Regina glared at the havoc she had just caused in her bedroom. Dresses, skirts and pants in all kind of colors, shapes and designs were laying scattered all over her bed. She was having a moment. Not a bad one. But a very classic one. A classic 'I don't have anything to wear!'-moment. Which was ridiculous because the clothes laying scattered on her bed suggested otherwise. That she indeed had plenty to wear.
But right now, Regina was utterly stumped. And she was deeply regretting having worn that red dress when they were at the concert. That dress would have been perfect for tonight. But alas, she had already worn it, and she refused to wear the same dress twice. She wanted to look spectacular. She wanted to impress Emma. Wanted her jaw to drop when she saw her.
But that was hard to accomplish when she didn't have anything to wear!
Regina sat down on the edge of her bed with a thump. Glared at the clothes strewn across it. Pulled the bathrobe tighter around her. Why was she suddenly so bad at dressing herself? Why couldn't she just pick an outfit and then be done with it?!
The answer was simple. Because tonight was special. It was her first dinner at Emma's new place, and Regina wanted to dress for the occasion. She wanted to look nice.
But although she was stressing about getting dressed, she didn't feel the old kind of anxiety she felt with Killian whenever they were going out. She didn't feel like she had to dress up for Emma's sake. This was different. She wanted to impress Emma. But not because she had to.
Regina huffed. What to do, what to do? She closed her eyes for a moment, hoping that the right dress somehow magically would materialize on the bed.
Knock-knock!
Regina slowly opened her eyes. That was not a dress magically materializing on the bed. That was her son knocking on her bedroom door. Regina knocked lightly on the bedside table to signalize that he could come in.
The door opened and Henry stepped in. He glanced at the clothes strewn all over the bed. Then looked at his mom. "Uhmm… What are you doing?"
Regina shrugged lightly and signed: 'I'm just trying to find something to wear tonight'. That was not a lie. But she doubted Henry would understand the issue.
"And I'm guessing you didn't find any?" Henry asked, rubbing the back of his neck.
Regina shook her head. She had not. But she would have to come up with something. Time was ticking by fast.
"Can I help you?" Henry sweetly offered.
Regina raised an eyebrow but nodded. At this rate, she was prepared for anything. Even letting her ten year old son helping her out.
"Okay!" Henry beamed and looked as excited as a boy about to go scavenger hunting. He trotted over to the bed and began roaming around between the dresses and skirts. A few of them ended up on the floor. "Oops. Sorry, mom."
Regina flashed him a smile. She didn't mind the dresses on the floor. He couldn't possibly have made a bigger mess than she already had. A few items on the floor did not worsen the situation.
"Hmmm," Henry said. "Let's see what we can find…."
Regina suffocated a rumble. Her son, the fashion expert. It was very sweet of him to offer to help her, and she was actually quite excited to see what he would come up with.
"How about this one?" Henry suggested as he hauled out a knee-length, sleeveless white pencil dress. "This one's nice, isn't it? And besides, you haven't worn it in a long time, have you?"
He was absolutely right. She had not worn this particular dress in a very long time. She hadn't been in the mood to wear it. There were some…. Bad memories connected to this particular dress. Memories that she didn't want to think about right now. Perhaps it was time to create some new memories while wearing this dress. "Hold on," Henry said. He left Regina to hold the dress and began digging through the pile of clothing again. After a moment he re-emerged, slightly dusty and with his hair sticking up. But wearing a triumphant grin. And holding up a white blazer. "It matches the dress!" he said. "Right?"
Indeed it did. Regina nodded.
"If Emma's new house is cold, you can wear that with the dress," Henry said cleverly.
The wheels in Regina's head finally started turning and she began to see things shape up. If she wore her Bordeaux lipstick, she could wear the scarf that matched the exact color of the lipstick. She let go of the dress and walked over to her wide-open closet. Found the scarf in question and laid it down on the dress to see how it looked together.
"That looks nice," Henry said and once again looked and sounded like a little fashion designer. But the next moment, the fashion designer transformed back into her son when he looked up at her and sweetly said: "but mom, I don't think Emma cares how your neck looks."
A gentle nudge to make her loose the scarf, no doubt. Regina crouched down slightly and kissed the top of his head. He was sweet. He hadn't even flinched when she finally had revealed what was hiding under her scarf. He had looked at it. He had asked questions. Mostly consisting of whether the marks on her neck hurt, to which she shook her head. Then he had hugged her tightly and said that he didn't care and that she didn't have to wear scarves around the house for his sake. So Regina had stopped doing that.
But she was not quite ready to lose the scarf in Emma's company. Not yet. A small, irrational part of her was afraid that Emma would recoil when she saw the marks. Saw the physical evidence of what Killian had done to her.
Soon. Not tonight. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But soon.
"Mom?"
'Thank you for helping me', Regina quickly signed to make up for disappearing into her own head.
"Sure thing, mom. Maybe I should become a fashion adviser when I grow up," he snickered.
Regina smiled. Yes, why not? She was certain that her son would accelerate in whatever education he was going to pursue. She certainly wouldn't be standing in his way if he chose to go down the fashion route.
"What's going on in here?" Zelena asked as she poked her head through the half-open door. "Did a tornado pass by, or something?"
"No," Henry snickered.
'I was having a wardrobe crisis', Regina signed.
"And I helped her!" Henry chirped. "Right, mom?"
Regina nodded and ruffled his hair.
"Did he now?" Zelena chuckled. "Aren't you the little fashion adviser."
Henry puffed out his chest in pride, and Regina rumbled as she ruffled his hair again. "Gotta go," Henry said as he skittered towards the door. "I promised Nick to help him with a game!" with that he dashed out of the open door. Like a little tornado.
Zelena on the other hand came into the room. "Did he really help you choose an outfit?"
Regina nodded in confirmation. He sure did. 'And he did a very good job'.
"I'm sure he did," Zelena chuckled. "You excited about tonight?"
Of course she was. She was always excited to see Emma.
"When's the last time you had tacos?" Zelena half-teased. "Five years ago? Seven?"
Regina scowled at her older sister. Maybe it had been a while since she last had tacos, but definitely not five or seven years ago! Just because she couldn't remember the exact date, didn't mean it had been years and years ago. Period.
