I don't own these characters. Disney/ABC does.

5: Starting Fresh

Regina sighed and allowed herself to relax as best she could against Emma while Henry was out. Cuddling was something she only did with Emma, even back during their one nightstand. It was as frightening as it was comforting. She was in Emma's lap, Emma's hand on the small of her back, drawing circles on her skin. She buried her face in Emma's neck, breathing in her scent, which helped keep her sane. This would be delightful if only their son was not out in the world, pissed at both of them.

Emma was confident he would be back, that he would not want to be without Regina. Of course, Regina was skeptical. She remembered the scornful looks she got when he decided she was not his real mother. She shivered at the memory of his cold shoulder.

"It'll be okay." Emma kissed the top of her head.

"You don't know that. You weren't there when an eight year old, who I managed to carry in a womb I purposely poisoned, screamed at me that I wasn't his real mom," Regina replied. It was like a twisting stab wound each and every time he looked at her. The pain was back full force.

"I'm sorry he said that and I know it hurt, but he was eight. I'm not saying twelve is super-mature, but he's not the spoiled kid who thought you were the worst because you didn't have any pregnancy pictures. And why didn't you have any pregnancy pictures?" Emma asked.

"Who did I know that would take them? I was a stranger in a strange city and we both know I'm not particularly trusting or friendly. People weren't really doing pregnancy shoots at the time, so it didn't cross my mind." She had been so awed by her pregnancy, it did not even occur to her to take pictures. Who would have thought she would later need proof her son was her son? Shouldn't raising him be more than enough?

Emma sighed. "Yeah, but it would've been nice to see you all knocked up with my pup." She stroked Regina's flat belly.

Regina sucked her teeth. "I'm sure you'd have strutted around like an idiot alpha."

"Uh, yeah. I knocked up the sexiest, smartest woman I'd ever met. I gotta be proud of that."

Regina chuckled. Emma was trying to distract her and she appreciated the effort. It reminded her of all those years ago, sitting in that depressing, dank dive bar, not knowing what her next move would be. She was probably one bad thought away from crying in her drink, or worse. Then, Emma showed up with her odd charm, enchanting scent, and Regina dared to think she was smitten.

"It'll be okay," Emma repeated, rubbing Regina's back. It was soothing, but Henry was still out there, possibly hating them.

It was after midnight when they heard the door open. Henry came back in and sat down in the armchair across from them. He stared at them and they stared back. Regina's heart was in her throat and her stomach was in her feet. One word from Henry and she was certain she would die on the spot, but she also felt a little confident. He came back.

"I don't know what to think about this. I've been trying to understand, but I don't get it. Why didn't you just tell me? Why'd you have to pretend?" Henry asked.

"I tried to tell you," Regina answered in a low voice. "When you first came to the conclusion you were adopted. I tried to tell you and you thought I was just making it up, trying to make you crazy." Liar echoed through her mind. Her baby at just eight years old had looked at her with hate, called her a liar, and lost all faith in her. This was long before that damned storybook.

Henry bit his lip and nodded. "I remember. We had a big fight. I called you a liar."

He called her that a lot. He was not wrong. She lied the biggest to him and the most to Emma. The two people she did not want to lose. She could easily show the rest of the world her ass and let them kiss it, but never Emma and Henry. Unfortunately, she did not know how to go about treating them with the care, respect, and most of all, the love they deserved.

Henry's gaze shifted to Emma. "And what about Dad? Why did he say he was my dad if he knew he had never been with you?"

Emma shook her head. "Me and Neal… We were crazy kids. Me because I was a teenager who had never been free until I finally got myself out of the system and him, I'm assuming because Neverland messed him up, and we drank because that's what crazy kids do. He drank a lot more than me. There were plenty of times he passed out in bed, curled up next to me, both drunk as skunks. I'm sure there were nights when he blacked out and liked to fill in the blanks when he woke up in his underwear. But, Neal was an alpha and I'm an alpha. Our equipment matched, so there's no way he's your father. I didn't trust Neal enough to know I was an alpha."

Even though Regina knew she was one of the very few people to know Emma was an alpha, it still touched her to hear how much Emma trusted her. Emma did not even tell Neal about her sexual status and Neal was her first love to hear her tell it. Regina had some suspicions about Lily, but Emma never confirmed any affection there. She did make it quite clear Lily did not know she was an alpha, though. Hook was also clueless about Emma's status.

"But, you trust Mom to know?" Henry asked.

