"Hey babe, stop fussing. You look amazing."
Ruby smiled and strode over to her flustered girlfriend who had yet to find the nights 'perfect' outfit. "Thankyou, darling. I just want everything to go well tonight. Emma is only new to us and I don't want to host a boring dinner party and make her disinterested in us. I'm sure she's used to all kinds of exciting people and nightlife from Boston."
Ruby chuckled as she wound her long arms around the small Latina's waist. It always amazed Ruby how tiny Regina actually was, since her personality made her seem like such a giant. "She's not going to 'drop us' or the rest of the group because of a boring dinner party. She genuinely likes us. Stop stressing. Just focus on the fact she's coming. I'm super excited, aren't you? Belle's coming as well and I think they're going to hit it off."
"Hmm, I am excited for tonight, it will be great seeing Emma again. I don't think I've ever had a friendship so strong with someone before. It took us a while though, remember when we hated each other?" Ruby laughed at Regina's suddenly nostalgic turned sullen expression. "At least you don't hate each other anymore. You're like really close now, like me and Belle, or MM. So stop pouting." Regina rolled her eyes with a smile and turned back towards her over-stuffed wardrobe.
"Hey! Don't go outfit crazy anymore babe. You know that whatever you wear looks incredible. And also, remember who is coming over? Mary Margaret is obsessed with Grandma cardigans. David cannot survive without a flannel shirt. Mulan looks like she just got out of the Gym. Or a bikie gang! I love them and all, but there's not really much competition." Instead of calming her down, the Mayor huffed and turned around, looking into her girlfriend's eyes. "I know darling. So you think my dinner party won't be boring then?"
Ruby just planted a soft kiss on a tan shoulder, which the owner of sunk into almost immediately. "Absolutely. Everyone always has a blast when they come over here. Remember how excited Mary Margaret got last time she was invited?" Regina chucked at the fond memory. "I suppose."
The taller brunette raised an eyebrow. "You suppose?"
That gained a chuckle from Regina as she mockingly glared at Ruby. "Do you have a problem with the way I speak dear? Or would you prefer 'Sup, dude! Wanna hang in the crib with the rest of my homies?"
At that failed impression and Regina's attempt at a gangster pose, Ruby broke into the loudest laugh the small brunette had ever heard. "Oh My God! Regina! Can you please do that again? And let me film it?" Regina just watched on in amusement at her still cackling girlfriend. "Did It really please you that much? I had no idea an inner desire of yours was to date some kind of hooligan. Just because I'm Latina, it doesn't mean that I'm going to sound like the ridiculous stereotypes today's society has managed to instate."
Ruby shook her head, smiling as she wiped the last of her tears away. "No babe, I love you exactly the way you are. But what you just did there? I never knew you had such a magic 90's impression!"
Regina raised an eyebrow at the suggestive look in her girlfriend's eyes. "Magic, did you say darling? And what kind of magic am I in possession of?"
Shivers ran down the young Mayor's spine as Ruby shot her a predatory smirk and started to close the small gap between them. "The kind of magic that really, really turns me on."
"Well then, is that so? My nineties impression has managed to make you horny?" Ruby's lips quirked a little higher at her lover's teasing and leaned down slowly to brush soft lips over a dainty ear. "Oh yeah. And definitely the way you speak as well. Whatever comes out of your fucking mouth. Especially when your mouth is doing the fucking."
The shocked gasp that tore from Regina's throat rang through Ruby's ears and she could almost imagine the darkening, lustful eyes of her girlfriend. She had been with the Mayor long enough to know that she liked it when Ruby talked dirty.
"Well then, I'm imagining you probably don't want me to decide on an outfit now."
Ruby shook her head in agreement and latched her strong arms tightly around Regina's waist, hoisting the woman up in the air until she had landed onto their bed.
"Not really, all I want to do is rip your current one off of you." At the growl that soon followed, and the rough removal of her silk blouse and lace bra, Regina's chuckles quickly turned into soft moans as she let her talented lover make her forget all the night's oncoming worries of dinner parties and clothing ensembles.
"Belle? Are you home?" At the sound of her neighbour's voice echoing through the small apartment, the short brunette stuck her head out the side of her bedroom door. "Hey Elsa! How are you?" The blonde smiled at her friend's flustered state.
