Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me. No profit is being made
Ok this story was inspired by the dress Lana Parrilla wore to the ALMA awards. It's an interlude so doesn't fit into the main timeline of the story. Just think of it as something that happened before Snow lost her ring.
Emma had just finished putting the last of the dishes away, while Regina wiped down the countertops, when Henry charged into the kitchen waving a white envelope in his hand.
"Mom, Mom, did you see this?"
"No running in the house, Henry", Regina admonished automatically. She carefully dried her hands and took the envelope from Henry. "Storybrooke's first annual solstice ball", she said in flat tone of voice. "How interesting".
Snow and the rest of the council had decided to hold a formal ball to mark the longest day of the year. It was apparently a big FTL tradition, and Snow felt it was good opportunity to get everyone together. It had been a tough few months for the citizens of Storybrooke, trying to cope with not only the return of magic, but also merging their FTL identities with the lives they had lived for nearly three decades.
The tone of Regina's response was totally lost on Henry who was almost vibrating with excitement.
"Everyone in class was talking about it today. How it was going to be just like a fairytale ball. Can we go?" Henry said excitedly. "Please Mom", he looked pleadingly at Regina.
Regina's face went blank and she looked at the invitation in her hand for a long moment. She glanced back at Henry and her face softened. "I suppose it would be an interesting experience. As long as Sheriff Swan has you home by 8pm."
Henry looked confused. "No Mom." His face cleared and he smiled. "Oh I'm doing it wrong." He moved till he was directly in front of Regina and executed a wobbly bow. "Would you do me the honour of letting me escort you to the ball, Mom?"
Regina went very still and she just stared at Henry, her eyes looking watery.
Emma felt her chest tighten in sympathy. It was obvious that Regina had been very hurt by the way Henry had treated her before the curse broke. They'd been slowly repairing their relationship over the past few months, but she still caught glimpses of pain and uncertainty in Regina eyes, when it came to Henry's affection. It was like there was a part of her that was just waiting for him to reject her again.
"Mom?", Henry's smile slipped a little as Regina continued to just stare at him in silence.
Emma took a step forward and carefully placed a hand on Regina's shoulder. "I think your Mom would love to go with you Henry", she said quietly. Her touch seemed to jolt Regina out of her shock.
She reached out a trembling hand out and touched Henry's face. "Of course I would. Nothing would give me more pleasure than for you to escort me to the ball, Henry".
Emma dropped her hand and stepped away, a soft smile on her face as she watched Regina hug Henry tightly.
Emma rang the doorbell at the Mills mansion and was surprised when Henry answered the door. He looked adorable in a black tuxedo, complete with a little bow tie and cummerbund.
"Emma you're here." He grabbed her hand and dragged her into the foyer. "Mom's still getting ready".
"Woah kid, slow down", she said a little anxiously. It had been a while since she'd worn 3 inch heels and she was just a little uncomfortable with sudden movements.
"Sorry". Henry apologised. He looked at the white box she had in her hand. "What's that?"
"It's for you to give to your Mom". Emma held out the box to him. "It's called a corsage and it goes on her wrist".
Henry carefully took the box. "When do I give it to her?"
Emma smiled and had to resist the urge to tousle his flattened hair. He'd obviously slicked it down with some kind of product. "After she comes down the stairs".
"Alright". Henry tipped his head back and looked at Emma. "You look nice".
"Thanks", Emma said. She'd thought long and hard on what to wear and in the end settled for her current outfit, more out of practicality than anything else. The ball was the first official public event since Snow became mayor, and Emma was worried that Gold would see it as an opportunity to cause trouble. She'd insisted on heavy security at the venue and expected to spend most of the evening making sure things didn't go awry.
The sound of a door opening and shutting upstairs made both of them turn towards the stairs. Emma felt her breath catch in her throat she got her first look at Regina. She was absolutely stunning in a full length form fitting black gown that hugged her every curve. The dress was sleeveless and exposed wonderfully toned arms and shoulders. Her hair fell in soft elegant waves around her face, very different from her usual straight flippy style.
"Sheriff Swan, what are you doing here?" Regina came to a stop at the bottom of the stairs, and looked Emma up and down. Her magic tingled across Emma's senses, like static electricity.
Emma swallowed nervously as she was caught in smoky dark eyes. "Hello Regina". She was incredibly relieved when her voice came out evenly. "A certain Mr Mills, has engaged my services as your chauffeur tonight".
"Oh really?" Regina's blood red lips pursed as she turned her attention to Henry.
"Yes Mom. Emma's driving us tonight." Henry impatiently held out the box in his hand. "This is for you".
