Emma was gently woken by the sound of chirping birds and the calm sun rays that shone through the window pane. It only took a few moments to realise whose luscious brown locks she was snuggled into. She slowly sat up to realise she'd falling asleep in the spare room with Regina who somehow wound up being her little spoon. She honestly couldn't even remember falling asleep.
After they'd spent what felt like an eternity merely in one another's embrace in the hall, Emma slipped her hand down to Regina's and led her upstairs. Neither needed words. She took Regina's dressing gown off her and led her to the spare bed, sending up a silent, thankful prayer that they'd already replaced their master bed. She tucked Regina in and placed a quick kiss on her forehead as though she was tucking in Henry. She'd said good night and gestured to her phone telling Regina to text if she needed her, but before she could leave, Regina called out with a tone of desperation asking her not to leave. Emma looked around considering what to do with herself when she noticed Regina had pulled up the cover on the bed. Emma warmly smiled and slipped in beside the older woman. Regina then talked for a bit about horses and how she couldn't wait to show her and Henry Rocinante. It was obvious to Emma what she was doing, it was clearly something she retreated to when life got too tough. It was fine though, and Emma just listened until at some point or another they both drifted off, and here she was now.
Emma gently slinked out of bed, so she didn't wake Regina. It was 9:30am.
She crept to her bedroom in the hope that Killian wouldn't be there. She was in luck and quickly headed to the en suite, hoping she could have a quick shower before Regina woke.
Her mind swirled with last night's events. The event itself had almost gone flawlessly, but somebody had to spoil it. From what Regina had told her previously, it sounded like her husband only turned nasty after a few drinks. If he was going to spiral into alcoholism, surely this was only going to get uglier. The best thing that came out of last night, however, was the fact that Regina felt safe and confident enough to come straight to her, that at least inspired some hope and she was glad she could be that safe place for her friend.
She quickly grabbed a towel and threw on her favourite pair of skinny jeans and a grey tank before heading to check on Regina. She slipped her head around the door to find her still curled up asleep.
When she arrived downstairs for the much needed coffee fix, she was surprised to find a note on the table from Killian:
'Sorry Babe,
Urgent business to attend to and need to get it sorted before I start my day job. May or may not be gone overnight, I will speak to you this afternoon.
Love K.'
She really didn't like the fact she was so relieved by this. Not only because she didn't have to deal with him, potentially all weekend, but also because it made this morning with Regina a lot easier. The one thing she'd put to the back of her mind was how Killian would react to her being here this morning. There was no way she was not going to take Regina in, but she does wonder what Killian would have thought of it. Right now she was considering just keeping it their secret, especially seen as Henry wasn't there. Henry! She checked her watch and relaxed when she realised she still had two hours before she had to collect him.
The smell of percolating coffee permeated the air now to the extent it had attracted her sleeping beauty. Emma turned as Regina entered the kitchen. She looked quite sheepish.
"Morning, coffee won't be long now."
"Thanks. I..I wasn't sure what to do. I don't want you to get in trouble with Killian." Emma picked up the note and walked over to her friend. "There's good news on that front, neither of us need to worry about that right now. Regina's face brightened up as she read the words. It really did make both of their lives easier right now.
"How do you feel with him being away?" Regina tentatively asked.
"Honestly, I'm relieved he's gone. That's not good is it?" Emma sighed as she took the note back of Regina.
"No, not really… Shit!" Regina suddenly flung herself backwards, ducking out of view of the window. Emma spun to see what had spooked her and she could see Leopold walking up her path. She turned to Regina who was now beginning to hyperventilate and quickly placed her arms on her shoulders.
"Hey, look at me… It's going to be okay. He's not getting anywhere near you. Okay? Leave this to me." Emma waited until she nodded slowly back. "Wait here, I won't be long at all."
Emma hadn't heard him knock, but opened the door anyway. Leopold stood there looking small and morose. Emma just stared at him; her look of contempt was evident and told him all he needed to know.
"I take it my wife is here?" Emma just nodded, not trusting herself to say anything right now.
"Right, thanks." With that he turned to leave.
"What - that's it?"
"What do you want me to say Ms Swan? I know there's nothing I can say or do. I just wanted to make sure she was safe, that was all." Emma couldn't believe the audacity of the man as he slinked away, though she also breathed a sigh of relief, thankful he wasn't demanding.