"I'm fine sweetheart, it seems you aren't though." At Belle's light blush, Elsa laughed and followed her friend into her bedroom, taking note of the books and clothes strewn across the doorway and all over the tiny living room.
And then she realised Belle was in her underwear.
"Oh wow. Belle, do you want a robe or ..." The brunette blushed furiously as she realised her lack of clothing and quickly scrambled to throw on a baggy t-shirt.
"Sorry Elsa, I just haven't decided what to wear yet, and I'm surprisingly nervous about seeing everyone since...well you know, and apparently we have a new group member that Regina and Ruby are in love with and I'm just so...Ugh!"
Elsa chuckled softly as she sat next to her friend on her bed. "Okay, just breathe Belle. Firstly, if you're worried about our new friend, don't stress. I've met Emma quite a few times while you had trapped yourself in here, and she's really lovely. Secondly, you have nothing to fear over seeing the group tonight. Everyone just loves you and have missed seeing you, so I don't think they're going to mention Killian if that's what you're worried about. And lastly, it's going to be fun. You've hardly seen anyone in a whole month of isolation, and you know whatever outfit you choose you'll look great in. Now you're going to get changed while I sit on the couch watchPing The Voice. Got it?"
Belle just rolled her eyes and nodded at her friend before shooing her out of the bedroom. Finally deciding on an outfit, she exited her bedroom safe Haven and approached her friend on the couch who was lazily texting her sister.
"So? What do you think?" Elsa snapped her head up and smiled softly at the brunette. She was wearing a soft blue blouse that made her eyes brighten, along with a short black skirt and simple black flats. Her hair was down in her usual lovely curls, but some were encased to the side of her head with a pin. "You look gorgeous Belle. I just have some minor adjustments."
Quickly racing into her neighbour's bomb site of a bedroom, Elsa grabbed a pair of thin black pumps, before throwing them at Belle and racing inside again, to retrieve a small blazer. "Here, put these on along with some lipstick and you'll be the hottest one there, guaranteed. And also unbutton the top a little, looking like that you're guaranteed to catch everybody's eye tonight."
After a few grumblings from the small librarian about the heels and the blouse, she was finally dressed to Elsa's wishes and ready to leave her apartment. "Are you coming yet, El? Regina was pretty specific about the party starting at 6."
The taller blonde shook her head and made her way to her apartment door. "Sorry Belle, I've got a date tonight. But give my love to everyone won't you?" Belle sighed disappointed and nodded, before locking her door and turning towards the stairs.
"Belle!" The brunette turned around at Elsa's voice. "Don't be nervous tonight, okay? You look beautiful and have absolutely nothing to worry about." Belle smiled softly and nodded at the blonde before walking down the stairs, a new spring of confidence in her steps.
And it wasn't just because she hadn't fallen over in her heels yet.
Mulan chuckled as she pulled her phone away from her ear, not wanting her friend to listen to her amusement while the blonde was clearly in pain. "Goddamn shit fucker! I fucking hate doors! Why the fuck do we have the bastard things? All they do is make my life a fucking load of shit! Ow, fuck!" At this statement, Mulan couldn't help the throaty laugh that tore from her mouth as she heard a distinct thump and crash over on the other line.
"Swan? Are you okay?" After a few moments of silence, the Korean girl took a deep sigh of relief as her friend's voice once again filled the line. "No! I'm not fucking okay! If you weren't laughing at me you ass-hat, and actually listening you would know that I just stubbed my toe and it's frigging hurting, so I can't walk and now I'm fucking hopping all over my apartment like some stoned one-legged rabbit and I just fucking fell over!"
Mulan shook her head and sighed playfully. "You're a real dumb shit Emma. You know that right?" That earned a genuine laugh from the other woman.
"No, because clearly me lying on the floor right now doesn't explain why I haven't won any Nobel Prizes yet."
"I'm impressed, that was slightly clever Swan. I bet you're brain feels weird though, seeing as you've never used it before." Emma laughed again, causing Mulan's grin to grow.
"Oh! Remember when I asked for your opinion, Mulan?... Me neither! So you can go shove it."
Both women wore matching grins now, loving every second of their newfound relationship. As soon as Emma had arrived in town a few weeks ago, she had struck up a strong friendship with the fitness instructor. Apart from sharing similar interests, both had strong personalities, compatible senses of humour and mouths like sailors that immediately attracted the pair towards their nearly daily bantering and verbal sparring sessions."
