Regina carefully selected a soft outfit for Emma, a tender gesture meant to bring her comfort while the blonde enjoyed a warm bath. She left a note on the neatly folded garments before driving to pick up Henry from school.
"Hey, Mom!" Henry called out cheerfully. "Where's Emma?" Though it wasn't typical for Emma to pick him up, he missed the familiar sight of her bug parked out front. Regina smiled softly, her heart warm at the thought of Emma.
"Hello, Henry. We're stopping by home to grab a few things. We'll be staying with Emma for a bit—just until she feels better."
Once they gathered their essentials, Regina drove to Emma's house. She settled into the cozy familiarity of Emma's room, noting that the Emma still hadn't finished her bath. Closing the door, she perched on the edge of the bed, anticipation fluttering in her chest. Before leaving to get Henry, she had prepared a soothing bubble bath for Emma, hoping to ease her discomfort.
"You're still here," Emma sighed, a hint of surprise in her voice as she emerged, wrapped in a towel, her hair damp and cascading in soft waves. "Ever so grateful, Miss Swan," Regina teased lightly, unable to resist the urge to bask in the beauty of Emma's presence. Emma pressed a gentle kiss to Regina's forehead, "But what about Henry?"
"He's in his room, dear. You did take quite a long bath," Regina replied, guiding Emma to sit on her lap, enveloping her in warmth. Emma nestled against her, resting her head against Regina's shoulder, surrendering to the moment. Regina took Emma's hand, turning it over to plant a soft kiss on her wrist, "How are you feeling?"
"My head feels heavy, and I think my body might just give up," Emma confessed, closing her eyes as Regina drew her closer, inhaling the comforting scent of her hair.
"Sweetheart?" Regina finally broke the silence, her voice a tender whisper. Emma hummed in response, her eyes still closed. "Let's get you dressed, and while you nap, I can grab your medication."
"But I don't want you to go," Emma pouted, her voice a fragile plea. Regina's heart fluttered. "I have to, dear. Unless you want to be sick forever?"
"If that means I can lay on you forever, then I don't mind."
Regina smiled, brushing a stray strand of hair from Emma's forehead. "You can have snuggles for as long as you wish—when I return."
Emma lifted her head, her droopy eyes searching Regina's. Regina couldn't resist placing a gentle kiss on the side of Emma's mouth. "We really shouldn't be kissing—you'll get sick," Emma murmured playfully, before sliding off Regina's lap to fetch her clothes and head to the bathroom to change.
Regina texted Ruby with a list of essentials from the drugstore. The bathroom door clicked open, and Emma emerged, moving to her dressing table. She picked up a hairbrush, but Regina stepped behind her, taking it gently from her hands.
"Ruby will be here after her shift at Granny's," Regina reassured her, running her fingers through Emma's hair with tenderness, "I told her to pick up the meds." Emma smiled weakly, her heart swelling with appreciation. "Thanks."
Regina began to braid Emma's hair, her fingers moving with a gentle precision, "Stay still, Miss Swan. I can't have you looking like a disheveled mess on my watch." Emma let out a soft chuckle, "What's wrong with a little 'sick chic'? It could start a trend."
"Trend? More like a horror show. But if you want to scare the townsfolk, I won't stop you," Regina teased, glancing at Emma with a smirk, "Besides, I prefer my girlfriend looking slightly more... put together."
"Aw, how sweet. You care about my image," Emma replied, feigning a dramatic swoon, "Next, you'll be telling me I'm the fairest of them all."
"Don't push your luck," Regina shot back playfully, a glimmer of affection in her eyes, "But honestly, it's nice having you all to myself, even if you are a bit under the weather." Emma softened at that, "You know I wouldn't want anyone else taking care of me. You're the greatest nurse, Babe."
"Greatest? Please, I'm the only one willing to tolerate your whining," Regina quipped, her tone light, "And I'm definitely charging you for all this expert hair care." Emma smirked. "I'll pay you back with my sparkling personality. It's a fair trade."
Regina leaned in closer, her voice low and teasing, "I'll hold you to that. But first, you owe me a night out when you're better. And I want you dressed to the nines—no 'zombie chic' allowed."
"Fine, but only if you promise to wear that stunning dress I love," Emma countered, a playful challenge in her eyes. "Deal," Regina said, finishing the braid and giving Emma a soft kiss on the forehead. "Now, get some rest."
