"Ever elegant with words, Sheriff Swan." Regina openly showed her amusement and let her eyes track down Emma's figure.
Mentally kicking herself, Emma tried to do some damage control, "What I MEANT to say was," voice coming out slightly strained, "You look beautiful, Regina."
"Thank you, you're late," Regina said shortly as she held the door open for Emma, their arms brushing slightly as she stepped in.
Emma rolled up her sleeves as Regina placed her coat inside the closet, "Yeah, I'm sorry about that. You ever get into the shower and just can't seem to get enough of the hot water?"
Regina froze, the jacket on the hanger almost slipping through her fingers, "Indeed, I do."
Oblivious to rattling the mayor, Emma stepped further into the room. "It smells really good in here."
"So do you…" Regina had meant for that comment to stay inside her head but was still shook from the previous comment.
Emma turned around with a grin, "Well, well, Madame Mayor, if I didn't know any better that was a compliment." She put her arm out in a knightly gesture, "Shall we?"
Taken aback by the action, Regina took Emma's arm, acting partially on instinct and part in intrigue. They strode through the dining room and into the kitchen, the pungent and sweet smell of cheese assaulting Emma's senses. On the burner was a medium-size sauce pot filled with creamy sharp cheddar and various vegetables were in small bowls spread across the island countertop.
"Fondue for lunch? Regina, you're the shit!" Emma did a small happy dance, which brought a laugh out of Regina.
"I'll take that as high praise in your language, Miss Swan." Still smiling, Regina went to the fridge and took out the items for their salads. "I do believe you said you, and I quote, "toss the best salad in town'?" Emma's face dropping a little as Regina's grin grew. "Something the matter, Dear?"
"Yeah, about that. Listen. Wait, do you even know what that means?" Emma was hoping to the Gods that her earlier theory was right and this didn't make things weird between them.
"That depends, Miss Swan. In which context were YOU referring to?" Regina enjoyed watching Emma squirm under her gaze. She leaned against the sink and watched as Emma avoided the question and started making the salad.
Holy shit. Did she really just ask that? Fuck fuck fuck I am so fucking fucked. Emma may have been able to play down her arousal after the initial crack when the door opened, but now it was becoming close to impossible. She was expecting Regina to be in one of her typical business suits or skirts, maybe even one of those sexy, tight dresses she enjoyed seeing her in. But no, of course not, that would've been too simple. Instead, she answered the door embodying the definition of a damn siren. Regina's hair was a waterfall of curls, though Emma was pretty sure it was natural, she'd never seen her hair like that before. Lush lips were painted a deep scarlet that matched her pumps, complemented by smoky eyes and just a small hint of blush. Modest-length fingernails were colored black as night to blend with the dress that made Emma's mouth water. Emma had seen a lot of sexy black dresses in her time but nothing compared to this one. It wasn't so much that the dress was revealing, it was what it left to the imagination that sent chills down her back and a tightness in her chest. This dress was floor length and flowed around Regina like she was in one of those Victoria's Secret shows. If that would've been the only distraction, then Emma was sure she could've kept her chill, but it wasn't. Curls kissed the top of Regina's collar bones where it met the off-the-shoulder straps that led down to a plunging, but tasteful neckline. For fuck's sake. The image swirled around in Emma's mind as she tried to dice additions to the salad and nearly took a finger off.
"Emma! Be careful, you have to pay attention when you're using a knife!" Regina scolded her and moved to stand closer to her, close enough to see Emma's hand shake.
The slit should be illegal… Don't look to your left, you idiot. She's so close I can smell her perfume. Shit shit shit say something smart.
"Sorry, I was trying to hold back a sneeze." Real smooth, Swan. You're a fuckin' genius.
"Would you like me to help you, Dear?" Regina's hand brushed against the one holding the knife. "I'm sure we can put your hands to other uses," her words sounding like honey in the air.
"I-I'm almost done, just a couple more chops." Emma swallowed hard and chanced a look at her son's other mother and caught a flash of flesh as Regina went to the cabinet. I'm fucking fucked.
