Emma woke up first—not by choice. Her slumber had been a fragile thing, interrupted by grief, and now, with the light creeping into the room, she was wide awake. She felt the weight of the morning press down on her as the events of the day before replayed in her mind. Henry was gone.
Azura's small hand slapped against Emma's cheek, snapping her back to the present. Emma blinked, her vision blurry from sleep, and she groaned, rubbing the side of her face.
Emma glanced at the clock.
4:17 a.m.
It felt far too early to face the day. She sighed deeply, feeling the loss hanging over them all like a thick, inescapable fog. The house, which had once been filled with Henry's warmth, felt quiet in a way that was both suffocating and hollow.
Azura squirmed, her little body already claiming more space on the bed than Emma was ready to share. She smiled faintly, watching as Azura's innocent expression seemed out of place amid so much heartache. It had only been a day since Regina had learned that this child, a stranger, was her daughter. But now, Emma couldn't imagine life without her. The suddenness of it all—of losing Henry, of gaining Azura—was overwhelming.
She reached over to gently pull Azura closer to her, stroking the child's unruly hair. How had they arrived here, to this strange, bittersweet beginning? Emma thought of Regina, of her grief, and of the weight of their new responsibilities as parents to a little girl they barely knew. It was hard to reconcile the joy of having a daughter with the unbearable sadness of Henry's death.
Emma glanced across the room to where Regina was still asleep. Her hair was tangled around her face, and her arm was draped loosely over the bed. She lay at the very edge, as though she had instinctively made space for Azura, who was now sprawled across the bed, claiming every inch of the comforter. It was no surprise. Azura had been with them for less than twenty-four hours, yet she had already altered the rhythm of their lives.
Emma got out of bed quietly, not wanting to disturb Regina just yet. She padded across the room. Until she found herself standing in front of Henry's shut room door. Emma stood there for a long moment; her chest tight. It was impossible to imagine another child sleeping in his space. Henry had filled it for so many years. Now, the room felt like a shrine to someone who was gone too soon, and Emma couldn't bring herself to let Azura sleep there. Maybe not ever.
She turned away from the door, her heart heavy with the decisions they'd have to make. A soft rustle from Regina's room her made her pause. Regina was awake now, her eyes blinking groggily as she pushed herself up on her elbow, her face creased with exhaustion and sorrow.
"Morning," Emma whispered, walking back to the bed.
Regina's gaze met hers, filled with unspoken grief, "Morning." Her voice was rough, like she hadn't fully shaken the sleep or the burden of the day before.
Emma hesitated before sitting down beside her, "How'd you sleep?" she asked softly, though she knew the answer.
Regina didn't answer immediately. She ran a hand over her face, her eyes searching Emma's. "Not well," she finally admitted, her voice strained. "I can't stop thinking about him. Henry... and now, Azura. It's so much. So sudden." Her eyes filled with tears, but she blinked them away quickly. "I don't even know where to start."
Emma reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "I know," she said, her heart aching for Regina.
Regina looked down at their joined hands, a faint tremor running through her fingers. "I don't want her in Henry's room, Emma. I can't... not right now. It's too much."
Emma nodded, understanding immediately. The last thing either of them needed was to move too quickly, to try to fill a space that could never be filled. "I don't want that either," she said softly. "Maybe she can sleep in our room for now? Just until we can figure out where she'll be most comfortable."
Regina glanced over at Azura, still sleeping soundly. She was a tiny, delicate thing in their bed, unaware of the heartache surrounding her.
Regina murmured, "She's just a child, Emma."
Emma gently lifted Regina's chin, making her meet her gaze. "You'll be the best mother for her," she said, her voice firm. "We both will. We'll figure it out. But we'll take it one day at a time, okay? No need to rush."
Regina nodded, her eyes softening as she looked at Emma. "Okay."
They sat in silence for a moment, just the two of them, both trying to find their footing in this new reality. The grief was still fresh, raw, but there was something unspoken between them, a quiet promise that no matter what, they would face it together.
Emma's thoughts raced as she imagined a future without Regina, and for the first time, she realized how impossible that seemed. Regina had become her everything—her home, her safe place, her partner. The promises they'd made to build a life together echoed in her mind, promises she knew she couldn't let go of. But it wasn't just about Regina anymore; it was about the life they could have, with Azura by their side too. That little girl had woven her way into Emma's heart in a way Emma hadn't expected.
The truth hit her with a quiet, undeniable force: she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Regina. But before any of that could happen, she needed to have time to think about this. Though their unofficial split had happened months ago, she still felt like there was some sort of unresolved air between herself and Killian. She had to free herself from that chapter before she could step into the next one with Regina.
But only once that was done, once that finality settled in, she knew what she had to do next. She needed to ask Regina to spend forever with her. This—the life they could have together—was what she wanted. And Emma was ready to make it happen, even if it meant taking the hard steps first.
Besides the split with Killian, Emma still needed to figure out what to do with the house she had. She hadn't been there in ages, afraid that it'd bring back unwanted emotions and memories. Regina suggested selling it to Snow, But Emma knew better. How could she see her family in the same space she'd experienced pain and sorrow?
Emma's hand snaked across Regina's body to caress Azura's face. Regina watched, her eyes filled with a mix of sorrow and love. Emma smiled faintly, feeling the love of their little, unofficial, family pressing against her chest. "Maybe we can make a new space for her in the guest room for now."
Regina nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips, "We'll make it work."
xxx
Emma had gone about the motions of the day, cooking, cleaning, tending to Azura, and occasionally finding moments to look at Regina, her heart aching for the woman she loves.
