We were set up near the youth center surrounded by parents playing with their kids. Cameras were set up all over the place, grabbing some b-roll shots to convey the family message we were hoping to capture. And then there was Jim; front and center with a young boy, August's child.
"I always cherish the times I spent with my dad; building model airplanes-"
"Cut!" yelled August and immediately the hair and makeup team swarmed like bees around a honeycomb, "Jim, try to give me a little more nostalgia on the next one."
"Jesus." Ruby whispered beside me, "How hard is it to pretend to be happy."
Chuckling at her grumbling I shook my head and walked over to the table they were sitting at, but my eyes didn't stay there long, quickly drifting over Jim's shoulder and to Regina, who was huddled in the far corner next to her sister observing the proceedings. Whenever we film she tends to drift to the background. Does she always shy away like this? Our eyes meet; hers vulnerable and at the same time blocking off emotion. She bit her lip and averted those earthy, brown eyes from me.
Maybe I was wrong. Maybe she's contemplating our last interaction. Regina has gone completely ghost since she came and spent Saturday with me. It's now Wednesday. I sent her one text to just check in and got radio silence. That's fine, she could've genuinely missed it but I doubt it. And since I refuse to be a needy bitch I let her have her space, but now that she's only twenty feet away I'm thinking of confronting her.
To my dismay though Zelena surges forward and stands beside Jim, blocking my view of Regina.
"Emma, maybe we should try getting one with Regina." Zelena said, giving me the flirty eyes. But she has a point, it might make him feel a little more relaxed and it would actually convey the family friendly message.
"Whatever, let's just get this done." Jefferson answered for me. Underneath his blue eyes were heavy bags and usually maintained fauxhawk hair wasn't gelled to perfection. He was in tattered jeans and the crisp t-shirt was wrinkled. Poor guy. Jimmy and his police buddies in an effort to 'clean up the streets' have chased all the hustlers off 9th Avenue and now they're tricking right under his bedroom window. But hey, say what you want about city living…you can't beat its convenience.
"I'll get her." Ruby said, gently rubbing the middle of his back to soothe him before walking off. I watched her whisper something to Regina then grab her hand, pulling her to her feet. Regina put up some resistance and I rolled my eyes. It's one fucking take. Chill. Making the executive decision to put aside my personal feelings I glided over to them just as she was saying: 'No, no. I don't want to impose'.
"You wouldn't be imposing." I quickly added. Up observing her a little closer Regina looked tired and somewhat miserable just like Jefferson, "Jim needs you and it would be good for the voters to see him with his wife." She stared into my eyes and an unmistakable frown crossed her lips. The little v formed in between her eyebrows as she tried to detect my mood. With a sigh, she nodded slowly slipped by me and over to her husband.
Ruby sent me a quizzical look, brushing her shoulder against mine, "Something happen?" she lowly questioned.
"What are you talking about?" My tone was the same as hers, low and hushed.
"Regina seems you off. You seem off…" I heard a groan and she shook her head, "Emma, please tell me you didn't fuck her."
"What?" I exclaimed, way louder than I meant to causing some people to look our way. "Why would you say that?"
She rolled her eyes and with a huff gripped the inside of my arm and pulled me off to the side, "Because one, she's hot and totally your type. And two, because I know you."
Yanking my arm out of her grasp I ran a hand through my hair pausing once I get to my neck, squeezing to release the tension, "Well you'll be happy to know I didn't fuck her. I haven't even tried."
"Wait…really?" she asked in a mix of disbelief and disappointment.
"Uh, yea, really."
"Shit." Pulling her wallet out of her back pocket she grabbed five-twenties and headed towards Eliot who was holding Sonny Boy in his arms, bouncing up and down lightly. I watched as she handed him the folded up money then trudged back to the director. Eliot's gaze met mine and he sent me a wink. Nice to know that somebody has faith in me.
Fucking dicks.
Making my way back to the mini set we created, I stood next to the director which was unfortunately in the perfect line of sight for Regina and Jim to be kissing and snuggling with one another.
Barf.
Just smite me down right fucking now.
Even though she was cuddling up with her husband the energy between us was very much there. Whenever I would shift my stance her body would stiffen and she'd quickly glance at me. Which only confused me even more, "Okay…" I announced with some attitude in my voice but it got their attention, "Let's get to our marks."
"And…action!" August yelled.
The camera zoomed in on Regina and Jim, embraced deeply as they helped the young boy with a project, "I'll always cherish the times I spent with my dad; building model airplanes, hearing his stories. His words of advice. One of the most important lessons I ever learned was: 'If you say it, mean it', right kiddo?"