"Go suck a dick Emma." Mulan slapped herself across her forehead. When did her comebacks become so mainstream? She sounded like she was still in middle school for Gods sake!
"Sorry, your mom's not my type." At Emma's response, the Korean rolled her eyes as she could hear the blonde's smug grin on the other line.
"Neither is yours."
That was when the silence broke out and Mulan awkwardly cleared her throat to take it back.
"Oh God Emma I'm so sorry, I totally forgot that-"
"-Don't worry about it Mulan. It's fine. Anyway, I'm just going to go and get ready for tonight. I might be a little late, so I'll text you when I get there, okay?"
Mulan started to panic, she knew she had struck a very sensitive nerve of the blonde's regarding her parents, and she didn't want to screw up her new friendship so fast.
"No! Stay for a little bit please? I can still pick you up tonight! Emma I'm so sorry, I didn't honestly mean... Emma?"
As she patiently hoped for her friend's response, Mulan looked down at her screen and realised the new Sheriff had already hung up on her.
"Gina! Can you please go get the door?" Ruby called out from inside their large kitchen. "I'm busy plating up the appetisers with Mulan and August!" Regina nodded and dropped her phone on the counter, while dashing to the door.
"Hello, dear ! Come inside, please." Belle smiled at Regina before embracing the small woman tightly, and followed her to the inside of the large mansion now filled with most of their friends. Nearly their whole group was here including MM, David, Neal, Archie, Jefferson and Arielle.
When her eyes laid sight on the guys crashed together on the couch, she couldn't help but think back to when Killian was sitting there, amongst them. But this time the pang of sadness that shot through her wasn't nearly as bad as it was a month ago and a sincere smile bloomed across her face at that thought.
"Hey, French! Come on over here!" Jefferson called out to Belle, who swiftly walked over to the man before embracing both him and his boyfriend tightly, and sitting down on the couch. "I feel like I haven't seen you guys in forever! How are the both of you?" Jefferson and Archie smiled softly at each other and linked hands. "We've been great actually. We just moved in with each other yesterday." Arielle, the energetic redhead and one of Belle's closest friends, squealed and jumped up from her seat next to Belle on the couch.
"Oh my God you guys! That's so great!" The brunette chuckled at the couple's bewildered expressions and placed her hand over their joint ones. "Congratulations Jeff. I'm really happy for the both of you. But remember, you got a good one here, don't let him go." Archie blushed at her compliment and Jeff chuckled at his boyfriend's reaction. "Yeah he's pretty special. Talking about special, have you seen anyone here tonight that catches your eye?"
Belle rolled her eyes at Jefferson's playful tone. She loved the man wholeheartedly, they'd been inseparable since they met as kids and he was pretty much her big brother. And in every sense of the word too- he especially liked to tease her, but he was also fiercely loyal and very protective which made her heart melt.
"Not really. I'd rather not get with someone I have known since I was 10." At that, Jeff, Archie and Arielle all burst into laughter. It was true. Everyone in their group had grown up in Storybrooke and loved the small town so much, they never decided to leave. And as heartwarming as that is, it's hard to find a suitable partner outside of your friends. But luckily, some peoples true loves were their best friends such as Regina and Ruby or MM and David.
Killian was really the first one who came to Storybrooke, and Belle was immediately intrigued by the outsider. Which was why his infidelity hurt her the most. Not only did he cheat on her, but he cheated on her with one of her best friends she had loved since preschool. Needless to say, Tina didn't stay in Storybrooke long after she found out, and both she and Killian had gone off the radar and never seen again.
"That's very true sweetheart, but you now know there is a newbie in town. She's hot as hell, hilarious and pretty sweet. You never know..." Belle rolled her eyes again at Jefferson's subtle wink sent in her direction. So what if the woman was attractive? She wasn't into that kind of thing. Yes there was the one girl in college she secretly liked... But that was for a month! She really shouldn't tell Jeff as much as she did. He was just as bad as Ruby.
"Yeah! I've heard at least ten guys are after Ems already. Poor girl, you'd think a small town would be a good escape from men. Pfft. She told me last night that she went to the grocery store and at least 2 guys hit on her. Now, to me that's not such a bad thing. But apparently Ems just wants to be free of romance for a little while." Arielle chuckled and flipped her long red hair over her shoulder. Belle looked over at her, surprised. "Ems? You guys know eachother?" Arielle grinned at her. "Oh yeah! Even though we've hung out only a couple of times, we're pretty close. You'd totally like her. Speaking of the little bitch, where is she?"
