Archive of Our Own

Something’s wrong.

Emma’s not sure what it is, but something doesn’t feel right. She’s trying to focus on the piece of paper on the desk in front of her that she needs to have on Regina’s desk by tomorrow, but her stomach feels queasy, her vision keeps blurring, and she’s so tired all of a sudden.

Destroy her.

A voice echoes through the empty sheriff’s station, startling her and making her jump.

Her heart thunders in her chest as she tries to calm down, moving her head back and forth, and looking around her empty office.

Destroy her.

 It causes her to flinch a few seconds later. Creeps over her, like claws walking up her back and over her shoulders. She shivers and rubs her hands over her neck and arms, trying to force the eerie sensation to dissipate.

Destroy her.

She hears again, barely having had the chance to focus back on the form. Green eyes dart around her office, past the glass doors, taking in the vacant desks, piles of files and papers, and stillness across the sheriff’s station. No one’s there. She’s alone. Yet, her heart begins to beat harder and cold uneasiness washes over her. 

She glances back down at the paper that’s half-filled in. It’s important, but Regina will understand if she finishes it tomorrow and hands it over a little late.

Emma needs to get out of there.

Now.

She stands and her head spins. She reaches out for her desk and steadies herself, tightly shutting her eyes.

Destroy her.

It fills her ears again. Or maybe, it just fills her mind. Emma can’t be completely sure at this point.

Once she feels a little less dizzy, she grabs her jacket and rushes out without even putting it on. She hurries out of the station and down the street. Tries to outrun the voice. 

She decides to keep walking. Quickly. To the loft where she knows Snow will be home, since it’s after four o’clock and school’s been out for a bit. Of course, if this thing is only in her mind, then the running is mostly pointless, but she has to feel like she’s at least trying to get away.

Before she’s even at the door to the building, she pulls out her keys; her shaky hands search for the right one. Forcing herself to calm down and focus, she manages to easily unlock the door. Then, she bolts up the stairwell, racing to the door of the loft. It’s still hard to tell if she’s actually being followed or if she just feels like she is.

As soon as she unlocks the door, she bursts through, slamming it closed behind her, and swiftly locking it again. Her eyes fall closed as she leans back against it, catching her breath, and attempting to calm her nerves.

“Emma!” Snow’s head snaps up in surprise from where she and Regina are sitting at the table, steaming mugs in their hands.

Regina’s mouth parts slightly at the sight of her before her eyes become concerned. “Are you all right?”

“I—” Emma stammers, out of breath. “I’m not sure.”

Regina’s eyes question her, and Snow’s expression grows even more alarmed.

“I think I need to lie down,” Emma pushes away from the door, running a hand through the blonde waves of her hair.

“Want some tea first?” Her mother invites, gesturing to the kettle on the stove.

Emma debates the offer for a moment, but then, her stomach churns in response to the thought. She shakes her head adamantly, swallowing her nausea.

Snow stands up and places a hand on her back. “You look unwell. Go get some rest, honey. We’ll be here if you need anything.”

Emma nods, her eyes meeting Regina’s, once again, and she knows that Regina can tell this is more than Emma simply not feeling well.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Regina promises, giving her the reassurance that she must be able to see Emma needs.

“Thank you,” Emma breathes out with relief and a small, grateful smile.

Her legs feel weak as Snow walks with her to the stairs, ensuring she makes it safely to her old bed.

Once she’s under the quilt, Snow smiles and runs a comforting hand over her head. “Rest, Emma.”

Emma musters up a smile, then lays back into the pillow beneath her head, falling asleep almost immediately.

Destroy her.

She’s not sure how long it’s been but the voice is back. Haunting. Low.

Is she even awake?

Destroy her.

The voice suggests once more. So eerily melodious and cool. It makes Emma’s hands gross and clammy; sends a shiver down her spine. She swallows the sour bile in her throat and shakes her head. The room is dark. She can’t see anyone. Only feels the foreboding presence of the voice that surrounds her.

