Chapter 9
"Mommy, I wanna walk in the water." Ryleigh said as the adults set up the picnic.
"Go ahead, Emma. We've got this." Zelena assured her.
Emma handed her phone to Cora. "Can you please take pictures? I don't know why she's so fascinated, when we just did this a few days ago, but I want pictures."
"Yes, of course." Cora said with a light laugh. "Emma's not allowed to get a new phone because I finally learned how to use this one."
Regina smiled. "I remember when you said cell phones were just a fad."
"One of the many times I was wrong." Cora laughed and snapped a few pictures as Emma took off Ryleigh's shoes, socks, and brace. She took her own shoes and socks off and was glad they were both wearing shorts so she didn't have to roll up pant legs.
"Hold my hand, mommy." Ryleigh said as she stood, holding her hand out.
Emma stood and took her hand, stepping over to the water. "It's cold."
"It's perfect!" Ryleigh said with a giggle. "It's the same water mermaids swim in, and it's more than just my toes!"
Emma looked over at the others and they all chuckled a bit. She stepped in further with her daughter. "So that's why you wanted to touch the ocean again."
"Yes. Zelena let me watch Little Mermaid and I wanted to come back. Oh look, Mommy! It's a starfish."
Emma smiled softly and bent down with her. "Be careful, we don't want to hurt him."
"I'm just looking, Mommy." Ryleigh said. "What's that thing?"
"I'm not sure, actually."
Regina came over. "That is a sea slug." She knelt down. "If you're careful, you can gently touch it."
Ryleigh stayed close to Regina as she gently touched it. "It's slimy." She giggled.
"It is. That's so it'll taste yucky if an animal tries to eat it."
"That's so cool!" She looked at the deeper water. "Mommy? Can I ever swim in it? I don't care if it's cold."
"Yes baby. This summer you can. Just a few more weeks of warmth and we'll be ready. I think you should at least once. I know I want to."
"And Storybrooke does have a pool." Regina said, standing.
"We'll have to see about signing you up for swimming lessons like back home." Emma said with a smile. "You need to stop growing though. I'm not ready for you to be such a big girl."
"I'm almost four! How many more weeks?"
"Three more weeks." Emma sighed. "Mama's not ready."
"I am! I can't wait for school." Ryleigh smiled over at Emma. "I'll be okay, mommy."
Emma leaned down and kissed Ryleighs forehead. "I know, baby. Now, five more minutes and it's time to dry off your legs, and eat."
"Okay, Mama." Ryleigh said and then looked at Regina. "What's that one called?"
Emma smiled softly as she watched Regina with Ryleigh. Regina was calm and patient and just so good with her. Cora came over and sat on the large rock Emma was currently sitting on as she put her shoes back on. "I got some great pictures."
Emma smiled softly, scrolling through them. "I love this one with her and Regina." Emma then looked at Cora. "We're really moving here?"
"I know I sprung it on all of you and I should have talked to you privately, but is that okay?"
"Yeah, no yes, it's fine. I just…am I still your caretaker? I mean you have Regina and Zelena and…"
Cora put her hand over Emma's. "Nothing between us changes until we both agree it does. I will still need care as I build up my strength, but this gives you more free time if you want to do something else. I would never stop you, Emma dear. However, if you wanted to wait until Ryleigh is in kindergarten or first grade when she goes to school full time, that's fine too."
"Really? You won't need help that long, Cora."
"Maybe not, but I learned my lesson on pushing myself and I want you to enjoy having time. Volunteer in Ryleigh's class, maybe you can even finally take those classes to become certified if you wanted to, or do some other classes. You've put your life on hold to take care of me, so I want you to really take advantage of this time to think about what you want to do."
"I will think about it, but Cora, I have never once felt like my life was put on hold. You saved it; saved me. I hate that you got sick, but I have loved caring for you. Maybe I'll see about those caregiver courses, if they offer them here."
"My legs are freezing!" Ryleigh exclaimed, jumping on Emma's lap.
"They're also wet." Emma sighed, her shorts now wet.
"Sorry, Mommy." Ryleigh said, giving her famous puppy eyes.
