Author's notes: CaptainCharming if you squint. No shame, I love it. Thank you for the reviews.
Regarding the change in rating. This will be M. It wouldn't be mine if it wasn't. Just being accurate for what it is at the moment.
Emma was having a deep, peaceful sleep when her phone rang. The rock tunes blared in the little room and she started to wake up. She turned up the vibration this time, learning from that morning with Regina that she sometimes sleeps like a log.
'Sheriff Swan.'
She closed her eyes again. Maybe it's a misdial.
'Sheriff, this is Kass.'
'Good for you. What... did you need?'
'We need your assistance, someone's wreaking havoc in the Rabbit Hole.'
'I'm half asleep so no fancy Regina language.'
'Sheriff, I don't want this to get worse. Can you please assist us?'
For sure, this is Leroy's doing once more. How his liver was still able to function was a mystery to everyone. David was probably relieving Snow for the night so it was just right for her to take it. 'Alright, I'll be right there.' The dilemma as she stood up dawned on her, should she go as a bug or should she wake Regina and drag her all the way to the Rabbit Hole for an ugly scene? She thought about it while she was putting on her pants, shirt and jacket and finally just decided to ask her.
The door was opened slowly and she padded softly to the room. Even while asleep, Regina looked exceptionally beautiful. It pained Emma to do this but appearances have to be kept. 'Regina...' She called with a couple shakes to her shoulder. 'Regina, don't get mad but you need to wake up.'
'Emma? What is it?' Regina pushed back her hair and blinked her eyes open.
'There was a call about a disturbance... in the Rabbit Hole... and I need to attend to it.' She said with a cringe.
'Oh... You need me to come with you.'
'Yeah... but you can choose not to if you want.'
'No, no, it's fine... Just let me get dressed.'
Emma pulled back and gave her enough space to move. 'When you mean get dressed, you mean putting on a robe on your pajamas, right? Or maybe you can just purple smoke yourself cause-'
Regina raised her eyebrows as she stood from her and folded her arms. She was suddenly as regal as the Evil Queen she met once. 'This is Leroy, am I correct?'
'...yes?'
'I will not be caught looking anything less than perfect especially if it's only for one of your mother's dwarves.'
'You're perfect to me right now, Regina.' She tried to swoon.
'Nice try, Miss Swan. Please go make some coffee while I prepare.'
Emma grumbled as she walked out of the room and went down. She hated having to prepare coffee in Regina's kitchen because she doesn't know what instant coffee was. Everything was so complicated and is only appreciated by those who love coffee porn. She almost burned herself using the espresso machine one morning, that definitely made Granny's more preferable even if it does sometimes taste like battery pee.
Deciding not to injure herself before the battle, she settled for Henry's orange juice. She grabbed one more glass for Regina for when she comes down and started to wait.
Three minutes...
Five minutes...
Ten minutes...
'What the hell?' She marched on up and saw Regina putting on the final touches on her make up. The Mayor looked very Mayorly in her pencil skirt and crisp white polo. 'Regina, you're not getting reelected, we're going to break up a bar fight which is probably so much worse right now. Move your ass!'
'Alright, alright... Can you grab my perfume? Spritz some on my neck as I drive.' Regina pouted and winked before she put on her boots.
'I'm driving. Give me your keys.'
'No.'
'Regina, I'm not kidding. Give me your keys.'
Emma hasn't been like this for years and it thrilled Regina. She bit her lip as she dug on her purse for the key. 'Here you go, dear...'
'Don't tempt me your temptress. Say goodbye to Henry, put the house under a cloak of invisibility or something and let's go. I'll start the car. Do not take too long.'
Bossy Emma was doing it for Regina. Had she stayed for a minute more, the blonde would've heard the salacious moan that she produced.
They were wheels up in under three minutes and quietly drove to the location. Emma was laser focused and was ready for a fight. Grumpy may be grumpy but he's just a rowdy drunk. He's not one for fighting. The other patrons however, that maybe the problem. Emma made a mental note to ask Regina who else they have in the damn town since they were popping up like mushrooms.
