*note: This is the longest chapter I've ever written in my entire life. Not sure if it's a good thing or bad… Bear with me!
Chapter 10: Under the Stars
Regina opened her eyes. The bed was once again empty next to her.
She shot right up on Emma's bed and looked around. The room was empty. No sign of the blonde.
No…no I didn't dream the whole thing did I…no…please no…
She was on the verge of panicking when the blonde walked into the room, whistling happily. Her curls were dripping wet. A fluffy white towel was wrapped around her torso.
Regina let out a breath, relieved. Emma turned around at the sound.
"Oh! Sorry! Did I wake you?" Emma said quickly, then looked down and realized the condition she was in and smiled awkwardly, "er…right…I really didn't think you'd be awake…haha…ha…"
She is so adorable…
Regina thought happily as she returned Emma's smile, "It's quite alright."
"Umm…c-could you close your eyes?"
"What?" Regina was confused.
"Close your eyes Regina, I'm gonna change."
"Do I have to? I really don't mind a good show." Regina grinned wickedly and arched an eyebrow. Emma groaned and crossed the room in a long stride and stood right in front of her.
Emma leaned down and kissed her lips. Regina sighed into the blonde's soft mouth. Emma's curls brushed across her cheeks and she felt them leave a wet trail behind. Regina shivered slightly and touched a loose strand. She loved the feel of it under her finger.
Emma pulled away after a few seconds.
"Please close you eyes?" Emma asked, smiling shyly. Regina chuckled and closed her eyes.
She heard Emma turn and walk around in the room. She heard hangers being shuffled and a zipper being pulled up.
The wicked girl inside her just couldn't be denied. Regina chanced a quick look.
Emma's back was turned to her. She was standing in her tight skinny jeans, fumbling with the belt buckle. Regina stared, shamelessly, as the blonde searched for a shirt.
She was lean and very fair. Regina licked her lips as her eyes roamed down Emma's bare spine and up.
Emma's shoulders were broad. Her arms were shapely and slightly muscular. Her waist was slender. Regina saw a few scars here and there. She didn't want to think about how the blonde had gotten them.
Emma bent down to pick up a shirt off the floor. Regina watched her skin flex and curve. She watched the shoulder blades stick out as Emma pulled on her shirt.
Emma Swan was a gorgeous creature.
Regina's heart leapt as she saw what Emma had decided to wear. The shirt she had bought her. The shirt she had worn while the blonde had disappeared. The shirt that held Emma's scent and her lost tears.
She saw Emma sniff the collar slightly. It was probably the fading trace of her perfume. Realization dawned on Emma's face.
Regina quickly closed her eyes seeing as the girl was about to turn around.
She tried to calm her racing heart, knowing what was coming.
"Regina…my shirt…did…did you…?"
"Yes."
Her voice was barely audible.
She felt Emma near her again. Regina opened her eyes.
This time they didn't kiss. Emma only gathered her in her arms. Regina clung to her, hiding her face into the curtain of golden curls.
The shirt felt so much better with its owner.
…
Later in the afternoon Emma found Regina on her way back from the store. The brunette was carrying a bunch of grocery bags.
"Need help?" she asked, stepping back from Leroy's truck where she had just dumped a bunch of garbage bags. Regina made a face.
"I appreciate it Emma but not with those hands."
Emma chuckled at Regina's disgusted expression. She took off her work gloves and tucked them in her back pockets. Brushed her hands on her jeans and held them up for Regina's inspection. The brunette rolled her eyes. Emma then took a bag from Regina, gingerly, and walked with her towards the kitchen.
"Hey, you maybe wanna go on a date tonight?" she asked after they handed the supplies to one of the kitchen helps.
Regina looked at her curiously, "a date?"
"Yeah…we could go watch a movie" Emma shrugged, stuffing her hands into her pockets.
"Sure. Which one did you have in mind? I could call and book our tickets."
"Err…" Emma scratched her head awkwardly, "I…uh…wanted to take you to this…well it's not…there aren't any tickets."
"A theatre that doesn't ask for tickets?" Regina raised her eyebrow.
"You'll see. I just…this time I want to take you out…" Emma mumbled.
I want to do this for you. I want to show you a little part of my world…
She didn't say her thoughts out loud.
"Ok then, what time?"
"Around seven?"
"Can't wait!" Regina gave her a quick kiss and headed towards the kitchen. Emma smiled as she watched her leave.
