Emma spent the night on Saturday night, and then again on Sunday. The women rode to work together on Monday morning, and Emma returned that evening with Regina. Her therapy sessions had been moved to every third Monday now, Emma having made considerable progress since she'd first started, so some of her Monday evenings (like tonight) were once again free. She spent the evening with the Mills duo, playing board games, laughing, and sneaking the occasional kiss with Regina when they were alone (which hadn't been for longer than a moment or two).
The women opted for Emma to go home that evening, given that she hadn't been home in days, and she desperately needed a change of clothes. Emma also did have to go home some time, so they reluctantly said goodnight to one another after Henry went to bed, standing in the entrance and kissing for far longer than they should have been, resulting in Emma leaving well past her bedtime. She had no regrets though. How could she? Kissing Regina was worth all the loss of sleep.
It was the next day at school that Emma noticed something was off with Regina. She was quiet. Regina had never been quiet. But she was quiet today. And when Emma asked about the evening, if Henry would be going to see his grandparents given that it was Tuesday, Regina had told her she didn't want to talk about it. Emma again reminded Regina that she wasn't alone, that she wasn't going anywhere, and she was surprised to see the sadness that flashed across Regina's face. She'd asked her what was wrong, but Regina had simply shaken her head, unwilling to explain further. Emma hadn't pushed, wanting to respect Regina's boundaries, but she was concerned.
Emma had texted her that evening, waiting, pacing by her phone. She'd received nothing until after ten, a quick message from Regina saying that she had "survived" the evening with her mother and that she was going to bed. Emma, a little surprised (and honestly, somewhat hurt that Regina hadn't just told her) that she'd gone, had asked for a call, asked if she wanted her to go over, but Regina had refused, stating that she needed space. She needed time to think.
Emma respected Regina's wishes, but she hated that it felt like she was being pushed away. Emma knew Regina had to be in a bad head space after the evening with her mother, and she desperately wanted to be with her. But, Regina had said she wanted space, and so, not wanting to cause her more problems, Emma backed off. She sent a quick message to say that she was around if she was needed, but her text went unanswered.
Emma slept fitfully. She couldn't stop thinking about Regina, about how upset she must be after visiting her mother. She couldn't stop imagining what Cora must have said to her, and maybe she'd gotten too far into her head and that was why Regina was pulling away. Emma knew that Cora could convince Regina that she was worthless. That she was horrible, a disappointment. Emma wondered if that was why Regina had wanted some time alone, perhaps to process what her mother had said. But she wished she could be there now, to convince her otherwise. Regina could be spiralling right now. And she was alone…
Her thoughts plagued her all night and come morning, Emma needed to see Regina. If she was told to leave, she would. But she needed to see her for herself that Regina was okay, especially since her texts were so curt. So, she found Regina first thing in the morning, cornering her in her classroom, this time refusing to be pushed away. They needed to talk. She needed to know that Regina was okay.
"Emma, please. I have to begin my day."
"Hey," Emma said softly, gently cupping Regina's cheeks, waiting until the woman finally looked her in the eyes. "I'm worried and I'm here because I care. I'm not 100% sure what's happening with you, but we were doing really well communicating with each other. I know you've been thrown for a loop by your mom. And I know last night wasn't easy on you, but we can't do this, Regina. We need to talk. I need you to talk to me."
Regina closed her eyes against the tears that were building. She couldn't lose it like this in her classroom. The truth was, she was barely holding it together. She barely had a grip on her sanity, and she could feel herself slipping with Emma standing here in front of her.
Regina had been okay all weekend with Emma because she'd been distracted. But then it had all come to a head on Monday night after Emma had left, Regina had finally been alone to think about exactly what her mother had done and what Regina was going to be faced with in less than two weeks' time. The thought of having to attend a party thrown by her mother for the first time in decades… It had overwhelmed her, the thoughts taking over and tormenting her into the wee hours of yesterday morning.
