Sorry about the delay guys, started grad school and its been taking most of my time and what little creativity I have with all these projects. Made it halfway through my first courses so hopefully it gets easier and I have more time for this. Reviews are as always greatly appreciated.
What's his name?
Roland.
How's he been holding up through this mess?
He's a trooper, it's been rough for him though. His mom died when he was born and now his dad. So much loss in his short life.
Poor kid. It'll get better though, sooner or later.
Regina put her phone down to the side, her lunch break over, determined to focus once more on the stack of papers in front of her. A knock at her door breaking her focus, and she let out an exasperated sigh, the feeling that she would not get any more work completed for the day overtaking her. "Come in."
A certain blonde walked in, rather swaggered in, it could be said, her garish red leather jacket over her shoulder. "C'mon." She leaned down over Regina's desk, her left hand splayed across the stack of papers, "Let's get out of here." A suggestive smile played across her features.
Emma knew Regina would take a bit of coaxing to get her to leave her office, and she came prepared for a battle. Regina leaned back in her chair, hands crossed in her lap, "And what, Miss Swan, did you have in mind?"
"That's for me to know and you to find out."
"And if I don't go?"
"Then you'll never know," a smirk played across Emma's lips, she knew Regina loved a good mystery and hoped she was tempting her just enough.
An exasperated sigh escaped from the brunette who was determined to keep up the image that she was bothered by these events and not that she was actually intrigued by what the blonde had planned.
Regina grabbed her coat and pulled it on, leaving her office, papers still strewn across her desk. "So, will you be telling me where it is we are headed to, or am I to guess the entire way?"
"Neither, or both, however you wish to look at it."
"You are a mystery."
"I try," Emma smiled and reached behind Regina who looked at her questioningly, backing away as she did so. Emma hid a small chuckle and pulled out a bouquet of flowers, handing them to Regina and laughing wholeheartedly as the brunette gave her a very obviously confused look.
"Where did those come from?"
"A magician never reveals their secrets."
Emma pulled open the front door of the building, and let Regina exit first before once again taking the lead and guiding them down the street. "It's just a short walk from here."
Regina's phone buzzed in her pocket, and she had to fight the urge to pull it out and check it. Emma gave her a knowing smirk. Seconds ticked by turning into minutes, it buzzed again. Regina shot Emma a look, asking for forgiveness as she pulled out her phone.
"Wanna grab dinner?"
"You there?"
It was Nick, she was sure he'd meant that for someone else since she couldn't possibly meet him for dinner.
You really should try making a habit of checking the recipient before sending a message.
She couldn't help but tease him about that. Really, it was his own fault.
They arrived at the restaurant, Emma once again holding the door open for the brunette. Regina couldn't help but look around in awe, the place had a darkened secluded atmosphere, candles on tables provided the lighting, red curtains lined the walls, pulled back, but muffling sounds all the same. A waiter in a black suit led them to a table in the back.
"This wouldn't be a date now would it Miss Swan?" She had to ask, one eyebrow raised questioningly, as it seemed a little too cozy, a little too romantic, and she was sure there were still some feelings that the blonde harbored.
"Only if you want it to be," Emma winked at her and Regina couldn't help but roll her eyes, no matter how unlady-like it was.
Their conversation eased back into the gentle banter Regina had missed after a couple drinks, when Emma brought it up, "So who's this mystery guy that's got you attached to your phone?"
Regina felt herself blushing, she really hadn't thought she was being that obvious, she tried to hide her face, uncomfortable with the situation and the heat building up in her cheeks. She felt Emma's hand softly reach out, resting on top of hers, soft words of encouragement, "It's okay, we've all been there."
She gave a slight smile, a deep breath, and braced herself for the word vomit that was on the verge of exploding, "Well, his name's Nick, he texted me by mistake and wouldn't stop and I don't know, he's nice." She paused for a moment, "I guess I don't really know that much about him."
"And," Emma prodded, "Do you like him?"
Regina hesitated for a moment, "Yeah, I guess I do."
"So, do you even know what he looks like?"
That question gave Regina pause. "No."
"You haven't asked him for a picture, but you guess you like him? Definitely isn't physical then."
Regina's head ducked down, and she whispered, "Do you think that's a problem?" She looked scared and completely unsure of herself in this unknown territory.
"No, but aren't you curious?"
"A little, since you brought it up."
"Well text him and ask!" Emma had to urge her on.
Regina pulled her phone out, and typed out a message to Nick. It wasn't until after she sent it that she realized she'd been holding her breath. Her nerves were getting the better of her as time passed slowly, seconds stretched into minutes, into what felt like an hour. Her thoughts started to get the better of her, he hadn't responded, and she started to wonder if she'd scared him off somehow, asked for too much, too fast, or if he took it the wrong way. Apocalyptic situations played out in her mind as she waited for a response. Emma watched, and waited, trying to do her best to calm Regina, to ease her fears, but it was to no avail.
Do I get a pic of u back?
The message seemed hastily scrawled back.
If that's what you want.
It is.
A picture followed, showing a young male, short blonde hair spiked into a fauxhawk, bright blue eyes and dimples, he was wearing a tight black shirt with muscles rippling underneath. The camera was looking down on him and he smiled up into it. There was the faintest hint of a 5 o'clock shadow.
Regina studied it closely before showing Emma, her nerves that had been soothed before by his reply had now been amplified as once again worry invaded her mind. She hadn't thought he'd be so young, and she was now 34, he had to be at least ten years younger. Her mind had filled with thoughts of would he continue to talk to her knowing she was old. She had at least felt that she was past her prime while he was still in it, and Regina definitely wasn't a cougar.
She paused for a moment before sending a picture of herself in return, having to mentally prepare herself for the rejection that she was sure would come momentarily. She didn't think that this would feel as bad as it would, but just the thought of how their friendship could end had her regretting her decision, an ache in her chest.
Emma grabbed her phone from her, scrolled through Regina's pictures and picked on, sending it before Regina could stop her.
It only took a couple seconds to get a reply.
Dayumm gorgeous ;)
Regina couldn't help but laugh at the reply she'd received.
Don't lie.
I'm not. I don't think I'd be able to take my eyes off you.
It's a good thing you're not bad looking yourself.
Ouch, not bad? That's all you thought? I'd hate to see your definition of ugly. ;)
Now you're just fishing.
What's wrong with stroking a guy's ego?
An ego? Is that what they call it nowadays? ;)
Well now, anything else is up to you.
But I won't stop you.
Regina couldn't help but notice their conversations had taken a turn for a flirtier nature, and she also noticed she didn't mind.
I can't tell if that means you're desperate or interested.
Oh, that hurt, interested, not desperate. Trust me J
I'd love to, but I have no way to know if you're trustworthy.
Try me.
How do you suppose I do that?
That's up to you.
I'll consider it.
Regina put her phone to the side and finished her evening with Emma. Determined to focus on the here and now. But it was short lived as once the evening ended she found herself laying in bed, staring at the one picture she had of her mysterious friend.