Chapter 6: Act of True Love

Regina was up bright and early; she had to look like the mayor that she was with nary a hair out of place. Emma groaned as she rolled over and saw that it was 6:30 AM. She flung an arm over her eyes and groaned, "Regina, why the hell are you up at this ungodly hour?" Regina walked over to Emma's side of the bed and sat; Emma felt the mattress dip. She heard an amused "No 'good morning, Regina'?" and slowly let her arm slip to meet Regina's eyes. She took in Regina's perfectly coiffed hair, lowered her eyes to Regina's deep maroon lips, and roamed over her body encased in one of her I'm-the-mayor-and-don't-you-forget-it outfits. "Are you quite finished ogling me, Sheriff Swan?" Emma's eyes snapped back up but Regina was wearing an expression of amusement. Emma grinned and held up her index finger. "One moment, Madam Mayor", allowed her gaze to quickly roam down once more, and continued, "Now I'm done. And you have passed inspection." Regina rolled her eyes at that cocky quip. "Emma. I'm going downstairs to have some breakfast, then I have a meeting with the mayor of Portland before the keynote begins at 8 am. Are we still on for lunch today?" "Yeah, if it isn't inconvenient for you…" Emma trailed off. "Don't be silly. I, however, will be sure to call or text you if our plans need to change. So, I will be seeing you at either lunch or dinner today, Emma. Enjoy exploring Charleston." With that, she rose from the bed only to be stopped by Emma's hand on hers. She looked back down at Emma quizzically, and Emma gave a half smile as she said, "I'll be missing you by my side when I go out." Regina cleared her throat "Thank you, Emma" and gently slid her hand out of Emma's before striding over to a table that contained her purse and picking it up before opening the door.

Emma decided to go for a run before showering and exploring the sights nearby. She had gotten up a bit late and now she only had three hours before lunch so she decided she should stay in the nearby vicinity. Emma thought that the City Market would be a great place to start and that was the first place she would set out to, but first, she had to sit down and write the first of today's notes to Regina. She stood at the window overlooking the city and wondered if Regina had felt affected by her words. She hadn't indicated that she had read any of the notes, but then again, Regina was a master at hiding her emotions. Except for those times when emotion got too much for her and would shine through those beautiful brown eyes. But Emma had committed to this, and oddly enough, once she had, the fear of rejection had pretty much dissipated. Emma just felt so much better after coming clean about the fact that she would like to date Regina, and if Regina eventually decided that she was not interested, Emma knew it would hurt but at least she would know and be able to move on. She was tired of dancing around the elephant in the room, and she'd really like to either own the elephant or get it the hell out of the way. Plus that kiss was definitely kick-ass, so that was one item in her favor.

Regina smoothed her skirt, well aware that appearances were everything in the political arena, especially for women. The morning's meeting and keynote had gone uneventfully, but the meet-and-greet after the keynote had been especially laborious. She enjoyed making things happen as the mayor, but setting up political connections was not her cup of tea. It reminded her a bit too much of her mother, Cora, and the pleasure she took in the political machinations she had a hand in. Regina was glad to make her escape when the conference broke for lunch; she swiftly took the elevator up to her room to freshen up. Truth be told, as she was riding the elevator, she was sorely tempted to kick off her heels and just curl up on the sofa enjoying the view until it was time to return for the 1:30 pm session. Sighing as she opened the door, she immediately spotted the fresh vase of flowers and a note propped up on it. Emma. She knew she shouldn't be so ridiculously affected by those notes but, well, she was. Opening the note, she read

Regina,

Being woken up this morning by the vision that was you led me to think about our kiss the other evening. Even if we remain just friends, the memory of that kiss is something I will always carry with me. But are you absolutely certain you wish for that kiss to be our first and also our last? It'd be quite a shame if it were.

Emma

Damn Emma Swan, Regina thought. She then realized she hadn't let Emma know if she was coming for lunch or not. She took out her phone and since she couldn't quite trust her voice not to waver, texted Emma instead.

RM: Emma?

RM: Finally done. Lunch now. I only have until 1:30.

ES: hi! yeah im at the restaurant now, its called sermets corner

ES: its right outside the hotel, hang a left when you exit

RM: Oh, it's close by. Wonderful.

ES: yeah thot u'd appreciate not havin 2 rush

ES: want a glass of merlot waiting?

RM: Oh yes, please. Wait, perhaps white would work better.

ES: ok. prolly wont be "the best glass of wine you've ever tasted" ;-) see u soon

Regina let out a light laugh at the reference to inviting Emma in for cider. Shaking her head, she headed for the elevators.

