A/N: Thank you all for your patience on this next (and long) update. I had quite the productive weekend as the month of October includes many birthday's for myself, also including my own which will be on Friday. But, to make up for my short absence, I bring you a chapter filled with many smiling moments, a deep topic of conversation for Emma and Regina, and something that may or may not become troublesome... *shrug* Happy reading!
Also, no promises, but I will get started on the next chapter as we speak, which may or may not be updated later. Keep a lookout for any posts from me!
Music could be head blocks away as they all drove down to Luna Rooftop Bar in one car. They decided on David's cruiser. And to Regina's surprise, the place lived up to its name as they had to take an elevator all the way up to one of the rooftops. There were people already there as they arrived, some dancing in the middle of the dance floor underneath the night's sky and few colored lights that hovered above them. There was a bar off to the side with a bartender on call, and beside the bar there was a small resting area with two couches and a bonfire already ablaze. There were tables set up along the edges where the glass barriers ended.
Regina wasn't sure what she was expecting but it wasn't this.
The music was on point, the speakers blasting off to Love My Way by the Psychedelic Furs as it began to play.
"David! Our song!" Mary Margaret beamed, seeing a smile stretch out on her husband's lips as she took him by the hand. "Do you remember? We danced to this exact song the night of our first date."
"Of course." David grins, tightening his grip on Mary Margaret's hand. "Come on. Let's see if my leg can agree with me tonight."
"You two coming?" Mary Margaret turned to Emma and Regina.
"You two go ahead, we're going to find a table and we'll meet you there." Said Emma, grabbing Regina by the hand as they went their separate way. Regina couldn't help but smile as she saw their hands joined together, Emma guiding her through the crowd and over to a round table. The butterflies in her stomach still flew around in a whirlwind.
Just like the first time she dared to go out dancing with Audrey and her.
"This is okay?" Said Emma, leaning into Regina to speak through the music.
Regina nodded, and her eyes wandered over to the dance floor, taking in everyone's dancing, including Emma's parents. This is what a real marriage was supposed to be like. Like Mary Margaret and David, worrying about each other's well being and dancing together like they were right now. Smiles on their faces.
"Do you want a drink?" Emma leaned in close enough so Regina could hear her, and saw the brunette copy her movement as she replied.
"After we dance." Said Regina.
"Alright." Emma smiled and stood to her feet. She shrugged herself out of her jacket, hung it on the back of her stool, shaped like a chair, took Regina's hand and guided her toward the dance floor.
Regina didn't consider herself a professional dancer. She wasn't. Sometimes she wondered how on earth could she keep up with Emma, because she felt like she struggled a little to do so. But, even then, Emma was always so patient to change her pace a little to help her keep up. Or Regina's favorite, Emma would allow her to step on her feet, for slow songs. Regina has gotten a pretty good rhythm for slow songs. Fast songs however, still took some work.
But tonight, Regina was determined to have some fun. Not worry about Leopold, who was miles away in Seattle. Or Audrey, who she could imagine was going through heartache. One good thing about Audrey that Regina always liked saying to herself was that she was young and would move on. She could easily find someone else who would connect with her the way she deserved.
"Alright, let's go with a slow one that I know you all know well." The DJ that was set up on the other side of the bar spoke into his microphone, and Only You by Yazoo began to play.
A few people went to sit, while others embraced each other a little closer and continued to dance. Mary Margaret and David being one of them.
Regina didn't waste time in embracing Emma, not waiting for her to slowly pull her in as usual. It surprised Emma, but never to pull away. Instead, she embraced her just the same. And in that moment, Emma knew that this is what she needed for the rest of her life to be happy.
They had only started dating, that was true. But to Emma, she's felt that she's known Regina a lifetime already. Especially after everything Regina had confined her with in such little time. She couldn't imagine dancing with anyone else like this, and Emma loved dancing. But none of it held such a meaning, like the one it held while she danced with Regina.
"Your parents are very happy together." Emma broke their embrace just a little, but not enough to interrupt their dance as she heard Regina's voice.
