Never Have I Ever
First and foremost, my heart and soul goes out to anyone in Orlando, or those affected by the brutality there. I send my love and prayers.
So I swear I'm still working on "Kansas and Wolfie," but I was bored at work and didn't have my laptop on me, so I went to start writing on my phone. I found the beginning of this fluffy SwanQueen story I had started, but never finished. Well, I finished it and here you go. Please enjoy and let me know what you think.
Regina and Emma were sipping shots of brown liquor and having a decent conversation with each other. Not a single threat or overly sarcastic response was said. Wanting to forget the events of the day, they made a promise to avoid speaking of anything serious. Everything else was fair game.
Ruby had ended her shift and joined their table, bringing with her the rest of the brown bottle that she had been pouring their shots from.
Granny had locked up long ago, with a sincere warning to everyone to mind her dinner, and not break anything, or puke anywhere. Ruby guided them all over to a booth to sit together. She took the spot on one side, while Emma and Regina took the other.
Ruby, pretty much directing their conversation, they began talking about nightmare dates. Each one tried to top one another with who experienced the worse. When Emma shared the story of Walsh, the almost Fiancé turned flying monkey tale. Regina had spat out her shot across the table.
"Oh my God! Do you have a picture of him? Tell me you have a picture of him." Ruby demanded.
Emma pulled out her cell phone to pull up a picture of Walsh. She held it out so Ruby and Regina could look closer. She bit her lip nervously waiting for their reaction. Regina said nothing but Ruby grabbed the phone out of her hands.
"Cute. Like in a hot nerdy kinda way, huh? Like Belle." Ruby said. "But Belle's like, on a whole other level of hotness."
Emma laughed. "He was a nerd. But he was sweet, and he was good to Henry." She poured them all a round of shots. "Then he was a monkey. And hey, I asked if you were into Belle two days ago, and you said no."
"I lied. She's frickin' hot. Too bad it's never gonna happen." Ruby downed her shot.
"Why not? Gold's out the picture now. Why not go for it?" Regina asked.
Emma and Ruby both stared at her. Never one to join in idle 'girl talk,' Regina knew the looks were pointed at her for saying anything non-threatening.
To cover her insecurities, she added, "She's obviously into beasts." She winked at Ruby to lighten the insult.
Ruby snorted laughing. The three shares another toast and sipped at their shots.
"What is this stuff again?" Emma made a disgusted face.
"Rum," said Ruby while pouring more shots. "Hey I have an idea. Have you guys ever played drinking games?"
"I'm afraid I must have skipped over that phase." Regina said, sipping her shot. "Ugh! The smell reminds me of Hook'r."
Emma choked on her sip, then laughed. "That's a new one."
Ruby and Regina laughed with her.
"Oh! I know, let's play 'Never Have I Ever.'" Ruby smiled wickedly.
"This isn't going to end with me sitting here in nothing but my underwear is it?" Emma asked, not noticing Regina's blush.
"As tempting as that offer is, I'm afraid the Queen Bee here would be too proper for that." Ruby said gesturing toward Regina.
"Excuse me. Just because I don't feel like showing off my new purple satin set of Victoria's Secret undergarments, does not make me a prude." Regina said, deciding to sip her shot now.
This time it was she that missed the glossed over stares on both Emma and Ruby's faces.
"Thank you, Mayor, for that wonderful mental image." Ruby said laughing.
Wanting to change the subject, Regina asked, "So how do we play this game?"
"It's real simple. We each take a turn saying something we've never done. If have done whatever the person hasn't, you take a sip. Usually it'd be a full shot, but I gotta work the morning shift, so I need to slow down." Ruby said as she topped everyone's shot glasses. "Everyone game?"
Emma and Regina shared a reluctant look before nodding their heads.
"There's just one more rule," Ruby said with a mischievous grin. "They have to be a bit naughty. I'll go first. Never have I ever... Posed nude for a photo. So now, you drink if you have."
Emma didn't notice right away that she was the only one to lift her glass to take a quick sip.
"No fucking way?!" Ruby exclaimed. "When? Where? With who?!"
"I thought it was a yes or no thing. You didn't say we had to elaborate." Emma shrugged her shoulders.
"New rule. You have to elaborate. To what extent is your choice." Ruby said with a big smile.
Emma looked over and saw Regina avoiding eye contact. She gulped and decided to go for it.