"Wait?" She ran after him. "Can you disappear for thirty minutes at 11am. I'm pretty sure she'd appreciate wearing her own clothes today."
"Of course, I'll make myself scarce. Tell me though, will she be returning?" Emma stalked right into his space.
"If it was up to me, hell no, but it's not. I guess she will let you know." He nodded again and this time she let him go, as much as she'd like to rip all hell into him, she didn't want to leave Regina alone for long and she knew it wouldn't solve anything, he turned before he got to the end of the path.
"Just tell her one thing, please. I will not be touching another drop of alcohol, ever!" Emma just nodded as he sidled off. She waited until she was sure he was back in his house until she headed back in.
"Thank you," said Regina as she turned to the door when Emma entered. She'd been watching surreptitiously through the window.
"Hey it's okay." She walked up to Regina and took her in her arms again. "He's going to disappear at eleven for you to go in and grab some bits. Why don't you grab enough to last the weekend, just in case?" Regina nodded whilst drying her eyes.
"I'll grab my riding gear too and some for you, if you still wanted to go that is?"
"Me? Yeah, I'm up for it, I wasn't sure you'd still want too, you don't have to do anything at all if you don't want."
"No, it keeps me sane. I'd love to share it with you and Henry as a thank you." With that they both settled down to some breakfast and the long awaited coffee.
"There was something else too," began Emma, "he wanted me to tell you he wouldn't be touching alcohol again."
"Mmm… I gave him an ultimatum before I stormed out last night that if he couldn't stop drinking, I would leave him." She didn't elaborate further.
"So, do you want to talk about it, last night I mean?" Emma asked after gently stroking her hand to ensure her attention. Regina had been trying to plan out today's adventure but the stark change of subject bought the memories flooding back and the next thing she knew she was standing over the sink with Emma holding her hair out of the way. After a few minutes she stopped retching. "I'm sorry… I shouldn't have asked. Just… just know that if you want to talk, I'm here. Please talk at some point, if not to me, to someone." Regina just nodded and stepped away, slowly edging back towards her seat.
"It's fine. Thank you, for… that," she gestured towards the sink, "and everything else." Regina placed her hands to her coffee, enjoying the warmth it bought and kept her eyes glued to it, not bearing to look at the blonde right now. This was unchartered waters for her. She was meant to be prim and proper, always well-presented and polite. She had no idea what she was turning into since this woman crashed into her life. She felt as though everything was breaking apart. No-one had seen her as vulnerable as this since her father died. She'd only really known Emma for a week and she already felt like a dear old friend. "What time do you have to pick up Henry?"
Emma inwardly sighed, but knew she had to allow to brunette to deal with this how she needed too and in her own time. "At twelve, so we really should get ready and grab what you need from yours."
"Great!" Regina glugged down the last of her coffee in the hopes it would help disguise the burning residue of bile before they both left to freshen up.
Henry was more than ecstatic when Emma picked him up with Regina in tow, especially when he learnt they were heading to the stables. Like most other places in Storybrooke, the farm was very well kept, small, but adequate. Regina led them through the great barn door which housed around twelves stalls, five of which were currently occupied.
"Which one is yours?" Henry walked through the centre and carefully petted any horse he passed that bowed its head to him. Regina sped up to him and stopped outside of a stall. A kind eyed bay with a white blaze popped his head over the door.
"Henry, meet Rocinante." Henry instantly fell in love as the horse snuzzled into his touch. Emma saw both Regina and Henry's eyes glisten with joy as they spent a few moments admiring the gelding. Emma had always thought Regina was attractive but seeing her in her in her beige jodhpurs was something else and the way the light blue jacket accentuated her curves was breathtaking. She hadn't even realised Regina was calling her over. She quickly looked up to see the smirk on Regina's face and nearly died inside knowing full well Regina had seen her checking her out, what's worse is she still didn't move until Regina held out her hand and beckoned her over as though she was a small child. She shamefully followed the instruction.
"You're not scared of horses are you?" Wondered Regina as Emma slowly approached.
"I wouldn't say scared, weary would be more accurate."
"Well, that's not a bad thing, especially if you aren't used to being around them. Listen, can you guys wait here for a moment. I won't be long, I just want to speak to Jacob, he runs the Stable." She could see the slight apprehension in Emma's eyes at the thought of them being left alone. She stroked her shoulder. "It will be fine, just don't go in with any of the horses, you can keep petting Rocinante though, he's a sweet boy."
"Umm, okay sure."