"Yeah, I guess they are." Emma smiles as she's looking over at her parents. Mary Margaret's eyes were closed as she held David in an embrace. Her head rested along his chest as they danced.
"I remember I would feel jealous," Regina looked into Emma's eyes as she continued. "Seeing all of the happy couples, whenever Leopold would throw a party or whenever I would go out somewhere with Belle. To hear her talk about how well her husband treated her, the places he took her." She chuckles, shaking her head. "And then, I just remember feeling so empty and stupid for feeling jealous of everyone else. Because, look at your parents, Emma."
Emma turns back to glance at her parents, as does Regina.
"I mean, they are the definition of a perfect marriage. That is how a couple should be." For a moment, there's a lost look in Regina's eyes.
Emma takes it upon herself to lift up Regina's chin so that their eyes lock in place once more. Her voice is soft as she says, "Do you remember what you said to me about playing the cards you've been dealt with?" She doesn't wait for a response from Regina. "And me telling you that you could always bluff your way out. Well, this is you testing your luck. This moment, and every single moment that we'll experience together, it'll be something better than the last. I promise you that."
"Now, Emma…" Regina smirks. "What have I told you about making promises?"
Emma smiles. "Even now that we're together, you still can't trust me to keep a promise?"
"You are the first person I ever fully trust. Next to Sidney." Regina's eyes sparkle with love and a bit of intoxication that Emma can't help but find endearing.
Emma can't help herself in leaning in until her lips touch Regina's, and they are kissing with the most absolute delicacy. And if Regina's head wasn't already spinning a little, it would be now with the way Emma was kissing her. Their kiss parted upon a new and familiar song starting to play. She Will Be Loved. It had become their song with a great meaning to both of them. Regina's arms didn't hesitate to pull Emma in closer, so close, Emma's nose buried itself in Regina's hair and she couldn't help to take a whiff, intoxicating her senses with the scent of Regina's perfume, followed by the scent of her shampoo. Her eyes closed, allowing her to draw it all to memory.
Emma's hands rest against Regina's back, and comes to discover the warmth of Regina's skin, bare and exposed to her touch. Regina feels a trail of goosebumps travel up her bare back at the feeling of Emma's hands caressing along her skin. But she doesn't move. She couldn't. Not when they were sharing this intimate dance between them that meant the world to them both. Not when what Regina wanted more than anything in the world was to be like this forever.
The brunette wondered what was going through Emma's mind at that moment. Could she feel the goosebumps traveling along her back? Emma didn't say anything, but she sure could. Emma could count the bumps, each and every one on her skin, and wondered if it was because feeling her caress along her back was too much for Regina to take or was it just the right thing to feel right now.
"David's right, you know." Said Emma, keeping Regina in her arms, too nervous to look her in the eye right now. Plus, complementing how wonderful this dress looked on Regina seemed right in the moment. "This dress is fantastic on you. It compliments your body well."
It was Regina who broke their embrace, far enough to be able to look Emma in the eye. A smirk playing on her lips. "You don't have to come onto me with a cheesy pick-up line, Emma. I'm already dating you."
Emma chuckles and her cheeks turn a shade of pink. "That was a compliment. But, if it's a cheesy pick-up line you want, let's see…" Her eyes squint before they look over the brunette in a quick glance. "Wow, Gina, you're really wearing that dress like you're doing it a favor."
Hearing Regina's laugh burst out of her lungs was the richest sound to Emma. She definitely was a little intoxicated, which was okay because it just meant she could take care of her.
"If you tell me you used that line on all the girls to get them to go out with you, I'll call your bluff." Said Regina.
"No, I didn't. I heard it in a movie once." Emma smirked, her eyes locking back on Regina's. "But, I'll always be sure to tell you how beautiful you look." Her voice is softer now.
"Do me a favor, Emma."
"Anything."
"Don't look at me like that." Regina's voice is soft.
"Like what?" Emma's head tilts.
"Like you love me."
"But, I do love you." The corner to Emma's lip tilts into a smirk.
