Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“They’re coming home…”

The brunette's voice broke as Zelena slowly closed the mirror she had taken from her sisters shaking hands.

Regina felt a blend of emotions surge through her like a flood of water; stunned at what she had witnessed, exhilarated that finally Emma and Snow were coming home and relief, so much relief that they were both unharmed.

That Emma, who always seemed to find herself in hot water, was returning to her at this very moment, safe and well.

She and Zelena had bared witness to everything that had happened in the alternate Storybrooke, marveling at how the entire town had taken a stance against Cora and Regina knew Zelena felt as astounded as she did before they finally saw Emma and Snow give them a quick wave, the former adding a wink for good measure as their image shifted and they saw Rumple open up a portal.

A portal that would bring them both home.

“Sh-she’s coming home.” Regina whispered before suddenly jumping to her feet.

“We -  I… we have to go!”

Zelena chuckled to herself and placed a steadying hand on Regina’s arm.

“Darling, take a breath. We don’t know where-”

“We have to go!”

Before Zelena could finish, Regina had bolted from the room, almost knocking over a startled Mal as she entered carrying a basket of plums.

“I know Regina raves about her apples but honestly Zelena, I think I may have fallen in love a little with these plums!”

Zelena stood, still smiling to herself at her sisters obvious excitement at seeing Emma and even Snow again as she proceeded to follow her sister, pausing beside Mal.

Reaching out she took a plum and bit into the reddish purple flesh, the juices running along her throat.

“Mmm that is good.” She managed to respond as Mal’s finger swept along Zelena’s bottom lip before she reached forward, replacing her finger with her lips.

“Very good.” she growled into Zelena’s mouth. Content, Zelena was about to repay in kind when  Regina’s voice bellowed.

“Zelena! COME ON.”

Zelena stepped back and sighed as Mal let out a chuckle.

“Go with her. You know how much she’s missed her Sheriff.”

Zelena managed a hum as she attempted to reach forward, now more interested in tasting Mal’s lips again.

“And we both know you’ve missed Snow.”

Zelena hovered her lips over Mal’s, her eyes narrowing.

“I’ll never admit to such a thing.”

Mal took a step back.

“No more forbidden fruit for you then, my dear.”

Zelena sighed, taking another plum she bit down hard before offering Mal the rest.

“Maybe a smidgeon.”

Mal grinned and took the offered fruit as Zelena sidled up next to her.

“Perhaps we can continue this later? Only with strawberries and whipped cream?”

Mal smirked.

“When you’ve both finished with your lustful glances and sexual innuendo’s, perhaps we can finally go?” Regina huffed from the door as Mal let out a laugh and turned to face the blustered Mayor.

“Well you’d know all about prolonged eye sex wouldn’t you dear? Ruby isn’t the only one with a keen nose. The amount of phenylethylamine you and Emma released whenever you were in the same room was enough to make me take several cold showers!”

Zelena laughed before she paused.

“Phenyl-what now?!”

Regina actually blushed as Mal ignored the confused redhead, approaching Regina and pulling her into a hug.

“I’m glad she’d coming home my dear. Now, go get her.”

Emma took one last glance behind her before she stepped inside the portal. Regina and the other Emma were stood impossibly close together, the latter waving as the former pulled her into her side and whispered something in her ear.

The last thing Emma heard before the portal closed behind them was her own voice echoing around them.

“Holy shit I got you pregnant?!”

Emma smiled to herself as Snow’s hand found hers.

“We’re going home.” Emma whispered as the familiar pull surrounded them as soon as they stepped inside the opening. Her vision became blurry, so Emma closed her eyes. 

“I’m going home.” she thought, once more, as her heartbeat seemed to quicken at the prospect of seeing Regina - her Regina - again.

And Henry.

God she had missed them.  It may have been a few days but to Emma it had felt like a lifetime.

Her legs then began to wobble a little as some unknown energy pulled at both her and Snow, the action so sudden their hands fell apart.

Feeling heavy yet light at the same time, Emma realised she hadn’t experienced this feeling the last time Rumple had sent her home, probably because as soon as she had entered the portal she had fallen asleep almost immediately, the energy no doubt carrying her and Mulan through before pushing them tumbling to the ground on the other side.

Now as she continued to step forward, Snow still by her side, she saw a light approaching in the distance. Without warning they were lifted and thrown forwards.

Regina and Zelena stood beside Ruby, Mulan and David, the party gathering on Main Street waiting for the portal to appear.

Regina and Zelena had both sensed the portal’s location as soon as they had left the mansion, the former teleporting to David and the latter to Ruby and then Mulan so they could all be together when Emma and Snow finally reappeared.

Regina had momentarily contemplated getting Henry before deciding against it. He had already missed too much school and she wanted to surprise him with a dinner that would have every family member present once he got home from school.

“Why is it taking so long? Is it taking so long? It kinda feels like it is?”

Mulan grabbed Ruby’s hand and gave it a squeeze.

“They’ll be here.”

Regina had overheard Ruby and was thinking the very same thing.

Where the hell were they?

As if her question had been heard from some higher being, the portal slowly began to appear, its opening shimmering and twisting below the clouds above that were tinged in dark. There was also a chill in the air as the clock in the tower began to chime, alerting the residents of Storybrooke that it was now Noon.

Regina stepped forward as the opening grew into a sizeable sphere.

Suddenly two figures appeared. 

One, landing on their feet, a look of shock and then relief on her face as she turned to see her family and friends all standing on the pavement, waiting.

The other seemed to tumble, before landing rather heavily… on their ass.

Emma was frowning, as she looked up at Snow.

“Seriously? You land on your feet? Portals fucking hate me!”

Groggily she stood before another figure careered into her, knowing the wind out of her lungs.

“Whoa…”

Emma then felt the body leap up, arms folding around her.

“Emma… Emma…. Thank god!”

Emma immediately relaxed, her eyes now closing as her arms surrounded Regina, pulling her impossibly close as she pecked quick, successive kisses all over her face.

“Regina.”

Kiss to the forehead.

“My god I’ve missed you”

Kiss to both cheeks.

“So fucking much!”

Kiss to the tip of a nose.

“I’ve felt incomplete without you.”

Kiss to the chin. 

“I love you.”

Finally, a kiss to the lips.

Regina inhaled, trembling in Emma’s arms. The Sheriff's scent was teasing her nostrils, dancing around all of her senses before finally reaching out and wrapping around her, making her feel safe and needed.

And loved.

“I love you too.” she whispered into pale lips, her own now opening wider to allow Emma’s tongue entry to dance and tease against her own.

“Mmm” Emma managed, lowering a hand to grasp hold of Regina’s pert backside, giving it a squeeze, forgetting she was standing in Main Street under the watchful gaze of some of its residents. 

“Let’s try and keep this PG-13 ladies.”

Emma and Regina barely heard Zelena as Ruby began to laugh.

“Um, it’s not just them.” Mulan managed, her eyes flickering to Snow and David who were also engaged in tonsil tennis.

“Well fuck. It clearly runs in the family!” Zelena chuckled to herself before clearing her throat.

“Lovely to see you back safe and sound ladies. Not that you’ve noticed the rest of us standing here like spare parts.”

Emma groaned into Regina’s lips as the Mayors tongue began to move so explicitly against her own Emma could feel a wetness already pooling below.

“Need… you.” Emma managed to groan again as she felt Regina’s hands on her back, under her jacket and top, tickling featherlike touches along her spine.

Zelena's keen eyes moved to Ruby and Mulan.

“I don’t think they’ve noticed us. Perhaps we should just leave them to it? If you stick around much longer Mulan you’ll have to arrest them for indecent exposure.”

Regina was pressed up so close to the her, Emma could feel the brunettes erratic heartbeat thumping against her own as her breasts brushed against Emma’s. Emma's nipples immediately hardened, sending a jolt to her now swollen clit that was demanding attention.

“Fuck.”

“Yes. Now.” Regina rasped as she finally broke away from Emma, whose tousled hair framed a father flushed face.

“Oh, look at that. They do need air after all.” Zelena cackled as Emma’s cheeks blazed, her breathing irregular as thoughts of making love to her girlfriend overtook every other.

“We’re going.” Regina informed the small party, attempting to calm her now raging libido as she ran a hand though her disheveled hair thanks to Emma’s probing fingers.

God she’d missed those fingers.

“I think after that display, you’ve already gone.” Zelena replied caustically, now winking at Emma who temporarily missed the other, shyer, less sarcastic Zelena.

"Stay here for much longer and I suspect we'll see you coming too, especially you Sheriff. You're looking rather hot."

Yes, at that moment Emma definitely missed the more tactile Zelena.

“You can… that is we can… meet you back at Granny’s in an hour.” Regina managed to mumble, although her voice was hoarse and lacked her usual commanding tone. 

“Two.” Emma interrupted, her eyes gleaming with mischief as they dropped to Regina's ass.

God she had missed that ass.

“Two Hours.” Regina confirmed with a quick nod of her head as she felt Emma’s strong arms immediately wrap around her again. 

Ruby continued to laugh and Mulan nodded, a knowing expression on her face.

“And what about-“  Zelena turned to where Snow and David had been smooching, noticing the former was half way up the street dragging her husband behind her.

“Good to see you guys. Really. But… duty calls!” Emma replied cheekily, slapping Regina’s backside.

Regina simply grabbed her and poofed them to their bedroom, not caring about her ass being slapped for public display.

She’d scold Emma.

Later.

“Well, that was wonderful. I’ve always wanted to see my sister come undone in plain sight and after witnessing that I don't think I'm using that term loosely! Where’s Sidney when you need him? That display was worthy of front page news!”

Ruby laughed.

“Yeah I can see the headline now: Mayor Makes her Move in Main Street; a Storybrooke exclusive!”

Zelena walked back to the diner with Mulan and Ruby, asking Granny if she had any plum pies.

"Not today, but I can make you one for tomorrow?!

Zelena grinned.

"Perfect. Mal seems to have developed a penchant for plums."

Granny eyed Zelena.

"I think she's developed a penchant for redheads. Nice to see both Mill's heading towards their happily ever after."

Zelena's mouth opened. Then closed. Then opened again.

"I - "

Ruby looked at her, eyebrows raised before she turned to her Granny.

"Well shit - you've rendered her speechless!"

Granny waved a hand at nobody in particular.

"I have my skills. Now, get back to work missy. These dishes won't clean themselves!"

Zelena, still speechless had simply nodded at them all as she made her way slowly back to Mal's, Granny word's repeating over and over in her head.

Nice to see both Mill's heading towards their happily ever after...

Was it possible that she too was on course for a happy ending like Regina clearly was?

Did she even deserve one? She may be good now, or as good as she possibly could be, but she'd never really dreamed of her own happy ending before.

Now seated in the living room as Mal prepared lunch in the kitchen. Lily soon appeared, laughing as she entered the room.

"Do share the joke Lily."

She needed a diversion from her thoughts. She was starting to think like Regina once did, that she didn't deserve happiness.

Lily took a breath before pointing her finger to outside.

“Well, it’s not every day you see Snow White making out with Prince Charming outside a laundromat.”

Diversion achieved, Zelena smirked.

If only Sidney has caught that scene on camera.

“You should have seen-actually, no. It’s probably for the best you didn’t.”

Snow may have been kissing David but she suspected their make out session was Disney channel compared to Emma and Regina’s which was positively porn.

Mal entered carrying plates of sandwiches as Lily glanced over her shoulder and pinched one.

“They both made it back home alright then?” Lily asked, attempting to sound impassive although the red on her cheeks suggested otherwise.

“Yes. They did.” Zelena replied, biting into her sandwich as Mal took a seat.

“How were they both?”

Zelena chewed a while as if pondering her answer before she finally swallowed.

“Relieved to be home.”

Lily snorted. 

“I’ll say, looked like Snow was eating David’s face off!”

Mal laughed. “Well she missed him. It’s only natural. I’m sure Emma felt the same way when she saw Regina again.”

Zelena watched to see how Lily reacted, wondering why Mal was being so open and honest about Emma and Regina when she herself had hung back. She didn’t want to upset Lily but she also knew the young brunette really would have to come to terms with Emma and Regina at some point.

“You could say that, yes.” Zelena finally replied as Lily’s cheeks remained pink.

“I’m sure Regina was happy to see Emma again.” the young brunette replied, helping herself to another sandwich.

“The feeling was very mutual.” Zelena revealed as Mal laughed.

“Is that why you’re here? Avoiding the mansion for any particular reason dear?”

Zelena’s eyes narrowed. 

She wanted to tell the truth but she also didn’t feel now was the best time to possibly rile up a baby dragon. 

Then again, if that were likely surely Mal would be more careful with her words? Throwing caution to the wind Zelena nodded.

“I didn’t want to interrupt their… time together.”

Zelena gave herself a mental pat on the back for omitting the word "sexy".

Lily’s brows rose as she quickly swallowed the rest of her sandwich before excusing herself.

“Oh Lily? We’re all meeting Snow and Emma at the diner at two, for some welcome home drinks. I’m sure Emma would love to see you.”

Lily paused at the door.

“Maybe. I mean… yeah. Okay. Thanks.”

Mal watched her daughter leave before she stood, walking the short distance to Zelena she perched herself on the arm of her chair.

“You were rather… demure just then. Not like you at all.”

Zelena rolled her eyes.

“What did you want me to say? Emma fell through the portal, Regina jumped her and if they hadn’t poofed to their bedroom we would have all being subjected to x rated porn? Because that’s what it was turning into, they could have given Busty Barbara from Brooklyn or Debbie Does Dallas a run for their money!”

Mal started to laugh, swinging her legs around so she was soon straddling Zelena.

“We can’t treat Lily with kid gloves forever Zel. Emma and Regina are together, she knows that and she’s starting to accept it. We shouldn’t hide away from talking about them if she happens to be in the same room, although I do appreciate your gentle handling. I didn’t think you had it you!”

Maybe this was her happy ending... being with Mal...

Zelena’s hands found Mal’s hips.

“We both know you prefer my rough handling, Mallie. Now let’s forget Emma and Regina. I want to introduce you to this little movie I’ve titled ‘Zelena does Mal’”

And with that she transported them both to Mal’s bedroom, thoughts purely on one particular happy ending she was about to give her lover 

As soon as they appeared in the bedroom, Regina began to sob. Her hands, still clasped around Emma’s shoulders were shaking, causing Emma to step back, her own hands still wrapped possessively around the brunettes waist.

“Gina?”

Regina’s head immediately dipped as whimper now escaped her lips.

“Baby? What’s wrong?”

Emma suspected her girlfriend was simply over emotional; she herself was on the verge of tears now that she was finally home and had her Regina tucked up safely in her arms, but that wasn’t enough.

She needed more.

But as she watched the brunette sniffle, her whole body now shaking, all Emma wanted was for Regina to look up at her and tell her she was alright.

“I - I can’t. I just can’t believe you’re finally here.”

Regina’s voice was husky and a little broken, which made Emma’s breath catch.

“The emptiness I felt when you were gone, Emma it hurt so much! I’ve never felt a wrenching pain like that before and believe me, I’ve felt varying degrees of pain in my past!”

The thought of Regina being in any kind of pain upset and angered Emma at the same time; upset because her absence had caused the woman she loved to feel that way and angry that she had endured so much hell in her past. 

“I’m here, Gina. I’m right here. And I’m not going to leave you again. Ever.”

And she wasn’t, parallel universes be damned although she knew deep down if their counterparts ever needed help they’d both be there on the front line pledging their support and allegiance.

Regina took several deep breaths as if trying to steady herself before she stepped back and cupped Emma’s face, their eyes finally meeting.

“No, you won’t, because being without you was hell Emma. And I won’t go through that again. Not fully knowing what was happening or what you were doing or-“

Emma cupped Regina’s face back.

“Shhh. It’s okay. I understand honey. I promise. No more trips to parallel universes!”

Regina’s face broke out into a dazzling smile as her hands fell to Emma’s shoulders before moving to the back of her neck. There she began to stroke the frisson’s of tiny blonde hairs, each caress sending goosebumps across the Sheriffs body.

“Miss Swan, there will be no more trips to anywhere unless I am by your side!”

Emma grinned.

“Good, cause you know how much I hate grocery shopping alone.”

Regina’s fingers were now in Emma’s hair, moving through the curling strands in a comb like fashion, something Regina knew Emma loved.

“I love you, Gina. Now, please, let me show you how much because honestly these past few days have been hell and I’m horny as fuck.”

Regina laughed, her eyes darting to the bedside clock before she pulled her fingers free.

“You have exactly one hour and forty five minutes to show me exactly how much, Miss Swan.”

Emma beamed, picking Regina up who let out a squeal at the sudden movement.

“Jesus I’ve missed your voice.”

Emma then turned and gently placed Regina on top of the bed, her eyes dancing over the body below her as Regina stretched out like a cat.

“You heard my voice through her, Emma.” Regina replied, a slightly puzzled look now appearing across her flushed face.

Emma threw off her jacket as she peered down at Regina.

“I mean the noises you make when I do things like - this…”

And with that Emma quickly unzipped her boots, kicking them to the side before she jumped on the bed, her legs on either side of the Mayor as she began to slowly crawl up the length of her body.

Regina let out a small mewl as Emma paused and grinned.

“Yup, noises just like that, which I obviously didn’t pull from the other Regina.”

Emma then winked as Regina’s arms pulled her roughly on top of her.

“You better not have, Miss Swan. I’m rather possessive when it comes to you. I don’t share, even if it’s with myself.”

Her lips then tackled Emma’s, a strong tongue demanding entry and Emma obliged and opened her mouth to accept the strong, hot muscle as it flicked against the tip of her own before extending to brush against Emma’s lips.

Regina knew how sensitive Emma’s tongue was when her own pleasured it, she also knew the sounds Emma made when she pushed her tongue even deeper into the blondes mouth, inducing such an arousal it often made her shake.

She too had missed the noises only she could pull from Emma.

“Mmm. Hell yes Gina!”

Regina smirked and suddenly pushed Emma back. 

“Wh-what’d you do that for?!” Emma managed, looking rather sullen at the suddenly break in contact. “I was enjoying that.” she then whined as Regina sat upright and began to slowly unbutton her shirt.

“Ooo, okay.  I think I’m gonna enjoy this too.” Emma managed to rasp, as her eyes followed Regina’s agile fingertips as they slowly reached lower, and lower.

“Time is of the essence, dear. Perhaps you can do the same?”

Emma merely nodded, relieved she didn’t have buttons on her own top to remove because the way she felt, watching more and more of Regina's olive skin becoming exposed, the more she realised she wanted her fingers to be doing something else entirely.

Grabbing the hem of her top, she flung it upwards, not caring where it landed as Regina let out the most deep and husky laugh Emma had ever heard. It made her tingle.

“Someone’s keen.” Regina murmured as she finally got to the bottom of her shirt, her eyes now on Emma, pupils blown as she took in the sight before her.

Emma was exquisite, her pale skin scattered with freckles and pale silver scars of varying sizes that told a story of the hard life the Sheriff had. When Regina had first seen them Emma had mistaken her curiosity for pity. Regina had soon shown Emma how much she was truly loved, every part of her, as she softly brushed a fingertip over them before replacing her finger with light brushes of her lips.

Regina remembered the way Emma had shed tears of relief when Regina had whispered those words of encouragement in her ear.

“I know these make you feel vulnerable Emma but to me they are symbols of your own personal history. You have no idea how much I love the intimacy when you allow me to see them, to touch them.”

Emma’s chest was now moving in and out rapidly as her own emerald eyes focused on Regina’s chest.

“I love you in red.” She whispered as her hand gently lowered Regina back down before she fully removed Regina’s shirt from her shoulders.

“But I think I love you more naked.”

Emma’s fingers were then unclasping Regina’s red bra as the Mayor unhooked the tiny clap on the front of Emma’s black one.

Both were discarded, fingers working in tandem, as Emma’s then found the button on Regina’s trousers.

“And these… these really have to go.”

Regina nodded as her hands began to play with Emma’s pink and pert nipples, her thumbs brushing over the hard peaks as the rest of her hands cupped them lovingly.

“So sexy.” she whispered as Emma began to fumble with the zip.

“Jesus, you’re not helping.” Emma croaked as Regina’s thumb and forefinger then began to nip and squeeze the now pebbled nipples, just the way she knew Emma liked it.

“Nor should he be. Nobody touches you but me.”

The joke wasn’t lost on Emma as she finally pulled the zipper down, her hands moving under Regina to raise her ass.

“Shift up.” she commanded as Regina obliged, her hands now on Emma’s stomach, fingers running up and down the taught muscles that always made Regina tingle and her clit ache and twitch with need.

Emma paused again momentarily, her head tipping back as finger tips were replaced with finger nails.

“Holy fuck.” She garbled as Regina’s nails ran to the button on her jeans.

“I want these off. Now.”

Emma’s head slowly slipped back down, her eyes now the colour of obsidian as she pulled Regina’s trousers off, throwing them over her shoulder before quickly standing, removing her own pants.

“Just one sec!”

The pants seemed to be tighter than she remembered before she realised they were actually the other Emma’s and not hers. She didn’t remember having this much trouble putting them on.

Regina finally looked up at her.

“Time is a ticking Miss Swan.”

Emma pulled harder, finally releasing the jeans from her thighs and down past her knees.

Maybe the other Emma was slimmer? 

Had she put on weight?

Emma frowned. She’d go back to the gym. 

Regina, noticing the slight change in Emma’s demeanor frowned herself.

“Emma?”

Emma immediately looked back down at the beauty who was laid before her wearing nothing but a pair of red silk panties.

“Jesus.”

Regina rolled her eyes.

“Regina will do just fine, although I admit I am rather heavenly.”

Now she just looked smug as Emma pulled her jeans and pants off, immediately straddling Regina, her hands now making quick work of the red panties which were pulled down long legs and tossed aside.

Emma returned to her previous position, eyes sweeping over a very naked Regina as the Mayors smug smile was immediately replaced with a look of hunger as her eyes moved down to Emma’s dark blonde and very wet curls.

“Come here.”

Emma peered down, her fingers finding Regina’s nipples immediately as they began to tug and rub over the hardened buds.

“I am here.” 

Regina’s hands found Emma’s waist and tugged her up her body, the wetness now leaving a trail over her stomach.

“Come.. Here..” Regina demanded again as her hands moved down and were now resting on Emma’s smooth ass cheeks.

“Up…”

Emma looked momentarily dazed as Regina’s hands hoisted her forward’s and upwards at the same time.

“I need to taste you.”

Emma swallowed and looked down.

“I thought I was showing you-“

Before she could finish, she felt a hot tongue against her clit.

“Oh fuck.”

Finally shifting Emma to a position of comfort that allowed her demanding tongue full access, Regina’s hands squeezed Emma’s ass before moving down to hold her strong thighs steady. She felt Emma’s muscles spasm under her touch which only made her more determined to completely undo the woman straddling her.

“Em-ma…”

Emma almost came there and then at Regina’s enunciation along with her hot, probing tongue that was now running up and down her swollen folds. She wasn’t going to last very long as her body started to tremble.

Regina continued her exploration, drinking in everything Emma was offering her.

God she had missed this, missed being to close to Emma, touching her, feeling her, exploring her and tasting her.

“I’m… Fuck I’m… Gina I’m c lose…”

Emma’s hands had found their way to the back of Regina’s head as her fingers began to run across her scalp, her short blunt nails scraping just the way Regina liked it.

“Together…” Emma managed to mewl as Regina continued her onslaught on her girlfriends clit, now adding a finger for good measure.

Emma, needing to feel the slickness of the woman who was making her see stars glided one hand behind her as the other remained on the top of Regina’s head wrapped in dark tresses. Her fingers explored momentarily, tickling across Regina’s stomach that had a small bump before finding what she was so desperately searching for, Regina’s sodden curls.

“Oh…!” Regina cried into Emma’s clit causing a vibration which sent shock waves throughout Emma’s body, resulting in her arching her back, allowing her own fingers the freedom to enter Regina more deeply as Regina’s tongue and finger continued to pump in and out of Emma furiously.

Together they continued their passion fueled attack as both began to reach an unforgiving peak of pleasure.

“Emmmaa…” Regina finally screamed out loud as Emma’s thumb found and pressed deep circles over her clit as her finger kinked, pummeling against Regina’s g-spot as her essence leaked and coated Emma’s fingers.

“Shit. Gina… Giinnnaaa…”

Emma’s own undoing came seconds later as her mind seemed to explode, all coherent thought leaving her as the pleasure began to build yet again as Regina pulled the blonde down, her lips capturing Emma’s as her fingers continued to play and push back inside Emma, wanting and craving more.

More from the woman she had been separated from for days.

More from the love of her life who had finally come home.

More from Emma, who had given her so much and continued to do so.

So much more.

Emma could taste herself on Regina’s lips and judging my the growl that escaped Regina she too could taste herself on Emma.

Emma needed to feel more, as she lifted up her own quaking body, placing her hand on Regina’s and lifting it up towards her own lips.

Regina, initially confused as to why Emma would be removing her hand when her fingers were deliciously deep inside her gave Emma a disapproving looked before Emma placed both of the brunettes fingers into her moth, sucking the tips gently before biting down on them.

“I need feel you another way.” Emma hummed into Regina’s fingers as she repositioned herself over the mayors glistening sweat covered body, lowering herself so their mutual cores touched.

“Ohhhhh god.” Regina puffed feeling Emma’s hot, wet and very sticky folds now brush against her own, as their clits bumped. The feeling was intense, causing her clit to throb, her heart to palpitate and her essence to freely escape, mingling with Emma’s own as the blonde continued to rock her pelvis into Regina, the latter lifting up to meet each and every thrust.

Lips locked and fingers tangled in damp hair as two body’s moved simultaneously with mutual accord and harmony. 

It didn’t take long for both to climax, both reaching their pinnacles before rapture ensued.

Emma didn’t know when she finally fell forward onto Regina, but as she felt strong fingers dance over her shoulder blades she finally looked up into dark brown orbs.

“Wow.”

Regina laughed huskily as Emma shifted to she was now laying beside her lover and not on top of her.

“I like you on top.” Regina managed to croak, her voice sore from screaming Emma’s name as Emma snuggled into the crook of her neck.

“I’m heavy. I don’t want to squish you or nugget.”

Emma’s hand was then back on Regina’s stomach. Regina suddenly realised that throughout their entire lovemaking not once had Emma put any of her real weight onto Regina’s stomach. 

Her heart blossomed.

“Do we have to go to the diner.” 

Regina shifted and turned on her side, as Emma mimicked her position. 

“Yes my love. Everyone missed you and I was rather naughty in immediately monopolising you.”

Emma’s hand was back on her stomach as she placed a chaste kiss to the tip of Regina’s nose.

“I like you being naughty.”

Regina smirked as she returned the kiss, only her lips grazed Emma’s neck before her teeth nipped at the warm, soft skin below.

“In that case…”

Regina was immediately on top of Emma who let out a laugh, her hands now on Regina’s waist.

“I think it’s my turn, Madam Mayor.” Emma replied, her eyes darting to the clock before moving back to Regina.

“I have thirty minutes.”

And with that she pushed Regina up high above her head before she nudged the tip of her nose against Regina’s dark, dampened curls, inhaling deeply.

“God I love how you smell.” 

A pink tongue then peaked from paler lips, the tip nudging Regina’s clit, resulting in a guttural moan from the Mayor.

“And I love how you taste.”  

This was the last thing Regina heard before Emma brought her to a climax over and over again.

I should have said three hours, was the last thing Regina thought before her body detonated with carnal desire.

Emma and Regina entered the diner half an hour late because after two hours of exploring each other - everywhere - in great detail, Emma had insisted she needed a shower which of course Regina joined her for. 

Expecting to see certain faces when she entered she was shocked to see Hook who was perched on the barstool ripping into a bear claw with his hook.

“What the hell is he doing here?!” Regina spat as Ruby made her way over to them, an apologetic look on her face.

“I know what you’re thinking and honestly, I thought it too but he came in earlier and asked Granny for permission to enter because he wanted to say something to Emma before he leaves.”

Emma frowned, her mind going back to the other Hook and the things he had said to her.

Or, sang about her.

She felt her body shudder in repulsion.

“He’s leaving?” Regina enquired as Ruby shrugged her shoulders.

“All I know is he apologised to Granny and for once he’s sober. And I mean, stone cold sober. Hasn’t had a drink for days it seems, or that’s what our sense of smell is telling us.”

Emma remained skeptical.

“I’ll handle this.”

Regina pulled her back immediately.

“I don’t trust him.”

Emma sighed.

“After all the shit he put me through here, and there.” she motioned her hand towards Main Street where the portal had brought them back, “I don’t either. But I’m intrigued. I can handle him, Gina.”

Regina seemed to contemplate Emma’s response before nodding her head slightly.

“I’ll be watching.”

Emma grinned.

“Oh, I know. Now go rescue your sister. It looks like Snow is trying to hug her.”

Regina glanced back to Hook who was busily munching on his now shredded bear claw before she looked back at Emma.

“Don’t take too long. I may need rescuing from your mother too.”

Emma then found herself taking a seat beside Hook who glanced up and grinned.

“Swanny! Whet the devil have you been hiding? I’ve not seen you in days!”

Emma immediately noticed Granny hovering on the other side of the counter.

“Relax Nanny, I told you I’m here to make amends.”

Emma looked puzzled as Granny suddenly whipped out a tea towel and smacked Hook across the head with it.

“Hey! What the hell was that for?” Hook stammered, pieces of pastry now flying from his mouth.

Granny was seething.

“Only my friends call me GRANNY. I’m nobody’s nanny, especially yours! If I had of been you’d have grown up to become a respectable young man and not a ruffian who wears more eyeliner than my granddaughter. It’s Mrs Lucas to you!”

Hook, mouth full of pastry again, actually managed to look affronted.

“I… sorry. I’m not good with names.”

Emma nearly fell from the stool as Granny made a humph sound before leaving.

Hook, apologising?

Hook then turned back to Emma and shrugged.

“I always thought it highlighted my eyes.”

Granny handed Emma a hot chocolate before snorting, shaking her head and finally leaving.

“Anyway, you were about to tell me where you’ve been hiding lass.”

Emma pondered over her drink before answering.

“Oh, nowhere special. Just a parallel universe to help another Regina find her wife, another version of me. Turns out she was abducted by Robin and Cora, you know, Regina and Zelena’s mom.”

Hook looked surprised as Emma continued.

“Also turns out you were involved too but I knocked you out cold and Regina sent your sorry ass to jail. Again. Seems as though you’ve a lot in common with your alter ego.”

Hook suddenly shoved his hand up.

“Hey. Now wait a minute. I don’t do kidnapping. Pirate code and all that. I may fancy the ass off you but I’d never abduct you! I rely on my natural charms with the ladies. Sometimes, with the men too if they catch my eye.”

Emma listened. That was a lot to take in.

Hook wasn't into kidnapping but he was apparently also into men?

Surely her lie detector was about to ping.

Strangely it didn’t.

“Besides, that’s why I’m here. I came to say sorry. For… stuff. I mean, I admit it. I was a bit of a pilchard.”

“Pillock”

Hook jumped in his seat as Regina appeared at Emma's side.

“I believe the word you were looking for, is pillock.”

Hook seemed to consider Regina’s correction before shrugging again.

“Maybe that too. Anyway, sorry. I guess to you as well, even though you were a complete bitch as the Evil Queen.”

Emma stood immediately, her arm hovering, fist clenched.

Hook saw and stood too.

“Sorry! Shit. I’m no good at this apology crap. Sorry Queenie. And. Well. I’m happy for you both. I can’t and won’t stand in the way of true love. I mean, I didn’t really believe you were soulmates before but I was half drunk at the time.  That’s deep magic shit, true love. Closest I’ve come to feeling that was the day I pilfered the Jolly Roger.”

Regina continued to eye Hook with distaste and skepticism as the Pirate continued to ramble.

“I don’t often think things through when I’m merry.”

Emma and Regina both looked at each other as the latter actually sniffed the air.

“I haven’t had a drink today.” Hook muttered as he seated himself back on the stool. 

Emma had to concede that the Pirate didn’t smell of booze for once. Just sweat. And grime.

“And speaking of being merry, you’ll laugh at this. Guess who’s managed to convince a band of merry men to join him on his ship? Aye! Me!! I’ll be sailing the ocean blue this afternoon with all of Rodney’s merry men as my crew!”

Emma laughed as Regina looked part humored and part unconvinced.

“You mean Robin.” She finally managed to reply as Hook’s mouth gaped a little before he replied.

“The forest dweller? Richard. Riley? I don’t know. The one who showed us his tat? Looked like a dog that had died and was then stuffed?”

Now Emma did laugh as Regina sighed.

“Yes, Hook. His name is Robin Hood, as in Robin Hood and his Merry Men?”

Hook chuckled.

“Well he won’t be so merry when he realises he only has one bloke left!”

Now Emma was intrigued. Recalling how unhappy Will Scarlett had been in the alternate Stoeybrooke it didn’t surprise her that he, and the others, would jump ship to board another one entirely.

“Who’s staying?” she asked steadily. 

The pirate scratched the top of his head as his hook began to tap the diner table.

“I’m crap at remembering names” he muttered, his fingers now grazing across his cheek before he finally stopped, clicked his fingers together and rapt his hook against the counter.

“Triar Fuck!”

Emma snorted into her hot chocolate, causing the hot liquid to spill over the sides and down her chin.

“I beg your pardon?!” Regina bellowed as Hook looked up, the grin on his face replaced with a sheepish smile.

“Um… pretty sure that’s the guy? Bit on the heavy side? Short? Wears a dress. Has a bald head and carries a book? For all I know it’s a self help book or a guide on how to win over the ladies cause I’ve never seen him with one.”

Emma managed to grab some napkins from a nearby dispenser, mopping up the liquid from the counter before rubbing at her chin.

“Friar Tuck.”

Regina’s voice was crisp and clear as Hooks brows scrunched.

“Eh?”

Regina sighed and took a quick glance at Emma. Noticing she still had some whipped cream on her chin she wiped it away with her finger before glancing back at the pirate.

“His name is Friar Tuck you idiot. He’s a monk, who wears robes and engages in tonsure - the practice of shaving some or all of ones hair on the scalp as a sign of religious devotion or humility.”

Hook scoffed.

“Well it looks ridiculous. He won’t get any woman interested with that hair do.”

Emma couldn’t help but grin at the scene that was playing out in front of her as Regina arched her manicured brow.

“He’s a devoted catholic who carries a bible you imbecile, of course you haven’t seen him with any ladies! He’s taken a vow of celibacy!”

Hook shuddered.

“Well I’m glad he ain’t coming then. There’s no room on my ship for someone who’s sworn themselves off women! He can take his vow of celebrity elsewhere!”

“Celibacy.” Regina corrected as Hook stood.

“That too. Right, I’m off. The oceans await. I’ve been on land for far too long. Last chance Swanny, sure you don’t want to join me eh?”

In the past, Emma would have scoffed and thrown some sarcastic comment Hooks way, especially after meeting the other putrid version of him in the alternate Storybrooke but for some reason she noticed the slight twinkle in his eyes and immediately knew he was teasing. 

Probably to piss off Regina.

It worked.

“I suggest you take a walk to the docks and never look back, Hook before I give you that haircut you love so much, place you in robes, and attach a bible to your hook permanently.”

Hook actually shuddered as he ran his good hand though his mop of hair.

“Well on that note… see you around Madam Pissy Pants, don’t miss me too much Sheriff Heartbreaker.”

Regina growled as Hook blew Emma a kiss. Before reaching the door he stopped and turned, his face now serious.

“I am sorry for causing a little bit of mischief -“

Regina snorted.

“But I will say this, watch your back. That Forest dude is bad news and he still believes he’s your soulmate Queenie. Don’t trust him.”

And with that he was gone.

“I won’t be sorry to see that cretin go.” Regina growled as Emma pulled her to her side.

“And what about Hobin Rood?”

Regina rolled her eyes and shot Emma a pointed look.

“Relax, Madam PP.”

Regina growled again.

“Call me that again Miss Swan and you’ll be on the couch tonight and every other night this week.”

Emma look horrified.

Regina smirked.

Pissy pants indeed!

When Emma finally joined the small party, Zelena began to clap.