"Right!" the little boy responded enthusiastically.
"When my wife and I say we're going to make New York family friendly once again, you can be sure we mean it." He leaned over and planted a kiss on her lips. It ignited a fire within and I literally had to walk away.
"And cut!" August said, adding a clap which cued everyone else to clap along with him.
Posting up against the wall I watched the 'happy couple' intimately embrace. I scoffed with a small shake of my head.
"You good?" Glancing up and tilting to the right I saw Eliot mimic my position, passing baby Atlas to me. His warmth began to thaw the coldness freezing around my heart. Gazing into his little green eyes I couldn't stay too mad for too long.
"Yeah. I'll be fine." Gently I rocked my son from side to side and leaned into Eliot who had draped his arm over my shoulders, holding me against his muscular yet soft body. "So, since you made some money today does that mean you're taking me out to dinner?"
"Okay, look. To be fair, I voted for you. Ruby, Jefferson, and Chelsea were the ones who thought you were going to be Classic Emma. Swooping in like a hurricane only to leave destruction and torment in your path."
"Ouch. Yea, way to vote for me." I said, letting sarcasm hang over each letter.
"You know I'm right. If the streets could talk about how much pain you've left they'd be telling Regina to stay far away from you."
"Stay out of it." I mumbled, keeping my gaze solely on Atlas. Cradling him with one arm I stuck my pointer finger in between his tiny fist. Immediately his hand opened and then promptly curled his fingers around mine. His nail painfully dug into my skin but I made no movement to fix it. Just continued staring at this little human.
"The fuck I will. Not only do I like her, to see you actually care about someone you're interested in. I mean, wow…The only thing you used to care about-"
"Is getting my clit sucked. Yes, I know. We've established that many times. Now, can we move on from there?"
"Look, all I want is-"
"To interfere?" finally, my sharp features snapped to him, sending him a pointed look.
"Call it whatever you want. I just don't want you or Regina to get hurt."
"Well, surprise! That's life isn't it?" It was getting increasingly difficult to keep my voice down. Eliot is really testing my patience this morning.
"You may have Regina, Ruby, Jefferson, and Chelsea believing this little act but not me, honey. I've known you for too long and thankfully too well. And no matter how hard you try to deny it I can see you care about Regina. But for whatever reason, you don't have the big hairy balls to say it."
"Oh, well maybe I can borrow yours."
"Whatever it takes Emma. To admit that you actually like her. And I know you do. Despite all your efforts to never let another heart touch yours that little spitfire of persistence has somehow managed to crawl under the wire." I went to open my mouth but he held his hand up, "You like her, don't you? Tell me I'm wrong."
And then I promptly shut it as I searched for the right words to tell him to fuck off. That he was wrong, that I didn't care about Regina, what she did or who she was with. But I couldn't. Sentences failed me and I couldn't say a damn thing.
"That's what I thought." He finished.
I stared down at Atlas deep in my own thoughts. How I wish he could talk because I'd ask him what the fuck should I do? What am I going to tell Regina? What am I supposed to 'confess'?
There's nothing because I don't even…
Besides if I did she wouldn't…
And anyway this isn't what I do.
Plus Jim isn't just some random guy that I can't put a face to a name. The sound of heels clicking against the floor caught my attention and regrettably I glanced up to see Regina and Jim walking towards me.
Fuck.
"So what did you think Emma?" Jim asked when they got close. It didn't go by unnoticed that Regina tucked herself firmly against his side and though he seemed surprised the relaxation that came over his face was apparent. Jim seemed to welcome the affection.
"Good." Was all I could manage as I returned my gaze back to the now sleeping baby in my arms. I swear all he does is sleep. Just like his daddy.
"Hope I wasn't too stiff."
"Oh you don't have a stiff bone in your body, baby." Regina assured, reaching one hand up to rub his chest. Ugh. Gag me.
"Well I have one. And I don't mean the one from last night."
Ew. Come the fuck on! Nobody wants to hear that. Least of all me, sir. Now good day.
I heard Eliot groan and mumble a 'really?' beside me. I snorted lowly and Regina's eyes flicked to us. Her cheeks began to blush up with a light pink tint brushing across them. No doubt she could tell that we were making fun of them.
"An old sport's injury?" Eliot deduced from the way Regina's hand moved to rub his back.
"How'd you guess?"
"Love, why don't you soak in the hot tub at the Athletic Club?"
"That's a good idea. Hey, do you two want to join me?" He asked, then looked down at Atlas, "Wait…is this your son?"