Regina didn't mind Emma looking at her the way she did. But, tonight, every time she did, and with her slight level of intoxication, that was a dangerous thing for Emma to do. Just like that sideways smirk, which Regina couldn't resist lightly touching it with her thumb.
"Can I tell you something?" Asked Regina, seeing Emma nod in response. "I dreamed of being able to touch you just like this. So many times." Her thumb stroked along the corner of Emma's mouth. "And then I would feel like the most horrible person on the face of the earth, because I wished I could touch you. When you weren't even mine." She chuckles.
Regina remembered that feeling well. She remembers it being very conflicting.
"Well, I'm yours now." Said Emma with a gentle look in her eye. "I want to be forever yours, Regina."
"Forever is a very long time, Ms. Swan. We might not even have forever." There's a sadness in Regina's dark eyes that ache inside Emma's chest.
"It's our relationship to live how we please. Your life, your choices. We can make our own destiny, and be together forever."
Forever. There was nothing Regina would love more. But to be sure there was a forever for them, had yet to be written.
But for tonight. Regina didn't want to think about what was yet to be written for them. She wanted to dance and dance, she did. They danced to a much faster pace this time, which Regina had a little trouble with but had no trouble allowing Emma to guide her. Anyway, she was a little tipsy to care what others thought of her, in case she was dancing poorly next to Emma.
"They really love each other, don't they?" Mary Margaret turned to David as they sat by their table, their eyes on their daughter and Regina who danced together by the crowded floor.
David nods, not having any words to express his agreement to his wife. He reaches for his beer and takes a quick sip.
"I'm afraid for them, David." David turns to his wife's voice. "I'm afraid of what could happen to our daughter if this Leopold White is as dangerous as you say he is."
David shakes his head. "I already checked him out at the station. Works in oil just like Audrey said. Surely comes from money, and thrives on power- just like Emma said."
"And as a man with power, you should know that they tend to be very possessive. I saw those bruises on Regina's arm, David. If he finds out that our daughter is seeing his wife-"
"Mary Margaret." David's eyes train on his wife's. "Emma knows the consequences. She wasn't forced into this. This is what she wants. Regina is what she wants." He points with his bottle toward Emma and Regina on the dance floor as he says this. "Emma can handle herself well. She won't let any harm come to her or Regina."
"I know you're right." Mary Margaret nodded. "But, as a mother, you can't ask me not to worry. What will happen the day Audrey finds out that her mother and ex-girlfriend are-" her eyes grow wide. "My God, David, what if Emma wants to marry her?"
David chuckled, "Sweetheart-"
"That would turn Emma into Audrey's-"
"Sweetheart." David reached over to grab his wife by the hand, leaning in a little more. "You are overthinking. Let's not get ahead of this situation just yet. Let Emma enjoy what she's living right now. Be there for her, as her mother, that's all she asks of you."
Mary Margaret turns to her daughter, taking in the wide smile that's spread across her face, the love oozing out of her eyes for Regina as they dance. And she could see the same in Regina, which she appreciated. She could be there for her daughter. As her mother, there was nothing she wanted more than to support Emma in all of her decisions.
Regina's eyes were closed as they danced through another slow song again, her head laid out on Emma's shoulder. She could feel Emma's hands against her exposed back again, and it was then her eyes slowly opened. "Emma," she called out, daring to look into her eyes next. "I… I want to ask you something else. More of a request, really."
"What is it?" Emma smiled a little, witnessing the blush that set against Regina's cheeks.
How could she begin? The very thought of what she wanted to ask Emma made her nervous enough.
"I…" Her voice caught in her throat, causing it to feel extremely dry that she couldn't swallow. Her heart felt like it was about to burst.
"Are you alright?" Emma asked, growing a little concern.
"Yeah. I'm just… I-" Regina clears her throat, deciding to leave her question for later. "I'm thirsty. I think I'm going to get a drink." Before Emma could say anything else, Regina cowered away, finding a seat by the bar where she could have a moment alone and release a much needed heavy breath. "Just breathe, Regina. Just breathe." She told herself through huffed out breaths.