Emma kissed her nose. "Try to be more careful next time, Bug." She put her daughter's socks and shoes on before they went and ate.
Everyone enjoyed their picnic and the sunset before heading home.
SQSQSQSQSQSQSQ
"Zelena, are you sure? I mean, I don't mind taking her with us." It had been another week and Emma and Regina were going to Cora's to pack up more things they realized they'd want before the big move in a few months. They would only be gone a night, but Emma hadn't ever left Ryleigh overnight while she was in another town before - or Cora for that matter.
"Mommy, I don't wanna go on that long drive again. I wanna stay with Nana and Auntie Zee."
Emma chewed on her lip, knowing she was being ridiculous. "Okay fine. Ryleigh, I need you to be a good girl though. You need to listen to Nana and Auntie Zee."
"I will be mommy, I promise."
"I know you're nervous, and I do understand why, but I promise they're both in good hands." Zelena assured Emma. "I won't let either of them out of my sight."
"I know, I'm being a mom." Emma said, hugging Ryleigh, Zelena, Cora and then Ryleigh again. "I love you so much."
"I love you too, Mommy. You have fun!"
It wasn't until about an hour later that Emma's nerves relaxed about Ryleigh, but went on overdrive about being alone with Regina. She looked over to the brunette driving. "I can always take over if you need a break."
"Thanks Em, but I'm fine for now. I um…would you like to go out on a date tonight and head back in the morning?"
Emma smiled softly. "I'd like that." She looked back at the road. "Are you sure you're okay with us all moving in with you?"
"I am. I'm excited for it. I love having life in my house. The question is, are you okay with it? It's a big move for both you and Ryleigh."
"It is, but I think it'll be good. I still get to take care of Cora and be with her, it gets me further away from my ex and David, it's closer to Mary and my siblings…and you." She said, a small blush on her cheeks.
Regina smiled softly. "How are things going with that? Your siblings and your…Mary Margaret."
Emma smiled lightly. "Lilly texts me every day. I think I'm going to have lunch with her when we get back. She really wants to meet Ryleigh, but I told her that I want Ryleigh to meet mom first with just us. I could be worrying for nothing, but I don't want to overwhelm her."
"I could be wrong, but maybe it's you who's overwhelmed. It's a lot, Emma and no one would fault you, but only you know. The last few weeks have been a lot for you."
"Have they?" Emma laughed, running her fingers through her hair. "To be honest, I'm mentally exhausted and I wish I could just process everything."
"Then tell them that. Emma, you're moving there, you'll have time. There's no reason to jump into anything."
"That's what mom…Mary said. She doesn't want me going too fast, but how do I tell Lilly to wait? I feel bad."
"You tell her the truth. You tell her that you're moving there, that you'll set up a time, but for now, you need just a bit of space. Unless you don't. Emma, only you know if you do or not."
"Would you be okay if I had my mom come over and meet Ryleigh at your place? I think Ryleigh and I would feel more comfortable that way."
"Yes you can. Emma, you live there now too so you don't have to ask."
"Thanks. It'll take some getting used to. I didn't ever have anyone to invite over to Cora's so it never came up."
"I understand but Emma, it's your home too. I want you to feel at home."
"I'll do my best and I'm sure with time it will. Unless I decide to get my own place. I don't even know what it is I'm supposed to do."
"There's nothing you're supposed to do, Emma. If you want a place for you and Ryleigh, then I'll help find you one, but you are more than welcome to stay at mine with me and mom."
"Well, I do know Cora will still need help for a while yet, so it would be easier to stay together. I wouldn't feel right leaving her."
Regina stopped at a red light and looked at Emma. "Do me a favor. Take a breath. Emma, mom said this changes nothing. Other than getting Lilly signed up for school and whatnot, you don't have to worry. Take it one day at a time, and relax. As far as school goes, it's an easy process, so really Ems, there's nothing to worry about."
Emma smiled softly. "Right, sorry. It's so much change in a short time. Not to mention literally everyone from my past has shown up one way or another." She sat back with a sigh. "It's a lot."
Regina started off again. "It is, but you don't have to deal with it all right away."
