And Then There Was You

XVI. A Fiery Heart

Thank you for all your lovely comments! And after thinking about a lot of different possibilities where this story is heading to, it's quite clear that this chapter needs much SwanQueen love (no pun intended).

[Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters from ABC's hit show, ONCE UPON A TIME.]

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The night air was crisp, the moon casting its silvery glow over the clouds that drifted lazily across the sky. Emma wrapped her warm cashmere coat tightly around her, the chill of the evening nipping at her skin. With her scarf wound snugly around her neck, she stepped out of the grand wooden door of the Swan family mansion, her breath visible in the cold air.

Her eyes scanned the pathway, searching eagerly for a familiar figure. Regina. She couldn't let her slip away, not now. The faintest hint of panic crept into her chest as she hurried along, her fingers growing numb from the biting cold.

Finally, she spotted Regina ahead, her hands buried deep in the pockets of her coat. Her posture was rigid, her gaze fixed on the ground as she walked briskly away from the mansion. Emma quickened her pace, relief flooding through her as she closed the distance between them.

"Regina..." Emma called out, her voice catching as she struggled to keep up. "Are you alright?"

Regina glanced up, her eyes betraying a hint of hurt, but she quickly composed herself. "Yes, Miss Swan. I'm fine."

Emma's brow furrowed as she reached Regina's side, trying to catch her breath. "Regina, whatever happened back there-"

"It's none of your business, Miss Swan," Regina cut in, her tone firm as she averted her gaze.

Emma recoiled slightly at the blunt response. "Yes, it is my business... Regina."

Sensing the tension, Regina softened her tone. "I'm truly sorry about your father."

Emma's expression softened at the unexpected apology, but she shook her head. "Oh, that... That's not what I meant. That's not important now." Her gaze fell to the ground, memories of her estranged father flooding her mind. "Whatever happened back then, I've moved on from it." She lifted her eyes to meet Regina's, searching for understanding. "He made his choice long ago, and I don't care anymore."

"Well, then why are you here? What's with the sudden chase?" Regina's inquiry caught Emma off guard, causing her cheeks to flush with heat.

"Chase?" Emma stammered, shifting her gaze away from Regina and back to the floor. "Oh, I uh...thought you needed someone to talk to."

"As I said, Miss Swan-" Regina began, but Emma interrupted, her eyes pleading. "Emma. Please?"

Regina sighed, her expression softening. "Emma..." She gave the blonde an assuring smile. "I'm fine."

"Well, didn't seem like it back there," Emma remarked, a hint of concern in her voice.

"Oh, I knew how that might've looked to some people, but really I just needed to get out for some fresh air," Regina explained.

"Well, after all of that drama, I could say the same for myself," Emma admitted with a chuckle, finding humor in the situation.

The two women shared a moment of laughter, the tension from earlier dissipating. Their eyes met, sending an instant spark between them. Under the blanket of stars, they stared at each other silently, their eyes speaking volumes.

Emma smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Wanna get out of here? It's a bit chilly."

"Sure," Regina replied, returning the smile.