“I applause you both for arriving only half an hour late. Mal was convinced you’d take longer.”

Emma’s eyes shot towards Mal as Regina rolled her eyes and took a seat beside her sister. Mal was sitting opposite, a glint in her eye, beside Snow.

“I simply presumed you wanted to give Emma a little welcome home party of your own, Regina. Things like that shouldn’t be rushed.”

Emma didn’t fail to notice Mal’s eyes as they then flickered to Zelena.

Emma felt a smile tug on her own lips. 

Clearly the pair had been busy too.

“I’m so glad everyone is here!” Snow then squealed as a tired looking David stood behind her.

“You look positively knackered Charming.”

David managed a smile as he turned and walked towards the counter.

“Is he… limping?!” Zelena then cackled as Emma felt her cheeks blush.

She really didn’t want to know what they’d been doing. She’s walk in on them once before and it has scarred her for life.

“I think you’ve more stamina than your father, Sheriff. Does she Reggie?”

Emma shot a glare at Zelena.

“I think I preferred the other you.”

Zelena winked. “No you don't. You missed me too. I know you did. My alternate told me.”

Emma groaned as Zelena smiled.

“You have an affinity with the Mills’s Emma, don’t deny it.”

Emma, still standing, looked down at Regina who was looking back up at her with so much warmth in her eyes it made her feel fuzzy.

“I’d never deny it.”

And she leaned over the booth, placing a kiss to Regina’s lips.

“Um. Hi.”

Emma broke the kiss and turned to see an uncomfortable looking Lily standing behind her.

“Hi.”

Emma wasn’t really sure what else to say at that moment as Mulan thankfully appeared behind Lily, with Belle.

“About time you showed your face Sheriff.”

Mulan grinned, and Emma was embracing her immediately.

"Well she did show her face before, Mulan. It was just attached to my sisters at the time."

Emma ignored the continued teasing as she beamed at Mulan.

“You can say you missed me you know.” she chuckled as Mulan rolled her eyes.

“What, and give you an even bigger head? Think I’ll pass.” But the look on her face told Emma that Mulan had, most definitely, missed her.

Zelena turned to face Regina.

"Speaking of heads, it's a good job Emma doesn't have a you know what between her legs, otherwise that thing would be permanently standing to attention."

Regina held her face in her hands, partly to ignore her sister but mainly to hide the blush she felt hit her face and her entire body as soon as those words had left her sisters lips, because the thought of Emma with - that appendage - was doing very strange things to her insides.

She was just thankful Zelena, for once in her life, had managed to whisper her statement and not broadcast it across the diner.

The Deputy then wandered across to where Ruby was standing behind the counter, Belle following behind.

Emma watched her friends go as Lily came back into view. She felt momentarily guilty for not engaging with Lily the same way she had Mulan.

But Mulan isn’t in love with you…

As if sensing her discomfort, Emma felt a hand appear on her lower arm. Turning she looked at Regina who simply smiled at her, nodding her head marginally.

Emma smiled as Regina basked in the dimples that always appeared when Emma gave her that particular smile. Slowly she removed her hand and began to talk to Mal and Snow who were discussing plum pie.

Emma nibbled on her bottom lip before finally looking back at Lily.

“Fancy a walk?”

Chapter Text

Regina watched Emma leave the diner as Lily followed closely behind her. Both seemed extremely tense and agitated, no doubt for very different reasons.

She recalled the first time Lily had arrived in Storybrooke, thanks to Emma retrieving her and reuniting her with her estranged mother, Mal.

Regina didn’t know the particulars, only that Emma had crossed the town line, determined to locate the woman despite the Mayors reservations. The Sheriff had assured her she would be back, but during the four days Emma had been absent, Regina had found herself snapping more than usual at everyone as her worry for Emma’s safety had intensified with each passing day.

”You do realise this was her job before, Regina? There really is no need to get your panties in a twist, Emma will be fine.”

Zelena’s attempt at placating her had failed spectacularly and Regina’s mood only managed to lighten the day she finally saw the Sheriff’s yellow monstrosity parked on Main Street again. In a No Parking Zone. The Mayor, simply glad Emma was finally home was about to forget the parking violation when she then spotted the blonde arm in arm with a younger brunette as they exited the diner, laughing. Relief turned to acute jealousy and then anger as Regina returned to her office and asked her Secretary to issue Miss Swan with a parking ticket.

It hadn’t taken long for the Storybrooke rumour mill to start speculating who this young woman was either, tale after tale circulating, each and everyone one proving to be wrong.

I think she’s come from the future to warn us about some impending doom! (Dr Whale).

She’s clearly from the Enchanted Forest -I bet she was cursed like the rest of us… (Grumpy).

What if she’s from an alternate reality that’s formed of pure evil! (Tinkerbell).

She might not be real! She could be a figment of our imaginations!! (Little Miss Muffet).

I’m sure whoever she turns out to be she will become part of our community, we really shouldn’t cast judgement (Dr Hopper).

Maybe she’s the Sheriffs ex girlfriend?! (Zelena).

Yeah, that last one had stung.

Regina had ignored everything relating to Lily at first, presuming the young brunette would meet Mal, make amends and then return to wherever the hell home was. She hadn’t expected the woman to move in with Mal almost immediately, or start to spend more and more of her time with Emma.

Because that’s exactly what had transpired. Regina found herself forgetting the time when Emma wasn’t with Lily somewhere close by.

Which enraged her because the more time Emma spent with Mal’s daughter the less time she spent randomly turning up in Regina’s life. They no longer argued as much because she barely saw the Sheriff.

And she had missed their spats.

She had missed Emma.

She had of course been intrigued but, refusing to actually ask Mal what was going on with her daughter and Emma, she’d resorted to lowering her high standards by posing a few questions Snow’s way one time they happened to be in the diner together.

“Lily appears to have made a friend in Emma.” She had asked, attempting to remain nonchalant. It didn’t help that Emma had missed their usual Friday evening family gathering because, apparently, Lily was ‘going through’ something and needed a friend.

Regina had seen the way Lily looked at Emma; clearly her intention was to monopolise the Sheriff and make her more than just a friend, something that didn’t sit well with Regina at all. For her part, Emma appeared oblivious; but that didn’t make Regina feel any better.

Zelena had of course picked up on Regina’s change in attitude each time Lily was mentioned, declaring she was “simply jealous” and “perhaps this will give you the kick up your chuff you need to admit you like the Sheriff.”

Regina had snapped back immediately, not liking how much Zelena apparently knew her.

Too well.

“Don’t be absurd. I barely tolerate her most days. She’s Henry’s birth mother, that’s the only thing we have in common.”

Unfortunately, Zelena knew next to nothing about Lily, only that she was “young, brunette, easy on the eye and seems like she knows how to have a good time.”

Which pissed Regina off more because Zelena was right on every account which had the Mayor constantly pondering how much of a good time new arrival was having with her Sheriff.

She didn’t want to resort to making polite chit chat with Snow but she really didn’t have any other option because her last valiant attempt was Ruby, whose response to ‘Lily and Emma’ had her (almost) throwing her kale salad across the diner at Sneezy who happened to be in her line of sight.

“Oh? Lily? Yeah I can’t say I know much about her. Looks like Emma’s been hiding her away! You’d think she would have introduced us properly by now, I am her best friend but no - looks like she’s too enamoured with this new chick to think about that. Lily is definitely her type.”

What Regina didn’t realise at the time was how Ruby already knew Emma had a thing for the Mayor, who she was also convinced had a thing right back; they just needed a push, and this was an ideal opportunity to do a little nudging….

Snow had been very forthcoming when Regina began her line of questioning but then again, this was Snow. If she couldn’t talk about the things she knew freely then she’d somehow manage to blurt them out regardless so Regina didn’t feel an ounce of guilt probing Emma’s ‘mom’ for info.

“Oh yes, Lily adores Emma! I mean, it makes sense when you think about it.”

It made absolutely no sense to Regina at all, and she’d said as much.

“Why? Does Lily have feelings for Emma?’”

That made Regina feel a little nauseous but thankfully Snow had frowned and then laughed.

“Oh! Silly me. No, at least I don’t think so? I was simply referring to the fact that they have a history, before Storybrooke.”

This had left Regina positively reeling inside.

What kind of history?

One that involved coffee, cake and catch ups or one that centred around beer, benders and bed sharing that probably led to so much more….

It was round about that moment Regina broke the handle on her coffee mug as Snow cleared her throat before calmly asking Regina what was wrong.

Granny had appeared, replacing the coffee, removing the broken mug and wiping down the table before she glanced at Regina over her glasses for a moment before shaking her head and returning to the kitchen.

“Nothing is wrong. Why would anything be wrong? Excuse me for taking an interest in the woman who’s come into Emma’s life and has already started to upset the status quo. Emma missed our family dinner because of her. Henry was very upset.”

Henry hadn’t been upset at all because apparently he had already seen Emma and Lily earlier that day and he’d made no qualms in telling Regina how cool the young brunette was.

“She’s really nice mom. She joined me and Emma for breakfast then we went to the park and she pushed me on the swing!”

Regina envisaged herself pushing Lily too, only down a flight of stairs.

No. Henry hadn’t been upset but Regina had, which only managed to irk her more because she didn’t get upset. Queens didn’t get upset over silly little things like Sheriffs not being able to make family dinners but Emma’s telephone call to her, cancelling her presence had not only upset Regina but had angered her.

How dare that woman come between Emma and her son!

Which, roughy translated in Regina speak was, how dare that trollop come between Emma and her…

Snow had actually looked mortified, apologising profusely on Emma’s behalf immediately.

“Oh! I’m so sorry Henry was upset! I’m sure Emma didn’t mean to make him sad by cancelling. I know Lily really needed a friend to lean on and you know Emma, she can’t see someone suffer.”

Regina had no doubts Lily wanted to lean on the Sheriff, probably whilst naked before Emma lifted her and carried her to a bed. It wasn’t as if Emma couldn’t take the weight. Her arms were proof enough she was strong. Regina had found herself marvelling at them on more than one occasion, wondering what it felt like to be held by Emma, lifted up by Emma, carried by Emma…

Regina has realised then that perhaps she did have ‘some’ feelings for the Sheriff.

A Sheriff who was too kind and understanding, always acting as someone’s saviour. Was that it? Was she destined to be Lily’s saviour and not...

Regina recalled actually snorting into her coffee cup at the thought of this woman supposedly ‘suffering’.

Like she had any idea at all what suffering was!

“Yes well, I hope this supposed suffering doesn’t occur every Friday evening otherwise I may have to reevaluate how often I allow Emma to see Henry. Lily has a mother she can turn to. Henry needs his mother.”

Snow has actually beamed then.

“Oh Regina it’s wonderful that you’ve finally accepted he has two moms! You coparent so well, don’t let your dislike of Lily stand in the way of all the good things you and Emma have achieved together!”

Regina had then muttered that she didn’t “dislike” Lily, she was merely cautious of her intentions.

No, she didn’t dislike her.

She hated her.

“Lily’s intentions? To who? Emma? They were best friends when they were younger. I don’t think Lily means Emma any harm, Regina.”

No, Lily meant Emma no harm at all it would seem but if she continued on the path she was on, demanding Emma’s exclusive attention then she was going to end up harming the balance she and Emma had painstakingly worked on for so long, which bothered Regina.

And upset her.

Regina had then left the diner feeling more out of sorts than she had when she entered, coming face to face with the woman she appeared to have missed a little too much over the past few days….and Lily.

Of course she was there too. Weren’t they joined at the proverbial hip these days?!

The hip and god knows where else.

Lily 1, Regina 0

Regina recalled how her fingers had twitched as she envisaged removing the young woman’s heart. Only Emma’s smile, Emma’s dimples and Emma’s sparkling eyes all directed at her had managed to tame her thoughts.

Lily 1, Regina 1

It’s not like she would have killed Lily, but there was no law that said she couldn’t imagine it.

“Good afternoon Madam Mayor.”

Emma’s voice had been as chirpy as ever which would have normally annoyed her but seeing the blonde again after missing her a few nights earlier at the family dinner, she found herself smiling back.

“Sheriff Swan.”

Lily had then shuffled behind her and nudged Emma with her elbow.

“Oh, you’ve met Lily right? I wasn’t sure if anyone formally introduced you.

Lily had then stepped beside Emma and linked one arm through the blondes as she reached out with the other.

“Pleased to meet you, Madam Mayor.”

Regina hadn’t missed Lily blatant possessive display over Emma as she took the hand and gave it a quick shake.

Lily 2, Regina 1

“Indeed. I hope Storybrooke is treating you well?”

Lily had then looked at Emma and beamed; which only fuelled Regina’s hatred of the woman further.

If only she still had her magic…

“Oh yes. Emma’s been amazing, showing me around. We’ve had a lot of fun catching up.”

Regina attempted a smile which probably looked more like a grimace as her thoughts began to fly around the numerous ways they could possibly have had ‘fun’ together.

“How quaint.”

Lily had apparently missed Regina’s sarcastic response as she rested her head on Emma’s shoulder.

“I’m going to return the favour on Friday night.”

Lily 3, Regina 1

Regina had seethed at this. Not only had this woman taken Emma away the Friday gone but now she was expecting to monopolise her again the Friday coming?!

The audacity…

Before Regina could open her mouth to demand Emma keep her diary free for Henry, Emma had shifted, causing Lily to remove her head, her eyes now looking up at Emma.

“Oh it’s not bother. I’m happy to show folk around the town. It’s the least I can do but I already have plans this Friday. Well, every Friday to be fair.”

Lily 3, Regina 2

Emma had started to mumble, her arm closest to Lily now waving around in the air which also caused Lily’s arm to fall from the Sheriff as she looked on dejectedly.

“Oh? But we spent last Friday night together?”

Lily 4, Regina 2

Regina’s keen eyes didn’t miss how Emma then began to fidget, her hands now tucked in her jacket pocket as she began to nibble on her bottom lip.

“Well it was more like, late afternoon early evening I would say?”

Emma had glanced at Regina then before quickly looking back at Lily.

So they hadn’t spent the night together…

Regina mentally removed Lily’s point for telling a blatant lie.

Lily 3, Regina 2

“And Mal said you needed a friend because of the stuff you’d just found out about yourself so, I wanted to help but yeah, I cancelled plans to be with you.”

Ah! Emphasis placed on the word ‘friend!’.

Lily 3, Regina 3

Emma had then looked back at Regina and smiled.

“I’m sorry about that. I missed family time, it won’t happen again.”

Regina had never felt so relieved to hear this in all of her existence as she nodded back, her eyes than on Lily who looked rather devastated.

Lily 3, Regina 4

“Yes well, you were missed Miss Swan. I’m glad to hear you’ll be present this week.”

Emma had grinned, seemingly missing Lily’s change in demeanour as the younger brunette had then nodded at Regina before entering the diner alone.

Lily 3, Regina 5

Nice try Lily….

Emma had remained behind, her eyes never leaving Regina.

“I really am sorry I missed it. I’m sure Mal has already told you, but Lily took it pretty hard finding out she was like, part dragon. I mean, shit. Of all the animals to shift into, a fucking dragon?!”

Regina hadn’t spoken to Mal, so she had no idea that Lily was also a shapeshifter; something she was going to correct very soon by paying Mal a visit.

“Yes I can only imagine how she must be feeling but rather a dragon than an inanimate object - like Pinocchio. Although it seems they both have a penchant for telling fibs.”

Emma had laughed, her hand fleetingly gripping Regina’s shoulder before she nodded and followed Lily into the diner.

That had seemed like an age ago, as Regina continued to watch them both leave, a frisson of jealousy creeping through her before she mentally scolded herself.

Sometimes, no matter how hard she tried, fears and doubts would rise within her but then a slight nudge in her belly made her realise just how unneeded they were.

Emma was her true love.

Her soul mate.

The woman who had given birth to Henry and the woman who had given her the gift of another child.

“Thank you.”

Regina, lost in thought, turned to face Zelena who had placed a hand on her knee, giving it a quick squeeze.

“For?”

Zelena looked across the table at Mal who was still in deep discussion with Snow about pastries.

“Giving Emma your approval. To talk to Lily I mean. I saw the look that transpired between you.”

Zelena was talking in a hushed tone, so Regina edged a little closer.

“Emma doesn’t need my approval, but I admit it looked like she was wavering somewhat with Lily so close. She… is a little angry at Lily for assuming she impregnated you.”

Zelena smirked.

“Yes well, I think we both know the only Mills sister Emma is likely to Inpregnant again is you, after this little one is born.”

Regina suddenly had a vision of Emma playing in the park surrounded by a gaggle of children as a much older Henry looked on, a wide smile on his face.

“You’re going to end up with a brood of Emma’s, I hope you’re prepared.”

Regina blushed.

There was nothing she would love more.

“Anyway, thank you. They need to kiss and make up so to speak.”

Regina growled.

Snow and Mal suddenly stopped talking and shot her mutual worried looks.

“Rephrase.” Regina demanded as Zelena let out a laugh.

Mal, arching a brow, frowned and then shrugged.

“I rather fancy a pear and apple pie.”

Snow immediately forgot about Regina and turned back to Mal.

“I simply meant, they are friends. Or they were, if they make up it’ll make life a lot easier for you us all; I am dating Lily’s mother remember!”

Regina smirked.

“So it’s official then?”

For the first time ever, Zelena blushed.

Regina continued to smile as Mulan and Belle joined them.

“Where did Emma go?”

Zelena and Regina moved along the booth to allow room for Mulan as Belle sat beside Snow and Mal.

“Taking a walk with Lily. It’s about time they sorted out their friendship.

Mal’s response was firm as Mulan frowned.

“I didn’t realise there was a problem with it?”

The booth went silent as Mulan rolled her bottom lip between her teeth.

“I’ve totally ruined the atmosphere now haven’t I?”

Snow shifted, her eyes now on Regina.

“I don’t understand? I thought Emma and Lily were close?”

Regina felt the same bout of jealousy creep into her again as she tried to temper it with a sip of coffee.

Nobody spoke.

Regina began to fidget, wondering how Emma’s talk with Lily was going.

What if the younger brunette was making a move on Emma?

Why was she even thinking that way?

“I know they were close a long time ago.” Snow continued which only caused Regina to huff into her coffee mug.

Finally Mal broke the silence.

“Lily has feelings for Emma. Emma is with Regina. Lily knows this. They’re simply talking it all through.”

Snow gasped as Mulan’s mouth gaped.

“You forgot the part where she thought Emma had cheated on me and got Zelena pregnant.”

Regina wasn’t really certain why she felt the need to add that, but for some reason her nerves were starting to fray and all she wanted was for Emma to return from the woman who apparently loved her and probably had done for years.

“Emma got Zelena pregnant?!” Snow then squeeked as Ruby appeared.

“Oh Jesus not this again!”

And with that she returned to the cash register.

“Thought, Snow. Lily thought your daughter got me pregnant. Obviously she didn’t because I still have a figure to die for and I’m sitting beside Regina with my heart still intact.”

Snow seemed to calm as a thought suddenly struck Regina.

“Did you meet Lily in the other Storybrooke?”

Regina wasn’t certain why that was suddenly important but she needed to know the answer. She was still waiting to find out who the illusive Neil was.

“Oh, no. We didn’t meet her. Although I’m fairly certain I saw two dragons in the distance before we left to come back home.”

Mal’s browns quirked at this.

“Interesting.” She almost whispered to herself as Regina turned to see if she could see Emma or Lily anywhere on the high street.

Soon the conversation fell to Operation Snow, as the knots in Regina’s stomach began to grow.

Emma should have been back by now.

What was going on?

Emma and Lily walked for a while before coming to a rest at the Park Henry loved so much. Not really wanting to be too far away from Regina, Emma decided to take a seat on the nearest bench. Lily hovered before finally joining her.

Neither spoke for a few minutes which only led to Emma getting more tense. Finally Lily broke the silence.

“Congratulations on the baby.”

Emma turned and looked at Lily, waiting for her lie detector to ping.

It didn’t.

Still Emma wasn’t sure how to proceed, as a sudden bubble of anger seemed to erupt within her.

“You mean the baby Regina is carrying, right? Not Zelena…”

Lily paled and brought her knees up, her arms now draped around them.

“So you heard about that.”

Emma rolled her eyes.

“Yeah. I head about it. News travels fast in Storybrooke, even reaching the one I was stuck in. What I don’t understand? How you could even think that would be possible. You think so little of me? That’d I’d hook up with Zelena behind the love of my life’s back?!”

Lily visibly flinched and Emma wasn’t certain if it were due to her tone or that she has referred to Regina as the love of her life.

Well tough shit.

“You’re angry.”

Emma snorted.

“Ya think?”

Lily sighed.

“Emma. I’m sorry. Really sorry. It was a misunderstanding but you’re right. I know you.”

Emma sighed, all of a sudden feeling extremely tired.

“I thought you knew me too.”

Lily looked a little stricken.

“I know you wouldn’t do that to Regina. I was just… fuck, I don’t know! I was just so envious of Regina and then that stupid pharmacist guy made out Zelena was pregnant by you and I just lost it because then I was envious of Zelena! I’m so tired of feeling so fucking jealous when it comes to you. I’m trying. I’m really trying -“

“Trying to do what exactly?” Emma then barked because all this was getting pretty heavy and all she wanted was to get back to her safe and happy place.

With Regina.

“I’m trying to get over you.”

Emma felt her heart plummet as she swallowed hard and closed her eyes.

“Lily.”

“I know. You don’t have to say it.”

Emma opened her eyes and looked at the woman beside her who looked so sad and desolate she was struggling to navigate what she should say next.

“You know I used to struggle with feeling a part of something. I could blame my shitty childhood, it sure as hell didn’t help but I always thought I’d be that person who just drifted from one day to the next, never really fitting in or feeling like I belonged anywhere. Then I met you; and for the first time ever I actually felt like I had someone who understood me and I held onto that because you were my friend Lily. My best friend!”

Emma paused as Lily flinched. Emma continued.

“If I ever led you on, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry….”

Lily let out a laugh before she turned to look at Emma, her eyes full of unshed tears.

“You didn’t. I can promise you that. I threw so many hints your way back when we were teenagers, hoping you’d pick up on them and reciprocate but you never did.”

Emma had fleeting memories of the time she spent with Lily when she was younger. She had loved her, but as a friend. She had no idea Lily had deep feelings for her. She had sometimes noticed the brunette give her the odd intense look but she’d never given it much thought. Even Lily’s touches didn’t set off any warning signals. Especially when she had captured Emma’s hand in hers and drawn a fake tattoo on her wrist, her fingers lingering longer than was perhaps necessary, Emma had just presumed she was a tactile person.

Emma cleared her throat.

“I had no idea. I mean… I guess I sometimes wondered but you were my best friend. That’s all I wanted. I didn’t want to lose that.”

Lily rubbed at her eyes before replying.

“I fell in love with you the moment we met and that feeling has never left me. Maybe I’m just fooling myself, maybe it’s just the kid in me that loves you and adult Lily is confused as fuck but you have to trust me when I say you never led me on, not once. I knew you saw me as a friend back then. I guess when we met again as adults, I hoped you’d change your mind about me.”

Emma felt relieved that Lily didn’t think she had let her on in anyway, although the harsh reality of Lily’s feelings were stating to make Emma feel uncomfortable.

“When Henry brought me here, I didn’t expect I’d find everything I was looking for. Hell, I even found things I never knew I was searching for.”

Lily stilled and slowly nodded before a single word escapes her lips.

“Regina.”

Despite the situation Emma felt a smile on her lips as she nodded.

“I found my son. Or, he found me. Which led me to find my parents and yes, Regina. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing between us but she’s it for me; I never believed in fairy tales but she is my happily ever after and after recent events I’ve realised she is my true love, she’s always going to be no matter what universe I exist in or what decisions I make. She’s the one.”

Lily smiled back.

“I know she’s the one for you. I’ve always known. I see it in your eyes when you talk about her. I see it in your smile whenever she’s near. For a long time I hoped I’d be the one you fell for but I know it’s her. It’s always going to be her. Hell I knew it was her before you did!”

Emma frowned.

“You… I don’t think you…..

Lily laughed.

“Yes, Emma. I knew. And you were clueless for a while. You both were. But I am happy for you, Emma. I really am.”

Emma nodded as Lily held out her hand.

“I know I avoided you before… I was a shitty friend. But, can we start over? I don’t want to lose your friendship Emma.”

Emma looked at the hand and moved to take it before pausing.

“Of all the people, you thought I’d got Zelena pregnant. Zelena! Jesus Christ Lily, you must know she scares the crap out of me!”

Emma then grinned and took Lily’s hand, giving it a shake.

Lily laughed, pulling her hand away.

“Yeah well…. Seems as though someone likes her scary ass side. You know she’s - dating - my mom? Or I think they’re dating. I did catch them making out horny like teenagers on the couch!”

Emma laughed and stood.

“Yeah I’m kinda glad that’s something I didn’t see. Last time I saw a couple have fun under the sheets I knocked myself out on a wardrobe.”

Lily shook her head in amusement.

“Yeah, only you Emma!”

Slowly they began to walk back to the diner before Lily stopped.

“So we’re ok?”

Emma nodded.

“Yeah, we’re ok. And… if you need some time away from me, to like… sort your head out, I get it. It’s cool.”

Lily shook her head.

“I’ll be fine but thanks for understanding”

Emma nodded as Lily began to fidget on her feet.

“Do you want a hug?”

Emma knew this side of Lily well, the side that needed reassurance just like she did when she was younger. Emma didn’t want to go ahead and instigate something that could make Lily feel uncomfortable. Nor she did want to indirectly lead Lily on in anyway but they were friends, they always had been.

“It’s alright Em, I won’t think you want to jump my bones by offering! Yes. I’d love a hug.”

Emma grinned as she pulled Lily in closer, arms surrounding one another quickly before they mutually stepped back.

“Thanks. I think I needed that. And thanks for listening.”

Emma nodded and motioned to the diner.

“Let’s go. I’m starving.”

Lily chuckled.

“Yeah right. For food or Regina?!”

Emma let out a smirk.

“Can’t I be hungry for both?!

Lily playfully rolled her eyes and pulled Emma forward.

“C’mon. Your bear claw and lady awaits!”

When Emma and Lily had finally returned to the diner, Emma had given Regina a smile before Mulan slid from the booth, motioning for her to take her seat.

“I have to get back to the station but maybe we can catch up properly tomorrow?”

Emma nodded, sliding into the booth, immediately relaxing once her shoulder bumped Regina’s.

“Yeah, I’ll be back at wor-“

“Not tomorrow you won’t.”

Emma turned to face Regina with a frown etched on her face.

“I won’t be?”

Belle, sensing some possible tension in the air gracefully exited the booth from the other side and tugged on Lily’s sleeve.

“Walk me back to the library?”

Lily also suspecting a possible confrontation nodded, “Absolutely!”

Mulan, wishing Ruby had chosen that moment to clear away their mugs, coughed and waved her hand behind her.

“I’m gonna…. Yeah I have to go. See you… later.”

Zelana chuckled.

“Well you both know how to clear a room!”

Regina turned.

“Clearly not. You’re still here.”

“Why aren’t I going back to work tomorrow?” Emma then asked as Regina’s face broke out into a smile.

“Tomorrow we have a doctors appointment my dear.”

Emma’s face beamed as Mal stood.

“Lovely to see you again Sheriff. I’ll have you and Regina over for dinner one evening, assuming the air is now cleaned between you and my daughter?”

Emma stood, and held out her hand to Regina who took it.

“Yes. Everything between us is fine now.Dinner sounds great.”

She then turned to Regina who was standing beside her.

“Let’s go collect Henry and have some family time at home. I’ve missed it.”

Henry had been ecstatic to find Emma standing beside his mom when he left school later that day. His usual dawdle had become a sprint, causing his backpack to swing from side to side like a pendulum.

“MA!! You’re back!!!”

Many hugs later they were all back home, seated around the table, eating Granny’s special - double bacon cheeseburger with fries and onion rings for Emma. Regina was the first to finish, as Emma finally caught up, popping the last onion ring in her mouth.

“Someone was hungry.

Regina huffed, “May I remind you I am eating for two! Unhealthy food at that, obviously your influence Miss Swan.”

Emma shrugged and shifted her chair so she was closer to Regina, placing a hand over the brunettes that was resting on her stomach.

“Which means the kid has taste when it comes to food. Non of this kale salad cra.. rubbish!”

Emma quickly corrected herself as Henry nodded in approval.

“Kale tastes funny.” He managed to reply, mouth full of burger.

“Henry, don’t speak with your mouthful please.”

Henry swallowed the food down and gave his mom a sheepish smile.

“So who else did you meet in the other Storybrooke? Was I there? Did you meet me?”

Regina was also intrigued. They hadn’t really spoken much about the alternate reality because she had been too focussed on reacquainting herself with every delicious inch of Emma’s body, and as she watched her girlfriend discard her top, leaving her in only a black tank, Regina suddenly realised she wouldn’t mind continuing their afternoons session, soon.

“Well, you know I met the other Zelena and Snow who turned out to be a great help. Mulan, Ruby and Granny were there too but I only really saw you, Henry just before we left. He had been staying with Snow and David; your mom, the other Regina, didn’t want to confuse you or scare you in anyway with everything that was happening.”

Henry had continued to ask questions and they’d finally made it to the living room before Regina turned to face Emma, both seated on the sofa as Henry read one of his comics.

“You still need to tell me about Rumples son.”

Emma paled.

“Yeah. I know. Just, not now. Maybe later?”

Much later when Henry was tucked up in bed asleep.

Regina nodded and snuggled beside the woman she had missed dearly, sleep soon overcoming her as Emma’s fingers ran through her hair and down her shoulder.

She awoke later, not quite knowing how long she had been asleep, shifting to find she was also now in bed in just her underwear.

No doubt Emma.

Removing herself from the blanket that had been covering her she slowly made her way to the bathroom as the door to the bedroom quietly opened.

“You’re awake? I thought you were down for the night.”

Emma then paused, looked at Regina who was standing in the bathroom doorway, and begin to cry.

“Emma?!”

Regina was by her side in minutes, pulling the blonde into her body.

“Sorry. I’m just, it’s just a lot…”

Emma’s tears continued to fall as Regina’s embrace tightened. Suddenly she felt her stomach contract.

“Emma… quick!”

Pulling back, she grabbed Emma’s hand and placed it over her stomach.

Emma’s tears were soon subsiding as her facial expression changed to one of wonder.

“Is that?”

Regina nodded.

“And they’re?”

Regina nodded again, as both her hand and Emma’s felt the baby kick.

“Oh my god I feel it Gina. I feel them!”

Regina couldn’t help but think the baby had excellent timing as Emma’s tears were now long gone, her smile wide as she crouched down on her knees and began to pepper kisses all over Regina’s stomach.

“I’m home nugget. Did you miss your baby mamma? Cause I sure missed you little one. So much. I love you.”

The kisses continued as Regina began to stroke her fingers through Emma’s rather unruly curls.

Emma finally stopped, making sure her last kiss was across Regina’s knuckles. She then looked up, eyes so bright, like pools of turquoise under a summer sky, to find Regina who was looking back down at her with so much love it made her entire body tilt on its axis.

Slowly she stood, cupping Regina’s face. Regina’s hands immediately fell to the blondes hips.

“I’m sorry for breaking down before. It’s silly really but for the last few days, this room hasn’t been my room. You were in it, obviously. But I wasn’t. And I missed it. I missed you. And now i’m finally back, and I can finally come back to our room.”

Regina understood as she nodded and turned her face into Emma’s left hand, her lips grazing the warm palm.

“I know what you mean. I ended up sharing our bed with Zelena one night I was so emotional. I wouldn’t recommend it. She’s a kicker.”

Emma moved her hands so they were around Regina’s neck.

“Really? Cause she never once kicked me when we shared a bed. You know, after I got her pregnant.”

Regina’s eyes narrowed before she playfully moved her hand from Emma’s waist and slapped her ass.

“Not funny Emma.”

Emma grinned, moving her own hands down the smooth body in front of her to rest on Regina’s ass.

“Clearly Mal isn’t complaining though. Lily caught them making out on the couch. Remind me to use that as ammunition the next time Zelena decides to joke about me having a penis.”

She then squeezed Regina’s ass cheeks before moving her lips to the brunettes ear.

“Don’t think I didn’t notice your reaction either.”

Slowly she pushed herself into Regina, as her mouth closed over an earlobe, sucking gently before being replaced with lips.

“Does madam mayor like the idea of me having a certain … appendage?”

Regina immediately felt her own hands squeeze Emma’s ass as she felt the familiar tugging sensation below.

Emma suddenly stood back.

“Duly noted. Now, we should get ready for bed. We have an early start tomorrow!”

Regina watched in horror as Emma walked into the bathroom, leaving her turned on and standing in her underwear in the bedroom.

Luckily for Regina, and her now raging libido, Emma poked her head from behind the bathroom door.

“You coming to join me in the shower for a horny hour?”

Regina rolled her eyes but followed Emma to the bathroom.

Damn right she was.

Entering she noticed Emma was already half undressed as she stepped into the shower.

“I feel kinda bad, I didn’t really get chance to talk to Mulan or Ruby today.”

Regina peeled off her bra and panties and watched as Emma gave her a detailed once over, her eyes taking in the woman before her.

“See something you like, Miss Swan?”

Emma grinned.

“You’ve topped my all time favourite thing list, bear claws are now number two.”

Regina shook her head before she bit down on her lip.

“Are you remembering the time you mistook me talking about bear claws for Ruby?”

Emma then let out a laugh as Regina blushed profusely.

She recalled the time she had been deliberately misled by Zelena into thinking Emma was dating Ruby.

She’d flounced into the diner with her usual air of authority before noticing the Sheriff perched on a barstool, laughing at something Ruby had said. Suddenly her confidence had wavered as Emma’s melodic laugh reached out to her, and Regina found herself wishing it was she who had teased that noise from Emma, and not Ruby.

Ruby.

Who had noticed Regina enter and had pushed a bear claw over to Emma.

Well, they did say the way into a Sheriffs heart was through her stomach and it was no secret that the blonde woman was always hungry.

Regina had then continued her way across the diner, standing beside the seated Sheriff who had turned, bear claw hovering towards her opened mouth.

“News travels fast in Storybrook, Miss Swan although the way you’re acting it’s rather obvious, enjoy the relationship whilst it lasts.”

Regina hasn’t meant to immediately bring up Emma and Ruby but something had snapped inside, seeing them both so happy and carefree in each others company.

Emma had moved her hand, replacing the bear claw back to her plate as Regina’s eyes followed her movement with distaste.

Not being privy to Zelena’s white lie about her dating Ruby, Emma managed to draw the wrong conclusion entirely, presuming Regina was making yet another dig at her eating habits and love of bear claws.

Because only Madam Mayor would call Emma’s love of bear claws a relationship.

Emma had sighed and shrugged.

“Yeah well, thanks I guess? I’ll be sure to enjoy it for as long as I breathe. Cause it’s delicious and tastes amazing.”

Had Regina been holding a coffee, it would have surely fallen from her fingers. Luckily the only thing she was holding was the strap to her handbag, which did slip from her fingers as the bag landed with a thump into the floor.

Regina couldn’t believe the audacity of the woman who was now munching on her bear claw without a care in the world!

“Must you be so vulgar?

Emma smirked and licked her lips.

Regina couldn’t help herself.

“I can’t believe you’re actually referring to Miss Lucas as ‘it’ although I suppose it’s better than calling her a mongrel.”

Emma’s smirk soon vanished as she shook her head before frowning.

“What?”

Regina, reaching for her handbag had then edged closer to the Sheriff, her mouth inches away from an ear that was now tinged pink.

“You don’t know what amazing tastes like, Em-ma, because you’ve never tasted me.”

With that she had turned and flounced back out of the diner, scolding herself for being so flirtatious.

She didn’t see Emma turn red as she began to choke on her own spit, nor did she see Ruby rush over asking her if she was alright.

“I don’t know. I just had the weirdest conversation with Regina. I… I think she was pissed off at me eating this -“ Emma pointed to her half eaten beat claw, “but then she started to talk about you and…. Oh shit.”

Emma had then darted from her seat, following Regina as a cackle floated across the diner.

Neither Emma or Regina has spotted Zelena in the corner of the room, hiding behind a newspaper.

