Chapter five

More and More Love

Emma finally tore herself away from the mansion and the woman in it at eight a.m. the following morning, dragging herself to the station on foot realizing her car was still at the Author's place. She replayed the conversation from this morning over in her mind as she walked feeling all warm and fuzzy.

" I better get Hope to daycare."

"You know, she doesn't have to go today. I'm off this week and I don't mind if she stays here for the day. You can pick her up later, or... stay over again?"

Her stomach buzzed with the memory. Regina looked so vulnerable when she said it that it reminded Emma of all those years ago when she was trying to make amends with Henry. A pang of guilt shot through her for ever trying to take her son away and doubting her motherly instincts. Emma never wanted to see that look on her face ever again. They had a chance here to remove some of those splinters and build the family they'd both craved for so long.

Splinters. She pondered the word as she unlocked the station. That's what they'd both had for so long. Splinters of their family. Scattered fragments here and there that required searching for and a lot of assembly. She laughed at the notion while pulling open the station door. Her and Regina were building this all backwards. Most people didn't question their family, the unit, nor the way it all came together. It was like that schoolyard chant. ' First comes love. Then comes marriage. Then comes the baby in the baby carriage.' That would have never worked for them. They were both too splintered and fragmented. Neither had the luxury of believing in those pedestrian traditions and notions. They were like a flat-pack unit without any instructions to refer to and missing a crucial bag of screws.

As the call diversion setting deprogrammed from the station phone she sat heavily sighing at the pile of paperwork in front of her. It was not a mood sitting alone all day and knowing the two people she loved the most were at home just waiting for her to get back.

"Huh," she muttered realizing she'd just called the mansion home without batting an eyelid. Having only spent a little over twenty-four hours there it felt perfect. It was the most natural thing this morning kissing Regina and Hope goodbye on the doorstep whilst she went off to work. The moisture behind her eyes welled up without warning at the thought of having to go back to the house she shared with Killian. Blinking rapidly, she knew at some point, and likely soon, that was a necessary discomfort to face. This was a pretty intense turnaround and they were both quite used to living independently, Regina especially. But Emma didn't want to go back to that lifestyle of being alone.

Was this another form of running away? No, she didn't truly believe that. If anything, it felt like running toward something for the first time in her life without any care for the what ifs. She was mesmerized. Magnetized toward Regina like a compasses arrow pointing true north.

David came in an hour later and found his daughter magically stirring her coffee in a trance-like state completely unaware of his arrival. "Emma, are you okay?"

"Hmm?" the spoon clattered into the cup as she jumped from her thoughts. on taking a gulp she realized the coffee was stone cold and grimaced. Another wave of her hand and it reheated to the perfect temperature. "I didn't see you come in."

David blinked a few times scratching his head. His daughter had barely used her magic in recent years and it caught him off guard seeing her use her powers so flippantly. Her eyes shone with a sparkle he hadn't seen before. "What's with the magic tricks?"

Emma narrowed her eyes not sure what he was referring to at first then realized. "Oh, my coffee was cold. No point in going back to Granny's for a fresh one."

"Yeah, I guess. So, how was your day off?"

"Perfect." She smiled dreamily and looked at the clock causing a frown knowing it was still another six hours until home time. Reluctantly she started on the reports that had somehow been ignored for most of the morning.

"Gonna elaborate?"

"Nope."

David sat at his desk and started on his own pile of work. He'd been out on patrol for most of the weekend and it was nice to sit at his desk for a change. "Where's your car?"

"It's at the author's place. I'll grab it later maybe." She'd barely thought about her car and didn't really feel like going to collect it. What was the point when she could teleport or walk pretty much everywhere she wanted to be in less than half an hour in all directions?

"Why did you leave you car there?" He dropped the report back onto the desk looking concerned.

"Regina poofed us home. I forgot all about it to be honest."

Analyzing his daughter, he put two and two together and dropped it for now. It wasn't like her at all to leave her beloved bug anywhere, nor be so flippant about its location. She'd tell him soon enough.

They worked in almost dead silence for most of the morning but every time he looked over, Emma was smiling to herself obviously re-living some memory. It was the first time since Hope's birth he saw his daughter genuinely content with her lot.

As the day wore on, he noticed how she could barely keep her legs from bouncing and the way she constantly looked at the clock every few minutes. "Have you got somewhere you need to be?"

"Nope, just hungry maybe. Looking forward to dinner."

"Uh huh." He couldn't help chuckle to himself remembering all too well that first flush of love and the overwhelming desire to be with someone all the time. Snow had messaged earlier saying she'd bumped into Regina in the park with Hope and he figured Emma had finally made a move. "You should call it a day. Pick up your car and do what you need to do. I think I can handle things here."

It was tempting. She really didn't need to be there if her dad was and it was almost four. "Are you sure? I mean, I can get it another time."