It was well past lunchtime when Emma excused herself. Regina was in the kitchen, absently chopping vegetables for dinner. Azura was napping in the guest room, and for a moment, Emma allowed herself to take a deep breath. She knew what she had to do, but it didn't make it any easier.
She grabbed her keys from the counter and turned to leave but paused when she heard Regina's voice.
"Where are you going?"
Emma hesitated, turning to face her. She had meant to be honest, to tell Regina everything. But the truth was, she wasn't sure she could, not yet.
"I just… need to take care of something," Emma said, forcing a lightness in her voice. "I'll be back soon."
Regina studied her for a moment, her brow furrowing slightly. "Okay," she said, her tone still with a quiet sadness.
Emma gave her a small smile. "I won't be gone for too long." She pecked Regina's lips.
Emma left the house quickly, the cool air outside a stark contrast to the warmth she'd left behind. The drive to Killian felt longer than it should, her mind clouded with conflicting emotions. The thought of facing him, of finalizing their past, felt heavy, but it was something that needed to be done.
When she arrived at the Jolly Roger, she took a deep breath before stepping aboard. She knocked softly on his door, hearing his footsteps on the other side before it swung open. Killian stood there, looking as put together as ever, though his eyes were heavy with the same grief that had settled in her chest.
"Emma," he greeted her, his voice tired.
"Killian," she replied, forcing a smile. "Can we talk?"
"Of course." He stepped aside to let her in, and they both sat at the table. He poured them both a drink, the amber liquid catching the light.
"So, how's everything going?" he asked, taking a seat across from her.
Emma hesitated, the words catching in her throat. She didn't want to talk about anything but their separation.
"It's a lot. Everything's just a lot right now. Henry's death—Regina, Azura, all of it," she said, her voice quiet.
Killian nodded, his gaze softening as he listened. "I'm sorry, love. I can't imagine what it's like, but if you need someone to talk to…"
Emma smiled faintly. "Thanks. I just need to handle some things. There's… there's something I need to take care of here."
Killian studied her, his brows furrowing slightly. "What is it, Swan?"
She met his eyes, "I want to propose to Regina. But, I can't do that until I feel at ease with whatever happened between us," she said, her voice steady despite the knot in her stomach. "We never really spoke about it. It's been long enough."
His expression was unreadable for a moment before he nodded slowly. "I understand. It's been a while coming, hasn't it?"
She nodded. "It has. I need to move forward with my life, with Regina. With Azura. I can't keep holding onto this part of me. If I'm being honest, standing above Henry's grave made me realize—" She picked at her fingernails, pausing then to look up at Killian, "There are loose ends in my life."
Killian's face softened, his voice low. "Us being one of them?"
Emma tilted her head to the side, "Us being the only loose end I could think of."
"Are you sure this is what you want? I mean, with everything going on, with Regina and the girl… is it too much, Emma? I know you've been through a lot, but I'm still here if you want to give the finality a think over."
She looked at him, her heart tightening. "No. It's not too much," she said softly. "This is my life now. I'm not coming back to you, Killian. I can't. At least, not in the way you hope."
He looked at her for a long moment, his eyes searching hers, as though looking for something. Then, he leaned back in his chair, sighing. "I can't say I'm not disappointed. But I want you to be happy, Emma. I need to know that you're sure about this. That Regina's enough for you."
Emma's chest tightened at the mention of Regina's name. It was all she needed to hear. "She is. Regina is enough for me," she said firmly, her voice unwavering. "But I still need to do this, Killian. I have to let go of what we had so I can truly move forward."
He nodded, a faint smile pulling at his lips. "I get it."
Emma let out a breath, "Why did you cheat on me if you claimed to have loved me?" She looked around his cabin, trying not to make eye contact.
Killian leaned forward, "I didn't have the surety that you were enough for me. I always thought you were cheating on me – with Regina. I thought that maybe if I did the same, we'd be even and I wouldn't be left heartbroken. But love isn't about getting even. I realized, too late, that you've always been enough. And that–that was the dumbest move I've ever made. Losing you." He looked at the ground, now. "If I could take it back, I would. I was selfish and a horrible husband, Swan. Regina deserves you. Every bit of you. And I don't want to be holding you back from giving her your all."
Emma nodded. She had no response.
"Any more questions, Sheriff?" Killian asked playfully.
"No," she gave him a small smile.
Killian nodded, "I'm glad we had this talk."
Emma sighed, relieved that there was no resistance, no more trying to hold onto something that had already slipped away. "Thank you," she said, her voice quiet.
He looked at her one last time, his gaze softening. "Just promise me one thing, Emma. If things get hard, and you start to wonder if it's too much… just remember, I'm here. You don't have to carry everything on your own."
She nodded, grateful for the sentiment, but resolute in her choice. "I won't need to, Killian. But thank you. For everything."
They stood up, and she extended her hand for him to take. "We're better as friends than a power couple," she said, trying to keep things light.
Killian gave her a small, sombre smile as he shook her hand. "Aye... And Emma, I hope you find what you're looking for."
She smiled back, a bittersweet twist to her lips. "I think I already have."
Killian jerked Emma's hand closer, pulling her in for a tight embrace. He allowed a tear to slip as he parted from her.
"Hey, it's gonna be alright." Emma said softly.
Killian's eyes drifted to her lips before he leaned in, "Farewell, Swan." He kissed her.
Emma didn't pull away. She lingered.
