As much as I would like to own them, all the characters and plot of Once Upon A Time belong to ABC – I own nothing.
Ok, so this has to be one of my favourite prompts of the week so I hope you enjoy it. I know it's cliché but everybody has at least gotta try a highschool AU once right? I have to admit I'm into 'Faking It' right now so if you recognize some references (as well as some from another show I watch *wink-wink*), virtual cookies and hugs for you! Sorry for the length, this one kinda got away from me but turned out good! :)
Thank you to everybody who has added to favs and alerts already, I hope we all have a great SQ Week!
SQ Week - Day 2 / Fake Relationship
Regina sighed as she opened her locker, changing her books for her next class. She heard a giggle from beside her and glanced over to see her best friend Kathryn waving cutely at someone across the hallway.
"Regina, you should so date him"
"Who?" She sighed, finding one of the books she needed.
"Robin. Look"
Doing as she was told she followed her best friends gaze to see Robin, the quarterback and the captain of the football team, smirking over at her. Rolling her eyes she turned back to her locker to finish what she was doing. In high school terms he was the perfect match for her, her being the head cheerleader and him being the captain of the football team, but that was something her mother seemed to care about more than herself. She would rather focus on her riding than go out on a date with the school's resident womaniser.
Sighing again she pulled out the final book she needed and closed her locker, signalling that she was ready to go. Kathryn got the message and started walking, the two in perfect sync as they navigated the busy hallways of Storybrooke High to reach their next class on time.
"You should so date him"
Regina raised an eyebrow, curious as to why her best friend was pushing this. "Why?"
"Duh, he's the captain of the football team and you're the head cheerleader. You're, like, made for each other"
She felt herself rolling her eyes yet again. "I would rather go riding all day than date him"
Knowing this was a fight she wouldn't win Kathryn decided to let it go, much to Regina's relief. She knew she'd probably push the subject again later but for now she let it go as they entered their Spanish class, taking their seats next to each other at the back. Regina sighed as she watched the rest of the class filter in. Today was going to be a long day.
It wasn't until later that her day got just that much worse. She had just put her books back into her locker ready to go and get lunch and enjoy the only good part of her day when she heard a voice next to her.
"Regina Mills"
She fought the urge to shiver as she closed her locker, looking up at the smirking face of Robin who was leaning up against the locker next to hers. "What do you want?" She asked, not really caring that she already knew exactly what he wanted.
"You"
All of a sudden out of nowhere he was being pulled back, someone putting themselves in between her and the football player. It wasn't until she spoke that she realized who it was.
"Leave her alone"
"And why should I listen to you Swan?"
Emma Swan. Captain of the girls basketball team and currently her saviour. How cliché. She didn't quite understand why she was stepping in as her and Regina had never really talked before, at least outside of thanks and small greetings. Now here she was protecting her from none other than her sort of rival, the captain of the football team. However Regina didn't have time to ponder it as she was broken free from her thoughts by Emma replying.
"Because I said so"
"Oh?" He said, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah. She can make her own choices without you bothering her"
A few intense moments of staring later Robin stood up straight and stepped closer to her, Emma determined not to back down. It was as if he challenging her and for some strange reason the blonde didn't seem at all deterred from standing up for her, the head cheerleader no less. Still, she was interested as to see what Robin's next move would be.
"Like I said, why should I listen to you?"
Before Emma could reply Regina's mind seemed to come up with a quick fix that she didn't really think through completely in the moment. Instead of listening to her rational mind that was always right she acted on instinct and said the first thing that would get him off her back without a doubt.
"Because she's my girlfriend!"
Emma's eyes widened in surprise, not quite sure she actually heard what Regina had just said clearly. If she was correct she had just announced that they were dating in the middle of a busy and crowded hallway. She didn't have time to think about it though as Regina had slipped her arm through hers and pulled her close so that their shoulders where touching.
Robin seemed just as surprised, his gaze flickering between both women at the announcement. When he'd done enough staring, much to Regina's annoyance, his jaw clenched and he spoke up.
"Is this true?" He asked, nostrils flaring as he directed his gaze to Emma who was still in a sort of daze at the news that she was now apparently dating none other than Regina Mills. Luckily though her mind clicked back into gear a few seconds later and she answered.
"Y-yeah. We are"
Sending one last glare at Regina Robin stormed off, his second-in-command Killian hot on his heels. Once he was gone Regina breathed a sigh of relief and let go of Emma's arm. Glancing around people were still staring at her so she decided to at least pretend what she had just said was true. Forcing a smile she turned to Emma and placed a kiss on her cheek and spun on her heels before heading for the cafeteria.
Emma still stood there and it wasn't until Ruby grabbed her by the arm that she was shook back into reality, the blonde letting her drag her outside to where their friends were waiting for them.
"What the hell just happened?" She asked, sitting down on the edge of a red picnic blanket.
Ruby grinned, sitting down and letting her girlfriend Belle sit between her legs. "I think you're dating Regina Mills"
"WHAT?!" Belle exclaimed.
Ruby laughed. "Regina Mills just claimed that they were dating. I don't think it's sunk in for Emma just yet though. Come on Swan, talk to us" She coaxed, punching her best friend in the shoulder to get her attention.