She'd crashed after that, hard, and a mere few hours later, she'd had to get up to go to work. She had barely survived her Tuesday at work, and then she'd had to accompany Henry that evening (there was no way in hell she'd have let him go alone, and she couldn't cancel because she just knew her mother would make her life an even bigger living hell if she failed to show). Regina's defenses had been shaky at best, her mind still a mess and the exhaustion at not having slept well the night before contributed to her inability to protect herself adequately. Luckily, her father had been around, saving her from most of her mother's attack. But, Cora had still managed to dig her claws in, and Regina had barely survived it, emotionally. But now, Regina was drowning. She felt weak, barely in control of her own emotions. And with every day that passed, she was one day closer to the dreaded party, which only added to her fears and anxiety.
Just one more week.
Just one more week.
She just had to hold it together for another ten days, get through the party, and then this would all be over. She was never going to speak to her mother again. She had decided. She knew that much. She was devastated at the thought of never seeing her father again, but Regina had been thinking, and she could come up with no other solution. Her father would never leave her mother, and Regina could no longer allow Cora to have access to Henry. Cora had lied to him, had manipulated him into doing what she wanted, the way Cora had done to Regina her entire life. There was no other choice. She had to put an end to things. That had been the biggest conclusion Regina had drawn, the real reason she was losing control. She was terrified to go through with this party, she was consumed with guilt at allowing Henry to be manipulated by her mother, she was furious with herself for being so stupid, and she was absolutely devastated by the thought of never seeing her father again.
But it had to be done.
She'd get through this damn party, she'd talk to Henry, and it would be done. She was certain her mother would retaliate, would try to force Regina's hand, but she wouldn't be swayed. Not when it came to her son. Regina had been an idiot, she'd been naïve, and she couldn't stop berating herself about how she'd allowed her mother to have access to her son when she knew how she was like.
Regina bit her lip to keep away the tears. Regina had been an idiot to think that Cora wouldn't eventually do this, wouldn't eventually use her grandson against Regina. But she'd been duped, yet again, by her mother. Duped by how well Cora had been behaving with Henry all these years. Lulled into a false sense of security, that Cora would want to have Henry around enough that she'd behave in order to keep in contact with him. That she'd actually love him, in the way she never did Regina. After all, Henry was everything she had wanted: he was Caucasian, a male heir, and not the utter disappointment Regina had been her entire life, despite her best efforts.
Regina had really thought her mother would be different with Henry. After all, Cora had shown off her grandson to anyone and everyone, something she'd never done with Regina. She was proud of him. She had bragged about him at every turn. Regina didn't love the fact that her son was being paraded around like a show horse, but she knew it was good for Henry's future for him to make connections, and her mother was well connected. Money was power and her mother had lots of it.
It worried her greatly what her mother would do once she realised that Regina was cutting them off, when she realised that she would no longer allow Henry to visit (Regina still wasn't sure exactly what she was going to say to Henry about that either). Cora had done the unthinkable to Danielle, so many years ago. Had gone after her when Regina refused to comply, refused to be manipulated and forced into something she didn't want. She worried for Henry, and for Emma, but Regina refused to be held hostage by her mother. She couldn't be. She had to be strong, for Henry. And for Emma. But she didn't feel strong right now. She felt weak.
"Regina?"
Regina closed her eyes against Emma's soft voice. God, this woman melted her. Melted her defenses. And when she was scooped into a warm embrace, Regina trembled in her arms.
"Baby, what happened yesterday?"
Regina wrapped her arms around Emma's neck, fighting against the memories of the night before. Against her mother's words. Her mother's threats, which had been veiled by a tone of voice that others might have labelled 'sweet' or 'gentle' but that sent shivers racing up Regina's spine.
When they'd been left alone for the first time, her mother had made it clear, in no uncertain terms, that Regina was expected at her party next weekend. And when Regina had tried to speak out, had attempted to say that she didn't appreciate that Cora had gone behind her back the way that she had, Cora silenced her without saying a word. She'd simply narrowed her eyes in a way that Regina knew was meant to be a threat. A warning. And Regina had caved. She was tired, she was scared, and she was worried for her son. For Emma. So Regina had quieted, swallowing against her emotions, allowing herself a moment to gather her bearings. She'd try again after. She wasn't giving up.
