Title: Famous Last Words

Author: Calliope-plantain

Rating: M

Pairing:Regina/Emma

Disclaimer: I do not own Once. All characters in this story sadly do not belong to me; they're simply being borrowed for a little while, and then will be returned. This story was not written for profit and no copyright infringements are intended.

Storyline: *Sequel to Last Thing You'll Do* Emma tries to help Regina to come to terms with her death which leads them somewhere neither expected.

Beta: Scarlet-Marauder awesomely encouraged me to write this, and then was my beta. So any mistakes she's missed and any feelings of distress are her fault ;)

"I see you lying next to me, with words I thought I'd never speak."– My Chemical Romance.

"There has to be something, Regina" Emma chuckled, her tone full and rich. The brunette could only shake her head in disbelief. Her son and partner were trying to make her make a wish in the old well they were picnicking by.

"No, nothing" Regina supplied easily as she played with the coin Emma had given to her. The idea of dropping money down a well to make a wish was an odd one, but it was something Emma had insisted they do on one of their first dates. She'd wished to for happiness and as she sat with her family she knew her wish had come true.

"There must be something you'd change" Emma asked merrily as she span around to lie on her stomach.

"Why would I wish for anything when I have everything I've ever wanted?" Regina asked and was delighted to see her son looked mildly disgusted by her admission while Emma's cheeks flushed. It took a moment for the other woman to speak; instead she slightly bowed her head.

"Wish that nothing changes then" Emma suggested while her cheeks were still rouged with well-placed compliment. She'd meant it of course. The blonde's eyes are twinkling in appreciation, almost as if she still can't believe just how lucky she'd gotten. It was Regina who was the lucky one. She loved two amazing, honest and kind individuals and somehow they loved her in return.

She wouldn't change that for the world; and yet the very present image of their future was just within reach. Looking over at Emma with her beautiful smile she almost said the words. All she had to do was say "Marry me?" and their world would change. As she saw Emma's jade eyes dance with joy she felt the familiar flutter within her chest and wanted it more than ever. She could see her forever in Emma's face.

She'd made plans. When she was going to carry out these plans she didn't know. She wanted to walk hand in hand down the beach late at night. It was a tradition they'd created. They could talk and just be themselves. No pressure. They weren't anybody to anyone else, except each other. They weren't mothers or the Saviour and the Evil Queen. Just Emma and Regina. As they would up at the stars and Regina would go down on one knee and ask. Regina felt her throat contract at thought of Emma saying yes. Of starting their lives as a married couple. Their second chance. She wanted it all and she wanted it with Emma.

Was it appropriate to ask someone to marry you on your birthday? Henry was there. It was something she'd wanted to just share with Emma, but seeing both of their smiling faces beamed at her she found she wanted her family there. Emma and Regina would celebrate in their own way but she realised she wanted their son there. To share it with them.

Henry's cell went off once again. It had been at least the tenth time since they'd left the house little over an hour ago. She was glad he finally had friends. "Someone's popular" she said and saw Emma smirk. It had been Emma's idea to get their teen the phone and since then he has been more active. The smirk was a clear I told you and she resisted the urge swot at her. Mainly because the very easy and obvious target was the blonde's backside.

"It's just Gramps about tonight" Henry said replying to his grandfather's text. Regina felt her brow furrow and heard Emma's slight groan before her blonde head came to rest upon their picnic blanket. Clearly "tonight" was something Henry wasn't supposed to have mentioned.

"Tonight?" Regina enquired and saw the familiar look of shook on the boy's face. The look of a rabbit caught in headlights. Henry's mouth just hung open clearly unaware of how to get out of the situation and looking as if he wished the ground would swallow him whole. He nervously looked at his birthmother; who had not yet reared her head.

"Cheers kid" Emma said her tone was one of humour but even Regina could hear the annoyance and reprimand laced within. Henry looked almost ashamed and Regina can't help but feel guilty. She could have just let it go, pretend she hadn't noticed her son's slip.

