A/N: So it's only taken me five months to finish this fic, but it's finally done! Shout out to Carissa and Bea for pushing me to write this and challenging myself, and the rest of my friends for the encouragement. I'm really pleased with how it turned out and I hope you are as well.
Screaming and chanting echo through the mass of individuals, bouncing off of the skyscrapers surrounding them as they march through the street. There's an energy all around that Regina can't quite describe or capture in all its rich, decadent glory. A sort of pulsing that moves through the crowd. Rippling from front to back as they move deeper and deeper into the city.
She's never experienced anything like it before, never had the guts to before now. But Regina had wanted to do something important when she'd come to college. To make a difference. Fight for what she believes in with all her heart.
Mother would never approve.
No, Cora Mills would be appalled if she could see her daughter this very minute, shouting along with the swarms of people around her while she waves her hand made sign above her head. To her, what Regina is doing would be beneath her. Common. Distasteful. That is not how you resolve conflict, Regina, she would scold her.
Thankfully, she is no longer under her mother's thumb. In her second semester at Berkeley Regina can finally breathe. She's blossomed in the last six months, flourished without the constant criticism that has long been ingrained into her life from birth. It had been an odd feeling at first, traveling across the country on her own, moving into her dorm room with only her father's help. Mother had refused to accompany them. Ashamed of her daughter for choosing a debauched public university over her acceptance to Yale. At least in her eyes, she does not belong here. Of that, Cora is adamant.
Only mother is wrong.
This is exactly where Regina belongs. She's never been happier in her entire nineteen years of life than she is right now. Her feet hurt, the cotton of her sneakers rubbing at her heel irritatingly, in a way that will surely result in a blister. Her throat is scratchy and raw from the continuous strain on her vocal cords as she yells. The joints of her fingers struggling to maintain her grip on the wooden stake her sign is attached to.
But Regina barely notices all of that, too swept up in the vivacity of the event happening on every side of her.
There are people from all genders, all races, all ethnicities, gathered around her in unison to fight for a common cause. Have come together in solidarity and support in a way that is truly incredible. For women. To celebrate the strength of her gender and the power they hold. It moves her immensely as a young woman only just now coming into her own skin, and as Regina marches, her tired feet shuffling along the pavement, the muscles in her arms and shoulders burning and aching, she feels as if she has a real purpose.
Just then her eyes catch the gaze of a tall, slender blonde, walking a few paces away from her, a similar sign of her own (only this one reads Don't fashion me into a maiden that needs saving from a dragon. I AM THE DRAGON. And I will eat you whole. A colorful doodle of a dragon breathing fire to accompany the words.) held high as she tips the corners of her mouth up at Regina.
She returns the other woman's smile. It's a moment of connection. A few strands of light blonde hair fall over her forehead as she tips her head at Regina, as if to say, Can you believe this? and Regina shakes her head gently in response, chuckling.
Then the woman is headed her direction, weaving her way through the smattering of people between them, brushing by sweaty bodies to stand beside Regina. "Hello."
"Hello," Regina parrots, a bit dumbstruck. What had she done to warrant this gorgeous women's attention enough to have her leaving her group of friends who, Regina notes with a quick glance in the direction she'd come from, are also frowning confusedly at her. A thin blonde woman with tanned skin and a white and black polka dot shirt paired with red shorts. A pretty African American woman, olive jeans and purple tank top. Then there's a man with shaggy hair covered by an eccentric hat. Two other attractive women and two men in matching t-shirts that read big and little spoon holding hands.
"Enjoying yourself?" The woman asks, and Regina's gaze whips back to hers. Up close to her now, she can see that they are a pure, clear, crystal blue with a fathomless depth. A sea that she could happily drown in.
It's a ridiculous notion. Completely out of nowhere (and character) for Regina, and yet the thought still lingers in the back of her mind as she gives her a small, demure smile and responds, "Yes. I am. And yourself?" Making small talk seems a bit odd, but then what else is one supposed to do when crammed next to strangers for several hours?
"Quite." She responds, looking just over Regina's shoulder for a moment before her gaze returns to hers and she asks, "All alone?"
Regina replies with a cautious, "Yes..." unsure where the direction of this conversation is headed. The woman only hums quietly and nods.
"I recognize you."
The statement startles Regina another degree, an expression of puzzlement flickering over her features as she frantically racks her brain for where she could know this woman from. Surely, she would remember if they had met previously. Staring into those mesmerizing blue eyes she doubts that she could forget them.