"Would you like a glass of wine, Dear?"
"You got anything stronger?
Regina let out a small laugh, "Doesn't that sound familiar?"
Visibly relaxing, Emma continued chopping and responded, "Yeah, well, this time we're friends and you're not looking to destroy me."
"Not in that way…" Regina muttered under her breath and went to her study to find the cider.
"Ooooookay, this is intense," Emma breathed out. I need some tunes, maybe that'll help. Reaching into her back pocket, she pulled out her iPod and clicked shuffle. There wasn't anything on there she could think of that would offend Regina, so what could go wrong? The music filled the room with a soft thrum, making it feel more intimate. As Regina walked back into the kitchen, she was surprised to hear one of her favorite songs playing.
Without meaning to, she closed her eyes as she placed the cider bottle on the counter and started mouthing the words, humming the instrumental parts. Emma stood there completely stunned. The music floated through the air and Regina's body mimicked each note, swaying ever so gently. She's so beautiful like this, Emma thought. She stepped around the counter until she stood in front of Regina.
"Regina," Emma said in a barely audible tone.
Regina opened her eyes slowly and let a lazy smile cross her lips, "Yes?"
Emma held her hand out as an invitation, "May I have this dance?"
Regina shyly nodded and took her hand, leaning into Emma more securely as an arm encircled her waist. She let out a sigh as she relaxed against the strong frame.
"I take it you like this song?" Emma murmured quietly into her dance partner's ear, sending a shiver down Regina's spine.
"Yes, this is one of my favorites," Regina let her cheek rest against Emma's shoulder in contentment.
"Mine too." Emma chose that time to slowly spin them around the kitchen, careful not to bump any sharp edges or do anything to ruin this moment. She wanted to live in it for as long as she could with Regina in her arms and one of the best singer's crooning in the background. The song was nearing its end and she decided to try her luck a little further.
"Make me thrill as only you know how," Emma sang next to Regina's ear in a melodious tune, "Sway me smooth, sway me now. You know how. Sway me smooth, sway me now…" The last word hung in the air as they stopped dancing and their eyes met. Their faces were only inches apart but their bodies were flush.
"Your voice. I didn't know you sang." Regina was genuinely surprised that Real-Emma was just as talented as Dream-Emma. I want to kiss her. The thought made her stomach clench and legs feel weak. They'd never been this close physically before and it was affecting her in ways that reminded her of her first love.
"I dabble from time to time," Emma replied coyly. "The Rat Pack are the only men I'd be straight for," Emma clenched her jaw and started cursing herself internally, she had not meant to out herself to Regina in that moment.
"Oh, I see," Regina responded and drew herself tighter against Emma, earning her a raised eyebrow. "I'm cold." she shrugged, even though it was an obvious lie.
The pair were interrupted rudely by the sound of the kitchen timer announcing the cheese had reached temperature. With much regret, Regina disentangled herself and removed the pot from the burner, quickly turning it off. Remembering the cider that she'd placed on the counter, she gestured at Emma with a smile and a nod to follow her with it. Scooping up the salad and cider, Emma followed distantly behind Regina as she headed out the back door, admiring the sway of her hips and the glimpses of leg that peeked out from under the dress. Wow. It's like she's out of one of those black and white movies, Emma mused, setting down the lunch items on the professionally crafted table.
"This looks great, Regina. But you didn't have to go all out just for me."
Regina looked up from setting up the fondue with confusion, "I didn't. I always keep it like this."
Emma let out a rough snort, "Of course you do, My Queen." Oh shit.
The words sent a shot of desire through Regina's system and she didn't realize how close to the pot her hand was, "Shit!" The pot had left a small red, unforgiving burn on her thumb.
"Oh crap, are you okay Regina?" Emma carefully took Regina's hand in hers and inspected the burn. Without thinking twice, she bent her head down and placed a tender kiss on it.
A deep blush crossed Regina's face and she could feel her stomach doing backflips. "I-I think so. It's just a small burn, I've had worse." Regina grimaced at her own words. Visions of her mother flashing briefly through her mind.