At dinner, Cora had continually turned to her grandson, bringing him into their conversation, discussing the way they were both 'so excited' to celebrate Regina. And then when they'd been alone again, only for a mere moment, Cora had seized the opportunity to threaten her again. She grabbed Regina roughly by the arm, the same way she had when she'd been a child, and had made it very clear that Regina had better never cross her again. She'd berated her verbally, criticising Regina and putting her down until Regina finally snapped.
She had finally argued then, feeling stronger after dinner (she'd given herself a mental pep talk, and the food had helped as well). She ripped her arm away and told her mother never to touch her. She'd told her to stop threatening her because she wasn't frightened of her anymore (despite the fact that she was.. and worried).
Cora had simply laughed.
Regina hadn't pushed any further because they hadn't gotten another moment alone. She was glad she'd been able to say anything at all, but she'd left feeling unsettled. Regina had gone home last night and hadn't slept. Any time she closed her eyes, she was plagued with nightmares from her childhood. Ultimately, she'd given up and gotten out of bed in the middle of the night, curling up on the sofa and waiting for the sun.
Regina had moved slowly that morning, wearing a far thicker layer of make up than she normally did in order to hide the deep marks beneath her eyes. She'd dragged her feet to school, her head space an absolute nightmare, but she was here. She would survive. She just needed to get through the day. But then Emma had turned up, her safe person, her safe place, and all Regina wanted to do was curl up in her arms and cry.
"Talk to me."
The bell rang, and Emma cursed. She leaned forward and kissed Regina's forehead, pulling back and looking her in the eyes.
"This isn't over, Regina. We'll talk at lunch."
Emma squeezed her bicep affectionately, immediately letting go when Regina whimpered. She frowned, looking directly at her girlfriend.
"What was that?" she said, her voice low.
Emma made a move to place her hand over the spot she'd just released, but Regina flinched away reflexively.
"Regina, what the hell happened last night?"
"I'm fine," Regina responded, finally finding her voice. "Go to your class, Emma."
Emma cursed again. She knew she had to go, but God damn she hated to leave Regina like this. She leaned forward and kissed her one last time on the cheek.
"Later, we're talking."
With that, Emma reluctantly left the room.
Regina left at lunch time. She was far too distracted, unable to properly engage with her students. She was distraught, and she needed to get out of the classroom. She took a half day, using up some of the sick time she normally never touched. She sent Emma a quick text message, as she knew the woman would worry, simply stating that she was going home and that they could talk later. The truth was, Regina wasn't even sure if she wanted to talk. She was drained.
Actually, she was exhausted. She was bone tired from years of this same shit with her mother. Thoughts swirled in her mind, doubts plaguing her as she drove home. Perhaps she should have never come back to Maine. Perhaps she never should have reconnected with her parents. Perhaps she should have stayed in California. But it was hard to regret her life here. She was happy, or had been until these most recent events. And she had met Emma here. It was hard to regret that as well.
As she approached the library, Regina detoured, impulse making her circle the block and come back to the building.
Belle.
She needed to talk to someone who understood, someone besides Emma, and she knew Belle would be happy to talk with her. Regina parked the car in the parking lot, entering the library a few moments later (after gathering her courage in the car).
Belle looked up from the counter, smiling widely before glancing at the time and frowning.
"Regina. I'm surprised to see you."
"Yes. I'm not shocked to hear that," she said, with a little humour in her voice. "I took a half day off."
"That's very unlike you. What's wrong?"
Regina sighed.
"Can we talk?"
"Of course."
"Are you expecting any children's groups?"
"No, I've nothing scheduled now until tomorrow. Let me just text Rumple and tell him not to stop in this afternoon."
"No, that's not necessary. We can-"
"Regina, you're here on a Wednesday afternoon, having left your place of work, where you haven't missed a day in how long? Ever? You've asked me to talk, which you also never do. Besides, Rumple isn't nearly as interesting as you are. He can wait until I get home."
Regina smiled, though she did feel a little guilt. She knew Belle was teasing, knew her friend loved her boyfriend more than anything, but she still felt guilty.
"Thank you."
Belle grabbed her phone and sent a quick text message, then turned it on silent before even waiting for a response and focused her attention entirely on the woman before her.