Her confusion and mild panic must show on her face, only embarrassing her more, as the blonde immediately follows it up with, "Moral Psychology with Professor Hopper, Tuesday and Thursdays? Right?"
Ah-ha. Now it makes more sense. They're in the same class together. Her favorite course this semester as a matter of fact, and one of the reasons that she is here today in the first place. It would seem that she isn't the only one their discussions have had an impact on.
"You're the cute freshman who sits in the front of the class and scribbles away taking notes." She says it teasingly, with a frankly stunning smile on her face, but Regina's cheeks heat all the same, a faint blush adding a rosy tint to her skin. Cute freshman. The phrase reverberates through Regina's mind as she bites her lower lip and nods, unsure how to respond. The woman continues speaking before she gets a chance, however, commenting, "I found it surprising there was a first year in a class with mostly upperclassmen."
Her advisor had been against it, had attempted to talk her into fulfilling more of the prerequisites required for her degree, but Regina had refused to listen. The course is only offered every two years and she'd been unwilling to wait that long for it to come around again when the description had fascinated her. Psychological phenomena related to the ethical and spiritual life of humans and the idea of 'no self'. Her hunger for knowledge had won out and she's been determined to keep up with the more experienced psych majors since the start of the semester.
Someone knocks into her shoulder as they walk, pushing her a step closer to the blonde, their shoulders brushing for a moment as Regina looks up at her and replies feebly, "Yes. I'm in that class." She has to swallow down the sudden lump that forms in her throat as she's caught up in just how blue her eyes are, the slight flush to her cheeks from the heat of the California sun, tiny droplets of perspiration outlining her forehead. "I didn't want to miss out on it. I talked Dr. Hopper into letting me take it early." Regina finishes lamely, feeling a bit like a fish out of water all of a sudden. Pull it together, Mills.
"You have some really insightful viewpoints. I enjoy listening to your comments on our readings."
The compliment brings with it a lick of satisfaction and Regina smiles shyly. How has she not noticed her in class before? Their roster isn't overly large. Certainly not small, but nothing like the mass lectures she'd had to suffer through last semester. And they generally have fairly lively discussions. Professor Hopper encourages them to engage and comment with one another. Has she really been so focused on the material that she'd missed this intriguing woman's presence?
She grins at her, the corner of her red tinted lips tipping up. "I sit in the back," pausing she chuckles and adds, "I much prefer to listen and observe. There's much to be learned that way as well."
Perhaps that's why then.
They come to a brief stop, the congestion of bodies halting their forward progress for a few minutes and this pretty blonde classmate Regina can't seem to take her eyes off of lowers that witty sign, resting it on the asphalt for a moment, reaching out a manicured hand to Regina. "I'm Mallory. But I prefer Mal."
Grasping her palm, she answers her in kind, "Regina," and tries not to give too much thought to the spark that seems to emanate from their joined hands. There's an awkward pause then, one Regina isn't quite sure how to break. Although Mal doesn't seem at all affected by their lull in conversation. In fact, she's smiling at her, studying her as if Regina were a puzzle to unravel. It's a bit disconcerting for someone she's technically just met.
A voice calls through the crowd, garnering both their attention for a moment. "Oy, Mal, are you coming back or are you ditching us to flirt for the rest of the march?" It's the man with sandy blonde hair and the scruffy beard from her group of friends, dimples creasing his cheeks as he grins at the blonde. The attractive man beside him with caramel colored skin digging an elbow into his side as Mal rolls her eyes at him and turns her gaze back to Regina.
"Ignore him." Regina can feel the blood rush to her cheeks unbidden. Pleasure and embarrassment warring within her at the notion that this woman might have an interest in her, may have sought her out for that purpose. Not that she thinks that's what this is. Even if Mal is looking at her with underlying appreciation to her gaze. "Would you like to join us for the rest of the march? I promise to save you from any more heckling." She adds.
Regina considers declining for a minute, she's perfectly fine continuing on her own, content with her own company and making friends hadn't been the point of her coming today. But it seems silly to turn the invitation down. And something about Mal intrigues her. So she hears herself saying, "Yeah, that would be great," and following her as she turns to head back through the mass of bodies.
