((( I meant this chapter as a little Christmas present, but it took a little longer to polish. Hope you enjoy! Happy belated holidays!
BTW All credit & praise to the fabulous Miss Lane and her fabulous vid ( watch?v=jLaA-kCGR5g) for the "You are my more" line. Much love things.)))
The Way It Should Have Been
Chapter Ten
Mulan diligently cleared the dirty dishes from the table they called 5. Thankfully the soldier was not experienced enough to serve the customers in one of those startlingly revealing outfits that her beloved had donned earlier. From time to time the timid beauty caught herself staring, entranced by her bold lady. The way Ruby flowed gracefully from one group to the next with a kind, sparkling smile warmed the warrior's heart. With a wistful sigh, Mulan returned to her task grateful for the considerably more modest clothing that her lady had loaned her. The garment the shewolf had called a sports bra was much easier to navigate than those confounding devices Emma kept throwing at the soldier the previous day. Simple but form-fitting black trousers and a white cotton tunic called t-shirt completed the ensemble.
The industrious warrior leaned across the table to reach the dishes on the other side when a sudden squeeze of her backside startled the champion. The intended dishes sailed to the floor in a crash as Mulan spun about to face her molester. The wide, cheeky grin on her beloved's face slowed the hammering of the warrior's heart. As the understated Asian beauty lightly glared at her lover Ruby called out to the kitchen, "Granny, your new girl is all thumbs!" Soft pink lips hung agape in silent protest of the playful slander. Messy gray curls appeared in the service window over an etched in scowl to announce, "I'm sure she'll be fine as soon as you quit playin' grab ass. The next one's coming out of your pay, girl!" The lover's giggled softly together. "Nothing gets by her, does it," Mulan inquired nodding towards the kitchen. "Not a damn thing," Granny shouted answering for herself. "And don't you forget it!"
"I like her," Mulan chuckled enthusiastically. "Good," Ruby purred draping herself casually against her lover, pale arms resting on firm shoulders, "Because I kinda love you both a lot." The adoring sparkle in emerald eyes combined with the declaration of love was enthralling to the warrior. Soft pink lips captured a plush pair tenderly. Ruby cooed sweetly into the kiss reveling in the oasis of a moment in an otherwise hectic morning. The chime of the doorbell preceded a gravelly effeminate voice chastising playfully, "Hey, you can't just go around harassing the help like that." Ruby spun about to pin Emma with a sassy look of warning retorting, "It's only harassment if they complain." Mulan enfolded her feisty lady love in arms of solidarity proclaiming, "I have no complaints." The sheriff chuckled at the adorable couple. As the others were distracted with their pleasantries Regina slipped in quietly making a beeline for the facilities in fear of losing Her coffee as She had last night's tequila.
"Well if we don't get some dishes to wash soon there will be plenty of complaints, starting with me," Granny groused from the kitchen. The soldier snapped to attention returning to her task with renewed vigor replying in sharp obedience, "Yes, ma'am!" Grey brows rose in pleasant surprise at her granddaughter's mate. With her toy taken away and darting into the kitchen, Ruby turned her frustration on Emma. "Do you really think you have any room to talk," the scantily clad waitress sassed arms crossed over an ample bosom. The sheriff slid into a booth trying unsuccessfully to hide the guilty shifting of her eyes. "I don't know what you mean," the blonde protested weakly.
A burst of sardonic laughter erupted from the feisty femme. "Don't think for a second you can slip one passed me," Ruby challenged hands on hips. Regina emerged from the restroom relieved that the trip was unnecessary just in time to hear Her protégé's declaration. The curious noblewoman clung to the wall unable to resist eavesdropping. At the booth, a blond brow quirked in silent challenge of the server's assumptions. "You slip in here in yesterday's clothes with Regina sneaking in behind you like you two didn't arrive together," Ruby asserted sarcastically before pleading, "Come on, dish girl!" Emma chuckled at her friend's contagious exuberance. If there were anyone the blonde wanted to confide in it would be Red. However, no force on this earth could make Emma betray Regina's confidence. The sheriff knew full well that nothing could shake the shewolf from tracking a trail once she had sniffed it out either. The savior's only hope was misdirection based on truth. "Alright," Emma sighed pretending to give in. "What do you wanna know?" Ruby squealed in delight, "Everything!"