The rest of the lunch went on without issue. They dipped the various vegetables in the cheese, Emma, of course, making a bit of a mess. One of the instances that Emma had been trying to get entirely too much cheese on a piece of broccoli, it had dripped down onto her chin. Regina used a single finger to clean the cheese off Emma's chin and ate it right in front of her. Needless to say, Emma spent several minutes fidgeting in her seat due to the increasing pool between her legs. With barely any cheese left in the pot, they sat back in their seats with smiles on their faces and full bellies.
"I feel like a can of biscuits," Emma stretched and let out a yawn.
"Well, have you seen the clothing you wear? Those pants look like they're cutting off circulation, which would explain a few things…" Regina laughed, completely carefree.
"You're one to talk Mayor Tight-Ass!"
"What did you just call me?" Regina enjoyed this banter, it was a luxury she'd never had before Emma.
"You heard me. Mayor. Tight-Ass. Have you SEEN yourself in the mirror? Your skirts alone could choke an ogre."
"Ogres are quite large, Miss Swan. That isn't much of a revelation."
"Oh, shut up. You know what I'm talking about." Emma let out an exacerbated huff.
Without breaking eye contact with Emma, Regina adjusted in the chair, letting the slit ride up and expose the long expanse of her leg. "Do you prefer this to my suits?" A sexy grin spreading across her face.
"Yes," Emma said almost too quickly.
Regina leaned down to remove her pumps, teasing the plunging neckline at Emma as she spoke, "Perhaps I'll allow the staff to have casual Fridays and partake."
Holy fuck you could charm the pants off a rock…
"What was that?"
Emma panicked, realizing she'd accidentally said that out-loud but it seemed, not entirely loud enough for Regina to catch all of it. She let out a cough to cover her discomfort, "Oh um, I said uh… Your staff would say you rock."
"I doubt that," Regina's face dropped into a sad smile, "They see me as the Evil Queen. It's doubtful anything less than death would appease the masses."
Emma stood up from her chair and crouched beside Regina, placing a hand on bare flesh. "I would never let anyone hurt you. Ever."
Regina saw the conviction in her eyes and didn't know what to say. Deciding to not ruin the moment with words, she just covered Emma's hand with her own and squeezed. How can she be so protective of the person who is solely responsible for the pain she had experienced over 28 years? The thought of all that Emma had been through brought a single tear down her cheek.
"Hey now… It's okay, don't cry. I'm here. I will always be here." Emma threw caution to the wind and hooked her arms under Regina then carried her to a nearby lounge chair.
"Miss Swan!" Regina let out a startled cry.
Emma ignored her protest and sat them down together on the lounge chair, giving Regina the opportunity to get up if she so pleased. But Regina didn't move, she lay there on Emma's chest as more tears threatened to spill. A hand snaked around her front and rested on the mostly exposed thigh while the other was protectively wrapped around her back. Regina could feel the heat and comfort from the touch and allowed it to stay. They lay there for a long time, Emma being the protector while Regina muttered apologies laced with sniffles. When she couldn't get her to stop apologizing, Emma jostled Regina in her lap, bringing a squeal from the former queen.
"You're going to drop me!" Regina scolded and grasped at something to catch herself. That something happened to be Emma's chest. They both let out a gasp and she quickly apologized, hastily removing the offending hand.
Emma's eyes darkened as she spoke, "You can keep your hand there if it makes you feel safer. But I won't drop you, My Queen." With confidence and ease, Emma returned Regina's hand to her chest.
"Promises, promises…" Regina licked her lips and stared at where her hand was now clenched in Emma's red blouse. How fitting, we match.
"How are you feeling now?" Emma unconsciously rubbed the bare thigh in circles as she brought Regina's attention back to her face.
"Yes, much better. Thank you for-" She was cut off mid-sentence.
"Don't mention it. My pleasure."