"What's your poison tonight?" The bartender, a young woman asked from behind the bar, taking Regina by surprise.
"Martini, olive if you have them. Please." Regina nods in gratitude as the girl gets right on her drink.
"Regina?" A familiar voice spoke behind her, causing Regina to whip around, her eyes growing wide to the sight of Belle's grinning smile.
"Belle." Regina breathed, wondering what the hell would Belle be doing here. Was Gold here? She hoped not.
"I thought that was you!" Belle welcomed herself to sit beside her friend. "What are you doing here?" She asked a still shocked Regina.
"I- I could ask you the same question." Regina let out a nervous chuckle. "What are you doing here?"
"Well, Bobby had to travel for work, so I've been absolutely bored out of my mind."
Regina scoffs, "You, Belle, bored out of her mind? I don't believe that. You're the one always saying that as long as you have your books, you can't possibly be bored."
"Well, sue me." Belle rolls her eyes playfully. "For once, I felt like coming out, and seeing what more was out there. But, imagine my surprise when I find you all the way in Portland." She chuckles. "Did you come to visit Audrey for the weekend?" She looks around, hoping to see Audrey.
"Y- yes. Yes, that's exactly it." Regina forces a smile, her eyes taking a quick glance over Belle's bare shoulder, hoping to find any sight of Emma. "I- I don't know if you heard, but… Audrey and Emma broke up, and she's been devastated."
"Oh, no…" Belle frowns.
Regina takes the martini that's placed before her and takes a much needed drink.
"What happened? I thought things were going well with them."
What happened? That was something Regina didn't know how to explain without saying some version of the truth. And as she looked over Belle's shoulder, she could spot Emma making her way toward her, already being too late to brush her off. Before Regina knew it, Belle was glancing over her shoulder.
"Emma!" Belle grinned, and Regina could see Emma's face turn as white as a ghost.
"Hi." Said Emma with a tiny bit of hesitance. "Belle."
"What a funny coincidence; Regina and I were just talking about you." Belle turned to Regina, who forced another smile.
"A- about me?" Emma's eyes moved over to Regina. The last thing she wanted was to say the wrong thing. Especially when they weren't sure if this coincidental encounter could leak back to Leopold. "Well," Emma chuckled. "I guess when you're popular- you're popular."
Belle let out a free laugh as she turned back to Emma. "Well, Regina was just telling me that you and Audrey ended your relationship. I'm sorry to hear that."
"Oh, thank you. But, you know we're- we're good. We're in a better place now that we're broken up. Actually that's why I'm here-" Emma's eyes moved over to Regina in a quick glance. "I came to distract myself and then I thought I saw Ms. White, so I figured I'd come say hi. Make sure there's no hard feelings."
"None at all." Regina shakes her head, hoping this act was enough for Belle to believe. "I'm sure you had a good reason for ending things with my daughter. Heartbreak happens."
"And speaking of, where is Audrey?" Belle asked, eyeing Regina again.
"She left with a friend. I wanted to stay a little while longer." Said Regina, feeling her heart race. "And Belle," Regina leaned in, locking her gaze with Belle's. "I would appreciate it if you didn't mention to anyone that you saw me here in Portland. Not even Robert."
Belle's brow creased quizzically at Regina's behavior as she said, "Of course. You know me, Regina, I would never say anything to anyone. Bobby doesn't even know that I'm here. Hell, I don't tell him everything. Certainly not about other people's lives." She chuckles, which makes Regina feel more at ease, including Emma.
"I appreciate that." Regina nods. And even if she did believe her, she wouldn't feel a hundred percent better about it until they talked about it in a more private setting. Which would have to happen soon. "Well," Regina stood up from her stool. "It certainly was surprising to see you here, Belle, but I think I'll call it a night. Audrey's probably worried about me."
"Oh, so soon? But I just got here." Belle frowned. "Come on, sit down and have a drink with me. It's on me. Emma," she turns to a flabbergasted Emma. "Can join us, too."
"Oh, no," Emma quickly shakes her head.
"I insist." Said Belle with a smile.
