TRIGGER WARNING!!!! Mentions suicidal tendencies, Mentions of child abuse. Please stop now if this will trigger you!!!

"You ruined my life, and there is no coming back from that!"

those words rolled angrily off Regina's tongue, Emma stood back in place, a million thoughts wirling around inside her head, one thought racing into the other. Her chilledhood, She ruined Regina's life… what about her… ? What about the dark curse she was meant to break, what about her…being the savior and never wanted to be. she couldn't not after all of this. Not after everything the one thing she wanted most she ruined. She severed her relationship with Regina … the one she wanted the most, it tore at her heart.

Emma moved up to the nearest tree and sat at its roots. She was stunned into silence, her eyes watered, anger, maybe not so much but hurt, how much had she lost because of Regina but how much she gained and forgave Regina for it all. Regina was all she had left and she ruined that too.

Emma's chin quivered and it's a small whisper "what about me?" She knew Regina hadn't heard her hell she wasn't even sure Regina knew she even fallen behind.

Emma put her head in her hands trying with everything to swallow her feelings like she used to be able to do, she'd let too much in at this point, maybe it was even impossible.

Regina turned around looking at her

"The plan was for us both to go Emma, what the hell are you doing now?" Regina spat back waiting for an answer.

Emma thought for a moment before standing up, she knew a rush of emotions were about to flood past its gates and there was nothing she could do about it.

"I didn't ask for any of this Regina, I spent my entire childhood alone, and scared and lost, forgotten and hurt in so many unfathomable ways, I was so scared I couldn't let anyone in even as an adult but I was chosen Regina, to be some damn savior and break your dark curse…" that's it the damn broke

"I was 17 years old, I went to prison for something I never did but there I was, I was still a child when I had Henry, I prayed he would be loved like you have loved him, that I could never be more grateful for" Emma swallowed past a huge lump in her throat.

She has Regina's attention for now anyways not that it was her Intention

"Kill me Regina, just do it and get it over with, kill me dammit! Just do it! Emma's face tear streaked mixed with dirt from wandering the forest. Oh this definitely had Regina's attention now.

"I never asked to be born! I never asked for any of this! I have nothing. No one. I ruined your life I guess that was my last step, I have no one left why not now, kill me!" Emma was nearly sobbing. Regina was froze in place not sure what to even do or say, this wasn't like Emma at all not ever.

"I never chose to not have any moment for me I'm just the savior for everyone that's all I am, more like the I unsavior now aren't I?" Emma was choking on her words now.

Emma was enveloped into a coughing fit again thanks to the unbidden crying, Regina had already been annoyed with her cough, asked her to keep her distance so she wouldn't make her sick as well.

"Emma you have your parents," Regina tried. "Yeah sure if you say so, Henry will be fine he has you. He has the mother who raised him why does he need me? No one does and no one's cares to. So please just proceed with what you want to do. I ruined your life."

"Emma that's not. I don't,"

Emma looked Regina dead in the eyes, Regina has no damn idea. No idea how she felt but not that it mattered now. Emma stepped back some more. "Because Regina if you don't than I will…" Emma couldn't believe she said that out loud, well can't go back now.

"What did you say Emma?" Regina closed the space between them. This is not what she meant, this is not the response she meant to see when her words seemed to hit Emma so deep she can almost feel the hurt in what Emma wasn't saying.

"You heard me Regina." Emma's words were more quiet.

"Emma I don't want to kill you! And neither are you!" Regina was suddenly in front of her then swiftly grabbing Emma by the waist before she had a chance to run, she poofed them into the mansion, up to her bedroom, Emma fought her, She uses magic to make sure Emma couldn't poof away nor leave the mansion, she was not letting Emma hurt herself. She used a very poor choice of words. Usually something Emma would just bite back and move on. This was different.

"Let me go!" Emma fought against " No emma I am not letting you go," Emma's whole body was trembling now. "I ruined your life why do you care what I do."

"Because I do Emma, I may say stupid shit Emma but I care!" Regina pulled herself and Emma onto the bed, where Regina kept a tight grip on her.

"Why do you care?" Emma whispered, her body shaking with sobs at this point. This was nothing Emma would ever do, she wasn't her mother, she was broken. "Emma because I do. I might say stupid stuff but I care." Regina loosened her grip enough to get Emma's jacket off of her, then pulled her right back into her arms. Not like she was going to run into her arms, but protectively in her arms. Emma was consumed by sobs. Regina wrapped her arms around Emma and tried her best to calm her even just a little bit.

Regina didn't know everything that lead up to this point but she did know that some of this was her own doing. She blamed Emma for her own doings, which wasn't fair, Emma tried to do the right thing, Emma was not the one at fault. Regina knew this but she blames her and took it out on because like her than was easier to do than admit how she really felt. Than admitting to holding onto something where there was nothing to hold onto, all of that was in the past, the future now, is not the same.

"I'm not letting you go Emma," Regina said softly and then moved them both further onto the bed, Emma's head on her chest who was coughing in between crying.

"Going to get you sick Regina, you were not to happy about me being near you," Emma rasped out.

"I don't care Emma, I was being a bitch and it wasn't fair, you're sick. And I should have cared about that anyways of being selfish." Regina looked down at Emma. "You're not selfish Regina," Emma whispered.

How can Emma still be like this, still care so much even though what Regina had done was wrong. She would never know if the anomaly that was Emma Swan.

Regina could now feel the heat emanating off of Emma's skin, she was burning up. "Emma how long have you felt sick?" Regina asked her. "Idk two days maybe, I'm sorry to bother you with it." Emma tried hard to stop crying the flood gates just would not close.

"Emma, why don't you think your parents don't care about you?" Regina asked "they have my replacement now, a baby they can raise from the start, I'm not important to them anymore," Emma choked out.

"Emma, they have not replaced you," Regina wasn't sure where this was coming from. "You'll see," was all Emma said, Regina's shirt was wet with Emma's tears, she wasn't about to let Emma go from her arms any time soon.

"You're the last person I have. I need you and I ruined it all," Emma tried hard to stop crying. She couldn't lose Regina even if she was an idiot. "I left hook because I don't love him, I don't have anyone but you and Henry. Please don't shut me out of your life Regina, I can't handle it if you do."