From Her hiding spot, the queen's guts tightened and rolled in fear and anticipation. Surely Emma wouldn't gossip about their relationship, especially not before it had even had a chance to bloom.
With a wicked twinkle in jade eyes, Emma baited Ruby shamelessly, "You wanna hear all the graphic details?"
"Yes!" The waitress enthused excitedly on the edge of her seat.
Regina swallowed hard around the lump in Her throat straining for every word.
"You really wanna hear about my fingers in her hair?"
"Yes!"
Regina bit Her lip to keep from screaming, 'No!'
"Me slipping behind her all bent over?"
Ruby gasped overjoyed at her friend's naughty happiness.
Regina's cheeks flamed as a sudden, unexpected desire rose within. The queen had never been the subject of 'locker talk' before to the best of Her knowledge, but the idea was surprisingly stimulating.
"Me slipping her outta that little dress and taking her to bed…" Just when it seemed Ruby's eyes couldn't get any wider Emma mercilessly dashed the illusion, "… because she could barely walk after throwing up that much?"
"Wait, what?!" Ruby's pale brow furrowed in confusion. The sheriff leaned closer with a no-nonsense expression clarifying, "I held back her hair while she threw up, helped her to bed and crashed out next to her because I was too tired and wasted to make it back home. End of story." The waitress pouted in disappointment. The mayor sighed in relief and gathered Herself a moment before turning the corner. "I'm glad you had a wonderfully romantic evening, Rubes. I really am, but not all of us are so lucky," the blonde embellished her ruse masterfully as Regina slid into the booth seat across from her. With a cagey grin, the queen addressed Her closest friends, "So what did I miss?" The savior wore a cheeky grin as she informed her still secret lover, "Not much. Ruby just thinks we'd make a great couple." Dark eyes sparkled with restrained joy as the stylish mayor purred, "Is that right?"
The indignant waitress crossed her arms in a huff pouting defensively, "Well, you would! If you were into that." Thick inky lashes dipped in embarrassment causing the petulant young woman to miss the charged smile shared by the secret lovers. Regina placed a sympathetic hand on Her wounded protégé's arm offering in consolation, "Well we did sleep together, just not quite as colorfully as you thought." Ruby brightened at the reassurance. "I guess my instincts aren't that far off then. I didn't miss you being a wolf too, did I," the sassy server inquired playfully swaying her new necklace. "What in the world," the mayor exclaimed cradling the colored glass pendant. As though echoing her co-parent's thoughts the sheriff asked, "What is that?" Ruby's gaze clung to the pendant as she explained, "It's called the Eye of Fenrir. It's supposed to help me find others of my kind."
"Like a werewolf checker," the blonde puzzled aloud. "Mmhmm." With a happy bounce, the shewolf lifted the lens to her own eye in demonstration. Emma recoiled in surprise at the startling contrast of one green and one golden eye on her friend's face. "How's it look," the waitress teased lightly at the blonde's obvious reaction. The sassy shewolf was comforted to know that the charm worked even if she was inwardly a bit hurt by her friend pulling away. Regina interjected on Her stunned lover's behalf, "It's definitely a statement piece, dear. Although I don't think it quite goes with this particular ensemble." Ruby laughed with unfettered charm at the assessment. A quick glance up and down gently assessed Regina's blood red skirt and matching fitted blazer. "Well yours is a bit more monotone. Maybe it'll match you," the server suggested before holding the glass over a dark eye. Captivated by Her protégé's easy charisma, the mayor allowed the playful inspection with a prim smile. "Nope," the shewolf sighed. "No wolf in there." Having recovered Emma quipped sarcastically, "I don't know. Maybe you should check her again. She's an animal in the sack." Regina balked at the comment slapping the blonde lightly on the arm as Ruby giggled. "By that reasoning, you should be checked. I do deserve to know who I've shared my bed with after all," the queen replied. "Haha," Emma deadpanned but allowed her friend the examination anyway.
Lips tugged to one side Ruby placed a mock consoling hand on the blonde's shoulder. "Unfortunately we're going to have to settle for just being sisters from another mister," Red sighed. Sandy brows pinched in contemplation as Emma replied, "Aren't you technically my godmother or something?" Tapered fingers rose to plush red lips on a gasp as the shewolf responded, "Oh Gods, I am! Does this mean I need to bring you veggies and remind you to brush your teeth?" Emma chuckled softly dismissing her friend's woe, "Nah, I like us just the way we are. And I'd like it even more if you'd get me some eggs and bacon."