"That's very kind of you, Belle, but my parents-" Emma motions with her thumb pointing over her shoulder.
"The more the merrier."
"Are you sure, Belle?" Regina's head tilted in wonder.
"Absolutely. Come on, bring them along. I won't take no for an answer." Belle waved Emma over with her hand, and Emma could see a little level of her own intoxication in there somewhere. Good. She secretly thought. Maybe that intoxication would help her forget what she did or didn't get to see tonight.
Emma glanced over at Regina who shrugged apologetically before she said, "Okay. Be right back."
Belle found herself connecting with Emma's parents so well, they conversed the whole night, giving a chance to Emma and Regina to talk among each other as they all sat around the bonfire for a more private and homey setting.
"So, do you think we need to worry about her, kidnap her, put her in the trunk of my car until we can dispose of the body?" Emma said jokingly, of course, to which Regina stifled a laugh.
"I'm not sure. I mean I trust Belle, but right now she seems a little intoxicated to even remember anything. I'm surprised to even see her like this." Regina's eyes never left Belle, until she deemed it safe to glance at Emma. "I'm going to have to tell her the truth. I'll talk to her first, invite her over to my house and see what she remembers."
"Well, in case you do have to tell her." Emma's gaze moved to Belle. "Can we trust her?"
Regina released a small sigh, "Well, we have talked about personal things before, Belle and I and as of now she hasn't seemed to tell anyone. But, about this," she motions between them. "I don't know. I hope so. For now she seemed to believe that I was here with Audrey and was left alone, which I don't have to worry about her calling Audrey to confirm it."
Emma certainly hoped not. But the thing was, there was no way to tell what would happen, until it did. For now, it was best to drink and enjoy Belle's unexpected but pleasant company.
After they all decided to go on home, with Mary Margaret still chatting with Belle and possibly having fallen victim to the alcohol. They all stopped outside the building as Belle did.
"Well, I have to say that's the most fun I've had in a while." Belle grinned at David. "Mr. Nolan, I might say that you have been my best dance partner."
"Oh, I don't know about that." David's cheeks turn pink.
"He's being modest." Mary Margaret's hand splays over her husband's chest and shares a laugh with Belle. Something that doesn't go unnoticed by Regina. Not that they are having the time of their lives, but how easily it had become to Mary Margaret to reach out and touch her husband. She wondered if that could be her with Emma.
"Hey, you're not far behind, you know. After all, you taught Emma to dance." Said David.
"Really?" Belle turns to Emma with her brows reaching up to the ceiling. "Did she?"
"Guilty as charged." Emma grinned.
"That's amazing! I wish my parents would have been that way. But, my mother died when I was really young and my father- well, let's just say he didn't know his left foot from his right when it came to dancing." Everyone joins Belle in a good laugh, until a cab captures her attention. "Oh!" She waves, capturing the attention to the car.
"Oh, don't do that. Are you staying in a hotel?" Mary Margaret asked. "My husband and I can gladly drive you."
"Oh, no." Belle chuckled, waving them off. "I appreciate it, but I'm driving all the way home. Close to where Regina lives."
"Really?" Said Mary Margaret.
Regina's eyes grew wide. "You drove all this way in a cab?" She asked Belle.
"Well, I knew I was going to be drinking tonight, and I didn't want to drive alone." That was even stranger for Regina. Because it was so unlike Belle. "Well, it was a pleasure meeting you all." She waves and turns to the cab.
"Belle." Regina reaches out to touch Belle's shoulder and waits for her to turn. She couldn't let her get in a cab alone, and she needed to know what was going on. Because something was going on. So, that only left one option. "Why don't you stay?"
Emma's eyes grew wide, her lips dried.
"Stay?" Belle's head tilted and she gave off a drunken smile. "Regina, where am I going to stay? I don't think Audrey would want coming in between your mother/daughter time-"
"No. Not with Audrey and me." Regina turns to Emma.
