Fourth and (probably) final instalment.

Rated M.

Thanks for the reviews and comments.

"Miss Swan," a gravelly voice croaked, "could you move out of my space so I can breathe?"

Emma let out a huge breath, pulling her head away and then laughed, and laughed and laughed. It was a release of all the tension and self-doubt from the past few years. And she ended up doubled over and wheezing with the effort and still her body tried to laugh some more.

A tight band around her heart, a build-up of the negative energy leaching from Regina snapped, and the blonde felt light headed from the sudden surge of power and positivity that filled her veins. Her heart tripped, tears leaked from her eyes and she felt a small part of herself that had been distant and disconnected slot back into place.

"Oh my god." She stuttered between hiccups of laughter. "It worked." She collapsed into the stone floor, her knees and palms supporting her weight. "Oh my fucking god. Fuck, look at you! Awake." She wheezed some more, "You're fucking awake!" She managed to cough out.

Regina flicked her eyes around. She spent a few seconds watching the blonde, who looked tired and lacked the youthful glow she had had when Regina was first put under the curse. When they had been fighting on a near daily basis and surreptitiously eyeing the other up as a threat.

The older woman looked over her once rival and saw that Emma had changed quite drastically, she still had a beautiful figure, and her laughter lifted Regina's bruised heart, but she looked beaten down and broken. It made Regina feel uncomfortable watching, she felt a responsibility rising within herself, a desire to care for the blonde that worried her. She felt a whole slew of emotions, including guilt that this could have been avoided, and a sympathy she didn't understand filled her.

Rather than address the odd and disconcerting way she felt the brunette cast her eyes further around her surroundings. She focused on the stone walls and the half-light. She lay still and assessed her body which hurt, but as she checked over her stiff limbs she didn't find anything that alarmed her unduly. The burns hadn't manifested physically and she breathed a sigh of relief.

As the minutes stretched and Emma got herself under control Regina tried to speak again. It hurt her throat. "Yes Miss Swan, your powers of observation rival that of your idiot parents. I am awake. I do sincerely hope you haven't been using profanity like that around Henry. Now do you have any water? I have woken with a dire thirst."

Emma stood still for a moment. She couldn't believe she had awoken the woman. With True Love. Her mind tried to run away with that thought and Emma shut it down. She needed a distraction otherwise she felt she might go completely crazy.

She looked away and grabbed her bag from the floor. She had dumped it with her coat when she had entered the room. Now she was glad as she turned away and rummaged to find something for the brunette to drink. Miraculously there was an unopened bottle, but since becoming a mother she tended to have spare tissues, kids pain killers, candy bars for snacking on and the odd bottle of juice or water. And the candy wasn't just for herself, she had learned Henry lost focus or his temper when he was hungry, so carried around more "Mom" supplies than she ever had before.

Emma sat down numbly on the floor as she handed the brunette a sealed water bottle she had managed to dig out of her bag. Regina tipped her head back and swallowed. Emma watched her so she didn't have to process her rampant thoughts about True Love and kisses. She looked at the way brunette hair fell in the dim light and how the older woman's throat worked as she swallowed. Emma knew this wasn't the right type of distraction as she flicked her greedy eyes over the darker features to see the plump lips sealed around the water bottle.

Emma clamped her lips shut around a moan that she felt bubble up her throat. All of her lustful emotions seemed heightened suddenly. The feelings she had punching through her in that moment were strongly sexual and she knew that was inappropriate. She chided herself. The woman has just awoken from a coma, during which she had been experiencing horrific torment and now she was getting eyed up. Emma tamped down her arousal and breathed slowly for a few heartbeats, waiting for the organ to slow and her body to cool. She looked away to divert her thoughts away from anything sexual. As she flicked her eyes back the water bottle was capped and soulful eyes were studying her.

"You don't seem surprised." Emma forced out, to make conversation in the stilted silence and heavy atmosphere. She kept her eyes fastened on Regina's face, to avoid them skimming over the brunette's figure and supplying her with rogue sexual thoughts. As she looked she tried to gauge the expression of the older woman who was wincing as she settling back into a sitting position.

"Henry has been screaming at me from the other side of that godforsaken room to trust you, to believe in you, to believe in magic. I trust our son Miss Swan, so no, I am not surprised."

Emma waited for a thank you, but then remembered this was Regina. She bit her lip, maybe a thank you might come later, it was a hell of a day and they were both probably struggling to think straight. Emma knew she certainly was and she hoped given time Regina might want to thank her. Might want to reach out and heal their somewhat dysfunctional relationship. Or even to start some form of relationship. Maybe that was fanciful, but the blonde wanted to hope.

As she sat in the semi-darkness Emma reviewed Regina's comments, noticing that the woman made no mention of them, of a relationship, of any kind of future or whether any of Emma's own dreams might be real. Was this the rejection Emma had feared? Or was it simply too much, too soon?

Regina shifted her body, clearly uncomfortable and aching, but her face was set. Even after all this time she was still a closed book, giving nothing of her feelings away. She had laid back with her eyes closed, which the blonde knew was always the best way to read Regina. Unfortunately Regina knew her eyes were her biggest weakness too, so had removed them from sight so Emma couldn't even gauge her intentions that way.

Emma sighed in frustration, and dropped her head. She was still tired, the stress had lifted but she wasn't sure what to say or how to progress things with the brunette. She struggled with relationships at the best of times, and there weren't any guide books about reviving a master sorceress and how to then form a connection with her after that. Emma truly was on her own and so she did the safest thing, the thing that would protect her most, she did nothing.

And she argued with herself that she was justified in her inaction because everything the brunette had just said was about Henry, about trust, and a magical love that couldn't be denied as she had been revived because of it. But the quality of that love, well Regina hadn't indicated it was a romantic love, she glossed over it and Emma, although conflicted, let her.

She tried to reason that the brunette had been held in a torturous state for years, had missed her son growing up in that time and would now have a massive adjustment period to life as it had continued without her in her absence. With so much to take in, Regina was probably just being careful, considerate and cautious. And Emma should be understanding and supporting of that. Sitting quietly and doing nothing made sense to her emotionally overloaded brain, so she fiddled with the cuffs of her jeans and breathed in, held it, breathed out.

Regina had a lot to deal with and knowing she was magically connected to her once rival was not going to help. But if Emma didn't push, then Regina could focus on reconnecting with Henry and rebuilding her life. Maybe after some time she could feel comfortable in her life again and once things were ordered and structured then Emma could ask her to address their situation and whether there could be anything more between them.

Emma had to be reasonable, and she recognised that any revelation about love would be a shock to the usually put together and closely guarded woman, who the blonde was well aware had lost a lover in her teenage and developmental years and never fully recovered. Regina had also believed Daniel to be the only one she could ever love, so the situation now was bound to be confusing. Emma had had years to find some clarity and understanding, to expect Regina to wake up and be happy and reciprocating was unfair. And Emma knew it would be selfish to push today when there were so many other things to deal with and confront. So she could give the older woman some time and space over this.

Emma looked away. She found she didn't want to wait, she had wasted enough time. The blonde felt disappointed that she had been pushed away when Regina woke and that there hadn't been another kiss. She understood, she did, but now the brunette was awake she felt certain. After all her denial, she now knew they belonged together.

"How do you feel?" Emma asked to stop the silence eating at her and her thoughts becoming circular and consuming.

"My skin feels dusty." The older woman told her. "But it is an improvement from the ash that was always hanging in the air in that infernal place."

She rubbed her arms with her hands, then continued, "I feel cold as well. I guess it is cool here and after the heat of that room it seems worse than it is. I ache all over and fear whether my body will take my weight when I stand. I suspect it will pass, after all side effects are to be expected. I think I could shower for a week and still feel the cold and dust and the ash."

Emma nodded, swallowing round her guilt. She was certain she had just been given a very sanitised version of how much pain and how awful the brunette actually felt. Truth be told she was shocked at the honesty, the usually stoic and reserved woman rarely admitted there was anything wrong with her. She had told unconscious Regina many things, but she never expected the uptight and closely guarded brunette to ever open up in return.

Emma wondered if Regina had heard any of her speeches, she guessed not, and part of her was glad. But a bigger part shuddered. If they ever explored a relationship, ever became close, Emma would have to retell the brunette all those things, those closely guarded secrets, and relive the pain again. She didn't want to, but she knew they would have to be honest and both talk about their twisted past to create any meaningful future.

"Let me know when you feel ready and I can help you stand. Then I can drive you home and you can shower for as long as you need to." The blonde offered, her mind already spinning about living arrangements and what she was going to do when she drove the woman home.

"Thank you, Miss Swan."

Emma tried not to react to the sound of gratitude, mixed with the old moniker. Regina sounded sincere and yet left Emma wondering about the use of the title. They had just kissed, Regina had opened up a little and yet there was this formality forced into her statement. The woman reminded Emma of a sea shell, an oyster maybe, that had just snapped shut after slowly opening up and exposing her soft centre. Had she wanted Emma to meet her half way? To say something, admit something? Emma didn't know what she was doing, much less what Regina wanted, or was feeling. She had no conversation planned, as was usual she was winging it, and felt like she was floundering. To be honest she was just grateful they were still in the small space, conversing for what passed as normal between them and hadn't resorted to painful insults.

Emma sighed as she realised it looked like neither of them were going to bring it up, they would continue to dance round it, feeling out gently but not addressing it directly. And all the while that happened her emotions were on hold and would remain so because she had used her quota of courage for today. She had reverted when there weren't immediate welcoming open arms, fear of rejection rendering her a scared coward, hiding behind dull, functional questions. She knew it was silly but she felt rejection stinging her and she recoiled from the chance of any more being inflicted. She bit her tongue and buried her questions about love between them. Now wasn't the time.

More silence followed. Regina had reclined and was studying the ceiling of the vault. She could be resting, conserving her energy, fighting the aches in her body. But Emma felt she was withdrawing, trying to think of a way to get out and away from the blonde. Every second that ticked by Emma's hope faded a little more.

Regina broke the silence. "Where is Henry?" The question was filled with concern and more than a little trepidation, which Emma found endearing. She smiled fondly at the woman before sheepishly admitting,

"I didn't tell him I was here. I didn't want to heighten his hopes if it failed. But he will be thrilled about this and trust me if he was here you'd be engulfed in his arms right now."

They shared a soft smile at the thought of Henry, and Emma hoped Regina would be proud of him and recognise she had done her best. She might have failed at loving the brunette in the past few years, but she hadn't completely failed as a parent.

"How long has it been?" The older woman asked.

Emma looked away guiltily, studying the wall and swallowing down the sick feeling.

"Emma." The command was firm but not unkind. "How long have I been under the curse?"

Haunted eyes looked at her, Regina could see the tears shining as Emma told her, "A little less than three years."

She sucked in a breath, but didn't say anything about the new information, Emma clearly blamed herself enough. And while attack and aggression would usually be second nature, somehow during the curse she had been changed. Her anger had sustained her, but it had been drained so that very little remained inside her now. She felt a shadow of herself, but added to that she felt sympathy for the blonde and a swelling in her heart to comfort her rather than scream angrily at her. It must be the True Love bond, which made Regina annoyed. She had enjoyed belittling and shouting at the blonde, it made her feel alive and gave her a purpose. What would she do now if every time she felt torn between mocking the woman's intelligence and sparing her feelings?

"You ran, didn't you?" She queried, to break the silence and get some clarity about the guilt Emma was feeling.

"Not from Henry and my parental responsibility." Emma said, "But from love, yeah, I ran hard. And I'm sorry. Really I am, just, yeah, sorry." She shrugged, avoiding eye contact because she didn't know what else could be said. She had struggled so hard for so long, feeling tired, ashamed, raising Henry, dealing with her parents, trying to marshal the town, none of which Regina knew about but she did see and hear the regret Emma carried and knew the apology was sincere.

"It's alright." She told the blonde, amazing herself at the words as they slipped effortlessly from her mouth. She hadn't expected that, the words had bubbled up out of her without any thought and when she saw the blonde lift her shoulders a little in relief she felt a smile tug at her lips. She curiously found she really didn't want Emma to suffer and turned to smile gently at the younger woman with the glittering eyes. Her own spirit lifted as she gave comfort and peculiar feelings ran through her, she shuddered slightly when she realised she wanted to take Emma's hurt away.

"We all make mistakes and sometimes take decades to learn. You only took three years to find yourself. I really can't judge you in that regard."

She shocked herself with her words, taking on personal blame and easing someone else's suffering. Her past self would never had considered that, but she appeared changed after her ordeal. Her thoughts were a little hazy, she felt tired but she knew how she felt and that she meant her warm words.

The fact she was tired could be seen as amusing, she had just slept for three years, but every second of every one of those days had be draining, not restful. She realised she wanted her bed, after a hug from her son. And a long, warm shower. She found her mind drifting to thoughts of cascading water to ease her muscles and relax her body. And to how it would feel lather up some lightly perfumed body wash to rinse the filth, both literal dust and imaginary ash, from her skin.