"Deal!"
"Just dry toast for me, please," Regina interjected letting Her abdominal discomfort show on Her face for a moment. Ruby's lips pursed in a sympathetic pout before parting to apologize, "I'm so sorry we pushed you last night." Dark eyes brightened encouragingly as the queen soothed Her protégé's worries, "It was all in good fun, dear. There are no hard feelings." The shewolf straightened with a giddy little bounce announcing, "Alright! I'll go put your order in and be back with some coffee." Emma had quietly observed the interaction with curious joy before adding, "Thanks, Rubes." Once the plucky waitress was out of earshot, the blonde turned her curiosity on her lover. "You two seem rather chummy all the sudden." An impish dark gaze taunted the sheriff, "Don't tell me you're the jealous type." The savior chuckled warmly, "Are you kidding? I thought it was cute, just surprising. I was under the impression you didn't think much of her."
"I didn't," the noblewoman admitted openly. "But I recently discovered that I had underestimated our dear Ruby. She really is quite a remarkable young woman and I look forward to getting to know her better." A slow, glowing smile overtook the sheriff's face in naked joy to see how both of these women that were special to her had grown. "You know, when the smell of those pastries turned your stomach I was a little cranky," Emma confessed. A dark brow quirked in silent response, patiently awaiting the rest of the tale. "I wanted to keep you all to myself a little longer." The sheriff's charming smile softly rose the color in high cheekbones. "But now I'm glad I got to see this side of you." With a light clearing of Her throat, Regina struggled to maintain Her composure. If She allowed Herself to fawn like a schoolgirl their ruse would be finished. The only solution and the best way to regain power it seemed was to respond in kind, with unexpected honesty. Leaning closer the queen whispered seductively, "And when I heard you boasting of your 'conquest' I nearly fainted. I thought I would be furious, but I must admit I found it all strangely erotic." Green eyes bulged in shock as the stunned blonde choked on nothing at all.
After tucking her friends' order into the cue it didn't take Ruby long to find her lover in the kitchen. That firm backside was leaned over the sink hard at work. In order to avoid repeating her mistakes, the sassy waitress leaned against the counter near her champion instead. On a silly impulse, the shewolf lifted the magic lens to one eye as she playfully greeted the stoic beauty, "Hey, you." Casting her gaze up from the simple chore a truly radiant creature glowed upon the humble warrior. "Hello, beautiful," Mulan cooed dreamily, lost in the priceless art before her. Ruby had wondered if her lover would be surprised like Emma or kind like Regina. Leave it to Mulan to defy all expectation, to see everything inside the shewolf and find it beautiful. The relationship virgin flushed hotly as she stammered ahead with the reason for her visit, "I… uh, I'm sorry for getting you in trouble in there." The warrior's heart skipped a beat to think of her lady's hands on her backside. With an impish grin, the usually timid tomboy leaned forward to whisper in a throaty tone, "I know how you can make it up to me." A wolfish smile broke out over the femme's face in delight at this growing confidence in her shy lover. In an attempt to nurture it Ruby leaned closer to purr, "Oh yeah?" A caramel gaze boiled over plush red lips as Mulan muttered, "Mm-hmm." It was the last notice given before the soldier closed the slip of distance between them to suckle and caress her lady's lips with her own in a firm, adoring dance. The shewolf sighed sweetly cupping the back of her lover's neck as she melted into the embrace.
