Hi guys! So I saw that someone requested an epilogue, so your wish is my command :) A little bit of angst coming up, but all is well by the end. Thank you again for reading, follows, faves, and reviews! I enjoy hearing from you guys and I appreciate the support! Let me know what you think and I hope you enjoy! -hopelesslyhopeful7211

*One Month Later*

"Come on Gina! Jump with me!" Emma grins wickedly as they stand on a rock overlooking the ocean about ten feet. She holds onto the brunette's hand. Her eyes can't help but wander her girlfriend's body. Her olive skin had darkened over the first couple days of their short vacation. She takes in the beauty of her curves featured in a bikini in front of her. She wants to explore her body right here. Her cheeks flush. I still can't get over that she is with me.

Regina's face lines with worry, "But what if there are rocks down there?"

Shit. She makes a good point. Emma's gaze returns to chocolate eyes and her face falls, "Yeah, okay. You're right. Let's get out of here"

Damn it. I wish I were more adventurous like Emma, but there's no way that I will let her get hurt.

The two women walk hand in hand back down to the empty section of beach where their towel lay. The sun is starting to set causing their hair to shine with a tint of orange. Regina throws her arm over the blonde. They sit silently as they watch the waves crash against the shore. They knead their toes in the sand letting them sink and pulling them out then repeating the process. The late June weather feels comfortable on their skin. The wind from the ocean whips their hair wildly switching from the two extremes of in their faces to behind them.

Regina feels saddened that their vacation would be coming to a close tomorrow. She is grateful that they were even able to go on a vacation at all this summer though. It was her mother who gave them the extra funds for the trip. It was her graduation gift, but it still meant a lot that she has started to truly accept their relationship.

Emma kisses Regina's cheek, "What are you thinking, babe?"

Regina turns to meet shining emerald eyes, "That I don't want this to ever end"

Emma smiles brightly at her response. Their lips meet in a soft, endearing kiss.

"Me too"

*Eleven Months Later*

Emma's heart thuds rapidly in her chest. Sweat beads form below her hairline and under her armpits. Thank god I'm wearing a sleeveless blouse under this thing. The pit stains would be oh so attractive. She rolls her eyes at her thoughts. The blonde sighs while fanning herself with her copy of the program. Oh my god, I can't believe that I agreed to go to this stupid thing.

She scans her surroundings. Hundreds of other students, well now former students, sit around her in caps and gowns chatting before the speeches begin. The graduating class are stuck together in a hot as fuck local venue. Did they even bother to turn the air on? She feels beads of sweat roll down her back. Or would it have even fucking mattered? There's too many people in here.

You know years ago I never thought I would make it to graduation, let alone go to the ceremony. Why would I have? To appease who? I didn't have anyone back then. Maybe for Granny and Ruby? They became like family over time. But no, still probably not.

A man clears his throat and begins, "Hello graduates…" the president of the university starts the ceremony. The graduates hush. All that can be heard is the speech and shuffling chairs.

I was a runaway. I didn't want to, but I had no choice at the time. Foster parents were fucking unbearable and I couldn't have taken the chance at another shitty "home". I'm glad that I could stay afloat though. Somehow. I don't even know how I did it back then. I should have flunked out, but I didn't. Maybe she was right. I shouldn't be so hard on myself.

Emma whips her head to her right and looks up in the stands. Granny, Ruby, and Belle sit in support for Emma. They smile and wave wildly to the blonde once they notice her looking up at them. Emma gives her best try at a smile and gives them a quick thumbs up. Where's Regina? I thought she would be here for me.

"Mother! We have to go!" Regina yells, incredibly frustrated. Her forehead vein begins to show. Emma is going to be so upset. I didn't want to have to attend this event, but mandatory for all of the staff. Now I'm going to be late for Emma's big day!

Cora waves her daughter off, "Just a minute, darling," she turns to another staff member, "As I was saying…"

Regina stomps over to the refreshment table and takes another glass of champagne. She chugs half of the glass before someone taps her shoulder.

"Rough day?" Andrew asks gesturing to the glass.

Regina sighs, "Well," Should I lie? It would be easier if I lied. "I just have to be somewhere". Vagueness. Happy medium, right?

Andrew nods his head, "How are you and Emma doing?"

Regina closes her eyes briefly. He just has to push it, doesn't he?

The past few months had been challenging. Regina worked full time with her mother breathing down her neck and Emma was still a student while working at the restaurant many evenings. There wasn't as much time to spend together. There wasn't as much to connect over regardless of how they tried. A lot of "I don't know what that means" regarding work jargon Regina threw around and "I don't get it" regarding Emma's issues in class. We are just in a new dynamic. We just need to get this graduation out of the way. Things will get better once we are on the same page again.

Regina opens her eyes again and gives Andrew a glaring look that made it seem like she would rip out his heart and crush it right there, "We're doing fine"

Andrew picks up the hint and scurries away after stuffing his face with a cookie.

"Are you ready, darling?" Cora places a hand on Regina's shoulder.

She turns to face her mother who has an annoying smirk on her face. "Yes, Mother. I've been ready," she answers with disdain. She's definitely testing me, but at least we'll be on our way now. And at least she is being supportive of Emma and me.

