Trigger Warnings: Mild Smut...
After lasts nights revelations I feel pretty good, not only did I have the best sex of my life but me and Regina have gotten way closer. Speaking of which, the former Queen received an angry phone call from a hysteric sheriff this morning. We thought it best to venture to the newly built station and explain things in person..everything except the date and sex part that is. And now here we are, walking side by side, as we should be..Immediately green eyes lock onto the angry sheriff who's perched on the edge of her desk. Morrigan frowns when Emma crosses her arms over her chest, that isn't going to work on me Blondie..
"Regina what happened? Are you two okay? When we couldn't get hold of you last night we were worried."
Regina raises an eyebrow at a concerned Mary Margret before her glare slides over the remaining bodies in the room. She notes Emma's fixated on her lover and at a glance, see's Morrigans narrow green eyes, staring right back, She'll say something soon and I have no interest in stopping her this time..Her eyes continue to roam finding David leaning against a set of file cabinets, Ruby sat at her desk and brown eyes narrow when they refocus on a placid Mother superior.
"What's going on here?"
The fairy pushes herself off the cell bars and takes a smooth step forward.."We need to discuss your friends foolish use of magic. Why isn't she restrained?"
Green eyes dart to the fairy, Morrigans anger rising before a confident Mary Margret quickly jumps in.
"Its okay I'm sure they can explain, I bet its all a misunderstanding."
Morrigan glances at the hopeful woman, well no, it isn't a misunderstanding! If they're talking about the blackout it was intentional..
"What's the matter fairy? Not enjoy the light show last night?" She grins at the placid nun.
Emma stakes a threatening step forward.."So you did it on purpose?! A blackout?! Do you realize the panic it caused?!"
Regina waves her hand passively.."We all grew up in the Enchanted Forest Miss Swan, well at least most of us did so its not like it caused any permanent damage.." Emma scowls deeply.."Tell me was anyone harmed?" Brown eyes look pointedly at Mary Margret.
"No but.."
"I didn't think so. You really think I'm so careless as to let Morrigan instigate a blackout if I knew people would be harmed?"
"Well its not like your known for giving a crap about anyone else but yourself!" Emma bites back.
Through her own seething anger, Regina feels a sudden burst of dark magic by her side. She watches as Morrigan takes a threatening step forward, eyes blazing and immediately grabs the fuming woman, attempting to push back her dark magic, perhaps I should have asked her to put the bracelet back on..
"What the fuck did you just say?" Morrigan challenges.
Emma scoffs.."Right sorry I forgot, she shares a kiss or two and suddenly she's a saint!"
"Emma that's enough!" The fuming blond glares at her mother, Morrigan grinding her teeth painfully.
"You better listen to your mother Swan!"
"Or what?!"
Morrigan rips her arm from Regina's grasp, advancing on the blond who quickly pulls back defensively. Regina rushes forward and wedges herself between the pair, her hands firmly pressed against Morrigans chest. She stares at piercing red eyes as Emma is quickly pulled away by her parents.
"This isn't the way Emma."
Emma quickly rounds on her placid father.."Oh so suddenly you like the woman?!"
"That's enough!" Mary Margret bites out, silence descending throughout the station.
Morrigan breathes heavily through her nostrils, studying the blonds parents curiously, why are they suddenly jumping to my defense?..She feels Regina's magic slowly quelling her anger and her tense shoulders slowly sag.
Emma's furious eyes flicker between her parents before she rushes over to her desk, snatching up her red leather jacket and storms out of the station. David moves to follow only to be stopped by his wife's hand.
"Leave her, she'll come back."
"And this is exactly what we're talking about, your temperament is as much a danger to the town as is your magic."
Is everyone out to piss me off today!..Morrigan tries to push her anger back but the tight grin tugging at Mother Superiors lips urges her forward. Regina's hands ball in her shirt, attempting to pull her back but its no use.
"Well if stupid people would stop pissing me off, then maybe I wouldn't be so angry all the time!"
"Your angry regardless, its just the way you were trained."
"Now that's not helping.." David sighs, Regina clamping onto Morrigans shirt while shes dragged towards the fairy.
"Yes I was trained, trained to inflict indescribable amounts of pain! Care for and example, because I assure you when I'm done, you'll be nothing more than a pile of ash on the station floor!"