Destroy her.

It repeats. This time it’s a demand. An order. One that must be obeyed. Emma’s head spins and she feels sick. Her eyes water. She manages to shake her head again; glares at whatever power is there with her. Wherever she is.

Somewhere between sleep and being fully conscious. In the space between thoughts and dreams.

Destroy. Her.

The voice hisses—growing impatient and angry.

“No,” Emma finally finds her own voice. It sounds weird and foreign to her ears. It surprises her with how steady and fierce it is when she adds, “Never!”

You dare defy me, Savior! You must save them. Break the curse. Fulfill the prophecy. Fulfill your purpose. Destroy the Evil Queen.

Goosebumps rise over Emma’s skin and her stomach lurches at what she’s being ordered to do. The thought of ending Regina, of killing her feels vile and wrong and…she must get out of here. She needs to leave.

“I’ve already broken the curse. Everyone’s safe from her. Regina doesn’t need to be destroyed,” she argues with frustration and annoyance. She tries to hide her fear and confusion, but knows they manage to creep in.

You must do what you were created to do. Be the hero. Destroy. Your. Villain.

“No!” Emma yells with absolute defiance and rage. Her body jolts and she bolts up. By some miracle, she’s aware enough to rush from the bed, down the stairs, and to the small bathroom. She pushes the lid of the toilet seat up and heaves into the toilet…and then, again. Sticky tears slip from her closed eyes and over her cheeks. Her stomach hurts and she’s exhausted, but there’s some relief, too.

A comforting, warm presence is behind her, and she registers Regina sitting down beside her on the cool, hard tiles; a hand brushes her hair back over her shoulder, away from her face. Then, Regina begins to rub slow, soothing circles over her back.

“Emma,” she hears Snow’s worried voice from the doorway as she takes a deep breath and spits into the toilet again.

“Here.” She feels Regina reach up, before she hands her a paper towel, obviously, sensing Emma’s stomach is a bit more settled. Emma wipes her mouth and her nose. Regina helps her sit back against the wall. She settles her palm against Emma’s forehead, then moves to rest the back of her hand against Emma’s cheek. Through glassy eyes, Emma sees her frown and recognizes the deep concern in her eyes.

“Does she have a fever?” Snow questions, and Regina shifts her gaze from Emma to the other woman, shaking her head.

“No,” she assures her softly.

“I think there’s a bug that’s going around,” Snow offers in explanation, clearly trying to comfort her daughter. “I’ll go get you some water.”

Regina turns back to Emma as soon as Snow leaves them; her face troubled. With a tentative hand she brushes away some strands of hair that stuck to Emma’s forehead. “Something’s wrong,” Regina concludes out loud.

Emma snorts softly at that. “You’re telling me.”

“What happened?” Regina leans back a bit, giving Emma more space, though she’s still sitting beside her on the floor.

Emma’s brow furrows as she recalls the voice. The dream? Or whatever she experienced. “I’m not sure.”

“But it’s clearly magic,” Regina says with certainty. “I felt something. While I was talking to your mother. A force. It felt powerful. Dangerous.”

“You felt it?” Emma’s eyes widen as cold fear prickles over her.

Regina nods, her expression becoming more disturbed as she clearly picks up on Emma’s fear.

Emma suddenly feels tired and closes her eyes as she sinks back against the wall. The dreams she’d had the past few weeks had ended after confronting Gideon. The nightmares had stopped. So, this couldn’t be that. It feels different, anyway. And those dreams had been mysterious. The voice she’d heard today had been direct; it’s message clear.

Her stomach swirls unpleasantly again, so she massages her forehead and focuses on her breathing. Regina must notice because she takes Emma’s other hand, giving it a light squeeze, before her thumb starts moving comfortingly over her skin. Regina’s touch relaxes her and grounds her. Her stomach begins to settle again.