"Megan Stanley…" the president reads off the names of the graduates.

Emma again quickly looks back to where Granny and Ruby are seated. Still no Regina and her mom. Her eyes begin to sting and fill with moisture. I suppose they stood me up. I knew that I wasn't good enough.

"Emma Swan"

Granny, Ruby, and Belle yell, "Woo!" and clap loudly for Emma. The blonde rubs her eyes to try to get rid of the moisture. She throws on a fake smile and waves to the small group supporting her as she stands to receive her diploma.

She reaches the stairs. Don't trip. Don't trip. She echoes in her mind. She successfully climbs the stairs and takes the diploma from the president who whispers, "Congratulations, Miss Swan" in her ear while shaking her hand. Then she hears clapping and her name being yelled out again.

"Emma! Woo! You did it! I love you!"

Emma shoots her glance up the bleachers to see Regina yelling down at her. The blonde's face turns bright red and her heart warms immensely. She made it. Regina's mother covers her face and steps back from Regina causing Emma to laugh. She blows a kiss up towards the brunette. She play catches it and places it on her cheek. Emma stands staring with a goofy grin on her face.

The president clears his throat and instructs, "Take a seat, Miss Swan"

Emma nods her head and begins to walk back to her chair. People in the venue laugh at their moment, but she doesn't care. All that matters is that Regina made it. For her. Even if things have been difficult, she still cares about me and I care about her.

"Em! Congrats!" Ruby jumps next to the blonde after the ceremony.

"Thanks, Rubes. Where's Regina?" Emma's neck cranes looking around the brunette for her girlfriend. "Did she leave or something?" she frowns.

"No, of course not. I think she just went outside to get some air. It's fucking hot in here dude!" Ruby wipes her brow of sweat.

"Okay, I'll talk to you later!" Emma calls out as she jogs away and exits the building.

Once outside she turns and looks all around the area. She finally spots familiar brunette hair.

"Regina!" Emma calls out, waving.

The brunette turns around and her face lights up as Emma approaches her. They kiss slowly taking their time to enjoy each other. They press their foreheads together, "Emma, I'm so proud of you, dear"

"Thanks. I couldn't have done it without you, babe"

*6 Months Later*

"Emma, what the fuck?" Regina screams at the blonde who sits on the couch staring straight ahead at the television.

"Since when do you say fuck, Regina? What did I do this time?" Emma sighs. She continues to stare at the television. I can't catch a break.

"Since it is necessary," she steps in front of the television and takes hold of the blonde's face forcing her to look at her, "Emma, you've been sitting on that couch for months. You said you would look for a better job so that you can help me when we moved out of the upstairs of Granny's, but you still sit there and I'm still taking care of everything. You're better than this! If I would've known…"

Emma snarls and pushes the brunette's hands away from her face. She doesn't fucking understand. I can't just get a fancy ass career fucking handed to me. She stands up and crosses her arms.

"If you would've known what, Regina? Known that I'm a loser? Then you wouldn't have wanted to be with me?" Emma challenges.

Regina shakes her head, "No". Her eyes begin to water.

"Yeah, I think that's exactly what you meant. I get it," the blonde throws her hands up in surrender, "I'll go"

Emma grabs her jacket and stomps towards the door. Regina stands frozen. Tears pour onto her cheeks. Emma grabs the door knob to leave, but Regina snaps out of it and runs after the blonde.

"Emma, wait!" she yells in desperation. Her hand reaches out to grab the blonde's shoulder, but thinks better of it. Her hands fall to her side.

Emma turns to face her with fury in her eyes, but as soon as she sees Regina's face her anger melts as she realizes how much she's hurt the woman she is suppose to be there for. She sees chocolate eyes that radiate pure sadness at the thought of her walking out the door. It's not necessary or right to run away from her.

Moisture fills the blonde's eyes and her bottom lip begins to quiver. She wraps her arms around the brunette in a hug and she feels Regina fall into her. I made a promise that I wouldn't leave her, but I almost broke it. Fuck.

"Babe, I'll try harder. I promise. I'm so sorry"

Large tears fall into brunette hair as they remain in the embrace.

"Okay. I believe in you, dear"

*2 and a Half Years Later*

Regina squints as they re-enter the familiar town, "I thought we were going on vacation, dear. Why are we back here?"

"We are, but I just thought we could make a pit stop first," the blonde smirks as she drives past the campus where Emma's old dorm used to be.

They eventually pull out front of Granny's restaurant. They sit in the car reminiscing of the past. Some great times here. Memories of making breakfast together for the first time. Memories of first learning goofy habits like Regina's neat freak cleaning sprees and Emma's need to keep the television on for "background noise". Memories of Emma's time working here getting terrified by Ruby jumping around corners at her. Getting slapped by Regina's mother here. She almost laughs out loud at the thought of the older woman having done that since she has finally become a true supporter of the couple.

The two women come to visit almost every month to catch up with Cora. She truly learned to respect them after all this time. She finally realized that there was no "phase". There was no gold digging. There was, and always will be, only love between Regina and Emma.