"Yeah, what happened?" David asked from his place beside his girlfriend Mary Margaret.
"One minute I was defending her and the next she says that we're dating in the middle of the hallway"
"You should have seen her face" Ruby laughed, chewing on a carrot stick Belle had handed to her.
"Why were you defending Regina in the first place?" Mary Margaret asked, taking a bite of her own food.
Emma shrugged, seemingly getting a little over the shock of what happened. "Robin was hassling her. I heard there was talk from Killian that she was his next target"
"I'm surprised it's took this long for him to call her out" Aurora said from her place beside her girlfriend Mulan.
"Yes. He's the quarterback and she's the head cheerleader, it was bound to happen sometime" Mulan agreed.
"Whatever it is I bet it didn't really mean anything" Belle suggested.
David nodded. "Yeah, it was probably just to throw him off the scent. Don't beat yourself up over it Emma"
"Yeah Swan, she was probably just faking it. Although, the look on your face said otherwise" Ruby grinned, earning a playful glare from her best friend.
"Whatever, let's just eat"
Regina's heart raced and she felt short of breath as she made her way outside and under the bleachers. She didn't quite know why she had come here of all places but she did know that she had regretted what she had said the moment it had come out of her mouth. In a moment of weakness she had finally cracked under the pressure Robin had been building on her shoulders the past few months, today the final boiling point for her anger.
In the moment she had used the first person she could, in this case the woman who had defended her for no apparent reason but instead of dwelling on exactly why Emma Swan had defended her in the first place she couldn't dwell on anything but the fact that she had announced that they were dating, a fact she knew wasn't even in the least bit true. She had made it up on the spot, dragging Emma into the middle of it and now she felt sick to her stomach, something of her own doing.
And it was just that. She had gotten so fed up of the football players advances that she had finally bit back and done something she had regretted the moment the words left her lips, but instead of sticking around she had fled at the first possible chance she got and never looked back, probably leaving a very confused Emma behind to face the consequences of what she had done.
Now here she was hyperventilating under the bleachers wondering if she should have even come to school at all today. Then again her mother would have killed her if she even found out she had missed any classes at all. Sitting down and taking a deep breath to try and calm herself her thoughts drifted to Emma again, the blonde basketball player who had stepped up and went head on with Robin for the first time ever. She would have dwelled longer on the thought of the other woman if it weren't for the familiar voice of her best friend calling out for her.
"Regina?"
She looked up and smiled weakly at the honey blonde, Kathryn sending her a sympathetic smile back before sitting down next to her.
"I assume you know what happened?"
Kathryn nodded. "Yeah, the whole school's talking about it already. What happened 'Gina?"
The brunette smiled at the use of her pet name, no one else but Kathryn having the privilege to call her by it, not even her own family.
"I'm not surprised, you know the gossip spreads like wildfire at Storybrooke"
"I know, but what happened?"
She sighed, rubbing at her temples to try and keep the headache that was forming at bay. "I acted without thinking. Robin finally got to me"
"But why?"
"Because I couldn't take it any more! I don't want to date him Kathryn, I want him to leave me alone! Emma just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"I heard she was defending you"
"She was and she got caught in the crossfire. Then I left. Oh God, I must be a terrible person! I'm turning into my mother" She groaned, covering her face with her hands in shame.
Kathryn sighed, wrapping an arm around her best friend's shoulders and pulling her in for a sideways hug. She might have seemed like a typical cheerleader to most of the school but when it came to Regina she was anything but. Especially when the brunette compared herself to the despicable woman that was her mother.
"Don't say that, you're nothing like her. You're not a terrible person, 'Gi. You just got freaked out. I'm sure Emma doesn't mind"
"What if she hates me?"
"I'm sure she doesn't. Regina, I don't usually say this but I know you don't want to date Robin. In fact you don't wanna date any guy I pick out for you. I've seen the way you look at her"
The cheerleader's head snapped up and looked at the other girl with pure fear plastered across her face making Kathryn laugh at the deer in headlights expression she had elicited from her. It wasn't very often you could get Regina to look this way, it had to be something huge which meant that the honey blonde had hit the nail on the head.
"H-how-" She stuttered, something also a rare occurrence unless it was her mother calling her out on something.
Kathryn just smiled and waved it off. "Don't worry, I've known for sometime but come on Regina, I'm your best friend. You really don't think I wouldn't have noticed?"
Regina blushed a deep red at the revelation being said aloud. Sure, she had seen Emma around school with her best friend and co-player Ruby, but she had kept the way she felt deep down inside telling herself repeatedly that if she ignored it the feelings she had for the other girl might go away over time but now she knew that wasn't in the least bit true. As soon as the words left her best friend's lips the feelings had risen to the forefront of her mind and come crashing down around her. All she had needed was a catalyst: accidentally outing herself in the middle of a crowded hallway in front of half of the school.
She gulped as she suddenly felt sick to the stomach. What had she done?
Her best friends voice brought her back to reality. "What are you gonna do about it?" She asked, not sounding at all worried that Regina hadn't responded to her comment about noticing how she looked at Emma when she thought she wasn't looking.
"I don't know"
"Well, you're gonna have to do something or Robin's gonna get suspicious. Maybe you should talk to Emma."