"It's still a bit too early to get dressed for the date," Zelena observed. "So I was thinking we could watch the new episode of The Great Canadian Bakeoff? It's chocolate week…"
Regina didn't need a lot of time to consider it. She had wrapped up work for the day and if she didn't watch out, she would end up sitting and staring at the clock until it was time to get changed for her date with Emma. The Great Canadian Bakeoff was a good idea. She nodded and smiled at her sister. 'Give me two minutes to get dressed. Don't start the episode without me'.
"I wouldn't dare," Zelena assured and held up her hands in mock fear. "But Chad might get upset, though."
Regina cracked a smile. That Chad was very passionate about The Great Canadian Bakeoff was old news. He and Regina could spend hours on discussing whether it was the right contestant who had been sent out of the show. They rarely agreed. Chad tended to sympathize with the delightful older gentlemen who often got the boot early in the show.
Zelena left the room, and Regina got dressed in a pair of comfortable, soft pants and a cozy sweater she would never dream of wearing anywhere but in the house.
She turned her back on the mess of clothes on her bed. She could fix that after she had watched The Great Canadian Bakeoff. Priorities and all that.
Coming downstairs, she found Zelena already plopped down on the couch and ready to watch the episode. Regina sat down next to her and motioned towards the television, signalizing that Zelena could start the episode.
She did, and soon they were watching with great interest as several of the contestants struggled with their chocolate mousse. Regina wondered how good of a job she would do at making a chocolate mousse. Perhaps she would mess up just as bad as the contestants.
"Do you think that's what Emma will be making for dessert?" Zelena asked with a grin.
Regina raised an eyebrow. She hadn't actually thought about that. Hadn't given it any thought of whether Emma would be making dessert or not. She shrugged lightly.
"You think she's good at cooking?" Zelena asked.
'I don't know. But I guess I will find out, won't I?' Regina was merely teasing. She had a feeling that Emma was a wonderful chef.
"Have anyone ever invited you over for tacos?" Zelena half-chuckled.
'No', Regina signed and raised an eyebrow. 'But I find it to be very charming.'
"Oh, me too," Zelena assured. "It's very cute and original."
Cute and original. That was a pretty spot on description for Emma Swan. Cute and original and funny and clever and beautiful. So, so beautiful. Regina felt herself flushing a little.
"What are we thinking about?" Zelena drawled. "A certain blonde, perhaps?"
The teasing did nothing to sway Regina. 'Yes, I'm in love with Emma. Find something new to focus on.'
"It's wonderful, sis," Zelena said warmly, squeezing Regina's hand ever so slightly. "You have no idea how happy I am for you. Emma's just…." She ran out of words and smiled. Ended her sentence with: "isn't she?"
Regina nodded and smiled. Emma Swan certainly was 'just….'.
Just wonderful.
Just sweet.
Just perfect in every way.
Regina could not wait to see her again. Couldn't wait to spend time and kiss her again.
Oh god, their kiss last time.
Regina had thought a lot about that. She still hadn't told Zelena about Emma's 'nightly visit'. That was her little secret. The nightmare could effectively have ruined her night completely, but then Emma had shown up and made it all better.
Regina hoped that she someday could be there for Emma in the same way Emma had been there for her. She so wanted to show Emma the same kind of support. Be the same kind of shoulder Emma could lean on.
Perhaps she would get the opportunity someday.
"Why do I get the feeling that you're no longer watching the show?" Zelena fondly teased.
Regina grinded her teeth. Zelena knew her too well. 'I am watching the show. I just feel sorry for her because of her disastrous chocolate mousse.'
"I don't really believe you, but I'll pretend that I do," Zelena chuckled. "And you're absolutely right. That chocolate mousse is disastrous."
Regina nodded. Her heart truly went out to that poor lady who looked to be on the verge of crying because of the mousse. That couldn't be much fun.
She really tried to focus on the show, but it didn't take long before her thoughts strayed. To Emma. What was she doing right now? Was she busy? Regina didn't hope so. She didn't want Emma to race around and be busy just because she was coming over. It was no big deal. And Regina certainly wasn't there to judge. She was there to have dinner with her girlfriend. And just generally have a good time.
Once again, she thought about the kiss they had shared the last time. The way her lips had been tingling and her skin burning. She hadn't been able to concentrate properly on Sleepless in Seattle afterwards. Just like she wasn't able to concentrate about the baking show right now. Her mind seemed to want to focus on one thing only. The kiss. Emma's hand resting just above her hip. Regina would like for the other woman to touch her there tonight too. She really, really wanted that!
The chocolate mousse ended up on the floor with a splat, and Zelena gasped. But Regina was much too busy thinking about the kiss to genuinely care…
A little while later found Regina still seated on the couch. The Great Canadian Bakeoff had been traded for Breakfast at Tiffany's. Regina felt like she had earned that. She had worked hard last night and earlier this morning. A bit of movie-time was okay. She was trying her best to concentrate on the movie, but it was difficult when her thoughts kept straying. She was so looking forward to spending time with Emma tonight.
That was when her phone chimed. Regina immediately abandoned the movie and grabbed the device. Smiled when she saw who the text was from. The object of her affection and the one person she couldn't stop thinking about.
'Guess who just bought all the things I need for tonight? :)'
Those darn emojis. Regina couldn't think of anything better to do than answering the text.
'You did?'
'Correct answer, ha ha. I've just come home. What are you doing?'
Regina looked at the television screen and winced slightly. She really should be doing something more useful with her time.
'I wish I could say that I'm doing something incredibly useful, but I'm afraid you caught me watching television. But as you know, I did check the online assignments earlier.'
'You've more than earned a break then. What are you watching?'
Regina glanced at the screen where Audrey Hepburn was singing 'Moon River'. 'Breakfast at Tiffany's.'
'That's a good one too! Wanna watch it together sometimes? ;)'
Oh. What a wonderful idea. 'Yes, that sounds very nice. I'd like that.'
'Great. And speaking of like... I bought spicy salsa. You like that, right?'
Regina's lips curled up in a smile. She suspected this was the actual reason why Emma had messaged her. To make sure she had bought the right kind of salsa. In this case the answer was yes. She very much liked spicy salsa. She was Latina, after all.
'Oh yes. That I do.'