They existed outside of time, in a world only they shared until the need of oxygen finally won out. As both women caught their breath, decompressing into reality, a slow smile spread across the noble warrior's face. "See? Not only forgiven but forgotten, too," Mulan playfully commented on the mind-altering euphoria of her lady's kiss. Ruby purred her agreement with the sentiment. With a light tug at her lover's neck, the stylish femme sighed, "You are such a dreamboat." The newer Enchanted Forest expatriate chuckled, "I'm a what?" The modern young woman giggled at her champion's adorable confusion. "It means you're all I ever wanted and more," Ruby explained patiently. "Oh," Mulan blushed to be seen so. "You are my more, too," she shyly professed in reply. A brilliant smile spread across Ruby's face, her joy sparkling in forest green pools. "Really?" A still damp hand rose to caress a pale apple cheek with the back of the warrior's fingers adoringly. "More than I ever dared dream by far," Mulan cooed earnestly. The shewolf bit down on her bottom lip overwhelmed by the tender affection and the intense feeling of connection. The feisty femme felt a growing yearning to 'reconnect' with her lover. "Careful," the graceful mahogany haired beauty warned from beneath inky lashes as she slid closer, "keep that up and I might have to drag you upstairs and really give you something to dream about." The champion whimpered weakly, helpless before the might of her lady's seduction. Even as her tightly muscled body drifted closer duty still had a firm grip on the soldier's mind. "I think your Granny might kill us if we attempt to leave early," Mulan panted softly.
"You've got that right," a scowling voice interrupted. "You're both mine through the lunch rush! And this counts as a smoke break." With the spell broken Ruby grumbled at the disembodied voice growling back, "Alright!" The disheartened look on her beloved's face pained the exotic masculine beauty. "Perhaps after," Mulan suggested tentatively. A slow smile began to brighten cherubic features with a mischievous, "I like the sound of after." The soldier hissed a little in the pain of remembrance as she apologetically informed her lady, "But I promised to aid you in your quest." As much as the warrior truly, deeply appreciated the time they spent alone together if the price was disappointing either of the Lucas women she would just as soon wait. The feisty femme considered blowing it off for a minute, but she could tell by the look on her true love's face that the champion's dedication to duty would not allow her to rest, relax or, more importantly, enjoy herself if they did. A sulking pout overtook the shewolf's face as she crossed her arms in resignation. Eager to once more dispel her lady's frustration, the tactician racked her brain. "Unless…"
Ruby sprang forward at the offered hope enthusing, "Unless? Unless sounds good." Dark eyes dipped down to the colored glass lens dangling between her lady's proud breasts and back to share, "Well you have the Eye with you. And it seems that this restaurant is quite popular with the locals. Perhaps we'll get lucky and discover this stray wolf while in the course of our work." The scantily clad waitress squealed in delight grabbing her lover's shoulders to pull her into a brief but potent kiss. "Baby, you're a genius!" Reeling after the exuberant embrace the soldier replied humbly, "Well strategy is a bit of a hobby." A wide, contagious smile bloomed on the stylish beauty's face as she purred, "I knew you were more than just a pretty face and a wicked sexy body." High cheekbones flared at the intimate compliment as the timid tomboy looked away shyly. In deference to her lover's bashfulness the shewolf changed the subject smoothly, "And I've already eliminated Emma and Regina." Brown orbs cast up a look of disappointment. "Aww, I am quite fond of them." A kind smile met the statement agreeing, "Me too." With a sigh, Mulan continued, "I'm honestly not sure how to feel about that. I wouldn't wish your struggle upon them, but I would feel better knowing you had such friends to help you shoulder your burden." The kindness of her lover's heart, for herself and others, warmed Ruby's own wild organ. Leaning her forehead against her lover's the shewolf stroked strong shoulders purring sweetly, "You're all the shoulders I need."
Once more within the limited privacy of Regina's car, Emma turned a concerned look on the composed beauty at her side. "How's that toast sitting," the sheriff inquired caringly. The mayor chanced a momentary glance at Her kind companion before replying in a gentle tone, "Well, thank you. I'm feeling much better." It suddenly occurred to the recovering monarch that She hadn't thought to ask the same. As She turned onto Main street the brunette rectified Her mistake, "And you? Are you not hungover?" A half smile tugged pink lips as the sheriff informed her lover, "Just a little headache and stiffness. You are far more dangerous to my health than alcohol." The stylish femme balked at the accusation as She parked in front of city hall demanding, "And what have I done that's so horrible?" A cheeky grin silently informed the composed queen that the allegation was a joke. As slim shoulders visibly relaxed the blonde replied, "As hot as your little confession was, we can't do that in public again, 'cause it might just be the death of me."