"It wasn't anything dirty or crude. And it wasn't for a photo, actually. It was for an art class. I posed nude for an art class at a University for some extra cash." Emma said not meet if anyone's eyes. "Next."
"You go ahead, Emma." Ruby said not pushing for more information from her friend.
Emma took a deep breath. "Never have I ever... Had sex in a public bathroom stall."
This time both Ruby and Regina sipped their shots. Emma's eyes were glued on Regina. Not the slightest bit surprised that Ruby had been as adventurous, but Regina?
Ruby smiled brightly. "Messy and sometimes nasty, but the fear of getting caught?" She faked a shivered. "What about you Regina?"
"I agree not the best or most sanitary of places, but yes. Very exciting." Regina took an extra sip, feeling Emma's eyes on her. "It was just once, a long time ago."
"Here in Storybrooke? With who?" Ruby pried.
In an almost whisper, Regina answered. "Gram."
Ruby and Emma shared a quick look.
"It's my turn now, is it not?" Regina said quickly trying to change the subject. "Never have I ever... Used props when having relations."
"Wait. Like sex toys?" Ruby asked. "Seriously?"
Ruby and Emma sipped their drinks. Emma amused by the slight blush that had appeared on Regina's face.
"It's not like you guys have a sex shop in town, Ruby." Emma said. "Where did you manage to find one?"
"That's between me, myself, and the internet. My turn again!" Ruby winked. Watching her friends trying to avoid eye contact with each other, she thought of the perfect subject. "Never have I ever dreamt of having sex with a friend."
Regina and Emma both slowly sipped, eying each other out of the corner of their eyes.
"Ooooo... Now we're getting somewhere." Ruby smiled. "Ah, what the hell. Me too." She took a sip from her drink.
"Belle, of course." Regina teased lightly, trying to deflect the questioning glare coming from Emma.
"Well yeah, but not the one I was thinking about. I'm afraid that ship sailed a long time ago. I'm tired of her playing 'I love you. I hate you' with Gold all the time. I know he's gone, but I'm done with her." Ruby said a bit bitter, and downed the rest of her shot.
"Okaaaayyyy…" Emma sensed the sore subject was taking a turn. She asked, "Then who?"
"You two." Ruby said pouring another shot.
Emma and Regina's eyes shot up to her and they exclaimed in unison, "What?!"
"Well not at the same time. Although..." Ruby looked away, as if ponder, off into the distance.
"Ruby! Get your mind out of the gutter." Emma slapped her shoulder lightly.
"I did not need to know you've fantasized about us, Miss Lucas." Regina rubbed her temple.
"On more than one occasion." Ruby laughed. Deciding to be a little evil, she added "It's the blouses. Right Emma?"
Emma responded with her classic 'dear in headlights' look.
"Your evil blouses that seem to strain to keep your bosom from falling out." Ruby laughed.
"I'm sure I don't know what you are talking about." Regina said, shifting in her seat to try and regain her composure.
"Well what about you Queenie? I saw you both drink, too. Who have you two been dreaming of dancing in the sheets with?" Ruby teased.
She smiled wider at the blush that hit both women sitting across from her. She knew the answer alright, but was amused to make the two women squirm.
"Ah. I get it." Ruby wanted to laugh at the mirrored glares she received in warning. "You two have been dreaming about this fine piece of ass sitting in front of you, haven't you?" Ruby pointed her two thumbs at herself, laughing at the double eye roll. Thankful to break the tension with her joke. She noticed the two women watching each other out of the corner or their eyes, again. It was time to make her exit.
"Well ladies, as I said, gotta get up early tomorrow so I'm out." Ruby stood and put on her jacket. "Will you two..." She wiggles her fingers indicating their magics. "Lock up when you're done?"
"Sure thing, Rubes. Goodnight." Emma said and the girl left.
"Goodnight Miss Lucas." Regina said.
As Ruby was exiting the back, she shut off the main lights in the diner, leaving the two women sitting in the dim security lights.
Emma could have moved across the table from Regina... But she didn't. She could have moved over so their shoulders weren't touching... But she didn't.
Regina lifted the shot to her lips, and then thought better of it, putting it down. "Ok I'm done with this."
Emma chuckled. "Yeah, me too. Never liked rum anyway."
"I would have thought you were used to it by now. You know, from locking lips with Captain Scurvy." Regina feigned shuttering. "I do hope you have all your vaccines."
