This chapter involves case. I admit, I have no idea how divorce court works and I didn't look up legal things simply because this is my story and how I want it to go lol. This chapter will be the last and it will be the 'happy SQ ending'. I am sorry that there is no smut. I tried, but the muse for it didn't happen. This has been fun to write and was a great prompt, so I hope you all are okay with a short, but happy story. If some kind of inspiration hits, I may add more, but for now, this is it.

Read~Enjoy~Review

Chapter 2

Emma sat at her desk, files open and paper everywhere. However, her focus was not on the paperwork but on the brunette she was growing closer and closer to. She knew she was in murky waters with Regina and not least because she was her client. She was going through a divorce and obviously wasn't in the market for a girlfriend. However, she could note a few looks in the last few weeks where she questioned it, but it could have been her imagination. After getting all the forms and information, Emma went back to Mr. Spenser and offered yet another deal that no lawyer in their right mind would refuse. However, Robin did refuse and Emma couldn't help but grin when she was told Mr. Spenser dropped him and Robin would be representing himself in court. Emma tried hard to talk Regina into asking for more, it was her fair share and after seeing how much money Robin had taken and gambled away, or spent on illicit activities, she couldn't fathom why Regina wouldn't ask for everything.

Belle knocked on the door and then opened it. "Sorry, Regina just called to say she'd be a little late. I was wondering if I could ask you something though?"

Emma gave a nod and put the papers back in the file. She was told my Mr. Gold that Regina's case was her only case right now, but other partners in the firm had asked for help from time to time. "What's up?"

"I was wondering if I could come to the court case with you? I know I'm your assistant, but I'm also finishing my paralegal degree and your cases are fascinating. I know this isn't one of your usual kid cases, but I just think I could learn so much. I already have, to be honest, and I'd love to see this through."

Emma smiled warmly. "Thanks for the compliment. Yes, as my assistant, you can come with me. To be honest, this case just gets easier and easier. Though, I know better than to count my chickens before they hatch."

"Thank you. That means so much to me."

"No problem. Also, if you need help with anything for your classes, let me know." Emma sat back. "I'm sorry, but would you mind getting me a strong coffee?"

"That's my job, boss." Belle said with a grin. "Should I send Regina in as soon as she gets here?"

"Yes please." Emma stated and then went back to writing ideas for the case.

Twenty minutes after Belle had brought her coffee, a disheveled Regina came into the office. "I'm so sorry I'm late. I know you're busy and having me be late doesn't help."

Emma stood and took Regina's jacket. "Hey, it's okay. Just take a seat and breathe. Would you like something to drink?"

"Water, please."

Emma looked at Belle who nodded and got a water out of the mini fridge. Emma poured it in a glass and put it on her desk in front of Regina. "I hope everything is okay."

Regina gulped at the water and then sighed. "He came to see me today." She said and ran her fingers through her hair.

"I thought you had an order of protection?"

"I do, and before you ask, no, I didn't call the cops. Well, not until after he left because your voice was in my head telling me to get it documented."

Emma smirked. "Good. I'm glad to hear that, but what did he say to you, or do?"

"He didn't do anything; he just yelled at me and threatened to take everything from me. He berated me and called me names, but he didn't physically harm me."

"Oh Regina, I'm so sorry. Court is on Friday so it'll all be over then. However, if there is a next time, call the cops right away. He needs to learn he's not invincible."

"I know and I will." She bit her lip as she started calming down. "You're lucky you got out of the relationship when you did.

Emma couldn't hold her question in longer. "Regina, how did you end up with him? I mean, you don't have to tell me, it's just that you seem so different to him and you certainly don't seem like the kind of woman to take crap like that from a man."

