Regina lightly drags her nails against the milky white flesh, her brown eyes glowing as she creates little goosebumps that pop from her tantalizing touch. Emma moans into the pillow, her firm bottom pressing into Regina's center and sending a shockwave of excitement through her blood.
"Em," she whispers into the woman's ear, earning herself a sweet little incoherent hum in response. "It's ten o'clock, your parents might be worried."
"I told them I was going to be out all night," she murmurs, groggy and clearly still half asleep.
"Alright, well then I need to speak with you," she tries to convince the sleepy woman into fully committing to waking up. "It's important," she barely whispers against a bare shoulder where her lips refuse to leave Emma's satin skin.
Emma stiffens immediately, and makes no move to turn around and face her. "Okay...what about?"
"Em, please turn around," and because this is the second time this morning that she used that cute little nickname, Emma reluctantly turns around in her arms. "Thank you." Green eyes blink slowly, trying to adjust to Regina's proximity.
"So..."
"So," Regina exhales slowly, running her fingertips across Emma's hairline before she curls a chunk behind her ear. "I need to speak with you about what's been happening these last two weeks."
"Okay," she murmurs under her breath and the panic that strikes those stunning eyes morphs them into a dark pool of fear that stills Regina's beating heart.
"I need you to understand that Graham and I don't usually continue sleeping with someone for two weeks straight." Emma tenses instantly in her arms, so she continues running her fingers across her temple, jawline and cheek for comfort. "When we invite someone into our bed or swap, it's at events or special occasions, it isn't an every day occurrence and somehow...you have seemed to weasel your way into our lives for two weeks now."
"Regina, I'm sorry, I didn't know this was like against the rules or anything, I just-I don't know what's really going-"
"Ssshhh," she coos, resting her index finger firmly against a pathetic pout. "Graham and I are not upset with you, we enjoy your company, but you need to understand that we do not normally do this. You're changing the game on us here and we are trying to navigate through this."
"I'm sorry," she whines, her eyes glistening with the fear and worry torturing her mind.
"It's alright, dear. It's just Graham spoke to me this morning while you were asleep about our arrangement." Emma's eyebrows pinch together in concern as her lips pout once more and Regina finds herself swooping in to kiss that frown instead of scolding her like she usually does when someone pouts. When Regina pulls away, she holds onto Emma's gaze intently. "Graham offered me the opportunity to indulge with you today without him-"
"What?" The younger woman balks, her head sliding back across the pillow from her bewilderment.
"I know, it took me by surprise as well, and when I asked him about it, he said that you aren't a playmate or a fun one-night stand anymore. That you have been around for two weeks straight now and it's probably time to acknowledge that you mean more to us."
"Us?"
"He admitted to feeling more for you than we normally do during our times, and he also pointed out that you and I have a deep connection as well."
"Well, yeah...I mean of course I'm attracted to him and he's so sweet and easy going and fun, and I don't know..."
"What?" She breathlessly whispers, edging her way in closer.
"I tried to make you both feel as equals, but I guess we are closer, we spend more time together that's for sure."
"Yes, I believe we share something stronger, however, I am not quite sure I want to act on those feelings, I don't want to ruin my marriage and I never want Graham to feel neglected."
"And I get that, Regina, I do. I want you to know that I don't exactly know what I'm doing here. Every day I just end up here and I guess I'm just following my instincts, but I want you to know that I don't have any true intentions. I just...really like spending time with you guys, but if I'm causing problems, just tell me, I'll back away," she vows wholeheartedly, even if her heart is beating faster and begging her to take those words right back and swallow them whole, never to be spoken again.
"That's not what I'm saying," she states, holding onto Emma's gaze deeply as the tips of their noses brush together. "I need to speak more in depth with Graham tonight when he returns, alone, and then the three of us will need to sit down together and discuss what this means for everyone."
"I'm not sure I understand. You two are married, how would I even fit into the mix?"
"I'm not sure, I know I have to speak with Graham first though," she earnestly states and watches as her girl slips from her embrace. Through sorrowful eyes, she watches as Emma stands from the bed and hastily scrambles to gather her clothing. Regina swallows the boulder swelling in her throat and sits up in bed. "Emma, please don't go, we can talk about this more."
"I-I just think that maybe while you and Graham figure out what you're doing, I need to figure out what I want, too. I mean, in two months I'm going to be back in New York, working hard and I won't see you two and," the words evaporate right off her tongue, halting her footsteps as well.
