Always and Forever

Forgiveness

Regina's POV

I take Emma home, and we go into the kitchen. I prepare provisions for soup, while she sits quietly at the at the kitchen island. 

"You know, I could use some magic to heal that for you."

"What? Then why the heck did you make me suffer through getting stitches?

"I wasn't sure if you wanted me to use magic on you."

"Gina, I trust you with my life. Now please, magic this away."

"I think you should start practicing your magic more. You've got the basics down, but it's been more than a year since you've used it" I say while I heal her wrist.

"I don't need it, Gina. That's why I haven't practiced it."

"Yes, but you never know when you might need it. It's good for self defense."

"I'll think about it. Thank you."

"Why are you thanking me?"

"For caring about me."

"Of course I care, dear. I am in love with you." 

She pulls me into a loving kiss. "I love you, too."

While I'm cooking, the doorbell rings. Emma goes to open it. I hear David's voice. They both come into the kitchen. 

"Hi, Regina."

"Hello, David" I say with a smile. 

"I wanted to come over and check on both you, to make sure you're both safe." He seems very genuine. I see him shifting from one foot to the other, the same way Emma does, when she contemplates what to say next. 

"So, um. Mary Margaret says you two are together now."

"Yes, we are", Emma says quietly.

"I know it's none of my business, I'm just curious as to when it happened."

"It's only been a few days. But we both seemed to have feelings for each other for a very long time now. We've only now found the courage to express it to each other" I say. 

"Emma, would you mind giving Regina and I a minute to talk." She looks at me to make sure I'm going to be okay. I give her a small nod to let her know it's fine. 

"I just wanted to say, I don't have any reservations when it comes to you being a good person now. Mary Margaret and I had a long conversation shortly after you guys left the hospital. It was definitely hard for me to wrap my head around everything, when she told me. The only thing I could think of was our history. You've spent a long time wanting to ruin Mary Margaret's happiness and attempting to kill her. I'm surprised she got over it a lot faster than I did it seems. She trusts you and she considers you a friend. She keeps telling me your past wasn't your fault. That she and her father are the reason you leaned towards the darkness and took the path you did. She wouldn't explain it to me, no matter how much I asked, but she said that it's your private story to tell. I won't press you for information, Regina. I understand that my wife won't say anything, because it must be really difficult and personal to talk about. Plus, it's your story, not hers. Since our memories have returned, I've seen how hard you've worked towards redemption. There may have been a slip here and there, but you always came out of the right side of it. And Emma, well she's been your biggest supporter throughout it all. She doesn't allow anyone to forget all of your efforts and the difficulty that came along with it. If my daughter brings you happiness, and you her, then you have our blessings. We'll support your both however we can. And we will see to it, that you both are safe. You haven't been the evil stepmom  for a very long time" he says chuckling, "but you have remained in the family. Maybe one day, and no pressure on this, I'll have the honor in calling you my daughter as well."

I feel my eyes tearing up as he's talking. Before I can say anything, he wraps his arms around me in a wonderfully tight but comfortable hug, and so I hug him back. After a little while we let go and I look up at him.

"You Charming's are surely one for speeches" I say giggling, and so does he. I wipe my tears away. "David, I truly don't know what to say. I'm honestly amazed by how supportive you both have been. I expected a fight. I must say though, it's a relief. I didn't want this to cause a problem between you both and Emma. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hoping for snow to be a little resistant so we could have our little banter" I say with a smile. "The heartbreak I went through with losing Daniel, and then being forced to marry Leopold, it took a toll on me. What I went through, I wouldn't wish upon anyone. However, it doesn't justify any of my actions. I have worked hard, and I don't want to disappoint any of you. I finally have the happiness I've been yearning for, I won't do anything to lose this."

"You know, Mary Margaret admires you, Regina. She said she's seeing the version of you who saved her all those years ago. She's prayed for that woman to return to you for a long time, and it finally has. She's happy that her daughter will get to experience and I quote 'that unwavering love, care and support that Regina has to offer. She loves so hard it can feel unreal, because her passion is so strong once those walls are down'. She loves you Regina."

"I needed to hear that, David. Thank you." I say hugging him. "I think this is all the mushy emotions I can take for now" and we both start to laugh.

"You're right. Anyways, I have to had back to the station. You both please stay here. If you need anything or if Hook shows up, please call me immediately."

"I will, thank you, David." He gives me a hug again and kisses my head. He walks out to the living room and holds Emma in his embrace for a good minute and kisses her head as well. "Don't leave here, Emma. I'm leaving you in Regina's care. If anything happens, you both call me."

"Thank you, Dad." Very rarely does she refer to him as Dad, or Snow as Mom. 

"I love you, honey."

"You too." She says.