a/n: Hey everyone, this maybe the end of the story, so treat it as the loving end unless I surprise you with another update ;) I hope you have enjoyed this story of hope and shout out to two of the strongest people in my life for inspiring this story with their lives this year. Nana you were the best, Anna you are one of the strongest people I know and continue on in life with such grace determination and passion for civil law, the world is ready for change and that is you :) #presidentmartin2020 ;)
Everyone turned in early. Regina was surprised that she wasn't still under suicide watch, though Snow knew her well enough to know that this attempt on her own life, would be her last. Henry needed her, he loved her, and she had family. She had the Charmings and her annoying sister, her niece and Emma…wherever Emma was.
She got ready for bed, Snow coming in to say goodnight, insisting on tucking her in. They both didn't mention Emma at first but as Snow watched Regina reach for the toy that wasn't there, slowly pulling her hand back she knew.
"She'll come back Regina… just give her time…"
Regina nodded as tears slid down her cheeks, thankfully Snow didn't mention that she was crying.
"I'll be right on the couch in the other room if you need me alright?"
The door creaked halfway closed and Snow put on a nightlight in the hall.
Regina eventually nodded off to sleep but jolted awake when she heard her floor creak. She was frozen in fear and somehow couldn't move. Her heart beat fast as her skin went ice cold and then numb.
She heard someone try and cover their breathing. Emma? She came back?
Regina raised her hand to her mouth and she started to bite down on her finger, to keep from sobbing.
Emma could see the wet cheeks reflecting in the moonlight.
She walked quietly over and sat down, Regina felt the bed shift as if Emma were about to reach out and touch her, then the pressure on the mattress went away.
She turned her head slightly, fearful that Emma would go.
"You're back…" her voice was rough and thick with sleep.
Emma pulling her legs up and under her on the bed.
"Yeah… I am."
Regina rolled back over and continued to weep, she wasn't sure what emotion she was feeling right now. When something was pressed into her arms.
Regina opened her eyes and found Henry the horse. She sat up clutching it to her chest.
"You… you didn't throw her away?"
Emma shook her head, "Of course not, you needed her…"
Regina looked down at the horse and pulled it up into her arms cuddling it and tears cascading down her face, head bobbing as she nodded.
Emma was about to move to go when Regina pulled her into a hug.
"Please don't go Emma… I need you too…"
Regina pulled back a bit.
"I'm so sorry I'm a mess…"
Emma rolled her eyes, "And I'm not?"
Regina's hand without Henry drifted to Emma's cheek.
"Why did you kiss me?"
Her eyes darting back and forth between Emma's.
Emma smiling and looking down at Henry still clutched in Regina's other hand.
"I thought it would be obvious." She looked up into Regina's confused face and took a leap.
"I love you. I have for a long while, it just took me a while to see it…"
Regina gulped and smiled nervously. She traced all of Emma's face with her eyes and finally she was brave enough… to move her lips to meet Emma's once more. Emma's eyes widening in surprise, then peppering kisses about Regina's face.
"I…love you Regina."
Regina smiled as Emma kissed her forehead.
She pulled Henry up to try and hide her smile, but Emma could see it… and even if she couldn't… she just knew it was time.
a/n: this is all I have written for now but I may have a few ideas for a couple more chapters stick with me :)