A moon just shy of full, hung low in the western sky. Emma glanced over at the nightstand. The clock reading five oh three. Another morning that she would not see the sunrise. She returned to watching the moon laze its way to the horizon. Even within the city it was putting out a significant amount of light, blotting out the stars. Watching the lights of the city blink in and out as the night was giving way to day, the city could just as easily be a stand in for the nighttime sky. A world for her, that was upside down.
There in the recess of her collarbone, just below her neck on the left side she absently fingered a scar with skin that still looked angry. Her eyes welled up with tears and she looked toward the ceiling, willing them back from whence they came. Two years. Two years since she had been bitten. Two years since she'd enjoyed the warmth of the sun on her skin.
Not long after she was made, she had attempted suicide by burning herself to life. But her maker Gold had intervened, subsequently putting her in lockdown until she relented. And only then because her need to feed outmaneuvered her desire to die. Two years. She shuddered, wrapping her arms tightly around her shoulders at the memory. She was suffering from bloodlust when Gold had thrown a young girl into the cage with her. Emma had fallen on her blindly, savagely ripping the girl's esophagus out, and draining her dry. When she recovered her senses, there was only skin and bones left to see. Emma had awakened to find herself face down in the dirt, covered in blood, and stuck to the floor. Gold had only grinned, nodded and walked away. She had cried for a week afterwards, unable to look anyone in the eyes at the shame that consumed her.
The evening's tears won out and Emma hung her head, drawing the heavy drapes across the window. She retreated to her bed, falling face down into already tear stained pillows and pulled the blankets over her head.
Regina tapped her feet and bobbed her head to the music thumping outside of her office. Finally, the weekend. She continued to pour over the receipts from the previous night until it got to be too much trying to concentrate. She piled them neatly and slid them into the desk drawer. Business was good, but she couldn't concentrate and chair dance at the same time. She would look them over after things quieted down.
She stretched her arms behind her head and laced her fingers together, continuing to lean back over her chair, reaching as far back as she could.
There was a knock at the door and Regina released her stretch, standing up as the door swung open. Kristoff all but filled the doorway. Regina gestured him in and to close the door behind him. He was one of a handful of humans who worked for her. At least she allowed him to believe, that she didn't know the truth. As long as he and Anna were happy, and kept their relationship on the down low more or less, she didn't see it as a problem. Still, there was one rule she liked to enforce. Humans were not allowed to be familiars, and guests were not allowed to feed on her human employees.
"Can I put that delivery of liquor in the basement? Or would you rather I wait until closing?" Kristoff pushed a lock of brown hair away from his eyes, securing it along with the rest of his ponytail that had come loose.
"It can wait." Regina took a deep breath. "If tonight is anything like last night, we may end up using some of it." Regina tugged on the bottom of the leather vest she wore, pulling it down and smoothing it over the black palazzo pants that rested low and easy on her hips. She caught him glancing down at the exposed skin between her vest and pants as she adjusted her clothing.
"There isn't any heavy lifting that needs to be done here." Regina raised an eyebrow at him. "I'm sure Anna gives you plenty to handle."
Kristoff blushed to the tips of his ears, seeing that he had been caught. He simply nodded and smiled. A big sheepish grin filling his face. He stepped back toward the door. "Sure thing" He opened the door and hesitated, closing it back.
"Oh, by the way, you should check out the blond that came in tonight with Belle." Regina cocked one eyebrow.
"Un hunh. What about her?"
Kristoff shrugged. "Dunno. Something about her, something different. Maybe her perfume." He opened the door and shouted back at Regina. "I'll take care of the order."
Regina nodded her approval.
Emma rolled over onto her back, one arm over her face, covering her eyes. There was a second knock at the door.
"What." Now she was annoyed. Why couldn't she just be left alone? She had no desire to go prowling. Belle stuck her head in.
"Get up, Emma." Emma stared at the ceiling.
"Go, away."
