Chapter Text
Hi all, sorry for the wait, work has been hectic as of late! Thank you all for your reviews so far and thank you DefendMyGirlsHonor for the original prompt. I don't own Once or its characters. Apologies for any mistakes. Hope you all enjoy :)
(A Year Later)
The alarm vibrates startling Emma from her peaceful sleep. As usual she glares at her offending phone before turning off the alarm and flipping back over to wrap her arms over her girlfriend. She smiles nestling her chin into silky dark curls and inhaling the sweet beautiful apple and cinnamon scent that is pure Regina. Emma sighs contently as she watches Regina sleep. She loves these moments before the day starts, where they just lay together in peace. Emma loves her family she does but it doesn't stop her enjoying the calm lull of the morning where she simply gets to be with her love and relax.
The moment doesn't last long, it never does. It never fails, five minutes after Emma's alarm goes off there'll be a pitter-patter of feet running down the hall, the door will open and Lila will pick one of them to wake up. Emma grins as right on cue she hears Lila whispering to her latest stuffed animal, an elephant with a pink jumper, as she decides which of them to get up.
Emma hopes it will be her because she has a surprise planned for her wife which won't go off unless she gets up first. This morning she sits up and scoots quietly to the door. As it opens she pokes her head round and whispers "Boo!" causing her daughter to jump before giggling, "Mama."
"Morning Boo Bear," Emma whispers before pressing her finger to her lips, "We need to shush. I have a surprise planned for Mommy."
"What kind of surprise?"
"A special anniversary of the day we moved here breakfast."
Lila's eyes widen and she smiles, "Yay! Can we make animal shaped pancakes and make special horsey shaped ones for Mommy?"
Emma nods ruffling her daughter's hair, "Sounds perfect Lila Bug. Shall we get Henry and get started?"
Lila nods, "Operation Breakfast is ago!" she whispers before reaching for Emma's hand and slowly tugging her along the hallway on her tiptoes. "Can we surprise wake up Henry?" Lila asks in a whisper and Emma nods with a chuckle, "Of course we can."
Lila grins before pushing his door open and they both stealth roll across the bedroom floor before kneeling at the side of the bed to peer up at a sleeping Henry. Emma and Lila share a conspiratorial grin before Emma tickles Henry's foot that is dangling from the bed. The teen grumbles before trying to stay sleeping.
Emma laughs before scooping Lila up, "SURPRISE LILA ATTACK!" she yells before dumping the toddler on top of her unsuspecting son and letting her daughter launch a tickle attack on her older brother until he wakes up with a laugh, "I surrender!" Henry yells as he sits up.
He yawns and stretches before looking at his blonde mother, "Ma. Why did ya get me up so early?"
"'Cause we making a surprise ann-anna-"
"Anniversary," Emma says to help her daughter along.
"Yeah one of those," Lila replies, "Breakfast for Mommy. We gonna have animal pancakes and apple pancakes and toast and chocolate and Jaffa Cakes."
"Whoa, whoa Lila bear," Emma chimes in, "I just said pancakes."
"Yeah but we need to make enough for when everyone else comes," Lila says.
Emma smiles, "Lila honey. We'll make lunch for when Grandpa, Granny and Aunty Ruby come."
"Can we still have jaffa cakes?"
"Yep," Emma replies knowing they have plenty in the house at the moment, "Now shall we get to the pancakes?"
As Emma cooks the pancakes she can't help but think. It's been a whole year since they moved and it's been one of the happiest of her life. She realised that the first time she and Regina dated they were with each other only eight months before the curse broke and it all went to hell. It's only now that they're finally having anniversaries and being happy for a long time and god Emma is so glad they finally reached this point. They've had a whole year. There's been ups and downs but no matter what they've stuck together, they've worked through problems and enjoyed so many good times and Emma can't wait for the rest of their years together.
