Old Books, Good Music,and Destiny:
Chapter 1: In Which Destiny Comes into Play
Disclaimer: I don't own any OUaT characters or Once Upon a Time
Note: This is my first fic writing, so please be nice. I'm sorry for any mistakes. I took some inspiration from one my friends and other ships. Hope you enjoy.
¨Miss Lucas, could you go place the new first editions where they belong?¨ Regina asked not glancing up from her 1566 first edition, now only remaining copy, of The Prophecies of Nostradamus, currently valued at 12 million, that she prides herself on owning now for 7 years now.
¨Yes, Gina.¨ Ruby said carefully picking up the crate. Regina rolls her eyes, looking at the quite unprofessional, not to mention young, brunette. Regina removes her reading glasses, letting them hang from her neck, and clearing her throat before she speaks.
¨Call me Miss Mills. It is unprofessional to call me 'Gina', and that is not even my name any how.¨ Ruby nods, not listening, and carries on with her task of placing the books in the right displays and cases. Regina puts her glasses back on and hums while continuing where she left off, reading the french literature, glad that today was one of those days where only a few collectors to appear in the shop earlier this morning. ¨Their gonna clean up your looks with all the lies in the books, to make a citizen out of you.¨ She mumbled out softly to herself whilst reading.
¨Because they sleep with a gun and keep an eye on you, son, so they can watch all the things you do." A feminine voice sings softly back to her. She jolted her eyes from the book to the person in front of her and sees a beautiful blonde woman in a red leather jacket and a goofy looking smirk.
¨Anything I can help you find?¨ Regina asked, removing her glasses a second time. Ruby finishes and heads toward the front of the store to grab her things and wait for her friend.
¨I was kinda looking for a friend of mine.¨"The blonde replied.
¨I can't help you with that. My forte is books.¨ The blonde laughed at the other woman's formal tone.
¨Well, actually I think you can.¨ The blonde said, placing her arms on the counter and leaning in to challenge the brunettes power, knowing chances are she would accept it.
¨Oh, is this correct?¨ The brunette woman said in a sultry tone, leaning in and invading the blonde's personal space. ¨I think you're mistaken. Now buy a book or get out of my store.¨ Regina says blankly, puts her glasses back on, and continues, in her book, where she left off. Emma stands astonished. Meanwhile Ruby reaches the front, catching sight of her friend and squeals, much to Regina's distaste.
¨EMMA!¨ She nearly screeches and runs toward the blonde.
¨Miss Lucas!¨ Regina raises her voice, startling both Emma and Ruby, who for the likes of her has never heard Regina raise her voice at all in the 5 year she has worked for the uptight brunette. ¨I advise you to never to yell or sprint in my shop again.¨ She says in her regular voice after regaining her composure. Her phone buzzes and she looks away from the two and down towards the distraction.
'I need to talk to you! like NOW!'
Its from her best, and quite frankly her only, friend, Kathryn.
¨Well, Miss Lucas, It seems you are in a bit of luck. I am going to have to close our doors early. Something urgent has come up. Are the new first editions in their designated placements?¨
¨Yes...Miss Mills.¨ She replies, weary of calling her anything other than the ¨professional¨ name.
¨Good. You may leave now.¨ Regina said grabbing her designer leather satchel and carefully placing her prized book in there. Emma couldn't help but stare in fascination at Regina's precise and calculated movements, the way her hair fell from it's place on her shoulders, and the extreme beauty that Regina seemed blind to. ¨Um, Miss Lucas...Your friend.¨ She said with a slight flip of her long, beautiful, dark brunette hair.
¨Emma, come on.¨ She said snapping Emma back into reality. They hurried out and Regina locked up.
~/~
¨Emma, Do you like Regina?¨ Ruby says, sitting on the couch of her cozy, 2 bedroom apartment, that she and Emma share.
¨Uh...No.¨ She says getting off the couch hurriedly, pacing, and chewing her lip, all signs that she is lying.
¨Ems. Come on.¨ Ruby says accusingly. Emma Knows that Ruby can tell that she is lying, not even trying to hide it that hard.
¨She straight right?Yeah,so it's a harmless little crush,so forget it, Rubes.¨ Emma said frantically, fighting her painfully obvious attraction.
¨We don't know if she is straight.¨ Ruby said nonchalantly with a shrug, biting into her pizza.