Emma moved to sit up at her entire height but Regina noticed it took her a moment to look at her before she spoke. "They're arranging a surprise party for you at Granny's" Emma admitted quietly. She hadn't been expecting that. "They've been arranging for about a month now…Henry…Ruby and Mary Margret" Emma added and Regina saw the Sheriff's sheepish but nervous smile.

She hadn't had someone throw her a party before. Back in the Enchanted Forest the King had thrown parties supposedly in her honour but it matter very little to him or their guests if the Queen actually attended. No one ever spoke to her. In Storybrooke she had been Mayor. She had one friend, Kathryn. She hadn't had anyone who cared enough to spend her birthday with her, except her son. Her birthdays had meant very little because she did not age.

Now the curse was broken…now she had a family…she had friends. She felt her eyes prickle with tears of gratitude. Appreciation she not know how to express. Henry still looked guilty and worried for his birthmother's reaction. A month. Her son had been planning a surprise birthday party for her for over a month only to fall at the last hurdle.

"I'm sorry Mom" Henry said quietly and she felt her heart ache at the young teen's expression. It was the same one he'd had when he had broken her favourite mug when he was five. He had come into her study looking so sad she had thought he'd injured himself; only for him to produce her mug which he clearly tried to glue back together.

"It's okay Henry …thank you" Regina said firmly reaching for the only bit of her son she could reach; his knee. Henry gave a small smile though still looked burdened by his mistake. "I'll be able to pick what to wear" the brunette suggested as a good reason for her son's slip up. "I'll still act surprised" she said finally with a reassuring nod of her head.

Their son just laughed with a small "Okay Mom".

Emma had said she'd meet them there. She wasn't here yet. She'd looked surprised as a number of people had shouted "Surprise" and "Happy Birthday" at the same time. Part of her had wondered if Emma would already been there but she hadn't been. The brunette and their son had only been there for about ten minutes, but she still missed the other woman's presence.

She'd already lost Henry to Hook and Neal. They were playing darts while Snow was supplying possible ways that Henry could improve his aim. Charming hadn't arrived yet and Regina wondered if something had happened at the Sheriff's office and that was why Emma and her father were not present. Ruby still worked part time at her Grandmother's diner and was currently talking animatedly to Tink who had already bought Regina her first drink.

Everyone seemed to be happy. Looking around the diner she saw everyone was smiling. Families and friends were laughing and talking. People she'd cursed and once vowed to ensure they would never be happy again. Years later she, Regina was the happiest she had ever been and found she enjoyed seeing those around her being happy too. Even the pixie haired woman she'd hated for almost as long as she could remember. Neither of them were friends. They could be friendly. Regina tolerated Snow for Emma and Henry and Snow did the same with her.

"Whoa" the former Queen heard Ruby say. The other woman was looking over her shoulder and it took a moment for Regina to feel the familiar tingle she felt whenever Emma was around. Finally the blonde had arrived.

Turning around she realised just why Ruby had made the sound she did. There Emma was dressed in a long black dress. Her long hair was half up allowing for some to cascade down her back. Her makeup was dark and smoky make her eyes stand out so brightly Regina could see and feel their enchanting hue from across the room. Her long legs were made longer by the heels she worn. Actual heels not boots. A slit up the side of the dark material showed just enough leg to catch Regina's attention but was enough to add a hint of mystery. In short Emma Swan looked just as beautiful and elegance as her name suggested.

Smoky eyes were scanning the crowd and Regina felt the tingle within in intensify at the knowledge this…goddess was looking for her. Just for her. The moment Emma's eyes found her the air seemed to thicken. Regina's breathe struggled to leave her lungs and she felt her body flush as she eyes zoned in on the sway of her lover's hips.

"Emma…you look…hot" Ruby rambled shamelessly pulling Regina out of her staring competition with Emma's dress. It seems to cling to every curve. Every curve that only Regina knew about.

She heard the small laugh as Emma gave her thanks. "Beautiful" Regina stated without thinking and is delighted to see her love's shy smile. There she is, her Emma.

