Chapter Text
After a few weeks turned into months they slowly fell into a routine. Emma would pick up Henry every other weekend starting on Friday after work. Then drop him off Sunday evening before school the following week. It became their new normal. Spending quality time every other weekend with Henry became her favorite end to her week. Soon it turned into taking him out for ice cream after acing a test during the school week. Dinner at Granny’s on a Wednesday. It hadn’t seemed to bother Regina knowing her son craved the bond with his mother. Most of their time spent together was either at Mary Margaret’s where she now lived or out in public. Never in a million years did she think she’d be in Regina’s house for more than fifteen maybe twenty minutes when going to pick him up, while catching up with Regina on what Henry had been up to the previous week. Mostly discussing things like school work or what subjects or topics he may need a different approach on when completing homework. Another part of the deal was school came first. Emma made sure of that and was damn sure not going to take any chances of pissing off Regina if she neglected his schooling. There was a part of her though that enjoyed those fifteen minutes hoping they would extend a bit longer. She loved hearing the way Regina would talk about Henry. Always so proud and doting to her son. Once Emma arrived Henry was always in a hurry to leave so he could catch her up on the most recent school events that took place the previous week that usually had nothing to do with school work.
But now she stood feet planted just next to the entry way dropping her son off that Sunday like she has for weeks now. Henry asked to be dropped off a bit earlier than usual which Emma at first found odd. Then he strategically suggested she stay for dinner. He had a sparkle in his eyes and Regina hesitated, but reluctantly agreed. As they both looked to her for an answer, Emma bit her bottom lip apprehensively.
“Oh I uh - are you sure I wouldn’t be… imposing?” She stumbled over her words looking at Regina, then Henry, and then the floor like it was the most intricate piece of art she had ever seen.
“Of course not!” Henry blurted, his face beaming up to Regina as he smiled.
“I suppose it couldn’t hurt. Seeing us be cordial for an hour or two could be good for him. Please, come in,” Regina said curtly as she motioned for Emma to come further into her living room. “Maybe you can keep Henry off those video games for a while.” She raised a sculpted eyebrow at her son and chuckled softly as his cheeks turned a light shade of pink. “I’ll just be in here getting things ready to start on dinner. Maybe you could help Henry set the table when dinner is almost finished?” Regina asked as Emma and Henry walked into the living room and sat together on the sofa.
“Oh sure, we can do that right kid?” Henry nodded in agreement and reached for the remote on the coffee table. “Yeah! We can do that!” Henry said enthusiastically. A little too enthusiastically, but Regina paid it no mind as she headed into the kitchen to start preparing her famous lasagna. As soon as she had disappeared into the other room Henry turned on the TV and began to look for a movie they could watch together in hopes his mom would agree to one after dinner. He knew if it were too late in the evening she would definitely not agree to one. So he had to speed dinner along just enough so they would have time, but pushing too far would cause suspicion and Regina would surely catch onto his operation.
He quickly began thumbing through movies in order to find one that felt suitable for them to watch all together. He opted for one of Regina’s favorites in hopes that would get her to agree and decided on Matilda. The perfect mix of drama, happy endings, and magic of course.
On his left, Emma sat quite still, her palms sweating, not knowing what possessed her to agree to dinner at Regina’s house. Of course she wanted Henry to be happy that she’d stay for dinner, but Regina was always so… perfect? Poised and polished to absolute perfection. Her home wasn’t much different. More similar to that of a rich hotel she’d never be able to afford or a museum she wouldn’t dare to step foot in. Not a thing out of place. Except for her of course. She as casually as she could wiped her sweaty hands on her jeans and pulled herself out of her thoughts. “What are you looking for?” She asked Henry as she looked up at the TV while he was thumbing through the movies.
“Something to watch.” He said nonchalantly and shrugged, throwing Emma a grin. Emma hummed in response and stood up nervously, “Do you think she needs any help with dinner? I feel bad not helping.” Emma admitted and Henry let out a small laugh. “You? Help mom cook? Yeah right.” He shook his head at the silly thought, still chuckling to himself. Then he got an idea. A brilliant idea. “Actually… yeah. She might. Maybe you should go see if you can help with the salad. That’s usually my job, but I’m sure she wouldn’t mind. Plus… I can pick out something for us to watch once we’re done?” He looked hopeful at Emma before adding, “I can clean up after dinner so you and mom can just sit back and relax and then we can all watch a movie together!” Emma laughed at her son practically bouncing in his seat on the sofa. “Okay kid, I will see if she’d like help and put in a good word for you.” It might actually be going as planned. Henry would get them to see they weren’t so different after all. Maybe he’d have that family dynamic he always wanted, but together as one. Sure his mom and Emma were great to spend time with individually, but spending time with them together like a real family? That would be like a dream. As Emma headed off to the kitchen nervously, Henry hit start on the movie and then quickly paused it so it was ready to start once they were finished eating and dinner was cleaned up.