The question made Regina wince. It was an honest question, but his cocked eyebrow did not help. He thought so low of her and heaven forbid when he finally presented. If he was an alpha, he would never see her as anything less than an object since he knew she was an omega. She had lost her son a long time ago.

Emma held Regina tighter. "Of course I trust Regina to know. I also trust Regina to save my life, which she does time and time again. I can't say the same for Neal. In the end, yes, he did the right thing, but he's done me more harm than good in my life. He took care of me in all the wrong ways. I think if I let your mom, she'll take care of me in all the right ways."

"I will," Regina vowed. She would spend the rest of her life trying to make up for the things she had done to Emma, things the world had done to Emma, especially if this situation did not implode in their faces.

Henry shook his head. "I don't understand. I mean, I don't get why you're ashamed of who you are. Why do you pretend to be something you're not?"

"Because we don't want to be weak or thrown away," Emma said.

"But, you're not weak and we'd never throw you away," Henry insisted.

Regina held in a flinch. She had reinforced the worse lesson Emma learned in life, but Henry did not know that. Did he need to know that? She looked at Emma.

"I'm learning I'm not a throwaway," Emma said and Regina breathed a sigh of relief.

"And neither of you is weak," Henry said.

Regina shook her head. "My entire life I was taught being a lady meant wielding power from the shadows, never show your strength. Then, I presented as an omega and I learned being an omega meant having to submit to not just alphas, but betas as well. You wanted to be on their good side, lest you incur their wrath. There weren't even shadowy places for me to wield power now."

Regina paused for a moment, remembering back when she presented. It was like the world fell apart. She would never be free of her mother now. Someone would always control her. Emma gave her a gentle squeeze, bringing her out of her thoughts.

"I was to be a compliant, complacent, and always obedient or there would be consequences from those bigger, stronger, and always more powerful. I mostly worried about alphas." She gave Emma a quick glance and got a tight smile in return. Emma mostly worried about alphas, too.

Henry's brow furrowed. "Why?"

Regina sighed. "They controlled my life in ways you wouldn't even be able to imagine. I never had a say in anything, not what I wore or ate. I was trained that this would always be the way, as it was the way of an omega. This was the way nature intended things. Most of the time, even what I read was picked for me unless I was in hiding somewhere, holding onto my own contraband." Mother had actually been pleased when she presented as an omega. Mother made sure she was well versed in the expected behaviors of an omega queen married to an alpha ruler, as alphas preferred omegas as mates. She smuggled other literature, hiding it in the wildest places where her imagination could stretch and roam free. "When I got the chance, I promised myself I would never be that way again. I would never be controlled, forced to submit."

Emma scowled and held Regina a little tighter. "Being an alpha cost me a good home and I got sent to an alpha group home, and I didn't like what I saw. Alphas are pushy bullies and they bully each other the worst. They always feel like omegas and betas already know their places, but they want alphas to know who is in charge. They want to be the alpha of all the alphas. They fight, lie, and cheat each other all the time. They try to force betas and omegas to do what they want and they act like betas and omegas belong to them. I didn't want that life. I didn't want to own anyone or lord over anyone. I just wanted to be wanted."

Regina's heart clenched to the point she feared she might have a heart attack. Emma was too sweet and each reminder that she hurt her would pain Regina for years to come. I will heal those wounds within her.

Henry's face scrunched up. "But… not all alphas are like that. And, Mom, come on, you know all omegas don't have to submit. I mean, look at you."

Regina shook her head. "The first half of my life I had it beaten into me that omegas are submissive. They follow, they obey, and they are punished when they don't. If they behave, an alpha will take care of them. But, above all else, an alpha will treat an omega how they deserve. It's hard to change that, even as I get older, even as I change realms and began to see things differently."

This world was different from the Enchanted Forest, but there were still stereotypes and prejudices. Yes, an omega was allowed to go out and live her life, but it was frowned upon. Omegas should be at home, having babies, and taking care of the house, especially female omegas. Male omegas were more open here, but tended to hide as long as they could, just like in the Enchanted Forest. It was fine to chase a dream, but it was looked down on. Independence was tolerated, but still considered unacceptable and often privately shamed whenever possible. But, at least, they were allowed to have dreams and pursue them, allowed to live on their own, and able to support themselves. In the Enchanted Forest, even an omega's dreams were to be locked away, contained, and destroyed if necessary to get the omega to submit.

"Does Emma force you to be submissive?" Henry asked.