They had decided after their argument, that almost caused them to breakup, to move out of town to try their relationship in a new setting a few towns over. To start over and build their lives together just the two of them. It had been a success. Emma found a great job as a national park ranger. She loves being outdoors and the freedom to roam around the land. Sometimes they make her work behind a desk, but she can handle that since it's such a small part of the job. It suits her adventurous side and she knows that she made the effort herself. That she earned it and can contribute.

Regina had decided to pursue teaching and was offered a position teaching elementary school students. The kids make her smile. They make goofy expressions and look up to her as if she is their world for the moment. They warm her heart and she feels joy in seeing them learn.

Emma takes Regina's hand, "You want something to eat?"

Regina rolls her eyes playfully and grins, "Sure, dear"

They step out of the car. Emma's heart instinctively beats faster as her nerves build. Granny, Ruby, and Belle say they have everything set up. Beautiful flowers and our favorite meals already sitting at our table. The old apartment unlocked with romantic decorations like roses spread out on the bed. Most importantly their promise to stay out of our hair. She giggles to herself and pats the inside of her jacket making sure she didn't forget her most important part. She feels relief. The small box is still there.

Emma reaches out to open the door to the restaurant. She looks into chocolate eyes, "You ready?"

Regina gives her a confused look, "Yes, of course, dear. It's just Granny's"

Emma laughs to herself as she opens the door. I hope she won't be thinking that after tonight.

*5 years later*

"Auntie Em! Auntie Em!" Ruby and Belle's 5 year old daughter, Aubrey, calls out. The little girl jumps onto Emma's lap and throws her arms around her neck.

Ruby and Belle adopted the little girl just two years earlier.

Emma rolls her eyes at the couple as they laugh, "Really guys? I think she's been watching too much Wizard of Oz"

"What she loves it! You'll understand soon" Ruby responds with a smirk.

The blonde sticks her tongue out at them.

"Now, now, dear. Be good," Regina places a hand on Emma's shoulder.

Emma stands and gives the brunette a peck on the lips. She places a hand on her wife's just visible pregnant belly.

"I love you so much"

"I love you too"

They pull into a more passionate kiss. Regina drags her tongues across the blonde's bottom lip causing Emma to softy moan.

Ruby whispers something in her little girl's ear with a wolfish grin.

Aubrey nods and suddenly yells, "Get a room!"

Emma and Regina pull apart. A devious smirk forms across Emma's lips and she rushes to the little girl to begin a tickle war.

Regina can't hold back her smile as she watches her wife and their friends' little girl play together. She places a hand on her stomach. She's going to be a great mom.

*7 Years Later*

Regina bends down to meet their son face to face, "Henry, be a good boy. Remember to share and play nice with the other kids. Okay, dear?"

The little boy nods and hugs his mother. Regina's eyes fill with tears. Memories flash through her mind. Holding him for the first time while Emma smiled proudly over her hospital bed. She and Emma having to stay up all night as he fussed and cried. The first time he escaped from his crib and settled in between his two mothers in their bed. Now he's starting kindergarten?

The bus pulls up next to the stop and other parents begin to lead their children to the doors as they open. Regina continues to hug their little boy. Emma shuffles her feet. Fuck, I'm not even going to get to say anything to him at this rate. She bends down and puts her arms around her wife and their son. She lets go, but they still remain in the position. Henry's little face is totally squished against her mother's shoulder. Emma looks around. All the other parents have already begun to leave. The bus driver clears his throat and gives the blonde a dirty look. Emma taps Regina's shoulder and she finally pulls away and stands up.

Emma softly says, "Babe, the bus is going to leave him"

Regina nods and the two women lead their boy to the bus. They give him final kisses and the bus drives away.

Regina collapses into Emma's embrace and her shoulders begin to quake as she softly cries. Emma tries to soothe the brunette by running her fingers through her hair.

They break and begin to walk hand in hand back to their home. Emma reassures her wife, "He'll be fine. I'm sure he'll have a great first day. He does have us for parents after all"

Regina smiles through her soft sobs, "You're right, dear"

At the end of the school day the two women wait again at the bus stop. Their faces lighten up as the little boy rushes off the bus with a huge grin on his face. He runs towards them and they greet him with a hug.

"How was your day, kiddo?" Emma asks as they begin to walk back home. Henry walks in the middle of the two holding both of their hands.

He rambles on and on excitedly about playing blocks, recess with his new friends, the alphabet song, and many more fun times about his first day of school.

As soon as Emma opens the door for her family they're attacked by a jumpy mutt with slobbery kisses. The little boy laughs, "Buddy!". He escapes and grabs a toy from a basket and begins playing tug of war with the dog.

Regina and Emma watch their son from a few steps away.

"Thanks for letting me get him a dog, babe. It's good to teach responsibility from an early age," she smirks at the brunette while putting an arm around her.

Regina rolls her eyes, "Please, dear. I know you were the one begging for it, not Henry"

Emma jokingly gasps, "I'd never!"

Regina kisses Emma's cheek lovingly and the blonde leans into her. I never want this to end.