"Yes, this is Atlas. Regarding the hot tub, I don't usually travel with a swimsuit." I answered for the both of us. I'll be damned if Eliot wraps me up in another one of his silly plans to 'share my feelings'.
He stepped up beside me and pulled down Atlas's blanket that was rising up over his chin, "Oh my, he's so precious. Well I would hate to pull you away from what you're doing. You know what…you and your husband, um…" Jim leaned over to glance at Eliot.
"Eliot."
"Eliot." He snapped his fingers as he brought his gaze back to me, "You three should come over for dinner tonight."
I opened my mouth so to respond with a hard no but Eliot placed a warm against my chest, stopping me, "You know what, yea let's do it. We won't be able to stay very long and we'll have to leave Atlas with a sitter, but maybe we can come for drinks and just talk. Also, I'm not her husband."
Wait…what? Slowly I shifted my head to the teasing gleam beaming in his eyes. Mother. Fucker.
"Great!"
"No." She quickly and sternly said causing me to flinch at the unfamiliar tone, "I mean, honey let's not monopolize their time. Maybe they've got plans too." Regina wearily covered up, which struck me as odd because normally she's the one pressing for us to meet up and hang out! Something has changed and I don't know what, but I can admit that it's driving me crazy.
"Nonsense," Jim placed a heavy hand on top of my shoulder and squeezed, "I won't take no for an answer."
Our eyes met and I could see she's begging me to say no, but, I'm now a woman on a mission; to figure out what happened between Saturday when she left my place and today.
"Well, I guess you leave me no choice but to say yes."
"They shut down Aphrodite and raided the Gravel Pit. Even arrested a few people. You know Banshee is next." Jefferson muttered as he tossed his clothes all over my place. This is what I get for letting him stay with me for a couple days. Luckily it's just until Neal gets back in town, "My mom is organizing a peaceful protest tonight. You coming?"
"She can't. Eliot roped her in to another dinner at the Vanguards." Ruby said. She was stretched out along the couch flipping through the Manhattan fashion magazine.
I was laying across the soft rug, beside Atlas underneath the play gymnasium I bought him earlier this week. I read somewhere that these things were good for his fine motor skills and so far they weren't over advertising. At a little over a month old he was already beginning to move his hands and feet. Albeit in an uncoordinated way but he was doing it. Toys were hanging from the top and slowly he would turn and attempt to reach for one.
"God he's getting so strong."
"I know. What a showoff." I teased, rubbing my knuckle soothingly against the sole of his foot watching his toes spread.
"At least you know he's yours." He said as he stood up straight, squinted his eyes and gazed around the floor, scratching the back of his head.
Ruby tossed the magazine on Jefferson's Pac-Man boxer briefs to which Jefferson scoffed and rolled his eyes, flinging the flimsy book to the side and picking up his undies, "It's kind of weird that you have kid. But also exciting." She mused and readjusted herself, really getting comfortable on the couch.
"What? Having some human time clock ticking away reminding you that you're getting older by the minute." I murmured, softly stroking Atlas's cheek and smiled when his eyelids fluttered.
"Dude, if you keep thinking like that you'll end up prematurely gray. Oh…wait, is that…" Jefferson crept close to me, leaning down as if he spotted a gray hair, to which I punched his shin in response.
"Why didn't somebody try and stop me?"
"Hellooo!" Ruby loudly called, "Somebody did try and stop you. But you wouldn't listen. You had to let Eliot fill your head with all that bullshit flattery; 'Oh Emma you're so good looking, you're so smart Emma, oh-oh you have such great genes and I don't mean your Levi's."
Letting a laugh slip through I picked up Atlas and rested him against my chest. His eyelids closed shut and stayed that way, his little heartbeat thumping slowly in time with mine. He really seemed to enjoy the skin-on-skin contact. I know I do. If only I didn't have this stupid sports bra on and my 511 jeans then we'd be good to go.
The sound of the doorbell dinging radiated through my place. Both of them stopped what they were doing to look at me with raised eyebrows. Smoothly getting to my feet with Atlas snug against my body I just shrugged my shoulders and headed for the door. It wouldn't be Eliot it's too early. It could be…
My heart fluttered at the thought.
Regina?
With a little more urgency in my walk I yanked the door to the side letting out an audible sigh when I saw who it was.
"Hey Chickie Girl."
Literally the last person I wanted to see. I heard a light 'oh shit' come from Ruby and I couldn't agree more, "Hey Pop."
"Well, don't sound so excited." He muttered, completely oblivious to the sleeping child resting in my arm. Shouldn't surprise me though, being an attentive guardian was never really his strong suit. His parallel expression fell once he noticed my lack of enthusiasm and realized this wasn't going to be one of those 'put on a happy face' visits. Shifting to the right he walked inside, eyes dancing over every inch of my loft, "Wow, this is some place you got here. Big as a palace."
