Pictures were taken. Henry. Henry and Emma. Henry. Emma and Regina. Emma. Henry. Regina. Henry. Regina and Henry. Henry. Emma's favorite had to be the shot they took to send to August, who had in the past weeks become something of a friend to them. Regina had held the apple above her head facing away from the camera, her arm cocked in a 120-degree angle, her other arm thrown carelessly behind her and an evil leer on her face as she looked up at the presented poisonous trophy. Emma could understand with that look on Regina's face why Henry had said she was scary.
August responded immediately exclaiming "THE EVIL QUEEN LIVES!"
Once pictures were squared away and the babysitter had arrived, Regina took her hand, kissing her lightly to protect Emma's pale lips from her own gory red ones and they started down the elevator together throwing glances every now and then at the other.
Emma couldn't decide if she was nervous excited or nervous going to throw up. This was her first benefit gala ever, let alone as the homo arm candy of one of the biggest donors and social executives in the city.
What if I make an ass out of myself?
What if I make an ass out of Regina?
Crap, I should have called in sick to this event.
When they arrived at the event, Emma's mouth dropped. The building was a huge beautiful old theater converted from its usual Prohibition-era look into a twisting glamorous nightmare as cobwebs and other typically tacky decorations were clearly applied with the most knowledgeable of hands. A huge banner hung on the outside of the building reading "C.H. Mills' Foundation and Gold Enterprises presents Chicago's '35th Annual Once Upon A Time Halloween Gala'". Emma blanched a little, catching Regina's eye "When you said that you were the representative of your foundations you neglected to tell me that one of your foundations is putting on the whole freaking event."
Regina shrugged, "It's silly to say my foundations."
"Oh?"
"Yes. First, it's my mother's foundation I just sit on the board of both and second, it's only one foundation; C.H. Mills' Foundations owns W.C.C.G."
Emma scoffed, "Oh, right. Of course."
I am so in over my head.
Stepping from the car Emma did her best to copy Regina's regal demeanor, chin held high, slightly impassive look on her face. If Emma had learned anything from fitting in nowhere, it was that in order to fit in anywhere all you had to do was fake it.
They entered the building with literal paparazzi flashing their cameras and calling to Regina. She paused on the steps; turning and tilted her head in greeting while shots were snapped. Emma simply held lightly to her arm doing her best impression of cool and collected when on the inside she wanted to run crying holy shit they're taking my picture.
"Ms. Mills." A man just to the west of them called as they entered the grand hall. Emma wondered for just a moment if she should let Regina know someone was calling her.
Why hadn't she brought Ruby? Is she expecting me to interpret for her?
She panicked for a moment knowing she couldn't do it.
Softly she bumped her elbow into Regina's and nodded toward the man limping in their direction. Regina gave her one last twinkling smile before her face melted into the aloof deadpan of the president of the board, her hand reaching out for his, "Mr. Gold."
"Ms. Mills."
"This is my companion, Emma Swan. Ms. Swan this is Carlyle Gold of Gold Enterprises as well as the President of the board for Lyric Opera."
"Ms. Swan." The man paused, his hand still in hers as if trying to dig something from the back of his memory, "The cellist."
"I am."
The man openly appraised her and Emma couldn't help but to appraise back. He though his hair was long and slightly frizzy his clearly expensive suit and gold-handled cane gave him the air of a man with great power and wealth.
His lip quirked the slightest bit as he finally released her hand, "I've heard good things about you."
"Thank you, sir." She thought perhaps saying as little as possible would be the best way to get her through the evening without her tarnish rubbing off on Regina's flawless complexion.
"How is your mother, Regina?" He asked lightly, turning back to her.
"She is doing very well, thank you."
"Will she be gracing us with her presence tonight?"
Regina chuckled, dry and unattached, "Now Mr. Gold we both know that she doesn't come to events such as these."
"Right, right. Of course. Well, I must say, you two look lovely in your costumes."
Regina thanked him with a nod of her head but Emma just shuffled.
Would I be breaking etiquette to ask about the possible Lyric audition? Yeah, probably. Don't be stupid but holy shit the president of Lyric!
Emma watched intently as they mingled with the next few patrons, learning as she did. She understood watching Regina why she hadn't brought Ruby; an interpreter would have sullied the executive persona she was wrapping herself in. Regina would work hard tonight; doing her best to catch every word so no one would remember that the daughter of C.H. Mills' Foundation had a disability.
She followed Regina, holding lightly to her elbow as they made their way through the crowd stopping every few steps to smile politely, insist that yes, Regina and her mother were well and that Regina's companion for the night was the decadent Ms. Swan and no, her mother would not be joining them.
Emma entertained herself as she stood silently next to Regina by watching the people around her, each person surrounding them seemed to have stepped from the screen of a movie; Frankenstein's monster with what looked to be real metal bolts stuck into his neck; Elvis with his face so contoured you would have thought The King was alive again and in Chicago; King Arthur with a sword that looked so sharp Emma had no interest in further investigation for fear of her skin. She was impressed. It was almost as if she and Regina had stepped into the land of make-believe.
