Chapter 2 Settling down
Regina and Emma set out with a legal team to fight Maleficent claim to having the right to be part of their daughter's life. Their parents David and Mary Margaret Charming as well as Henry and Cora are supporting them all the way. Ruby and Belle are there as well.
One year later
Devlin's inquisitive nature often led her into mischief, and at three years old, she became quite the handful. With a mind that seemed to always be buzzing with questions and determination to explore the world around her, Devlin often found herself in trouble.
One day, as Emma tried to put Devlin's shoes on her for the umpteenth time, Devlin giggled and slyly darted away. "Come on Dev, we're going to mommy." Emma pleaded, a hint of frustration in her voice.
Devlin paused for a moment, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and then burst into laughter before taking off again. Emma let out a little sigh, knowing that they were supposed to surprise Regina for lunch, before her next class.
"Kid, Mommy's waiting for us." Emma called out, a mix of exasperation and amusement in her voice. She chased after Devlin, trying to keep up with her energetic little legs.
As they ran through the house, Emma couldn't help but appreciate Devlin's spirited nature.. While it sometimes led to challenges, she knew that it was a sign of her intelligence and curiosity. Emma admired Devlin's thirst for knowledge and her determination to explore, even if it meant sometimes she'd get into trouble.
Finally, Emma managed to catch up to Devlin, scooping her up in her arms. Devlin squirmed and giggled, her playful grin still in place. "Alright kid, let's go surprise mommy with lunch." Emma letting out a sigh and finally putting Devlin's shoes on.
Regina and her teacher's assistant Olivia are grading papers. Regina looked up from her desk, eyes lighting up with joy as she saw her beloved girlfriend and their daughter. A smile spreads across her face, and she couldn't help but feel her heart swell with love at the sight.
"Mommy!" Devlin squealed, her laughter filling the room as she wriggled in Emma's arms eager to reach Regina. Emma chuckled and gently set Devlin down allowing her to run to her mommy.
Regina's arms opened wide, ready to envelop Devlin in a warm embrace. As Devlin reached her, Regina napped her up and showered her with kisses. Devlin giggled and put wet kisses on Regina as well.
Emma stood by watching, a soft smile on her face as she watched the bond between Regina and Devlin. Seeing the two most important people in her life together filled her with a sense of contentment and gratitude. "We came to break you out for lunch" Emma tells walking over and kisses Regina.
Emma's words brought a smile to Regina's face as she leaned into the kiss, savoring the affectionate moment. "Thank you for rescuing me." Regina replied playfully, her eyes sparkling with love.
Olivia, accustomed to the dynamic of their family, continued grading papers while keeping a watchful eye on Devlin. She had grown fond of the little girl and understood her adventurous character.
Devlin's curiosity led her to explore Regina's office, her little feet pattering across the floor. Regina had always been fascinated by history, and her office is filled with memorabilia from different eras. As she wanders around, her eyes land on a replica sword, Excalibur, displayed on a shelf. Ignoring the potential danger, her curiosity got the better of her and she reached out to touch the sharp edges.
Olivia, noticing the potential danger attempted to stop her. "Devlin." she was too late.
"Mommy, I got a boo boo." Devlin cries holding her hand out with a little poke on her finger and blood dripping.
Regina's heart sank as she saw Devlin's injured finger and the blood dripping from it. She quickly rushed over to her daughter. "Oh sweetheart, let me see." Regina said her voice filled with concern. She carefully examined Devlin's finger to see how bad the cut is. Devlin winced in pain, tears coming down her cheeks. The injury required nothing but a band aide. Regina goes over to her desk and takes one out. "Devlin, you know that mommy's things in her office are not toys, this is why we tell you to not touch." Regina's voice was gentle but firm as she spoke to Devlin, wanting to teach her an important lesson about safety. She carefully applied the band aide to Devlin's finer, making sure it was secure.
Emma, standing by Regina's side nodded in agreement. "Kid, we understand that you're curious, but it's important to listen to Mommy and not touch things in her office." Emma backs Regina. These two have co parenting down to a tee.
Devlin sniffled, her tears starting to subside. "But everything is so neat: she says looking around Regina's office.