"Morrigan that's enough. We're not here to fight and as much as it pains me, we have to talk to them." Red eyes refocus on Regina's stern glare as the former Queen flicks her wrist and in a puff of purple smoke, the bracelet appears in her palm. Red eyes widen.
"Please, I'm not going to force this on you, but I hope you'll trust me enough to wear it."
Morrigan stares critically, her lips pursing, Yeah okay fine. To be honest, its exhausting constantly battling with my instinct to rip peoples heads off..She huffs, snatching the bracelet as the rest of the room watches on.."Fine!"
"Thank You."
Morrigan clips on the metal and leather, immediately feeling its effects. All her anger and magic bubble to nothing, sending her dizzy before she quickly reaches out for Regina's arm.
"Morrigan?" Regina quickly grips the staggering woman.
"I'm fine..Just a little dizzy."
"Here." Ruby slides a chair beside them and Morrigan gratefully plonks onto it.
"Thank You Miss Lucas."
Green eyes crack open and Morrigan leans back in her chair breathing deeply. She glances at the fairy's grin and scowls.
"Just because I have this bracelet on doesn't mean I wont kick your little blue ass from here to the town line! So wipe that smug fucking grin from your face fairy!"
Regina's hand squeezes her shoulder lightly as brown eyes glare at the nun. Morrigan watches her lovers spine straighten and chin raise, it reminds me of the Queen she used to be, threatening, scary and above all else, dangerous..A dark grin tugs at pink lips, what I'd give for Regina to just set that fucking fairy on fire right now..
"Don't worry dear, I think she gets the message. If she persists in antagonizing you, then next time the location of the bracelet may just slip my mind."
Morrigan chuckles darkly, Oh I missed this..She feels one of her Queens hands slide to the back of her neck and rub the tip of her spine. The woman's dark magic rolls into her, coaxing a deep yearning forward and flaring her arousal, Not now Regina, I'm still sore from last night..Ruby clears her throat, shifting awkwardly and green eyes quickly refocus on the blushing wolf, oh shit! Wolf senses! Can she smell?...Argh great!..A little self conscious, Morrigan speaks up quickly.
"I hope you haven't just brought us down here to point the finger."
Mary Margret raises her hands defensively.."No no, of course not.."
"But we'd like to get the blackout thing out of the way." Ruby adds with a skeptical eyebrow.
"I assure you it was..unforeseen on my part.." Regina glances at a shifty Morrigan.."But I assure you it wont happen again."
"Lets hope not."
Morrigan grumbles her disdain at Mother Superior.
"What else do you wish to discuss because I don't plan on sticking around all day."
Mary Margret fidgets under watchful dark eyes.."Yes well, I thought, well maybe the magic that washed over the town.."
"She wants you to explain your true loves kiss with Morrigan." Ruby jumps in.
All surprised eyes dart to the wolf and Regina glares at her stepdaughter, her anger boiling over.."So you didn't respect my wishes! Who else have you told?!"
"No! I didn't..I didn't tell anyone!"
"Relax Madam mayor she didn't tell me, I worked it out for myself. Quite frankly its pretty obvious you two are dating." Ruby grins at the skeptical villains, Mother superior staring at them placidly.
"Indeed."
"You knew?!" Mary Margret shouts at the fairy.
"I think pretty much half of the town is aware something's going on between them."
Ruby chuckles weakly.."Yeah, something about kissing at the construction site a couple of days back."
Crap! Someone must have saw..Morrigan refocuses on Regina's ridged back and she clears her throat.."Can we move on. You wanted to know and now you do. Me and Regina are..we're.."
Why is it so hard to say in front of them?..Regina slips a hand in hers and all eyes dart to the gesture. Ruby grins madly, a broad smile gracing the Charming's features whilst mother superior stares placid at the romantic gesture.
"Soul Mates." Regina finishes with a smile.
"Yes well this is all very touching but can we get back to the matter at hand? The kiss broke some sort of curse so what was it?"
An irritated mayor watches as Morrigans smile twists into an ugly glare. She pushes her magic once more into the woman, soothing her easily this time.
"I swear to GOD if you don't leave fairy I'll take that wand of yours and shove it up your.."
"Mother superior maybe you should go."
"Yeah perhaps its best, for now anyway."
Mother Superior frowns deeply at the former royal couple.."As you wish, but I wish to be informed on the matter."