She's paralyzed in the moment as the realization washes over her, so Regina tentatively reaches out for her hand, slipping her fingers discreetly through the warm digits.
"Em, come back to bed," she whispers, but Emma shakes her head and retracts her hand slowly.
Regina observes as Emma hastily tugs on her tank top, with a hint of anger and then shimmies into her shorts. "I think, I think we should just give each other some space to figure this out."
Regina elegantly rises to her knees and shuffles to the edge of the bed, sliding one hand back into the comfort of Emma's, while her other cups a pale cheek tenderly. "You understand that I don't want you to go, correct? I want to respect your space and your decisions, but I need you to know how much you mean to me. I care about you very much."
Emma frowns again from the sincerity in Regina's voice, her fingers curling around the woman's wrist as she dives in and steals a kiss. "I know, I care a lot about you as well," she vows, her eyes fluttering shut to memorize this intimate moment.
"Alright, I'll speak with Graham when he returns from his emergency and then we will call you and see if you are ready to speak with us."
"Sounds like a plan," Emma agrees and gradually pulls away and it kills Regina to see those green eyes shimmering with uncertainty.
Emma holds out her hands and helps Regina off the bed, she even holds open Regina's satin robe for her to cover up in. Together, they walk hand in hand toward the front door and the tension pulsating between them is tangible and down right unsettling.
"I'll speak with you this evening," Regina promises as Emma sadly nods along.
She steps forward to offer one kiss, but Emma jerks open the door and rushes out before Regina can even fathom the idea of saying goodbye.
XXXX
"Did everything go alright with Gold?" Regina curiously questions, handing her husband a beer as she takes a seat beside him on the couch.
"Thanks," he says, pressing his fingers into his eyes and squeezing to relieve the pressure or maybe forcing himself to stay awake because he worked all night, then they had sex and he was called back into work. "He's fine. He's just being Gold and is agitated. They trashed his shop, a couple items stolen," he sighs heavily and rests his head against the back of the couch, slumping in defeat.
"I'm sorry, honey." She props her head up on her hand upon the back of the couch and gazes down upon him, really studying his face.
And what she feels is just an overwhelming sensation of love, she knows she loves this man just as much as the day she married him. There's no doubt about that.
"It's alright, but hey, let's talk, alright?" He asks with the edge in his tone slipping away and leaving behind his carefree disposition.
"Yes."
"Did you and Emma have fun this afternoon?" He enthuses, wiggling his eyebrows as he casually sips his beer.
"No."
"What?" He practically chokes on his beer because he thought for sure they would have spent the afternoon going at it. They both seem to be magnetized to one another.
She inches her way through the small space between and runs her fingers through the thick locks on top of his head while she sighs. "There was this sincerity in your voice and I don't know, it threw me off. I couldn't do anything with her without speaking to you first and when I tried to speak with her about it, she panicked."
"Panicked, like how?" He asks, his face and tone expressing his concern.
"She distanced herself from me and said maybe we should take some time apart to think about everything-"
"Oh, Regina, I'm sorry, I didn't-"
"It's alright, she is right, we need to all think about this. However, there was this haunted look in her eyes when she mentioned she would be leaving for New York in two months. And I believe it was the first time she thought about leaving us."
"And it scared her?"
"I think so," Regina softly concedes, her fingers moving to massage the back of her husband's scalp. "Honestly, I completely forgot about it as well."
"Forgot or ignored," he investigates further with mirth shimming in his silvery eyes.
"Maybe a little of both," she meekly replies and leans down to press a gentle kiss to his lips.
"Come here," he whispers, using one hand to guide her into his lap. Once she is settled, he places his beer down on the end table and rests his hands against her waist. "What's going through your mind?"
She purses her lips in consideration while her fingers fiddle with the buttons on his shirt mindlessly. "I love you very much."
"I know," he honestly concludes, not a hint of smugness in his tone.
"I don't want to jeopardize our relationship, and I'm scared that if we fully indulge with Emma, someone will end up hurt. I care about her a lot and I would never want to hurt her."
"Baby, I don't want to either," he softly coos, running his hands up her back for comfort. "Maybe we keep this light and continue what we are doing, we only have two months left with her."
"And don't you think that will complicate things even more?"
"I don't know," he sighs heavily, appearing utterly torn at the moment.
"And what would you even suggest? All three of us are somehow a couple? How would that even work?"