Emma’s eyes are still closed as she focuses on Regina’s gentle touch, but she hears Snow come back with the water. She can feel the palpable concern that Snow and Regina look to each other with as her mother hands the other woman the glass of water for her. “Do you need anything else?” Snow wonders gently.

Emma shakes her head, forcing a smile. “No. Thanks. Probably just a bug.” She manages to force her eyes open long enough to glance over at Regina. “Don’t worry. I’m in good hands.”

“You are,” Snow agrees fondly. “I’ll be back. I’m going to head over to the store. Get everything I need to make you some soup for when you’re ready to eat.”

Emma’s throat tightens. She’s still not completely used to having a family—a mom. Someone who offers to make her soup when she’s sick. She’s not used to this either. Regina. Someone who takes care of her and holds her hair back and eases the unpleasant feelings. It’s nice. Overwhelming, in the best way and she can’t help the exhausted smile she feels lifting her lips.

But then, Snow’s leaving them alone again and dread overtakes any happiness that Emma had been feeling a second ago.

“I’m so tired,” Emma grumbles, her head automatically falling to Regina’s shoulder, and she feels the other woman tense briefly before she relaxes. It reminds her that they don’t do this. This isn’t normal for them. Not really. But Emma feels herself needing Regina; suddenly craves to be close to her. And so, she lets herself be, because she feels miserable and Regina…Regina makes it not so awful.

“You should get back in bed,” Regina tells her softly after a few long moments and Emma can feel the warmth of Regina’s breath as it caresses her hair.

Emma groans in protest. “Only if you come with me,” she says in a sleepy mumble.

Regina doesn’t say anything for a minute, and Emma can sense something. She’s not sure if it’s discomfort at the intimacy Emma is seeking or something else.

Regina finally nods, “Whatever gets you to sleep.”

“I don’t want to be alone,” Emma mutters against the soft fabric of Regina’s shirt.

She feels Regina’s hand caress her cheek, and then, she silently coaxes Emma to look at her as her thumb runs along her skin. Emma blinks and forces her eyes open; leans into Regina’s palm and her touch. Regina’s brown eyes are warm and full, and their stare is unwavering as she looks deeply into Emma’s. “You’re not. Ever,” she states lowly; honestly.

Emma knows her smile is grateful and there are tears in her eyes, as she lifts her hand to rest against the one Regina is still holding her face with. She relishes the warmth and comfort of their hands together. And she hates to break it to the voice, whoever it belongs to, but she won’t ever destroy Regina. She can’t. Nothing could ever make her do that. She’s almost sure nothing ever would have…not even before.

“I know,” Emma whispers back. And in that moment, losing herself in Regina’s eyes, everything feels right.

“Come on,” Regina utters softly, interrupting their wordless conversation. “To bed,” she wraps her arm around Emma and carefully helps her up.

Falling asleep is easy. Regina tucks her in and is about to sit in the rocking chair across the room, but Emma reaches for her hand. Their eyes meet; Emma pleads; Regina goes to lie down beside her on the bed. At first, there’s a gap between them. It doesn’t take Emma long to scoot closer, seeking out Regina’s presence and her comfort. She looks up at her hesitantly. “Is this okay?” she wonders in a somewhat shy, hushed voice, draping her arm over Regina and cuddling against her. Regina noticeably swallows, but holds Emma’s eyes with her own as she nods, “Of course.”

“Good.” Emma smiles warmly and her eyes drift closed in contentment, breathing Regina in. “Thank you,” she sighs, her nausea and the voice temporarily gone.

Images flicker through her mind. A jail cell. A hospital. The cries of a newborn baby. Emma’s own cries. Another jail cell—more familiar. Red apples. Deep red lips. A wicked smirk. Brown eyes filled with fire and challenge. Then, brown eyes filled with fear and worry. Then, hesitant trust. The mines. Henry. A piece of glass…Snow White’s coffin? A crushed expression. A defeated look. Desperation. A loud heartbeat pounds and pounds. Blood. Then, dust. Then, more blood. So much blood. A symbol of horrific deeds. The reign of terror. Of an unrelenting revenge.