"Never," Regina answered quickly. The most Emma ever did was request her to get on her hands and knees, their first time together and also during her heat. When she refused, Emma moved on. Emma never pressed her in bed. Outside of the bedroom, Emma challenged her when they were in each other's faces, but nothing she would consider true disrespect to her status. Emma did not treat her like she had been taught an omega was to be treated, like she was used to alphas treating her before she became the alpha of alphas.

"And, Emma, it seems like you like getting in Mom's face and making her blood pressure go through the roof. But, I don't think you bully her. Actually, I don't think you can bully her, but you like pushing her and I think she likes it. Maybe you like to see if there's limits or something. Do you feel wanted with Mom and that's why you're able to do stuff like that?" Henry asked.

Emma smiled. "I'm getting there, but I do like that I can get in your mom's face and not worry about outright rejection." Except that one time.

That was not the ringing endorsement Regina would have liked, but it was more than she deserved and that was her fault. She needed to make Emma understand she did want her, she always wanted her, but first they had to get through this thing with Henry. She would then spend the rest of her life making sure Emma knew she was wanted and she was part of a family. It was all Regina ever wanted, too.

"So, why did you decide to tell me now?" Henry asked.

"Well, things are calm and you deserve to know the truth," Emma replied.

"Emma wanted to tell you as soon as we could. I was the one who held back," Regina said. No reason for them both to get in trouble over her decision, no need to risk Henry rejecting Emma because of her.

"Why?" Henry pressed her with a hard glare.

Regina's heart leaped in her throat and she had to swallow before she could manage an answer, even with a pain in her chest. "Because I didn't want you to know I was an omega. I didn't want to face the look of disappointment and shame on your face when you realized you were my biological child." Henry had hated her with such a passion for a good portion of his life and she could not stand the thought of more negative feelings. She would take his indifference over his loathing any day of the week.

"Mom," Henry said. "I…" He took a deep breath and leaned over, putting his hand on her knee. "I'm not disappointment in you. I'm not disappointed to be your child. I'm not ashamed to be your child. Not just biology, but in general. No matter what, you're my mom."

Regina could not hold back a sob. She took his hand in both of hers as tears poured down her face. She had fully expected to lose Henry tonight.

"I thought I screwed this whole thing up!" Regina wailed, leaning against Emma, but holding Henry's hand tightly.

Henry shook his head. "No matter what, you're my mom." He gave her hand a squeeze. "I'm not okay with you lying to me, but you tried to tell me the truth and I wasn't open to hearing it. No matter what, you're both always my moms and I know you'd both do anything for me and for each other. I just… I don't like the lies." He pulled a face like he tasted something sour.

"We know," Emma replied.

"I know I've said in the past I'd be honest with you and then we do this, but this is the only thing left as a secret, Henry, and it was only because you wouldn't listen before. I was scared of how you'd react when I brought it up again. But, I've been holding us all back. I want us to move forward now," Regina said.

"You mean… like a family?" Henry asked with wide, hopeful eyes.

Regina looked at Emma, who smiled. Regina thought back to a bright-eyed teenager from a lifetime ago, her and her stable boy with plans of having a home and being a family. Maybe she did not get that with her stable boy, but she did with Emma. Emma was always there and Emma had given her Henry.

"So, you're not mad anymore?" Emma asked.

"Oh, I'm pissed," Henry stated. "But, I have to take some of the blame. I jumped to conclusions and didn't want to hear anything else. Maybe back then, I just wanted to believe I was adopted, not related to the Evil Queen." He stared into Regina's eyes. "But, you're so much more than the Evil Queen now. You're my mom and you've always been my mom. I got it in my head since I was right about the Curse, I'm right about everything. But, clearly, I've still got a lot to learn about being a detective." He chuckled.

"Batman you are not, but it's okay. We don't want Batman." Emma reached out and rubbed his arm.

"Of course not. For me to be Batman, you guys would have to be dead and I don't want that," Henry replied. There was a moment of silence and he drew in a breath. "So, what now?"

Emma looked around at mother and son. "Now, we take it day by day. We spend time together. We do the family thing."

Henry nodded to them. "So, then you guys are dating or are you like my two divorced moms?"

"We're going to try dating. Emma and I have something that should be explored," Regina said. That was putting it mildly.

Emma nodded. Regina felt like she could breathe easy now. Henry was upset, but he was home. Emma wanted to date her. She had not chased away her chance at happiness. She had a chance to make things right.