Killian shifted back slightly, resting his forehead against Emma's, "Stay?"
Emma abruptly pulled back, shaking her head, "No. Take care, Killian."
With that, she turned to leave, the door clicking softly behind her. The next step was clear now. She didn't need to look back anymore.
xxx
Ruby had just finished unloading the dishwasher when Emma walked into the kitchen, looking slightly nervous.
"Hey, you're not allowed back here," Ruby said without looking up, a teasing smirk on her face.
"I know, I know," Emma replied, holding the two-way door open a bit too dramatically. "But I need to talk to you."
Ruby glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "Give me good news," she sighed, setting a tray of clean plates on the sink before walking out of the kitchen. Emma followed closely.
"It is kind of good news," Emma said, pulling Ruby toward the corner of the diner, her voice suddenly low and serious. "I want to propose to Regina, and I need your help." Emma reached for her jacket that was draped over a booth. She dug into its pockets and pulled out a ring box.
Ruby's eyes narrowed, her arms folding over her chest in an almost instinctive defence. "Are you sure the timing's right? I mean, Henry just died…" She paused for effect, dramatically slowing her words. "Yesterday."
Ruby gave Emma a pointed look. "And Regina just found out about a kid she didn't even know she had. What's up with that? How does the woman not know she has a child?" She didn't wait for an answer, continuing her rant.
Emma exhaled, running a hand through her hair, "Rubes, that's not the point. Look, we've been through so much together, and I just… I don't want Regina to feel like she's alone anymore. Ever. For the rest of our lives, for as long as we live."
Ruby's eyes twinkled with sarcasm, her expression comically exaggerated. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you're in love," she quipped, smirking.
Emma rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Are you gonna help me or not?"
"Let me see the ring." Ruby shook her head.
Emma huffed and opened the box.
In it was a silver ring, the red diamond was bigger than anything Ruby's ever seen, judging by the wide-eyed look she gave Emma.
"Wow." Ruby couldn't find a better word to describe it. She grabbed the box from Emma's grasp. "Regina's gonna love it."
"You think so?"
"Regina's actually... nicer now that you're in her life. I don't think I've ever seen her have the Emma Swan glow."
Emma waved her off with a shrug. "Yeah. Can we meet tomorrow at the station? I left Regina without a solid explanation and it's been a couple of hours."
Ruby raised an eyebrow again. "Better go before she sends out a search party."
"You're such a drama queen," Emma huffed, rolling her eyes.
"You love me," Ruby shot back, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. "And yeah, I'll see you tomorrow. But you're too calm for someone about to propose to Regina Mills. You might want to work on that whole 'not panicking' thing. This seems like the calm before the storm."
Emma smirked. "Thanks for the advice. But I'm pretty sure I'll be fine."
Ruby eyed Emma, noticing her hesitance to leave, "There's something else, isn't there?"
Emma sighed, clearly torn. "No, that's it." She grabbed her jacket off the back of the booth and slipped it on, her mind already a little frantic.
"Emma, sometimes you forget about my instincts. What did you do?" She asked, pushing her hair behind her ear.
Emma shrugged, there was an anxious look in her eyes. "I just—" She stopped herself, not wanting to spill more than she had to right now. "Regina will get suspicious if I don't leave, catch you tomorrow."
Ruby gripped her arm gently, "If I see it, I can bet she will too." Ruby leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "What is it, Em? You keep dodging the real issue."
Emma hesitated, then sighed. "I went to Killian today. To get closure. And—" She took a deep breath, looking guilty. "We kissed."
Ruby blinked, surprised. "Wait—what? You kissed him? After everything that just happened? What the hell, Emma?"
Emma winced, her face flushing slightly. "I know, I know. It wasn't planned, and, I didn't kiss him. He kissed me. It just happened. But it doesn't mean anything." Her voice was a little defensive now. "He needed closure, Ruby. And he got it. But I'm not going back to him, not after everything that's happened. I'm focused on Regina."
Ruby eyed her carefully for a moment, trying to gauge whether Emma was truly over Killian. Then she nodded slowly, her tone softening. "Alright. But you better be sure about this, Emma. I mean it. No more mixed signals, okay? If you're serious about Regina—then you need to be all in. No looking back."
Emma looked at her, "I'm all in. I want to be with Regina. I'm scared I'll mess it up."
Ruby gave her a small smile, her eyes warmer now. "You won't. You've got this. But we've got to plan this right. Tomorrow, we work out the details, okay?"
Emma exhaled, a small laugh escaping her. "Okay. And thanks, Ruby. For, you know… being you."
Ruby's smirk returned, a playful edge to her voice. "Don't get all sentimental on me. Now go. Regina's probably getting antsy, and I'm really not trying to get involved in any 'Emma Swan's love life' drama today."
Emma laughed lightly, shaking her head. "Yeah, yeah. I'll see you tomorrow."
xxx
Emma walked through the door to find Regina standing in the living room, a cup of tea in her hand, watching her daughter. Azura was playing with her toys nearby, her laughter filling the room. It was the kind of the peaceful domestic scene that made Emma's heart expand with love and adoration.
Regina glanced over, raising an eyebrow but not saying anything.
"Yeah, I know," Emma replied, reading Regina's expression, her voice tense with a touch of guilt. "I had some things to sort out."
Regina's gaze shifted, a small frown tugging at her lips. "I hope everything's alright."
Emma hesitated, her mind racing. She could feel Regina's eyes on her, "Everything's fine. I needed to talk to Killian." She winced internally, knowing that just mentioning his name would cause Regina to bristle because of her abrupt exit that morning, even though Emma had tried to keep the conversation casual.