"I won't be long, I promise." She couldn't help but grin as she walked off.
"Ma, please can we get a horse? I want to learn to ride and look after them?"
"Whoa, Henry, let's not get too carried away, you haven't even sat on one yet, you may not like it as much as you think."
"No way, I can tell I'm going to love it." She loved his enthusiasm and even dared to pet Rocinante, albeit gingerly.
"See he likes you?"
"Yeah kid, he seems like a nice boy… there's no way you can have a horse right now though. If you really want too maybe we can get you lessons."
"Regina already said she would give me some."
"Oh, did she! Let's see how this goes first, and we can address your future equestrian pursuits later on. Maybe she can give you a few lessons, but let's not take advantage. If you really stay keen, we can look at your options afterwards. How's that for now?" Henry looked satisfied as he rested his forehead on Rocinante's.
"Hey that was quick," noted Emma as Regina returned looking fairly excited.
"Yes, well, the good news is, if you two are up for it, I was able to secure Topaz and Harvey for a ride this afternoon. What do you say?" Emma swallowed hard, hoping Regina didn't notice, ordinarily she would probably pass on this and allow Regina to take Henry, but she also knew why Regina wanted to do this today and really didn't want to pass on spending any time with her.
"We are going to go slow, right? No running?"
Both Regina and Henry erupted in laughter.
"Yes Emma, we will take it slow, no running. We have access to the paddock now too so you can get used to the horses and I can give you some pointers. Henry, you will be riding Harvey, he's a very responsive and gentle boy, Emma, you get to ride Rocinante."
"Aww, I want to ride Rocinante." Whined Henry.
"You can next time, but you are the only one small enough to ride Harvey and I promise you'll love him, come, look at his little face." As Regina took him to Harvey, his disappointment instantly dispelled. The gorgeous brown and white paint was just as, if not more friendly than Rocinante. "Wow Henry, it seems you've a real knack for horses, you're a natural with them. Get to know him and I'll come and show you how to saddle up soon."
"How come you don't want to ride Rocinante?" Emma felt a bit bad about stealing Regina's horse from her for the day.
"Oh it's fine, I get to ride him all the time and he will love you." She froze for a moment and had to stop herself from adding almost as much as I do, which took her by surprise. Emma noticed the sudden pause, wondering what was wrong, but the brunette quickly pulled herself together. "Anyway, you don't want to ride the ginger mare, trust me." Emma followed her gaze as they noticed the smaller head bobbing over the stall at the other end of the barn, the horse was clearly more jittery, even to one not trained in their ways. Its bright blue eyes locked with theirs, she clearly knew they were taking about her.
It wasn't long before both Henry and Emma were sat on their horses in the paddock. Regina had shown them how to hold the reins and the basics of what they needed to do to control the horse.
"Why don't you have a walk around, see what you think?" Henry didn't think twice before nudging Harvey. He instantly took off.
"Now remember Henry, this horse if very responsive. You usually don't need to tell him twice to do anything."
"He looks good," said Emma as she watched her son walk around the edge of the paddock. He was naturally comfortable and bold.
"Yes, he does. Come on then – your turn." Emma bit down hard, refusing to show her nerves as she nudged Rocinante slightly.
"So, he's not quite as responsive, if I'm honest, he's a bit lazy – aren't you boy… He'll need a bit more persuading." Regina walked up to Emma and placed her hand on her shin. She gently pulled Emma's leg away and told her to do the same with her other. "Just give him a little more of a kick, he may take a couple." Not wanting to look like a complete and utter mess in front of Regina, or disappoint her, Emma did as she was told and sure enough, after a few small kicks, Rocinante took a few steps. Regina guided her through how to get him to follow Henry and after about ten minutes they were both waking around the edge. Regina bit her lip and tried to settle her stomach as she watched Emma ride. She'd almost completely relaxed into the rhythm now and didn't seem so nervous. Jodhpurs and riding boots really did suit her. Regina couldn't get over how fit she always appeared.
It wasn't long before Regina had them practicing changing direction and stopping. After around twenty minutes Jacob arrived with Topaz and Regina mounted to join them.
"Right, we're heading out now, Henry, follow me and Emma, you can bring up the rear. Don't get too close, try and keep a whole horse's distance between you the horse in front, okay?" Henry instantly lined up behind Regina as Emma quietly muttered, 'Oh God,' as she managed to line up too. Her nerves had returned a bit at the prospect of something new.
