The Only Exception (Swan Queen)

Chapter 27

I cannot undo what I have done; I can't un-sing a song that's sung. And the saddest thing about my regret – I can't forgive me and you can't forget. ~Lang Leav, A Betrayal.

Emma woke up to sounds coming from downstairs. She pushed back the soft, dark duvet covers and looked around the dimly lit room, light seeping in slightly from the curtains. She sighed, suddenly remembering where she was and what had happened the previous day.

I'm back in Storybrooke.

She frowned and remembered Regina. The way she looked, the way she acted, everything made her heart ache. The older woman has resorted to sleeping with the door open and the lights on with her jacket pressed against her chest.

Emma headed downstairs and found Regina in the kitchen. She was in the same state that she had seen her in the night before. Her hair was much messier and her eyes were droopy and tired, the dark circles still lying firmly in their place under her eyes.

She frowned at the sight. She couldn't help but feel completely responsible for what she's going through. She shuffled slowly into the kitchen and the brunette looked up to make eye contact with her.

Regina cleared her throat awkwardly as she dropped her gaze. "Good morning, Emma," she greeted politely.

Emma shot her a small, kind smile, "Morning" I responded. They stood there for a moment, the same silent tension lingering between them as the night before.

Regina coughed. "Coffee?"

Emma nodded and made her way further into the kitchen. "Please. Thanks," she mumbled.

She couldn't help but watch the older woman as she made her way round the kitchen with every bit of grace that she remembered. Emma stood at the island and watched her work with a smile. She always loved watching her in the kitchen, regardless of what she was doing, whether she was cooking, cleaning or anything else. She always looked so at home. She moved with such eloquence and grace. Emma could never take her eyes off her.

Regina turned around to catch her staring. The second their eyes met, Emma's eyes immediately fell to the ground and a soft red blush covered her cheeks. "I see some things just never change, huh Swan?" she asked playfully with a smirk.

Oh God, I missed that smirk.

Emma laughed unable to hide the redness of her cheeks. "I guess," she mumbled softly. Regina slid the coffee over to her with a smile. "Thanks," she said, wrapping her cold hands around the steaming mug of hot liquid.

The brunette slowly sipped her own coffee. "So, how have things been?" she asked, trying to make some form of conversation.

Emma sipped the coffee and shrugged. "It's been okay. I'm living in Boston, I'm a Homicide Detective."

"Sounds... interesting."

She shrugged. "Some cases are and some aren't. It's certainly not as entertaining as what it used to be like round here," she joked light-heartedly.

Regina smiled fondly. "Oh, I remember," she said with a soft chuckle. Her face suddenly fell and the mood in the room shifted noticeably. She gulped. "How long are you staying in town for?" she asked hesitantly.

Emma frowned. "Just a few days. I'm kinda in the middle of a big-ish case right now. I could swing enough time to say hi to everyone and see how things were going," she explained.

Regina nodded slowly. "Well, you're more than welcome to stay here if you want."

She couldn't help but smile. "Thank you." Regina nodded in response and took another sip of her coffee. "So, how have things been here?" she asked, continuing the topic of conversation.

"The town has been... Okay," she mumbled, staring down at her hands.

Emma sighed. "And you? Are you okay, Regina?" she asked hesitantly. She didn't know whether she had the right to ask that question. She could tell just by looking at the older woman what the answer was.

"What do you mean?" She stiffened, raising her head, walls going back up in an instant.

Emma moved closer to her. "Are you okay?" she asked as she gently ran her fingers across her cheek and tucked a piece of her loose raven hair behind her ear. Regina bit her lip gently. Emma knew that she was probably crossing numerous lines and making her feel worst but she needed to know.

Regina frowned. "You want the truth?"

"Please," Emma whispered.

She took a firm step back. "No," she snapped before making her way swiftly out of the room and up the stairs.

Emma didn't dare follow her. She's messed up enough as it is.

She changed and quickly left the house. She thought it would be best if she left Regina on her own for a while. She needed to figure out a way to fix all the damage she's caused.

It hurt to see Regina like that. Regina. Once a strong, take no shit woman, now weak and vulnerable – completely helpless. She never intended to hurt her like that and it made her regret what happened so much more.

#

Emma headed to her parent's apartment to see how they were. The minute she arrived on the doorstep, she was pulled inside and engulfed into a massive hug. She chuckled lightly and returned the embrace. "Hello to you too guys."

Her parents pulled away. "It's just so good to have you home," Mary Margaret said in her overly perky tone that Emma never thought she would miss until now.

Emma was about to speak and explain to them that she wouldn't be staying when a little voice rang through the apartment. "Momma?" A young boy stood there with a look of confusion plastered across his face.

Her heart clenched from inside her chest. It was little Neal.

She shot him a kind, gentle smile as she got down on her knees. "You won't remember me, buddy. I left when you were just a baby. I'm your big sister, Emma," she introduced herself to him.

After a moment of staring at her, he giggled and darted towards her. He leapt and threw his little arms around her neck. Emma hugged him back and her heart plummeted.

How can I leave this again?