Emma had finally managed to catch up to Regina who was regretting her blatant flirting. And her reaction to Emma declaring that Ruby tasted amazing.

“Wait… Regina will you please stop.”

Regina had stopped and then turned to face a slightly out of breath Emma.

“Too many bear claws will do that to you, Miss Swan.”

Emma had managed to catch her breath before she pointed to the diner.

“Back there… that’s exactly what I was talking about. Bear claws. Tasting amazing. What the hell did you think I was talking about?”

Regina then felt her body flush from head to toe as she realised the mix up that had taken place.

“I have no idea what you mean.”

Emma frowned again.

“Why did you bring up Ruby then?”

Regina had never wished to be interrupted by someone or something so badly before.

“I didn’t.”

Emma stepped closer.

“Yeah Regina you kinda did. Do you think there’s something going on between us? Cause I’m pretty sure you thought I was talking about her when I said-“

Thankfully for Regina, her prayers had been answered because a flash of lightning in the sky had then brought torrential rain and winds that could easily toss them both flying through the air.

“Seriously?” Emma had barked as the Mayor had breathed a sigh of relief.

“I suggest you get back to work Miss Swan. I, for one, have to.”

And with that she had turned and walked away from the Sheriff who was now wondering how the Mayor actually did taste.

“Well at least I got to finally find out how you tasted.” Emma murmured as she pulled Regina into the shower, “and you were right, in fact, amazing doesn’t even come close.”

And with that she fell to her knees, her desire to taste Regina again and again suddenly overpowering her.

Regina felt Emma’s hands on her ass as they pulled her forwards, one now moving to lift a leg over her shoulder as the shower beat down on her back.

“Taste away, Miss Swan.” She growled as Emma’s tongue found her aching clit.

The horny hour as Emma had coined it ended up lasting two, and Emma suspected it would have lasted a lot longer had Regina not started to complain that her fingers and toes were starting to look like dried prunes.

Thoroughly satisfied, both women had fallen into bed and were now snuggled under the covers.

“I suppose it’s too late now to tell me who this Neil was?”

Emma had expected the question.

Pulling the mayors warm and very naked body into her she sighed.

“I guess that depends on how tired you are? It’s a long story, one I had to share with mom and the other Regina first and for that I will always be sorry.”

Regina moved back a little so she could see Emma’s face.

“Don’t apologise for that my love. Circumstance dictated the decisions you had to make.”

Emma nodded but deep down she still felt guilty. Regina, this Regina, should have been the first to know who Neil was.

Emma sat up and motioned for Regina to do the same. As the brunette lifted up, the cover falling from her body, Emma immediately saw goose bumps appear across her smooth skin. Reaching to the side she pulled at her hoody that has been discarded earlier and handed it to Regina who immediately put it on.

“Do you know how sexy you look wearing my hoody?” Emma asked as Regina seemed to snuggle herself onto it.

”I’ll never tire of hearing you say that, Miss Swan.”

Emma reached forward and placed a chaste kiss on Regina’s lips before pulling back.

“I guess I should start at the beginning then?”

Regina nodded, her hands clasping Emma’s before she replied.

”Just don’t start with Once Upon a Time.”

Chapter Text

Only once Emma had finished speaking did she finally look up at Regina. Even though she had already told her story, in a manner of speaking, to the woman laid beside her somehow this time it had felt different and more important, because this time she was telling the woman she had fallen in love with, not a copy that existed in another realm even though they were one of the same.

For her part, Regina has remained quiet throughout Emma’s dialogue although the way her hands had gripped at Emma’s on occasion, Emma knew she was feeling as emotional at the other Regina had.

“So yeah. That’s Neil and my rather shitty history with him. I had no idea he was Rumples son or that he was from the Enchanted Forest. To be honest, I don’t even know what that Neil knew about his past. I didn’t get the chance to talk to him about it because I didn’t want to be anywhere near him.”

Regina’s eyes were still focussed on Emma’s face, her gaze hadn’t swayed once and she was relieved Emma was finally looking at her. Her hands felt clammy in Emma’s but that was her fault, the number of times she had found herself reacting to certain parts of Emma’s history with - Neil - had her squeezing Emma’s hand tightly because if she didn’t do that, she would have barked out loud exactly what she thought of him and how much she wished she could have been there in person to see Emma knock him to the floor.

“Are you going to say anything?”

Emma sounded hesitant and Regina immediately felt guilty. Pulling at Emma’s hand she immediately brought it to her lips, kissing across the knuckles before placing Emma’s palm on her heart.

“I imagine you’ve already heard what I have to say, darling. I’m just sorry, so sorry he put you through all of that. You never had a happy childhood, and to meet him as a teenager and have him treat you that way!”

Emma ran her fingertips up and down the warm skin above Regina’s breast.

“It’s not your fault, Gina. Please don’t think that.”

Regina sighed. How could she not?!

“I mean it. I’ve told you before and I’m telling you again, what happened in the past is exactly where it belongs. I’ve never hidden how I feel about that and not once have I blamed you for what happened to me.”

Regina shifted, suddenly feeling the need to stretch she swung her legs over the side of the bed but remained seated, her back now facing Emma.

“How can you not blame me, Emma? My threats caused your parents to do the unthinkable! They were scared for your life because of me. They hid you in that godforsaken wardrobe because of ME! Everything that transpired after that was because of me.”

Emma vaulted from the bed, kneeling in front of a shaken Regina in seconds as she reached out and took both of Regina’s trembling hands in hers.

“You’re partly right.”

Regina’s eyes shot up to meet Emma’s.

“Gina, if it wasn’t for you I would never have Henry. Who knows what kind of home and family he would have ended up with if not for you?”

Regina felt hot tears gather as Emma edged in closer.

“You may have threatened my parents but we both know they were idle threats. You would never harm an infant. How they reacted, putting a baby in a wardrobe, putting me in a wardrobe! Not knowing where I would end up, if I would even survive the journey… that’s messed up, Regina.”

Regina felt herself edge closer to Emma as green eyes continued to look up at her in earnest. 

“Do I blame them for how I ended up? Yes! I blame them because they had a choice. There is always a choice and they opted to save their kingdom before their own child.”

Emma’s grip on Regina’s hands tightened.

“Perhaps a part of me will always blame them for that but I’ve forgiven them too, because I realised a long time ago that the decision they made,  no matter how shitty, was how it all began, how we began.”

Regina’s tears were now free falling as Emma reached up and cupped her face, her thumbs rubbing gently across smooth, wet cheekbones.

“I hate to say it because I’ve always liked to think we make our own destiny but it seems neither of us can escape this, Gina.”

Regina tilted her face into Emma’s warm palm as she felt strong fingers diligently run back and forth across her cheeks.

“I was destined to become an orphan, to grow up in the system and meet Neil, who seemingly was also destined to leave the Enchanted Forest to grow up in a world without magic, my world, so we could have Henry.”

Regina disliked the thought of destiny choosing to link Emma in any way to Neil but she understood the undercurrent of what that link actually meant.

Emma continued, her voice low but steady.

”Did destiny deal me a shitty hand when I ended up in prison? Hell yes! And did it continue to deal me heartache? Of course it did, I had to give up the only thing I’ve ever loved but that one thing was then taken care of and loved by you, Regina. That one thing found me and brought me home, to you.”

Regina was now sobbing as Emma stood and sat beside her, pulling her into her side.

“Because of you, I got my son back. Because of you, I found out what true love really is.  Because of you I get to spend every day with my soulmate, the woman I’ve loved for so long who’s carrying my child.”

Emma’s hand immediately fell onto Regina’s stomach, moving under her hoody, her palm rubbing circular movements as Regina’s hand captured hers.

“Destiny ended up being pretty fucking amazing, Regina, because it put me on the pathway to Storybrooke, to you! It united us and has blessed us with another child. How could I ever blame you for that?”

Regina turned, her arms now circling the blonde as she buried her head into Emma’s neck.

“I love you so much.” she whispered as Emma ran her hands up and down her back.

“And I love you, so don’t ever blame yourself again because it hurts me when you do.”

Regina slowly pulled back, her eyes still glistening with tears.

“I just wish you didn’t have to go through so much to get to where you are now.”

Emma rested her forehead against Regina’s.

“It’s no more traumatic than all the crap you’ve been through.”

Regina swallowed hard.

“I always thought Daniel was my true love but I was just a child who was infatuated with someone who treated me well. I loved him but now I know I wasn’t in love with him.”

Regina looked tired and guilty as Emma kissed her nose before pulling Regina back into her neck.

“You didn’t know that then, though. Besides he was still important to you, what Cora did to him was unforgivable. What she continued to do to you was unforgivable. What Rumple turned you into was unforgivable and how your father stood back on the sidelines and watched? Regina that was I unforgivable too.”

“And then what I did was unforgivable… I killed him, Emma. I killed everything that I loved and held dearest in the name of revenge!”

Emma moved back and cupped Regina’s face again, needing to feel the closeness.

“We all have a cross the bear Regina, I can’t even begin to imagine the dark place you were in that led you to make those decisions but it wasn’t a place you went to freely nor willingly. You were directed there every step of the way by the evil that had taken over your life.”

Regina shuddered as her hands moved over Emma’s that were still holding her face gently.

“Not only did it direct you but it pushed and pushed at you until you felt like you had no other option nor control. You are not that person anymore. You haven’t been that person for decades. You’ve saved so many, Gina and I won’t ever let you forgot that.”

Regina still couldn’t believe how much this woman, her soulmate, loved her after all she had done.

“I love you Emma. I can’t imagine my life without you in it. And I’m scared. I’m so scared something will happen to pull us apart. What if my mother suddenly reappears? What if Rumple’s son turns up? I can’t lose you, or Henry. We can’t lose you.”

Her hand was now back on her stomach as Emma fell back to her knees, her lips ghosting over Regina’s belly button below the hoody she was still wearing.

“If Cora returns, we have the entire population of Storybrooke as back up. Believe me. You saw it too remember?”

Regina nodded feeling more calm now that Emma was rubbing her fingers over her stomach.

“And if Neil shows up, we’ll handle him together but nothing and nobody is taking me or Henry away from you, do you hear me?”

Emma looked up as Regina nodded and smiled.

Emma then kissed her stomach once more before whispering “and that goes for you too Nugget. Nothing will stand in the way of us becoming a family.”

Regina began to cry again but this time they were happy tears.

“All I do is cry these days.” She managed to whisper as the crying slowly subsided.

“You’re a pregannt hormonal woman who was separated from the love of her life for nearly a week. Of course you’re going to cry. I’m amazing. You missed me!”

Emma then winked as her lips met Regina’s before she pulled away.

“It’s late and you need to rest. C’mon, let’s get back into bed and I’ll let you be the little spoon.”

Regina nodded and climbed back under the sheets, relieved that once again she would have Emma beside her.

“Can you hold me instead?”

Emma climbed in after her and settled herself on her back.

“You don’t want to take off the hoody first?”

Regina shook her head. “No. It comforts me.”

Emma merely grinned and patted her chest which was covered with an old t shirt.

“Get comfy.”

Regina was immediately against her, head on her chest, arm across her waist.

“I still can’t believe you’re here.”

Emma sighed, wrapping one arm around the brunettes shoulder she placed the other one across the arm that was stretched across her stomach.

“We’ll never spend another night apart.”

“Mmm. Love you.” Regina mumbled, kissing Emma before she rested her head onto Emma’s chest as the blonde closed her eyes.

“Love you too Gina.”

“I thought you said you’d arranged someone else?”

Zelena actually managed to look a little sheepish as Dr Whale began to tap the top of his pen against his clipboard.

“She did. However, Dr Foster has called in sick and our only other obstetrician is currently on vacation with his six brothers.”

Emma inhaled sharply.

“No way? Doc really is a… Doc? I had no idea!”

Regina continued to scowl as Zelena shrugged.

“I tried Regina. It’s not my fault you didn’t think to add more folk to the hospital rota when you cast the curse! Belle would have made an excellent Doctor.”

Emma sensed the tension that was building as Dr Whale shifted his clipboard under his arm.

“I actually feel insulted. I’m good enough to constantly patch up the Sheriff  who we’ve named a bed after but you want someone else for your first antenatal appointment?”

Regina rolled her eyes as Emma decided to take charge.

“Firstly, I feel insulted that you think I’m constantly here. I haven’t been here for days, have I? Secondly you’re taking this far too personally. Regina would simply be more comfortable with a female doctor. When is Dr Foster likely to be back?”

Dr Whale rolled his eyes.

“You haven’t been here for days because you literally haven’t been here for days. News travels Sheriff, I know you entered a portal and left town for a week!”

Emma was beginning to wonder whether her mother really was the main cog in the ever turning Storybrooke rumour mill considering she had been with Emma the entire time.

Dr Whale continued, now firmly on his high horse.

“Secondly , I have no idea when Dr Foster will be back but I assure you todays appointment is more about me giving you information on nutrition, diet and food hygiene and lifestyle factors – such as smoking, drinking and recreational drug use. I’ll also go though antenatal screening tests and you can book one of those with Dr Foster when she returns.”

Emma the found herself focussed on Regina’s current diet which led her to think about cheeseburgers and onion rings when Regina gasped and pointed an accusing finger at Whale.

“I am the Mayor of this town! How dare you imply I have a drug problem!”

Zelena bit down on her lip to stop a laugh from escaping.

“Gina…”

Regina ignored Emma and continued as her hormones, totally out of kilter, only added to her rage.

“Nor do I smoke! You make it sound like I’m on two packs a day! How dare you!”

Whale managed to look a little nervous as Regina’s finger began to prod at his chest.

Zelena sighed.

“Reggie, take a chill pill, and I don’t mean the recreational type. Though I’m loathed to say it, Doc here is just doing his job. I don’t think he really believes you’re a closet hippy who takes weed, downs shots at the Rabbit Holes ‘trebles for singles’ night while puffing on twenty cigs a day. Right Whale?”

Whale nodded.

“Forgive me Madam Mayor, I didn’t meant to imply any anything about you. I just have to go through a plan of care with you.”

Regina snorted as Whale then glanced from Emma to Zelena and back again before facing Regina.

“Will the father be joining us?”

Emma snorted.

“She’s standing right here dude .”

Whale’s brows scrunched.

“Who is?” He asked, glancing behind Emma as if expecting to see someone else.

“Emma is the father, well, mother… it’s all rather complicated Whale but Reggie is preggers thanks to Emma’s… magical swimmers?”

Whale’s mouth dropped a few feet before he nodded, his eyes now on Emma.

“Let’s hope you don’t pass on your clumsy genes.”

Now Emma prodded his chest.

“Watch it buddy.”

Whale took a step back and cleared his throat.

“You should definitely make an appointment for a scan considering how the baby was conceived. I suspect we will all need to be involved in this pregnancy, pool our expertise as it were. We’ve never seen this before.”

Regina finally seemed to calm as Emma stepped back from Whale and took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“Lead the way Doc.”

Zelena smiled. “I’ll meet you at the diner later.”

Emma and Regina followed Whale into his office, each taking a seat opposite his desk.

“I’ll give you a handbook and plan of care once this is over but I’ll need to ask a few questions first.”

Regina and Emma nodded.

“I’ll also need to measure your height and weight, and calculate your body mass index.”

This was directed at Regina who began to scowl.

“I already know I’m short and fat I don’t need you to measure it!”

Emma sighed. This was going to be a long meeting.

“Baby…”

Regina turned.

“Don’t you baby me, Miss Swan! It’s your fault I’m starting to feel like a beached whale! Non of my bras fit me anymore, Emma!”

Whale blushed and proceeded to flick through his clipboard as Emma took Regina’s hand in hers.

‘Gina. Your body, your beautiful body, is changing to support your pregnancy. The Doc has to take measurements for nuggets sake, it’s all normal and natural.”

Whale was now nodding even though he had no idea who or what nugget was.

“He’ll also measure your blood pressure and test your urine for protein, right Doc?”

Whale appeared stunned as he simply nodded again, a little in awe at the Sheriffs knowledge whilst also shocked that she actually knew anything considering the number of times she’d been admitted for a head trauma of some sort.

“I’ve been here before, Gina. I know this all sounds scary and maybe even intrusive but they run these tests for a reason.”

Regina felt her heartbeat steady, Emma’s words calming her.

“I’m sorry, Emma. I feel overwhelmed.”

Finally Whale spoke.

“Which is also natural, Madam Mayor. Do you know how far along you are? I can offer you an ultrasound scan between 11 and 14 weeks to estimate when your baby is due. You’ll also have an another scan at 18 to 21 weeks to check the physical development of your baby.”

Regina looked at Emma before answering.

“We’re not quite sure. We… we felt the baby kick and I can feel movement but I can’t be more than 8 weeks pregnant.”

Whale nodded.

“Well the normal pathway to pregnancy doesn’t apply here so I think it’s best we arrange a dating scan as soon as possible, this will allow us to check the physical development of your baby, and screen for possible conditions.”

Emma felt Regina stiffen beside her.

“It’s normal procedure, honey. I had the same screening done with Henry.”

Regina calmed again as Whale scribbled notes on his clipboard.

“Either Dr Foster or myself be in touch to diary your initial scan and then your 18 to 22 week scan. Can I also suggest you consider vitamin supplements.”

Regina nodded as Emma leaned into her side.

“I’ll get you some from the chemist. It’ll give me an opportunity to speak to Peter Piper and give him a peace of my mind for assuming I got your sister pregnant!”

Whale suddenly looked up from his notes.

“Please tell me she isn’t? I’m not sure I can cope with two Mill’s sisters pregnant at the same time!”

Once the appointment was over they made their way back to Emma’s car.

“I still can’t believe I allowed you to bring me here in this contraption.”

Emma chuckled as Regina attempted to delicately slip inside.

“Well how about you let me drive your car next week when we come for your first scan?”

Regina glared at Emma.

“Well you’re going to have to release the keys to me some day or I’ll be driving you to every appointment in the bug.”

Regina huffed and closed her eyes.

“I suppose I can allow you to drive my car next time but if you so much as get a scratch on her Miss Swan you’ll be relegated to the couch until the baby is born.”

Emma grinned, and started the engine.

“I mean it.”

Emma rolled her eyes.

“Yeah. Of course you do. We both know you can’t sleep without me. Who you gonna crawl over and latch onto if I’m not there, mmm?”

Regina smirked.

“I’ll ask Mal, she owes me a favour or two. From memory she’s not opposed to cuddling.”

Emma found her fingers were now gripping at the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles white.

“I’m sure she’d jump at the chance to hold me in her arms again, as a friend of course.”

“Like hell she will .” Emma managed to hiss through clenched teeth as Regina let out a deep laugh.

“So very easy to tease my darling. You know you’re the only one I’ll ever cuddle. In fact, before you, the thought of snuggling was abhorrent to me!”

Emma felt her grip loosen on the wheel as she moved her hand to clasp Regina’s.

“So only I get to call you my snuggle bunny then?!”

Emma chuckled to herself as Regina growled.

“That couch is still on your horizon Miss Swan!”

Emma laughed again. “Oh please, we both know you’d end up on the sofa right on top of me within minutes.”

Regina sighed and remained silent.

Emma was right.

She recalled the one and only time she had kicked Emma from their bedroom not that long after they had finally got their act together and were officially a couple.

If she were honest Regina couldn’t recall how the argument had started or what it was even about but neither had wanted to admit defeat and eventually Regina had demanded Emma leave the bedroom, the blonde finally skulking off to the sofa because for some reason the guest bedroom wasn’t a place she wanted to sleep.

That room was very much pre-Regina and despite the petty squabble Emma really didn’t want to feel as though she was moving backwards in her relationship with the brunette, choosing the sofa instead because that way it felt less like she had been kicked out of their bedroom and more like she was simply going to take a nap.

In Regina’s mind, kicking Emma from the room was the best possible course of action, a sensible approach where they would finally stop throwing words at each other, separate, go to sleep in different rooms and come back together the next morning feeling refreshed.

Going to bed separately would allow them both the chance to reflect, resulting in them both waking up in a better frame of mind allowing them to address whatever it was that kicked off the row in the first place.

This trail of thought lasted exactly 6 minutes as her hand had absently began to run up and down the side of Emma’s bed that was now cooling, no longer radiating Emma’s body heat. Whatever it was she had been cross about had started to pale in comparison to the emptiness she now felt since Emma had left.

Without a second thought she’d stormed into the guest bedroom assuming that’s where Emma would be, only to find the bed empty. Initial fear had ran though her as she took the stairs two at a time, coming to an almost skid at the bottom of the stairs that would rival Henry’s.

Almost running to the living room she’d finally come across Emma who was laid with her front pressed against the back of the couch, head on one cushion, a makeshift throw over her legs.

Seconds later Regina was behind her, pulling the blondes back into her front, arms tightening around the warm body she had immediately missed.

“I thought you were pissed at me.” Emma had mumbled into the cushion, as she pushed her back further into Regina with a sigh.

“I am. A little. But I love you more than a stupid argument. Now sleep my dear.”

Emma chuckled at the same memory before coming to a stop at an intersection.

“Where too? The Rabbit Hole perhaps so you can get your fill of booze, maybe swipe some weed from Dopey while you’re at it?”

Regina rolled her eyes. “Very funny, Emma but I think I’ll be a good girl and take a hot chocolate and some fries at Granny’s instead. I am rather hungry.”

Emma continued to drive as she shot Regina a sideways glance.

“Sure you wouldn’t rather be a bad girl, Madam Mayor? I’m hungry too, but not for food.”

Regina’s breath hitched in her throat as she placed a hand on Emma’s knee.

“Oh? And what are you hungry for my dear. Is it something I can help you with?”

Emma grinned, moving Regina’s hand slowly up her thigh.

“Oh, the thought of giving you pleasure with the help of a little toy, something I haven’t been able to stop thinking about since Zelena’s comment at the diner.”

Regina felt her throat go dry as her fingers edged closer to Emma’s crotch.

“Forget the toy my love. I have something much better in mind.” And with that she waved her hand over Emma’s crotch and smiled.

Emma glanced down, puzzled as she came to a stop sign.

“What did you-“

Regina continued to smile as her fingers came into contact with the zip on Emmas jeans, tapping it lightly.

Emma immediately felt - something - happen below.

“You…”

Emma then gulped, her eyes on the zip of her jeans as a tingling sensation followed by a feeling of tightness began to radiate from her pants.

“Gina wh-what have you done…”

Regina removed her hand, placing it on Emma’s arm instead.

“Why can.. what the hell… what the…”

Emma shuffled in her seat and looked back down at the bump growing from her crotch that definitely hadn’t been there earlier.

“No way….”

Regina laughed again.

“Why do got think I moved my hand, darling? I don’t want you getting too excited before we get home.”

Emma had never felt so turned on yet freaked out as she felt the appendage swell at the sound of Regina’s voice.

“I didn’t think this was even possible.” She whispered more to herself, wishing her jeans weren’t quite so tight as her lower region began to feel a little uncomfortable.

Regina wriggled her eyebrows, her hand now back on her lap.

“Anything is possible with magic my dear, now drive. I’m hungry to see you naked and deep inside me.”

Emma nearly chocked at Regina’s bluntness as her hand began to reach down before it was slapped away by the brunette.

“I get to touch little swan first my love.”

Emma began to tremble  as her - magic dick (?!) - began to stir in her pants even more.

“Fucking hell, how big did you make - it?! I don’t think I’ll be able to walk.”

Regina let out a throaty laugh.

“I made it the size you would have been had Snow and Charming had a son, Emma. I haven’t magicked you a ridiculous penis my dear. That -“

And she shot a hungry look at the bulge now clearly visible in Emma’s pants.

“That is as natural as they come.

Emma let out a trembled laugh as her erection was now standing to attention seemingly at Regina’s command, whether the brunette realised it or not.

“Natural? I’ve just grown a penis Regina, and it’s…. Jesus Christ it’s still growing! Can you please magic me some looser jeans before I explode!”

Regina rolled her eyes but gave Emma her wish as the Sheriff immediately felt her jeans loosen around her newly acquired appendage.

“Now take us home, Em-ma. I want to see your masterpiece in the flesh.”

Emma’s foot hit the gas as she accelerated past the speed limit.

“Careful you’ll get a ticket.”

Emma shook her head.

“Fuck the ticket.”

Regina suddenly placed her hand on Emma’s erection.

“I’d rather you fuck me.”

“Oh Jesus.” Emma husked as her boner suddenly took on a life of its own.

“I need… fuck. I don’t th-think I can make it home.”

Regina was enjoying herself as Emma seemed to squirm more and more in her seat.

“Is little swan waiting to come out and play?”

Emma swallowed hard. Attempting to steer the car whilst Regina continued to tease her… little swan… was proving to be difficult.

“It’s not waiting. That’s the… problem.”

Regina finally took pity on the blonde who looked flushed and extremely uncomfortable.

“Pull over.”

Emma shot Regina a look before glancing round her.

“But… it’s a neighbourhood? Someone could…. We’re not…”

Regina grinned and placed her hand over the bulge that was now a tent shape in Emma’s pants.

It felt glorious.

“Pull over, Em-Ma. I have magic remember? I can shield us from… prying eyes. Unless you want to drive a further five minutes before we then have to park, walk to the front door, unlock it before-“

Emma pulled the car over hastily against the sidewalk, tyres screeching as she slammed hard on the brake, finally releasing her tight grip on the steering wheel.

“You’re evil.”

Regina smirked.

“You love me.” Regina purred as she glanced down at Emma’s lap.

“Really love me. I’m glad to see you’re not struggling to get… hard… Miss Swan.”

Regina’s hand was now back on the zip of Emma’s jeans.

“Now put your seat back, close your eyes and let me take care of you’re little…”

Regina undid the button on Emma’s jeans and pulled the zip down, placing her hand inside, moving it under Emma’s pants, secretly happy Emma had asked for more room.

“Or should that be, big, problem…”

Emma looked at Regina whose eyes were black as coal as they twinkled back at her. She immediately felt herself harden even more as Regina opened her mouth and licked her bottom lip.

“Ohhh fuck.”

Emma felt lightheaded as Regina now started to bite on her bottom lip, her nimble fingers now stroking Emma’s newly established length.

“I… shit….”

Before Regina could respond, a loud tap sounded on Regina’s window.

“I th-thought you used magic!” Emma hissed as Regina, always prepared for any event, casually turned in her seat, her hand still very much on Emma as she tossed her handbag onto Emma’s lap with her free hand, hiding her exploring fingers and Emma’s very substantial erection from view.

“I was a little preoccupied.” Regina husked before adding, “Sit tight.” as she then wound down the window.

“Are you.. don’t do that! Gina…”

The window was barely down before a head popped into view.

“Mal.” Regina replied with a tight smile on her face. “Always a pleasure.” she continued as her exploring fingers stilled and then squeezed Emmas length as they continued on their own specific mission to provide Emma with as much pleasure as she could handle.

Emma gasped as Mal leaned into the car.

“Is everything alright my dear? You pulled up rather hurriedly, I could hear your tyres squeal from down the street! Not that I necessarily mind the smell of burnt rubber, takes me back to my days of setting things alight for the hell of it.”

Emma wasn’t paying any attention to Mal mainly because all she could hear was her heartbeat thudding in her ears as her blood not only bounced around her ear drums but also rushed downwards to find her very new, and very swollen, dick.

“Gi-na.” She managed to husk as Regina stopped squeezing, her fingers now gripping the shaft, slowly moving her hand up and then down and then…

“Fuucck”

Mal quirked a brow, her eyes now on Emma.

“I always put the fires out Miss Swan if that’s what got you so worked up.”

Emma gasped, the only thing that was up was her now raging erection which was literally throbbing in Regina’s hand.

“Is she alright Regina? She looks flushed.”

Regina nodded as her thumb came to the tip of the smooth shaft she had magicked Emma. Slowing her didgit she ran the pad of her thumb over the head as Emma took a deep intake of breath.

“The poor thing is extremely swollen, Mal.”

Emma was now quivering under her touch as Mal nodded back before she glanced at the now visibly shaking Sheriff.

“Glands, swollen glands.” Regina then added as Mal arched a brow.

Emma decided there and then that she would inflict revenge on the former evil queen at some stage as the current semi evil mayor continued her ministrations, her thumb now circling the head of Emma’s appendage.

Emma let out a low and guttural growl as Regina’s thumb paused, her own wetness now pooling below as Emma then moaned.

“You should get her home Regina. Take… care of that swelling.”

Emma was past caring what Mal did or didn’t know about her current predicament as her knuckles became white the more she gripped onto Regina’s handbag.

Regina was now starting to lose her own self control the more Emma groaned and the more her swollen cock began to twitch with need on the palm of her hand.

“Quite so. I’ll return for the car later. Nice seeing you Mal.”

Mal smirked and took a small step back from the car.

“Nice seeing you too.” she replied as her keen eyes took on the sight before her.

No doubt she’d unintentionally interrupted the Sheriff receiving her first blowjob but from the look on her face she was very much enjoying Regina’s hand job.

She watched as the now very flustered Mayor waved one hand in the air, the other clearly too busy to join in, as she and the Sheriff suddenly disappeared.

No doubt landing in their bedchamber.

Chapter Text

As soon as they appeared in the bedroom, Regina was pulling down Emma’s jeans with a sense of newfound urgency.

The more she tugged, however, the more Emma’s shaft seemed to get caught.

“Gina…”

Emma, still clutching Regina’s handbag for dear life finally dropped it to her side as her legs began to tremble.

“Hold still, Emma!”

Emma felt her cheeks redden.

“It’s a bit hard to hold still with a raging boner in my pants, Regina! You keep touching it with your knuckles and…. Oh hell….”

Regina smirked and deliberately ran her knuckles over it again.

“Not helping!” Emma mumbled as she suddenly realised where they were.

“My car-“

Regina paused before shooting Emma an unamused glare.

“Right. Forget the car.” Emma managed to splutter as Regina’s hands were now in her pants, her jeans half way down her legs.

“I love how you feel.” Regina purred as she tugged at Emma’s boy-shorts, pulling those down too, releasing a very erect penis.

Taking a step back she finally removed her hands and looked down in appreciation.

Emma was also looking down, flummoxed.

“That’s not… it can’t be… Jesus Regina you’ve given me balls too?!”

Regina’s hungry eyes continued to bore onto Emma as Emma finally looked up.

“Of course I did, it’s a fully functioning phallus my love. Now come here, I want to say hello…”

Emma gulped as her phallus twitched.

“I feel like I’m about to burst.”

Regina chuckled and beckoned Emma over to the bed as she slowly began to unbutton her shirt.

Emma watched, jeans and pants now wrapped around her ankles as the brunette quickly removed her shirt and pulled down the zipper to her skirt, letting it pool at her feet as she stepped from it, kicking her heels off towards Emma.

The more naked Regina got, the more her newly acquired penis began to twitch as Emma glance down again, her throat suddenly dry as the throbbing intensified.

“I can’t control this.” she muttered more to herself as her ‘little swan’ was now protruding so far out it was now blocking her view of the floor.

“I don’t want you to.” Regina replied, eyes sparkling with mischief which resulted in Emma letting out a small mewl.

“It’s tingling, Regina. There’s something wrong with it!”

Regina bit down on her bottom lip, attempting to stifle a laugh. Watching Emma, her proud penis standing to attention was doing warm and wonderful things to her. Emma’s confusion at the whole situation was also extremely adorable.

“It’s a living part of your body, Emma. At least for now. You’re turned on. It’s all perfectly normal.”

Again Emma looked back at her dick that seemed to have a mind of its own. This, Emma reasoned, was far from normal but a quick glance back at her girlfriend had her immediately forgetting any concerns she may have had.

“Turned on is an understatement.” she replied, kicking her jeans and pants off as she finally strode over to Regina, pausing at the side of the bed as Regina took a hold of her hands and pulled them towards a her.

“Take it off.”

Emma loved it when Regina made demands.

Little Swan apparently did too as the throbbing in her crotch began to burn.

Quickly removing her own top her fingers then reached behind the brunette, fingers unhooking the clasp as she felt her entire body stiffen as Regina took a hold of her dick, marvelling at its length and width.

“So responsive.” She murmured as Emma threw Regina’s bra across the room.

“If you keep doing that I’m going to come all over your hands.” Emma managed to rasp as Regina’s warm hand continued to rub up and down Emma’s length.

“I’d much prefer you to come somewhere else my dear.” Regina replied honestly as her hands found Emma’s cheeks.

Emma immediately cupped herself with shaking hands, squeezing, almost on the side of pain hoping the pressure would calm down her turbulent libido.

“I want you inside me, now.” Regina rasped as Emma pushed her onto the bed. Kissing her quickly she straddled the mayor before coming to a halt, hovering above her.

"What’s wrong?" Regina asked, her attention now on Emma’s outstretched, muscular arms on either side of her.

"Do I need a condom?” Emma replied almost blankly as Regina cupped her cheeks again. Arching a perfect brow she brought Emma’s face towards her lips.

“Good idea Sheriff, we wouldn't want you to get me pregnant now, would we?”

Emma stilled again before her concerned look turned into a sheepish one. As soon as the words left Emma’s mouth she inwardly groaned.

“Did you really just ask me that Emma?!” Regina asked, a glint in her eye as she her hands moved to Emma’s waist.

“Yeah I kinda didn’t think that one though.”

To be honest, Emma wasn’t really giving anything much though as the desire to pound into Regina was growing, a bit like her penis appeared to be now that Regina was unclasping Emma’s bra like the pro she was.

Regina’s eyes immediately fell on Emma’s taught nipples before she looked up, her chocolate orbs soft and full of love.

“I think we’ve already established you don’t need this -“ as she placed her hand back on Emma’s dick “to get me pregnant, Miss Swan.”

Her thumb was now caressing the tip which made Emma spasm.

“God that feels so good.”

Emma's felt her eyes close tightly as Regina began to touch her again, only opening them when she felt Regina move below her, pushing her sodden panties down her legs. Emma felt her breath catch as the brunette then laid back on the bed, her legs open wide as she placed her free hand on her dark curls, tapping a finger against her glistening centre.

“I need you here. Now.”

Regina pulled Emma hard against her as their mouths met, both battling for dominance as Regina purred into Emma’s mouth as soon as she felt the hard shaft rub against her stomach.

“This beats a fucking strap on.” Emma was mumbling into luscious lips as she felt Regina buck her hips upwards, each jolt hitting Emma’s ‘non strap on’ with such a force the blonde suddenly realised her tip was leaking.

Attempting to move her dick so she wouldn’t spill all over Regina she felt the brunette shake her head slightly.

“I want to feel it. All of it.” Regina husked into Emma’s parted lips as their kisses continued to crush together, the blondes pert nipples now pushing into Regina’s soft skin as the underside of her dick was now sliding through the brunettes very wet folds.

“I want your tip to rub against my clit, please Em-Ma.”

Which only caused Emma to immediately buck her hips, a whimper escaping her lips as Regina took charge and took hold of her throbbing cock, rubbing it against her engorged clit.

“Holy shit.”

Regina was now sweetly smiling up at her with so much love and devotion, whatever self control Emma had left was now null and void as she reached down between them and took a firm hold of herself, her eyes never leaving Regina’s, knowing this was an intimate moment they were experiencing together for the first time.

Slowly she ran her sticky tip through Regina's swollen lips once, twice as she felt Regina pull her down firmly against her, needing more contact.

The further Emma was engulfed by the brunettes throbbing walls the more excited she felt as Regina began to moan the deeper Emma entered her, her nails digging into the blondes hips as Emma gently continued to push forward until she was sheathed completely by her lovers quivering channel.

"Oh god!”

Emma began to grunt as Reginas moans got louder.

Eyes now open the brunette looked up at Emma who had started to move in and out, her cock hitting all the right places as Regina bucked her hips upwards again, needing to feel the throbbing shaft as it caressed her slick walls.

“Fuck. Yesss. Emma don’t stop.”

Slowly Emma leaned down and pressed her forehead against Regina’s, gently adjusting her position, as a low grown escaped her lips.

“Shit… this is so…”

Emma trailed off, unable to think of any words she could use to describe the most satisfying and fan-fucking-tastic new experience she was sharing with her true love.

“I feel you. I feel - all of you.”

“Mmm, I know, baby,” Regina husked into Emma’s neck as Emma bit down hard on her bottom lip hoping the slight pain would stop her from finishing inside Regina before they had truly begun.