"You look very nice" Tink chimed in and Regina had to resist a chuckle at the awkward look on the blonde's face. It still amazes her how easily Emma blushes under her compliments. Emma really didn't see herself how Regina saw her. Over a year together and the woman before her still surprised her every day.

"Thank you" Emma said softly clearly embarrassed by the attention. Looking back at Ruby she saw the other brunette's eyes wandering down Emma's figure appreciatively. It was instinct when she wrapped an arm around the other woman's waist, pulling her in close. Regina was sat upon a stool so the move made Emma's frame bump into her, and made Regina come face to … face with the blonde's tantalising cleavage. She felt herself gulp before allowing her eyes to rise to the blonde's face. It was with a devilish smile the blonde pushed herself just a little firmer against Regina causing the older woman to swallow once again.

"God get a room" Ruby huffed pulling both women out of their silent conversation. The smile upon her lips told them both the waitress was only kidding as she rolled her eyes and went to serve one of the dwarves. Tinker bell just smiled as she took another draw on the straw sticking out of her glass.

"You were late" Regina said allowing a small but dignified amount of whine into her voice. Emma just smiled at her before placing a small kiss that did not correspond with her attire.

"I wanted to look perfect" Emma said quietly as Tink went over to where Hook was talking to Charming. Regina hadn't noticed him enter. Next to Emma she was surprised she noticed anyone else in the small diner.

"You always look perfect dear" Regina countered as Emma turned out of her arms to rest with her back against the counter. The blonde just shook her head in disbelief.

"You could have told me that before I spent hours getting ready" Emma said rather cockily but Regina could see how touched the other woman was. She really did look beautiful and Ruby had been right. She looked hot. Regina her eyes to wander across Emma's attire once again as Emma rested backwards on her forearms. The move caused her chest to jut out and Regina couldn't help but wet her suddenly dry lips. The dress really did hug the blonde's body perfectly.

"Okay I'm going to mingle before you accidentally poof my clothes off" Emma said with her tone laced with the same tease she could see upon her lips. Regina eyed her furiously. How dare she look so amazing and then not her appreciate it?

"I could do that you know" Regina supplied with a smug smile which only caused Emma to grin back at her unashamed.

"I know I was there last time…thankfully our son wasn't" Emma counted and both women heard Ruby's bark of laughter. Damn wolf hearing. She shot what she hoped was an intimidating glare at the other brunette only for Ruby to roll her eyes. Emma however brought her attention back to her with a gently touch to her forearm.

"It's not my fault you look…delectable" Regina all but purred and she saw Emma shiver under her gaze.

"Yep I'm going" Emma said with a frustrated chortle. Regina caught her hand just before she was out of reach.

"You really do look beautiful Emma" Regina stated simply and saw Emma smile gently.

"You don't look too bad yourself" Emma admired before pulling her hand free. "You just have to wait a few hours" the blonde said and Regina saw that mischievous grin she'd come to associate with devilishly delicious things.

"What for?" Regina asked carefully.

"To open your present" Emma hummed stepping forward and kissing her. Regina knew it would look gently, almost nothing from an outsider; except Regina felt Emma's tongue dart across her down lip. Tantalisingly slow and almost undetectable. She tried to seize it with lips only for Emma to pull away; her smoky eyes darker and inviting her. There was almost a challenge in them. "Only a few more hours" Emma said her breathe quivering against the lips she'd just moistened.

Regina had talked to almost everyone. She had smiled and thanked them for coming. She had bored herself senseless with small talk as most of the adults had started to succumb to the alcohol they had been consuming. Someone had put music on probably Ruby from the way she was dancing against Hook. The second her shift had finished Ruby had started drinking.

She had also followed each of Emma's moves with her eyes. Watched her body language as she spoke to different people. Occasionally their paths crossed and she found she couldn't keep her hands off the other woman. Regina knew she was a possessive person and could get jealous. She knew it. It wasn't something she was awfully proud of. It meant that when Emma had gone over to talk to their son and her mother Regina had stood watching. On guard. She had also been watching Neal all night.