'Emma, the squad car is here.' Regina noticed.
The Sheriff checked the situation from afar and she indeed saw what her father was using now. 'Crap, they already called my dad.' She slapped the steering wheel and sighed. Their speed picked up and Emma quickly parked on the side. 'Stay behind me, okay? I'm not gonna let you get hurt.'
Regina only smiled at the sentiment as they both got out of the car. Loud noises can already be heard from the establishment and Emma took off running. She pushed the door open and left it on for Regina, eyes quickly zeroing in on what is happening. Charming was noticed first, he was currently stopping a man from throwing a punch. The receiver was someone she didn't recognize.
Emma walked up to them and tapped her father in the shoulder slightly. 'Dad, what's going on?'
'Emma! Can you knock your boyfriend out? I'll hold him down.'
Boyfriend? Isn't this supposed to be Leroy? Then the Sheriff noticed what the hooligan was wearing, leather. 'Hook? What the fuck?'
Charming swung forward and Emma moved back when Hook's legs flailed towards her. 'LUV! You're here! Give me a kishhs!' A strong stench of rum wafted from him and Emma almost hurled. He stood up straighter and tried to get away from the arm restraints.
'Yeah, that's never gonna happen.' She looked over his shoulder. 'Dad can you get him in a choke hold? Get him unconscious?'
'Unconscious? What if I kill him? I don't want to kill him, Emma.. He's too preciou-'
'David, let me.' Regina came out from behind Emma and raised her arms.
'What the hell is her majesty doing here?'
Everyone looked at Regina for a moment and she rolled her eyes at them.
'Regina, what are you doing here?' Charming asked.
'I drove Emma here, Charming.'
'But Emma has a car.'
Regina looked thoughtful for a bit before she responded. 'We are very very committed in saving the planet... so... we carpooled.'
Charming was confused. 'You're not even from this planet.'
'There are other pressing matters Charming. Like the one pressed against you?'
'It's uhmm bout 3 AM, shouldn't you be on a br-boom right now?' He resisted again and was able to flick a couple glasses off the counter, causing them to shatter to the ground.
Emma cleared the bar, annoyed. 'No need for magic, Regina. Dad, drop him on this and cuff him.'
Her father went with what was asked, although still struggling. 'Hook, stop moving!'
'Stop groping me, mate!'
David scoffed. 'You wish.' He pressed Hook on the counter and landed on a rather compromising position. Emma titled her head to the right and checked it out for a bit, trying hard not to giggle while she grabbed the handcuff from her belt. 'Emma, stop smirking, give me the handcuff.'
'Alright, Christian Grey.'
David gave her a confused look while he took the metal shackles. The gruff hands were bounded and Hook groaned quite loudly.
'Tight, tight, it's too tight!'
Now, Emma broke into a tiny laugh. David ignored her and sat Hook on a bar stool, keeping a hand on his shoulder. Ruby came in next and joined their little group.
'I missed the action? Darn!' Ruby frowned and stomped her foot.
'Check with the victim, Rubes. See if he wants to press charges.' Ruby scampered away and did her job. 'Dad, let's get Hook into a cell.'
'Why are you always with Regina, Emma? Are you... are you... together? You actually got in bed with the Evil Queen?'
David slapped the back of pretty boy's head. 'You're with my daughter, Hook. Treat her with a little respect. Plus, Regina? No way.'
Hook looked up at the man. 'She broke up with me, mate. Told me that she's not in love with me. Also told me that she's not in love with the Evil Queen right here but ever since, I've only seen Emma with her... Is there anything you'd like to tell you father, luv? Are you eating fish now? Do you spread your legs for that bitch?'
Regina gasped and Emma's hands curled into a fist.
The fact that her daughter just broke up with her boyfriend flew over his head for a moment because of the crass comment. 'Hook, enough!'
'Ask yourself, Charming. Why did Emma actually move in with the Evil Bitch? Do you think they're actually sleeping in different bedrooms? No, luv. They sleep in the same bed.'