'Awesome!'
Another smile tugged at Regina's lips. That word again.
'You like that word a lot, don't you?'
'Yep. It's an awesome word '
The reply had Regina rolling her eyes. 'I wish you could see how much I'm rolling my eyes right now. Shouldn't you be editing?' Emma had mentioned that when they texted earlier.
'I should, but I would rather text you. Much more entertaining.'
Regina might have snorted at that. 'You're going to see me tonight.'
'Yep, and I can't wait!'
Oh. 'I think you're flirting with me, miss Swan.'
'I am most definitely flirting with you, but you're right. I actually should be editing, so...'
'Get to work then. I'll get back to my movie.'
'Tell Audrey I said hi :P'
Regina made another unladylike sound at that. Emma was teasing her. How absolutely delightful. 'I'll do that.' She expected that to be the last of the conversation and put the phone down on the coffee table. For a while, it seemed like the end of the conversation, but then her phone suddenly chimed again. Slightly surprised, Regina checked the message:
'I'm pretty jealous of Audrey Hepburn.'
That seemed like a fairly natural thing to be. Every woman probably was jealous at Audrey Hepburn to some extent, but in this case, Regina wanted to know the exact reason.
'Okay? Why?'
'She gets to hang out with you, of course! :P'
Oh. Regina felt warmth rise in her cheeks.
'Thank you. That's very sweet.'
'Just speaking the truth. How far are you in the movie?'
'Audrey has just sung 'Moon River'. But really, shouldn't you be editing right now?'
'Okay, okay, I should. You're right. But I wish we were watching the movie together!'
'We must do that sometimes', Regina agreed with her and smiled. She would love to watch a movie with Emma. Would love to curl up on the couch with a good movie and Emma Swan by her side.
'Definitely! Okay, I'm going to edit now. Seriously, I am. Wish me luck!'
'Good luck.'
Regina put her phone aside again and turned her attention back to the movie. Now she was even more anticipative to see Emma tonight. She glanced at the clock. Still some time to go. Unfortunately. Perhaps she should do something that was more useful than watching a movie, but she doubted she would be able to concentrate on reading a book or answering work-emails. It would just have to wait until after her date with Emma. She shifted slightly on the couch. The very same couch she and Emma had been seated in the other day.
Once again, Regina became distracted. Giddy, almost. She was glad Zelena was not here to see it. She would just start teasing her. Like she always did. She was turning into a very stereotypical annoying older sister. But Regina sort of liked that…
It would seem that Henry was born to be a fashion designer.
A good while later found Regina standing in front of her mirror in the bedroom. She was wearing the white pencil dress and matching blazer. She had applied a bit of dark eyeshadow, mascara and of course the Bordeaux lipstick. Around her neck she was wearing the matching Bordeaux scarf. She had brushed her hair until it shone, and on her feet were high heels that clacked every time she took a step.
She looked good.
Plain and simple.
Regina did a little spin in front of the mirror. Then smiled at her reflection. Yes. This would do nicely for the occasion.
After one last look in the mirror, Regina went downstairs.
"All ready to go, I see," Zelena commented when Regina stepped into the living room.
"You look really nice, mom," Henry chirped. Then smirked slightly. "I'm great at giving fashion advises!"
Regina flashed him a huge grin. He was. From now on, if she ever was in doubt of what to wear, she would only take fashion advises from her ten year old son.
"Have a great night, sis," Zelena smiled as Regina waved her goodbye and walked towards the hallway.
"Oh, wait a second!" Henry cried, leaping from the couch and barreling past Regina and up the stairs.
Regina looked puzzled towards the stairs. Then turned to her sister and signed: 'what was that about?'
"I haven't got the faintest," Zelena said and frowned softly.
Well, whatever it was, Regina hoped that it wouldn't take too long. She didn't want to be late for her date with Emma, and she was sort of on a schedule here.
But before she could become impatient, Henry came back downstairs. Slightly pink-cheeked and panting the littlest bit. Regina raised an eyebrow. 'No running in the house.'
"Sorry, mom," Henry half-wheezed. "But I had to find something!" he handed her a little box.
Regina raised an eyebrow in curiosity as she took the box from him.
"For Emma," he clarified with a slight grin. "Housewarming present. Just like you're giving her flowers."
Regina beamed at her son. That was very sweet of him. Her thoughtful little boy. And he was right, Regina was indeed bringing Emma flowers. Yellow tulips, to be precise. She had spotted them earlier today when she was out searching for something to bring Emma.
'That was very sweet of you, Henry,' she signed. 'What is in the box?'
"It's chocolate," Henry revealed with another grin. "Those filled ones you like. Maybe you can eat them later or something?"
Regina wrapped an arm around him and pulled him in for a squeeze. Her considerate little boy!
"Mooo-ooom!" Henry protested. "You're squeezing me!"
Good. That was the intention. But nevertheless, Regina let go of him again. Then kissed his forehead. Then, after having carefully placed the box of chocolate inside her purse, she signed: 'I'm sure Emma will love it, honey.'
"I hope so," Henry said, and now he was the one squeezing her. "See you later, mom."
'See you, honey,' Regina signed. Then she nodded and smiled at Zelena.
Zelena of course returned the smile with a big ol' grin. "Bye, sis! Have a great time with Emma!"
There was definitely some kind of underlying meaning to that, but Regina couldn't be bothered to investigate in it. Now she really HAD to be off. Otherwise she would end up being late. And she really didn't want that.
She put on her coat, left the house and hopped inside her Mercedes. Opened her purse and placed the box of chocolate on the passenger's seat to make sure it didn't end up getting squashed while she was driving. She made sure that the tulips were safe on the car floor, and last but not least, she checked the pockets of her grey trench coat to make sure she had everything she needed. She did. Which was a good thing. Now she didn't have to go back to the house to find the things she potentially had left in there.
Regina turned the key in the ignition and the car came alive with a soft snarl. She had always loved that sound. If she could just find something worth listening to on the radio, this night was shaping up to be a very good one.