"Emma, go!"

Abruptly standing up full of excited energy, she grabbed her jacket. "Okay. Don't need to tell me twice. I'll see you in the morning." In a flash of white, she dematerialized leaving David chuckling heartily to himself.

God, if he and Snow had magical powers back in their first flush of heady romance, he dreaded to think how much more nauseating they would have been. Everybody knew that the savior's magic was powered by love. No wonder she was having a hard time containing it.

Emma rematerialized on Regina's doorstep, her car completely forgotten once again and she knocked excitedly with an impatient rat-a-tat-tat eager to see her girls. It was a few antsy minutes until the brunette pulled the door open looking surprised. "You're early."

"Yeah, sorry, I uh, finished early."

Regina's eyes narrowed and she shook her head tisking before letting Emma inside. "I'm still your boss. You are walking a fine line, Sheriff."

The gulp was audible and Emma's eyes widened in panic. "Uh, I..."

Regina laughed heartily not in the mood to tease then pulled Emma in for a kiss. "Relax, I'll let you off this time, but don't make a habit of it. Hope has been an angel. We were about to come and meet you at the station, actually."

Emma's grin widened. "Miss me already or ready to turn her over to the authorities?"

Another chuckle and kiss. "I would never tattle on a fellow anarchist! Honestly, we had the best day. We had lunch and she helped me prepare it by washing tomatoes. We did bathroom breaks, then walked to the park and had an hour jumping in muddy puddles. Then back home and bathed. She's just picked out an outfit to come meet you and have dinner at Granny's. I didn't feel like cooking again today."

Emma's cheeks hurt from smiling the more Regina told her about their day and noticing the sheer joy sparkling in hazel eyes. "You are amazing. How about I cook? I don't really want to go back out again today." The last thing she wanted to do was go to Granny's and have an excuse to cut their evening together short.

"If I say yes, will I regret it?"

"Nope! I'm a pretty good cook. Not Chez Mills level, but pretty decent. Some of your memories of cooking were extremely specific, so thanks, I guess."

She pressed another kiss to the blonde and sighed happily touched that she still carried those gifted memories even to this day. It connected them in a way that most others couldn't fathom. "Okay. The kitchen is all yours, but first, come and see your little princess."

Emma followed Regina to the study hearing Hope singing some version of Let it Go with random oinks thrown in, along with thuds on the wooden floor. They both stood in the doorway chuckling at the sight of Hope pulling books off the shelf and dancing around the usually pristine office. Emma's face reddened in embarrassment as her daughter made a huge irreverent mess, but still laughed at the image. "That's the outfit you let her pick out? Where did she even find it?"

Regina was giggling so hard that tears streamed down her cheeks. Between fits she tried to explain. "Well, I asked her to describe her favourite outfit and we conjured it up. How could I refuse?"

"Mommy! I Hope Pincess Ice Peppa!"

"I see that, baby!" Emma pulled her into a hug then twirled her around to get a better look at the asymmetrically hemmed half blue, half red, sparkly dress, complete with plastic fairy wand, tiara, and yellow galoshes. "On second thought, we should absolutely go to Granny's. It would be a shame to deprive the town a glimpse of their future ruler!" She turned back to Regina in awe. "You are seriously the best! Like, who needs a fairy godmother when they have a magical queen!"

"Well, I never learned to sew, but I always enjoyed experimenting with outfits."

A lusty look darkened Emma's pupils as she wrapped her arms around Regina's waist once more. "Oh yeah! I remember some of the Evil Queen ensembles. Wowzer!"

Pursing her lips analyzing just how hot under the collar Emma was getting at the mere thought of her old risqué wardrobe caused her to wonder if that was something she'd be comfortable bringing into their relationship. On one hand, it was such a long time ago since she'd worn anything like that and she felt like a different person now. On the other hand, she couldn't deny the thought of seeing Emma's eyes bulge in appreciation excited her. She'd seen porn and erotic films well before the last curse and knew Emma was most likely referring to the corsets and leather, but there was likely more behind that seemingly throw away comment.

She also had cursed memories of an apparently curious Roni attending BDSM clubs and fetish nights. The memories were odd despite having actually killed and tortured people in her prior incarnation and taken some pleasure from questionable sexual acts. As queen she had some people fully submit to her either willingly or by taking their heart when she was at the height of evil, but really until the last curse, she hadn't realized there was a whole world of kink that she'd slot into comfortably in this world.

It was a gray area for her as to where it lay on her scale of good versus evil and it honestly made her feel shame to remember some of the things she'd done and enjoyed. Her tendency to dominate often bled into seduction and sex. Regina knew she was kinky before she had a name for it. Heck, probably before there was even a word invented for it but she still wasn't sure it had a place in her life now or if it would be healthy for her given her complex history.

