A/N: So. This is the end. Thank you, readers, for being so wonderful. I never expected I'd have a story that would get anywhere near this kind of response. I also never expected I'd write anything this long. Especially not from a late-night flash of inspiration. That is all thanks to you. I'm so glad you've liked this story, and Regina as the odd-girl-out.
Regina found herself rather speechless.
Emma's grand declaration was…shocking, unexpected in how truly un-Emma it seemed, going against most of her sensibilities. Emma never seemed one for emotional outbursts—even the discussion about Neal, which clearly had been painful for her, had been relatively measured and self-assured—except for when Regina had expressed her own troubles...
But anyway, now, Emma stood a mess, looking for all the world like she wanted to drop down to her knees in supplication if she thought it would do her any good, tears pooling in her eyes, her breathing heavy.
Regina didn't even have the capacity to respond, Emma's words having set her mind in motion running through all of their time together—every moment they had spent together, all the conversations about family, about childhoods, about Neil, about Daniel, all of Emma's protestations here and that day in the hall, everything—Emma wasn't lying. She hadn't been lying, not about them.
This unexpected speech, this emotion—It was all because Emma thought their friendship was just as real as she thought it was.
Everything ached.
And as Regina let her shoulders drop, just a little under the simultaneous weight and relief of her realization, all she could think to say was, "I imagine this is what filled your letters."
Emma's jaw dropped at even the sound of Regina's voice, first thrilled it wasn't outright rejection and morphing into disappointment.
"You didn't—?"
Of course Regina hadn't read them, why should she? But it explained why nothing had changed, one way or the other.
"I couldn't," Regina admitted, strangely calm. "I didn't want to. But I did read Kathryn's. Tink's, Ruby's.
"They all mentioned you, it being your idea. I just—"
Emma understood inherently what she meant, not wanting to take a lifeline when it was offered, being unable to let go of the anger because of how much more stable it felt. She got it. She had been there. And she knew she understood Regina, even if she wasn't always the best at showing it.
"I know," Emma acknowledged, smiling gently to let Regina off the hook, glad at least that her friends had benefitted from her plan, that Regina had gotten some of the apologies she deserved.
"Emma," Regina sighed gently, standing to meet Emma's gaze. She was so unused to having her resentment melt away, to have someone plead for her. To have that person be hurting and for her to be the only person who could make it better. And she found she did want to, desperately—seeing the hurt in Emma's eyes, the shame—it wasn't heartening like she had imagined. Like she had fantasized with Mary Margaret. Hurt her, and she would hurt less. But instead, Emma's pain just increased hers. And she wanted to make it go away. To make it all go away.
"It was a good idea," Regina asserted. "I kept them. I would've read them all as soon as I read the first one. And I was already being pulled towards it," she confessed, tracking the hope that grew in Emma's features.
"We both know your strength is in writing."
Emma's laugh was strangled and relieved all at once—Regina was teasing her. Not just talking to her but good-naturedly sassing. Granted, about her heartfelt declarations, but it didn't matter. It didn't matter in the least.
"That it is," she agreed joyously.
They observed each other a moment, Emma still taking in Regina's physicality, always the clearest indicator of how she was doing with any given scenario. The tenseness was still there, if markedly less. Emma's proclamations had done something, if not everything. Of course not everything. She dropped her head. As much as she wanted everything they had back this very moment, she knew better.
"If this—if this starting over again is too soon, I'll keep writing them, you know? The letters. Or if you don't want them, just say—"
"I don't want more letters."
Regina's quiet but emphatic words hit Emma harder than she could've imagined.
"Oh," she emitted, the only sound that could come as she recoiled from the implications, holding back the wetness in her eyes that came as quickly as it would have with any physical blow. She deserved this. She'd recover. Maybe Regina would one day change her mind.
"Okay," she managed to get out, willing herself to not break down right in front of Regina. "I guess I should leave then. I'm sorry again. And for interrupting your night."
Emma went to turn after taking in one last look, but she was stopped by the sound of Regina's voice.