Another baby cries and it’s distant. The black fabric of the Evil Queen’s cape flows through a corridor. Emma follows behind. Enters a nursery. Sees the magical tree; her father; a maniacal, ruthless Evil Queen. The baby is gone. She is gone. But then, she’s here again. In Storybrooke. Staring down an aggravating Regina in a hallway. A Regina that’s losing control. A Regina that needs to keep Mary Margaret and David apart. A Regina that needs her to not break the curse. There’s a turnover and Henry. The hospital. The rapid beeps of a heart monitor. The sounds of chaos and panic. And then…and then…the line goes flat, the machine beeps long and alarming. It sounds final. Lifeless. Until…true love’s kiss. A broken curse. And Regina. Regina. Lost and fearful and desperate and…wanting her son. A mother who wants to be better for her child. A woman who tries so hard. Is so resilient. Is ready to overcome her past. And Emma knows her. Cares for her. Understands her. Even when it’s hard. Even when she feels like she shouldn’t want to. Because it’s Regina. And she’s pulled to her; drawn to her. Because it’s Regina and she cares for her. Believes in her. Because it’s Regina and she sparks something within her. Ignites a flame. Gives her goosebumps over her skin. Makes her breath catch in her throat. Has her stomach fluttering and her heart skipping and pounding. And Emma longs for her; yearns for her; desires her. Through it all. In whatever way she can have her and be with her. Henry’s moms. Friends. Family.

And she knows it’s more. Wants it to be more. Needs it to be. And wonders when she began to feel that way; wonders if she’s crazy for thinking Regina might feel the same way, too. After everything. Because of everything.

Destroy her.

The whisper slithers through her thoughts.

“I can’t do it,” she says into the dark room. She’s back there again. The cold, haunting, terrible place. “I won’t kill her.”

You must.

“Regina isn’t a threat.”

Every Savior needs a villain.

“She’s not a villain,” Emma spits back.

Oh? But she is. And she’s yours.

“She’s a person. A good mother. A good friend. And I—”

You what? Hmm?

Emma hesitates. Her mind whirls.

You what? It repeats. Prompts. Teases.

And every fiber of her being knows. Every part of her. She feels it within. Deeply. Fiercely. Charged and sure. So sure.

“And I love her!” Emma shouts so loudly and strong that it radiates from her and throughout the room. Filling the darkness.

Emma is breathing heavily. Yet, she feels lighter. Even in the darkness she feels clarity.

A laugh fills the room. Echoes around her. Almost consumes her.

You were meant to destroy her.

The Savior needs to vanquish the Evil Queen.

It’s your purpose.

“No. It’s not,” Emma bites back. Now, she feels only anger.

Then, what is? To fall in love with her?

Emma feels herself swallow uncontrollably at that. She’s not sure. Not at this moment. Not here.

“My purpose is to take care of my family. To be the best mother I can be for my son. To protect Storybrooke.”

And the Evil Queen?

“Regina.”

You cannot escape fulfilling the prophecy. Fulfilling your fate.

“Emma,” she hears Regina murmur, feels the gentle touch of her fingers on her cheek.

Emma forces herself to wake up. Her head pounds. Her skin feels hot.

“Shhh,” Regina soothes. The orange glow of the setting sun shines on the wall behind her.

Emma looks frantically from Regina’s eyes to the rest of the room. They’re still in the loft. In her old bed upstairs. She’s under the quilt and Regina is lying beside her on top, her head propped up on her hand. Her face full of concern.

“My head hurts,” Emma turns onto her back, pressing small circles into her temples.

“It was here again,” Regina says, worry in her voice. “I felt it.”

Emma winces and nods.

“What is it?”

“A voice,” Emma exhales. “In a dark room.”

“What does it say?”

