I don't own these characters; Disney/ABC does.
11: Make Friends
Emma worked on the Bug whenever she was home alone. She needed something to occupy her mind and the Bug was always good for that. Besides, she was making some progress on the car, even though she did not really want to be outside with the car. It was Regina's day off. They should be hugged up on the couch, eating junk food, and watching some junk on television with Regina caressing her head. Regina was not there, though. But, Emma would not be alone for long.
Regina had only stepped out to go shopping before Maleficent showed up. Maleficent would be pet-sitting while Regina went to Boston for some wholesale appliance convention thing… Emma had not really listened once she caught Regina was going away and not taking her. It was only a weekend, but Emma pouted every time she thought about it.
Emma could easily survive a weekend on her own, especially if the house was well-stocked. But, Regina wanted to be sure and "Duckling" had the same amount of say as any other household pet. So, Maleficent would be taking care of her for the weekend. She was probably going to hide in her nest all weekend. She did not really know Maleficent, after all, outside of the few Saturday meetings where she came to the house, she had not really interacted with Maleficent. Emma usually hid in her nest to keep out of their business and let them work when Maleficent was over.
Added on, Emma did not trust Maleficent, even if she was Regina's friend. Of course, she could not tell Regina that. It was just she did not like how Maleficent seemed to be running Regina ragged, pushing all the financial responsibility for the cafe on to Regina. That was not cool.
"Stop thinking about it. It's not really your business." Emma wiped sweat from her forehead with her bare arm. She had taken her shirt off and was down to her white wife-beater. If Regina caught her, she would be in trouble, as she was certain Regina would think it was too cold to be out in even a t-shirt, let alone a tank top. I should be fine for a while, though.
Emma ended up being so focused on working on the Bug, she did not notice Regina's car enter the driveway and was almost run over. With a yelp, she jumped back and out of the path of Regina's Benz. Regina hurried out of the car, heels clacking on the cement. Emma's heart hammered in her chest, maybe from almost getting hit by a car or because Regina stood before her looking way too hot for a woman who just went grocery shopping. Who the hell goes shopping in a tight wrap skirt? And why doesn't she believe in buttoning the first three buttons of any shirt?
"Duckling, are you okay?" Regina took her by the wrist. A gentle thumb caressed her skin and Emma was not sure how she did not turn into a puddle.
Emma exhaled loudly. "Just took a few years off my life. No big deal." She laughed, even though her insides shook.
Regina pulled her into a full embrace, as if to soothe her frazzled nerves. Emma yelped again and tensed for just a moment before she consciously relaxed. The last thing she wanted was for Regina to think she did not like this. She liked this a lot. Somehow, this is actually better than forehead kisses. What would Duckling need to do to get more hugs?
"I'm so sorry. I'm still getting used to you being out here," Regina said and she stepped away.
Emma almost whined at the loss. The press of Regina against her was amazing. She would have lost herself in that thought, but Regina was staring at her. Is she checking me out? That seemed ridiculous considering Regina definitely saw her as a pet, but her eyes were locked on Emma. She's probably just making sure you're okay. Still, Emma flexed her bare bicep and Regina's breath hitched.
"Want help with the groceries?" Emma asked, knowing it would break the moment. Something inside of her needed it to break, though. She did not want to entertain the idea that Regina might see her as more than a pet. That way led to madness for sure.
Regina blinked. "No, I have them. I do want you to put on a proper shirt. It's not that warm."
Emma glanced down at her sleeveless tee. "I'm fine." See, she was staring because she's worried about you in terms of taking care of you. No way she'd ever be attracted to you.
"Go or I'll get you one of those ugly sweaters like a little yappy dog."
Emma gave a deep, over-the-top gasp that turned into a chuckle. "Fine! I have a hoodie in the car."
Regina frowned. "Well, it needs to be on your body."
Emma rolled her eyes, but grabbed her zip hoodie from the driver's seat, where she had stored it for just such an emergency. She purposely zipped the yellow hoodie loudly and Regina glared at her. She grinned in return, just to further piss Regina off. Maybe that'll teach her to get me a babysitter.
