Ruby stood, leaning against the bar, watching her friend teach the mayor how to play pool. Those two were inseparable for the last hour and a half, talking flirtatiously and exchanging sass. Ruby was taking a much-needed break. It was like watching teenagers flirt, tentative and with the elegance of a baby horse. Well, that was how Emma looked, that is. She had to commend her friend though, she was trying her damnedest to not make the mayor uncomfortable in public. It was sort of endearing.
"Oy! You gonna order or what? I don't remember hiring a sexy statue." The bartender nudged her shoulder.
"Hey, man! Don't you see I'm watching animals mate in the wild over here?" She laughed over her shoulder.
"Ah, so you see it too, ya?" He nodded toward the sheriff and mayor.
"See it? Dude, I'm fuckin' rooting for it. I'm the captain of their ship. Gimme a Blue Moon, would ya?"
He laughed as he poured the draft, "It's about damn time. The Queen's been needin' some proper loving."
Ruby gave him a skeptical look, "Care to share?"
"I was one of her knights, back in the day." He handed her the amber drink and leaned on the bar top, "I've seen plenty try to break that stallion of a woman, and they all failed. She doesn't need to be broken in, just cared for."
Ruby took a long drink from the glass. "Awful deep shit for a bartender."
He laughed. "Awful relaxed for a werewolf."
She tipped her glass towards him. "Fucking touché, sir."
"Say, let's make a bet. I'm feeling meddlesome this evening."
Ruby leaned in conspiratorially, "Lay it on me."
"I bet I can get those two on the dance floor by the end of the night."
"How do you expect to win that bet?"
He gestured toward the jukebox in the corner, a smug smile on his face. "I own the bar, remember? That means I get to choose the music. What do you say? Does the lady accept my terms?"
Ruby pondered for a moment. "You never told me the stakes. What happens if you win?"
He played with his beard, thinking. "Other than Her Majesty's happiness? Well, I suppose the only other privilege would be to take you on a date."
She stuck out her free hand. "I agree to those terms. As long as you're not afraid of the big bad wolf."
He chuckled and shook her hand. "Wouldn't be the first time a woman kicked my ass and it certainly won't be the last. Now, if you don't mind, I have some musical selections to make."
She stopped him, "Wait, I never got your name."
He reached under the bar and placed a bottle of Jim Beam in front of her. "Vincenzo. And this, is on the house. The sheriff has good taste in women and drink." He winked at her surprise and walked off to the jukebox.
Ruby looked down at the full bottle of bourbon, a sweet smile on her face. Vincenzo. I like that. She turned her attention back to practically married pair behind her. Go elope on a unicorn, you two. Jesus. She signaled to the passing waitress for three shot glasses, earning her a knowing grin from the other woman. Damn, does everyone in the bar know? The waitress reached over the bar and handed her the miniature cups, then quickly bustling away to tend to another customer. Music began flooding the bar as Ruby crossed the distance to their table. The look of distaste on Regina's face almost made her drop the alcohol.
"What on Earth is that noise?"
"Ah, shit! Vincenzo is hooking up the tunes!" Ruby yelled over the music, dancing slightly as she set down the bottle.
"Vincenzo? Rubes, where did that bottle come from?" Emma jumped to the music, earning a scowl from Regina.
"The bar owner. Super cool guy. He said it's on the house. Shit, I love this song!"
"You call this racket music?" Regina covered the ear facing Emma with one of her hands.
"Jump, jump. The Mac Daddy will make ya jump jump. The Daddy Mac will make ya jump jump. Kris Kross will make ya jump jump." Emma punctuated each "jump" with one of her own, singing along.
"Miss Swan!" Regina yelled, using her best mayoral glare.
Emma laughed and gestured at the large bottle. "Would Mayor Tight-Ass like a drink?"
"Must you, Miss Swan?" The mayor let out a huff and picked up one of the shot glasses.
Ruby cracked open the bottle and filled the small glass with precision. "I am not responsible for the words that come out of her mouth."