"Emma I'm right here, I'm not shutting you out, actually I need to to listen to me, try to breathe because I have something really Important to say. I have been so busy on trying to force happiness on myself with Robin, because he's supposed to be my true love. But I things things changed well, I know they have Emma. I've been forcing feelings that I don't even have for him. Emma I don't love Robin and I think I'm angry at me because for some reason I thought I'm supposed to be. I took out my anger on the one person that I need the most Emma and that's you. I've been so scared of the opportunity to just act on how I feel, to lose again, to be rejected again. I Emma can't handle it without you in my life either. I don't love Robin." Regina adjusted herself so Emma could look at her.

"Emma look at me, as crazy as this sounds," Regina choked up and tears fell from her eyes as they have on and off when Emma couldn't see. Seeing the pain emma was in hurt her. "Emma look at my face, my eyes, I can't keep hiding either this crazy thing where we chose our fate, you said that Emma we choose your fate. Emma, I'm in love with you, I've been for so long I've just been pushing it away trying to force myself to be happy and I'm not, I'm miserable because I love you and that I think will make us both happy to just give in to loving each other and stop fighting it. Emma I love you so damn much I wish I weren't a coward, " Regina swillers hard.

Emma search's Regina's face. "You're not a coward Regina, you're just scared, and so have I been, but I can't lose you Regina I love you too and I can't, I didn't mean to. Real down but at that thought I'd losing what might probably be at least I would have gone friendship, losing that broke me. I love you Regina and that's the part I can't ever come back from." Emma sat up and wiped the tears from Regina's cheeks.

"I wish it didn't come to this for us to realize that it was time to stop fighting," Regina kissed Emma's forehead and was shocked by the amount of heat. She sat Emma up fully, her clothes were sweat right through. who seemed to shiver, once of her own.

"Emma you're burning up! We need to take your temperature, I'm sorry I acted such a horrible way. Especially with you being sick. "

Emma crossed her arms around her sweater shivering. "We need to get you into some pajamas your clothes are soaked in sweat. Then take your temperature and take some medicine." Regina changed gears quickly, she grabbed out a new pair of underwear from a new package and some pajamas for Emma to wear. She handed them to Emma.

"You can change in the bathroom here," Regina opened the door that came directly off Regina's room and led her in.

Emma did change and washed her red swollen face that was still coated with a bit of dirt, but she was still shivering, Regina was right. She needed this fever whatever high it was to go down, when she returned to Regina's bedroom Regina was already there with the medicine and thermometer.

Emma took the hair tie from her wrist and pulled back her damp hair. Regina drew back the blankets and instructed Emma to climb in which earlier she never would have but no she had no energy left to barely stand. Emma wordlessly did so.

Regina handed Emma the thermometer turned on and Emma slid it under her tongue, she was calm enough now that the crying wouldn't make a difference in temperature, Regina pulled out a bottle of pills, cold and flu medicine. Emma was shocked to see the high number when the thermometer beeped and from the look on Emma's face Regina glanced over. Shit…

"Emma that's really high, forget the pills you need liquid, it's fast acting. Emma was shaking from fever and from sheer exhaustion. Regina magicked the medicine into her hand this time and poured the liquid into the small measuring cup, she handed it to Emma who downed it like a shot. Regina handed her a cold bottle of water.

"Mom, I'm home!" They both heard Henry call to Regina, Regina slid into the hallways to meet him there. Henry had been at grannies playing games with Ruby.

Regina missed his cheek. "You should shower. Ma is here she's really sick, but can you do me a favor? Have you talked to your grandparents tonight?"

"Only to tell them I got here okay and that we loved each other why?" Henry asked confused. "Did they happen to ask about Emma? Or have you said anything about Emma?" Regina cupped his cheek, he has grown so much.

"No why?," Henry asked following him into his room. "Just do me a favor and don't mention Emma to them at all. I'm working on a theory." Regina could see gears winding in Henry's head but he agreed although confused but he needed to charge his phone anyways.

When Regina returned to her bedroom Emma was almost all the way asleep from pure exhaustion. Regina washed up and changed into her own pajamas. She could shower in the morning, she wanted to be by Emma's side, she needed Emma to feel like she was loved.

Emma was a bit more awake then Regina Expected. It Regina figured it was out of instinct. Regina pushed the blanket down some and rubbed a hand gently over Emma's back to hopefully soothe her. She had a nagging thought in her head to find out why Emma thinks her parents replaced her, jealousy isn't like Emma either, she would never be jealous of her brother.

Regina picked up her phone, she scrolled through her texts where snow had asked if she was okay multiple times, and she was as she told her. Snow did seem concerned enough. She set her phone back in the bedside table.

"Emma you okay?" Regina asked. "Yeah just my head hurts," Emma whispered. "The medicine should help that soon." Regina continues runbing Emma's back. The pajama shirt rode up slightly giving Regina a view of a tattoo on the back of Emma's hip. Her eyes widened a bit.

"Emma what is that on your back?" Regina asked softly.

"My tattoo?" Emma asked. "Yeah, sorry I didn't mean to look the shirt went up some," Regina explained. "It's a lion, I don't know it kind of stuck out to me, I got it when I was 17 and pregnant with Henry. I didn't know I was pregnant yet, or I never would have. I found out I was pregnant when I went to prison." Emma was tired.

Regina thought for a moment. She then until now didn't realize that the flower on Emma's wrist was something she always had as a child, it was her favorite she would pick them and bring them in baskets back home. That her mother didn't mind, it matched that; and a lion? A lion tattoo, she could have sworn she seen that before.

"I'll be right back Emma," Regina slipped from the bed when she got an "mmhm from Emma. She hopes Henry wasn't asleep yet she wanted to see something in the book. Luckily Henry was awake and he and Regina flipped through pages until they seen a crest that matches the exact tattoo. The lion. Things may have changed but something did not.

"Thank you Henry, sleep well," Regina kissed the top of his head. Regina's hands were shaking this. Pilsner be but it is, Emma's tattoo while pregnant with Henry matched, something that would have been impossible to be a match but it does. . It was a sign, and Regina knew what it was. Her fate was not sealed with Robin like was thought. She loved Emma, truly loves her.

