Always and Forever

Reunited

Regina's POV

I begin to hear a low voice calling for "Mom", and then I feel a sudden shake. I wake up to see Henry hovering over me. 

"Henry, what are you doing here?"

"I wanted to come see you. Ma told me after school you made it back to work today. I've missed you."

"I missed you, too, honey. I'm sorry I wasn't here for you."

He hugs me tightly. 

"It's okay mom. You needed your time. I'm just glad that you're starting to get better."

My heart breaks just a little bit more, knowing that I've neglected my precious son for so long. That was selfish of me. 

"Would you like to stay with me today? I can whip us up a nice dinner."

"That would be awesome, Mom. Thanks!"

"Of course, Honey. Go get cleaned up and you can work on your homework while I start on our dinner."

" Hey, Henry!"

"Yeah, Mom", he shouts from the top of the stairs.

"Do you think we should invite your Ma for dinner?"

"I think that would be awesome."

I text Emma. 

R: Hello Ms. Swan. Thank you for talking to Henry. I'm happy he's here to see me.

E: It's no problem. The Kid missed you. 

R: I have missed him, as well. 

R: What do you think about joining us for dinner? I'll cook. 

E: I would love to. 

R: Great. We'll have dinner at 7pm, please be here promptly. 

E: As you wish, Your Majesty. See you at 7pm and not a second later.

I decided to make my famous Lasagna. Henry always enjoys it, and I have no doubt Emma would be pleased. I also made Apple Turnovers for dessert. After I finish cooking I make my way up to my bedroom to pick out an outfit for dinner and get showered. Emma has been very brazen lately in what seems to be an attempt to flirt. I'm not entirely sure, but it might be fun to see how she reacts to me wearing something a little less reserved. That might answer some of my questions. I settle on wearing a black tight fitted dress that stops above my knee, and has a neckline that plunges low enough to get a reaction out of Emma, but conservative enough to be appropriate in Henry's presence. I shower quickly, get dressed, complete my make up, put on some red heels, and make my way downstairs. 

I call out for Henry to come help me set the table before his Ma comes over. 

*Doorbell Rings*

I open the door and see Emma dressed up in a nice pair of jeggings that brings out her shape nicely, a fitted grey shirt and that hideous red leather jacket that seems to be tethered to her skin. 

She takes a moment to look me up and down, and hasn't said a word just yet. "See something you like, Ms. Swan?"

She clears her throat. "I, um, thank you. For uh, inviting me over for dinner."

"Of course", I wink at her. "Come in, Ms. Swan."

"Ma, you made it!"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world, kid. What's on the menu, Regina."

"Lasagna. For dessert, we have Apple Turnovers."

"It smells amazing, Regina."

"Thank you."

I start to take out their food for them. I go into the kitchen and grab a bottle of Red Wine for me, White for Emma, and a sparkling Apple Cider for Henry. 

"You remembered", Emma says. 

"Remembered what exactly?"

"My preference for White wine."

"Don't read too much into it, Dear. I like to make sure my guests are satisfied."

"I bet you do, Madam Mayor."

We start to eat. 

"Mmmm. Regina, oh my God. This is absolutely delicious. It's like heaven in my mouth."

For the next few bites, she kept making soft sounds. I started to feel butterflies in my stomach, and a weird tingly feeling. 

"Thank you, Ms. Swan. I'm glad you're enjoying your dinner."

"Enjoying it? This is the best damn Lasagna I've ever had."

"I'm flattered."

We eat and have idle conversation here and there. Henry tells us about school. He and Emma talk about some games that they've been playing. He shares with me his time with the Charmings. This feels nice. I feel complete with the two of them here. I've missed my boy. I guess some part of me missed Emma too. 

After we finish eating, Henry heads up to get ready for bed while Emma grabs the plates and glasses to take it back to the dishes. 

"Leave the dishes Ms. Swan. You're a guest tonight, I can take care of it."

"No, Gina," she starts to walk towards me. She grabs my hand. "Tonight was wonderful. I didn't realize how much I needed it. Plus you went through the hassle of cooking me a nice meal. The least I can do is take care of the dishes."

"Don't be an idiot, Ms. Swan. I was cooking for Henry and myself anyway. It was no hassle. Leave it be."

"Tell you what, I'll meet you half way. I wash, you dry."

"Fine."

She starts to wash the dishes, and as she does I dry and put them away. This feels oddly domestic. It feels nice and whole though. To have someone, an adult, to confide in. To cook for. To help with the clean up. Stop it, Regina. We're not going down this road. Not with Emma Swan. Once we finish, we retire to my office for a night cap before she goes home. 

"Emma, today was nice. Thank you for all that you're doing to help me. But, you don't have to."

"I'm not doing anything to help you, Regina. I'm here because I want to be here." She starts to step a little closer, and looks into my eyes intently. 

I can feel the hairs on the back of my neck starting to stand. I clear my throat and move away to go sit on the couch away from her. "It has been a good day. Started off a bit rocky after you left, but it ended off nicely."

She comes and sits next to me. So close that our legs are touching. "Regina, I want to tell you something."

"What is it." I look at her intently. 

"I'm not sure how to tell you. Part of me is afraid to say it. Afraid of what could go wrong."

I start to feel the butterflies coming back again. "Just say it, Swan. We don't have all night."

"You're right. I should get going."

"If you wish." She gets up and starts to walk away, and I follow behind. 

She stops at the door and turns around. She looks at me deeply in my eyes, as if she's looking into my soul, searching for something. In one swift move she's pulling me to her by my waist and her lips capture mine in a sweet chaste kiss. 

"Ms. Swan, I-"

Before I can get any words out, she apologizes and runs out of the mansion. 

I go upstairs to check on Henry and get him tucked in for bed. I kiss his head, and step out of his room and head to mine. I peel off my clothes and change in to my silky short pajamas and slide into bed, thinking about tonight. I can still feel Emma's lips on mine.