Emma crawled into bed and pulled the covers over herself. Regina lay beside her, over the sheets, planning on making dinner as soon as Emma falls asleep. They heard a soft knock on the door, "Come in Hen," Regina called out. Henry twisted the door knob and peeped into the room, "Ma? Are you feeling better?" He snaked his way between his mother's on the bed.
"Not really, kid. Man down for a few days but I'll be just fine," Emma sat up, grabbing a tissue from the nightstand and blowing into it. "Will cuddles help?" Henry nudged Reginas side, indicating that he wanted to get under the covers. Regina refused to move, "I don't want you getting sick. Your immune system is much weaker than ours," Regina explained. "You'll be okay," he kissed Emma's cheek. "And once Emma is completely healed, we can go to the Enchanted Forest - I know that David promised you a camping trip, how does that sound?" Regina asked. Henry got off the bed and smiled widely, "I'll start packing," He hurried off to his room to pack.
Emma curled into Regina again, holding the brunette closer, feeling the comfort of her presence. "Babe?" Emma called out in her sleepy voice. "Yeah?" "Are you really taking Henry to the Enchanted forest? Don't you think it's dangerous?" Emma shifted her head, looking up at Regina. "Dangerous? No. It's just different. If you're uncomfortable with exposing him to that, we can always make a trip elsewhere," Regina reassured.
Once the older woman was sure that Emma had fallen asleep, she gently weaved herself out of the girls embrace. Regina closed the bedroom door and stopped at Henry's room, the boy had been making a checklist for the camping trip. "Henry, dear. Have you completed your homework?" She eyed him, knowing the answer to that was no. Henry shook his head but barely acknowledged her presence. Regina stepped into the room and picked up his backpack, "Homework first, then camping," Regina stated firmly. Henry pouted but left his checklist aside.
Ruby finished her shift at Granny's before she went to the local pharmacy. She looked over the list of over the counter medication to get for Emma and crossed out whatever was in her basket.
On my way to you - Rubes.
Thanks, dear - Regina.
Not everyone knew about the relationship between the former Evil Queen and Savior, but after the outburst at the diner - and Ruby being Ruby, she knew. Her slender fingers stretched forward to knock on the door. After a moment, she could hear footsteps. "Miss. Lucas," Regina smiled, warmly greeting the werewolf, "Come on in."
"I've got you a bunch of things that I know Emma likes. Bearclaws, chocolate brownies, potato crisps, Oreos and donuts. You can say it's from you and thank me later," Ruby winked. "Does the savior eat anything healthy?" Regina chucked softly, "But, thank you. I owe you one."
After Ruby left, Henry was instructed to layout the dinner table. Regina took a bowl of cold water up to Emmas room then retrieved a face cloth from the closet. She dipped the cloth in the bowl and squeezed it. Regina sat beside the sleeping blonde. She brushed a strand of hair away from Emma's face, noticing that she had drool pooling onto the hand her head rested on. "Baby, wake up," she whispered. Emma groaned and her eyes fluttered open. "Ruby dropped off your medication, sit up for me?" Regina asked. Emma reluctantly sat against her headboard.
The brunette leaned closer and felt Emma's forehead, "Hm, just as I've predicted. Your temperature is still quite high. Here, hold this to your forehead," Regina handed the now folded cloth to Emma who placed it on her forehead. "I'm blaming Neal," Emma complained. "If you're playing the blame game, it's your mother's fault. She shouldn't have exposed Neal to anyone because he's a child, he would take longer to get better," Regina rolled her eyes at the thought of Snow not being a responsible mother. "Dinners ready," Regina stood, taking the cloth from Emma and holding out her hand for the blonde to take. "Any chance that I can skip? I don't really feel up to it," Emma slid down further into the bed. "Uh-uh, I'm not having that. You either get your butt downstairs or I will bring food up to you," Regina gave Emma a choice. When she saw that the blonde was being stubborn, she decided to bring the food up to her.
"You can't lay down and eat, Miss Swan," Regina set the bowl of spaghetti on the nightstand. "I'm weak," Emma countered, but sat up again anyway. "Of course," Regina agreed. She picked up the fork and swirled it in the bowl, bringing up a portion to Emma's mouth, holding her hand underneath it.