"You are such a child," Regina said, going back to her car.
"Feral cat," Emma corrected.
Regina sucked her teeth, said nothing, and began unloading grocery bags, but she had a lot. Emma grabbed most of them when Regina disappeared into the house with her armload. It was a little surprising to find out Regina was a person who would make more than one trip. Emma would never.
"Should I put these in the kitchen?" Emma asked, holding up six grocery bags. She grunted and a bag slipped, but she tightened her grip and held onto it.
Regina gasped, eyes locked on Emma from across the living room. "I told you, I got it."
"Well, we both got it now." That made Emma puff up a bit. She liked the idea of them having it together.
Regina smiled. "I guess so. You can put them in the kitchen. I'll make some lunch before Maleficent arrives."
"Sounds good. You know I don't mind eating." Emma looked at the bags in her hands. "You got a lot for a weekend." She stepped into the kitchen with Regina right behind her.
Regina shrugged. "Maleficent might cook."
"Does she cook as good as you?"
Regina just scoffed, which made Emma grin. She decided to take a chance and embraced Regina. Regina hugged her back, rubbing in between her shoulders. Emma sighed as an unexplainable peace settled in her soul, soothing her down to the bone. This felt so good and she wanted hugs every day now. Can I just go up to her and hug her whenever I want like I just did? Probably.
"Don't worry. I promise not to like her cooking better than yours," Emma said.
Regina laughed and shoved her away. "You keep this bad behavior up and there won't be any cooking."
Emma whimpered. "But, I'm good! I helped." She motioned to the shopping bags. Sometimes, this game was really fun, especially when Regina's eyes ignited with her playful mean streak.
"You're not being good right now and you definitely better be a good Duckling for Maleficent."
Emma smirked. "Or you'll spank me?"
"That's it." Regina waved her hands in a dramatic fashion. "No desserts. And for lunch, you'll have a salad." This woman really knew how to dish out a punishment while continuing to be a responsible pet owner.
Emma's mouth dropped open. "Sorry! I'll be good! I promise." She pressed her palms together.
Regina rolled her eyes and Emma trotted back outside before she said something to make Regina follow through on that threat. She got back to working on the Bug and got hot a few minutes in. The hoodie had to go. She put it back in the front seat of the car, just in case she needed to put it on again if Regina came out. Now, back to work.
"Well, I can see why Regina wants to keep you around," Maleficent said from behind Emma.
Emma spun around to face Maleficent, who smirked at her. Emma was not sure what to make of the expression, even though she was certain she was being made fun of. That did not matter, though. She felt the need to defend Regina's honor.
"Regina keeps me around because she's nice." Regina might be the sweetest person she ever met, even with her mean streak.
"And you're blonde."
"Is that why she keeps you around?" Emma arched an eyebrow.
Maleficent shrugged. "Perhaps. She has an impressive collection, not counting Robin of course."
Emma could not call her a liar there. "You know I don't need a babysitter for the weekend."
Maleficent folded her arms across her chest, covering her button-down black shirt, and glanced at the house. "I don't think she thinks you do. She wants to make sure you're pampered while she's gone."
Emma nodded, as that was probably true. "I don't need pampering." She did not really want pampering either if it was not from Regina. She especially did not want to be pampered by the reason Regina had to leave in the first place.
"Well, aren't you a bit of a brat today. I'm sure your attitude will change when I make dinner."
Emma tilted her chin in the air and made sure to keep eye contact with Maleficent. "It won't be as good as Regina's."
"We'll see." And with a smirk, Maleficent marched into the house like a confident soldier. Emma scowled. This was not going to be fun. Being a pet was supposed to be fun. No, I can make this fun and get back at Maleficent for making Regina's life hard.
-8-8-8-8-
Regina would not have been able to cut the tension between Duckling and Maleficent with a chainsaw. She was the main reason for the tension, in the sense that they both pulled her away from something she was supposed to do with the other. She hoped a little time together would make things better for them and some time apart would help her catch her breath. Besides, she was looking forward to appliance shopping. It had been so long since she purchased items to cook with. Well, it was time for her to go, so they would have to work it out.
