Title: Strong Enough Together
Author: . Magiluna Stormwriter
Feedback address: stormwriter@shatterstorm.net
Date in Calendar: 24 June 2015
Fandom: Once Upon a Time
Pairing: Regina/Emma
Rating: PG
Word Count: 337
Summary: Together we're strong enough / To conquer any challenge.
Spoilers: Post-4B finale canon divergence, so just consider everything so far up for grabs.
Warnings: Mention of child abuse.
Website: ShatterStorm Productions – Doggie Duo
Link to: http://bdkk.shatterstorm.net/
Archive: ShatterStorm Productions & AO3 only…all others ask for permission & we'll see…
Feedback: Constructive criticism is always welcome.
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Disclaimer: "Once Upon a Time," the characters, and situations depicted are the property of Adam Horowitz, Edward Kitsis, Kitsis/Horowitz, and ABC Studios. This piece of fan fiction was created for entertainment not monetary purposes. Previously unrecognized characters and places, and this story, are copyrighted to the author. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author. This site is in no way affiliated with "Once Upon a Time," ABC, or any representatives of the actors.

Author’s Notes: I can never write about these two without alluding to that whole "similar backgrounds" thing, particularly with regard to the haphazardness of love and support growing up. That these two women come from abusive backgrounds of one kind or another is obvious, but it's the strength and resilience they both show in having weathered that abuse that makes them so damned interesting to write about.

Dedication: My muses, as usual…

Beta: Shatterpath, as usual…

After she came back,
We began to work on us.
It was clear to all
But the two of us? Not quite.
We needed time to get it.

We started talking.
Not fighting, simple talking.
Easy things at first,
Eventually bolder,
Until brutal honesty.

Learning of her life,
From her, not from documents,
Was eye opening.
The struggles that she survived
Increased my guilty conscience.

I apologized
Profusely each time she spoke
Of the abuses
Foisted on a helpless girl,
Hating myself for the curse.

When Lily came up,
I felt such ambivalence,
Hating the Charmings
Tampering with destiny
For two innocent babies.

But at the same time,
I understood Emma's rage
At Lily's actions,
Putting both girls in danger
When it didn't have to be.

When it was my turn
To speak of my upbringing,
I hesitated.
So few people know the truth.
Not even Snow White knows all.

My shame is private,
My embarrassment profound.
Detailing abuse
That happened decades ago
Forced open a door I'd locked.

The raw memories
Felt as vivid as ever.
I swore I'd see marks
On my skin from punishments,
But they were ephemeral.

The dichotomy
Of Daddy's love and the pain
Of Mama's abuse
Has always rendered me weak,
Terrified of reprisals.

But Emma held me
Through the entire ordeal
Of my memories,
Silently encouraging
And offering me support.

Such a novel thing
To have support, not pity.
She even listened
As I detailed my revenge
Against Snow in Daniel's name.

Just as I was torn
About her Lily anger,
I know that she felt
As ambivalent about
My anger toward Snow White.

When we were finished
Divulging our sordid pasts,
New understanding
Was dawning in both of us.
It ushered in new feelings.

Feelings we both feared,
But together we would face
Every last issue,
No matter how miniscule.
There would be no more secrets.

In the end, I learned
What Emma said all along
Was the truth for us:
Together we're strong enough
To conquer any challenge.