One year in our home Emma thinks with a smile as she begins moulding the pancakes into animal shapes. It took them a long time to decide whether or not to move and ultimately Emma is glad they did. It gave them all a chance to be a family away from the drama and ghosts of the past that remained in Storybrooke. Here they still have drama but it's things like Henry not doing his homework or the bins not going out on time. It's small domestic things but it's all the drama they need. They still have their own big romantic or personal dramas but moving away from Storybrooke gave them the freedom to just be Emma and Regina, no titles, no expectations or pressure from people who knew too much of their pasts – just the four of them figuring out how to be a family and loving each other.
Their home was bare when they first moved in but now it is undeniably their home. The walls are covered in photos of the four of them. They range from school portraits to photos of Henry and Regina when he was young to trips to Storybrooke and other places. They tell the story of a family united, growing and most of all happy.
Today is the first time Granny, Ruby and Charming are coming here. They've all seen each other over the past year but the four of them have either travelled to Storybrooke of they've met up to go to Boston or even further afield. Snow has yet to join them though Emma understands why. Her parents are back together now but it took six months of therapy, apologies and lengthy reflection for that to happen. They're working through things and Emma wonders if it will work out or not, truth be told all she wants if for her father to be happy. He stuck by her when she needed him and when Regina came back he was there which was all she ever wanted.
Her mother and her are still on shaky ground. She's spoken to Snow a handful of times now but she still doesn't really know what to say to her. They're making progress but it's slow and right now they're not ready for visits and Emma sure as hell doesn't want to push it and wreck whatever may be to come. Regina, she knows, has forgiven her mother. Her girlfriend on their latest trip to Storybrooke sat down and had a long conversation with Snow that ended with tears, forgiveness and hope for a fresh start.
It may not be as soon as Snow had hoped but they're getting there. Emma is working on forgiveness but it's tricky. She'll get there one day when she's ready, when her family is ready. She shakes her head trying to clear her mind of the drama and angst and reminds herself that today is a happy day.
"Granny, Grandpa and Aunty Ruby are definitely coming right?" Lila asks as Henry pours her a cup of orange juice.
Emma smiles as she turns to face her kids, "Yep, they're going to come see us and our home."
"Yay!" Lila squeals excitedly, "They have never ever been here before."
Henry nods, "That's right Lila Bug. Do you think they'll like it?" he asks looking at Emma. They've been back to Storybrooke and gone out to other places with the rest of their family but they've never come here and he can't help but be nervous. What if they don't like it or try to talk them into going back to Storybrooke? He doubts they will but he can't help but think of the worst. He loves it here in their new home, at first he was a little apprehensive about leaving the only place he's ever known but it's been a great change for all of them. This is their home, not Regina's and his, not Emma's and his but all of theirs and he loves it. He thinks his family will love it too once they see how happy they are.
He smiles to himself to keep his mind off fears that are unlikely to come true. After all his Grandpa, Granny and Ruby are coming to town which means laughter, fun and family time. He knows Snow won't come, he hasn't spoken to her much himself. She's called and he's given her a chance but he doesn't think he's ready to see her yet, maybe one day in the future but right now he's happy and so is the rest of his family and that's what matters most to him.
"What animal do you want kid?" Emma asks as she serves Lila an elephant pancake and a special chocolate chip boo bear pancake. Lila thanks her with a grin before licking her lips at her pancakes, "Are we having pancakes at the picnic?" she asks hopefully.
Emma chuckles, "I think they'll be enough sugar at the family picnic later."
"I agree," Regina says and they all turn to see her in the doorway. Emma smiles brightly at her, "Morning 'Gi," she says using her nickname for her girlfriend. Regina smiles back before walking across the kitchen and kissing her lovingly, "Morning Em."
"Morning Mommy!" Lila shouts, "I was gonna tickle you awake but Mama said not to."
Regina grins at her daughter ruffling her hair before kissing the top of her head, "Morning Lila Bug. Why wouldn't Mama let you tickle me awake? Good morning Henry," she says kissing the top of his head too.
"She tickled me awake."
"Yeah, cause we needed you for the surprise," Lila replies in a deadpan tone.
"Surprise?" Regina asks curiously.