Emma was now sweating and mumbling incoherent words into Regina’s mouth as she finally gasped and let out a ragged breath.

“Gina. I - fuck I just - give me a sec.”

Regina’s eyes slowly came into focus, as the pleasure pulling deep within her was sending a myriad of tingles all over her body.  Blinking, Emma’s face came into view above her. The blondes eyes were closed tightly, and her internal battle was obvious.

“Darling. Look at me.”

Emma grunted before slowly opening one eye.

Regina tangled her hands in Emma’s hair, pulling her closer as she deliberately squeezed her pelvic muscles around Emma.

“N-no… baby please.” Emma pleaded, her focus on not coming too soon all over the place as she felt, actually felt Regina’s glorious walls stroke and tease her.

“Emma, my sweet Emma. Relax.”

Emma gasped as Regina’s hands were now on her back, her nails no doubt leaving their mark as they ran along her spine.

“I can’t… I’m trying to hold on…”

Emma had no idea how the hell she was supposed to hold on, as Regina let out a moan as Emma accidentally shifted above her, driving into her even deeper.

“Relax, my love. You are meant to be enjoying this,” Regina chuckled as she quickly placed several kisses all over Emma’s chest, before resting between the valley of her breasts, nipping at the side on one before moving to the side of the other.

“Yeah… that’s kinda the issues Gina, I’m enjoying this too much.”

Regina moved her tongue to one nipple, as Emma began to rock against her with more urgency.

“Good.” Regina replied with a smile as she reached her hand out to loosen Emma’s firm grip on bedsheet. Taking Emma’s hand she brought it to her mouth and kissed her knuckles before slipping it between their slick, damp bodies until Emma could feel her fingertip touch Regina’s swollen bundle of nerves.

Emma didn’t need any further instruction as she began to rub tight circles around the nub with her thumb, her hips now starting to move as well, building into a rhythm that was clearly giving the brunette pleasure as the smile on her face was replaced with a loud moan, her orgasm now nearing as Emma continued to push inside of her, hitting that one particular spot that had Regina gasping out loud, her walls now clenching around Emma’s thick cock.

The feelings Emma was experiencing were beyond anything she had ever encountered before as her lips were back on Regina’s, her tongue dancing around swollen lips until they were granted entry.

“Ohhh Emmmaa.”

Emma felt her insides deliciously coil as her tongue was now being leisurely sucked by Regina as the same euphoric feeling was being replicated deep inside Emma as the brunette seemed to be pulling Emma’s hard shaft deeper inside as Emma continued to move her fingers on, around and all over Regina’s aching clit.

“Need… you…” Emma was now huffing as Regina’s grasped her waist.

“Don’t stop. Emma… please. I’m so fucking c-close!”

Regina’s words suddenly snapped Emma from her thoughts as realisation hit her how full and heavy her balls felt.

“Gina… I need to… do you want me to pull out when I…”

The fact that Regina was already pregnant was irrelevant. Emma needed to check what Regina wanted, because that was one thing that had been taken away from Regina in her past; Emma would always offer her love a choice.

“Don’t you dare.” Regina replied, her voice hoarse as she swallowed hard and looked into Emma’s ocean eyes.

“I want - I need - to feel you come inside me Emma. Please.”

Emma nodded as she then felt the brunettes legs lock around her waist.

Emma grinned at Regina’s non too subtle hint, realising the small act was all she needed as her thrusts became stronger, her thumb still caressing Regina’s clit with a newfound sense of purpose.

“Oh my god, Emma… Em-mmmmaa.”

Regina cried out, shaking uncontrollably under her as Emma felt her balls tighten before her own body tensed and she finally exploded inside Regina, her orgasm so powerful it left her breathless.

Moments later Emma found herself still slumped against Regina’s damp body, her now flaccid cock still buried deep inside the brunette who had slowly stopped shaking.

Emma finally lifted her head.

“Although pretty fucking spectacular, I will get my lady bits back, right? Cause other than sex, I really don’t want to have to walk around with this thing in my pants, straining at the seams each time you so much as look in my direction.”

Regina, truly sated and extremely exhausted ran her fingers through Emma’s hair, revelling in the softness. She could still feel Emma inside her, although she could feel the magic slowly starting to wear off.

“Pull out and you’ll see.” she managed to croak, not recognising her own voice as Emma did as was instructed, gasping as she finally disconnected herself from Regina.

“I guess little swan has gone.” she murmured as Regina pulled her up, lips now touching.

“Oh Emma, I think it’s safe to say there was nothing little about your swan my love. Nothing little at all.”

Emma grinned.

“Is it bad that I feel kinda cocky, excuse the pun, having a big dick? You did say it was natural. I wonder if I take after David….”

Regina sighed.

“Really Emma?”

Emma shuddered. “Way to ruin the moment Emma.”

Regina smiled as her fingers now danced along Emma’s back, feeling the scratches she had already left behind before skirting her fingers to Emma’s sides.

“I confess, for all I loved feeling you deep inside me, I have a very high regard for your lady bits and I wouldn’t change them permanently for anything, even your large swan.”

And with purpose, Regina’s fingers found Emma’s clit.

“Now be a dear and ride my fingers, Miss Swan.”

As Emma waited patiently for their take out order to arrive from the kitchen, her mind wandered back to what she was now coining the “mammoth sex marathon” she’s had with with Regina that afternoon.

All afternoon in fact.

Not that she’d ever share that particular term with Regina, knowing full well it would result in a sigh, an eye roll and a quirked brow.

Still…

It had been one hell of a session and Emma was pretty damn sure had Regina not already been pregnant she would have been after Emma’s magic appendage had entered the picture.

Or, rather, the bedroom.

“How are those swollen glands, Sheriff?”

Emma jumped as a voice she had heard now that long ago was now floating at her side.

Without realising it, she was looking down at her crotch.

“Not so swollen now, I presume?”

Emma swallowed and peered up at the blonde woman who was standing beside her wearing a smirk that could rival Zelena’s.

“Yeah it’s… I’m okay now. Thanks.”

Mal nodded as Ruby appeared from the kitchen.

“Won’t be much longer Em.”

Emma smiled as someone else suddenly appeared at her other side

“Goodness, are you sure you’re feeling alright?”

Emma inwardly groaned as a pair of hands were immediately wrapping themselves around Emma’s neck.

“What the -“

“I don’t think your glands are swollen Emma, at least not in your neck.”

Emma batted away Snows hands and shook her head, mainly at Mal who was chuckling to herself.

“My neck is fine, mom.”

Emma was immediately relieved she’d asked Regina to magic away the many love bites she had been given.

“You have a bruise!”

Clearly Regina had missed one. Probably on purpose.

“It’s nothing.” Emma mumbled, pulling her top up even though it was a v-neck.

“Emma was simply feeling a little flushed earlier, Snow. Nothing Regina couldn’t make better, I’m sure.”

There was a devilish twinkle in Mal’s eyes as Snow’s hand shot to her mouth before it moved to Emma’s shoulder. Emma attempted to ignore Mal’s connotation as she took a sip of her soda.

“We have many glands all over our body, Emma. Does under your arms hurt? Across your chest? In your groin?”

Emma spilt her soda.

All over her top.

“My - glands - are fine!” she spluttered, as a dish cloth hit her square in the face, courtesy of Ruby.

Emma stood and began to wipe at her top, getting as far as the top of her jeans when images of ‘not so little swan’ suddenly popped into her head. Emma flushed as her hand, holding the cloth, now hovered over her crotch.

“Emma! You just flinched. It’s your groin isn’t it? Have you pulled a muscle?l

Emma recalled the rather large muscle that had literally been pulled from her, courtesy of Regina’s magic.

“Yeah. I think maybe I have.”

Emma reasoned it was easier to play along with Snows assumption.

Which proved to be a mistake as Zelena’s voice suddenly boomed from behind.

“Pray do tell what you’ve been doing that resulted in you pulling a muscle… in your groin?”

Mal chuckled as Zelena appeared by her side, a grin on her face.

“And why is your car parked rather haphazardly on the sidewalk down the street?”

Snow gasped.

Emma groaned.

“I encountered some issues earlier, that’s all. Regina had to Poof us home. I’ll collect the bug once I’ve collected our dinner.”

Zelena looked puzzled.

“Issues as in a pulled muscle in your groin?”

Emma nodded as she handed back the dishcloth to Ruby who had finally appeared with her order.

“How does one pull a groin muscle whilst driving a car?”

Emma glanced at Zelena as Mal interrupted.

“Our dear sheriff was helping Regina put on her seat belt, a simple twist in the wrong direction whilst sitting can result in many things, especially when one then tries to drive.”

Emma wasn’t certain why Mal had suddenly come to her aid but she wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

“Yeah. That. Exactly that.”

Snow sighed.

“You really ought to be more careful Emma.”

Emma shrugged as she picked up the takeaway, nodding her head at the door.

“Yeah well, you know me! Clumsy is my middle name.”

Emma then proceeded to walk towards the door before Mal appeared by her side.

“Oh, Sheriff? Before you go? I wanted to let you know that soon after you left your car, due to your unforeseen pulled groin muscle, a man I didn’t recognise appeared and started to ask me very odd questions about your car. I pleaded ignorance but thought you’d want to know.”

Emma nodded. It didn’t suprise her. Most people asked strange questions when it came to her classic bug.

“Thanks. And… thanks for, you know….”

Mal grinned.

“Fixing you up with a bullshit lie? My pleasure Sheriff. I don’t think Snow would have completely underwood how you suddenly felt overcome thanks to your girlfriend magicking you a penis.”

Emma’s mouth dropped as Mal winked.

“Don’t worry your secret is safe with me. Unless I get terribly drunk of course in which case it’s likely I’ll tell Zelena…”

Emma paled.

Mal chuckled.

“I’m teasing you, Sheriff. I assure you my lips are as sealed as I’m sure Regina’s were when she took your p -“

“Yes. Okay. Right. We can’t stop there!” Emma squeaked as she stumbled out of the diner, Mal’s laugh floating behind her.

Chapter Text

Emma was relieved to hear the bell ring behind her as she exited the diner, the voices still discussing her pulled groin now disappearing. Glancing down at her now semi transparent top, thanks to the soda, she pulled her jacket closer to her chest with one hand as the other gripped the handles on the bag containing their takeaway.

They’d never had so much fast food since Regina fell pregnant. Her craving now centred on onions rings dipped in chocolate. Emma had gone as far as dipping her fries in a strawberry milkshake a few times, appreciating the sweet and savoury mix but she wasn’t sure she could stomach Regina’s latest craving. Which said a lot considering Emma would try most things and had a stomach of steel.

As she walked towards her car, she realised what Zelena had meant earlier when she’d said Emma had parked ‘haphazardly’. The Sheriff could park like a pro but as she reached the bug she realised three things simultaneously.

1. Having a magic dick suddenly appear in her pants had clearly impacted her parking judgement.
2. The underside of her car that had mounted the curb clearly needed a mechanics attention.
3. Someone had clearly taken offence because they’d left her a note under her wiper which simply read; ‘Park Less Crappily next time!’

Emma took way too long debating if that was even a real word before placing the note in her pocket.

With a sigh she opened the door, thankful that Regina at least had the sense to poof the car keys with them when they had vacated the car rather abruptly earlier. Placing the bag of food on the passenger seat she was about to climb in when someone tapped her on the shoulder.

Emma jumped, hitting her head on the door frame.

“Shit.”

Slowly she turned.

“Yes?” she asked, rubbing her hand over her head as Tinkerbell immediately began to apologise.

“Emma! I’m sorry! I didn’t meant to make you jump.”

Emma sighed.

She wasn’t in the mood for Tink.

“It’s fine. No harm done.”

Tink smiled before she glanced at the car.

Emma waved a hand before the fairy could say anything about her apparently ‘Parking Crappily’.

“I really need to get going, Tink. Foods getting cold.”

Tink nodded, before placing a small hand on Emma’s arm.

“I just wanted to apologise.”

Emma look at the hand gripping her bicep but said nothing.  When it came to Tink, she could be apologising for any number of reasons.

Slowly the fairy continued.

“I spoke to Will and he may have mentioned how Robin now thinks he’s Regina’s soul mate thanks to me revealing things about a certain tattoo.”

Emma pinched the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger before her eyes refocused on the fairy who had now moved her hand away.

“I drank far too much mead that evening! I’ve never had it before and it was so rich and smooth and… I think I was, perhaps, a little drunk.”

Emma rolled her eyes.

“Ya think?”

Tink bit her lip.

“I am sorry, Emma. All I’ve ever wanted was for Regina to find her happiness.”

The look on Tink’s face made Emma realise the fairy meant every word.

“Blue found out and she’s threatening to take away my wings. I suppose I deserve it. I didn’t meant to cause so many problems.”

Emma shook her head.

“Mother Superior can go kiss my ass. Nobody is losing their wings, Tink. It was an honest mistake to make. Yeah, I was pissed off but I’m over it and I’m pretty sure Regina is too.”

Emma had never particularly liked Blue and the fact that she was threatening Tink for an honest mistake only riled her even further. If she removed Tink’s wings, she would be taking away her position as a fairy. Nobody should have that much control.

Tink still looked downcast and Emma couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for the fairy.

“You haven’t caused any issues, I promise. Robin is a prat no matter what you said. Regina is happy. I’m happy. Forget about it. Just maybe lay off the mead next time?”

Tink nodded.

“I will! And I am so happy you found each other. You really are her soulmate. You know that, right? And I don’t mean just because you have a lion tattoo!”

Emma grinned.

“Yeah. I know. And she’s mine. She always was; it just took a few fucked up chapters to get us there that’s all.”

Tink smiled.

“Well, it was always written that good and evil would merge and create a new life.”

Emma cocked her head.

“Regina isn’t evil.”

Tink looked abashed as she attempted to correct herself.

“No but… she was or at least, that is how she used to be perceived back in the Enchanted Forest.”

Emma continued to go over Tinks previous statement before she stopped.

“Written where, exactly?”

Tink managed to look a little sheepish as she slowly shrugged.

“In the stars, Emma. You and Regina meeting the way you did was down to serendipity. What happens after is destiny.”

She paused before continuing, a smile appearing on her face.

“Archie tells me Regina is pregnant. Please know how truly elated I am for the both of you.”

Emma was about to reply when Tinks small body was hugging her close.

“Don’t let anyone or anything stand in the way of your happily ever after, Emma.”

Tinks words echoed in her ear before the fairy took a step back.

“Why do I feel like that’s some kind of warning?”

Emma suddenly forgot about the food or getting back to Regina and Henry as Tink shook her head.

“Just be mindful not everyone in Storybrooke wants you and Regina together.”

Emma slowly nodded. She already knew that although the only person she could think of was Robin. Hook was debatable but considering he’d apologised and she’d seen him set sail on the Jolly Roger it was unlikely he would return anytime soon.

Then there was Cora, but she hadn’t appeared here.

Yet.

“And know, I am always here if you need me. For anything.”

Emma smiled.

“Maybe you should talk to Regina? Tell her you’re sorry. And tell her about Blue. It’s not my place too.”

Tink bobbed her head.

“I can do that. She won’t yell at me, right? The last time I tried to talk to her about her soulmate she blew me off.”

Emma took a step forward.

“Regina knew about the tattoo before?”

Tink shook her head.

“Oh no. Nothing about the tattoo. I mean, I knew, and I wanted to tell her but she refused to listen. This was back in the Enchanted Forest. She didn’t want to know; said she would find her soulmate on her own terms, and she was right. She did.”

Emma suddenly had a thought.

“Wait. You said you knew… what did you know, exactly? Just that they had a lion tattoo or that it was going to be me?”

Tink clasped a hand around Emma’s.

“Only that they had a lion tattoo and would be Regina’s saviour. I didn’t know it was you. I suppose that makes sense, considering you didn’t exist at that moment.”

Emma realised that fate, destiny and serendipity were all rather confusing and had no real rhyme or reason. She was also thankful that Regina had decided to go her own way when it came to embracing her fate.

“Regina won’t yell at you. At least, I don’t think she will. It depends how hormonal she’s feeling. Earlier I tried to swat a fly with a rolled up newspaper and she got mad because she’d not read the paper yet and then upset because the fly was harmless and shouldn’t be targeted. It’s like living with my mother at times.”

Tink started to laugh.

“Oh Emma. You really are perfect for one another. I’ll pay her a visit soon.”

Emma smiled and began to climb into her car when Tink waved her hand at the windscreen.

“Oh and… it was Blue who left the note.”

With that Tink winked at Emma and vanished.

Emma had finally returned home to a barrage of questions from an irate Mayor.

“Emma, what took you so long?”

Emma apologised and explained she had ran into Tink, who would be stopping by at some point to pay Regina a visit.

Regina took the bag of food from Emma who had shrugged off her jacket. Slowly her eyes dropped to Emma’s white top that was now sticking to her bra.

“I didn’t realise Granny was hosting a Wet T.Shirt contest Miss Swan.”

Emma glanced down before folding her arms across her chest.

“Thank your friend, your sister and my mother who were all keen to know why I pulled a muscle in my groin.”

Before Regina could begin to question that statement, Henry jogged into the kitchen and proceeded to tell both his mothers how starving he was and could they please eat.

So eat they did.

“So Maleficent knew I had a magic dodah.”

Emma had presumed, wrongly, that their son had left the dining room when he’d finished his burger and fries, jumping from his seat to go grab something from upstairs.

Emma didn’t realise that Henry had turned in the doorway and was on his way back into the room.

“What’s a dodah and how is it magical?”

Emma froze as Regina’s eyes narrowed at her, before Mayor Mode was engaged: fluffing her hair, squaring her shoulders and shaking her head ever so slightly at Emma she looked past the blonde and smiled at Henry.

“I thought you were going to meet us in the living room, Henry?”

Emma’s mouth was still open as Regina stood, collecting her plate before she walked past Emma, her finger tip edging towards the blondes jaw as she slowly lifted up to close pale lips together.

“Sorry.” Emma managed to mumble as she turned in her seat to face a confused looking Henry.

A look she wore well. Clearly the kid got all his confusion from her.

“How come Maleficent knows? I never knew you had a magic… what was it again?”

Emma blushed as she suddenly looked at Regina for help. The look on her girlfriends face told Emma she was about to receive non.

Nada.

Zilch.

“Yes my dear, what IS a magic dodah?”

Emma ran one hand though her hair closely followed by the other as she then stood and waved a finger at Henry.

“Oh nothing important. So, what movie are we going to watch?”

Henry frowned as he took further steps into the room.

Wrong direction, Emma panicked as Regina collected her plate.

“Do you have one because you can do magic now?”

Emma realised that Henry’s persistence was definitely all Regina.

“Um… No. It’s just… like a magic instrument. Nothing interesting.”

Regina shook her head slightly, her smile widening as Henry all of a sudden seemed to be beside Emma.

“I didn’t know you could play an instrument. What is it? And how is it magical?”

Emma suddenly sat back down, Henry’s face far too close.

Emma looked up and found Regina standing behind Henry, trying and failing not to laugh.

Revenge may be a dish best served cold but right now Emma was ready to hurtle it right at the brunettes smug face.

“It’s a flute, Henry. I decided to learn because you mom always liked wind instruments. You know, those you blow into.”

Emma then smirked as Regina began to cough.

“That’s awesome! Can I hear you play?”

Regina immediately returned Emma’s smirk, adding a quirked eyebrow for good measure.

“Well I’m still pretty inexperienced Hen. In fact, I only started to tune my instrument earlier today. Your mom helped me a lot, actually. Didn’t you Gina.”

Regina was now rubbing her hands down the side of her skirt as Emma stood.

“You see, your mom is my number one fan. She loves it when I bring out my flute, isn’t that right babe?”

Henry was smiling as he turned to face his mom.

“Have you tried to blow ma’s magic flute?”

Now Emma started to laugh, her hand covering her lips as Regina calmly composed herself before bending down to Henry’s level.

“I tried a trumpet once at school but I couldn’t get any sound from it.” Henry huffed as Regina smiled.

“Yes my dear, in fact I gave Emma’s flute such a good blow I made it sing its own tune, hence how it’s magical. Now, be a good boy and go pick a movie whilst your mother and I tidy up.”

Henry nodded, bounding from the room for the second time that evening.

Emma swallowed as Regina watched him go before rounding on her.

“Miss Swan….”

Emma held up her hands.

“Hey! It could have been worse! I could have said Mal knew I had a magic dick!”

Regina paused before her hands found Emma’s waist.

“And you know, I only said it because you decided to give me one!”

Regina smiled, her lips immediately next to Emma’s ear.

“If my memory serves me well, you actually gave me one, or was it two?”

Emma shuddered as a tongue then began to dance around her ear lobe.

“More like three… three times….” Emma groaned as Regina suddenly stood back.

“Let’s hope Henry doesn’t ask you for a flute recital.”

Emma shrugged.

“He’ll soon forget all about it.”

Sadly for Emma, Henry didn’t.

The movie turned out to be a nature documentary.

Emma wasn’t certain Henry’s choice was such a good idea.

“You sure this is what you want, Henry?”

The last time they had sat together and watched a nature programme , Regina had ended up in tears.

“Yeah. Why? Don’t you want to watch it? I thought you loved David Attenborough?”

Emma smiled and nodded her head towards Regina whose face was behind a copy of the Storybrooke Gazette.

Henry frowned and shrugged his shoulders.

Emma sighed at her sons inability to catch her subtle hints.

Clearly he took after Snow in that department.

“Gina is this alright with you?”

Regina merely nodded, adding “Yes dear. I’m reading the paper anyway. Put whatever you wish on the television.”

So Henry did.

Ten minutes into the show, Regina’s paper was on the floor, her small body leaning into Emma’s side as she let out a sniffle.

Henry, too engrossed in the show as he laid on the floor on his stomach, missed the sniffle.

Emma didn’t.

“Are you alright?”

Regina nodded before both her and Henry let out a joint “shhh.”

Emma closed her mouth.

Five minutes later, the sniff became a sob.

“I don’t think-“

“Mom, be quiet! I can’t hear the….”

Suddenly all Emma could hear was the sound of a baby gazelle crying.

Or perhaps it was Regina crying. It was hard to tell.

“I can’t believe they haven’t done anything for that baby gazelle! They just watched her mother being murdered in cold blood!”

Emma wouldn’t have gone with murder per-say. Big cats needed to eat too but she valued her own life too much to contradict her upset, agitated girlfriend.

Henry finally looked back at his mom, his face scrunched as he looked at Emma. Finally his mouth opened a little before he turned, attempting to find the tv remote.

Emma sighed as she realised it had only taken the kid half an hour to realise her failed attempt at instigating “Operation Your Mom is Gonna Bawl the Moment an Animal is Killed.”

Regina then threw a pen at the tv screen. Emma watched as it bounced off the screen and hit Henry on the forehead.

“Baby are you alright?”

Regina turned, her face now mirroring thunder.

“Do I look alright? I’ve just seen a mother murdered by a cheetah and now her child has no one. The heard have left her! Alone. And the presenters are there filming it. Not attempting to help the baby in any way! Attenborough should be ashamed of himself and his dulcet tone at a time like this!”

Emma shifted and attempted to calm her - sobbing again - girlfriend.

“I don’t think they’re allowed to, baby. It’s the natural cycle of life and death. Pretty sure they can’t intervene, cause it can affect the ecosystem or something…”

Emma had no idea what she was actually saying but she knew for sure Snow had said the very same thing to her when they’d watched a baby penguin lose its mother on a nature show. Emma had teared up and demanded the show producers should do something.

“Fuck the ecosystem!” Regina then hollowed, and promptly started to sob again, this time into Emma’s chest.

“Henry switch the channel bud.”

Henry was now standing, gawping at his mother, tv remote in one hand, pen in the oh her.

“Yeah. Sure… um… I’ll just….”

Henry began to channel hop before finally resting on a show.

“Hey look! They’re playing musical instruments!”

Emma immediately looked up, as Regina’s sobs turned into gentle sniffles.

“Yeah we ain’t watching this kid. What the hell is it anyway?”

“That my dear is The BBC Proms.”

Emma turned to see a smug looking Zelena standing behind the sofa.

“The what?”

Regina finally removed herself from Emma and looked up, her eyes red and puffy.

“Holy hell, don’t you like orchestral classical music concerts Reggie?”

Regina’s bottom lip began to tremble as Emma shot Zelena a warning look.

“Oh… is this baby hormones again?”

Regina muttered something before looking back at her sister.

“Why are you here?”

Zelena swept across the room and took a seat.

“Mal and Lily are having a mother-daughter evening. I didn’t want to interrupt.”

“So you’ve interrupted us instead.” Regina then hissed as she wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand, her eyes now falling back to the tv.

“Henry invited me.”

Emma looked at Henry who grinned.

“It’s an open invitation when it comes to Aunty Z.”

Emma signed as Regina shifted. Emma handed her a tissue.

“We were watching a nature show but-“

Emma paused, wondering how to finish.

Henry continued on her behalf.

“Mom got upset when a baby gazelle lost its mom and was angry the presenters didn’t help. Ma tried to tell her they aren’t allowed to, something about the ecosystem but mom thinks the ecosystem can go fu-“

“Regina is just a little emotional, is what Henry means.” Emma jumped in as Zelena’s eyes began to twinkle.

“Oh I’m so glad I stopped by.” Zelena finally replied as her eyes landed on Henry who was excitedly pointing at the tv.

“Ma, look!! A flute!!”

Emma already felt her insides clench a little as Zelena’s ever watchful gaze now landed on her.

“Why would a flute interest you?”

Henry, seemingly on a roll, replied for his ma.

Unfortunately for his ma.

“Ma has a magic flute! She only started playing with it today with mom who helped her tune it and mom even tried blowing down it too.”

Emma felt her face blaze.

Regina immediately sat upright.

“This isn’t what it sounds like…”

“Do you have to blow very hard to get it to work?” Henry then asked, his eyes on the lady on the tv screen who seemed to be blowing it with just the right amount of pressure.

“I don’t know Henry, ask your mother. She appears to be a pro at blowing your ma’s magic flute!”

Emma suddenly stood.

“I need a beer.”

Zelena chuckled.

“Oh wonderful. I’ll have one too, dear.”

Ruby was ready to close. The day had been a long one, with the only interesting event occurring what felt like hours ago when Emma had spilt soda all over herself in true Swan Style.

Looking up at the clock she was relieved to see there was only an hour left.

The bell chimed as Snow appeared, smile on her face as soon as she saw Ruby.

“It’s rather late for you isn’t it?” Ruby asked as she started to remove the menus from each table.

“Oh I’ve just come to see Granny. I need to borrow something and she said I could come on over.”

Snow then took a seat at the counter.

“Can I get a hot milk while I wait?”

Ruby nodded as the door opened again, Mal and Lily now entering. Both shot a smile Snow and Ruby’s way as they took a seat in the corner of the diner.

“I’ll let Granny know you’re here. And while you are here, do me a favour and back me up when I tell her we need another member of staff. I’ve worked a double today. I need a day off!”

Snow nodded in understanding before her face broke out into a smile.

“What about me? I can help! I mean, I’m not really doing a great deal at the moment?”

Ruby paused, her eyes scrunching slightly as she recalled the many (many) occasions Emma and Zelena had criticised Snows cooking. And baking.

That said, Granny was in charge of the kitchen. Snow could serve and clear tables.

“I think that’s a great idea. You should definitely suggest it!”

Ruby didn’t really care who took up the apron stings, as long as it meant she had some time off to spend with Mulan.

“Oh I will!” Snow beamed as Granny appeared holding a frying pan.

“You will what?” She asked as Ruby sauntered over to take Mal and Lily’s order.

The door chimed again as Ruby scribbled down their order, giving them both a smile before she walked back to the counter.

Snow had clearly offered her services as Granny slowly considered the possible drawbacks of employing the fairest of them all. The only thing she could think of was Snows inability to cook or indeed bake anything edible.

Not that she would be. Not in Granny’s kitchen!

“Well, I suppose we could give you a trial run. Though we do sometimes get some unsavoury individual’s you would have to deal with, Snow. Like an intoxicated Leroy. I don’t want your connection to the seven dwarfs to affect your ability to make clear cut decisions!”

Snow nodded.

“Okay then. You can work alternate afternoons, give Ruby some of the time off she’s been bellyaching about.”

Ruby grinned as Snow nodded enthusiastically.

“I won’t let you down! I can start tomorrow!”

Granny nodded as someone cleared their throat.

Snow and Granny turned.

“Hi. I don’t meant to interrupt but-“

“No.”

Ruby, who was about to start on Snows milk looked up at Snows harsh interruption.

“I’m sorry?” the stranger replied, his brows now scrunched.

“Snow?” Granny asked as Snow suddenly stood.

“Y-you…. You don’t get to interrupt!”

Mal and Lily were now looking up as Ruby edged around the counter towards Snow.

“Snow? Are you alright?”

Snows face was red, her body now shaking.

“I... You!” She hissed, now pointing a finger at the man who appeared to be gathering his thoughts.

“I have no idea who you are, lady?”

Snow suddenly stood tall, or as tall as a petite woman could, both hands now clenched at her side.

“Get out.”

Granny actually gawped at Snow as the man shrugged his shoulders.

“Yeah, that’s not happening. I was just going to ask a question, no need to get so worked up about it!”

Ruby was having trouble understanding Snows attitude towards the stranger. After inspecting the man standing in the doorway further, Ruby realised she had no idea who he was.

“I guess I should have expected this kind treatment from a closed off, narrow minded small town like this one. Population 50, all with an attitude problem!”

Snow suddenly grabbed the frying pan Granny was holding, as she leapt across the room.

Ruby wasn’t entirely certain what Snow intended to do with said frying pan, so it came as a shock when the pixie haired brunette brought it up and swung it into the strangers face.

“Holy shit!”

Ruby definitely thought it but it was Lily who voiced it as Mal stood and Granny suddenly appeared beside Snow who was looking down at the body now sprawled on the floor, her own body still shaking.

“That…” Snow finally stammered down at the body, “THAT was for my daughter! And also… nobody criticises our town!”

Granny was smiling to herself as Mal and Lily appeared beside Snow, the former crouching over the body, the latter looking at Snow with a sense of new found admiration.

“Well I’ve no qualms with you handling yourself anymore, Snow! The job is definitely yours!”

Granny then laughed as Ruby hit the speed dial on her phone.

Emma picked up on the fifth ring.

“Rubes?”

Ruby was still looking at Snow in wonderment as Granny slowly removed the frying pan from her grip.

“Yeah… um…. I know you’re not on shift but… we’ve a slight situation at the diner…”

Emma sighed.

“Rubes, David and Mulan are on duty this evening. I’m sure they can handle a drunk Leroy.”

Ruby turned away from the scene as Mal stood and shrugged.

“He’s out cold.”

Ruby heard Emma in her ear immediately.

“Who’s out cold?”

Ruby shook her head before realising Emma couldn’t actually see her.

“We don’t know. Never seen him before but… Emma… Snow kinda, lost it. And… she may have hit him.”

There was a definite pause before Emma finally replied.

“My mom hit a guy you’ve never seen before? What the hell?”

Ruby swallowed hard.

“She used a frying pan.”

Emma exhaled.

“I’ll be right there.”

Emma retrieved a beer for Zelena and handed it to her.

“I have to go to the diner. There’s been an altercation.”

Zelena took the bottle and proceeded to open it against the top of Regina’s walnut coffee table. Regina glared at her sister before moving the same glare to Emma.

“You’re not on shift tonight. Send David or Mulan.”

Emma sighed.

“I have to go, it involves… Snow.”

Zelena suddenly looked up from the floor, her attempts at trying to locate the bottle top that had projected across the room now forgotten.

“Snow?!”

Emma nodded.

“She… well, according to Ruby she’s.. hit someone.”

Zelena dropped the beer bottle as Regina shot her another look before waving her hand, beer bottle and likely stain now gone.

“Are you sure Ruby isn’t seeing things? I don’t think I’ve ever seen your mother throw a punch before?” Zelena continued as Regina frowned.

“The only thing Snow is capable of throwing is a tantrum..”

Emma shrugged, jacket already on as she began to search for her car keys.

Regina sighed as Zelena stood.

“I can just imagine Snow as a bare knuckle boxer!”

Emma ran a hand over here face before facing Regina and Zelena.

“Well, she apparently used a frying pan.”

Zelena laughed.

Regina rolled her eyes. And then began to laugh.

“I’m coming with you.” Zelena finally stated once her laughing was over.

“I need to see this with my own eyes!”

“Who did she hit?” Regina asked, as she snuggled down further into the couch.

Emma looked at her girlfriend longingly, wishing she was curling up right beside her. Finally she replied.

“Ruby didn’t recognise him so no idea but I guess we’re about to find out.”

Emma parked her car outside the diner, careful not to mount the pavement.

“Your parking has improved.” Zelena joked as Emma turned to face her.

“There is nothing wrong with my parking. I had that - pulled muscle remember And I was in a lot of pain so, yeah.”

Zelena’s lips quirked into a smile as she patted Emma on the shoulder.

“Are you sure you don’t mean you had a flute that needed blowing? I mean really, Sheriff, how many undertones are there?”

Emma swallowed as she turned off the ignition, placing her keys in her pocket as the small piece of paper from earlier fell.

Into Zelena’s outstretched hand.

“Regina gave you a cock. I honestly don’t know why you can’t be honest about it.”

She then turned the paper over in her palm, reading the note.

“Oh my. You pissed someone off my dear!”

Emma huffed.

“The Blue Fairy according to Tink.”

“What a bitch. Although she was right. You did park -“

“Crappily! Yes, I know! Jesus. Let’s just get Snow and go. I’m too old for this shit!”

Emma strode towards the diner with Zelena close behind. The former was about to open the door before Zelena stopped her with a hand.

“You said Ruby didn’t recognise Snows victim?”

Emma nodded, peering back at the door whose blinds were unfortunately closed.

“Ruby knows everyone, Sheriff.”

Emma sighed.

“Yes Zelena. That thought also crossed my mind.”

Zelena beamed. Actually beamed.

“Look at us! Drawing the same conclusions. I’m wasted as a Teaching Assistant, Emma. Law enforcement is clearly in my blood. We could be partners. Can you imagine!”

Emma briefly imagined and chose not to continue with that particular trail of thought.

Working with Zelena as a partner would be… Hell personified.

“I watch Law and Order. Only the SVU one of course. Olivia Benson could arrest me any day of the week.”

Emma felt let cheeks blush a little.

She’d always had a small thing for Olivia.

“We’d need a name, of course.”

Zelena continued, so caught up in her own thoughts she had thankfully missed Emma’s blush.

Emma scrunched her eyebrows so much they almost joined in the middle.

“We already have names?”

Zelena cackled.

“Like a shipping name, Emma.”

Emma’s eyebrows now joined.

“A what?”

Zelena shook her head and then rolled her eyes.

“Remember Swan Queen? That was yours and Regina’s shipping name.”

Emma let out at “Ah” before she suddenly bit her lip.

“We’re not romantically involved though”

Zelena took a step forward and reached out a hand, fingers now lingering on Emma’s upper arm.

“But you got me pregnant, Sheriff…”

Zelena then proceeded to chuckle to herself as she removed her hand.

“I’m aware we’re not romantically or sexually involved, clearly you met Regina before me…” Zelena then wriggled her eyebrows before continuing “I mean we could have a shipping name as partners in crime; a friendship one!”

Emma shook her head.

“These shipping names are crazy. Nobody uses them.”

Zelena gasped.

“Are you serious, Sheriff? The entire population of Storybrooke has shipping names!! And when Hook arrived well, some even shipped you both as Captain Swan! He was a pirate my dear, you know what they say about cannons…. They damage ships….”

Emma was now totally lost although the thought of anyone shipping her with Hook made her feel a little queasy.

“Anyway. I’ll give it some thought. But right now I’m rather enamoured with Wicked Swan. Has a kick to it.”

Emma still couldn’t believe everyone had a shipping name.

“Alright then, what’s Snow and David’s?”

“Oh that’s too easy. Snowing.”

Emma snorted. “Their name is a weather front? Lame. What about… Rumple and Belle?”

Zelena paused, clearly for dramatic effect, before adding, “Rumbelle.”