Regina chuckled reveling in Her influence over the other woman as She graciously agreed, "Fair enough." The sultry brunette bit Her lip in thought as She looked at the portal to responsibility looming before Her. A particularly tempting thought curved plush lips wickedly. "If you'd like to come up I'll make it up to you," Regina offered seductively. The idea of being alone with the darkly alluring woman made the savior's pulse race, but the motivation behind it made her heart hurt. "No." The single word, the last one the queen expected to hear today, confounded Her. Tender but firm green eyes met a confused dark pair to clarify, "Whatever we do or don't do together won't be because of a bet or because it's 'owed' in any way. It won't erase a mistake. If you wanna make it up to me, don't do it again." Before the mayor could fully digest the statement a firm hand caressed Her nylon covered knee sending sparks climbing up Her thigh. "If you still want me to come up because you want to, I'd be delighted," Emma gently encouraged.
Chest heaving lightly with restrained desire Regina removed the stimulating touch with a delicate hand. "Public," the sultry beauty chastised with a wicked half grin. A delighted smile blossomed on angelic features, charmed by the dark beauty's ability to gracefully set a boundary-not to mention respecting the blonde's own limitations. "My apologies," Emma cooed softly. "You're forgiven," Regina stated in a direct fashion before exiting the car. Uncertain if the invitation was still in play the sheriff exited the vehicle but stayed at its side watching the other woman approach the door to city hall. At the gateway the brunette turned to inquire, "Are you coming?" Leather boots hopped to the ready, quickly closing the distance between them as the sheriff eagerly replied, "Yes ma'am."
Each dutiful, doting step trailing behind the queen affirmed Her allure and power over the dynamic blonde. Each clack of boots on marble thrilled and aroused the vixen. The instant the office door closed the mayor turned sharply about. As soon as Emma turned from the task to face the fascinating creature insistent hands pressed the startled blonde into the door. The grunt of impact was quickly silenced by fiery lips flowing, claiming, demanding more. Emma whimpered melting under the ferocity of Regina's desire. Lips and tongues danced a mad duel as strong arms enfolded the dominant brunette. Breaking the embrace breathlessly, the enflamed queen pulled the red leather jacket from tense shoulders. Panting raggedly pale arms squirmed trying to free themselves of the entanglement.
"Uht uh." The sheriff froze at the deeply erotic admonishment. A dark gaze bored through curious, obedient emerald orbs as the resourceful femme used the sleeves of the jacket to bind the savior's wrists. Emma gasped a shiver of anticipation racing through her. "Okay," the blonde consented with a modifier, "but not too rough. I really am sore." Regina offered a seductively sympathetic pout purring, "Aww, where does it hurt, hmm?" Not bothering to wait for reply plush lips descended on a tight shoulder tenderly. "Here?" A raw moan ripped from the savior as her head fell back against the door in complete surrender. Fire raced along the blonde's collarbone as a trail of exploring kisses traced it hot breath purring, "Here?" Though the sheriff panted and shook deliciously the queen's lover had yet to respond aloud. Grateful for the continuance of Her little game Regina trailed a digit teasingly over taut cleavage purring, "Or perhaps the pain runs deeper."
Deft fingers gripped the bottom of a simple white cotton tank top yanking it up to pinned underarms. The Queen's breath grew labored as dark eyes devoured the sight of four pack abs and heaving pert breasts in a simple light blue bra that looked stunning against creamy apricot colored flesh. "Wait," Emma gasped as a slight panic gripped her. The dizzy blonde felt exposed and a little dirty, but the more the sensation sank in the more she liked it. Regina took a half step back carefully observing the bound blonde beauty for signs of distress. Much to the monarch's startled delight, the nimble minx before Her slipped free of the jacket and shed the bunched up top. Then blazing emerald eyes pinned the mayor to the spot as the savior shed her bra. With the straps of the undergarment at her wrists, Emma twisted them to replace the other bindings before settling back against the door in succulent surrender radiating courage and devotion. "Alright," the sheriff stated her willingness to continue clearly. "I said I'm a big girl. I can take it." Entranced by the enthralling vision of pert breasts rising rhythmically the raggedly breathing royal began to advance only to be reminded, "As much or as little as you want."