"Now, tell me what's wrong."
"My mother," Regina sighed, following Belle behind the desk and taking a seat opposite the woman. "I went over last night."
"And?"
"My mind is a mess."
Belle nodded. She wasn't surprised by that news.
"I can't stop thinking. I haven't stopped wondering if it was a mistake coming back to Maine, if I would have been better off staying in California. I'm wondering if I should have cut things off with my mother when my father got healthy again. I haven't stopped thinking about the party next weekend, wondering what would happen if I simply didn't go. I'm worried about the consequences of not attending and my mother made it very clear to me last night that it was unquestionable, that I would attend or face the consequences. Part of me simply doesn't want to attend just to see what she does. But that thought also terrifies me. What if she goes after Henry? What if she goes after Emma? I don't know what to do. I can't stop thinking."
Regina stopped talking, her hand trembling as she swiped at her bangs nervously.
"You've got a lot on your mind." Belle knew she was stating the obvious, but she hoped that little observation would help her friend open up more.
Regina nodded.
"I couldn't sleep last night. I haven't slept in a couple of nights. I've been having nightmares. Last night I had them repeatedly before I finally gave up and moved to the sofa."
"That's awful. I can't imagine. You must be so worried. Do you think your mother really would go after Henry?"
Regina sighed.
"Not in the same way she would Emma. I believe she might try to… I'm not sure. Discredit me as a parent? Perhaps try to take him away. I would hope she wouldn't go after his future," Regina said hesitantly. "I believed she would be good for him, good for his future. I worry now that I've made all the wrong choices for him."
Belle reached out and squeezed Regina's hand.
"You haven't, Regina. You've raised an incredibly thoughtful, generous, and kind little boy. He's one of my favourite students because he's just so calm and sweet. He's unbelievably respectful. You're a wonderful mother, Regina."
Regina smiled shyly, a little unaccustomed to being complimented, especially by someone who wasn't Emma.
"Thank you."
"What has Emma said about all this?"
Regina ducked her head and looked away.
"You haven't spoken to her about it?"
"I've been avoiding her since yesterday morning. I barely slept for my thoughts and then I quickly shifted to just being in a foul mood. I didn't want her to make me feel better because I was upset with my mother, upset with myself, and I feel like I'm going crazy. I feel lost. I don't know what to do. I don't know what to say to her and I'm worried I'll say the wrong thing and scare her off. She's been reaching out, but… I just wanted to keep her away from it all."
"I can't imagine that went over well."
"She's patient. She's far more patient than I deserve."
"You need to speak to her."
Regina sighed.
"I know. I don't want to."
"I'm sure. Emma deserves it though."
"I know," Regina admitted. "I don't know what to tell her."
"The truth."
"That I've no idea what I'm doing and that my head is a mess?"
"Yes. Exactly. Emma is your partner, Regina. She's here to help you. Your relationship is doomed if don't talk to her. You must trust her." Belle paused. "Unless you don't-"
"I do," Regina responded quickly. "I do trust her."
"Well then prove it to her by speaking to her."
Regina glared at her, but Belle simply smiled.
"I know. You don't like what I'm saying."
"I don't."
Belle laughed.
"I also don't like that I'm exposing her to my mother."
Belle nodded somberly.
"Yes, I can understand that. But Emma is tough, and she's survived some pretty awful people. I don't think your mother is as scary to her as she is to you. Besides, she has met her."
"Briefly, but she doesn't know my mother."
"And how will she if you refuse to let her? If you choose to hide her from it all?"
Regina stayed quiet. She really didn't like Belle's words. Damn her and her stupidly accurate observations.
Belle laughed again.
"You show on your face exactly what you're thinking, Regina."
Regina sighed again, rubbing her forehead.
"Sorry."
"Don't be. It's amusing."
Belle knew Regina hated being wrong. Hated even more being told what she knew she needed to do. But Regina needed to hear it.
"I'm frightened."
Belle knew that too. Rather than respond to the whispered words, she pulled her chair right up to Regina's and leaned forward, pulling the woman into her arms. Regina was trembling but she refused to cry, biting hard on her lower lip. She simply clung to her friend, drawing strength from her unwavering support.
