in amazement.

"What do you say, Swan," Regina asked, her voice incredibly soft.

Emma framed her face and kissed her sweetly before whispering against her lips. "I want you, Regina."

Regina shuddered at the passion in her voice. She returned her kiss, deepening it this time. Emma slowly ran her hands up Regina's thighs as Regina laced her fingers in her hair. They moved closer to each other. Emma slowly kissed her way across Regina's cheek and down to her neck. Regina tilted her head back and took a deep breath.

"Oh, Emma…" she sighed.

Emma shivered at the way she said her name. She'd only heard Regina utter her name that way in her dreams. She pulled back to look into her eyes to make sure this wasn't a dream. Regina slowly opened her eyes. Emma smiled at the dreamy look on her face and brushed her hair behind her ear.

"I can't believe this isn't a dream."

Regina brought her hand to her cheek. "It's not. I'm right here."

Emma leaned in and pressed another passionate kiss to her lips. This time, she pushed Regina to lean back against the couch as she moved over her. Emma's hands moved over Regina's sides, caressed her arms, thighs, and hips. Regina arched against her, before taking her own turn to kiss her way along Emma's neck. Emma softly moaned her approval as her hand lightly skimmed over one of Regina's breasts. Regina gasped and sucked a little harder against her neck. Her actions encouraged Emma to be firmer and more deliberate in her actions as she touched her. Regina whimpered and brought her lips back to Emma's once more. Regina parted her legs, allowing Emma to slip one of her thighs between her legs. As their kisses became more heated, Emma put some pressure between Regina's legs. Regina moved against her until they were both breathing heavily. Suddenly, Regina pulled back and stopped her movements as she tried to catch her breath.

"Emma…Emma, wait…"

Emma pulled back trying to catch her breath as well. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I just…I think maybe we should take it a little slower."

Emma felt a little ashamed and blushed furiously as she moved off her. "You're right. I'm sorry."

Regina sat up quickly and placed a hand on her thigh. "No, it's ok! I got caught up too. I just want to make sure that when we are together for the first time, that it's not just sex."

Emma nodded, still trying to calm her racing emotions. Regina smiled at her. "Not that there won't be plenty of sex," she said with a suggestive wink. Emma blushed furiously as she smiled. "I want to make love to you the first time," she said gently.

Emma gazed at her adoringly, knowing she'd already irrevocably fallen in love with her. "I want that too."

Regina placed a soft, sweet kiss on her lips and then smiled at her. Emma picked up her drink and took a sip to help settle her back down. "So…what now?"

Regina burst out laughing and Emma grinned at her. "What? I just mean…well, are we dating now? Should I ask you out on a date?"

Regina continued to giggle. "You're adorable. Of course, we can go on dates."

"Should we tell Henry?"

Regina thought about it for a moment. "Let's wait until after we've had our first date."

"Why? Are you afraid it could be a bust," Emma teased.

Regina rolled her eyes. "No. I'd just like to preserve the excitement of our first date. Our little secret," she said with a wink.

Emma smiled. "I can appreciate that."

"I did have another idea…"

"Oh yeah?"

"How would you feel about the three of us taking an extended vacation this summer when Henry's out of school?"

Emma instantly smiled at the thought. "I love that idea! Where did you want to go?"

"Well, I thought the three of us could plan that together. There are a lot of places in this world I'd love to see, and I can't imagine seeing it with anyone else. I just want the chance for us to enjoy a trip together as a family that doesn't involve portals, villains, or curses."

"Tell me about it! I'm all in, and I know Henry will be too."

Regina smiled and leaned in to kiss her again. "Thank you, Emma."

"What for," she asked as she returned her kiss.

"For being my Savior. For being the mother of my son. For wanting to be with me."

Emma smiled and kissed her deeply. It wasn't long before things began to heat up between them once more. After they spent some time making out like teenagers, Regina left the couch. She paced around the room a bit as she straightened her hair and caught her breath.

"I should probably be heading home," she said reluctantly.

Emma pouted a bit before nodding her head. "If you must."

Regina scoffed and shook her head as she put her coat on. Emma walked her out to her car. Regina opened the door and put her purse inside before she turned back towards the Sheriff. Emma stepped forward, cupping her cheek and she kissed her goodnight. Regina held onto her hips as they kissed before she lovingly pushed her hair from her face.

"Goodnight, Emma."

"Goodnight, Regina."

"I'll see you tomorrow," Regina promised before she got into her car. Emma watched her drive away with a smile on her face and hope filling her heart.