Emma saw the play of uncomfortable emotions and expressions glaze her face and grimaced. "Sorry, I was just kidding around. I didn't mean anything by it."

Regina smiled lightly and got a flirty look about her. "I don't think you were and it's fine. I'm sure I can dig out something you might enjoy sometime." Her guard was back up for now. She didn't mind wearing a few choice pieces just to gage a reaction. Playing dress-up was pretty innocent stuff but she knew her body was far from it trussed up in tight lacing.

Emma's mouth went dry and blood rushed to her nether regions at the mere thought. Her mind shot back to the time she'd glimpsed Regina as the Evil Queen back when she and Hook fell into the storybook all those years ago. Sure, she had more recent visual treats of Regina split half walking around Storybrook, but those ones at the ball and her throwing her into the dungeons were the ones that often crept into her thoughts unbidden late at night. "We should... go to Granny's before I change my mind again.

A dark titter escaped Regina's lips as she grabbed her coat. Yes, maybe there were a few games they might enjoy playing together some time in the future. "Did you get your car?"

"Nope. I forgot. I'll get it tomorrow. Let's go. I'm starving."

The trio walked to Granny's gaining a few smiles and chuckles on seeing Hope's outfit along the way. Inside the diner they ordered three meals to go which earned a few whispers from the patrons. Everybody in town knew each other's routines, orders, and dining habits like the back of their hand. Emma and Regina never ordered 'to-go' for dinner together. Ever.

It felt a little awkward for the blonde as she heard a few whispers at the back of the room as they left. Someone said, 'well, it didn't take her long to get over Hook,' and she felt her stomach do a somersault.

As they walked back toward the mansion, Regina noted how quiet and uncomfortable Emma looked. She also heard the comment and didn't know how to comfort the woman without making her feel worse. She'd spent long enough in this town to know how bad the gossip and sly comments could make one feel. "Ignore it. It's none of the business."

"I know. It's just, annoying. What do they want? For me to be miserable for the rest of my life? God, we haven't even officially told anyone we are dating and people already have opinions."

Chuckling, Regina linked her free arm through Emma's and leaned into her. "So, we are dating. I'm glad we are on the same page."

Smiling, "Totally. You know I don't go into stuff like this lightly. I mean, it's fast but we've known each other so long, it just feels natural."

They reached the mansion again and Regina stole a quick peck on the lips before opening the door. "I'd hardly call this moving fast. It's only the physical aspect that's changed as far as I'm concerned. And about them: You owe them nothing, dear. They're just miserable and jealous that I got you."

Emma's cheeks and heart warmed again as they entered the kitchen and the words permeated her being. Regina wasn't at all reserved about showing her affection either with words or actions and she felt safe and reassured. They removed the food from the plastic tubs and started plating everything up while Hope ran back to the lounge ready for cartoons and a nap. "Well, if they're gonna be jealous, it should be because I bagged their queen– The fairest of them all."

"You do know they got that bit wrong, dear. I'm not as vain as Mr. Disney portrayed, but I appreciate the sentiment nonetheless." The food was once again forgotten as their kiss heated up, the compliments fuelling and igniting their passions. There was little doubt to either woman just how attractive the other was.

#

On Wednesday, Emma finally dragged herself and Hope back home for the night after Regina had taken it upon herself to recover her car from the author's place. She picked Emma up from work in the yellow bug causing a few raised eyebrows in town along the way. If anyone had any suspicions about their relationship status, they weren't exactly going out of their way to keep the rumors at bay.

Emma took it as a hint that they'd overstayed their welcome and imagined Regina was exhausted having insisted on caring for Hope for three days straight rather than let her go to day care. Still, the vision of Mayor Mills being less than perfect and driving the "death trap" she'd often referred to it as warmed her heart. So many good memories belonged in her bug and now she could add seeing Regina driving it with her daughter in the back to that collection.

As she drove Regina to the mansion to drop her off, she looked over apologetically. "I'm sorry for encroaching on you vacation time. I know it's been pretty intense these last few days. I'm gonna head home now and get some stuff done there. I'm betting you have a million things to do too."

"Emma, you really haven't. Neither of you. I've enjoyed having you both around and keeping me on my toes!" She really had but she sensed Emma was perhaps feeling a little on edge the last few days and wanted to give her the option knowing they both probably needed some space to get their heads and hearts in order. If it were up to her, Emma and Hope would be moving into her place immediately but she knew they had their own home to go to. "I told Henry I'd visit tomorrow, but I'm free on Saturday if you want to do anything."

Emma smiled as they pulled up outside the mansion. "That sounds great. How about I cook for you at my place? I didn't get around to it yet."