"She's more than welcome to stay with us." Mary Margaret said, clearly surprising everyone by the looks on their faces. She looks at everyone, ending with David. "What? Our house isn't a two story home, but we have room. Besides, Belle is right…" She turns to Regina, giving her a knowing look. "You should spend as much time as you can with Audrey. Who knows what tomorrow might bring."
David saw his wife's point. Emma and Regina should be together, especially when by the looks of things, Regina would have to have a talk with Belle tomorrow. "She's right." He finally said, looking at Belle. "Uh, we have an extra room, plenty of clean sheets. There's no need for you to drive back alone in a cab with a driver you don't know, especially at this time of night. As the Sheriff, I have to insist that's not safe."
"Well." Belle breathed with a smile to her. "If it's the Sheriff's orders…"
"It is." Said David with a smile this time.
"Well, then, I guess I'll be staying with you two tonight." Belle waves off the cab who drives off. "I really appreciate this. I hope I'm not a nuisance."
"Not at all." Mary Margaret smiled.
Belle quickly moved over to Regina, placing a kiss against her cheek, " Well. Call me tomorrow? If you're leaving, maybe you and I can drive back together."
"Of course. I'll call you." Said Regina, too in shock to think of anything else.
"Wonderful. Emma-" Belle pulled Emma into a hug and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Great seeing you, as always. Your parents are such a delight."
"Great seeing you, Belle." Said Emma, giving off a nervous smile.
David hugged Regina goodbye, followed by Emma, while Mary Margaret hugged Emma right after.
"Mom, what are you doing?" Emma embraced her mother a little longer to whisper in her ear.
"Don't worry. I may be a little drunk, but I know what I'm doing." Mary Margaret whispered back before parting from their hug and hugging Regina goodbye. "Regina. It was wonderful." She leaned in to whisper in her ear, "Don't worry about a thing."
Regina gave a nervous smile as they parted and decided that it was best to just wave goodbye to Belle who's heel broke from the back as she walked away with David and Mary Margaret, leaving her to remove it and walk with one.
Both Emma and Regina could breathe, but nerves weren't estranged far from their stomachs as they stood outside the building alone.
"Well, this was certainly a surprise turn of events." Emma chuckled nervously.
"Oh, God," Regina breathed, placing her palm against her forehead. "I think I need to throw up. And it's not because of the alcohol."
"Yeah," Emma breathes, looking around them for a minute. "Well, we should probably get a cab back to August's."
"Good idea." Regina nodded, seeing Emma quickly wave over a following cab.
The lock clicked as the door was parted open. Emma flickered on the lights and Regina was quick to remove her heels, leaving them right by the door.
"Do you want some water?" Emma offered, having bought some extra bottles of water earlier.
"Thank you." Regina nods, left standing by the door until she makes her way over to the couch while Emma shuffled away in the kitchen. Regina removed Emma's jacket, peeling it off her shoulders and laid it against the couch where she sat and waited.
It didn't take Emma but a minute to come back into the living room with a bottle of water in hand. She twisted the cap off and handed it over to Regina before joining her on the couch.
"Thank you." Said Regina before taking a small sip and placing the bottle back against the coffee table.
Ever since running into Belle, an almost familiar, awkward silence had settled between them. Kind of like when they were getting to know each other and they would end up apologizing to one another at the same time. But there was no need for that anymore. Not when they were together and Regina could talk with such liberty around Emma. Especially with the quiet being so thick around them. And Emma didn't want that either. Their night didn't have to become ruined over this.
"Do you-"
"Emma-"
Both women shared a small, nervous laugh as they spoke in unison.
"I was going to say, there's no need for what happened tonight to ruin our night together." Said Regina, seeing a look of relief flash before Emma's eyes.
"Well," Emma breathed with a more relaxed smile. "I'm glad to hear you say that, because I was thinking the same thing." She sees a smile erupt from Regina's lips, and feels more at liberty to ask. "Do you want me to put on some music?" She motions to the sound system that's set up by the television stand.
"Music would be good." Regina nods.
