A/N: Potential trigger warnings throughout this chapter.
Emma gazed up in awe as they approached the tall, glass apartment block. It was very sleek in and modern, both inside and out, and as they crossed the chrome and glass lobby to the elevators Emma wondered if she was going to end up feeling out of place there. They walked into an available elevator and Regina punched in a code to the panel followed by the button marked 'PH' for the penthouse.
"You live in the penthouse!" Emma stated in amazement.
"Yes, one of the penthouse suites in this building" Regina confirmed with a smile as the elevator sprang into action, and went straight to the top floors without stopping.
They stepped out of the elevator into a long corridor with a door either end. Regina gestured for them to go to the right, and Emma followed behind her as they went to Regina's front door. She opened up the door, stepped into the entrance hall and stood aside so that Emma could go past her to take a look around. The blonde looked around at the bright, modern entrance, with its floor to ceiling glass windows, sleek style and modern furniture; it was just breath taking.
"Do like it here Emma?" Regina asked.
Emma turned to her and smiled as she nodded that she did. Not that she felt at home, or that she belonged in somewhere so posh, but she would try her best to make herself fit in. Regina was pleased to see she was alright, and walked down a corridor towards the kitchen and living area.
"Come along Emma" she called out to the blonde, who was still stood in the entrance way.
Emma's reaction was delayed but she was soon headed down the corridor after Regina. They came out in a large kitchen area, which lead into an open dining area, and then cornered around, still open plan to a large living area. Emma gazed around in amazement as she looked up a glass stairwell and wondered if that meant they had a second floor. Regina continued, under the stairwell, where there was a darker corridor, which lead to a small office and a bathroom. She showed her a brief glimpse inside both of the large rooms, before heading back towards the stairs. Emma followed quietly behind as they headed to what was definitely an upstairs. It had a small study come single bedroom which was opposite another bathroom, large of course, with bath, double showers and sinks, all off of a long corridor. Regina headed up to the next door, and showed Emma a guest bedroom and en-suite bathroom which she told her would be her room, before following to last door. It was a master bedroom, glamorous and large, with its own bathroom to one side.
"This is your room?" Emma questioned quietly as she drank in how luxurious it was.
"You like it?" she asked her.
Emma nodded. It was beautiful, it really was, all dark plum colours and gold décor, with mood lighting and dark wooden furnishings. She smiled at the brunette as she stepped back out and allowed her to close the door again. Regina smiled back and headed back down the corridor, telling Emma that she could have the master bedroom if she really preferred it, but the blonde shook her head. She didn't want to impose on Regina's space. As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Regina headed towards the kitchen, as Emma headed for the windows to gaze out at the spectacular views the apartment had of the city.
Regina busied herself, boiling the kettle and setting out a tray with two cups and saucers, a bowl of sugar, milk jug and finally a boiling tea pot she had just made with the fresh water from the kettle. She carried the tray over to the living room and set it down on the table, before wandering over to join Emma at the window. She placed her hand gently on her shoulder and smiled when the girl turned to look at her.
"Come, have some tea. Then we can go and get your things and get you properly settled in" she suggested warmly.
"I don't really have any things" Emma mumbled as she sat on the couch.
"You must have. Clothes? Belongings?" the brunette quizzed.
Emma squirmed awkwardly and shook her head. She had none of those things, not really. Her clothes were what she had for work and they all belonged to Joe. As for her belongings, well, being an orphan she didn't really have any. She just shrugged when Regina questioned it again and gave her a shy look as she grabbed the cup of tea she had poured out for her and dumped in sugar and milk. Regina took a sip of her own drink and regarded the blonde's strange behaviour. There was something she wasn't telling her, but she didn't wish to pry or push her away so she let it lie.
"I, I do have one small thing" Emma eventually admitted in a low voice as she looked at the brunette sipping her tea and trying to avoid staring at her.
Regina smiled gently with a surprised look and nodded in regard to the statement as she waited for the girl to elaborate on what that meant further. Emma took a sip of her tea before placing it down and nervously playing with her hands in her lap, she started to explain that at the station downtown, she had a bag in a locker. Regina nodded her understanding and simply suggested they go and retrieve it, to which she was glad when the blonde agreed. She just felt that if Emma had something personal, or of her own there, then it might make her feel more comfortable.