Regina was quiet for so long that Emma was afraid she over stepped. Finally, she took a breath. "I've known him for a long time. My mother and his father had always planned on him and I getting married, but when we were teens, they had a huge fight and forbade us from seeing each other. I guess, when I saw him again, I had a late stage teenage rebellion and decided to be with him to upset my mother. It was stupid and I see that now, but back then, it seemed right. He didn't start acting like a major jerk until after we were married and by then, I didn't want to admit I made a mistake." Regina sighed again. "My father died six months ago and I guess that was my wake up call. See, he and my mother had a loveless marriage and I didn't want to live the rest of my life like that."

Emma couldn't stop herself as she reached and put her hand over Regina's. "I'm so sorry, for all of it. Regina, this is not your mistake or failure. This is your independence. Do you and your mother get along now?"

Regina puffed out her cheeks and let out a breath. "That's a loaded question." She said with a bit of a laugh. "When I'm being 'her Regina' we get along, but the minute I live life as my own, we're not talking. Getting married was bad, but getting a divorce is the most devastating thing for her." Regina rolled her eyes. "She was just saying yesterday that she hopes he'll get everything just to teach me a lesson." She looked into Emma's emerald eyes. "I want everything, Emma. Everything."

Emma couldn't stop her grin as she nodded. "Then we will go for it all."

Regina was at home on Thursday night after being in Emma's office all day Thursday. She was so sure they were going to win that she was already preparing a celebration. Would Emma come? Could she, should she invite her? Her door bell rang and she smiled as she saw it was her sister. "Hey Zee. Come in."

"Gina! How is everything? You have court tomorrow, right?" She asked, kissing her sister's cheek.

"Yes, and I think it's going to go great." Regina closed the door and lead her over to the sofa to sit. "Emma has everything ready and she's good, Zee. She's only ever lost one case out of so many."

"Emma?" Zelena asked, wiggling her brows. "First name basis?"

Regina rolled her eyes, but felt her blush. "She insists. She's so nice, and seems so young, but she's good. She's talked me into going for everything."

"Good! You should, Gina. You're the reason you have all the money and stuff, not him." She sat back. "Tell me more about Emma. Is she single?"

Regina sighed and poured glasses of wine. "I think so, but why would I ask her that?"

"Because you've got it for her, sis. I can tell. You want her, and it scares you."

"What? Why would that scare me?"

"Because you'd have to admit you're attracted to women and you don't like to admit that kind of thing because of how Mommy dearest always talked about same sex couples."

Regina sighed and drank her wine. "You're right. About all of it but what do I do? She's my lawyer, Zee, I can't…it's not…ethical."

"She's a lawyer at the firm you use. Once your case is over, it's perfectly ethical."

"She's also Robin's ex from college." Regina said with a sigh. "And she knows how pathetic I've been. Why would she be interested in me?"

Zelena took Regina's hand. "Because you're Regina Fucking Mills. You're beautiful, kind, respectful, sexy as fuck, and every woman's dream. Sis, you are more than what's made you."

Regina felt tears in her eyes. "Thanks sis. You've always been able to make me feel better."

"Besides, if you marrying Robin pissed mom off, imagine you being with a woman. Damn, I should have thought of that."

Both sisters laughed and that and then talked about the party they'd have once everything went through.

On Friday, Emma was waiting with Belle at the courthouse for Regina. She was in a power suite and felt good, if not a bit nervous. Her nerves weren't because of the case, but because of Regina. Not ever had a client ever gotten to her the way Regina did. She smiled when she saw Regina, also in a power suite, but hers with a skirt, come in the doors. "Regina, over here." She said with a wave. "You look nice."

"Thanks, so do you." Regina said. "Have you seen him yet?"

"Yes, he's in the waiting area. Alone." Emma said with a smirk. She knew no other lawyer would touch his case. "We're in a moderation room. It's less of a trial and more of moderation. The judge will make the decision, but there's no jury or anything like that. We'll still be sworn in, but it'll be more like a conversation than a trial. Just like we practiced yesterday."

Regina gave a nod. "Thanks for everything, Emma."

Emma grinned. "Don't thank me yet."