Emma shakes her head. Her eyes burn. She can’t tell her.

“Emma.” Regina’s voice is soft. Gentle. And it feels like a caress.

“I need to fulfill the savior’s purpose,” Emma forces herself to speak, even though, her throat is tight.

She sees the creases that appear in Regina’s forehead as she frowns in confusion.

“But you’ve already broken the curse.”

“I know,” Emma agrees.

“Then, what else are you supposed to do?” Regina’s brow knits and Emma looks away.

Emma shakes her head. “It doesn’t matter.”

“Doesn’t it? It’s making you ill.”

“It doesn’t because I’m not going to do it. I can’t,” Emma says her voice tinged with agony. “Even if it ends up killing me.”

That clearly has Regina alarmed and she sits up fully in the bed. “Emma, what is going on?”

Emma shifts against the pillow; faces Regina. She takes her hand. Plays with her fingers. Regina lets her. Watches every movement. Every touch. Reverent and delicate. “I can’t,” Emma says again, and it’s hushed and breathy. “I can’t.”

And she sits up, too. Looking deeply into Regina’s eyes with her own. Seeing every bit of emotion. Every bit of worry. Every bit of confusion and uncertainty and hesitation. Every bit of longing and trust and…love. And then, she’s closing her eyes and leaning in. She brushes her lips over Regina’s. They’re soft and full and the touch sparks something inside of her. It ignites something between them. She feels Regina tilt her head slightly. And then, the sides of their noses touch and Emma kisses her fully. Their lips stay together, holding each other. 

Emma’s hand finds the side of Regina’s face and she slides it into Regina’s hair. She deepens the kiss. Moves her mouth against Regina’s; the other woman’s lips part slightly. They taste each other. There’s a whimper. And Regina’s mouth opens more, and Emma slides her tongue inside. It turns hot and wet and filled with desire, with abandon. With years of emotions and feelings and truth. Years of longing and yearning and desire. It makes up for the times it wasn’t right or when it would have been even more complicated or when it would have been more lust than love.

Now, it’s both.

Now, it’s everything.

Emma pulls Regina closer—on top of her. Regina leads, then. Her lips capturing Emma’s over and over. The heat of their breaths mixing together. Pulsing desire rising in mewls and whimpers of pleasure in their throats. Emma’s hands move against Regina’s sides, under her shirt, over her skin. She feels heat and goosebumps and magic.

Emma uses every bit of her strength to turn them, so Regina’s under her. She pulls the quilt out from between them, so it’s only them. So she can feel how their bodies fit against one another. She finds Regina’s mouth again. Then, her jaw. Then, her neck. She kisses and licks and listens to the soft, intoxicating sounds Regina makes as her hands tangle in Emma’s hair.

“Emma,” Regina murmurs. And when she says her name again, a little louder, it stops Emma. She lifts her head to meet Regina’s eyes. To see the molten desire, warm emotion, and tears that swell in her eyes. “Emma?” And it reflects all the other millions of questions she’s scanning Emma’s eyes with.

“I’m sorry,” she whispers and Emma immediately sees the hurt that flickers in Regina’s face. She reaches up, caresses her cheek; realizing her mistake. “Not that I kissed you,” Emma smiles. “That was—I never want to stop.”

She watches the rosy tinge that rises in Regina’s cheeks, and the bashful expression on the other woman’s face is so endearing to Emma that it takes her breath away.

“You’re so beautiful,” she tells her softly, her thumb wiping away a tear that slips down Regina’s cheek. “I’ve thought that…well, since I first saw you.”

Regina chuckles tearfully at that. Her head turns to Emma’s palm, and she nuzzles it, then kisses it tenderly with a lingering touch of her lips.

“I’m sorry for taking this long to do this. To face this,” Emma continues.

“And what is this?” Regina asks hesitantly. Emma doesn’t miss the doubt in her eyes.