Three weeks have passed and things have finally got back to normal - or rather, the most normal it's been in a while. Regina was in the boardroom, along with all the members of the council. She strutted to the head of the table, "If everyone could take their seats, we can begin." She did a quick mental count against the members of the council, noting that everyone was present. "It's come to my attention that not all of you are happy about the positions and responsibilities you hold in this town. There will be a follow up meeting next week, after I have received feedback from you."
She nodded towards Marco, giving him the go ahead to hand out survey forms. "The forms in front of you is set up to determine three things: Your satisfaction in your role, the psychological rating and the evaluation of your superior," she lifted her hand up and pointed to herself, indicating her position as their superior. "I will give you time after the meeting to complete the forms. We will now move on to the next topic of discussion: resignation," Regina flashed a look at Emma and then over to her mother. "Snow, you have the floor." She didn't elaborate on 'resignation', allowing Snow to speak her mind about the matter.
Once the pixie haired woman stood, Regina took her place at the table. "I would like to formally resign from my position as the Head of Department of Education. The views of the council no longer align with my personal interests and I feel that it will be best for me to step away before it gets out of hand." She eyed her daughter. Emma had her head resting on her propped up hand, uninterested in what her mother had to say. The blue fairy was the first to speak, "What do you mean by 'before it gets out of hand'?" Blue asked. Emma sat up, now paying attention. Snow and Blue were close, there is no way that this hadn't been planned. The way Blue posed the question sounded like she knew the answer. Regina observed the room, noting their demeanor shifting.
"The mayor isn't exactly who she says she is. She's been sleeping with my daughter and manipulating her into thinking it's normal for a woman to be with another woman," Snow started tearing up, getting the attention of other members. Blue stood to comfort the woman. She embraced Snow, allowing the woman to cry on her shoulder. Emma's eyes met her mother's, seeing the insincerity behind it, she walked over to Regina.
"Can I talk to you for a minute?" She asked, she felt the older woman tense and grabbed her hand. Regina pulled away from her and stood, "We can talk about this later," she said firmly. Emma tried not to look disappointed at the abrupt parting of their hands, she grabbed her jacket and put it on, intending on leaving the room.
"Settle down," Regina took her place at the head of the table. Once she had succeeded in getting the room silent again, she spoke, "My sexuality isn't up for debate. It doesn't affect the way I run this town and it sure as hell doesn't affect any of you." "Except, it does. That's my daughter." Snow spat out. "This isn't the time or place to have this conversation," Emma stepped in. She was livid.
First, she didn't know about her mother deciding to leave. She was sure that Regina knew and thought about why she had to be the one who finds out with the rest of the committee. "Honey, we miss you. She's been keeping you away from us for far too long." Snow sobbed. She got exact amount of pity from the room to give her the courage to continue speaking. "You were never like this with Hook."
"Miss Swan is right, Snow. This isn't the time or place," Regina looked at the members, "This meeting is adjourned. I will have my secretary communicate with you regarding the next date."
After the last member filed out, Regina looked at Snow, "You cannot be serious," she narrowed her eyes at the woman. "I am. Look around, not even Emma is here to fight for you. If she truly cared - she would be." It was then that Regina took note that Emma flocked out with everyone else. "I would appreciate it if you'd leave. You don't get to hijack a council meeting because of your own personal issues." Regina walked out of the boardroom and to her office, she heard Snows footsteps behind her and closed her office door, anyway. Snow contemplated going in and yelling at Regina.
Before she could barge in, Emma pulled Snow back by her elbow. "Please don't," She sighed softly, evidently exhausted from the bickering. Snows expression softened when she saw the look on Emma's face. "Can we talk about this?" Emma asked, releasing her grip. Snow nodded.
Emma and Snow walked out of the building, "I've missed you, Sweetheart. And so does your father," Snow started. Emma was silent, she didn't want to say anything that would cause another unnecessary fight. "Please come back? We've lost you once and we don't want to lose you again," Snow asked and then caressed Emmas arm. Emma shook her head, she folded her arms across her chest and sat on a nearby bench. Snow followed. "You said some really hurtful things to both Regina and I. I can't just forget it and move on if you still don't understand why I'm dating Regina," Emma explained. Snow was slouched but sat up straight, facing Emma now, "Fine, go ahead."