After a bit of switching between the different radio stations, Regina hit the jackpot. As it turned out, one of the channels were doing a whole 'nostalgia'-thing, and the song floating out from the radio was none other than 'Falling' by the incomparable Julee Cruise. Regina could not have been happier. She happened to love Julee Cruise and Twin Peaks. She rumbled quietly to herself as she drove off, because she had just remembered that time, she and Mal had sung/shrieked this song particularly loudly. It had sounded rather odd because her voice had been dark and Mal's light. Mal had definitely had the advantage of a light voice in that little singing competition.
Singing. Now Regina was holding back a sigh. God, she missed singing! Perhaps she hadn't been particularly good at it, but she had always enjoyed singing.
Oh well. Now was not the time to get upset about what once was. This was her current situation, and it was okay. She had learned to live with it….
Soon Regina could park the car in front of Emma's place. New place. It truly was a beautiful house. Grey, two-storied and with a tower room. Regina had always admired this particular house whenever she came to Steveston. She was glad that Emma was the one who got to live in it. The house somehow fitted her. It couldn't be rented out to anyone but her.
She switched the car off and stuffed the key inside her purse. Checked her hair in the mirror. Grabbed the bouquet of yellow tulips and looked fondly at the note accompanying the flowers: 'I wasn't quite sure which flower you prefer, but the shade of these reminded me of your lovely hair. Congratulations on the house, and congratulations on this new beginning. I'm so honored to be a part of it. Regina.' She hoped that it wasn't too sentimental of a note because it was too late to do anything about it. She wasn't gonna sit in her car and re-write the note. Emma would only wonder what was taking her so long if she did that.
Armed with the flowers and box of chocolate, Regina opened the door and stepped outside in the gravel. She walked up the little steps leading up to the porch and then knocked on the door. Three sharp knocks.
It didn't even take a full twenty seconds before the door was opened by a smiling Emma Swan. "Hi! Come in!"
Regina returned the smile as she stepped over the threshold and into the hallway. Emma closed the door behind her, and as soon as she had turned back around, Regina handed her the flowers and little box of chocolate.
"For me?" Emma asked, tone suggesting that she was messing around.
Regina was not. She nodded in affirmative. Of course it was for Emma. Who else would it be for?
"Aww," Emma cooed. "You shouldn't have."
What nonsense. Of course she should have. Regina rolled her eyes once and motioned for Emma to take the flowers and box of chocolate.
Emma smiled as she took the bouquet of tulips from Regina. She brought it up to her nose and inhaled. Then read the little card, and while she was doing so, Regina stood by and watched and felt rather satisfied with herself. The shade of yellow did indeed match Emma's gorgeous hair. Good. That was exactly the intention behind the flowers.
Emma shook her head lightly as she looked back at Regina. "You know, one of these days you'll make me cry."
God forbid it. Regina shook her head as though trying to say, 'we can't have that'. Then she handed Emma the little box of chocolate.
"What's this?" Emma asked. "You got me more stuff? You shouldn't have, Regina."
She hadn't. This was all Henry's doing, so the scolding didn't make much of an impression on Regina. She just stood by and watched as Emma tugged the lid off the box. She was just as surprised as Emma was upon seeing the little note, and she stretched her neck so she could see what Henry had written:
'Dear Emma, congratulations on the new house! Can't wait to come and see it . Henry.'
Regina felt her heart swell with pride over her son. She would have to give him an extra squeeze when she got home.
"Aww," Emma said and chuckled. "That was nice of him. Really nice. He'll have to come and see the place soon. Now, may I take your coat?"
Was this the 1950's or something? Regina couldn't help rolling her eyes slightly as she loosened the belt in her trench coat, unbuttoned it, slipped it off her shoulders and then handed it to Emma.
Emma took the coat but did nothing to hang it on the coat rack. She just sort of… stood there. And stared. "Jesus Christ!" she exclaimed.
Regina's shoulders immediately bunched. All the memories of Killian berating her for what she was wearing flared up in her mind.
'What the hell are you wearing?! Are you trying to make a fool of me?'
'Oh, come on, are you really going to wear that? You might as well walk around naked!'
'Tell me something, babe… Do you have plans afterwards, hmm? Sneaking off to seeing someone else, maybe? Who is it?! Tell me who it is!'
'You are not wearing that tonight. Do you think I want everyone to look at you? Go upstairs and change right now!'
"You look beautiful. So beautiful!"
Oh. Regina's shoulders uncurled and settled where they were supposed to sit. Emma… liked her clothes. Of course she did. Why shouldn't she? Calm down, Regina. Emma is not Killian. She pulled herself together and opened her purse. Roamed inside it for a moment. Then found the note she had written at home. 'You look so beautiful tonight'. It was absolutely true. Emma looked positively lovely in the dress she was wearing tonight. The bodice was black and had a slightly low neckline and the skirt had black and white stripes. It was pretty without being over the top. And the neckline gave way to collarbones and tiny freckles. Absolutely wonderful.
Emma flashed her a smile. "I don't hold a candle to you. I mean, you look... stunning. Yeah. I think that's the word I'm looking for."
Oh, goodness. Regina felt herself blushing ridiculously and her hand automatically went to her hair to tug a piece behind her ear like she always did when she was nervous.
"You hungry?" Emma asked.
Very. Regina nodded. She had actually been looking forward to those tacos all day. It had been so long since she last had tacos.
"Great, because the food is done. Come in, come in," Emma said briskly and chuckled as she motioned excitedly with her hands, indicating that Regina should follow her.
Regina did, and Emma lead her into the kitchen. Emma got busy with putting the flowers in water and putting the chocolate away. And while she did that, Regina looked around in the kitchen. The first thing she noticed was of course the delicious smell. The second thing was the kitchen itself. It was a rather large kitchen. Very spacious with huge windows that led plenty of light in even on grey days. Light and airy. And with amazing kitchen elements and a huge kitchen table. Regina was only slightly envious. Imagine living in a place like this. This was exactly what she wanted for herself and Henry. A house. Not a penthouse apartment. No, she wanted a place where Henry could go outside and play and where she could grow roses in the garden. Oh well. She was bound to find such a place someday.
"Looks pretty good, right?"
Regina realized that Emma was looking at her, and she hastily nodded. The kitchen was indeed very nice.
"I was thinking we eat first and then I'll give you a full tour afterwards if that's okay?" Emma asked.
Of course. It would be a shame if the good was to get cold. It made perfect sense that they ate first. She nodded again.