Charming glanced at his daughter. 'Is that true, Emma?'
'What? Of course not! Don't listen to him, dad. I have a separate room in the mansion. Right, Regina?' She looked back and saw Regina with her bitch face on. Her saying 'of course not' might have been too much.
'I have five bedrooms in my house, Charming. Do you really think I would invite your flea ridden daughter to my bed?'
'Yeah!' Emma agreed strongly. 'Wait, what? I don't have fleas.'
'Open your eyes, lad. They can deny it all they want. They are together. Your daughter is now shacking up with the Evil Queen. They sleep in the same bed and.. actually there's not much sleeping happening because I know how Emma loves to fuck all night-' A solid right hand connected with the bearded face. Hook's eyes rolled in the back of his head before he staggered back and eventually fell to the floor. David crouched down to see if he was at least breathing and stood up when he felt a pulse.
'Regina... Are you...' It all happened too fast. Emma couldn't hold back the Mayor when she stepped forward and swung at the pirate. 'Are you okay?'
The Mayor flexed her hand and hissed at the sting of the red welt. 'I'm quite alright. He was being disrespectful and unlike your father here who's more interested in holding him down, I had to do something.'
'I am not!' David protested. 'He's just...'
'Dad, just take him to the station. We'll have him checked once he wakes up.'
'We'll talk about this tomorrow.' David called Ruby and they both got the dead weight guyliner out of the place.
Emma checked with the owner of the place, apologized for not being in earlier and got his statement and the victims. After the quick talk, she also requested a bag of ice for Regina's hand although it was probably magically healed by now. She went back to the Mayor who was sitting daintly, sipping her wine and casually flipping her hair.
'Got you an ice pack...' She handed it to the brunette and sat beside her. 'Do you want to go to the hospital, get that checked out?'
Regina very nonchalantly placed the ice pack over her hand. She has indeed already cured herself but it will still be sore for a couple of hours. 'Thank you but no need. Can we go now?'
'Yeah. C'mon.'
They both walked out of the place and got into car, the Mayor mindfully getting in the passenger seat before Emma even asked. The low rumble of the car started as Emma turned the ignition.
'Regina.. I'm sor-'
'No more apologies, Miss Swan. The word has lost it's integrity with you saying it at every turn.'
Her shoulders slumped. 'You're mad at me again.'
'I am not.' She said frustratedly. 'I am just not wired to spew rainbows and unicorns every time I breathe. Now, can we please go?'
Emma nodded silently and started driving.
The protective cover, Regina actually put one, was taken down and they both walked in. Emma was already aiming at the staircase, feeling the weight of her eyelids once more when she noticed that Regina went straight to her office and close the door. She didn't like how things were left between them but she didn't want to push. So she took a step up and another. She was in the middle when she came back down and headed straight for the kitchen. It was probably not the best idea doing this at four in the morning but Emma was determined to get positive results this time, body burns be damned. The espresso machine was pulled out and tackled with once more.
It took her seven tries, a couple tears and a slightly bruised thumb from when she applied pressure with a tamper not knowing her finger was in the way but she was able to produce a perfect looking cup of coffee.
'Holy shit. I did it.'
Emma pulled her blonde hair into a ponytail before she plated the coffee with a couple Italian Hazelnut Cookies. Satisfied with looking like it was made by some fancy TV chef, she brought it to Regina, knocking first and entering when she heard a small 'Come in'.
The aroma filled the room and Regina looked up, intrigued. 'Emma?'
She placed what she had made very proudly on her desk then stood in front of the table. Regina was already working, evidenced by the booted up laptop and this will definitely be appreciated. 'I just thought I would give you something since I'm the reason you're awake right now. So here you go.'
'You used the espresso machine?'
'I did.' Emma couldn't help the smile on her face so she just let it happen. 'You like your coffee like this. I notice every morning.'
'Frankly, I'm more impressed that you were able to use the machine. The last time I asked you for a coffee, you drove down to Granny's instead of using it.'