Regina took two glasses of champagne and handed one to Emma, "I promise the night will become more exciting. As these codgers drink they tend to become-" Regina blinked wearily "excitable. Assuming you are not the target of their attentions it can be quite fun. Though," the mask slipped for just a second, "I don't know if I can stop them when you look like that."
"Ms. Mills." Regina's face-hardened again instantly as she shook hands with the anonymous person.
Emma studied her as the night wore on from her silent position at her side; Regina wasn't having fun. Emma wasn't having fun. How could she fix the problem? Would it be rude to draw her from her mingling? Regina stifled a yawn and Emma had her answer. A tickle of mischievous excitement whispered in her as she came up with a quick plan. This afternoon she had picked her up only to let her down, playfully leaving her wanting. She would do it again and then if she could perhaps again. She grinned evilly already enjoying her scheme. If she could do it a few times before the end of the night perhaps, mixing a drink or two into the equation Regina would not only have fun but be a bundle of nerves by the time they got home – which would be fun for both of them. It was a game she had played before, a favorite even.
She spent the next hour supplying Regina with fresh glasses of champagne and Regina; so busy in her land of smiling politely and discussing drab topics such as the weather or city politics, drank them without notice.
After a while, she disappeared from Regina's side and back to the elegant bar.
"What can I make for you, madam?" Emma blinked surprised by the formality. She didn't often get madam. She supposed in her usual jeans and tank tops she didn't exactly look like a madam; she looked like a Miss at best. However right now, clad in an expensive get-up just like everyone around her, she didn't stick out; that both thrilled and worried her.
She ordered her typical cocktail and then turned, watching Regina as she mingled, waiting for the woman to notice her absence.
It didn't take long, after passing through three groups of hands all looking to swarm and charm her, the chocolate eyes began to flash around the room.
Finally, they settled on her clearly confused.
"I was thirsty." Emma signed slowly, one eyebrow rising ever so slightly. A convenient thing about sign language was distance didn't matter much as long as your eyesight was decent.
Regina's face flushed a little at the sight of her language but then the woman seemed to notice the look on Emma's face. She knew that Regina understood that look.
Regina was distracted as a young couple approached her for a second to say a simple polite hello. When she looked up again she was met only with Emma's empty glass sitting on the bar. She searched again and found the blonde just entering the bathroom, Jade on Chocolate as a small smile played across her lips.
Emma knew she wouldn't have to wait long. She stood at the sink, pretending to wash her hands as the little old lady, the only other occupant shuffled from a stall.
Regina blew through the door, eyes wild in anticipation but halted just behind Emma as she saw the white haired woman. Emma saw Regina's eyes flick to the empty stalls checking. Emma smiled secretly, letting the tension build between them catching the eye of the woman, holding it until it burned and then looking away, only to catch the gaze a few seconds later and bite her lip lightly. Regina's eyes flashed. Regina was not to be toyed with; especially not after Emma had brought the woman so close to her orgasm without completion. But the fact that she was so formidable only made toying with her all the more fun.
Emma dried her hands as the little old lady did the same and slowly, matching the old woman's pace headed for the door casting Regina her best seductive gaze as she did. Regina looked dumbfounded again and smug satisfaction filled her making her actually giggle out loud as the door closed behind her. She quickly found a person to talk to, continuing her game knowing that if she was unoccupied Regina would simply drag her back to the bathroom by her hair – or perhaps out to the car – or the coat check room. Emma's breath caught.
She watched from the corner of her eye as the savory looking woman emerged from the room doing her best at casual and failing entirely. She was caught just outside the bathroom by an elderly man who quickly fell into conversation, struggling to get his thoughts across to her.
Chuckling she caught Regina's gaze, doing her best to burn into her for a moment before looking away again.
She greeted a man she had met once or twice after a concert and then looked around again.
She saw Regina at the bar and without thinking swallowed the rest of her drink. Approaching behind her she pressed herself tightly against the woman, feeling her stiffen as she calmly handed her glass to the bartender over Regina's shoulder sighing, knowing it would ripple across Regina's ear as covertly under the bar Emma's hand lingered on her leather thigh. She thanked the bartender when her glass was refilled and then was off again.
Dancing had finally begun and graciously Emma accepted the offer of a man whom she wasn't sure she had met, allowing herself to be led onto the floor.
She could feel Regina's eyes on her; feel the jealousy, frustration and excitement burning into her. Emma bit her lip; as much as the game was working on Regina it was also working on her own bundle of nerves keeping her heart at steady gallop between her thighs.
Nodding a polite thanks, she waited until she was completely across the room before turning around and meeting Regina's fire filled eyes. She had taken a seat at the bar, sipping her drink and watching Emma.