"Of course, as soon as we're done."
Mother Superior nods at Mary Margret, glaring at a scowling Morrigan and strides for the stations exit.
"Fucking fairy!" Morrigan grumbles bitterly and Ruby cocks a questionable eyebrow.
"You really don't like each other do you? I don't seem to recall you facing her that often back in our land."
"Lets just say the blue glob didn't just piss me off when I was the Dark Knight."
Regina arches an intrigued eyebrow, I didn't know she had a past with the blue fairy. I'll have to remember to ask about it later..Mary Margret's chirpy voice breaks her from her thought.
"She does have a point though, about the kiss I mean. The curse is already broken, Emma did that months ago so what else is there?"
"I'm not sure, maybe the town line? Perhaps people can leave Storybrooke with their memories in tact."
"No, one of the dwarfs tried that and it didn't work." David adds grimly.
"Which Dwarf?"
The Charmings stare curiously, Regina and Ruby eying a slightly alarmed Morrigan skeptically.
"Erm, Sneezy I think."
Morrigan relaxes, I wont admit it but Ive developed a soft spot for Leroy. Surprisingly we have this weird relationship with banter, he's one of the very few people I can tolerate, and his names grumpy, how poetic..
"Oh okay." She waves them off passively.
"Okayy..So if its not the town line then what else could it be?"
Regina pauses, Swan has already broken the dark curse so the only other curse enacted, that I know about anyway is the collars, but I removed it..Brown eyes widen.."The collar."
Morrigan frowns.."But I'm not wearing it anymore."
"Yes but when I was trying to get it off, my magic, my dark magic that was used to fuse the curse into your body.."
The gears turn in the former bandits mind.."You couldn't get it out.."
"So essentially even though you weren't wearing the collar, you were still technically cursed.."
"That's what that was."
Regina frowns.."What?"
"When you know, we kissed, I felt weird like something was just gone, like I was lighter and things were almost..freeing."
"It must have been my magic detaching itself from you." Regina adds absently.
Morrigan refocuses and notes how the regal woman's smile doesn't quite reach brown eyes, I'll have to bring that up later, clearly she feels shitty about something..
"So it was part of the collars curse that was broken?" Mary Margret clarifies.
Regina clears the throat.."I believe so yes. So if there's nothing else?"
"There is one more thing but perhaps you should discuss it when Emma's around."
Regina frowns.."You mean Henry. I believe we've been over this, I don't wish to tell him until I think the time is right. And if I find out that my son has been notified before I tell him first, there will be severe repercussions!"
Mary Margret remains stoic.."I think you should discuss it with Emma first."
Morrigans anger rises before she takes a threatening step forward, sneering at the placid former princess.."And why the hell's that?! Shes his Mother! More so than your precious daughter! Regina doesn't have to run anything by anyone, least of all the woman who abandoned him in the first place! Its a fucking joke!"
David steps forward protectively as the furious woman advances on his wife. Ruby shuffles from Morrigans path, uncertain whether to enter the fray.
Regina gently tugs at her lovers hand, placing her palm on Morrigans stomach.."Its okay, calm down."
"No its not okay! They cant even see what they're doing!"
"They're protecting Henry."
Morrigan laughs bitterly at the defensive wolf.."Protecting Henry?! Just like they protected their daughter by putting her in a box and shipping her to maine?! Just like the savior did when she abandoned her own son at birth?! No, if you really wanted to Protect him, to have his best interest at heart you'd let Regina tell him when he's ready! He's not stupid, for all we know he's probably worked it out already but doing this, trying to keep him away from the oh so Evil Queen is fucking bullshit! And I wont stand by and watch you do it! I fucking wont!"
Everyone stares at the seething woman, Morrigans chest heaving, eyes blazing and her words slowly sinking in.
Mary Margret fidgets, her focus flickering between both villains.."We're not trying to take Henry from you Regina, I'm sorry if you feel that way. If you think waiting is the best option then I respect your wishes."
Morrigan glances at David, his eyes locking with hers, he looks tired, worn down. Is it wrong that I feel a speckle of empathy for the man? I shouldn't dwell on it too much, he has been quite lucid today, occasionally jumping into conversation. Surprisingly most of it had been to defend me. Its a little irritating this kiss ass attitude he's developed..She sighs, I'm going to most likely see him everyday for the rest of my life, I cant ever forgive him for what he's done but I can at least be civil..