"I don't want them, because I don't need them," Regina clarified in the same loaded tone.
"I have you."
Emma gaped again, thrown in the other direction by the warmth in Regina's eyes, the tiny smile that made a hesitant appearance.
"You do?"
Regina cocked an eyebrow. "Don't I?"
Emma could've burst with the joy and relief coursing through her system.
"Of course! Really—yes!" She shouted, unable to contain herself at Regina's growing amusement. She chanced taking a step closer. "Regina, I'd pledge to be your personal slave."
Regina rolled her eyes at Emma's antics despite the utter elation she felt in seeing them.
"That will not be necessary."
Things between them could really get back to the way they had been. The elation was almost overwhelming, leading to a different kind of tears gathering in Emma's eyes.
"God, thank you, Regina."
Regina just wanted to fall back into everything they had, the comfort of Emma's being Emma, but she knew better than to forgive and forget entirely—at least right away.
"This doesn't mean everything is fixed—" she warned, only to be cut off by Emma's shock-widened expression, as if she would be more uncomfortable with being forgiven than Regina was forgiving.
"Of course not!"
And that sealed it. Regina couldn't stay mad, not in this moment, not with Emma pledging she'd stay enough mad at herself for the two of them. Emma wasn't perfect, but she was quick to learn what it took to survive. They had that in common.
"—But thank you, Emma," Regina finished her thought shyly, "For not…giving up on me."
Emma's eyes went even wider at that, completely dismayed.
"I think that's what I'm supposed to be saying to you," She protested. "I know it's what I'm supposed to be saying to you."
Regina looked down a moment, unable to meet Emma's questioning stare. She knew she was an expert at pushing people away. But no one, no one, had ever fought against it. Not like Emma. Now that she could think clearly, now that the ache and anger were quickly fading away, she knew she was just as unwilling to let go of Emma as Emma had been of her.
"Starting to talk to Kathryn again…I've realized that perhaps some people are worthy of second chances…and you should really be at the top of that list."
It may've seemed like faint praise to the casual observer, but Emma knew—everything that lay underneath, everything this meant coming from Regina, and this time she had no control over her body. She didn't even try to restrain herself as she wrapped her arms around the girl in front of her, overcome with emotion.
Neither was typically much for physical contact or demonstrative feelings, but as Emma hugged tighter in the face or Regina's reluctance, Regina found herself succumbing to the warmth and comfort of her friend's embrace, her own arms coming up to circle Emma's frame.
She could've sworn she heard a little sniffle next to her ear…Emma's emotions were real and raw, and Regina felt the same respite from her normal dependence on her masks and walls in their private moment of support, allowing a tear or two of her own to wash away some of the pain.
It wasn't the same safe. Emma had damaged that. But it wasn't necessarily lesser as she felt newly connected to her friend. And it was still more than she felt almost anywhere else.
God, she had missed her infuriating friend—only friend—best friend.
Eventually Emma loosened her arms from around Regina and stepped back, awkward again with things having settled, maybe a little embarrassed for her spontaneous reaction. Still, she smiled.
"Thank you."
Regina just nodded, finding herself unable to resist wiping the stray tear that was running down Emma's cheek before the feel of her soft skin snapped her back to herself.
Now they both felt a little awkward. That hug—that touch—something had shifted. They parted only slightly, still unwilling to leave the space they had created, to disturb whatever was happening between them.
"Sorry for ruining everything," Emma apologized gently. "Again. Some prom night."
"Indeed," Regina agreed offhandedly, trying not to join Emma in her fidgeting.
"I'm sor—"
Regina shook her head with a wistful smile. As much as she appreciated Emma's guilt, they were never going to get anywhere at this rate.
"You need to stop apologizing."
"Sor—" Emma began out of instinct before catching herself. "—Right. I'll try."
Regina bit her lip to keep from chuckling at Emma's fumbling earnestness. Something about how Emma never seemed to know what to do with her even when she was so seemingly confident elsewhere made her feel more comfortable than she could even put words to.