Emma rounded the corner and peeked into the kitchen with a soft smile. “Hey, so feel free to say no, but Henry suggested I help with the salad tonight in exchange for him cleaning up after dinner. And something about watching a movie together after? Do you want help with dinner? I’m not much of a cook, but I think a salad could be manageable as long as you tell me what you want in it and-“ Regina’s laughter cut off her rambling as she stopped prepping to see the blonde starting to turn a bit red. Was she nervous? If so, what was she nervous about? Regina pondered the thought for a second before shaking it away. She couldn’t help but notice and thought to herself how cute Emma was at that moment. Wait, did she just think ‘cute’ and ‘Emma’ in the same sentence? When referring to the blonde standing in the kitchen entry way? She cleared her throat as she noticed the pink tinge on Emma’s cheeks grow. “Help would be wonderful actually.” Emma slowly nodded and offered another smile as she walked into the kitchen and leaned against the counter. “Okay, where do you want me?” Regina’s eyes drifted toward her arms and slowly trailed across her muscular form. She turned toward the refrigerator and smirked to herself. As she opened the fridge doors she caught herself thinking thoughts she didn’t even know she had. Like just exactly where she might want the blonde to be. What has gotten into her?
Sure, Emma was sweet and caring and beautiful and strong willed, but there was no way in hell a woman like Emma would ever be interested in her. She then quickly gathered the ingredients she needed for her salad and began placing them next to Emma on the counter. “Right here is fine. I’ve already washed everything so put a few handfuls of greens in this bowl and one in this one.” She had placed two separate bowls on the counter and Emma lifted a questioning brow before Regina continued, “Henry despises cucumber so I make a separate salad for him without it. He says even if he picks them out he can still taste it in the dressing.” She lets out a small laugh and Emma’s stomach flutters from the sound. She nods in agreement before adding, “You absolutely can still taste it if you pick it out. It … lingers.” At hearing the similarity between Emma and her son Regina lets out another laugh, this one much deeper. “You two are more alike than you know.” She shakes her head before adding a bit more lettuce to the smaller bowl meant for Henry, which she now realized would be her bowl alone. “So you two will be splitting this no cucumber salad, but otherwise just chop everything up and add it in as you go. We can dress the salad once dinner is finished.” Emma offered an understanding nod before Regina returns to the opposite counter as she gracefully finishes preparing the lasagna, putting it in the oven.
Emma and Regina busy themselves with small talk while Emma finishes up the salads and Regina picks up a bit, giving Henry less to do if he planned on having them watch something once dinner was over. “He’s been doing very well in math lately. I think what you’ve managed to go over with him is clicking.” Regina says wiping down the counter top. Emma smiles to herself as she finishes up with her task. “He’s a smart kid, just takes a different approach to things. I was like that too. I’m just glad I’m actually helping him. I never had that growing up.” She admits the last part softly, mostly to herself, but Regina heard nonetheless. “What do you mean?” Regina questioned her brow furrowed softly. “Growing up in foster care nobody cared much if you struggled in math or English… let alone if you needed help with it. I had to learn ways that worked for me. Help myself and it was rough for a while, but I got through it.” Emma replied, trying to sound optimistic, but Regina could hear the hurt in her voice. “I’m sorry, Emma. You deserved more. Deserved better.” She replied quickly, but kindly, placing her hand gently on Emma’s shoulder before she could stop herself.
After a few months of their routine she had become accustomed to seeing the blonde more. Getting to know her more and understand her in small doses. But this was something new to the both of them. Emma being so honest and open about her past and Regina offering comfort to the blonde when she needed it even if she thought she hid it well. It felt comforting yet terrifying in a perfect paradox of truth.
Once the two separate salads were finished Regina placed them back in the fridge. After she felt the kitchen had been cleaned up enough to her liking she called Henry (who was plotting only God knows what next) into the kitchen to start helping get the table ready. He eagerly entered the kitchen and started setting the table. This time setting it for three. He smiled to himself hoping his plan was going accordingly. “It already smells good in here! When will dinner be ready?” He asked with a smile as he bounced over in excitement to grab the silverware from the drawer next to Emma and place them neatly next to all three plates. “Soon enough.” Regina chuckled, “I heard we’re now watching a movie after dinner. Is that correct?” She asked with a suspicious raise of her brow, watching Henry set the table as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Yeah! I thought it would be nice. You know, to spend time with both of you. Together.” He didn’t look at his mom as he finished the table already knowing the look he’d be receiving if he did. “Is that so?” Regina questioned. Henry finally looked up hoping he hadn’t been caught in his plan to get them to communicate about more than just his school work. “Is this why you begged me to drop you off so early?” Emma laughed and walked over to ruffle his hair and help him set the table. “You could have at least told me before you booked it out of the apartment.” Emma continued as she sat down in the chair next to where Henry was standing at the table. He shrugged looking between both women now all eyes on him. “I didn’t think either of you would say yes. Especially if you brought me home at my usual time, we wouldn’t have time to watch a movie together.” Regina and Emma looked at each other eyes lingering for a few seconds too long, Henry completely oblivious.
