Chapter Text
It all started inconspicuously enough. The Swans Mills were enjoying one of their family dinners, which had started as a weekly occurrence, but now happened nearly every night. Regina insisted it was the only way she could ensure Emma ate something other than bear claws or grilled cheese. Henry and his blonde mother would exchange knowingly smiles but never said otherwise.
This particular evening was struck with a tension that not even the Queen's famous lasagna could overcome. Emma found herself slack jawed, fork laying forgotten on her plate as her worried gaze flickered between her son and his other mother.
“Hey moms, Gramps is putting together a summer survival camp. I really want to go. It's only two weeks and all my friends are going. And Gramps and Mulan are supervising.”
Regina was very still, her back ramrod straight in her chair. Henry squirmed in his seat, looking down at his half eaten plate. He couldn't bring himself to look up and meet the devastation his words had caused.
“Mom? Ma? Can I go?”
“Kid...can you give us a minute?”
Emma had to resist the urge to rush over and wrap the brunette in her arms. Other than her arms wrapping protectively around her midsection, Regina had not budged. This seemingly innocent request had shook her to the core. A regular parent would think nothing of allowing her son to go. But no regular parent had faced what the Queen had.
Henry was Regina's whole world. Her relationship with Robin had deteriorated to oblivion under the strain of Zelena's pregnancy. Nearly losing Henry in Neverland had been followed closely behind by the missing year where she had been forced to give up her son for a year. And once she finally was reunited with her son, she had to endure being complete strangers. It was no wonder that Regina struggled with holding her son too close after all that had happened.
Snow had come to Emma in confidence one night to tell her of the incredible strain the separation had put on Regina. The visual of a broken Regina burying her heart carelessly in the forest dirt was burned into her brain. Emma could not bear to see the other woman suffer so again.
The Queen was incredibly strong and had survived. For if nothing else this woman who had faced so much tragedy, manipulation and pain was a survivor. But moments like this had Emma concerned about how much one person could truly take. Even if coddling Henry forever was not a solution to the problem.
Henry crept away from the table, taking refuge in his room upstairs. Emma scooted her chair closer, speaking softly. “Hey, it's going to be ok. We have a smart kid. And my father and Mulan won't let anything happen to him.” She reached out with an open hand and was surprised at how easily Regina interlaced her fingers with her own.
“I know I am being overprotective. But I...I am scared Emma. I don't know if I can bear to let him go.”
Emma's heart clenched at how open and vulnerable the typically closed off woman was being. They had come a long way from the days of chainsaws, threats and poisoned apples. Despite the odds a lasting trust and friendship had formed. Regina would not allow herself to show such weakness to anyone else. Murmuring words of comfort, the blonde gave into her earlier impulse and wrapped the Queen in a warm embrace. Regina for her part after tensing for a brief moment, sunk into the Sheriff's touch and allowed herself to cry. Muffled sobs wracked her slight frame. Emma held her tighter, freeing one hand to rub soothing circles on the brunettes shaking back.