Looking around at the entrance for Emma, she spotted the blonde sitting at a table for two, people watching through a window facing the busy street. When the hostess inquired whether she would like to be seated, Regina replied, "Oh no, my... friend is right over there. Thank you." She walked over to the table where she saw her white wine waiting and slipped in her seat, startling Emma. Emma greeted her with a bright smile and a "How was your morning?" Regina picked up her wineglass and briefly clinked it against Emma's before bringing it to her lips for a long sip. "That bad, huh?" smiled Emma. "Not really. It's fine. I don't know." Regina oddly felt the urge to share how she felt about the political machinations she had to participate in and how it reminded her of her mother, and she gave into the urge. As Emma listened, she sipped her glass and after Regina ended her spiel, cut in "You are not your mother. Having to grease hands, make deals, and taking the long view of things are just part of the politic scene, and really, you only have to deal with this every once in a while. Back in Storybrooke, where it really counts, you're amazing and run the town so effectively. I also heard you were actually quite the ruler when you were Queen back in the Enchanted Forest, aside from all that vengeful activity." Regina looked at Emma after that last comment but could see no malice in her eyes. Regina sighed, "True. I suppose I'll just have to deal with it." Emma grinned, "Or suck it up." "Grin and bear it." Emma laughed. "Man up." Regina shot back, "Woman up." "Wear your big girl panties." The waitress arrived at that very moment, and Emma grinned as she knew she had won the verbal sparring match.

Regina set down her fork and said, "This was a very good salad." She had ordered the strawberries and asparagus over baby spinach with a grilled chicken breast, while Emma had ordered the usual: a cheeseburger. Regina felt seriously that cheeseburgers would be the death of that woman. Emma nodded her head, mouth still full from the truffle fries she had shoved in. After swallowing, Emma wiped her mouth and declared she had died and gone to heaven.

All too soon, Regina had to leave for her 1:30 pm session. They stood up and walked out together. Regina turned to Emma, "What will you do until dinner?" Emma shrugged, "I might wander around a bit. See if there's anything that catches my eye. Would you like to meet up again for dinner or do you think you'll be done in by then?" Regina really wasn't sure—she would love to do dinner with Emma, try a new restaurant—but she knew she would be really tired. "Let's do the same as we did for lunch, text?" "Sure. See ya." Emma lifted her hand goodbye and walked off in the other direction.

ES: hey regina im over by the waterfront

ES: i have a feeling you're not up for going out. so?

RM: Hello Emma.

RM: You would be correct in your assumption.

RM: I am really sorry, Emma. I'm just so tired.

ES: no plm like i said i was expecting that

ES: ill just drink my sorrows away

RM: Are you at a bar?

ES: yea, cool place called the griffon pub

ES: i saw another cool place nearby that i think you'd like

ES: maybe tomorrow night if your stamina lasts

RM: I'll have you know that my stamina is perfectly fine.

ES: yeah? we'll just have to see about that ;-)

RM: Get your mind out of the gutter.

ES: lolz ok ill be seeing you later, enjoy the peace and quiet

RM: That I will, Miss Swan.

Regina put down her phone and sighed. She was curled up on the sofa with a glass of wine from the mini-bar and enjoying the satiny feel of her evening robe. This was definitely what she had needed after the past few nights on the road, enjoyable though it was. She thought about Emma sitting by herself at the bar and a smidge of guilt crept in, but she knew Emma was more than capable of striking up conversation with strangers. Regina scowled as she thought of that harlot in D.C. presuming to put her hand upon Emma's and her scowl got even deeper as she realized she wouldn't know if someone was hitting on Emma that evening. The rational part of Regina told herself that she had no claim to Emma, she was free to do what she wanted. The irrational part whispered, "But, the notes. If Emma were serious she wouldn't even look at another woman." Regina's eyes swept the room to make sure she hadn't missed any notes, but truly there was nothing. Evidently Emma hadn't returned to the room since morning, which explained the lack of notes. Regina mentally gave herself a scolding for acting like a silly girl with a crush. The notes didn't mean anything. Emma would stop once she realized Regina was sticking to her resolve for them to remains friends. But do you really want to only be friends? the irrational voice whispered to her. Regina picked up her book and started reading, if only to distract herself.

Regina had drifted off to sleep on the sofa. She hadn't wanted to go to bed until Emma returned, and it was well after midnight when she was roused by strong arms lifting her and carrying her to the bed. She was tenderly lowered and she felt the covers being pulled up over her. Her reading glasses were taken off gently and the light turned off before she had a chance to fully open her eyes. She heard rustling and clothes hitting the floor, and that sound alone had her waking up a little more. The mattress dipped as Emma slid in the bed and there was a moment's pause before she sensed Emma moving closer, close enough to feel her body heat but not quite touching. Regina's senses were on full alert now and she breathed deeply, trying to decide if she should say something. Before she could do so, she felt Emma's fingers tentatively stroke her hair and she just lay there, enjoying the sensation. Finally she gave in and softly murmured, "Emma." "Shh, Regina." The fingers continued stroking as Emma continued her gentle whispering, "I'm sorry there wasn't a note for you this evening. But I'm going to tell you what I would have written." Regina felt her heart start to beat a little faster in anticipation.