“Sounds like a type of pasta. Or a dance. Also lame. You sure you’re not making this up?”

Zelena placed a hand over her heart.

“Guides Honor.”

Emma let out a laugh.

“They had guides in Oz? Actually forgoet I asked. Alright, one more… Ruby and Mulan?”

“Oh that’s my favourite. I actually named that one myself. MulanRouge!”

Emma begrudgingly nodded.

“Yeah okay. I’ll give you that one.

Emma then pulled the door to the diner open whilst tugging at Zelena.

“We’re still not having the name Wicked Swan. I sound like the Dark One!”

Both then stopped in the doorway as the former Dark One appeared in view, hovering over an unconscious body that was still sprawled on the tiled floor.

“Okay, can someone please tell me what the hell happened here?”

Emma shot her question to anyone as both her and Zelena stepped further into the diner, the view of the ‘victim’ still obscured by Rumple.

Rumple turned and finally took a step to the side.

The first thing Emma saw was her mother standing to one side, hand over her mouth, with Granny and Ruby on either side of her, the former holding a frying pan and the latter still holding her phone.

Mal and Lily were near the door.

“I wish I filmed it.” Lily was saying to Mal who slowly nodded before looking at Emma and Zelena.

“Did you have a nice mother daughter evening?” Zelena asked, passing Rumple and stepping over the body on the floor. Glancing down she tilted her head before looking back at Emma.

“I don’t recognise him either.”

Emma took several steps forward and looked down.

Finally she spoke. Her voice high pitched.

“You’ve got to be shitting me!”

Chapter Text

Emma now understood Snow’s reaction.

Like mother, like daughter.

Emma never felt so proud.

“Emma, I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”

Snow was now sobbing into Granny as Lily let out a chuckle, pointing to the body, her voice laced with humour, “I don’t know what came over her either, but I know what came over him - a frying pan! Right to the face! It was epic!”

Zelena was once again mildly pissed off she’d missed the show.

“It really was a case of out of the frying pan into the fire for… him.” The redhead  snarked, her eyes falling on the unconscious man.

Mal cast her daughter and Zelena a small frown before she looked at Emma, who was looking back at an unconscious Neil.

Emma looked up and down the body. He appeared the same as the Neil she’d encountered in the alternate reality, although it was hard to be completely sure. He was, after all, currently comatose. Emma realised she preferred him this way.

Rumple suddenly cleared his throat as he pointed the tip of his cane towards Neil.

“I think this young man may need hospital attention.”

Emma blinked.

Young man?

Realisation suddenly dawned on Emma. Rumple had no idea who Neil was. Why would he? As far as he knew, his son was lost, possibly forever and couldn’t be this this stranger who was laid out on the diner floor, the indent of a pan now clearly visible across his cheek.

“Um. Zelena? Can you maybe... Poof him to the hospital?”

Zelena’s eyes squinted back at the body before moving back to Emma. The Sheriff was clearly agitated and Zelena had a suspicion Snow wasn’t the only one who knew who the stranger was.

“Take him there and meet me back at the mansion.”

Zelena immediately understood there was something Emma wasn’t telling her, something she would once Snow’s human punching bag was admitted to Storybrooke General Infirmary.

Zelena nodded.

“Sure thing, partner.”

Emma knew Zelena had questions. Probably a list of questions but she was thankful that Regina’s sister was willing to let them slide, for now.

Mal cleared her throat and quirked an eyebrow.

Zelena noticed Mal’s look which immediately demanded an explanation on how exactly Emma and Zelena were partners. The former wicked witch laughed at her girlfriends mild jealous streak.

Which was rather hot.

“Oooh, as in law enforcement partner my dear. Emma has realised what an asset I’d be.”

Mal’s eyes then seemed to dance all over Zelena as she grinned.

“Yes my dear. You have many - fine - assets.”

Lily coughed and muttered “get a room.” which wasn’t lost on Emma as she couldn’t help a small smile break across her face. Slowly she nudged Zelena.

“The hospital?”

Zelena nodded again.

“Of course.”

Rumple stood back as Zelena tapped her foot onto Neil’s chest. Within seconds they had both vanished.

Emma let out a sigh of relief as Rumple finally looked up.

“I suppose the Mayors Neighbourhood Watch Scheme wasn’t such a bad idea after all, although I didn’t realise you were a member Snow. I can only presume you were protecting yourself and this property?”

Emma wasn’t entirely certain if Rumple was asking a genuine question or he was being his usual sarcastic self. She also had no idea what the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme was, clearly something that had been discussed at a Town Council meeting she had either fallen asleep during (with no help whatsoever from a cursed apple pie) or her attention had been on Regina’s cleavage.

Probably moreso the latter.

Emma heard herself respond on her mothers behalf.

“You know Snow is all about fostering community spirit by reducing crime.”

Again Emma wasn’t certain what Neil had actually done to warrant a frying pan to the face but she don’t much care. Her eyes were now on Snow who was still shaking.

“Have I killed him? I haven’t killed him, have I?”

Granny let out a laugh.

“He was breathing Snow. My pan is only made from aluminium. Be thankful it wasn’t my cast iron one!”

Emma suddenly found herself wishing that it had been Granny’s cast iron one as she strode over to Snow, wrapping her in a firm embrace.

“He isn’t dead. It’s alright. He’s alright.”

Snow hiccuped.

“I’m so sorry, Emma.”

Emma hugged her even closer.

“Don’t apologise. You defended me and I love you for it.” Emma whispered into Snow’s ear as Rumple shrugged.

“Well, far be it from me to stand in the way of whatever this was. Can I order now please?”

Rumple was now walking across to the counter, the ‘click’ of his cane echoing each time it hit the tiled floor. Leaning on it for support he pointed to the pie that was on display.

“Belle’s favourite. I’ll take it all.”

Granny immediately moved to serve Rumple as Emma, still hugging Snow, peered over her head and looked towards Mal.

“Can you do me a favour?”

Mal stepped closer.

“What’s going on, Emma?”

Mal was a lot of things. Often indulgent. Seldom patient. Always mischievous. Never stupid. Something didn’t sit right with her the moment she had seen Snow react to the strange man nobody seemed to know or recognise.

Except Snow.

The realisation that had crossed her face as soon as he had made himself known was rather transparent and the way Emma had reacted when she’d seen his body on the floor…

Clearly they both knew exactly who he was.

Snow finally pulled back from Emma, a hand wiping at her face.

“And who’s the guy who got pummelled with a frying pan?” Lily asked as Snow began to shake, her eyes now on Emma.

“He…” Snow paused, waiting for Emma to continue.

Emma realised her mother was far too wound up and emotional to answer any questions.

“Ruby can you take Snow upstairs and get her a drink? I’ll call David”

Ruby nodded and linked her arm around Snows.

“C’mon Snow. You can take it easy upstairs and wait for David.”

Emma was grateful Ruby directed Snow to the back staircase, ignoring her temptation to throw the many questions she knew the waitress had her or Snows way.

Once the duo left, Emma turned to Mal and Lily.

“I need to speak to Rumple. Can you stop by and see Regina? Tell her I may be a little late back?”

Lily nodded as Mal took another step forwards.

“What do I tell Regina?”

Emma swallowed hard before answering quietly so as not to drawn a certain former dark ones attention her way.

“Tell her I’ll be home as soon as I’ve spoken to Rumple - about his son.”

Lily was about to say something when Mal brought a hand to her daughters shoulder.

Rumples son… Baelfire, if Mal’s memory served her correctly. Not that she knew a great deal about him, only that he had gone missing as a youngster.

Yet here he apparently was, much older.

“I can do that.” She replied, giving Emma a smile as Lily continued to look confused.

“Thanks, Mal. And - can you maybe stay with her until I get back? I don’t want…”

Emma paused.

What was she supposed to say? I don’t want Regina to poof herself to the hospital in her current emotional state so she can wait for Neil to wake up before she knocks him out again?

Probably with something a lot harder than a pan!

“I just don’t want her to be alone.”

Mal nodded.

“I’ll stay with her. Lily, you can head home if you so wish.”

Mal wasn’t sure if Lily would want to go to Regina’s, or whether her curiosity would get the better of her. Luckily her daughter merely nodded as she placed a tentative hand in Emma’s shoulder.

“I’m here if you or your mom need anything, Emma.”

On Mal and Lily’s departure, Granny handed Emma the frying pan.

“It’s alright. I don’t need to take this as evidence or anything.”

Emma had checked with Ruby to see if she had called David or Mulan about the very one sided fight. She hadn’t.

“Oh I know that Sheriff, but Snow needs it. That’s why she came over here in the first place.”

“To borrow a frying pan?” Emma asked as Rumple chuckled next to her, his pie now in a box.

“Good thing she didn’t want to borrow your shotgun.” He smirked as Emma turned to face him.

She suspected if he knew who Neil was, he wouldn’t be smirking or making that kind of joke.

“I didn’t ask, Emma. Anyway, here - tell her she can keep it as long as she needs it. Once I get it back I’m framing it - we need to remember this evening; the day Snow White took out a patronising, cocky out of towner with my Frying Pan.”

Granny looked extremely smug.

“I never thought I’d see the day.” Rumple acknowledged as he picked up his pie and began to walk from the diner.

“What did… the out of towner want, exactly?” Emma heard herself ask as Rumple paused. Clearly he was as intrigued as she was.

“No idea. He walked in, and Snow immediately told him to leave. Condescending little shit then took a pot shot about our town, so Snow used my pan as a tennis racket; his face the ball. He went down like a sack of spuds! That’ll teach him to berate our town!”

Rumple chuckled.

“Good evening ladies.” He continued as he turned to leave.

“Actually, Rumple I need to talk to you.”

Granny bade them both a good evening, adding she would call David for Emma.

Rumple made it as far as the door.

“Very well, what do you need to talk to me about?”

Emma shifted from one foot to the other before she sighed.

This wasn’t going to be easy.

“I know it’s late but can we talk at yours? I think you’re going to want Belle to hear what I have to say.”

If Rumple was perplexed by Emma’s request he didn’t show it.

Emma hoped having Belle’s calming influence would tame any potential flames Rumple may throw her way when he found out the body he had joked about earlier was, in fact, his son - a son her mother had just about flattened with granny’s frying pan.

Emma almost let out a chuckle at the madness of it all.

This really was the story of her life.

“Very well. Lead the way.”

Dr Whale almost groaned before he swallowed his frustration.

“I’m starting to think you and your family have shares in this hospital, the number of times you drop in unexpectedly!”

Zelena shrugged.

“Don’t thank me for doing your job for you. I could have easily rang for an ambulance.”

Whale signed and finally looked down.

Zelena’s foot was still resting on a body.

“What have you done this time?” he asked, a deep frown appearing on his face as he lowered himself to his knees to examine the body.

“Me? Why do people always assume it’s something I’ve done?”

Whale let out an exasperated sigh.

“Because if it isn’t you it’s more than likely the Sheriff. Is she going to suddenly appear too? No doubt with the same type of concussion this chap seems to have?”

Zelena let out a cackle.

“No. The Sheriff was not involved for once. Just her mother.”

Whale had finished examining the body and was now standing.

“Snow White?” he asked rather skeptically as Zelena nodded, four nurses now surrounding the body, lifting it onto a gurney.

“What did he do to her? Is she alright?”

Zelena rolled her eyes.

“You should be asking me what she did to him, Whale. But seen as you won’t, I’ll tell you. She hit him. Square in the face. With granny’s frying pan.”

Whales mouth dropped.

“Seems as thought she’s also the toughest of them all, I always wondered if she had passed anything onto Emma, now I know for sure she has.”

Whales mouth closed.

“Who is he? He must have provoked her in some way?”

Zelena loved how those deemed “good” were always given the benefit of the doubt whereas those who had a touch of evil shadowing their past were always presumed guilty in one way or another.

Though in this case she was rather proud of Snow.

“I don’t know who he is, but I’m going to find out. Toodle pip!”

And with that Zelena poofed away, leaving Whale scratching his head at the thought of Snow White attacking someone with a kitchen utensil.

“Regina darling? It’s Mal.”

Mal had knocked a couple of times before opening the door to 108 Mifflin Street.

Walking down the hallway she came across Henry first, who was about to walk upstairs, closely followed by Regina who turned to face Mal.

“Is everything alright?”

Mal noticed how tired Regina looked as she gave a small nod.

“Yes my dear. Emma sent me. See to Henry and I’ll wait for you in the living room.”

Regina nodded, wondering why Emma had sent Mal and not Zelena.

“And before you ask, Emma is fine. I met her in the diner.”

Regina was still puzzled but nodded again, taking Henry’s hand.

“Night Mal!” Henry shouted as he turned to jog up the stairs.

“Inside voice, Henry.” Regina warmly scolded as Mal smiled to herself.

Mal was waiting in the living room when she was joined by Zelena.

“Well, tonight was a hell of a night!” The redhead chuckled as she joined her girlfriend on the couch.

“What happened at the hospital?” Mal asked, taking Zelena’s hand in hers.

“Hospital?” Regina asked, as both seated women turned to look at the doorway.

“Take a seat, Reggie.”

Regina sighed, too tired to correct her sisters use of nickname. Again.

Slowly she walked and took a seat.

“So, what’s going on and where is Emma? Or Snow?”

Zelena looked at Mal.

“You first.”

Mal edged further back into the seat and placed her hands on her lap.

“Lily and I decided to go to the diner for a nightcap after the movie Lily chose, which by the way, was terrible.”

Zelena let out a laugh as Mal straightened her back and continued.

“Snow was already there when we arrived and Ruby took our order. I’m not really sure what happened next, all I do recall is a stranger entering. He interrupted Snow and Granny and the next thing I know, Snow is shouting at him from across the room, demanding he leave.”

Regina’s brows furrowed as Zelena tilted her head in thought.

“He, whoever he is, then decided it was a good idea to call Storybrooke and its residents, narrow minded. This appeared to be the proverbial red rag to a bull, because Snow reached for the frying pan Granny was holding, stormed across the room and hit him with it right across the side of his face.”

The room went quiet.

“So she really did hit him.” Regina mused more to herself as Zelena turned to face Mal.

“Is she cursed or something? I mean, this is so out of character for Snow. Yes she can get angry but the worst I’ve seen her react was when she missed the fabric sale at “Sew and Sews” which caused her to write a strongly worded letter. Pretty sure she also exclaimed “dangnabbit” as only Snow could.”

Mal shook her head.

“I sensed no curse. I do, however, think I know who was on the receiving end of Snow’s anger thanks to something Emma said.”

Regina and Zelena immediately edged closer to Mal.

Mal turned to Regina.

“She specifically asked for me to come here to tell you she needed to speak to Rumple - about his son - and would be home soon after.”

All of a sudden everything began to make sense to Regina.

Neil.

Neil was the stranger.

Neil, who Snow knew from the alternate universe.

Neil, who Snow had the misfortune to meet after Emma told her about her past connection to him.

Neil, who Emma herself had punched the first time she had met him again, albeit with a fist and not a frying pan.

Only this wasn’t that Neil - no, this was their Neil.

“Regina?”

Regina, lost in thought jumped as Zelena’s voice rang through the air.

“Are we to assume the man on the floor is Rumples son?” Zelena asked as Regina stood.

“Where is the asshole now?”

Mal stood.

“Which one? Rumple or his supposed son?” Zelena asked, also now standing.

“The asshole son….”

Regina couldn’t believe it.

Neil was here.

Henry’s father was here.

What was Emma telling Rumple?

“The asshole son was taken to the hospital, I poofed him there myself at Emma’s request.  I think her decision was more down to her wanting him out of the way so she could comfort Snow who was rather upset with her actions.”

“She shouldn’t be upset: she deserves a medal for knocking that bastard out.” Regina barked as Mal shifted.

“I’m sensing a lot of hostility Regina. What do you have against Rumples son?” Mal asked quietly.

It was a fair question and one Regina would answer once she had spoken to Emma.

“I - there are things I need to tell you both but not until I’ve spoken to Emma. Is she with Rumple now?”

Mal nodded as they all sat back down.

“She wanted me to stay here until she returned, she seemed a little agitated.”

Regina swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. Her immediate flare up at hearing Neil was in town made her forget how Emma must be feeling.

Emma, who Neil betrayed.

Emma, who Neil mentally abused for his own amusement.

Emma, who was cast aside and made to serve a prison sentence for a crime Neil committed whilst she was pregnant.

“How about I make us all some tea?” Mal suddenly suggested as she turned to face Zelena.

“Go to her.” She whispered as Zelena nodded. Standing, she gave Mal a peck on the lips before walking over to Regina, joining her sister on the couch.

“Talk to me sis. Why is Neil here and how come he’s managed to piss you and Snow off?”

Regina found herself burying her head into Zelena’s neck, appreciating the warmth.  She remained like that for a few minutes before lifting her head, her eyes now on her sister.

“Snow and Emma met Neil in the alternate universe, and found out he was Rumples son.”

Zelena nodded, waiting for Regina to continue.

Regina cleared her throat.

“He… that is, Emma knew him. Before.”

“Before Storybrooke?” Zelena probed gently as Regina nodded.

“He’s…”

Regina couldn’t say it. It hurt too much to admit that Neil was Henry’s father. Without realising it, tears were falling down her cheeks as Zelena put two and two together.

“He’s Henry’s father.”

Regina buried her face in her hands as Zelen slowly ran her fingers through her sisters hair. Finally the brunette loooed up through tear stained lashes.

“Yes.”

David wasn’t sure what to expect when he entered the diner and was ushered upstairs towards the small living room both Granny and Ruby shared.

He didn’t expect to see his wife, in the arms of Ruby, as she quietly sobbed.

“Snow?”

Snow immediately jumped up and leapt across the room towards her husband.

“Let’s give them some privacy.” Granny mumbled to Ruby who nodded. Before they could leave, Snow’s raised voice sounded from across the toom.

“Are you sure you still want someone like me working here?”

Granny chuckled and patted Snow on the arm.

“The job is yours but maybe start in a few days? I have a feeling you’ll be - busy - with things tomorrow.”

Snow nodded as David cupped her cheeks.

“Let’s go home.”

Emma felt uncomfortable. Rumple was being eerily silent during the drive. She was still shocked he had actually accepted her offer to drive them back to his house in her bug.

“So… Belle likes pie?” She heard herself ask as Rumple nodded.

Emma felt a bead of sweat trickle down her neck.

“How did you get to the diner?”

Emma had often wondered how Rumple actually travelled around Storybrooke. It wasn’t as though he owned a car.

“Magic, dearie.”

Emma nodded again, suddenly wishing she had Zelena or Ruby on the car with her, missing their constant chatter which would have made the uncomfortable silence at least bearable.

“Interesting choice. Why yellow?” Rumple suddenly asked as Emma shot him a quick side glance.

“Yellow?”

Rumple waved his hand in the air.

“Your car.”

Emma felt her stomach lurch.

Oh. This car? The one I tried to steal only to find someone else had already managed to? That someone else being Neil, your son and yeah, I only have this yellow car because for some reason your son decided to leave me the keys after he fucked off to god knows where after making me take the fall for a crime he committed.

“I like yellow.”

Rumple merely nodded again as Emma finally pulled into the driveway that led up to the small house that was attached to the pawn shop.

Turning the keys in the ignition, Emma realised her hands were shaking, something Rumple didn’t fail to notice.

“Nervous, Sheriff?”

Emma shoved the keys into her pocket. It was futile to lie.

“Yes.”

Rumple seemed to consider her response before finally reaching out a hand, placing it on her shoulder.

“There is no need.”

And with that he exited the car and limped towards the front door.

Emma watched, shocked at the gesture before Rumple turned.

“Are you coming Sheriff?”

David had finally managed to calm Snow down, driving them back home. Once inside, they made their way to the kitchen where Snow took a seat.

“I can’t believe I did what I did.” She whispered as David took her hands in his.

“Snow, what happened?”

Snow took a deep breath, her eyes still on her hands that were clasped in David’s.

“When Emma and I went to the alternate universe, we met someone called Neil.”

David nodded, waiting patiently for his wife to continue.

“Neil is Rumples son.”

David dipped his head before a thought struck him, a thought he immediately voiced.

“So that’s why our Rumple wanted to go there? He knew his alternates son was alive?”

Snow shook her head and then shrugged.

“I honestly don’t know what our Rumple thought. He lost his son in the Enchanted Forest and he desperately wants to find him again. The Rumple we met, I think he lost his son too the only difference was, his returned.”

David nodded, “And you and Emma met him?”

Snows bottom lip began to wobble.

“Yes.”

Snow wasn’t sure how to continue. She may have hit Neil with a frying pan but once she told David who Neil was to Emma she had a feeling David would happily swap the pan for his sword.

“David… Emma knows Neil.”

David frowned, “I know? You said you both met him?”

Snow shook her head, swallowing.

“No, I mean, she knew him from before. When she was younger, before Storybrooke.”

David shifted, his face still confused.

“How did she know him?”

Snow bit her lip to stop the wobble she could feel.

“They had a relationship. Of sorts. And from what Emma told me, it wasn’t a healthy one. He’s… David, Neil is Henry’s father.”

Emma found herself being ushered into the small living room by Belle, who had a smile on her face.

“It’s lovely to see you, Emma!”

Emma smiled, relieved that Belle was indeed here. Rumple was confusing, at least Belle was sincere.

“Miss Swan has something she wishes to speak to us about, Belle.”

Belle smiled and motioned for Emma to take a seat.

“Um, I can’t stay long, I’ll just stand if that’s alright…”

Belle immediately sensed the stiffness in Emma’s response. Gently she placed a reassuring hand on Emma’s back.

“Emma, is everything alright?”

Emma felt like throwing herself into Belle, knowing the young woman would be able to comfort her because no, things were n ot alright. Not by a long shot.

“No.”

Rumple moved so he was now beside Belle.

“Is this something to do with the man Snow struck with a frying pan?”

Belle’s mouth parted.

“Snow did what?”

Emma sighed and finally took a seat. Rumple and Belle did the same, sitting opposite.

Finally Emma cleared her throat.

“When Snow and I went to the parallel universe, we met your son.”

Rumple immediately stood before Belle placed a hand on his hip, pulling him back down to her side.

“Go on, Emma.”

Belle’s voice was soft and calming.

“His name was Neil, and it appears he also grew up in a world without magic, my world.”

Emma had no intentions of going any further with that particular theme. She needed to speak to Regina first so they could decide how to explain Emma’s history with Neil to Rumple.

“Was the man on the floor my son?”

Rumples voice cracked as Belle took his hand in hers. Emma glanced from Belle to Rumple.

“Yes.”

Rumple covered his face with his hands.

“The other Rumple also lost his son, it seems as though Neil had only just turned up recently when we met him. I suppose that’s now mirrored here too.”

Rumple removed his hands and Emma was shocked to see tears gathering in his eyes.

“Snow knew who - Neil - was, when he entered the diner?”

Rumples voice was now raspy as Emma nodded.

“Do I even want to know what made Snow White react the way she did towards - my son?”

Emma visibly gulped and stood.

“I think right now all you should focus on is your son who’s at the hospital. There is more but right now I can’t say anymore. I won’t say anymore.”

Belle and Rumple stood, the former nodding as the latter pulled Emma into a hug.

Finally the young brunette stepped back.

“Thank you for telling us, Emma.”

Emma ran a hand though her hair.

“I should have told you as soon as we arrived back, I just had a lot on my mind.”

Rumple was leaning on his cane, clearly lost in his thoughts. Finally he looked up.

“Better late than lever, dearie. And it is getting rather late, I think someone will be waiting at home for you.”

Emma nodded and walked towards the door.

“Emma.”

Emma nearly fainted. Rumple had never called her by her first name before.

Emma peered at Rumple who looked like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders.

“You once said that former villains should write their own happy ending. I don’t know how or why this has happened now but - thank you.”

Emma didn’t know how to react.

“And I hope we can speak further about Neil.”

Emma nodded. She wasn’t certain that would happen anytime soon but she was thankful the evening had progressed better than she had expected.

“I Should get going.”

Belle and Rumple both nodded, the latter offering Emma a smile as the blonde made her way back to her car.

She just wanted to get home to her family.

Emma knew she’d parked her car rather haphazardly on the driveway but she didn’t care. All she cared about was getting inside as soon as possible so she could see Regina.

Glancing at the time on her phone she realised she had missed Henry’s bedtime.

She also spotted a text from David.

Emma. I’ve taken Snow home. I know about Neil; I only wish I could have been there to see my daughter knock him out with her fist and my wife knock him out with a frying pan! Get some rest. We’ll speak tomorrow. We love you.

Emma felt tears prick at her eyes at David’s text as the front door opened.

Emma looked up to find Mal and Zelena gently closing the door behind them.

“I see your decent parking was short lived.” Zelena mused as Emma turned to look at her car.

She had parked better.

“Nevertheless we’ll give you an out this evening.” Mal interrupted, her eyes softening at Emma before she continued. “Regina has fallen asleep on the sofa and Henry is in bed. Go be with your family, Emma.”

Emma smiled.

“I will. And thank you both for everything.”

Mal patted her arm as Zelena pulled her into a hug.

“We’ll speak tomorrow, Sheriff Swan.”

And with that she kissed Emma on the cheek before walking away arm in arm with Mal.

Chapter Text

Emma watched Mal and Zelena leave arm in arm before turning to enter their home.

Their home.

She still couldn’t believe she finally had a home.

Not just a place she resided, like her once tiny but snug room above the diner.

Not just some random apartment block in a big city where she slept.

And not just a roof over her head like she had when she lived with Mary Margaret,  before she knew who Mary Margaret was.

She had a home. And a family. A son who called her Ma and a… Regina. Her Regina. Her beloved, her crush, her passion, her soulmate… her love who was carrying their child.

Regina who would, one day, become her wife.

As Emma entered the hallway, quickly removing her jacket and boots she immediately recalled Mal tell her that Regina was asleep on the sofa. A part of her already knew, she could feel her, sense her, and walking quietly into the room she finally saw her, fast asleep, curled up tight.

Emma remembered one time she had found Regina in a similar state almost a year ago, before they were even a ‘thing’.

Back then Emma had used Henry’s key to let them into Regina’s home, presuming the Mayor was still at work. She’s got a call from Henry’s school saying Henry wasn’t feeling well and could she come and collect him because they were unable to get through to Regina. Emma had found that somewhat strange but had automatically driven to the school to find a pale looking Henry waiting for her at the school reception.

She’d walked over to him, nudging his arm with hers.

“Hey kid. You’re not looking too good buddy.”

Henry had looked up, his face looking even paler against his dark brown hair that had flopped over his forehead.

“I don’t feel good. Where’s mom?”

Ordinarily Emma would have felt a little slighted at Henry’s question, however the more she got to know Regina, albeit begrudgingly, the more she realised how much she had to learn from the stoic brunette about being a mom.

“She must be in a meeting. They couldn’t get through to her so you’re stuck with me.”

Henry had stood and nodded which caused him to flinch before he took Emma’s hand in his. It had felt clammy.

“Can you take me home? I don’t feel well and - I just want to go home.”

Normally Emma would have taken Henry to the diner.  Wednesday afternoons and evenings were her designated time with him as Regina always worked late, collecting him on her way home. This time, however, she noticed how unwell Henry really was, the poor kid probably wanted his own bed.

“Sure thing. Just let me call your mom to explain she won’t need to collect you from the diner later.”

So, like the school had done, Emma had called Regina and received no response. Instead she’d sent a quick text alerting her sons other mother that she’d collected him from school as he was unwell and would be taking him back to the mansion.

They’d finally got to the mansion, after Emma had stopped by the pharmacy. At the time she hadn’t known Peter Piper was the lead chemist but he’d given her medicine and told her to keep an eye on Henry’s temperature, adding there was a persistent flu bug currently making it’s way around Storybrooke.

Henry had immediately taken himself off to bed, a sure sigh that he really was feeling unwell. Emma, conscious that it had been a long time since she had dealt with a sick child had administered the medicine, checked his temperature and given him a glass of water, thankful his temperature wasn’t too high.

“Sleep for a few hours kid and I’ll make you some soup later.”

It was only three in the afternoon and Regina wasn’t due back for at least another five hours. Henry had pulled a face.

“I’d rather have moms chicken noodle soup, Emma.”

Emma hadn’t flinched. She would probably prefer Regina’s chicken noodle soup too.

“Well let me talk to her once she’s home and we can see.”

She’d then tucked him in, promising to return in half an hour to check on him before slowly making her way back downstairs.

It was only then she realised they were not alone once she’d poured herself a glass of water, wandering into the living room, phone in hand, ready to call Regina again.

Regina who she didn’t actually need to be call because she was laid, or rather, sprawled, across the sofa, fast asleep.

Emma had blinked a few times, even going so far as to wiping at her eyes to make sure she really was seeing the usual uptight mayor fast asleep on her couch during a work day.

Her eyes then moved to the table where Regina’s phone was placed. Picking it up she realised it had been put on silent, either deliberately or accidentally.

Emma had pondered what to do for all of five minutes before she came to a decision, because standing there looking down at the beautiful woman in front of her could be construed as being kinda creepy.

“Um…. Regina? It’s me. Emma.”

The mayor has shifted, a groan escaping her unusually pale lips which had resonated in the pit of Emma’s stomach, flip flopping its way around the rest of her body as the brunettes eyes slowly fluttered open.

Regina had then looked at Emma for what felt like a lifetime, a smile appearing on her beautiful but pale face momentarily before it was replaced with a deep frown.

“Wh-what.” Regina had then husked, her face now riddled with confusion as Emma took a step back.

“Hi” Emma had replied, noting that the brunettes face was rather ashen.

Regina had then sat bolt upright, the makeshift throw she’d had on her body falling to the ground.

“Miss Swan! What are you…”

Regina had then started to cough. Emma quickly handed her the glass of water she’d poured herself, relieved that the mayor actually took it from her, gulping the contents down in one go.

“I’m sorry I woke you. I didn’t expect to see you.”

Regina had then shaken her head, before standing.

Moments later she was sitting back down, her legs clearly incapable of supporting her.

“You didn’t expect to see me in my own home?” She had then barked, before her hand had shot to her throat.

Regina always sounded husky. Something Emma had always secretly adored and appreciated. However, the huskiness was replaced with a hoarseness.

Regina had the same bug Henry did.

“Regina, I’m sorry for disturbing you but I had to collect Henry from school, he’s not feeling well and by the look of it, neither are you.”

Regina had tried to stand again but immediately gave up.

“The school should have called me.” she now whispered, her hands in her hair trying to calm the tendrils she assumed were sticking up.

Emma wished she’d leave her hair alone. She kinda liked the dishevelled look and the mayor wore it well.

“They did. So did I. Your phones on silent so I collected him. He’s upstairs in bed.”

Regina’s eyes had shot up and Emma finally realised how bloodshot they looked.

“I went to the pharmacy and the chemist gave me some medicine for Henry, which he’s taken. Bed rest is the order of the day although the kid has demanded your chicken noodle soup for later.”

Emma’s voice had trailed off as Regina sighed and picked up her phone, noticing the missed calls she’d groaned again and dropped her phone to her side.

“I’m sorry you’ve been inconvenienced, Miss Swan.”

Emma found herself sitting beside Regina who immediately stiffened.

“It’s no inconvenience picking up our kid, Regina. I just assumed you were in a meeting. Are you alright? I think you may have the same bug Henry has.”

Regina has shifted away from Emma then, mumbling something under her breath that sounded like “I don’t get sick.”

Emma chuckled to herself.

“Regina, you were fast asleep on the sofa at three o’clock in the afternoon. You look as pale as Henry and your eyes are bloodshot and seriously, I can feel your heated body temperature from here.”

She wasn’t lying, although Emma also suspected she herself felt a little hot at seeing Regina this way. Her unbuttoned shirt sure as hell wasn’t helping. Emma was convinced she could see the top of the brunettes purple lace bra peeping up at her.

“I… I came home. I wasn’t feeling myself.” Regina admitted before she sheepishly looked up at Emma.

“I didn’t realise my phone was on silent though.”

Emma shrugged and stood.

“Are you leaving?” Regina had then asked, almost sounding disappointed as Emma pointed to the door.

“I’m going to the chemist for you and then I’m going to pick up something for us all to eat from granny’s. You need to keep your energy up.”

Regina had managed to stand, although she was clearly wavering on her feet.

“But first I’m taking you to bed.”

As soon as the words escaped Emma’s mouth she had inwardly groaned.

“I beg your pardon?” Regina rasped as Emma attempted to back peddle.

“You can barely stand. Can you make it upstairs?”

Regina huffed and began to walk to the door as if to prove a point.

She failed, wobbling, falling into Emma’s side.

“Yeah, just what I thought. Quit being difficult and come here.”

Before Emma could reconsider her actions, or allow Regina to move away from her, she scooped the mayor up into her arms bridal style.

“Don’t you… how dare you…. I can manage!” Regina had attempted to sound forbidding. Instead her voice had squeaked.

“No, you can’t so suck it up buttercup.”

And Emma had taken the stairs two at a time, Regina pulled tightly into her chest  as the mayor secretly marvelled at Emma’s strength. Not that she would ever let on.

As Emma looked down at Regina she remembered the first time she had carried her to bed; how it had felt holding the brunette so close. She had never wanted to let go, and now - now she would never have to.

“Regina baby, wake up.”

Regina stirred, eyes opening and unfocused as the same smile Emma had seen nearly a year ago spread across her face.

“Emma.”

Emma was immediately scooping her girlfriend up into her arms as the brunette let out a sigh.

“I missed you.”

Emma grinned as she walked upstairs, pulling Regina into her body like she had before, only this time she would be joining her soulmate in their bedroom and not just depositing her on her bed like she had when Regina had finally given in and admitted to Emma that she ‘possibly, perhaps, maybe’ had a flu bug.

“I missed you too.”

Emma then nudged the door open with her elbow, walking them both into their bedroom.

“Neil’s here, isn’t he.”

Emma allowed Regina to stand as she nodded her head.

“Neil’s here.”

Regina sat down heavily on the bed, her hands now clasped tightly together on her lap, her eyes resting on them before she finally looked up at Emma.

“And your mother knocked him out with a frying pan.”

Emma rolled her bottom lip, and Regina watched as it vanished into her mouth.

“Yeah. She… yeah.”

Emma wasn’t certain how to continue and was relieved, so relieved, when Regina started to laugh.

“I think your mother is growing on me, my love.”

Emma joined in. She couldn’t help it.

Finally their laughter subsided as Emma sat down, her arm now around Regina’s shoulders.

“Ruby took her upstairs to their living room. I think mom was in shock. She thought she’d killed him at one point.”

Regina shrugged.

“Would it have been the end of the worldIf she had?”

Emma knew Regina wasn’t joking.

“Honestly? No. Not as far as I’m concerned but for Snow? She would never have forgiven herself.”

Regina brought her arm around Emma’s waist.

“No. That’s true. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”

Emma knew Regina was now speaking from experience as she turned and rested her forehead into Regina’s neck.

“I had to speak to Rumple. He was there. Can you believe he was there? When the fuck does Rumple ever go into the diner alone at this time wanting a pie?!”

Regina could sense Emma’s anxiety as she began to run her finger tips up and down the blondes cheek.

“Mal said you needed to tell him, about his son.”

Emma nodded into Regina’s neck.

“I saw him, standing over - Neil. He even made a joke about Snow using Granny’s frying pan on him. I - I had to tell him. I didn’t say anything about Henry; he has no idea I even knew Neil before. He only knows we met in the parallel universe.”

Emma sat back at rubbed at her face.

“I’m sorry, I’m just tired. I’m so tired. And Neil showing up? I just… god I wish he’d just fuck off right back to wherever it was he came from.”

Regina pulled Emma back into her.

“I know, darling. I know. We’ll just take each day as it comes. If our alternates can manage as asswipe like Neil, we can.”

Emma chuckled.

“You just said asswipe? You did. Jesus. I’m rubbing off on you big time, you know that right?”

Regina chuckled.

“Yes my love. You rub off on me in the very best of ways.”

Emma’s breath hitched.

“I’m kinda glad I don’t have little swam right now, babe. Cause if I did….”

Regina pushed Emma back on the bed.

“Tomorrow, we talk about - him. Tonight? Tonight you let me rub off on you….”