…
"Leroy, can I leave early today?" she asked as she went back to the back yard.
"Sure thing! Actually Emma, Ms. Nolan said you don't have to keep doing this shit job anymore" he patted her on her back, "I think you running away and stuff really melted her. She's got a soft spot for you, girl."
"Awh man I liked working with you! Now I gotta find an actual job!" Emma faked disappointment. Leroy was having none of it. He gave her a tight bear hug.
"Anywhere is better than rotting in the land of shit. You'll do fine, blondie"
Emma chuckled and helped him clear out the dumpster one last time.
By the time Emma finished and watched Leroy drive away in his truck, the sky had darkened. She ran up the stairs to get ready.
A date with Regina Mills.
She kicked her boots off and ran towards the shower. She washed her hair, coated her entire body with extra layers of soap and scrubbed every part raw. She wore the new t-shirt she had snatched from the latest donation pile this morning.
There was a knock on her door exactly at seven. Emma quickly finished brushing her curls and opened her door.
Regina was standing there, in a gorgeous red dress and a purse in her hand.
God she's so beautiful…
"Hi," the brunette smiled nervously, "am I too early?"
"Hey! Oh you're right on time!" Emma breathed, her knees suddenly felt all wobbly.
Get a grip Emma! Dammit! Get it together!
She closed the door behind her and took Regina's hand.
They walked hand in hand. Emma looked down and watched her sneakers fall in step with the black pencil heels.
They were quite the pair.
Emma led Regina towards an empty lot, a few blocks away from the shelter. It used to be a convenience store but was demolished couple years back. The guy, who bought the little space, Tommy, decided to run a new business there. A make shift movie theatre. There were plastic tables and chairs set up. A hot dog and pop corn cart standing in a corner. Tommy and his wife, Martha, invested on those as well. They also had old couches, camp beds and cheap mattresses set up. A huge white sheet was raised in the middle of the clearing, hung with ropes that were tied on two high poles. That was the projection screen. The street lamps were broken in this corner of the city. The stars provided all the light they needed. The night sky was huge above them, unobstructed by skyscrapers.
Starlight Theatre. The name was appropriate.
Tommy and Martha didn't sell tickets. Pay whatever you can for the movie. The popcorns were a dollar, hot dogs were two.
A small crowd had already gathered there.
Emma walked a really surprised Regina towards their couch. She had asked Tommy and Martha earlier for a good seat for them, had the old thing cleaned and sprayed with freshener. Martha was kind enough to even add in a soft, fluffy blanket and a couple cushions. They refused to take any money from her.
The old couple were kind towards young lovers. Emma had seen them in action. Tommy had put in a good word about a boy to his girlfriend. Martha gave out a basket of her freshly baked chocolate muffins and wished the couple good luck.
Every kid on the streets loved these two. They were every orphan's Gran and Granpa. Emma also considered them family.
She left Regina on the couch and stood in line for the popcorn. Emma thought back to the day she had first walked into Starlight Theatre. August had brought her here.
August was always the one showing her new things.
They had watched Star Wars together in this place with a bunch of August's friends. The kids cheered and whooped and booed and no one stopped them. Tommy and Martha were right there shouting and yelling with the kids during the fight scenes.
She looked around. There on the chair August had choked on a piece of popcorn. Tommy had rushed to his aid and thumped him so hard on his back her brother had toppled over, face first on to the ground. The popcorn had flew out of his throat and lodged in Emma's hair. She had shrieked in disgust and laughed as August rolled around in the dirt then slowly stood up, cursing.
It was the first time Emma had laughed after her mother's death.
"All right kids-
"We're not kids, Tom!" someone yelled from the crowd.
"All right then, infants!"
Laughter rang through the lot as old Tommy winked and started his projector, "we're watching Batman tonight! Not the new one you…infants…are all hyped about, the classic one! The one from years ago! The one without the 3D and crazy stunts. Cool eh?"
More laughter. Everyone took their seats.
Emma settled down beside Regina with the popcorn. The brunette spread the blanket over their legs. She had taken off her heels and pulled her feet up. Emma threw her arm over Regina's shoulder. Regina wrapped hers around her waist and snuggled closer to her.
"We can leave anytime you want" Emma whispered in the brunette's ears as the projector started rolling.
"Why would I want to do that?" Regina looked up at her, confused.
Emma shrugged, "if you don't like the…arrangement here or if you'd rather we went somewhere else just tell me ok? I want you to have fun too."