"Regina. For the longest time, I've found you attractive. Even in the beginning. I thought often about taking you fast and hard, fucking you up against the wall, hiking up your skirt and plunging into you until you screamed my name. Angry sex, hate sex, whatever you want to call it. I still think about fucking you, but it wouldn't be angry nor hateful." Regina felt wetness spreading between her legs at Emma's words and drew a harsh breath. Emma continued, "But, Regina, as you started letting me in and we became friends, I found myself thinking not only about fucking you, but making love to you. I couldn't let go of thoughts of gently stroking each of your curves; finding out what makes you moan; and of kissing every inch of your body. I found myself wanting to make you feel things you'd never felt before. Making love to you, Regina, and seeing you. And, let me tell you Regina, it was fucking hard to keep that hidden." At Emma's pause, Regina felt tears pricking her eyes. She didn't know what to do, how to react. Emma's lips came closer to her ear, and she could smell the sweet tang of alcohol on Emma's breath as she exhaled. "But, Regina, what I want most of all, more than fucking or making love to you, is the ability to cherish you. It aches when I find myself wanting to walk by you with my hand on the small of your back, when some of your hair hangs loose and needs tucking back in behind your ear, just being able to rest my head on your lap on the sofa, all of those little things that everybody ignores. But not me, Regina. Those little touches are what I desire most." Silence. A kiss was then pressed upon her temple and she heard, "Goodnight, Regina."

Regina laid there, anger bubbling up suddenly. How dare Emma say all those things to her and force her to live with the knowledge of how deep Emma's feelings ran? She wanted nothing more but to rant at Emma about why she couldn't leave well enough alone. They had gotten along perfectly fine as friends! Why complicate it by bringing love into it?! Regina ground her teeth as she heard Emma's words again and again. Just as suddenly as her anger came, it withered and died a sobbing death. Regina felt tears run down her cheeks and she worked hard not to sob. She hadn't felt that important to anyone, not since Daniel, and if she were to be totally honest, her friendship with Emma was far more evolved than her relationship with Daniel. Daniel had been the future that was jerked from her grasp by her vile mother; Emma was the present and if nothing more were to come from that, it would be because she was too afraid to let it happen.

She didn't know how much time had passed, but she could not sleep. Feeling frustrated because sleep would be a blessed escape, Regina wiggled a bit and her behind came into contact with Emma's body. Freezing, she waited for a response from Emma, but there was none. Feeling a little more confident, she scooted back inch by inch until the majority of her back met warmth. Instantly Regina felt soothed and her eyes started to drift shut.

The internal alarm clock belonging to Regina never let her down; Regina jerked awake and seeing the amount of light, immediately peered at the clock on the nightstand. It read 7:30 AM. "Shit!" Regina bolted from the bed, tearing the covers off in her haste. "Whaaa?" she heard and she whirled around to look at the heavy-lidded face of Emma Swan, curls going every which way. The covers were off, revealing Emma in a tank and panties, and Regina momentarily wondered at the cheek of Emma, wearing that outfit to bed but brushed off that thought. "I'm late, Emma. I have a session at 8 am. Go back to bed." Regina rushed off to the bathroom to shower, forgetting to bring her clothes with her. She rapidly soaped off and rinsed off the conditioner after only a few seconds, and stepped out. Noticing the lack of clothes on the vanity, she cursed. She'd have to hope that Emma went back to sleep. Wrapping the bath towel around her, she strode out to where her clothes were and dropped the towel, sliding on her black lace bra and matching panties. Hearing a sound of appreciation behind her, she slowly turned around and faced a smirking, dressed Emma. "What the hell are you doing out of bed and dressed" Regina said irritably. "I thought I'd run on over to the Starbucks across the street and grab you some coffee. I am the Savior after all, and the conference might need some saving from you," Emma ended with an impish grin. Regina sighed and slid on her skirt, not missing the hungry flash in Emma's eyes before she headed for the door. "Emma?" She stopped and turned. "Thank you. I do appreciate the thought." Emma's grin returned and she said, "I'll be right back."

Regina was ready but Emma still hadn't returned. Huffing in annoyance, Regina decided to intercept Emma in the hotel lobby as she still had a few minutes before 8 am. Striding across the lobby, there was no sign of Emma, so Regina walked out of the hotel, scanning the street for the Starbucks. She spotted Emma rushing out with two coffees, and Regina, so focused on delivering a scathing remark to Emma, stepped out on the street towards Emma. She watched Emma's face contort "No!" and time slowed down to a crawl as she saw Emma drop the two coffees and leap on those long legs into a run towards her. She turned her head to the left and saw a car approaching her but as her body tensed in preparation of the hit, she was all of a sudden falling backwards and watching Emma fly, fly and fly. She heard screaming and it was a few moments before she realized that it was her screaming. Reality crashed upon her and she got to her feet as fast as she could, running towards where Emma lay in a heap. Tears ran from her eyes as the realization that Emma had purposefully put herself in harm's way to save her hit Regina, and Regina sobbed even harder at the thought that she had been about to chew Emma out. Everything turned into a blur as people held her up, spoke to her, so many words she didn't recognize, but somehow she found herself sitting in the ambulance, riding with Emma's prone body to the hospital.