Regina's eyes softened as she took the box from him. "Thank you, Henry". She opened the box and a soft smile tugged at her lips as she saw the corsage. "It's beautiful". She was settling it on her wrist, when she paused, "I left the camera in the study. Henry, can you please fetch it".
"Sure Mom". Henry took off in the direction of the study.
Emma watched delicate fingers struggle with the clasp on the corsage, and suddenly found herself in the other woman's personal space. "Here, let me". She adjusted the corsage and carefully closed the clasp. It was only after she was done, that she realised how close she was to the dark haired woman. She looked up to see Regina studying her, an unreadable expression in her dark eyes.
"Interesting choice of attire, Sheriff Swan", Regina said mildly.
Emma's hand flew to her throat and she tugged nervously on the knot on her tie. She'd settled on a tailored black suit and white shirt combo, figuring that it would be a lot easier to move in than a dress. "Well I figured if I was going to be chauffeuring you two around, I may as well dress the part".
"Indeed". Regina gave her a slow once over, that caused heat to spread across the blonde's cheeks. "Though I wouldn't say your outfit exactly screams chauffeur, not with that hairdo".
Emma resisted the urge to run her hand through her hair, knowing that her braided up do would not take well to rough handling. The braids were arranged like a crown on her head, all entirely Red's idea, and Emma was already regretting it. "Yeah well…", she trailed off awkwardly, still clutching at her tie.
Regina's eyes narrowed. "Whoever taught you to knot a tie needs to be sent back to etiquette school. It's atrocious".
Emma rolled her eyes. "Yes I'm sure Wikipedia will appreciate your scathing criticism." She deliberately tugged on the tie and winced when the knot loosened and almost came undone.
"Oh for God's sake." Regina stepped forward and to Emma's surprise, batted her hand out the way and deftly unknotted the tie. She then made short work of tying it into a perfect half-Windsor knot. Her hands were still resting lightly on top of Emma's tie, when a bright flash of light temporarily blinded them. They both flinched and turned to see Henry standing in the foyer with the camera in his hand.
"Got it", he grinned widely waving the camera.
Regina took a careful step back from Emma. "Be careful with the camera Henry", she admonished.
"Here kid, give it to me", Emma held out her hand. "Go pose with your Mom." She took several photos of a smiling Regina and Henry, before she glanced at her watch and realised they had to get going.
"We'd better get moving, or we're going to be late".
Regina nodded and picked her clutch and wrap from the foyer table. "Alright, give me a moment to lock up".
Emma strolled out the door and made her way to the car, and leaned against the side. She couldn't wait to see Regina's reaction. She knew that the snobby ex mayor would have turned up her nose at riding in her Bug, so she'd called in a favour from Michael. The mechanic had managed to get his hands on a classic Porsche 911 that was all hers for the night.
"Wow cool car, Emma"! Henry said as he carefully escorted Regina down the pathway. It was adorable to see how seriously he was taking the job of being Regina's 'date'. He'd even insisted on secret waltzing lessons with James.
Regina raised a perfectly manicured eyebrow as she took in the Porsche. "I do hope Mayor White hasn't bankrupted the town already. Your raise must have been substantial to enable you to afford this." She couldn't hide the way her eyes lingered on the car though.
Emma grinned as she noted the other woman's covert admiration of the car. "Relax, Regina. It's a loan. The town finances are safe". She pushed the front seat forward and gestured for Henry to get in the back. She made sure he was securely buckled in before moving to the other side and opening the passenger door for Regina. "Your chariot awaits you, Your Majesty". Emma sketched a mocking half bow.
Regina pointedly ignored the helping hand Emma had extended and got into the car by herself.
Emma drew the car up to entrance of the town hall. The building had been redecorated to reflect the theme of the evening. Extra lighting flooded the area, and there was a huge banner draped across the entrance. There was even a red carpet laid out for the guest to traverse. Emma had been reluctant to use the town hall as the venue for the ball, but it was really the only public building that was big enough to host an event of this size.
A valet opened her door and Emma got out of the car, followed by Henry. Another valet was already assisting Regina out on the other side. Emma reached into the back seat of the car and retrieved her sword. She frowned as she took in the unfamiliar belt scabbard. It was apparently tradition for swords to be worn at the waist, and it would be considered a breach of etiquette if she wore it on her back. Emma carefully belted the sword around her waist, and rested her left hand on the pommel, trying to get used to the weight on her hip.
"Ready Mom?"
She looked up to see Henry offering his arm to Regina like a proper gentleman. Emma had to suppress a squee at the adorable cuteness of it all. The dark haired woman smiled softly and took his arm. They carefully began to walk up the red carpet laden stairs.
Emma's mouth went dry as she took in the back of Regina's gown for the first time. Her eyes refused to leave a certain part of her anatomy. She tilted her head slightly. Was that a thong? Her mind stuttered to a halt.