"Behave," Regina said to Duckling in a stern voice before kissing the top of her head. Duckling was on the sofa, devouring her lunch of grilled cheese and animal crackers of all things. She ate like such a child, even if she liked to pretend she did not. Regina did not mind indulging her since she understood why, but when she got some more free time, she would introduce Duckling to better lunch items.
Duckling smiled. "Sure."
Regina was skeptical, but she had already had that talk with Duckling several times. She could only hope for the best. Maleficent walked her to the door.
"I promise not to cook her and eat her," Maleficent said and then she smirked. "However you take those."
Regina rolled her eyes. "Just make sure she doesn't burn the house down by flicking a light switch." Some of the things Duckling did by accident would never cease to amaze her. She still could not understand what happened with the toaster. It has to be a talent to break something by touching it properly.
"Of course. Enjoy the trip. Buy the best." Maleficent kissed her cheek.
"I'll buy the best we can afford." Yes, the wholesale kitchen convention would be cheaper than buying from any retailer, but everything they needed would still be quite a bit of money.
"Oh, darling, I'm sure you'll haggle with them to afford the best. Good luck. Don't fret."
"Well, I wasn't until now." It was not a worry over Maleficent and Duckling either. It was a worry over letting Maleficent down. Maleficent trusted her with this because Maleficent had faith she would come through. Maleficent dared to believe in her. She did not want to let her best friend down.
Maleficent smiled. "You'll be fine and she'll be fine. I'll take good care of her."
Regina nodded and was gone before Maleficent accidentally put more pressure on her or she did end up worrying over how Maleficent and Duckling would get on. I hope they don't kill each other. She was only going to Boston, which was not that far. If something happened, she could at least be back in a few hours. If it was really bad, she could buy a plane ticket and be back in just over an hour. No, don't think like that. It'll be fine.
Regina used the GPS on her phone to get her journey underway and put on some classical music to distract her from thoughts of Duckling and Maleficent driving each other mad. Her overnight bag was in the backseat, as was a large, rolling suitcase to help her carry items she purchased in Boston.
Boston always felt like another world compared to Storybrooke, even though by population, Storybrooke was a small city. It did not have a city vibe, though. Storybrooke, no matter how big it got, always had a small, sleepy town feel, even though something exciting tended to happen every couple of weeks. Residents just had a good way of pretending those things never happened once they were done and over with. She did not have that luxury as mayor, but soon she would be able to enjoy that sort of ignorance.
Regina had been to Boston several times, so when she arrived there was really no need to do anything beyond check into her hotel, eat dinner, and check in with Maleficent and Duckling, provided one had not murdered the other. She could check out some of her favorite places to kill a little time, though.
She picked up a few souvenirs for Duckling while she was out and settled into her hotel room a little before eight. Time to check on her pet, her house, and her friend. She sat on her bed, crossed her legs under her, took a breath, and made the call. A video call, just to make sure neither of them had new bumps or bruises from when she left them.
"Regina, I'm putting your girl out in the yard," Maleficent announced as a greeting.
"I'd rather that until Regina comes back," Duckling replied, somewhere off screen.
Regina frowned. "What's going on there?"
"She won't eat," Maleficent said.
"It's Tex-Mex night and she made this weird chicken stew. It's not Tex-Mex and I know you told her it's Tex-Mex night," Duckling insisted, still out of the frame.
"Mal, it is Tex-Mex night," Regina said. While she did not have a food theme night for every day of the week, she had a few because Duckling liked them.
"That's your rule, not mine," Maleficent replied and then she sniffed.
"Yeah, well, I'm not eating that. It's my stomach, not yours." Duckling huffed.
Okay, at least they were not dead, but this was a mess. "Mal, can I speak with Duckling for a moment?"
Maleficent groaned, but passed the phone off. Duckling appeared on screen, pouting miserably. She looked so young and Regina just wanted to pull her into a hug, hold her tight, and assure her that everything would be all right.