"She's on her way here, just texted me now." Mulan entered the room and plopped on the couch next to Archie. "What! She texted you? Not me?" Neal smiled over at the pouting redhead and patted her shoulder gently. "It's okay Arielle. She probably really wanted to text you, it's just that Mulan might have been the last person she texted and was up at the top of her contact list. She probably really wanted to text you, but was too busy driving."
Arielle visibly brightened as Jeff scoffed and elbowed Belle. "Wasn't that the most messed up thing you've ever heard?" The librarian just tried to hide her smile and gently slapped Jefferson's upper arm. "Shush you. He really likes her. Albeit a little weird, I think it's sweet."
Mulan scoffed. "Yep. He's definitely got the look."
"What look?" Belle asked confused as she and the rest of the small group turned their focus to the pair, watching them softly whispering to each other. "The dumbass in love look, that's what. He's been head over heals for her since Tamara left. I'm pretty sure he was head over heals while she was still here." Jefferson snorted and nodded in agreement.
"Sounds about right. Tamara sure looked pissed as hell when she left him. I just thought it was one-sided though. Is Arielle actually into him? Were they actually having an aff-"
Jefferson's gossip-fest was interrupted by the doorbell ringing loudly across the mansion. Soon enough the tell-tale click clack of heels was heard and Regina rushed out of the kitchen, smiling like she won the lottery as she opened the door roughly and flung herself into the arms of the person outside.
"God, she's pretty happy to see someone. Have she and Ruby finally decided to take my advice on getting a third person in their relationship?" Belle giggled at Neal while shaking her head. "No, I'm pretty sure that's this Emma chick you guys are obsessed with." Arielle pulled her head up, suddenly alert and focused. "Emma? Emma!" She bounded up off the couch and approached Regina and their newest guest.
When the rest of the group (along with an over-enthusiastic Jefferson) went up to greet the girl, Belle finally got her first glimpse of the blonde mystery. From the skin-tight leather dress to the wild blonde curls and blood red velvet heels, Belle had to shake her head to make sure the woman standing before her was actually real.
And Oh. Dear. God.
She sure as hell was.
"Emma! Darling, it's so good to see you!" Regina smiled over at her friend after embracing her for what felt like the millionth time that night. "It's great to see you too, Gina. Thanks so much for inviting me!" Ruby rolled her eyes and punched Emma's shoulder lightly. "You're apart of the group now, babe. If we didn't invite you, we'd already be dead anyway. Ariel seems pretty hellbent on seeing you fit in."
At the mention of the perky redhead, Emma chuckled and slapped the tall brunette on the side of her head. "Hey! Don't be mean, Rubes. She's really cute and has been super helpful with the move." Ruby smirked at the blonde before wrapping her arm tightly around her girlfriend's waist. "Really cute, huh? You got a thing for Ariel? She's sure as hell into you."
Emma rolled her eyes but still maintained a smile at her two adorable friends, lovingly leaning into each other. "Ruby is right, dear. The woman seems to have a very strong attachment to you. I think it even borders on an infatuation." The blonde gave a deadpan look to Regina, as she shook her head. "Yeah she is cute and pretty funny but I don't know yet though. Brunettes are more my type."
At the mention of brunettes, Ruby's eyes lit up. "Oh Em! I just remembered you have to finally meet Belle! Come on, let's go find her." The Sheriff nodded and followed the taller girl over to a small clump of people. However, their mission seemed to get sidetracked by the appearance of the rest of their friends.
After being distracted by Ariel's babbling and Jefferson's enthusiastic gossip, the three extracted themselves to head towards two people standing in the corner of the room.
As she and the two brunettes approached, August flashed her a stunning smile and made her beam on the inside. However, she lost all her breath as her eyes laid sight on his quiet friend who did not look at all like what she expected. Where was the shy, introverted bookworm obsessed with Nicholas Sparks she was going to meet?
The brunette she was heading towards, had a sweet and innocent aura about her, and Emma couldn't help but be captivated by the pale blue eyes and soft smile the young woman was flashing in her direction. Her pale face was framed with glossy, bouncy chocolate curls and Emma couldn't stop the image of running her hands through them, flashing through her mind. The woman's body was also gorgeous and erupted a sudden heat in her core.