"I hate my mother. I despise her."
"Me too," Belle said. She didn't like using such a strong word, but when it came to Cora, she meant it entirely.
"I don't want to go to this party."
"I know. Neither do I. I wish we could get out of it."
Regina pulled away, swiping at her eyes.
"Me too. My mother's wrath will be far worse if we don't attend, however."
"Have you figured out when you're going to tell her that you don't want to see her anymore?"
"No. I may be able to stay away for a couple of weeks after the party, but she'll be asking about Henry's riding lessons. I don't believe she'll let me keep him from her for more than one or two lessons before she starts kicking up a fuss. I'm still thinking about what I want to do. And about how I'll explain this all to Henry."
"Are you going to tell him the truth?"
"What? That his grandmother is a manipulative psychopath? That she's used him like a pawn and that this party he's planned so carefully is yet another of her manipulative tactics? I can't. I know I need to tell him the truth about this party, but it's going to break his heart when he finds out that I forced myself to go. I don't know how to explain this to him. What do I tell him? How do I tell him? How much do I tell him? Do I tell him that I pretended to like the party? That I wasn't happy but I didn't want to hurt him, so I lied to him? Do I tell him prior to it so that I'm not lying for so long or do I tell him afterward and then risk his feeling of betrayal that I've yet again lied to him?
"I don't know what to do. I don't want to burden him with any of this. He's just a boy. I never should have exposed him to my mother…"
Regina was lost. She didn't know what to do. Belle's heart broke for her friend, because the truth was, she didn't know what to do either. She didn't know what the right answer was.
"You need to speak to Emma."
"I know," Regina acquiesced, sighing heavily. "I want to. I'm just worried. And afraid. I want to protect her." The way I couldn't Danielle. "Emma doesn't deserve any of this."
"And neither do you, Regina. But you need to trust Emma and lean on her when things like this happen. You need to trust her to be strong enough to handle this with you and you need to trust her to help you get through tough times. This is one of the first of many hurdles your relationship will face. You can't let it cause you to run away from her instead of running to her. You're setting a precedent for your relationship right now. You've come to me, and I'm grateful that you have, but I think you should have gone right to Emma.
"You've been on your own a long time, Regina. I know that. You've had to handle things yourself for pretty well your entire life. I understand why you tried to handle this on your own. And I think Emma will understand as well, when you explain it to her. And when you apologise for pushing her away. Your next move will be an important one, Regina."
Regina wiped at her eyes, nodding at what her friend was telling her.
"Emma grew up in foster care. She's faced some really nasty people, maybe even some worse than your mother. And she's a foster child, and an orphan. She knows what it's like to be alone, to not have anyone else. You both have so much in common."
"You're far too wise, Belle."
"I spend a lot of time on my own, surrounded by books. I've learnt a thing or two about personal and interpersonal relationships through them."
"You're also far too observant."
Belle grinned. She'd heard that before. The truth was, being on your own left you nothing but time to observe others.
Regina let out a deep breath, reaching out to squeeze Belle's hand.
"Thank you. Thank you for being such a good friend."
"Any time, Regina. I mean that."
"I know. And I'm grateful for it."
The women stood, Regina glancing at the clock. It was still early. She'd have enough time to go home and make dinner. She'd invite Emma, and they would talk. She pulled Belle into a hug, holding her close, before finally letting go.
Regina returned to her car, her mind still racing, but she felt better after her talk with Belle. She sent a quick message to Emma asking her to join her for dinner before heading to the grocery store.
Regina had just put the salmon in the oven when she heard a knock at the front door, Henry shouting that it was Emma and that he'd get it. Regina felt a flutter of nervousness in her belly, taking a deep breath as she closed the oven door, wiping her hands on her apron. She then removed it, heading down the hall towards where she heard Emma and Henry chatting.
"…but now I'm just doing a puzzle. It's a cat with a sombrero!"
"Well, that sounds like a super nice day, kid. And your puzzle sounds cool."
Henry nodded, smiling at his mom before returning to the living room.
