Hey Guys, so this is my first fic. Trying to get back into writing again and feeling a little rusty. Feedback/Ideas will always be appreciated! Will be updating as often as possible, providing work/life gives me a chance, but should be at least weekly.
All mistakes are my own.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters.
Writer Emma Swan has finally caught herself a break. Taking the first chance she gets to get out of town, she heads to the city where she meets a beautiful and intriguing brunette.
Two women, both with different backgrounds, both in need of a change, drawn to each other for the refreshing differences and undeniable attraction.
When life brings tragedy, will they be able to break down the walls that took a years to build? Can they trust each other to take the chance to heal, maybe even be happy?
Slowburn. AU.
Lights in the Dark
Emma groaned, flopping back across the crisp white sheets and plush pillows of her hotel bed. It'd been a stressful few months until she'd finally managed to get a large enough chunk of money together from her publishers and the ridiculous hours of her 'part time' waitress job to actually give herself a much needed break. She'd felt stuck in a rut living month to month between her split shifts and the scraps she'd received for a few freelance pieces, before finally getting her big break on a novel that had taken over two years to edit and publish. It had been a few years more since she'd last had a change of scenery so she had jumped on the first chance she got.
Now here she was. New York City, partially for research, partially for her bucket list, but mostly to see what all the fuss was about. It wasn't her usual choice of destination, but being a small town girl, she'd always wanted to see how the other half lived. Something about an endless sea of people who didn't care enough to judge you and gave you a chance to blend in, to essentially become almost invisible, was rather appealing.
That being said, adventures could wait for tomorrow, it had been a long day of travelling and right now she needed a drink. Unwilling to pay the ridiculous prices for the half sized bottles of alcohol displayed in her room's mini-bar, she decided to freshen up a little and head down to see what the hotel's main bar had to offer. She gave her dark skinny jeans and almost sheer cream top a quick brush over and decided they were clean enough, before combing fingers through loose blonde curls. She pulled on her ankle boots and checked herself in the mirror by the door. It's not like you're trying to impress anyone tonight Swan. She shrugged to herself and grabbed her key card and one of her many leather jackets whilst heading for the door.
The bar area itself was decorated rather lavishly, all low lighting, shiny glasses and polished wood. It was on the fifth floor of the building and boasted floor to ceiling windows opposite a solid oak wood bar that gave a soundproofed view out over the city and the bustling streets below. Low black leather sofas and coffee tables created cosy booths along the glass.
A quick glance around proved that the most of the bar was pretty empty, though it was still early, only around 8pm. She figured most guests had probably headed out for dinner and drinks to save some money and explore the city. A young couple, seemingly deep in conversation sat at one of the small group of tables that filled the general floor space near the bar and a group of business men clinked small glasses of amber liquid in some kind of celebration at the nearest booth. Soft Jazz played quietly in the background giving the entire place an air of casual class.
Perching herself on the nearest barstool Emma managed to catch the eyes of the bartender who, until then, had seemed oblivious to her presence at all, totally absorbed in his task of polishing glass. He was dressed in a bright white shirt with black waist coat and bow tie. She looked down at her jeans and shrugged to herself as he hurried towards her with an apologetic smile, "Good evening Madame. What can I get you?"
She cringed internally at the formality, before smiling sheepishly and ordering a scotch on the rocks, she needed something strong tonight.
The large glass was promptly placed in front of her, as she reached into her purse to pay and tip the man a low voice came over her shoulder, making the hairs on the back of her neck prickle, "It's on me, same again thank you August." Emma jumped in surprise, and turned to find the owner of such an unexpected yet beautiful voice. August just nodded and filled another glass, barely registering the strange occurrence taking place before him.
She was met with a wide toothy smile, framed with blood red lips and flawless features. A brunette with the most beautiful dark chocolate eyes she had ever seen, she knew she could lose herself in them right there and then and die happy. Emma floundered, releasing a breath she hadn't realised she'd been holding she stuttered, "Th-thank you for the offer, but there really is no need."