"Not happening." Belle eased the door back. Light from the hallway cast a sword of light onto the bed. "It's the weekend. I've been cooped up for weeks and I want to go out."
"So, go." Emma rolled over onto her stomach. Belle crossed the room in a blink, digging her nails into the back of Emma's neck and snatching her up from the bed. Emma hissed and reached behind her, scratching vainly for Belle to release her hold. Belle pulled her in close and whispered in her ear.
"If you were a proper vampire, we would not be having this conversation. She threw Emma back down. "Now get up and get dressed. I need an escort for the evening. You know Gold doesn't like for you to be alone." Emma rubbed the back of her neck, but kept her comments to herself. Belle continued to spew venom as she spoke. "I don't know why Gold keeps you. You are a right fucking waste of life. And don't dawdle." Belle left her alone, but the door to her bedroom open.
Emma rubbed the skin where Belle had left her mark. Cold water beat down on her head but she didn't feel it. She went through the motions of bathing and dressing, and headed out for the night, walking a half step behind Belle, eyes focused on her footsteps. No, she did not recall the last time she had ventured outdoors. She could not recall the last time she was allowed to do anything. Not that she would have wanted to. Everything was old and new simultaneously. The surroundings familiar, but vague. She was however keenly aware of the throng of people they passed. So aware of it, that it hurt her head. The sound of so many people breathing, the pulsing of blood through so many veins. The smell of them made her mouth water.
Belle spoke up. "Life would be so much simpler, if you accepted what you've become. This life is a gift Emma." Emma raised her eyes ever so slightly. Belle growled at her. "At least stop grinding your teeth. You sound like a jackhammer."
They rounded the corner and walked up to the front of the line of the nightclub, Eternity. The bouncer leaned down and loosed the clip of the black rope to allow them to pass. Belle drew a casual hand across his cheek. She winked and bared a bright smile at him.
Regina leaned against a column and looked over the railing of the second floor. Belle wasn't hard to spot in a delicious looking long sleeve crème colored sheath dress. It had the faintest hypnotic shimmer to it. Regina watched with a smirk as Belle shooed patrons from her table. Regina also thought that while the woman was a pain in the ass, she spent a lot of money in the club. Or rather, she had other people spend a lot of their money in the club.
Regina pushed away from the column to get a better look at Belle's escort, as they seated themselves. Regina cocked her head ever so slightly as the woman had leaned as far back into the shadows as her seat would allow. Kristoff was correct, there was something odd about her. Regina considered that the young woman would be almost handsome if she didn't look so, beaten. One of Gold's newer dogs if she had to guess, though she didn't remember ever seeing her in the club before. All she could make out was a mop of blond hair, dark trench coat, dark pants, and a white Nehru collar shirt. The woman kept her coat on and stayed to the shadows beside and slightly behind Belle. Regina could feel the woman's eyes pass over her more than a couple of times. Flattery could get you laid. But maybe not this one. She tapped a message into her cell phone and walked over to and down the spiral staircase that exited near the end of the bar.
Waiting for her were two glasses of her favorite drink. She picked up the tray they were set on and moved casually across the room, the bodies of dancers parting gently for her, as reeds swaying gently in the flow of a stream, but not losing the rhythm of the current. A few heads turned as she made her way through the crowd, the smell of blood wafting behind her as she went.
With perfect balance, she bent down and gave Belle a conciliatory kiss on each cheek.
"I heard you were in tonight." Regina placed a glass in front of her. She continued, inclining her head toward the blonde. "And who is your friend this evening?" With a glance, Belle made it abundantly clear that Emma needed to at least pretend to have her act together. Belle leaned in towards Regina. She gripped Emma's thigh and pressed her nails into the woman's flesh.
