It was getting on for 6 p.m. and the women had had the finishing touches done on their hair and make-up. Tink had forgotten her outfit so she said she'd meet the rest of the women at the mansion before 8 p.m. and she left. The remaining three women plus Ashley piled out of the salon and made their way to Regina's place. It was a warm evening for Maine and thankfully, there wasn't any wind to mess up their hair.
"I hope you don't mind Regina but I invited Dorothy and a few other women to meet at your place for pre-party drinks." Ruby whispered sheepishly.
"How many more?"
"Erm... how many can you fit in a limo?" Ruby gritted her teeth waiting for the fireball that was inevitably coming her way.
It didn't come though. "Well it's a good job I had the forethought to invite everyone for cocktails. They will be there at 7.30." Regina grinned. Ruby wasn't the only one who could keep a few surprises up her sleeve.
"Oh! Is Snow coming too?" Ruby looked slightly panicked.
Regina eyed her cautiously and stopped walking. "Ruby? Whatever you've arranged that could cause Emma any long term embarrassment, cancel it!" She carried on walking.
Ruby fell behind cursing to herself. Gonna have to keep it clean, damn it!
###
"Ashley, Ruby, you can both take the guest room. There's a shower and fresh towels on the bed. Top of the stairs, first door on your left. Emma, you can use my room and ensuite to get ready. I'll take Henry's room." Regina announced.
Ruby rushed up the stairs pushing Ashley out of the way. "Dibs on the hot water!" She squealed leaving the younger blonde awkwardly standing at the foot of the stairs waiting for permission from the Mayor.
Regina sighed, "It's fine Ashley. Please, make yourself at home." She walked carefully up the stairs halfway and then ran the rest when Regina couldn't see her and shouting, "You're so dead!"
Regina looked back to Emma and said ironically, "and to think there was a time when people in this town were afraid of me!"
Emma laughed. "Well I think we can safely say Ruby is well and truly over that! Won't be long until the rest of Storybrook see just how much of a big softie you really are!" Emma jibed. They both laughed slightly forced. There was definately an air of awkwardness between them. Emma continued. "I'll take Henry's room. If I make a mess, at least I can blame it on the kid, right!"
Regina shook her head. "Trust me, you don't want to use his bathroom. Even I have nightmares about what I might find in there and I was evil!"
"Oh God! Now you're making me worried! That bad?"
"That bad."
"Well, I mean, I erm, I don't mind sharing, if you don't. I don't need a shower anyway."
Regina made a disgusted face. "You so do need a shower! Now get! Before I tell you about what I found in Henry's closet last we.."
Emma had her hands over her ears singing "la, la, laaaa, la, la laaaa," and was running up the stairs. Regina grinned so wide she thought her teeth might fall out!
Upstairs in Regina's suite, Emma saw her friend had set out a robe and fresh towels on top of the bed for her along with a little chocolate. She smiled to herself at the thoughful gesture. It was those little things that she did that she loved about Regina. She herself would never have thought to do that and she was certain that the same kindness had been extended to all her guests that day. Emma picked up the robe and towels and carried them to the bathroom. She stuffed the chocolate in her mouth and turned on the shower. She stripped and put her hand under the jet to check the temperature. It was perfect. She got in carefully to avoid ruining her hair and make-up and let out a deep moan.
"Ahh! This is the best shower ever!" No wonder Regina was so big on cleanliness if this is what she gets to use daily!
Emma tried not to think about the fact that she was in Regina's shower. The place where she got clean. The place where she was always naked. She tried not to think about other things she might do in this amazing shower that even had, she now noticed, a little ledge for steadying oneself built into one wall.
Get a grip, Emma!
She shook her head vigorously trying to erase the images she'd conjured in her mind but she knew she was going to have a tough time trying to kid herself about her feelings any longer.
####
Regina knocked on her own bedroom door at 6:45 p.m. she felt a bit silly knocking to come into her own room but she didn't want to intrude. "Emma? Are you decent?"
Emma opened the door as a response. She was already dressed and shoving her other clothes into her overnight bag. "Yeah, I'm all done. Sorry I took so long. Your shower is amazing by the way. Thanks. Give me ten seconds and I'll be out of your way!"
Regina took in the sight. Emma was wearing a short, shimmering black dress with one sleeve and chunky peep toe boots. She hadn't ever seen the blondes legs before and she decided right there and then she was going to burn those skinny jeans, and every other pair of pants Emma had in her closet. She was contemplating how she could get away with causing such a specific fire when Emma caught her staring.
"It's too short, right? I told Ruby it was too short but she was like.."
"Emma, it's not too short. It's stunning. You should wear dresses more often and show off those pins!" Regina had said the last part without thinking and tried very hard to keep her posture casual, not flustered. Like a friend complimenting another friend. Not flirting.
Emma felt proud for a second and accepted the compliment. It made her feel so tingly whenever Regina complimented her appearance but she pulled herself together and said, "Naaa! That would require shaving more often, and who has the time for that on top of all the life saving and transporting between worlds and other crap we gotta deal with in this town!" She picked up her bag and left the bedroom.
When she left, Regina shut the door and her giggles turned into tears. And that, Regina Mills, is as close to having Emma in your bed as you will ever get.