"This is definitely a first for me, watching a movie out here in the open, but it's definitely not unpleasant. It's wonderful. The nice lady, Martha, checked up on me twice while you were getting the popcorn. She gave us this!" Regina took out a small bag of Hershey Kisses from her purse. Emma chuckled and looked for the older woman. Martha winked at her from her husband's side.
"I love it!" Regina smiled at her.
And I love you.
Emma thought as she kissed Regina. She didn't want this night to end. Regina was enjoying herself and that's all that mattered. She would do anything to make this girl happy. Emma held Regina close and rested her head on top of the brunette's.
The movie began.
…
"I don't want to go home yet," Regina said to her as they walked out of the theatre lot.
"Well what d'you wanna do?" Emma asked her, zipping the front of her red leather jacket.
"D'you know a good club 'round here?" Regina asked, lacing her arm with Emma's.
Oh do I…
"Right this way" Emma winked and pulled Regina with her. They caught the night bus towards downtown.
G-strings was packed as usual.
Regina looked around excitedly; clearly it was her first time in a bar full of wild ladies. Emma led her towards the bar. They took tequila shots under the neon lights. Music blared through their skulls.
Emma gave up after three shots but Regina was on a roll. She watched, mouth hanging open as Regina gulped down shots of the strong liquid one after the other. The bartender and others sitting around the stools cheered her on.
"Re-gi-na! RE-GI-NA! RE-GI-NA!"
"Woo hoo!" Regina screamed after her tenth shot. She was completely buzzed. Emma laughed her head off as the brunette climbed on the bar and sang along to the pop music on top of her lungs. The room erupted in loud cheers and whistles. Women thumped Emma on her back, congratulating her on scoring this wild creature.
"Dance with me, dear Emma" Regina pulled her off her seat after she got tired of her crazy antics. As though on cue, the thumping music changed on the dance floor to something softer.
Emma swayed with slow movement of Regina's body. The brunette pressed into her and locked her arms behind her neck. Emma held her waist and fell into steps.
"I like being in your arms," Regina muttered dreamily, "and I like when your hands go down my back like that and stop…right…right above my ass"
Ah you are so drunk, girl…
Emma shook her head and chuckled.
"Why stop Emma…no don't stop…let your hands go down…down…down…"
Her voice was so sultry and deep she had Emma breathing heavily. Regina whispered in her ears, "go ahead…no one's watching you here Emma…get your hands right on my- mmmh!"
The last bit was moaned into her ear as Emma's hands had suddenly squeezed the firm flesh. Emma was shocked by her own response.
Damn it! Urgh! Why did I do that! If she remembers this tomorrow she'll kill me!
"Shit! I'm so sorry I dunno what-
"Shhhhh!" Regina's finger pressed on Emma's lips, "you liked it."
"I don-
"Admit it." Regina smirked and nuzzled Emma's nose with hers. Emma didn't say another word.
Her body was responding to Regina's advances. The brunette's hands trailed all over Emma- rubbing her shoulders, brushing down her chest. Emma yelped when Regina pulled her by her belt buckle and bit into her neck.
Emma was trying so hard to keep her own hands as far away from the brunette's body as possible.
But boy was Regina making it hard for her…
It was when the drunken Regina had started grinding into the front of her pants when Emma finally lost it.
This sweet torture was way too much.
"We're leaving," Emma hissed and dragged Regina out of the crammed club.
The cold night air helped clear Emma's head. She held Regina by her side and walked towards the bus stand. Thunder grumbled somewhere far away. It would probably rain soon.
Regina was stubborn. Drunk Regina even more so.
"No! Let's walk!" the brunette whined as Emma led her to the bus stand.
"Regina, shelter's pretty far away and it'll take us longer if it starts raining. Also, you're wearing heels."
"So?! I can take off my heels if my feet gets sore and then you can carry me home" she smiled dreamily, swaying a little on her feet, "just like the movies!"
"Yeah except in the movies it's the buffed up guys who spend hours lifting heavy weights just for that one scene-
Regina's expression stopped Emma mid sentence.
Shit. I said something wrong, didn't I?
"I am not heavy," Regina scowled and strutted away from her. Emma gaped her way for a moment, at a loss for words. Then she ran after the drunken girl.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean-
"Fuck you!" Regina yelled and shoved her. Emma let her walk ahead and followed at a distance.