Everything was falling back into place so easily, when nothing was ever easy. It would've scared her if it didn't feel so right.
"As for tonight," she returned to the previous subject with only the slightest hesitation, "Emma, the only part I would've changed would've been to spend more of it with you."
"Really?" Emma burst.
Regina didn't think she'd ever get tired of Emma's moments of innocent excitement. It was something to see she could still feel that way after what her life before Storybrooke had been like. It was almost inspirational.
"Really," Regina confirmed, only wanting Emma's smile to continue. "I…it was nice, being queen," she admitted, raising up her crown a moment to watch it sparkle. "And David's not half as clumsy as he looks."
Emma chuckled a little at the assessment, but the twinkle in her eye was for something else entirely.
"May I?" She asked softly, indicating the crown in Regina's hands.
Regina shrugged in agreement, not thinking much of it until it seemed Emma's eyeing was only to find the front—and she placed it gently on Regina's head.
Regina suddenly felt much sillier than she had at her original crowning, perhaps the other facets of the situation too overwhelming at the time, but she just wanted to squirm under Emma's gaze—even though it was soft and reverent, as if she were attributing some real weight to this fake crown.
"It really suits you, you know?" Emma murmured, her head tilted slightly in appraisal.
Regina couldn't even really tell whether she was talking about the crown, or the idea of Prom Queen, or something else entirely, but then Emma went on a more specific track.
"I hope you don't think I'm glad you won just so I didn't have to," she continued ashamedly, unable to leave it behind. "Best case scenario was I'd get Carrie-d, 'cause that's what I deserve—but you deserve the recognition, Regina. Storybrooke High may be full of assclowns, but I'm glad enough of them figured it out."
Always so eloquent, Regina couldn't help but think, her heart swelling even with swears and thoughts of pig's blood. It was just so innately Emma, and she felt even more attachment to the stupid plastic crown as she once again removed it from her head.
"Well," she ceded just a little, "it'll probably never come up again. And that's for the best."
Emma bit back a smile, sensing the acceptance behind Regina's words.
"I don't know…" She intoned, teasing only slightly. "Hook has already taken to calling you 'Her Majesty'."
Emma's put-on accent in imitation of Killian finally broke through the remaining bit of discomfort, letting Regina's bright smile rival the moon once more.
"I suppose that's acceptable," Regina allowed with faux regality. "I wouldn't mind a little built-in respect from him."
"No kidding," Emma agreed before assuming her own false solemnity. "And with you as queen, I could pledge my loyalty and service and hang Whale up outside of school Monday by his underwear."
Emma was only half kidding, but the laugh from Regina was totally worth it.
"No, no, Princess," she dismissed. "He's not worth the effort."
Emma's brows furrowed, scowling at the term. "Princess?"
Regina smiled again, entirely too amused by Emma's face looking like it did, a toddler displeased.
"You were runner-up in the court, were you not?" Regina defended, making note to call Emma "Princess" more often as Emma's pout grew deeper.
"Changed my mind. Queen suits you too well. You're drunk with power."
Regina thought this moment wouldn't even be rate a mention if she truly had any sort of command, but she didn't resist teasing, just the same.
"Most girls would love to be princesses, Emma."
"Yeah, I guess…" Emma acknowledged, barely resisting scuffing her shoes at the reality of Regina's statement. "Just something about the way you say it…I'd rather be your knight."
"My knight?" Regina caught, entirely too flattered at the thought of it but still finding it very appropriate for Emma.
"A knight!" Emma protested quickly, eyes wide once again at the slip. But when Regina smiled at her, and it seemed like maybe she hadn't revealed too much quite yet, she settled into it, fine with the general sentiment. She'd gladly be Regina's knight.
"Well, I did already pledge my loyalty," she owned. "Okay. Your knight."
"Good," Regina accepted.
Emma was struck by an idea she hurried to get out before her bravery fell away, or before things settled between them and Regina left for the night.
