Chapter Sixteen
"Wow." I looked around in amazement at the shelves of old books, trunks, and other items. It's crazy to think all of this came from another realm. Another lifetime for her. Taking a seat at the stone table, I noticed an old book. "What's this?"
"A book of magical legends and folklore." Regina breathed a chuckle. "That's where I found out what the red string meant." Flipping through the pages, Regina stopped and placed the book in front of me. "Also how I put together who your parents were."
Skimming over the old text, I hesitated. "Can I touch it?" She nodded. Running my fingertips over the fragile paper, I let the information sink in.
The red string of fate is a cord that stretches and connects two people who are destined to be lovers regardless of place, time, or circumstance. This magical cord may stretch and tangle but it will never break. Only the people connected can see the string connecting them. It is only when magic is in a person's blood that they can see the string connecting them to their destined lover. In rare occasions can other strong magical creatures see the cord connecting others.
Meeting Regina's gaze, I thought for a moment. "Do we know if anyone else can see it?"
"The only person who might be able to see it would be Gold. He's too smug to say anything though." Regina paused. "I sometimes wonder if he wants the curse broken."
"Do you think he wants his magic back?"
"Most likely. I don't blame him though. It can make life easier." Taking the red string between her fingers, Regina thought aloud. "I'd give it up if you or Henry asked me to." She paused, surprised at herself. "The two of you really have changed me. Back then, I wouldn't have given magic up for anything."
"It helped protect you."
"Sometimes. But most often it was used to hurt others or get whatever I wanted."
Darkness is creeping in. Standing, I cupped the older woman's face in my hands. "Hey, you're not that person anymore." I want to kiss her. This was a bad idea. Her eyes draw me in.
Placing a hand on mine, Regina smiled. "Thank you."
Glancing at red lips, I felt my heart ache. Stepping away, I cleared my throat. "What…what's in the other room?" I can feel her eyes burning into me.
"Swords, gowns, and jewelry mostly. I was going to show you that room next." Brushing past me, Regina walked out of the room and stood in front of a mirror. Placing a hand on either side, she simultaneously pushed in two bricks. Gears creaked as the mirror and wall moved aside to reveal a hidden room.
I followed closely into the new area. This room was more elegant with a black and white design. The door closed behind us and I jumped. "It's alright. This room is more for safety and security than anything else." A soft chuckle escaped the older woman's throat as I gazed at the swords and dresses behind glass. "I couldn't exactly wear a power suit back then."
"Yeah…" Heat rushed to my face as I fought back images of Regina in a black beaded dress that had a plunging neckline. Great. Just what I need right now. I'm sure she can feel the effect on me because of the string.
"Emma?" I shivered, more heat flooding my stomach. "Are you…oh." She cleared her throat. "That answers my question." Standing, the brunette met my gaze in the reflection from the glass. "Are you okay with," she paused, "these feelings?"
Don't turn. If you turn, the curse will break before we're ready. Nodding slowly, I swallowed hard. "I am. They're just…very intense." I paused. "Are you okay with how I feel?"
"I am, yes. While I can feel and see your arousal, I can also see and feel your love for me. Besides Daniel, most got involved with me because they wanted status or something from me. All you want is my love and safety. You actually care about me even with my past." Pausing, Regina chose her words carefully. "You know I feel the same way."
Taking a steadying breath, I turned. "In some ways, this string makes things easier."
"In some ways, yes." Taking a seat in the small white chair, Regina motioned towards the matching couch. "It's getting increasingly difficult to not break the curse."
Grinning, I leaned back into the cushions. "The more time I spend with you the more I want to be with you."
"Exactly. When you stay over, I want you in my bed but I'm not sure how that would turn out."
There's that heat again. Damn it. "I understand that. I know it's not the same but we could cuddle on the couch. I want to be close to you. Obviously," I motioned towards the string, "I want more. But, for now, I would be happy with cuddling."