The sound of someone clearing their throat jolted Emma out of her reverie. She jumped slightly and looked at the valet who had his hand out for the car keys. There was a line of cars waiting for the space. "Sorry. Here you go". She hurriedly dropped the keys into his hand, her cheeks stained red, and all but ran up the stairs.
Once inside, Emma headed straight for the small office being used as security HQ. "How's it looking Leroy? Any suspicious activity?" The former town drunk had turned out to be a surprisingly decent Deputy and he was currently overseeing security in the town hall. He was also one of the few people who chose to keep his Storybrooke name.
"Everything's checked out clear for now, Princess", he answered calmly as he looked her up and down. "Nice threads by the way."
"Uh thanks", Emma fidgeted with her sword.
Leroy sighed. "You want to go over the security arrangements again don't you"?
Emma nodded sheepishly. "I'm sorry. I just want to make sure we have everything covered. I don't want any nasty surprises."
"Alright Princess, I'll make you a deal" Leroy said. "We'll go over the security one more time, but once we're done, you leave me to handle it and go and enjoy the party".
"But..."
"No buts". Leroy interrupted firmly.
"Fine". Emma huffed. The deputy smiled in triumph and started talking.
After much too short a time, Emma found herself banished from the security office. She slowly made her way to the hall where the ball was being held. She tried to sneak into the room, but was immediately pounced on by Red.
"Emma", she squealed as she enthusiastically hugged the blonde. Red stepped back and gave her a once over. "Looking good, girl", she said admiringly as she ran a finger down the sleeve of Emma's jacket.
"Thanks", she said automatically as she looked over Red's shoulder to meet a familiar pair of brown eyes. Regina immediately turned away to talk to Abigail, and Emma focused her attention back on Red. "You look great too", she said awkwardly. The woman was wearing a little black dress, with emphasis on the little.
"Thanks", Red said happily. She hooked her arm through Emma's and dragged her off to mix and mingle.
After greeting way too many people, Emma was starting to get antsy. Her jaw ached with the constant smile that was pasted on her face, and her feet were starting hurt as well due to her heels. She glanced at Red, who was still going strong, her energy level seemingly undiminished. The woman had not left her side and constantly kept the conversation flowing with her bright chatter. She was grateful to Red for sticking with her, but it felt a bit odd. Emma would often find her gaze drifting, only to land on wherever Regina and Henry were. She sometimes thought she saw Regina looking back, but immediately dismissed the idea as ridiculous. It's not like the ex mayor would be interested in her whereabouts.
"Emma", a warm voice interrupted her thoughts and she looked up to see Snow smiling softly at her. "You look wonderful." Snow wrapped her in a hug, that Emma awkwardly returned.
Emma felt her mouth turn up into a genuine smile. "Thanks Snow." She leaned back and took in Snow's pale yellow gown. It really complimented the other woman's skin tone. "You look pretty awesome yourself. That colour really suits you".
Snow laughed happily and leaned her head on Emma's shoulder, slipping an arm around her waist. "I'm glad you approve. My fashion advisor wanted me to wear white".
"Oh so now I've been demoted to fashion advisor?", James complained good naturedly. "Hello Emma", he smiled warmly at the blonde. He looked dashing in a dark grey suit.
"Hi James".
"You look beautiful", James said sincerely as he leaned in to kiss her cheek. There was a soft look of pride in his eyes, that she'd only ever seen him direct at her.
Emma felt her throat close and a suspicious prickling in her yes. "Thank you", she said quietly.
James seemed to sense her discomfort and he immediately changed the subject. "I hope they serve dinner soon. I'm starving".
Snow shot him a disapproving look. "I told you to eat something before we left home". James just smiled adoringly back at her, and Snow sighed. "Fine, let's go check with the caterers". She dropped her arm from Emma's waist and linked up with James. "We'll see you later Emma".
James winked at Emma and they disappeared into the crowd.
Emma smiled and shook her head. She once again found her gaze drifting over to Regina and Henry. They were sitting at a table with Abigail and Frederick.
"You want to sit down?"
Emma jumped in surprise. She had almost forgotten that Red was still beside her as she had stayed silent throughout the meeting with Snow and James. She looked at the other woman, only to see her watching Emma thoughtfully.
"If you don't mind. My feet are killing me", Emma admitted sheepishly.
Red smiled slowly. "I think they're going to serve dinner soon anyway. We should just head to our tables. You're with Regina and Henry", she gestured with her chin.
"You're not coming with?"
"No, my table is over there with Granny", Red pointed to the opposite side of the room.
"Alright". Emma paused and met her eyes. "Hey Red, thanks for everything. You're a good friend".
"Anytime, Emma." Red touched her shoulder lightly, then turned and walked away.