"I don't really know if knights get to dance with queens, but I was wondering if you would? Since I promised you we'd dance again at prom, and all…"
"You want to dance?" Regina asked, surprised by both the request and its suddenness. "Here?"
Emma nodded with a smile, looking at the open clearing and seeing the potential that Regina didn't.
"I found this boombox—" She started, moving towards the barn wall where she had last left it.
"The radio reception isn't great up here…" Regina warned, knowing far too well what sorts of odd music they could be stuck listening to between the two working stations and whatever the stablehands were into this season.
"I know," Emma admitted, having tried out the options early on in her wait, trying to keep from thinking. "You're right to be suspicious. I'm not quite sure what it is, but whatever CD is in here isn't too bad."
Emma hit play and waited nearby for Regina's approval or dismissal as the first chords drifted from the stereo.
Regina usually didn't much care for the stablehands' tastes but whatever was playing now was actually an appropriate pop-alt sounding ballad.
"I suppose it will do," she agreed.
Emma's smile at her acceptance was everything Regina needed to grasp Emma's offered hand and let her lead them a little further out under the stars.
"Thank you, your Majesty," Emma teased graciously as they began to move with the music.
It didn't take long for Regina to think this might be the best dance of her evening, even if it was a little strange—it wasn't like friends would dance, Regina guessed as she leant in closer to Emma's warmth, her arms draped over Emma's shoulders, Emma's arms firmly around her waist. Emma didn't have David's trained grace or formality, but she was equally confident in her minimalism, her hold just as solid.
Emma herself thought she would be more nervous in the situation, more uncomfortable considering her hidden feelings, but it was easy, holding Regina, and she stayed in the moment, just enjoying it for what it was.
But then Regina was talking, her voice drifting up to Emma's ear over the music.
"You look stunning tonight, Emma," she commented as she observed Emma's look up close. "I'm surprised you didn't want to go charm some boy or another at a party."
Regina was looking at her waiting for some response to her teasing or to the compliment preceding it and Emma was looking back but her mind was whirling.
She looked stunning? What about Regina with her sleek black dress and sleek dark hair? Charm some boy? What about Regina with her bright eyes and red lips?
Emma was instantly overwhelmed with just how much she wanted to kiss her, to hold her, to tell her she was more to her than any guy could be. She tensed just to dislodge the thought. She needed to stop thinking like this. She needed to be Regina's friend, her knight.
Regina had noticed the shift almost instantly.
She wondered if she had said something wrong, but she couldn't think of how—Emma did look wonderful in her gown—as much as gowns didn't really seem to fit her sensibilities. But this one was sleek and unpretentious, if a little showier than what Emma might otherwise choose—she assumed Tink or Ruby had a hand in that part. But she did look wonderful, and she had seemed comfortable in it, so it couldn't be about the compliment. And the teasing was just teasing—Emma was always quick to respond to that.
So she couldn't have said something wrong. But now Emma couldn't meet her gaze anymore.
"Emma…?" Regina tried, hoping it might spur Emma into discussing what was going through her mind.
Emma heard the question, but she couldn't respond.
She couldn't… Not with Regina just barely looking up to her because of the slight difference in their heels. Not with her concern and care and the warmth from where their bodies were still touching. She couldn't…
…She couldn't keep it from her.
"To regain your trust, I need to be totally honest," Emma whispered, almost to herself, repeating Archie's advice.
"But I'm so afraid of losing you."
Regina couldn't help but tense at the words—she thought they had covered all that was left between them, and the idea of being hurt again had her growing cold.
"What?"
Regina's tone stung, probably more than she had intended, but Emma wasn't ready to lose the feeling they had had in the moment, so she didn't quite let go. She did stop their swaying as she gathered the courage to continue.
"Ruby said something to me tonight, and I think she's right."
Regina didn't care how much Emma needed to psych herself up. There was all together too much pausing going on.
"Emma Swan, say it."
"I think I'm falling in love with you."
"…You….what?"