With such exquisite invitation, Regina could not resist. Elegant hands enshrouded aching breasts as a hungry mouth branded an outstretched neck. "Oh fuck, Regina," Emma cried out wildly as fire raced over her skin prickling it and tightening yearning peaks. The stylish femme's moans of pleasure vibrated the teeth tormenting a taut throat. A thrilling charge spread through sensitive palms as the sorceress kneaded the tender, responsive flesh. Bound hands braced against the door as the sheriff's back arched pressing herself deeper into that mind-altering touch. "Yes! Oh God, yes," the savior whimpered sharply, pleadingly. Regina continued to massage pert breasts as she rose to loom over angelic features deliciously twisted with need to taunt, "I told you. I am no god." The self-bound blonde gazed up from far away it seemed to pant obediently, "Yes, Your Majesty." Quite pleased with the more appropriate moniker the queen captured tormented tips with a tight twist purring, "Good girl." Emma cried out at the sharp sensation overwhelming her senses. Unencumbered by speech the dominant woman descended to violate that succulent mouth with Her tongue as She continued to tease aching nipples.
Emma moaned into the intense embrace hips thrusting erratically of their own accord. In that moment of complete and utter submission, there was absolutely nothing the savior would not do or let the queen do to her. The body signs were clear. If Regina wanted She could take the thrilling blonde right then and there, but as thrilling as the idea was it felt hollow somehow. An unnamable urge to claim the sheriff in Her own bed overcame the sorceress. Regina smiled wickedly against trembling lips relishing in the temporary apex of Her power, or at least what She could afford to indulge in at the moment. "Shh," She soothed sweetly cradling the awakened flesh gently. Lost in a sea of swirling sensation the sheriff gazed up curiously, panting raggedly. Regina curled Her arms around Her courageous savior releasing the other woman's wrists. "That will do for now," the stylish femme cooed sweetly simply holding the brave blonde beauty.
Strong arms suddenly freed wrapped tightly around the bold brunette as the sheriff trembled wildly. Elegant hands flowed soothingly over a bare back as Regina whispered caringly, "Are you alright?" Emma nodded gathering breath to reply, "Sure. Big girls don't cry, but I didn't promise anything about shaking." The stylish femme chuckled softly delighted by the return of Her lover's offbeat sense of humor. "Glad to hear it," the brunette assured the slowly stilling captivating creature. Still trembling softly the vibrant soft butch lifted her spinning head to rest against her dominant's forehead. Soft panting breaths spilled over plush lips as Emma asked respectfully, "I know it's your day, but there is one thing I need if that's alright." Tilting her head slightly to the side in anticipation Regina questioned Her own assumptions, "And what is that, sweetheart?" The savior glowed delighting in the pet name with a soft coo. Soft pink lips brushed whisper light over her lover's with a breathy, "May I?" Wide red lips curved, beyond pleased to be right, before purring, "You may." With a soft whimper, the sheriff sweetly fused their mouths in a kiss so tender and pure that both women became not only enthralled but flooded with a serene sense of connection and completion.
Emma slowly emerged from the embrace filled with a peace and contentment she had never known. The queen stood still stunned to silence by the sensations swirling through Her. As her mind began to clear the awed savior could no longer resist the question etched on her heart, "Sweetheart?" Plush lips curved in radiant joy replying, "If that kiss doesn't prove how sweet you are I don't know what possibly could." Emerald eyes searched soft aristocratic features for any sign of deception or fear as the sheriff prodded lightly, "Is that really what you meant?" The guarded femme sighed struggling to answer truthfully even though She Herself was unsure why She had said it. "You're sweet and you're mine. Do we have to label it beyond that?" The content blonde glowed in earnest reply, "Not at all. That's enough for me." Both descriptors were precious and more than the sheriff ever thought she would mean to the force of nature in her arms.
"Good," Regina purred relieved that Emma didn't press the issue. With an impish grin, the queen gave the savior's backside a sharp swat teasing playfully, "You should probably get down to the station before you're missed." The sheriff chuckled reveling in the sweet little sting with a radiant smile conceding, "You're probably right." The energetic blonde began to scoop her clothes up off the floor when the clearing of a throat drew her attention back to the stunning brunette. A wicked grin curved the sorceress's lips as She dangled the savior's bra from Her fingertips purring, "Don't forget this, sweetheart." Emma beamed at the reinforced endearment as she plucked the undergarment free with a light kiss and an even sweeter, "Thank you, baby." Regina flushed butterflies flooding Her stomach as the sheriff quickly dressed offering a devastating smile on her exit.