The Only Exception (Swan Queen)

Chapter 17

I felt his arms around me, holding me tight. I was safe. I was warm. I was home. ~Ally Carter

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Emma woke up to the soft vibrating of her phone on the small table next to Regina's bed. She reached out and grabbed it, trying to be careful not to wake the still sleeping brunette. It was 5 am. She wanted to get back to the B&B before Henry woke up so she could avoid any awkward questions about where she had disappeared to. They would tell Henry when he got his memories back, but for now that conversation was a bit too complicated.

Regina shifted slightly in her arms, letting out a soft whimper. "What time is it?"

Emma frowned. She wanted to let her sleep for as long as possible after the night she had. "5 am, go back to sleep Gina." She felt the grip on her waist loosen slightly. "I have to get back before Henry wakes up."

The brunette nodded still half asleep. Emma sat up and looked at her in awe, she was curled up around where her body had previously been lying.

She couldn't stop herself from smiling as she trailed her fingers through her raven hair. "I'll see you later, baby," she whispered, kissing her forehead softly.

#

Regina laid in bed for another half an hour after Emma left before giving up on the hopes of getting back to sleep. She pulled on her robe and walked down the stairs to make herself a cup of coffee. Normally, 6am was the time she would get up and she would be fine, but this morning she felt groggy from her lack of sleep the night before. She sipped the coffee slowly before deciding to take a long hot shower in hopes that would bring her round.

By the time it came to 10.30am, she was completely dressed for the day, sitting on the couch watching Racing Stripes. It was the first thing that came up when she turned the television on, so she left it playing. She was reluctant to admit it, but it was surprisingly good.

When the movie ended, her phone started to ring and she quickly answered it. "Hello?" she mumbled.

There was a soft chuckle. "Good morning, Madame Mayor. I hope I didn't wake you." Emma's voice was soft and caring.

Regina sighed. "I never got back to sleep," she told her honestly, biting her lower lip as she waited for her reply.

"I was going to ask if you could help us with something but you must be tired so-" she started to ramble but Regina cut her off.

"It's fine, baby. I'd be happy to help. What do you need me to do?" she asked.

Emma let out a soft sigh before answering. "We're going down to the farmhouse that David was talking about to see if there were any clues to who the Wicked Witch is. I was wondering if you could check if there are any magical traces?" 

Regina smiled. "I'll meet you at your parent's apartment in ten minutes." 

She chuckled. "Okay, I love you."

Regina couldn't stop herself from smiling. "I love you too, Emma," she whispered before the line went dead. She quickly pulled on her shoes and black peacoat before heading swiftly out the door.