She realised she had become distracted as the blonde's movement caught her eye. She was wiping at her eyes that were suddenly too full of water. The response intrigued Regina, she was certain she had never seen Emma cry, the woman usually stood powerful and strong and met her charge head on so they butted together. A softer side existed within Emma and Regina watched her, thinking she was still beautiful when she cried. The brunette found herself hoping that maybe they could find a way of communicating that wasn't the abrasive yelling and accusations from the past. She wondered what was wrong with her, this compassionate and understanding, patient side, it wasn't normal for her.

Regina sat quietly, pondering her actions over the last few minutes while giving the blonde woman the time she needed. When Emma did speak her voice was scratchy as she whispered, "Thank you, that is very gracious of you."

"Well I am a Queen." The older woman quipped, feeling a little more like her old self.

Emma didn't take offense, so they shared a smile, just something easy but it made them both feel better. Things could flow between them and didn't need to be hateful and they both appreciated it in that moment. Regina with horror over her easy acceptance that she seemed to have no control over and Emma thankful there hadn't been an eruption of anger from Regina for a wasted three years of her life.

"Speaking of my title and time as Queen, now I am awake I assume I have served my time and my punishment has been fulfilled? Your parents and the town aren't mounting an army to hunt me down now I am conscious are they?"

Emma raised her head with a look of alarm.

"Shit, I don't know. They don't know you are awake, but even when they find out I doubt it, but maybe I should have thought a bit more about the public feeling before kissing you and reviving you. I don't care about them and their views, but keeping you safe could be difficult. But there is the fact My Mom doesn't hate you anymore, in fact she looks back quite fondly on your time together, and the town follow her guidance. I'm sure it'll be fine."

"Glad to see you still jump in without thought or planning."

The barb lacked her usual bite, she hadn't raised her voice or even her eyebrow at the younger woman. She did however roll her eyes, her outward show of exacerbation, and yet she didn't feel her usual dread and apprehension that seemed to be her constant companion for the previous decades. Was this another effect of the sleeping curse? Had it cleansed her of some of her negativity? And balanced her paranoia?

Snow had suffered the same curse but for only a few weeks. Regina felt certain Snow would believe she had been amply punished. Snow still had a soft heart underneath it all, and Regina dared to hope this time things could be different. She had lost this battle, conceded and done as Snow commanded and accepted the curse. Snow had won, claimed victory, and Regina hoped the younger woman would be gracious and forgiving about the circumstances they were now faced with.

"I'm The Saviour, and Mom is Snow White, it'll work out." Emma grumbled to the brunette, not enjoying being mocked.

"Forgive me if I don't quite have the same faith you do in dearest Snow." Regina quipped back.

"I, listen, I don't want there to be secrets between us. I found your diary, from when you were married and living in the castle. So I do see why you harbour ill feelings for my mother. I'm sorry if you feel it was a violation of your privacy, but I was curious and it helped me understand you. It helped me fall a little bit in love with you."

Emma's eyes widened as the brunette sucked in her breath but whether it was from the reading of her very personal diary or from the love word, she wasn't sure. Probably the love word, after all it was the magical admission they weren't mentioning.

To cover her slip Emma quickly added, "So I understand your issues with my Mother, but I promise she has changed. She isn't that spoilt little girl anymore and she has actually been complimentary about you as Mayor, she follows your systems because they work and sees the hard works you put into the town."

"They made her Mayor?" Regina said incredulously, feeling too tired to start asking about her diary. "What state are things in then?"

"Not good." Emma grinned ruefully at the older woman. "Not that you are surprised."

Regina moved and Emma watched a painful wince contort her face.

"Let me take you home. You'll be more comfortable there. Can you stand?"

The older woman sat up straight and Emma watched her skin pale as she was clearly rocked by a wave of pain.

"Here." The blonde held out a steadying hand and she knew Regina must be suffering when she accepted the help without objection, not even an eye roll or huff of indignation.

It was dawn as they left the vault. Emma breathed in the crisp morning air but she felt the other woman shiver against her side. She had a blanket in the car and made a note to herself to offer it to the brunette.

Emma drove slowly with the older woman in the car despite the lack of traffic caused by the early hour. She kept looking across to check on her brunette passenger, the pace much slower than she'd usually drive so Regina didn't get rattled about or jarred which could aggravate her sore limbs. It was really very thoughtful and even sweet which Regina cringed at as the thought crossed her mind. What had this curse done to her? Turning her into a passive, soft, empathic person. Where was her hard edge that had supported her through life when she needed to be strong and survive?

She hated the little voice that piped up and whispered that maybe she didn't need to be strong and to just keep surviving. She could have Emma by her side, Emma could be strong for her and they could support each other. She didn't have to be alone and struggling. She had a choice for the first time in a long time, this was hers to accept or refuse, to dive into headfirst or to pull away and hide from. Instead of make any decision, to embrace the notions the little voice suggested to her, she silenced it.

She sat in the car, neither of them wanted to upset things so they didn't converse, which meant the brunette was able to think about how she felt. She had felt something more than hatred for Emma long before the curse broke. She was aware she was attracted to the blonde, her physic was impressive, her trousers always cut to flatter the tight ass and defined, well-muscled legs. Her arms were similarly impressive and she had embraced her job as Sheriff. She worked hard, and she had a goodness, a personal set of ethics about her that Regina found appealing. That was equally shocking to her, but then she had seen it when Emma saved both Henry and herself. So she had assumed it was misplaced gratitude and the strength of emotion involved in the life and death situations that had confused her. She had to wonder if her own darkness was drawn to Emma's light, like ying and yang, but she wasn't sure about any of it. Love, or even affection, was something she had shunned for so long she had forgotten what it felt like, let alone how her feelings and her heart should behave.

She worried about herself. She felt safe with Emma, the blonde obviously bore her no ill will, but without her usual sharpness, her attacking nature and protective streak, she was concerned how she could interact with others who were not as friendly towards her. People like Snow and Charming and the rest of the town who still hated her. Could she still maintain her aloof and hard exterior when she felt so soft inside? Her battle instincts had been dulled, muted and that could be dangerous in a town out for her blood.

Her thoughts were cut short as Emma pulled up at the mansion but didn't kill the engine. Instead she reached into her pocket and handed the brunette a key, asking, "Can you get out or do you need a hand?"

Regina opened the car door and stood on admittedly shaky legs but nodded that she was okay before removing the blanket from around her shoulders. With a terse "Goodbye." she shut the door and looked through the glass at the blonde who was tightly gripping the steering wheel, biting her lip and looking hard out the windshield.

Regina had felt Emma's tension grow as they neared her house, but she had been preoccupied with her own thoughts. It now looked like Emma was a coiled spring about to snap and the brunette didn't feel strong enough to have a battle now. Plus there was the distinct possibility either or both might accidentally in the heat of the moment say more than could be handled. About love, about being honest, about being together. About feelings, desires, about some kind of future. Or just break completely and cry, big sobs that demanded comfort. No, she wasn't ready for that, she needed to rest and resolve how she felt first, not dive headlong into that conversation.

So she walked gingerly away from the car and up the path to her house. She didn't look back. In the car Emma had a forlorn expression. It appeared outside the vault and in the real world they couldn't communicate and it made her sad. Her heart beat a dull thud, aching as she watched the woman she had finally decided she wanted walking away. Had she waited too long, had she missed her chance? Was there hope, she just needed to be patient? She didn't know and it scared her. Almost into reacting, into doing something, like getting out of the car and calling out the woman's name. But she didn't.

Unlocking and opening her front door the brunette woman noticed some changes. And she sensed she wasn't alone so climbed the stairs with apprehension. Her magic popped erratically, but with the curse sapping her strength she knew it was days away from being any good to her.

She peered into the kitchen with trepidation. A shaggy haired man-child sat with his back to her, she could see he had a tablet in front of him resting on the counter and ear phones in. she knew immediately this was her boy, beginning to grow into adulthood and her heart clenched hard. Love almost dropped her to her knees as it crashed through her.

"Henry..." she found the word slipped out in a reverent rush but then all other words died in her throat. It didn't matter what she had intended to say because at the sound of her shaky voice her taller and broader shouldered son had immediately risen from his seat and rushed to embrace her.

"Mom, I've missed you so much." He squeezed her tight, aggravating her sore and achy limbs but she said nothing, smiling into his shoulder and breathing in his scent. She had missed him too and found her throat was tight with emotion, so she just sighed into him and responded, her own arms circling his waist and pulling him closer. Listening to his heartbeat and relishing the contact.

After a few minutes she felt him loosen his grip and he put his hands on her shoulders, just staring at her.

"I forgot what colour your eyes were." He said sheepishly. "And how expressionate they are. I know that isn't what you expected me to say, but honestly I think I missed the little things the most. Not hearing you humming and dancing in the kitchen on a Saturday morning as you made breakfast. The light spilling out from your bedroom door late at night so I knew you were there and reading. Everything has just been a bit quieter and a bit darker without you here."

Regina again felt the lump in her throat. When had her son become so expressive and so good with words? His eyes sparkled with sincerity and she felt her heart fill just a little more with love for him.

She knew as she looked for signs of the child she had left behind that she had missed so much. He had grown, his face losing his childish cheekiness. His hair was cut shorter. Even his eyes held a depth not there before and a sign of the hurt and adjustment he had gone through the last three years looking back at her. But then she stopped studying and she just bathed in his strength, his arms, his grin at having her home. This was so much better than a distorted image through the soot, ash and heat of that room, where her son's voice filtered through but she was almost blinded by heat.

She had left a boy, and it was a young man holding onto her now. But she took heart, he held her like she was precious, and he still loved her. After so long, he was still her son, she hadn't lost him.

He moved and pulled out a chair for her. "Do you want a drink?" He asked, as she sank into the seat.

"Yes please. A juice would be nice." she took the moment she had while he busied himself and looked around. The kitchen was clearly stocked and clean. It wasn't coated with three years of dust and while she was glad to see him she was surprised to find Henry here. He went to the fridge and pulled out items with ease, allowing her to see that the appliance was also full of food. Then there was the fact that Henry hadn't been that surprised to see her.

Her body ached and her head had a dull throbbing, but she knew she was missing information. She had assumed Emma had dropped her back at her empty house. That someone, probably Emma, had been acting as caretaker for the property, so it would have running water and electric, but she was expecting it to be quiet, cold and unheated, and most importantly unoccupied. Henry would be living with his blonde mother, wherever they had decided suited them best. Possibly with Snow, but maybe in their own apartment somewhere. She had expected she would have to ring Emma to ask for Henry to visit, or that Emma would go home and tell their son she was awake and he would come round to visit her.

Her thoughts were jumbled and she hoped with some proper sleep that they would clear and this side effect from the curse would be temporary. She knew she wasn't her sharp self, everything felt dull, her reflexes slow and she should have grasped what was going on in her home but found she couldn't.

She would have to seek clarification and ask, which made her clench her jaw in frustration. The clenching also made her throbbing head worse, so she stopped, but the frustration about her slow thought process remained. At least it was only her son she was going to be showing her weakness to.

She sipped her juice, the cool liquid easing her throat before saying, "You don't seem that surprised to see me."

Henry turned from watching something out the window and grinned at her. "I'm not. I hoped that was what had happened when you weren't there in my dreams last night. It was a shock when you weren't there to greet me, but I hoped Emma had finally remembered she was The Saviour and you deserved and needed saving just as much as everyone else. It was about time."

His eyes flickered back to the window and he muttered something under his breath.

Regina rose and bit back her own curse from the pain shooting down her legs before looking out of the window. Her face, already showing signs of fatigue and confusion creased at what she saw.

"Why is your other mother sitting outside in her car?" She asked, finding the behaviour rather odd, even for Emma. The brunette thought she saw her lips moving, talking to herself.

"Oh crap." Henry swore and his mother raised her eyebrow at his profanity.

"Sorry," he muttered before continuing, "You don't know do you? I guess when I used to say home in the dream world you assumed I meant somewhere else with Emma, and she didn't tell you when she dropped you off. No wonder you look confused about me being here."

He took her arm and guided her back to the table, both of them sitting.

"Right, let's sit down and talk. I'll do my best to answer any of your more pressing questions and tell you how things have changed. But," and he stressed the word and held her gaze, levelling her with a serious expression she never would have thought possible of her boy, "we need to keep it brief. You look tired and I think you would feel better if you tried to get some sleep."

Regina tried to open her mouth, this considerate young man highlighted that her child had grown up. She was used to mothering him, taking care of his needs. To have him bring her juice and tell her when bedtime should be was completely alien to her. And she wasn't sure she liked it. She saw his concern for her and that his wishes came from a good place, but being told what to do still irked her. Maybe her old traits weren't completely gone.

He chuckled at her miffed expression. "Can you honestly tell me you aren't tired?" He queried.

"I do feel a bit under the weather." She admitted quietly, almost fearing someone else might overhear her confessing to a weakness.

"I'll still be here when you wake up and we can talk some more, I promise. Now to answer your original question of why Emma is still outside. A long time ago she said I'd have to explain it to you. I'd forgotten but I guess she was actually serious when she said it."

