Always and Forever

Testing The Waters Continued

Regina's POV

"You know, if I didn't believe you before, I definitely believe you now."

"What do you mean?"

"I know I shouldn't, but I still wonder how you could love me so genuinely after everything I have done. Regardless if it was a different life or not, I still did despicable things. But anyways, your words. The things you say. How you react. It's all the same from when we were together, before your memories were gone. You don't say anything differently. Like just now, telling me you loved me from the day we met. You've told me that before. Or wanting to take responsibility for Hook's actions."

"That's because, it is all true. God Regina, you don't know how I feel right now. It all just feels surreal."

"Can you tell me how you're feeling?"

"It's hard to explain, honestly. I feel like I'm walking on air. Like, I can't believe we're here. It feels like a miracle having you in my arms. At just a glance of you, you took my breath away. Watching how concerned you were over Henry melted my heart. Knowing he was loved and cared for, it swelled my heart 10x over, because every day after I gave him away, I couldn't help but wonder if I made the right decision. It was hard, Regina, so hard. Especially giving him away and knowing what I went through growing up in foster care. I mean, he got adopted, which was a step up, but it didn't necessarily mean life would be better. Despite our history of fighting each other, I've always secretly had a crush on you. While I'll probably lose some cool points and sound childish, it was like you were the popular girl that I just wanted to notice me. With every fight and argument, I liked you more and more. I guess it's true what they say, 'there's a fine line between love and hate'. Just being here with you, right now, my heart feels like it's just going to pound its way out of my chest. I can't believe that somehow you found me worthy enough to even be with me, let alone agree to marry me. I know our relationship isn't new, and it's just new to me. But, I feel like at any given moment you'll realize that I'm not worthy of you. I'm just a street kid that you find interesting now, and soon enough I could be thrown away. So for right now, I just want to know more about us, dive into this spectacular feeling that I have being next to you, and enjoying it for however long that I can."

As beautiful as her words are, they break my heart. Emma of all people, feeling unworthy. I can't help but wonder if she felt this way before and just never shared that with me. I don't ever want her to feel like she's just a play thing that will be tossed aside. It's another reason for me to feel unworthy. If I didn't cast the curse, she would have never been broken by foster care. 

I kiss her neck, her jaw, and then leave a chaste kiss on her lips before looking directly at her. 

"You never seize to amaze me. I love that you see me this way, because really and truly, you make me feel the way I imagine a young school girl would feel when her crush notices her. As fast and hard as you think your heart is beating, I can promise you mine is too. I'm in awe at your words, because surely they are beautiful. But some are heart breaking. Of all the people in the world, you should never be one to feel unworthy, My Love. You are the most kindest and gentlest   soul that I've been blessed to be in the presence of. It is the world and everyone in it that is unworthy of you. I understand that your childhood has broken your mind, because of your time in foster care. It happens to everyone in the system. But, Sweetie, look at you now. Look how you've turned your life around. You have a family. You are loved. You are a hero to everyone. You're the Savior, Ems. Without you, the world would be a little more evil, and without a doubt there would be no hope. From the day you were born, you were the epitome of hope for everyone around you. I can't recall a time where you've been so raw with your emotions, but I'm grateful you are. I'm ready to spend the rest of my life reminding you of your worth. You deserve every bit of happiness this world has to offer and so much more."