¨We don't?¨ Ruby shook her head. ¨Oh, god Ruby. I'm fucked! I mean I've never had a real relationship...I mean sure the occasional fuck, no feelings, but a relationship. And I've heard about falling for straight girls and let me tell you, nothing pre-¨ Her babbling is cut off by her friend.
¨Emma! Listen, in the 5 years that I have worked for her she has not talked about, nor have I seen even a hint of a boyfriend.¨ She said, not even mentioning the fact that Regina never revealed a single personal detail, not even her favorite color let alone a boyfriend, but Ruby wanted to stop her friend's babbling. Emma caught her breath.
¨Okay...I'm gonna go listen to some music and stuff.¨ By ¨stuff¨ Emma meant work up a plan, and the courage, to ask Regina out to dinner.
¨You go do that...Good luck.¨ Ruby said with a slight smirk.
~/~
Regina shows up late to the store the next day. Ruby had already set up like usual, but waited for Regina to come in and open officially, which didn't happen til 11:30.
¨I apologize, Miss Lucas, for my tardiness.¨ Ruby thought this was extremely weird, especially since Regina never apologized or was even a millisecond late.
¨It's fine.¨ Ruby said, watching Regina, confused, as she beckoned for someone to follow her in the door.
¨Come on, dear. It'll be okay. I want you to meet someone.¨ Regina said before kneeling down and inviting her son into her open arms. ¨Ruby, this is my son, Henry.¨ She said, lifting the toddler and placing him on her hip. ¨Henry, this is Mommy's friend, Ruby.¨ He waved shyly.
¨Hello, Ruby.¨ He said, slightly mispronouncing her name, then snuggled into Regina's neck. Regina laughs, slightly at her son's bashful behavior. Regina rubs his back.
¨I'm sorry.¨ She said apologetically. Ruby heads off to check the back for any sales on first editions, slightly in shock finding out that the heartless Regina Mills has a kid and is loving and warm. ¨Henry.¨ She sing-songs his name and he lifts his blushed face from her neck. ¨Hey there my little prince. What's up?¨ She whispers to him soft and lovingly.
¨She is pretty.¨ He whispers back. Regina giggles. ¨She scares me, too.¨
¨Do you want me to sing to you? Will that make everything okay?¨ He nods and nestles back into her neck. ¨Okay, my little prince.¨ Regina began to sing, not noticing Emma coming in on her lunch break to see her friend.
Arrorró mi niño,
Arrorró mi amor,
Arrorró pedazo de mi corozón,
Este niño lindo,
Que nació de día,
Quiere que lo lleve a dulcería,
Este niño lindo,
Que noció de noche,
Quiere que lleve a pasear en coche,
Duérmente mi niño,
Duérmente pedazo mi corazón.
She sang bouncing the young boy on her hip and resting her head slightly on his. She began to hum the melody of the lullaby. She closes her eyes, still oblivious to Emma's presence. Emma leans on the counter watching Regina with doe eyes, falling more in love with Regina. Regina sways slightly switching from foot to foot whilst humming. Henry's breathing had evened out, signaling that he had scummed to the lures of slumber. Regina opened her eyes, and was taken aback by the sight of the blonde, noticing the doey look and ignoring it. Emma scolded herself for being caught staring.
¨Sorry...We were never formally introduced, I'm Emma, Emma Swan.¨ She said, holding her hand out. Regina carefully shifted Henry and accepted the hand shaking it firmly.
¨Nice to meet you, Miss Swan. I am Regina Mills and, well this is Henry.¨ She said with a tinge of laughter, looking at her son lovingly, whilst still the continuous sway. ¨May I ask why you are here in, what I assume is your, uniform?¨ Emma looked down, realizing that she was in her police uniform, just coming on her lunch break.
¨Oh, yeah. I was coming to get Ruby. We planned lunch together today...You and Henry can join us if you wanna.¨ Emma suggested hoping that she and her adorable son would join them. Regina considered it for a moment.
¨I'll have to decline your offer, I wouldn't want to impose. Ruby is in the third section, labeled 'History'¨ Emma nodded, a little disappointed that the two wouldn't be joining them for lunch. Emma walks down like Regina had directed her. 'Damn it, Emma! You should have just asked her out. Nope, not the right time.' She thought as she walk mindlessly, chewing on her lip.
¨Emma? Emma!¨ Ruby brought the blonde back to reality. ¨You okay Ems?¨ The tall leggy brunette grabbed her shoulders. ¨Did you ask her?¨
¨What?¨ She questioned shaken from her thoughts.