In the room, the judge was at the head of the table with Robin alone on one side, Regina, Emma, and Belle on the other, and a court reporter in the back. "Mr. Locksley, I see Ms. Mills has tried to close this out with a couple of generous offers that you did not accept. Why is that?"

"Because she's not giving me what I want…I mean what I feel I deserve."

"I see." He said, looking at the paperwork. "Ms. Swan, please present your case. Mr. Locksley, I expect you to remain quiet as she does so and only speak if I ask questions."

Emma presented everything, all her proof, citations, police reports, bank statements, investments, home deeds, everything. The judge looked at it all and then looked at Robin. "Do you contest any of this?"

"I made money too." Was all he could say.

"Yes, but you spent far more than you made. It is quite clear that Ms. Mills is the reason you lived the way you did. You took advantage of that and now want more?" The judge shook his head. "This is an easy one, folks. Mr. Locksley, you're lucky your ex didn't press charges against you." He sighed some papers. "Ms. Mills, you keep everything you've asked for. It was very kind of you to offer him his car and your second home because honestly, you'd have gotten those too. Those properties are now in his name and he is in charge of all fees associated with them. Being there are no children, this divorce is granted as of today. Mr. Locksley, I advise you to take what you have been given and move on. The order of protection is still valid, do not forget that."

Emma smirked as she looked at Robin over the table. All those times of being told she was a worthless nerd were being thrown back in his face. She looked at the judge. "Thank you, your honor." They all stood and Emma, Belle, and Regina went into the hall.

Regina hugged Emma, she couldn't help herself. "Thank you so much, Emma! Honestly, I came in just wanting a little something and I've now left with so much. Not only money, Emma, but I feel better about myself too. You and my sister have helped me realize that I didn't deserve to be treated like this and I could never thank you enough."

"You really did turn out to be a bitch." Came Robin's voice. "I'm glad I threw you away when I did. Fucking bitch." He was glaring at Emma, knowing his words would hurt her, even if she didn't show it.

Emma felt like his words were a punch to the gut. She remembered nights after drinking where she'd be crying to him about how every foster family had thrown her away and asking why she was never good enough. Back then, he'd comfort her and assure her it wasn't her, but now, of course he'd use that against her. Regina had no idea the deeper meaning, but she knew it was affecting Emma. She looked at Robin and crossed his arms. "Typical man blaming a woman when he gets even more than he deserves. You were the one thrown away, Robin, twice. Twice you've been thrown away. Just go before I call security over."

Robin kept glaring at Emma. "You'll get yours, you fucking orphan. Still all alone in the world with no one who loves you? That's how it will always be for you." He saw a security officer coming and turned to the door. "Once unloveable, always unloveable, Emma."

God, Emma did not want to cry. Not here. Not because of him. But the tears building in her eyes were hard to fight off. "Excuse me." She whispered and turned to flee to the bathroom.

"What was that all about?" Regina asked Belle, not sure what to do.

Belle sighed. "Emma's got her own story, Regina, and he just reminded her of it. There's a reason she takes cases with kids who have been badly treated. It's not my story to tell though." Belle looked at Regina. "Go see if she's okay? I'm going back to the office to report the case. Tell Emma there's no rush."

Regina nodded and went to the bathroom. She could hear Emma being sick and got some paper towel wet with cold water. "Emma? Can I come in?" She asked as she stood by the stall. She heard Emma sigh and unlock the door, so she came in and pressed the towel to Emma's neck. "I'm so sorry, Emma. I don't know your history and you don't need to tell me, but I'm so sorry he hit a nerve. You're not unloveable, you're not trash, Emma."

Emma closed her eyes and flushed the toilet. "I am though. I always have been." She said, her voice cracking. "I should have known he'd use that against me. I should have been prepared so it wouldn't affect me like this. I feel so stupid."

Regina pulled Emma up and hugged her tight. "You're not stupid. You're human, Emma, and he just obviously said something hurtful. Of course you're going to have a reaction. What can I do?"

