Chapter 2
Emma is finally free and Regina can't stop staring because Emma, the real Emma, her Emma, is back. She can't stop looking at this woman in awe. Can't believe she's finally seeing a smile like that, one that reaches Emma's eyes.
It's been too long -- far too long for Regina to count. But they're here, they're in New York City with their son, and Emma is smiling.
And Regina is filled with so, so much affection that it terrifies her. But after everything, after being dragged to literal hell, well. She's not going to let the fear take over. Not this time. Not when Emma turns to her and somehow, impossibly, her smile is even brighter.
"Hey," Emma says after a beat. Regina laughs, because of course that's all Emma Swan can think to say in this moment.
"Hey," she replies, outwardly casual and carefree, like what she's about to do isn't the actual most daunting thing on earth.
And then Emma looks at her expectantly, wondering if she's got more to say. But words aren't coming. Instead, Regina takes a breath and, before she can lose courage, reaches for Emma's hand with her own.
She intertwines her fingers with Emma's, and gives a gentle squeeze before looking out at the bustling city around them.
"So," Regina says, as if this, holding hands, is something they've always done. "Lunch?"
And Emma laughs then, a real, rich, beautiful laugh. "Absolutely."