The crowd begins moving forward just as Regina and Mal have weaved their way back to her friends, introductions hastily made as they all shuffle forward. She learns that the tall brunette with a fiery streak of red in her hair is named Ruby and the woman she's currently sharing a banner with is her girlfriend Mulan. The other two women of the group had apparently wandered ahead as well, but Regina discovers their names are Ella and Ursula. The man with the funky hat is named Jefferson and offers her a smile and a flourish of said hat that makes Regina laugh when Mal introduces her to him. She saves the guy who'd called out to her for last, informing her, And this is my entirely unamusing and possibly former best friend, Robin, and his partner Lin.
"Pleasure to meet you, milady." Robin says in a splendid British accent that takes her by surprise, reaching out to offer his hand in greeting and bringing Regina's to his lips to place a kiss to her knuckles when she lays her hand in his.
"Save the charm for your boyfriend." Mal tells him, laughing when Robin immediately turns and plants a kiss to the dark haired man's lips.
"Oh he already fell for my charms. Gotta spread the love around."
Mal's laughter is husky and enchanting, one of the loveliest sounds Regina has ever heard as she shakes her head at Robin. There's an easy, natural banter between the two of them and despite herself, Regina finds herself smiling a wide, amused grin as she watches them interact with each other. It's a bonus that all of them have made her feel welcomed into their little group.
"How long have you all known each other?"
"Been stuck with these loons since freshman year."
Robin gasps, slapping an offended hand to his chest as he drops his mouth open and stares at Mal. "Stuck with us? You're lucky we saved you from your loner existence. Brooding in coffee shops and scribbling away into that notebook of yours, watching everyone. What would you have done without us?"
A slow smirk spreads over Mal's face as she rolls her eyes and replies, "I'd have a lot less material for my thesis, that is for certain."
The sass garners a chuckle from Robin and the group continues to joke around with each other as they walk block after block, Regina seeming to fit naturally and effortlessly into their circle. Standing beside Mallory, she can't help but think that her day has taken a rather interesting and fortunate turn.
. . .
As they march through the streets of San Francisco the din of voices grows, high and low, varying timbres merging together as they shout to be heard. However, all too soon it comes to an end. They're only a block or two from the determined end of their route. And while there are still a heaping of individuals and fellow activists hanging around, people are starting to filter off, the crowd surround them thinning to a degree.
Awkward uncertainty settles in Regina's stomach, a lead weight as she realizes that she should probably be on her way as well. There's not really any reason for her to stick around, and as nice as it's been to be included in Mal's group of friends, she doesn't belong with them. Not really. Even if a part of her yearns for these people she's just met, this woman who has captured her attention quite unexpectedly.
"Oh I see Ella and Ursula!" Ruby exclaims, immediately taking a sharp right and beelining for where she's spotted her friends hanging out in the shadow of a nearby building.
"How she's got that much energy after all the walking we just did, I will never understand." Mulan comments, shaking her head and following her girlfriend over to the pair, dragging the rest of the guys with her.
It leaves Mallory and Regina alone together, standing in the middle of the street as people scurry past them. Dropping her sign to the ground rather unceremoniously, Regina leans a little bit of her weight on it, relieving the ache in her arches for just a moment as she glances down at the ground and bites her lower lip before meeting Mal's gaze. "Well… I guess I should be going. Thanks for letting me hang out with you guys. It was fun."
The prospect is utterly unappealing and despite the adrenaline pumping through her, the idea of parting ways, of returning to just the nerdy freshman and alluring upperclassman who happen to be in the same class but don't really know each other, takes just a bit of the shine of the day away.
Mal studies her, an expression Regina can't quite decipher on her face as the brunette shifts uncomfortably under her gaze. Not ready to leave, but not sure what else there is to say.
"We're all starving. No one has eaten since earlier this morning." Mal replies, eyes drifting away to settle on her little of group of friends behind her, dawdling over next to the post office box, one or two leaning against the brown brick of the building they are standing beneath. They're all laughing, huge grins on their faces, happiness radiating off them in waves.
And why shouldn't they be? They've done something worthwhile today. It may not be much in the eyes of some, in the eyes of people like her own mother, but to others, to those less fortunate, it embodies strength and hope and a promise to never take anything lying down. Clear blue eyes turn back to her own chocolate brown and Regina's breath catches. What is it about this woman that has her stomach jumping and twisting when she looks at her?
"Would you like to join us?" Mal asks her, casually, but there's an underlying layer to her tone that speaks of hopefulness.