"Killian?" Regina tilted her head slightly.
Emma took a slow breath, trying to ease the moment. She stepped into the room fully, keeping her tone as neutral as possible. "Yeah, I went over for closure," she explained quickly, though her voice wavered ever so slightly.
"What? Wasn't it enough a few months ago?" Regina's voice was sharp, her words cutting through the air like an accusation.
"We never really spoke about it," Emma replied, an edge creeping into her voice as the conversation teetered toward something more heated. She could feel the tension building but knew she had to keep going.
It wasn't just about closure. She needed to see him so that she can finally start planning the proposal. Of course, she couldn't admit that to Regina.
"And—" Emma hesitated, steeling herself. She couldn't keep it from Regina. If she wanted to truly commit, she needed to be honest. This was the moment, the one that might change everything. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to say it. "We kissed."
Regina's eyes widened, her expression faltering for just a moment before her lips pressed into a thin, taut line. "You kissed him?"
"It wasn't planned," Emma said quickly, taking a step toward Regina, hoping to bridge the gap that was rapidly growing between them. "It wasn't anything. For the record, he kissed me. Not the other way around."
"But you stopped him. Right?" Regina's voice was sharp, her concern palpable, and Emma could see the vulnerability behind the steel in her eyes.
"I think we both needed closure," Emma said, shaking her head as if trying to shake the memory of the kiss away. She ran a hand through her hair, frustration creeping in. "But it's over, Regina. It's over. I'm not going back to him. I want this—I want us."
"You sure about that?" Regina's voice cracked just slightly, but her tone hardened again. "Because someone who's sure wouldn't be kissing their ex." By now, Regina was yelling.
The words landed harder than Emma expected, and the silence between them stretched out, thick and heavy.
Azura, sensing the shift in the room, stood up and looked from one adult to the other, her small face scrunched with confusion. She gripped onto Emma's legs, looking up at Regina, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mama angry?"
The question hit Emma like a gut punch. She immediately crouched down, pulling Azura into her arms, her chest tightening. She glanced at Regina, who was already bending down to meet the little girl's gaze.
Regina's expression softened, and she smiled gently. "I'm not angry, sweetheart. Mama's just...thinking out loud. I'm sorry for yelling."
Azura's brows furrowed, but she nodded, trusting Regina's words.
"Think you can give Mama Em and I a minute? We just need to talk about something really important." Regina asked.
Azura tilted her head to the side, "Something that will make you not upset?"
Regina nodded, "I hope so." She eyed Emma, who didn't seem to be making eye contact anymore.
Azura nodded and went back to playing while Emma and Regina moved to the parlor.
Emma looked at Regina, her voice barely above a whisper, "Gina?"
Regina didn't immediately respond. Instead, she closed the distance between them. Her gaze searched Emma's face, as if looking for something—some reassurance, some sign that everything would be alright.
"Why is closure so important?" Regin asked.
Emma groaned internally. She didn't want to admit the real reason for leaving, for seeking closure.
"I thought that I needed it. He did, too. I have to move on - to move forward with you. And I can't do it with Killian as a loose end that I didn't cut." Emma tried explaining but Regina was having none of it.
"You two kissed. What ever happened to 'it's over, bye'? If you still have feelings for him – Emma, I'm giving you an out. Right here, right now. What do you want?" Regina's eyes became dark.
Emma noticed the shift and she challenged it, stepping forward, "I want you."
Regina's dark orbs were now softer, "I trust you," Regina said quietly, her voice soft but firm, her hand reaching out to gently caress Emma's arm. "But you need to be sure about this. About us."
Emma's heart thudded in her chest. She nodded, her throat tight, Regina's trust feeling both like a gift and a challenge. "I'm sure. I–" She stopped herself, feeling the emotions flood over her all at once. She took a deep breath, fighting to steady her racing heart.
Regina's fingers brushed Emma's arm again, grounding her. "You need to be honest with me. Always."
Emma swallowed hard, the promise burning in her chest. "I will. I promise."
Regina turned on her heel, leaving Emma to her thoughts.
Azura let out a little squeal the moment she saw Regina. She jumped over to her and tugged at her pant leg. Regina smiled warmly, bending down to scoop the little girl into her arms.
Regina looked at Emma, who exited the parlor. Her words were gentle. "Why don't we have dinner? You've had a long day, and we can relax for a bit."
Emma nodded, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Yeah, that sounds perfect."
xxx
The evening passed in a comfortable haze, the tension between Emma and Regina easing with every passing moment. Dinner was simple, but it felt grounding—just the three of them in the warm, cozy kitchen. Azura, as always, provided a welcome distraction, her innocent chatter filling the space between them.
As they finished their meal, Emma found herself glancing at Regina more than once, her mind drifting back to the conversation they'd had earlier. There was still a part of her that feared she hadn't done enough to prove she was truly over Killian, that the kiss had somehow undone the progress they'd made together. But every time she looked at Regina, she felt the certainty settle deeper in her chest. She wanted this. She wanted Regina.
Azura yawned, rubbing her eyes sleepily, and Emma took the opportunity to scoop her up. "Looks like someone's ready for bed," she said with a small smile.
Regina stood up, gathering the plates, but paused when she saw Emma holding Azura. Her voice was soft. "I've set up the guest bedroom for her."
Emma nodded.
Regina's gaze lingered on Emma for a moment before she set the plates down, following Emma to the room.