Emma looked down at her hands, searching for the right words, "Mom, I know you want me to be happy, and I wish I could just say everything's fine. But the truth is, I married Killian thinking I could find comfort in stability. I thought it was what I needed. But it never felt right. I felt like I was suffocating, like I was living a life that wasn't truly mine."
Snow still looked troubled.
"When I reconnected with Regina, it was like a light turned on. She made me confront parts of myself I had buried. With her, I didn't have to pretend or settle. She challenges me in ways I never knew I needed. It's not just about love. It's about being seen, being understood. It's about a connection that feels genuine, like coming home and finally feeling the sense of belonging."
"But you were married, Emma," Snow interjected gently.
"I know. And that's what makes it so complicated. I didn't just leave Killian, I had to confront my own fears about love and commitment. I didn't want to hurt anyone, but staying in a relationship out of obligation was hurting us both. I needed to be true to myself, and that meant facing the reality of my feelings for Regina."
Snow's brow furrowed as she considered Emma's words, "But what if it doesn't last? What if you're just running away?"
Emma met her mother's gaze, her voice steady, "'m not running away, Mom. I'm finally facing what I want. I've spent so long trying to fit into someone else's idea of happiness. With Regina, it feels different. I'm not just chasing a feeling. I'm choosing to build something real, even if it's uncertain. I hope you can understand that I'm not trying to hurt anyone. I'm trying to find myself again." Snow took a moment, letting Emma's words sink in, " just want you to be careful," she said quietly. "I will be. But I also need you to trust me to make my own choices, even if they're hard to understand."
In her office, Regina stood at her alcohol trolley. She poured herself a double whiskey and sat on her couch, absent-mindedly swirling the drink in the glass. She thought about Emma and how their relationship is causing a strain on the blondes other relationships in her life.
"Can I come in?" Emma opened the door and poked her head in. Regina nodded but remained seated, "Sure."
"We need to talk," Emma stated firmly. She sat across Regina on the couch.
"We do," Regina responded. She was not gonna get her heart broken by this woman so instead, she came to the conclusion of breaking things off before she assumed Emma would, "I think we need a break. There's no point in pursuing whatever this is if it's only causing you to drift away from your family and make you unhappy."
Emma was speechless for a moment. She intended on telling Regina that she had an open conversation with her mother and that things wouldn't be alright just yet but they're getting there. She didn't convince Snow to keep her spot on the council but she thinks there was some sort of progress with the woman's thinking.
"I-" Emma started, but she was abruptly cut off by the Mayor. "Miss Swan, there's no reason we should be having a discussion about it. As much as it pains me to end this, it needs to be done."
"You don't get to decide that. Are you not happy with me?" Emma stood, she crossed her arms infront of her.
Regina was hurt. She drank the remaining alcohol, feeling it burn her throat as it went down. "I'm not happy," she lied. She stood from the couch and poured herself another drink. Regina then walked around to her desk and busied herself with work. "See yourself out," She said, not making eye contact with Emma.
Emma slammed the door on her way out. She made a beeline to her bug and drove to The Rabbit Hole.
Regina waved her hand, locking the door to her office. Once she was sure that there would be no interruptions, she allowed herself to breakdown and cry.
If she was being honest, the last few months were the happiest she's been. She's always felt the longing for a companion and she didn't know it until the words left her mouth, ultimately ending the relationship.
Back at The Rabit Hole, Emma walked in, "Hit me with your strongest shots," she threw her keys on the bar counter and took a seat.
"Rough day?" Killian said from across the bar. She rolled her eyes, considering stopping at the bottle store instead of sitting at the bar. She reluctantly nodded. He took this as an invitation to sit beside her, "Look, Swan. I'm sorry for what I've done to you," he looked at her sad eyes. "Now isn't the time, Killian. Don't you have some girl to fondle? A sea to conquer?" She argued. "I'm just apologizing, lass."
Emma looked at him, he was clean shaven with a new wardrobe. She scoffed. "And what are you apologizing for?"
"For forcing myself onto you, forcing the marriage. I really fancied you, Swan. I was wrong for pushing everything onto you and for that, I'm sorry. You deserve to be happy, even if it's not with me," he reached out his hand, "No hard feelings?"
