A/N: The long awaited dinner scene is finally here! Sorry it took me so long to write but as always I hope you enjoy!
Regina and Henry spent the rest of the day together working on puzzles and playing video games, she had just finished killing a splicer that popped out of nowhere when Henry jumped up and said, "Mom! You have to go get ready for dinner!"
Regina nearly jumped out of her skin, not only had she completely lost track of the time but she was really into the game they were playing. If she was being honest with herself it wasn't just the game she enjoyed but spending time with Henry as well, it wasn't very often that he volunteered to stay home and be near her but after their conversation over breakfast Henry had stuck by her side all day.
"Oh shoot! You go get ready too Henry and we can go over together."
Regina rushed upstairs and threw open the doors of her closet and stared at the racks of clothes hanging up. She quickly scanned all the designer clothes and shook her head, she knew none of those would do for tonight. She grabbed a pair of jeans off the hanger and went to her dresser, opening up the middle drawer she rummaged through her t-shirts until she found the one she was looking for. It was a soft heather gray v neck and it was one of the first purchases she made when she arrived in Storybrooke; she was always forced by her mother to wear dresses and corsets in her old realm and when she finally escaped out from under her mother's thumb for good here, she couldn't pass up the opportunity for comfort. She slipped on the jeans, pulled the t-shirt over her head and stepped back to look at herself in the full length mirror on the back of her closet door. She smiled running her fingers through her hair and twisted this way and that looking at herself from all angles, her outfit hugged her curves in all the right places and felt a warmth buzz through her veins. She was happy, from the inside out and the prospect of tonight only made her smile grow bigger. After brushing her teeth and putting a dab of perfume behind each ear she ran out of the room calling for Henry as she skidded to a halt in front of her study. By the time she finished putting her shoes on and grabbing her coat Henry was waiting for her outside the door, holding his jacket in his hands and grinning from ear to ear.
When they arrived at the apartment the Charming's and Emma shared Henry reached for the handle to walk right in but Regina placed a hand on his shoulder stopping him. He gave her a quizzical look and she looked down and said, "Let's knock. It's more polite." She raised a shaky hand and gave two quick taps on the door. The shake didn't go unnoticed by Henry though so he reached out and gave Regina's hand a gentle squeeze. The door opened to reveal a short pixie haired woman and Regina's heart clenched in her chest. Things were still slightly rocky between she and Snow and she had no idea what to expect from her. Did she know what was going on? How much had Emma told her? But Henry broke away to give the woman a hug and after they broke apart Snow opened her arms to Regina and approached with a hug of her own.
"Hi Regina," she said as she wrapped her arms around the brunette who was frozen to the spot with her arms stiffly at her sides.
"Hello Snow."
"Come on in," Snow said as she stepped back to give Regina room to enter the apartment.
When she stepped through the door she was greeted with a smell that rivaled one she would find in her own kitchen. She looked across the room and saw Emma's back bent over the stove, tasting something from a saucepan. When Emma turned around she smiled and bit back a laugh at the slightly lost and confused look on Regina's face. But when Regina's eyes met hers the knot her chest loosened itself a bit and she tried to relax as much as she could.
"Something smells delicious," she said as she crossed the room to the breakfast bar in the kitchen, taking a seat on a stool.
"Mmm, thank you. It tastes even better."
Snow cleared her throat behind the two women and said, "Well! You ready Henry? David!" she called up the stairs, "Let's go!"
"Henry, come here a minute please," Regina said before they could leave. Henry walked over to his mother and stopped a few feet from her looking at her expectantly. "Remember be on your best behavior please. And listen to your grandparents," she added looking at the woman behind Henry. David had joined everybody on the ground floor and was standing with his arm around Snow, they were both smiling softly at Regina's words. They had never heard her address them in such a way and it was a small victory for them both.
"Don't worry mom, I always am. Have fun tonight," he leaned in close and whispered in her ear, "and try to relax a little. It's gonna be ok."
Emma shut the door behind them as they left and crossed the room in three long strides, pulling Regina into a hug of her own which she melted into.
"Hi," she breathed out, barely above a whisper. She bunched her fists in Emma's shirt and held on tightly, not wanting this moment to end.
Emma rubbed small circles on Regina's back letting her enjoy this moment. "You hungry?" she whispered into Regina's hair. She gave one last squeeze before breaking apart to see Regina nod her head.
Emma set the breakfast bar with plates, cutlery and wine glasses. "I hope you like Italian," she called over her shoulder. She turned around with a pan full of noodles and started piling Regina's plate with food. Then she ladled sauce on her plate before grabbing the wine bottle.
Regina couldn't help the smile on her face. She was being cooked for. She had always done the cooking and when she wasn't in the mood she usually picked up dinner at Granny's. But she couldn't remember the last time anybody had made dinner for her. "Italian's my favorite actually."
They breezed through dinner filling the silence between bites easily. After they had finished eating, Regina stood to clear the plates from the table.
"Um, Gina? Whatcha doing?"
"You cooked, so I'm cleaning. Is that ok?"
"Y-yeah," Emma stuttered, "I'm just not used to it that's all."
Regina warmed the water up to start on the dishes and she was so focused on cleaning that she didn't hear Emma sneak up behind her. Strong arms wrapped themselves around Regina's waist causing the brunette to jump slightly. She turned around still in Emma's grasp and took in a shaky breath. Her eyes quickly darted to Emma's lips then back up to her eyes again. Emma reached behind her back and pulled something out of her pocket. Regina's heart gave a start when she noticed the small sticky note in Emma's hand.
You look incredible tonight.
Regina blushed furiously, instinctively she looked at her feet, unsure what to say. She had never been surprised like this, she hadn't felt such warmth and compassion from another in so long, and she forgot how amazing it felt when they were right in front of her. Emma gently lifted Regina's chin forcing the brunette to look at her. Regina's breath caught in her throat, she couldn't say anything even if she wanted to, even if she knew what to say in a moment like this. Emma smiled softly before slowly leaning in and brushing her lips against the brunette's. Regina's hands found purchase on Emma's hips and she pulled her in closer, Emma took this opportunity to deepen the kiss, bringing her own hands up to cup Regina's cheeks holding her as her tongue darted out seeking permission. A small moan escaped from the back of Regina's throat as she let herself soar from the taste of Emma's tongue on hers.
The two broke apart reluctantly and they both felt loss at the break of contact. Regina let out a shaky breath trying to find her words.
"Wh-", she took a deep breath, "What was that for?"
Emma smiled gently as she said, "I've been wanting to do that for a while now. I just couldn't resist any longer."
"Me too," Regina breathed out before pulling Emma in once again for more. The dishes forgotten the two women stumbled their way to the couch, not wanting to break contact for longer than a second. When they reached the couch Regina fell backward pulling Emma on top of her and the two women laughed for a moment, locking eyes with each other. Regina reached up and pulled Emma back down, brushing her lips over Emma's, teasing her and Emma nipped at kiss bruised lips. A smile tugged at the corner of Regina's mouth and she bit her lip to keep the smile at bay.
Emma moaned at the sight below her and quickly kissed Regina once more before sitting up. "I don't know about you but the thought of getting caught making out like two teenagers doesn't sound good to me."
Regina pushed herself up on her elbows and said, "No I suppose it wouldn't be too good." Emma reached behind her once more and pulled out another sticky note, handing it to Regina she waited with baited breath as Regina read the note.
Dinner tomorrow? Your place?
"Of course," Regina said through a giant smile. "Bring an overnight bag just in case." She winked before standing up and walking to the kitchen for a glass of water just as the front door opened.