Regina smiled playfully at her. "Miss Lucas, I could hardly hold her actions against you. Except, perhaps, her consumption prior to my arrival."
Ruby shrugged, rolling her eyes. "She's a big child. Not my fault."
Emma waved between the two. "Uh, excuse you two. I'm right damn here, haven't gone anywhere."
Regina threw the shot back and licked the rim, looking at Emma. "I'm quite aware, Dear."
Ruby took a deep drink straight from the bottle, foregoing the shot glass, and chased it with her beer. Emma was too mystified looking at Regina to notice her friend's lack of drinking manners. Her hand fumbled around the table blindly, unable to take her eyes off the brunette, who was now licking her lips clean of bourbon. God. Damn. Should've brought back-up panties. Finally, her fingertips made contact with the rim of a shot glass and she held it out to Ruby, holding up two fingers on the other hand. Regina quirked an eyebrow at the blonde as she pounded down the two shots quickly.
"Someone's eager."
Emma coughed, the burn of bourbon went down her throat. "You have no fucking idea."
"New song!" Ruby bellowed, attempting to break the tension.
"Oh, I believe I know this song." Regina hummed, more to herself than the others.
"Really?! You're a Journey fan? Color me surprised." Emma gasped.
"I'm a queen, Miss Swan, not a prude." Regina quipped.
"How about a game of pool?" Ruby inquired hopefully.
"Yeah, totally! I think Regina's caught the moves down."
"I'm not so sure. I believe I may need assistance." The mayor ran a single fingernail down her pool stick, looking at Emma suggestively.
"I'm your gay- I mean, your girl." Emma's face went bright with embarrassment and Ruby cackled as she walked to her side of the table.
Ruby racked the balls and lined it up in the middle for the opening break shot. Regina and Emma were going to play on one team while she played on her own team. She had a sneaking suspicion that there wouldn't be so much playing billiards as there would be eye-sex and flirting. But, if this led to where she thought it would, she'd happily put up with it. They better buy me a vacation to Europe when they get married.
"Who wants to break?" Ruby asked, glancing past them and smiling slyly at the bar owner.
"What do you say, My Majesty? I know from experience you're already wicked talented at breaking balls."
Regina feigned shock, "Me? Nonsense, Dear. I simply have a certain way of doing things." She circled the table and stood at the head, then rubbed chalk onto her cue. "I'll break."
Emma wasn't paying attention to anything else in the bar except Regina Mills bending down to take her shot. Holy fuck shit mother of hot. She bit her lower lip as Regina's low-cut tank top barely concealed Her Majesty's cleavage. It was difficult not to think back to earlier in the week when she had tasted the soft flesh underneath that piece of clothing. What was even worse was the rest of Regina's outfit. The tank top was for sure a show-stopper, but the rest was nothing short of jaw-dropping either. Usually, they were close to the same height, but tonight, Regina stood slightly taller than Emma. Leather-clad legs snugly tucked into knee-high leather stiletto boots, and on top of the tank top was the sexiest black leather jacket Emma had ever seen. I wonder if she has a leather kink…
Regina gazed up at Emma, the other woman was openly raking eyes up and down her figure. Satisfaction threaded through her and Regina tilted her head to the side, listening to the song that had begun playing. An idea popped into her head and she decided to have some fun at Emma's expense. She began shaking her hips slightly to the beat and mouthed the words, granting her Emma's undivided attention.
"She was a fast machine, she kept her motor clean. She was the best damn woman that I ever seen." Regina flipped her curls to one side and lined up her shot. "She had the sightless eyes, telling me no lies. Knocking me out with those Americanthighs." Regina took the shot and could've sworn she saw Emma's eyes roll completely into the back of her skull.
"Holy shit!" Ruby exclaimed. "You got like, 4 balls in, Regina. I thought you didn't know how to play?"
"I simply had a good teacher. Isn't that so, Em-ma?" The name dripped slowly off Regina's tongue.
"I- I- Uh, yeah. Sure." The words were jumbled and barely understandable.