The words were meant to put her at ease but Regina's body responded with a ripple of desire. Clearing her throat, she eased herself out of Emma's lap and began cleaning up the remnants of lunch. Emma approached Regina from behind and reached past her for a dish, bodies coming together as if for another dance. The air thick with the anticipation of who would make the first move, but neither did. Maybe it was the fear of the unknown or an attempt to respect each other's boundaries but both women returned to the kitchen hiding remorseful thoughts. Emma insisted on helping wash the dishes and put them away before leaving, much to Regina's disapproval. The mood shifted back to playful exchanges and jovial banter as they cleaned up. As if nothing had ever happened.
"I have an idea." Emma was sporting a cheshire grin.
"Did you hurt yourself doing that?" Regina's remark earned her a side splash of water from the sink, "Miss Swan, stop that!"
"You totally deserved that. Hear me out though. Can we play a game?"
Regina squinted at her, "What kind of game?"
"Back in the regular world, we call it 50 questions. It's a good way to get to know someone." Emma was nervous about this tactic but it sure as hell beat having to wait for the journal entries that she wasn't supposed to know anything about.
"What kind of questions?" Regina was apprehensive about this game and didn't enjoy the idea of spilling secrets long ago locked away.
"I'm not suggesting we do it all today but maybe a couple questions each day?"
Pondering this, Regina skeptically agreed, "That sounds reasonable. But, Miss Swan, do be careful what you ask because you may not like the answer."
Emma smiled, "I just want to get to know you better. With any luck, one day everyone else will see what I see too."
Regina eyed her suspiciously, "Just what exactly do you see?"
"You."
Later that night, after a few glasses of cider and long after Emma left for home, Regina found herself laying against the chaise in her bedroom with the journal clenched between her fingers. Today's lunch with Emma showed another side to her that Regina hadn't been expecting. The dance. The tenderness of the kiss placed on her thumb. And she picked me up. She actually picked me up and held me. The emotions inside her were muddled by the alcohol but there was one thing she was almost positive of. Emma Swan, the daughter of her once sworn-enemy, cared about her. To what extent, she wasn't entirely sold on but she knew it ran deeper than the eye could see. Making an executive decision that rather than let her mind do loops, she would write in the journal.
"This afternoon may have been one of the most enjoyable in my life, aside from my time with Henry. I knew Emma would enjoy the fondue. Though it wasn't a grilled cheese, I made sure to put both of our tastes into the meal. Her face, when I opened the door, is one that I wish I could've captured. Eyes almost bug-like and a nest of birds could've moved in from how far her jaw had dropped. Poor dear, perhaps I should've toned it down. Now that I think back to it, I wanted to make a statement though. The way Emma looks at me… As though I am the last drop of water on a hot day. Like I've never harmed a fly and the possibilities are endless. We both know that isn't the case but, it's a lovely illusion. The music she played this afternoon was quite the surprise. Even more of a surprise was the dance. Yes, the dance… I can't deny how natural it felt being held in her arms, dancing to Dean Martin, nonetheless. Then she sang to me! The once insufferable, obnoxious Sheriff crooned one of my most cherished songs into my ear. Had she not had a tight grip on me, I fear my legs would've given out. She's more of a Charming than she'll ever know with that stunt. That damn family. To make matters worse, I burned my damn thumb and what does she do? She kissed my thumb with the softest lips I've ever felt on my flesh. But then things took an unfortunate turn when her charming-self made me cry. How is it that I, the evil queen, who has decimated hundreds of villages and committed countless atrocities without so much as a second thought was dissolved to tears in a mere sentence?! I cannot believe I allowed her words to have such an effect on me. Words like those could make a woman fall in love. And, an action I can't fully blame on genetics, she picked me up and cradled me like I was the most precious thing in existence. Oh, how I yearned to take her lips with mine. It didn't take as long as I let on to calm myself, but I didn't want to stop her from touching me. The way those fingers drew incoherent shapes on my thigh in a consoling manner, but it was anything but consoling. Each swirl and scratch of her fingernails made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and heat pool in my stomach. How I wish I could've ground into her lap and dug my own nails into her-"
"SON OF A BITCH NOT THIS SHIT AGAIN!"