"Regina, this is Emma Swan. Emma, Regina Mills." Regina looked up into the face in the darkness. She proffered up the drink in her hand. Emma noticed Belle's expression out of the corner of her eye and took the drink, never flinching at Belle's touch. Regina cupped her hands around Emma's, ensuring that she held the glass. When Emma leaned forward to set the glass down, Regina bent her head slightly, catching Emma's eyes with her own. She looked past the green glass of the woman's eyes and thought she saw something else, an emptiness perhaps. Though hollow, is what came to mind. Well, Regina thought, she had something to fill that with.
"You really should drink this." Emma said nothing. "You know it's impolite to turn down refreshments offered by the host." Regina smiled easily at her. "You will feel better." Regina winked. Emma leaned back into the shadows. There was a warmth that enveloped her hands. She took a sip because the urge to feed was gnawing at her. "Regina smoothed the skin down on the woman's thigh, when Belle released her grip. Regina smiled and turned to Belle who was gently dabbing at the blood that dotted the corner of her mouth.
Belle raised her glass to Regina. Belle's eyes glazed over as her drink took effect. Regina took the glass from her and placed it on the tray; Belle's drink had a little something extra, because Regina had plans that did not involve the Redhead. Belle snatched at Regina as she walked past, pulling Regina into her lap.
"Why do you ignore my advances? You could have so much more than this." Belle swung an arm around to indicate the club. Regina knew better than to struggle against Belle, and allowed the woman to hold her in an easy grasp. Regina leaned into the hug and craned her head back. She whispered into Belle's ear.
"I've a surprise for you." Regina flagged one of the servers over. She only hoped that she could get her back in one piece. And breathing. She felt Belle's grip lessen. "Please be gentle with her." Damned old vampire. Regina extricated herself from Belle's lap and left the young woman with her. Regina whispered something to the woman in Belle's lap, kissing her lightly on the cheek. She looked directly at Emma who was glaring at her.
"What? She leaned over to Emma. "Belle will be asleep in a few minutes and you can carry her home. Or," Regina held out her hand. "Come with me."
Emma took another glance at Belle. She could just picture it in her head. Walking home, Belle, like a sack of potatoes on her shoulder. As if she could read Emma's thoughts, Regina reassured her.
"The only thing Belle will remember is that she had a fabulous time tonight. C'mon Emma. Dance with me." Emma's eyes warmed up even if only a little bit. Regina smiled, there was still life in them, however faint.
Emma nodded, accepting the invitation. She found herself being snatched to and slightly off her feet as she rose. Regina's hand felt like cool silk in her own. Emma wondered to herself why she could feel a memory of warmness. She kept her eyes on the back of Regina's head as she wove them onto the dance floor, and into the crowd. Emma felt herself feeling something familiar in Regina's touch, allowing Regina to draw her in close. Her skin prickled where Regina wrapped a deft arm around her waist. And what was the tingling she felt, where their hands were clasped together?
The server Regina had left to entertain Belle walked up behind Emma, effectively sandwiching her between them. Emma tensed for a moment but caught Regina's smile and relaxed. The woman leaned in tight and spoke quickly.
"Boss Lady, she is so worth it." Regina looked over to Belle tucked into Emma's coat, a glimmer of a smile on Belle's face. Regina pulled Emma aside, giving the woman a kiss on the forehead.
"I'd like to think so." Regina pulled Emma in close again. Now what was it Kristoff had said? Her perfume. Regina leaned her face in towards Emma's neck, only to have her recoil. "Are you okay?" There was a look of uncertainty on Emma's face. Regina placed her left palm onto Emma's cheek. "We do not feed in public. That is NOT cool. And, I would not do so without asking first." Emma put a hesitant arm around Regina's waist, their foreheads resting easily against the other.
"I'm sorry. It's just been a long time." Regina's hand slid across Emma's cheek until a single finger to her lips stopped her from talking.
"Shh. You've nothing to be sorry for." Regina grabbed up Emma's hand. "Come, I want to show you something." Regina led the way from the dance floor, stopping long enough to say something to the bartender. She turned and smiled at Emma, taking her hand up again.