That smile turned to a smirk as the brunette gave her the once over, those eyes raking over body before meeting hers again. She felt a flush creep up her chest and cheeks and that smirk only seemed to grow. "I'm sure you are perfectly capable of buying you're drinks on your own dear, but I insist." Before Emma could protest, the brunette nodded to the bartender with a smile and sashayed away towards the far window booth and elegantly took a seat. Emma's mouth watered as she watched her go, her tight black dress fell to just above the knee, giving a teasing view of her olive tanned legs and defined calves in killer heels. The extra sway in her hips accentuating the perfect curves of her figure. This woman is the definition of power and beauty combined.
Realising she was staring, Emma shook herself back to reality. She gave August a pleading look, he just grinned and shrugged with a sharp glint in his bright blue eyes, before returning to his previous task. Glaring at his back helplessly as he turned, she took a long swig of the burning liquid, straightened her black leather jacket and started towards the curious woman.
"Um, hi." Emma hovered next to the sofa where the brunette was sitting, straight backed, right leg crossed over left, almost regal. Her eyes track from the window to Emma, but she remained silent. "May I?" Emma queried, gesturing towards the empty seats opposite the woman.
The darker haired woman nodded with a smile as Emma sat down. "A lovely evening, wouldn't you agree?" She asks, turning her head back towards the window.
Emma fidgets nervously, a turbulent life had led her to be loud and hardened while she was in her comfort zone, but this was way out of her comfort zone. She was generally a bit of a shy person and some people could easily intimidate her. This woman in front of her was certainly one of them. "It certainly seems that way, I can't say I've seen much of it though." She paused to look at the brunette who was still staring out the window, before she continued, "I'm Emma by the way, Emma Swan. Thank you again for the drink."
The woman turned to her smiling brightly, "it's nice to meet you Emma," she extended a hand across the table, shaking Emma's firmly, "Regina Mills, and you are quite welcome," she waved her hand towards the glass. Her smile grew, her eyes glistening as they bore into Emma, who shivered under the almost predatory gaze.
Regina smirked to herself at the nervous woman before her. She loved to see people squirm. "Business or pleasure Miss Swan?" Her sly grin widening at the shocked confusion on Emma's face as the blonde almost choked on her drink, "The reason for your visit? Most locals don't spend much time in hotels here, rent is extortion enough on its own."
Emma fidgeted some more, "A bit of both I guess. It's been a while since I've had the chance to get away, but it also gives me a chance to people watch and explore new places, hopefully find some ideas for my next book."
Regina raised an eyebrow, "You're an author? How interesting, do you have a preferred genre?" She smiled genuinely and nodded along as Emma seemed to relax slightly, her earlier nerves replaced with passion as she spoke of some of her favourite projects and the stress and exhaustion that came with them before the satisfaction of a finally product.
The blonde woman realised she had been waffling a little and cleared her throat awkwardly, sipping on her almost empty drink, the ice had melted, but that didn't stop her from enjoying the refreshing and familiar burn as it trickled down her throat.
Regina's gaze never left her. She licked her lips subconsciously as she watched the muscles work in Emma's exposed throat.
Noticing the eyes of the brunette had darkened almost impossibly, the blonde desperately tried to chase off the steady burn of a blush that was threatening to take over her pale skin, "and you?"
"I'm sorry?" Regina looked confused.
"What is it that brings you here?"
"Ah, I'm with you now. I'd say the same as you Miss Swan, while I do have a small amount of business to tend to, I am certainly open to the opportunity of pleasure."
Emma's eyebrows shot up at the implication. She rubbed her sweaty palms down on her thighs before smiling shyly again and excusing herself to order them both a refill.
Emma felt flustered, pacing a few steps at the bar and ringing her hands while she waited for August to finish serving another small group of guests. What had gotten into her? This has got to be one of the weirdest situations she'd ever been in. Was this beautiful woman flirting with her? Of course not! Why would she be? Why had she bought her a drink? Get it together Swan, she probably just took pity on you when she saw you alone at the bar. Maybe she just wanted a little company?