After they finished their tea, Emma and Regina took a walk to the station. Luckily it wasn't far from the apartment at all, and they made it there just as the Friday evening rush hour was beginning. They hadn't said much to each other on the walk over, but Emma knew people had been staring at them and continued to do so, even now as they stood in the centre of the station in front of the lockers. She took a deep breath before going up to the locker and pulling out a key that was hanging around her neck on a chain. She used it to open the tiny metal box and was relieved to see her bag still stuffed in there. She pulled it out and slung a strap of it over her shoulder before turning back to the brunette and confirming she was ready to go. Regina nodded and in silence they left again, but Regina wondered what on earth was in such a small bag.
As they walked back to the apartment the sky became overcast, filled with big black clouds as a heavy rain storm look set to roll in. Emma was glad they got back just before the heavens opened. They were spared a soaking and rushed up in the elevator back to the warm safety of the apartment. Emma dumped her bag by the sofa and looked out of the window at the people below in the street, rushing to get home or to their intended destinations as they got soaked from the heavy downpour. She wrapped her arms around herself, thankful that she hopefully would never have to experience another night out on the streets in those conditions.
"Why don't you go and get yourself freshened up dear" Regina suggested as she poured herself a large glass of red wine.
Emma glanced back, nodded and smiled at the brunette. Slowly she unfolded her arms and headed towards the staircase. The thought of taking a shower, in a nice bathroom with hot running water was welcoming. As was the thought of the fluffy, soft towel that would be there for her when she got out feeling fresh and clean. The bathroom at Joe's hadn't even been able to offer her hot water. She had only ever showered in the cold, in a stained tub with only a grotty towel that they had shared to wrap up in after. She stepped on the first stair when the brunette called to her again. She stopped in her tracks and glanced over her shoulder at her again.
"Do you like pizza?" she smiled.
The blonde gave a bright, warm smile and nodded in response. She loved a good hot and cheesy pizza. Regina smiled brightly back as Emma continued on upstairs, and watched until she was out of sight.
Then mad panic set in for the brunette. She hadn't ordered pizza in years. Her and her best friend Kathryn used to order it every now and again when they had a girls night in, back when they were at college, but Kathryn had always done all the work. She quickly grabbed her laptop and punched into a search engine for recommendations to order from. It returned so many options it left Regina overwhelmed. She scrolled the top few and eventually settled on one with a good review. She grabbed her phone and called the number on screen.
"Hello, you are through to Pizza Palace, my name is Gus; can I take your order please?"
The call was answered by a spritely and very polite young man, who was clearly multitasking whilst talking with her on the phone. Regina stuttered and then blurted out that she would like to order a pizza.
"That's great mam, can I ask what size?" the young man queried.
"Oh ummm, I'll take an eight slice" Regina replied.
"Thank you mam, will that be a 12, 14 or 16 inch variety" he asked.
Regina shook her head and felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment as she chose the middle option. She wasn't too sure how hungry Emma was, and she certainly didn't intend to eat much. He repeated her choice back to her for confirmation and then asked her what kind of pizza, which again left her stuttering. He sensed the hesitation and clarified for her by reeling off a selection of toppings quickly off of the top of his head, before thanking another customer for their order as he clearly served them their food.
"Just a cheese and tomato please"
Regina didn't dare select a topping for fear of not knowing enough about Emma to know what she would like. The young man once again repeated back to her the choices she had made, and when she confirmed he asked if she would like anything else. Regina was about to say no, when she stopped herself and asked him for any recommendations. She could hear he was busy with another customer again, but she was clueless when it came to these kinds of things.
"Well mam, I can recommend a garlic bread, onion rings perhaps, maybe soda?" he suggested.
"Oh yes, I think I'll take a soda and some garlic bread" she replied proudly.
She thanked him for his help, and when asked confirmed she would like a delivery and her name and address, which Gus scribbled down on his order pad. He confirmed her order would be with her in about twenty minutes and thanked her for her custom. She smiled and sincerely thanked him for his help as she said goodbye and released the call.