"I'd love that." She planted a kiss on the blonde's lips then turned around to ruffle Hope's hair in the car seat behind her. "I'll see you soon, Hope. Be good for momma." As she watched the yellow atrocity pull away, a sense of loss already permeated her being. It was just a few days, she consoled herself. They had a taste of how wonderful their life could be together and she hoped Emma was staying put for once.

On walking into the empty house, Emma felt a little deflated. It was a sentiment she had regularly over the course of her life when moving from one place to another. There was no soul in the bricks and mortar: No welcoming vibe or atmosphere. Just a house with her stuff in it. A box. Sure, there were some beautiful memories there mainly of Hope and her early years. Even some lovely ones of their short time as a family trio, but for the most part, it felt empty.

Her mind returned to the time she first found this place and the excitement and hopes she had for the future as she started up the stairs to give her daughter a bath. There was a time when this place was her fresh start, a new beginning, and really the first time in her life she truly put down roots. Filling the bath, she realized that home was a feeling and not a physical place. Home was always Regina and Henry now she thought about it. And now Hope too.

"Mommy, more bubbles!" Hope interrupted her thoughts and she reached for the bottle of bubble bath chuckling as her daughter tried to remove her outfit without her aid. The crazy princess dress was only removed to sleep and bathe for the last few days and Emma was pretty sure Regina must have enchanted it not to get dirty or smelly because her little girl sure as hell stunk to high heavens right now!

"Did you have fun with Regina this week?" She helped remove the item and pulled off the smelliest and muddiest socks in existence as she spoke.

"Uh, huh. I play Gina lots and lots."

Emma lifted her into the tub and turned off the faucet. Hope immediately began swishing the water around and making the bubbles double in size. "Good. Me too."

After the bath and a light dinner, Hope was almost asleep so she carefully carried her to her room. Feeling the exhaustion in her own limbs and her eyelids heavy in the darkened room, Emma soon dozed off on the floor next to Hope's cot bed. She didn't wake again until the early hours and quietly took herself to her own room. As she closed her eyes again, her fingers lightly traced her lips remembering how Regina's felt pressed up against them.

#

On Saturday afternoon Regina knocked on Emma's front door feeling a buzz in her stomach. The last few days had been quiet without the two girls taking up her time. Having the house to herself and without work distracting her, she had time to really think about life and what she wanted moving forward. In her mind, things began slotting into place and seemed so unbelievably obvious. It was perhaps a tad presumptuous and fast moving, but in her heart, she knew it was exactly what she needed.

Emma opened the door and captured her lips with a beaming smile. "Hey you!"

"Hey yourself," she beamed back wrapping her arms around the blonde bombshell and walking her back inside the corridor. Once she'd cleared the doorframe, magic pulled it shut behind them and they kissed with a passion that sent a picture frame crashing to the ground somewhere behind them. Oh, she'd missed kissing Emma's soft lips and feeling the low thrum of their combined innate power vibrating between them that always seemed to accompany their make-out sessions. It wasn't something she'd ever experienced with anyone else and it was addictive.

Emma groaned into the kiss then pulled apart. "You feel so good. I could get lost in you."

Regina stood back analyzing the woman with a wry smile. "And I you." It was awe-inspiring just how well they fit together and it baffled her that this wasn't true love. How could it not be? They gravitated to each other like some invisible thread connected them intrinsically. Emma noticed the play of something in her eyes and smoothed a thumb over her cheek about to ask when Hope bound into the hallway and crashed into Regina's legs squeezing tight.

"Gina!"

"Hello, princess! I missed you!" She broke apart from Emma and crouched to Hope's height to return the tight hug. "Were you a good girl for mommy?"

The little girl giggled and nodded into the hug then planted a surprise sloppy kiss on her cheek before running back out of sight. It took Regina off guard, Emma too and they both wore goofy grins and slightly pink tinges in their cheeks.

"Well, I think we can safely say she loves you. Seems you've cast a spell on her heart too." Emma's gaze fell to the floor as her blush grew but Regina simply laced their fingers together with a satisfied sigh and casually walked to the lounge swinging their hands.

"As you both have on mine." It was easy to admit and she had no fear about doing so. Life in the last years had taught her to say what she felt when she felt it in case there simply wasn't another chance. "Something smells good!" Her smile widened more as the aroma of Emma's cooking hit her nose on walking into the open plan space.

Emma was silent still processing the brunette's previous casual comment and moved toward the island grinning. It sounded a lot like Regina was as confident about their future as she was and it made her heart sing that she was including Hope. "I am making chicken a la king casserole. Nothing fancy but it usually tastes good."

Well it smells delicious. Can I do anything?"

"You can kiss me again."

Grinning, she wasted no time leaning over the countertop and sealing their lips. "Any time. Anything else?" She murmured against thin lips.