"And say what? 'Oh, I'm sorry that I called you my girlfriend when we hardly even talk past hi in the hallway'?'
Kathryn could tell she was getting more frustrated by the second and she knew that if she didn't diffuse the situation quickly Regina would bite her head off, quite literally. So placing a comforting hand on her friends arm she smiled. "Just talk to her. It's Wednesday so she should have practice after school. Just...go and talk to her and while you wait maybe you should think about exactly what you want"
Regina knew what she meant, telling her to take the time to really think about if she wanted more with the blonde basketball player. The only question was, what in the hell did she want?
By the end of the school day Regina was exhausted. She spent the last two periods of school doing nothing but thinking about what Kathryn had told her. Luckily she was getting straight A's or else she would have failed when she zoned out completely in both classes. Once Wednesday afternoon cheer practice was over she knew it was now or never. The entire day she had gotten looks from the other students and it only made her more eager to talk to Emma about what had happened. She was pretty sure she left the blonde dazed and confused by the way she had suddenly left after her 'announcement'. She could only hope that Emma might be in the forgiving mood this afternoon.
By now the school day and ended and apart from a few people left over from after school clubs the hallways were empty. Regina breathed in a sigh of relief as she walked freely towards the gym, pretty sure that the girls basketball team had finished their practice session for the day. She couldn't help the smile that danced across her lips as she heard the sound of a single ball bouncing on hard wood and sneaker-clad feet as they rushed down the court.
Stepping into the otherwise empty gym she just caught the sight of Emma performing a spectacular layup, the other girls athletic ability clear to see as she pushed herself to complete the play. As she ran to collect the ball she caught sight of Regina and stopped, not quite sure what to do after what had happened between them earlier that day. Regina forced a smile as she pushed herself to walk towards the blonde. Upon closer inspection she realized that she had probably opted to stay behind and practice some more, her practice jersey soaked with sweat and loose strands of hair sticking to her forehead with more sweat gathered from her intense exertion. Emma's body breathed in heavily from her activities, the blonde pretty sure that the cheerleader's presence wasn't making it any better or easier.
"Emma, I'm sorry..." She trailed off, not quite sure what else to say.
Tucking the basketball under her arm Emma shook her head. "It's ok"
"Wait what?"
The way Regina seemed so surprised made Emma let out a breathless chuckle. "It's ok. Robin was hassling you. I get it"
"But I basically shouted to the whole school that I was dating you!"
"And I stepped in in the first place. It was weird, I admit, but at least now Robin can leave you alone"
Regina wasn't quite sure why the blonde seemed to accepting of what she had done. "But people now think we're girlfriends!"
"Don't you wanna be?"
"What?" Regina felt all the blood rushing to her face in what she was sure was a deep crimson blush. In that moment the blonde's words left her completely stunned and unable to form a complete sentence.
Emma just laughed, now turning the basketball over in her hands. "I just figured that now Robin can stay off your back. I've seen the way he hassles you Regina, that's why I stepped in in the first place"
"So what are you suggesting?"
Emma shrugged as she stepped back to the free throw line to shoot. "I don't know."
It took a few moments for Regina to catch on to the girls line of thinking, Emma forcing her to say it out loud. "Wait, are you saying we should continue to pretend that we're dating?" Emma nodded as she shot the ball and it landed through the hoop. "But why?"
"Because maybe it's time to give Robin a taste of his own medicine."
At that explanation Regina took a few moments to consider what the blonde was saying. She couldn't believe her luck. Steeling herself she nodded. "Ok"
"Ok?"
"Yes, I'll do it. How long?"
"I don't know, that's up to you."
"Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Not really but what other option do we have? We could break up in a few weeks and no one will be the wiser"
"So you're suggesting that we fake it?"
"Why not? I've wanted to get under Robin's skin for a while now. Just because he's the quarterback he thinks he runs this school, including the women in it." Looking at the brunette's unsure face she smiled. "Don't worry, it's not a big deal. I know as head cheerleader you've gotta keep your reputation under control so if I can help you with that so be it. Even if it is fake"
Regina couldn't help the sting of the other girls last words, the casual way that she said it like it didn't mean anything to the brunette. Sure, she was head cheerleader, but when it came down to it she wasn't like the typical HBIC (Head Bitch In Charge). Most people thought she was like any other cheerleaders due to the fact that she joined in with her squad when they taunted the outsiders and the quiet people that were lower on the social pyramid than her, but when it came down to it she was just doing it to keep everybody else happy at the cost of her own happiness. They expected it of her and she knew if she didn't do the things she did she'd be outcast and be on the receiving end of all of the hate and crude comments. All in the name of keeping her so called friends and mother happy and none the wiser that she hated pretending to be who she really wanted to be. Unfortunately that constant need to make everybody else happy just so happened to tie in with the one girl she actually liked other than her best friend, who had just suggested that they should fake being in a relationship. She was really in deep now.
Steeling herself she ignored Emma's words ringing in her ears and took a deep breath. "I like it"
"You do?"
"As long as we break up in a few weeks, just so that he leaves me alone"
"Done."
Emma watched as Regina squirmed under her gaze. She didn't like the idea either, even if she was the one that suggested it, but she couldn't pass up the opportunity to piss off Robin and pretend to date the girl she had a sort-of crush on. Things were going to get interesting.