She let out a deep breath as she placed the phone down on the side. She was relieved she had survived that experience, and felt proud of the accomplishment. She closed down her laptop and took a big sip of her wine. She stood and thought for a moment about Emma and then had a thought that the blonde had nothing clean to change in to. She quickly abandoned her laptop and wine on the side and darted to the staircase. Hurrying up them she dashed past the guest room and in to the master bedroom.
From her closet she pulled out a box that she kept deep at the box. It was filled with comical pyjamas that Leopold's daughter continued to but her as a gift for every Christmas and birthday. She detested the things, they were so comical and not her style at all. He had insisted that she keep them all, and to not offend his precious daughter she had always had to pretend that they were lovely, but under no circumstances had she ever warn them. Most of them were terrible but as she quickly searched through them she found a pair that would be suitable for Emma. Retrieving them she shoved the box back into the deep darkness at the back of the closet. Pulling off the tags as she crossed to her dresser, she pulled open the top drawer and grabbed a clean pair of her underwear for the girl and quickly hurried to the guest room.
She tapped the door and when no reply came she hesitantly opened the door and stepped into the room. She could hear Emma still in the shower and noted the bathroom door was slightly ajar. Going over to the bed she placed out the clothes and turned to leave, when she happened to glance over to the bathroom again. She caught a glimpse of Emma showering in the reflection in the mirror and lightly bit her lip. Her skin tingled as she watched and as the blonde started to turn around Regina let out a little gasp as she realised she was staring and might get caught. She swallowed hard and quickly hurried out of the room, closing the door behind her with a loud click and praying that over the running water Emma hadn't heard.
"Hello?" the blonde called hearing the loud click and quickly turning off the shower.
She dripped all over the floor as she stepped out onto the mat and quickly reached for the nearby towel. It was warm and fluffy, just as she had imagined as she wrapped herself up in it and grabbed another quickly to dry her hair. She frowned lightly and hesitantly headed back through to the bedroom, unsure who she might find in there. She was relieved when she saw she was alone, but then glanced at the bed and noted the clothes laid out for her. She quickly glanced towards the door but it was closed. Shaking her head, she assumed she must have heard Regina just popping the clothes in and wandered over to the bed. Perching on the edge she looked at the pyjamas and smiled with a light giggle as she saw the silky underwear that had been left out. They couldn't have been more mismatch. The underwear was a navy blue silk thong with a cream lacy panel at the front, yet the pyjamas were cotton, a light blue pair of leggings covered in glittery little stars and tank style top which had a big star on it with 'super' across the top of the image and 'star' across the bottom.
She quickly towel dried her hair with a smile and then unwrapped her towel from around her naked body. She felt so clean and fresh and taking the underwear she slipped them on. They were a little tight but they felt lovely against her clean skin. Luckily with her work she had always had clean underwear after every cold shower at Joe's, but the feeling of them after an enjoyed shower was definitely a better experience. Feeling a chill she quickly got dressed in the pyjamas, which fitted, although the top was snug over her bump and showed it off clearly. She looked down at and swore it had grown since the day before, and smiled as she stroked gently over it.
"You ok in there little one?" she whispered.
Smiling and feeling content and happy, she scooped up the damp towels and returned them to the heated towel rail in the bathroom to dry before heading back downstairs to Regina.
The brunette was busy at the door with the delivery man. Emma searched for her and found her struggling to close the door with her hands so full. She quickly hurried down to assist, taking the box of pizza and smiling as it allowed Regina to complete her task.
"Well don't you look cute!" the brunette joked as she followed Emma back towards the kitchen.
"Cute?"
"Yes Emma, cute" Regina smirked a little.
Emma looked away awkwardly and placed wandered into the living area with the pizza box where she dumped it on the table. The brunette shook her head as she busied herself in the kitchen grabbing a glass for the soda and two plates for them to eat off of. She came across with the plates and handed one to Emma as she placed the other onto the table for herself in a moment. Returning to the kitchen she opened and poured out a glass of soda for Emma, before popping the rest of the bottle into the refrigerator and grabbing her wine so that she could join her.
"This smells amazing"
"Well go ahead and help yourself dear" Regina offered as she placed the glasses down on the coasters.
"We don't usually use plates, we just eat straight from the box!" Emma told her as she opened up the box and grabbed a big slice of the pizza.