"Hi," Regina said, her anxiety spiking when Emma looked up.
"Hey, gorgeous."
Emma immediately made her way over, engulfing her in a hug.
"You look beautiful. I love your dress."
Regina smiled against her neck, sighing contently, her shoulders losing much of their tension as Emma's hands began gently rubbing her muscles. She'd changed after coming home, choosing a dress she felt Emma would appreciate. It seemed she'd chosen well.
"Thank you."
"I'm really glad you asked me over tonight."
"Thank you for coming. I'm sorry I've been… I'm sorry I was distant. I needed time. I've been feeling quite overwhelmed."
"I know. It's okay. I'm just glad you're reaching out now."
"Will you come to the kitchen with me?"
"Of course."
Emma followed Regina, taking her hand as they made their way to the other end of the house. The second they entered the kitchen, Emma pulled Regina back into her arms.
"Are you okay?"
"I am, darling," Regina soothed, running her hands up and down Emma's back. "I'm fine."
"What happened at your mom's place, Regina? What happened to your arm? I've been thinking about it all day."
Emma had been unable to think of anything else. The way Regina had yelped in pain when Emma had touched her made Emma's insides clench with fury. She hadn't even touched Regina with any kind of real pressure. She never touched Regina with anything but gentleness, but even just that light squeeze of her arms had caused her pain. Emma had spent enough of her childhood wincing in the exact same way, and she just knew.
Emma looked into Regina's eyes before her gaze fell back to the woman's bicep. She reached out carefully, glancing up at Regina for permission. Regina simply looked away, making no move to stop her, so Emma gently lifted the ruffled sleeve of her dress, her eyes narrowing dangerously when she spotted the red imprints on her skin. She already knew what she'd find, but still Emma raged inside. She would have beaten Cora Mills on the spot had she been there.
"My mother grabbed me," Regina finally admitted, after several more minutes of silence. She could feel the absolute fury rolling off of Emma, so she placed a soft kiss on her neck. "I'm fine, Emma. It's not as bad as it looks, and I do bruise easily. She didn't do anything else, and I pulled myself from her grip quite quickly."
"She hurt you. She bruised you, Regina."
"She did, but I'm fine. And like I said, I do bruise eas-"
"Don't. She grabbed you hard enough to bruise. your. skin. I've known you for how long, Regina, and you've never had a mark on you. So don't." Emma carefully lowered her sleeve and moved her hand away so that she wouldn't inadvertently touch the sensitive skin. She looked into Regina's eyes. "This is fucked up, Regina. This isn't okay."
"I know," Regina said softly. "And I did tell her as much. I told her never to touch me."
"Good."
Emma pressed her lips to Regina's forehead, keeping them there for long moments while she calmed the raging fire within her. She was going to get Cora back for this.
"What are you thinking?" Regina asked, looking up into Emma's eyes.
"I want to hit her."
"Of that, I've no doubt," Regina said. She smiled softly at her. "You'll have to get in line though, as there are quite a few of us who would like to."
"I'm first, after you," Emma responded. "Who else?"
"Belle."
"She's good people."
"She is. I went to see her this afternoon."
"Did you?" Emma asked, running her fingers along Regina's lower back.
"I did."
Emma pulled back, kissing Regina's cheek.
"And?"
"We had a nice conversation. She… she encouraged me to speak to you."
"Oh?" Emma trailed her fingers along Regina's cheek. She smiled when Regina leaned into her touch. "What did she say?"
"She told me I needed to trust you to be able to handle my mother and to be strong enough to support me."
Emma blinked for a second, holding Regina's gaze, and then reached into her back pocket. She began texting on her phone, and Regina frowned. They were in the middle of a serious conversation and Emma thought now was an appropriate time to text someone else?
"What are you doing?"
"I'm ordering her a fruit basket, one second."
Regina laughed softly, reaching for Emma's phone and pocketing it.
"Idiot."
Emma laughed along with her, pulling her back into her arms and swaying her gently.
"And what did you say?"
"Well, you're here, aren't you?"
"I am," Emma said happily.
"I told her that I was afraid to pull you into this mess," Regina admitted after a few minutes. "That I didn't want to burden you with all of this, so I kept my distance from you."