Emma carried Azura upstairs, gently laying her down in her bed. She tucked the little girl in, smoothing her hair back. "Sleep tight, kiddo," she whispered. Azura barely made a sound, already halfway to dreamland, her tiny body curled under the blanket.
"Sweet dreams, princess," Regina placed a kiss on Azura's forehead.
As Emma turned to leave the room, she paused, taking in the sight of Azura asleep. It was a reminder of why she had to get things right, not just for herself, but for Regina and their family. For Henry.
She made her way back downstairs. Regina sat on the couch, her posture relaxed, but her expression unreadable. Emma hesitated for a moment before sitting beside her, a comfortable silence stretching between them. The low hum of the refrigerator and the occasional crackle of the fire were the only sounds that filled the space.
Finally, Regina spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "I meant what I said earlier, you know."
Emma's chest tightened, her nerves creeping back. "About what?"
"About trusting you." Regina met Emma's gaze, her eyes soft. "But you need to be honest with me, Emma. If we're going to do this—if we're going to be together—I need to know everything. No more secrets, no more half-truths."
Emma swallowed, her throat dry. "I don't want to keep anything from you. I'm not perfect, Regina. I'm still figuring things out. But I promise you—I want this. I want us. Not Killian. Not anyone else. Just the two of us."
Regina studied her for a long moment before giving a small nod. "Good," she said quietly. "Because I don't want to have any more doubts either."
Emma smiled, a little relieved.
Regina's hand reached for Emma's, fingers gently intertwining. It was small, but in that touch, Emma could feel everything—Regina's trust, her vulnerability, and the weight of their shared future.
As the minutes stretched on, Emma's body began to relax, and for the first time, she felt like everything was falling into place. They'd be okay. They had to be.
xxx
Emma and Regina had finally settled into bed after a long day, their bodies close but relaxed. Regina's breathing was slow and steady, and Emma's mind drifted, lulled by the rhythmic sounds of their quiet home.
Then, the stillness shattered.
A sharp, panicked scream sliced through the air. Emma's heart leapt into her throat, her body already moving before her mind caught up.
"Azura," Regina whispered urgently, already sitting up, her body alert and tense. The fear in her voice made Emma's chest tighten.
Without a word, they both leapt out of bed, moving as one toward the source of the cries. Emma's legs carried her quickly, and she could hear Regina just behind her.
Azura's door was slightly ajar, and as Emma reached it, she pushed the door open with a careful hand. Inside, the dim light from the nightlight illuminated Azura's small form sitting up in her bed, her hands gripped tightly to the covers. Her face was streaked with tears, her eyes wide and unfocused, as if she couldn't see the room around her.
"Azura, baby," Regina's voice was soft but urgent, and she crossed the room in an instant, kneeling beside the bed. She reached out to touch her daughter's arm, but Azura flinched away, her small body trembling.
"Mama… please, don't let it happen again," Azura's voice was choked, a soft whimper that cut through Emma's heart. Her eyes were wide with terror, but they didn't focus on her mother; they darted around the room, searching for something unseen.
Emma moved closer, kneeling beside the bed, her heart breaking at the sight of Azura's fear. "Sweetheart, you're okay," she said softly, her voice gentle and soothing. She reached out, hesitating for just a moment before she placed a hand on Azura's shoulder. The touch was light, an anchor in the storm of the little girl's panic.
Azura's breath hitched, and she pushed herself further back against the headboard, her little hands gripping the sheets as if she were trying to escape something. Within minutes, her body was drenched in sweat.
"Azura," Regina's voice was gentle, a grounding presence. "Look at me, darling. You're not alone. You're here with us."
But Azura's breathing was quick, erratic. Her whole body shook as if she couldn't pull herself out of whatever nightmare had hold of her.
"Azura, please," Regina said. "You're with us. You're safe. We're right here," she repeated.
Azura didn't seem to hear her, her hands still trying to push away something invisible. Her face twisted in fear, her chest rising and falling with quick, shallow breaths. "Don't make me go back," Azura sobbed, her small voice breaking.
Regina's heart clenched, the words searing through her. She knew what her daughter meant. This wasn't just a bad dream; it was something deeper, something far more real to Azura. Something that, no matter how much Regina wanted to, she couldn't shield her from. At least not entirely.
"Azura, you're not going back. Nothing's going to hurt you," Regina murmured, moving closer, her hand pressing lightly against her daughter's arm. She was hesitant, careful not to overwhelm her, but she needed to ground her.
Emma's gaze softened as she watched Regina speak to her daughter, the tenderness in her eyes reflecting the deep love she had for Azura. Emma, too, wanted to reach out, but she understood the delicate balance of the moment. Instead, she sat beside Regina, her hand gently resting on the small of Regina's back in silent support.
Azura's eyes flickered to Regina, then to Emma. Her tears continued to fall, but her body stopped its frantic movements, the tension in her form slightly easing as she caught sight of the two women.
"Azura," Emma said, her voice low, "I'm here, sweetheart. You're not alone." She paused, letting her words sink in. "You're not going back to anything, I promise."
Azura's small hands slowly relaxed their grip on the sheets. She wiped her eyes, still sniffling, but she didn't seem as frantic. Regina took a steadying breath, keeping her voice calm, but the subtle tremor in her tone betrayed the worry she was feeling.
"It's okay to be scared, love," Regina said softly, her hand never leaving Azura's arm. "But you're with us. Nothing is going to happen to you. You're safe."