Once at the mansion, Emma packed up what she needed for her and Ryleigh while Regina packed her mom's things. They packed the car so they could just leave in the morning and then they decided on the night. A movie came after a pasta dinner and the two really enjoyed being with each other.
That night, Regina slept in the bed with Emma, happy to make out and cuddle. It was soon, too soon, and she respected Emma's wish to wait. She was up early and gazed at the beauty in her arms. How Emma got through all she did and was still such an amazing mother and woman was beyond the brunette.
Emma stretched and slowly opened her eyes. "Mmm, morning." She said with a bit of a shy smile.
Regina smiled and kissed Emma softly. "Good morning. It's still early, you don't have to get up yet."
Emma gave a bit of a shrug and bit her lip. "Regina? Can I talk to you about something?"
Regina lay on her stomach and took Emma's hand. "Anything."
"I don't…" The blonde blushed deep. "I don't know how to be with a woman." She said quietly. "I want to; I want to show you how I feel but…I haven't exactly had the best experiences in the past."
Regina kissed Emma's hand, her wrist, her arm, her shoulder, and then her lips. "Emma, I'm in no hurry. Please don't worry about this. I prefer to let things just naturally happen." She bit at her lip. "We've kissed a lot," she grinned, "and we've done what feels right. I say we just keep doing that. Even if all I want to do is ravish you." She laughed softly
Emma gave a soft smile. "Natural. I can do that." She softly brushed her finger along Regina's cheek and cupped it. "I was so scared for you to come here. I was convinced you'd have me and Ryleigh thrown out. I'm so glad I was wrong." She kissed her. "Let's…can we take a shower together?"
Regina smiled with a soft nod. "I think we can do that; and don't worry, no one will be throwing you out of anywhere ever again." She said, standing.
Emma got out of bed, both of them dressed in just tanks and panties and went with Regina to the bathroom. She wanted this, even if they didn't do it , she wanted to do something. The blonde turned the water on to let it warm up and turned to Regina. "Can I kiss you?"
Regina pulled Emma to her and kissed her hard, her hands sliding up and under her shirt, feeling her soft skin all up and down her back. Emma let out a moan and kissed Regina back, pushing her back against the door. "I know…mmm…you said we can wait, but I am all for going with the flow." Emma said, her pupils dilating as she pulled back from the kiss.
Regina grinned softly, pulling back to lift up her shirt. "Let's just see where this shower takes us." She pulled off Emma's shirt and her hands grazed the tight stomach muscles she'd already learned to love. "You're so beautiful, Emma." She said, and lifted a chin that went down. "Hey, look at me." When green eyes met brown, Regina saw something like fear in them. "Hey, if this is too…"
"No. No it's not. I just…you really think I'm beautiful?"
Regina smiled softly and turned Emma to the mirror. She stayed behind her, her arms wrapped around her. "Look at you. You're stunning." She kissed Emma's shoulder and then neck. "One day, I'll make you believe me."
Emma hated that tears were forming and she tried to hide it. "Thank you." She whispered. "I hope I can believe it one day." She closed her eyes to Regina's exploring hands, loving the way her breasts felt against her back. She reached down and slid her panties off, letting them fall to the floor and then reached back, lowering Regina's.
Regina turned Emma and held her in her arms, loving how it felt to have skin to skin contact. "Come on." In the shower, Regina didn't let up much. She knew it was okay though because Emma was loving every moment. As she rinsed them off, she looked into Emma's eyes. "Can I touch you? You can say no and I won't be upset. I want to show you how you should be touched."
"You've been touching me." Emma said with a blush. When Regina's hand moved down her stomach, she then understood. "Oh…yeah…yes, that…fuck…"
Regina chuckled low as she barely touched Emma's clit, just barely. "Just tell me if you want me to stop." She whispered, kissing behind Emma's ear, nipping at her earlobe. Her fingers between silky folds found her bundle of nerves and she rubbed circles around it. Emma's body responded favorably and she inserted one into her entrance.
Emma gripped at Regina's hips, the cool of the wall against her back helped the heat from her body. She rocked her hips, wanting more and let her own hands start exploring. Regina took her free hand and stopped Emma's. She looked at her. "No. This is about you right now." She said and turned the shower off. "I want to take care of you. Let's go back in the room. I don't need you falling and hurting yourself." She chuckled and took Emma's hand and led them out of the shower.
