Chapter 23
Regina woke up the following evening pressed against Emma's chest, the sound of their shared heartbeat pounding in her ear. Emma was running her hand through Regina's short hair while she held her tight, still afraid she might disappear if she let go.
"Hey." Regina whispered, shifting slightly to look at Emma.
"Good evening, my love ." Emma smiled, kissing Regina's forehead again. "By the way, I really like the short hair."
"I needed a change when I became Roni. If I couldn't be with you, I didn't want to be Regina anymore, so I reinvented my look," Regina explained. "I guess I can grow it out now."
"Keep it short, it suits you." Emma smiled, running her finger through Regina's hair once more. "Also, you have a tan."
"This is my natural skin tone." Regina laughed. "Being a Vampire made me pale."
"How are you feeling? Are you hungry?" Emma asked, switching to Sire mode, ready to continue taking care of Regina.
"Better. I could go for something to eat though."
"Great! I'll go warm us up some blood. There's still some O- left. Do you feel up for regular blood?"
"Not yet, let's just stick with the O-."
"You got it!" Emma said, kissing Regina sweetly before rushing out of bed to warm up some blood for them.
She stood in front of the stove, stirring two different small pots of blood, when she felt familiar arms wrap themselves around her from behind.
"You really are feeling better," Emma said as she melted into Regina's body, her head falling back onto Regina's shoulder.
"Much," she whispered. They stood together for a few more minutes while Emma stirred their meal, until the sound of Regina's phone ringing broke their moment. Emma pouted when Regina moved to find her phone, answering it right before it went to voicemail.
"Hey Tilly…oh yes, I'm fine. I'm perfect actually," Regina said, winking at Emma who was pouring their blood into mugs. "Yeah, we're still on for the meeting…how about an hour? Does that give you enough time?…Great! See you then." Regina hung up the phone and tossed it on the coffee table before returning to Emma.
"We can trust Tilly, right?" Emma asked, handing Regina her blood, taking a seat on the couch next to her.
"I trust her with my life, and I would like to think she would trust me with hers," Regina said, taking a sip.
"Good. Just need to make sure," Emma said, sipping her own blood. "I've been through some tough times, can't be too careful anymore," Emma added, purposely not telling Regina about her time in Chicago.
An hour later, they were both dressed and sitting at one of the high top tables in the front of the empty Roni's bar, waiting for Tilly to arrive. Even though Regina assured her that they could trust Tilly, Emma was still a little on edge, not entirely sure of the blonde bartender. Right on time, Tilly walked through the doors, making a bee line right to Regina.
"Hey Roni! You alright?" Tilly asked, looking at Regina skeptically.
"Hi Tilly. Yes! See, I'm fine. I'm perfect." Regina smiled, hugging her employee. Tilly gave Regina a weird look, no doubt noticing the drastic shift in her body temperature. "Tilly, there's someone I'd like you to meet," Regina said, motioning toward Emma. "This is Emma Swan. She's my Mate." Regina smiled.
"It's nice to meet you, Tilly," Emma said, extending her hand toward the younger blonde.
"Nice to meetchya too," Tilly said, shaking Emma's hand, once again noticing her cold temperature. Tilly looked between Regina and Emma, a confused look spreading across her face.
"There's something I need to tell you…about myself," Regina said, motioning for Tilly to take a seat on one of the stools as the couple settled in across from her. "My name isn't Roni Hart," Regina started, a shocked look spread across Tilly's face. "My name is actually Regina Mills, and up until thirty years ago, I was a Vampire." Regina paused to allow Tilly to catch up. When she didn't say anything, Regina continued. "I met Emma about thirty years ago in Boston, and circumstances forced me to turn her. We became Mates as soon as Emma woke up. We were together for a few months until more terrible things happened, which ended with my death." She and Emma both held back tears as they remembered that time, searching for the comfort of each other's hand under the table. "We don't know what happened, but somehow, I was sent back here as a Human. We thought the other was dead for the last thirty years, until Emma happened to walk in here the other night," Regina continued to explain, still gaining no reaction from Tilly. "Last night, Emma turned me into a Vampire again." Regina smiled to show Tilly her new fangs. They sat in silence for a few minutes, Tilly's mind wandering. "Do you have any questions?"
"Sooo…" Tilly said after a few more moments. "Do we need to change the name of the bar to "Regina's" instead of "Roni's" ? Because I don't think "Regina's" has quite the same ring to it." Tilly smiled.
Emma and Regina both released a collective sigh of relief.