The next day was the school assembly to announce the candidates for homecoming king and queen, an event especially important to the upper school hierarchy but Regina wanted to be anywhere else. But, no matter how much she wanted to be off somewhere quiet studying, as head cheerleader she had to be here. It was required of her and she had to keep up the act of pretending to care even if inside it made her feel sick to her stomach.
Principal Gold stepped up onto the stage behind the microphone and started droning on about various school notices, giving Ruby the opportunity to nudge her best friend.
"What?" The blonde questioned, turning her head to her right as it rested in her palm.
"What's the news with you and Regina?"
"We talked last night"
Belle looked over at her, more interested in the conversation her girlfriend was having with her best friend than what the principal was droning on about. Usually she would have been hanging onto his every word as she was a straight A student but even the bookworm in her couldn't fight the teenage need for juicy gossip, especially when it involved one of her best friends.
"And?" She prompted, seeing Ruby sit back a little so that Emma could see her.
"And we're faking it"
"Wait, you're going through with this?" Mulan questioned from her place on the other side of her team-mate.
Emma nodded. "Yeah"
Before her friends had any time to respond Principal Gold announced that they were going to be announcing the candidates for the homecoming court. "And now, the nominees for homecoming king: Killian Jones, Robin Hood and Emma Swan" A round of applause sounded throughout the gym as Emma sat frozen in shock in her seat. It wasn't until the principal announced who the nominees for homecoming queen were that had her heart hammering in her chest. "And the nominees for homecoming queen are: Kathryn Midas, Regina Mills and Tamara Green. Would the nominees please join me on stage"
It wasn't until Ruby punched her in the arm that Emma realized that she was actually supposed to get up. As soon as she was on her feet her heart started pounding even harder in her chest with each step. Each step that brought her closer to something she never thought she would ever get even though she was the captain of the basketball team. As if the pressure of standing in front of the entire school wasn't enough she wouldn't be standing with the other nominees for queen, for some reason she had been elected as a candidate for king.
Nevertheless she kept walking and eventually found herself stood on one side of the stage next to Killian and Robin. Looking over she saw Regina looking back at her with an equal look of a deer caught in headlights. Sure, they had agreed to fake it until things died down, but being put in front of the whole school was an entirely different ball game. A game neither of them had anticipated even in their current situation.
"Everybody give a round of applause for your homecoming nominees!" The whole school clapped until Robin jumped in front of the microphone.
"Wait!"
Mr. Gold frowned at the rude interruption. He did not appreciate his students pushing him out of the way. "Mr. Hood, what is the meaning of this?"
"Regina and Emma don't deserve to be nominated!"
"Why? Are you judging them? You know we don't tolerate discrimination towards other pupils"
"They're faking it! They don't deserve to be here!"
The principal raised an eyebrow and turned to Regina who was nothing short of the picture of terrified. He then glanced over to Emma who had the same look on her face. "Girls, is this true?" He asked, glancing between the both of them.
Emma caught Regina's eyes in an intense lock and before she realized it the head cheerleader was walking confidently towards her. As soon as she was in front of the blonde Regina turned to look out at the rest of the school who were eagerly awaiting her answer, including Emma's friends.
"No we're not...if we were faking it, would I do this?"
In a split second Regina made a decision that would lock in her and Emma's joint decision to fake being together. Except this time it would make it real for the both of them. Before Emma could react verbally Regina turned to her and cupped her face, pulling her in for a kiss that made the crowd erupt in cheering and clapping.
As if on instinct Emma's hands drifted down to her waist and wrapped around it tightly, pulling the brunette in close as she allowed herself to enjoy the feeling of kissing her crush for the first time, even if it was to satisfy and fool everybody else. Regina felt the same way as her hands clutched tightly at the sides of the basketball player's face, smiling into the kiss as she felt her arms around her waist tighten and pull her closer to her body. She couldn't explain it, the world seemed to melt away around them as they got lost in the touch of one another's lips upon their own, igniting sparks between them that went beyond much more than simply 'faking it'.
It burned within the pit of her stomach and she felt warmth spreading throughout her entire body as she realized that she had much more than simple little feelings for Emma Swan. They were much more than that and for the first time she admitted she had a crush on her, one that multiplied tenfold at the kiss that lasted much longer than she had first intended.
They both smiled at each other as they finally pulled apart, neither one of them making to move apart as the entire gym continued cheering them on at the first visual declaration that they were a couple.
"We can't go back now" Emma whispered, smiling as their foreheads rested against one another.
Regina nodded, glancing over her shoulder to see Robin with a shocked look on his face, the boy shocked that they had actually kissed confirming something he desperately didn't want to believe. Glancing back up at Emma Regina couldn't help but let her smile grow wider. "Yes, I guess we can't"
After the gym spectacle for the rest of the day the school looked at Emma and Regina differently. Happy that her friend had decided to go ahead with talking to Emma, Kathryn was happy to hang around with her best friend and Emma's friends. It was a nice change from hanging around with all the other cheerleaders who talked about nothing but celebrities, boys and gossip. Emma's friends were the exact opposite, poking jokes at each other and laughing about anything and everything.