Regina climbed back into bed, she resumed rubbing Emma's back. "Feels good," Emma mumbled. "Good to know, you need to sleep Emma. You're exhausted. "Are you sure you want me to sleep here?" Emma asked unsure still. "Well you are here aren't you? Of course I want you to, try to rest, the medicine seems to be helping your cough. Oh Emma I have a weird request. Can I look at your text messages? I know it's weird but it's not like I'm looking things up," Regina felt nervous asking, she just wanted to see something. "Mmhmm. Nothing really personal there maybe some goodbye texts" Emma reached onto the stand her phone was sitting on and handed Regina the phone, it was only a moment before she actually did fall asleep

Regina opened Emma's texts. She opened the ones between her and snow and David. She scrolled down before she'd go back up

Emma: hey mom, how's it going?

Snow: a bit busy can't really text right now, I'm trying to get Neal to sleep

Emma: okay give him a kiss for me

Snow: sure will

Next text

Emma: hey mom, just checking in, seeing how everything is going

Snow: it's going good but we just sat down for dinner can I text you back ?

Emma: sure enjoy

Emma never gets a text back

Regina went through excuse after excuse, cancelling plans with Emma because things"coming up" with Neal

David was always busy with the farm and Neal, snow with Neal, all plans cancelled, calls not picked up, excuses to not text back until after a bit Emma finally had told them that when they have the time to message her. Then nothing day after day, no wonder she hadn't seen Emma with her parents. No wonder Emma felt replaced. She was replaced. This broke Regina's heart. They had told her she would never be replaced.

Regina wanted to be angry and have words with them, but right now this was about Emma as it should have been for a long time now. Emma had indeed fallen asleep finally, almost like crying herself to sleep even though the tears ended. Regina quietly put Emma's phone back. She turned out the lights and pulled Emma gently close to her so she can wrap and arm around her before falling asleep herself, Emma needed a break from it all, they both do. For now sleep.

A couple hours of sleep later Regina woke to Emma suddenly jumping from the bed and running for the bathroom. Regina was right on her heels, Emma was quickly on her knees leaning over the toilet, she was shaking from exhaustion. Thank the Gods her hair was still pulled up, Regina put an arm around Emma's middle loosely so it wasn't compressing her stomach, only to keep her steady, and rubbed her back gently with her other hand. Not even a few moments later Emma started throwing up.

Emma threw up convulsively, choking as it came from her nose as well with the force. When Emma finally finished, Regina sat her against the wall, she set a couple clothes in cool water, one to wipe and residual vomit away, and one to cool down her skin, face, forehead and neck.

When Emma was sure she was done Regina helped her back into bed. When she settled her in, she left the room to go get a bucket and some towels. She set the bucket on top of a towel next to Emma on the floor. Emma followed her with her eyes, her whole body hurt she didn't want to move at all. When Regina climbed back into bed and Emma ij her arms they both fell back asleep

Emma woke an hour and a half later, not like she had any concept of time, she startled not realizing where she was until memories of the entire night came flooding back to her as well as how she is physically feeling, her entire body ached what felt like to the bone, she was freezing, she sat up when the tickle in her throat caught her up into a coughing fit, great that was sure to wake Regina, which she was still very worried about.

Regina's eyes popped open, she sat up and turned the bedside lamps up, finding Emma sat up, her knees drawn to her chest, her cough was definitely much worse. Regina put her hand to Emma's forehead and swore. "Emma honey you're burning up, get the thermometer on the stand next to you so you can take your temperature, I'll go get you some fresh water," Emma just nodded as Regina walked out if the room. Emma tried everything in vein not to cough while trying to breathe through her mouth, her nose stuffed right up. Finally it beeped and she took a deep breath. She sighed. She hasn't had a flu like this in a really long time. She knew it was the flu, she definitely knows how it feels.

Regina wasn't pretty quick to grab some water, she set it down next to Emma. "What the verdict," Regina sat next to her and moved tendrils of damn hair out of her face that slid from her hair tie. "103.2," Emma rasped out. She was shivering again. "That's higher than the last time," Regina handed Emma more medicine.

"Emma I know you are super exhausted and feel like hell but that temperature needs to come down a lot faster than the medicine will do, you'll have to get in a bath, I'll go check on Henry then come help." Regina had checked on Henry on her way back up earlier. Regina helped Emma from the bed. Emma's pajamas stuck to her in a cold sweat.

Emma could barely stand once into the bathroom she sat down on the toilet lid to try to catch her bearings feeling really dizzy. Regina started the bath. Regina helped Emma stand. "We need to get these clothes off, let me help you," Emma nodded she would typically never let anyone help, but she and regina had also developed a close friendship well more than that by now.

Once Emma was unclothed Regina helped her into the tub. "Holy shit this is cold!" Emma exclaimed. "No it's not dear you have a high fever, when it comes down it won't feel as cold," Regina got a new cloth ahe wet it and ran it over Emma's back.

"Ummm Regina?" This was new territory. "Emma high, you're way too weak to do this yourself, actually you know what scratch that, lay back and submerge your body into the water. It'll work faster." Regina helped her back so she didn't slip and get hurt.

"Regina you and Henry are going to get sick," Emma coughed out. "No we won't, remember that potion? We used that. I'm really sorry Emma you've been through hell. Getting this fever down and medicine working you should be able to sleep more." Regina watched as the shivering finally stopped that was a good sign. "Warmer now?" She asked Emma. Emma just nodded she hurt so bad the bed never felt so welcoming.

It wasn't too much longer Emma's temperature with the help of the tub had come down some bad hopefully the medicine starting to kick in. They'd managed to get Emma out of the bath, and into warm clean pajamas. Regina changed the sheets before they got back into bed.

Emma has taken one more dose of medicine and was asleep when Regina woke up the next morning. Regina looked at the clock and got up padding hwe way downstairs. Definitely her time to be awake anyway, she wanted Emma to sleep as long as possible. She set to make some coffee and breakfast, Henry would be down soon most likely, and she was hoping she'd be able fo get some food into Emma when she woke.

As thought Henry come down for breakfast as he has a routine, even in the weekends. He would take his time to watch cartoons oj his Saturday morning. Regina made him some eggs with some pancakes and juice. As well as herself, she put a couple pancakes away for Emma and She and Henry ate breakfast together.

Regina cleaned up after breakfast while Henry went on his way. She went to check on Emma who was now awake, coughing, her head and body and chest hurting. Regina sat next to her. Emma had somehow taken her hair down over the course of the time she's slept until now. It was down and messy.