Well, if this ravishing young woman was the Belle she had heard so much about, in this moment Emma Swan was very sure of one thing.
Nerds are freaking hot.
Belle's breath caught in her throat as she stared, yes stared at the room's newest arrival. Yes, Ruby and Jefferson had described her as sexually attractive, but she had never imagined Emma to be so... Beautiful.
She almost felt like slapping Ruby for not preparing her properly. The woman was no where near what she was expecting. Definitely not the carbon copy of Tina Bell she was dreading, that's for sure. No, Emma's aura was pure love and warmth as she embraced the group, and brought a genuine smile to Belle's face.
Also, she looked hardly anything like the typical tramps she had come across. Emma's hair was long and full, made up of golden blonde curls spilling over soft, milky shoulders. Her eyes were piercingly clear, and a bright Viridian, not just Green, with specks of blue scattered throughout. Her thin, pink lips were stretched out as she greeted her friends, and Belle was left breathless at the arrival of the most stunning smile she'd ever seen.
"She's definitely something isn't she?" August sighed, slowly approaching the gawking brunette.
"Yes. I never thought that she'd be so..."
The older man chuckled at Belle's reverently whispered words. "So gorgeous? That's about right, Swan's a looker. But I'll tell you a secret, kid. She's even more beautiful on the inside too." Belle looked up, surprised. It wasn't rare that August would comment on a woman's appearance, but he'd never actually taken the time to get to know anyone, not to mention talk about them so lovingly.
"Do you love her?" Belle whispered softly, as the pair continued to stare at the now laughing blonde. She felt a shot of hurt flow through her heart as he grinned.
Why was she feeling even the slightest bit upset that Emma could be in a relationship with August? She'd never felt anything other than friendship for August, and for gods sake she hadn't even met the woman yet. Besides, Belle French was completely straight.
"Yeah I really do. But not in a romantic way. Emma and I go way back. She's practically my little sister." Belle took a deep sigh of relief and blushed as she heard August's knowing chuckle.
So what? Okay, she might have a tiny crush on the blonde. It's natural, she just went through a tough breakup and needs a distraction. It just happened to be an extremely sexy distraction. Wait, that sounded completely wrong, she had no intentions to sleep with her. Although she sure as hell wouldn't object. God, where did that come from? Emma didn't even know her name yet!
Speaking of the devil, Belle looked up sharply at the small tap against her shoulder and was met with the glorious sight of two silky mile-long legs encased in sleek red heals, walking towards her. She forced herself to look up to avoid further embarrassment, although her eyes had a different idea and decided to map out every curve of her thighs, hips, defined abdomen and a full, perfect and temptingly exposed chest.
Suddenly an awkward clearing of a throat was heard behind her, and a blushing Belle spun around to see a knowingly smirking Ruby and a curious Regina. Belle just ran her hand through her loose curls and looked down in embarrassment, willing her cheeks to stop colouring like a tomato.
She felt another tap on her shoulder and expecting to look into the eyes of a suggestive Ruby, she was welcome to a sight that made her heart stop.
Emma.
Standing right in front of her.
Viridian eyes glancing towards pale blue ones, as if searching her soul.
Soon enough Ruby's chatter broke them out of their trance. "Hey Belle! So glad we found you! I just wanted to finally introduce you to Emma. Emma, this is my best friend, Belle."
Emma gently flicked back a swinging golden curl, before reaching out a smooth hand towards the shocked librarian. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Belle. Ruby and Regina have told me heaps about you." Belle's eyes snapped back into focus and tenderly slipped her small hand into Emma's slightly larger one. The spark that set off at the contact surprised Belle and did not go unnoticed by either woman.
Once she trusted her voice to speak properly, she shyly looked to the tall blonde again. Who, in turn, just gave her a cute wink, relaxing the brunette instantly as if telling Belle she wasn't upset or uncomfortable about being ogled earlier. There was something mysterious about the woman that Belle was instantly drawn to, and even though it confused the hell out of her, she was going to try her damn hardest to find out what it was.
"It's nice to meet you too, Emma."
AN: Hey guys! I hope this chapter was okay, if you want to see more please don't hesitate to REVIEW! They keep new chapters coming! Xx