"I'm going to my nest," Duckling said and stepped into her area. She closed the door. "You coming home tomorrow, right?"
"Duckling, I know you're being purposely difficult," Regina's tone was stern.
Duckling pouted even more. "It's Tex-Mex night."
"I know and next week I'll make you some of the best burritos ever, but right now eat the stew. Maleficent prides herself on her stews. She's extending an olive branch to you." Regina was a little shocked that Maleficent would be the one to try to make things right since Maleficent swore Regina allowed Duckling to distract her from their ultimate goal. Duckling usually was the one who wanted to make Regina's life easier.
"Oh."
"Yes. When we open our cafe, she's going to serve stews and soups alone or with sandwiches. Work with her, please."
Duckling groaned and bit her lip. "Fine, but only because you asked nicely."
"Duckling, you said you'd behave."
Duckling sucked her teeth. "I never said how I'd behave. We barely said two words to each other and she called me a brat. So, I showed her a brat."
"Duckling, I understand you feel insulted, but you have to eat."
"I can go a couple of days without food. It's not the first time."
Regina frowned. "It'll be the first time since you started living with me and it's not healthy. She's trying. Can you just meet her part way? I don't understand why you're so upset with her anyway."
"She called me a brat."
"And you've been called worse. Hell, by me alone."
Duckling sucked her teeth. "But, you're different and it doesn't matter."
"No, it doesn't matter. You have to eat and she's trying. Can you try as well?" Regina could not imagine what Duckling had against Maleficent to make her actually not want to eat.
Another groan. "Fine."
"Thank you. Now, give the phone back to Mal and eat like the good girl you can be."
"Okay." Duckling stepped out of her nest and found Maleficent. She handed over the phone.
"I'm sorry she's being difficult," Regina said.
Maleficent shook her head. "It's fine. How's Boston?"
"Same as always. I got some trinkets for both of you."
"What time are you planning to be out tomorrow?"
"Well, it opens at seven, so I'll be there by then. With luck, I'll pick up everything we need and they'll deliver to Maine. Whatever they can't deliver, I've got a bag to shove it in and drive it back up." She had to be there as early as possible because once an item was gone, that was it.
"Industrial sized items, I'm sure they'll deliver."
"Yes, but I'm hoping they'll also deliver smaller items as well. I'm not looking forward to packing up this giant suitcase." She was also not sure how much she would be able to fit into the suitcase.
"Good luck. Get a good night's sleep. I promise I've got your girl."
"I'm sorry she's acting that way." Regina could not believe Duckling was being so difficult.
"It's fine. We just have to clear the air, I think. So, like I said, I'll take good care of her."
"Thank you."
The call disconnected and Regina sighed. She should have brought Duckling. They should do more things outside of the house. That was just good pet care. Yes, I'm sure that's why you want to take her on vacation. Nothing to do with wanting to admire those muscles in a different setting, I'm sure. Regina ignored the smart-ass in her head and went to get ready for bed. She had a long day ahead of her.
-8-8-8-8-
Emma hated to admit it, but the stew was delicious. There were spicy dumplings in it that Emma could not describe, but they popped with flavor in her mouth. And the toasted bread with some sort of special butter that Maleficent would not tell her what it was. So good. She had two helpings.
"You're going to sell this at the cafe, right?" Emma asked from her spot on the sofa, far away from Maleficent. Then, she gulped down a glass of fruit punch.
"Yes," Maleficent answered from the armchair by the sofa. She had her legs crossed at the ankle, wearing a long skirt. It should have seemed like Regina, but it was different. Maleficent did not have the same presence as Regina, but Emma could imagine when they were together, they were probably a sight to behold — the perfect picture of class, beauty, and power.
"So, what's the menu going to look like?"
"I'm planning to offer five styles of stew with dumpling, rice, or potato options as well as soups. As you know, Regina will bake and probably make sandwiches and salads. Have you had her potato salad?"