“This is me knowing I love you,” Emma admits, and it feels so real and free and right. “That I’m in love with you. For so long now. Even when I tried not to be because I couldn’t be. Right?”

“Because of my past,” Regina looks away.

Emma shakes her head. “Because I’m an idiot. And because it’s always one thing after another around here. But if I’m going to die, I need you to know that. I need to admit that to both of us.”

“You’re not dying,” Regina practically orders, but Emma can see the fear in her eyes. The questions.

“Well, I can’t kill you,” Emma offers in response and Regina looks even more confused. “I’m supposed to do that, you know? Destroy you. Well, the Evil Queen.”

“You were supposed to break the curse,” Regina says slowly, trying to make sense of it.

“Yeah, and take out the villain like all saviors do, I guess.”

Regina studies her.

“I really do suck at this whole thing,” Emma sighs. “I ended up falling for my villain.”

“You do have a tendency to be chaotic…and defiant.”

Emma smiles fondly at that. “Now, I just need to figure out how I can defy fate.”

“I think you already have,” Regina smiles coyly. She pulls Emma’s head down to her and kisses her again. Deeply. Fervently.

But after a moment, Emma slowly pulls away. “I don’t think that thing agrees,” she frowns and dread bubbles up within her.

Suddenly, her eyes are heavy. So heavy. Emma’s vision darkens. She takes in the panic on Regina’s face, but she’s slipping away. She reaches for Regina’s hand, links their fingers, holds on tight. And then, her eyes close completely and she drifts away…to sleep…to somewhere…else.

The darkness surrounds her but as her eyes focus she sees the sun, orange light from the burning torches. Stone walls surround her. For a moment, she has a fleeting thought that she’s at the bottom of a well, but that seems ridiculous. Besides, it’s not damp or cold. Just…like the Enchanted Forest? Well, a castle in the Enchanted Forest. A room. But there’s no furniture to make it regal. No decor or trinkets or anything she’d expect; only torches and emptiness.

Until she feels it. The magic. The power. The force. It surrounds her. Encompasses her. Threatens her.

Someone must be destroyed.

“I already told you I won’t. Nothing can make me do that.”

There’s a long beat of silence and stillness. Emma can feel the pondering and considering.

If you won’t destroy the queen, then your villain must destroy you.

Emma feels her stomach sink as black smoke spins in front of her and around her. It whirs and swirls and then it fades.

The Evil Queen stands before her in a magnificent gown with intricate embroidery and glittering jewels. It’s an iridescent blend of purple and red and black. A white gold crown holds her dark hair up. Emma is struck by her and can only stare in disbelief and awe.

“Savior,” the queen greets with a wicked smirk, but it softens the tiniest bit before she says, “Ms. Swan.”

A bit of warmth moves through Emma at the familiar tone and the affection she feels keeps her unable to stop herself from smiling. “Regina,” she greets back.

The queen’s eyes flicker with something almost fond, but she glares at Emma…Though, it seems more instinctual than an intended threat. “You address me so informally?”

Emma snorts, a fire she hasn’t felt in a while kindling within her. “I mean you could call me Emma.” The queen studies her but the expression on her face is stoic. “You’ve literally held my heart in your hand, I think we should be on a first name basis.”

“That was Regina,” the queen reminds.

Emma shakes her head. “You are Regina. And the magic heart move, that’s mostly your thing, right, Your Majesty?”

Something crosses the queen’s expression then. It’s fleeting but almost tender. The emotion in her eyes is blurred and complex. And Emma can tell it’s the first time she feels like someone else besides Regina is seeing her and how she’s a part of even some of the good Regina does. That the Evil Queen has held Emma’s heart as much as Regina has.