"Which one do you want? Stripes or solids? You got 2 of each in the pocket so it's fair game."
"Which will it be, Miss Swan? Choose wisely." Regina purred, a hint of subliminal meaning was not missed by Emma.
"Solids," Emma said firmly, meriting a smirk from her teammate.
"Good girl," Regina said under her breath as she walked past Emma, pouring another drink behind her.
Emma shivered and shot a helpless look at Ruby. "Your turn?"
"This is either going to be the shortest game ever or the longest in existence," Ruby smirked, then gave her a thumbs-up before Regina turned around, shots in hand.
"Would anyone like a drink?"
"Bourbon me!" Ruby yelled dramatically.
Regina grinned and handed the young woman a glass. "I apologize for not socializing with you sooner, Miss Lucas."
Ruby threw back the shot, grimacing. "Bah! No worries. But, please, lose the Miss Lucas thing. That's Granny's name, not mine. Red or Ruby, you can choose."
"I don't believe I've ever called Eugenia by Miss Lucas."
Ruby's eyes widened, then she burst out laughing, "She actually lets you call her that? Oh fuck, that's rich. Mr. French tried to be sweet and call her that. She damn near took his balls off with her crossbow. Funniest night of my life."
They all laughed at that, enjoying the ease of the conversation. Regina was truly enjoying herself, despite the many reservations she had about coming out this evening. This is what friendship felt like, going out and enjoying each other's company without the worry of ulterior motive. I could get used to this type of life, and this is all because of Emma. Ruby noticed the shift in the queen's posture, it was joyful and unrestrained. Her normally tense shoulders were loose, a subtle change that most wouldn't be able to tell but, with her superior senses, it was obvious. Without a second though, Ruby scooted over to Regina, throwing her arms over her shoulders in a hug.
"I'm really glad you came out with us tonight, Regina," Ruby whispered into her ear.
The queen easily hugged back. "I am too, Red. I am appreciative of the offer. It's nice to see that not everyone believes I am a heartless witch."
Ruby gave her a squeeze and stepped back with a smile. "Anytime, seriously. And, I never believed that, for the record."
While the two brunettes were having their private moment, Emma had poured herself two additional shots and drank both one after the other. Woah there room, getting a wee bit fuzzy. Water from now on. She had seen Ruby go in for the hug and wasn't too worried about a fight, considering Regina gave her one when she first arrived. It made her extremely happy that her potential love interest and best friend were getting more comfortable with each other. Did I just say love interest? Love? Shit, that's gotta be the bourbon talking.
"Hey! No conspiring against me, you two!" Emma's speech was beginning to develop a slur.
"Not my fault you're over there drinking like a fish and the lady wants to hug me because you're neglecting her." Ruby joked, slinging an arm over Regina's shoulder.
"If you prefer, I can spend the remainder of the evening with Red, Miss Swan." Regina challenged.
"I think not!"
Emma stumbled gracelessly toward Regina, catching her around the waist and pulled the mayor unceremoniously against her. Ruby held back a laugh at Regina's startled facial expression and went to line her shot up again. Regina turned in Emma's arms to watch her new friend aim and felt hot breath against her ear.
"You smell nice." Emma inhaled deeply, exhaling hotly into the brunette's ear.
"You smell like bourbon." Regina chuckled, leaning back into the loose grip.
"Yeah, I'm switchin' to water. Don't wanna embarrass myself in front of a queen."
"Dear, you're fairly late to that party."
"I'll have you know I'm like, super-duper, classy." Emma let her pinky skirt under Regina's top.
"Is that so, Dear?" The contact with Emma's finger sent a shiver down her spine.
Emma nipped at Regina's outer ear, coinciding with the crackle of Ruby's cue ball sinking a stripe into the pocket. "My turn!" The tipsy sheriff sidestepped her flustered companion and wobbly lined up the cue.
Regina crooked a finger toward Ruby, gesturing her over. "What's up, Regina?"
"Shall we have some fun with your friend?" A wicked grin spread across the queen's face.
"Oh, hell yes. Wutcha got?"
