Chapter 2

Regina laid in her oversized bed, attentively listening for any sounds that might alert her of her Mother's presence. She gazed out into darkness, staring blindly at the ceiling above that shimmered faintly from the dim moonlight spilling in from the open blinds. She impatiently waited for the lingering moments to pass until she could deem it safe to break out of her house and run to Robin. Robin who buzzed her only moments earlier hastily explaining that he would not be able to retrieve her, on the merits that it was far later than their original meeting time and he was too intoxicated already to maneuver a car.

Regina responded that she understood and that she would see him sometime during the weekend. After receiving no response in return, she tossed the covers aside, quickly dressed in her best "slutty" outfit, and jumped back under the covers in case her Mother heard her fussing about. Finally convinced that her Mother was none the wiser to her wicked plan, she hopped off the bed once again, carefully twisted the doorknob, and tip-toed to the top of the staircase to begin her slow descent to the foyer. She cautiously made her way to the kitchen and slid the glass doors apart wide enough to slip through. After closing them gently, she dashed around the yard and ran, heels in hand, as fast as she could, allowing the cover of darkness to shield her completely.

A block or so before arriving at her destination (not far from her home but definitely far enough to entice a few drops of sweat to form at the nape of her neck and to leave her feet (still bare so to move faster) aching, she slid on her black heels and quickly gathered herself. She strutted confidently down to the end of the block as she neared the house, exerting poise and a security that she did not entirely feel. The music slowly guided her, since it could be heard a few feet down the street, and as she moved closer, she noted the few bodies that lingered casually on the porch- some smoking cigarettes (at least she thought), others holding beer bottles and cans and drunkenly laughing at equally drunk jokes and conversations- and after not recognizing anyone in particular, she proceed to the slightly ajar door, receiving inquiring looks from them as she passed.

Upon pushing open the door, she was nearly thrown back by some stumbling idiot, beer in hand, that rushed down the stairs far too quickly and found himself losing his balance. She dodged just in time, and the stumbling idiot crashed into the person that stood right next to her, effectively spilling his beer all over the oblivious girl. Regina entered deeper into the house, swerving bystanders here and there, occasionally recognizing one or two of Robin's mates and asking them about his whereabouts. They would shrug and claim they had no clue; one spectator was bold enough to grab hold of her wrist as she whisked away in her continued search and insist on a dance, which she ignored and yanked her hand free.

After a few laps around, she decided to move to the second floor, in hopes he was enclosed in a bathroom smoking pot, which she knew he frequently did. A quick scan of the bathroom on the upstairs level proved fruitless, with the exception of an unconscious drunk uncomfortably contorted on and around the filthy bathtub, sleeping in such a serene state of bliss that Regina stared for a moment in appreciation. Groans and yelps coming from the door adjacent to the bathroom where she stood redirected her attention, and she unconsciously moved towards it, hand out in anticipation, prepared to twist the handle.

Almost immediately she wished she hadn't. She froze in place, stunned by confusion, which eventually transformed into shock as the image before her slowly materialized, much like the image on a freshly taken Polaroid photo. On the bed at the center of the room, was her so called boyfriend, unceremoniously pounding into some drunk girl. The girl's legs were wide open and wrapped around his hip, shouting encouragements in the form of curses and staggered moans. Regina allowed her eyes to drift to the tattoo plastered on Robin's left shoulder blade; a raging, upright lion embedded in a shield. Even though his face was now buried between a pair of very large, succulent breasts and hidden from her, that tattoo was his identifier. She knew it well. The girl's high-pitched moan pulled Regina out her trance and, unable to further witness his betrayal, she quietly turned and shut the door behind her. The need to hurl intensified in her gut and she pushed her way through the crowd that filled the stairway and foyer, rushing outside, relieved to find herself the sole inhabitant of the porch. She shivered. Not in reaction to the temperature, it was warm and humid. She moved towards the porch's edge and grasped the wooden railing, taking in a few deep breaths to steady herself.