Emma grinned back at her as a tall beautiful woman approached Emma, kissing her hand and asking politely for a dance.
"Yes, ma'am," Emma said, purposely avoiding Regina's eyes knowing this would drive Regina wild, pitting her somewhat possessive side against her all-consuming professionalism. As the woman swung her around the first time Emma saw that Regina had stood, watching intently her eyes glittering with humor and vicious want. Catching her eyes Regina slowly quirked one eyebrow and Emma smiled daring her.
Go ahead. Come and take what is yours.
When Emma was released she retreated back to the opposite side of the room, declining her next dance offer. Regina's eyes followed her, "this game you're playing. You won't win."
Emma cocked an eyebrow and slowly licked her lip, "You're having fun now, right?"
Before Regina could answer Emma slid with a last glance through the lobby doors and into the long hallway.
She wasn't completely sure if Regina would follow or put up her own fight in this fun battle of wills but she walked slowly, waiting, hoping.
She almost cheered when she heard the door open and close, quick feet coming after her.
"I thought you said I wouldn't win." She teased, walking backward down the hall, Regina gliding after her.
"Who says you have?"
Emma stopped moving; her point made when the second she was within arm's reach Regina attacked, mouth firmly against hers, hands going immediately to cup Emma's ass and breast. "I want you and I will have you, Ms. Swan."
Emma kissed back with everything she had, pushing herself, grinding herself against Regina making the woman whimper.
The door down the hall opened and simpering Emma skipped away from Regina, biting her lip again as she entered the main hall touching up her lipstick.
Emma was loving this. She slowly made her way through the hall, nodding politely at the strangers she passed. She glanced around a bit.
Where the hell was that woman?
She let herself be pulled into another dance but the longer Regina remained absent the more distracted Emma became. She took another champagne from a waiter and began to circle the room, fun ebbing to worry. Relief washed through her as on her second sweep of the room Regina appeared from the bathroom.
Eyes flashing roguishly Regina signed one word, "cell phone."
Confused Emma lifted the phone from the hidden spot in her sash belt and saw she had a notification of a video sent from Regina.
The shot was seconds long and only of Regina's hips rocking hard, her hand thrust deeply down her own pants as rubbing fast, clearly in orgasm.
Icy fire began at Emma's face and slammed through her entire body hitting her suddenly throbbing clitoris hard enough to make her legs involuntarily clench together.
She didn't!
She looked up into Regina's eyes, dumbfounded, her heart ripping in her chest. Regina smirked, suddenly in control of their game and turned her attention to her neighbor.
Emma stood rooted to the spot for a moment, a gentle fire building in her chest. How dare she take the orgasm that Emma had been working so hard for! Handing her glass off, she strode purposefully past Regina and into the bathroom. She didn't have to wait even a second, Regina followed so closely behind her that they might as well have been attached. Emma marched straight into the final stall before turning on the woman, slamming her into the tiled wall, holding her chin and putting every last drop of effort she had into the kiss, ready for her vengeance.
She pressed herself into Regina sliding up and down her rubbing her body against Regina's as her tongue worked, catching her reaching wrist and slamming them into the wall above her head. Regina whimpered in the best way, catching at her jaw, her neck with her teeth. When Regina was writhing, lightly trying to pull out of Emma's grasp so she could touch the woman pressed so tightly against her Emma bit her lip and transferring the wrists to one hand she slid her palm quickly down Regina's stomach. Regina began panting heavily; begging with her eyes, ready to be touched.
Emma grinned wickedly and instead of slipping her hand into Regina's fitted leather pants, quickly thrust her hand down her own, pressing even harder against Regina's body so she could feel her hand moving. Regina gasped loudly, eyes almost angry. She tried to pull away but Emma's strong hands held her still, grinning. Fast and hard Emma caressed herself pressed against her lover; her mouth falling open and she held back a moan. Regina was all but thrashing under her but the motion only helped Emma. Her head fell roughly against Regina's forehead as she rocked careful to be sure Regina could feel her fast breath on her face. Quickly, perhaps a little too quickly, Emma tensed. Regina moaned a guttural animal sound as she watched Emma fall over the edge, rocking wildly, smashing hipbone into hipbone as she came.
She didn't wait; as soon as she could stand without leaning on Regina she released the woman and skipped out of reach.
With a bite of her lip and a wink she washed her hands and hurriedly left the bathroom, hearing Regina's outraged cry of "No fucking way!"
Satisfied with herself, Emma laughed as the door closed behind her.
Check-fucking-mate.
Mind occupied replaying over and over again the look on Regina's face as she jumped out of reach Emma wasn't paying attention and accidentally walked headlong into a stationary person.
"Oh, god, I'm so sorry, ma'am. I wasn't paying attention, are you all right?"
"Ms. Swan." The woman said grasping her shoulders to steady her, "I've been looking for you. Where ever have you and my daughter been?"