Emma's lie detector didn't go off. She saw the genuine look in his eyes. "We're good," she smiled weakly at him and shook his hand. The bartender had left her shot in front of her a while ago, she didn't notice until Killian lifted his one and waited for her. She picked her tot glass up and gently clincked it against his one.
"So? What's got you drinking back to back shots?" He asked, eventually. "Everything," Emma gave him a one word answer. "Come on, Swan. We've been married for heavens sake! If you couldn't be open with me then, at least try now," he chuckled.
Emma smiled at him. She didn't have many people in Storybrooke that she could trust. She knew that what Killian did to her was wrong but he sincerely apologized and she wanted to move on from it.
"I had a fight with my parents about my sexuality and dating Regina and now that I've sort of resolved it, Regina and I aren't together anymore. Going nowhere, slowly." She drank a sip of her beer.
"I doubt that the break up will last too long. But if you ask me, fighting for love is always worth it," Killian tried to make the blonde feel better. He stood and pointed to the pool table, challenging her to a game.
"I guess. We haven't said the word to each other yet, but I've felt it. Today, she told me she was unhappy in the relationship," Emma slipped a coin into the table slot and heard the sound of rolling balls. She reached up to take the triangular shape and set the table.
"For someone with a built in lie detector, you're quite blunt." Killian laughed at her.
"What's so funny?" Emma knitted her eyebrows together.
"You love her, she loves you and you're still choosing to believe she's not happy. I know the Evil Queen, lass. She doesn't fall in love. The fact that she gave it a chance proves that she does feel something and you shouldn't give up hope."
"I'm not choosing to believe it based on my own assumptions, Killian. She said it herself," Emma defended. She aimed the cue at the white ball and missed, causing a fit of laughter to erupt from Killian.
"Note, always play against Swan when she's drunk," He added.
Emma was about to respond when Killian took his shot and the ball bounced off the table. "I take that back," Killian wiggled his eyebrows, "I'm just as bad."
Regina slumped down into her bed. She was sad, frustrated and had a piercing headache. She unlocked her phone, hoping to find messages or even missed calls from the savior. Nothing.
She stood and tossed the phone on her bed before retiring to the bathroom. Regina noticed her tear stained face as she looked into the mirror.
"Stupid, aren't you?" She heard her mother's voice in her head. "Of course your heart is broken, she's a spawn of Snow. Don't tell me you're in love with her. Did I not teach you that love is weakness?" Coras words began merging into Regina's thoughts.
She turned on the shower and stripped out of her clothes. Regina got into the shower and poured a few drops of shampoo into her palm. She wet her hair and massaged the lathered soapy bubbles into her hair.
Once done showering, she made her way down to the kitchen. "Done with homework?" She asked her son, who sat in front of the TV, playing video games. He didn't move his attention to her but responded with a yes.
She turned on the oven to preheat it and began making lasagna. "Is Ma coming over tonight?" Henry asked. He completed a mission and paused the game to get a snack. "Miss Swan will not be joining us tonight," she said as she grated cheese. "Why not?" Henry pried.
She hated lying to him but needed space to think about what had happened. "I've got work to do and you've got school tomorrow."
"That's never been a reason for Ma to skip dinner with us," he rolled his eyes. He knew he just started off as making small talk until his game loads again but then he started to worry.
"Henry," Regina gave him a stern look, he backed off and went back to his game. Regina washed her hands and let him know that dinner would be ready soon.
After dinner, Regina dragged herself upstairs and plopped into her bed. She checked her phone again. This time, there was a message waiting for her.
'Swans sloshed. Pick her up or should I walk her to yours?'
The number was unknown. She felt her heart clench. Initially, she was going to ignore the message. Emma was no longer her responsibility, and she never was. The woman is an adult and should be thinking about her actions instead of irresponsibly drinking and getting wasted.
'She has a house, take her there. Don't message this number again.'
She internally cursed herself for pretending not to love Emma. Although she knew that if she did show up for her, her own feelings - that she's been trying to push away - will resurface. She couldn't put herself through that again, it's too painful. Whoever has her personal number is probably someone she could trust to take Emma home safely, anyway. She was in no real danger, right?
Regina blocked the number and pulled the sheets over herself, planning on falling asleep.