Regina was so flabbergasted that her every emotion was all playing across her face without any sort of filter, and Emma was terrified. Why had she possibly thought this would be a good idea?
"I'm sor—" She blurted, stopping as she remembered Regina's earlier directive. "I shouldn't have said anything. It doesn't need to change anything between us. I still want to be friends, so much so, Regina, please, just—"
Regina's hand shot up, stopping Emma's rambling instantly.
"Ruby Lucas thinks you are falling in love with me. And you agree?"
Honesty, Emma thought, honesty. She couldn't turn back now. It wouldn't matter if she did. And Regina was shocked, but she was just asking a direct question—she hadn't dismissed her—yet, at least.
"…Yes."
Regina wasn't saying anything, wasn't even visibly reacting, and the longer the silence went on the less Emma could tolerate it. The need to explain, elaborate, contain—it was all too overpowering.
"I never felt like this about anyone, not even with Neal—I mean it was different, and I don't want to overwhelm you, or change anything—and you deserve way more than me, and I don't even know if you like girls—I don't even know if I like girls—but you're everything and you somehow didn't give me up, and I feel like I am just me with you, you know? I'm not any of the things other people want me to be, and it's stupid, but I think I know I like like you, and Ruby said they all would support me if I told you, and I just—"
"Emma, dear," Regina interjected.
"Yes?"
"Breathe."
Emma took her advice, at least for the moment, and though she still looked like she was about to burst, she remained silent afterwards, much to Regina's relief. She needed the moment to gather herself, her own pulse and thoughts racing just as fast as Emma's.
But she had had the benefit of years of training to contain them. To keep her from running away outright or just screaming. It really seemed like those were the two options as she sank down onto the bench after triple checking that no one was around—other than the horses who sounded a little restless for the late hour.
She just had to process this new information. The abject fear.
Emma was…Emma loved her? Or could? As more than friends.
It was a lot.
Maybe too much. How was she supposed to deal with this? The thing itself—or the idea of anyone finding out? Wouldn't it be easier to walk away? She wouldn't be hurt more than usual for giving Emma the cold shoulder. People would just leave her alone. And then she could get through the summer as she always did. Alone.
But the pain of only a week's worth of separation rushed back over her, everything from their brief but powerful friendship: the hurt of Emma's betrayal, their instant fast connection even when she had been so suspicious of it all—so many looks of protection, of care, of—something that reminded her of Daniel, so dearly, that it had made it both better and worse to sit with her under their tree, holding hands—looks of love.
It was love. Love that made her feel safe and warm. It wasn't just Emma being Emma, but how Emma felt about her. There was no doubt that Emma Swan had become one of the most meaningful people in her life, maybe the only one that seemed to see her. She was also "just Regina" with Emma, not any of the things other people wanted her to be. And then when, just tonight, she had, even in her pain, just wanted to care for Emma—when she had wanted to forgive her just to relieve her of her burden, when forgiving should've been otherwise impossible considering how hurt she had been and how deeply she held her wounds.
Was it…could she also…?
Regina didn't have much of anything to compare her feelings to, but what had been closest, what felt the most real, had been with Daniel. And just because Emma was a girl, a woman, a beautiful one at that…
She could ignore this. They could work around it. They could be fast friends until they went away to school, when Regina was aware enough to know that these things tended to fall apart, one way or another. Or they could be…everything.
One summer with an everything.
It would have to be secret. More so than even with Daniel, but if Ruby was for it, for them, if they had a protectress…what would it be to let herself fall?
Apparently she had been thinking for too long because Emma couldn't stand the silence any longer.
"Regina, please say som—"
"Shh," Regina cut her off automatically.
She couldn't have Emma's voice in her head right now, not with her own. Sitting a moment longer, she considered her options. What to do about Emma.
There was really only one thing she wanted to do. She stood up once more and took a step towards Emma.
"Emma, would you dance with me?"
"Would I…what?"
Emma's utter confusion would've been adorable (adorable) if Regina hadn't known how hard this had to be for her. So she leant down to turn the music up a little and then stepped even closer.