"Mmm, plenty of ideas but none are appropriate given present company." Pulling herself away from the brunette, she fiddled in the drawer and pulled out a corkscrew. "But you can choose the wine. I got a selection and I trust your refined palette better than mine."

"Hmm, admitting I have better taste already? That was too easy."

Emma chuckled shaking her head. "Good job I like it when you get cocky." It didn't warrant a response. The Queen obviously knew how much Emma enjoyed everything she had to offer. "This isn't a real date, by the way. I want to take you out somewhere special sometime, but I'd rather have a babysitter once people know we are together."

Walking around the countertop, Regina wrapped her arms around Emma's waist and kissed the back of her neck. "It's real to me. This is perfect, Emma. I don't need fancy dates and showing off. I love this. I've never had this with anyone. It's very special to me."

Emma felt her eyes watering and couldn't even blame it on the onions as she hadn't started chopping yet. She turned around in the brunette's arms and captured their lips. "You are very special to me too and I'm glad you want this mundane stuff. I know it's not banquets and balls, but, it's all I've ever wanted and I really want to share that with you."

Another kiss deepened then Regina broke away laughing. "I never liked banquets and balls anyway. That was more your mother's style." Noticing the shift in her swan's expression, she moved a stray hair from her cheek and cocked a finger under her chin to meet her gaze. "Emma, why are worried? Did you forget I gave you my memories all those years ago? They were true. Raising Henry was the best thing I ever did and so satisfying. And you know I always wanted to share that with someone special. I'm honored you want me to be part of your life with Hope too. Like I said, this is perfect."

Relaxing a little with the admittance, Emma kissed her once more and smiled just as Hope came bounding into the kitchen. Seeing her mom and Regina hugging, she giggled and inserted herself into the equation by wrapping her arms around their legs. Both their hearts felt full to the seams and Regina could feel that warm heart magic radiating from Emma. She was about to say something but Hope sneezed into her legs and the snotty wetness clung to her causing a cringe and a giggle.

"Oh no. Sorry about that. Did she get you?"

"it's fine. Let's go blow your nose, Hope and let mommy concentrate on the food." Hope took her hand and Emma leaned against the counter watching them walk off to the bathroom grinning so hard she was convinced her teeth might fall out. Continuing with the other food prep she sighed happily knowing her daughter was in good hands and another flash of good memories the witch had weaved into her consciousness all those years ago at the town line reminded her of a similar experience with Henry at this age.

Still pondering this when the two returned, she voiced her burning question. "Did Henry once sneeze milk out his nose all over Moe French, or is that one of those weird curse memories?"

Chuckling with a high pitched squeak, the brunette nodded blushing at the memory. "He did. It was so embarrassing. I'd gone in to get some flowers and I think the pollen got up his nose. I was mortified and ran out the store vowing never to step foot in there again. I needn'thave worried though as they were still very much cursed back then in groundhog day hell."

"Yeah, I remember that so well but I didn't go in there to buy flowers."

Eyes narrowed on the blonde. "No?"

"No. In my memories I went in to teach Henry horticultural vocabulary." Quirking an eyebrow at Regina she was happy to note the slight blush tingling her cheeks and the eye roll that went along with it. "Huh, now it makes more sense. I always wondered what the hell possessed me to do something so out of character. It was like one of the only memories that really confused me. Come on, Regina! He was only two! What kid that age needs to know the latin names of flowers?"

"Well, a good education can never begin too early." It seemed silly now but she wouldn't admit how much she'd softened in her parenting since then. "The curse really gave you some detailed insight. I can't imagine why Moe French would be a woven into it. I wonder what else you remember that was close to the truth."

Biting her lip as she took the steaming casserole from the oven she contemplated some other vivid and strangely detailed memories that had always seemed out of place and got a look of mischief in her eye. "Oh, I remember plenty, Ms. Mills. Maybe we can compare notes sometime, but right now, I'm starving so let's eat!" She wasn't in the mood to dig up all those old confusing memories and all the questions she'd tried to work through back when she returned to Storybrook knowing the truth. Those were awkward months and yet another example of a time when she'd tried to bury her budding feelings for the mayor. They were here now and things were good.

Emma carried the casserole to the small four-seater dining table, placed it in the middle, then went back for a dish of steamed sugar-snap peas and another of rice. Regina put Hope in her booster seat smirking at the offerings on the table. "Emma, this looks delicious. Why exactly is this the first time you're cooking for me?"

Chuckling as she served them all with hearty portions, "because there were lines you and I didn't know if we could cross, I guess. Like hugging, or you ever coming to my place unless there was some crisis."

"I'm sorry, you're right. I never really had a valid reason to come here, I suppose. You always came to mine and it was awkward whenever I had to drop by for any reason." She stuffed a fork full of the casserole into her mouth and moaned as the flavors burst. "This is delicious!"

