The Only Exception (Swan Queen)

I'll make up for all those years I was supposed to be kissing you. ~Leo Christopher

Her lips gently brushed against hers and Regina's eyes fluttered closed at the feeling. God, I missed this. She responded by leaning forward, pressing harder into the touch.

It was slow. Each movement made was hesitant and unsure.

Emma's right hand travelled slowly from her waist to gently brush her cheek whilst her other hand remained on her hip.

Regina's hands were at the back of the blonde's neck holding her in place. She was completely hypnotized by her touch. I missed her so much.

She felt her teeth gently graze her bottom lip which took her by surprise, causing her to dig her nails slightly into the nape of her neck. Emma let out a soft moan in response as her tongue slowly, and hesitantly, slipped into Regina's mouth meeting again after these years. Regina swiped her tongue quickly against hers and ran her nails down the younger woman's back, remembering how much she loved that.

Emma groaned and deepened the kiss, becoming more confident in her touches. Their lips were moving together effortlessly and without a care. Like they had never been separated.

The blonde moved further forward leading Regina slowly onto her back. Her lips moved away from Regina's and ran along her jawline to the soft spot under her ear.

Regina let out a small moan but moved away from her touch. "We can't," she whined. She looked up to meet Emma's gaze, her blonde locks falling across either side of her head as she hovered above her. She bit her bottom lip at the sight. "It'll just make things so much harder for me when you leave. I can't go through that again, Emma." She was trying so hard not to cry.

Emma nodded, quickly moving away to sit up straight. "It's okay, Gina. I'm sorry."

"You don't have to apologize Em."

The blonde slowly got to her feet. "I'll see you in the morning, Regina," she said softly.

Regina quickly sat up, too late to catch her hand. "Emma!" She turned to face her. "Will you- can- I-" She stuttered and stumbled across her words unable to get them out.

Emma let out a soft chuckle. "Is that your way of asking me to stay with you?" she asked, playfully raising an eyebrow.

A soft blush covered her cheeks as she nodded. "Yeah," she whispered.

Emma smiled. She removed her jacket and placed it on the chair before flicking off the lights. The blonde made her way round to her old side of the bed before sitting down to remove her boots and jeans.

Regina gulped as she slipped into the bed next to her wearing her t-shirt and her underwear. "Thank you," she whispered through the darkness. She could see a few of her features as her eyes adjusted to the low light coming from the gleam that was seeping through the thin curtains.

A strong set of arms wrapped securely around her waist, pulling her tight into a warm embrace. She melted into it in an instant. "Get some sleep, Gina." She drew small, soothing circles on her shoulder blade.

Regina laid her head on the younger woman's chest and cuddled into her side. She sighed. I shouldn't be doing this. This will only make things harder for me when she leaves again. She knew, but she ignored her inner turmoil – she wanted Emma's touch too much.

"I never stopped loving you," Emma confessed through the darkness.

Regina felt her heart clench. "Me neither," she mumbled before drifting off to sleep in her warm, comforting embrace.