"Henry, we do ask that you not tell anyone else about this, though. We're not ready for the world to know our statuses yet," Regina said.

"Yeah," Emma chimed in.

Henry shook his head. "I don't see how I'd end up talking about my mothers' sex status with anyone else, but yeah, I'm not going to tell anyone. I mean, it's gross, first off, and private, second off."

"Yeah, parents sex is the grossest." Emma's face twisted a bit.

"Oh, yeah, you know first hand," Henry said.

Regina blinked. "I don't even want to know. Henry, I don't want you to walk away from this talk troubled over your own status. When you do present…" She blinked. "You haven't already, have you?" She had missed a year of his life. Yes, he was only twelve, but he could have presented early. It was not rare for children as young as ten to present in the Enchanted Forest. Hell, she presented at eleven! Scent changed, stares came, and she could not figure out why the hell everyone smelled so odd. Had she missed her chance to guide her baby through that?

Henry jumped back. "No, Mom! Ew!"

"Okay, okay, okay." Regina held up her hands in surrender. "No matter what your status, you're still who you are. You're you."

"This is what your mom and I are just now learning," Emma said.

Henry nodded. "I get it. You guys had to deal with a lot of stereotypes and negative impressions about who you are. I never get that from you, though. So, can we try the chili dog dinner tomorrow?"

Regina laughed. "We can have chili dogs whenever you two want." She would feed them chili dogs everyday if it made them happy. Well, that was how she felt right now. She knew once she got comfortable, she would try to get their diets in order.

Henry grinned. "I think I'm gonna like this."

Regina smiled. The conversation faded there and they sat quietly for a few minutes before Henry dismissed himself. He went up to his room. Regina sighed, feeling tension finally unwind from her entire body.

"I thought he'd run away and never come back," Regina whispered.

"Regina, no matter what, you're his mom. I saw him when I had him after you gave him to David. I saw how much he tried to hate you because you're the Evil Queen, but he had to put so much effort into it. I saw how it hurt him. God, when I messed up and told him you killed Archie, it was enough to crush his chest. And the moment we found out Archie was alive and it wasn't you, there was such light in his eyes. It's because he loves you so much. You're his mother," Emma said.

Regina rubbed her eyes. "Yes, but in the past, it hasn't helped. Before you came along and he got it in his head that he was adopted and I was a liar, he'd go days without talking to me. He'd glare at me like he hated me and I knew that look. I have spent a great portion of my life receiving such looks." She had not realized it during her time as the Evil Queen, but the looks bothered her. Once her son showed his hatred of her, though, it cemented the idea she was unlovable and undeserving of love, of a Happy Ending. She went through the motions, she scratched and clawed like she wanted it, but Emma's blood was proof, she did not desire happiness, not until now. Maybe she still did not know how to be happy, not in long intervals. She was more than willing to learn now.

"He doesn't hate you. His life has changed and it's just going to take him some time to deal with it. Just like it'll take us some time to deal with the fact that we're able to slip by each other's defenses. It's not a bad thing. It's just different."

Regina nodded and tucked her head under Emma's chin, feeling her heart beat. It was soothing along with her scent and the rise and fall of her chest. It was perfect. "I still think about that night." After they slept together, had what was supposed to be a one-night-stand, she had taken a moment to rest against a sleeping Emma and just listen to her heartbeat, hear her breathing, and took in her wonderful aroma. She would never forget the peace it brought her.

Emma's fingers ran up and down Regina's arms. "Me, too. Being with you felt so… right. I wasn't surprised you were gone when I woke up, but I was really disappointed, really sad. I don't know what I thought would happen." She laughed a little. "We'd wake up together and I'd take you to get pancakes at this spot I know and learn your life story and hopes and dreams and we'd run away together and have a dozen kids."

Regina shook her head. "You had only just gotten out of prison three months prior and you had a lifetime of being in the system still on your shoulders. You were still sowing your wild oats." Emma had not said that, but she could gleam it from the dirt Sydney dug up on the sheriff.

"I'd have given it all up for you, but, yeah, I probably wasn't ready for a baby and everything. I'm ready now. I'm ready for you and I'm ready for him." Emma kissed the side of her head.

Regina laughed. "You're ready for the sex."

Emma grinned. "Well, that, too, and someone mentioned pancakes."

"That was you."

"I'm just saying there were pancakes in the deal."

Regina chuckled. "You're not funny." She would make pancakes in the morning.