Azura's breath still came in soft gasps, but the terror in her eyes began to fade slowly. The room, once filled with a palpable fear, now held a sense of calm, as if the air had been cleared of the heavy weight of the nightmare.
"Do you want to sleep with us tonight?" Regina asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes full of understanding. She knew Azura needed more than just comforting words now; she needed her mother, needed to feel the physical presence of her safety.
Azura nodded, her head falling back onto the pillow, her face still flushed with emotion but calmer now. She reached for Regina's hand, and Regina smiled softly, brushing her daughter's hair from her face.
Emma stood, ready to help move things along.
"Let's get her settled?" Regina said, more as a statement.
Emma nodded, watching Regina carefully lift Azura from the bed and tuck her into the warmth of her own arms.
Once Regina and Emma made it to their room, Regina suggested giving Azura a cooling bath to calm her down.
"I'll fill up," Emma stated. She made her way into the bathroom and opened the taps.
Regina appeared with a sleepy Azura, she carefully took off her clothes and dipped her into the water. "Sweetheart, this will help bring your temperature down."
There was no fussing or resistance, Azura trusted Regina and Emma fully.
After Azura's bath, Regina laid down beside her, her body close enough that Azura could feel the steady rise and fall of her mother's chest. Emma slipped into bed on the other side of Azura, her body curled up at the edge of the bed, watching them both.
It was a moment of quiet intimacy, the kind that Emma had never thought she would experience, but it felt so natural. So right. Regina's fingers gently brushed through Azura's hair as the little girl drifted into a more peaceful sleep.
Regina lifted her head toward Emma, her eyes tired but soft, full of gratitude. "Thank you for being here," she whispered.
Emma met her gaze, "Always," she said quietly, her fingers brushing Regina's.
The room settled into silence again, the soft breaths of Azura and Regina filling the space, their presence grounding and constant. Emma stayed close, watching over them, feeling the bond between them grow stronger in the stillness of the night.
xxx
Emma groaned, feeling herself slowly dragged back to consciousness. It wasn't even light outside yet, and her body was still heavy with sleep. She tried to roll over and bury her face in the pillow, but someone was in her way.
She cracked one eye open to find a small, dark-haired figure perched on her chest, fingers already reaching for her eyelids. "Azura!" Emma croaked out in protest, gently but firmly pushing the little girl's hands away. "You can't wake people up by poking their eyes."
Azura pouted, lower lip jutting out. "But Mama Emma, you sleep for tooo long," she whined.
Emma huffed out a laugh despite herself. She knew Azura was only three, but sometimes it felt like the kid had an uncanny knack for finding new ways to rouse her from much-needed rest.
Across the bed, Regina stirred, slowly blinking awake. She smiled softly at the sight of them, "Mm, what's all this commotion about? I thought our little princess was supposed to be giving us a chance to sleep, for once."
"Mama!" Azura squirmed excitedly and pointed at Emma. "Emma's a snore-monster!"
"Oh really?" Regina chuckled, shifting to sit up. The sheet slipped down, exposing the curve of her breasts from beneath her nightie, but Emma knew better than to stare too openly, at least not while Azura was present. Still, her gaze lingered a moment longer than strictly necessary.
She dragged her eyes back up to Regina's face, which was now split in a mischievous grin. Emma scowled playfully. "I'm not a snore-monster, okay? I just... have a lot on my mind lately."
Regina reached out and brushed a stray lock of hair behind Emma's ear, her fingertips grazing the curve of her cheek. "I know, sweetheart."
Emma leaned into the touch, just for a second, before Azura's wiggling drew her attention back. The little girl was staring intently at Regina, head cocked to the side.
"Mama?" she asked innocently. "Are you two gonna kiss?"
Regina laughed, a rich, warm sound that made Emma's heart flutter despite the early hour. "Maybe later, pumpkin. Right now, we should probably get up and get ready for the day."
Emma groaned dramatically and flopped back against the pillows. "Do we have to? Can't we just stay in bed all day? I'm sure there are plenty of things we could... do to pass the time." Her voice took on a suggestive undertone, and she arched one eyebrow meaningfully at Regina.
But Regina just shook her head, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Tempting as that is, I'm afraid not. Somebody's got to feed this kid and get her enrolled at a daycare. And this town needs their Mayor," she paused, eyeing Emma, "and Sheriff."
Emma opened her mouth to protest, but Azura beat her to it. "I'm hungry," the little girl announced, bouncing on the bed. "Please, please, please can I help with breakfast?"
Regina hesitated, glancing uncertainly between Emma and Azura. She knew Emma would probably rather be left alone to snuggle back into oblivion, but at the same time, Azura was clearly eager to help. In the end, it was Emma who made the decision for her.
"Sure thing, squirt," she said, ruffling Azura's hair affectionately. "Just don't blame me if the eggs end up scrambled instead of sunny side up. My cooking skills are a bit... limited."
Azura giggled and clapped her hands. "Come on, Mama!"
And with that, she wriggled out of bed and took off towards the kitchen, leaving Emma and Regina alone amidst the rumpled sheets.
"Well," Regina sighed, stretching languidly. "Guess we'd better get up before she decides to try operating the stove herself." She threw back the covers and stood. Regina removed her nightie and nodded towards the bathroom, giving Emma an unobstructed view of her naked form. "See you in the kitchen?"
Emma's mouth went dry at the sight, but she forced herself to nod, swallowing hard. "Yeah," she managed to choke out.