"I don't know," he repeats, infuriating his wife and causing her to squint at him, but he simply laughs and hugs her close, burying his face in her chest. "I really don't know what the hell we are doing..." she groans in response and swats at his bicep, "...but, it feels right with her here, doesn't it?"
She breathes out a ragged breath and finally moves to hold him close. "It does," she reluctantly admits. "She just fits into our home, but I don't want you to feel neglected," she whines, which motivates him into pulling away, so he can look her square in the eyes.
"Regina, I love you very much and would you say I know you pretty well?" He gently asks, holding her gaze.
"Yes, of course, better than anyone," she vows, running her fingers through his thick locks again.
"Then trust that I know, that you love all of me, and need me just as much as you need a woman's touch as well. I know that you crave both and that's why we started all of this to begin with, yes?"
She swallows thickly, tears swelling in her eyes and blurring her vision because he has always been so supportive and understanding when it came to her needs. He was always there and loved all of her no matter what.
"Yes," she chokes out and dips down to capture his lips for a slow and meaningful kiss. "But Graham-"
"We will figure this out, but I know you're not going anywhere. I know we are just as much in love now than ever. I like Emma, I do, and she is the only woman that I have felt so secure with you. I trust her and more importantly I trust you," he vows with another kiss. "I actually want you to enjoy your time alone with her, I don't know how else to explain it. I just feel like she's a part of our relationship. I really do."
"I know, I feel it too," she admits as his thumbs come up to wipe away her tears. "I love you so much," she cries and he's right there to catch her lips and hold her close.
"I love you, too."
XXXX
Regina laces her running shoes extra tight, concerning her husband right away. "Baby? Why are you trying to strangle your feet?" He laughs, stretching his legs before their morning run, even though he's exhausted from work last night.
"I'm not," she scoffs, and tugs her laces even tighter, accomplishing the exact opposite of what she declared.
"She didn't call you back, did she?"
"No, but it's fine. She needs time," she flippantly replies and stands from the couch, stretching her legs as well.
"She'll come around, she did last time, right?" He optimistically acknowledges through a broad grin that reaches his twinkling eyes.
"I suppose."
"Would you like to stop by her house and ask if she would like to go for a run?"
An evil glint sparkles in her eye and Graham smirks at her, because it's probably one of his most favorite things about her. He loves how dominate, in control, and independent she is, he has always found that so sexy about her.
"Let's go, dear," she darkly drawls over her shoulder, jerking open the door and allowing him to sweep passed her.
He locks the door behind them and then together they take off in a light jog across the street toward the Swan home. Graham steps forward and rings the doorbell, both still lightly bouncing in place to keep up their rhythm. They distinctly hear the door unlock and then David appears, grinning wildly at them.
"Hey neighbors!"
"Hey David," Graham immediately greets him while Regina flashes a broad smile and nods curtly. "How are you?"
"Great, how are you two? Both very invested in your morning run, huh?" He playfully teases at the sight of them both jogging in place.
"Great," Regina smiles so sweetly, "we were wondering if Emma would like to run with us this morning. She had mentioned needing some exercise," she easily lies.
"Oh, well, yeah she would probably love to, but her exam is coming up and my wife has been on her." He rolls those crystal baby blues and folds his arms over his chest. "I think it's a bit much, but I understand where she's coming from. Emma was accepted to one of the best and her results need to reflect her prior years of work."
"I see," Regina breathes while Graham says, "understandable."
"Well, tell her we stopped by," she chirps happily.
"Will do, enjoy your run!" He enthusiastically calls and watches as they jog away in perfect unison.
"She'll call," Graham promises and she fakes a smile before they take off running and drop the subject completely.
XXXX
"What's up, babe?" Ruby asks, sipping her drink slowly and eyeing her over the rim of her martini glass. "You have that worried expression that's making that vein pop in your forehead," she continues to mock her, grinning like a mischievous wolf.
"I have a problem and I believe you are the only person that could possibly understand where I am coming from," Regina explains, encouraging Ruby to set down her drink, lean onto the table and offer her undivided attention.
They decided drinks in a dive bar, drowning in obnoxiously loud music and chaos would be the best place to meet up and talk. Well, actually, Ruby decided, Regina just nodded along, needing some space from her home since she's been locked away for two weeks with a certain blonde.
"Well, I am your girl, lay it on me."
She doesn't have to threaten Ruby and swear her to secrecy, they are best friends and she knows this woman never leaks secrets. She buries them deep in her soul and guards them protectively with her life.