Emma being Emma picked up on the underlying animosity Regina had quickly tried to cover. A shy smile pulled at the corners of her mouth. "I'm sorry. I didn't know you were into me before. If I had then..."

"Emma, don't." She cut her off with a pained look. "Don't ever apologize to me for living your life." She smiled warmly and her attention turned to Hope who was munching her way through the sugar-snaps with her hands. Looking back at Emma, they both smiled and nodded with a shared and wordless understanding. Everything happened for a reason.

Changing the subject before it got too heavy, Emma spoke between mouthfuls. "Anyway, I'm happy to cook for you again anytime and you are always welcome and wanted here too. Maybe we can do a dinner with the rest of the family here sometime."

"That would be lovely."

"Yeah? Maybe we can do it when Zelena is back and tell everyone we are together."

Regina chuckled but reached across and laced her hand with Emma's on the table. "If you're ready for that, so am I. But I should confess, Zelena already knows. Alice and Robyn too."

"Really? You already told them?"

Humming, "not exactly, but Zelena figured it out when I told her I didn't want to go on our trip and that I would rather keep my eye on you."

Emma grinned and wiggled her eyebrows. "Just your eyes?"

"Perhaps my mouth was also mentioned." That earned her a stolen kiss across the rice and Hope squealed in delight witnessing it all which brought them back to the present.

"Okay and Robyn and Alice?"

"They just know, Emma. They see it. Henry and Jacinda too. Honestly, I think the only people who are at all surprised by this is us. I'd almost given up."

"Yeah, my dad knows too which means my mom probably does. Huh, so no big announcement. Great. There was me planning this whole speech and ready to defend your honor if anyone so much as whispered the 'E' word."

A shrill titter escaped Regina's lips at the notion but she admitted it warmed her heart that Emma had thought about this. "Well this I have to see, if only for the lack of shock on anyone's faces. Tell me dear, will you also be brandishing a sword over the brioche buns and gazpacho soup?"

Emma's eyes creased. "Hey, we already talked about this: It'll be my chainsaw. Oh, and I really don't get the hype over brioche. Give me a traditional sesame one any day of the week."

Fire swam in the brunettes eyes at the mere memory of bulging muscles, white tank tops, power tools, and non-existent personal space that smelled of apples and cinnamon. Emma analyzed the expression and her own pupils darkened in response putting two and two together. She needed confirmation. Apple tree? Really?"

"Should have taken you then and made you beg for mercy."

Smugly, "that long ago, huh?"

Eyebrow quirked. "Are we really going to pretend the thought didn't also cross your mind?"

"Nope, it definitely did. And in the hospital, and the station, and when you caught me snooping before the fire. And when we were in Neverland, and many many times."

Regina's expression changed to one of frustration and she shook her head letting out an exasperated huff. "What was it then? What was so terrifying? For years, Emma I thought I was reading things wrong."

"I didn't want to make things any more complicated than they already were. I didn't want to risk losing Henry, you, my parents, this town. I was scared so I pushed it down and tried not to think about how beautiful you were, or how much I admired your love for Henry, and how passionate about everything you were. God, it hurt to look at you and know we couldn't be together."

The small bites of food left on their plates were forgotton and Hope was in her own world playing with her peas, oblivious to the shift in mood and heart-to-heart currently taking place.

"I was so angry at you, Emma. I know I said earlier that you should never apologize for living your life but I didn't understand your choice. It hurt to watch yet another person I cared for walk away from me."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I thought I was protecting us."

"I know you did. Like I said, I was angry but not anymore. I haven't been for a long time. I don't want to fight anymore or live in the past."

"Neither do I." Cautiously she voiced the one burning question she still had. "Can I ask though, and then we never have to talk about it again if you don't want to. When did you know?"

Regina pulled in a long breath and finally admitted the truth that nobody else was every privy to. "Honestly, since the first time we made magic together. Turning off that diamond." She laughed shaking her head. "Moving the moon was a pretty big clue that we were something special. That's not something that happens a lot, Emma: Our magic connecting like that is hard to ignore." Another sigh and she laced the hands together again feeling the buzz between their palms go back and forth.

"I know you didn't grow up with our ways, no thanks to me, but it was quite significant and a little confusing because I was sure as hell I hated you back then."

Emma laughed and nodded in agreement. "I have issues. I know we both do, but I really struggle with my memory. I'm guessing being cursed and uncursed and messed with a butt-load of times plus, being the dark one didn't help with that. But when I was the dark one, I learned a lot about myself, and magic. It taught me about power and how to work out weaknesses in others and exploit them, and I think it told me that we had something special though it's intention wasn't pure. After all that I was so tired. Then Robin was around, then Hook came back and, God, life was a mess! I think I just ran away inside myself and to the easiest option for some comfort."