Emma gasped and drew back just enough to put her hand on her chest in fake-offense. "What? I had you laughing that night. Sure, you had two whiskeys and three tequilas in your little body, but I was funny as hell that night."

Regina shook her head. "Are you staying tonight?"

"Whenever you'll have me."

"No more being alone, no more feeling unwanted," Regina promised. Emma kissed her forehead.

-8-8-8-8-

There were pancakes in the morning, which made it way easier to put up with Zelena's teasing about Regina making Emma's favorite breakfast and how Regina had not let her in the other day and how Regina vanished for two days. It was probably really funny, as Zelena could be when she got on a roll. She assumed something was up with Emma and Regina, which Regina casually confirmed by kissing Emma on the cheek. It made Zelena joke more.

Emma barely heard Zelena's cackling as she feasted on a stack of chocolate chip pancakes with the works. There were bananas slices, strawberries, powdered sugar, syrup, and whipped cream. Amazing. Henry seemed content as well, shoving big bites of pancakes in his mouth.

"I can't hear you over the awesomeness of this breakfast," Emma told Zelena, her mouth full of goodness. She tapped her fork against an empty section of her plate.

"Oh, this isn't even fun!" Zelena threw her hands up and pushing away from the table.

"Maybe you should stop trying to be a pain in the ass," Regina replied. She had fruit for breakfast, but she was too busy feeding Robbie a bottle to eat it.

It hurt Emma a little to watch Regina with Robbie. She missed that time with Henry. Again, she knew she was not ready back then. She was eighteen, fresh out of prison. She did not know who she was and spent a lot of time trying to find herself at parties and the bottom of a bottle for a while. She was in no shape to raise a pup. Even the false memories Regina had given her to care for Henry for the year had not made sense to her when she paused to think about them before her memory came back. Would they get another chance? It was too soon to wonder.

Emma would not mind having another pup, but she was not too sure about Regina. Regina's potion might still be in play and she did not want to make Regina feel any type of way over not being able to have another child. Beyond that, she did not want to make Henry feel less than if they even mentioned the idea. She knew how she felt when Leo came along and she never wanted to put Henry through that. If things went well, though, she would really like to adopt. Hell, maybe they could even take in an alpha kid, make one less jerk alpha in the world.

"These were amazing," Emma groaned as she finished six pancakes. She was full and happy.

"You're a glutton. I don't think I've ever seen a beta put away food like that," Zelena commented.

"I'm assuming you've never met an orphan beta, then," Emma replied. She never met a meal she did not devour. The fact that Regina could cook was a plus.

"No, and I can't picture one with my sister either, yet here we are," Zelena said. These remarks would have been troubling from anyone else, like she was digging. Emma was certain Zelena was just being an asshole and bullshitting, not truly aware of her sex.

Emma rolled her eyes. "Please. I've known her longer than you. I can't picture her hanging out with a crazy person."

"She is a crazy person and she hangs out with you," Zelena countered.

Emma could not argue that. But, they were all crazy people. Despite the teasing, at no point did Zelena disapprove of Emma. She would rather wait to tell her parents about her and Regina. She also would have to talk to Regina about if they would reveal Henry's parentage to their close family.

For now, she just wanted to take Regina out. She wanted to date Regina and she knew the first place they would go. Hopefully, Regina would go for it.

-8-8-8-8-

"A stroll in the park, Miss Swan? You truly are a romantic," Regina remarked as they walked hand in hand through Crane Park. After pancakes that morning, it was a busy day for Regina, but she still allowed Emma to take her on their first date… or maybe their second date. It depended on who was counting.

It was a nice night with the stars out, which was perfect. Even though it was warm, Emma put her jacket on Regina's shoulders and Regina allowed it. It was not until it was done that Emma realized it could be seen as a sign of ownership. She did not mean it that way, but Regina did not seem to mind. Emma preened inside as Regina tugged the jacket closer.

Emma pulled Regina a little closer, feeling slightly dizzy from the scent of her. It was not like when Regina was in heat, now subtle and sweet, still enough to make Emma feel drunk if she let it. "Oh, you haven't seen my romantic side yet." She wiggled her eyebrows.

"That only works when I'm three sheets to the wind and heartbroken over being told no over adopting a child," Regina said.

Emma laughed. "Don't those guys look stupid?"

Regina smiled. "It was the first time being assumed an alpha backfired on me."

"Again, don't those guys look stupid?"