As she watched Regina walk away, hips swaying hypnotically, Emma had to remind herself that she wasn't dreaming - this was her life now. And as challenging as some parts might be, like having a pint-sized alarm clock in the mornings, she wouldn't trade it for anything.
Smiling to herself, she finally hauled herself out of bed and made her way to the kitchen.
xxx
Regina walked into the kitchen to find Azura already perched on a chair at the counter, chattering excitedly to Emma.
"Morning," she quipped.
Emma turned and smiled sympathetically.
"We need to find a daycare for Azura. I think it might be good for her to interact with other kids her age." Regina said, taking the cup of coffee from the counter.
Emma nodded slowly, processing this information. It made sense, of course - they couldn't keep her at home forever. But still, the thought of sending her off to daycare made Emma's chest tighten with a sudden wave of protectiveness.
Azura looked up from her bowl of cereal, brow furrowed in confusion. "Daycare?" she asked. "What's that?"
Emma and Regina exchanged a glance, unsure of how to explain. Finally, Regina took a deep breath and began to speak.
"Well, sweetheart, daycare is like a special school for little kids," she said gently. "It's where you'll get to play and learn with other children your age, under the supervision of grown-ups who really care about you."
Azura thought about this for a moment, then shook her head firmly. "No," she declared. "I don't want to go to daycare. I want to stay with you and Mama Emma!"
Emma's heart clenched at the words, even as she could see the determination in Regina's eyes. She knew this wasn't going to be an easy conversation. "Hey now," she said softly, moving to kneel next to Azura's chair. "I know it sounds scary, but it's actually really fun. You'll get to make new friends and learn so many cool things! And we'll always be there to pick you up and talk about your day."
Azura pouted, clearly unconvinced. But Regina took Emma's hand and gave it a squeeze, a silent thank you for her support.
"I know it's a big change," Regina said softly. "But it's an important one, too. And we'll make sure to find the absolute best place for you, okay?"
Azura was quiet for a long moment, her lower lip trembling slightly. But then, she nodded, a determined glint in her eye.
"Okay," she whispered. "I trust you, Ma."
Emma felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes at that one simple word. She glanced over at Regina, who already had a tear streaming down her face.
"Why are you crying? Mama sad?" Azura asked as her gaze fell on Regina.
Regina bit back a sob and knelt beside Emma. She wanted to take the lead, considering that Emma didn't look like she could speak at this time.
Emma surprised her and spoke, "Your brother used to call me that."
"Henry?"
"Yeah, kid. We just miss him a lot. I hope that you can be patient with Mama and I - Loss is something we all have to face and it isn't easy. There are times that Mama and I would need you to be a strong girl for us." Emma explained.
"Like going to daycare?" Azura perked up.
"Precisely." Regina smiled.
"Okay. I'll go."
"Come on then," Emma said, standing up and offering Azura her hand.
Azura took Emma's hand without hesitation, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
xxx
Being in Storybrooke meant that their choices were limited. The daycare was in a bright, airy building right in the heart of the town. From the outside, it looked like a converted house, with a colorful playground out front and a cheerful sign hanging over the door that read "Sunshine Daycare."
Inside, the foyer was filled with the sound of children's laughter. A smiling woman with curly hair and a friendly face greeted them as they walked in.
"Welcome to Sunshine Daycare!" she exclaimed. "I'm Miss Robinson, the director. How can I help you today?"
Emma stepped forward, Azura clinging to her leg. "Hi, we're here to enrol our daughter," she said, forcing a smile. "Her name is Azura."
Miss Robinson's eyes lit up. "Azura! What a beautiful name. And how old is she?"
"She's three," Regina chimed in, gently untangling Azura from Emma's leg. "We've been looking for a good daycare, and we heard great things about this place."
Miss Robinson beamed. "Well, we're certainly glad to have you. We pride ourselves on providing a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn and grow. Let me give you a quick tour, and then we can go over the enrolment paperwork."
As Miss Robinson led them through the facility, Emma and Regina took in the colorful classrooms, the happy children playing with blocks and dress-up clothes, and the caring staff members who seemed to dote on every child. Azura, too, began to relax, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in all the new sights and sounds.
"This looks great," Emma said as they finished the tour and sat down in the office to go over the details. "What are the hours like?"
Miss Robinson consulted a calendar. "We're open from 7:30am to 5:30pm, Monday through Friday. We also offer extended care for families who need it."
Regina nodded, jotting down notes on a pad of paper. "And how many children are in each class?"
"We keep our class sizes small," Miss Robinson explained. "We have a teacher-to-child ratio of 1:8, and we have two educators in each room."
Emma and Regina shared a look, both feeling reassured by her answers. This really did seem like the perfect place for Azura.
"So, what do you think?" Emma asked Azura softly. "Do you want to come here and make some new friends?"
Azura hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly. "I think so," she said. "It looks like fun."
Regina reached out and took Azura's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "We'll always be here to pick you up and take you home," she promised. "And if you ever feel scared or homesick, just remember that Ma and I love you more than anything in the world."
Azura's eyes shone with unshed tears, but she managed a small smile. "Okay."
Miss Robinson smiled warmly at the three of them. "It's going to be okay," she assured them. "We'll take good care of her, I promise."
Emma and Regina nodded, swallowing back their own emotions. They knew this was the right decision, but that didn't make it any easier.
"Alright then," Emma said, standing up and smoothing out her shirt. "Let's get you enrolled, shall we?"
xxx
"You think leaving her in there is a good idea?" Emma asked, her voice quieter than usual.
Regina hadn't started the car yet. They just…sat there, lost in thought.