She leaned forward against the railings, trying to reclaim the tears that spilled involuntarily from her eyes. The front door suddenly opened and closed behind her, urging her to swiftly remove any evidence of her evident heartbreak with the back of her hand. She sniffed and cleared her throat, acting as though she was simply stepping out for a breath of fresh air. She heard heavy, slightly unsteady, footfalls make its way towards her. Before she had a chance to turn and see who had joined her out in the porch, a pair of strong arms engulfed her at the waist in a forceful embrace from behind, and she gasped at the sudden, unexpected contact. Her hands instinctively reached down to still each arm and she felt muscular, hair covered forearms flex under her palms. Almost simultaneously, she felt a shiver course down her spine as her invader ran the tip of his nose up the length of her neck, inhaling her in deeply, pressing her hip down roughly towards his. Regina felt the growing bulge that pushed up against her ass through her dress, and tried to shift to look at it's owner, but his face was buried into the nook of her neck, tongue now darting out of unknown lips to taste her. She froze.

"Robin?" She managed to croak out. Voice laced in fear and uncertainty.

"Hmmmm, try again, gorgeous." The voice was unfamiliar to her. Heavy with lust and exceptionally deep. She tried to wiggle out of his grasp but he constricted her further with every attempt.

"Let go!" She begged.

"Relax, Gina," He replied, lips now moving across her exposed shoulder, chuckling at her futile efforts to writhe free, "We both know you want this. Robin told me you were coming tonight." His tongue licked up the path from her shoulder to her right earlobe, teeth now nibbling roughly at the soft flesh. Regina tried leaning her head into him to block his access. He responded by grabbing both her arms in one of his to free up his left hand, which he then used to wrap around her dark locks and yanked back, urging a yelp from her lips, which seemed to turn him on even more. "oh, yes, I know your type. Sluts like you like to play hard to get, walking around like you're so much better because mommy and daddy give you everything." His breath spilled out warmly against her ear. He was close enough that she could smell the vodka in his breath, and sense the anger that evoked every word from his mouth. "You came here tonight to get fucked, didn't you, princess?" He mocked her, tone pitiful. She was terrified now. Swallowing with difficulty since her head was still pulled back by his forceful grip. "Seems like Robin is a bit occupied at the moment. Upstairs screwing some blonde bimbo." He chuckled, releasing her hair and placing his hand on her leg, caressing up her exposed inner thigh, lifting the hem of her dress as his hand pushed its way up. "No worries though, I can take care of you. I can fuck you until you beg me to stop, Gina."

"You touch me and I swear I will have you put in jail!" She spoke, voice wavering and lacking harshness, revealing the fear and helplessness she felt that moment. He laughed at the meek threat and spun her around, throwing her harshly against a wooden pillar and quickly pinning her back by the throat, choking her slightly. She could see his face now through her tear-filled eyes. She didn't know his name, but it was the same guy that had only moments ago grabbed her wrist inside the house and insisted on a dance. He grinned at her, eyes darting to her lips as they parted to gasp for air.

"Please, you're hurting me!" She choked out.

"You think I'm scared of your mom, Gina? Hell, I'll probably bend that whore over her mayoral desk and fuck her unconscious after I'm through with you." His nose was touching hers now, his lips curving into a snarl. His free hand resumed its invasion, gripping her inner thigh and moving up.

"Hey, Jefferson!" Someone shouted over his shoulders, causing him to temporarily lessen his grip on her as he twisted his neck around towards the voice. Regina used the opportunity to drive her knee up as hard as she could towards the bulge in his jeans. At the same time, whoever distracted her attacker landed an iron-clad fist directly to his nose, crushing it upon impact. Regina jumped back as Jefferson doubled over in pain, unsure whether to grab his groin or his face.

Regina watched him squirm for a few seconds, tears rolling down his face as he whimpered a few garbled, half-assed apologies. A hand reached down and pulled him back to his feet by the roots of his hair, causing him to stumble and sway in place until he found his balance.

"Are you ok? Did he hurt you?" The voice, now softer and dripping with concern, addressed Regina. She finally detached her eyes away from her attacker and flicked them up to her savior, and felt her jaw slacken as she was greeted with familiar emerald eyes staring worriedly back at her.

"Regina!" Emma urged, still holding Jefferson unkindly by his hair, streams of blood gushing down from each nostril staining his white tee. "Did he hurt you!"

"No... I mean, he…. no, I'm fine." She responded. Unwillingly to be further humiliated tonight by admitting weakness.

Jefferson chuckled at the response, swallowing back a mouthful of blood. "She liked it…. Whores like her usually do."

Emma moved impossibly fast. One second, the blood covered fool was standing in a somewhat awkward manner, and in the next, he was smashed face first against the wooden floor, Emma hovering over him, landing a strategic kick to his lower rib cage, possibly breaking a few in the process.