Emma nodded. "I eat it by the bowlful. I think I could do the same with this. It's different from Regina's stuff, but still good." The flavoring was not the same. Emma could not put it into words really, but mostly because while she had plenty of different types of foods, she never really knew the names or cultures they came from or the spices being used.
"Thank you. I think."
Emma glanced at her. "I meant it as a compliment. Yours is just as good as hers, but different. You cook, too?"
Maleficent arched an eyebrow. "I thought the fact that I was opening a restaurant with Regina would answer that."
Emma shrugged. "I dunno. I thought you might be the money person or something." Okay, no, I didn't think that, but I didn't think she'd be making stuff either.
Maleficent laughed. "Money? No. I definitely don't get to be in charge of the money, as Regina's little trip proves. We felt like our styles fit a little cafe very well. Both would be carryout food."
Emma nodded. "I would carry the hell out of this stew and bread. You gonna sell the bread and butter?"
"Yes. Regina bakes a better bread, which she'll use it for the sandwiches as well as for toast."
"I've never had her baked bread."
"Well, she's busy, so she can't make you all the things, you know?" It sounded a bit like a scolding and she had a point. Emma sounded a little spoiled there.
Emma shrank into herself a little. "I didn't mean it…" Had Regina spoiled her so much? Never in her life would she have been disappointed over not having freshly baked bread. She used to eat bread with mold on it and was quite content with just having food.
Maleficent sighed. "I know." Her shoulders slumped. "Somehow… spoiling you is good for her."
Emma blinked and looked directly at Maleficent. "Huh?"
Maleficent shrugged. "I've never seen her this happy before. She likes taking care of you. The argument we had where I needed her to stop coming late while we were working on the cafe was the worst we've ever had and we used to date for crying out loud. I think… part of me is jealous of you."
Emma scowled. "Jealous of me? Like you still want to date her or something?" Well, you can fuck the hell off, lady!
Blonde hair swayed as Maleficent shook her head. "No, nothing like that. She needs you in her life. You remind her that there's a good person in there."
Emma's brow wrinkled. Why would Regina need a reminder of that? Regina was the best person she ever met.
"With you, she gets to be kind without it seeming weak. She gets to take care of you without worrying you'll betray her some day."
"Did you betray her?" Emma knew betrayal all too well. It was the worst of crimes. She did not want that pain for Regina. Regina did not deserve that pain.
Maleficent shook her head. "I did not. We just weren't compatible as a couple. We were both still in mourning. She was so young, too."
Emma shrugged. "I don't know about your relationship. She doesn't really talk about herself. She just… well, spoils me."
A small smile settled on Maleficent's face and her eyes twinkled. "It makes her happy."
"The cafe will make her happy, too."
"I know it will, but I think you should know even if she's not sharing with you, you make her happy."
Emma sighed and rested her hands on her knees. "Yeah, but she just sees me as a pet. I might as well be a bird." Emma dug into her stew, finishing it up. It was not like she made Regina happy as a person. She made Regina happy as a concept. Regina could get rid of her and get a cocker spaniel and be just as happy.
Maleficent scoffed. "My raven, Diablo, would be so insulted by you daring to think you're on his level."
Emma snickered. "Regina's mentioned you have a raven. How'd that happen?"
"An accident, similar to you. Do you know ravens remember?"
Emma arched an eyebrow. "Remember what?"
"Just they remember and learn. After Regina and I broke up, I had a lot of time I needed to fill. I spent a lot of time cooking. Nothing I wanted to eat, though. I would take everything down to a local shelter. One day, I dropped a dish and a flock of birds came out of nowhere, descending upon the splattered stew. Among them was a small black bird. The next time I showed up at the shelter, this black bird, a little bigger than last time, hovered around me, kept diving at my hand."
Emma chuckled. "Little fucker wanted you to drop the food again."
"That he did. I went inside and came back out with crackers. He was happy with that. It took another trip with him flying at me to realize he wanted food, so I fed him. Eventually, he started following me around town."
"Wow. I didn't know birds were that bold."