The queen whispered conspiratorially in Ruby's ear. Emma had noticed the change in dynamic and became worried.
"The fuck is goin' on over there?" She hollered at the pair.
"Nothing to be concerned with, Darling." Regina falsely assured her.
"I call bullshit, but, whatever." Emma shrugged and focused again.
Regina now stood at the opposite end of the pool table, casually bent down and leaning on the elbows observing Emma. The blonde had a crystal-clear view of olive-toned cleavage and leather-covered legs. This shit isn't even close to fair. The fuck? Regina played with the slim piece of fabric at the top of the tank top, shifting one side of it enough to reveal the barely visible remaining bruise from her bitemark. Did I really bite that hard? Fuck, that's hot. The phone in her back pocket vibrated and was almost dropped when she read the message on the display.
Wolfie: She wants you, Swan.
Wolfie: Wipe that stupid look off your face and take the shot.
Wolfie: You're stilling looking at the phone.
Wolfie: Uh-Oh.
Ruby's eyes went wide when the new song queued and began playing. Her eyes searched the bar until they were met with pale blue, filled with mirth. You fucking cheater. Vincenzo tipped his head at her and pointed in her direction. Confused, she turned back to the pool table and couldn't believe what she was seeing. Holy fucking Evil Queen. I lost the fucking bet.
Emma was pinned against the pool table, Regina was in front of her with a fist tightly gasping the pale grey vest. If the grip was any harder, the button on the vest would've popped clear off. And, somewhere in the time Ruby hadn't been paying attention, Regina had discarded the leather jacket. The music played around them and all Emma could do was fall under Regina's spell. There were several fantasies that Emma had, had about Regina but they paled in comparison to the heaven she found herself in.
Love is like a bomb, baby, c'mon get it on
Livin' like a lover with a radar phone
Lookin' like a tramp, like a video vamp
Demolition woman, can I be your man?
Regina threw her head back, reclining slightly and slid her right leg around Emma's. She tugged on the blonde's vest and brought them nose to nose, crimson lips mouthing the next words. All Emma could do was dig her nails into the aged wood of the pool table, arousal surged throughout her entire being.
Razzle 'n' dazzle 'n' a flash a little light
Television lover, baby, go all night
Sometime, anytime, sugar me sweet
Little miss ah innocent sugar me, yeah
Regina freed one of her hands and pointed at the bourbon bottle, which Ruby hastily handed over, almost dropping it in her rush. The queen raised it to her lips, taking a hearty swig from it as the ironic lyrics played.
Hey!
C'mon, take a bottle, shake it up
Break the bubble, break it up
Emma's stomach dropped when the bottle slammed against the tabletop behind her and Regina turned around. She isn't going to… The brunette ground her hips down Emma's front as the chorus raged, crimson nails digging into the blue denim as she descended. Sweet lord in heaven. Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and whatever fucking else don't let her stop.
Pour some sugar on me
Ooh, in the name of love
Pour some sugar on me
C'mon fire me up
The tight, leather-clad hips of the mayor rose back up but her upper torso was still bent at the waist, a predatory smile stared up at Emma and her mouth went bone dry. The sexy-as-all-hell woman grinding against her agonizingly ascended, nails digging a path up Emma's jeans until Regina's back was flush against her. She felt the bite nails dig into her neck as Regina reached back to grasp her, hips grinding directly in Emma's groin.
Pour your sugar on me
Oh, I can't get enough
A tug on Emma's neck brought her forward and now she was staring at Regina's face. Damn, what a woman. The next words Regina mouthed along with the song had such an effect on Emma that could only be described as a volcanic eruption of orgasmic proportions.
I'm hot, sticky sweet
From my head to my feet, yeah
"Fuck." Emma croaked out.
Regina smiled and reached down for Emma's hands, prying them off the pool table and repositioning them on her hips, never letting go. Supple hips swayed to the beat, occasionally dipping Emma's hands to the button of the leather pants.
Listen! Red light, yellow light, green-a-light go!