He went quiet for a minute and she didn't press him.

Regina got the sense he was thinking back, before he shook his head to clear the memory. She wondered how many times he'd do that, think back to a time she was absent and hadn't been there to connect with her son.

Sadness draped over her, she had missed years of his life. And he could tell her and show her photographs, but they would both know she hadn't actually been there. She had missed out and it caused a different type of ache within her, one that had nothing to do with her physical pain.

Henry held her hand and looked at her with love on his face and it made the ache lessen just a touch. She squeezed his hand, both reassuring the other they were together now. They couldn't change the past but they could build a future.

He spoke quietly and gently when he said, "So Emma kind of lives here, this is home for us both. But I suspect she is out there trying to work out whether she should ask grandma and gramps if she can stay there tonight or if the B&B would be a better bet. Now you're back she isn't sure this is still her home."

"Why didn't she say something?" Regina asked and her son shrugged. "Is this her house key?" The brunette then asked holding up the one Emma had given her.

"Nah," Henry told her, "That's her spare from the car."

"Oh." Regina replied before her eyes slide towards the window, her thoughts turning tumultuous.

Henry noticed and told her, "She isn't the best at communicating, or dealing with rejection. Maybe she is just avoiding both for a little while."

He then immediately changed track by asking, "Are you hungry at all?" Which surprised his mother with the ease he slipped into the normalcy of the family dynamic. It was like they had never been apart.

But the reason for Henry's calm and accepting behaviour was that he knew eventually Emma would need clothes and would come back, then the two women could talk. She had given up a spare key, keeping her own which gave him hope she intended to come back. He imagined that right now both of them were probably a little overwhelmed, dealing with True Love feelings and the space apart could be good for them. There was no need for immediate panic, they had lots of time to connect.

It also meant if Emma was going to be absent then he'd make the most of his time with his Mom. He'd talk to her, fill her in on his decisions at school, his successes and failures in sports, with girls and with exams. He'd explain the changes in the town, and he'd listen to her speak even if it was mundane because he had missed her voice. He'd answer her more urgent questions before packing her off to her room. He hoped she wanted a shower, it would give him a chance to change the bedding that would be dusty and musty from not being used in years. The least he could give his returning mother was honest conversation and clean, fresh sheets.

"What do you mean dealing with rejection?" His mother asked and he wanted to kick himself. The two women needed to talk, he was not qualified to speak for them, and he didn't want to be a middle man even if he was their son.

"Well being kicked out of her house isn't exactly welcoming is it? And it wouldn't be the greatest start to your True Love relationship either." Henry told her frankly.

"I wouldn't, I mean I don't know what I'd do or how I'd react."

"Yeah and neither did Emma, so she wasn't prepared to take the chance."

"Why does she automatically assume she is homeless?" Regina quizzed him.

"It isn't personal." Henry told her. "It goes much deeper than that." He added cryptically and Regina felt confusion blanket her already tired mind.

Why had Emma pulled away, did she expect Regina to decide? Regina was in no physical or mental state to make a decision, and she also hadn't been awake very long to gain information. She didn't have enough facts to process this right now. Did she let Emma stay in what was now clearly her home? Could they share space like that? Was it Regina's decision to make as this wasn't really her house anymore? Emma was Henry's mother as much as she was, and it appeared she had nowhere else to go. Each question made her headache a little worse without bringing any clarity. She wished for the selfish and self-centred person she had been, the one who was decisive and did what benefitted her. This conflicted and benevolent person that questioned too much and agonised over decisions needed banishing, and quickly. Before someone took advantage or she drove herself mad with the back and forth inside her own head.

Regina knew she was changed, fundamentally and possibly irreversibly when she didn't immediately dismiss the idea of living together, but thankfully she didn't embrace it either. She still had some back bone and some idea about self-preservation. It boiled down to the fact that she wasn't sure, her brain accepted that Emma lived in her house, but that was where her thought process stopped. She felt exhaustion nibbling at the edges of her mind and although she had questions, her energy was quickly depleting. Henry said Emma would be gone overnight, she had time to sleep and look at it with fresh eyes.

"What do you mean Henry?" She decided to do as Emma had done and avoid the issue for the immediate future.

"Mom, I can't talk for her, all I can say is that Emma is damaged. And she tries to be the cocky, strong and single one but she isn't. And you understand that because it is much like you used to hide your hurt and real self behind The Mayor persona. You need to rest and then you need to talk to her. That's the only way any of this gets resolved."

"But I hardly know her. Talking will be awkward and difficult, let alone living together."

"That's why you need to talk! That's how you get to know her." Henry knew his Mom was tired, but she wasn't this stupid. He thought she was subconsciously protecting herself, finding reasons not to have contact which might lead to a relationship and opening herself up to getting hurt. It was frustrating. He tried a different approach.

"I used to come and talk to you while you were sleeping. Emma used to come and talk to you too. When she was tired, stressed or struggling mostly." Henry confided.

"I don't remember." The brunette woman admitted, "But I think I felt her near me, the way we were bonded."

"Emma felt safe with you, she probably shared really intimate stuff." Henry told her, "If there is any way to find out what she said, it will help you understand her and maybe grow to love her."

"Henry, I love you, but please don't rush this or push us. We need to discover what we have on our own."

"It's True Love, what else do you need to know?" He asked in exasperation. He thought once she was awake things would slot into place in that regard, that the denial would stop at least, but clearly not.

"We hardly know each other. I admit there is chemistry and attraction, but you are right we need to spend time together and discuss. Learn about our likes, our dislikes and how not to end up screaming at one another or trying to kill each other."

"Emma wouldn't kill you." Henry deadpanned, the teenager in him that Regina had missed seeing develop needling at her. "And you forget that during our dream conversations I know you have mellowed too. There won't be any killing, but you can get a better grasp of what goes on in Emma's head if you find out what she said to you while in your vault. I'm guessing it should be possible as it is a place of residual magic, and you have so much knowledge, it should only be a matter of time before you find the right spell or object."

He looked at her, seeing her heavy eyelids and her pale skin. "Enough talking for now, you need to go upstairs and get ready for bed. Over the next few days you can catch up on everything but right now please try and sleep."

She nodded her acceptance and stood. He went with her, to tuck her in and kiss her goodnight if nothing else.

As it was she did want to shower, so as he stripped and remade the bed. As he came back downstairs with the old bedding for washing he thought about the conversation earlier. His Mom hadn't outright refused to live with Emma. He needed to text Ruby and Belle and hope one of them knew where his blonde mother was and could talk some sense into her about coming back and trying to build a bridge.

Bed and Breakfast - Less Than Ten Minutes

"Hey Ruby, I need a room." Emma told her friend.

"What's wrong with the grand palatial house you live in?" Her waitress friend joked.

"Regina's living in it." Emma told her.

"Oh My God Emma, that's huge news. Memo for next time - that's what you open with, not "I need a room". It's fucking amazing, Henry must be so pleased."

"Yeah he probably is." Emma was tired and the events had left her a little shell shocked. She seemed dull and listless and not like a woman who had found her True Love partner earlier in the morning.

"What? Haven't you seen him?" As Ruby picked up that Emma wasn't thrilled about this, she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket with a text. She decided pumping the blonde for information was more important so she tilted her head at her blonde guest.

"No, I dropped Regina off and came here."

"After waking her with a kiss?" Ruby confirmed.

"Yeah." Emma looked at the floor and Ruby sighed.

"Emma Swan what are we going to do with you?" She muttered. "You love the woman, how are you not with her, telling her that?"

"I'm not sure how Regina feels." She moaned. "She woke up and we spoke, but not about us. It was all about Henry and how long it had been and - oh I don't know - it just wasn't fireworks and hand holding like I expected."

"This is Regina we are talking about, Ex-Mayor and Queen. I've know her a very long time and I've only seen two expressions on her face, mild irritation and full on homicidal killing rage. It is a win if you didn't see either of those faces. To be fair she sometimes smiled at Henry. Emma you can't expect her to open up straight away. She isn't built like that. She's been alone for a really long time, her only loving experience in decades has been Henry, and she can't use that as a model in this situation. Give her some time."

"Well we did smile and joke a little. She was even sympathetic towards me and surprisingly understanding."

"That's more than I've ever seen her direct towards anyone else Em. Seriously, take it as a win. It will get better, you know the magic isn't wrong. Have the room on the house, to cheer you up, but I want you gone tomorrow morning to at least discuss living arrangements with Regina. Once you know whether she'll let you stay in the house then you can plan the next conversation. As Archie keeps saying to you - one step at a time."

She smiled and Emma had to admit she felt calmer now. Her friend had eased her feelings of despondency and guided her towards the next step she needed to take. She sometimes still needed reassuring she was doing the right thing and Ruby helped her with that. She grabbed the key and walked away, her steps lighter than when she had entered.

Ruby pulled out her phone as Emma climbed the stairs behind her. It was Henry informing her that Regina was awake, and yes, from the emoji's she could tell he was very pleased with the news. However his text did cause a further problem. He asked if Emma was there, which she happily confirmed. But his other suggestion, Snow and Charming gave her pause. Someone needed to tell them Regina had been revived. And she didn't think it was likely, but if someone else had seen Regina or she popped out of the house and the town found out she was free of the curse there could be an attack or a riot. Snow needed to decide whether she had forgiven Regina and what her stance on this was going to be.

With a resigned sign Ruby started climbing the stairs. Emma might want to sleep, but she had to deal with this first. If she loved Regina, and Ruby knew she did with her whole heart, she needed to tell her Mother so that Snow could issue a pardon and protect the older woman. Leaving it to chance wasn't safe, and if Snow wasn't prepared to protect Regina, then they needed a back-up plan and quickly.

An Hour Later - Charming Apartment

Emma was muttering to herself as she climbed the stairs, "Mom I woke up Regina. No that's too blunt and will mean loads of questions. Mom you know how you have True Love with Dad? No I don't think a comparison to their relationship will help, this is different. Fuck what am I going to say? Mom please take care of Regina, apparently I love her." That sounded the closest to the truth, but Emma still had no idea what to say and she was at the wooden door. She had run out of time.

She shook her head and bit her lip. There had to be a way she could quickly and as painlessly as possible convey this to her parents. She basically needed to make sure Regina was safe from attack, she didn't care if her parents freaked out about the True Love thing, she just needed to deal with one problem at a time as Archie kept coaching her to. If her parents' reactions weren't favourable she could explain about True Love and her feelings on reviving Regina another day and work on bringing them round to the idea slowly. She knew her mother knew something, but whether now she was confronted with it directly she would still be accepting was Emma's biggest doubt.

And her father, god he could be unstable when Regina's name was mentioned. His forgiveness would be harder won over this. She felt guilt about it, her parents had missed her growing up because of Regina's curse and now she was contemplating playing house with their arch enemy.

It had been fine when it was all hypothetical, but suddenly it was very real and her hand shook as she went to knock on the door.

As her mother opened the door Emma went to open her mouth, went to say something, but everything seemed to come crashing down around her. The years of being on her own, the sole responsibility for Henry's welfare sitting on her lifted like a ton weight and her heart jumped, thumped and twisted in her chest. The darkness and doubt ebbed and flowed inside her, unbalancing her and forcing tears to her eyes. Her mother looked worriedly at her face and pulled her inside and engulfed her in her arms.

And that was all it took for the dam to break inside of her. She sobbed, openly, loudly, letting go of the last remnants of Regina's pain and her negativity and cleansing her soul. Her mother managed to get her to the couch and she sat, laying Emma down and getting her head to rest in her lap. Her daughter wrapped her arms round her waist and buried her face into her stomach to cry some more.

"Sshhh." she soothed, stroking her hair gently, rubbing her back as the sobs eased. Charming walked in and Snow shook her head against him speaking. She indicated the kitchen with a tilt of her head and he set to making three cups of tea, heavy on the sugar for his daughter who appeared had finally run out of steam. Snow had warned him this was brewing and was in fact long overdue, and he was glad she had come here for them to look after and ease her through her shock and pain.

Charming sat opposite his favourite women and watched silently, the cups resting on the coffee table between them.

After some minutes Emma pulled back, licked her lips and made a strangled noise as her raw from sobbing sore throat didn't want her to speak. But Snow told her, "Don't rush, tell us in your own time."

"Don't have time." Emma husked out, her worry Regina might go outside to pick apples or something equally mundane and be spotted weighed on her tired mind.

"Regina, she's..."

"Sshh," Snow soothed again, speaking over her daughter, "We know you love her."

Charming sat quietly, Emma didn't deny it and that had been his last hope. He wondered about fate and how he and Snow had been thrown together. Had fate also thrown his enemy together with his daughter? And if his attraction to Snow was anything to go on, there would be no keeping Emma away from Regina, no matter his feelings on the subject. He had heard more stories, more truths in the last three years, and knew the woman had a tortured past and wasn't all bad, but she still wouldn't be his first choice. However he did concede they weren't in the old world and he would not be getting to choose his daughters suitors.