Currently they were sat outside on what they had found out was Mary Margaret's picnic blanket with all the couples sat together happily whilst they eat. As Kathryn took a bite of her sandwich she glanced over to her best friend to see her sat between Emma's legs, the blonde happily chewing on a potato chip that Regina had offered her.
She smiled, knowing that after so long of fighting her feelings Regina was getting what she wanted. At least in a sense she was. To everybody sat around the blanket it was just for show, knowing the two girls were faking it but Kathryn knew better. She knew Regina wasn't putting up a front for these people, she was using it as an excuse to act the way she had always secretly wanted to act around Emma and if she wasn't so good at understanding the way people acted she would say that Emma was treating it as much more than an act too. She just hoped that her best friend didn't get hurt and that both her and the basketball player would realize they were supposed to be together for real.
It wasn't until the following evening that Emma was on her own practising again. Regina found her in the gym shooting hoops just like last time. She smiled as she sat down on the bleachers, amazed at how focused she was that she hadn't noticed her entrance. She had found Ruby and asked her where she was, finding that the blonde was in the gym even when there wasn't practice that day. She admired her dedication.
She watched how Emma ran, jumped and shot with a precision she wasn't sure she had ever seen before. She'd never really been interested in basketball before but watching the girl who was pretending to be her girlfriend on the court on her own she decided there and then that if Emma was playing she'd pay attention otherwise she didn't want to know.
When Emma finally took a break about ten minutes later she noticed her audience, a smile spreading across her lips when she saw Regina sat halfway up the bleachers watching her. Tucking the basketball under her arm she made her way over to where she had placed her duffel bag on the very bottom bleacher.
"Hey"
Regina smiled back sweetly. "Hi"
"When did you get here?"
"About ten minutes ago. You were so into what you were doing I don't think you noticed me"
Emma grabbed her quarter sized towel, wiping her face before wrapping it around her shoulders and grabbing her sports drink. "You're right, I didn't notice you. Sorry"
The other girl waved her hand dismissively. "It's not a big deal. In fact it was quite interesting to see you play on your own"
"It is?" Emma inquired, climbing up the bleachers and plopping down next to the cheerleader.
Her answer got a nod. "Hmm. When you play you shine but watching you on your own is even better"
"I'll take that as a compliment" She grinned, taking a long gulp of her drink. "So anyway, what brings you here? I thought there was a football game tonight"
"There is but I wanted to come and see what you were doing before I went. I kinda wanted you there"
"Why?"
Regina sighed, not one to admit she was scared out loud very often. "I wanted you there just in case-"
"In case Robin starts hassling you?"
"Yes"
"Like protection?"
"No, just to make sure he doesn't do anything funny when you're not with me"
Emma nodded and considered what the brunette was trying to say. "What would it involve?"
"I don't know. I would feel better with you in the stands. But only if you want to, I'm not forcing you to"
Emma laughed at the cheerleader's nervous tone. "I'd love to. If it keeps Robin off your back I'll come watch you"
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah. As long as I can bring Ruby with me. She loves making fun of the football players"
Regina laughed at the mental image of Ruby shouting about the football players from the stands. It was surprising how in the last two days she had grown to love Emma's kooky and unique friends, including the tall brunette who often referred to herself as Storybrooke High's 'Werewolf on the Court'.
Holding out a hand she smiled. "It's a deal"
The football game went without a hitch as soon as Robin saw that Emma would be in attendance. She rarely ever came to the teams games and he thought he had an opportunity to approach Regina until he saw her and the girl that called herself her best friend in the stands. He knew he was going to have to try a lot harder if he was even going to have a chance at getting to the head cheerleader.
When the game was done Emma greeted Regina outside in the parking lot, the blonde perched up against the hood of Ruby's car. Regina was unable to stop the smile that formed across her lips at the sight of the other girl clad in a pair of Converses, jeans, and a red leather jacket.
"Hey"
Emma's head snapped up at the sound of her name and her expression softened at the sight of the cheerleader. "Hey. You ready to go?"
"Yes. Where's your car?"
"In the shop. This is Ruby's"
"Isn't yours the yellow bug?"
Emma nodded. "Yep, that's the one"
"So how are we getting home?"
"I thought I could walk you, if you wanted that is"
Regina took a few moments to regard the nervous tone in Emma's voice before smiling sweetly. "I'd love that"
"Good. Let's go"
They started walking in the direction of Regina's house, the two of them drifting closer and closer together the further they went. They talked about everything and anything and by the time they arrived outside of the cheerleaders house Regina found herself not wanting the walk to end.
"So, here I am"
Emma nodded and smiled nervously, not quite knowing what to do. "Yeah, so I'll see you on Monday?"
Regina smiled and took a step forward, placing a kiss to the other girl's cheek, letting her lips linger a little longer than usual before pulling away. Emma stood dazed as she walked away, retreating up the front path to her front door. The moment it closed she let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding, unable to believe that she had just boldly kissed Emma on the cheek. It almost sounded stupid considering they had locked lips in front of the whole school the day before but this time it wasn't in front of anybody else. Sighing in an almost dreamlike manor she made her way upstairs to her room to change.
