Making Exceptions (swanqueen)

Chapter 14: Adorable

"I think I'm ready," she whispered to the blonde. "I think I'm ready to talk about things with you."

The blonde nodded her head as a sad smile passed onto her lips. She leaned forward and placed a kiss on the brunette's forehead. "Take your time. I'll still be here holding you when you're finished."

"I don't know. It's really a lot to talk about. To take in," Regina warned.

"I've got time, Reggie," both women smiled at the use of the nickname, as it broke the uncomfortable air around them and made it seem a little more bearable.

Regina let out a huge, shaking breath and questioned, "Where do I start?"

"I've heard the beginning is a pretty good spot."

"Yes, well I don't think you need to hear about my infant years right now. Maybe in the future." If you choose to stay after this.

"I'd like that," Emma reached up and pushed a short strand of brunette hair behind the professor's ear. "I'd like that very much. But perhaps you could start by telling me about Henry's baby years." The blonde knew Regina liked her a lot, and hoped the woman would always trust her with everything that upset her, but she still wasn't sure how far to push. Still, she thought she should at least try, "Maybe his father. If you're feeling up to it, that is."

Regina nodded her head, "You know Henry now. He's not much different than he was. Just bigger and now able to form semi-coherent sentences," both women chuckled at that. While Henry could speak, his words sometimes jumbled and his tenses were still incorrect, much like any four-year-old's. It made him that much more endearing.

"Daniel, though," Regina began, but stopped short.

Emma thought back to all the Daniels she had ever heard about, met, or seen since she had known Regina. Only one stuck out in her head.

"Henry's T-rex?" the blonde asked, confused

Regina just gave a sad laugh in return, "That is the name of Henry's T-rex, yes, but I'm speaking of his father."

"Oh." This makes so much more sense. Emma thought to herself, trying not to chuckle at her idiocy. Now was not the time for laughter. But I just thought the kid was a little eccentric with naming things. I mean, he had a brontosaurus named Tyrone.

"I'm really glad you never judged his name for the T-rex. Henry was young when he lost his father, and I'm sure he doesn't quite remember him, but sometimes he does something so like his Daniel that I can't help but think he still holds some memories. He was two. It's been two and a half years, but I just can't-" Regina started to sob, and Emma was right there to hold her.

"It was snowing and he was driving and Henry was in the back. I'm so glad I made sure to check Henry's buckles because... because..." Now the brunette shook in Emma's arms, the blonde holding as tightly as she could. She rocked Regina back and forth, whispering to her.

"Let it out, Reggie," Emma told her. "Let it all out. I'm here. I'm always here for you."

It took long minutes before Regina stopped sobbing. The two sat in silence, Emma still cradling the brunette in her arms, planting soft, soothing kisses to the crown of Regina's head.

"He was driving and-" Regina paused again, trying to hold back the sobs that were threatening to begin again.

"You don't have to say anymore tonight, Regina." Emma stopped her from going any further, using her real name to show how serious she was. "You've been through a lot, and you've trusted me with so much already, I wouldn't blame you if you stopped."