¨Ya know.¨ Ruby looked around for any prying ears. ¨On a date¨ She whispered.
¨I didn't...I don't even have a fucking chance Rubes.¨
_(MEANWHILE)_
¨Mommy?¨ Henry pushed himself away from her chest, sleep still evident in his voice. He looked at her with trouble written all over his face.
¨Yes, Henry?¨ She said, looking at him and knowing what he was going to ask.
¨Can I go play?¨
¨I guess so, but be careful Henry.¨ Henry wiggled from her arms and as soon as he hit the floor ran off down an isle. ¨Henry no running.¨ She slightly raises her voice so he can hear her. She hopes that Henry doesn't break anything too expensive.
¨Do ya really think I've got a chance?¨ She said taking her ponytail down to put it back up, neater. Ruby nods.
¨Oh course Ems.¨ Emma lets out a sigh of relief and nods. Emma felt a tug on her pant leg.
¨Who are you?¨ The little brunette boy asked. Emma kneeled down to his level.
¨I'm Emma.¨ She smiled at the cute boy who smiled just like his mother did.
¨I'm Henry, Prince Henry.¨ He said puffing out his chest with pride. Emma, playing along with it, bowed.
¨Oh my! A prince! Hello Prince Henry.¨ Emma said still kneeling. ¨It is an honor Your Royal Highness.¨ Henry giggled at the blonde's reaction.
¨Do you and Ruby wanna play with me?¨ He asked the blonde. Emma look toward her friend for an answer. Ruby nodded.
¨Yes we would love to play a game with you but you should go ask your mom and see if we all can have lunch together, because I'm hungry.¨ She said nodding and rubbing her belly.
¨Okay!¨ He said and then ran off almost knocking a vase off of it's pedestal. Emma and Ruby both laugh slightly about the boy's enthusiastic behavior.
Henry ran as fast as he could and crashed into his mother's legs.
¨Hello, my little prince.¨ She says looking away from her mess of a checkbook toward her brunette haired little boy. She saw a smile like he was up to something. ¨Is there something wrong, dear?¨ He shook his head.
¨Can we eat lunch with Ruby and Emma?¨ He questioned, looking up at his mom. Regina felt obligated to say yes, it was either that or face a tantrum and she was in no mood to deal with a screaming and kicking child.
¨Yes. Do you wanna bring Tim?¨ She asked holding up the green stuffed dragon that Henry adored, the boy nodding in response. ¨Okay, go get Emma and Ruby.¨ The boy ran off. ¨Henry, no running.¨ She raised her voice, but as usual he paid no attention. He ran for the blonde, she grabbed him before he could run into her legs.
¨She said Yes.¨ He said gleefully with the biggest, and goofiest, grin ever. ¨Come on!¨ He said, jumping down, grabbing Emma's hand, and running toward the front of the store with Ruby following behind the two.
¨Okay, so where are we going?¨ Regina said, keys in hand.
~/~
They headed to Granny's Cafe, owned by Ruby's Grandmother. Henry told Emma all about his adventures, him defeating bad dragons with Tim's help of course, sword fights, and princesses he had saved. As they ate, the boy would talk to Emma and Ruby telling them about all these people he had met, which included Snow White, Prince Charming, Rumpelstiltskin, and the Evil Queen, who in his opinion wasn't at all evil. In midst of lunch Regina took a call from someone who needed to pick something up and so she entrusted Ruby with the temporary care of her son, not before telling her all his likes and dislikes and his allergies, and leaving the two women and her son to rush off to work. She arrived at the store to meet a shady man.
¨Um, Mr?¨
¨Scarlet, Will scarlet.¨ He said, looking around.
¨Okay. Mr. Scarlet, What book were you searching for?¨ She asked, unlocking the door.
¨Well, I was looking for a certain last copy, but you probably don't have it at the moment.¨ Regina opens the door and walks in with Will following behind.
¨I can acquire it and then call you when it arrives.¨ She said smiling and grabbing the catalog of books that are in the store's storage. He looked at the door.
¨Well,¨ He said with a sinister grin. ¨I want to know where is The Prophecies of Nostradamus.¨ He asked getting closer to Regina.
¨I am sorry, it's not for sale.¨ She said backing against the counter afraid of the strong man inching closer.