They were wrapped up in each other's arms just letting their uncensored worries and fears topple out of them and hang in the air. It was a catharsis they both needed to truly move forward.

"I need you to know that I've always seen you, Regina. Since the day you first opened the door to me, but I didn't think you saw me. I was terrified of messing up or only being some temporary distraction for you before you got bored and kicked me out of town. I know I've been an idiot. I also know I'm completely in love with you."

"I love you too, Emma. I'm glad you finally caught up. Only took you ten years."

Emma laughed in embarrassment but felt guilty as hell realizing Regina had been waiting for her to make a move all this time. It broke her heart to know the woman had suffered because of her inability to believe someone like her could ever want her. "I promise I am going to make up for that. Every day, for as long as it takes. If you let me."

"I am looking forward to it. Permission granted." As their lips touched in a tender kiss, a surge of magic tingled between them. It wasn't true loves kiss. Nope, it was a merging of souls and they both groaned into it as the energy overpowered them both.

Thy pulled away grinning and Emma looked shocked. "Wow! So, twin flames?"

"Who'd have guessed."

"Ugh, you so knew already, didn't you?"

Regina looked apologetic. "I had an inclining but it was rather far-fetched even for me. We have to be careful, dear. With great power comes great responsibility."

Emma rolled her eyes, as if they didn't have enough responsibility as it was? Oh well, she was certainly not complaining. The buzz in her entire being was a fair trade off. "Did you just quote Spider-Man in the Spiderverse?"

"I believe I did. What have you done to me?"

"I made you cooler."

A sinister and devious eyebrow quirked in challenge. "Oh, Ms. Swan, highly doubtful."

An audible gulp resounded in Emma's throat realizing Regina had been quite tame over this first tentative week of romance and suspected there was an awful lot more the woman was going to take much pleasure in teaching her. "I think it's time Hope went to bed."

"God idea."

The pair coerced the screaming girl away from the table and tried to wrestle her into her pyjamas to no avail. With half a leg on and a red and tear tracked face, Regina gave Emma a subtle look that said 'let me take it from here.' Traipsing across the room and picking up a story book before settling on the cot, she proceeded to read it aloud. After a few more minutes of wailing from Hope, she finally calmed down and shuffled closer to her now curious about the story and Regina leaned back against the wall atop the cot allowing Hope to lean across her and look at the pictures. Emma sat on the other side smiling gratefully over her head and as Regina read, she was able to get her into her pj's fully.

After a few more moments, Emma realized this wasn't a story she'd read or remembered buying. She peered over at the pages and watched a small shyness creep over Regina. It was magic and the pictures came to life as she told the story of a little princess who loved to ride her horse, Rocinante, and dreamed of one day being a mother and wife and having a simple life without the pressure and ghastly duty of being a princess.

Soon enough Hope was asleep and Emma tucked her in under the covers. Regina trailed off and they tip-toed out of the bedroom and back to the lounge. "So, that story was about you, right?"

"Yes, a glossed over version."

"Can I hear more?"

"Another time, perhaps. I think I need to lie down."

"Would you like to lie down with me?"

"I would."

Emma slowly led them to her bedroom but as she reached the door, she felt strange suddenly overcome with guilt and trepidation. "Can we maybe go back to the couch instead?"

Regina nodded in understanding and ran a comforting arm up her back. "Wherever you're comfortable, dear."

As they embraced in the lounge, Regina straddling Emma's hips, she looked down with a serious expression. "Are you happy here?"

"With you, right now, yes."

"In this house, Emma."

Sighing she pulled the woman down to hug her tight. "I just had a moment. I guess I've only ever shared that bed with Killian, and it's silly but I feel like he could be there watching or something. Like I'mbeing disrespectful to his ghost or something. It's silly."

"It's not silly at all. I can leave."

"No, please don't. I want you with me. We can stay right here."

Regina nodded and laughed as her knee slipped off the side of the couch while she tried to sit up again. "I'll stay but can I at least make this more accommodating?"

"Well I do find it an extreme turn on when you use magic."

Regina smirked and wiggled her fingers transforming the couch into a softer and wider bed covered with a luxurious quilt and decadent throw cushions and pillows scattered all around. Four posts rose up and silky curtains closed them inside their little bubble of the witches imagining, sealing them from the outside world. Somewhere just for them.

"I love it. I love you, now get your ass over here and let me show you how much."

As clothing was discarded with minimal reverence and bare bodies came together with urgent need, the rest of the world melted away. It was different this time as they lay together. There were sparks flying between them, in them and all around as their passions ignited. The hum they often felt when together grew stronger taking on almost ethereal tone and time seemed to become irrelevant. As Emma's mouth greedily ravished her lover, the witches magic jumped out of her skin surging into her wherever they connected. Emma's magic mingled with it and Regina reached a crescendo beyond anything she'd ever experienced before. Collapsing back onto the bed as the aftershocks continued to spasm through her, she tried to slow her heartbeat and gain back some control over her magic which seemed to be going haywire. "This is too much! We have to work on this!"