"Perfect. Then I think you should sit down while I get things ready."
Oh, really? Regina tilted her head. And suppose she wanted to help Emma out in the kitchen?
Emma read her mind completely. "I'm like you," she chuckled. "I don't want any help in the kitchen."
Okay, okay. Regina smirked slightly as an answer as she sat down as instructed. This was Emma's kitchen and she had to respect that she didn't want any help. She had to settle for watching as Emma got the tacos shells out of the oven. Regina silently applauded her. Those shells looked really nice. Crisp and golden brown. Regina couldn't wait to sink her teeth into those. And the beef and salsa filling looked amazing too. Perfectly cooked. Her suspicion was right. Emma was a great chef. She didn't have to taste the food in order to know that.
Emma puttered around and transferred the filling into a nicer bowl and Regina shifted slightly on her chair. She wasn't very good at just sitting still and doing nothing. She supposed she was too used to having to 'perform' in the kitchen.
But that wasn't how her life was now.
That part of her life was over.
And she really didn't want to think about it tonight. Not when she was with Emma.
To have something to do, Regina reached within her purse and found her pencil and trusted stack of post-its. She began scribbling message after message, so she didn't have to stop eating to answer. She preferred eating the tacos while they were warm.
"Almost ready," Emma murmured, sounding like she was talking more to herself than to Regina.
Still, Regina looked up, though. Smiled slightly to show Emma that there was absolutely no rush at all. She was extremely comfortable.
"I know you're driving, but would you like a very small glass of wine?" Emma asked her.
One glass couldn't hurt. This WAS a date, after all. Regina held up her index finger.
"Yeah. Just one glass," Emma confirmed.
Regina nodded as to show they had reached an understanding and she watched as Emma poured wine into two glasses. A small one and a slightly larger one for herself. She moved around in the kitchen quick on her feet as she grabbed the bowls of salsa and beef billing and brought them over to the table. Then the plate full of the golden taco shells. Those looked so delicious.
Last but not least, Emma brought over the two glasses of wine. "There we go," she said briskly.
Regina waited not so patiently until Emma had sat down. Then she handed Emma one of the notes she had written while Emma was busy in the kitchen. It was actually the first note she had written. Because it concerned something she had noticed as soon as Emma greeted her. Emma was wearing a band-aid on her left index finger, and Regina was of course concerned as to what had happened to it.
"Oh," Emma said and chuckled slightly as she glanced at the band-aid on her finger. "I'm dangerous in a kitchen."
Oh. Regina raised an eyebrow.
"The knife slipped," Emma grimaced and sounded like she was admitting defeat. "But it's just a small cut. Everything is fine."
Regina chose to take her word for it. But still, there was a part of her that yearned to stand from her chair, walk around the table, grasp Emma's hand, bring it up to her lips and kiss the finger that was wearing a band-aid. Which would be completely inappropriate, of course. To prevent herself from doing anything silly, Regina nodded and handed Emma another of the pre-written notes. 'Everything smells so good, and the table looks beautiful.' Emma had really gone out of her way to make this night special. Tablecloth and candles and everything. It was all so lovely.
"I borrowed the tablecloth from Gran- Eugenia," Emma admitted. "But I did buy the candles on my own. I'm glad you think it looks nice."
'Nice' didn't even begin to cover it, but Regina settled for a nod.
"Well, bon Appetit. Dig in, help yourself, or whatever you say at the beginning of a meal," Emma half-laughed and sounded a bit nervous.
Regina let out a soft rumble. She understood why Emma was nervous. First time having her girlfriend over at her new house. That was a big deal. She dug in and treated herself to one of the delicious looking taco shells. Then some of the beef-and-salsa-filling and of course plenty of lettuce and tomato. It was important to get your vegetables and all that. She was silently very amused when she saw Emma take a taco shell, plenty of the beef and salsa filling and only the tiniest bit of lettuce. It was obvious that she had made that solely for Regina's sake. That was very considerate of her.
Regina reached for her glass of wine. Emma did the same. She smiled a little as she said: "cheers."
Regina returned the smile and their glasses clinked together as they toasted. She took a small sip.
Emma followed suit and hummed appreciatingly. "This is good wine."
'Yes, very!' Regina wrote on a blank note.
"Isabelle gave me a few tips," Emma told her. "I'm guessing she and Robert drinks a lot of wine."
Regina wouldn't be surprised if that was the case. She had always suspected that Robert Gold and his young wife lived life to the fullest.
Young wife.
Pff. Who was she to judge?
She was eight years older than Emma. In her mid-thirties while Emma was in her late twenties.
Regina tried not to think too much of that as she dug into her food. She tried to eat the taco as elegantly as she possibly could. Perhaps it had been risky of her to wear a white dress tonight.
Emma followed her example. But it didn't take many seconds before she began coughing. And coughing. And coughing. And wheezing.
Regina stopped eating and looked concerned at Emma. Was she choking? Was she in need of assistance? Regina DID know how to perform the Heimlich method on someone who was choking, and she wouldn't hesitate to do just that if Emma truly WAS choking. Tears were staining the blonde's cheeks and her skin was flushing more and more. Regina was on the verge of standing from her chair and rush to Emma's assistance when Emma finally stopped coughing and took a very small sip of her wine instead. She cleared her throat slightly and croaked: "wow. That is... That is some pretty strong salsa!"
Oh. Confusion was replaced with amusement as Regina felt her lips twitch slightly. The salsa wasn't THAT strong, was it? She did not want to smile at Emma's misfortune, but…
Not funny," Emma said, but sounded like she understood why Regina was amused. "Imagine if I had bought the extra spicy one!" she continued, green eyed wide for comedic effect. "I would have been laying on the floor by now." She shook her head in mock horror and then rubbed her chest slightly in what clearly was an attempt at relieving the pain.
There was just one problem with that. Regina was not blind. Of course she wasn't. She had in fact noticed how nice Emma's…. attributes looked in that dress. And now Emma's hands were sort of… rubbing. Close to said… attributes. Oh, goodness. It had been a long, long time since Regina last had felt like a warm-blooded woman. But she definitely had no problem with neither feeling nor remembering right now. Good god. This was…. Very distracting.
Emma looked up. And followed Regina's gaze. Thereby seeing exactly what Regina was looking at.