"Yes, so much more so than women who just don't want to lose an argument," Maleficent replied with a smirk.
Emma scowled. Did Maleficent know she agreed to be a pet because she refused to let Regina think she got the better of her? How could she know that? Regina probably talks to her because Regina sees her as a person, unlike you. Emma's stomach twisted at that and she did not want to risk losing her nice, full belly, so she pressed on with the conversation.
"So, is Diablo really a pet or just a bird who knows where you live?" Emma asked.
"I have to assume he's a companion as he enjoys sitting on my shoulder often enough. I don't make it a point to keep him locked in the house, even though he definitely lives there. I have a balcony. I keep a little birdhouse out there for him, but he taps on the door if he wants to come in. He has a perch and toys in the condo," Maleficent replied.
"That's actually kind of cool. You have, like, a feral raven."
"Aren't you feral, too?" Maleficent smiled a little.
Emma chuckled. "She tells you about this stuff?" Why doesn't she talk to me like this?
"Sometimes. When you do something she thinks is particularly cute, she tells me. She enjoys having you around. But, that makes me wonder, how long do you plan to be around?" Maleficent asked, glancing out of the living room window, out into the driveway. "The weather has improved since you appeared on her doorstep in that snow storm."
Emma put down her empty bowl and gulped down more of her juice. "I don't really have a plan. Of course, I didn't really have a plan when I fell through her backdoor either. Eventually, I'll have to leave, though. I mean, Regina has a life and she can't keep a human pet for so long. I'm already lying to her boyfriend over who I am and she's lying to him, too, by hiding me. That can't be good for their relationship."
"Would you really call what they have a relationship?"
No, not really. "Uh… he's her boyfriend."
Maleficent rolled her eyes and snorted. "Her boyfriend. Does she even call him that?"
"Isn't that what he is, though? They go on dates… sometimes." Not as frequent as she would think a couple went on dates, but their relationship was not really her business. "He pops up and spends the night every so often." Was that really what made him a boyfriend, though? They would be fuck-buddies with that sort of relationship. "He brings his kid around."
"And which one of them is she more happy to see?"
Emma opened her mouth to answer and then her jaw dropped. "Wait, she's not dating him for the kid, is she?" That would be creepy.
"Not consciously, no, but Roland was definitely his in. She used to find the man so annoying. She was not wrong to do so. He's insufferable. Having you around is probably the only thing keeping her from setting Robin on fire," Maleficent said. "Which is why I'm curious when you plan to move on. She'll be devastated, but you're right. She can't keep you as a pet forever."
Emma scratched her chin. "I've been wondering…" She closed her mouth. She would not tell Maleficent she had been thinking she might be able to step up and dare to think she could win Regina's heart. That was ridiculous, wishful thinking brought on by being spoiled for the first time in her life.
"You wonder if she thought she could keep you forever? I don't think she's planned that far ahead."
Emma nodded. "She has to know eventually I've got to get my life together and she's not going to want to dote on me forever. Roland's a lot cuter, after all." Yeah, she could not be Regina's pet forever. Eventually, things with Robin would probably escalate and Regina would have a family. Emma could not be part of that, even though she longed to.
Maleficent sighed. "You're probably right. Make her happy while she lets you."
"Doing my best here." Emma did not want to think about this anymore and decided to distract herself. She could meet Maleficent part way. She pushed the television remote toward Maleficent. "Usually, I find something Regina likes if she's here with me and we'll watch it together. I don't know what you'd like, though."
Maleficent smiled at her, as if she understood the overture. Well, if nothing else, it felt like Emma had Maleficent in her corner, should she make a move. But, she could not make a move like this, as a homeless, unemployed pet. She really needed to get her act together. Yes, it was nice to know she made Regina happy in this capacity, but she wanted something with more substance. She was not sure if Regina wanted that as well and Maleficent did not even hint at it.
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: Emma tries to better herself while Regina has a huge letdown.
A/N: if you like to support me and go check out my book, Nature of the Beast by SL Kassidy on Amazon, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.