Regina put a hand to her forehead. "You need more medicine," Regina grabbed the bottle from the stand and poured out the amount needed. She handed it to Emma who took it then with a drink of water. "Do you want to try and eat? I made pancakes and eggs, if not I can just give you some toast and juice," Regina rubbed Emma's back when she was sitting up into a coughing fit.

"I can probably my try toast, and juice, might do me some good to at least have that," Emma agrees. "Maybe you should come downstairs, you can lay down on the couch so you are down with us." Regina suggested.

"Yeah, sounds better than staying up here, plush the couch is comfortable, and the perks of cartoons with Henry," Emma pulled at the blankets while Regina laughed at Emma's innocent childish nature she had about her sometimes, she loved that about her, and the fact of connecting with Henry.

Regina led Emma downstairs and sat her in the couch before she moved to gather some pillows and blankets for Emma. Who curled into them immediately. She Regina made sure she was on the end where she can see the TV. "I'll get your toast and juice, I'll be right back," Regina smiled at her before she left the room.

"So what are we watching Henry?" Emma asked him before looking. "Ninja turtles I guess I've never seen it looks pretty cool," Henry shrugged. "Oh this is going to be a fun cartoon morning! Just wait, you'll love them. They came out when I was younger. I didn't get to watch them all the time but when I did they were awesome," Henry laughed. Regina smiled as she put Emma's plate of toast in front of her and her juice.

Emma happily ate her food and drank her juice while watching on with Henry. The doorbell rang, Henry saw the side it was Snow. "It's grandma." He whispered.

"Quick hide me!" Emma nearly knocked over the stand. Regina poofed Emma up the stairs and back into the bed in her room for now.

Regina opened the door. "Good morning snow, how can I help you?" Regina tried just to act herself in the moment. She would definitely have to take the time to talk to Emma about this later now. Especially Emma's reaction. "I'm well I was wondering if Emma is here?" Snow seemed a bit fidgety. "No she's not, and why would you think Emma would even be here Snow? Have you possibly checked her own house?"

Regina acted snide, Henry would play along if need be.

"Well no I just thought with Hook leaving." Regina cut her off. "Hook leaving has nothing to do with me Snow. So you may want to actually try her house instead of trying to barge into mine while Henry and I spend the morning together today." Regina crosses her arms. "Well I guess I should be going then. I'll check there." Snow walked off, Regina shut the door, shit. Why would Snow suddenly want anything to do with Emma, she wills find out but they had to act fast. Regina poofed back up to her room and gave Emma a warning,

"Shit can you poof me to my house and I'll find out before she leads on a town search for me for some odd damn reason. Emma grabbed her phone and charger, Regina let Henry know and poofed Emma and herself to Emma's house. She instructed Emma into bed, snow or not she's getting into bed.

"I don't know what she even wants from me," Emma whispered. She would find out soon enough. Snow pulled up to Emma's house not long after. Regina looked out the window noticing David and baby Neal in the car. She furrowed her brows but moved away from the window, she hid herself.

Emma curled up under her blankets feeling like absolute hell, this wasn't helpful, she was freezing, Regina added another blanket and used her magic to light Emma's fireplace. Emma did notice a call from her mother on her phone before she set it on her stand. Weird. There better not be something they needed to fight off when she felt this horrible.

Snow rang Emma's doorbell, when she got no answer she called Emma's phone again. Emma answered. "Hello," her rough voice obvious. "Emma you didn't answer your phone are you at home?" Snow sounded so innocent like she's just talked to her yesterday like it hasn't been forever since she had. "I am home mom, I probably was asleep.just unlock the damn door I'm in bed," Emma was annoyed. Regina hid herself in Emma's bathroom and would not say a word it would be a mess if she did. They both heard snow climb the stairs. And stop at Emma's bedroom doorway.

"Sorry for waking you Emma. I just wondering if there was a favor you could do for me?." Snow asked then awaited an answer. Emma caughed into her hand. "What would that be mom. I'm sick, I think favors might be out the window right now. Emma stomach was rolling mostly likely nerves as well.

"Well I was wondering if maybe you could watch your brother for a little while. I couldn't find a sitter and your father and I wanted to take a day to ourselves." Snow acted so innocent. "What part of I am sick did you not hear mom? Would you like for me to get Neal sick then yourselves included?" Emma started to shake with nerves, she put her hands under the blankets while couching even more. "Well maybe just for a little while?" Snow asked again. "Mom! I'm sick! Please leave so I can rest! Find another babysitter!" Emma was clearly very upset now. Snow back out of her room and down the stairs before leaving Emma's house. Emma held the tears back.

Regina appeared next to her. "You're coming back with me. We might as well gather some stuff of yours like pajamas and stuff while we are here," Regina helped Emma from the bed. Emma was shaking, she grabbed some of her stuff and Regina poofed then back to the mansion, Regina deposited her right back into the couch setting Emma's bag on the floor. That's when the tears came, Emma tried to wipe them away but it didn't work. "I guess that's all I'm worth, I told you, a damn baby sitter? After forever they want me to babysit even though I'm clearly sick, I can't fake this and I'm a horrible actor." Regina pulled Emma into her and ran her fingers through her hair as Emma was stuck between crying and coughing.

"It's okay, I'm right here, Henry is right here, we love you okay." Henry looked over shocked at Regina's words but stayed silent, now it made sense well a lot did and some didn't but his mom loved his other mom?

"I love you too," Emma pulled herself away trying to regain some composure. "Emma what they are doing is not okay, I know what they said before and I know they broke that promise after they gained your trust, I wasn't trying to be sneaky but I had my suspicions after what you said in the woods about them replacing you, so I did read your texts as I said I would, sweetheart I'm so sorry, I should never have doubted you." Regina pushed Emma's hair away and kissed her forehead, then each cheek, then unexpectedly her lips. Shocking both of them. But what was even more shocking was the immense light surrounding them and explosions in the air around them. They both knew what it was and they both knew Henry knew what it was. Both Emma and Regina were too stunned to speak. True love, true loves kiss. This wasn't about some tattoo or anything anyone thought. The hurt in teginf hard not to.

It was Henry who spoke first. "That was true loves kiss mom. You and mom are true loves, I get it now!" He was suddenly extremely excited nearly jumping off his feet's. "Well Henry, it seems so, that answers a lot of questions," Regina emailed them and kissed Emma's forehead again. "Even as unintentional that was, I am glad it's real," Regina had tears streaming down her own face as she pulled Emma close to her again. "I told you I love you," Regina made them all laugh. "I love you too," Emma finished with a cough.