Emma grins as she finishes writing the message in icing across her girlfriend's horse shaped pancake. She sets it down in front of Regina giving her another quick sweet kiss before smiling, "Happy Anniversary."
Regina smiles at the words. Happy Anniversary. Every milestone they reach reminds her how far they've come as a couple and that today marks one year in their home as a couple. A whole year together and it's been wonderful. She's had happiness before with Henry and with Lila but this has been even better than she could ever have imagined. This year has been all four of them and it's incredible. She has what she's always wanted, all four of them together, in love and happy – a family. Her heart has never felt lighter and she rests her head on her ever growing stomach with a bright smile. This year has been incredible and she hopes it will just get better and better.
"Happy Anniversary," she replies, "I'd have been up sooner but our baby kept me awake all night."
Emma smiles placing her hand lovingly on the bump, "She's gonna play soccer."
"My baby sister kept you awake?" Lila asks, "How?"
Regina smiles at her, "She kicks."
Lila gasps, "She kicks you?! Naughty baby."
Henry laughs, "Lila, all babies kick. The baby moves in Mommy's tummy and it's good. It means they're alive and moving and energetic."
"Oh okay, does it hurt?"
Regina shakes her head, "No," she replies. It does a little but the happiness that soars in her heart each time their baby moves outweighs all of that. She looks around the table at her girlfriend, her son and her daughter and then down at her bump. Granny, Ruby and Charming are coming today. Her family will all be together and she loves them all, knowing that her family is growing is truly wonderful. This year in their home has been one of the best of her life and as she enjoys breakfast with her family she can't wait for what joys the future will bring them.
The doorbell rings and Lila practically leaps off the floor to go get the door causing both her mothers to laugh. "We should follow her," Regina says. Emma nods standing before offering Regina a hand which the brunette accepts gratefully before lifting herself off the chair. Emma smiles at her. "What?" Regina asks noticing the small sweet smile.
"You're so beautiful."
"I'm the size of a house, a house wearing maternity jeans and an old hoodie because nothing else fits."
Emma shakes her head, "Nope. Your hair is all long and flippy and gorgeous. Your face has that pretty pregnant glow and your smile is still the most beautiful thing I see every morning. You may say you're the size of a house but you're bigger because our baby's in there and I'll never not find that incredible. I love you Regina and I just wanted you to know that whilst we have a moment just the two of us."
Regina smiles back at her leaning across to kiss her, "I love you too. Four years ago I never imagined any of this could be possible. Now we have a family, a home and a baby on the way and I can't imagine my life without in it. I love you so much Emma and I'm so glad I gave you another chance."
"I will never stop being glad about that, even when we're old and grey and Lila and Henry are old and grey too."
Regina laughs, "I will love you to the end of time and even further."
Emma grins before finishing off their mantra, "And I'll love you to the moon and back."
They share another kiss before Lila comes running back in, "Mom!" she shouts, "Henry is in his room and I can't get the door open and Granny, Ruby and Grandpa are here so I need you to open the door. Come on!"
Emma chuckles at their daughter's excited babbling, "Okay she might have had a few too many pancakes…"
Regina giggles as Lila skips around their feet, "Just a few dear. Come on then Emma, we best get the door before this boo bear goes crazy!" She grins widely before swooping her hyper daughter up into her arms. These are the moments she lives for, the happy, fun ones where she can't stop smiling because her heart is simply overwhelmed by joy.
They move to the door to see Henry already pulling it open, "Got it already you slowpokes."
"I'm pregnant," Regina replies.
Ruby laughs as she walks in, "I bet that's your excuse for everything these days."
Regina rolls her eyes with a chuckle before hugging Ruby, "It's good to see you too Ruby."
"AUNTY RUBY!" Lila shouts from her mother's arms before launching herself at her aunt. "Whoa," Ruby says, "Someone had pancakes for breakfast."
"Lots and lotsa pancakes. Elephants. Bears. Unicorns…."
Granny smiles as she walks in hugging Henry before moving to embrace her de factor daughter, "It's good to see you again." She grins at Ruby and Lila before placing her hand on Regina's bump before smiling proudly at her, "You're glowing."