Fuck. Regina hastily looked down at the food on her plate. God, what was wrong with her? Had she completely forgotten what was polite and what wasn't? She couldn't just sit here and…. Ogle Emma in the middle of dinner, for god's sake! She got embarrassed and kept her gaze firmly fixated on the plate.
"The tacos okay? I didn't give them too much time in the oven, did I?"
Regina shook her head. Nope, the tacos were just fine. The only thing that was overcooked was apparently her brain.
"Good," Emma said lightly, and then she happily engaged in random small talk, bless her.
Regina knew exactly what she was doing. And she really appreciated it.
"So, is Zelena watching Henry tonight?" Emma asked lightly and took another bite of her taco. Without coughing.
Regina nodded. Once again, she had left Henry in his aunt's capable hands.
"And what are they up too tonight?"
Regina reached for another blank post-it and started to write down an answer. 'I think Henry is planning on forcing Zelena to watch Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets tonight.' At least that had been the plan this morning. Zelena had gasped in mock horror when Henry told her. Regina gave Emma the note.
"Oh," Emma grinned. "That kid has good taste in movies."
Well, yes, but…. Regina rolled her eyes slightly.
"Still not a fan of Harry Potter?" Emma asked and pretended to scowl at her.
'If you had watched it as many times as I have, your excitement would have cooled significantly as well.', Regina wrote underneath.
"I doubt it," Emma laughed. "I can watch Harry Potter all the time!"
Feeling extra playful, Regina pretended to shiver in horror.
Emma laughed shamelessly at her, and as 'revenge' Regina topped off her salsa and felt every bit triumphant when she managed to chew and swallow entirely without coughing. She smirked a bit at Emma….
Once the ridiculously dinner had been consumed and Regina had complimented the food, Emma gave her a grand tour of the house. From the tiny guestroom and to the bed-less bedroom. At least there wasn't a proper one. Only a mattress. Regina expressed her concern at that, surely that couldn't be good for Emma's back, could it?
"It's only temporarily," Emma assured her. "I'm gonna buy a bed really soon. And the mattress is not actually that bad. I mean, it's not thin or anything."
Seriously? Regina shot her a look.
"But obviously, I'm going to buy a bed," Emma hastily added. "Come on. You have to see the Tower Room. It's my favorite room."
Regina willingly followed Emma into said 'tower room' and looked around. The room was circular and surprisingly large. And of course with an amazing view of the forest behind Emma's house. It was very impressive.
"I was thinking of maybe buying some dark shelves and a desk made of dark wood, maybe some red carpets," Emma revealed. "Get a little vintage writer vibe going on. Do you think that would look good in here?"
Oh, absolutely. Regina flashed her a thumbs-up.
Emma smiled excitedly and flicked a blonde lock behind her ear. "Yeah? I think that would look pretty good too. I can't wait to get started with decorating this room! I am going to need so many bookshelves."
Regina rumbled in laughter. Of course she would. All the bookshelves in the world probably couldn't cover Emma's needs. Regina adored that she was such a reader. They could spend hours on discussing books and authors.
"I think your log house inspired me," Emma continued as Regina went over to the window to get a good look at the view. "To be honest, I'm still dreaming about the library you had there. It was awesome!"
That library was her pride and joy, and she was glad that Emma appreciated it. Regina found her phone in her pocket and began typing on it as an idea formed in her head. She had stuffed the phone inside her pocket when they began the 'house-tour'. Just in case she felt the need to express her enthusiasm in other things than smiles and nods and thumbs-ups. Which she often did.
'Perhaps we could drive up there sometimes? If you'd like,' she had tapped in on her phone. Now she turned the screen towards Emma.
"That would be amazing," Emma said warmly. "I wouldn't mind being there for a different reason than... Well, you know what I mean."
She nodded. Of course Regina did. And Emma was right. It would be good, coming there so the ghost of Liam Jones could be banished entirely.
"Do you like the forest view?" Emma asked, changing the subject. "You can't really see it now, but there's actually a cute little backyard there. I'm hoping to plant some flowers. When I get the time."
'That sounds like a good idea', Regina typed and turned the phone towards Emma.
"But as you know, I don't know that much about flowers," Emma continued. "I could use some tips. Do you think you could help me?"
'I'd love to.' There were few things Regina rather wanted than giving Emma garden tips.
Once the house-tour was over, Emma bid her to sit down on the couch and make herself comfortable while Emma found the ice cream in the fridge. Regina had not expected dessert, so she was pleasantly surprised. She happened to love ice cream.
While Emma was busy in the kitchen, Regina entertained herself with her phone. Zelena had sent her a video some time ago. A video of Henry. He cleared his throat almost solemnly and then bursted out singing: 'turn around! Look at what you see-eeeeh-eeeeh! In her face, the mirror of your dreeeeee-eeeeaaaams!' after a moment, Zelena came into view and continued the 'song'.
Oh, gosh. Regina knew exactly what this was about. They were mocking her. Just because she might have been swaying her hips a little to Limahl's Never Ending Story yesterday. Henry had of course caught her red handed, had laughed AND clearly told Zelena about it too. That little traitor.
"What are you watching?" Emma asked as she came into the living room.
Barely able to hold her amusement back, Regina turned the screen so Emma could get the pleasure of seeing Henry and Zelena sing their hearts out. Literally. They were clearly trying to outsing one another. Once the 'singing' (or whatever it was supposed to be) had ended, both of them bursted out laughing and Zelena asked: 'what do you think, Hen? Do you think your mum's impressed by our mad skills?'
The video shook slightly as Henry laughed. 'Are you sure mom's even seen the video? She might be busy.'
'Oh yes,' the video shook again as Zelena cackled. 'I'm sure she's very busy.'
'You said that in a weird way,' Henry cleverly observed, and the confusion was seeping through his voice. 'Why are you saying it in a weird way?'
The last thing Regina saw before the video froze, was her sister laughing. She held back a sigh and tried not to grind her teeth. If Zelena thought that Regina spent every moment of her date kissing Emma, she was sorely mistaken. They just so happened to have had a very adult discussion about books while eating. Take that, Zelena.
She never should have told her sister about the first kiss.
No, scratch that.