Regina and Emma exchange a glance, understanding Devlin's fascination with the items in Regina's office. Regina gently wiped away the remaining tears from Devlin's cheeks, her voice filled with understanding. "I know, my love, Mommy's office is filled with interesting things, but some of them can be dangerous, " Regina explains in her calm and patient voice. "That's why we have rules to keep you safe."
Olivia crouched down to Devlin's level. "There are other ways you can see all the amazing things in your Mommy's office without touching them."
Devlin looks at Olivia. "How?"
"We can set up a special time for you to come and explore with us."
"Can we mommy and mama?" Devlin turns towards her moms.
"Of course, sweetheart. "Regina replied, "We can set up a special time for you to come and explore Mommy's office together.
"Can we do it now?" Devlin's looks extremely excited and eager.
"Not right now, we're going out for lunch." Regina looks at her watch, Olivia notices the time as well.
"Professor, it's Freshman classes rest of day, I can take over for you" Olivia suggests knowing how much this little family loves and spends time together.
"Thank you, Olivia. That would be wonderful and when we're not in class it's Regina please."
Olivia nodded, her eyes filled with affection for the family. "Of course Regina,. You three enjoy your time together." Olivia gets the two freshman materials ready for the rest of the day.
Later in the hallway
"where do you want to eat?" Emma asks as she walks with her hand intertwined with Regina, simply enjoying their time they get together as Devlin walks a few feet ahead of them looking at all the hysterical items in the history department hallway.
"How about that little cafe we love near the park? They have a nice outdoor seating area, and it's a beautiful day."
Emma nodded, her eyes sparking in agreement. "that's sounds perfect Regina."
Devlin, still captivated by the sights of the history department, turned around and joined her moms, her eyes still wide with curiosity. "Where eating?"
Regina takes Devlin's hand, "We're going to that cafe near the park, we can sit out side since it's nice out."
Devlin looks at her parents. "I get my Special coffee?" Shes asks.
"Yes kid, you can get your special coffee" Emma laughs at the tradition she started when Devlin wanted to try the adult drink.
Hand in hand all three make their way to the cafe. Devlin walks up to the barista "Special coffee please" She tells the young lady behind the counter.
The barista nodded with a kind smile, understanding the importance of creating Devlin's special drink she gets all the time. "One warm milk with a hint of cinnamon." The barista replies having served this to Devlin all the time
Regina and Emma exchange a proud glance, their hearts filled with love for their daughter's uniqueness. They knew this special drink allowed Devlin to fit in with the rest of the adults in the cafe, mostly college students and professors and be included.
As they find themselves a cozy spot to sit together, Devlin held her warm milk with cinnamon close, taking in the comforting aroma, she took a sip "mmm" and settled in between her parents contentment in her smile.
The little cafe is filled with mostly college students and professors. Regina, Emma are sitting down with Devlin at a table now. Their food is brought to them. Regina dives right into her salad, as Emma takes a bite of her grilled cheese.
"Devlin, are you not eating?" Emma asks setting down her grilled cheese. Devlin shakes her head no, then crawls up on Emma's lap and begins to twirl Emma's hair, indicating she's getting tired.
Regina puts her fork down and watches as Emma snuggles with their daughter. Her heart over flows with love, she blurts out "Marry me, Emma Swan."
Emma's eyes widen in surprise, her hand still gently rubbing Devlin's back. She looks at Regina, her heart skipping a beat at the unexpected declaration. A mix of emotions washes over her face- love, joy and a hint of disbelief. "Regina Mills, are you serious?" Emma asks, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and tenderness.
Regina nods, her eyes shining with love and vulnerability. "Yes, Emma I've never been more serious in my life." she replies her voice filled with sincerity.
Emma's lips curve into a radiant smile, her heart swelling with overwhelming love "Yes Regina. A thousand times yes."
As they share a tender kiss, Devlin snuggles closer, her eyes fluttering closed as sleep takes over. Regina and Emma hold each other, their hearts overflowing with love and gratitude.
In the little cafe, surrounded by the bustling energy of college students and professors, Regina and Emma lock the world out and share in their moment. They finish their meals, getting Devlin's to go and make it back to their home.