Regina hesitates, doesn't want to intrude. She's already crashed their little group for the last several hours, inserted herself where she probably has no business being, even if it had been at the insistence of the woman opposite her. Still, she has to ask, "Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. You're more than welcome, Regina." She is smiling at her and Regina's heart flutters madly in her chest. What is happening to her? She's never had this reaction to anyone before.
But Mallory fascinates her. Something about her drawing Regina to her like moth to a flame, a magnetism between them that is a subtle tug low in her belly. Regina finds that she's not quite ready to part ways with her yet if she can at all help it. So she agrees, smiling as she tells her, "I would like that." Her stomach chooses that moment to grumble in the momentary silence between them, reminding Regina that she hasn't had anything to eat since this morning either and the grin it pulls from Mal's lips is enough to have butterflies erupt in her belly.
Gripping Regina's hand in hers, Mal smiles and pulls her along to join the rest of the group once more.
. . .
They end up at an all night dinner, some place named Granny's on the outskirts of campus with an older, grey haired woman behind the counter that barks at them to sit wherever and not to make a ruckus. Regina sinks into one of the uncomfortable steel chairs like it's a feather bed. After trekking their way through the city on the metro, not to mention the hours she's spent on her feet today, she is grateful for the momentary reprieve on her limbs. Mal takes the seat beside her, chuckling silently at her, but Regina doesn't have the energy to sass her about it.
Instead, she merely narrows her eyes, glaring playfully as a little crinkle forms between her brows and grabs one of the plastic menus. The blonde shakes her head and picks up one of her own just as Jefferson pulls a chair over from the table beside theirs. It would seem they are short one and the action forces Mal to scoot her own chair over the tiled floor until she's squeezed next to Regina. Their arms brush against one another, elbows knocking together, and Regina inhales sharply at the unexpected contact. And the shiver that runs down her spine as a result.
Mal smirks, but says nothing, simply eyes her from beneath her lashes in a way that has heat sparking low in Regina's belly. How can she turn something so innocent into something that feels flirtatious, attractive?
She's never had this sort of instantaneous reaction to someone before. Man or woman. The novelty and surprise of it has thrown her for a loop, but a part of her, a rather loud part, is shouting at her to embrace it. To follow this unusual pull on her heart and discover what path it leads her down.
The woman Regina assumes to be Granny herself, ends up over at their table from her earlier position behind the counter, demanding what they want to eat. Between all of them they order a plethora of artery clogging dishes, tuna melts and waffles, cheesy omelets, with hash browns and fries to go around. Despite the sour mood the woman seems to be in, she eyes them over the pad and pen in her hand, focusing in on Ruby as she says, "You keep your friends in line now you hear, young lady. It's too late for your usual shenanigans." The brunette nods obediently, though she's biting at her lower lip as she appears to be stifling a grin as Mulan snickers into her shoulder.
"We'd never dream of causing a problem, ma'am." Lin tells her in that posh British accent before the older woman rolls her eyes and heads for the kitchen.
While the exchange confuses Regina for a moment, Mal is quickly leaning closer to her, letting her breath ghost over Regina's ear as she whispers into it, "Ruby is Granny's granddaughter." Ahhh. That makes more sense. With a bit of further explanation from Mal, Regina discovers that's how the group had found the diner in the first place, especially with it being a bit off the beaten path. It's not a hotspot for many underclassmen, though a favorite among those that know of it.
However, Regina finds it a bit hard to focus on what she's saying when Mal's voice is low and intimate in her ear, a warm honeyed scent with a touch of lavender that should surely not still be so potent after the day they've had outside sweating (and yet it is) drifting into Regina's senses. Mal's breast brushes lightly against her upper arm and it's a hell of a distraction, as she turns her head to look at the woman. Their faces far closer than she was anticipating and for a moment, Regina struggles to pull oxygen into her lungs.
Her heart pounds erratically in her chest, a hard knocking that surely everyone must hear, as Mal's eyes flicker down to Regina's lips briefly before settling back on her own. Her interest is clear, but the other woman makes no move to act on it. Only twitches her lips up into a half-smirk before settling back into her seat once more.
Conversation picks up around them, or rather, Regina tunes into it more than she had been. As surprising as it is, she fits in well with Mal's friends. Feels like she's part of the gang already despite the few short hours they've known her. Robin teases her jokingly, makes her laugh. Mulan engages her in a discussion about her favorite novels, turns out the woman is a lit major, until their food arrives and they all start to dig in.