"There's more," Regina said. "Obviously, I can no longer conduct business during the day. Congratulations Tilly, you're being promoted to manager!" Regina said, hugging Tilly once more. "You'll be in charge of everything that occurs during the day, and Emma and I will take care of things at night. It'll come with a raise too, of course."
"That's awesome! I'm so excited. But wait, I have one more question." Tilly said, pausing for dramatic effect. "Should I call you Regina now? Or should I still call you Roni?"
"You can call me whatever you want." Regina laughed.
"All kidding aside, I'm happy for you. For both of you. I had the displeasure of witnessing your worst moment. And I can say, without a doubt, this is the happiest I've ever seen you," Tilly said. "You can count on me, boss lady."
"Technically, you're a boss too." Emma laughed, causing Tilly to pull them both in for a group hug.
"So wait, this is like, your second night as a Vampire and like your third night together after, what? Thirty years apart?" Emma and Regina both looked at each other as they nodded. "What the hell are you guys doing talking to me? Get your asses back up stairs and into bed this instant, you eternal young ladies! I'll lock up, now that I'm a manager."
"Thanks, Tilly. We'll iron out the details tomorrow. I'll see you tomorrow night," Regina said, hugging Tilly one last time before she and Emma went back upstairs.
Regina barely made it into the livingroom of their apartment before collapsing from exhaustion. Luckily, Emma was right beside her, catching her before she hit the ground. In an act of panic, Emma scooped Regina up and carried her to the couch, laying her down gently.
"Hey, are you okay?" she asked, her eyes filled with fear.
"Yeah, I just got really dizzy all of a sudden. I think the change took more out of me than last time," Regina said, closing her eyes for a moment while she waited for the world to stop spinning.
"Do you need anything? More blood? A blanket?" Emma asked, still afraid for Regina.
"I'm fine right now. I just need a minute." Regina smiled. "Can you sit with me for a little bit?" Regina asked. Before she could finish asking the question, Emma was curled up next to her, holding her tightly in her arms.
Regina dozed for a few minutes, relishing in the feeling of having Emma's arms around her after going so long without her. Until they were gone suddenly, as Emma's body shifted behind her.
"Where are you going?" she asked, so sad.
"I know just what you need. I'll be right back." Emma smiled and rushed down the small hallway in the apartment. It didn't take a genius to know what Emma was up to when she heard the water running in the bathroom.
A few minutes later, Emma appeared again, scooping Regina off the couch once more and carried her into the bathroom.
"I couldn't find any candles on such short notice," Emma said as they entered the bathroom where a bath was already waiting for them.
"There's a few under the sink in the kitchen." Regina smiled as she looked down at the full bath, noticing red petals floating on the surface. "Rose petals?" she asked as Emma gently placed her on the ground.
"I noticed that you don't have any bubble bath. So when I bought your flowers the other day, I bought a few bags of rose petals to make up for it." Emma grinned as she carefully pulled off Regina's shirt.
Emma didn't say a word as she gently removed the rest of Regina's clothes and led her to the tub, gently guiding her into the perfect lukewarm water. Regina looked up just in time to see Emma run out of the room, unfortunately still fully clothed. Regina frowned slightly as she started to settle into the bath when Emma came running back, three candles in her arms. Regina watched as Emma lit the candles and placed them safely around the room and turned off the lights, leaving only the light from the candles to light the room.
"Will you please join me?" Regina asked, suddenly worried that wasn't the plan.
"I will join you for every bath from now until the end of eternity." Emma smiled, pulling off her shirt and throwing it into the corner. A minute later, she was settling in behind Regina but stopped her from leaning back against her. Regina looked back at Emma with confusion.
"Tilt your head back," Emma whispered, grabbing the plastic cup Regina hadn't noticed until now.
Regina followed directions and tilted her head back, allowing Emma to pour water over her head, drenching her short hair.
"Emma, you don't have to do this," Regina said as Emma squeezed shampoo into her hand to transfer to Regina's hair.
"I know I don't have to. I want to," Emma said, washing Regina's hair slowly, so as not to hurt her.
"You don't need to keep taking care of me," Regina said as Emma softly tilted her head back again. "My first night is over."
"I'm not doing this because I'm your Sire…" Emma said, slowly dumping a cupful of water over Regina's head to rinse the shampoo out, careful to keep the suds out of Regina's face and eyes. "I'm doing this because you're my Mate and you don't feel well."