Meanwhile outside it took a few moments for Emma to realize what had just happened before her mind kicked back into gear, her hand reaching up to touch the spot that Regina had just kissed, the feeling lingering as if it was burning her skin in the best of ways possible. Shaking her head she realized that she had to be getting home and when she looked up she saw Regina wave to her from her window. Waving back she blushed a little and turned on her heels in the direction of her house.
Calm down Emma, she thought, she's just your fake girlfriend.
Emma groaned as Regina laughed. "Come on, give it to me!"
"No, not until you remember manners"
The blonde growled as the girl currently sat between her legs held the small stick of cheese just out of the reach of her mouth. They were currently sat waiting for the rest of Emma's friends, plus Kathryn, to join them for lunch. In the meantime Regina was teasing Emma whilst she had the opportunity.
"Do I have to?"
"Yes, if you want the cheese so badly"
She sighed as her body deflated. "Fine. Please can I have the stick of cheese Regina?"
"Of course you can" The cheerleader replied sweetly, turning so that she could feed it to the blonde. Emma grinned as she finally got to eat the first part of her lunch and as she chewed she grinned when Regina placed a soft kiss to her cheek. "Good girl"
Emma rolled her eyes at the endearment just as Mulan and Aurora joined them. "Hey M" Emma greeted, leaning a little more of her weight back on her hands.
The Chinese basketball player nodded at the greeting as she sat down next to her girlfriend. "Hello Emma, hello Regina"
"Good afternoon Mulan. Aurora."
The cheery girl looked up and smiled over to where the head cheerleader was sat in between Emma's legs, deciding not to mention how natural they looked together even if they were just 'faking it' for the rest of the school. "Hello Regina. Emma, I have a question."
"Sure, fire away" She prompted just as Kathryn, Ruby and Belle joined them.
"How do you feel about being nominated for homecoming king?"
Emma frowned before realizing what she was inquiring about. "Wait, is this for the school's Tumblr blog?"
The other girl nodded. "Yes, it's just that I needed an answer before the final blog goes out this afternoon before the winners are announced tomorrow"
"What are we talking about?" David asked, setting his backpack down on the floor as Mary Margaret laid out her picnic blanket.
"Aurora needs to know how Emma feels about being nominated for homecoming king" Ruby informed, her mouth half full of food as she talked which earned a slap on the arm from Belle who was already deep into a book she had been dying to read all day. David nodded before letting Emma reply to Aurora's question.
"I guess that's fair enough. Umm, I'm not quite sure. I've never really been nominated for something like this before but I guess it's cool because Regina's a nominee for homecoming queen."
"How would you feel if you won?"
"I don't know. Excited maybe? I'm just happy to be nominated"
"That's great, thanks Emma"
"No probs A. Now back to more important matters: Regina, are you hiding my Cheetos?"
The girl in question turned her head to look at her fake girlfriend, raising a perfectly sculpted eyebrow at her. Fake girlfriend or not she was genuinely terrified of that look already. "Emma Swan, are you insinuating that I have hidden them on purpose?"
She shrugged nervously. "No..."
"Then you obviously have a low opinion of me" Emma smiled when she held up the desired food item in front of her. Just as she was about to reach for them Regina held them at a distance. It was as if Emma knew on instinct what she was implying.
"Not this again Regina!"
"Say it!"
"Fine. Can I please have my Cheetos Miss. Mills?"
Regina smirked before handing her the bag, the verbal confirmation enough to make her break down and just give her what she wanted. She found herself allowing her to get her way even more over the past week and as much as she wanted to deny it every time she found herself in the blonde's company whether it be walking down a hallway to class hand in hand or sitting like this during lunch, she just couldn't keep lying to herself. The rest of the school bought the act but every time she was with Emma she slowly found herself believing their interactions with each other were real, that they we actually a couple and weren't just faking it to throw a Robin off their tails.
If she had any hope that Emma might just feel the same way and wasn't just faking it either, she was willing to bet everything she had on the blush that appeared on the basketball players face when she kissed her on the cheek nearly a week ago after the football game. That's what kept her grounded and that's what gave her hope that they didn't 'break up' in a few weeks time, that they would actually be together for real as she was finding the change of pace with a new friendship group refreshing compared to the dull everyday cheerleader life she had somewhat fooled herself into believing was the right path for her.
Her mind snapped back to reality as everybody awed at their interaction and she was pretty sure that they all knew what she knew, her and Emma weren't faking it any more, at least not in front of them. This was becoming much more than something that was devised to keep up appearances for the rest of the school.
As if on cue Emma sat up and wrapped her arms around her waist, her head resting on her shoulder and her torso pressed deliciously to Regina's back. The brunette in her arms squirmed cutely as a kiss was placed to her cheek and soon found herself relaxing into the embrace, enjoying the warmth that the other girls close proximity provided. With her back flush to Emma's front she let herself tune into the new conversation Ruby had started about some kid in the glee club singing for their girlfriend in the middle of class earlier that morning.
The next morning was the assembly when Principal Gold announced who had won the treasured roles of king and queen for homecoming and to say Emma was a little nervous was an understatement. It was buzzing underneath her skin as her and her friends entered the gym, making their way up in the bleachers and finding some empty seats. It wasn't long before she spotted Regina and smiled when she waved up at her, her and Kathryn making their way up to her and joining their new group of friends.