"Don't worry, we won't go far, "offered Regina as she sensed Emma's apprehension.
They'd walked single file through a woodland trail and were now freer to spread out in a meadow. Regina's horse started to buck slightly and became a bit agitated, but Regina didn't bat an eyelid. Emma watched how she calmly settled her down and relaxed the reins a bit. They were all riding in a row now.
"Why does she behave like that?" Emma shouted across to Regina, to ensure she could hear whilst being extremely thankful she was on the 'lazy' horse right now. Regina smirked.
"Several reasons, it's mainly because she's quite young, she's only four and hasn't been broken in for that long, she also doesn't get many different riders. Somethings are also new to her as well, so she can spook easily."
"So, she will settle eventually?"
"She will, though she's also a ginger mare, they can be a bit temperamental anyway. It's hard to tell right now to what extent she will settle over the years, but their temperaments and capabilities always determine whose allowed to ride them." Henry pulled Harvey around to the other side of Regina so he could hear too. "Not too close Henry; I'm not quite sure how well these horses get along. I know Harvey and Rocinante are friends, but I'm not sure what Topaz makes of them." Henry made sure to pull Harvey further away.
"So how come you own a horse anyway? I'd love to own a horse." He asked as they settled into a pace.
"It was my father and mines activity together, he taught me to ride almost as soon as I could walk." She became lost in her happy memories for a moment before she thought she heard Henry mutter something.
"Sorry Henry?" She looked to him to see if she'd missed anything.
"Nothing, I just wish I had a father I could do things like this with." Regina remained silent, not quite knowing what to say. Emma hadn't mentioned anything about Henry's father, and she wasn't sure what the story was. She now literally felt caught between the two, unsure what to say or who to ask, if anything at all. She was thankful when Emma chose to elaborate.
"Henry's father and I weren't together. It was a foolish one-night stand, we never even exchanged details. I told Henry the truth because I didn't want to lie to him, I didn't think it was fair."
"I understand, I can see why you did that. Makes things far less complicated going forward." She turned her attention back to Henry.
"You may not have a father Henry, but you've a fantastic Ma who would do anything for you. Even get on a horse and pretend she's not petrified."
"Oi!" Came the more than audible cry from behind. "And there I was thinking how nice you were being." All three laughed.
"Can I go a bit faster?" Henry looked to Regina with pleading eyes, who in turn looked to Emma with questioning ones.
"Don't look at me. I know nothing!"
"Are you happy if we do? We won't leave the field. I promise." Emma just shrugged.
"Sure, but I'm staying right here on this wonderful, lazy steed."
"Oi, that's my boy you're talking about!" She pouted as she turned back to Henry which Emma thought was the cutest thing.
"Okay Henry, follow me. We will go for a short trot and a slow canter. Stay behind me." Henry nodded with an ear to ear grin. "Remember to just nudge once when you want to go a bit faster."
Emma watched as Regina began to trot on Topaz and Harvey followed instantly, it didn't look as though Henry had to do anything. She giggled almost uncontrollably as she saw Henry bobbing along as he bounced, not quite sure how to hold himself. Regina looked elegant however, as though she was born to ride as she rose up and down in time with the horse. She stopped giggling as soon as she saw Regina glance behind and speed up a bit. As promised the canter was slow and very elegant. She couldn't understand how Henry seemed to cope better with this, but it was as though it was easier to sit too. She watched from near the centre of the field as they flew past her. Henry was in his element. There was no way he wouldn't be nagging her for more lessons after this. She loved the way Regina kept glancing behind ensuring Henry was still coping. They did one more lap of the field and both Regina and Emma could see Henry was beginning to tire and bob more. Regina slowly bought them back to a walk and they approached Emma together.
"Henry, you looked amazing out there! How was it?"
"Hard," he puffed out, "but I loved it."
"It does take a lot of getting used to, people don't realise how much energy, effort and control it takes to ride, but it gets easier and easier the more you get used to it and learn different techniques. You need to build up your stamina too and be riding fit. That's if you wanted to ride again of course?"
"Are you kidding – hell yeah."
"Oi, language Henry!" Scolded his Ma, though she couldn't help but snicker as she did so and the three lined up to begin the trek back.
"So how come you don't have any kids. I think you'd be a great Mom?" Regina gave the sweetest smile, merely taking the compliment. Emma on the other hand looked as though she wanted a hole to appear in front of her so she could ride Rocinante down it, but before she could say anything, Regina responded.