"Thank you…" Regina whispered as Emma conditioned her hair, leaving the product in her hair for a few minutes while she washed the rest of Regina's body, knowing Regina always made sure to take care of her hair, and Emma's as well. Regina's shoulders and back were more muscular and defined than they had been before she died, no doubt from years of carrying cases of beer around her bar.
Already anticipating that Regina would insist she wash her hair as well, she shampooed and conditioned her own hair, making sure they were both clean before rinsing out Regina's hair. Once she was finished, she finally allowed Regina to settle back against her, Regina's head instantly resting on her shoulder.
"Better?" Emma whispered.
"A little yeah. I have a wicked headache though," Regina said, resting her eyes.
"Maybe if you drank a little of my blood it'll help." Emma suggested. "Mate's blood, the natural advil."
"I suppose it can't hurt," Regina said, trying to smile. Emma offered her wrist, allowing Regina to take her time.
Regina slowly bit her wrist, taking a few mouthfuls of Emma's blood before the small wounds healed. She sighed contently as she settled back against Emma's shoulder once again, her head instantly feeling better. Emma didn't have to ask; she already knew Regina was feeling better.
They sat together in silence, Emma's arms wrapped around Regina, their fingers laced together.
"Hey, you okay?" Emma asked suddenly, feeling Regina's hands jerk slightly under the water.
"Yeah. My wrists felt weird for a second. Tingly," Regina said, a little confused. She looked down at her wrists and inhaled deeply in shock. "They're gone!" she added, turning to look up at Emma.
"What's gone?" Emma asked, looking down at Regina's hands.
"My scars," Regina whispered. Sure enough, the deep scars that were previously along both wrists were completely gone, leaving nothing but perfect clear skin in its wake, only the scar from Emma's bite was left.
"I don't understand," Emma said, staring at Regina's wrists in awe.
"It must have been your blood. You healed me," she said, running her fingers over the smooth skin on her wrist where her painful scars had once been. "Emma, drink mine. Please," Regina pleaded, her eyes fixed on her own name spelled out in thirty years of thick and deep scars on Emma's arm.
Emma took Regina's now smooth wrist and bit into it lightly, drawing a small amount of blood to the surface, swallowing it quickly. As soon as the small wounds closed on Regina's wrist, they both stopped and stared at Emma's arm, both hoping Regina's blood will heal Emma as well.
A few moments later, Emma felt a weird tingle sensation as the scars began to slowly disappear, leaving Emma's arm smooth. Thirty years of pain and misery were gone in a matter of seconds.
"You healed me too. I'm not just talking about my arm…" Emma said after a moment. "You healed me, Regina. You healed my heart…my soul…" she said, thick red tears falling from her eyes.
"You healed me as well, my love, " Regina said, wiping the tears from Emma's face as her own tears escaped her eyes. "I waited a hundred years to be with you. I waited a hundred years to meet my Soulmate. And I would do it all over again for a chance to be with you."
"I love you, Regina," Emma said, fresh tears trailing down her face.
"I love you," Regina whispered. They gazed into each other's eyes for a few more minutes until Regina settled back against Emma's chest, their fingers lacing together again.
"I lied…" Regina said after a few minutes.
"About what?" Emma asked, her voice not sounding angry at her Mate's sudden confession.
"When I told you I didn't know why all this happened to us."
"So, you do know why this all happened to us?" Emma asked, her voice still soft and unaccusing.
"I don't know for certain, but I have a theory," Regina said.
"What is it?" Emma asked, sensing Regina's hesitation.
"Soulmates…" Regina said, her voice so low, almost embarrassed.
"As in, real Soulmates? Like not just on TV or in a movie. Like real Soulmates?" Emma asked, her voice sounding hopeful.
"Yeah…" Regina said shyly.
"Tell me more about being Soulmates." Emma smiled, tightening her grasp on Regina.
"Well…" Regina said, shifting slightly to get more comfortable in Emma's arms. "After my failed suicide attempts, and when I relized that I still hadn't aged in all the time I spent here, I did some research. But I couldn't find a whole lot on the internet, nothing that wasn't entirely speculation. But I had to keep digging. I had to understand why this happened to me..to us." Regina explained.
"What did you find?" Emma asked, increasingly interested in Regina's story.
"Well…I eventually started searching the Vampiric Counsel archives database and after months of sifting through every article I could find, I eventually came across something. Something that described two people so destined to be together that they both refused to die if the other was still alive," Regina explained.
"Sounds familiar." Emma chuckled, kissing the side of Regina's head.
