The Only Exception (Swan Queen)

Chapter 9

Sometimes life has a cruel sense of humour, giving you the thing you always wanted at the worst time possible. ~Lisa Kleypas

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Regina woke up to someone shaking her awake again, except this time when her eyes fluttered open, they were greeted by Emma's beautiful sea-green gaze. She sighed when she realized what happened – it showed her what needed to be done.

Emma gently helped her to her feet. "What happened?" she asked.

Regina frowned as she looked away from her and towards the rest of the group. "I just found out what the price was," she explained. They all frantically motioned for her to continue. She cleared her throat gently. "I have to say goodbye to the thing I love most," she finished as she crossed her arms uncomfortably.

Emma took in a deep, swift breath as Regina looked up to make eye contact with her.

"Henry?" Snow questioned snapping the pair apart.

Regina frowned but quickly nodded.

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Everyone watched as Belle slowly fell to the ground, a soft yet painful squeal leaving her lips as Gold vanished.

"What now?" David asked urgently.

Regina turned and watched as Emma wrapped her arm around Henry's shoulder holding him protectively against her side. She sighed and picked up the curse that was lying blankly on the ground in front of her. "Now we say goodbye," she choked out, attempting to hold back the tears that were quickly beginning to form in her eyes.

Emma and Henry hopped in her bug and met them all at the town line.

Regina watched the pair carefully as they got out of the tin can Emma called a car. Henry ran into his grandparents' arms and they engulfed him into a giant hug.

Emma made her way hesitantly over to her. "So, what now?" she asked softly.

Regina sighed. "You and Henry won't remember anything of what happened during your time in Storybrooke," she quickly blurted. The hurt that crossed the blonde's face was clear. Regina gulped. "But I can give you both new memories – happy ones," she explained with a smile.

Emma continued to frown. In one quick movement, Emma had her arms wrapped securely around Regina's waist and held her tight against her front.

Regina returned her hug almost instantly, wrapping her arms around the taller woman's neck trying to pull herself closer. Regina wasn't prepared to do any of it. She wasn't prepared to say goodbye to her son. She wasn't prepared to let go of the annoying blonde. Regina felt a tear run down her cheek. "Please look after him," she whimpered.

"Always, Gina." Emma leant down and kissed her. It was short and quick so no one would see.

Regina frowned as she pulled away. She clung to her hand as she squeezed her eyes shut.

Henry was by her side now, wrapping his thin arms around them both.

New memories. That's what she did best. Memories where Emma never gave him up, and they lived happily together ever since.

Regina continued to cling tightly to Emma's hand even after she had finished. She wrapped her arms around her and pulled her into another hug. She buried her face in the crook of her neck, taking in her sweet smell of cinnamon.

Emma wrapped her arms around her waist. "I'll miss you, Gina," she whispered against her shoulder.

A single tear fell down Regina's cheek and she shook her head. "You won't remember anyone to miss," she sobbed causing Emma to hold her tighter. "Go, the curse will be here soon," she told the pair as they pulled apart.

Regina watched as the pair clambered into the beaten yellow bug. She quickly ripped up the piece of paper as the engine revved. She watched as the soft green and purple mist made its way towards them. She turned and watched as Emma's bug crossed the town line. "I love you, Emma," she whispered to herself as they were engulfed by the smoke.