Regina looked at her for a moment, took her plate and helped herself to a slice also. She wondered if Emma realised she had just given a detail of her life, and it intrigued her. She held her plate and watched the blonde, waiting for the right moment to ask the question she was dying to now and just as Emma had taken her first bite she made her move.
"So who is we?"
The blonde's eyes widened a little. She didn't want Regina really knowing about her past lifestyle and quickly chewed and swallowed her mouthful. She looked up and over at the brunette who was poised with wine glass in hand, and plate on her lap and quickly told her it was no one. Of course Regina wasn't buying it. She wanted to know if Emma had someone somewhere and waited expectantly for an actual answer.
"We is….Joe. Me and Joe. He's just an ex" Emma confirmed.
That was all she was going to tell and luckily the other woman accepted the answer with a nod. Emma was just relived when no other questions about Joe followed and continued eating. Regina watched her as she lifted her own slice to her mouth. She hadn't eaten pizza in years and she hoped desperately that it still tasted as good as she remembered it had. She took a bite and moaned appreciatively as the flavours exploded in her mouth. The blonde looked up the second she heard her in amazement and grinned a little trying not to giggle as she watched the brunette close her eyes and take another bite. As she moaned once more, the stringy cheese falling everywhere she giggled uncontrollably.
"Have you never had pizza before?!" she asked.
"It's been a long, long time" the brunette admitted as she swallowed her latest mouthful and reached for the blonde's soda.
"Do you mind if I?" she asked.
The blonde shook her head with a smile and grinned as the brunette took a big sip and moaned again. She didn't know why she had ever started denying herself of such pleasures. Returning the glass to its coaster she quickly apologised to Emma for her actions and explained about her days with Kathryn, which made her laugh.
Disturbed suddenly, the two of them snapped their heads up from where they had been conversing, when they heard the front door of the penthouse open, and then slam shut. Emma's eyes widened as thundering steps could be heard coming down the hall, approaching the kitchen. Regina quickly got up, telling Emma to stay where she was and she dashed to the kitchen just as her husband entered the room.
"What the hell is this, Regina!" he demanded as he waved a crumpled piece of paper in front of her face.
"It oddly resembles a memo Leo" she replied calmly as he glared at her.
She noted the lilac sheet in his hand, and knew it was a note on their company memo paper. She also didn't need to read its content to know what it was, that was why he was so angry about it. He slammed it down on the counter, which from where she was hiding behind the couch made Emma flinch. Regina instantly recognised the hand it was written in was Sidney's and she wanted to smile, but kept a straight face. It was the details her lawyers had given, about the temporary living situation whilst divorce proceedings were being started, which meant he had learnt he would now be permanently residing in the suburbs.
"You bitch!" He snarled. "This, this nonsense is with my lawyer and will not be continuing" he growled.
He struck out and hit her, knocking her back into the worktop and from Emma a louder gasp escaped. He stopped in his tracks and looked to the living room, spotting her instantly and glaring. He stepped back from Regina, sparing her a beating this time and approached the couch and the living room, where Emma had ducked down and out of sight again when she had realised he had seen her.
The brunette's eyes widened and she hurried over. Worry filled her as she prayed he wouldn't strike Emma. He marched up to the couch and round it, so that he was face to face with her, and then angered by her presence, and began shouting at her.
"You!"
"What are you doing here?!" He demanded, but didn't wait for an explanation from either of the woman before flying accusations at the blonde.
"This is your doing isn't it?!" he accused. "You, you've come here telling my wife lies. Don't you even dare accuse me of being the father, we both know I never touched you" He hissed as he snarled at her in disgust.
"Leo, you are wrong" Regina protested, trying to pull him away from Emma.
He only knocked her back and went for Emma, who quickly darted out of his path and to behind the couch to protect herself. She wasn't scared, just on edge, not wanting to get hurt. He told her snidely that she disgusted him. To him she was nothing but a scheming, little whore and he would not stand for it. He yelled for her to go, which Emma almost did but hesitated when Regina piped up again.
"She didn't come here Leo, I, invited her. She is my guest and she will be staying with me!" she told him firmly.
Regina's mind was running with questions about what her husband had been saying, but it wasn't the time to ask. She nervously waited as he slowly turned his attention back to her. He narrowed his eyes and approached her. His voice low and gruff as he got up in her face. Emma swallowed gently and watched, but she poised and ready to try and make a run for it if she had to.