"We did try, not long after I was married, but turned out I couldn't have children. After discussing our options we decided we were both too career oriented, at least at the time anyway. We eventually decided we were content enough. If we were ever to change our minds, we would likely adopt, we just never did. I'm not sure I'd want too now anyway."
"How come?" Regina just sighed, not really knowing how to respond to that. Everyone rode in silence for a few moments.
"Is it because he hurts you?" This time Emma couldn't hold back.
"Henry..!"
"No, no, it's okay!" Regina interjected. She turned to Henry. "We aren't in the best place as a couple at the moment; if I'm honest Henry, it's not a home I can consider bringing a child into right now." Henry just nodded, seemingly understanding. Neither Emma nor Regina could fathom how this boy became so observant and intuitive.
"Well, I still think you'd make a great Mom when the time comes. Any kid would be lucky to be adopted by you... Hey! I know… you can be like my Pa when we go riding!" Regina roared with laughter, but nevertheless thought him adorable.
"That's a very sweet idea Henry, looks like I may be teaching you to ride after all then." He looked over to his Ma who was so relieved this conversation went the way it did. She couldn't believe how sweet Regina always managed to be with him, no matter the daggers he unwittingly threw. She also appreciated Regina's honesty, albeit very watered down with Henry. She'd clearly listened to how Emma had handled the issue with his father and applied it to her situation.
"Can she Ma? Please!"
"I don't see why not Henry. If Regina is happy to teach you, I'm more than happy for you to have a few lessons, let's see how it goes, but we won't be taking advantage, we'll see what sort of arrangement we can come up with."
"Oh, both I and Jacob always appreciate a hand with caring for the horses. Perhaps Henry could learn to work a bit for his lessons and in doing so help us take care of them. What do you say Henry?"
"Learn! I will work as your child slave for all I care, I'm one hundred per cent invested in this idea." Both women chuckled as they formed a single file to walk back through the woods as an end to a perfect first ride. Even Emma found herself enjoying the calm stroll.
With the help of Jacob, it didn't take them long to unsaddle and wash down the horses. They even helped him muck out their stalls. Not long before they finished, Emma's phone began to vibrate. It was the call she'd been desperate for all afternoon. She left Henry and Regina to finish Rocinante's stall and say goodbye. They caught up with her near the car.
"Good news, Killian won't be back until at least tomorrow afternoon, possibly evening. How about we all head back to ours and get in pizza?"
"What! Really?" Henry thought this day couldn't couldn't get any better, he was wrong.
"Yes kid, if that's okay with you Regina?" She too was elated.
"Sounds like the perfect end to a perfect day. I genuinely can't think of anything else I'd rather do."
'Twas 6pm and Emma had allowed Henry to open the door for the pizza delivery. They had paid for the Pizza and Regina the very generous tip. The delivery boy even tipped his hat at Henry as he left, leaving Henry feeling very important.
"So, what did you want to watch?" Asked Emma as she poured herself and Regina some wine and Henry grabbed them each a plate.
"Hmm, I want to watch Beauty and the Beast. It's one of my favourite's."
"Oh, how come?" Wondered Regina as she sipped on her wine and Emma fumbled around looking for the DVD.
"I like how simple it is. Lots of girls in Boston told me how the beast was a monster and she only grew to like him because she was somehow forced to, like, Stick Syndrome or something, but I think it's far more complicated than that."
"Oh..! Do you mean Stockholm Syndrome?"
"Yeah, that was it."
"Why do you think it wasn't that?" Wondered Regina, having not overly thought about it so in depth before."
"Well, they moaned about how he was mean and held her captive and she fell in love with him under false, false… umm"
"Pretences?"
"Yeah, that's it, but I don't see that…" She allowed him to speak, knowing how desperate he was to divulge his theory. "I think it's far more complicated than that. She got to see him in all his weakness, all his flaws and then all his strengths too. He developed as much as a character as she did, and they both needed each other to do that. Without each other, she'd have probably either have had to have marry Gaston, or wound up as a crazy old spinster. I mean this was the olden days, you have to remember that too." Regina was thrilled with his ability to analyse and consider possibilities. He is such as treasure. Emma had now joined them on the sofa and passed around the pizza.
"And what about the beast then?"