Regina clears her throat, breaking the silence.."Alright then. If there's nothing else, we'll be leaving."
"Emma wanted to talk with you about your case, but I assume she wont be back until later."
Regina narrows whiskey eyes at her stepdaughter.."Well once Miss Swan has finished with her little temper tantrum, tell her she may call me and we can arrange another meeting."
"I will."
Regina laces hers and Morrigans fingers together, pulling the younger woman towards the exit and followed intently by alleviated and grinning faces...
Regina places black oven mitts on the kitchen island, grabbing her red wine and taking a sip, The last couple of days certainly have been eventful but I couldn't be happier. We're in a great place and after today's display at the station, when we got home, I couldn't help taking Morrigan passionately. I need to calm my infatuations, we're at it like rabbits lately, but in my own defense, its not like she doesn't instigate the affections. We're both guilty..The egg timer pings so she places her wine back on the kitchen counter and grabs her oven mitts, I hope she approves of my attire..Brown eyes glance down at her black knee high dress and Prada heels, I told her that tonight was a dinner date of sorts. It doesn't compare to the show she put on last night but the whole date thing isn't really my thing, I have a few ideas but nothing very romantic..
She pulls a casserole from the oven and places it carefully on the island top, moving to deal with the assortment of salad, Morrigans been upstairs for a while, I told her she doesn't have to wear anything fancy because I'm fully aware of the woman's wardrobe associations..She grabs the casserole and heads to the dining room.
Candle light flickers around the room, the table furnished with a silk table cloth, silverware, crystal glasses and porcelain. Twin candles stand tall at each side of the table as Regina places the casserole at the center and returns to the kitchen, I need to remember to ask about the whole blue fairy incident. Morrigan clearly has a past with the fairy, and she does want me to start taking about our pasts so..She grabs the potatoes and salad, heading back to the dining room. When she enters, the bowls nearly slip from her hands and dark brown eyes widen.
Morrigan ghosts her hand over one of the lit candles, the flickering flame dancing beneath her palm, this is perfect, the rooms lit perfectly and the food smells great. When Regina told me about diner I panicked. Dressing for this date was just as stressful as dressing for dinner with the Evil Queen back in the enchanted forest. Regina said to come in something comfortable but I want to make an effort and only one thing springs to mind..Green eyes flicker down to her attire, her hand ghosting over the dark blue dress fitting her stomach, Of course a damn dress. Nothing extreme though, surprisingly it had been in my wardrobe. Regina probably thought I'd never wear it but honestly, its quite comfy..The dress exposes a reasonable amount of thigh, the v cut chest showing off substantial cleavage and sleeves to cover her upper arms. Her black three inch heels match her necklace and earrings, I hope its not too much..
Morrigan turns and jumps at the woman lingering at the kitchens entrance. Brown eyes roam her body. Blushing, she shifts, clasping her hands in front of her.."I thought I might wear a dress, but if its too much.."
"No no, you look.." A smile flushes ruby lips.."You look stunning."
Morrigan smiles sheepish, blushing more profusely as Regina places two dishes on the table and cheeky green eyes rake up and down the regal woman's backside.."You look almost as good as the food. Lets see if its just as tasty."
Regina grins wickedly.."Please sit, I'll just grab the wine."
Heels click back into the kitchen with purpose whilst Morrigan slides into the chair at Regina's right, god, the seating's the same. A bit weird but I guess habits are hard to break..Green eyes sweep the delectable steaming food, Jesus this smells delicious. I'm so glad Regina can cook because I cant for shit..
Regina saunters back in with a bottle of red wine and pours two glasses. She leans in dangerously close, making sure the younger woman gets a clear view of her assets and Morrigan inhales deeply, taking in the mayors expensive Chanel perfume, Guess she caught on fast, let the games begin. But perhaps no sex tonight I'm still sore..
"New perfume?"
Regina slides gracefully into her seat, hiding a grin placidly.."Henry gave it to me last week."
"Well the boy knows his perfume. What was the occasion?"
"He said Something about my redemption and helping people."
"Hmm..I'll have to ask the boy where my redemption present is next time I see him. Probably just slipped his mind." She fake smiles noting Regina's slowly cracking features, that's it, she's crumbling..