Atlas cooed and when I looked down his eyes were wide open, arms beginning to move about like he wanted to join in on the conversation too.
"Woah." Pop furrowed his eyebrows then raised them in surprise, "Who is this?"
"Atlas. He's Eliot's kid. You remember Eliot, don't you?"
"Tallish, short brown hair, star quarterback in your high school? He used to take you out. He has a cute kid." Crossing the threshold he came up to stand beside me, "And he leaves him here with you?"
Yea, dad doesn't know he has grandson. Probably better that way, "Sometimes."
"Hey Mr. S." Ruby and Jefferson greeted at the same time, stepping further to the entry way where we were.
"Wow, don't you kids look all grown up." He sounded proud and a little impressed as he eyed them over one-by-one, lingering a little bit too long on Ruby for my liking.
"What do you want Pop? Wandering around town? A lady friend, though aren't you a little too old for that?"
"No. That's not it." He said with an undertone of sadness.
"Need money?"
"I didn't come for your fucking money Chickie."
From the corner of my eye I watched Jefferson pull Ruby's shirt and they walked towards my bedroom, hitting the button that closed the shutters. Though they'd still be able to hear because the walls don't reach the ceiling, but it's nice that tried to give us some privacy.
"Elsa finally get tired of your shit and put you out?"
"I've got cancer." He flatly stated. We finally made eye contact, his scanning between mine attempting to judge my reaction and rubbed his worn blazer with his forefingers, "It started in my lungs. The doctor discovered it during a routine physical last year but now it seems to be everywhere."
I tucked my lips in my mouth and looked away spotting the polaroid picture he gave me a little over a week ago before turning back to him. His hair was ruffled in an untidy fashion due to his nervous hands raking through it multiple times and his body vibrated with tense energy. After what felt like several minutes of us sitting in this quiet space he finally moved towards my living room, bent down to the coffee table and picked up the photo of us as I watched his shoulders and back expand against his jacket, looking over each ripple of fabric breathing with him.
"Sorry." I mumbled, not really having clue what else to say, "How long do you have?"
He shrugged his large shoulders, "A couple months at best. But that's life, no? The only sure thing we have is that we'll all die eventually." I glanced down on Atlas who was still making tiny noises but in a way that was a little more peaceful. I wonder when he's my age and I come to his door with some horrible news will it be this awkward or will we embrace in hugs and share a small cry, "To be honest I'd rather the warden give you the news but she insisted I tell you and your sister in person, so that you hear it from me."
"Oh. Thanks I guess."
He nodded, placing the photo back on the coffee table and stuffed his hands in his pockets, "Well, I guess I'll be on my way then." Pops passed me without looking in my direction and paused once he reached the top of the steps. With a low exasperated sigh he trotted down the stairs leaving me to slide the door shut. Resting my head on the cool metal I felt a little discomfort behind my eyes. Were those tears brewing. Ugh.
Rolling over so my back was pressed against the door I spotted Jefferson and Ruby giving me pitiful expressions.
"Please promise me if I go first you'll do better than that." Jefferson dramatically stated as they walked down the three steps from bedroom towards me, "Something like: 'Jefferson was a great friend, partner in crime. Oh the things I wish I would've said while he was still alive', You know, spice it up a bit."
I laughed as I pushed myself off the door, letting Jefferson take Atlas out of my arms and without a moment's hesitation Ruby lurched forward to wrap me in a hug. "I'm so sorry." Her cheek pressed against mine without complaining about the sudden hot flash surging through my body, her arms encircled my waist and she pressed her body flush.
"It is what it is. Like he said, the only certainty is death. I don't count taxes because people can evade those."
She chuckled into my skin then leaned back, "Well, then, if you don't mind the free advice from someone who's known you a lot longer than you know yourself, maybe you should let him meet him."
"Let him meet who?" Ruby just looked at me like 'really bitch?' then pointed to Atlas and I promptly shook my head no, "No. No fucking way. My father hasn't known anything about my life for thirty years, or cared for that matter. Why should I bother now?"
"Because it's good for you." She said in a very matter-of-fact tone.
"To tell a dying man about his grandson?"
"To be honest."
"I'm always honest."
"You think you are. But how honest is it to let your father go to his grave without ever really knowing that his daughter has a son?" She placed her hands on my shoulders, staring deep into my eyes, "Look I know you think he never loved you, but this might be a way to show not just him but you that there is love there."