Emma felt a bit in a daze as she dried off, but when Regina took her hand, she let her take over. They were kissing again; sweet but passionate as Regina took them to the room and bed. She pushed Emma onto the bed gesturing for her to scoot up. When she did, she smiled softly. "I'm the luckiest woman in the world right now." She said as she started kissing up milky white legs, noting how Emma's nipples grew hard. She moved to them, giving them attention. Sucking, nipping, and rolling them between her fingers, she also made sure Emma was okay with all of this.
Emma closed her eyes, never having felt such pleasure before. She opened them and gazed at Regina, pulling her up to kiss her again. She gasped as Regina's leg went between hers and pushed up against her very wet cunt. Regina grinned. "Mmm, someone is still a bit wet."
Emma blushed. "I…I've never felt like this before."
"This is just the first of many times I hope to make you wet." Regina said, kissing her nose. "Emma, I want you. Is…is all this okay?"
"Yes." Emma said breathlessly. "Yes, it's okay." She smiled softly. "I…I trust you."
Regina smiled back and kissed her again before kissing down her neck, chest, stomach and then getting comfortable between her legs. "What I'm going to do, I don't expect you to do any time soon, Emma. I like to do this, but I accept that not everyone does, so please never feel like you have to do this for me. There's many, many ways to get pleasure."
Emma bit at her lip, unable to believe this was going to happen. "I understand." Her eyes closed as Regina's tongue lapped between her legs. "Oh fuck…"
Regina enjoyed what she was doing, enjoyed the flavors and noises coming from the woman under her. She knew all of this would be new for Emma, so when she could tell Emma was already close, she stopped and started teasing her with her fingers. Chuckling low at the sound of both disappointment and pleasure coming from Emma, she curled her fingers inside Emma as she sucked hard on her clit.
Emma had only ever given herself an orgasm and that was only when she was extremely 'hormonal' while she was pregnant. So, when her orgasm hit her, she let out a loud moan as her body convulsed. "Regina….yes….fuck…."
Regina waited until Emma's orgasm settled down and kissed up her body. When she kissed Emma's lips, she smiled softly when the blonde didn't turn her down. Emma wrapped herself around Regina, her heart pounding and her body coming down from a natural high. She then buried her face in Regina's neck, hating that she was crying.
Regina didn't register the tears at first, but as soon as she did, she pulled back and looked worriedly at Emma. "Did I hurt you?"
"No." Emma said quickly. "No. I don't…I'm not upset. I…" She took a breath and looked at Regina. "I have never felt so loved."
Regina smiled softly and kissed Emma's forehead, leaving her lips there for a moment. "I'm glad you do now because I do love you, Emma Swan, and you deserve to feel it."
Emma moved her lips to kiss Regina's neck. "I want to show you. I don't know what I'm doing, but can I try?"
Regina closed her eyes, softly moaning at the kisses. "Natural. Go with your instincts."
Emma let her hands explore as she kissed Regina. She felt nervous because she didn't know what she was doing. She wanted to do what Regina did, but also had no idea how, so instead, she decided to use her hands. She imagined it was her cunt she was cupping and used her middle finger to trace around Regina's clit. "You're wet…"
"Because of you." Regina said softly, biting her lip. "You made me like that."
"Is this okay?" Emma asked, hoping she was doing it right.
"It's great." Regina panted and took Emma's other hand, placing it on her breast. "Squeeze, pinch, pull…please."
Emma did so and focused on both hands as she slid a finger inside of Regina. She then leaned down to suck on a nipple as she added a second finger and started moving them in and out of her, her thumb rubbing her clit.
"Yes…fuck yes…there…don't stop…oh gods…" Regina moaned, her hips moving with Emma's movements. Her orgasm hit and she had to reach down to stop Emma from her movements so she could recover. "That…was amazing." She sighed contentedly. "You're amazing."
Emma smiled softly and wrapped her arms around Regina. "I'll get better."
Regina shook her head and stroked Emma's cheek. "You're great, Ems, I promise. That was great. I love you."
Emma kissed Regina. "I love you too."