Regina unlocked a door at the rear of the club. Stairs led downward. Regina had already a taken a step down when there was a sudden resistance to the hand hold she had on Emma. Emma had placed a free hand on the door jamb and was pulling back. Regina's smile became a look of concern and she stepped up to eye level with Emma.
"Hey. What's going on?" Regina released her grip. There was genuine fear in the woman's eyes. Emma hugged herself, and Regina watched as the woman visibly cringed, and appear to shrink before her. Regina held Emma at arm's length to steady her.
"I-, I can't." Emma stammered and dropped her eyes. Regina pushed the door closed.
"Sure." Regina stepped closer to Emma who stepped out of her grasp.
"I, I think I should go." Regina opened her mouth to speak, but nodded instead.
"Let me at least give you a ride home." Regina chewed her bottom lip as Emma turned away. She shook her head slowly, wondering what kind of demons haunted the woman.
Regina had Kristoff pile Belle into the backseat of her Mercedes. Emma slid into the backseat as well. She rested Belle's head in her lap and stroked the auburn hair out of her face. Belle's eyes fluttered and she mumbled something about Emma being a good girl to look after her. Emma rested an elbow on the armrest of the door and her head in hand. Regina drove in silence, staring at Emma through the rearview mirror, who was purposely looking out the passenger window. They only lived a few blocks from the club, and it was a short but uncomfortable drive. Regina placed the car in park, twisting around in her seat and watching as Emma lifted Belle out. She knew that Belle treated Emma badly, a nasty habit she picked up from Gold. And that incident at the table tonight was evidence enough. She could feel it. But there Emma was, carrying Belle as gently as if she were her own child.
"Thanks for the ride." Emma closed the door with a shove of her hip, taking the steps by twos and disappearing inside. Never giving Regina a chance to finish her sentence. Regina sat open-mouthed, exhaling a long breath. Something indeed there was about the blonde. Regina craned her head, sniffing the air. Something.
Emma waved off the servant at the door and continued up the stairs, depositing Belle into her own bed. She verified the windows were intact and blinds in place, pulling the door closed and hearing the latch click. She thought back to that very attractive club owner, feeling the beginnings of a winter's thaw loosening in her chest. Emma looked down at the back of her hands and rolled them palm up, clenching, and unclenching them into fists, drumming the air with her fingers.
"Miss Emma, it's time, Miss." The statement pulled Emma from the memory of her evening. She was a young girl. Long blonde hair much like her own, and brown eyes. Emma rarely had much interaction with the servants. She didn't trust herself, since…well, she pushed the memory down. She didn't trust herself.
"Thank You." The girl stepped forward, reaching for Emma's hand. "No, please." Emma clutched her hands to her chest.
"Yes Miss, I understand. But you should feed before sleep."
The girl held her right wrist out, healing bite marks discolored her skin. Emma stumbled backwards, finding herself pressed into the bedroom door with no escape. The nearness of the girl and Emma could hear the girl's pulse. The scent of blood flooded her nostrils and filled her mind. Emma slumped to the floor, pressing her fists into the side of her head, as small hands gingerly touched her face and slowed the rocking of her body. The young girl took Emma by the wrist and led her down the hall. The girl's pulse shot up through Emma's arm and into her brain, propelling Emma down the hall. She gripped her head with her free hand, fighting the desire for warm blood. She was thankful for having had the drink that Regina gave her.
The girl pushed back the door to Emma's room. Emma placed a hand on the girl's chest and shoved her back into the hall.
"Leave me."
"But Miss." Emma looked out the window at the tinge of light. Was that sunrise or skylights? How had the evening gotten away so quickly?
"This evening, have a tray ready for me." Emma's voice sounded low and faraway to her ears.
The young girl bowed her head. "Yes Miss."
Emma hurried to the windows drawing in drapes and blinds. She sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing her hands again. Emma slipped into the darkness of sleep, dreaming of cool silk against her skin.