I frowned at her annoyingly sound reasoning. Ruby and Eliot dropping truth bombs today, "Love? No, more like tolerate."
"Emma I-"
"Save it Ruby. I need to get ready for this fucking, whatever it is." I walked to my closet, stomping up the three steps that led to my bedroom and yanked the closet door open. Grumbling under my breath I ripped my outfit off the hangers and tossed the clothes on the bed.
"I can't believe you forced me to do this." Man, this some bullshit, "I mean didn't Theo have some horrible objection about this?"
Eliot rolled his eyes, fixing the bowtie on his shirt as we stood outside the Vanguard's door. Between Regina's strange energy and that talk with my dad I wasn't really feeling all that great about being around people.
"Stop being so dramatic. It's only for an hour or so and when Theo gets home from work, we'll leave so you can enjoy the night with Atlas and apparently Jefferson, and I can finally enjoy a night with my man." He looped his arm through mine and leaned over to kiss me on the cheek, "Thanks for watching Atlas tonight, by the way."
"Yea, yea." I straightened out my red leather jacket and sighed deeply, "We need a code word like 'Maui' or 'Revo' just in case one of us gets into a tight spot and needs rescuing."
"Tight spot," he mused quietly, "How about butt plug?"
"That might be a little hard to work into a conversation."
His lips parted in effort to come back with some smartass response but the door opened and there standing in a crisp blue collar shirt and white jeans was Jim, smiling broadly. Light chattering in the background abruptly stopped and sliding into view was Zelena, already giving off the flirtatious vibe by pulling me in for a hug and planting a sloppy kiss on my cheek. As we embraced I spotted Regina holding up the counter in the kitchen, letting a glass of wine dangle from her fingertips standing in a leisure position with her legs crossed and avoiding all eye contact with me.
Fuck that I'll make her notice me.
So I pulled away from Zelena and walked towards the kitchen, "Hey you."
She looked at me almost knowingly and sighed softly but deeply, "Hello Emma." Her expression was emotionless, businesslike, with hints of a cold exterior. What the fuck was going on and why is she being like this? The light smell of earthy yet sweet cologne permeated our space and Regina brushed past me. Turning around I watched with slight resentment that she embraced Eliot in a hug and he looked at me with a confused expression.
Look, I've never been one to chase after people and I certainly won't start now, so with determination I walked over to Zelena who was standing on the balcony. I remembered how our interaction at the fundraiser effected Regina.
"What are you doing out here?"
Red hair whipped around and blue eyes were dimmed out by widening pupils, "Oh, I can't really stand when they do the Happy Mayor and Doting Wife routine."
"Were you forced to be here too?" I stood beside her, leaning against the railing so that our shoulders were touching.
"No, not forced. I actually came to see you. But it looks like I'm a little too late."
I raised an eyebrow and shifted my gaze towards her profile, similar in smooth flawless skin as Regina's, "What are you talking about? I'm right here."
She laughed lowly, like my answer was truly hilarious, "No you're not." Zelena plainly stated. I scrunched my eyebrows in confusion and placed my hand on the small of her back rubbing tenderly. Slowly her bright blue eyes began to open up, the vulnerability swimming around, "Come on, I want to show you something."
Her warmth encircled my hand and she dragged me through the condo and up the spiral staircase. It happened so fast that I wasn't able to find Regina in the quickness but when I heard Eliot and her laughing, it spiked the jealously lying dormant in the pit of my stomach. I was pushed into an unknown room when the smell of her wrapped around me before Zelena tried to lean in and kiss me. Dipping my head out of the way, she missed my lips by inches. Again, she tried but was pushed back when I placed a hand on her chest.
I sent Zelena a small smirk, gripped behind her neck then pulled her in for a heated kiss. Regina's scent was the gas that fueled my want in this moment. As our tongue wrestled with one another her hands slipped under my jacket, pushing it off my shoulders and to the ground. Disconnecting from my lips she dropped to her knees, unbuttoned my jeans and pushed them down to my ankles. My hands flew to the thick curly red hair and buried her face against my center. An eager tongue slipped out, brushing against my clit. My hips bucked in desperation as my eyes landed on a picture of Neal and Regina standing together, smiling happily.
In another photo Regina was tucked into Jim's side, his head turned with his lips pressed into her hair. Strings of pleasure shot through my body and as the pace of her already rapidly moving tongue quickened so did my hips. The plush pillows and the neatly fashioned bed, all of the erotica hanging on the walls.
This was Regina and Jim's room.
The thought that Zelena was going down on me in this very room only turned me on even more. The moan that vibrated against my clit also helped and with slow, forceful grinding of my hips I drove myself down harder and harder against her face. The tight coiling in my stomach began to crank down, signaling my impending orgasm.