Emma felt her entire body quake as Regina’s fingers began to pull the button on her jeans.

“Tonight I’ll make you forget….”

Regina’s warm lips were now on her neck, her teeth nibbling and circling around her pulse point.

“Tonight, I’ll make you scream out my name…”

Emma’s heart was now fluttering at break neck speed as Regina’s agile fingers slipped below, a thumb running semi circles over her briefs before they dipped under the material.

“Tonight, I’ll make you mine.”

Emma’s back arched as determined fingers located their goal.

“Oh, god….”

“Did gran really hit someone with granny’s toaster?”

It was the morning after the “Frying Pan” incident and seemingly Henry had overheard Emma telling Regina and Zelena the evening before about Snow and her unusual use of a kitchen utensil. 

Regina immediately spotted her blonde girlfriend attempt to stifle her laughter as her body began to shake.

“Only your Ma has problems with toasters, Henry.”

Emma raised a brow as Regina continued.

“Snow didn’t hit anyone with a - toaster.”

Henry was shovelling the last pieces of scrambled eggs into his mouth before he paused, fork hovering in mid air.

“What did she hit him with then?”

Emma began to play with her toast as she finally took a quick breath and looked up at her son.

“A frying pan.”

Henry’s fork continued to hover before he shrugged, shovelling the last bite into his open mouth.

“But resorting to that kind of behaviour is not the answer, Henry.”

Regina’s voice was stern even though, deep down, she would happily throw a toaster into Neil’s face.

Better still, a microwave.

Finally Henry finished his food before sighing and rubbing at his belly, something he had definitely got from Emma.

“He must’ve deserved it though. Gran is… good. Like, really, really good so I’m thinking he must’ve seriously pissed her off.”

Emma dropped her toast as Regina pinched the bridge of her nose.

“Hen, language.” Emma scolded half heartedly as Henry seemed to finally realise what he’s said.

“Aunty Z told me that pissed off wasn’t a bad word. It's a col… collo… colloq..” Henry paused, his brows scrunched before he shrugged, “It just basically means “very annoyed.”

Emma couldn’t help a grin escape her lips as Regina pinched the bridge of her nose again for the second time that morning.

“Colloquial, Henry. And it’s still inappropriate. Isn’t it, Emma?”

Emma nodded, as she sheepishly glanced at Henry.

“Yes, Snow was extremely - annoyed - but she still shouldn’t have hit him with a frying pan.”

Henry edged towards her.

“So your fist is better? Like you and mom did to Robin?”

Regina groaned and threw a tea towel at Emma.

“I’m going to take a shower. You can handle this one.”

Emma’s mouth dropped as the brunette turned and left the room.

“Oh shit.” Henry chuckled to himself “Moms pissed.”

Emma looked at her son and rolled her eyes before grinning again.

“Let’s just pretend we’ve have a serious chat and you now know not to use yours fists or any type of kitchen implement on someone no matter how piss- angry you are. Ok?

Henry nodded.

“Take me to school?”

Emma smiled. She knew Henry could get the bus but him actually asking her to take him made her heart swell.

“Sure. Grab your things and meet me outside. I’ll go tell your mom we’re heading out.”

Emma bounded up the stairs, throwing open the bedroom door and skidding to a halt when she came upon a very naked Regina with her back turned.

“Damn.” Emma mumbled, now wishing she had told Henry he should take the bus.

Regina peered over her shoulder at Emma.

“See something you like, my dear?”

Emma was behind her in seconds, her hands resting on Regina’s hips as the brunette let out a small mewl.

“I don’t see something I like, Gina. I see everything I love.”

Emma’s lips were now on her neck as Regina turned to face her.

“I’m presuming you ran up here like lightening to tell me something?”

Emma mumbled into the hot neck as her lips lifted and crashed into Regina’s, her hands now ghosting over Regina’s stomach.

“Em-ma.” Regina whispered into Emma’s hot mouth as the blonde finally broke the kiss.

“Henry. School.”

And her lips were once more finding their favourite place as Regina let out a groan, her tongue now dancing in Emma’s warm mouth.

Finally Regina broke away.

“You should get going. You don’t want to keep our son waiting. Or be late for work.”

Emma groaned, pecking Regina’s lips once more before she bowed down and kissed Regina stomach.

“Mommy has spoken, little nugget.”

Emma then stood and slowly backed away, her eyes now travelling tantalisingly slowly down the mayors body.

“Miss Swan.” Regina scolded, even though her face was now tinged pink.

“Told you I see everything I love.” Emma replied with a smile on her face as Regina blushed again, turning to walk into the bathroom.

“Meet me at the diner for lunch?” Emma called out, wishing she had the ability to temporarily freeze time around them so she could join Regina in the bathroom.

In the shower.

On her knees….

“Twelve sharp Emma. Don’t be late.” came Regina’s muffled reply over the sound of the shower.

Emma had dropped Henry off and was now munching on a bear claw at the diner.

“In a few days you’ll be served by your mom.” Ruby nonchalantly commented, placing  a steaming mug of coffee in front of Emma, whose hand paused mid air.

“My -“

Swallow.

“Mom?!”

Ruby nodded as Emma felt someone behind her.

“Don’t forget to ask your amazingly, fantastic boss for the afternoon off later this week.”

Ruby then vanished as Emma turned to see Mulan standing behind her.

“You’re amazingly, fantastic boss?” Emma enquired with a smirk as Mulan swiped her tongue over her lips very quickly.

“Yeah… about that…”

Mulan took a seat beside Emma who had now finished her bear claw and was pondering whether she needed another.

“Want one more, Em? It’s on me?” Ruby interrupted her thoughts as Emma looked up.

“You trying to butter me up, Rubes? And what did you mean before about my mom serving me?”

Ruby moved a coffee over the counter towards her girlfriend.

“Granny has employed your mom to help out a few days a week, giving me some well deserved time off to spend with my other half.”

Emma turned to look at Mulan.

“Ah, and you’re hoping your amazingly fantastic boss will give you the afternoon off, mmm?”

Mulan shifted in her seat.

“Well, I was going to ask…”

Ruby snorted.

Mulan huffed.

“I was! I was just going to maybe leave it for today, after what happened last night. How is Snow?”

Emma sighed.

“Firstly, yes I’ll take that bear claw to go Rubes. Secondly, the afternoon is yours, you deserve it. Thirdly, I’ve no idea how Snow is, I’m going to meet her here at lunch so we can talk. David text me though, last night. I think she’s upset with herself, for the way she - handled - things.”

“The only handle she used was the one belonging to granny’s frying pan.” Ruby chuckled to herself as Emma let out a chuckle.

“You should have seen her, Emma. She was livid! I mean, he certainly didn’t do himself any favours when he interrupted Snow and Granny but if looks could kill, he’d have been flat out on his back before the underside of my granny’s pan reached anywhere near his face!”

Emma considered Ruby’s words, a part of her wishing she had witnessed her mothers temporary fall from grace.

And Neil’s face coming into contact with the pan.

“Do we even know who this guy is?” Mulan asked as Emma stood.

“Yeah. I know exactly who he is. Snow and I met him in the alternate universe. His name is Neil, although he was previously knows as Baelfire. He’s Rumples son, from the enchanted forest although he vanished though a portal as a kid.”

Mulan and Ruby wore identical astonished expressions on their faces as Ruby finally broke the silence.

“You’re shitting me?!”

Emma shook her head.

“There’s more but right now I need to gather my thoughts and speak to Regina. Can you both swing by ours this evening? Say eight? I’ll explain all then.”

Both nodded as Emma picked up her bear claw and coffee.

“See you at the station, Mulan. Thanks for the sweet treat Rubes.”

Mulan watched Emma leave before turning to face her girlfriend.

“One thing puzzles me.”

Ruby raised a brow.

“Only one?”

Mulan nodded, taking a sip from her cup.

“What the hell did this Neil do to Snow to make her act the way she did?”

Ruby pondered for a moment and shrugged.

“Good question, I guess we’ll find out tonight.”

Emma pulled out her phone before she entered the station, sending a quick text to Regina.

“Hi Gina, hope it’s ok but I’ve invited Mulan and Ruby over tonight, around 8. Think it’s time we told them everything about Neil. Can you invite Mal and Zelena?”

Emma heard her phone ping as soon as she sat down, her eyes landing in the paperwork she still had to do.

“Of course it’s ok. I’ve spoken to Zelena and she’ll bring Mal (possibly Lily?). Can you ask David to collect Henry from school, and have him overnight. I don’t want our son around when we discuss Neil, at least not yet.”

Emma was replying within seconds.

“Sure I’ll ask him when he arrives, they won’t mind - David already knows about Neil and I think Henry is just what Snow needs to take her mind off things. See you at 12, buttercup.”

Regina’s response was instant.

“Buttercup, Miss Swan? Is that the best you can do?”

Emma grinned.

“I’ll show you exactly what I can do, later.”

Over at the Mayors office, Regina felt her core clench at Emma’s text.

“I’ll hold you to that, Miss Swan.”

Regina, Snow and David were seated at the diner waiting for Emma.

“Snow, you forgot this.”

Granny placed her frying pan onto the middle of the table.

Snow’s face reddened.

“Actually, I don’t think I need it anymore, thank you.” she whispered, her eyes moving from the pan to Granny who was smiling.

“I’ll have to wall mounted instead then.” she chuckled to herself before moving back to the kitchen, pan handle swinging from her fingers.

“I feel terrible. I’m normally so compassionate and kind, yet last night I became an animal!”

At that moment Ruby appeared.

“Hey! There’s nothing wrong with becoming an animal, Snow!”

Ruby then feigned a deep sigh which only made Snow worse.

“And now I’ve upset you! What’s wrong with me?!”

Regina had heard enough.

“There is absolutely nothing wrong with you, Snow. For once in your life you grew a backbone and reacted the same way any normal mother would have if they came face to face with the monster who made their daughters teenage life a living nightmare. So stop wallowing in self pity and embrace the fact that you took control!”

Snows mouth was gaping as Regina finally finished, the latter now taking a delicate sip from her cup of tea as the former slowly nodded.

“He is a ruffian.”

Regina almost snorted into her tea, her lips pursed and ready to call Neil a lot worse when David interrupted.

“Calling him a ruffian is too polite, Snow. He’s a bastard and I for one am going to take great pleasure in driving him out of our town, and away from my family.”

He then reached out his hands, one clasping Snows and the other resting on Regina’s wrist. Snow beamed as Regina looked down at the hand.

Never, in a million turns of a page, would she have envisaged Prince Charming calling her, the former Evil Queen, family. The action brought a warmth throughout her body that felt like sunshine on a rainy day.

“Thank you, David.” she whispered as David nodded, removing his hands.

“However, running him out of town may not be as simple as you think. Rumple won’t let his son go again, without a fight.”

David sighed.

“Speaking of Rumple, what happened after Zelena took Neil to the hospital?”

Regina tapped her fingertips on the table, considering whether she should wait for Emma to arrive before she answered David’s question. A quick glance at the clock made her decision for her.

Emma was running late.

“Emma told him Neil was his son.”

Snow gasped as Regina quickly continued.

“That was all she told him. He has no idea… about the other things.”

Snow nodded as David grunted.

“Well he needs to know what his son did, perhaps then he won’t be as keen on keeping him here.”

Regina sighed, wishing Emma was here.

“There are many things we need to discuss, but right now I have no intention of telling Rumple about Emma’s history with his son. He’ll quickly put two and two together when it comes to Henry’s parentage. I refuse to acknowledge that… man… as Henry’s father.”

“He’s no father, he’s a sperm donor at best.”

Regina felt a warm hand on her shoulder.

“Now, shift up. I need food. I’m starving.”

Regina chuckled as she moved to the side, allowing Emma to join her.

“You’re late is what you are.” she reproached, placing a hand on Emma’s thigh she gave it a squeeze.

“Yeah. Sorry about that. I had an interesting encounter with Blue. I’m mentally exhausted. That woman could talk the leg off a chair!”

Emma then glanced at Snow, a grin suddenly appearing on her face.

“Or, the handle off a frying pan!”

Regina smirked as Davids face broke out into a grin.

And snow? Snow sighed.

And then laughed.

Chapter Text

Regina knew Emma was nervous, her uneasiness increasing with each passing hour.

She’d seen Emma apprehensive before. Hell, she’d often projected that vibe every time she’d dropped Henry off before they had become a couple, especially on those occasions she was running late.

Regina couldn’t help a small smile from appearing on her lips when she realised Emma had always, always, dropped Henry off late.

“I know. I know. I’m twenty minutes late. I lost track of time. My watch broke and my phones broken.”

Emma didn’t own a watch as far as Regina recalled. She’d never seen the Saviour of Storybrooke wear one. Not that she always looked at the blondes strong arms or delicate wrists and long, supple fingers…

Breaking her phone however was very probable.

“Please don’t give me that look, Regina. I’m barely ten minutes late, we got sidetracked playing a game.”

Regina had wondered what the game was. Highly unlikely to be something educational or strategic like scrabble or chess when Emma had recently bought Henry the latest Xbox and all the games that went with it. Henry was rather good at “gaming”. So was his other mother. Not that Regina had watched Emma play when they were at the mansion. No. She’d never let her attention wander from her book or newspaper towards Emma’s adorably focussed yet scrunched face or darting tongue when she was playing and losing against their son.

“I couldn’t find my car keys. Seriously. Then I realised I was holding them the entire time!”

Which was extremely similar to the time Regina had entered the Sheriffs station to find a disgruntled looking Sheriff moving things around her desk in no particular order because she couldn’t find her glasses, the ones she seldom wore but when she did it made Regina’s heart speed up ridiculously. It had taken Regina exactly two seconds to find them, adding ‘you mean the glasses that are perched on the top of your head Miss Swan?’

“Pongo escaped again. I roped Henry into helping me find him.”

This was the most believable excuse Emma had ever used. Pongo went missing.

Frequently.

One time he’d managed to make his way into Regina’s back garden where he’d began to dig around her apple tree. A swift call to the Sheriff had Emma appear almost immediately at the front door, panting for breath, her body arched as she rested her hands against the tops of her thighs.

Regina had momentarily wished her hands were the ones resting on Emma’s thighs before she’d quickly asked why Emma appeared tired, knowing full well how much Emma liked to exercise, not that she waited in her bedroom at 6am each morning to watch the sheriff run past her house in tight shorts and matching tank.

No.

She had better things to do with her time than watch the younger woman sprint past, her feet pounding hard against the concrete pavement, sending tremors up her legs, onto her thighs, the sinew pulling as her ligaments stretched deliciously across her pale skin.

Emma explained that she had ran to Regina’s because her car wouldn’t start and Mulan had the cruiser. Of course, once Emma had come across Pongo she’d given out a frustrated sigh, turning her green eyes onto Regina, a look of frustration appearing across her face as she’d pointed out Regina’s message had been rather misleading when she said a wolf was in her garden looking to attack.

Regina had shrugged her shoulders and told Emma outright that she wouldn’t have got the attention she needed had she told the sheriffs department it was merely Pongo up to his usual tricks.

She had, however, felt a certain warmth spread throughout her body when Emma had shook her head and mumbled she had been worried about the Mayors safety as she retrieved the mischievous Pongo from Regina’s flowerbeds.

“Snow called round and I didn’t have the heart to stop her from spending some time with Henry. It won’t happen again.”

This has made Regina feel marginally guilty because she knew deep down Henry really should be spending more time with his grandparents, if only for Emma’s sake, so she’d apologised quietly and agreed that Snow and David should see Henry whenever their diaries allowed.

“So I promised the kid a chocolate milkshake at Granny’s before I dropped him off and the place was packed!”

Regina had felt miffed at first but had then realised her own mother had been so regimented in her upbringing, never allowing her any treats and scolding her for even asking, criticising her weight, which had made her withdrawn and sad. Thus, something like a chocolate milkshake wasn’t going to end the world. She’d even began to allow Henry some sweet treats since that moment.

“Henry forgot he needed a book for school so I took him to the library and we got chatting to Belle, I forgot the time.”

Regina knew it had been Emma who had forgotten about the book. Henry was a lot of things but forgetful was not one of them. However, Belle was an intelligent, kind, caring young lady and having her in Henry’s life could only be a good thing. The only thing Regina had trouble comprehending was how she could have any feelings towards Rumple, the ex villain of villains.

Belle was pure light. Everything Rumple wasn’t. So very similar to her and Emma. Not that Emma had feelings for her and she certainly didn’t have any feelings for the sheriff. Non at all. Not really. Perhaps a minuscule fragment of her DNA found the sheriff pleasant to look at. But that was where it ended. Absolutely so.

Regina recalled one of the very last excuses Emma had given her, one of which had resonated deep within her heart.

“I know we’re late. I just… I miss him when he’s gone.”

That last excuse had made Regina’s hard heart soften inexplicably, and she’d found herself inviting the blonde inside to have dinner with them. She wasn’t certain who was more shocked at the time, Emma because Regina seldom invited her over for dinner unless it was their designated  ‘Family Friday’ which they’d finally agreed on because of Henry, or Regina for even offering an invitation to the blonde Sheriff on a Wednesday of all days!

This time, it was different. Emma wasn’t worried about what Regina would say or how she would react because Regina was the only one who truly knew and understood why Emma was so troubled and a little uptight.

Neil.

Soon their home would be filled with close friends and family.

Soon, Neil’s identity and his past would be revealed to those closest to Emma and Regina.

Soon, they would all know how Emma was treated and who Neil was to Henry.

And that was clearly upsetting her. It was certainly upsetting Regina.

“Darling, we don’t have to tell them everything. They don’t need to know bygone days that involved - him.”

Regina was also struggling to even say the man’s name.

Emma finally stopped pacing around Regina’s study. She’d entered some time ago, firstly taking a seat, attempting to read through the newspaper as Regina finished some paperwork.

The newspaper had soon been discarded in favour of a comic book Henry had left on the side table. Regina suspected Emma would talk when she was ready to, simply wanting company for the time being.

Her patience with the comic had lasted a little longer before the blonde had dropped it to her side too, picking up a blood red apple from the nearby fruit bowl.

Tossing it up in the air a few times she’d only stopped when the apple missed her palm and fell to the floor, rolling under Regina’s mahogany desk. A sheepish look from the blonde had Regina magicking the apple away as the blonde chose instead to pace around the room.

“I think they need to know the truth, no matter how much it pains me to reveal it.”

Regina stood and made her way over to Emma, who was now looking at the fire.

“I’m proud of you, Emma. You know that, right?”

Emma didn’t turn, her eyes still on the flames, lost in thought. Regina gave her the time she knew she needed, edging closer but keeping her hands to herself.

She wanted to wrap them around the blonde and bring her in close, but Emma was preoccupied with her past, leaving her a little withdrawn. It hurt Regina to see her this way, but she understood the feeling of losing oneself in events of the past.

“I was a delinquent who tagged along with a manipulative asshole for too long. I had zero self respect and I ended up following his every whim, landing my pregnant self in prison. What’s to be proud of, Regina?”

Finally Emma looked up and what Regina saw flashing in those sea blue eyes devastated her.

Loathing. Disgust. Fear. Doubt. Trepidation.

Everything Regina had felt about herself, once upon a time. If she were brutally honest with herself, those negative thoughts still filtered into her subconscious now and again. She wasn’t entirely convinced they would truly ever lay quiet.

“Emma.”

Emma had looked away again, her shoulders sagging as Regina placed a tentative hand on her arm.

Finally she was rewarded as Emma’s eyes focused back on her.

“I’m proud of you because of everything you overcame, despite the insurmountable obstacles that lay in your way. You and I, we are so much alike. Neither of us had any control over our younger years; manipulated by people, managed so skilfully we didn’t realise what was happening until it was too late. Look at who you became, darling. Look at what you’ve accomplished.”

Emma’s eyes began to water as Regina finally pulled her in close.

“Please believe me when I say I am so very, very proud of you Emma. You are a daughter, a mother, a sheriff, a fighter, a lover and a saviour.”

Emma snorted at the last word but Regina continued.

“You are a saviour. I know you dislike that title but recent events should make you realise just how much of a saviour you are! You went to a parallel universe for goodness sake, and saved true love - our true love!”

Emma seemed to relax then as Regina ran her hands up and down the blondes back, thankful that the shaking seemed to have subsided.

“You’re everything to me, Emma. Don’t you ever forget that.

Emma slowly nodded before pulling back, her eyes now level with Regina’s.

“You’re kind of a pro at these pep talks you know.”

Regina rolled her eyes.

“And, I’m proud of you too Regina.”

Regina was about to interrupted when Emma placed her thumb over ruby red lips.

“No. You don’t get to do that.”

Regina quirked a brow before Emma removed her thumb.

“Do what?”

This time Emma rolled her eyes.

“You were about to scoff at me, for saying I was proud of you.”

Regina opened her mouth partially before she closed it again.

Emma had her there.

“See! Well you don’t get to do that. Not anymore. I am proud of you and everything you’ve prevailed over to become the woman that’s standing before me now. You think I had it bad? Jesus, Regina. I can’t begin to list off all the shitty ways you were treated. Not to mention all of those people in your life who advised you wrongly and exploited and mistreated you for their own personal gain. Neil’s a bloody saint compared to them!”

Emma was wound up again and Regina suddenly found herself being held in strong arms.

“I love you so much, and it kills me to think about your past and how - they - treated you.”

Emma’s voice was shaking but Regina heard the message loud and clear.

They - so many people who harmed her in some way.

Notoriously her mother, of course. Forcing her to marry someone more than double her age. Not to mention the childhood trauma she had caused Regina.

Even her father, to a degree, who despite not wanting the marriage to go ahead did absolutely noting to prevent it from happening. He may not have abused her mentally and physically like her mother had but his deference and complaisance to what she had to endure hurt just as much.

And of course Leopold…

“I love you too darling. It pains me also, thinking about you as a child, and then a teenager… the life you had to lead, alone before - he - arrived but, we have each other now.”

Emma stepped back and cupped Regina’s  face.

“You are my anchor, Gina.”

Regina smiled brightly.

“And you are mine.”

The living room was full and as Emma entered she took a quick breath, her heart thrumming in her ears, before she turned and walked back into the kitchen.

“Is Emma alright?” Mulan asked lightly, noticing Emma’s quick entry and even  quicker exit first.

Regina nodded.

“She just needs a little bit of time.”

Mulan nodded as Ruby nudged her.

“Go after her.”

Mulan shook her head.

“She needs space, right? That’s what Regina just said.”

Regina overheard and took a seat on the other side of Mulan.

“Ruby is right. I think, you’re just the person she needs.”

Mulan had an almost tranquil calmness about her that was soothing to most who came into contact with her. Regina surmised that was something Emma needed right now.

“Okay, but if she sends me flying I know who to blame!”

Regina watched as Mulan edged from the room.

“It’s about Neil, isn’t it? She told us earlier he was Rumples son.”

Regina nodded at Ruby’s question as Zelena suddenly magicked a bottle of the mayors famous cider onto the table, with glasses. Moments later a carton of apple juice appeared next to the decanter.

“How thoughtful.” Regina mused as Mal shook her head.

“Subtle, Zelena.”

Zelena grinned.

“I’m thirsty! Besides, I think Emma may need a glass of the strong stuff.”

Regina nodded, picking up the carton of juice as her stomach began to twitch.

Clearly nugget wanted a drink too.

Emma didn’t realise she was no longer alone, her arms stretched out in front of her, resting on either side of the sink as her head dipped down.

“You look like you want to escape down the garbage disposal.”

Jumping slightly she turned to face Mulan.

“I wish I could escape to anywhere right now.”

Mulan was beside her in seconds, slowly pulling at one of the blondes outstretched arms.

“C’mon, take a seat and let’s talk.”

Emma followed as Mulan stepped towards the table and pulled out two chairs.

“It’s strange. The last time I saw you here in this kitchen, you couldn’t wait to get away from me.” Emma mused as Mulan frowned before realisation hit.

“Ah, the other me.” she chuckled as Emma nodded.

“You never did get round to telling me why we didn’t like each other, over there I mean.”

Mulan had wondered that every day Emma was in the parallel universe, as well as the days since she returned.

Emma was holding onto her hand before Mulan noticed her even reaching out for it.

“I was… I mean, the other me, she was so judgemental. Honestly, I had to take you into Regina’s study to talk to you alone because the atmosphere between us was so heavy. Not that Snow noticed.

Mulan chuckled, squeezing Emma’s hand back.

“Well your mom isn’t the best at picking up subtle cues, Emma. Although to be fair her use of a frying pan last night, well that wasn’t exactly subtle was it.”

Emma laughed.

“That’s just it! You could cut the air with a knife the tension between us was so think - and you weren’t exactly subtle about it either but mom? No clue. Was too busy unpacking our food to notice!”

Mulan grinned before her smile turned into a somber expression.

“Why didn’t we get along? It’s been bugging me. I mean, your friendship means the world to me. It hurts a little, not knowing.”

Emma suddenly felt some of the anxiety over Neil fade away. This she could talk about, and this she could put right.

Mulan was upset but once Emma explained, hopefully that feeling would dissipate.

So explain Emma did. About how a lot of their friendship, or lack of, was based on misunderstandings, presumptions and misinterpretation. How the other Emma was extremely protective over Ruby, more so when Aurora had turned up on the scene albeit temporarily. Once she had finished Mulan sighed.

“Wow. Sounds like we were both a little obstinate in our own ways, which didn’t help forge any kind of sold foundation for a friendship. Please tell me you fixed that?”

Somewhere during Emma’s explanation, their hands had separated but now Mulan was holding tightly onto Emma’s again.

“I fixed it, or as well as I could. Obviously the rest is down to the over me but yeah, those foundations you mentioned? I think I began to lay it down for them to build upon. I get the impression the other version of me was so tired of all the bullshit with Robin and Regina she kinda lashed out a lot. I mean, I know I can be headstrong-“

Mulan laughed.

“You can be as stubborn as a mule, Emma but your heart is always in the right place. That’s why we love you.”

Emma felt a solitary tear run down her cheek.

“I missed you, Mully.”

Mulan stood and pulled Emma up, giving her a hug.

“It’s been sometime since you called me that, Emma.”

Emma chuckled. “Well last time I thought you were going to hurl me across the diner!”

Mulan chuckled and tapped Emma lightly on the nose.

“I always kinda liked it. I mean, besides Ruby, you’re the only one who’s ever given me a nickname.”

Emma arched a brow.

“I don’t want to know the kind of nicknames Ruby gives you!”

Mulan smirked.

“Yeah, probably best I keep those to myself. I wouldn’t want you to run headlong into a kitchen cabinet.

Emma smiled then sighed.

“Thanks Mulan. I was feeling pretty fearful earlier but now-“

“Now?” Mulan asked quietly as Emma slowly nodded, more to herself.

“Now I feel like it’s time I told you all who Neil is.”

Mulan nodded and turned to walk towards the door when Emma held out a hand and stopped her.

“One last thing. In the alternate reality you and Regina were, well - really close.”

Mulan looked a little dazed

“Um… how close?”

Emma bit down on her lip.

“Sorry, I didn’t explain that too well did I.”

Emma couldn’t help a chuckle escape her lips as she nudged Mulan with her elbow.

“I meant, you were close friends. At least that’s what I picked up on. I just thought you should know.

Mulan nodded, apparently lost in thought as Emma nudged her again. Finally the deputy spoke.

“I guess we’ve never really had that, here I mean? Isn’t it strange how circumstance and the decisions we make can affect who we are friends with how we react around people?”

Emma nodded.

“Well, now you know she’s not likely to flay you alive Mully, you know if you ever need a confidant.”

Mulan chuckled.

Indeed.

Emma and Mulan walked back into the living room and Regina immediately sensed a calmness in Emma’s demeanour, no doubt thanks to Mulan.

As Mulan took her previous seat beside Ruby, Regina leaned over and whispered in her ear.

“Thank you. For calming her.”

Regina then smiled and Mulan found herself returning the gesture.

“No problem.”

“Before we continue, can I tell granny whatever we discuss here? She wanted to come but had a shit ton of baking to do for tomorrow.”

Emma briefly looked at Regina before nodding.

“Yeah. You can tell her everything, Ruby. She’s family.”

Ruby smiled and snuggled into Mulan.

Emma walked over to the fireplace, before turning. On one side of the room, Mulan sat in-between Ruby and Regina. On the opposite side Mal sat in-between Zelena and Lily. All eyes were on her, each person patiently waiting for her to continue.

Emma looked to Regina first, noticing her eyes watching her with understanding and warmth.

She could do this….

“Thanks for coming.”

Emma wasn’t certain how to proceed, as heads bobbed.

“I- I guess you all know what happened last night?”

Zelena cackled. Mal proceeded to elbow her in the ribs. For some reason this reaction settled Emma.

“Yeah I guess news travels fast, especially here. Mom knocked a guy out with a frying pan, even though for some reason Henry was under the impression it was a toaster.”

Zelena chuckled again, “Only you have issues with toasters, Emma.”

Emma smiled.

She could definitely do this.

She was surrounded by family. They all understood her. Hell, probably more than she sometimes understood herself.

And she had Regina.

“Yeah. Maybe using kitchen implements incorrectly runs in the family? Anyhow, Snow knocked him out and Zelena took him to the hospital.”

“Be thankful you didn’t have to. Whale was his usual insufferable self.” Zelena snarked as Emma nodded.

“What you all need to know is the fact that this guy, he was someone Snow and I met in the alternate reality. His name is Neil and he’s Rumples son.”

The room remained quiet. Emma suspected everyone in the room already knew this, what they didn’t know was how Emma knew him.

“I’ve told Rumple. He had a right to know. Belle was there too. I presume he’s been at the hospital today. I have no idea what state Neil is in.”

Mal cleared her throat.

“I hope it wasn’t overstepping, Sheriff but I had Lily drop by the hospital this afternoon on the pretence of visiting someone. Neil has yet to be discharged. It appears he is conscious but may be suffering from - memory issues?”

Regina stood and was beside Emma in seconds.

“Thanks Mal. It’s not overstepping. I appreciate you finding out, or - Lily finding out. Thanks Lil.” Emma voice was low as Lily nodded.

“I didn’t see Rumple but I did wander into Neil’s room ‘accidentally’. He was awake, I apologised when I feigned my mistake and he just shrugged and told me not to worry about it. He then asked me who I was and where he was. I could have found out more but a nurse came in so I made a quick exit. Last thing I heard was him asking the nurse why he couldn’t remember how he got injured or where he was staying.”

“Jesus. Did your mother hit him so hard she’s given him amnesia?” Zelena asked and for once she wasn’t joking.

Emma turned to face Regina.

“Is it bad that I hope that’s exactly what’s happened?” she whispered as Regina took her hand and gave it a squeeze as Emma turned back to the room.

“Well, no matter what he can or can’t remember it’s only fair I tell you everything I remember about Neil.”

So she did.

And she left nothing out.

When she had finally finished, Regina’s arm was firmly wrapped around her waist and Emma found herself leaning into the warm body beside her.

The silence was finally broken by Zelena.

“What a despicable piece of scrotum.”

Emma had presumed the atmosphere would be tense after everything she had just admitted. Thankfully, that one sentence courtesy of Zelena broke whatever strained ambience there may have been.

Because everyone, including Emma but excluding Zelena, laughed.

Only Zelena was being serious.

Deadly serious.

“I mean it. He - fucking hell. Had I known this about him I would have poofed his miserable ass to the docks where I would have nudged his body into the freezing depths with my foot.”

Regina opened her mouth and then closed it.

She couldn’t fault Zelena’s logic.

“So he has no idea he’s…. you know.” Ruby continued, looking a little sheepish.

He has no idea he’s Henry’s father….

“No. He doesn’t. And that’s how I want it to stay for now.”

Emma’s response was immediate and everyone nodded.

“What about Henry?”

Lily’s question was hesitant and as soon as she asked it she looked like she wished she could take it back.

“I’m sorry. That was intrusive.”

Emma was about to answer when Regina beat her to it.

“It’s not intrusive. It’s a valid question, Lily. Emma and I need to talk about it further but for now, Henry is non the wiser.”

Emma ran her hand though her hair.

“He thinks his father died. I told him he died. I lied to him.”

Emma felt her eyes begin to water as she suddenly turned back to the fireplace.

Regina ran a soothing hand up and down her back before facing everyone.

“It’s been a long night. Perhaps we can continue this tomorrow?”

Everyone immediately understood.

Ruby and Mulan were the first to stand. The former walking over to Emma, bringing her into a hug.

“We got you, Em. Always.”

Emma nodded into Ruby’s neck as Mulan gave her arm a squeeze.

“Take tomorrow off. I’ll cover for you.”

Emma looked up.

“I can’t ask you to do that.”

Mulan shook her head.

“You’re not asking. I’m volunteering. Stay home. I’m sure Madam Mayor can take the day off too?”

Mulan then winked at Regina who let out a deep chuckle.

“Yes dear. I’m sure I can arrange that.”

As Ruby and Mulan left, Lily and Mal made their way over.

“We’re here for you. Whatever you need.”

Mal’s voice was sincere.

“Thank you Mal, Lily. Emma and I appreciate it.”

Both nodded, the former giving Regina a hug as the latter pulled Emma to the side.

“I’m happy to do more covert shit for you, Em. Just say the word!”

Emma grinned and pulled Lily into an embrace.

“I think we’ll be okay for now but hey, I have your number!”

Lily grinned.

Zelena was still seated and Regina noticed her sister was definitely out of sorts.

“Is she alright?” Emma asked, noticing the redhead hadn’t made a move to leave with Mal and Lily as expected.

“No I’m not alright. I’m fucking pissed that cretin treated you so abysmally. You were just a kid, Emma and he left you alone, pregnant! Henry means the word to me. I can’t bare the thought of that… man… coming into his life and expecting liberties! He has no rights to Henry. No fucking right at all. We’re a family!”

Regina immediately understood. All her life, Zelena had been denied having a family and now she had one, she was loathed to lose it. Her bond with Henry was undeniable. And she was scared she was going to lose it.

“Zelena, we are a family. Will will always be a family and a dipshit like Neil won’t come in-between that. I won’t allow him to. I promise you that.”

Emmas voice was firm as Zelena looked up.

“You mean the world to me too, Emma.

Regina slowly edged from the room to allow her sister and girlfriend some time together. The last thing she noticed before she closed the door was the pair embracing.

It had been a long night and Regina was glad when they had both finally retired to the bedroom, her sister now tucked up in the guest bedroom. She hadn’t wanted to leave and neither Regina or Emma had wanted her to go.

Regina now watched as Emma undressed, her back towards the brunette. She couldn’t help but marvel at the expanse of milky white skin on display the more clothing Emma removed.

Regina couldn’t stop her eyes raking over the blondes shoulders and back and the sculptured muscle mass she had in all the right places. No doubt a result of the workout sessions she abided by, some of which the Mayor often found herself witnessing at the make shift gym Emma had created at the station.

Regina recalled the first time she had encountered Emma in the gym. They weren’t yet together. Regina didn’t even know that Emma and Mulan had created a gym and she was still trying to piece together exactly what it was that made her want to drop by the staton unannounced most days, ignoring the blatantly obvious answer: she wanted to see Emma.

She’d arrived on the pretence of asking Emma to drop the cruiser off at the local garage because it was due a service. The car didn’t need a service. In fact, she’d even gone as far as calling the garage to check and when Michael, the mechanic, had told her that the car wasn’t due for at least another 6 months, Regina had told him in no uncertain terms to change his records to reflect that the car did, indeed, need a service.

The Sheriff, despite her often clueless expression, wasn’t stupid and Regina was under no illusions that one of the first things Emma would do would be to call the garage to check.

So she’d arrived and flounced into the office and had been temporarily shocked to find it empty. She’s felt an initial twinge of concern in her stomach, which at the time she’d mistaken for indigestion.

The cruiser and Emma’s yellow peril were parked out the front and the doors to the office weren’t locked so in theory, Emma should have been present. She’d also checked the rota for that week so she knew exactly what shifts Emma had - so where was she?

Regina had prowled around the office before she heard the first grunt. Moving quickly from the office she had taken a few steps along the corridor before pausing, wondering if somehow the clumsy sheriff had tripped over her own feet and injured herself.

The indigestion came back tenfold and Regina decided at that moment she no longer wanted granny’s grilled chicken anywhere near her mouth.