Emma had never really been a people person, there were a few people who she'd been close to for as long as she could remember, but new people made her nervous, she wasn't a judgemental person and she sure as hell didn't like to be judged herself. It made her clumsy and defensive, but tonight she was trying, trying for a complete stranger and she had no idea why. There was something deeper in this woman, something she recognised but couldn't put her finger on, it seemed as though she was wearing a mask too, she was just far better at it than Emma herself.
Returning to the table, drinks in hand, Regina gave her an appreciative smile, locking eyes as she reached to take the glass, fingers grazing lightly over Emma's who flinched at the unexpected yet gentle contact, her gaze flicking between her own hand and the dark orbs of the other woman, seeing slight amusement and something else, something gentle.
The pair sat in companionable silence for a while, each focused on the world outside. The light from the city overpowering the stars giving the sky a dirty grey-orange tinge, it was a shame really. Emma loved the stars, coming from a small town with little light pollution it had been a constant comfort through her life, sitting on the porch or climbing out of her window onto the roof at night, just to gaze up at them. They were beautiful, they always made her feel so small, and if she was small then so were her problems.
Small talk flowed between them, both careful not to discuss too much about their personal lives, they found they had much in common as well as many differences. Emma's shyness began to wane as more drinks followed, but they had both agreed to keep level headed as Regina had some kind of meeting in the morning and Emma really didn't want to spend her entire break away cooped up in her hotel room with a hangover.
As the evening drew to a close Emma stole more glances across at the woman who intrigued her so much. Her pull to Regina confused her. She knew nothing about this strange woman really, their conversation kept light all evening yet she found herself wanting to know more, she could tell there were many layers to the brunette's character and she wanted to peel them away one by one and study whatever it was that lay beneath each. That wasn't the only thing though, Emma had never been with another woman before, she had never been opposed to the idea and had always appreciated the female form, but never had a connection strong enough with anyone that made her want to try. Until now? Don't be ridiculous Swan. You don't know anything about this woman.
But you want to.
"Do you have any plans for tomorrow Miss Swan?" Regina pulled her from her thoughts with a genuine smile.
"Not really, I was just going to go out and see where the day took me if I'm honest."
"Well I suppose this is a bit of a stretch, but I for one have definitely enjoyed our time together this evening," Regina paused, a bright twinkle shining through her dark eyes. "I was wondering if you'd like to come to dinner with me tomorrow? I know this city pretty well so I could show you around a little. I would enjoy the company."
"That actually sounds great thank you. If you are sure that is? I mean I would love a tour guide and I certainly wouldn't be opposed to seeing you again either Ms Mills," Emma's tone lightly mocking the well-spoken brunette.
Regina chuckled and nodded, "Shall we swap numbers and we can arrange a time and place to meet during the day?"
Emma nodded and pulled out her phone, they both punched in each other's digits and rose to make their way towards the elevator, nodding courteously towards August as they passed.
The ride was slightly awkward. Emma didn't know where to look ad couldn't find a comfortable position to stand.
Regina insisted on walking Emma back to her hotel room before making her way to the floor above. Emma felt slightly uncomfortable, not wanting the other woman to attempt inviting herself in, she didn't feel like she was in a place to do anything and she certainly wasn't drunk enough to be that kind of woman, but there was no way that she could face Regina, even in passing, if she had to find quick excuses to turn her down.
Ever the lady though Regina stopped as they reached Emma's door, both hands clasping her small purse in front of her as she glanced down at her feet, almost shyly.
"Well Miss Mills, looks like you brought me to my door with no incidents and I'm still in one piece. A lady should sure feel safe with you to protect them," Emma mocked gently, causing Regina to look up with an amused grin.
The brunette moved fast, pressing her body into Emma's side as she pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek. She paused for a second, as if gauging the blonde's reaction, before soft lips grazed the shell of Emma's ear, "Careful Miss Swan, you have no idea what I am capable of." Emphasising her point with a tease of her tongue. She stepped back, eyes burning into Emma's with a dangerous smile stretched across her face. Her tongue traced along her own smirking lips, she turned and strode off down the corridor.
Emma stared after her dumbfounded. Slowly bringing her fingers up to where those plush red lips had touched her, a stupid grin creeping onto her face.