Music was always a good way to break awkward silences for Emma. And as Emma turned the radio on, a loud guitar intro which sounded like it belonged to Welcome to The Jungle blasted through the speakers. It caused Regina to spill a bit of her water as her hand trembled in startlement, while Emma slightly jumped and quickly turned down the volume knob.
"Shit, sorry." Said Emma, her shoulders scrunched up until they relaxed. Slowly she turns the knob up to three, hearing Axl Rose's high screeched vocals until she changes the station where the beginning to Mazzy Star's Fade Into You begins to play. A huge difference from Guns N' Roses. Emma didn't mind the band, she liked a few songs, but not exactly the kind of music she wants to have playing in the background while Regina is here.
After settling on the song, Emma joins Regina back on the couch, her sweaty palms brushing along her jeans as she sits.
"This is much better." Said Regina, seeing a smile come from Emma.
"Much." Said Emma.
Once again, there was a bit of awkward silence. But, Emma knew it was because they needed to talk about Belle. However drunk she seemed to be tonight.
"So, Belle…" Emma began.
"Don't worry about her." Regina shook her head. "Aside from being overly intoxicated, which was quite a surprise," Regina sighs. "I highly doubt she'll remember much of anything. Besides, she didn't have anything to go except what I told her. I think it's best if I talk to her tomorrow." She takes another sip of water, setting it down on the table.
"Sounds fair." Emma nods, her eyes landing on the bottle of water before them. She didn't notice but her hands were ringing against each other as she sat. Something that was brought to her attention as Regina placed her hand against Emma's.
"She won't say anything, Emma. I can promise you that. I'll make sure of it." Said Regina, a small smile tilting at the corner of her lip.
"Even though you don't like making promises?" Emma saw a glare from Regina and she smiled, placing one of her hands on top of the brunette's. "I trust you, Gina. And I like Belle, I really do- she certainly doesn't seem the type to not understand something like this."
"But?" Regina knew there was always a but.
Emma sighs, brings up Regina's knuckle close to her lips and places a single kiss. "But I think we both know that this could go either way." Her eyes lock into Regina's. "This whole thing could go in our favor… Or Leopold finds out from Belle's husband tomorrow as soon as she lets her in on what's really going on. Assuming she remembers anything or saw anything."
"I know." Regina frowns. "But, to be honest, I doubt she saw anything, Emma. She had just arrived when I was on my way to the bar. She told me so." She takes a pause. "And if she did… Well, then like you always say… We'll face it together." She smiles.
And Regina's smile alone makes Emma smile. "Yeah. I meant what I said about wanting us to be a forever."
Regina chuckled, "Forever is a very long-"
"Lone time, I know." Emma nods. "But, that's what I want."
"You don't know what you're saying, Emma. You've had a couple of drinks tonight, and they are doing all the talking for you."
Emma rolls her eyes playfully. "Please, I'm more sober than you are right now. I think David and I were the only lucid ones out there tonight." Regina lets out a laugh, and Emma's eyes light up to the sound. "You have a very beautiful laugh."
This time it's Regina who rolls her eyes. "If this is one of your cheesy pick-up lines, Ms. Swan, I regret to inform you it's not going to work on me."
Emma grins, and her cheeks grow red. "It's not, I promise, it's not. I'm just stating the truth."
"How many girls have you used that on? And don't lie." Regina glares.
Again, Emma's cheeks grow a shade of red. "One."
"Do I want to know who?" Regina's brow lifts.
"Uh…" Emma chuckles. "My mother." She laughs upon hearing Regina laugh, and earns herself a shove from Regina. "I swear! She's the only other woman I've told that to. You can ask her tomorrow. Though, I doubt she'll remember much of anything either."
"Then, there's no other choice than to take your word for it, is there?" Said Regina.
"I wouldn't lie to you." Said Emma, her eyes locked into Regina's.
Another song began to play, but everything seemed to have muted around them as their lips came together until they brushed. And Regina never felt herself melt away so quickly as she did once she felt one of Emma's hands land against her bare shoulder. To touch her seemed so easy for her, Regina wondered if she could do the same. That being thought of, Regina then dared to reach out until the palm of her hand splayed along Emma's shoulder. It traveled up the soft cotton material of her shirt until her fingers pulled on its neck.