"Fuck." I ground out and ran my hands down the back of her head and then paused on top her shoulders. She responded with grabbing my bare ass pulling me even closer to her, "Uhh." I moaned hotly into the bedroom. Flashes of Regina using her vibrator struck me, I knew not of the color nor the type but it didn't matter because I knew her. My nails dug deep into her clothing hearing her let out a whimper but it didn't even phase me that I might be hurting because I was experiencing bliss right now. The coil cranked down tighter as my hips moved in wild and erratic movements until finally a robust amount of pleasure exploded in my core and spread out through my whole body.
A low groan ripped from my throat as I rode out the waves of my orgasm then finally released Zelena. She stood, pulling my jeans up with her, leaning in to kiss me then my cheek and finally stopped with biting my earlobe.
"Thank you for that. Glad I got a chance to taste you before you were no longer in between." And just like that she was gone, holding the door open for me. I didn't have time to really process her comment before I was following her downstairs. 'No longer in between'. What does that even mean? Jim, Eliot, and Regina were all sitting around the table; the latter with her lips in a tight line, arms folded across her chest and a permanent scowl embedded in her features. Zelena causally sat down beside Jim, sending the very frustrated sibling a wink as she reached over grabbing a handful of grapes. I sat down beside Eliot who was waving his hands frantically, fully engaged in the story he was telling.
"…And I couldn't believe he didn't know how to fix a sink. The doofus calls me at working asking 'What should I do?' and I'm like 'I don't care what you do. Buy some cement, get a cork, use chewing gum, butt plug it up."
Jim let out a deep belly laugh and I wondered if that was Eliot using our code word by telling the story about the time his father broke the piping underneath the sink or if he was just genuinely telling the story. I made eye contact with him, but like the sly devil he is, inconspicuously shook his head no, but slid his gaze to Regina. When I glanced in her direction she was ready to meet me with a seriously pissed off expression on her face.
Forcefully she stood from her seat, letting the chair screech across the floor. Jim's eyebrows rose when he glanced at his wife and grabbed her hand, placing a soft kiss on top it when she walked by him and to the kitchen that was in perfect view of me. Regina was uncharacteristically chaotic. She set her wine glass down and grabbed things from the fridge in a loud frenzy and almost slamming everything down, creating a tense energy around the table. With an audible sigh Zelena slipped out of her chair and to the kitchen. I watched the two interact and even Regina's harsh whispered words had sprite.
As if she could feel me looking at her, she glanced up while Zelena carried on the conversation and I was met with a pair of darkened brown eyes. Her facial expression didn't change, continuing to stare at me until I broke it.
"…I mean I'm not a monster to the gay community, I'm trying to help them." Jim's words caught my attention and when I finally registered the conversation they were having Eliot's response reached my ears.
"Right. But I think it's easy for people in the community to view you as a threat. You're shutting down the places they feel safest at, their sense of tribe, their sense of belonging, the place where that particular community senses love in every atom."
"I can understand Eliot. But I'm just trying to help clean up the city and 9th Avenue is no Yellow Brick Road."
Regina and Zelena walked back to the table carrying snacks and drinks, both seemed very stiff, Regina a little more so which I noticed when she slammed a bottle of hard Kombucha in front of me. Her cheeks were flush and her stance just exhumed irritability.
"Thanks Regina." Taking a chance I flicked my eyes to her but her gaze tore through me with such overwhelming, dark emotions that I had a brief fantasy of making a smart ass comment about my cum on her sister's face and then she'd forcibly grab me and fuck me in front of everyone on this table.
"What do you think, Emma?" Huh? What? Turning my head in the direction of the voice Jim was staring at me. Eliot had placed a hand on my leg and Regina was now standing directly across my seat, "Maybe we could use the raid in our next ad?"
"The ad may not be a bad idea to keep the family-guy image alive. But I'm not sure it would really benefit your numbers." I answered honestly, plus I could feel Eliot giving me the evil-eyes. He's always been vocal about my lack of participating in the 'community' or that I don't ally myself with all the other queers in the city. But like I say; at the end of the day I'm the only one I can count on and the Vanguards might just be my ticket out of this second-rate state.
"What? How? It's all over the news." He defended, sliding a hand across Regina's low back.
"Soon to be yesterday's news. It's like selling last year's model that everyone has already seen, old and busted when all they want is the new hottie."