It was yet another downside to being brought here with the curse, although he did enjoy hot showers and there was a late night porn channel that always got both his and Snow's motors running. He grudgingly admitted this world wasn't all bad, apart from his daughter being in her thirties and not really needing him. And he was back to Regina and reasons for his repressed hatred.

"I do love her," Emma eventually confirmed, taking a large handful of her mother's sweater in her fist and twisting at the hem, showing her nervousness. "And I woke her up earlier today."

Silence greeted her statement. Snow leaned back and closed her eyes, blowing a deep and calming breath out of her mouth. She felt Charming stand and pace a few steps before she caught his eye and indicated he take a seat again. His agitation wouldn't help, Emma needed soothing and support. She watched his hands move, opening and closing in fists as his skin flushed, his neck growing a shade of red that indicated his anger and frustration, but he did as directed, letting his wife lead on this.

"Where is she?" Snow asked, sitting her daughter upright and looking her in the eyes.

"The mansion, Henry is with her."

"How is she?" Snow asked and Emma heard loud and clear the unasked question, is she a threat? Emma couldn't help the sarcasm in her tone when she answered, "Completely evil, I had to gag her to stop the cackling."

Snow rolled her eyes and then set her daughter with a harsh stare. This was not the time to be sarcastic and needle her parents.

"She's tired, she hurts. She isn't herself and is easily distracted. She's a shadow." Emma admitted quietly.

"It wears off in time." Snow offered some comfort to her daughter, some hope that it wouldn't always be like that.

"And when it does Regina isn't going to look for retribution, dark magic or destruction. She's changed Mom. You have to believe that."

Snow pursed her lips. David frowned. They had hoped this day would come for Emma's sake, she had been slowly destroying herself not knowing what it was between them, denying her true nature in the bargain. And yet they had also hoped it would never come, because ultimately they still didn't trust Regina. Not to be awake, not to inhabit the town, not to parent their grandson and most definitely not with their daughter's loving heart.

Emma sensed the indecision and sighed. She understood, she did. They had been enemies for a long time and her parents were resentful of the 28 years lost. David especially wasn't easily convinced but Emma was sure that was because he hadn't been under the Sleeping Curse at any point. Her mother was more sympathetic, but still guarded. She hoped the old Regina, the one that came riding in on horseback to rescue her, still existed and could in fact ride in and rescue her daughter, but she was sceptical after past experiences. However deep down she knew that unless they gave Regina the chance to prove herself, they would never know if she had changed and had loosened her grip on the darkness. Snow thought about it for a moment more, there would need to be conditions if they approved this.

Emma wondered why her parents automatically got to choose what happened in Regina's life and whether her debt had been sufficiently repaid. Regina was an individual person, but because the majority of the town threatened an uprising if nothing was done it was like she was now property of the Charmings. And they were only ruling because they were born with a title, nothing else qualified them really. It all seemed like Old World bullshit to Emma and she was surprised Regina was even contemplating following the rules set down by her parents. The Regina that had cast The Dark Curse, the angry Mayor Emma has sparred with, would have laughed openly at them. And surely the fact that Regina sat patiently in her house, waiting for Snow's decision was the biggest indicator she had changed and wanted to be better. She just wanted a quiet life with her son and possibly Emma, if the blonde could sort out her head and her heart.

Emma made a final plea to her parents, hoping they would trust her judgement in this. She had broken the original curse after all, that had to count for something. She would gloss over the most recent curse breaking, her parents didn't need to think of her kissing Regina or finding her physically attractive at all.

"I stood by and let you decide her fate once before, to be judge and jury and issue your commands. And that might be ok where you come from, but we are in my world, I am Sheriff and it is my job to deal with criminals. And I allowed you take that task from me, was grateful because I had Henry to care for and the responsibility of making a life decision about Regina scared me. I ignored my duty, let you dish out punishment and give into archaic notions like retribution that have no place in this world. I was weak and was a little in shock finding my parents and the fairy-tale world, but it isn't an excuse to ignore who I am. I knew better and shouldn't have let you curse her to begin with and it has eaten at me every day."

Emma took a deep breath, finally telling the truth and hoping her parents could accept she needed to bear her soul and admit her mistakes. She wasn't blaming them, this was about moving on, identifying her failings so she didn't repeat them.

Emma spoke again, "So please will you think about stopping punishing her, that she has served her sentence? That the retribution and destruction that benefits no-one can stop here."

Snow held her breath. It was time. "I won't make a decision now and I won't make it blind. I'll talk with her, access her state of mind. If she continues to wear the pendant and she doesn't have her magic then I feel more confident there is a minimal threat."

"She isn't wearing the pendant." Emma clenched her jaw, seeing Regina's chance at freedom slipping away.

She felt her mother tense and saw her father twitch and place his hand by his hip. Emma recognised the gesture, he was reaching for a sword that thankfully wasn't there. Had it been there he might have unsheathed it and already be running to the mansion to attack.

She hurried her next words to instil some calm.

"Henry was able to remove it months ago. But Regina is weak now, even if she has magic, it will also be weak. Please let her rest today. You understand how she feels, what state the curse left her in. The woman I left earlier could hardly walk let alone call forth magic to torture or take hearts."

David clearly asked the question with a tilt of his head and Snow shook her head, so he settled back down into his seat. Emma marvelled at the silent conversation and hoped one day she could have that level of trust and understanding with someone. The fact that the someone might be Regina didn't horrify her, but she did wonder how many years it might take with two people so damaged and who were as economical with the truth as she and Regina were.

"Mom, let her have some time with Henry, I'll ask him to let us know when she wakes up, and he can keep her inside. Then the only people who know are us here, Ruby, Belle and Henry. There won't be widespread town panic and that gives us time. You can go and see her, talk, even suggest the pendant. She might agree as a gesture of goodwill and to put your mind at ease. Don't rush into it and make the wrong decision."

Snow nodded, she would do it Emma's way, her way hadn't worked out so well for her family so she'd go on a little faith this time.

Outside Town Hall - Evening, Three Days Later

Regina left the communal building and walked into the cold air. She moved into the alleyway so she wouldn't be seen and reclined against the brickwork. She just needed a minute to gather herself. It had been a crazy few days since she awoke.

Snow had deemed her sentence served, she was free. They had had a conversation this morning, odd as it had been to be civil. They had both conceded that mistakes had been made, and that they needed to try. For the good of the town, for Emma and for Henry. She didn't know why she tolerated Snow, and yet the hatred just wasn't there. She had been changed by the curse. It seemed to have eaten through the darkness in her soul, leaving behind a lightness in her heart which appeared to beat for the blonde. And the sneaky bandit seemed to sense that as they sat in Emma's kitchen. Regina couldn't call it hers anymore, the contents of the fridge told her that.

Snow had clearly changed in the past few years because the old version Regina knew would be interfering and threatening her to stay away from her daughter. This grudging tolerance was strange and filled Regina with conflicting emotions. She herself struggled that she was in love with Snow's spawn, Leopold's granddaughter. Someone filled with white magic and goodness, the breaker of her curse. Everything about it seemed wrong and yet they had spent some time together and it had been comfortable. Regina felt her heart beat faster when Emma entered a room. When Emma interacted with Henry and they both laughed she felt love swell inside her and she wasn't sure it was just for her son.

It felt right and she had spent the last few days trying to assess that. And now Snow seemed to reluctantly accept that too. It was all a little odd, almost like she had awoken in an alternate reality, but she felt the faint stirrings of hope and happiness. Things she had thought long dead in her broken heart. And even seeing Snow didn't dampen how she felt.

But seeing Snow did concern her, there was something in the look Snow had shot at her as she left the house earlier today that she couldn't fathom. Her eyes lacked their usual sparkle. And the look wasn't abject hatred, it wasn't scornful or even a warning. The fact she was no longer cursed meant Snow knew she had a True Love, her nemesis aware it was Emma. The look contained dull acceptance, a sadness that they would forever be tied together now via Emma. And it was a plea to not hurt her daughter, to keep her rage at bay, to prove she could be trusted and deserved this chance and deserved Emma. Regina shuddered, she felt she could do this, but it unsettled her to know she would be scrutinised while trying. She had had enough of that when she was Leopold's bride.

But there was more within the look and Regina didn't comprehend what it was. Snow, usually so easy to read with her open face, was closed over this.

She filed the feeling away, when she spoke to Emma she could ask about a rift with her parents. Something wasn't right with Snow and Emma's relationship, Regina thought it was envy she saw on the bandits face, coupled with a deep seated sadness that she hadn't managed to connect and erase the missing years. How it must eat at Snow, that Emma had chosen the woman she deemed responsible for the separation. Snow was probably trying to accept, but Regina wondered if the issue would fester and cause problems at a later date. Was there anything she could say or do? Not for Snow, civil they could manage, all out forgiveness and open honesty would take years of work. But for Emma and Henry she would be prepared to deal with The Charming pair as needed.

And she realised that was probably what Snow was doing, supporting her child in a decision she didn't like because she loved Emma. Since becoming a mother Regina understood far more, and she could comprehend the pain she had put The Charming's through. During the curse they were oblivious, but since the curse broke they had clearly struggled to connect with their adult and headstrong daughter. And Emma had come to her sleeping form to vent, and Regina was living with her and was closer both physically under the same roof and then emotionally via their loving connection than they were going to be. It must be a bitter pill indeed to swallow and instead of take perverse joy in that, like she once would have, all Regina felt was sympathy. It was muted, understanding feelings for Snow and Charming always would be, but it existed within her soul.

Regina knew Emma better than her own parents did, and that was only going to grow and the bond become stronger with time. And Regina was certain she knew Emma far more intimately since she had woken feeling slightly refreshed the other day and felt capable of using some basic magic. She had disappeared from her house in her plume of purple smoke, appearing in her vault and been able to retrieve the scenes where Emma had talked with her, barring her soul with her honest and heart-breaking confessions. The brunette was absolutely certain Snow didn't know a fraction of the things she now did from those images she had conjured.

The brunette didn't know what this was, she hadn't spoken to Emma in any detail and they hadn't defined anything in reference to their relationship to each other. But the visions inside the vault of Emma bearing her soul helped explain a lot. Emma was shying away from the conversation because she had been hurt by love before. She felt abandoned and mistreated by life, and was emotionally stunted because of Neal and her foster care upbringing. Regina empathised, she saw similarities in their past. Regina had been broken hearted and lonely for most of her reign, letting it out in violent and angry bursts. Emma had internalised her own hurt, causing just as much damage. Regina had exploded, capturing innocent and guilty up in her rage. Emma hadn't lashed out, but Regina knew she also hadn't properly dealt with her problems and many were still festering inside her, making her doubt and question herself and her feelings.

And Regina had been moved to tears over the things the blonde had divulged. Emma hurt, her coping mechanisms only partially working these past years, and the brunette had felt her own heart swell with affection for the broken woman. How she navigated things with Emma, having knowledge of the blonde's deepest secrets and fears, she wasn't sure. It was such trust to hold those sensitive and personal details, and was Regina prepared to divulge her own secrets? There was the diary reading, but that wasn't the whole truth, bits were missing, and Emma was bound to have questions.

Sharing was an alien concept to the brunette woman, she didn't want to give anyone knowledge, allow them inside her walls to hurt her, to give up power. She didn't have friends, she didn't discuss her feelings and her emotions. But she was aware that in any relationship, be that friends or something more, there was an expected give and take. Was she prepared to give at all, to share, and to open herself up?

She was as broken as Emma, they quite possibly would drag each other down with their darkness and insecurities. There weren't any rules or guidance in this, just the two of them thrashing round in their own pain. At least separately they didn't collide or cause any further problems. In her heart she wanted to help Emma, and she wanted to feel better herself. And she felt that Emma was the key, but she was scared to try and unlock herself. Who knew if she could exist as shattered pieces? Facing her past and her demons in the real world, rather than the dreamscape she had been forced into recently, could leave her worse than she was now. It had taken years of living in Storybrooke to temper her vengeance and then more years as a mother to Henry to heal her heart. All that progress, the distance between her now and The Evil Queen then could be lost so easily.

She felt fear bubble up her throat again, so she breathed deeply, focusing on the cold air and the expansion of her chest. Henry wanted her to be happy, and she suspected that her happiness lay with accepting both Emma and herself. But she didn't know where to start and if she thought too long on it she became scared by the enormity of the task. It wasn't going to be easy and she needed easy right now, as she recovered from the aftermath of the curse.

To add to her confusion and dilemma she knew she hadn't helped herself with her decision to allow Emma to remain in her house. Now they were sharing personal space as well as a son. Sharing meals and a bathroom, a washing machine and communal areas. She had lived decades on her own, only ever having to consider Henry's needs, and now she had Emma looking at her with concern over her morning cup of coffee. It was bizarre and niggled at her in a way she couldn't quite place. She was certainly uncomfortable with the proximity of another living person, but part of her was touched by the loyalty and devotion Emma showed. Giving her time by herself and space on her own, sometimes in the garden, sometimes in her study with her books. But Regina knew she only had to say the word and the blonde would be there to help and support her. But she didn't want to analyse her feelings, she kept shoving them away where she didn't have to confront them. Having Emma stare at her over breakfast made that quite challenging, a visual reminder that something existed between them.