Back at their home
Once Devlin is laying in bed. Emma takes Regina to their bedroom and makes love to her fiance. The two spend the afternoon together making love. Devlin comes into their room, "you nap too" she asks seeing her parents in bed.
Regina and Emma quickly separate, their faces flushing with a mix of surprise and embarrassment. They exchange a glance, realizing that they were caught in an intimate moment by their curious daughter. Regina quickly sits up, pulling the covers around her.
"Um, Devlin, sweetheart, we were just, resting yes." Regina stammers, her voice filled with awkwardness. "We'll be up in a moment."
Emma, still catching her breath, nodes in agreement. "yes kid, we were just napping like you" she adds trying to sound casual and not laugh.
Regina and Emma look at each other panicked for a moment. Regina takes the lead to handle her daughters curious mind with age-appropriate explanations. Regina takes a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Devlin, honey, sometimes adults have moments of intimacy" Regina beings her voice gentle yet hesitant. "It's a way for us to express our love to each other." Regina looks over at Emma's face is still red and flushed.
"But why are you naked with mama?" Devlin looks at her parents confused attempting to grasp the concept.
Regina looks to Emma who is still to in shock to say anything, again she takes a moment to think before answering. "Well, sometimes adults choose to be without clothes when they're being intimate. It's away for us to feel close and connected. But it's important for all of us to remember that being naked is something private and personal. It's not something we do in front of other people."
"when can I show love and be naked with someone?" Devlin innocently asks still trying to grasp the subject of adult love.
"When you're 32." Emma quickly replies.
Regina stifles a laugh, trying to maintain as serious expression. She looks at Emma, her eyes filled with amusement and disbelief. "Emma, 32 seems a bit arbitrary" She says her voice laced with humor.
Emma blushes, realizing her impulsive response might not have been the best. "I was trying to give a simple answer" Emma cheekily replies.
Regina smiles, her eyes softening with affection. "Devlin, there isn't a specific age when you can start showing love and being in a relationship. It's when you're older and understand a lot more about life and finding someone who respects and cares for you.
"I'm hungry now." Devlin changes subjects losing interests in why her parents are naked and in bed. "Can we get a snack now?"
Regina and Emma chuckle, relieved that Devlin has shifted her focus to something more immediate.
"Let us get dressed, and well go down to the kitchen for our snack." Regina gets out of bed, pulls on some comfortable pajama pants and shirt and takes Devlin down to the kitchen.
Regina helps Devlin pick out a fruit, pulls her Montessori stole up to the counter and gives Devlin her special kids knifes to cut her own piece. "Do you think mama would like some too?" Regina asks watching Devlin concentrate with her little tongue out. Devlin shakes her head yes, not wanting to loose her place in cutting.
Emma enters the kitchen, stands back and watches her family making a snack. Regina allows Devlin to cut as many strawberries as she wishes with her little knife.
"Mommy," Devlin puts her knife down and looks at Regina seriously. "Who's Maleficent?"
Regina pauses for a moment and considers how to explain Maleficent to her young daughter. She kneels down to Devlin's level, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Maleficent" she begins "is someone I used to have a special relationship with, we were very close, like friends, but our relationship was different from what most people have."
"You're not friends anymore?"
"Sometimes people's paths diverge, and they go different ways. Maleficent and I grew apart on different paths."
"If you're not friends anymore, why do I have to see her?"
Emma, who had been standing in the doorway realizes that Devlin must have overheard their conversation about Maleficent desire for visitation rights.
Regina heart sinks realizing her daughter was listening to a private conversation. Taking a deep breath, "Devlin," her voice quiet "sometimes, even when adults aren't friends anymore, they still have a connection or history that they need to work through. It's important for us to try and find a way to figure that out.
"But if you're not friends, why do I have to see her?" Devlin clearly confused and frightened about meeting a lady she knows nothing about.
Regina takes Devlin's hands and makes her meet her eyes. "Sweetheart, I understand that what you heard is confusing for you. Mommy was pregnant when Maleficent and I were friends, she wants to get to know you."
"But I dot'" Devlin has tears in her eyes.