Through the entire meal, she and Mallory eye each other from the corner of their eyes, their fingers occasionally brushing beneath the table until eventually, Mal hooks a pinkie over Regina's and leaves their hands connected over top her knee. A move that Regina can't help but grin like a fool at. Hopes desperately that no one notices the silent flirting going on between her and Mal, though if they do, all of them graciously remain silent about it.
She learns more about the woman sitting beside her who is gradually fascinating her more and more as each minute ticks away on this glorious day. Listens as Ella tells her the story of the night they'd done one too many tequila shots and started lighting things on fire. Ursula chiming in as Regina giggles, creating her own mental picture of what that must have looked like. She shares a few of her own drunk stories, not that there are many. After all, she's here for a purpose and despite what her mother thinks, Regina is determined to prove herself, to excel, and that means her studies have to come first. Usually.
Robin has a whole host of stories about the other woman, many of them merely funny antidotes. Though a few of them verge on what could be considered embarrassing until Mal stops on his foot rather obviously and Robin winces in pain, laughing as he scoops hash browns into his mouth and abruptly ends his telling of the time that she ended up with food poisoning on their spring break trip.
It's easy to see how close the two of them are and Regina finds it nice that they have such an effortless and open friendship with each other. She can feel how much they support one another. It's nice. Something she's never really been fortunate enough to experience. That type of friendship, a bond like that.
Mal squeezes her fingers beneath the table, turning her head to catch Regina's eye as she smiles at her, as if she has sensed her turn of thought and is offering her comfort all the same. With a jolt, Regina realizes that with a little time and a willingness to try on her part, this woman could mean something important to her, could be someone that she could see herself counting on.
"Lord, I'm exhausted." Ursula sighs, laying her fork down on her cleared plate. There are hums of acknowledgement from the rest of the group. Mulan has her head resting on Ruby's shoulder and Robin's slung his arm over Lin's shoulder, drawing his boyfriend against his side.
"Shall we call it a night?" Mal asks the group as a whole and is met with quiet murmurings of agreement, each of them moving to grab their things, scraping chairs as the get up to settle their bills with Granny at the counter.
In the shuffle, Mal's gives Regina's hand one last squeeze, stroking her thumb along the side of her hand before she's pulling it away and rising from her seat. She misses the warmth of Mal's hand over her own immediately, a pang of something she doesn't understand arrowing into her heart.
They aren't far from campus now and Regina tells them that her dorm is just a short walk away, completely prepared to part ways with them after what has turned out to probably be the best day of her life. Another slight stab in her stomach as she realizes that the magic is coming to an end. Mal won't hear of it though, insists they are not letting her walk home alone at nearly midnight, and informs her that she will walk her home. When Regina points out that it is unnecessary and will only leave her in the same position once they reach their destination the blonde waves her off.
So the two of them bid goodbye to Ursula, Ella, Jefferson, Ruby, Mulan, Lin and Robin and make their way in the opposite direction. It's a balmy night, the air a bit thick and heavy as Regina and Mal's steps fall in sync with each other. They say nothing for a few blocks and Regina has no idea how to break the silence that hangs between them while their hands casually brush against each other every few steps. That is until Mal finally grips Regina's hand in hers, weaves their fingers together and turns her gaze to look at her.
"Today has been nice. I'm glad that we met, Regina."
The brunette's eyes dart down to their joined hands, marveling at the way they seem to fit together perfectly, Mal's warm palm pressed against hers. It feels right. Her skin is soft and smooth, fingers slender and beautiful. Everything about her is beautiful. Regina's gaze drifts up to Mal's again and then she stops, right in the middle of the sidewalk, turning to face the other woman with a puzzled expression. She doesn't break the contact though.
Suddenly, Regina has to know. Needs at least one of the endless questions racing through her mind answered. Mustering up a bit of courage buried inside her she asks, "What is this?"
Mal smirks, strokes a thumb along the outer edge of Regina's hand and asks, "What's what?"
"This." Regina answers, lifting their joined hands for a moment. "What are we doing here? You and me? There's been this…" Her words trail off, scattering into the night as Regina tries to voice what's happening inside her. Mal merely watches her with that steady, soul-searching gaze and finally Regina settles on, "Do you feel it too?"