Regina shook her head, this was not the time and place for deep musing but her brain refused to listen, whirling from topic to topic, trying to make her second guess herself and her decisions. The doubtful voice sounded a little like her mother, warning her she would never be good enough and her decisions always disappointed.

It was true that having two such damaged individuals living under the same roof might not sound sensible, but Regina had told Emma to stay, as much for Henry, who was vibrating with excitement about having his closest family in one place. She couldn't upset his life, and she wasn't that heartless person who demanded her son confirm to her wishes anymore. That hadn't worked in the past, and she had learned from that mistake the hard way, Henry had poisoned himself. She had changed, she loved her son and wouldn't put her needs above his this time. So she now lived with Emma Swan because she was aware that there were three opinions and people involved in this now. Her inner voice wanted to berate her for weakness and she wished the voice would just be quiet for a little while and let her think clearly.

In all honesty it wasn't her house, not anymore, but she had nowhere else to go, so she stayed. And Emma had made it clear that she had never intended to usurp Regina's home, it was just circumstance and convenience. And she believed the blonde, with her stuttering speech betraying her nerves and honest shining from her open face.

Deep down the brunette knew Emma didn't have anywhere to go either, and it would devastate Henry to pick a parent to live with, so she agreed to leaving things as they were for the time being. If there were problems they would talk first, but action might need to be taken at a later date if this clearly didn't work. Regina wasn't optimistic but she didn't feel in a place to issue orders anymore, she was powerless, she wasn't Mayor, she wasn't even Henry's primary parent. She was lost and having two allies at home might not be the worst thing, offering her company, protection and conversation. Helping keeping her safe and sane after a horrific three years.

Regina's room hadn't been touched except for cursory cleaning so it was still her space, and when the company became too much for her and she needed solitude and space, she returned to her room. She found comfort in her familiar surroundings, in her photos and her clothes. They grounded her, reminded her who she was and what was important. She may be damaged, restricted and disrespected but she could still be Henry's Mom, she was alive with another chance, and had acquired a blonde by her side who cared for her.

She was trying, but three years was a long time and things had changed. She hadn't been a part of life for that period, she had to expect things would be different, but it wasn't easy. Part of her wanted to rage against it, how unfair it all was and how difficult it was to accept the changes, or even recognise the subtleties that had changed. She had to be taught by Emma and her son, have them explain to her the developments, and she hated that. Not being in control, with the possibility of being kept in the dark, unsure and uncertain. And having the blonde nightmare and young Henry help her, a woman who was once Queen, didn't sit well with her. She often bit her tongue to keep a sharp quip or insult at bay.

And now she had the magical inhibiting pendant holding her to account again. She had agreed to wear it, a concession that grated on her, but she understood that her acceptance in the town hinged on it. She was less likely to be abused and assaulted if she wasn't seen as a threat. And she wanted fresh air and to be able to walk to the park with her son without being accosted. She would need shopping, would like a meal out at Granny's occasionally, the freedom to walk down the street. And this was the price. Logically she knew this was the right thing, but it angered her. But not in the furious, blood boiling way she used to know. It was just another annoying requests from Snow, that frustrated her and caused her to grind her teeth. And gave the voice more ammunition, which she clenched her jaw against, hoping her feelings would calm soon so she could function like a human being and not a slave to her jumbled feelings.

She leaned back against the wall to gather herself, the intense emotions and confusion she felt washing over her and making her need to take another deep breath. And that was when she felt it. The tip of a sword bit into her neck, depressing the skin but not piercing it. Yet.

"If you hurt her I'll use this to kill you, reprieve from my wife or not." Charming told her, his breath forming a cloud in the cold air.

Regina slid her eyes over to him. Well this was certainly a distraction that stopped her being trapped by her own useless thoughts. She wasn't sure she welcomed it as she saw David's eyes glimmer in the darkness, he was serious about this.

And she knew him, knew the determined look in his eyes. Had she magic she might have asked him to retreat, probably with the summoning of a fireball, but she didn't have that power. And even with a fireball, she wouldn't have wanted to hurt him, just get him to respect her personal space. Because dimmed witted shepherd he may be, but he was Emma's father. So she said nothing, didn't react to the blood pumping through her and dangerously adding fuel to her homicidal thoughts. She glared at him and focused her angrily rampaging thoughts toward Henry because he was always a calming influence. This was his grandfather, well one of them. Rather scarily, this was probably Regina's favourite of the two. Because of the people waiting at home for her, she tamped down her natural instincts to fight and scratch and scream and just nodded her understanding. She cared about the people under her roof at home, and they in turn cared about this man, therefore she cared by proxy and couldn't harm him. Charming must have seen something in her face because he eased up the pressure of the blade.

She felt sadness wash over her. Where had her own father been to protect her and threaten those that made her life difficult? He had remained quiet and let his wife speak for him, allowed Regina to be manipulated and she realised she was envious of her blonde house guest. Her father stood here, risking his life because Emma might get hurt. And where was her father now? She had his blood on her hands and as much as he had let her down, he was a part of her and he was now gone. Charming's defence of his daughter made her ache for her own parent and the sins of the past that could never be undone.

She was emotional enough this evening, standing before the town, free but only because Snow said so. Her life in the hands of another, it made her think of all the time she was in Leopold's grip, never free to be herself. At least his daughter was fair and was only holding her accountable for crimes she had committed. Her father's paranoia had meant Regina was caged the minute she choked out "I do." The old git didn't trusted her so he restricted her movements, vetted all her visitors and she had never been given a chance to be a queen at all, just a trophy on his arm, the title in name and nothing else. He had used her as a glorified mistress, had never allowed her to be herself for fear she would embarrass him and judged her unfairly, thinking her upbringing common and less than his own. His stunted view and irrational fear meant he never asked her thoughts, views or bothered to investigate if she had useful skills except laying on her back to please his taste for younger flesh.

She had been used, abused and it was clear once she had ascended to the throne in her own right was probably more educated than he was, and she certainly understood how to run a treasury and army better than he did.

Leopold was a controlling husband, she had been in a loveless marriage, he had however unwittingly encaged an angry and grieving free spirit and it was hardly surprising that as the darkness took hold she had lost her patience, her temper and made sure he was one of her first casualties in her bloody retribution.

So she was feeling a grudging gratitude towards Snow, she worried about Henry and Emma and what was developing between the three of them and whether it could ever work out to a happy ending. Henry was far too excited about them being in love, Emma was shy and Regina was just plain confused. Add in the feelings about her father being brought to the surface and painful memories of her marriage and she set her jaw and had to find a mask to slip on before her eyes filled with tears. Damn the curse and it's after effects, she was still tired and feeling more fragile than she had since a lonely and desperate night in a stable a lifetime ago. It wasn't the best place to be in emotionally, especially with a blade so close to her skin.

"Charming I don't know what is between Emma and I, but I will do my best." She felt safe enough to comment, a hint of her own confusion and exasperation about everyone getting involved in what was honestly none of their business creeping in.

"Don't play games, don't pretend to trivialise this. You are many things, Regina, but a fool isn't one of them. True Love revived you, and you know enough about magic to understand what that means. You had better not throw it away because of pride or because you are scared to embrace it. Emma is head over heels for you, and I hate that. But to see her single, broken and pining for you was actually worse. It hurt my heart and I could do nothing as her father to fix it. You can fix it, and if you have honestly changed, if you have a shred of humanity inside you, hell even a shred of self-interest, you'll find a way to make this work."

She was surprised at his admission and his honesty. But she couldn't blindly accept this, she wasn't built like him and Snow, she had been shown by life that to blindly believe leads to heartache and upset. She didn't want to hurt Emma or make her leave, things had changed between them. But that didn't mean she wouldn't accidentally do it. She had learned the hard way to be careful with her heart and she had to be sure, not everyone was as lucky as Charming had been with love. And neither she nor Emma needed anymore scars.

So she chose the cautious approach, "You know relationships are more complicated than just having a loving bond. That isn't a prerequisite for it lasting, it takes hard work and dedication." Regina told him carefully, gauging his response and trying not to raise expectations beyond what she deemed sensible. She didn't need another Henry running round telling the town she and Emma would be together forever.

"Well it is a good job my daughter is hard working and worth it, and I know you possess the right skills, I can personally testify that no-one is more determined than you once they set their mind to something. Without my wife to kill, or other revenges to seek, I think loving my daughter is a very worthy replacement for you to spend your time on."

"So we have your blessing?" The brunette quirked her eyebrow.

"Don't push it, Witch." David growled, but sheathed his sword which indicated they were done with the conversation.

He made to walk away before throwing over his shoulder, "I just want to see her happy. You had better not mess it up because I'll be watching."

"Oh good." She breathed out sarcastically but thankfully he was out of earshot.

David's words hit a chord with her, made her think. The conclusion she reached was that she had to get to know Emma, and not because of Charming and his threat. She believed the magic, it had been an integral part of her life and she knew it was difficult to pervert. It was time she gave herself a chance, and Charming was right. She could do much worse than Emma.

He believed they had a future, what was holding her back and stopping her believing too? She needed to find some strength, she had acted rashly and dangerously in the past as Queen but never faltered. She didn't want to welcome The Queen back into her life, but her certainty and her driving desire would be useful here. If she did nothing she would lose. She was so tired of losing, of trying and getting nothing for it. Being manipulated by other people. Emma hadn't manipulated her, and she had magic but hadn't used it against her. Charming's assessment, that Emma was worth it, rang true in a way that she felt in her whole body and her whole being.

All she knew was based on her observations or the interactions Emma had with other people, mostly Henry. She had been witness to her stubborn loyal streak, and her work ethic as Sheriff. She saw a tortured woman struggling when she had unburdened herself in the vault. But Regina didn't actually know much about the blonde. But she had a way to find out and that would be a start, they shared a house, conversation was stilted at the moment, but nothing would improve between them if they remained distant.

She pushed off from the wall, she needed to close the distance, and what she did know about Emma was that food was a good choice to begin that with.

Swan-Mills Mansion - Following Week

Emma didn't move out, but things didn't change either. Mostly because the deep and meaningful conversation that was needed had still not taken place. Emma stayed in the spare room but she did begin to sleep better, and as Regina grew stronger and felt better as the days progressed she helped cook meals, enticing Emma into her company with home cooked burgers, lasagne and various chicken and sauce combinations. Eating them was still an odd affair where Henry had to uphold the conversation, things between them forced and unnatural, but at least they were together and learning bits and pieces about the other.

They had actually fitted into each other's daily routines with relative ease. One would cook breakfast while the other woke Henry, cajoled him to get washed and dressed and checked his schoolwork was ready for the day. Emma would Sheriff during the day, Regina often spent the day in the garden, tending plants and especially her apple tree. She had decided to stay home most days so as not to aggravate the townsfolk. She may have served her time, but like most convicts knew she wasn't going to be accepted with open arms by society. She had made that decision out of respect for Emma. It would be the sheriff's station the peasants ran to when complaining, or the sheriff's station that dealt with the aftermath if one of the small minded peasants accosted her and she defended herself. Either way, she decided staying at home was kindest for Emma and not unpleasant for her.

Emma would come home to a happily chatting son, dinner was usually on the table, a shopping list for her to get on the way home the following day was often passed to her, or a note to collect a book from Belle at the library. The house was always clean and tidy, they took turns putting laundry in the machine, washing up the dinner plates or helping Henry with his homework.

It was domestic, it was quiet and peaceful, the days passed uneventfully and Emma was shocked. She had imagined life with Regina would be a whirlwind of madness, with shouting, negative energy and arguments. But the worse it had been was when Emma left a black sock in with the whites and Regina had turned to her with a raised eyebrow and asked, "Miss Swan, what is this?"

It was quickly diffused, if it had ever really been an issue. It went away as soon as Emma apologised. Emma thought the brunette had been joking but she apologized anyway. And thanked her lucky stars because the sock could have been red and tainted the whole load, her black socks were old and tatty and already washed out.

When Emma said goodnight to Henry as he settled into bed in the evenings she often knew Regina stood in the doorway, watching the bond that had grown. It wasn't with the jealousy that had existed during the curse, they shared Henry like they shared living space, comfortably.

The Diner - That Weekend

A sullen boy sat at the counter with Belle, Ruby on the other side pretending to clean so she could be involved in the conversation taking place.

"But nothing is happening! They've been living together for over a week and it is like they are pen pals or distant cousins. They are so awkward around each other. They don't kiss or touch each other, they struggle to talk about anything other than what Emma did at work or what to cook for dinner. Or me. Sometimes I wish I wasn't there, then they'd have to talk. Why haven't they been on a date? And I keep going to bed early to give them time to bond but it is pointless! I'm missing time with them and TV shows for nothing. Something has to happen, they are in love!"

"Henry." Belle sighed. "It's going to take time, and in the span of a lifetime, a week really isn't that long. Emma and your Mom need to explore this on their own and in their own time. It will grow, but let it happen naturally. Stop changing your routine to try and force them together. All it is doing is frustrating you."