"I'm pretty sure we fooled my mother enough to not think that came from here, fuck her!" Emma got a bit angry then calmed down to revel in the situation. "As

Much as I love you with everything in me. You need to lay back down, you feel horrible still that won't be fixed," Regina helped her lay back down. "Damn well it was hoping it would." Emma laughed softly before pulling the blankets around herself. She didn't care what happened with her mother now but she did care was she was so tired.

"You know what, let's get you back up to bed, I'm sure Henry will be okay with his cartoons, I'll stay with you," Regina suggested. Emma nodded in agreement and Regina poofed them both upstairs, she knew it wouldn't be the last they heard from snow but for now focus on Emma. Damn she truly loves her.

"Maybe I should take a quick shower first, I feel gross and sticky and my hair definitely can use a wash," Emma picked up her bag and took out her shampoo, conditioner and body wash. She grabbed out her clean pajamas and undergarments. "Try not to make it hot, the aim is to keep your fever down the best we can," Regina said as a matter of factly.

When Emma got into the shower Regina fixed up the bed. She let Henry know not to open the door for anyone, that she would be staying up with Emma while she rested. When Emma reemerged dressed and towel drying down her hair.

"Here I'll help you dry it quick so it doesn't make things more uncomfortable," Emma shrugged and followed Regina back into the bathroom. Emma sat down and let Regina begin to dry her hair.

"You know I don't want to die right Regina?" Emma was referring the night before. "I just, I didn't feel like I could live without you,"Emma had tears in her eyes, would she ever run out since. "I know Emma it was rough, but you won't ever have to feel what it would be like again, you're stuck with me, and to be honest I can't live without you Emma," Regina kissed Emma's cheek.

Once Emma was back in bed and comfortable Regina decided she'd take her own shower, then meet Emma back in bed. When she did return her hair dry and all, clad in pajamas, she slid into bed next to Emma was was nearly asleep and pulled Emma to her, who laid her head onto Regina's chest, hearing the steady beat of Regina's heart was all it took for Emma to fall asleep again. Regina now will vow to make sure Emma knows that is more than just the savior. That she deserves the love and deserves the time to be her and to have a family.

Regina couldn't believe after last night the woman who broke in front of her and cried for hours was now asleep on her chest. Was her true love, she wishes they'd both stopped fighting it but now they have it. And Regina will never give up. She thought she loved Daniel but even that pales in comparison to Emma. She also couldn't believe she finally had Emma in her arms after all she dreamed of doing so. She knew they have a lot of bumps in the road between them, but she also knew their dynamic together was unstoppable. Henry seemed to be over the moon when their kiss proved to be true love. He knew something they didn't, or denied. Such a smart kid.

Regina heard Henry come up the stairs speaking of the devil. He has decided he would read for a bit before lunch, oh shit lunch. She would worry about that soon, no one seemed famished.

Regina had almost fallen asleep completely when Emma jerked up into a sitting position from her arms, Enveloped into a cough which was calmed down with a drink, she had nightmares of losing everything even Henry, she looked over at Regina, she still has her. "Nightmares sweetie?" Regina pulled Emma back down." It's okay. You're safe here. I know you'll have your doubts, we both will, but for right now, let's not worry about that.

"We need to get up and make some lunch before Henry starves to death," Regina stood from the bed, Emma a moment later. They were just on time to keep Henry from grabbing just snacks. "I need coffee, that is part of the headache I'm usually full of caffeine by now," emma said as she followed Regina into the kitchen. "Well that's an easy fix, you are always full of caffeine, any ideas for lunch?" Regina asked her. "Whatever you feel up to," Emma made some coffee.

"Maybe just some canned soup and sandwhich we," Regina put her arms around Emma. "You're probably sick of hearing me say this but you need take more. Medicine, I'll have to go get more after lunch." Regina told her.

"I might have some at my house," Emma grabbed some tissues for her nose. "Yeah I'd rather go get some so we know what we are looking at. I think I may have given your mother venom when she asked if you were here, it was an ascot okay don't worry. Are you okay with Henry while I get some stuff from the store after?" Regina asked her.

"of course I am, we will be fine," Emma tried to clear her stuffed nose but was doing a very poor job seeing as it was very stuffed. "Maybe we can just come with you?" Emma almost asked timidly. "Are you going to be up for it? I have to grab a few other things." Regina asked her trying to gauge a reaction if any type. "Yeah, do me good to get out of bed, it's just a store." "Emma you've been in bed for a day not five," Regina chucked. "But still I'll be okay, plus I can pick out stuff I want to eat and Henry would like to come along wouldn't you?" Emma laughed at Henry who entered the doorway. "Yeah it would be nice to go shopping it's been a long time since I've went with you." Henry looked at Emma who looked at him slyly oh Emma had some plans for them. He almost laughed out loud but straightened his face before Regina caught on. Thick as thrives they are.

"Okay then, a family shopping trip," Regina said Emma almost choked. "Yes Emma you are our family." Good I almost drowned in my coffee." Emma coughed out. Regina laughed. "I love being family," Emma kissed Regina's cheek. She knew now she would never get enough of being allowed to do that. "Well we love your being family too,"

After lunch they all got ready, now she wouldn't be following Regina through the woods, she would be annoying her in the store. Well, lightly in the store. Emma made sure to bring her own money as well.

As soon as they got to the store Emma hightailed it to the medicine isle first thing. Numbing cough drops, god her throat hurts so bad, she never gets sick. So she is pretty annoyed with her immune system by now. Regina was scanning the isle and grabbing things here and there what she definitely knew Emma needed and to restock. Emma almost fell over her while she was looking for herself.

"Same thoughts," Regina put her hand to the small of Emma's back, she felt the heat there and knew Emma would start to feel horrid again. Medicine aisle down they met Henry of course in the cereal aisle. Emma rolled her eyes. But she did want some too so she grabbed some to put in her hand held basket, only one box was good enough.