"That will have to do for now." Getting to her feet, Regina opened a wardrobe in the far corner of the room. "These will do." Turning, she tossed me a sheathed sword. Catching it, I was surprised at its weight. "We'll start tomorrow morning before Henry arrives home."
"Sounds good." Slowly, I pulled the sword halfway out of its sheath. The metal was scuffed and chipped.
"These are the swords my father used when he taught me. That one was mine."
Warmth filled my chest. "You trust me with your childhood sword?"
"I trust you with more than my childhood sword, Emma." Regina smiled softly. "I trust you with my heart."
"Thank you." She's letting down her guard. That doesn't come easily for her. "Where are you going to teach me?" Handing back the sword, I took another look at the dresses.
"Here. We can move things around in the other room to make space. That way no one can walk in on us or find out what we're doing."
"Okay. Good." Turning, I stopped realizing I had no idea how to get out. "Uh…"
Hearing a chuckle, Regina placed her hand on my lower back. "Same way but with an added step." Placing a hand on either side of the panel, the shorter woman stepped onto a hidden square in the floor.
Arriving at the mansion, I made us each an apple martini after changing into lounging pants and a t-shirt. Entering the living room, I was greeted with a smile. "Those look delicious. I paused Downton Abbey where we left off."
"Thanks for waiting." Placing the drinks on the table, I couldn't help but stare at the older woman. She looks so different in PJs. Still just as beautiful.
"Everything alright?" Regina's brown rose as she sipped her drink.
"Y-yeah." Do I sit next to her or not? As if on cue, Regina patted the space beside her. Taking a seat, I snuggled into her warmth. "This is nice."
"It is." Wrapping an arm around me, Regina let her thumb caress my arm. "This okay?" I nodded, taking a sip of my drink. "Good." Pressing play, the show's intro started.
Xxx
Everything happened so quickly. One second, I was on my feet and the next, I was in a chair with a sword to my throat. "Fuck." I squeaked.
Sighing, Regina took a step back. "You need to think about your feet too. Otherwise, someone can sweep your ankles and then you're dead.
"You swept me off my feet." I grinned.
"Emma.." She warned. "This is not a time for jokes."
"I know. I know. You're being serious."
"I am, yes." Holding out her hand, Regina pulled me to my feet. "You did well for the first lesson."
"Thanks. I have a good teacher." Wiping sweat from my forehead, I took a sip of water. "Should we head back or go another round?"
"Let's be done for today. Both of us need to shower and Henry will be back soon." She paused. "No showers together. It doesn't save water." Smirking, Regina tossed me my jacket.
"I wasn't going to suggest it out loud." I murmured, sliding into my coat. I grinned at Regina's smirk.
"In due time, Miss. Swan." Mischief shined in dark eyes. A dark chuckle echoed when I clipped the stone framing with my shoulder.
Making my way down the stairs, I entered the kitchen seeing Henry and Regina. Their conversation ended when they noticed me. "Hey, Kiddo. Did you have fun?"
"Yeah. Tyler and I watched movies and played video games." A knowing grin tugged at the boy's mouth. "Here for dinner?"
"Oh, I wasn't planning to…" He's up to something.
"You're welcome to stay." Regina offered. "Unless you need to get back."
"I can stay for dinner." Is Henry trying to keep me here? I wouldn't put it past him.
After dinner, I helped Henry with the last bit of homework while Regina cleaned the kitchen. Causing us both to question reality, Henry turned in early and wanted to read before bed. Once he brushed his teeth, we tucked him in and went back downstairs.
Sliding into my coat, I waited at the front door. "I know he loves reading comics but there's something different about tonight."
"Our son is definitely up to something." Regina glanced towards the staircase before meeting my gaze. "I hope no one is giving him a hard time about our relationship."
Warmth filled my chest hearing Regina call Henry our son. I really like hearing that. "I don't think that's it. He's up to something. Trying to keep me here as long as possible."