"I was wondering if you would like dance again."
It really was all Regina wanted, to regain that moment they had, and put off any of these…complications as long as possible.
Emma still looked like she was entirely lost as she nodded. She certainly wasn't going to refuse anything Regina asked. Nor would she turn down the opportunity to stay close to her.
So when Regina stepped into her space and wrapped her arms around her neck once more, her own hands found their place on Regina's back as they began to sway with the music.
It was still so right.
Even with Emma terrified and confused and Regina's head full of warnings, it felt perfect. Soothing. Regina found herself pulling even closer to Emma as they moved, trying to find something in blue-green eyes.
As the song shifted, Regina wouldn't let them break apart, dancing through the silence.
They made do as the new song started, not as suited to slow dancing, but the mood never shifting.
They were caught up in each other, even with everything to consider. It was right. Nothing else should matter. It shouldn't, Regina told herself.
And then Regina heard the lyrics.
And she smiled.
She was never much for fate, but she couldn't deny that this had to be some kind of sign. The world loved to work against her, but she thought here, for once, she might have its blessing.
And she was going to go for it. She wanted to go for it.
"Emma, listen to the song."
Emma had started at the sound of Regina's voice, but when the content wasn't anything like she might've expected, she settled herself, determined not to push. Maybe Regina just wanted to ignore what she had said. It was understandable. And there were certainly worse possible outcomes. At least they'd still get to be friends.
"Yeah, I like this one," she replied, trying to be as normal as possible and already feeling she had failed.
But Regina just smirked a little, continuing to hold onto her and look deep into her eyes.
"No, Emma, listen."
As much of a mess as she was, she followed Regina's direction, paying special attention to the lyrics over the scrape of their dancing on the gravel.
…Out on the moonlit floor,
Lift your open hand,
Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance,
Silver moon's sparkling,
So kiss me.
"I think this song might be for us," Regina suggested as the chorus led into the instrumentals, playful, but a little unsure. A little more unsure than Emma was used to from Regina, and as she returned her gaze and recalled the lyrics she just heard…
Oh. Oh.
"Regina?" Emma asked, not daring to dream that Regina might actually be implying what she thought she might be implying.
Regina stared, hoping that Emma might catch on, not knowing what to say more, sure this was going to implode in someway, but when Emma didn't move, when she didn't keep talking, when she just looked at her, desperate for some kind of elaboration—Regina gave it.
She kissed her.
It was soft (Emma was so soft) and gentle and very quick, but it had all the blood rushing to Regina's cheeks before she even pulled back from Emma's lips.
All the pain and worry that had been all over Emma's face had evaporated in the single touch. She was beaming. Even if the confusion wasn't entirely gone.
Regina had kissed her.
Her arms were still warm against her neck, their chests flush—Regina had kissed her and hadn't run away, and it was wonderful. So, so wonderful. But much too short. But did it mean what she thought? Her mind was racing, analyzing, maybe overanalyzing as Regina stared at her, this time waiting for her reaction, and god, she didn't want her to think she had done anything wrong—
"Regina, you—that—did that happen? Was it real? Is this real?" Emma spluttered, her energy growing as she tracked Regina's increasing comfort.
"I don't think I could handle it if you were messing with me."
Regina gaped for a moment before actually cackling at the irony of it all—now Emma thought she was the one who was being messed with?
"Okay, okay," Emma granted, knowing Regina probably should've been messing with her, "I'm the worst. And totally weak, but—"
"Emma Swan," Regina began, figuring that Emma's emotions had been topsy-turvy for long enough. "You have so much making up to do. But. You will be doing it as my friend, and maybe—you of all people know this, this part, would have to stay secret. You know that. But, if that's something you can handle—"
"Yes, I swear it, Regina."
"—Then maybe you can also do your making up as…more than a friend. Because, I…well, you're everything, too."
Emma's heart nearly burst. How had everything gone so right? She didn't deserve any of it. Certainly not Regina, looking at her shyly with something like love and hope in her eyes.