"They were the first Vampires, Emma. Their love caused them to stop aging and become immortal. Their love let them live forever," Regina said, a stray tear falling down her cheek.
"What happened to them? Are they still alive?" Emma asked, curious to talk to this couple.
"They lived for six hundred years, until making the ultimate decision to end their lives together. They had lived their eternity and died together, hand in hand, but not before teaching others how to become immortal."
"So wait, do you think we're the reincarnated souls of those first Vampires?" Emma asked.
"Oh no. Not like that." Regina chuckled. "But it does make sense. Soulmates can't live without each other. It also explains why we were so drawn to each other, even when I knew you were a hunter, and would likely kill me when you found out what I was. I was willing to risk it all knowing it could mean my end. I needed you more than I needed to live," Regina said, shifting to look at Emma.
"I couldn't live without you, even after I found out you were a Vampire. I know that feeling all too well," Emma said.
"And no matter what we did, we couldn't die. Because our other half was still alive, we just didn't know it. That was why I was given a second chance. That was why I had to become a Vampire when I did to begin with, so I could still be alive and young enough when you were born," Regina said, rambling slightly as she grew more and more nervous about her revelation to Emma.
"And you had to be a Human again so I could change you this time." Emma smiled, jumping on board with Regina's theory.
"I always wondered if you were walking around somewhere, a Human too, just waiting to meet me again. I never let myself get my hopes up though. It was too painful to truly believe you were still out there," Regina said, taking a deep breath, trying not to cry. "You think I'm crazy, don't you…?"
"Quite the opposite," Emma said, kissing Regina's neck. "The idea of being your Soulmate makes every cell in my body tingle with excitement. And a little relieved."
"Relieved?" Regina asked out of confusion.
"Yeah. Because now I know we can't die without each other, so if something happens again, all I have to do is find you again. You'll be waiting for me." Emma smiled, squeezing Regina tighter.
"I love you, Emma Swan," Regina whispered, happy tears falling from her eyes.
"I love you too, Soulmate," Emma whispered, giggling slightly as she leaned in to kiss Regina with everything she had.
Once the water was officially cold, they climbed out of their bath. Regina watched as Emma cleaned everything up, as well as made sure they were both dried and redressed before gently brushing out both their hair. It felt good to be taken care of for once, and she just might get used to the attention.
They settled back on the couch for a little while longer until Emma peered out of the window, checking the status of the sky.
"Are you up for another adventure?" Emma asked.
"I'm always up for an adventure, as long as it's with you." Regina smiled.
"Good, put on your shoes, we don't have too much time," Emma said, jumping up and rushing into the bedroom, returning with a blanket.
Emma led them out of the apartment and toward the ladder built into the wall, which she assumed led to the roof.
"I know why you chose this building." Emma smiled, spreading the blanket across the roof, laying down in the middle.
"It's perfect for stargazing," Regina answered, taking her spot next to Emma, curling up against Emma's chest.
They laid on the roof for about an hour in silence, gazing up at the unchanging sky, clinging to each other as if their lives depended on it.
"I know we've been together now for a few days, and I know it should start to feel real by now but…I still can't help but feel like this is still a dream," Emma said after a little while.
"I know the feeling," Regina said, tightening her grip on Emma.
"I spent so much time missing you, and dreaming about you. And here you are with me, back in my arms after thirty years. It feels so surreal," Emma said, her voice trailing off.
"I know the feeling," Regina said, yawning deeply.
"Do you want to go to bed?" Emma asked, sensing Regina' exhaustion.
"No, not yet. I'm okay," Regina said, her voice sad. "I'm sorry I'm ruining our night. The change is taking more out of me than I thought. Must be worse the second time around."
"You're not ruining anything, my love, " Emma said, kissing the top of Regina's head.
"It's just…I was hoping we could…make love…without either one of us being in pain…" Regina said, a deep sadness in her voice.
"Hey…" Emma said, sitting up on her elbows to look at Regina. "We have all the time in the world to be together. This time, when I say eternity, I mean eternity."
"Yeah…we thought that last time too…" Regina said.
"Yes, well. According to the Vampiric Council, Regina Mills died as a result of nightshade poisoning, and Emma Swan died in a fire. No one is looking for us now. We are truly free to live our lives in peace."
"That's true," Regina said, smiling up at Emma.
"I'll even change my name. Any suggestions?" Regina thought for a second, until a light bulb went off in her head.
"Emily."