Emma melted into Regina's arms. "Just hold me? Just a bit longer? I'm sorry, I try to be tough all the time but…"

"Shhhh. It's okay." Regina said, rubbing her back. "We're in no hurry. Belle is going back to the office and said there's no rush. I'll hold you as long as you want to be held, then, let's go somewhere and get lunch and if you feel like talking, we'll talk." She closed her eyes, feeling a little guilty for liking this feeling. "You're an amazing person, Emma. You've done so much good for so many kids."

"Thanks." Emma said, sniffing. She stepped back, reluctantly, and grabbed some toilet paper to blow her nose. "I haven't let words affect me like that for so long. I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry. No more saying you're sorry. Now, I'm going to go get my car and I'll meet you out front, okay?"

Emma nodded. Belle had driven her there to save gas, so she was thankful for a ride. She knew she had the day booked for court, so she could take time for a lunch before going home. She watched Regina go and went to the sink to wash her face and rinse out her mouth. Her phone started ringing and she sighed as she answered it. "Mr. Jones, I was just about to take lunch and then call you."

"Emma, it's Killian and I'm calling on a personal matter, not professional. I'm sorry, but I forced Belle to tell me why she came back alone and she knows we're old friends, so she told me. Are you okay? What he said…Emma, you can't believe those words. You've come so far."

Emma took some deep breaths. "Thanks. I feel so stupid for breaking down in front of Regina. She's supposed to be happy, to be celebrating, and instead, she's comforting me because I broke down."

"Let her. Emma, you deserve to break down now and then, but do not let it break you. Take the rest of the day off, the weekend, and we'll see you Monday. In the meantime, if you need anything, you call me or Lilly, okay?"

"Okay." Emma said, unable to argue. "Thank you and I'm…"

"Stop saying you're sorry. You just won another case, Swan, you deserve the rest of the day off. Good job."

Emma smiled. "Thank you." Emma then came out and saw Regina waiting in her car for her. She got in and buckled up. "Sorry, Killian…Mr. Jones called and I was talking to him."

"Everything okay?"

"Yes. He and I knew each other before I started working there and I was friends with his wife before they got married. He knows my past and knows how Robin's words would affect me. I feel…weak somehow? But he talked to me and gave me the rest of the day off to celebrate winning your case."

"You're not weak. Everyone has a breaking point." Regina said as she drove off. "Emma? Will you tell me about it?"

Emma swallowed and looked at her. "Not to be rude, but why? You're my client and your case is done."

Regina sighed. "Maybe my case is done, but does that mean we can't be friends? I've grown to really like you, Emma, and you've been here for me; let me be here for you." She looked at her and then back at the road. "I can't make you, but please know that I want to be here for you. I want to be your friend."

Emma smiled softly. "I'd like that. Let's grab something to go and go park somewhere?"

They did just that and eventually, Emma broke down and told Regina her condensed version of her life story. Told her of her foster homes and how she never did find her forever family. Regina then understood exactly why Robins words hurt Emma and she hated him even more for it. She took Emma's hand and squeezed it. "You've got me now, Emma. I'll always be here for you."

"Thanks." Emma said, squeezing back. "You've got me too." She bit her lip and looked at the woman. "I may be totally off base here and if I am, just tell me but um…would you be interested in going out sometime?"

Regina's heart fluttered. "Out?" She asked, playfully.

"Yeah, like dinner or something?"

"You mean like now?"

"Well yeah, but this isn't a date." Emma blushed.

"Ah, a date. You're asking me out on a date?" Regina couldn't help but keep Emma going.

Emma blushed more. "Yeah, but if I'm totally off base just…"

"I'd love to. Come to the party my sister is throwing tomorrow to celebrate. Then we can discuss a proper date."

Emma smiled. "Sounds great."

"So she's coming?" Zelena asked as she set out some glasses for drinks.

"Yes, and she asked me on a date." Regina gushed.