“I know you, too. I know Regina,” Emma speaks earnestly; reverently. She moves toward the queen, who watches her approach. Emma sees her take a breath. Sees her force herself to remain stoic and tall. There’s a moment of hesitation as she moves into the regal woman’s space, and she searches dark eyes. She finds the recognition in them; sees the consent at her unspoken question. Then, she brings her palm to the queen’s cheek; soft skin meeting soft skin. She feels the warmth of Regina. But the queen doesn’t sink into her touch. Instead, she remains unmoving, just letting Emma touch her. “I know so much. And I—I want to know the rest. I want to know all of you. Love all of you.”

Confusion and curiosity cloud familiar yet slightly different brown eyes. The mask seems to unexpectedly fade away, showing Emma the fear, the uncertainty, the longing, and the hope that she feels. And she can tell the queen is powerless in front of her. That Emma has struck something within her. That she believes Emma. That she knows Emma really means what she’s saying.

“I’m supposed to destroy you.” The queen’s eyes lower to the small space between them. “Regina is in love with you, but you’re my nemesis.”

“Am I?” Emma asks, her voice strained because of the knot of emotion in her throat.

Deep brown eyes move back up to hers. They’re tear-filled and conflicted and yearning. So unlike the Evil Queen, and yet, they still hold a certain fierceness that is hers. “You were,” she states lowly. “Now, I’m not sure. I never…I never expected you to love her. Me. So completely.”

Emma’s eyes are too full and the emotion in the queen’s words, the truth, causes her tears to spill over her cheeks. She sniffles. “But I do.”

The queen nods her head against Emma’s palm. “I wasn’t supposed to love you. Rumple…the curse…it’s written in the stars; the fates. The stories end with the hero vanquishing their foe…unless, the villain strikes them down.”

“I don’t think we’re the typical fairytale,” Emma smiles through her tears, stroking Regina’s cheek.

“We’re not,” the queen agrees with a watery chuckle. “You gave me our son. A second chance. You’ve believed in me. Cared about me. And now…”

“And now…” Emma’s head tilts toward the queen. She breathes her in; the warmth between them. Then, she kisses her. It’s chaste at first but purposeful. It accepts and treasures and means…so much.

Emma moves back slightly, meets the other woman’s gaze. She needs to look at her. Needs to see the understanding, the reciprocated love, and the realization that she is loved. Fully. Wholly.

And then, the light that dances in the other woman’s eyes turns to vibrant desire. And Emma longs to experience it and taste it and be consumed by it.

Her hand leaves a seductively trail down the queen’s neck, then. Over her collarbone. Down the open expanse of skin above her breasts. She stops and takes in the thundering of Regina’s heart beneath her fingers. Her lips lift into a soft smile and the queen returns it through the storm in her eyes. The pleasant agony of emotions that have risen between them.

Emma bends her head and places a gentle but firm kiss on the skin over Regina’s heart. She feels the strong, quickening thumps against her lips. She takes in the life and love and desire that radiate from her. She breathes in the smell of Regina and her warmth. She feels the queen’s hand move into her hair; feels her fingers brush lightly against her scalp. They stay there like that for a long moment.

And then, Emma lifts her head back up, capturing the lips that are slightly parted and have been waiting for hers. The kiss is molten and burning and needing. It’s deep and lustful and consuming. They take and give and pull each other closer, pressed so close together, they’re practically one.

Magic hums and vibrates and bursts.

And they’re thrown back from each other in a rush of powerful energy.

You dare defy the stars?! One must destroy the other.

Fear rushes through Emma and she can see the uncharacteristic emotion in the queen’s eyes as she looks to her panicked. But then, something comes over Emma. It’s realization and clarity and truth.

“The Evil Queen has been vanquished,” Emma calls out, suddenly irritated and ready to fight. “Henry did that. He gave her a reason to change. To stop doing the unspeakable. Her love for him and his for her did that! I gave him life and they gave each other…a life. A new one. A better one.”

She hears the stifled sob across from her and looks at the queen, who looks strikingly small in her outrageous dress but the emotion in her eyes is overwhelming.