Emma rolled her eyes, but again couldn't help but laugh. "He's not that bad, Gina."
"I'll take your word for it." Regina hesitated for a moment before asking, "Are things still getting serious?"
"With Hook?" Emma was a little taken aback by the question. She hadn't really talked to anyone about him in a while. "Actually, it's very much the opposite. He and I sort of ended things a couple of weeks ago." Emma looked directly at Regina to see the woman's reaction.
The only thing to escape the woman's lips was a simple "Oh."
Regina was trying hard to keep her facial expressions in check. She wouldn't meet Emma's eyes, and instead tore through her napkin a couple of times.
"You do that a lot when you're not sure about something don't you?" Emma said, turning to face Regina, and leaning on an elbow on the table. "Fidgeting. Not very regal, your majesty." Emma winked at her to show she was poking fun.
Regina just smiled, and looked back at her hands. "Nasty old habit. Mother used to slap my hands when she'd catch me fidgeting." She pushed the napkin away from her and places her palms flat on the table in front of her.
Emma didn't want to push on the subject of Cora. Instead she looked down at the woman's hands, small and well-manicured.
"So what's got you nervous? I would have thought me dumping... What did you call him when we were back in Neverland?"
Regina scoffed. "I called him many things."
"Ah! Captain Guyliner. I think that one was my favorite." Emma smiled, flashing her dimples.
Regina caught her breath, realizing she had stopped at the sight of that smile.
"Mine too." Regina smiled back, and ran a shaky hand through her hair. "I'm sorry about the break up."
"Why? It was my decision." Emma said.
"It was?" Regina asked, finally looking at Emma. "But I thought you were happy... With him."
"I think I just liked being pursued, honestly." This time it was Emma that looked shyly at her hands. "It had been a long time since someone's tried that hard to get my attention."
"So you enjoy being stalked and harassed?" Regina said before thinking.
"Did you just make a joke?" Emma laughed.
Regina blushed lightly. "Maybe."
They shared a brief smile. "Nah, you're right. He did follow me around A LOT, until I gave him what he wanted."
"Sex." Regina dropped the word, assuming.
Emma guffawed. "No, thank you very much. I meant a date. We never..."
Regina's eyes were glued to Emma's face, waiting for the woman to continue. She was surprised when Emma cleared her throat and stood instead. She walked over, behind the counter.
"You want some tea or something?" Emma asked while looking for mugs.
"Yes, please. If you can find that spiced cider tea Granny carries, that would be perfect." Regina was relieved for a bit of distance.
Emma set the mugs on the counter and began looking for the tea. Spotting them, she pulled the cider tea for the both of them, and plopped one in each mug. Turning to the giant coffee maker that had its own spout for hot water, she filled both mugs.
Regina watched Emma quietly as she went about setting up their tea. When Emma returned to the table, she hesitated looking between the seat next to Regina, and the one across from her.
Regina made a small motion of scooting over in the small booth, and Emma took it as an invitation to sit next to her. She placed the mugs down and took a seat.
"Thank you, Emma." Regina said smiling at her.
"You're welcome." Emma said blowing at the hot liquid slowly.
"What time is it?" Regina looked at her watch. "I can't believe its midnight already."
"I know, right. I feel like my parents just left with Henry and Neil a minute ago, but we've been sitting here talking since 7." Emma sipped her drink, breathing in the aroma. "This tea always reminds me of you."
"Because it's apples?" Regina lifted an eyebrow and smiled at Emma.
"Yeah." Emma smiled back.
They shared a long gaze. Both women taking turns looking between eyes and lips.
Regina tried to regain her composure a bit and sat up straight. Returning her gaze to the mug in her hands.
Emma wanted to laugh at seeing Regina's walls start to go up. Right on cue. She thought.
Emma whispered, "Never have I ever harbored secret feelings for someone I shouldn't."
Regina did not meet her eyes. A heavy moment passed before Regina slowly brought her tea to her lips, and sipped. Emma waited to see if the brunette would meet her gaze. When she didn't, Emma lifted her mug and took a sip of her tea as well. That gesture got Regina to look at Emma's hands when they returned to the table.
Regina whispered, "Never have I ever been so afraid."
Emma lifted her mug and took another sip, followed closely by Regina doing the same.
Emma took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "Never have I ever wanted to be with someone so bad."