"Pack a few things and leave them in the guest room." Carefully, Regina fixed my scarf. "You can bring them over when we have another lesson."
The more she does things like that, the more I want to kiss her. "Sounds good. When do you want that to be?"
"Since we both work, it'll need to be on weekends. We can have weekly movie nights. After Henry goes to sleep, we can practice."
"Friday night? To make sure you don't bring work home." I grinned. "Forcing you to take a break."
Smirking, dark eyes turned mischievous. "Giving me time for other extra curricular activities?" Slowly, Regina's hand made its way up my torso to stop under my ear. "Someone's pulse is elevated." Taking a step closer, she continued in a pur. "Why is that, Miss Swan?"
Shivering, I took a shaky breath. "You're trying to kill me."
"Seduce is more like it." Taking a step back, she smiled. "Goodnight, Emma. Let me know when you get home."
"Will do." I squeaked. Biting the inside of my cheek, I paused. "I can't wait to kiss you."
"Same. The wait will be worth it."
Entering the apartment, I was greeted by a naked David closing the fridge. "D-Deputy…I-"
"Emma!" Mary Margaret panicked, making sure to cover herself with a couch cushion. "I-I wasn't expecting you to be home…"
"I've never not been home for over twenty four hours without a text." This is slightly mortifying considering I know who these two really are. When they realize the truth, it'll be even funnier. "Tomorrow we'll talk about boundaries and communication." Keeping an eye on my door, I refused to look anywhere else. "Have a good night you two." Closing the door, I continued. "We're deep cleaning that couch!"
Pulling out my phone, I shot Regina a quick text. Made it home safely. Wish I had stayed an extra night. You do not want to know what I just walked in on! -E After changing, I crawled into bed and got comfortable.
Oh, my. Yes, you should have stayed. Eventually, we'll be able to have that kind of fun. We'll make sure Henry doesn't come home that night. I'd rather him not hear the noises I elicit from you. -R
Shivering, I felt a heat pool between my thighs again. If she keeps this up, I'll have to take matters into my own hands. Looking at the red string, I chewed my lip. I wonder if she can feel an orgasm through this thing.
You really are trying to seduce me. Not complaining. Do give details though. What do you plan to do to get these noises out of me? -E
So many things…
Do you really want to go down this road tonight? I'm aware we won't be able to physically have sex for awhile. -R
I want to but, at the same time, I'd rather wait until we can be together in person or at least on video chat. I want to hear and see you. -E
It's settled then. More likely than not it'll be on video chat. How will you be able to get the house to yourself? Obviously, it won't be tonight. Sadly. -R
Might just ask Mary Margaret to stay at David's for a night or something. After tonight's walk-in, it might not be an issue. -E
We can hope. Are you heading to bed soon? -R
Yeah. Currently in bed. Might catch up on emails and then go to sleep. You? -E
Reading in bed. I plan to finish this chapter and the next before going to sleep. -R
I'll say goodnight then and let you get back to your book. Hope you sleep well. -E
You as well. Goodnight. -R
Xxx
The next morning, I heard talking and poked my head out the door. "Is it safe to open my eyes?"
David spoke first. "Yes, we're both fully clothed."
Exiting my room, I stretched. "Morning."
"Morning." They spoke in unison. Mary Margaret refused to meet my gaze.
Pouring myself a cup of coffee, I decided to get to the point. "Look, it happens. Just tell me next time when you need the apartment to yourself. Sounds good?" I looked between my parents waiting for an answer.
"Sounds good. Again, I'm sorry." Mary Margaret apologized.
"It's okay." Turning my attention to David, I grinned. "I've heard good things about your breakfast omelet. Make a few of those and we're definitely good."
A wholesome laugh filled the room. "Deal."
A/N: The rumors of FFN shutting down are going around again. Please follow me on AO3 (same username) in case the rumors are true. I'll continue to post here as long as the site is up.