Emma held back her initial instincts to argue that none of this was a burden. She knew if she did that though, the conversation would go in a different direction and Emma was very interested in what Belle had to say, so she held off. For now.
"And what did Belle say to that?"
"That I was going to doom our relationship if I ran from you instead of to you. Then she said the bit about trusting you. She also said that I was setting a precedent with my behaviour and that if I wanted things to work, I needed to choose going to you over running away from you."
Emma was stunned.
"Jesus. She should have been a therapist."
Regina chuckled.
"Yes, I believe she'd have done well."
Emma made a mental note to send a huge thank you message to Belle. But first.
"I'm really grateful to her for saying those things. But I'm mostly grateful that you listened to her. And that you reached out."
"I am as well. I'm sorry for not immediately coming to you, Emma. I did intend to speak with you. I knew I would eventually, it's just… I've been overwhelmed by my thoughts and feelings. I didn't know where to even begin. I felt- lost and out of control. My mother is uniquely capable of derailing me. And I've felt guilt at the idea that I'm burdening you with all of this, especially so soon into our relationship."
Emma flattened her palm against Regina's lower back, her other hand sliding up along her spine to rest at the base of her neck. She held her loosely, but closely, her head turning to speak softly in her ear.
"You are never a burden, Regina Mills. You mean the world to me, and your problems are my problems. Your pain is my pain, because seeing you hurt, seeing you struggle, it hurts me too. And it makes me wanna do anything and everything in my power to help you, to protect you. I don't want you to run from me, baby. I want you to run to me."
Regina nodded, wrapping her arms more tightly around Emma.
"I'm not used to this."
"I know. Neither am I, honestly. But I want to be. I want us to get used to it, together."
Regina pulled back just enough to look into Emma's eyes. Their gazes locked for a moment before Emma's eyes drifted down, Regina leaning in when she noticed where Emma was looking. Emma eagerly pressed their lips together, hand splaying in Regina's hair to gently cup her head.
Regina melted. The way Emma touched her so carefully, so delicately. It was like she revered her. She moaned into the kiss as Emma stroked her lower back, pressing her body more fully into Emma. She opened her mouth the second Emma's tongue stroked across her bottom lip, tightening her hold on Emma's body as she willingly opened up to her. She pressed her breasts into Emma's, whimpering when she felt the softness against her chest.
Fuck, Emma felt amazing. Why had she run from this, when this is what Emma did to her? She made her feel so safe, so cherished. She should have run right into her arms. Regina's stomach clenched with regret. She hadn't run into her arms like she should have, but she was here now.
Regina inched forward, bringing her body even closer to Emma. The way Emma made her feel, the way she touched her, the way she supported her time and time again, the way she loved her son, the way Emma was just… Emma, it made Regina's want grow. Emma made her feel, made her whole body ignite when mere hours ago Regina had felt void of any energy at all. Emma did this to her. Always Emma. Regina thought about the fact that it was Emma's hands on her body, Emma's lips against her, Emma's body pressed into hers… Regina's stomach clenched with arousal. The way she affected her, it was incredible.
And when Emma's hand drifted lower, pausing just above her left cheek, Regina groaned, nodding eagerly. Oh, how she needed.
"Touch me," Regina panted against Emma's mouth, before sealing their lips once again.
Emma stopped breathing. Her brain stopped functioning. Touch me. All moisture from her body immediately moved south, her hand practically trembling as she slowly, carefully moved her hand down and grabbed Regina's ass. Her eyes rolled behind her head at the noise Regina made, the sound snapping something in her. Her touches instantly changed, her fingers gripping the woman's cheek firmly, hauling her up and against her, their pelvises meeting.
Regina pulled back with a gasp, her hips instantly bucking against Emma's. She opened her eyes to meet Emma's gaze, biting her lower lip when she saw just how dark Emma's eyes had gone.
"Emma," Regina moaned, holding her gaze as her hips rocked again.
"Fuck," Emma panted, her lips moving down to suck on Regina's neck.