"Yeah Buddy." Ruby piped up, "Love takes time, and it takes work. And there needs to be trust and commitment and all sorts of things that you can't know straight away. They need to get to know each other. That can't be rushed."

"But when I liked Grace and we dated for a week it didn't take that long for me to kiss her. And we didn't have True Love." He munched on his straw, the sweet treat not doing much to lift his mood. He had thought by now everything in the house would be going well, but the two women were concentrating on him too much and not on each other. He felt he was a useful buffer for them so they didn't have to address what should be developing between them. And while the attention was nice and he had missed Regina so badly, he would happily sacrifice his time with her so she could start a relationship with Emma. He had left the house today hoping maybe they might bond, but suspected he would get home and find them each in their respective bedrooms, ignoring the issue as had become usual between them.

"Henry, you were friends with Grace for years, you grew up together. You already knew her. And I don't want to belittle what you had with Grace, but it didn't last did it? You both realised you were better at being friends and were experiencing your first crush and wondering about experimenting. It was free and easy and natural. It isn't a fair comparison to make against what might develop between Emma and Regina." Belle knew two such individuals couldn't be free and easy, they had life experiences that had stripped that from them. The best that could be hoped for was that one of them dealt with their fear and made the first move and that love then took over.

"Maybe I could buy flowers and tell Mom Emma bought them. It would at least start a conversation." He looked at the two women hopefully, both who shook their heads at him.

"Why not?" He moaned, he just wanted them happy, he loved them too much to see them waste this chance. There had to be something he could do.

"Henry be patient. Honestly, it will all work out." Belle told him firmly.

"How do you know?" He looked at her, she hadn't lied to him before, but it was difficult to believe with the odd tension in the house that things would ever be normal again. "How can you be so sure?" He scrubbed at his face, so like Emma in that moment, questioning his actions and beliefs. His faith in magic seemed to be wavering and he wasn't the little boy who had clung to his storybook with steadfast and unshakable conviction. It was probably just his teenage hormones, but Ruby raised her eyebrows at Belle. Their believer was getting lost.

"Do you want a slice of cake, my treat?" Ruby tried to buoy his mood.

"Ruby Lucas I better see money going into the till for that!" Came the bellowed shout from the back room.

At the sound of Granny's voice berating her granddaughter Henry did smile, the first they had seen that day.

"Nah Ruby, but thanks for the offer." He told her.

"Something wrong with my cake, Young Mr. Mills?" He heard bellowed at him this time.

He slid from the seat and walked to the doorway, his Mom would be happy and impressed at his manners and that he didn't just bellow across the Diner.

"No Granny, nothing's wrong with the cake, I just don't feel like it." He cut a dejected figure and the older woman appeared in the doorway, wiping her hands on a tea towel as she sensed something wrong in his tone.

"Here on your own?" She asked him.

"Yeah, Emma and Mom are at home." His voice was flat, it lacked the enthusiasm she expected.

"You don't seem pleased." She stated, matter of factly. "I thought you wanted your Mom back?"

"Oh I did, I'm happy about it." He quickly told Granny and she looked over her glasses at him.

"Then tell your face." She deadpanned back at him. "Buck up young man, it isn't the end of the world. Emma is looking much better and Regina is awake. That in itself is reason to be happy. Things are better than they were last month, be grateful."

"I guess." He had noticed that Emma looked much more bright and alert. She hadn't snapped at him for the mess in his room since Regina had woken up, her tension and stress levels were returning to normal. And his Mom was spoiling him, baking him cookies and doing his laundry. He didn't mention when it had just been him and Emma he had done his own laundry and he knew exactly how the machine worked.

It just wasn't what he had expected to happen, he expected fireworks and to be disgustedly walking in to find them embracing on the sofa or stealing kisses while doing the washing up. He thought they'd be like his grandparents, comfortable with one another, the love they shared clear to everyone around them and they weren't. And he didn't know how to fix it. It never occurred to him that it might not be for him to fix or that it might not be within his power, that this had to come from the two women it involved.

And that was what the adults could see. That he needed to step back and let the lovers find out what was between them on their own.

"Time, Young Man. Give them time. And they have lots of it, they aren't old like me." She winked at him and saw a little of the tension slip from his shoulders. He needed a little reassurance, that was all. He had been through a lot and been strong for so long, it was natural he was now struggling and felt deflated. And the older woman had spoken to him kindly and helped put his mind at ease. Henry knew she was wise and she had agreed with Belle and Ruby. Other people's belief helped bolster his own, it would all work out, he just had to keep the faith.

Granny stood back and watched the cogs turn in his head, still a child most of the time despite his height and pitchy voice. She saw him accept the words and the truth in them as he smiled properly this time.

"Now go and tell my granddaughter that there are customers to serve, eat some cake and then go home. Go and enjoy the afternoon sun with your mother."

"Yes ma'am." He told her, but she was already retreating back to her stove or washing up or whatever she did back there.

Ruby got him the cake and patted his shoulder before going and doing her waitressing. He ate slowly, making small talk with Belle, finding out how she was, how the library was and how his grandfather was. Now he wasn't pouting he became quite charming, his genetics coming to the forefront and Belle smiled and laughed with him. He felt sure it could be a good weekend, cake always helped with that.

Swan-Mills Mansion - A week Later

Emma couldn't sleep and she found herself outside the brunette's bedroom door.

The door popped open under the pressure of the brunette's hand, "Don't loiter Miss Swan, came in if you intend to."

"How did you know I was there?" She asked.

"The shadow and you aren't as stealthy as you think. I heard you coming."

"Oh." There wasn't much else to say.

"I heard you last night too."

Emma tinged pink in embarrassment.

Regina took pity on her, "Pull up a seat. Tell me what is on your mind."

Emma watched the woman in her silk pyjamas, the sway to her hips, the way the fabric pulled across her ass just a little as Regina returned to her bed. The brunette felt the eyes and wondered how Emma would react if she had been in one of her skimpy nightgowns instead. A nice short one with a low cut neckline, the material so gossamer it was nearly see through. She smiled, knowing Emma would ogle while going a shade more pink than she had been a minute earlier. She settled herself under the covers and tried to relax while waiting for Emma to make her decision.

"Are you sure? I think it might turn deep and meaningful and be a long night. I can come back if you are tired?"

"Emma, stop dodging the question. I opened the door because I agree we have things to discuss and am happy to do so. What do you want to say to me?"

"Are, I mean, do you, could you... um, well...Love. What kind of love revived you?" Emma settled on the words that still gave her an option to pull away if she didn't hear what she needed.

"Something True." Regina told her, watching the blonde squirming with discomfort. She was aware this didn't answer Emma's question how she wanted, but Emma hadn't asked the question she wanted to either, so they still danced round it. Regina had opened the door and invited the blonde to stay, she hoped Emma could also take a leap of faith and meet her in the middle.

"Yeah, okay." The blonde kicked her foot against the carpeted floor. "So I revived Henry with familial love, is ours like that, a platonic kind of strong friendship?"

"Do I strike you are the platonic and friendly type Miss Swan?" Regina felt disappointment grip her. Was Emma looking for an excuse to leave? Did she really think this was something platonic? Wasn't she attracted to Regina like the brunette felt the attraction pull at her? She often became aroused by thoughts of Emma, she liked her smile, her laugh and her love for their son was endearing. If Emma wasn't attracted to her then the blonde needed to tell that to her eyes, they followed the brunette around with a hunger Regina was certain meant this wasn't one sided.

Regina looked hard at the other woman, trying to see what was happening. She knew from the memories she had seen in the vault that Emma had had a sex dream involving her, was she now going to deny that and pretend this was a strong bond like Soulmates or best friends? Was Emma trying to sell this as something good but not lovers in the true sense of the word?

"No, but you are fierce and fiery. And I'm scared if I say the wrong thing you'll react badly and we'll go back to our pre-curse versions of ourselves, hating and snippy. And I don't want that and it wouldn't be good for Henry either."

Emma was still only giving away half-truths and using Henry as a shield for her own emotions. But Regina took heart, she had to remember how broken she herself had been for many years. She had built walls and never allowed anyone inside, and Emma had also built walls. Refusing to drop them completely was understandable. If Regina could just create a chink, could let Emma know she was safe in this room and with her.

"I will never go back to hating you." She threw out a life line.

"Really?" Emma queried, her face softening, lightening as some worry lifted.

"But I am difficult to be around, and sometimes in my anger it looks like hatred." She admitted.

"Oh." Emma felt the progress they had made slip back a bit.

"I am just passionate, and when my emotions are roused I respond with deep intensity."

"Yeah I think I remember that." Emma tried to joke and she saw the brunette quirk her lips. It seemed comedy lowered the tension and allowed them to work towards the common ground.

"I can be quite terrifying." Regina deadpanned, but her eyes danced with humour and Emma sighed, some relief at last. She saw some give and take, a playful banter while still having meaning.

"I'm already terrified of you, I'm scared out of my mind." Emma admitted.

"As am I of you." The brunette reached out her hand and grasped the blonde's chin, tipping her head until she could look into her eyes. "But love is the deepest of emotions and if we have it and can nurture it and grow it, may be it doesn't have to be terrifying and destructive. We have something special between us, something undeniable, and I think we need to deal with our fear."

"How?" Emma asked, "You say it like it's easy."

"It isn't easy, but someone recently told me you are hardworking and worth it, and I happen to agree. You sell yourself short Emma, and how we do this is together. If you work hard, I will do the same. I suggest we take it slowly, get to know one another and see where this evolves to naturally."

"Do you think we can?"

"I don't know, but magic tends not to be wrong, not the fairy, sweet kind you have been playing with."

"Well we have managed to live weeks under the same roof without a major incident." The blonde joked.

"Indeed." The brunette agreed.

Emma moved closer and took the brunette's hand.

"Regina I need to know, how much of it do you remember? In the vault, I felt you were there for me, how much of it was real?" Emma looked at her with such pleading, hoping that it hadn't all been in her mind.

"You came visiting me, Henry has told me. And there were times I am certain I felt you close. Often you were sad, a hint of despair filtered through to me that I knew wasn't my own."

Regina knew she could be honest, which would likely set them back, even shatter the blonde. Or she could bend the truth. She hadn't known at the time what Emma had spoken about, but she had seen it since in a magical memory.

And she knew Emma wasn't as strong as she portrayed and desperately wanted reassuring. Her heartfelt revelations had struck Regina deeply.

So the brunette bit her lip. Even with her lack of experience she knew a relationship should be built on trust, and deceit wasn't a good way to start. But Emma was delicate and she wanted to spare her feelings. She could lie and manipulate, her old skills honed over years, but this time behaving like that gave her pause.

It was easy, looking at Emma's eyes, her vulnerability clear. She made up her mind, to tell the lie to ease the blonde's suffering. This wasn't how their relationship would progress, but it was a necessity for now.

"What you told me, the things you unburdened in that room, there are gaps and they aren't completely clear, but most of the words and the intention filtered through."

Regina watched the crestfallen expression on the pale features. She continued, her words removing the creases on Emma's face, "I know how important the things you said to me were, the memories and emotions you shared. And I know how painful it will be for you to relive and tell me again, so I wouldn't ask you to. I received enough to know what I need to. And that is that you are a special, strong lady who has been through so much. And I am responsible for some of that, my curse caused you to grow up alone in care. And I am sorry for that, for the suffering that you went through."

Emma had tears in her eyes, "Did you just apologise to me? The Queen, known for instilling fear and being beyond reproach?"

"Yes. I don't do it often, but when I have wronged someone it isn't unheard of. And I wronged you Emma, and words aren't enough, but maybe with my actions, I can begin to earn your forgiveness."

"I've forgiven you. Regina I read your diary, I asked questions, I learned about you. Not The Queen, the young girl in love. The one forced into royal married life and manipulated by Rumpelstiltskin. You have blood on your hands, you committed horrendous acts, but you weren't alone and you had justification for some of it. The fact that torture was common place, as was magical use means I can't judge you by this world's set of morals. What I do know is that a sentence was set and you served it, so the only thing left to do is look to the future. Two reformed convicts together."

Emma winked and they smiled at each other. The silence stretched between them, but not uncomfortable like the ones Henry felt the need to fill at dinnertimes.

"So we're doing this?" Emma asked.

"Yes we are doing this." The brunette echoed.

As Emma stood to leave the brunette called out to her, "I think we might explore the possibility of a goodnight kiss."

The blonde bounded back playfully and gave her a chaste peck on the cheek. "Goodnight." She breathed as she pulled away.

"Goodnight." Regina echoed, settling back into her pillows and watching the blonde leave. Slow she could do, if they continued to converse for an hour every evening and sealed their commitment with a kiss she felt confident this could work. She felt light and positive and wondered how long Emma would continue to be chaste with her kisses. Her stupidly optimistic heart was already reacting to the simple touch and begging her head to give in to more.