"Well he overcame his pride and his ego and in the end was able to lay his life on the line for her. If she had that syndrome thingy, he had a type of one too. They were both prisoners somehow. I just think it highlights that nothing is as black and white as it seems."
"You know Henry," began Regina, "I hope you never, ever lose your sense of consideration. You truly are someone with a very kind and caring heart. Promise me you'll never stop looking for hope in any situation either?" He looked at her not quite understanding what she was eluding too, but he thought he at least understood the general message.
"I guess I can promise to always try." That was enough for both Emma and Regina who looked to one another as though they were suddenly both proud parents of this boy.
After a few glasses of wine, one too many soda's and a ridiculous amount of pizza had been consumed it was time for Henry to head to bed. He'd even asked if Regina could read to him as a treat. She was more than happy to oblige. Emma changed him, ensured he washed and tucked him in, and then Regina went in to read him Jack and the Beanstalk, which for some reason he requested. She didn't dare ask why as she didn't think she had the brain power to listen to his potential reason at that time.
Emma was curled on the couch as Regina returned. She had shared out the last of the bottle between them. Without even thinking about it Regina snuggled next to Emma and picked up her wine, instantly taking a sip. Emma did likewise and settled back in place with her arm around Regina.
"You know, I love our little text messaging sessions, but it's sooo much better having you physically here."
"I agree. Do you think it strange?" rebutted Regina. "I've known you for technically less than a week, but it feels as though I've known you forever. I think I already know you better than my own husband, especially lately."
"I can't explain it either, it's as though fate has somehow bought us together." Regina pulled away and looked at her friend inquisitively.
"You know, Killian said pretty much that last night and I thought it odd then. Do you believe in that sort of thing?"
"Not really, but I do believe something's happen for a reason and people's paths are possibly meant to cross." Regina hung her head and toyed with her glass.
"You mean like you and Killian?" Emma placed her finger under Regina's chin and lifted her head.
"Absolutely, but I think maybe he was a means to an end." Regina's brows furrowed.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, I would never had moved here without him. Henry would never have been so free and me…" Regina furrowed her brows even more, not quite understanding where Emma was going. Emma moved closer to the brunette.
"…I would never have found you." With that Emma tenderly placed her lips on Regina's, softly brushing against the full set. Regina didn't respond at first and Emma paused, but maintained contact. Both women opened their eyes for a split second and looked to one another before Regina closed her eyes again and kissed back.
After a few minutes, Emma pulled back, though she now realised she'd moved around to straddle the smaller brunette without really thinking.
"Is it crazy to think I maybe falling in love with you already?" Regina took a moment to consider her words, but there was no way she could lie to Emma or herself right now.
"I hope not, that would make me crazy too. Though is it love or just infatuation?" With that Emma pulled Regina gently down so she was now lying on the sofa.
"I have no idea. Could it not be both?" Emma began to suckle Regina's neck, trying to find that sweet spot again, but she knew something wasn't right, Regina's breathing wasn't the same. She instantly pulled back.
"Regina!" Regina pulled herself up and wrapped her shirt around herself.
"I'm sorry… I'm sorry." She was trying to stop herself from hyperventilating. Emma instantly stood and placed her hands gently on Regina's arms.
"Hey, look at me and breathe okay! Just breathe… it's okay…" Regina followed her lead as Emma started taking deep, slow breaths. After a while, Regina had calmed and Emma led her to sit back down.
"I'm sorry." Regina mumbled as tears began to fall.
"Hey, you have nothing to be sorry about. I should have stopped to think. I'm the one who's sorry. I should have gone slower and asked what you were okay with."
"Oh come on Emma, it's not like I didn't respond to you."
"No, but I initiated more without even thinking." Emma put her face in her hands. She couldn't believe she'd just done that.
"Emma, it's not your fault, ordinarily I would have loved that and you were slowly testing, the second you saw I wasn't coping you stopped… thank you for that." Regina plopped her head to Emma's shoulder and Emma embraced her gently without a second thought.
"Regina, I would never do anything you weren't comfortable with. I'd never want you to not feel safe with me." Regina looked up into her lover's eyes.
"I know that. I really do." They merely stood in one another's embrace for a few moments.
"You know, we technically just cheated on our husbands." Regina pointed out.
"I know. It's not good is it? Not good at all."
"Can we deal with this tomorrow?" suggested Regina.
"Absolutely!" Came the enthused response.
Emma, not wanting to totally sober or deal with this right now, once again, took Regina's hand and led her upstairs.