Emma jumped as the timer for the lasagna went off, her eyes darting down quickly to the floor. “Yay! Food is done!” Henry exclaimed excitedly. “Mom’s lasagna is THE best. You’re staying for dinner on a good night.” He said with a big smile as Emma let out a laugh at his excitement for her to try it. “Well with a review like that I can’t wait to try it,” Emma enthused the boy. Regina took out the lasagna from the oven and placed it on top of the trivet to cool a bit before serving. After finally registering what Henry had asked her to make for dinner when he got back from his weekend with Emma, knowing he raved about his mom’s amazing lasagna, she started piecing things together.
Leaving Emma’s earlier than usual? Odd. He usually called to ask for a few more minutes to hang out before coming home for the week, which Regina usually didn’t mind. Asking for lasagna for dinner on Sunday when he came home as she usually saves it for special occasions. Odd. “What did you decide for us to watch tonight Henry?” She asked curiously, already knowing the answer he was about to say. “Matilda! Is that okay? I know you love that movie.” He smiled unaware his plan was unraveling in front of her. “Did you ask Ms. Swan if that was alright?” She threw in her old term for the blonde to throw him off a bit and he caught it instantly. “Uh well no I guess not? Is it okay if we watch that, Emma?” He looked over at Emma, hopeful she’d say yes or that she loved the movie as much as his mom did. “Oh um, sure. I don’t think I’ve ever actually seen it before.” She replied looking up at Regina catching her eyes hardening up a bit like they had when they first met. Did she do something wrong? Say something wrong? “Perfect! Then we have to watch it. It’s a classic. Can we eat now? I’m starving!” Henry sat down next to Emma thankful he chose the spot in the middle with an empty seat next to him where Regina would reside for the remainder of dinner.
Dinner went on rather quietly. Regina now knew what Henry was up to and Emma felt slight tension from the older woman. The blonde may know Henry in ways she doesn’t but she knows her son well. Well enough to know he planned for them to have dinner and a movie together tonight. To spend time with one another alone in the kitchen. Sure she had small thoughts of things like this happening on her own, growing quite fond of the blonde over the last few months, but on her own accord. Not being planned to happen by her ten year old son. He was good and she had to give him that. But regardless of feeling a longing for a relationship she didn’t feel it was right for Henry to meddle in that aspect of her life. Especially with Emma Swan. She’d have to handle this situation later. Did he know something she didn’t? Had Emma said something about her that would lead him to this idea? Surely she couldn’t be that naive.
Once they had finished with dinner, Emma and Henry had enjoyed their lasagna and no cucumber salad, Regina enjoyed hers with, it was time for Henry to get to work. He took their plates to the sink and rinsed them off before placing them in the dishwasher. His mom helped him put away the left over lasagna and the kitchen and table were clean. Regina let out a soft hesitant sigh that went undetected. “I suppose it’s time for that movie now?” She put on a brave smile for Henry, but deep down she was still reeling over his actions. Her son had basically set up a date night with the blonde woman who she now shares her son with every other weekend. When Emma had returned with her son in tow months ago after he tracked her down she never would have imagined it would lead her here. With Emma and her son sitting together after dinner she made with Emma about to watch a movie together. Like a family would.
Once they all made their way into the living room Henry quickly took his place on the furthest end of the sofa leaving the middle and right side free. For Emma and Regina to take their seats so close to one another. Regina sat poised on the right side of the sofa leaving the middle free for Emma and the older woman gave Henry a wise look and he smiled nervously. A light shade of pink creeping on his cheeks.
Emma was now extremely nervous sitting next to Regina who she had somewhat confided in and found comfort in, but who had been far too quiet during dinner. Hoping it wasn’t something she had done to upset the brunette she found herself leaning closer toward Henry leaving some space between her and Regina. As much as the sofa and Henry would allow for. Henry had pressed play on the movie and had snuggled in closer to Emma as he got comfortable. He made it a little over halfway through the movie before eventually falling asleep, leaving the two women essentially alone. That was not part of his plan.