"Indeed. I noticed your wearing the necklace I got you?"
Green eyes watch as the regal woman plates up their dinner.."Of course, I thought I should make an impression, I'm dining with a Queen after all." Morrigan takes a cheeky sip of her wine, holding the rim to pink lips for an excessive amount of time. Brown eyes flicker over as a plate is set in front of them both.
"You don't go unnoticed dear, believe me."
Regina's predatory gaze slides to Morrigans chest and she flusters. Quickly she composes herself, watching as a sly grin rolls onto red lips.
"Only the best for her majesty."
Morrigan gently caresses the silverware before grabbing her fork. The former Queen shift at the action, brown eyes watching intently. Morrigan stabs a piece of beef, slowly bringing it to her mouth and closing her lips around it. She groans her content, slowly pulling the fork off her tongue.
Regina watches on, teeth pulling at her lower lip before she quickly takes a sip of wine, Gods, she's really using all the moves tonight, but alas, its not enough for a former Evil Queen dear..She arches an eyebrow.."I take it you like the food?" She takes another sip of her wine, slowly crossing her legs under the table.
Green eyes dart to the exposed knee poking above the table and Morrigans stomach rolls anxiously.."The foods delicious. Her majesty however, well that's a whole new piquant dish to be savored.."
Morrigan slips another piece of meat in her mouth, she can see the devilish smile creeping onto red lips and inwardly fist pumps, holy shit! I might actually win this one! Balls in your court lover..
Regina mentally praises the woman but decides to put an end to their games. She pushes her wine glass back on the table, successfully knocking her knife to the floor between them. Instinctively Morrigan slides from her chair to get it and Regina quickly slides her legs from under the table, parting them slightly.
"Regina you got.."
Morrigan looks up and pauses, green eyes dead center with olive parted legs. Her arousal pools, dampening her panties, It was a fucking trick! Damn it! And is that?! She's not wearing any panties!..Morrigan looks up at the woman's wicked grin as Regina leans down, ample cleavage replacing Morrigans new line of sight.
"You know, if dinners not too appetizing, we can skip straight to deseart.."
Morrigan shivers, No! I can still win this one. Regina fucking cheated!..She feels a hand grab the knife, sliding it forward and pulling her closer to semi covered breasts. A puff of hot air hits her ear and she stiffens when the cold steel of the knifes handle presses against her neck and slowly slides downwards.
"I made apple pie and whipped cream.."
That's it, game over..Morrigan snatches the knife from Regina's hand, throwing it to the floor and crashing her lips to the smirking Queens.
Regina's arms drape around her neck, their tongues battling for dominance as Morrigan darts to her feet, hooking her hands around the woman's backside and scooping Regina onto her chest. Legs wrap around her back and she spins, roughly slamming Regina into the dining room wall. Regina breaks the kiss, eyes flicking a hue purple and a snarl pulling at red lips. For a minute Morrigan thinks she's gone too far but then a hand roughly grabs ebony hair and their lips crash back together. She feels overwhelming dark magic roll into her as fingernails dig harshly into her back eliciting a groan. She pulls back abruptly.
"You cheated!"
Regina pulls her back for a heated kiss before pulling away again.."And you are a sore loser bandit!"
Morrigan pulls the woman from the wall, slamming Regina into a standing glass case and cracking it slightly. She grins maliciously at the woman's pain before a large pulse of magic suddenly invades her.
"I never lose!"
Morrigan wraps her lips and teeth around the Queens neck, hearing a primal growl echo in her ear. The fingers in her hair tighten, the legs around her middle squeezing harshly as a hand suddenly wraps around her throat wrenching her head backwards. Green eyes stare into vibrant purple, her spine quivering at the dark look glaring down at her.
"Desert it is my dear." Regina releases ebony hair and with a flick of her wrist, they disappear in a plume of purple smoke...
Morrigan lays panting on the silk sheets, her skin sheen with sweat and covered in bite and nail marks, Dear god, Regina went to town tonight. At one point I actually thought she would keep me tied to the bed and go eat the rest of our dinner..She shifts, accommodating the content body laying on top, no more sex for a few days, two times in one day is my max. The magic she pumps into me kicks me into overdrive, and by the end, well..lets just say my old training regimen is a day at the spa in comparison. Don't get me wrong, the sex is out of this world but my body is taking a beating..Green eyes glance at her hand running through raven hair, I love these peaceful moments..