Emma made her way to her table and sank into the empty chair beside Henry with a huge sigh of relief.
After a rather nice dinner, the dancing started. Emma got out her phone and secretly shot video of Henry and Regina waltzing. Henry had a fierce look of concentration on his face as he tried to get the steps right. Regina for the most part, was an odd mixture of pride, tenderness and astonishment. The usually reserved woman was actually beaming, and it made Emma's breath catch seeing the happiness on her face.
Emma had been coaxed out to dance herself, with James, Snow, Red and Michael. Even Abigail had laughingly dragged her out for a spin on the dance floor. She had dropped by the security office again, only to be kicked out almost instantly by Leroy. Apparently everything was still quiet, and Emma hoped it would stay that way for the rest of the night.
She returned to the table to find just Regina and Henry there. She slid into her seat and tousled his hair. "How's it going, kid?"
"Great. I really enjoyed the dancing." Henry yawned and the two women shared a look over his head. It was obvious he wasn't going to last much longer.
"Yeah you definitely got some moves there", Emma smiled indulgently at Henry.
"You were the perfect gentleman, and I'm so very proud of you Henry". Regina's voice was soft, but the emotion behind the words was loud to Emma's ear.
"Thanks Mom", Henry smiled sleepily at her, another yawn breaking across his face.
"Sheriff Swan", a cold voice intruded and Emma felt a flash of annoyance. She looked up to see her grandfather, George, standing beside the table. He held out his hand demandingly. "May I have this dance"?
Emma suppressed a groan. The man was the most insufferable bore and the last thing she wanted to do was dance with him. He would spend the whole time complaining about how Snow and James were treating him.
She felt a warm hand land on her shoulder. "Oh I'm sorry George, but Sheriff Swan has promised me the next dance. So why don't just run along and find someone else to bother, dear". Regina's voice was a soft purr in her ear and Emma shivered.
George looked like he'd just sucked on a lemon. He turned on his heel and stormed off without a word.
"Thanks" Emma sighed in relief.
Regina shrugged elegantly and removed her hand from Emma's shoulder. "The man's a pompous fool."
Abigail and Frederick returned to the table as she finished speaking and Regina smiled at them. "Just in time. Would you mind watching Henry for a few minutes please?"
"Sure" Abigail answered easily.
"Let's get on with it then".
Emma looked up in surprise as Regina extended a hand to her. She stood up slowly and took Regina's hand, warm fingers entwining with her own. She led them both onto the dance floor in a dazed kind of autopilot. It was only as she placed her hand on Regina's waist and was staring into smoky brown eyes, that she snapped out of it. Something clicked inside her and she felt oddly relaxed.
"I hope you can lead, Sheriff Swan".
Emma laughed, and unconsciously pulled her closer. "It's a bit late to be wondering that now don't you think."
Regina rolled her eyes and adjusted herself, her hand tightening briefly on the blonde's shoulder. They were much closer together than was actually appropriate, but neither woman seemed to notice. The music started and Emma easily whirled them around the floor, a soft smile on her face.
"You're actually surprisingly adept at this. Should I be thanking Wikipedia or You Tube?" Regina asked conversationally.
"Neither", Emma said, her smile slipping slightly. She didn't elaborate and Regina seemed to sense her change of mood.
"Henry was wonderful tonight", she said softly.
"He was too adorable for words", Emma agreed immediately. "You raised a great kid Regina".
Regina just hummed in agreement and they continued to dance in silence. The music finally stopped, signalling the end of the waltz. Emma felt an odd ache in her chest as she reluctantly released Regina and stepped back.
"Thank you Sheriff Swan" Regina sank into a graceful curtsey.
"My pleasure," Emma smiled and bowed in return. She followed Regina back to their table, where they found Henry fast asleep.
"Uh oh, somebody's all tuckered out".
"Indeed. It seems we must make take our leave" Regina started gathering her things. "Thank you for looking after Henry", she smiled at Abigail and Frederick.
"Anytime, Regina", Abigail answered quietly.
Emma carefully lifted the sleeping Henry into her arms. "We'll see you guys later", she whispered trying not to wake him. Regina reached over and gently pulled down his tuxedo jacket, where it had ridden up, her hand lingering on his back.
The two women left the ballroom, with their sleeping son, seemingly unaware of the many pairs of eyes that followed them.
Well I hope you enjoyed that little interlude. It was a huge tossup for me on what to put Emma in. I was tempted to go with the red dress JMo was wearing recently, but decided not to in the end, because the Palyfest suit just ended up suiting the story better, so to speak ;)
Thanks for all the lovely reviews and favourites on the last chapter. I will get back to working on the main storyline.
Would love to hear feedback on this little interlude .