'I tried... a couple times and finally learned how to use it just so I can give you that.'
Regina looked up at the blonde in awe. Emma would do anything, even tackle what she has dubbed 'That fucking thing is trying to kill me!' all for her. It was so incredibly sweet that she actually stood up from her seat and approached the suddenly confused Sheriff. 'Thank you, Emma.'
'It was just coffe-Oh.' Emma found herself in a hug. A Regina initiated hug. The only one she has ever received in her life. 'You're welcome.'
When she pulled back, they kept each other close. 'Thank you for trying.'
Emma nodded. 'Well, enjoy the treat. I'm gonna go try to get some more sleep.' Emma smiled for the last time before she walked to the door.
Regina looked at the figure and took a deep breath. Emma was trying. Not much can be said for the rest. That was something to her. She should at least know why she was upset. Just before the blonde was officially out, she called. 'Would it matter?'
Emma looked back. 'Would what matter?'
The brunette was suddenly nervous, making her hands wring together. Emma approached and the decreasing distance made her more uncomfortable. 'If um... I was...'
'Regina, use your words.' Emma goaded.
'Don't read much into this, Emma but would your parents opinion of me matter?' Finally, she was able to get out. Regina could've word it better but she really didn't have a chance at a do over.
Emma smiled softly. 'If we were to get together?'
'Don't think this is my-'
'I understand.' Emma paused for a moment. The unfortunate incident with Snow occurred a couple days ago and every night before she went to bed, she thought of her conversation with Henry. She was aware of how her parents will react if ever and although it scares the crap out of her, Emma has come to realize that she would want a chance at happiness. It was already written that it was Regina and since she wasn't against her being the one, Emma would fight like hell to keep whatever is to come. She came closer and wrapped her arms around the slightly trembling Mayor.
'Emma?'
Emma pulled back just enough look into her eyes. 'No.' Then she kissed her forehead.
[x]
Charming walked up to Laurence, Regina's secretary and gave a big smile. 'Hey there.'
'Good morning. What can I do for you?'
'Do you know where Emma's office is? I've been looking forever but I can't see her anywhere. Is she in one of these glass doors?'
Laurence swallowed before she smiled tightly. There wasn't any order for her to not tell anyone about where Emma was. No one has ever been allowed to the office without an appointment, except for the time where Snow was in charge and everyone just came in like it was a restaurant. 'Let me call the Mayor for a bit?' She said staying on the safe side. She dialed but before there was any answer, the door swung open.
'Charming?'
'Hey Regina.. Do you where Emma is? We need to talk about what happened earlier.'
'Oh. Well, um... She's inside. Come on in.'
The surprisingly trimmed eyebrows of Charming furrowed as they went inside. 'She's here?'
'Yes... She wanted to nap so she asked if she could do that on the couch. I couldn't let her do the reports while half asleep now, could I?' Regina motioned to the couch with the snoring blonde like a car show model.
Charming hovered before he crouched down. 'I fell bad about waking her up but Hook is demanding release. We need the statements.'
'Do you want me to do it?' Regina tickled Emma's side and hoped to God that the word 'Babe' not slip out from her again.
'Five minutes Mmgina...' Regina pushed harder and Emma jerked around, giggling. 'What is it, Ba...' She opened her eyes and saw her father. '….gah! What are you doing here, Dad?'
'Good morning, sweetheart. Can we talk?'
Emma rubbed her face away and sat up. 'Sure, pops.. You could've just shook me, Regina. I told you I bruise like a peach.'
Regina nodded to both of them and walked back to her table. She was on her way to the restroom to pee but clearly that had to wait. The one on her room was broken and the one supposed to fix it has still not showed up. She opened her laptop and tuned out the conversation happening on the far side of the room.
'Emma, we need to get the statements.'
'Okay, sure. I wrote it up earlier.'
Charming sighed. 'Also, I need to talk to you about something... outside. Can we?'
'Outside, outside? I mean... We can talk here.'
'I'd prefer it if we talked outside, Emma.'