"I didn't hurt you this time did I?"
"Nothing I didn't deserve.." Morrigan chuckles weakly but feels the woman stir uncomfortably.."No of course not, If you remember it was me who shoved you into a wall. But by the look on your face, I'd say you were more surprised than hurt."
Regina chuckles.."Indeed, I assume you were getting me back for suspected cheating?"
"Suspected? I could have had you tonight."
"Never going to happen dear, but I'll give you points for the attempt."
"Her majesty is so according."
Regina chuckles again, leaning up to steal a kiss. She shifts her head to look at green eyes directly and Morrigan frowns through her smile.."What?"
Well now's the best time to ask..Regina rubs the woman's stomach gently.."You said at the sheriffs station that you came across the blue fairy before you became the Dark Knight. Can I ask when?"
Morrigan stares into the light whiskey eyes, her stomach churning anxiously, well its nothing too personal. And I did say we should talk about our past..She sighs weakly.."Well..Before I met you, before, Brendon.."
Regina's eyes flicker away guiltily until a hand rubs up and down her back. She looks back, the words of their conversation last night flooding her mind.."But I need you to remember that no matter what, I do forgive you"..Brown eyes find green again and with a weak nod, Morrigan continues.
"Before him and before I was taken in by Carol from the shop, I begged on the streets. I wished I could escape my life, to have my family back, to have happiness.." She casts her glassy eyes to the ceiling as Regina's hand continues to rub soothing circles on her stomach.."Lets just say no one heard me, but one day I did overhear some of the villagers talking about fairy dust and how a fairy helped a young couple a few villages over. So with nothing to lose, I journeyed there and sought the couple out. I asked if they could help, to just summon the fairy so I could speak with her and see if she'd grant my wish. They said no and kicked me to the dirt.."
Regina feels Morrigan deflate, bastards! If I were there I'd have set them alight inside their own home..She calms herself, wiping a stray tear rolling down Morrigans temple.."Its okay my love, continue."
Morrigan takes in a shaky breath.."I wouldn't give up so I watched them, even slept in the woods by their house for weeks. Eventually the fairy came back and I took my chance. The couple were screaming at me to leave but I just wanted to talk to her. She didn't know what to say to me and then the blue fairy came. I begged for help but do you know what she said? My future is full of evil and darkness, and there's no helping people like me.."
That insipid fairy! In fact, all heroes are exactly the same, self righteous bastards!..Regina nestles her head into the side of Morrigans neck, attempting to console the woman.
"I was no older than twelve years old and she practically told me my life was forfeit."
"Fucking fairy.."
Morrigan bursts out laughing, That sounded amazing coming from her..And with everything, Regina's cursing, her painful story, she just laughs and her hold around the regal woman tightens.."Your turn." She calms herself and Regina frowns.
"My turn?"
"What was bothering you at the station? When I said removing the collar made me feel a certain way, it upset you somehow."
"No it didn't."
Morrigan pouts.."Regina.."
"Its silly."
"So was my story, but now its your turn."
Regina huffs.."When you said the curse made you feel less constricted, when you were freed from my magic I got..upset."
Morrigan frowns.."I don't understand, Why?"
"I thought it was like our connection had been severed and maybe my magic was the only thing keeping you with me."
Green eyes widen.."Is that what the whole sex in the afternoon thing was about earlier?!"
Regina clears her throat awkwardly and Morrigan stifles a laugh.
"Regina don't take this the wrong way but, that's the stupidest thing Ive ever heard.." Her Queens head raises sharply.."You think that just because your magic is no longer tethered to me I don't want to be with you anymore?" She can see anger and uncertainty in whiskey eyes and sighs.."Right I'm only going to say this one more time so I hope to god it sticks..I'm not leaving you Regina!"
Regina softens at the woman's sincerity and places her head back on Morrigans shoulder, Perhaps she's right..Brown eyes slip shut and she hums her content.."Good."
Morrigan chuckles.."Good, now I'm sore and tired, pass me the covers."
Regina flicks her wrist and the covers quickly drape over the couple. Morrigan grins, kissing the woman's forehead who moans, tilting her head and claims her lips for a short kiss. Regina nestles further into her, breathing deeply as green eyes peacefully slide shut...