"You're just trying to sweet talk me. Again, that only works when I'm three sheets to the wind."

Emma made a show of patting down her jean pockets. "I have to have tequila in here. I never leave home without it."

Regina snickered and that was enough for Emma. She led Regina to a hilltop and they sat down. Regina actually sat in dirt for her, without being plastered. That was love as far as Emma was concerned. Keeping in the spirit of the night, the date part of the first time they met, Regina pointed out constellations for her. It was as enchanting now as it was then, with the added part that Regina added a magic lesson in. If Emma was not smitten before, she would have fallen face first into love right now.

"Do you feel kind of a buzz between us while you do the light show?" Emma asked, her arms full of Regina as the mayor made light models of the constellations in front of them to help Emma find them in the grander sky.

"I assume it's our pheromones, enjoying our blend. Possibly our magic mingling now that we've become closer. There are a number of possibilities," Regina replied.

"It's a nice."

Regina only nodded, but that was more than enough for Emma. Is this what it's like to have a mate? Emma would not bring that up for a while. She wanted to let them grow organically. But, if they should happen to fall in bed at any point in time, well, that would be a bonus. But, it did not happen that night, which was fine.

-8-8-8-8-

Ever since Regina broke down and opened up to Emma, she stayed at the mansion. It made sense when she moved in a few weeks later, but Regina's heart swelled. Emma already practically lived there before she made it official. Her clothes were already in half of the closet and half of the dresser drawers. Her makeup items took up a corner of the vanity and her toiletries had their place in the en-suite bathroom. She did not own a great deal of furniture, but items she wanted to keep found a home in the mansion. Regina let her bring in her television and put it in their bedroom. They would not benefit from that tonight. Regina had other plans.

First things first, Regina made sure to kick Zelena out at a reasonable hour. If she did not, Zelena would stay until she was all but asleep on the couch. Of course, Zelena did not appreciate the treatment and made all kinds of comments. Regina did not care, as long as her sister vacated the house immediately.

Next, Regina soundproofed the bedroom, slipped into something more comfortable, and lit candles she had around the room. She sat on the edge of the bed, waiting for Emma. Emma wanted to make sure the place was locked up and make sure Henry did not stay up all night reading, which seemed to be his favorite hobby. There were much worse things he could do, so Regina did not bother him over it and she suspected Emma used the check in to talk him about whatever might be on his mind. When she came in, Regina wanted to make sure the sight that greeted her gave Emma plenty to think on, but no time to react. Her robe was tied loosely with a good hint of her breasts.

"Regina, can you believe our kid is actually reading Othello as a bedtime story?" Emma stepped inside the room, attention still out in the dark hallway, though. Then, she turned to see Regina and her eyes went wide. "Uh, whoa."

"Yes, whoa." Regina smirked. "I thought we could celebrate you living here."

Emma grinned and wiggled her eyebrows. "And what do you have in mind?"

Regina beckoned her with a crooked finger. "Come and find out."

She did not need to tell Emma twice. Emma shut the door and rushed over, hands on the knot of the robe and lips all over Regina's exposed neck. Regina could not hold back the soft moan that escaped her lips. Emma dragged her teeth down Regina's neck, sending all sorts of delightful jolts down her spine. She did not even realize Emma untied the robe.

"It's like opening a birthday present," Emma said and then she stepped back to see what awaited her. "Oh, my goodness. Happy birthday to me."

"More like welcome home," Regina replied.

Emma rolled her eyes. "More like oh happy day."

Regina shrugged the robe all the way off, so Emma could get a look at her lingerie. Emma exhaled through her mouth as she took in the sight of powder blue lace. She cupped Regina's breast and a thumb lightly caressed her nipple through the fabric as Emma stared.

"I always figured you for a leather corset type of woman," Emma said.

"Oh, I have plenty of leather and corsets. You'll see those later. I thought you'd like this first," Regina replied.

Emma nodded. "Feels really nice."

Regina put her hand on Emma's stomach and then eased it down until she was right where they both wanted her. Emma's breath caught in her throat. Regina smiled as she gave a light squeeze and felt a twitch from Emma.

"It does. I was hoping you'd give it to me," Regina said.

Emma grinned. "Oh, I will give it all to you."

"That's what I'm hoping." Regina purred.

Emma was in a show-not-tell mood and kissed Regina, hot and heavy. The feel of her lips and tongue made Regina want to give Emma any and everything she might desire. But, then again, Regina felt like that most of the time now.