Her conscience attempted to tell her it was in fact worry at Emma’s absence that was making her feel sick but Regina seldom listened to that inside voice which was, more often than not, overpowered by her former evil queen voice that was now telling her the Sheriff was, in fact, engaging in something sexual based off the groans Regina could now hear the closer she got to the closed door at the end of the corridor that led to the large interrogation room.

Wondering why Emma was there, making those kinds of noises had momentarily made Regina’s anger spike to an unforeseen height, livid at the prospect of the Sheriff engaging in - that kind of activity - with someone who wasn’t her.

That initial thought, thanks to her conscience, and the realisation of what it had meant had shocked the hell out of her before her evil queen voice took over as it always did, suggesting perhaps Emma had Lily under her at that very moment in time.

Before she could gather her thoughts, good and bad, she’d shoved the door open only to find the blonde hanging from a suspended bar, wearing the tiniest shorts she had ever seen.

And her signature white tank.

Which had clung to her in all the right places and had ridden so far up her body it had revealed her entire stomach and every perfectly formed ab.

For once both her conscience and her evil queen voice had both drawn the same conclusion at the same time - Emma Swan was unbelievably hot and Regina’s desire to jump the woman as she slowly pulled herself up one more time, grunting, before letting herself drop to the floor was making her shake rather visibly.

Regina’s eyes had darted over every piece of available skin on display, her eyes hungry and her throat dry. Emma had seen her shaking and had mistook her animalistic arousal for anger.

“Yeah so I kinda didn’t want you to find out about the gym this way.” Emma had mumbled, picking up a small towel from the table which she then threw around her neck.

Regina still couldn’t find her voice, although she had managed to avert her eyes from the trickles of sweat that were slowly making their way along the sheriffs collarbone and down between the valley of her breasts.

Regina had never wanted to be a bead of sweat before.

She had at that moment.

Emma, sensing something wasn’t quite right considering how vocal Regina normally was, had drawn the wrong conclusion again.

“So I think you’re pissed. Are you pissed? I mean, we thought it was a good idea? You know how quiet it gets, and I like to keep fit-“

No shit, Regina’s conscience had declared as the mayors former evil queen voice interrupted that thought with a very random one.

‘Imagine her pulling herself up against you….’

“And it’s not like we even need an interrogation room, not really. Who the hell am I going to interrogate? Pongo? Leroy? Besides we have kept a part of the room separate in case we do need to question a suspect…”

Regina hadn’t been listening, not really. All she could focus on was the tall, blonde goddess standing in front of her wearing next to nothing as the mayors eyes had moved to take in toned thighs.

God, imagine how they’d feel wrapped around you…

The evil queen voice was clearly on a roll as her conscience attempted to clear the air because at that point Emma had finally stopped talking and had started to look concerned.

“Are you alright, Regina?”

Regina’s attention had finally snapped back under her control and she muttered something that sounded like “Yes Miss Swan” before turning on her heels, ready to walk away from the woman who was enticing and teasing her libido too much.

“Um…. Cool. So… did you want me?”

Yes. Preferably in your current attire, as you bend me over your desk…

The evil queen voice was basking in her prolonged spell of success. Regina had nearly passed out at her own thought as her conscience attempted damage control.

“The car. Cruiser. Your cruiser. The police cruiser needs a service.” She had finally managed to mumble as her feet attempted to take her as far away from temptation as quickly as her four inch heels allowed.

She’d had many a sleepless night following that day, envisaging Emma in that attire and often without it and as she looked at her girlfriend now she realised she wanted her naked.

Very naked.

“No… don’t.” She heard herself whisper when Emma opened a drawer to retrieve her usual sleep attire; shorts and a t shirt.

Pausing with the shirt between her fingers, Emma turned and wriggled her eyebrows at Regina.

“Oh? And what is it that Madam Mayor desires me to wear this evening?”

Emma then dropped the t shirt and shirt back into the drawer and made her way over to the bed. Her eyes dropped to Regina who was laid on top of the cover, wearing a red neglige.

“I want you naked. The only thing you’ll be wearing tonight, Emma, is my essence. All over that gorgeous body of yours.”

Emma exhaled a shaky breath as she reached out and pulled Regina from the bed so she was level with her, slowly leaning her forehead against the brunettes.

Regina felt her eyes flutter close, suddenly overwhelmed at how close Emma was and how much her scent was invading her. Steadily Emma entwined her fingers around Regina’s and Regina basked in how they felt so right as Emma’s thumbs began to rub across hers, the pressure gentle against her skin.

Emma’s breath was puffing gently in quick hot bursts against Regina’s lips.

“You’re overdressed, Madam Mayor.”

Emma’s voice was husky as Regina slipped her neglige from her shoulders and let it drop to the floor. Clearly pleased, Emma grinned which made Regina swallow back a laugh, smiling instead as Emma began to shift down her body, holding her hips, slowly guiding her back to bed, placing featherlike kisses around her stomach, her tongue replacing her lips as she ran the tip around Regina’s belly button.

“So this is where you close your eyes little one. You really don’t need to see what I’m about to do to your momma.”

Regina let out a deep chuckle as Emma then looked up and winked at her before settling in between her legs. Regina’s hands were in immediately in Emma’s hair as she bit down on her bottom lip, Emma’s continuous feather-light kisses now focusing on he hip before moving torturously slowly down and down until her mouth was pressed to Regina’s swollen and slick folds, the pressure barely present as she darted her tongue out for a taste.

“Oh god.” Regina moaned out, the sound coming from the back of her throat as she unconsciously began to roll her hips up into Emma’s mouth, desperate for more.

“Fuck, you’re so wet,” Emma groaned, reaching between Regina’s legs with two fingers, steadily tracing along her outer lips with precision.

“Y-yes.” Regina stammered as Emma’s fingers continued to play and caress around her core, exploring and teasing at her entrance before dancing away, her thumb now pleasing her hot bundle of nerves as Regina’s hips bucked again.

“Mouth. Emma. Please.”

Emma wasted no time in latching her tongue over Regina’s quivering pussy, her fingers now leisurely pumping in and out as Regina’s fingers were now pushing the top of her head down further.

“God you taste so good, Gina. So, so good”

Regina swallowed hard.

“Less talking more fucking!” She almost snarled as Emma chucked into her clit, the vibration almost sending her sky high.

Every point of connection from Emma’s fingers and tongue pulled taut deep inside Regina as her orgasm exploded in a multitude of colours.

Slowly Emma ceased her ministrations, licking up the juices she left behind before Regina began to tug on her shoulders.

Emma finally moved upwards, Regina’s  breath stuttering at the soft press of Emma’s lips just shy of the corner of her mouth.  Shifting she turned her face towards Emma’s, heart pounding.

“I still can’t believe you’re mine. After all I did…”

Emma immediately pulled Regina into her arms as she replied, her voice calm and soft.

“I would do anything to take away the pain, the hurt, the damage and the trauma of the life you had to live before we met, and I know you would do the same for me; but what happened did so for a reason and I wouldn’t want to end up anywhere else, with anyone else.”

Regina felt Emma’s strong arms around her before she slowly moved away, her green eyes now searching Regina.

“Everything it took to get here, to get to you, was worth it and I would go through it a thousand times over to get here, to you, if I had too.”

Regina’s lips were covering Emma’s before the blonde could draw breath.

“I love you, Emma Swan.”

Emma grinned and finally pulled back from the scorching kiss, her head so full of love for the woman in front of her what she did next felt like the most natural thing in the world.

Slipping from the bed she stood beside it, looking down at Regina who had now shifted, sitting up.

“Is everything alright my dear?”

Emma swallowed and then dropped to one knee.

“It will be if you say yes.”

Regina’s brows scrunched before the woman in front of her swallowed hard before grasping out for Regina’s hand.

“I… I kinda didn’t plan on doing this naked as the day I was born but hey, this is me - when have I ever followed the rules, right?”

Regina merely nodded, her breath caught in her throat as the woman on her knee in front of her seemed to now be having a mini crises in confidence.

“I mean I don’t even have… shit! I don’t have…”

She didn’t have a ring!

Emma began to pale as Regina felt her heart spasm in her chest.

Quick as lightening she stood and was soon dropping to one knee beside Emma.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this naked either, Miss Swan but it appears you really do rub off on me in the best of ways.”

Emma grinned; taking Regina’s hand in hers again.

“I love you, Gina. And I want forever with you. You’re not just just my happy ever after you’re my happy beginning too.”

Regina managed to swallow down a slight sob as Emma ran her thumb across her knuckles.

“Since I met you my life’s changed for the better. You are my everything and I can’t envisage a life if you’re not beside me. I’m kneeling on my left knee, like a proper knight, because I will always love you, respect you, honour you and protect you as if I were a knight in your kingdom. You are my queen, Gina and all this knight wants is you. Will you marry me?”

Regina’s mouth opened and closed.

Emma began to fidget.

“I don’t have a ring. I’ve screwed this up already haven’t I? You deserve a ring. You deserve the very best. I haven’t even asked Henry for permission yet. I’m naked and mumbling and I have no-“

Emma felt Regina’s lips crash over hers again before she could continue.

Slowly lips parted as breaths continued to mingle.

“Emma Swan. Darling I love you. You saved me. From myself. From my demons. You’ve saved me a thousand times over, of course I’ll marry you, a thousand times yes! You’ve given me hope and a family. You make me feel so safe and so loved. If you weren’t going to propose I would have!  Despite our.. lack of clothing.”

Emma grinned before placing a chaste kiss on Regina’s warm, inviting lips. Finally she moved back only marginally.

“Oh thank god. Can we just pretend I’m about to put a ring on your finger with this hand?!” and Emma waved her hand in the air.

Regina smirked.

“Miss Swan. I’m not done with you yet my dear. You can put your hand on any part of me that pleases you. In fact, I demand you do.”

Emma pulled Regina up and lifted her gently, firm thighs now wrapped around her waist.

“Well we do have to celebrate somehow…”

Regina pushed her wet core further into Emma’s toned stomach.

“Ooo the wifey-to-be is so demanding!” Emma whispered as Regina’s hands found Emma cheeks, pulling her into a fevered kiss before her lips found Emma’s ear.

“You have no ideas how demanding I can be….”

Emma began to shake with anticipation as Regina bit down on her lobe, her tongue then darting out to sooth the sting.

“Take me to the bathroom Miss Swam. I believe I owe you a shower.”

Chapter Text

“Emma.”

Emma mumbled something, her lips still attached to Regina’s collarbone, her nose brushing lightly against the warm, soft skin.

There was something about Regina that always managed to heighten Emma’s senses; especially her sense of smell and taste although as her pale fingers gripped the Mayors slender waist she quickly acknowledged her sense of touch was also on fire, thanks to the brunette.

“Emma!”

So lost in everything that was Regina, Emma missed the slightly panicked tone in Regina’s voice.

In fact, she was so mistaken she misinterpreted the panic for agitation.

“I’m getting… there…” Emma muttered, as her mouth moved down Regina’s chest, a tongue flickering over one hard nipple as her fingers skirted behind the brunette, finding the Mayors delicious ass.

“EMMA!”

Finally Emma broke away, her eyes now on Regina.

“Huh?”

Regina’s face was pale.

“I thought you liked me -“

Regina was now shaking her head as an unsteady arm lifted up, an equally shaking finger pointing past Emma’s head.

Emma’s brows scrunched.

“Get. It. Out. Of. Here.”

Regina looked as though she was about to pass out as Emma turned.

“Get what-“

Emma stopped.

“Holy fuck.”

Quickly turning to face her fiancée, Emma realised two things.

1. Clearly Regina had a fear of spiders.
2. Clearly Regina was under the misapprehension that Emma didn’t.

Without a third thought, Emma jumped, barrelling into Regina as they both stumbled back towards the sink.

“Yeah. That’s a no. I’m not-“

Regina was now clinging onto Emma’s shoulders from behind, managing to place Emma between herself and the spider that had now slowly started to crawl along the wall towards the closed door.

“Emma. Get rid of it.”

Emma turned.

“Are you serious? That thing is so huge it probably has its own zip code. There’s no way in hell I’m touching… that.”

The spider, as if hearing every word, temporarily dropped from the door, resulting in a loud scream from Regina.

“It’s... Fuck.” Emma was now pushing Regina further backwards as the spider managed to right itself, no doubt casting a small web to stop itself from falling to the floor.

“Kill it.” Regina then screamed, reaching out blindly towards the shower, pulling at the first thing she could find, shoving it into Emma’s chest.

“You want me to kill it with your apple shower gel?” Emma shrieked as the spider began to speed up, now reaching the door handle where it paused.

Regina could feel every beat of her heart as she reached the other way, thankful their bathrobes were close by. Slowly she pulled on her red one, her eyes never leaving the spider.

Finally she replied.

“Just… I don’t know… oh my god.”

Emma thought Regina was about to cry.

“I can’t kill it, it’s cruel. Besides, what if that’s the baby? Can you imagine the wrath that mom and dad spider would inflict if we killed their first born?!”

Emma was babbling. She knew she was babbling but it was either that or join Regina who now had tears falling down her cheeks.

“Then capture it!” she almost shrieked as she threw Emma’s blue bathrobe at her.

“You’re worried it’ll see us naked? Seriously?!”

Regina slapped Emma’s behind as the Sheriff attempted to pull her robe on without losing eye contact with the spider.

Once again Regina’s hand then stretched out, pulling at the first thing her fingers came across before she held it up to Emma.

“Yeah, I’m not capturing it with your sponge Regina. How the hell do I capture it using that?”

Regina threw the sponge into the bath, still shaking as the spider moved an inch before pausing.

“The asshole is playing with us. It’s taken the door handle hostage. We can’t get out…” Emma gulped as she suddenly felt strong fingers on her shoulders.

“Emma. Please. You’re supposed to be our Saviour. For gods sake stop babbling and for the love of god get -“

The spider fell again, clearly toying with the fearful couple as Emma did something she never thought she would do.

She sidestepped and moved her pregnant fiancée in front of her, using her as a shield.

“What… seriously?!” Regina barked as Emma shuddered, her eyes on the spider that was now on the floor.

“Fuckers coming for us. He’s watching us with all six eyes.” She whispered into Regina’s ear as the spider began to sidle towards them.

“Eight eyes!” Regina squawked as she jumped. Literally jumped. Into Emma’s robed arms.

Thankful the blonde had good reflexes, Regina’s relief soon died when the spider paused, lifting one leg in the air before replacing it with another.

“Shit, are we on ‘So you think you can dance?!’ It’s like it wants a dance off….” Emma garbled as Regina buried her face into Emma’s neck.

Slowly Emma nodded towards the bathroom cabinet. “Open it Gina.”

Regina did as was instructed, as the mirror on the cabinet hit the light, casting a mini searchlight into the spider who seemed to turn from side to side.

“Some spiders have median eyes that can detect polarised light. They use this ability to navigate while hunting.”

Emma nearly dropped Regina there and then.

“That’s not helping, Regina. You trying to say Webster over there is hunting us?!”

Regina sighed.

“Darling. Please. It’s probably more fearful of us than we are of it.”

“You capture it then.” Emma muttered back as Regina seemed to mould into her even more.

“I can’t. They terrify me.”

Emma looked into the open cabinet realising there was nothing she could use - unless she threw some unopened bottles of pills it’s way - she glanced around the bathroom looking for anything else that could help them.

“Yeah well they don’t exactly give me a warm and fuzzy feeling either, Gina.”

Finally her eyes landed on a loofa.

Could she use that as a makeshift sword?

Was she seriously contemplating doing that?

What the fuck was wrong with her!

“Do you have any of those bath bombs I like?” Emma heard herself ask the woman who was still cowering in her arms. Finally the brunette lifted her head up, her eyes shooting back to the spider before looking back at Emma.

“Bath bombs? You want to take a bath at a time like this?!” She hissed as Emma rolled her eyes.

“What I want is to use them as a bowling ball. I could maybe… somehow… roll one towards it, you know? Try and make a path for us to run through?”

Regina couldn’t believe she was even contemplating Emma’s idea.

“There may be some…” Regina then stopped herself.

“What? No! That’s a terrible idea. It’ll make it more agitated and it could run right towards us! It’s a house spider. They can run up to half a meter per second!”

Emma wasn’t sure how far away the spider was so she didn’t even attempt to work out that math because equations were not her strong suit. A memory suddenly flashed into her mind, one of a math exam and the stupid questions they always asked…

“If Emma and Regina are standing six meters away from a spider, that can run up to half a meter per second, how long until the spider reaches Emma’s very bare toes?”

Emma felt nauseous at the thought of the furry eight legged demon reaching her toes as she shifted. The spider, mimicking her, began to sidestep.

“Fuck it’s copying me. Is this a real spider? Or a demon spider? Do they even exist? Cause normal spiders don’t act this way, right?!”

Regina was taking deep breaths as she finally managed to look up into green eyes.

“I don’t stick around long enough to watch them, my dear. People with arachnophobia don’t take their sweet ass time fucking analysing spiders, Emma.”

Emma gulped before she tilted her head.

“I can’t believe the former Evil Queen has arachnophobia. Jesus, all Snow had to do was throw a tarantula at you and-“

Regina shuddered, her grip on Emma’s shoulders now becoming rather painful.

“Yes well, who would have thought a former bailbonds person who tracked down dubious individuals for a living also happens to be afraid of an 8-legged fiend.”

Emma swallowed.

Regina had a point.

“You know I didn’t always have a fear. I don’t think I did anyway, but when I was nine years old I had to share a room with a brat called Angela who had an aquarium in her room that housed a tarantula called Trevor. He escaped. She didn’t tell me. I woke up to find the fucker on my face.”

Regina couldn’t help a small laugh escape her lips before the image of a tarantula on Emma’s face suddenly came into view.

Regina immediately felt sick.

“I can’t move. If I move, it moves. And the more it moves the closer it gets… oh god.”

Emma’s voice was now hoarse as the spider began to sidestep, darting towards the bathtub before it slowly began to creep up the side.

“I don’t want a shower anymore” Emma husked as she slowly stepped to the opposite side, Regina still in her arms.

“Emma, the door.”

Emma momentarily contemplated throwing Regina at the spider so she could make a run for it but then immediately felt guilty for even considering that as an option.

Get a grip, Swan!

All of a sudden the spider dropped from the side of the bath and began to edge towards Emma.

“It’s going for my feet! Fuck. Gina. Unlock the door. Reach out….”

Regina was reaching, Emma holding her securely to her front as the Mayors fingers began to scrape at the lock. Finally it unlatched as the spider began to run at full speed towards them across the tiled floor.

“It’s fucking Usain Bolt!” Emma shirked as Regina pulled at the door, finally opening it wide as Emma turned and ran through the open space into the sanctuary of their bedroom as Regina jumped from her shaking arms.

“What’s going on?”

Both turned to see a sleepy looking Henry in his Captain America PJs standing in the doorway, rubbing his hand across his face.

Regina pulled at her robe, so thankfull she had the mind to cover both her and Emma during the ordeal, because Henry seeing the both of them naked would have been one hell of an ordeal non of them would ever have gotten over.

“Henry! Thank god. Please come here.”

Henry began to wander across the carpet on his bare feet as Emma stuck out her arm.

“Gina are you for real? We can’t let Henry anywhere near that monster!”

Henry paused, suddenly more awake.

“You have a monster in your bathroom?” He asked, his face scrunched as Regina shook her head.

“It’s worse than that. It’s… a spider.”

Henry began to laugh as he shrugged his shoulders and walked towards the door.

“Kid! No! Regina?!”

Regina took a steps back and walked calmly towards the window, opening it slightly.

“What’s…”

Emma watched as Henry vanished before quickly reappearing.

“You… Please tell me you aren’t - holding - it?!” Emma almost shrieked as Henry grinned, his hands clearly clasped around something.

“Wanna see?”

“The fuck I do!” Emma managed to rasp as she watched Henry calmly walk over to the window, letting the spider free.

Finally he turned.

“So you don’t like spiders either, Ma?”

Emma was still pale as she stepped from one foot to the other, her hands clasping her robe tightly to her body.

Thank god Regina had the sense to hand it to her!

“Um. Well… no. I mean… I’m kinda indifferent to them.”

Regina let out a laugh.

“Indifferent? Henry your Ma used me as a human shield.”

Henry began to laugh as Emma attempted to stand straight.

“Yeah well, I didn’t see you welcome it with open arms either.”

Regina shrugged.

“I’ve never hidden my… dislike of spiders. Henry has always been my knight in shining armour, haven’t you dear?”

Henry beamed, so did Emma.

“Nice one kid. Clearly it runs in the family!”

Regina couldn’t hide her snort.

“Yes, because you were such a brave and courageous knight back there.”

Emma huffed as she walked over to the still open window, peering outside before she turned.

“I held you didn’t I?”

Regina quirked a brow.

“I jumped on you. You didn’t really have much of a choice, Miss Swan.”

Emma shrugged attempting to look nonchalant as she finally pointed to the bathroom.

“It wasn’t so bad. Not really. I’ve seen bigger. I would have gotten around to it, I was just steeling myself.”

Regina took one small step forwards, a smirk appearing across her face.

“Oh really? Then you won’t mind that the spider is on your shoulder.”

Emma jumped six feet in the air and screamed.

Like the nine year old girl who’d found Trevor napping on her face all those years ago.

Regina and Henry let out a laugh as Emma sank to her knees before quickly righting herself, jumping back to her feet.

Before she could respond Henry’s voice filled the room.

“One thing I don’t get? You both have magic. Why didn’t you just poof into another room or make the spider disappear?”

Emma looked at Regina who seemed to contemplate Henry’s question before she steadily replied.

“Of course we considered it Henry. But all magic comes with a price, remember?”

Henry slowly nodded before shrugging, turning to the door he made his way out of the room back to his own bedroom.

“Night moms. Glad you were both wearing robes otherwise… yeah.”

Henry then let out a chuckle that slowly vanished as Emma stepped towards Regina.

“You didn’t consider magic at all, did you?”

Regina swallowed and turned to face the blonde.

“Did you?”

Emma bit on her bottom lip before sighing.

“No. Never crossed my mind once.”

Regina chuckled.

“Me neither.”

Emma pulled at the brunettes robe.

“I kinda really don’t want that shower now though. King Kong of spiders has totally ruined it for me.”

Regina nodded, her eyes moving instead to the bed.

Emma’s eyes followed. A grin appearing on her face.

Regina pulled at Emma before she waved her hand in the air, twice.

“Did you just use a silencing spell, Madam Mayor?”

Regina smirked.

“Why did you wave your hand twice?” the blonde then asked, as she quickly moved to close the open window.

“Because I also used a spell to keep out spiders.”

Emma’s mouth gaped.

“Seriously? You can do that?”

Regina looked slightly insulted.

“Emma. I can use magic for whatever I wish.”

Emma pointed to the window.

“Just this room or the whole house?”

Regina beckoned Emma over with her finger as she slowly undid the belt around her robe.

“The entire house. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before.”

She then pulled Emma into her, lips seeking their favourite place, her fingers opening Emma’s robe as Emma quickly leaned back.

“Can you do the station too? And maybe, don’t tell David or Mulan? Cause… well, I don’t want them to know.”

Regina chuckled, her lips hovering over Emma’s.

“My lips are sealed.”

Chapter Text

As soon as Emma and Regina entered the kitchen the morning after what Emma was now coining the “Spider Scandal” they immediately knew their beloved son had filled Zelena in on the evenings events.

Because Henry seemingly told his aunt everything.

For the second time, Regina found herself ridiculously relieved she’d had the sense to use the bathrobes the night before, because the teasing that would have likely ensued courtesy of Zelena would have been unbearable. That and the many, many naked puns that would have left her sisters lips.

“Good morning…. Family.” Zelena replied rather cheerfully.

“I trust you both slept well?” She then asked, a small smirk appearing on her face as she glanced at Henry who was finishing his orange juice.

“I hear your evening was crawling with fun?”

Emma actually shuddered which only propelled Zelena further.

“Be a dear, Henry and look at my phone? I appear to have lost connection to the World Wide Web.”

Henry grinned as Emma rolled her eyes.

World Wide Web?

And so it begins….

“And while you’re at it, can you favourite some websites for me? There’s one in particular about insect phobias I’m interested in.”

Regina frowned. A part of her wished for the naked jokes instead before Henry’s beaming face came into view and she mentally scolded herself. He would never forgive them for that.

“And maybe later you can show me how to do a webcast? I’d quite like to do a ‘Welcome to Storybrooke’ segment on residents and their unusual fears. Mal is afraid of heights, can you believe that? I wonder if she closes her eyes when she flies through the sky as a dragon?!”

Henry chuckled as Regina held up a hand.

“I think that’s enough, Zelena.”

Zelena shrugged, “I don’t have spider senses, like Peter whatshisface. I literally have no idea what you mean, Reggie.”

Emma then mumbled ‘Parker’ as the redhead pushed two plates towards the blonde and the brunette.

Emma looked down before a gasp escaped her lips.

“Seriously?” she hissed as Regina’s eyes glanced down.

There, on both plates, were slices of toast and jam, only the jam had been stencilled rather delicately showing images of the symbol worn on Spider-Man’s chest.

“Amusing.” Regina retorted, slowly pushing the plate away from her.

“I thought so.” Zelena hummed as she glanced at Emma who was still staring at the toast.

“I knew about my sisters little… phobia… but you, Emma? I never knew you were such a pansy too! There’s me thinking you were infallible!”

Emma finally pushed the plate away before her eyes lifted to meet Zelena’s.

“I’d rather face an ogre with a hangover. Or all seven dwarfs and my mother as they do a rendition of ‘Some day my prince will come’” Emma muttered as Regina took her hand and gave it a squeeze before her gaze landed on her sister.

“Emma actually moved me away from the spider, picked me up and held me in her arms.”

Zelena tilted her head slightly before smiling.

“Of course she did, her Saviour complex didn’t totally let you down then!”

Emma beamed at her girl- fiancee! Her fiancee as she protected Emma’s reputation in front of her probing sister. Even though she had blatantly lied, which somehow made Emma feel even more loved.

Henry stood and stretched.

“I don’t get what the big deal is. I’ve always wanted a tarantula.”

Emma and Regina both shook their heads in unison as Zelena let out a cackle.

“Perhaps for your birthday, although you’ll have to keep it at mine. I can’t imagine your mothers wanting it anywhere near here if what happened last night is anything to go by!”

Henry smiled and picked up is backpack.

“Do tell me me how you spotted the spider in the first place?”

Emma was about to open her mouth when Regina’s hand suddenly covered it.

“I saw it and asked for Emma’s assistance.”

Zelena quirked a brow.

“Are you certain Emma wasn’t already assisting you, Regina? I believe the face off occurred in your bathroom?”

Emma recalled exactly what she had been doing at the time and had Regina not put a stop to her ministrations she would have definitely assisted the Mayor in reaching her first orgasm of the evening as her tongue had delighted in tasting Regina’s nipple before she’d made the decision to continue downwards.

Emma’s face was now blazing, Regina could feel the heat escape onto the palm of her hand as she slowly removed it from the blondes lips.

“I’d hardly call it a face of Zelena.” Regina finally replied as Emma nodded in agreement.

“No? So you didn’t have a confrontation with a teensy weeny housespider?”

Regina heard the snort escape Emma’s nose almost immediately as the blonde then added a huff for good measure.

“That thing was not fucking small. It was the size of my hand. Easily.”

Henry began to laugh as Regina shot Emma that look.

“Emma. Language. Henry, don’t laugh at your mother. Phobias are very real!”

Zelena was now cackling.

“Such a good thing you had Henry on hand to capture the spider that was bigger than your hand, Sheriff. Especially considering my nephews hands are ickle compared to yours.”

Henry, sensing the slight change in mood as his Ma began to turn a nice shade of scarlet decided now would be the prefect time to interrupt.

“Aunty Z is taking me to school today.”

Regina frowned.

“I haven’t made you your lunch.”

Zelena waved a hand.

“Don’t worry dear sister, I did.”

Regina immediately took Henry’s backpack from his hands, peeping inside to retrieve his Star Wars lunchbox.

“I’m offended, Reggie. Don’t you trust me to make Henry a nutritious lunch?!”

Regina removed the lid.

“Do I trust you?” she scoffed, as she retrieved two chocolate bars from the box, placing them on the table.

“Whatever gave you that idea?” she continued as her hand came across a bottle of full fat pop and a cheese string.

“I mean, you are my sister.” Regina’s voice was level as she removed a pop tart next, placing it next to the soda can and cheese string.

“One would like to think you share some of my common sense genes.”

Finally the brunette reached further and pulled out a packet of chips.

“Really, Zelena? You think this-“ and Regina waved her hand across the table, “this is is a balanced, nutritious lunch?! Henry doesn’t drink pop, and where is the fruit? Or the wholemeal pittas? Where is the salad? Honestly…”

Zelena bit her lip and sighed, shooting an apologetic look at Henry before she reached for the pop tart.

“Blueberry - see? There’s your fruit.” she ventured as Emma stifled a giggle.

“And really Reggie, what child eats wholemeal pitta? They taste like crap.”

Zelena then pointed at the packet of chips.

“Those chips are cheese and onion, so there’s your salad. In a way.”

Zelena shrugged as she then nodded at the cheese string.

“I didn’t expect Henry to actually eat that, I told him to open it and throw it at Nick when the little miscreant decides to tease him about his crush on Violet again.”

Now Henry’s face turned scarlet as Zelena continued, unaware of Henry’s discomfort.

“And chocolate is actually good for you - it reduces blood pressure!”

Emma couldn’t help the laugh escape as Regina shot her a warning look before picking up the chocolate.

“Henry is a child. He certainly doesn’t have high blood pressure for heavens sake but I do, thanks to you and this!”

Because the thought of her darling little prince crushing on a girl would definitely give Regina high blood pressure. He was growing up way, way too fast.

“I don’t have a crush.” Henry was now muttering as Emma caught his eye and gave him a wink before she placed a hand on Regina’s shoulder.

“Gina, she was just trying to help.”

Emma’s voice was soft and calm and Regina immediately felt guilty. Looking back at her sister she sighed before her eyes landed on Henry who was now trying to smuggle the pop tart back into his backpack.

Regina removed it from his hands.

“Very well. You can keep one bar of chocolate and the chips but i’m making you a sandwich and you can take an apple! And no throwing cheese strings! I don’t even know why we have those in the fridge. They are unhealthy and-“

“And I like them?” Emma interjected as Regina rolled her eyes.

“You would!”

Emma picked up the cheese string.

“They contain calcium. See? Says so right here on the side of the packet!”

And Emma shoved the offending packaging under Regina’s nose as she motioned to the pop tart with her free hand. Grinning, Henry nodded and placed it in his rucksack quickly, Zelena stepping in front of him to shield him from the mayors view.

Regina snorted, her eyes back on Henry who had managed to extract the pop tart from the table and back into his backpack successfully.

Mission accomplished, Zelena grinned and high-fived Henry.

Regina chuckled to herself. She surmised one pop tart wouldn’t hurt.

Once the pair had left, Regina placed the now cold toast into the garbage before turning to face Emma.

“Eggs? Pancakes? Both?

Emma was about to say ‘both’ when her stomach suddenly lurched. Within seconds she was bolting towards the downstairs toilet.

“Emma?!”

Regina followed close by, pausing at the closed doorway as her fiancée seemingly emptied her stomach into the toilet.

Opening the door she saw Emma finally lift her head from the toilet, flushing as she did so.

“Are you feeling unwell?”

Regina was behind her now, rubbing her hand up and down Emma’s back in a similar way the blonde had done when Regina was the one being sick. Not that she’d had morning sickness for a while now.

“I feel alright. Just… queasy. I don’t think I want any breakfast baby. I can’t stomach it right now.

Regina frowned. Emma never said no to breakfast.

Ever.

“Perhaps you could try some toast? Buttered toast calmed my stomach when I had morning sickness?”

Emma swallowed. Even the thought of toast made her feel sick.

“No, I think I’ll just have a tea if that’s okay? I mean, I appreciate it helped you but I don’t have morning sickness.”

Regina nodded and walked back into the kitchen, Emma closely following behind.

“My back hurts too.

Regina glanced up, a smirk appearing on her face.

“Well, we were rather - adventurous - between the sheets last night my love. Perhaps you pulled something?”

Emma couldn’t contain her grin, memories of some of the positions she had found herself in the night before flowing through her mind.

“Yeah. You’re probably right.”

Emma had decided she needed to pay Neil a visit at the hospital. Regina wasn’t too keen on the idea at first but Emma explained it was her job to follow up on Neil’s status considering he had, in essence, been put there by her own mother.

Of course the main reason she wanted to visit was to see exactly how much Neil did remember.

“I won’t tell him anything about Henry, Gina. You have my word, but I can’t dodge him forever.”

So here she was, waiting patiently for Dr. Whale to arrive before she entered Neil’s assigned room.

She’d stopped by the pharmacy that was housed in the hospital first, picking up something for her upset stomach, relieved Peter Piper didn’t also do shifts at the hospital as well as the local store. She’s taken a quick swig from the bottle, grimacing at not only the bright pink colour but the taste as the liquid coated her throat.

Whale finally appeared, immediately noticing the pink bottle she was holding in her hand.

“Please tell me you’re here officially, Sheriff? I have too many members of staff off sick with a flu bug, so I really can’t spare anyone to check you over.”

Emma held up her free hand.

“Hey, relax Doc. I’m here on police business. In a way. I want to see the guy who was admitted, the one Zelena brought in. His name is Neil.”

Whale nodded, flicking through his clipboard.

“Ah yes. Admitted with a concussion. Arrived in a rather catatonic state but is now awake, although we’ve decided to keep him under observation for a few days because he appears to be struggling with certain things.”

Emma squinted at Whales clipboard before looking back up.

“What kind of things?”

Whale tapped his pen against the paper clipped to his board.

“Well, his memory for one thing. He had no idea what his own name was until Mr Gold paid him a visit.”

Now Emma was intrigued.

“Oh? And what else did Mr. Gold tell him?”

Whale shrugged.

“I’ve no idea Sheriff. I don’t make it my business to hover when someone has a visitor. I do know the atmosphere appeared a little… tense… when I entered to check on the patients vitals not long after Mr Gold left.”

Emma nodded.

“So he doesn’t know what happened? How he came to be here I mean?”

Whale shook his head.

“He has no idea your mother put him here if that’s what you are referring to, Sheriff.”

Emma rolled her bottom lip into her mouth.

“And I certainly haven’t told him, either. Nobody here will. We have a very high regard for Snow. If she - did what Zelena said she did - then she clearly had good reason to.”

Emma wondered if Rumple had told Neil. For some reason she had feeling he hadn’t.

“Ok well, lead the way.”

Whale nodded as Emma followed him down the corridors, barely paying attention to her surroundings until she came across a closed door that had a shiny gold plaque.

“You’re having a laugh!” she spluttered as Whale stopped and turned.

“Oh, you saw that?”

Emma pointed her finger at the plaque.

“Swan Suite? Is this a joke?”

Whale grinned.

“I told you I’d name a wing of this hospital after you, Sheriff. Sadly the Mayor threatened my budget if I did that so this was the next best thing. We keep this room free in case you ever need it, you know, with your track record.”

Emma snorted.

“Not funny, Whale. I want that plaque removing. Now.”

Whale appeared deep in thought before a smile appeared.

“Are you certain that’s what you want, Sheriff? Wouldn’t it be nice to have this room be the very one your girlfriend finally gives birth in?”

Emma was about to correct him when she realised nobody knew that Regina was actually now her fiancée. She was also about to disagree before Whales words finally resonated.

Regina could have this room, the Swan Suite, when she gave birth to their child.

“Fine.”

Whale smirked.

“Excellent. Now, before I leave may I enquire about that.”

Whale looked at the bottle she was still holding.

“Just an upset stomach. Nothing to worry about.”

Whale nodded, “and how is the Mayor? Is she suffering from morning sickness?

Emma shook her head, “no, not anymore.”

Whale pondered Emma’s response before chuckling to himself.

“Perhaps you’re suffering from sympathy pains.”

As Emma finally walked towards the door to Neil’s room it suddenly opened and out walked a rather emotional looking Belle.

“Is everything alright, Belle?” Emma asked gently as the brunette paused before sitting down on one of the seats situated along the corridor.