The smile that spreads over the blonde's features is stunning, makes Regina's breath catch in her lungs as the other woman reaches to brush a lock of hair from Regina's forehead with her other hand. "I find you fascinating, Regina." She takes a step closer to her, a mere few inches separating their bodies now as Mal snags her other hand and threads those fingers together too. "You're funny and smart. Charming. Delightfully endearing. I've enjoyed getting to know you." Warm breath flutters over Regina's lips as Mal bends her head toward her. "I'd like to get to know you more."
Regina barely has a moment to process the words, her brain short circuiting before Mal's lips meet hers.
It's electric. Instant. Sensations swirling around through her blood, jumping through her nervous system and merging together to create a delicious tingling feeling. Regina moans into the kiss, tilting her head up and to the side to shift the angle into something even better, Mal's tongue peeking out to gingerly brush against Regina's.
They break apart only when the burning in their lungs becomes apparent and the need for air makes itself known. Those brilliant blue eyes that have captivated her all day are several shades darker now, barely visible in the shadows around them.
The air is thick with desire, pulsing and throbbing from all directions. And then Mal is diving back in for another kiss, releasing Regina's hands in favor of threading her fingers through her hair, driving her backward until Regina's back hits the brick of the wall behind them.
Mal's body presses against Regina's and she can't help the way her hands grasp at Mal's hips, lifting to run up her spine, exploring her willowy build. Their breasts are crushed against each other and Mal's fingernails scratch gently along her scalp as their tongues meld together.
Her lips are soft and warm and wonderful. Addicting. Regina could easily spend the next several hours kissing this woman, all thoughts of her aching limbs and tired feet, the tempting allure of her mattress gone as they make out against the brick.
One of Mal's thighs slips between Regina's and the brunette lets out a little whimper as she gently rocks against the other woman. This is insane. She's lost her mind. But it feels incredible and perfect. Like a key fitting into a lock and it's a rather heady sensation. Mal's mouth ventures down to her neck, kissing and sucking lightly along her skin and causing sparks of pleasure to tingle throughout Regina's body.
"Mmmm… Mal…" Struggling to form a coherent thought, Regina lets her head fall back against the wall, grinding against her leg. She's never done this, never felt like this with a woman before, with anyone for that matter and it's a drug that's more addicting than she could have imagined.
"You're beautiful," Mal breathes into her ear, one hand stroking quickly down her body, back up to cup one of her breasts in her palm. "Do you have any idea how beautiful you are, Regina?"
The conviction in her tone nearly makes tears spring to Regina's eyes but she fights them off, focuses on the gorgeous woman who is opening a thousand doors for her with the simplicity of showing her tenderness and warmth. "So are you," Regina replies, brushing her fingers through Mal's hair and dropping her forehead to hers for a brief moment.
Then the blonde's mouth is on hers again and Regina stops thinking for the next several minutes. Her hands roam over Mal's back, up and down her sides, palming at her ass, seeking to touch any part of her she can reach as they kiss. Eager for more, to taste more of this woman, Regina breaks away and licks along Mal's neck. She tastes of salt and sweat and it's more of a turn on than Regina would have thought.
For several more long minutes the pair of them stay just as they are. Making out like teenagers against the side of a building. Eventually though, their kisses begin to slow. More of a lazy meeting of lips than the sudden rush of desire that had initially gripped them. The wanting is still there, but there's affection mixed into the kisses now.
Pulling away, Mal smiles down at Regina, stroking a lock of hair from her eyes. "It's late," she murmurs, melancholy in her tone as she continues, "I should probably get you home."
Regina nods, head still spinning from what had just transpired between them. Mal catches her hand in her own again, threading their fingers and cupping her free hand around their joined ones as they continue down the sidewalk, Regina pointing out the direction of her dorm.
They reach the front door much too quickly, stopping under the overly bright street lights. She doesn't want to leave, doesn't want to say goodbye. A part of her, that crazy reckless part of her that's becoming more and more prominent, wants to invite her inside, to continue whatever it is they'd started against that brick. But however bold she may be, Regina isn't quite that audacious yet.
Instead, she bites her bottom lip, shifting her weight from foot to foot. "You never answered my question."
Mal smirks, stepping into Regina's space so their bodies graze lightly against one another. Leaning in, she brushes her lips over hers lightly, drawing the kiss out before pulling away. She keeps their hands joined for as long as possible as she backs away, grinning the entire time.
"I'll see you in class Tuesday."