Zelena should never have peeked through the curtain when Regina was going in for a kiss the first time.
Emma laughed and Regina rotated her index finger near her temple to indicate that Zelena was crazy.
"Good taste in music," Emma chuckled. "Good ol' Limahl and the 80's. Pure nostalgia!"
Regina wrinkled her nose slightly. Sure, Limahl and Never Ending Story was good swaying her hips to once in a while, but she wouldn't say that she listened to his music on a regular basis.
"Not a fan of Limahl then? Or not a fan of the 80's?" Emma sweetly teased her.
Well. At least she wasn't a fan of the outfits she had worn in the eighties, that was for sure. In that regard, she should have listened better to her mother and trusted her opinion when it came to clothing and how to style her hair. To be honest, Cora had been far better at that than Regina was at the time. 'I don't think Limahl is my taste.', she wrote on a new note and gave it to Emma.
"Yeah, no, maybe he is a tad too retro," Emma mused.
Definitely. Regina nodded in agreement.
"Have you listened to Alison Moyet yet?" Emma asked curiously.
Regina shook her head. She actually hadn't. She had been pretty swamped with work.
"Really?" Emma said, feigning dismay. "In that case, I think it's about time!" She rose from the couch, disappeared into the kitchen and returned moments later with her phone in hand. "Listen and learn," she joked. She tapped on her phone for a moment, and then a song floated through the speakers and into the room.
Regina 'listened and learned' as a smooth yet crispy voice filled the living room:
'Looking from a window above
It's like a story of love
Can you hear me?
Came back only yesterday
I'm moving farther away
Want you near me
All I needed was the love you gave
All I needed for another day
And all I ever knew
Only you...'
"What do you think?" Emma asked curiously.
She didn't really have to ask. She could just look down at Regina's foot. As just as it always did when she was listening to something she enjoyed, her foot had begun tapping up and down in synch with the rhythm.
Regina did not provide her with a real answer. She simply tapped her foot up and down and felt how her shoulders started moving too. Yes, she really liked this song, and she was not one bit satisfied when it ended. She hastily scribbled down another note asking 'Again?' and handed said note to Emma.
Emma chuckled a bit. "You wanna hear it again?"
Very much so. Regina nodded eagerly.
"Your wish is my command," Emma joked as she tapped the screen lightly once more. Soon "Only You" played once more, and Regina could not help herself. Her foot began tapping up and down again. She really enjoyed the rhythm. It was so catching!
"Do you want to dance?"
The question took Regina completely by surprise and she feared that her mouth hung open as her head snapped up and she looked at Emma. Dance? Really? Right here? Right now? Apart from enjoying Never Ending Story a little too much, she hadn't done much dancing lately. She hadn't been in the mood for dancing.
But perhaps she was now. She looked at Emma whose cheeks had flushed. Then she nodded once.
"Yes?" Emma asked, as though she was making sure.
Regina nodded a second time.
Emma leapt from the couch and came to stand in front of Regina. Extended one hand out and uttered a solemn: "Milady."
She was so silly. Regina rolled her eyes the littlest bit as she took Emma's hand and rose from the couch as well.
"You'll lead and I'll follow?" asked Emma when they were standing in the center of the room.
Again, Regina knew exactly what Emma meant. And she really, really appreciated it. Appreciated Emma's gentle approach. She smiled at her, took Emma's right hand and placed it on top of her shoulder and her left hand on the top of her other shoulder.
"That okay?"
Regina nodded. It was okay. Even though it was starting to resemblance a very awkward school dance. But it was the only way she could dance right now. There had to be some distance between them still. She hoped Emma did not mind that and felt a bit hesitant as she draped her arm loosely around Emma's neck. Wasn't this terribly awkward? She should be able to dance more properly instead of acting like a skittish schoolgirl.
"If it's okay with you, it's okay with me," Emma assured and flashed her a soft smile. "It's more than okay with me."
Regina smiled back at her, and soon they were swaying to the music. More swaying than dancing, really, but that was okay. This was very nice. And Emma was being so good and attentive towards her. Keeping her hands where they were and never once getting too close to her.
That truly meant the world to Regina.
They had found the right balance.
When it came to dancing.
And everything else it would seem.
"This is nice," Emma said as they slowly moved around in a circular motion to the music.
Regina nodded and reckoned that Emma was close enough to read her lips as she formed the word 'very'.
She was. "You're a great dancer," Emma said with a slight grin.
Hardly. Regina rolled her eyes in denial.
"You are," Emma claimed. "And I'd like to dance more with you in the future. Would you like that?"
Regina's nod was eager. There was nothing she'd want more than more dances with Emma.
Emma who looked so lovely in her striped dress. Emma who smelled so wonderful of rose tonight. Emma whose cheeks were nicely pinked by the wine and warm temperature in here. Emma's hands rested warm and safely on her shoulders. Her green eyes reflected the candles and Alison Moyet was singing about love. This date was another perfect one. One of the best dates Regina had been one.
"Hey," Emma said gently.
Oh. Regina suspected that it looked like she had been spacing out. She hadn't. She was merely enjoying the music. But now she focused on Emma once more.
"I am ridiculously in love with you," Emma quietly confessed. "Did you know that?"
Regina swallowed thickly and felt her chin wobble at the raw honesty in Emma's voice. She nodded once. Leaned in and pecked Emma lightly on the cheek.
"You know, I don't mind being kissed on the mouth." Emma was teasing now. Waggling an eyebrow in a way that was positively adorable, and honestly, how was Regina supposed to resist that? She rumbled in laughter. Then leaned in and did exactly what Emma had suggested. Kissed her on the mouth.
Emma immediately returned the kiss, and it did not take long before they were kissing more than dancing, really. But Regina did not mind that in the slightest. Kissing Emma was what she had hoped for all night.
Emma tasted faintly of wine and spices and everything nice. Her hair smelled incredible.
Regina could happily do this all night.
Alison Moyet was not singing anymore. Perhaps she had stopped a long time ago.
Emma broke the kiss. Rasped: "You wanna sit down?"
What an excellent idea. Regina's knees had started to feel a bit like jelly anyway. They sat down on the couch once more, but as soon as they were seated, Regina inched closer, and it only took one of Emma's "as much as you want"-reminders to spur her own. She leaned in and captured Emma's lips in another soft kiss. Found Emma's left hand and placed it above her hip exactly like she had two days ago. Emma's other hand she placed on her cheek.