The brunette still wouldn't turn, but she still took a sip of her tea. Emma watched her lick her lips, then noticed something falling down Regina's cheek. The woman was crying.
Regina reached over for a couple of napkins from the dispenser. She wiped at her eyes and nose, while trying desperately to regulate her breathing.
Emma heard Regina take a deep breath before whispering, "Never have I ever wanted something, that I know I don't deserve... so bad."
That was all Emma could take. She took Regina's face in her hands and made the woman look at her. She smiled warmly at her, in hopes to encourage Regina to calm down.
"Hey. I have never, in my life, believed that I would meet someone like you, Regina. I never thought we would become as close as we are. I also never thought I deserved to get what I want in life, because it just never seemed to work out that way." Emma let her thumbs caress Regina's face, while wiping some of her tears.
"Regina, there's a whole lot of 'I Nevers' I could list in my life, but there is a couple things that we have to stop doing." Emma dropped her hands to take Regina's. Happy when the other woman didn't pull away, she continued. "Number one will always be, we need to stop believing we don't deserve to be happy. It's been years of heart ache and badness... we both deserve to be happy."
Regina gave a faint smile.
"I'm scared too. Scared out of my damn mind. But you know what I've decided?"
"What?"
Emma smile and leaned in to place a kiss on Regina's forehead. "You're worth it."
Regina smiled, tears still falling. She leaned in a pressed her lips to Emma's cheek, then buried her nose in Emma's neck.
"Emma..."
"Shh." Emma shushed her and Regina couldn't help but laugh.
Regina nuzzled a little closer and Emma placed an arm around her shoulders, squeezing her.
"Emma."
"Yes, your Majesty."
Regina lifted her head and wiped her eyes. "Emma, I don't know if I can do this. I don't know if I'm strong enough to survive if something happened to you."
"Well, what would you do if something happened to me tomorrow?" Emma asked sincerely.
"I'd kill the fucker that hurt you." Regina said sternly while Emma laughed. Regina then joined her.
"I don't doubt that you would. But don't you see, that's the thing. I know I'd do the same if something happened to you. Rather we were lovers or not."
"Lovers?! Getting a little ahead of yourself there, Miss Swan." Regina attempted a joke.
Emma just smiled at her with a wink. "My point is that you and I are already a combined package. We share a town, we share magic, and most importantly we share a son."
"What about our son? What about Henry?" Regina asked.
"The kid? Are you kidding me? He'd be ecstatic. His goal in life has been to try and make his whole family happy. Operation Cobra. Operation Mongoose." Emma beamed at making Regina laugh lightly by mentioning their son's quirks. "I know that if I were with you, I couldn't possibly be more happy." Emma watched Regina's expression shifted ever so slightly. She was still smiling, and that was a great sign.
"What about your parents?" Regina asked. "What about the town?"
"Since when do you care what anyone else thinks?" Emma laughed.
Regina lifted one corner of her mouth in a small smirk, and she took one of Emma's hands between hers.
"Didn't think so." Emma said pushing Regina's shoulder with her own.
Regina shifted to face her. "Never I have I ever wanted to kiss my best friend so badly that my heart physically aches when I see her." She said softly.
They sat a moment just looking into each other's eyes, smiling.
"I don't want to let go your hands to take a drink." Emma said, making Regina laugh again. Emma felt like she could now breathe a little easier just from the sound.
Regina melted at the sight of Emma's dimples. She lifted one hand to cup Emma's cheek. "Well, then. I guess you better just kiss me."
Emma smiled even more as she leaned in and pressed her lips to Regina's. Both of them wrapped arms around each other. As the squeezed their body tighter and pressed further into the kiss, a wave of energy blasted through them, rattling the windows and glasses of the diner.
They pulled apart with wide eyes.
"What was that!?" Emma touched her chest. "My heart's racing."
Regina pulled her back to her lips and kissed her again. Pulling away briefly, she whispered, "Before tonight, Never have I ever shared True Love's kiss with the love of my life."
"Oh." Emma beamed as she leaned in for another kiss.
"Let's get out of here, shall we?" Regina's voice was impossibly slower than usual and sent shivers right down Emma's spine.
Emma twirled a finger, and the sound of locks moving into pace was heard. "I got the doors."
Regina took hold of Emma's jacket and pulled her closer. "I'll get us home."
They couple kissed and disappeared from the diner, in a cloud of purple smoke.