Emma was surprised not only how Regina pulled her closer, but how, as she felt their kiss deepen, she also felt Regina's body ready and willing to lean in, causing Emma to lean back. "Whoa, hey, Gina," Emma breathed, parting from their kiss and immediately sitting back up before her back could touch the couch.
"What's the matter?" Regina looked puzzled, but very drunk.
"Um," Emma breathed out a small chuckle. "As much as this whole thing is very tempting, I think it's best if we don't do something we'll later regret."
"Are you saying-" A frown takes over Regina's lips. "That you don't-"
"Wha- No!" Emma's eyes grew wide, and suddenly she felt so nervous. "I mean-" she groans. "Of course- of course I want to. I do. More than anything." She chuckles, and allows her eyes to explore the way Regina's dress hugs tightly against her body. "Believe me, that dress… Is very dangerous. I mean, if it was anyone else, I would have already-" Emma stops herself before she would say anything she would regret. She needed a moment to collect her words carefully. "What I'm saying is… You are a little intoxicated right now and I just don't want you waking up tomorrow morning and beating yourself up over it, feeling like it was a mistake. I want you to be ready when you're ready, not because I couldn't take my eyes off of you all night." She chuckles and feels more at ease once she sees a small smile emerge from Regina.
"You're too good, Emma Swan." Regina felt free to take her hand and place it against Emma's cheek. She felt Emma's lips make contact with the inside of her palm.
"I just-" Emma shrugs. "Regina, I just know that you've been through a lot with Leopold and, well, I guess I don't want to be like him. I'm not about to take advantage of the fact that you have a few drinks in you just to get you into bed. Especially not against your will." She takes Regina's both hands into hers. Her eyes locked. "When that time comes, it'll be under your conditions. We'll go at your pace, and I would never do anything that you aren't comfortable with."
Regina's eyes watered as she fought back the tears. Because, by God, did Regina dream of the day where she could be with someone who wouldn't push her so far off a cliff. Who wouldn't rush her, who would understand how hard it's been for her. And who was patient.
"You promise?" Regina whispered.
Emma nods, placing a kiss along the woman's knuckles. "I promise. The day you're ready, I promise to make it the best day of your life."
"Emma," As Regina lets out a small smile, she feels a tear roll down past her cheek. "My best day began when you said hi to me the first time we met."
"That was my best day, too." Emma leaned in until her lips touched Regina's, keeping their kissing lighter and much softer, until she decided to part, but still staying close enough for their foreheads to touch. There was a tickle between Emma's thighs that only became more known to her as she dared to inhale Regina's perfume. "You should go to bed. Tomorrow will be a hell of a day for us both."
Regina nodded before she parted. "Where will you sleep?" She sees Emma nod toward the couch, and Regina quickly shakes her head. "Emma-"
"I'll be fine here. Believe me, this couch and I are old friends. I've slept on it more times than I can count." Emma smiles.
"And you call yourself an adult," Regina scoffs and her sight locks on Emma's emerald green eyes. "Now, I know I was ready and willing to give myself to you, so if you're afraid of that, I give you my word nothing will happen. But that doesn't mean we can't still share a bed together. We're both grown and consenting adults, and I do believe we can act like such."
Emma grins, unable to help herself. "Says the drunk who was ready to pounce me on this very couch." A laugh bursts out of her as Regina shoves her before shooting up from the couch. "Bad joke! I'm sorry," Emma reaches out to grab Regina by the hand. "Just a bit of humor. I couldn't let it pass."
"So that's a yes?" Asked Regina.
"Yes. Although, I think it would be safer for you if I take a cold shower before I join you in that bed."
Regina rolls her eyes. "You're not some horny teenager that can't control her urges, Ms. Swan."
"No, but you're seriously underestimating the power of that dress, Regina."
Regina laughs, shaking her head and pulls Emma into the small hallway that leads them into the bedroom, but not before Emma stretches her arm far enough to shut the stereo off.