"That's awesome, Regina. I'm so happy for you. I can't wait to meet her." She then sighed. "You know, mom's coming too. I don't know how she found out but…"

"I told her." Regina said with a grin. "She wanted me to get nothing, so I want to throw it in her face."

Zelena chuckled. "I think our old Regina is back. I've missed her."

"Me too."

Emma came in and smiled at Regina as she took off her coat. There were a fair amount of people there, but as soon as she walked in, she had the brunette's attention. Regina came over and kissed her cheek. "I'm so glad you made it. Your bosses said they weren't going to so I was afraid something came up."

"Nah, they just had other things going on. Thanks again for inviting me."

"Is this the famous lawyer?" Zelena asked coming over. "Dang, you're beautiful. I mean Regina said you were good looking, but wow, you're gorgeous."

Emma blushed while Regina nudged her sister and then looked at Emma. "I'm sorry, she got into the cider. This is my sister Zelena. Zee, this is Emma."

They shook hands and made polite conversation until a throat being cleared could be heard. "So you're the one who helped my daughter in her divorce?" Cora asked. "I'm Cora, her mother."

"Hello, yes, I took her case. It's nice to meet you, Cora, I'm Emma."

Cora gestured for Emma and took her aside. "My daughter believes I only want the worst for her, but in reality, I'm just making sure she fights for what she deserves. I'm glad you won her case and, from what I can tell, she likes you. I don't know you, but what I've read about you, I think you are exactly who she needs. Please, don't hurt her."

Emma was surprised and felt a little dizzy with the attention. "Thanks. I don't plan on hurting her."

The party was just the beginning for the two and afterwards, they were constantly dating and growing closer. After a year, Regina moved in with Emma, saying she wanted to sell the house her and Robin had lived in. Things weren't always perfect, no relationship is, but they met all challenges with love and respect and worked through it. After another six months, Regina proposed they get their fostering licenses. She knew Emma had long hours, but her job allowed her to be home nights and weekends and she couldn't think of a better way to spend her time. They did that and then waited to be paired with a child. In the meantime, they had a small courthouse wedding and party with close family and friends. Emma got promoted again and now mostly worked contract deals so she could be home more often. Yes, she still took those special cases that called to her, and she helped out her coworkers, but she was just one step below partner and took advantage of that. When they got the call to take in a child, Mr. Gold insisted she take family leave time for at least three months while they got to know the child who would most likely be long term.

He was a beautiful three month old baby boy who was born on more drugs than Regina had even heard of. The poor boy was in the hospital alone for the first three months and now that he was medically cleared, she couldn't wait to hold him and love him. Emma was a bit nervous, but the moment she saw his hazel eyes, she was in love. "I can't believe he hasn't had a name for three months. That's so sad." She said to Regina as she fed him.

"I know, but it's pretty cool that we get to name him. Of course, he will have his birth mother's last name, or at least the name she gave them."

Emma sighed. "I can't help but feel bad for her too. She's obviously gone through a lot and needs help. However, I'm glad she did the right thing for little Buddy." Emma looked at Regina. "I was thinking, what do you think of Henry? I know your dad meant so much to you."

Regina's eyes filled. "Really? Oh Emma, that would be amazing."

Emma smiled. "Henry it is then."

"Henry David. I know that David and Mary were your best foster parents and they'd be your adoptive parents had they not been in that car accident."

Emma's own eyes filled and she looked at the little one. "Henry David. It's perfect."

Six months turned into a year and the adoption had finally gone through. Henry David Swan-Mills was officially part of the family and as Emma held their newest foster daughter, Regina lifted Henry to blow out the celebratory candles.

"What are you thinking, baby?" Regina asked as she came into bed after checking on the kids again.

Emma smiled. "I just can't believe this is my life. Who knew that one case could change everything?"

Regina smiled. "We should send Robin a thank you card. If it weren't for him, we wouldn't be here."

The two looked at each other and busted out laughing. They then made love before falling asleep in each other's arms.