He like her had been watching Emma. Regina didn't like the look in his eye. He no longer had the right to look at her partner like that. She couldn't blame him but she certainly didn't like it. It had been when Neal stepped forward to say something to Emma and he placed his hand on the small of her back that Regina's blood boiled. He had no right to touch Emma after what he did to her. She had watched as Emma smile nervously and though had been relieved to see the other woman moved slightly closer to her mother, effectively causing Neal's hand to fall.

Regina allowed her arms to snake their way around Emma's midriff the next time the blonde went to the counter to order another drink. Emma's heels gave her the height advance and Regina found she rather liked it. She felt the other woman shiver at the contact. "Dance with me" Regina whispered and was surprised when Emma turned she looked hesitant.

"Regina I don't dance" Emma said turning in her arms. There was a time when they didn't do this. Regina felt uncomfortable with affection in public. Even when their relationship came out into the open she still felt nervous and unsure. But now…now she craves that connection. No matter how small and insignificant. She finds it hard to believe she once fought against this.

"We both know that isn't true" Regina counted with a raise eyebrow. Since Neal let it slip about Emma erotic dancing history, Regina had been the pleasure of being a victim to it. She loved it. She watched Emma blush furiously and couldn't help her grin.

"I am not doing that here" Emma flustered still turning a different shade of red. Regina couldn't help her giggle at the other's expense.

"I never suggested you did. Though in that dress…" Regina said letting her voice trail off, enjoying that fact that she was now in control.

"I can't dance" Emma supplied again looking rather sheepishly around the room to see if anyone was looking at them. "Pretty much everyone here has been to fancy balls and …I just can't dance" Emma explained with a sigh. It took a moment to realise what Emma meant. "I've never been "dancing" I wouldn't want to embarrass you" Emma sighed once again and Regina felt her heart sink.

"You could never do that" Regina said firmly. "Not ever" she added and saw Emma's small smile. "I can teach you" the older woman offered and the smile fell only to keep over by a look of trepidation. "Come on" Regina said pulling Emma with her as Granny's placed Emma's drink on the counter. She could drink it in a few minutes.

Regina pulled her partner off to the side of the makeshift dance floor. Despite the strong grip Emma had upon her hand, the blonde's eyes were darting around the small space still checking no one was looking at them. "Look at me" Regina commanded softly, but the younger woman didn't. "Emma" she said trying again but even then it took the other woman a moment to look at her.

"Regina people are going to look" Emma whined and Regina couldn't help but feel sorry for the woman on front of her.

"No they aren't" the brunette said ignoring the glare Snow was giving them from behind Emma. That woman really didn't like their relationship. She trashed it whenever she could while pretending to be sweetness and light. She really hated her. "If you really don't want to do this then we don't have to" Regina said softly hearing the music tempo change to a slow ballad. It was perfect.

"No I want to" Emma said she a small nod. Regina could only smile back.

"Okay…" Regina said reassuringly. She was going to go easy on Emma. She just wanted to be close to her lover, to share this moment with her. She didn't want anything or anyone else. Just Emma. Ignoring Snow's stare she stepped forward taking hold of Emma's waist and pulled in close. Unlike earlier there was no possession in her hold. She felt Emma stiffen slightly under her hold.

"Put your hands on my shoulders" Regina instructed and was surprised when did exactly that. She knew it was a dance from this world and not the Enchanted Forest and she found she cared very little as tugged Emma in a little tighter. She swayed them a little only slightly moving her feet. The blonde kept trying to look at their feet. "Just look at me. It's just you and me" Regina reassured. The other woman looked up anyway despite looking unsure.

"I might stand on your feet" Emma whispered as if it anyone around them might hear them. No one cared….except Snow White.

"No you won't, and even if you do its fine" she soothed and was relived to see Emma take a deep breath. It was followed by the other woman leaning more secure against her. The older woman kept them moving just enough. She had to bite back smile as Emma even pulled Regina in closer, making her forearms rest against her shoulders.