¨I don't care if it's for sale. I need it.¨ He said grabbing her wrist.
¨Let go, Mr. Scarlet, before I call the police.¨ He laughs sinisterly.
¨I think you should just give me the book, you stupid bitch.¨ He said. She brought her free hand across his face with a loud smack. ¨You're gonna regret that.¨ He lets go of her wrist. His fist makes contact with her face. She is knocked down by the sheer force of the blow. He kicks her in the abdomen.
¨Fuck you!¨ She screams at him. She prepares her self for another kick in the stomach, but receives it in the side of her head. He crouches down.
¨Ready to give it to me now?¨ She spits in his face. ¨YOU BITCH!¨ He slaps her. She balls up a fist and throws it out hitting what ever she could, evidently hitting him in the groin. ¨Ugh, you little bitch.¨ He punches her, landing on her jaw. She clutches her jaw on the floor. She hears faint laughter and playful yelps from a small boy. Henry. She scrambles up and kicks him, before running to the door to lock it. She will not in danger her son.
¨Regina, What the hell?¨ Emma says running to the newly locked glass door that the bloodied brunette stood behind. A less bloodied man appears behind her. He grabs Regina's arm. Regina is kneed in the stomach. ¨Ruby take Henry to go get ice cream and don't come back until I tell you.¨ Ruby tried to protest. ¨Now!¨ The blonde said sternly. Emma called her best friends,on the force, and told them to ¨Haul ass¨ to the store. Moments later they arrived, to see a broken glass door and an unconscious Will with Emma on top of him with a pistol aimed at him and a brunette woman in the corner whimpering and bloodied, not half as bloodied as Will is now that Emma more than sufficiently subdued him.
¨Emma, What the fuck happened?¨ August asked, holstering his gun.
¨We all went to lunch and Ruby's boss had to meet to a customer and left early. We showed up and Regina locked the door and This guy started beating her up, so I broke the door and subdued him.¨ August nodded.
¨Christ, Emma.¨ Killian exclaims with his British accent, even though he is from Iowa.
¨Shut up, Jones, and arrest him.¨ Emma said holstering her pistol and stand up and away from the man. Killian picks up the now groaning Will. Emma walks over to Regina, who is humming what sounds like a lullaby.
¨Where's Henry?¨ Regina mumbles. Emma can't help but want to murder Will, she almost did in fact.
¨I sent him and Ruby to get ice cream and to stay there until I tell them to come back.¨ Regina nods and looks down at her lap.
¨It's my fault.¨ Regina whispers, almost so quiet Emma didn't catch it.
¨What's your fault?¨ She asks, wishing she could take away her pain.
¨I wouldn't give him the book. I slapped him.¨ She says blankly.
¨And? He attacked you, Regina.¨ Regina absently, and slowly shook her head.
¨I could have given him the book.¨ The EMTs take Regina to check her out, after which August takes her statement and Killian takes Emma's. Emma texts Ruby and tells her it's okay. The EMTs concluded that it was just a little bruising and a busted lip, and that Regina was okay. Ruby and Henry showed up just as Regina finished her statement.
¨Henry. No need to worry, my prince. I am okay.¨ Regina says as the boy holds on to her. She picks him up. Emma watches from beside the car.
¨Emma. Do you like her, the brunette girl?¨ August asked, after catching his friend staring.
¨Yeah. I'm a fool right? I was looking for the right time to ask her on a date. I was going to do it today, but ya know.¨ She said, nodding to Will, in the police car.
¨Ems, There is no right time for anything. You have to make it the right time.¨ He shrugged and left to lock up Will and finish of his stacks of paper work. Emma was given the rest day off. Ruby and Henry went to sit at a table, at the vacant and closed down cafe next door, letting Regina figure out what to do with the store.
¨Hey.¨ Emma said, almost startling Regina.
¨Hello, Miss Swan.¨ Regina said in a semi-pissed off tone.
¨Sorry, about the door.¨ Emma looked down at her feet. ¨I'll pay for it if you want me to.¨
¨It's fine. I'm just going to replace the door, sell the building, and change locations.¨ Regina said in one fell swoop. ¨Thank you.¨ She almost whispers.
¨Listen, If you ever need anything, and I mean anything, Call me.¨ Emma says before handing Regina a piece of paper.
¨Thank you.¨ Regina said, a bit stronger this time, with a slight sigh.
¨Yeah, You said that.¨ She received a little laugh from Regina and then left after a while.