Emma steps forward, joining Regina and Devlin. She places a hand on Devlin's shoulder. "Devlin, we understand and want whats best for you. Mommy and I are figuring things out with lawyers and other adults.
They sit on the couch with their snack of strawberries, Emma puts in one of Devlin's favorite movies, Cars, to help settle her mind down. While Devlin watches, Emma and Regina hold their hands together making silent promises.
Work Week
The work week flew by for Regina and Emma, with Regina busy giving exams and Emma dealing with paperwork at the security company she worked for. Meanwhile, Devlin continued attending preschool, where her advanced abilities and need for movement were recognized. The preschool created a special program for her, allowing her to join the kindergarten class for certain activities.
In the kindergarten class, Devlin met Stacy, a naughty and energetic five-year-old who also came from a privileged background. Whenever Devlin joined their group, the teachers knew they had their hands full with double trouble.
Devlin and Stacy quickly became inseparable, their shared curiosity and adventurous spirits lead them on countless escapades. They created forts, played with blankets and told stories, sometimes both were unable to sit for a lesson.
The teachers, though occasionally exasperated by their antics, couldn't help but admire the bond they say. Stacy and Devlin get along as if they were sisters.
On a typical day at preschool, Stacy and Devlin found themselves faced with a recurring problem- a bully who constantly took toys from other kids. Determined to put an end to his mean behavior, the two friends devised a plan. Devlin, at the tender age of three, fearlessly took matters into her own hands, delivering a punch to the bully's nose, while Stacy followed up with a swift kick to his stomach.
"He's mean" Devlin stated matter-of-factually as she sat with the teacher, patiently waiting for her moms a to arrive and pick her up. Stacy's parents had already come to collect her.
As the preschool room door swung open, Regina and Emma stepped inside, their presence commanding attention. They had come to retrieve their daughter, unaware of the events that had unfolded earlier. The teacher approaches them and explains the situation and actions taken by Stacy and Devlin.
Regina's eyes widened in surprise as she heard the teacher's explanation. She turned her gaze towards Devlin, who stood there with a determined expression, showing no signs of regret for her actions.
"She did what?" Regina asks, her voice filled with a mix of shock and curiosity.
The teacher repeated her explanation, emphasizing that Devlin punched a boy, claiming to be Wonder Woman in the process.
"He's mean" Devlin response once again, arms still crossed in defiance, her unwavering conviction left no room for remorse.
Regina exchanged a glance with Emma, who had a mixture of concern and amusement in her eyes. They had always known that their daughter possessed a strong sense of justice, but this act of bravery took them by surprise.
"Why did you hit that boy?" Emma asks.
"He keeps taking toys from other people, I wanted him to stop." Devlin explains. "He's mean too"
Emma beams with pride, her heart swelling knowing at such a young age her daughter shows loyalty and a protective nature.
"Emma, stop smiling, we need to be firm about violence with our daughter" Regina whispers, a hint of pride in her voice as well.
Emma composes herself "Dev, violence is never the solution, we need you to understand that there are better ways to handle this situation."
"I handle like Wonder Woman." Devlin looks up at her moms curiously.
Regina crouches down to meet Devlin's eyes. She realizes the need to explain from Devlin's perspective. "Sweetheart, we're so proud of your bravery and your desire to protect others," Regina began her voice gently yet firm. "But using violence, like punching, is not the best way to handle things like this. It's important to find peaceful ways to stand up for others."
"Don't forget Wonder Woman also uses her words, her intelligence and her compassion to make a difference." Emma sees where Regina is going and goes in for the assist.
Devlin looked at her moms, her young mind processing their words. She wanted to understand why her actions weren't entirely acceptable, even though she had good intentions."I don't know what to do?" Devlin looked at her parents confused and curious.
Regina smiled, "There are many things, you can tell a teacher, or another adult. You can use your words. Sometimes being a good friend and kind can make a difference. You're mama and I are willing to help you work on these."
Devlin takes a minute to consider what her parents are saying. "OK" she says "Wonder Woman use words, I can too"
With proud smiles on their faces, they walk Devlin to their car hand in hand and drive home.
To Be Continued.