Regina pushed her robe out of the way while Emma's fingers flicked her nipple, first over her bra and then under. Regina moaned into Emma's mouth, savoring the taste and feel as her mind swam, overcome by Emma. She felt a hand on her back, knowing Emma was going for her bra strap. She focused on Emma's lips and tongue, wanting to make it last, wanting to make it memorable. Emma could sort out the issue with the bra.

Emma pulled back to take away the bra and pull off her own shirt. While she was busy with that, Regina moved to the next phase of her plan. She climbed onto the bed, hands and knees, ass pointed at Emma.

"Miss Swan," Regina said.

"Yeah, gimme a—" Emma might have swallowed her tongue. Regina glanced over her shoulder to see. Emma's eyes were wide open and her mouth was open wide enough to draw flies. "Regina, you sure?"

Regina wiggled her ass. "Hands and knees." She needed Emma to understand the level of trust she had in her.

"And you're not in heat or drunk, right?"

"I am perfectly fine and I want you right now. So, get over here and give it to me." Besides, Regina would not do this if she were drunk. That was a proven fact. The heat thing… well, that should have been a major clue as to how much she needed Emma.

Emma growled and snatched Regina's panties off of her. Her hands wandered Regina's body as she kissed down Regina's spine. The gentle sweep and care of those callused fingers set Regina's blood on fire and made her pulse with desire. Regina groaned as Emma's hands settled at her breasts, pinching just right.

Regina was not sure how and she knew she would not be able to figure it out now, but Emma always knew the right way to touch her. Even that first night, though they barely knew each other's names, Emma managed to knead her breasts and pull her nipples just the way she liked it. She licked her lips as one hand released her and slid down her belly. She wiggled in anticipation, nerves jumping and tingling, as Emma settled between her legs.

"Oh, god!" Regina's back bent as Emma stroked her clit just right. "You're so perfect. So perfect." It was like Emma was made for her, on so many levels.

"You taste so good," Emma muttered in between her shoulder blades, lips and tongue playing along Regina's back.

"Please, Emma." Regina pushed back, trying to press her body into Emma's form.

"You like being on your hands and knees for me?"

Regina sucked her teeth, even as pleasure rippled through her with each swipe to her clit. "I would like it a lot more if you did something."

Emma smacked her ass. "Like that?"

"You hit me like that again and you'll be on your hands and knees." Of course, that was little more than a dare for Emma to do it again and it was good enough to pull another moan from her. Emma gave her one more slap and then pulled away. "Emma Swan, I swear if you don't do something," she growled.

Regina swallowed the rest of her threat as Emma slipped a finger inside of her. It felt good, but she wanted so much more. She clutched Emma's finger as the sheriff moved in and out at a slow pace. Emma gave her ass another smack and her back another kiss.

"You like that?" Emma asked, sounding very smug.

Yes! "You know what I'd like more," Regina growled.

"You'll get it when I give it to you." Emma gave Regina another smack and then added a finger.

Regina cooed and fell forward a bit. Little spots danced before her eyes for a second as her body shuddered with delight. She licked her lips and focused on Emma's excellent fingers, touching her as she needed. But, she craved something more substantial and she knew how to get Emma to give it to her.

"Please, please, please. Give it to me. Have me just the way you want me. Have me," Regina purred and she fluttered around Emma's fingers, tugging her in a little deeper. Eventually, she knew the pull would get to Emma, make Emma give in.

The sheriff groaned. "Don't do that."

"What? I just want you inside of me, Emma. Please," Regina said. Emma whimpered and Regina pulled her in deeper still.

"Fuck," Emma hissed.

"Come now, Emma. I'm on my hands and knees for you. Do you really want me to come around your fingers? Such a waste." Regina managed to throw Emma a taunting smirk. She wanted to give Emma a chance to let her alpha come out and play. So far, Emma was mostly playing alpha. She needed a little more to delve deeper.

Emma growled and then her fingers were gone. Regina hardly had a chance to mourn the loss. She felt Emma's tip nudge her and she cried out for it. Emma maintained control, not giving in and pushing inside. Instead, she slid forward, bumping Regina's clit. Regina's body shook with pleasure and promise.

"Please, Emma," Regina breathed. She wanted it and she wanted it now.

"Uh-huh."

Regina glanced behind her, surprised by Emma's lack of a smart response. Emma was flush, veins in her neck straining. She was barely keeping it together.