Emma grabbed some cans of soup stuff she could just heat on her own. "Emma you know I can make soup," Regina offered. "It's okay these aren't hard." Regina who has an actual cart put some tissue boxes in there, they moved to get some odds and ends, Emma wasn't up for annoying Regina anymore. If anything she was more up for just finishing up and going home. She grabbed a few more things, some treats and a bone for Bella. Oh shit Bella…

Emma approached Regina, how could she forget about Bella. "Regina I might have to go home, I can't leave Bella there." Emma rubbed her hand over her forehead. "Well we have the car. We can go and get her and bring her over to my house. Regina put her hand on Emma's shoulder. "Regina you don't have to do all of this, I don't want to burden you with all of this. Me being sick, being at your house while sick and stuff, and well Bella." "Emma bella is very well behaved and she's been here many times I don't want you home alone, she can come over too, you know we love her.

Regina and Emma paid for their items, Henry followed them out to the car where he put the bags in the trunk. They all got into the car and settled; Regina started the car and headed to Emma's house to go get Bella.

Henry decided he would be the one to go and get Bella and her stuff like her food and toys and food and water bowls, it didn't take him long, Bella was super excited to go for a ride. Henry got her into the car. She waddled her way.

"Sit down Bella, be good girl." Emma said. Her voice raspy. Henry made sure to get a good grip on bella and they drove home.

Once they arrived back Regina instructed Emma to take Bella inside while she and Henry grabbed the items they had gotten from the stores Emma didn't even try to argue she felt like she'd been ran over by a steam roller truck a couple time. Medicine she needed that. How did a simple cough turn into feeling like death

Emma settled Bella down she was super excited to see her and was jumping around kissing her. Emma had took some medicine while Regina and Henry came in and out the stuff they bought away. Bella obediently laid herself down near the fireplace.

"Emma did you take medicine?" Regina asked. "Yes but I feel like ogres attacked me." It'll be a little better when the medicine kicks in. Emma laid down in the couch pulling the blankets around her. Regina's sat in the space next to her and ran her fingers through Emma's hair. She knew Emma wasn't used to this but she will get used to it. Regina wasn't going to leave her by herself. She loves her too much for that, she regretted all the things she said and treated Emma but they will talk about all of that. And many other things soon. Emma needed to feel better, probably talk about a few things today. It felt like more than a day, but it has been. Once everything was settled they would talk.

Emma curled up into herself further. "Why do you want me to stay here?" Emma asked Regina. "Because I love you and want you here," Regina replied still rubbing her fingers through Emma's hair. Henry had given Bella her toys and was playing with her. "I love you too it's just I don't know, no one really wanted me around really until now," Tears fell silently down Emma's face which frustrates her she had done enough crying. "Emma, I've always wanted you around, it just took some time after we met, I think when the mines collapsed, is when I realized who you truly are, and will do anything for those you love, I was scared myself I'd lost so much. I started helplessly falling for you around that time." Regina told her, running her fingers over Emma's cheek. "I think it was around the same time, when we decided to work together, I saw someone totally different in you, it was like a light switch, I never imagined it would turn out to be true love."

"Things just happened that way, we didn't change our fate, fate changed it for us. I hate the way it came out, I hate how we broke down, we couldn't do it anymore and we should have tried long before that because we know we've loved each other, but tried so damn hard to change it, I'm glad we finally came to our damn senses now though," Regina said.

Regina watched Emma's face suddenly pale "Emma are you okay?" Regina asked standing up. Emma sat up shakily. "I think I'm going to throw up," Emma jumped up and ran as fast as her feet would carry her to the bathroom, she started to throw up immediately into the toilet, her stomach convulsing painfully.Regina help her hair back and rubbed circles on her back.

When Emma finished Regina helped her up and to the sink to rinse her mouth and wash her face. Emma sat back down on the couch her legs drawn up,Regina sat next to her. Emma had been in her head for a while, she wanted to talk but she wasn't sure that Regina wanted to listen to a rant, there was enough going on.

"What's going on inside your head Emma, you know you can talk to me, even before now before everything," Regina reassured her. "I was thinking about now why things are different, when I lived at the loft before Neal was born, I don't understand why now, my mother kept me alive when we fell into the enchanted forest. They cared well at least I thought, I come back and save everyone and now that's all I am. I don't understand how they can just throw me away, again…" Emma trailed off.

Emma pulled her legs up around around them, and rested her chin on her knees. "It's just the more I think about it the more I get confused, and hurt. I don't understand today how she can pop up out of nowhere and not even care that her own daughter is sick, just about Neal and them. I would have loved to see Neal to be honest but I would have gotten him sick for sure, he's innocent to what they do and we'll be is my brother baby or not. I just I don't even know Regina there is so much going on inside my head and today just frosted the cake."

Regina pulled her close and kissed the top of her head, yesterday Emma has so much going on, there is so much they need to talk about and one part stuck out thag Emma has said about her childhood, being a child and being hurt in unimaginable places, she didn't want to bring Emma back to it, Emma mentioned it. Regina may have some ideas but she didn't know.

"I guess what I'm saying is it was going good. Until neverland that was. I grew closer to you then as well. When she said she misses it all. And she wanted another baby. That's when I started having doubts and seems those doubts turned real, I'm rambling about this same thing. I'm sorry. I think you understand", Emma rasped out. "I do Emma, you got what you've wanted your whole life just for them to pull the rug out from under you; Emma I'm so sorry."

"Regina it's not your fault. I see you for who you really are I always have, well mostly. I love you." Emma whispered. "And I you, I grabbed some Gatorade from the store I think you should do your best to drink it. You're going to get dehydrated, not to stop the conversation, I just don't want you to feel worse." Regina stood and grabbed one from the refrigerator and brought it back to Emma.

Emma laid back down her body hurt, she did drink some of the Gatorade but she was so tired she fell asleep, Regina wanted her to sleep, she made sure Henry stayed quiet who was watching a movie with Bella anyways.

Regina decided to go into her study and grab out a notebook and pen, she decided to write down what she wanted to talk with Emma about so she didn't just blur one into the other. She herself was tired, but they had gotten pretty far by now. She still dealt guilty. But there is just so much to communicate to one another. Emma mentioned neverland, that she connected with Regina the most. It was a scary time, now looking back how Emma's heart broke as she held back those tears her mother had said, Emma seemed to have a lot to unpack about her parents. She really wanted to know what Emma meant about the unbearable pain for a small child but she knew she had to wait, Emma wasn't in the right spot emotionally for that right now, maybe they really need to start with both of them and how much they harbored towards each other.