"So, that's what this is about is it?" he asked.
Regina looked him square in the eye.
"I, I don't know what you are talking about Leopold" she told him sternly.
"It's not happening Regina. You hear me. You aren't divorcing me to play out your dirty, disgusting fantasies with her!" he snarled, his hand flying up and pointing an accusing finger behind him towards Emma.
The blonde couldn't help but wonder what that was supposed to mean, and looked to the brunette in hope of explanation, but Regina only glanced at her before looking back to man standing over her, who had now grabbed her clothing. He was threatening her in a hushed voice, shaking her lightly before he let her go, and she glared at him, frowning deeply.
"Leave her out of it Leopold!" she yelled.
His hand came up and cracked her right across her face. How dare she raise her voice to him like that! He turned and looked at the young, pregnant blonde who looked fearful and smiled, which made her feel very uneasy. He looked at his wife again for a second, trying desperately to compose herself after their altercation and then chuckled a little.
"Oh dear Regina. You haven't told her your dirty little secrets have you?" he smirked and he looked back to the blonde.
"You know this is game right darling. Whatever she had promised you get out of this you won't. She is no match for me, and neither are you. This little scam she wants to pull, isn't a scam at all. She just wants to get you into her bed and have her wicked way with you!"
He grinned as Emma looked at Regina, who was not arguing with that fact. She had assumed Emma would realise her sexual orientation when she had asked her to be a part of her plan. The look on the blonde's face though said it all. She hadn't even put two and two together about it all. Regina suddenly felt very guilty.
"Emma…" she tried as she saw the blonde looking quite upset.
"That's right darling, she just wants to use you for sex, but I suppose you are well accustomed to such a trade aren't you, Princess?" he grinned wickedly.
The blonde suddenly darted for the door. Regina made a move to chase after but Leopold blocked her path. He shook his head at her and grabbed her wrist, trying to pull her to the staircase. Regina's heart pounded and she struggled and struggled, trying to break free of him. His grip was strong, crushing her wrist painfully as he got her up two or three steps. With her free arm she quickly grabbed the handrail and pulled back violently. He lost his balance and in an attempt to steady and save himself, he released her from his grip. That's when she fell, tumbling back the few steps and hit the floor with a smack that rendered her unconscious.
"Miss, Miss you don't want to go out there in that rain without a coat" the doorman warned as he saw the blonde, dressed only in the pyjamas flying towards the door.
She was clearly upset, tears streaming down her face as she ignored his warning and dashed out, bare feet and dressed only in the clothes Regina had given her, into the street. It was pouring, soaking her instantly as she glanced left and right deciding which way to go. She had no idea where she was going to go but she wasn't able to stay there. She chose right and ran, best she could into the city. A few streets later she began to recognise her surroundings. She was back at the office block and diner. The woman inside was wiping empty tables, and clearly finishing her shift, and the office was dark apart from the lights of the reception that stayed on all the time. She stopped to get her breath and wandered towards the diner, wondering if she would be able to find something to build a bed with in the trash.
There was very little there as she searched, but there was one damp newspaper which she quickly retrieved before it got any wetter. The outer sheets just turned to mush in her hands, but the inner ones were a little drier. She pulled a few of them and wrapped them around her as she attempted to shelter between the bins. She was only there a short while before she was shivering. She rested against the bin and silently prayed she would survive the night. She really needed a miracle now.
Ruby exited the diner with two full bags of rubbish. She cursed the weather, the rain now heavier than it had been half an hour beforehand, when Emma had gone running from the apartment. She headed for the bins, opened the one dropping in the bags, and then moved to the other to place in the empty cardboard, packaging boxes. She jumped though when she saw a figure, huddled and shivering between them.
"Hello, aren't you, I met you this morning didn't I?" she questioned.
She had startled Emma though, who shook her head and quickly made and attempt to move. Ruby tried to stop her, but the blonde quickly stumbled away part way down the street and then attempted to cross the road, when a black car came tearing around the corner and startled her further. She fell back, landing in a puddle and hitting her head on the curb. The waitress's eyes widened and she quickly dashed in the direction of which the girl had fallen, screaming for help.