“And whatever evil tendencies were left…are left. I believe Regina can fight them and overcome them, if she still has to. Her love is stronger. My belief in her is stronger. And maybe we defied fate, but that’s who we are. We fight and survive. We choose what happens to us as much as we can. And I’ve chosen her to be my family. I always will.”

“Emma—“ she hears the loving sound of her name. But then, it’s loud and scared and a warning. “Emma! No!”

A forces knocks her to the ground. Her head burns. Her stomach rolls. And she curls up.

Happily. Ever. After. The Savior and the Evil Queen. Emma and Regina. And their son, Henry.

The voice is strained and fading as it speaks.

Chosen. Promised. Rewritten in the stars. A different ending. A new beginning.

With her eyes still closed Emma sits up, gasping for air.

“Emma!” She hears the shock in Regina’s voice. “Emma.” She hears again but this time there’s a sob of relief that reverberates through it.

Forcing her eyes open, Emma takes in the room. She’s no longer at the loft. She observes her surroundings. The walls. The furniture. The soft, comfortable bed beneath her that’s too big to be the full-sized one she’d lost consciousness in. The unbelievably silky sheets and plump pillow beneath her. The most amazing comforter that’s tucked around her waist. Absolute peace and comfort fall over her as she recognizes where she is. She’s only been there a few times, most of them in the past few months, but she knows Regina’s room. Her aura surrounds Emma and washes over her. And Emma can breathe.

Feeling the other woman sitting up beside her, she clutches her hand tightly, needing to feel her; to know she’s real. That they’re here. That the voice is gone.

“Where’s the queen?” Emma wonders, her mouth dry and voice hoarse.

Regina looks at her bewildered, her eyes questioning and concerned.

“I was with her.” Emma realizes she must sound crazy but she needs Regina to believe her. She knows the experience she just had was real. “We defied fate. I don’t have to destroy you.”

Regina’s eyes become teary and the smile that forms on her lips is broken. Yet, she doesn’t miss the hope that passes through Regina’s eyes. “You’ve been in a coma, Emma. For a week. I brought you to the hospital after you lost consciousness, but we knew it wasn’t your health. I knew it was magical…or something beyond mortal medicine, so everyone agreed you’d be better off here in my care. I’ve made sure you were comfortable. I tried looking for answers but couldn’t figure out how to help you.”

Emma follows Regina’s eyes and looks out over the room. She takes in the sight of open spellbooks and magical textbooks that sit in piles on the floor, the chaise, wherever there was an open space to put them.

“Regina,” Emma exhales in shock.

“I thought I was going to lose you. That you really were going to die, so you didn’t have to…or stay in a coma, until you agreed to do what you were fated to.”

Regina wipes away a tear. “It’s been a long week,” she admits.

Emma runs a hand down her arm, comforting her, her eyes understanding. “You’re not losing me. And we’re not going to destroy one another.”

She shifts toward Regina. “I promise.” She allows her to see the unwavering sincerity in her eyes before she dips her head and presses her lips softly to Regina‘s. Emma feels Regina‘s whimper humming against her lips and she kisses her harder. Regina kisses her back. Emma feels her deepen the kiss, and she follows Regina‘s lead, tasting and tugging and capturing over and over, until it’s so desperate, it feels like Regina is devouring her.

After a few more moments, Emma pulls back, breaking the kiss. She looks at Regina and sees the sudden awareness in Regina’s brown eyes. “I remember,” Regina reveals breathlessly. “The room. The voice. The fire lighting up the darkness,” she recalls. “You kissing the queen…me. Wanting me. All of me.”

Regina’s face is soft, pensive, and full of emotion as she looks at Emma. “We defied them. The stars. We beat fate,” she whispers stunned. And then, she’s smiling with tears in her eyes.

“I’ll always want all of you,” Emma leans her forehead against Regina’s. “I’ll always love you.”

“And I, you,” Regina whispers, and presses a kiss to Emma’s forehead. “I’ll always be in love with you. With our family that we’ve chosen to become.”