Emma was out like a light, a combination of medication and her body's need for sleep, Regina started a homemade soup for dinner, packed with vegetables and chicken. She hoped Emma would just sleep until dinner. She was glad that Ruby has taken over the station until Emma feels better, Emma definitely needed the time to get better.

Regina woke Emma gently when dinner was ready.

"Emma, sweetie, dinner is ready," Regina spoke softly, Emma heard those words avd gere eyes popped open. "How long was I asleep?" Emma asked. "Few hours, we can eat out here, I made a real soup, chicken veggies potatoes," Regina told her. "I can't believe I slept that long," Emma was shocked.

Dinner had come and gone without a hitch, since they already showered in the morning they wouldn't have to before bed, Emma was going to be sure Regina sleeps tonight, she'd done so much ok so little sleep, she'd take that medicine so she wouldn't wake Regina with hacking coughs, then she'd make sure Regina felt okay to sleep, it was that time now, they had locked up, Henry went to bed. Regina and herself got into bed. Regina expected to talk but Emma insisted that anything else can be done in the morning.

Emma kissed Regina's forehead then began to run her fingers through her silky hair. Regina's eyelids began to get really heavy, she was exhausted, and with Emma's gentle touch and knowing tonight was just for rest she let herself drift off, Emma smiled when she fell asleep, she kissed her forehead. Emma then slowly made her way downstairs and got two glasses of water with ice one for Regina and one for herself. There was plenty time to talk but not tonight, Emma set the water quietly on the stands before getting back into bed, turning off the lamps before making herself comfortable. She fell asleep rather quickly.

Emma somehow was between awake and asleep and somewhat aware of what was around her, she felt Regina startle awake some and woke right up, she reassured Regina that she was there and that she was okay, and ran her fingers through her hair until she fell back asleep, this happened a few times but Emma was glad she was able to get her to go back to sleep. She can see just how emotionally bothered Regina was as well.

When Emma awake all the way she couldn't fall back asleep it was pretty early morning, she felt the tickle in her throat and chest and grabbed for medicine and poofed herself downstairs before her cough woke Regina. She took some medicine and pulled out a bottle of Gatorade, she sat on the couch her feet up under her watching pre dawn outside. It had been once hell of an emotional rollercoaster for them both. Emma grabbed the blanket left there and put it around her, soaking up the silence for a little while, she wanted Regiba to stay asleep, watching the sun come up was sometimes something that was calming for Emma a new day where she is still here, as much as she's been sick the past few days. She managed to get some time that wasn't consumed by others. No work, just her family. That was comfort tbag she didn't have and could just feel it around her now. She has a family, she didn't know it before but she does now, it might not be her parents but it was the woman she loves and her son that meant more to her than anything in the entire rehlms and planet.

Emma breathed in taking a lozenge into her mouth, one that would numb the tickle and the pain in her throat. She decided she would sit in the bay window seat wrapped in the blankets and just watch the sun come up, knowing she didn't have to rush out of the house, she could just be.

Regina woke an hour later not finding Emma in bed, she decided to look for her before panicking, she found her sitting lost in her thoughts, she didn't look upset at all, she didn't notice Regina yet. Regina moved over to Emma letting her see her before settling her with her voice. "How long have you been down here?" Regina asked. "maybe little over an hour, I got to watch the sun come up, it's nice to have those still moments when we don't have to run about. I could just be there in the moment, calm, watching peace come over the sky, it's nice. I'm glad you slept, you needed it." Emma scooted over so Regina could sit. "It did indeed feel good to sleep more peacefully, thank you," Regina was also enjoying the calm of this morning it felt different, she didn't have to worry about the ache she'd been dealing with before.

"How are you feeling?" Regina asked Emma. "A little better actually, in sure less stress we'll than I had was helpful, I love being here with you." "And I love you being here Emma, it's so different I feel, you know just not so rushed and stressed," Regina says. "Well you relax Regina you've been through just as much as I lately, I'll make breakfast today, before you try to argue, I'm sick not disabled. It's not as bad as it was so I'm sure I can manage breakfast," Emma looked into Regina's eyes "well I guess that is that, but I'm making coffee at least," Regina was up and into the kitchen, Emma followed. "That I'll allow." Emma chuckled.

Bella wondered into the kitchen, Emma got her some food and water knowing that was the first thing she was looking for, then as she knew better she would leave the room so she wouldn't trip anybody up.

"Omelets with bacon and stuff? How does that sound?" Emma asked. "Sounds good to me and Henry loves them, you're really going to cook feeling sick?" Regija asked her. "Regina right now I am feeling a bit better so I'll go with it. I want to make breakfast, and you deserve a break some down time," Emma said. "Okay then, if you insisted," Regina kissed her cheek.

Emma grabbed out all she needed to cook and started to prepare it all. When finished she made Regina and Henry a plate, she made scrambled eggs and toast for herself, they all sat at the island in the kitchen to eat. Regina noticed Emma's plate which only consisted is the eggs and one piece of buttered toast. "Why didn't you give yourself the same food Emma, I know you like it," Regina was confused. "I don't feel up to tempting fate with my stomach so I made it easier for me to digest," Emma told her, now it made sense.

No one has ever made Regina breakfast and just sat to eat with herself and Henry. This was something she would hope to get used to. Sharing a life with someone she did truly love. She didn't feel like this with anyone else ever. She wanted to always feel this, she wish that she wasn't such a chicken, that she acted on how much they loved each other before it came to blows, there is a lot to unpack here. But today, they had today.

Emma managed her eggs and half of her toast and half her coffee before she gave up. "Back to the couch Emma," Regina instructed. Emma looked up after being lost in her thoughts. "Huh?" Emma at first was confused for some reason. "Go lay down, you don't look as well as you did." Regina scraped Emma's plate the pit their empty plates in the sink she'd take care of after. "I'll be okay," Emma protested put Regina gently took her arm and led her to the couch. "Emma I love what you have done but you are sick and have some limits right now, you'll be better soon." Regina sat in front of Emma and put stray hair behind Emma's ear. "Should take your temperature and I don't think you've had medicine in a while," Regina said gently.