"That bad?" Emma teased earning herself a playful glare as she eagerly moved to return the pleasure.

"That good and you know it!" Her hair fell about Emma's face framing them as she tenderly stroked her cheek then sealed their lips together. Their magic reacted again so she moved slowly allowing it to come out in a more controlled manner. The same could not be said about Emma's as a hot tongue lavished her bud and fingers lovingly caressed her from inside.

Outside on the street, Archie was walking Pongo and stopped when he noticed the flashing pink, purple and white lights currently pulsing inside the saviors lounge. The drapes were pulled closed but it was definitely magic and not the TV. Concerned he dialed Emma's number and waited for the call to connect.

A very breathless yet extremely happy sounding sheriff finally picked up on the sixth ring. "Hey, Archie what's the emergency?"

"Hi, no nothing urgent. I was just concerned for you. I was walking by your place and saw some flashes if strange light."

Enma laughed heartily down the phone. "Oh wow! You could see that from outside? Uhm, could you see anything else?"

Regina found herself cackling at Emma's panicked expression.

"No, that's why I called. I wondered if you were in any danger. Is that Regina in the background?"

"Yeah it is, and no I'm not in any danger, thanks for checking in."

Regina grabbed the phone from her feeling too playful and loved up to allow this conversation to be humored for much longer. "The only danger Ms. Swan is in right now is from my wrath if she doesn't switch her phone off for the rest of the evening."

Archie grimaced realizing this was likely none of his business and stuttered trying to apologize.

"Please pass the message on to anyone who needs to know that any emergencies this weekend should be directed to David Nolan. The sheriff is off duty. Goodnight, Archie."

"Understood. Goodn‐" The call was dead before he could finish his sentence. He sucked his teeth in a grimace as he made his way back home. Wow, those two were always intense and made him wonder about their obvious sexual chemistry. He'd tried hinting to them both over the years but neither seemed to want to deal with it. The flashing lights resumed as he walked back home and he stole one more glance back at the colorful window noticing now that dozens of flowers were growing magically in the front yard. He smiled with a satisfied nod. "Well, would you look at that, Pongo. They're finally in full bloom."

Hours passed by as they dozed and cuddled on the couch turned magical bed peppered with lusty sessions. As they lay tangled in the sheets, fingers laced together and both highly sated, when whispered her desires feeling safe inside their cocoon. "I'm thinking of going part-time, or retiring."

"Really? But can you do that as Queen?"

Shrugging, "not really as queen, no. I can abdicate if I want, but I meant as mayor. It's just not what I want anymore. Besides, queen here is only a title."

"Yeah, I guess but why? I thought you loved it."

"You know, it wasn't something I ever wanted– rulership and power. I thought I did for the longest time, but I only needed it when I felt so helpless facing my mother, the king, and trying to shape my own destiny. All I ever wanted was a quiet life, free to dance, to laugh, to love. That would have been enough for me. That was the truth in that story I told Hope earlier."

Emma held her tighter loving how Regina was being so open with her and allowed her to continue without interruption. "I can't change what happened, nor would I as I've gained so much on this path, but now. Now, I'm choosing my truest desires. The ones I lost track of along the way. I love being a grandmother, and the town, and our family, but I want more time for us.

Even being given the title of good queen wasn't something I needed. I was already past that need for validation and forgiveness. Yes it was a beautiful gesture, but I just wanted to be happy. My happiness was always someone to love and raise a family with. A simple home life, doing daily chores, riding my horse, dancing and passing that onto my children with happy and wholesome memories. It's time for that to happen now. I'm done with all those adventures and struggles and power plays. I want you and Hope to move in with me, whether that's tomorrow or years from now, it doesn't matter. But I would love to have the time to stay home with her while she's so young and before school gets her. I know how hard it is raising a child alone and there's no need for that to happen. The house feels so empty without you two filling it."

"Regina, that's.. you just... I love you and I want that too with you. But what am I gonna do without the mayor riding my ass all day at work?"

"I'm sure I can think of ways to keep you entertained when you get home. Please, Emma, let me have this. You once said you'd bring back everyone's happy endings, including mine, and you and Hope are that. I'm tired of being there for everyone all the time and putting my needs last. I'm tired of missing out on long weekends with the people I love, or being called off to deal with whatever shitstorm hit Storybrook. I know it's a lot all at once, but you and I both know how fleeting those special moments are and I for one do not want to miss out on a single moment moving forward."

Emma was moved and their combined magic surged again as she sealed their fates with a burning kiss. "Neither do I, Regina. I'm all in if you're sure about this."

"I am now."