Regina's right hand moved to grip the back of Emma's head, holding her in place as she twisted her neck, giving Emma more access. Her body vibrated with need, and she whimpered when Emma's other hand came down to fully grab her ass. She felt herself being lifted off the ground, picked up as though she weighed absolutely nothing at all.
"Fuck. You've no idea how you turn me on," Regina panted, her hands coming down to feel Emma's biceps. The muscles rippled as Regina was hauled up onto the counter.
"Actually, I do," Emma teased, pressing into where she could feel Regina beginning to react to her.
Regina chuckled, moaning. "You are so sexy, Emma Swan."
The words shot another pang of arousal between Emma's legs. Fuck, she was way, way too turned on. She dropped her head forward and buried her face in Regina's cleavage.
Regina chuckled at the sound Emma made, her hand coming up to ruffled through Emma's hair. She let out a small gasp when she felt soft lips kiss between her breasts, taking a deep breath to calm herself down. Emma seemed to make the same decision, her hands sticking to Regina's hips as she panted against her chest.
Emma groaned as she pulled away, looking up into Regina's eyes.
"Jesus, woman. What a greeting."
Regina laughed loudly, cupping Emma's cheeks.
"Do you feel welcome?"
"Very," Emma ground out. "Now kiss me one last time."
Regina quickly complied, leaning down to give her a chaste kiss before sliding off the counter. She watched as Emma moved to the cupboard, checking her ass out for a moment before turning to the stove. The salmon was nearly done, as was the asparagus. The garlic mashed potatoes were already prepared, waiting on the stove. There wasn't much to do, but she needed to look away for a second to gather her bearings so she glanced into the oven, simply for an excuse to look away.
"It smells amazing in here, by the way. I meant to say that earlier," Emma started, taking a big drink of water before walking back to Regina and offering her the cup.
Regina took it gratefully, the cool liquid soothing her parched throat.
"Thank you."
Regina kissed Emma's cheek before handing the cup back.
"Would you mind bringing the potatoes into the dining room? There's a trivet on the table already."
"Sure."
Regina watched, her eyes glued to the way Emma's muscles moved as they lifted the pot of potatoes.
"You're staring," Emma teased, flexing her arms for good measure.
"Yes, I am. I'm going to need you to move some boxes or possibly a couch later."
Emma laughed, shaking her head as she left the room. Regina grinned to herself, opening the oven door when the timer chimed. She took the salmon and asparagus out, plating the fish and spooning the vegetables into a dish. She carried both platters out into the dining room, smiling at Emma when she returned with Henry.
The three sat for dinner, chatting amongst one another. Regina had engaged Henry at one point, asking the boy about how things were going with Nick and Ava (fine), and bit back a grin when she reached out with her foot, decidedly not looking at Emma, and stroked it up and down the woman's calf. Emma jumped about a foot in the air, Regina continuing to stroke with her toes as she spoke with her son, Emma sending a glare in her direction (even if she did love the touch).
Emma cornered Regina in the kitchen after dinner, pining her against the counter, and growling that that wasn't funny.
"What wasn't funny?"
"Playing footsies at the table while completely ignoring me to speak to your son."
"I'm not sure what you're saying, miss Swan," Regina said, pretending to be confused.
"I'm saying it isn't funny."
"I wasn't laughing."
"You were," Emma argued back, though her tone was light. She took a step forward, pressing herself against Regina. "I saw you smirking."
"I was speaking with my son. Now, if you have ants in your pants perhaps you should wash-"
Regina's sentence was cut off by the laugh pulled from her as Emma's fingers made contact with her ribs.
Henry walked in, confused as to what was making his mom laugh so hard. He paused at the doorway into the kitchen, shaking his head as Emma had his mom pinned to the counter, tickling her side.
"Henry! Come help your mother!" Regina shouted, giggling and attempting to push Emma away.
Henry, grin wide on his face, immediately joined the tangle of limbs, poking and tickling at Emma's sides.
"Hey! That's cheating! There's two of you!" Emma protested, changing tactics and running away.
"I'll go this way, mom. You go that way!" Henry instructed, heading down the hall after Emma.
Regina, grinning, chased after her son and her girlfriend, feeling lighter than she had in years.