"Emma, sweetheart, don't hold back. Let go. Give it to me," Regina said. "Because when it's all said and done, you can just do it again."

Emma groaned and pushed inside, filling Regina with ecstasy. Regina hollered and clutched the sheets. Emma felt so good, so perfect. She reached behind her, one hand supporting herself, the other grabbing Emma's ass.

"Tell me when," Emma whispered, holding still until Regina was ready for her. So considerate of Regina, even now.

"Whenever you want. Whenever you need." Regina looked back, connecting with Emma through their eyes. Through the strain, Emma smiled and Regina nodded.

Emma pushed all the way in and Regina felt like all the heavens rushed into her. The pace started slow, obviously for them to savor the moment. Regina pushed back, wanting Emma to pick up speed. Emma breathed out as her hips moved a little faster. She pumped in and out at a good clip, pleasure burning the edges of Regina's nerves.

"Yes, Emma. Yes!" Regina shouted to the heavens, moving back to meet each and every one of Emma's thrusts.

Emma howled and her hips moved ever faster. Regina could hear their skin meeting as well as feel it and each noise made the feel seem all the better. She rippled and jumped with each meeting. She shuddered and fluttered around Emma, who moaned. Emma gripped Regina's hips and yanked her closer. Regina cried out as Emma hit the perfect spot again and again.

"You feel so good," Emma whispered, hand caressing Regina's back before going back to her waist. She pulled Regina to her as if trying to merge.

Regina cried out, rapture under her skin. "So do you!"

Emma plunged forward and hit a keen spot and Regina's back bowed. Her arms felt like jelly and it was harder and harder to keep herself up. And then Emma was gone.

"No, no, no." Regina reached behind her, needing to feel some piece of Emma to get her to come back.

"Turn around," Emma said, voice strained.

Regina let out a long breath. "What?"

"Turn around."

Regina had no choice but to obey. She needed Emma. Emma sat, still hard, and glistening. Regina smirked at the sight and climbed into Emma's lap. Emma wrapped her arms around Regina as she sank down, taking Emma back inside of her. They both cooed as Regina settled, feeling at home.

"Want to see you. Kiss you," Emma said.

"Then kiss me," Regina replied.

Emma smiled and came in for a kiss. Regina did not resist and bucked her hips as her tongue slid against Emma's. Emma's hands found their way to Regina's breasts while Regina put her hands on Emma's shoulders, needing leverage. She rode hard and fast, to the point their kiss broke and ended up being just them panting in each other's faces for a long moment. Emma leaned back in to continue the kiss as Regina's heart rate increased along with her pleasure. Emma tugged her nipple at just the right moment.

"Emma!" Regina's nails dug into Emma's shoulders as stars danced before her eyes. For a moment, the world fell away and the heavens opened up, but her hips did not stop moving.

"You gonna take it?" Emma asked.

For a second, Regina did not know what she meant. "Yes! Give it to me!" She wanted all of Emma.

She held Emma tighter as she felt Emma's knot pressing against her and it made her ripple with pleasure. Emma pushed upward and Regina pressed down, the pressure almost too much for her. Emma finally ran out of patience and shifted, tilting Regina down to the mattress. Her hips moved with determination to give Regina every little bit of her. Regina could not control herself, feeling like she was drowned in pleasure as Emma moaned in her ear, housed fully inside and filling Regina with her essence.

"Oh, yes, yes, yes." Regina felt tears ease from her eyes as she locked her arms and legs around Emma. She would never let her leave.

"You okay?" Emma asked, body still moving, but she was lying on Regina, spent.

Regina played with the hairs on the nape of Emma's neck. "Perfect."

Emma nodded. "You said we can do this again, right?"

Regina laughed until a particularly sharp thrust hit her just right. Her breath hitched and her body quivered. "We have the rest of our lives."

"Good, cuz I'm gonna go to sleep now. Round two when I wake up." And with that, Emma was out, knot still inside Regina, still pulsing and pouring into her.

Regina did not mind. She liked Emma's weight on her. It made her feel safe, secure. It made her… happy. She kissed Emma's cheek.

"You will always be wanted," Regina whispered. Emma smiled in her sleep.

-8-8-8-8-

The End.

Well, folks, we're at the end of another tale. I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading. I'm returning to my padded cell. I hope to see you again for the next story. Come say hi to me on Facebook. Commercial break: this Lunatic is published. Please, go check out my books on Amazon under the name SL Kassidy.