~/~
¨Hello, Ruby.¨ Regina greeted her. In the past month the brunette became a whole new person. She was ¨unprofessional¨ and less mono toned, not to mention always went to lunch with Emma...and Ruby of course, otherwise it would be a date.
¨Hello, Regina.¨ Ruby stopped and slowly set her bag down.
¨Anything wrong?¨
¨Do you like Emma?¨Ruby asked, wanting to hook up the two. Regina's eyes almost popped out of her head when Ruby asked that and it took all of Ruby's strength to hold back a laugh. Regina visibly gulps and leans in toward Ruby and rests her arms on the counter.
¨Is it that obvious?¨ Ruby was astonished. She thought at the most she would get a 'no' or a 'that is absurd', but this?
¨I don't think she knows.¨ Ruby responded, excited for both Emma and Regina.
¨Do you think she likes me back?¨ Regina asked chewing on her thumb nail. Ruby nodded with the biggest smile.
¨I'll bet on it. You should ask her out...on a date.¨ Regina pondered Ruby's words.
¨I don't know.¨ Regina said shaking her head. ¨What if she says no.¨
¨I don't think she would.¨ Ruby smirked and went off to organize the last of the boxes from the move. Regina thought to herself alone, thinking up everything that could go wrong. She was shaken from her thoughts after the bell on the door rang, signaling that someone had entered.
¨Hi.¨ Emma said with a wave.
¨Hello, Miss Swan.¨ Regina said, hiding the nervousness she felt at the mere sight of the blonde.
¨First day open, congrats. Need any help?¨ Emma said with a goofy smile.
¨I wouldn't want to inconvenience you.¨ Emma swatted the air.
¨Psh, It's my day off I need something to do anyways.¨ Emma said with that idiotic little smile, made Regina want to jump across the counter and kiss off of that blonde's face.
¨I guess I could use some help. Ruby is in the back sorting books, so could you stay up here and manage the few customers that are supposed to come in while I go and pick up a couple things?¨ Emma nodded excitedly and with that Regina felt oddly at ease knowing that Emma would be there.
~/~
Regina returned to find Emma and Ruby sitting on the counter, eating their lunches and laughing. Regina looked at the blonde's smile and started to smile.
¨Hey! We bought you a salad from Granny's.¨ Emma said holding out the box.
¨Thank-you.¨ Regina gracefully grabbed the salad and started to walk toward the little office in the back.
¨Wait. Come eat with us. Ruby was just telling me a story.¨ Regina looked gratefully toward the two.
¨Omg, There was this one time when Billy and I...¨
~/~
¨Come on Regina. Go out for drinks with us. It'll be fun.¨ Ruby said.
¨I don't know.¨
¨You can bring a friend if you like.¨ Ruby said begging.
¨I guess I could go.¨ Ruby squeaked slightly with excitement.
¨Okay so we will all meet up here at 9 and we can go.¨ Regina nodded in agreement. ¨Good! See you at 9, 'Gina.¨ Regina waved and texted Kathryn before driving off.
~/~
¨Hello. Can I buy you a drink?¨ Said a scruffy looking man with an English-like accent to Regina.
¨No, I´m good. Uh, bartender? could I get 2 red Merlot, top shelf, 2 beers, and 2 shots of whiskey on a tray, please?¨ The bartender nodded.
¨Are you drinking all that alone?¨
¨I'm with some friends.¨ The bartender handed her the tray and Regina paid before walking toward the group of women she was with, with the man trying to follow her through the crowd.
¨Hey, come on let me buy you a drink.¨
¨No, thank-you, good bye.¨ She said as she got to the table and set the tray down.
¨It's just a drink.¨ He said grabbing Regina's bicep. Emma saw this and rushed around the table.
¨The lady said no.¨ She said sternly, getting in his personal space, separating him and the brunette.
¨Hey. This is between me and her.¨ He said trying to move past Emma.
¨Buddy. Back the fuck off, She said no. No means no.¨ Emma said almost toe-to-toe with the dude. The dude skulked off toward his buddies.
¨Thank-you, Emma.¨
¨No problem.¨ As the night progressed and the bar crowd thinned, a small amount, the group, except for Kathryn who was their designated driver, were drunk, but not too drunk. Regina headed to the bathroom feeling nauseous. Emma let the alcohol control her actions, which had her headed toward Regina. The man appeared again, this time more persistent and less drunk than the brunette. He got into Regina's personal space.