"So, this…" She tried indicating the two of them with her head, her hands never leaving Regina's body.
"Is real," Regina confirmed.
Emma's smile needed to stop being so powerful, Regina thought, caught up in how she had missed her feelings for so long. Somehow it made everything they went through worthwhile.
Emma reluctantly let go of Regina, but instantly grabbed her hand, pulling her over to the boombox, because the song—their song—had ended and Emma hadn't gotten her chance.
She hit the back button, and as the opening refrain played once more, she led Regina to dance again, her utter happiness swelling with every last giggle at her antics.
As the lyrics started up again, Emma decided it was finally time to take her cue. Not to mention she could barely comprehend how she had managed to go this long without kissing Regina again.
"Can I…?" She asked, glancing down at Regina's beautiful red lips before the emergence of a white, bright smile had her back at twinkling brown eyes.
"Yes, you idiot," Regina laughed in response to Emma's request…before Emma cut that off entirely.
They had better things than laughing to be doing at the moment.
They kissed and danced until the CD had started over from the beginning and they couldn't anymore, feet aching from gravel and heels. Regina changed into the boots from her locker, and Emma complained until she realized she rather liked having this kind of height advantage and kissed her again. She felt she would never be able to stop and was set on enjoying as many as possible while they were away from the rest of the world—while she could.
She collapsed on the bench and pulled Regina down with her, holding her as she once again gazed up into the stars, a sight made infinitely better by the feeling of Regina snuggling even closer to her. By the knowledge that she was falling in love (if not in it already) and she wasn't alone.
"I don't ever want to go home," Emma heard Regina whisper, and she pulled her in tighter. She didn't much want to either. She wanted to stay here with Regina for the foreseeable future. But with the moon sinking lower in the sky, she didn't want Regina to get in trouble for staying out all night, and she shifted to look her in the eyes.
"Do you have to?" Emma asked.
Regina knew what Emma was asking. It really was something how well they read each other, how well they communicated even if not with the right words, or no words at all—unless they weren't trusting themselves. Or each other. But that could only get better with time.
"No," Regina answered, shaking her head. She might end up with some terrible punishment, or she might not. But she hadn't had any alcohol or sex, so the odds were in her favor, and she was willing to risk it for more time in Emma's arms. Possibly her new favorite place, at least at the moment, especially as the night got colder.
Emma noticed the slight shiver and sought to rectify it, running her hand over Regina's bare arm.
"Do you want to go someplace? Get food?"
Regina laughed, not at all surprised by Emma's request.
"I hate to break it to you and your incredibly demanding stomach, but coastal Maine isn't much for late-night eateries."
"Ugh," Emma groaned, exaggerating her distress.
"Well," Regina countered, once again somehow amused by Emma's childishness, "If you're willing to pick another lock, there should be some trail snacks in the office."
"Yes!" Emma shot up, excited, pleased at the prospect. She pulled Regina up with her, holding her close once more.
"I can't wait to show you my skills."
Regina rolled her eyes at the tone, but Emma didn't notice as she looked over at the barn.
"Hey," she murmured conspiratorially, "after this, you wanna go for a ride?"
"Emma Swan!"
"Ow!" Emma laughed, rubbing the spot on her arm where Regina's scolding slap had landed. "I meant on Ro!"
Regina scowled for a moment in disbelief before she actually considered it.
Then, she smiled. And kissed Emma on the cheek for the idea.
"I'd like that."
She had originally come to see Ro after all, to go to her and Daniel's spot even though it would've ached more with the ghost of Emma's presence—but now she had Emma with her. And no one around to catch them. They could go together. She wanted to go together.
Emma blushed at the kiss and then smirked mischievously at the agreement and tugged her towards the office, never letting go of her hand.
They could ride off into the night. Ignore the rest of the world for as long as the moon would let them.
There might be some difficulties. A few missteps. It wouldn't be perfect. Regina didn't believe in perfect anyway.
But it would be everything.