She laid back and sighed. She wasn't sure what this was, but she had promised the blonde she'd try. She hoped Emma had lots of patience and understood that Regina needed guidance in this. Co-habiting and co-parenting had gone reasonably well, but this was a big step and completely unknown for them both. Both had loved but not lived together with their lover, Regina had been married and lived with someone, but she hadn't loved them and due to royal constraints it wasn't exactly normal either. Slow, she told herself, it will be okay. And she believed that. Hope, long absent, filled her veins. She had a horrible suspicion it was radiating from her cheek and into her body. Wasn't that just sickeningly sweet.

Swan-Mills Mansion - Evening, Several Weeks Later

It took two weeks of goodnight kisses that became more heated every day until they were stood outside Regina's bedroom door making out like teenagers. It was late and Henry had long gone to bed, the two women enjoying a few alcoholic drinks downstairs as they chatted, scooting closer and closer on the couch until they were pressed together and neither of them were concentrating on their drinks anymore. They had finally made it up the stairs and were in the corridor trying to find out how long their self-restraint would last.

Emma delved her tongue into the warmth of Regina's mouth again and again, swallowing her moans as the older woman scrapped her nails down the blonde's back, both of them undulating their hips against the other's thigh so that their clothed centres were pressed into firm muscle and stimulated.

Emma pulled away and nipped at the skin on Regina's neck as the other woman busied her hands with Emma's covered breasts, teasing at the erect nipple she could feel under the cloth.

"We need to stop." Regina gasped, knowing if they didn't soon she'd open her bedroom door and all hope of slow would cease in this fairly new relationship.

Emma pulled away but her eyes were still inky with desire and her swollen lips downturned into a pout.

"Don't look like that." The brunette whispered, "My control is already hanging by a thread." And she leaned in and gently kissed her girlfriend's cheek.

Emma fumbled with her left hand for Regina's right and then brought the knuckles up for her to place four kisses, one on each of them.

"Guess we didn't do much talking tonight did we?" She said as she moved a little further away from the curves that were her downfall. She couldn't think once Regina pressed her body against her, everything became hot and wet and pooled between her legs.

"No, we didn't." Came the throaty response. Emma at least saw an equal amount of desire shinning back at her from dark orbs and could be safe in the knowledge that the wanton lust was mutual between them.

As she slipped further down the corridor she told the older woman, "Goodnight then."

"Till the morning." Her partner replied and smiling at her blew her a kiss.

Emma headed for her shower, running the cool water over her burning body.

Regina went to bed and reached a little desperately into her bedside drawer. Her hands were shaking, the way Emma made her heart pound and her body respond was surprising, she felt like she was floating, breathing irregular, pleasure numbing her thoughts so all she felt was her skin that was on fire. She knew she was impossibly aroused, there was an intensity between them that Regina had never known before. True Love floated through her brain before pleasure took centre stage.

The state of her arousal was only confirmed when she slid the silicone vibrator into herself without resistance, Emma was a really good kisser and had grown very good at reading her body and stimulating it even over her clothing during the past few weeks. It didn't take long for Regina to stimulate herself until she was finishing over the fake cock buried deeply inside her. She came with the scent of Emma on her clothes and skin, the sense of the younger woman happily surrounding her. The blonde was the only thing on her mind as she whimpered to completion, her hips grinding into the toy and wishing it was pale fingers stimulating her centre instead. Regina knew they weren't going to be able to keep denying themselves for much longer, she wanted Emma and not just for the physical act. Yes, she wanted to taste the Sheriff, she wanted to know if she was a vocal lover who cried out as she came, but there was so much more. She wanted to wrap herself in her arms afterwards and drift off to sleep, to snuggle and hold hands and enjoy the afterglow together. Things she hadn't wanted for decades. Since Daniel.

As she crashed to the mattress, spent, that was what she missed, her arm reaching out to find only cool sheets when she wanted to feel warm, soft skin and the comfort it would offer.

The Following Weekend

Regina had managed to convince Emma they should spend the day together, a kind of date. She felt self-conscious in her room, picking out an outfit. It was only a walk down by the river, she wasn't even in a skin hugging dress that emphasised her cleavage. She was just in jeans and a casual long-sleeved shirt, she was dressing for the weather, but still hoped the denim showed off her waist and legs to her advantage.

The nerves she felt were ridiculous. She had spent hours conversing with the blonde, exchanging experiences or just watching TV and laughing at the stupidity of the characters on the screen. She had groped this woman, and let Emma's hands roam equally unhindered over her own skin. They had been far more intimate and shared far more than she had with anyone else, even Daniel. But then, with Daniel, her life had been short and she had so little to share. Now her life had been dark and angry, she had more to tell and ask Emma to understand and even forgive. And so far, Emma had. She sometimes needed some time and space to process, but Regina equally needed that, especially when Henry's father was mentioned. She felt insecure about the link to Rumpelstiltskin and that the man could just appear in the town, crossing the barrier because he was from the Enchanted Forest. He had the power to steal away Emma and Henry and although she knew she had their love, it gave her pause and added to her fear. She was trying to deal with her fears, but it wasn't an overnight fix, the damage had been done over years and would take many more to work out of her system. Speaking about them, saying them out loud, admitting them, it was a start, and Emma was happy to listen and reassure where she could.

Part of the nerves was being in the town, making their relationship public. Everyone knew of course. She had been woken, unless a citizen had been living under a rock, they knew Emma had done that. But to be seen together, to be judged, it unsettled her. She hoped no-one would think badly of Emma, she was kind and strong and deserved respect. She had done her best, and Regina kept telling her it was enough. She knew Emma often didn't believe her and that made the brunette sad. Should any of the town voice an opinion on the subject and try and belittle Emma in public Regina wasn't sure she could hold her tongue. She could still offer a withering retort and cut someone with her tongue if pushed, Snow hadn't forbidden her from vocally attacking. And she thought if it was in the defence of her daughter, Snow might actually approve and support her.

But she was getting ahead of herself. She needed to get ready and then take Henry to his grandparents where he would be staying the night. She had planned on a light dinner together after some hand holding while strolling gently through the park and following the river to the docks. Then she hoped they would finally consummate things, because she was struggling with her libido.

She had taken people to bed knowing far less about them, she had waited less time. But Emma was special, what they had was special. And she wasn't that person anymore, who only cared about her own pleasure and used people to get it. She wanted Emma to feel loved, respected, wanted. The day wasn't grand, it wasn't an expensive restaurant and a showy affair but that was because Emma wasn't like that. If Emma wanted that, Regina would spend any amount of money on the best restaurant or the best theatre seats or anything else the blonde might want. But Emma had stolen her breath when she had asked and the answer had been, "Just you. You're all I want."

Regina couldn't believe she was this lucky. They still bickered, making snide remarks to each other. But she always sensed that she could rescue it, that Emma would never gravitate far from her. It was a level of care and comfort she couldn't comprehend if she was honest. She'd never had anyone that invested in her wellbeing and it only made her feelings for the woman stronger.

She looked at her reflection in the mirror. She wouldn't go so far as to say The Sleeping Curse was the best thing to happen to her. She still had horrific nightmares, but she had often had them before being cursed if she was honest. They just came with more frequency these days. She toyed with seeing Archie, Emma did nothing but praise the man, but she wanted to try something else first. She wanted to try sleeping in a bed with Emma, have Emma's presence there to comfort her. If the night terrors persisted even with her Saviour there, then she'd know she needed to deal with her many repressed issues with therapy. She shivered, not liking the prospect, but recognising that it would be necessary. How she had changed under that curse. She had become accepting and accommodating. She knew part of it was Emma's demeanour rubbing off, the blonde's personality filtering through their True Love bond. Thinking of Emma a smile pulled on her lips, and she saw the look on her face in the mirror and rolled her eyes at herself, she really was so far gone. Where she once would have thought she was pathetic and been critical of herself, now she span from the reflection shaking her head and laughing.

"Henry!" She called as she left the room.

He appeared with a holdall stuffed with his clothes and toiletries for the weekend away and bumped her shoulder. These were the times she noticed the change. He was her height and he didn't look up at her with fear or resentment. He didn't look up at all, not physically, but he still loved her and showed her far more respect than she felt she deserved. "I hope you have a good weekend." He told her, and she knew he meant it.

""You're sure the food I want to cook will be okay?" She asked and he nodded.

"Not take away?" She queried, and Henry looked at her seriously.

"Stop over thinking." He said. "What you have bought and is in the refrigerator is more than okay, she'll love it. And even if she doesn't, she is doing this for more than food, she loves you and that is what is important. Everything will be fine so stop worrying."

Regina studied him, and he looked back. She saw a strong young man who just wanted her to be happy and he saw her indecision. She had become much easier to read, her face and her eyes didn't fit her mask anymore, not since The Sleeping Curse. So he did what he could to help and engulfed her in his arms. Giving her as much love as he could, trying to convince her she was worth it and should grab it, enjoy it and stop questioning it. Life was for living after all.

"You look great, by the way." He said as he pulled away and snagged her car keys, urging her out to the car.

She just smiled shyly and Henry wondered when she had last been told that honestly, not in a slimy tone from Sydney, or just as lip service from some courtier who wanted some royal favour. He hoped Emma told her, and if she didn't he would have a word with her to make sure she did it more often, that smile shouldn't be hidden away, not with the joyful way it lit up his Mom's face.

[X]

When Regina got back home Emma was waiting for her. Flowers in one hand and something else in a hand hidden behind her back.

Emma presented the bouquet and Regina accepted, inhaling the natural perfume. "They are beautiful." She commented.

"Beautiful flowers for a beautiful lady." Emma told her, no hint of jest in her tone. Regina let the warm feeling the words created inside fill her up. Emma Swan was charming, although there was obviously more as Regina tried to peek round her back to see what else the blonde had brought with her.

"Fine." Emma huffed good-naturedly. She produced something wrapped in brightly coloured plastic and gave it to Regina, who only knew what it was because of the writing on the outside.

"A stunt kite?" She queried, shaking the bag and noticing bits and pieces shifting inside.

"Yeah." Emma nodded, "I'll assemble it, but I thought it would be fun. Walk for a bit, talk for a bit, sit in the sun on the blanket I've got here," She kicked at a rucksack tucked away behind her, "and then fly the kite. I've got some snacks we can picnic if you're hungry?"

"Isn't that something children do?" Regina asked, not wanting to upset Emma and dismiss her idea, but she hadn't pictured this when she had suggested a date. She was thinking an adult stroll, a sensible dinner and not capering around after a juvenile flying toy.

"Trust me." Emma winked, and then looked at Regina with her eyes looking so like Henry's pleading face that Regina felt herself crumbling. And the brunette had to agree, she did trust Emma so she nodded her agreement to the blonde's unorthodox date plans.

[X]

As Emma stood flush against her and helped her manoeuvre the kite through the air she understood why the blonde had suggested this. She had got to see the woman running to get the kite airborne, her shirt riding up and exposing all sorts of flat stomach. Her toned arms flexing, her denim stretched tight over her ass as she bent and jogged around the grassy area. And then Regina felt the warm breath on her neck and strong arms encircling her waist as Emma helped guide her with flying the kite. To any passer-by it was still innocent, but Regina knew how the contact made her heart beat jump and that the flush on her skin wasn't exertion from manoeuvring the kite.

Emma was well aware too, she had seen the brunette clearly eyeing her up, her lips had been licked several times and her eyes never gravitated far from her figure hugging shirt. But Emma had picked this activity for several reasons, the fresh air was nice and the town could see the once feared Evil Queen having fun. Regina getting sexually aroused was a welcome bonus.

Half an hour later Emma reclined on the blanket, a packet of chips in her hand Regina turned to her and sighed.

"What?" Emma asked, trying to swallow her mouthful before answering, trying to behave like a well brought up grownup. One worthy of spending time with a Queen.

"I have dinner planned and you are stuffing yourself."

"I'll eat again, this is just a snack." Emma grinned at her.

The brunette rolled her eyes. "Of course you will, you have a bottomless pit of a stomach." And she reached over and lay her hand on Emma's belly, rubbing it through the material of the shirt.

Emma felt her body heat up from the contact of Regina's hand, her muscles clenched, and her nipples perked up, which was clearly obvious through the thin fabric.

Regina noticed and hummed a satisfied noise.

"What are we having?" Emma didn't try and hide her body's response, but she did roll onto her side so she could talk to the brunette face to face.

"It's a surprise, much like the kite was."

"Admit it, you had fun." Emma needled.

"Yes I did, it has been a nice day."

"Well it isn't over yet." Emma let her eyes linger over Regina's features. Were they both on the same page? Did they both hope this was going to go on well into the evening and end up in bed? Emma hoped she was reading the signals correctly, but she was worried. She knew Regina had been abused in life, had had choices removed from her. She had been forced into having sex with Emma's own grandfather and the blonde didn't want to rush her or make her feel this was expected. She wanted it to evolve naturally, for them both to be engulfed by the passion and thoroughly want it and enjoy it.

"Where did you go?" Regina reached up and traced her fingers down pale skin on her face.

"Wondering about later." Emma admitted, biting her lip.