Exactly like two days ago, it did not take long before Regina started to feel lightheaded. For whatever reason, she felt rather daring tonight. Passionate. She couldn't quite explain why, but she felt positively vibrant. Tired of holding back and eager for more than just soft pecks and closemouthed kisses. Ready for more. So to test the waters, she lightly tapped the tip of her tongue against Emma's lower lip.
Emma willingly opened her mouth and Regina deepened the kiss. Touched Emma's tongue with the tip of her own. God, it had been ages since she last kissed anyone like this. And more importantly, it had been ages since she ENJOYED kissing anyone like this. Her tongue wrapped around Emma's, and she sucked gently.
She slid her hands up to rest them on Emma's cheeks. God, this was making her positively dizzy! Emma was making her feel things she had all but forgotten.
Her body was not just a shell.
It was alive.
The nerves in her body were alive.
The blood rolled steadily in her veins.
Her heart was beating reassuringly in her chest.
Reminded her how she could feel. What she could feel.
How it could be.
Her feelings were not meant to be stunted.
They never had been.
There had been a time where Regina had been an incredibly passionate woman. She had laughed with passion, cried with passion. And loved with passion.
Exactly like she was doing right now.
And there was nothing wrong with that.
Regina moaned sharply, instinctively. Scraped her teeth lightly over Emma's bottom lip.
Emma moaned. The sound was music in Regina's ears.
The pressure from Emma's lips against her own and the depth of their kiss had her doing things she wouldn't have imagined doing only a few months ago.
She pulled Emma to her. Pulled her closer. Wrapped her arms around her waist and heard Emma gasp slightly under her breath before the sound was drowned in another kiss. She NEEDED her closer. Needed this wonderful woman who had come into her life solely by chance.
What a wonderful chance.
Teeth scraped lightly over her bottom lip, and Regina felt goosebumps blossom all over her skin.
But she was not cold.
How could she possibly be?
No, she was warm.
Warmer than she had been in a very, very long time.
Was the heat hers or did it stem from Emma who was so close to her?
Regina wasn't sure.
But she was sure of one thing, though. The part of her that had been asleep for an equally long period of time recognized this particular type of warmth. She recognized the way she had started to tingle in places she hadn't thought about for months and months. She recognized the kind of warmth that had started blooming somewhere low in her gut.
She was….
She was feeling aroused.
Oh god!
The realization had Regina moaning sharply. Then it really hit her like a ton of bricks, and she broke the kiss and created some distance between herself and Emma. Tried to calm herself down by taking deep, steadying breaths. But it didn't help. She could still feel that tingling sensation low in her gut. And the fact that she was trembling from head to toe didn't make matters any better. Jesus, she had taken things too far! She was being… She was being a tease.
"You good?" Emma asked gently.
Regina nodded meekly and felt more heat shoot up in her cheeks. She cleared her throat in an attempt to hide her rapid breathing from Emma.
Emma looked right through her. "It's fine," she gently assured. Reached out and lightly touched Regina's hand. "It's more than fine, Regina. You have nothing to be embarrassed about."
Regina didn't quite agree. She grabbed a blank post-it and pencil and with trembling fingers, she wrote down exactly what she was thinking. Followed by an apology. 'This must be terribly frustrating for you. I'm sorry.' She pushed the note over to Emma. It truly wasn't fair to her. A kiss that didn't lead anywhere. Anyone would be frustrated by that.
"Nu-uh!" Emma said firmly and looked Regina square in the eyes. "You've got absolutely nothing to be sorry for, Regina!"
Regina didn't quite agree with that. She still felt like a horrible tease.
Emma moved an inch or so closer. Gently took her hand between her own, kissed Regina's knuckles one by one and then said: "we're not in a hurry. We've got plenty of time, and I am more than happy to add a few hundredth thousand kisses to our collection before we as much as think of doing something else. We're not going to jump into anything you're not ready for yet. Okay?"
Regina… believed that. How could she not believe Emma's open, honest face and the soft, patient words coming from her? Sometimes it was still hard to believe that Emma truly didn't want anything from her. That she merely wanted to make her happy and absolutely nothing else.
Regina had to swallow thickly in order to pull herself together. Then she nodded. She still felt flushed, though. And her breathing was still irregular. She looked down at her hands.
Emma chuckled softly. "And you don't have to be embarrassed about that either. You don't have to be embarrassed about the things I awaken in you. It's all good. It just means that you're in an awesome relationship with an awesome person, and I am more than happy about that."
Regina smiled a little at that and then rolled her eyes. That word again. It had to be Emma's favorite.
"I love making you moan," Emma said plainly. "And I love kissing you. Win-win."
Oh, she did not just say that! Regina's chest rumbled as she laughed silently.
It was so nice, just sitting here enjoying each other's company in silence. Just holding hands. Regina was starting to realize that the kind of silence she had with Emma was her favorite form of silence.
"Oh my god, the ice cream!" Emma suddenly screeched. She yanked her hand away, leapt from the couch and raced into the kitchen as though the devil was hot on her heels.
Regina understood absolutely zero. And even less when she heard Emma exclaim something that sounded like "oh, no!" from the kitchen. A moment of silence. Then Emma bursted out laughing. Which possibly was the most brilliant thing Regina ever had heard, but none the less, she found it to be quite puzzling too.
Of course she had to go and investigate to see what all the commotion was about. She rose from the couch and went into the kitchen.
She found Emma standing with the tub of ice cream in her hands. Only that it didn't exactly look like ice cream anymore. To be completely honest, it bore more resemblance to a lake. When she saw that, and saw how Emma was laughing, she couldn't hold back her amusement either. She tilted her head back and rumbled in uncontrollably laughter.
"You know what, I'm not even sad about it," Emma admitted and hiccupped slightly.
No? Regina tilted her head slightly.
"I actually think that's my new favorite thing," Emma continued. "Making ice cream melt because I'm too busy kissing you."
Oh. Regina couldn't stop grinning as she walked over to Emma and gave her hand a little squeeze. This was her new favorite thing too. And she happened to love melted ice cream…...
To Be Continued….