"So I'm told," Regina says.
Granny rolls her eyes at that comment, "You look wonderful and your home is lovely." Regina smiles leaning into the older woman as she too looks around at their photos and various accumulated furniture and keepsakes, "It is."
Charming huffs as he walks over the threshold with two baskets of food and presents in his overladen arms, "Don't worry ladies I'll bring in all the stuff."
Emma laughs before moving to help her father, "Why have you got so much? I thought you were just staying for the day? Or are you secretly moving in with us?"
"That would be the bestest thing ever!" Lila cries excitedly as she scampers over to greet her grandpa. Henry chuckles grabbing a basket as he quickly hugs his grandfather, "I'm not sure we have the room Lila Bug."
"We'd have to make the room," Lila says and both Charming and Henry chuckle before the older man sets the little girl down and moves to hug his daughter in law, "How are you Regina? God you look ready to pop."
"Three weeks," Regina says her voice laced with excitement and joy at the prospect of meeting her new child, "How are you?"
"I'm fine," he replies, "Busy chasing Pongo, bringing the cats out of trees, that sort of thing."
Regina chuckles, "And hopefully still filing reports."
"Nope, I just photocopy the one that says Pongo got out and hope someone upstairs gets it," he says with a laugh as Regina mock glares and play swats him on the arm. She smiles before looking at him seriously, "And Snow?"
"Doing better," he replies, "I think the last talk you had with her really helped. Thank you Regina."
"What for?"
"Forgiving her."
"She forgave me," Regina points out.
"Yes," he says, "But you had the strength to forgive her first and remind her that we're all capable of great good and terrible evil. I know you always say Henry brought us all together but the second time round you did so thank you."
Regina smiles hastily wiping a tear from her eye, "Thank you Charming. Gosh look at me crying already and we've not even got to the picnic."
He chuckles to lighten the mood before pulling her in for a bear-hug and patting her on the back before moving to find his daughter before she finds the bearclaws Granny stashed away in the bottom of the picnic basket.
Later that day once the picnic food has been devoured and the sun is slowly beginning to set the family all sit together across a few blankets over the backyard. Lila has convinced Ruby, Charming and Henry to join her in the treehouse leaving Emma, Regina and Granny on the ground.
"I wonder what they're planning," Emma muses aloud as she reaches for a jaffa cake only for Regina to bat her hand away. "Mine," Regina says picking one up and popping it in her mouth. Emma pouts before grinning at her, "Jaffa Cake kiss?"
Regina rolls her eyes before leaning in to kiss her. Emma smiles at the taste of Regina and the Jaffa Cake before pulling away, "I love you."
"I love you too," Regina says, "And our baby loves you and wants you to bring more Jaffa Cakes."
Emma chuckles giving her wife a quick peck before reaching for the empty box, "The baby is surprisingly demanding…"
Granny watches the scene with a smile pleased to see how happy Regina is. She had her doubts about Emma, she won't deny that but luckily none of them have come to light. She scoots closer to Regina, "Are you happy?" she asks. She always asks even though she doesn't need to. She can see from the easy and light smile on Regina's face that she is. After so many years of seeing her struggle and witnessing her heart break it's nice to hear that Regina finally found her happy ending.
"I am," Regina replies without hesitation, "I really, truly am."
Granny smiles at her giving her a quick hug, "I can tell. Happiness looks good on you."
"And there I was thinking it was just the glow of pregnancy."
"Both," Granny tells her, "I made you something special," she adds before reaching into the basket and pulling out one of her homebaked apple pies. Regina's eyes light up as she takes the pie, "I've missed your pie."
Granny chuckles, "I thought yours was better."
Regina shoots her a look, "Yours are a close second then."
She gasps, "Such cheek and from my own daughter."
"Yep," Regina replies smiling at the term daughter. Granny's called her that many times before and she does see the other woman as her mother, it doesn't stop her from feeling that warmth in her heart that tells her she's part of a family and one who cares for her.
