Waking Up [SwanQueen]

Chapter Nineteen - Regina, Wednesday 1pm

A/N: Thanks for everyone's patience. I made this chapter extra long and full of happy SwanQueen scenes to make up for the longer wait. I have one more chapter planned and it'll be the epilogue. I plan to post it on Monday so stay tuned. As always, please leave comments or feedback because I'd love to hear your thoughts! I truly enjoyed writing this story and hope all of you enjoyed reading!

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Regina dropped her pen onto her desk after signing the last piece of paperwork she had to get done today and let out a long breath of relief. She pushed out her chair and headed out of her office and toward the kitchen.

Regina stopped in her tracks as she took in the sight of Emma's backside and admired the way the blonde's skinny jeans hugged her hips as she swayed back and forth while washing the dishes. Emma was singing along to the music playing on her phone and dancing in place as she dried the dishes. Regina remained silent with her side leaned up against the door frame, her eyes glued to Emma.

After the song came to an end and Emma finished drying the last plate, Regina quickly snuck up behind the blonde and wrapped her arms around her waist.

"Oh god, you scared me! How long have you been standing here?" Emma asked, twisting to press the front of her body up against the brunette's.

"Long enough to know you're a terrible singer... you do have some impressive dance moves though, I'll give you that." Regina laughed and Emma cut off her laughter with a kiss.

Emma pulled away. "Do you know how long I've wanted to be able to do this?"

"To do what?" Regina raised an eyebrow, her hands still resting on the blonde's waist.

"Kiss you whenever I'd like. Maybe even call you mine?" Emma whispered, her eyes glowing and cheekbones prominent as a grin appeared on her face. Staring into her eyes, Regina couldn't remember a time she felt this happy.

"Oh, so you think I'm all yours now, huh?" Regina challenged and Emma bit her cheek before nodding firmly and draping her arms over the other woman's shoulders and pulling her closer. Regina blushed and couldn't hide her happiness. "Who knew it could feel this good?"

"Mmm. What could?" Emma teased as she tucked her head into the crook of Regina's neck and inhaled her scent.

"Feeling wanted. Being yours. Loving someone this deeply and knowing you feel the same way." Regina stated, no longer afraid to say what was on her mind and be vulnerable with the blonde in her arms.

Emma smiled and immediately let her thoughts flow. "You deserve it. I promised you a happy ending and I'm really glad that happiness is with me and I finally get what I've wanted in return. I love you, Regina. I love your stubbornness. I love your strength. I love your confidence. I love your vulnerability. I love your independence. I love how big your heart is, even when you can't always see it. I love the way you take care of our son. I love the person you raised him to be. I love your determination. I love your heart, your body, your mind, your soul. I love that you're all mine now. I love that we can be a family."

Regina was certain the grin on her face would never go away and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't find the ability to form words that would do her feelings for Emma justice so she tilted her head and her lips made contact with Emma's. Emma picked the brunette up and laid her back on the island countertop before climbing on top of her and running her tongue over Regina's bottom lip, dying for entrance.

Regina parted her lips and her tongue explored the inside of Emma's mouth. She moved her hands down the sides of Emma's body and let one hand settle on her waist as the other traveled back up and entangled through Emma's soft, blonde locks, pulling her closer.