"Graham and I have found ourselves in a predicament and we aren't entirely sure how to navigate through." Ruby quirks up one eyebrow, but waits patiently for her to continue. "We invited someone into our bed for an evening and things have escalated," she breathes out.
"Really?" Her friend is intrigued, that much is evident by her tone alone. Ruby scoots further into the table and grins wildly. "Who is this mysterious woman?"
"Emma Swan."
Glowing green eyes triple in size and Regina winces.
"Really? That's...well then...please explain how things escalated, and if you would like to go into details about that exquisite physique, well-" Regina holds up her hand, slicing those words into tiny little pieces.
"Absolutely not." Her friend presses her lips together, but she's grinning from ear to ear and her eyes are dancing with pure excitement. "The three of us shared one night and she ran away pretty quickly the next morning. So, I stopped at her house and offered to discuss it to make her feel more comfortable and she agreed, but never showed. She hid away for a week, but then she showed up on my doorstep and we have been sleeping together for two weeks now."
"Wow, you always maintain a safe distance."
"I know," she growls, because she is ashamed for letting her guard down with this young woman. "The other morning, Graham so casually offered for me to have some alone time with her-"
"Shut up!" Ruby smacks her hand down against the wooden table and leans heavily onto the surface. "Did you?"
"No," Regina strictly demands, "he was leaving for work and I wanted to discuss what that all meant in depth. I decided while he was at work, Emma and I could speak on the matter, but she panicked and ran away and I haven't heard from her in two days."
"Alright, so why are we here? What do you want, babe?" Ruby casually asks, sipping her drink once more while Regina anxiously twirls her martini glass by the stem.
"What Graham somewhat suggested, is that she becomes a part of our relationship." Ruby's brows furrow in confusion and Regina completely understands because she's just as confused. "I just, I love Graham very much and I'm worried that if we continue, someone will end up hurt. I don't want Graham to ever feel neglected in our marriage, and I especially would never want to hurt Emma, but I can't offer her all of me."
"Hmmm," Ruby hums, sipping her drink once more as she mulls over the information. Carefully, she sets down her drink and folds her arms across the table. "How would being in a relationship with her work? Like a throuple?"
"Is that a thing?"
"Very much so. I know one person who is currently in one," she shrugs casually. "I personally, have never felt anything more for another person when we swap or add a person into the mix, so I'm not quite sure what you are feeling right now."
"I had never before either. If you recall, you were the one who introduced me into all of this."
"Oh, I'm well, aware," Ruby muses, "but we always just craved the touch of a woman and luckily we had husbands who were supportive and enjoyed watching us and swapping. I love you, Regina, but not like that. I've never felt a desperate need to keep someone around, so I'm not sure what advice I can offer."
"I don't know, I'm honestly panicking, because I love Graham with all my heart, but Emma...there is just something about that woman that drives me crazy. She's a perfect mix of sexy and so adorable-"
"Oh my god, Regina," Ruby leans in, and in a hushed whisper she says, "you love her, don't you?"
Regina swallows her remorse, her eyes watering without her permission. "I'm falling for her," she fully admits and holds her breath for a scolding that is sure to come.
Except, that doesn't happen, instead Ruby softens and reaches across the table to rest her hand over Regina's. "You can't help how you feel."
"I love Graham with all my heart, and my feelings for Emma don't take any of that away. I don't know how to explain it, I just know that my love for Graham is not fading."
"So, the question is, are you willing to allow Emma into your relationship?"
"I don't know, I guess I need her to speak with me first before I come up with a decision. Maybe she will want to walk away from all of this because it's far too complicated."
"Maybe."
A/N: Thank you all so much for all the lovely reviews I really appreciate all the positive feedback. You guys have been amazing! I know some of you have been questioning about Graham and his role. Trust when I say, I am more than comfortable with writing intimacy between him and the girls, it's just in the past, while writing fanfic, I have received a lot of hate for even mentioning that Emma and Regina have had boyfriends in their pasts. This is a Swanqueen fanfic, so I will be focusing more on Regina and Emma, however there are scenes still to come that I hope prove how much Graham means to Regina and Emma. He's in every chapter because I don't want anyone to think that he's not included or that he's ever being neglected or they don't love him. I'm only showing more intimate details for the women because it is a swanqueen fanfic. I'm so glad to see everyone is enjoying this story. The comments mean the world to me so thank you so much for reviewing and giving this story a try!