¨Hey, We meet again.¨ He said placing his hand on the wall behind Regina, trapping her there. She pushed him away as he leaned in to kiss her.
¨Get away.¨ She said drunkenly. He went in again.
¨Oh, come on. We both know you want me.¨ she pushed him away again with a less drunken 'No'. ¨Let me kiss you!¨ He said angrily. Emma saw this and basically ran toward the two. She was drunk, but her senses were intact, obviously not as drunk as Regina appeared, but no where near as sober as the man.
¨Hey! Get away from her she said no!¨ She said loudly and sternly.
¨What are you? Her girlfriend?¨ He said mockingly.
¨Yeah. Now get the fuck away from her.¨ She said, fists clenched.
¨Oh, you guys are fucking dikes.¨ He said.
¨Yeah, now go home to your wife.¨ She said, shortly after noticing a tan line on his ring finger. He waved his hand in front of his face, giving up. Before Emma could process what was happening Regina's lips were on her's. Emma pushed away knowing she was drunk and that it was the alcohol, not Regina, definitely not Regina. ¨I'm sorry Regina.¨ Emma ran out of the bar, both confused and angry that Regina kissed her. 'Fucking straight girls...What if she is not straight?..Nope don't get your hopes up, Swan.' She thought as she hailed a cab. Regina was saddened at the sight of the blonde rushing away after the kiss. Regina went back to the table, head down.
¨What's wrong with Emma.¨ Kathryn asked Regina after seeing Emma bolt.
¨I wanna go home.¨ Regina said, head still down.
¨What's wrong?¨
¨I don't feel good.¨ Kathryn could tell Regina was lying, but thought it best not to say anything about it, or the fact that Regina had told Kathryn about a cute blonde multiple times and that if she had to guess who, she would say that the 'cute blonde' was Emma Swan. ¨Go pry Ruby from the blonde girl in the emerald dress at the bar and we can go.¨ Regina walked over, grabbed Ruby by the arm, and dragged her to Kathryn, not before she could get her number and name. They all left the bar and Kathryn drove Ruby home first and as soon as she drove up to Regina's house she locked the doors and turned in her seat.
¨Regina. What happened between you and Emma?¨
¨Noth-¨ Regina began before Kathryn interrupted her.
¨Don't you fucking say nothing happened. I know you and how you get when you're drunk.¨ Regina looked at her hands, picking at her nails, and biting her lip. ¨Oh. My. God. You kissed her.¨ Regina didn't say a word. ¨What happened after the kiss?¨ Regina looked at her friend.
¨She said she was sorry and then ran off.¨ Regina was all too vulnerable at the moment.
¨Oh, Regina. Maybe she thought you were drunk and didn't want to take advantage of you.¨
¨I'm tired and I miss Henry. Goodnight, Kat.¨
¨Night.¨ With that Regina got out and walked swiftly to the safety of her house.
¨Hi Mommy.¨ Came from a little boy that charged toward her.
¨What are you doing up? It's almost midnight.¨ She said looking from her son and at her mother.
¨Must have been all the candy.¨ Cora said with a shrug.
¨Mother, I told you specifically not to give him any candy, even if he said please.¨ Regina said slightly mad that he was charged up, running around on a sugar high. Cora shrugged.
¨Someone taught him how to beg and if it is not the cutest thing ever then I don't know what is.¨ Regina kneeled down and took Henry's hands in hers.
¨Henry. Could you go get ready for bed?¨ He nodded and ran off.
¨So how was your night?¨ Cora asked making them both tea. Regina sighed before answering.
¨It was alright.¨ Cora gave Regina her cup and a questioning look.
¨What happened, dear?¨ Regina rested her chin on her hand as she slumped onto a stool at the island bar and sighed. ¨Was it that blonde? Because If so I will rip her beating heart out and cru-¨
¨Mother, It wasn't Emma...per say.¨ Regina looked at her cup of tea.
¨Spill it sista.¨ Regina laughed slightly at her mother using slang.
¨Mother, please never say that again.¨ Regina said slightly laughing. ¨Well, we were all a little tipsy, except for Katheryn of course, and well this guy was coming on to me and Emma pretended to be my girlfriend...¨ Cora nodded. ¨And well he kept coming on to me and she made him leave and stuff. And well...I, uh, may have kissed her.¨
¨And did she kiss back?¨ Cora asked. Regina nodded.
