Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of OUAT, though I seriously wish I do.
Note: This is an anonymous prompt I've received from Tumblr. All mistakes are mine since I don't have a beta (is this a good time to mention that I'm looking for one?) and any suggestions are appreciated. Feel free to contact me if you have any ideas, comments or requests. Thank you for reading this!
Clever fingers holding a paintbrush dance elegantly between a colorful palate and an almost-finished canvas, adding the final touches to the profile of a brunette in the fading rays of sunset. The only sounds penetrating the otherwise silent space were the breathing of two people and the soft thud on wooden floorboards as bare feet occasionally circled the posing model perched on a stool in front of the French windows. After a quiet nod, the paintbrush was set down with finality.
"We're done here." The simple sentence was like a switch that broke the spell the seemingly brooding brunette was under. A subtle yawn followed a catlike stretch as the agile figure hopped off the stool.
"Man you really took your time today! It's been, what, four hours?"
"Six, actually." That earned the artist an exaggerated eye roll.
"Really? You're gonna do that now?"
"Well, I didn't think it would be a problem, Ruby, seeing that it's almost nothing compared to your job." A series of chuckles, however, betrayed the indifferent tone. Heels clacked briefly on wood as Ruby crossed the short distance between them and smacked a lean, muscular arm, wincing a bit.
"Oh, almost nothing? You call that- Ow! Jesus, have you been working out these days? Again? I feel like I've just hit a wall! Ow. Those guns," Pretending to rub her fingers, Ruby gave a pointed look, "will be the death of some chick one of these days, I swear to God, Emma..."
"You sure know how to compliment a girl, Rubes." Reaching up, Emma pulled out the pencil that kept her hair in a messy bun, freeing the golden curls as they tumble across strong shoulders left bare in a navy blue overall over a white tank top. Rolling her shoulders, she added in a thoughtful tone, "It must be the sawing, though." Ruby looked up from her discreet pursuit of Emma's legs in the tight workwear at the new information.
"Wait, sawing? As in wood? I thought you don't take orders anymore."
"I don't, but this one's different. It's for Mary Margaret. She's been talking about replacing her desk for some time now, so I thought I could do that for her."
"She's really lucky to have such a caring daughter like you. I'll bet the woman who catches your eye will be even luckier." Emma laughs at that.
"Well, I guess you're gonna have to ask this mystery woman yourself when she actually appears."
Biting her bottom lip, Ruby hid a defeated sigh. Sure, she was a model with the looks and the confidence, and she's definitely interested, but for some reason none of that has been getting through that impossibly thick skull of Emma's. She's certain that the latter wasn't deliberately ignoring the signals; Emma's too genuine for tricks like that. However, there are only so many times a girl can try before admitting defeat. Sliding closer to Emma, Ruby wrapped an arm around the taller woman's waist.
"Maybe she's already here, you just haven't noticed her yet." Tipping Emma's face up with her free arm, Ruby offered her most seductive smile. "Buy me dinner?"
Emerald eyes searched her face as she held her breath waiting for the response she wanted, chanting over and over in her mind Please work please work please work. After what seemed like an hour of staring, Ruby gave up and started to withdraw her arm from Emma's cheek when the blonde leaned well into her personal space slowly. Every part of her body tingled as the other woman drew closer. Her eyes drifting shut from the startling proximity, all thoughts of a longtime wish come true vanished when she felt the brushing of lips on her left cheek. Her eyes flew open in shock and disbelief as she watched Emma pull away with a gentle smile and an understanding look in her eyes.
"You're a real gem, Ruby Lucas. But I'm afraid a cheeseburger with fries on the side is all you're getting." Turning away from her, Emma padded to the back of the art studio and disappeared up the wooden stairs.
"Wait here while I change into something else. I'll be down in less than five."
Ruby slumped against the counter next to the easel, shaking her head and letting out a small chuckle. Surprisingly, the artist's indirect refusal didn't evoke any bitter feelings, just a wistfulness that settled in the back of her mind. Still, she ought to drag her into that classy nightclub just down the block and grab a drink or two for her minor heartbreak, no?
Emma Swan…you really are something.
Panting slightly as he untied the silk restraints from his ankles, the man sitting on the edge of the king-sized bed let out a long whistle at the curvaceous woman ruffling her impeccable hair in front of the dressing mirror.
"You surprise me every time, my queen. I'm beginning to think that no-touch rule of yours is in fact the ultimate prize you're saving for last." Tossing a sexy smirk and a raised eyebrow behind her back, the woman strutted out the door without a word. Realizing that his companion wasn't staying, the man hastily donned his clothes and chased after her without bothering to button up his shirt, revealing the edges of some ink on a tanned chest.
"Oi! Your majesty! Wait up!" Sprinting down the stairs, he looks around the dance floor for her, but she's nowhere to be seen. After wandering around aimlessly for a few minutes, he strode over to the bar and waved for the bartender. "Rum, straight up." Scanning the bar area one final time, he sighed and emptied the glass the minute the bartender set it down in front of him. No wonder they all call her the Evil Queen, he mused to himself. She is one very difficult lady to please, and even more difficult to catch. No matter though. Ready or not, I will have you one way or another, Regina Mills.
Meanwhile, Regina had just stepped outside when a well-dressed man with a barely noticeable limp stopped in front her, leaning on his custom-made oak walking cane with a knowing smile.
"Regina." He received a curt nod.
"Mr. Gold." He laughed heartily in return.
"Stiff and formal as always, I see. How you wound my ego, dearie, seeing that we've known each other for more than a decade." Red lips curl into a taunting smirk as she heard the playful complaint.
"Well, Mr. Gold, since you are my superior and my mother's business partner, I consider my behavior not only acceptable but also appropriate. Wouldn't you agree?" Smile fading, he regarded her intently.
"You know my opinion on that matter."
"And you know mine." Neither of them being one to back down, they stared at each other for several seconds. Gold was the first one to break eye contact. Exhaling loudly, he turned to the street while he took out a cigar from his breast pocket and lit it, engulfing them both in a cloud of smoke as a silence heavy with unspoken words rest between them.
"I hate to admit that you're the best in the city. Hell, maybe the best in the country." Taking it for the peace offering it is, she smiled at his grudging tone.
"I don't think I'm the best, but the clients do pay well." Glancing sideways at her, he took another long drag.
"Like that Killian Jones guy?" Humming in response, she added in an afterthought, "I left him inside. He's probably at the bar." He chuckled at that.
"Always the cold one, I see."
"I'm thinking of cutting him loose, actually. Even though he pays exceptionally well, his interest in me is…disconcerting."
"So I've heard. There have been rumors that he intend to ignore your personal rules and bed you."
"Yes." Pursing her lips in distaste, she recalls the carnal look in his eyes and the not-so-accidental touches, and a shiver of discomfort travels up her spine.
"Do I need to step in?" Touched by his concern, she places her hand on his arm briefly.
"I can handle it myself. You don't have to exert your authority over such a trivial matter." He nods in understanding even though he's still worried. He respects her decisions.
"If you ever need that authority, dearie, just say the word." Sighing regretfully, he turns to leave. "I have a meeting with someone, so I will leave you to your evening stroll, Regina."
"Until next time, Mr. Gold." Resuming her earlier direction, Regina allowed herself a brief moment to consider her options concerning her current situation. There aren't a lot to choose from.
Damn you Killian. What should I do with you?