Crazy little woman in a one man show
Mirror queen, mannequin, rhythm of love
Sweet dreams, saccharine, loosen up
Ruby only made it until the end of the first verse before she retreated to the bar. She was met with a smugly grinning Vincenzo, painstakingly pleased with himself.
"Shut the fuck up." She cast him a glaring look.
"I haven't said anything yet, Amore." He chortled, drying a glass he took from the washer.
"Don't try to be cutesy. You fucking cheated."
"I merely played a song. I haven't personally interfered in their courtship." He filled a tumbler with a round ice cube and poured three fingers of bourbon inside, sliding it across the bar.
Ruby took the drink and sipped, "You're still a cheater! Did you know what would happen if you played that song?" She chanced a glance over her shoulder and whipped back around, but not before seeing Regina doing the sexy version of the "bend and snap" from Legally Blonde.
Vincenzo raised his hands in surrender. "I know Her Majesty enjoys this type of music. But, I don't believe anyone could have predicted the borderline public indecency occurring in my establishment at this moment."
Cold bourbon, like liquid fire, burned her nasal passage as she coughed, "You fucker!" She slapped at her chest, "You made me laugh and now I'm dying. Seriously?!"
He handed her a napkin, smiling gently. "I believe you'll live to be traumatized another day."
Eyes a little red and cheeks flushed, she bit back, "You're an asshole."
He comically flexed. "Why, thank you! It's another of my many redeeming qualities of which you'll be learning when I take you out on that date."
Ruby laughed at that. "You're a confident bastard. I like it."
"Thank you, Milady. I aim to please."
"But, be honest. What's going on behind me? I'm not sure I can look again. Ya know, self-preservation and all?"
He peeked around her, a choked laugh escaping his lips and he covered his mouth, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
Ruby groaned. "You're gonna make me look, aren't you?" She started to turn, still looking at him, "On a scale from 1 to felony, where are w- HOLY SHIT!"
Somewhere between the chorus to the end of the guitar solo, Regina had opened Emma's vest and popped the top two buttons of her black dress shirt open. The song was ending, but neither of them looked anywhere close to being done with each other. Emma was emboldened and gripping Regina's ass possessively for all to see, and, it appeared, the queen couldn't care less who did.
You got the peaches, I got the cream
Sweet to taste, saccharine
'Cause I'm hot, say what, sticky sweet
From my head, my head, to my feet
The queen hooked a finger into Emma's shirt and leaned down near her cleavage, licking a path from bra cup to ear, where she bit down on the tender lobe. Emma groaned loudly, but it was drowned out by the song. The sheriff decided she'd had enough torture and, quite literally, took matters into her own hands. She nudged a leg between Regina's and pulled her ass forward, effectively grinding the other woman against her thigh. A throaty moan vibrated against her ear and she smiled to herself, enjoying the warmth against her leg.
"Gonna pour some of that sugar on me, Madame Mayor?" She said huskily against Regina's cheek.
"In your dreams, Sheriff." The voice sounded out of breath.
"No, My Queen. This is better than my dreams." Emma bumped her nose against the brunette's, their eyes met.
"Is that so, Miss Swan?"
"You're not a woman, Regina. You're a storm with the capacity to drown me in a second's time. But, you choose to ignite every inch of my soul, so yes, much better than anything I could have dreamt."
"Emma, I-"
Pale lips connected with crimson, tender and lovingly. Leather melted against denim and they embraced tightly, not wishing for even a single centimeter to separate them. The rest of the bar was forgotten, even Ruby. Time seemed to slow down around them, the atmosphere that was once red-hot had dimmed to a single candle flame of intimacy. Together, in that moment, nothing could harm them.
Ruby sniffed the air and her pupils dilated. "Well, I can't say that I'm surprised."
Vincenzo gave her a quizzical look. "Sorry?"
She gestured to herself. "It's a wolf thing. Senses are crazily enhanced especially smell."
He leaned in closer, interested. "What did you smell?"
Ruby smiled reverently at her two friends and turned back to him. "Love."