Emma looked back at Regina. 'Regina doesn't mind. She's not even listening right now... So... just spill, Dad.'
'Emma, you seriously can't get away from Regina for a couple minutes?'
Uh oh. Suspicion. Suspicious Charming is not good. Suspicious Charming tends to be a little chatty and obvious will go to Snow. If they knew the dust was still in effect, they will run to Blue. 'No, no... It's just that Regina's office is the coldest in the building? I don't know but yeah, let's go.'
'That's just her natural aura, Emma. Come on.'
'I heard that, Charming.' Regina piped up.
Charming nervously chuckled. 'Kidding, Regina. Just kidding. Let's go, Emma before we get roasted.'
'Dad, quit it! Just ask Laurence for a room, I'll be right there.'
They all looked at each other before Charming acquiesced and walked out. Emma approached Regina like she was a caged animal ready to strike. 'So... What are we gonna do?'
Regina picked up the receiver and pressed Laurence's extension. 'Laurence, can you please open conference room two?'
'Yes, Ma'am.'
'So what's the plan? Do you have a cloak of invisibility for yourself so you can be the room or are you gonna hide in the ceilings and find some candy?'
'I'll stay by the door, Emma.' Regina stood up and per usual, flattening the invisible wrinkles on her skirt. 'Just cough when you both are getting out and I'll act as if you have a phone call or something.'
'And act like you're my personal secretary?' Emma reached out and took Regina's waist in her hands. The brunette squirmed away as per usual but stayed enough for Emma to come close and whisper something. 'I'm gonna miss you... Give me a kiss.'
Regina scoffed. 'You're not even ashamed of what you're doing, are you?'
'Sue me I'm shameless.' Emma cupped Regina's face before her hands moved around the Mayor's neck. 'Don't deny, you kinda like it.'
'Tell you what... if you survive your father's grilling, I'll kiss you on the lips.'
'Holy shit, really?' She asked, like an over excited puppy.
'No. Now, get. Come back alive, alright?'
That was Regina's version of 'I'm gonna miss you too' and Emma took it as she walked out of the room. She trusted that Regina knew what to do and walked to the conference room without worry, aside from what will be talked about. Doing this alone is somewhat scary because Emma had a history of saying the wrong things when pressured. What she and Regina have built over the past few weeks can crumble if she slipped up on anything.
Her father looked daunting at the head of the table as she sat down. He was usually so cuddly and harmless, now he looks like the King that he is. If she didn't have the Dad talk back in the foster system, she sure was gonna have one now.
'What's up, Dad?'
'Sweetheart, Hook has been running his mouth all morning about you and Regina. He said all kinds of things about what's supposedly happening between the two of you.'
'Like what?'
'Like.. the fact that he caught Regina touching you at Granny's...'
True.
'He caught you both hugging at the Library...'
Not true.
'He saw you too kissing on the beach...'
Not true... although that does sound amazing.
'You both checked in at the bed and breakfast and had, I'm quoting here, 'really loud sex where you called her 'baby' all the time..'
Definitely not true. Sounds a little promising however. Shit! Keep your face passive and not pervy.
'...that last one made my skin crawl a bit but..'
'Dad, are you really gonna listen to him? He's a disgruntled ex boyfriend. He's gonna say shit about me. Just ignore him.'
Charming chuckled. 'I know, honey but you are indeed spending a lot of time with Regina. That's something that he didn't need to tell me. I just need to understand why. I need something to tell your mother. To ease her mind.'
Fucking shit. 'Mom... knows?'
'Not yet but she went to me after she had lunch with the both of you and told me to rest easy since you've got a boyfriend. Then I came to know that Hook's not your boyfriend anymore. Honey, just answer me, what's going on? If you are... together with Regina, just tell me and we'll figure out a way to.. Emma?'
'Yeah, dad?'
'You're...'
Her father squinted at her. Something she has never seen from him before since he has perfect vision. 'What, Dad? What is it?'
'You're a lady bug again.'
Author's Notes: Did anyone get the candy bars in the ceilings reference? No? Just me? Welp.