They walked in silence. After a couple blocks and hundreds of street lights later, Emma saw Regina stumble a little bit. The brunette stopped and massaged her ankles then walked again. The night was getting darker. The moon was hiding behind thick black clouds.
After another block, Regina stopped completely. Emma knew her feet were probably screaming in pain right about now. Emma knew they had to hurry before it starts raining.
Without a word Emma dropped on her knees on the pavement. She started taking off Regina's shoes.
The girl didn't protest and stood quietly.
Emma finished taking them off and stood up. She handed the shoes to the brunette who didn't look at her.
Emma swept Regina into her arms.
"Wh-what the hell do you think you're doing?!" Regina gasped as Emma started walking.
"Carrying you home, princess" Emma winked. Her arms screamed in protest but she was not about to tell Regina that.
"This is ridiculous! Emma, put me down!"
"No!"
"Put me down now!"
"No!"
Regina punched her chest, it was feeble. Emma shrugged and kept walking. The brunette gave up after a while and hung onto Emma's neck.
Then it started raining.
Emma held Regina tightly against her chest and sped up. Her shoulders were aching and her lungs needed more air. But she kept the brunette in her arms and walked on.
By the time the shelter came into view they were both soaked to their bones. Emma's teeth clattered in the icy cold wind. She rubbed Regina's arms where the goose bumps had formed.
I can do this…I can do this for her…I will do this for her…I'm not letting go…not letting go…
"Emma…let me walk I can walk" Regina mumbled over and over again.
"It's ok, beautiful. I got you." Emma whispered and smiled as rain water dripped down her face, "I will do this a thousand times over just for you.
She saw a tear fall down the brunette's cheek and mix with the rain. Regina kissed her wet lips, warming her face.
"You are amazing, Emma Swan" she heard the brunette whisper into her neck. Emma's heart swelled in pride as she carried her through the pouring rain.
She carried Regina all the way to the shelter, up the stairs and straight into their room.
Only then she set the girl down on her feet.
…
"G'morning"
Regina yawned and opened her eyes to the pair of green staring at her. She smiled at Emma and slowly sat up. Then pain shot through her skull.
Regina groaned in agony. It felt like someone had hit her with a brick and it was somehow still lodged inside her head.
"Yeah. Hurts like a bitch, doesn't it?" Emma nodded wisely, "I've got the perfect cure for tequila hangovers."
She held out a cup, "lemon water, extra strong, and no sugar. Drink."
Emma brought it to her lips and Regina drank from the cup.
The citrus sparked through her nerves. The sour taste hit the back of her throat and ran straight through her skull.
"Better?" Emma asked. Regina nodded and sipped again. The dull throbbing lost more of its intensity.
Regina rubbed her shoulders through Emma's shirt.
Wait. Emma's shirt?!
Regina looked down- she was in her drawers, no pants and wearing one of Emma's good shirts. She tried to recall last night. Her memory was foggy. She remembered drinking at the bar, dancing, she had yelled at Emma for some reason on the street, and then she remembered rain and being carried.
That's all.
"Emma…" Regina mumbled, "I'm…not…I'm not wearing what I was wearing last night."
Urgh. I sound so ridiculous.
Emma looked at her, clearly amused, "that's right Regina, you aren't."
She is not gonna make this easy is she?
"I mean…I…we…did we?"
"We what, Regina?" Emma was trying so hard not to laugh. Regina blushed.
"Did we…you know…that?"
"What do you think?"
Regina shrugged and sipped more from her cup. Emma leaned in and kissed her cheek.
"You were completely drenched from the rain and kind of passed out on the bed. I didn't want you to catch a cold or worse…so had to do something. So I took off your dress…I swear I didn't look! ...yeah and I dried you up with my towel and put that shirt on you."
"You didn't look?" Regina raised her eyebrow and squinted.
"I swear," Emma nodded solemnly then whispered in her ears, "and Regina, if…we got around to doing…you know…that… I'd want you to be completely sober for it…I'd want you to feel…everything…and remember everything I do to you. When I make love to you Regina Mills it will blow your mind, you won't ever forget it."
Regina gulped heavily as she heard those words. She collected her thoughts and pushed her desire- to yank the blonde by her flank and throw her down on the bed and straddle her hips- deep down inside.
There will be time for that. Later.
"You promise?" she smiled mischievously, pulling Emma closer for a kiss.
"Promise," Emma whispered as their lips crushed together.