Emma smiled as Regina sat down on the empty side of her and kissed her cheek, the blonde blushing as she was still unused to having her crush kiss her, even if it was on the cheek. They happily sat together as the assembly began and it wasn't long before Principal Gold called all of the nominees for up to the stage.
Once they were there he opened an envelope. "And the winners for your homecoming king and queen are..." There was a deathly silence in the gym as he paused, everybody knowing that he was doing it for dramatic effect. It just made things that much more tense.
As they waited for what seemed like forever Emma caught Regina's eyes across the stage, the girls stood on one side whilst the king nominees stood on the other. After the past week Emma had found herself falling into a routine she was pretty sure she didn't want to end even if they both said it was fake in the beginning. She loved that she could act like Regina's girlfriend in front of other people, not quite sure that either of them were faking it any more. She was pretty sure that Regina felt the same way, she just didn't know for sure. As she looked at the head cheerleader across from her she couldn't help but think about how she saw her as Regina. Not the head cheerleader or HBIC but the girl who loved horse riding and studying. The girl that Emma was pretty sure she had fallen for the moment her lips met her own. That's why she hoped that even if they didn't win homecoming king and queen that they might become a couple for real.
It was then that she was brought back to reality by Mr. Gold's voice. "Emma Swan and Regina Mills"
The who gym erupted into cheers that equalled the ones from the day that they first kissed and as their eyes met again it was as if they both knew what they wanted to do, they just needed that final confirmation from each other to take that step. This was the sign that they had been waiting for.
Taking a deep breath and smiling like she never had before Emma stepped forward, Regina doing the same and they met in front of the microphone. Emma reached out and pulled her in by the waist, the other girl happily complying and wasting no time in connecting their lips together. Although in the rush of winning the treasured titles, much to Robin's displeasure, both girls knew that this meant much more than it did before.
Pulling away Emma sweetly placed a kiss to her forehead, making Regina smile. The crowd just erupted into even more cheers at the cute and caring action and for the first time since they'd decided to fake it both of them decided to let themselves get lost in the moment.
Later that day it was just before lunch when Emma was waiting for Regina at her locker. They were going to meet and then go outside to meet the rest of Emma's little group like they had everyday for the past week. Regina spotted the blonde ponytail even in the middle of the crowded hallway and just caught sight of Ruby talking with her best friend and Kathryn too. Smiling at the sight if the three getting on so well she sped up her steps but froze at what happened next.
Emma looked up at the sound of her name and saw Killian accompanied by two other football players. When she saw what was in their hands she knew what was coming and was powerless to stop it. Before she could react she felt sharp cold ice collide with her face, corn syrup already running into her eyes and stinging. Both Ruby and Kathryn stood next to her shocked, watching as the orange slushie dripped down her face and onto her shirt.
Killian smirked, making sure that he was loud enough for everybody in the hallway to hear him. "Swan, compliments from the football team. Congratulations for winning" He smirked, patting her on the shoulder before walking away.
Before she knew what she was doing Regina burst through the crowd. Right now the other students knew she was on a mission, especially when it concerned her 'girlfriend' and they dared not mess with the head cheerleader. She was likely to kill a few people if they got in the way.
"Emma!" She gasped, finally breaking through the crowd that had gathered around the basketball player.
By now Killian was gone, lucky for him as Regina would have literally killed him for what he had just done. Emma, still shocked, looked up and sighed in relief at the sight of the brunette, not quite sure what to do than just stand there helpless. Luckily Regina had a plan and reached forward, not caring that she got her hands sticky, and grasped Emma's hand in her own. She then turned to Ruby and Kathryn.
"Go and tell Mr. Gold that Killian just slushied Emma. Tell him that I sent you. Then I want Ruby to bring me a spare shirt for Emma. Go!"
Nodding both girls knew better than to not do as she said. The turned on their heels quickly and pushed through the crowd that was slowly dispersing and Regina turned back to Emma, sending her a sympathetic smile before pulling her towards the nearest girls bathroom. When they entered she growled at the students that were already in there and they left without question, knowing better than to argue with her. As soon as they were gone she locked the door and pulled up the chair from the corner of the room, directing Emma into it and telling her to take off her shirt.
Emma did as she was told and when she lent back in her chair she saw the angry look on the cheerleader's face and reached out, grabbing her hand and stopping her. "Regina..." She trailed, seeing the way that her eyes seemed to overflow with a mix of emotions including anger and hurt over the fact that someone had humiliated the girl she was surely in love with.
Before she knew it a tear had run down her face and Emma didn't know what to do other than pull her down into her lap. She wrapped her arms around her waist and despite the fact that she was sat in nothing but a bra and jeans Regina didn't care, she just let herself calm down in the other girls embrace. Ever since that morning she had been on a high, feeling like nothing could stop her until Emma got slushied in the middle of a crowded hallway. Speaking of slushies...
"Wait, what about your eyes?"
The other girl smiled. "Don't worry, I can wait a little longer until you're ok"
The admission made her heart melt, unsure how to put into words how much it mean to her that Emma would endure the pain until she was ok. Deciding to put aside her emotions in favor of easing Emma's pain she sniffled ane placed a thankful kiss to her forehead, grinning as she sat up off her lap.