“I honestly don’t know, Emma. I came here because Rumple saw Neil last night and things didn’t go exactly how he had imagined they would. I hoped I could perhaps talk to Neil but he’s very…”

Belle stopped and blushed.

“He’s very, what?” Emma asked immediately, not liking where this was possibly going.

Belle seemed nervous.

“Did he make you feel uncomfortable?” Emma asked, taking a seat beside Belle.

“A little. He…”

Belle stopped again before glancing back at the room she had just left.

“He can’t hear you, Belle. You can tell me. I won’t say anything to Rumple if that’s what you’re afraid of?”

Bella suddenly clasped Emma’s hand.

“Please don’t tell him. He may have wanted to reconnect with his son but if he found out… Neil propositioned me… I don’t think he would be too happy.”

Emma wasn’t happy.

How dare Neil make Belle feel this way!

Once an asshole. Always an asshole.

“He’s an asshole.” Emma muttered under her breath as Belle began to fidget.

“He didn’t know I was in a relationship with Rumple at first, but when I told him he laughed at me, said I was too young for an old man like Rumple and then had the nerve to grab my arm, trying to pull me over to him. I managed to break free but then he asked me out for drinks, said he could show me a better time. Honestly, Emma, I don’t know what to tell Rumple. I only came here to try and fix things.”

Emma was now seething. Clearly Neil hadn’t changed a great deal over the years and was still a lecherous dick.

“Belle, you need to tell Rumple the truth about what happened here today.”

Bella nodded.

“I know. It’s just difficult. Neil is his son! I can’t believe he would proposition me after knowing I was in a relationship with his father.”

Emma edged closer to Belle.

“So Rumple told him he was his father?”

Belle nodded.

“Yes, although I don’t really know what happened - only that Rumple came home in an anxious mood and said very little, only that Neil was having issues remembering things and that he didn’t react very well to the news that he was his father.”

Emma nodded. That explained the tense atmosphere Whale described earlier.

“You did a nice thing today, Belle. You came to try and help both Rumple and Neil, I’m only sorry the prodigal son treated you the way he did. Leave him to me.”

Bell looked a little stricken.

“Don’t worry, I come unarmed. I won’t be hitting him over the head with a frying pan like Snow did.”

Emma then grinned and was pleased to see Belle visibly relax, a small smile playing on her lips.

“There’s a lot more to Neil, isn’t there?”

Emma sighed. Belle was and would always be, extremely astute.

“Yes there is and I will tell both you and Rumple when the time is right.”

Emma had given it some thought although she was still uncertain what Regina wanted. Surprisingly she wasn’t worried about Rumple and Belle becoming a part of Henry’s life.

Neil was the issue.

She didn’t want him anywhere near Henry, and that was where the problem stemmed.

Belle nodded and stood.

“Thank you, Emma. Please be careful in there.” she motioned to the closed door with her head. “Neil is a very… perturbed young man.”

Emma snorted.

“Oh I can handle Neil. Believe me.”

Slowly Emma opened the door, a part of her hoping Neil had fallen asleep, giving her an excuse the close the door and retrace her steps. Unfortunately he was very much awake although his face was hidden behind a newspaper.

“Change your mind did you babe. Can’t say I’m surprised.”

His voice was the same. Emma wasn’t certain why she expected it to sound any different.

His head was still behind the newspaper. Emma could see the front page story looking back at her, and immediately noticed an old picture of Regina in the corner. The headline read “Re-election Approaches: is Storybrooke in the mood for more Mills?”

A smile tugged on Emma’s lips. Of course Regina would get re-elected. Although they hadn’t really discussed it, with Regina being pregnant Emma wasn’t even certain she would want to run again.

Finally the newspaper lowered and there he was: Neil, sporting a black eye and a very bruised cheek.

“You’re not Belle.”

Emma tried not to roll her eyes.

She failed.

“I see you haven’t lost your powers of observation.”

Neil folded the paper and placed it on his lap.

“No, I can see just fine.”

He then proceeded to look Emma up and down, clearly liking what he saw.

“I am blessed today. Two visits from two pretty ladies. Who might you be?”

Emma considered her answer. Was he toying with her or did he really not know who she was? Her lie detector was eerily quiet.

Well, if he was toying with her, two could play at the game.

“I’m the local Sheriff.”

Neil’s brows shot up as he did a mock whistle.

“No shit? You’re not what I expected a Sheriff to look like.” His eyes began to wander again, resting on her chest before his eyes looked back up.

“Nice wardrobe, Sheriff.”

Emma took another step closer to Neil then paused.

“Do you have a lot of experience with Sheriffs?” she asked calmly, wondering if Neil’s life of crime had continued after he vanished from her life.

Neil looked momentarily confused before he shrugged.

“Honestly? No idea. I have amnesia. Only just found out recently what my name was and that I have a pop who’s estranged. I met his girlfriend just before you came in. He’s one lucky bastard.”

Emma didn’t know what to make of Neil but one thing he hadn’t lost other the years was his cockiness.

“Your father and Belle are in a stable relationship. You’d do well to remember that.”

Emma’s tone was level and to the point

Neil shrugged.

“Is this the part where you tell me they’re deliriously in love? Cause I don’t buy it. Besides, if he is my father she can trade him in for a younger model.”

Emma felt like throttling Neil there and then and it took all her willpower to refrain.

Instead she decided to direct the conversation elsewhere.

“If he is your father?

Neil picked the paper back up.

“I don’t remember shit, Sheriff. So who’s to say he is my father? I only have his word for it. Hell, I didn’t even know I was in Storybrooke until the nurse gave me this mornings paper.”

He then pointed to the “Storybrooke Gazette” title on the newspaper before his eyes fell on the photo of Regina.

“I will say this though. Your town is full of hot women. First my dads apparent girlfriend who’s the local librarian. Then you, a sexy Sheriff and now I see you have a lady Mayor.”

He pointed to the photo before continuing.

“I wouldn’t kick her out of bed for eating crackers, if you catch my drift.”

He then smirked as Emma pulled the paper from his hands, rolling it into a tube.

“Talk about my fiancée like that again and I’ll give you another black eye to match the one you’ve already got.”

Neil’s smile immediately dropped.

“She… the Mayor is your fiancée?!”

Emma grinned.

“Well holy shit. There’s me thinking this small town was narrow minded. Although, seriously Sheriff… what’s wrong with the men here?”

Neil then pushed himself forwards.

”Clearly you haven’t had a good time with someone of the opposite sex cause if you did you wouldn’t be with her. I’m more than happy to volunteer my services.”

Emma suddenly felt sick.

“Thanks but it’s a hard pass. I wouldn’t  touch you with a ten foot pole.” and with that she smacked him square in the face with the rolled up newspaper before letting it drop to the floor.

Neil suddenly frowned.

“I was reading that. Jesus, relax. Can’t you take a joke?”

Emma edged closer to Neil, noticing how swollen his face was. She mentally thanked her mother and her actions again.

“So how did I get here anyway? Is that why you’re here? Cause if you want to take my statement you’re out of luck. I don’t even remember entering your town let alone the hospital.”

Emma watched Neil closely. She knew his facial tics, how his left eye would twitch whenever he felt anxious, how he nibbled on his bottom lip when he was contemplating telling a lie.

She knew him, knew his tells and right now he appeared sincere.

Emma considered her response. She could lie, but even with amnesia Neil would learn the truth sooner rather than later, there was no getting away from it and a part of her was intrigued to see how he reacted when faced with the truth.

No matter how obscure it would sound.

“Snow White smacked you in the face with a frying pan that belonged to Granny, you know, the old lady from Red Riding Hood?”

Emma continued to watched as Neil’s mouth began to slowly open.

“Little Red Riding Hood then called me, and I came to the diner to find you flat out on the floor with Rumplestiltskin and Maleficent hovering over your body.”

Neil cocked his head and rolled his eyes.

“I then asked the Wicked Witch of the West to transport you directly to the hospital and you’ve been under the care of Dr Whale, also known as Victor Frankenstein, ever since.”

Neil finally let out a laugh.

“I said I had amnesia, Sheriff. I’m not fucking crazy though I should thank you for making me laugh, I don’t recall the last time I did.”

Emma shrugged and relented.

“You took a nasty fall outside the local diner. Local residents found you and an ambulance was called.”

Neil closed his eyes. Was he trying to remember?

Slowly he opened them.

“Sounds like something I’d do. I think. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to get some rest. I slept like shit last night after the crazy old guy came in and told me he was my father.”

Emma shrugged.

“I’m more than happy to leave, but I’d like to know what your intentions are once you get released from here.”

Neil seemed momentarily lost in his own thoughts before he answered

“I suppose I should get to know my pop, right? Maybe some things will come back to me. I don’t live here apparently so maybe if I stick around long enough I’ll remember why I came here in the first place because I have a nagging feeling I came to find someone or something.”

Emma’s heart was beating fast as Neil shrugged again.

“Fuck if I know. I keep dreaming of a yellow car. I don’t even know if it’s my car or a figment of my imagination.”

Emma had heard enough, relieved she had driven to the hospital in the cruiser, the car she would be commandeering from now on. She would not hesitate in parking her own in the privacy of their garage as soon as she could.

“Anyway, nice talking to you Sheriff. Tell Belle she’s welcome to visit me again anytime.”

Emma had enough.

Slowly she moved so she was hovering over Neil, who actually looked a little worried.

Slowly she reached out one finger, tapping it on Neil’s forehead, taking pleasure in his slight wince.

“Listen to me very carefully. Belle is off limits, do you hear me? I hope that brain of yours is taking this in because this is the only warning I’m going to give you. Leave her the hell alone or suffer the consequences.”

Emma then removed her hand as Neil frowned.

“Are you threatening me?”

Emma smirked.

“Not at all, merely looking after my town and its residents.”

Neil shifted.

“What did you say your name was again?”

Emma pointed to the badge on her belt buckle before she turned to leave.

“I didn’t. Sheriff is just fine.”

Regina couldn’t concentrate on work, her mind drifting from one thing to another, notably Emma’s impromptu proposal the night before which sent a feeling of warmth, tenderness and love around her entire being before the feeling slowly ebbed away when the thought of Emma visiting Neil crashed into her, shattering the happiness.

Neil.

For a moment she wished she could speak to her alternate self; she was the only one who would truly understand how she was feeling, the only one who was also having to put up with this part of Emma’s past that had decided to come back and haunt them both.

So focussed on her inner turmoil she didn’t notice the door open as her secretly poked her head around the door.

“Madam Mayor? I have Miss Page here to see you, if you can spare a moment before your eleven o’clock?”

Regina looked at the clock on the wall,  noticing it was a quarter too.

“Of course, show her in.”

Emma was back at the station, still trying to make some sense from her quick face to face with Neil. Not once did she detect that he was lying. He appeared to genuinely suffering from amnesia and she wasn’t entirely certain what she should do with that.

Rumple and Belle should be told the truth, of course, but that meant Neil would also likely find out and right now he didn’t even remember he had a past with her.

So lost in her thoughts she didn’t see the door open as a hesitant Snow appeared.

“Emma? Can we talk for a moment?”

Emma looked up and smiled, motioning to the chair that was opposite her.

Mulan had the day off and David was currently volunteering at the animal shelter for the day.

“Sure, is everything okay?” Emma asked as Snow took a seat.

“I should I be asking you that, Emma, what with - Neil - showing up.”

Emma nodded.

“Yeah I’m alright. I guess it would have been more of a shock to my system had we not come across him in the parallel universe first.”

Snow sighed.

“I keep seeing his face when I close my eyes.”

Emma couldn’t help a grin escape her lips.

“Is that before or after you knocked him out cold?!”

Snow sighed even louder.

“Emma! Really. It’s not funny.”

Emma shrugged.

“Afraid I’m going to have to disagree. The fact that you used a frying pan as a lethal weapon will forever be scorched in my brain, Mom. You were protecting me. Not only do I find it amusing but it also makes me feel incredibly loved that you did that for me.”

Snow blushed.

“Well, I still don’t condone what I did. I’m surprised he hasn’t brought charges against me!”

Emma shifted in her seat.

“He has no idea what happened. No idea how he got to the hospital or how you… you know.

Snow gasped.

“How?”

Emma stood.

“It appears Neil has amnesia. He didn’t even know his name until Rumple told him. All he knows is, he’s here in Storybrooke but he has no idea why. And the only person who has any ties to him is Rumple, after I told both him and Belle who Neil was.”

Snow now stood, walking to Emma’s side.

“So he doesn’t know… you?”

Emma shook her head.

“Apparently not. I even went to see him earlier this morning, case him out. Don’t get me wrong, I know Neil - I know what he’s capable of and being a professional conman was definitely his thing but I honestly don’t think he’s fooling us. He would stare off into space now and again, genuinely looking puzzled. I don’t think he remembers much and I can’t say I’m particularly upset about it.”

Snow understood. If he didn’t know who Emma was, he didn’t have any memory of their time together in the past which meant any ties he had to Henry would be missed.

“Was it me who gave him amnesia?” Snow suddenly squeaked as Emma grinned again.

“I think it was more the frying pan, mom.”

Snow bit down on her lip before a small smile finally escaped her lips.

“Emma!” she scolded, even though her eyes were smiling.

“Look, don’t feel guilty. Neil has no idea how he ended up in hospital and the entire hospital staff aren’t planning on telling him, Dr Whale was very firm on that. I don’t even think Rumple has said anything.”

Snow nodded as Emma continued.

“Neil certainly didn’t say anything to me when i introduced myself as the local Sheriff although I admit I did tell him the truth myself. I needed to gauge his reaction. He laughed it off. I guess it is kinda unbelievable when you think about it. It’s not everyday Snow White engages in mild bodily harm.”

“So I’m not going to be arrested?”

Emma tilted her head.

“You seriously think I’m going to arrest you?!”

Snow shrugged.

“I just want it to be over.”

Emma pulled her mother in for a hug.

“Me too, mom. Me too.”

Lily stepped into Regina’s office looking a little unsure of herself as the door closed behind her.

“I’m afraid I only have fifteen minutes at best, Miss Page. I have a meeting at eleven.”

Lily nodded but remained standing near the door, still looking hesitant.

“You can come in my dear.” Regina finally broke the silence as Lily walked a few paces forwards and finally stopped by the seat in front of Regina.

“I won’t take up much of your time, Madam Mayor I just wanted to apologise.”

Regina smiled and motioned to the seat which Lily finally took.

“I… well, I had it all worked out in my head, what I wanted to say, but now I’m here…”

Lily seemed a little exasperated with herself as Regina smiled again.

“Miss Page, you sound a lot like Emma right now.”

Lily managed a smile, Regina’s statement  seeming to calm her a little.

“Yeah I guess we both struggle to be coherent at times. Maybe it’s a foster care thing? I don’t know…”

Regina observed the younger brunette. She had easily forgotten before that Lily, like Emma, had also gone through a system that had failed her on so many levels although she was still unsure to what degree Lily had suffered.

“You’ve both become exceptional women, Lily. I know Mal is very proud of you.”

Lily smiled. “Yeah, I believe she is. I didn’t think I’d ever find my birth mother. I have Emma to thank for that.”

Regina suddenly saw the paralleled in both Emma and Lily’s life. Henry had found Emma and brought her home. Emma had found Lily and done the same.

“Yes. Emma can be rather set in her ways when she wants to be.”

Lily smiled again. “Well, that’s partly why I came here - to apologise. When Emma first found me and brought me here I was under the impression something may happen between us.”

Regina nodded. That much she had worked out herself.

“You don’t owe me an apology. There was nothing going on between Emma and myself when you first came here.”

Regina chose he words carefully. She may have had feelings for the Sheriff but it was true they weren’t together. Not then.

“Yeah but I kinda knew she had a thing for you. She wasn’t the best at hiding it, or perhaps I just know her too well.”

Regina felt her heart flutter, hearing Lily say Emma had feelings for her so long ago.

“I don’t think either of us were as adept at hiding our feelings as we thought. Miss Lucas was very good at calling my bluff on many occasions.” Regina answered honestly as Lily smiled.

“I know I didn’t handle the two of you getting together very well, and I seriously fu- I mean, messed up the whole pregnancy thing. I just wanted to say I’m truly sorry. I apologised to Emma, we’ve cleared the air but I wanted to do the same with you.”

Regina smiled at the younger brunette.

“I appreciate that, Lily. I really do.”

Lily nodded and stood.

“Thank you for letting Emma and I be friends.”

Her voice wavered a little as Regina stood.

“Lily, if you know Emma as well as I think you do, you’ll know that she is one very determined woman who makes her own decisions. I would never make them for her, nor would she let me. You are friends because it’s what she wants; and if Emma wants that, then so do I.”

Lily was suddenly stepping around Regina’s desk before she paused.

“I… I just want her to be happy and I know she is, with you. Please take care of her? She may be determined but we both know that’s often a facade.”

Regina nodded.

“I will always take care of her. You have my word, Lily. I love her, so very much. I don’t know what I did to deserve her; sometimes I think I’m living a dream and one day I’ll wake up only to find all this is make believe.”

Lily immediately reached out and placed both her hands on Regina’s shoulders.

“You know, my mom’s told me a lot about you, and your past. I don’t think either of you were treated the way you should have been back then. You both deserve all the happiness in the world, don’t ever second guess why you have finally been given that, Regina.”

Lily’s eyes softened.

“Sometimes we don’t even realise what we are searching for until it’s standing there right in front of us. Embrace it and own it!”

Regina chuckled as Lily gave her shoulders a squeeze.

“Have you just put me in my place, Miss Page?” Regina smirked as Lily shrugged then winked.

“Wouldn’t dream of it, Madam Mayor.

Lily then stepped back and turned to walk towards the door before turning back.

“She loves you too. Fiercely so. Your baby is one lucky kid.”

Lily then left with a wave as the door closed behind her.

Regina reached for her phone and started to type a text:

To Mal:

I just had a visit from Lily. You have one very strong willed, passionate daughter, Mal. I see why you are so proud of her. Both come over for dinner tonight?

Finishing the first text she then started on net second.

To Emma:

Darling, how did it go seeing Neil? I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. I have a meeting that will run over lunch. I’ll see you at home this evening. I’ve invited Mal and Lily over for dinner (which means we’re likely to have Zelena too). I love you. Always.

Before she replaced her phone in her top drawer she heard it ping.

From Mal:

Lily is a chip off the old block, Regina. I presume from your text that her visit didn’t end in fisticuffs?! We’d love to come over. What time?

To Mal:

Well she can turn into a dragon so you’re not wrong! She came to apologise and, give me her blessing I think? Anyway, it was a pleasant exchange. I appreciate her coming over. See you tonight at 7pm sharp.

Regina then spotted another response.

From Emma:

Neil has amnesia, and I don’t think he’s bullshitting. Asshole had the nerve to hit on Belle! I’ll fill you in tonight but he didn’t seem to recognise me (there is a god!). Working till 7 as David is at the shelter till then. Keep the food warm for me babe! Love you too. Always. Xxx

Regina smiled and typed a quick to Emma.

To Emma:

I’m seeing Belle this afternoon, I’ll check on her. I hope he didn’t hit on you? Otherwise I’ll be forced to hit him, and it won’t be with a flimsy frying pan. See you tonight darling. I’ll keep the food warm, and the bedsheets…. for later ;) xx

Regina felt her cheeks flush at the prospect of Emma in their bed. She was like a horny teenager.

A knock at the door brought her from her reverie.

“Enter.”

Regina inwardly sighed as Sidney entered.

“Madam Mayor! So happy to see you. Thank you for seeing me.”

Regina nodded and motioned to the seat opposite for the second time that day.

“So, tell me Regina. Are you running for Mayor again?”

Mal, Lily and Zelena has arrived at 7pm sharp and we’re now all seated in the living room.

“Honestly? I haven’t really thought about it. Ordinarily I would have but with this little one on the way - “ Regina patted her stomach lightly, “I’m not sure I’ll have the time.”

Zelena swirled the cider around her glass, looking thoughtful. For once.

“Who else could possibly do the job as well as you, though? And please don’t suggest Snow. She’s too nice. We’d have her passing every law suggested by the dwarfs in seconds.”

Mal laughed as Regina glanced at the clock.

“I suppose I should speak to Emma about it.”

Lily looked up from her phone.

“Where is she?”

Regina heard the front door open.

“That’ll be her now. She worked over, David was at the shelter and Emma gave Mulan the day off.”

Zelena chuckled.

“That explains why I never saw Ruby in the diner this afternoon. Snow served me. Got my order wrong but I didn’t have the heart to tell her. I’m still in awe of what she did to Neil. She can serve me the wrong food all week for all I care.”

Regina smiled as she left the room, walking towards the hallway.  Spotting Emma’s jacket and boots she briefly paused and called up the stairs.

“Henry, come down and set the table please. Emma, got have ten minutes.”

Emma’s head peered over the bannister upstairs.

“So not enough time for you to scrub my back?”

Regina’s eyes twinkled.

“Perhaps later, Em-ma.”

Because really, she did still owe Emma that shower.

“Yes ma’am” Emma called back as her head disappeared, only for Henry’s to come into view.

“How many people am I setting it for?” He asked as he jogged down the stairs, stopping at the bottom.

“Six please.”

Dinner had gone well, the guests complimenting Regina on her honey garlic chicken. Even Emma had managed to eat her portion although Regina was a little shocked the blonde didn’t help herself to seconds as she usually would have done.

Mal, Lily and Zelena then made their way into the living room whilst Henry and Emma cleared the table.

“How are you feeling now?” Regina asked, as Emma handed her a plate. Emma watched as the brunette dutifully rinsed the plate before placing it in the dishwasher.

“Better. My stomach isn’t as upset. Dinner was lovely.”

Henry soon finished handing Emma the plates , making his way back to his bedroom to finish his homework as Regina placed the last of the dishes into the dishwasher.

“You didn’t have seconds.”

Emma ran her hand over her stomach.

“I still feel a little tender.”

Regina nodded, her own hand now on her stomach as a smile appeared across her face. Emma’s hand immediately moved and covered Regina’s.

Nugget was kicking again.

“I feel it.” she whispered as Regina moved her free hand, taking a hold of Emma’s to place it on her stomach.

“I still can’t believe I’m pregnant.” she whispered as Emma looked up and grinned.

“We’re going to be parents again. I can’t wait.”

Regina sighed, moving into Emma she moved her hands so they were now around the blondes waist, tugging at her slightly. Emma winced.

“What’s wrong?”

Emma stretched her torso, before shrugging.

“It’s my lower back. I must’ve pulled something last night, like you said. It just keeps twinging.”

Regina immediately moved around Emma so she was now facing her back. Strong Fingers reached out, gently probing the blondes lower back muscles.

“Oh shit. Right there. Can you feel anything? Am i tense?”

Regina continued to massage Emma’s lower back as someone cleared their throat from behind.

“Would you like us to leave you both… to it?” Zelena asked with a smirk on her face as both Emma and Regina turned.

“I’ve pulled a muscle in my back.”

Zelena looked at Emma.

“I won’t ask how. Actually, who am I trying to kid? How did you pull that muscle, Emma? Engaging in extra curricular activities were we?”

Emma attempted to stretch again before her face contorted.

“It actually really hurts. I don’t know what I’ve done.”

Regina ran her hand over Emmas lower back again before pausing.

“That’s exactly where I had pain a couple of weeks ago. It’s eased off now though.”

Emma shrugged.

“Maybe I’ve just picked up a bug. Whale did say there was a flu bug hanging around. It could explain why I felt sick this morning too.”

Zelena approached slowly.

“You felt sick this morning?”

Emma nodded.

“Do you still feel sick, Regina?”

Regina, removing a bottle of wine from the fridge turned and shook her head.

“Not anymore.”

Emma reached to remove the glasses from the shelf when she winced again 

“Zelena can you?”

Zelena stepped closer and removed the glasses as instructed before she turned to face her sister again.

“And you’ve had no more back pain?”

Regina looked contemplative before answering.

“No. I’ve not had any further muscle pain anywhere. Nugget is finally taking to easy on me.”

Zelena nodded as Emma handed Regina a bottle of water from the fridge.

“What’s with the twenty questions?” Emma enquired as Zelena opened the bottle of wine and began to pour. Once she had filled three glasses she stopped, her eyes now on Emma.

“Just considering a theory.”

And with that Zelena strutted from the room, glasses and wine bottle hovering in the air as they then followed her from the room.

“Theory about what?” Emma asked and Regina rolled her eyes.

“Who knows wihen it comes to Zelena. I think it’s best we don’t ask.”

Chapter Text

Emma strode into the station feeling a little lightheaded. Her stomach had been doing strange somersaults since the early hours of the morning. She had attempted to skip breakfast until Regina entered the kitchen and promptly made her eat something before she left the house.

“I’m not letting you go until you eat something, Emma.”

“I’m really not hungry. My stomach is upset.”

“Yes, well I’m getting upset - eat this. Please.”

So Emma had nibbled on a piece of toast, wondering when her stomach flu was going to pass.

Now seated at her desk she was about to flick through the paperwork she still hadn’t caught up with since returning from the parallel universe when Mulan entered holding two steaming cups of coffee and a paper bag under her left arm.

“One bear claw.” she smiled, placing the paper bag on Emma’s desk.

Ordinarily Emma would have jumped at the sweet treat but her stomach began to grumble, and not in the way she was used to.

“Um… not today. Thanks though.”

Mulan immediately tensed, her eyes dramatically sweeping around the room before they finally landed back on her boss.

“Ooookay. Who are you and what have you done with Emma?” She finally chuckled as Emma pushed herself away from her desk.

“I’ve got the stomach flu. I think.”

Mulan shrugged and picked up the treat.

“Remind me to tell Ruby you turned down a bear claw. Not that she’ll believe me. Remember when Snow gave you food poisoning?”

Emma nodded, almost feeling nauseous again at the memory of her mothers chicken fajitas which has tasted a hell of a lot better going down than they had coming back up.

“Yeah well, that didn’t stop you for devouring bear claws, Emma. You must be feeling really rotten.”

Emma pondered this for a second before another voice floated across the room.

“Oh I wouldn’t say it was that drastic. Emma merely has pregnancy aches and pains instead of Reggie. I guess that’s what happens when you have a true love child. You really do share everything!”

Mulan looked puzzled as Emma held up a hand at Zelena who was now standing in front of her desk.

“Hang on. You’re telling me Regina is no longer suffering because I am instead? That’s crazy. I’m not the one who’s pregnant?!”

Zelena couldn’t help a smirk escape her lips.

“My dear Emma, as I said, this is a magical pregnancy. You’ll be having cravings next because I suspect Regina’s have suddenly subsided?”

Emma frowned, realising Regina hadn’t craved anything out of the ordinary for a couple of days.

All of a sudden Emma paled.

“Shit. Onion rings dipped in chocolate sauce sound like heaven right now, even though that thought also makes me feel kinda sick. This can’t be happening.”

Emma seemed a little panicked as Mulan let out a soft chuckle.

“Zelena is right. This is a true love child, anything is possible. I think it’s kind of nice that you’re taking away some of Regina’s discomfort.”

Emma calmed.

“Well I guess it’s the least I can do considering she’s the one carrying and giving birth to our child.”

Emma then had a thought, as her eyes shot to Zelena.

“Does this mean I’m going to feel it when she gives birth too??”

Zelena appeared to consider Emma’s question before she shrugged.

“Who knows? I’m sure you’ll find out soon enough!” And with that she took the seat opposite Emma.

Emma suddenly looked down at her very flat stomach.

“I’m not going to get a bump too, right?”

Zelena rolled her eyes.

“Emma dear you’re overthinking things. Regina is the one carrying. It will be her stomach that’s growing. She already has the cutest bump which I’m sure you’ve noticed.”

Emma smiled. She had noticed. She’d spent at least half an hour the night before reading the bump a bedtime story when Regina had fallen fast asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

Emma finally broke away from her thoughts.

“I hope this means my feet won’t swell because they did when I was pregnant with Henry.”

Mulan chuckled and moved to her desk, as Emma’s eyes followed her.

“Um… you know how much you love doing paperwork….”

Mulan gave Emma that look.

“I know how much I hate doing your paperwork.” she finally replied, knowing what was coming next.

“Mulan. Please. Help a girl out? Especially one that’s suffering from pregnancy symptoms even though she’s not the one who’s pregnant?”

Zelena cackled as Mulan sighed.

“Hand it over. But you owe me. Perhaps another afternoon off? Ruby and I had a great time yesterday.”

Mulan was now beaming as Zelena shifted in her seat, eyes now firmly on the deputy.

“Oh? And what made it great, Deputy?”

Mulan cleared her throat and mumbled something under her breath.

“I’m sorry my dear, I didn’t quite catch that?”

Emma balled up a piece of paper and threw it at Zelena who caught it without even looking at her.

“Holy shit how did you do that?” Emma cried out, ridiculously impressed as Zelena suddenly tossed it back, the ball hitting Emma square in the face.

Turning back to face Emma, Zelena shook her head.

“Reflexes my dear. Now I know who Henry takes after. I tossed a baseball at him the other day, he said he needed the practice. He wasn’t wrong. Had I not used magic to steer the ball away it would have broken his nose. Possibly chipped a tooth.”

Emma grumbled, picking up the ball of paper she aimed and threw it at the trash can near Mulan.

And missed.

“Case in point.” Zelena murmured as the door opened and in walked David.

“Good morning ladies.” He cheerfully exclaimed as he strode towards the filing cabinet.

“Isn’t it your day off?” Emma asked as David nodded, pulling open the cabinet.

“It is. I just remembered I needed something signing.”

He flicked through various files for a while before retrieving one.

“Can you ask Regina to sign this?”

David handed Emma the paper who took it, her face scrunched.

“What’s it for?”

Before David could answer Emma, Zelena reached out and removed the paper from Emma’s hand before Emma could blink.

“What the-“

“Reflexes, Emma. We’ve already discussed this.”

Zelena then began to read through the paper, a small smirk now on her lips.

“Well, I’m sure my sister would love to sign off on closing down Main Street for an entire weekend so you can have a winter Festival.”

David shrugged.

“She did for the Spring fair?”

Zelana handed the paper back to Emma.

“My sister is getting incredibly soft. I have you all to thank for that.”

Zelena then waved her hand around the room before settling it back on her lap.

“I don’t know if you’re being kind or sarcastic.” Mulan muttered as Zelena shot her a wink from across the room.

“Oh, you’d know if I was being sarcastic my dear. Honestly, it’s nice to see her so…”

Zelena then looked at Emma.

“So incredibly happy.”

Emma blushed as David smiled, waving the party farewell as left.

“Now who’s soft?” Emma asked as Zelena dramatically placed her hand over heart.

Mulan shook her head and began sorting through Emma’s paperwork as the blonde, noticing Zelena was still seated, leaned across her desk.

“So, remind me again why you’re here?”

Zelena smiled.

“I’m turning up for duty, Sheriff.”

Emma hesitated before answering.

“Aren’t you supposed to be at the school. You know, teaching. Or whatever it was you did there?”

Zelena leaned back on her chair.

“I did all I could for the children. Really I did. I even changed the curriculum but my work there is done. As we agreed, I’m much better suited to law enforcement.”

Mulan nearly choked on the bear claw she had now commandeered as her own.

“I don’t recall agreeing to-“

Zelena waved a hand at Emma.

“We discussed this moments before we found an ex con sprawled out on the floor thanks to being clobbered by your mother.”

“Zelena, you discussed it with yourself. I don’t think-“

Zelena stood.

“You need me, Sheriff. May I remind you it was I who kept my eye on the forest hobo and smelly pirate when you had to dash off to check on Regina?”

Emma opened her mouth but Zelena continued.

“Besides this place needs a little va-va-voom.”

Zelena then waved her hand and a dart board appeared on the wall, followed by a brand new vending machine that seemingly housed every type of chocolate imaginable.

“Now you’re just trying to bribe me.” Emma retorted, as her eyes took on the dart board.

They used to have one, back when Graham was Sheriff but then the curse had broken and he’d decided he wanted a fresh start, taking not only himself over the townline but his dart board too.

“Is it working, partner?”

Emma sighed as Mulan strode towards the vending machine.

“Um…. We don’t use pound coins in this country?”

Zelena raised a brow before waving her hand again.

“My mistake.”

Mulan looked back and smiled, reaching into her pocket she pulled out some coins and placed them in the machine.

“So I guess we’re keeping it then?”

Emma asked as Mulan nodded, her concentration now on the endless rows of sweet treats on offer.

“Give me a go.” Zelena pushed as Emma ran a hand though her hair.

“Look, Zelena, the truth is we don’t even have a budget for an extra person, it took me ages to get the position Mulan holds signed off by Regina and really, we don’t need another body. Things are so quiet here…”

“I don’t need paying, Emma, so Regina doesn’t need to budget. Think of me as someone undertaking a work experience project. And things may be quiet until the day they aren’t… this is Storybrooke after-all, anything is possible.”

Emma felt her resolve slowly start to break.

Zelena had a point.

“I’ll follow your lead, Sheriff. Despite what you may think I can take instruction.”

Emma attempted to stifle a laugh from escaping.

Zelena? Taking instruction?

“I can! And do I need to remind you that I have magic? I’ll be very useful to have around if we get attacked by magical beings from another realm. And really, this can only help Regina’s re-election campaign, her signing off on an ex villain joining the local police, showing good faith, you know us former villains have a vote too, right?”

Emma was lost for words.

Finally Mulan spoke, mouth semi full of chocolate.

“It can’t hurt giving her a trial run?”

Emma felt her head drop to her desk, her cheek now against the hard and cold surface.

“Fine. But I’m asking Regina first.”

Zelena beamed.

“Oooo Wicked Swan is a go! I repeat, Wicked Swan is a go!”

Emma groaned.

What had she done?

Lifting her head she gave Zelena a pointed look.

“I told you before. No Wicked Swan. Nobody uses ship-“

“I like it, has a ring to it. Are you going to add it to the Storybrooke Ships Facebook Group?”

Emma’s head snapped towards Mulan who was now back at her desk, opening a second chocolate bar Emma has never set eyes on before.

“What Facebook group? Zelena? Did you set up a Facebook group?”

Zelena let out a low chuckle.

“No, I didn’t. I believe you have Granny to thank for that.”

Emma pulled out her phone attempted to access her Facebook.

“Shit. I’ve forgotten my password.”

She then proceeded to reset said password before rolling her eyes at the screen.

“What the hell is a Captcha? Why is it asking me to select all the squares with dwarfs in them??”

Mulan held a hand over her mouth, attempting to hide her laughter as Zelena rubbed her hands together.

“Ooo marvellous! It worked!! I was so tired of selecting traffic lights and motorcycles! This is much more fun!”

Mulan removed her hand.

“How did you manage to even do that?”

Zelena grinned. “Magic by dear.”

Emma was now punching her screen with her index finger, brows scrunched in frustration.

“It’s not working? I clearly selected all the boxes; I could only see Happy, Bashful and Doc so why isn’t it….”

Emma brought her phone closer to her face and groaned before she looked up at Zelena.

“Let me guess, this is your doing also?”

Zelena peered at the phone that was now thrust in her face.

“Perhaps….” She replied with a slight shrug as Emma sighed again and began punching at the squares.

“What’s it say?” Mulan asked as Emma finished tapping, finally hitting the ‘I am not a robot’ option.

“Oh just to select all the squares that showed Regina’s cleavage.” Zelena replied as Emma scowled.

“She won’t like that. Hell, I don’t like that.”

Zelena winked.

“Don’t worry dear. That captcha was designed especially for you. Nobody else. Pinkie promise.” And Zelena held out her finger which Emma grudgingly took.

Finally she accessed her page and began flick through her Facebook, probably for the first time in months.

“How come I don’t see this group?”

Now Mulan laughed as she finally finished her second chocolate bar.

“Emma, you’re never on Facebook. Ruby invited you months ago. The invite is probably still sitting in your-“

Emma immediately interrupted.

“No way. There is no way this is a thing…”

Only it was a thing because she’d found the invite and had hit join, the page now appearing on her small screen.

“What the… who the hell took this photo of me and Regina in the street with Robin on his hands and knees? With the hashtag #SwanQueen at its best?!”

Zelena stood and took a small bow.

“That would be me. Henry kindly showed me how it was done.”