December 22
It was midnight. Regina was asleep. Wake-up-only-if-someone-is-dying sleep.
A wretched, gut wrenching scream ripped through the night, snapping Regina into reality faster then you could say 'Rumplestiltskin'. It was a female scream, that much Regina was certain. In fact, that was all Regina was certain of, being panicked and half asleep. Her silk pajamas caught on her dresser as she shot up, bursting out of her heavy comforter. She struggled with the uncooperative fabric for a minute, internally scolding herself for not taking precautions.
Seconds later she erupted through Emma's door. "Emma?!"
Emma was sitting up in bed, crumpled up and crying. She looked so vulnerable, so broken. Her weakest side only ever revealed itself to Regina. It was unveiled right before the mayor, three times this week.
"I thought it would be different." The blonde tried to stand, but fell back onto the bed in the same position.
Regina walked over, hurriedly. "Don't get up," The bed dipped as she sat next to her, "What did you think would be different?" Her warm brown eyes had a kind, almost loving stare.
"I thought I wouldn't.. " Emma sniffed "I thought I wouldn't have my nightmares because I slept somewhere new."
"Nightmares?" Regina's eyes widened in sadness for her friends endeavors. Regina didn't exactly know how to comfort people, but she seemed pretty good at doing it. Her hand was massaging the blondes' back soothingly. "Do you want to talk about it, dear?"
Emma shook her head violently. She was shaking and it was obvious to Regina that she was frightened. The brunettes hand traveled to the blondes cheek, lifting herself up to position her lips onto the other woman's was a tender gesture, causing the blondes face to flush, even if she was sad.
"I'll stay with you." The woman's firey, yet soothing touch, seemed to lull her stricken state to a collective, tired one. They ended up somewhat spooning one another. Snuggled together firmly in a make-shift fetal position. Regina's hand draped over Emma's body, palm on her stomach. Emma smiled mindlessly,eyes fluttering shut as she finally drifted into sleep.
It was early in the morning, the sun was a sallow, sickly yellow, as if it was ill. Yet, Emma felt completely opposite that. She was satisfied with herself. She turned, expecting to imbibe the image of a warm smiling Regina. The bed was bare, all warmth suctioned from it, leaving it a startling cold. She yawned and stretched dramatically
Emma made her way down the stairs, barefoot. She changed into the clothes Regina had laid out for her. Skinny jeans and a silky red button up, similar to the gray one she received from Henry. Regina's clothes. She had no idea that Regina even owned skinny jeans, and was surprised they were the same size. Or at least extremely close.
She heard a melodious humming from within the kitchen. A smirk began to tug on the edge of her lips. "Good morning, Regina." Emma said in a jovial tone, joining her friend in the kitchen. The smell of french toast engulfed her nose completely, almost making her groan. That wouldn't be appropriate.
"Morning, darling." Emma's smirk turned into a full fledged grin at the pet name. Emma decided to advance, slowly, yet efficiently. She snaked her arms around Regina's waist, nuzzling into her neck. Regina stiffened, then relaxed into the embrace. Emma brought her lips above her neck, staring down at it. Almost making a risky mistake.
Then she heard footsteps. Henry. Emma squeezed in one last second before releasing the woman and taking a few steps back.
"Hey, Emma." Mary Margaret said as Emma entered her flat with a lively expression. "Stay with Henry last night?"
"Yea."
"Did you have a nightmare?" Emma's features darkened and Mary realized her mistake immediately. "I'm sorry, Emma."
"It's fine. I had a good time." Emma returned to her genial state.
"Anything happen with Regina?" The roommate smirked mischievously, wriggling her eyebrow for effect.
"What are you suggesting?" Emma laughed sarcastically.
"I'm not suggesting, just observing." Emma half nodded in reply, acknowledging the other woman's keen eye and sense of deduction.
"You'll have to keep observing, Sherlock, because I'm not spilling any false encounters."
"Fine," She sighed in defeat,"But I'm onto you."
Emma called in to the mayors office to say she was 'sick' and could not work. Today would be her free day. She had the rest of the week off, starting tomorrow, anyway.
Emma spent the whole day panicking. Had the relaxed feeling she received from Regina proved, or just trust and friendship? Had the kiss on the forehead been a sign of friendship as well?
After hours of arguing with herself, she was convinced Regina was nothing more then a friend. And that the mayor was only looking for friendship, not any other type of companionship. Was she going crazy? Why had her mind suddenly turned to glorifying Regina Mills? This was the same woman who had inflicted grief upon her time after time.. and they became friends that easily and quickly? But all those previous grievous encounters seemed to slip away when she reminisced the feel of Regina's lips on her forehead, or the enticing smell of her perfume as she embraced her.
Regina didn't know what overcame her. She wasn't exactly sure what she was feeling right now, or why she'd even consider wanting Emma to kiss her neck. She, like numerous times this morning, pushed the thought away. Needy and desperate for relief from the thoughts, she wished she'd found them repulsive. Every time they entered her brain, they sounded more appealing. It got to the brink of her ripping her paperwork before she decided to eat lunch.