"And would I be right in guessing it wasn't thoughts about the choice of food for dinner?" Regina lowered her voice and watched Emma carefully. She wanted the younger woman, things had been building steadily towards a physical consummation, but there was nervous hesitation coming from Emma and Regina refused to push things and just take. This was special and she wasn't going to ruin it.

"I love your cooking." Emma stalled.

"I am quite talented in the kitchen. Among my many talents." Regina flirted gently, trying to feel things out.

Emma became tense and Regina noticed the shift, she was so much more in tune with people these days. And with Emma specifically. And before even if she had noticed someone else's discomfort she would ignore it and deem it unimportant, now she felt compelled to enquire and help if she could. Damned curse had turned her into Snow White, all feelings and compassion.

But she shelved that line of thought, Emma was here and struggling with something.

"Emma, tell me." She probed gently, like she would with Henry when he was clearly conflicted with something. They were so similar and she smiled internally to herself, knowing she loved them and it was returned. That they were family and she could cope with that, she wasn't adrift on her own.

And they had all grown closer over the past month, they had conversed and built bridges and trust. Emma didn't lie to the brunette and didn't hide and it was reciprocal. Emma felt safe with her, safe from judgement and safe with sharing her thoughts and emotions. So she told the truth now.

"I want you. When you flirt it makes my blood run hot and my underwear damp. But I want you to be ready and to want it too. And we agreed slow, and the thoughts I've got running rampant in my head right now aren't at all slow. They involve you, a kitchen counter and eating something entirely different from food. So I just need a minute to calm down."

"Maybe I don't want you to calm down." Regina pushed, moving closer on the blanket, her voice a seductive purr.

Emma looked hard at the older woman opposite her before reaching out her hand and intertwining their fingers. Her eyes blazed with desire and she saw it mirrored back at her. They were definitely on the same page.

"So would you be okay if we went home now?" Emma asked, her own voice husky.

There was an imperceptible nod and then Emma was pulling the brunette to her feet and kicking the blanket into a ball and shoving it into the rucksack.

"Are we going to bother with dinner?" Regina laughed as she found herself being dragged across the grassy area.

"Would you be offended if I said no?" Emma was practically skipping and the energy was vibrating from her. "I've got a far yummier treat in mind."

As Emma's words hit her, she felt her body respond in the most primal way. She felt arousal shoot through her body and deposit between her legs.

"I miss my magic." Regina groused, thinking she would have just materialised them both in her bedroom and they could already be naked now.

"It builds the anticipation." Emma soothed, rubbing her thumb over the brunette's knuckles before pulling on the arm and bringing the digits to her lips to kiss.

[X]

As they stumbled up the stairs, hands all over each other, disrobing, kissing, and teasing they finally reached the upstairs corridor and locked in an embrace they barged through the bedroom door.

Down to underwear they were pressed up against each other, lips locked as hands grasped at exposed flesh. As Regina felt her legs hit the bed she pushed Emma away from her and looked over skin she had yet to fully appreciate. She allowed her eyes to feast, Emma was toned, slim and with her chest moving erratically and a flush of arousal covering it, Regina felt very lucky.

The blonde took the chance to look as well, enjoying the mussed hair that her hands had run through, upsetting the usually perfect waves. Seeing lust blown pupils and a reddening mark on the brunette's neck where Emma had been sucking hard. Beautiful breasts, still encased in a teal coloured lace bra, begged to be touched and Emma pounced, unclasping the clothing and letting it drop to the floor, before filling her palms with the soft flesh and massaging them. The nipples were springy against her thumb as she brushed them repeatedly and then she lost her rhythm as her mouth was stormed with a desperate tongue.

As Regina nipped at her lip, then pushed her tongue back in and explored Emma's mouth the blonde felt a moan try and escape. But Regina just swallowed it down as her hands found firm ass cheeks and squeezed, before running up her back and unclasping the bra, moving her body slightly so the fabric could be discarded, then they were crushed back together, nipples rubbing against one another as the brunette slipped her thigh between pale legs and run her hands back down to cup the tight ass she had been admiring for years.

She pulled the younger woman close and Emma knew she had just smeared herself over Regina's thigh, her arousal leaking past her underwear as she moaned again, the friction delightful. Regina stopped kissing her and Emma whimpered at the lost contact, the brunette sitting on the edge of the bed and Emma couldn't control the clench of her thighs as the woman looked up at her with pure devotion. She licked her lips taking in Emma's breasts, the honesty and the desire in the eyes staring down at her, the intensity of emotions and the heat between them in that moment.

"Let's take these off." Regina reached and tugged the underwear from Emma's hips. "So I can see all of you."

Emma felt her mouth go dry, the moisture collecting between her lower lips, as the blood pounded and her love for this woman thundered through her veins. There were no nerves, no hesitation, Regina looked at her like she was precious, like she mattered, like she was wanted and had found the place where she was needed. And Regina's need was clear as she spread her legs and Emma could see the dark, damp mark on her underwear.

As Regina pulled her down on top of her they met again in a heated kiss, before Emma kissed down her jaw line and sucked on the brunette's earlobe, eliciting a breathy sigh and a thigh being raised to rub against her now uncovered centre. Emma bore down, loving the contact and responded by using her teeth, nibbling and biting at Regina's earlobe.

As Emma moved down her neck, kissing, licking and biting the brunette was using her hands, tweaking at nipples before running them over the blonde's back, her touch alternating between feather light or scratching when Emma used her teeth. Both knew it wasn't a warning, or a signal to stop, it was just a little rough and they were seasoned lovers who liked a little pain mixed with their pleasure.

As Emma took a nipple in her mouth and swirled her tongue, Regina arched into her, the praise falling easily from her lips, "Yes Emma, like that." Before she held on to her head and Emma used her teeth again to bite down. Moans filled the air as both women enjoyed themselves, the anticipation heightened and the atmosphere was electric.

After bestowing equal attention to the brunette's breasts Emma continued lower, finally taking the flimsy panties between her teeth and pulling playfully.

"May I?" She queried, looking at Regina, who had a look of unadulterated lust on her face. The brunette had never been asked, never been worshipped like this. It was surreal, but so very satisfying. Having the blonde between her legs was making her squirm with need, she could have easily begged, but she knew Emma didn't want that. Emma wanted to show her respect and to love her, just to please her, no ulterior motive, and no deep and dark intent to manipulate.

"Yes, Darling, take them and then take me."

The words hit Emma hard, she practically ripped the fabric trying to get it away from Regina, before she was parting her lower lips and teasing out her tongue to taste the older woman for the first time. As the flavour exploded on her tongue and Regina gasped, Emma moaned happily, lapping harder and swiping fully from the brunette's entrance to her hard clit, tonguing the bundle and working her lips around it as Regina threaded her fingers through her hair and bucked with gentle thrusts into her face.

As Regina became more vocal, the words spurred Emma on, "Oh Emma!", "Yes!" and "Please don't stop!" Each one more breathy, the need infused in each syllable. She flicked her tongue harder, her fingers dancing on the brunette's stomach, reaching up to trap and capture a nipple or massage a breast, and finally teasing at her seeping opening.

As pale fingers traced patterns, dipping just the tip inside Regina's bucking became more pronounced. The blonde decided the teasing had gone far enough, her own body ached to be touched, but she knew in time she would get her chance. She was responding to Regina's arousal, her own heart swelling almost to bursting as she entered her lover with two fingers and heard the words, "Emma, so good my love."

Love. Emma felt it all around her, the air was infused, and it was flowing out of both women, to combine and be reabsorbed, strengthening them and their bond. Emma knew instinctively how to touch the wanton woman, it was almost like they were one person, one thought, one feeling.

And she felt how close Regina was to her climax and she couldn't have denied her if she had wanted to. She fleetingly thought there would be many nights to tease and torture each other, with-holding that final touch and prolonging the moment of release, but that wasn't now. Now she sucked hard on Regina's clit, while pumping into her. She felt the extra liquid cover her fingers as Regina fell over the edge, her climax a loud moan, her hips jerking and then her thighs clamping shut so Emma couldn't bathe her sensitive bundle of nerves with more contact. Her chest rose and fell as she wiped her arm over her forehead, before blinking down at Emma who was tenderly kissing her thigh, then up to her stomach, each press of her lips making the brunette shake and inhale suddenly, her skin exceedingly responsive after her release.

"Hey. You are beautiful." Emma told her, just before she kissed her lips, laying flat atop the brunette and feeling her heartbeat frantically against her ribs. Emma felt it begin to calm as the brunette recovered from the best orgasm she had had. And she was well aware it was the emotion, the love, that had driven her as high and then let her come crashing down safely into Emma's waiting embrace. And it didn't frighten her, not like it should. All her thoughts were focused on returning the pleasure she had just been given.

As she rolled Emma over she could smell the scent of sex in the air, but she could smell and feel the magic too. Their union of True Love was powerful and she hoped it would make Emma peak quickly, both their hearts and bodies in tune. She hoped it would be as powerful for Emma as it had been for her, and that they could then do it all over again, because she realised she was rapidly becoming addicted to Emma Swan, the love of her life.

"How do you want it Emma?" She purred into her ear, her fingers descending at an agonisingly slow pace down the Sheriff's body. "Do you want me to use my fingers, or my mouth?"

She lay to the side of the younger woman and drummed her fingers on Emma's taut stomach and kissed her neck, waiting for an answer.

"Fingers." Emma managed to get out of her mouth, her mind blurring with the pleasure she was feeling, but her mouth ran away with her as she continued, "Maybe use your mouth later, when I'm too sensitive to take anything else."

Regina quirked an eyebrow, but was secretly thrilled, she wasn't the only one planning on this being a long event. "Maybe." She conceded, grinned wolfishly and then went back to biting at the blonde's jaw, pulse point, earlobe, anything she could fasten her teeth to that made Emma moan. Before long she had her fingers swiping through sodden folds, brushing at Emma's clit and enjoying the way Emma moved her body against her to maintain contact.

"Inside Regina, please touch me." Emma begged, as the brunette swirled patterns over the slippery bundle of nerves beneath her finger tips. At Emma's impassioned plea she switched tactics, using two fingers to enter the woman and her thumb to continue the pressure on her clit. She thrust and loved the way Emma was bearing down on her fingers, her breath catching in her throat that Regina kept peppering kisses on.

As Regina moved her body to cover the blonde and thrust with more control and more fingers Emma whimpered, her hands finding purchase on the brunette's back, sliding up into her hair and pulling her down for a kiss that lacked control. It was messy and Regina loved it, they truly were just themselves in the moment, no plan, no structure, no titles. As Emma bit her lip and she pulled away she looked down at the blonde. And all she saw was desire, lust, love. All for her. She leaned down and whispered into Emma's ear, "I love how you feel. So open and so wet."

"Oh God." Emma felt herself tighten, "Babe, please! Make me come. Fuck me harder!" Emma was bucking her hips and her words were pitchy, the tone displaying her need. Regina felt her heart hammer in her chest, she was so turned on she felt her own juices seeping out of her but she ignored her own needs. She took Emma's nipple and bit down, while she pumped harder and deeper into Emma's channel, the tightness signalling how close Emma was.

"Fuck!" Emma was getting louder and Regina was treated to the sight of her throwing her head back, her skin flushing as the orgasm over took her, the word "Regina!" falling from her lips as her limbs went into involuntary convulsions. Regina kept moving her fingers throughout the release, her mouth sealed round a nipple to prolong and heighten the experience for the blonde. When she finally lay still there was a smug smirk on an olive toned face, which she happily kissed, both of them conveying the unspoken thanks.

They found themselves in a safe and warm embrace, allowing a moment of calm to settle over them. There were soft kisses, playful smirks, whispered compliments and teasing about pet names from the heat of the moment. Regina had never known anything like it, sex had always previously been about satisfying a base need, and this afterglow and enjoying it with another person was alien to her. But she found she liked it, the way Emma held her close and kissed her nose. How she prodded Emma's stomach as it rumbled and the blonde looked sheepish, but they laughed together about it and then decided together what to eat and when.

They did eat, but only the rest of the picnic food Emma had stuffed in the rucksack, before their lust took over again and they ended up in bed, giving in to the primal pull between them over and over again.

Swan-Mills Mansion - Nine Months After Regina's Revival From The Sleeping Curse

Emma sat back and looked the woman below her in the eye.

"You really want to go and answer the door now?" she pouted, but shimmied so the brunette could get off the bed.

"We're both still clothed, darling. Had they come calling in five minutes I doubt either of us could have stopped. Don't pout Dear, I'm only going to be a minute, then I'll send them on their way and we can continue where we left off."

She swung open the door expecting Snow, David, or an admin assistant from town hall. Instead she found a man she had never seen before.

"Hi." the man smiled at her, stretching out his hand for shaking.

Regina looked him over, short, brown hair, a crooked smile that seemed warm and not unfriendly. A cheeky boyish look that seemed familiar somehow. She still hesitated in taking his hand, so he let it drop and shrugged his shoulders at her.

Into the silence that followed as they watched and appraised each other he then uttered words that would forever change all of their lives, "I'm Neal Cassidy and I've come to see my son."