Emma rummages through the kitchen hunting for Jaffa Cakes when she hears a noise from the living room. She grabs the box grinning as she finds one at the back of the cupboard before moving to investigate. She finds her father in the hallway looking at the photographs that line the wall. Emma smiles upon seeing the one he's looking at. They took it one day last fall. It's a picture of the four of them on a blanket by the apple tree, all bundled up in coats and scarves but with bright grins on their face as Henry snapped the photo with his phone camera. They're all in close but what the photo captures best is their smiles and the way they're all snuggled up together. It's a photo that never fails to remind Emma that she's right where she needs to be.
"I thought you were in the treehouse."
He jumps before turning to her with a smile, "I was but then I was sent in to find you."
"And here I am," she replies before standing next to her father, "How are you Dad?"
"I'm alright."
She looks at him seriously, "Are you?"
"Emma it's not your job to take care of me."
"Well I'm always going to worry so you may as well just tell me the truth," she says with a small smile.
"I'm fine," he insists, "I keep busy at the Sheriff's department. I'm going to counselling with Snow and we're working through things slowly."
Emma nods, "Sometimes the things worth fighting for are the ones that take the most time."
"Knowing you want to keep trying is how you know that person is worth fighting for," he replies, "You're a lucky girl Emma."
Emma smiles looking at the photo of her family, "I am. I'm glad you finally get to see my home."
"Me too," he says, "It's the kind of place I'd always hope you'd have one day."
"No trying to drag me back to Storybrooke then?"
"Henry asked me the same thing," Charming replies, "And no. As I told him I would never force you to go anywhere not when you've all clearly found the place where you belong." She smiles at him before hugging him. They stay looking at the photos until Regina's head pops round the door, "Emma, did you find my Jaffa Cakes? Also the kids have a surprise for us."
Emma and Regina sit on the blanket next to each other as Henry, Ruby and Lila come down from the treehouse with Ruby and Henry carrying a large parcel down between them. Lila bounds over to her mothers. "Are you ready for your 'prize?"
Regina and Emma both nod eagerly and she grins turning impatiently to her brother and Aunt, "Guys! Hurry up!"
Ruby pouts at her, "Jeez Lila Bug, you could help."
Lila frowns at her Aunt before pointing to the present, "It's way too big for me. I'll have to supervise."
Ruby and Henry chuckle as the little girl directs them towards the picnic blanket before telling them to set it down in front of them. "No thank you to your workers Lila?" Ruby asks and Lila chuckles before grinning at her Aunt, "Thank you Ruby and Henry."
"Anytime munchkin," Ruby says ruffling her niece's hair before sitting down next to Granny and Charming.
"Happy Anniversary," Henry says as he sits down next to Lila opposite his mothers, "We hope you like it."
"It's all of our anniversary kid," Emma points out.
"We know," Henry replies, "But we got something we can all enjoy. We just wanted to surprise you guys because if you two hadn't fought so hard to be together and give us all this happy ending we'd never have this. For me and Lila being here is a gift in itself because we all get to be together. We know you two feel the same but we wanted to get something anyway."
"Aw kid," Emma says feeling herself welling up. She turns to see Regina already crying and wipes the tears away from her girlfriend's face before kissing her softly. "You okay?"
"Happy tears," Regina assures her before they turn back to their kids.
"Open it!" Lila says excitedly as she bounces from foot to foot.
Emma and Regina make quick work of the wrapping paper as they unwrap it together before revealing a big white board filled with photos. They smile as they see the words "Our Family" fashioned out of different coloured card and glued in the middle of the massive poster board. Photos of the family, all of them, surround the words with blank space around the edges.
"The photos are us now over the year we've had together and the blank spaces are for our future," Henry explains hoping his mothers like the idea. It took him and Lila ages to put it together but it was all worth it to surprise them. Regina and Emma look up with matching bright smiles before gesturing for their kids to get up and hug them. The four of them share a tight family bear hug as Regina and Emma look at the blank spaces on that board knowing that in the years to come they'll fill all those gaps with happy memories.
Thanks for reading :)