Emma made a mental note of Mary Margarets daily disappearances, labeling them as 'fun times with David', because that's what she had assumed them to be. She was out of work for winter break too, of course.
The fair-skinned woman slid into the side of Regina's booth that was unoccupied. "Hello, Regina." Mary Margaret chirped cheerfully. Regina's eyes remained sturdy, unmoved by the onyx haired womans appearance.
"Good morning, Ms Blanchard." Her sass was lazy, but still painfully evident. "Can I help you?"
"I hope you don't mind if I join you?" Mary ignored the brunettes' snarky comment.
"Of course not." She plastered a pretentious fake smile on her face.
"I have noticed Emma has been going over to your place more often, is it because you're allowing her to see Henry more?" Mary looked at her expectantly, striking her nerve.
"I'm sorry, are you going to eat or are you just here to snoop?" Regina's voice was as vicious and venomous as usual, dripping with sarcasm.
"Actually, I have plans." Her face was as annoyingly optimistic as it always had been. Her happy, creased smile, and light feathery voice searing into Regina's mind permanently.
Emma cursed loudly after pulling a overcooked bowl of mashed potatoes from the microwave. The usually fluffy white substance was hard and unpleasant to the touch. It was blackened slightly toward the center. She gripped it tight in frustration, sprinted toward the window, and opened it fiercely. She released the horrifying glass bowl to fall to its imminent fate. Her eyes squeezed shut as she heard the glass shatter. Looking down, she gasped.
There stood Regina, staring up at Emma in frustration. Her once beautiful, black leather, work shoes encased in burnt mashed potatoes. "Why?!" Was all the brunette managed to shout.
"Sorry.." Emma said frantically. "Come up, I'll help you with your shoes." Emma's face was twisted in embarrassment. Emma backed away from the window sheepishly. She sat awaiting, hand running through her hair.
The knock came sooner then expected. Fumbling, the blonde looked herself over. The red button-up lay abandoned near the dining table, she was now clad in an undershirt, still white despite the numerous times she wore it in unsanitary circumstances. Her shorts reaching mid-thigh. She was certainly unprepared for company.
Emma opened the door anyway. She had to own up to her offer. Regina's mouth flew open, a small sound erupting before she looked at the others' outfit. "Come in." Emma's words rushed from her lips, as she gestured quickly toward the dining table. Regina's eyes lingered on her shirt that she let Emma borrow, it lay crinkled on the floor, amongst other used clothes. She sat in one of the chairs. Emma was unsure of what to use for the cleansing of Regina's shoes.
"One second." Emma rushed, fumbling around for washcloths. She filled a bowl with water and placed it next to a very skeptical looking Regina. Emma removed all the excess potato, which was the easy part. There was residue left on her shoes. Emma vowed to herself she would remove it all from the shoes, so she will.
"I just have to get this annoying residue off, and then you should be good to go." The blonde informed, looking down at the shoes and then up at Regina. "What are the odd of hitting someone with mashed potatoes? Especially you."
"Especially me?" The brunette raised an eyebrow.
"Yea, seeing as though we spent so much time together recently. It's like fate wants us together." Emma smiled charmingly.
Regina knew the blonde meant 'together' as friends, but her heart couldn't help but flutter at the notion. Did she believe in fate? She wasn't sure, exactly. "Thank you for cleaning up my shoes." She said as Emma gently brushed the leather with a damp washcloth.
"What kind of person would I be if I didn't?" Emma's eyes were shining in appreciation for the older woman as she looked into her eyes. She held her gaze for a good five seconds before returning to her duty.
"You can keep my shirt, Emma. I don't wear it much."
She paused again, shocked, "Really?! I mean, really?"
Regina smiled, nodding.
Neither of them heard the door open, or they were too distracted to care. They were staring n to each others soul, it would seem.
Someone cleared their throat. Their eyes disconnected immediately.
Emma scrambled backwards, "Mary Margaret, you scared me."
Mary let out a small noise, face frozen in shock.
"My shoes are done." Regina smiled, "Thank you Emma. I should be going."
Emma stood, embracing the woman. "Sorry about the potatoes." Still hugging, Regina patted her back.
"See you later." Emma nodded.
The door closed behind Regina.
"What was that?" Mary Margaret grinned at Emma.
Emma shook her head, making a noise of detest, "Nothing."
"That didn't look like nothing." The blush rose on Emma's cheeks, she shrugged.
"It was nothing." She looked away, hiding her embarrassment. "I just keep on messing up."
"What did you do this time?" Mary mused curiously, removing her coat and other accessories. Emma told her tale reluctantly. Mary shook her head accordingly.
"You like her, don't you?" Mary smirked at her mischievously.
"No." she answered too quickly.
"Are you sure?" Emma's expression turned to a slight frown at the question.
"No."