"Of course it is," Regina finally said, though there was the faintest hesitation in her tone. "As hard as it is for us to let her go, we have jobs, you know." She exhaled and started the engine.
"Right."
Regina adjusted the rearview mirror, more out of habit than necessity. "Oh, that reminds me—we need to get her to Doctor Whale. Who knows what's been going on in the Underworld? Might as well get her vitals checked while it's early—just to be safe."
Emma nodded, shifting in her seat. "I'll be out of the station by five. Meet you at the hospital?"
"You don't have to—" Regina's words trailed off as they hit a red light, and she turned to look at Emma. "Why are you fidgeting?"
Emma felt like a deer caught in headlights. She forced herself to stay composed. "Worried about Azura's first day. We told her we were finding her a daycare—not leaving her there. Who knows what she's feeling?"
Okay. That was a good enough save.
Regina bought it. With a small nod, she turned the corner and pulled up in front of the station.
Emma got out, walking around the car to lean against Regina's open window. The brunette tilted her head up, meeting Emma's gaze.
"Wanna meet up for lunch later?" Emma asked, a small, hopeful smile playing at her lips.
"Maybe a late lunch?" Regina countered. "I can't imagine the work I've got piled up."
"Love you," Emma murmured, leaning in to press a brief kiss to Regina's lips.
"Love you."
xxx
Ruby sat comfortably in Emma's chair, feet propped up on the desk, twirling a pen between her fingers as she watched Regina's car pull away. She smirked, rolling herself forward like she was deep in work, pretending not to notice Emma's arrival.
"Swan? It's 9 a.m. You're late," she quipped without turning around.
"Emma?"
David's voice carried from the doorway as he walked in, shrugging off his jacket.
Ruby rolled her eyes. "I thought you were Emma."
David chuckled, jerking a thumb over his shoulder. "She's right behind me." With that, he disappeared into his office.
Ruby composed herself, then turned dramatically toward the window as she heard the familiar sound of Emma's boots hitting the floor.
"Swan, it's 9 a.m. You're late," she repeated, smirking.
Emma narrowed her eyes. "How'd you know it was me?"
Ruby turned, tapping the side of her nose. "Wolf instincts."
Emma snorted as she pulled off her jacket, the warmth of the office finally sinking in. She hung it on the coat rack by the door before settling across from Ruby.
"So?" Ruby leaned forward, eyes glinting with mischief. "Why are you late?"
"We had to drop Azura off at daycare." Emma exhaled, rubbing the back of her neck.
"Wow. Barely day two, and you threw her in the coop," Ruby teased, standing and grabbing a file off the desk.
Emma rolled her eyes, but before she could fire back, Ruby was already moving toward the door.
"I'll be back. I've been here for over an hour—I have to get back before Granny loses her marbles." She shot Emma a playful wink before heading out.
xxx
The bell above the diner's door jingled as Ruby stepped inside, the warm scent of coffee and frying bacon wrapping around her like a familiar embrace. She barely had time to take in her surroundings before spotting Regina in a booth, her nails tapping impatiently against the table's surface.
"Where the hell have you been?" Regina snapped the moment Ruby was within earshot. "I need to talk to you."
Ruby arched a brow at the urgency in her voice, but her response was cool. "Errands," she said, strolling over. "Last time I checked, I don't work for you."
Regina rolled her eyes, exhaling sharply. "Bite me." Then, after a beat, she added, "It's about Emma."
That got Ruby's attention. She slid into the booth, her casual demeanor shifting to something more alert. "What happened?"
Regina hesitated—an unusual moment of uncertainty from the former queen. She rested her elbows on the table, laced her fingers together, then immediately unlaced them. Her mouth opened and closed once before she finally got the words out.
"I don't want to date her anymore."
Ruby's eyebrows shot up. Then they pulled together in a deep frown. "And what? You came here to ask me to help you break the news to her? What kind of sick sadist are you?" Her voice edged with irritation. "I'm sorry, but if you're looking for someone to hold your hand while you shatter her heart, you've come to the wrong place."
Regina's jaw tensed. "Miss Lucas—"
"No, Regina." Ruby folded her arms across her chest, leaning back against the booth seat, disbelief hardening her gaze. "All these years, and you still haven't changed, have you? I'm guessing she told you about the kiss?"
Regina inhaled sharply. "She did. That's not—"
"She loves you," Ruby interrupted, her voice firm, unwavering. "The only reason she even went to him is because of you. The kiss meant nothing to her. And if you actually love her, you'd know that."
She stood abruptly, hands bracing the table. She was done with this conversation.
"If you'd let me finish—"
"No thanks," Ruby cut her off, shaking her head. "Sort your shit out." She turned to leave, already preparing to push through the diner's door—
"I want to marry her."
The words froze Ruby in place.
Slowly, she turned back, expression unreadable. "What?"
Regina stood too, lifting her chin in that regal way of hers, but there was an uncharacteristic vulnerability in her dark eyes. "I don't want to date her because I want to marry her." A pause. Then, softer, "Would you mind helping me plan the proposal?"
For the first time since walking in, Ruby was speechless.
She exhaled, rubbing the back of her neck, torn between annoyance and reluctant amusement. "My schedule's pretty much fully booked,"
she muttered, then glanced back at Regina. "Can we discuss this on Friday?"
Regina's brows furrowed. "Four days from now? Are you kidding me?"
"Nope." A small smirk tugged at the corner of Ruby's lips as she stepped backward toward the door. "See you then."