"Okay but if we can get the people to see that we should shut those bars down for good then-"
"Then your opponent will accuse you of going after the small-fry businesses for free publicity. That would be the worst thing you can do. The press will turn the owners of the bars into martyrs." Taking a swig of my drink that low-key tasted like gasoline I rested my forearm on the table as I leaned in, "Let me give you some advice my dear old dad use to give me: If you're going to pick on someone, pick on someone your own size."
Pursing his lips he nodded slowly, looking over his shoulder at Regina. She shrugged her shoulders as if she didn't care, leaving the decision up to him, "Okay, so then where do we go from here?"
"Well," Wrapping my fingers around the edge of the chair I scooted back, chugging the rest of my drink before standing, "I'm going home and you're going to relax, enjoy your family time." Quickly Eliot stood beside me followed by Regina. Without asking she snatched the empty bottle from my hands and headed to the kitchen. Okay what the fuck is her problem? She really can't be that pissed about Zelena and I.
It bothered the fuck out of me that she didn't even want to talk about whatever was bugging her.
Screw it.
I walked up to her, tapping her shoulder from behind. Regina damn near jumped out of her skin, whipping her body around that her hair brushed across my face at a wild speed.
"Are we going to talk about this?" I daringly asked, trapping her in the kitchen.
"Talk about what?" Her casual yet clipped tone made me roll my eyes. This bitch.
"You know what. You've been dodging me all day. What gives?"
Placing a hand on her hip she raised her eyebrows, "We're at my house, Emma." And…?
"I don't give a fuck."
"I do." She said sternly. We stared at each other for a moment, daring each other to make the first move or speak what's on their mind. Finally, I let out a rushed sigh and shook my head, stomping out of the kitchen and over to Zelena and Jim so I could say my goodbyes and get the fuck out of this shit show of a condo.
Hours later I was sitting on the makeshift bed I created so I could sleep next to Atlas in his floor cradle. Though he wasn't exactly in his cradle, instead he was sleeping on my bare chest while I played videogames to release the frustrations of the day. And for whatever reason I kept checking my phone every five minutes to see if Regina had texted me and that maybe somehow my phone forgot to chime and let me know.
Jefferson texted. Eliot texted. Zelena texted. Jim texted. Ruby texted. Even my dumb sister texted. So I know my phone is working. After losing the boss level for the seventh time in a row I let the controller fall from hands and ran my fingers through my annoying, thick blonde hair, letting out a frustrated groan.
I've been racking my brain wondering where I messed things up with Regina. I mean she was literally fine when she last left my place. In fact she left in a better mood than when she came.
I didn't want to but I finally had to be the pussy and give in. Grabbing my phone I pulled up her contact and went to press the call button letting my finger hover over it. What am I doing? I'm not the type of person that chases after a woman like some lost puppy. I'm fine without Regina. Just fucking fine.
A loud knock reverberated around my quiet loft and I placed Atlas in his cradle who didn't seem to hear a thing.
"Jefferson, you have to stop leaving your key-" I yelled, slipping on a sweatshirt I slowly pulled the door open with a smile on my face that quickly fell into shock.
Regina brushed past me in a storm. Her hair was in ponytail a white crew neck sweatshirt hugged her chest and black leggings showed off tone thighs. She spun around to face me and just a flicker of her eyes in my direction, that was it. Annoyed and feeling defeated I sat on the arm of my couch with my hands in my lap and watched her pace around my place. Her movements were tight and precise as if she knew I was watching her and tried to move languidly. Didn't work. I could tell that her body was pent with exhaustion and frustration. When relaxed Regina moved gracefully. Now, I watched her almost trip over the corner of my rug and then mutter to herself in irritation.
"Do you have anything to say?" She set her tense gaze on me, freezing in place that I wondered if she was even still breathing. Her voice was intense, accusing and I immediately wished I didn't open my door.
"No." I responded in way that sounded like I was questioning my answer.
Her eyebrows furrowed and a frustrated expression on her face appeared, "Well I do. You can fuck her at your place. You can fuck her in your office. You can fuck her at the zoo," With each sentence Regina stepped towards me, "But you cannot fuck her in my house! In my room Emma!" A vein appeared down the center of her forehead as the muscles in her jaw clenched.
"But wait-"
"And then," she interrupted me with a raised hand, telling me to back off. "Then you try to talk about the issue right in front of everyone. What if Eliot heard? Or Jim? Do you know how pissed he'd be if he found out that my sister and his campaign ad advisor were fucking in his bedroom?" Pressing her hands to her forehead she swiped up then ran them down the side of her face and a sigh escaped her lips, "I mean what were you thinking?"
She's got a point. Okay maybe a few points.
"I was thinking of trying to hash whatever the fuck was going on with you."