Regina looked over to see Emma resting her chin on top of Henry’s head as his eyes had been closed and he was cuddled close to Emma. She smiled softly to herself, her eyes traveling up to meet Emma’s profile before Emma felt brown eyes on her. She turned her head to look in Regina’s direction and there they were. Her beautiful deep brown eyes. She offered Regina a soft smile looking down at Henry. “He made it longer than I expected.” She said in a whisper. “I should probably get him to bed before he stirs and thinks he can make it through the rest of the movie.” Regina moved to get up from the sofa, but Emma gently stopped her. “No it’s okay, I can do it. You invited me for dinner, please, it’s the least I could do.” Regina settles back and allows Emma to carry the boy to his room, laying him down on his bed. She covered him up and kissed him on his head before slipping out before he could stir too much from the hall light and closed the door. As she headed back downstairs she found Regina had made herself a bit more comfortable on the couch, her feet tucked up underneath her, leaning against the armrest. She had paused the movie waiting for Emma to return. “He’s out like a light.” Emma said in a soft tone,” Didn’t wake up once.” She continued as she sat back down in her spot next to Regina. The brunette shook her head with a slight laugh. All that plotting must have really tuckered him out. “Emma?” Regina looked over at the blonde as she got comfortable. “Yeah?” Emma asked curiously, her green eyes looking up to meet Regina’s. “Do you know what this was? Henry’s plan?”
Emma looked at her and her brows furrowed in confusion, “His plan? What do you mean, Regina?” Regina let out a small sigh of relief knowing Emma had no idea of what her.. their son was up to tonight. “Look, we’ve sort of gotten to know each other over the past few months. I think over this time Henry may have gotten the idea of getting us to spend more time together. The three of us… maybe just the two of us?” Emma’s face dropped and Regina noticed immediately. Before she could say anything further, Emma shifted away from Regina giving her somewhat of a confirmation of what was to come next. She wasn’t expecting anything to come of this. Of Henry’s plan, but she couldn’t help but think about the what ifs. And she had to admit he had it lined up rather well. Getting them to cook together in the kitchen, Emma taking his usual place as sioux chef. Sharing what seemed like an intimate and somewhat emotional conversation. She had gotten to know the younger woman slowly over time, but nothing that really scratched deeper than the surface. Pleasantries more than anything more personal, other than about their son that was, until earlier that evening in the kitchen. And she had to admit she liked seeing Emma open up to her about her past. Getting to know Emma for Emma. Would Emma think anything of her mentioning Henry might have been plotting for them to spend time alone this evening? Perhaps a nudge to discuss more personal matters and grow to know one another on a new level.
“The two of us? Just the two of us? Why would he…” Emma trailed off as her thoughts started reeling. Telling her to drop him off early. Having her stay for dinner tonight of all nights. The night Regina was making her amazing lasagna and having her help Regina in the kitchen. Alone. Then the movie he barely made it halfway through. “That little genius…” she muttered under her breath quiet enough Regina couldn’t make out what she said. “I had no idea, I swear. I never would have gone along with this if I had known. I don’t want to feel like I’m imposing on you and Henry and your time with him. I just mentioned it might be nice to know similarities or differences between our parenting styles and how his life was like when he was here versus with me. I hope I didn’t do or say something to lead him to think that we-“ Emma stopped herself from rambling again afraid she had said far too much already. Sure she wanted to get to know Regina, but how would this even work? If things progressed the way they had in her mind.
Getting to know Regina further. She wasn’t fond of Regina at first, she was sure Regina had felt the same way maybe still did. Regina kept her at arms length for the most part, until today that is. So maybe things have progressed more than she originally thought in such a short amount of time. Especially that comforting touch and kind sentiment she received in the kitchen. Or was that just Regina being kind when she could tell she really understood how their son might learn better under different methods of teaching like she did. If only they were offered to her at the time.
“Think that we what, Emma?” Regina asked, almost hoping for what she wanted to spill from the blonde's mouth. What did she want? Emma could infuriate her, make her blush, make her laugh. Hell there were times she even gave her butterflies. But would this be good for Henry? What if this bond they had, grew into something more. And then it broke. What would that do to Henry? She couldn’t let this go any further no matter what she wanted. For Henry. She put her walls back up immediately regretting her question. Emma could sense the tension again just like at dinner. She shook her head and laughed at herself out loud. “It- I uh. Nothing. It’s nothing. It’s getting pretty late so I should probably go. But thank you for dinner. I really enjoyed it.” Emma offered a forced smile and stood up from the sofa, grabbing her keys before heading out the door before she or Regina could say anything else. Once the door shut, she let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. What the fuck. Was that?
Regina sat there, their movie still paused as she stared at the door. For Henry. She had to think of what was best for Henry. It almost felt selfish to think of herself. How it would impact Henry if she did something that could unintentionally hurt him in the process. It is best to keep things the way they are so nobody gets hurt. Or so she told herself. She turned the TV and lights off downstairs and locked the door before heading upstairs to get ready for bed. This was going to be a long week.