The blonde was loosening beneath her hands and moving more of her own accord. "Thank you" Emma said just loud enough to be heard over the soft melody being played. Regina allowed the smile to capture her lips and watched Emma return it in kind.

Emma's eyes were glittering, their usual sharpness was back. She felt the other woman's sigh of contentment against her face. "Pretty sure it's I who should be saying thank you to you" Regina gave back enjoying Emma leaning in slightly. She wondered if Emma was aware of it.

"Why?" Emma breathed against her lips and it took all of Regina's self-control not to kiss the lips almost pressed against her own.

"For giving me the best birthday I've ever had" Regina gave sincerely and felt Emma lean into her and hold onto her that little tighter.

"You're welcome Regina" Emma said sweetly. God she loves this woman more than she even knows how to express. It still surprises her to see the same level of love she feels for the blonde reflected in her lover's eyes. Emma sees and loves her for who she is. She's passed the walls and the protection to see the woman inside. The woman she had once believed she would never be again and somehow this woman brings her out so effortlessly.

"I've set the standard I think" Emma says with a small chuckle. "Can only get better" she adds and Regina feels her heart flutter at the prospect of future birthdays. Emma talks about it so effortlessly. Their future. She wishes she could just ask. Could just say the words, but she wants it to be special. To be perfect.

"It's going to be hard to beat this year, dear" Regina quips and feels Emma's husky chuckle against her lips.

"Hmmmm I accept that challenge" Emma retorts lightly and it makes Regina's heart lighten. The other woman just looks at her as if she's mesmerised by her. Whenever Emma looks at her she just feels…special. Finally worth something – something she had earned. "How do you do it?" Emma asked resting her forehead against Regina's. The brunette just lets her eyes close enjoying feeling her love close.

"Do what?" Regina asks quietly as she barely registers the music's tempo changing. Faster, and yet their pace doesn't change.

"Make everything disappear" Emma confirmed with another chuckle. Regina felt the smile upon her lips hurt her cheeks as she grinned tightly. How had she gotten so lucky?

"Magic" Regina quipped back and she can feel her heart tightening as Emma laughs.

"God I love you" she hears the other woman say before feeling her lips upon her own.

Regina woke up a jerk. The waves of nausea went across her rolls as she swings her legs across the side of the bed. She refuses to look at the small teen sleeping on the other side of her bed. Henry had taken to sleeping in her bed when he was at home. Henry finally broken down over his birthmother's death. She had been astonished when Snow had said Henry feared he might lose Regina too. He'd been having nightmares and crying in his sleep.

He had had one the first night he returned home and had been sleeping in his own bed. It had been in the early days since she'd returned to her own bed. He had come in early in the morning still tears falling down his face as he had begged her not to leave him too. She'd allowed him to climb into bed and they held each other as they both cried.

That had been over two weeks ago and whenever he was at home he came into her room late into the night and climbed into the opposite side. Sometimes Regina didn't even know until she woke to find her son's head upon the pillow that should hold his other mother's head. He didn't have nightmare when he slept next to her. Regina wished she could say the same.

All she did was dream of Emma. Some were good like the one she'd had last night, while others were of Emma begging her to move on. To forget her and be happy. She'd only been gone a month. A month exactly today. Regina felt her eyes moisten as she realised it was in fact a month. Today was August the first. It would have been their anniversary. Two years. They didn't even get two years together.

The tears fell all too easily these days. Regina never stopped them, what was the point? They'd come if she wanted them or not. She'd taken to wearing Emma's t-shirts for bed. Even during the days she sat in Emma's oversized jumpers. They still had Emma's lingering smell. It made her feel safe. Henry doesn't question it.

As she reached the bottom of the stairs she could see a small envelope upon the door mat. She never got post, not personal post anyway. Thankfully sympathy cards had stopped coming through their door, though she still got their saddened looks and sympathetic smiles on the rare occasion she ventures outside. It was with a slight sigh she bent down to pick it up.

Turning it over she felt her legs give way and was unable to catch herself before her knees connected painfully with the wooden floor. It was with a broken sob she took in the writing on the front. It was Emma's.