"You taste like orange"
Emma laughed at the lighter change of topic, sitting back so that her head was over the sink. "I'm glad you like it but my eyes are really starting to sting."
Regina sighed as she entered her house, hoping that her mother hadn't realized she was home. She had just reached the bottom of the stairs when she heard a voice come from the study. No such luck.
"Regina dear"
Rolling her eyes and huffing she made her way towards her mothers study despite the fact that she wanted to be anywhere but there. Hopefully she would just want to let her know when dinner would be ready. When she entered her mother patted the empty space beside her on the chaise lounge and she obeyed the silent command without question. Sitting down Cora smiled and she thought that she was going to be ok.
"Regina dear, how was your day?"
"Good mother. I was voted homecoming queen"
The older woman smiled. "I know, I heard. It's exactly where you're supposed to be but I have one query about it"
"What?"
"The subject of your king"
"Yes, what about them?"
"I heard that it's Emma Swan"
"That's correct"
"Maybe you should consider having Robin as your king. I have already talked to Mr. Gold about possibly changing the outcome of today's announcement"
"Why do you want me to change it?"
"Because it's unacceptable to have a woman be your queen dear. It's better if a boy, especially the captain of the football team. Imagine the kind of power you would have over the entire school if the both of you were royalty together."
She couldn't believe her mother right now. She always wanted power no matter what it involved and even though she was the mayor she was still manipulating her daughter so that she could 'rule the school' and that included getting her to date a boy she's never even liked. Especially after today when she knew that he had ordered the attack on Emma, sending Killian to do his dirty work. For once she had had enough and everything she had been trying to do to make not only the school hierarchy but her mother happy came crashing down around her. She was tired of pretending to be something she wasn't any more.
"What's wrong with Emma?"
"She's a girl and I won't let my daughter be seen as homecoming queen with her"
Regina stood up and stared at her mother in disbelief. "What are you saying?"
Cora stood up so that she was eye level with her daughter. "I'm saying that I know you've been kissing her and saying that she's your girlfriend. No daughter of mine will be seen with such a lowly person, especially a woman."
Regina snorted. "You know what? I'm sick of this. I'm sick of doing whatever you want me to do and I'm sick of pretending to be something I'm not! I'm tired of doing stuff that only pleases other people and you know what? I'm proud that Emma got chosen to be my homecoming king because she's the one person who sees me for me, something you haven't done since the day that I was born! I love Emma and I don't care what you say!"
Now full of anger she panted heavily as she headed for the front door, not caring that she had just verbally admitted she loved Emma. Cora was hot on her heels. "Regina Mills if you walk out of that door you will no longer be my daughter!"
She paused with the door halfway open. Turning around to her mother she shook her head. "I don't care. Maybe that's better than actually being your daughter!"
Before Cora could respond she had slammed the door shut behind her and started running down the pathway. Not quite knowing where to go she went to the one place she knew she'd be welcome. As she ran tears streaked down her cheeks as she felt sadness overtake her anger. Sadness that her mother had basically disowned her for finally being herself. She knew that it would happen one day, she just didn't know the exact time and place. What made it hurt more was the already overwhelming day she had had that she wanted to forget. Obviously not the assembly but Emma being slushied had ruined her perfect mood and this was the final straw that broke the camels back.
Before she knew it she was standing in front of Emma's house, lonely on the side walk as she stood not knowing what else to do. It wasn't before Emma was bursting through the front door and running down the front path at the sight of Regina so distraught.
"Regina!"
Her head snapped up and it was as if her heart broke, all of her emotions bubbling over the edge and overwhelming her all at once. She let out a strangled sob as she felt Emma embrace her, the blonde's arms locking securely around her as she proceeded to cry into her chest. Knowing she wasn't ready to answer any questions she might have Emma decided to not to push exactly why she was in this state in the first place. When she felt her calm down, sniffling against her now-wet shirt she pulled away a little to cup the shorter girls face, wiping away the remnants of her tears with her thumbs. Regina smiled softly when she felt Emma press her lips to her forehead soothingly.
"It's ok, I'm here"
Regina knew at that moment she couldn't keep her feelings to herself any more. She had to say what was on her mind. "I had a fight with my mother. She didn't want you to be my homecoming king but I couldn't take it Emma." Taking a deep breath she looked up at the blonde that had stolen her heart. "I don't want to fake it any more"
All at once Emma felt her own heart break, not quite sure whether to feel disappointment or sadness at the idea of Regina telling her that she didn't want to be with her any more. Noticing this Regina reached up and changed the roles, now the one to cup the other's face. She stroked at Emma's jaw with her thumbs and smiled.
"Don't worry, I'm not breaking up with you"
Emma frowned. "Then what-"
"I want to be with you with you"
"What, as in girlfriends for real?"
She nodded. "Yes. I love you"
Emma smiled at the admission, her mood going from sad to ecstatic in the matter of a second. Her grin growing wider she wrapped her arms around Regina's waist and pulled her in for a kiss that spoke of nothing but happiness and joy. It felt the realest out of every one so far, except their first of course, but when she pulled away to look into Regina's eyes she knew she had got everything she had always wanted.
"I love you too"