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“Emma Swan!” Regina yelled at her wife came through the door on Christmas morning. They had been up since 6am because their children had clearly inherited both women’s impatience and refused to wait any longer to open their presents. Henry their 14-year-old son was currently playing his new video game in his room and Holly their 8-year-old daughter was playing in the living room with her new toys.
After opening up their presents Emma had announced that she had left something at the station and had to go and get it. Regina thought it was odd but not unusual as her wife was very forgetful when it came to leaving the office, usually she was in too much of a rush to come home to her family. Which would always melt Regina’s heart a little bit at how happy her wife was to always come home and see herself and their children.
Right now, however she was imagining how good Emma would look with her head mounted on their wall, the blonde had come in carrying a tiny wriggling ball of fluff.
“Yes, sweetness?” Emma asked innocently although her green eye glinted with mischief.
“What the hell is that?” the brunette demanded; her arms crossed ignoring the fact that Emma was trying to be cute.
“What is what?” Emma shrugged stepping closer to Regina trying to kiss her on the cheek but Regina stepped back and glared at her.
“Oh no you don’t. Do not try to butter me up while you're holding that thing.” Regina gestured to the little creature in Emma’s arms. Before Emma got a chance to reply a screech of delight sounded from the living room doorway.
“A puppy!” Holly cried out. The smile radiating from her face was almost enough of reason to forgive Emma. Almost. She ran over to Emma and then stopped when the puppy seemed to startle at the sudden sound of the little girl. “Oh no. I’m sorry.” Holly immediately calmed down, lowering her voice and asked gently “Is it ours.”
“Yes baby. She is our new addition to the family.” Emma replied, completely avoiding Regina’s gaze.
“Cool! Thanks Ma!” Henry called, he must have heard Holly’s screech and come to see what was going on. He came stomping down the stairs and joined Emma and Holly who were now sitting on the floor in the entry way of the house petting the puppy. “What kind of dog is she?” He asked laughing when the little pup licked his hand.
“I don’t think anyone knows, she was a stray when the shelter found her and think she is a mix of all kinds of breeds.” Emma says. Holly pouted sadly.
“We not ever going to give her away, right Mama? We are going to be her forever family.” She spoke sadly. Emma and Henry shared a knowing look at how similar the puppy and Emma’s back stories were.
“No baby. We aren’t going to give her away.” Emma spoke softly tucking a stray strand of light brown hair out of Holly’s face. “But we do need to give this little miss a name. What do you think Regina?” The hopeful look she was greeted with from the three most important people in her life was enough to melt her heart once again. She was furious that Emma had not told her about this surprise before she had brought the animal into the house. But she couldn’t say no to her wife.
“Well let's see then.” She sighed and joined her family on the floor. Instantly the puppy wriggled out of Emma’s arms and leaped at Regina. Licking her face and wagging her tail with gusto. The rest of the family burst out laughing and Regina’s horrified expression as she tried to get the little pup to settle down.
“Well, I think you Mom should name her. Seen as though she is already clearly the favourite.” Emma laughed. Regina finally managed to pick up the wriggling brown fluff ball and held her up to her face level giving her best ‘Evil’ glare. It did absolutely nothing to deter the little beast as she licked Regina’s nose.
“Lola no!” Regina instinctively scolded.
“Lola?” Henry questioned. Holly nodded furiously.
“Yes, her name is Lola. I think it suits her.” Emma said. Leaning in to kiss Lola on the head, she was met with a lick to the face too along with an excited bark. “Welcome to the family Lola.”
2 years later
“Lola! Come back here.” Emma shouted as she ran off with yet another one of Emma’s brand-new boots Regina had bought her for Christmas. Catching up to the dog she managed to wrestle the boot away from her with no damage to either her or the boot. “Stupid dog.” she muttered getting a bark in return. Lola bowed playfully and wagged her tail.
“Having fun, you two?” Regina asked through a laugh when she took in Emma’s dishevelled appearance.
“Oh, stop enjoying this.” Emma pouted. “You know you could help when she is misbehaving, she actually listens to you.” glaring as Regina let out a short whistle and Lola instantly was by her side sitting patiently for her next command.
“Serve’s you right for getting a dog without telling me. Now you have to suffer with both of us ganging up on you.” Regina laughed when Lola let out a bark of agreement. Emma smiled at her and kissed her softly.
“Wouldn’t have it any other way my loves.” Emma declared kissing, Regina again. Breaking it off as Lola jumped up and snatched the boot out of her hand and ran off into the garden with it. “Lola! No!” Emma screeched and ran after her.
Regina cackled. Oh yes, she always loved getting her revenge.