"Oh how nice of you." Regina sarcastically spat out, "But if Jim heard me yelling at you he would've come to investigate. He could already tell that I was not okay."
"What are you talking about? I wouldn't have yelled at you."
"I would've yelled at you. I was furious with you Emma." She stepped closer and pointed to the ground. "I cannot stand being disrespected. Being made to look like a fool." Well I don't know who does but I see the message she's trying to send me.
"Why am I the only one being rimmed out?" Yes, I chose those words on purpose.
She let out a soft chuckle that normally would've relaxed me but only made my body more tense, "Trust me. Zelena got her fair share of 'rimming' too."
For a second we just stood there as I played with the ends of my hair before a thought entered my brain; "Wait…" I said and Regina raised her gaze to meet mine, her body stiffening all over again, probably reading the confusion on my face. My eyes gazed past her for a moment and I bit my lip in thought before making eye contact with her again, "None of that explains why you've been ignoring me…"
Her eyebrows raised and I had to hold back a laugh at the 'oh shit' expression on her face, "Uhm…" she hesitantly said, but mostly to fill the silence.
"Regina…?" I pressed as I slid off the arm of the couch and hovered just above her. "Hey…" I softly whispered and to my surprise her brown eyes flicked to me, her eyebrows furrowed but this time in a way that told me she was warring with herself. Softly, my fingers curled around her chin and her eyes fluttered for a moment. For a second I saw the confusion in her eyes, the feelings she got whenever our bodies connected. Then as quickly as it was there she closed up, pulling out of my grasp.
"It's just…" she bit her lip, "…hard."
And though Regina didn't say what was hard I had the feeling I already knew, "I understand."
She shook her head lightly as she continued to look at me with such a tender expression that I wished this moment wouldn't end, "No." she whispered so softly I strained to hear her, "I don't think you do." Reaching up Regina played with the ends of my hair and moved her gaze from her current task and to my eyes.
I watched her eyebrows scrunch once more; she seemed to be struggling with something. It was only now that the thought struck me…
Did she like me? Like actually…like…me?
Tingles spread through my head as she fully ran her fingers through my hair, tucking a few strands behind my ear, then rested her hand behind my neck, clutching slightly. She pulled me down and I knew that finally her lips were going to be on mine but then, unfortunately they went to my forehead.
"Hey Chickie Girl," Pops abrupt, gravely voice caused both of us to jump and Regina backed up several feet from me. His green eyes moved between the two of us and a sheepish grin crossed his lips. This is why I need to remember to close the fucking door.
"What are you doing here?" I harshly asked, not caring if I hurt his feelings with my tone.
"It'll only be a minute…" Stepping into the loft he reached in his back pocket and pulled another polaroid, "Found a new one."
Snatching the picture from his hand, I saw that this time I couldn't have been more than the age Atlas was now. He had me cradled in his muscular arms, lips pressed against my cheek with a smile on his face. As if Atlas knew the tension was off he began to whine that quickly rolled into crying. Fuck.
"Keep it." I said, tossing the flimsy picture back at him and walked to the cradle, picking up my son and slowly rocked him back forth.
"I just thought you might want to add it to the collection." He paused so suddenly that I had to look at him. When I glanced up he was staring at Regina. "And who is this?"
"Regina Mills." Stretching out her hand he shook it, slowly.
"Wow you're quite the looker. Your husband is that Tim guy, right?"
"Jim." I corrected, scoffing lowly as I shook my head back and forth.
"Mr. Swan I presume?" Regina said with a hint of amusement.
"Yea, but you can call me David."
"Still think you're a ladies man?" I teased.
Ignoring me he gazed at Sonny Boy, watching me kiss his cheek. Pops held the photo, stared at it for a moment then back at me, "Well, I guess I'll be on my way."
"Hold it." I said and he stopped in his tracks, slowly turning around, "There's someone I want you to meet." Walking over to him as Atlas finally calmed down I held him out, "Say hello to your grandson."
His lips parted in slight surprise. Pop's gaze began to search my face with his features muddled together in astonishment and frustration, "My grandson? What the fuck is going on? Are you screwin' with me Chickie?"
"No I'm not screwing with you. Would you like to hold him?" Without waiting for a response I gently transferred Atlas to his arms. He looked down at the young child with amazement and I can see the tears welling up in his eyes.
"Wow. It's been a while since I held a baby." And then he was lost in his own world. A smile crossed his face as he whispered to Atlas. Regina picked up the photo and handed it to me, her shoulder touching mine and slid a hand across my back, holding my waist.
I felt her watch me while I mimicked my father's actions from earlier; staring at the photo for a moment then back to them, my own father and son.