¨At first and then she said she was sorry and ran out of the bar.¨ Regina said looking at her tea as she stirred the hot beverage. Cora gasped.
¨Maybe she thought you were drunk and didn't want to take advantage of you, dear.¨ Regina stirred her tea slow and shrugged. Both Kathryn and Cora thought that Emma didn't want to take advantage of a possibly drunk Regina, but the brunette thought the blonde just didn't like her back and that's why Emma ran out. Regina thanked her mother for watching Henry and then Cora left Regina alone in a dead silent house to stew on her doubtful thoughts of whether or no Emma likes her or not. Regina washes and dries the dishes before settling into her bed and falling asleep, still overthinking.
_(after Ruby is dropped off)_
Ruby stumbles through the door to find Emma pacing the kitchen. Ruby could of thought that the blonde was right next to her as she entered, Ruby realized she is more drunk that she thinks she really is.
¨Emma, what's wrong? How did you get home?¨ Ruby asks majorly confused.
¨I took a cab. I wanted to go home and didn't want to fuck up anyone's night, so I left and took a cab.¨ The blonde shrugged, blatantly avoiding the first question. Ruby shrugged it off and leaned on the small island of the run-down apartment.
¨I met this hot like Australian or New Zealander girl. OH. MY. GOD. Ems. Her accent. Oh and the way she walks. I'm so gay!¨ Ruby exclaimed. ¨So what happened? Did you realize Regina has a huge crush on you yet?¨ Hearing this made Emma's eyes almost pop out of their sockets.
¨What?!¨ Ruby nodded, too drunk to realize that she just told something she wasn't supposed to.
¨Yup. HUGE, HUGE crush.¨ Ruby exaggerated, but slightly. ¨Well, night Emma.¨ She said, slapping the counter, before walking off. Emma was left to overthink over the way she acted and if it made Regina think that she didn't like her back. Emma went to bed, slightly mad and slightly anxious.
~/~
Emma didn't have work Saturday, unlike Ruby and drove with her to the bookstore. They both arrive in surprise, due to the fact that Regina is already there and someone else. Ruby and Emma both ran in as fast as they could, remembering what happened last month, only to find Regina laughing it up with a blonde, a little older than Regina, in a light grey business skirt, a black button up tucked in, a dark grey tie, and a blazer to match her skirt.
¨Oh, Regina it was a pleasure to reminisce about the old days, darling, but I must be off to delegate...You know, morons.¨ Regina nodded with a slight laugh, before hugging her friend.
¨Good bye, Mel.¨ She said as her friend swooshed past the two and out the door. ¨Hello.¨ She said to the two confuse women. After that Regina gave them both jobs, trying to keep Emma as far away as possible, so that they didn't have to speak about last night, but goddamn it she was running out of jobs and they kept getting Emma closer and closer to Regina at the front.
¨Hey. Got anymore?¨ Emma asked slapping the counter. Regina nodded, before grabbing a crate.
¨You can enter these in the biddable section on my laptop.¨ Regina said, before mentally smacking herself, seeing as the computer was on the counter next to her charging.
¨Okay.¨ Emma replied cheerfully before settling in the spot next to Regina, instantly making both quite nervous. Moments past with only the sound of computer keys, pages being turned, and the two breathing.
¨I can't stop thinking about that kiss.¨ Regina said quietly, feeling the need to say she was sorry before she lost Emma's friendship forever.
¨Oh, like in a...bad way?¨ Emma asked curious.
¨I'm sorry, about it. I crossed a line.¨ Regina said, looking at her feet.
¨I thought you were drunk. I-I didn't want to take advantage of you and didn't want you to regret anything. And I didn't want to make you mad because you're beautiful and I like you, A lot, and I was afraid that you didn't like me back and I was afraid that if you didn't after that kiss or what ever it led to we couldn't be friends at least an-¨ Emma rambled on before Regina interrupted her.
¨Shut up and Kiss me.¨ Regina said and pulled Emma by the collar of her red leather jacket. Emma gladly pressed her lips against Regina's. Ruby, only moments ago, was headed to the front of the store, but stopped because she saw the two talking, later pressed face to face, and felt like she didn't want to disturb the two. Ruby mentally congratulated herself on pushing the two women together, with the help of Destiny of course, and promised herself she would watch Henry anytime they needed a babysitter, so they could go on a date.
(To Be Continued...)
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