"Emily Hart. It has a nice ring to it." Emma smiled, laying back down.
"Thank you…" Regina whispered, still looking up at Emma.
"You never have to say thank you, my love ." A moment later, Regina's lips were on hers, a kiss that was filled with so much emotion they were both left with tears of happiness.
"Can we go inside now?" Regina asked as she slowly pulled away from their heated kiss.
"Of course. Are you feeling alright?" Emma asked, concerned again.
"I'm perfect." Regina smiled. "It's time to go to bed."
Emma scrambled to get up, almost forgetting to grab the blanket before they climbed down the ladder back into the building. As soon as the door was locked behind them, Regina led Emma into the bedroom. Emma quickly lit the same candles they had used earlier that evening as they set the mood. They both knew they didn't have much time before sunrise, so they wanted to make sure everything was perfect for the time they did have.
Regina took the lead as she kissed Emma softly, slowly pulling Emma's shirt over her head, happy to find her bare chest under the shirt. She softly kissed Emma's neck while Emma's arms wrapped around her, pulling Regina's shirt off as well, pulling their bodies flush against each other. Emma moaned slightly when she felt Regina's breasts press against her own, a feeling she would never get enough of.
Regina began to kiss down the other side of Emma's neck as Emma's hands slipped down the back of Regina's favorite yoga pants, urging them over her ass, causing them to fall off and pool around Regina's ankles.
Regina continued to kiss down Emma's chest, pulling each one of her nipples into her mouth for a second before moving to the next. Emma was so focused on the feeling of Regina's cool lips against her skin she didn't notice that Regina had removed her pants as well, until she felt the cool air hit her bare legs. Emma lifted Regina up, kicking their pants off their ankles as Regina wrapped her legs around Emma's waist. Their lips met once again as Emma slowly carried Regina to their bed, laying her down gently. Emma broke their kiss to pay attention to Regina's neck, hitting all the points that she knew would drive Regina crazy. Their shared heartbeat sped up when Emma reached Regina's chest, giving her nipples the same attention Regina had shown hers.
"Emma…" Regina breathed, begging for more contact. Hearing her silent request loud and clear, Emma moved to reposition herself so their cores were pressed together, their clits rubbing against each other. They began to move together as one as their orgasms began to build. They shared a small orgasm a few moments later, leaving them both wanting more.
"Regina…" Emma panted, trying to catch her breath. "I need you…I need to feel you…inside me…" Emma said, her arousal still very high.
"And I you…" Regina said, squirming under Emma, her body begging for more.
Emma shifted off Regina, reaching to close the bed curtains, both sensing the upcoming sunrise. Emma settled back down next to Regina, pulling Regina's hips so they were parallel to her own, encouraging Regina to lay facing her, pulling her in for a deep and passionate kiss the moment Regina was facing her. Emma cupped her face for a few seconds before allowing her hand to travel down the side of Regina's body, softly making its way toward her core. Emma gently moved Regina's leg to rest it on her own hip, allowing herself more access to Regina, while allowing the woman to rest a little.
Once her access was granted, Emma slowly ran her fingers through Regina's wet folds, ending on the swollen bundle of nerves between Regina's legs. Regina's breath hitched when she felt Emma's familiar touch, her own fingers aching to touch Emma the same way.
As if she could read her mind, Emma lifted her leg slightly, granting Regina the access she desired. Regina didn't waste any time in touching Emma, running her own fingers through her folds, focusing on Emma's clit in the same way Emma was tending to hers.
"Regina…." Emma moaned, their shared heartbeat speeding up even more with each revolution around their clits. Regina knew what Emma wanted. She knew Emma wanted more. She needed more.
Regina was the first to change their movements, inserting a single finger into Emma's wet core, causing the blonde to moan louder and harder. A moment later, she felt Emma's finger penetrate her as well as they slowly began to finger each other. As if they were sharing one single brain, they both inserted a second finger at the same time, falling into a shared rhythm instantly. Emma's free hand searched between their bodies for Regina's, grabbing it as soon as their fingers touched. Their fingers laced together and they held onto each other so tightly they began cutting off the circulation to their hands.
They moved together in unison, their bodies fitting together like two long lost puzzle pieces, created to fit with only each other. They made love slow that night, even as they began to feel the sun rising outside. They brought each other over the edge a few more times, each shared orgasm more intense than the last, until they were forced to stop, falling asleep instantly from exhaustion, their free hands still clamped together as if they still didn't believe the other wouldn't disappear if they let go.