"I didn't want to be about me, you deserve to be taken care of Regina," Emma felt guilty. "And I can when you feel better, it's okay. Regina left and returned quickly with what she needed, and an extra pillow for Emma for added comfort. Her cough was getting worse again. "You need to rest," Regina said as she handed her the thermometer. Emma obediently put the thermometer under her tongue until it beeped, her fever did spike back up, after Regina had seen the numbers, she handed Emma the medicine. "You're a bad actress Emma, you know that, I can see your head is pounding, back upstairs, it's darker.

Emma didn't argue and let Regina lead her back upstairs to bed. Emma being cold burrowed under the blankets. "I feel like I'm burdening you," Emma whispered. "Well you are not, so try not to feel as such, roll over if you feel okay to do so, so I can rub your back, I know that helps you relax now," Regina said in more hushed tone. Emma turned over onto her stomach as asked. Regina ran her fibers over Emma's back gently.

It didn't take that long for Emma to turn back into her side. "Sorry, my stomach kind of hurts," Emma explained. "It's okay, you can't help it, close your eyes and try to rest, if you need it there is still a bucket next to the bed," Regina knew Emma wanted to give Regina a good day, but it already turned out much better than normal, she didn't want Emma to feel guilty.

Emma did feel guilty anyways, this wasn't something she feels anyone should have to do for her. When Regina went back downstairs thinking Emma was asleep, Emma sat up. Her back against the headboard and knees drawn up. This is how she becomes a burden, she can't lose Regina. She don't want to feel or seem so needy.

Tears started to fall silently down Emma's cheeks, she didn't understand why she was crying, well she could, she was so scared kf losing everything and being alone, she can't handle that, that's why those words came out of her mouth in the woods. She can't lose this again and she being needy might cause problems. She's never felt needy. Usually pretty independent no matter what.

Emma knew she didn't love hook, it took a while for them both to come to their senses and agree they couldn't keep fooling themselves into a relationship that couldn't happen. It was a friendly goodbye at least.

Emma knew Regina would have make lunch soon, she laid back down curling into the blanket hoping she would think she was still asleep and not wake her for a lunch, she's just not up to eating right now, physically and emotionally, she was afraid of being taken care of. It began raining out, Emma could feel it hit the window, she loved the rain, it was cleansing to her, calming.

Emma decided she wouldn't lie to Regina into thinking she is asleep. She would probably catch her anyways. At least for now she thinks she is asleep. Emma's mind flash backed into something really recent that Regina has said. that Emma has never had her back and never would, Emma somehow wanted to show Regina all the times she's had her back both Regina knowing so and the times Regina never knew about. For some reason she wanted a way to show her. She wondered if it were even possible. She let her mind wonder, she would also have to talk to Regina about that anyways.

Emma was right, it was long before Regina came up to have Emma come down to eat, or stay in bed, she gave Emma the choice. Emma chose to go onto the couch downstairs to ear, but she couldn't help but let her mind continue to wonder.

Emma sat down onto the couch Regina put her food in front of her. "You know Regina. I know we talked about it once but I think maybe I should go home for now. You are doing so much and I don't want to take advantage of that. "Emma shhh," Regina interrupted her and sat down next to her. "Emma. I know you think otherwise but you are not a burden. You can't ever take advantage of me, Yes Emma we have had our rights and our differences but it not the same now, Emma I am not what you lived through. You don't have to leave, in fact I don't want you to leave. Emma you felt that kiss. We both did, it was like an explosion of love just bursted around us. We have had our moments. Everyone does, and we will, but I think you know Emma, I can see the cogs turning inside of your head almost. Emma if the show was on the other foot you'd car for me too wouldn't you?" Regina asked her.

"Yes I would care for you Regina always. It's just hard." Emma looked down at her hands then Regina took her hand. "It is hard Emma it will be, but we will get through it together." Regina met it and Emma knew it. "For the first time ever. I've felt while unrequited love. And no one will take the at from us, they can't take that from us it's impossible and you know that with living proof. Please stay here with me Emma, I'm asking you don't have to, I understand its very fast but, it's not, this has been happening for years not over night. Probably much longer we were just destined for each other." Regina's eyes glistening with tears. She couldn't believe how long this has gone on.

"I'll stay Regina. But please don't hold back anything if you feel like I'm being too much." Emma asked "I will Emma you know me," Regina and Emma both laughed. "Yes I guess we know each other well.

A little later Emma was back in bed being the room was darker for her headache, she remembered what Regina had said, that Emma had never been there for her and never will be, that wasn't true. She hoped that Regina didn't still believe that. She wished she had a way to show her ameven all the times she'd been there even when Regina wasn't around, all the times she stuck up for her. All the times Regina even knew Emma was there for her.

Emma wondered if there was a way Regina could see everything, all the times from the eyes of Emma's perspective, seeing it like Emma saw it, not caring for her, being there for her when she was t even around. She wasn't sure if it was just anger or not on Regina's end, but she needed to show her, to let her know she was and will always be there for ber. She supposed she'd have to look around the vault. She'd do that a bit when she'd feeling a little better.

Regina made her way up the stairs, she next to Emma in the space between her and the edge of the bed. "How are you feeling?" Regina asked her. "I'm doing okay, but I was thinking, do you remember when you said that I was never there for you and never would be, so you still think that's true?" Emma asked in a small voice.

Regina looked at Emma again, at that time she'd used very poor words because she knew Emma had been there for her. Things have happened tbag bas gotten in the way, Emma whole wholeheartedly want to show her all of it, when she saw Regina pause and her from furrowed in her face. She placed a hand to her check. "You may have thought I wasn't Regina but there is so much you haven't seen," Emma told her, and with that everything Emma wanted Regina to see her own magic did as she wanted, of course unpredictable as it always is.

Regina gasped, white light took her to a place where she was suddenly seeing things through what would be happening in Emma's place, like she was Emma herself. She was so confused but she'd seen all the things people were saying and all the times Emms had defended her, been there for her. All the times Regina didn't want to se that Emma's was stubborn enough not to give up on her like everyone else had in her life.

she didn't know what Emma's magic did but she has a feeling she was about to find out a lot of things on both of their behalf's. There was so many things that went flash after flash.

Emma was shocked at the dazed look and Emotion in Regina's face, she then realized with how hard she had been thinking about showing Regina everything her magic did it for her when she touched Regina's face. Emma just hopes there wasn't a ton of bad things, unintentional things that had happened even if she didn't want it to beans Regina would be misinterpreted it, and it would just end everything between then if she did.

Magic is fueled by emotion…