"You worthless piece of shit!" She cursed back, kneeling by his head to ensure he heard her. "You EVER pull something like that again and I know just where to find you. You forget what I'm capable of, Jefferson? Do you need yet another reminder?"

"No…. I'm drunk...I was never gonna hurt her!" He pleaded, fear now evident.

Emma turned to Regina, eyes pleading and apologetic. As if she were to blame for the events. "Do you want to call the Sheriff? We can make sure he-"

"No. It's fine. I have to go…" And with that hasty explanation, she sped off towards the street. Picking up her pace to a close sprint until she felt far enough away to allow her emotions to surge forth and out, crumpling to the concrete sidewalk as she sobbed and gasped for air. After a moment, she collected herself and began a slow pace towards home. Walking mostly in a trance as she struggled to suppress the images that danced vividly in her mind.

Distracted in her own thoughts, Regina never heard the low purr of the motorcycle that slowed to her stride, snaking gracefully along the deserted roads next to her.

"Want a ride home?" A familiar voice asked after a long moment. Regina didn't have to look to know it was the same blonde. "I know where the Mayor lives, it's not a short walk from here."

"No, thanks. I'm fine." Without ever glancing in her direction, Regina wrapped her arms tighter around her chest and walked faster. She heard the bike behind her shut off and footsteps rush after her, and still she didn't dare slow nor turn to face the persistent girl.

"Hey, wait...You keep saying that but I know you're not fine." Emma caught up to Regina and placed a light hand against her elbow to yield the woman to a stop. When she felt Regina pull away from her touch she stuffed her hands in her back pockets and walked by her for a few blocks, humming to herself as she trudged along.

"Will you shut up!" After a few moments of the agonizing sound, Regina snapped. "Why the hell are you following me anyway! I don't recall asking you to!" Her anger surprised her, and she willed herself to calm down.

"Just, you know, making sure you get home ok." Emma shrugged innocently, her eyes darting to her feet as she spoke. Her reaction broke down Regina's resolve and she halted. Turning to face the blonde in front of her, who was still aiming her gaze at the ground. She was a completely different person from the one she met a few hours ago at the station, Regina realized.

Whereas her hair flowed freely and wild earlier, now it was pulled back in a tight ponytail, which was slung over a shoulder. Her outfit, although dark and serious like the earlier one, was snug to her body, revealing curves that were unjustly hidden by the loose, cloak-like hoodie and sweats she had on during their first encounter. She wore a tight, black leather jacket, zipped up to the base of her throat, and tight black skinny jeans. Her feet were covered in black leather boots with metal spikes jutting out of the heels. The look was exquisite. The dark eye makeup, with the dark outfit, contrasted perfectly against her golden hair and vivid eyes, made her look fierce yet beautiful. Frightening yet angelic almost.

Regina analyzed the blonde who now seemed shy and unsure of herself. Yet the Emma she met earlier was daunting and fearless. She was bold, as she recalled. Regina re-imagined the smirk she received from those thin, yet tempting pink lips at the station. The look the blonde had graced her with made her shiver, contemplating what hidden promises were held in that gaze. She swallowed harder than she intended to.

"Thank you, but really, I'm ok." Regina felt the need to say, her voice now soft and grateful. "I just really want to get home before my mom realizes I'm gone."

"Oh yea, I don't blame ya. She seems kinda tough, huh." Emma chuckled and perked up at Regina's sudden inviting mood, giving her a full-teethed, crooked smile. "Is it alright if I walk with you? It would just make me feel loads better if I knew you got home alright."

"What about your bike? You just planning on leaving it here?" Regina inquired, looking back towards the direction of the motorcycle, pointing with her chin.

"Better the bike be left unprotected than you." Emma mumbled, shyly. "It's alright, no one will try to take it, they know better." She grinned, and motioned forward to get them moving again.

Reluctantly, Regina followed.

"So… wanna tell me why you were at that house party alone?" Emma asked, rubbing her arm awkwardly, glancing towards Regina in expectation. "Isn't that like, girl code rule number one or somethin'? Never go alone."

"First of all, that rule is for using the ladies room while in a public place." Regina replied, tone suddenly superior and firm, "And secondly, I wasn't alone. My...boyfriend was there. He was just distracted the moment all of that went down."

"Robin, right?" Emma blurted out, feeling more relaxed now. "Your boyfriend?"

"How do you know?" Regina, wide-eyed and suspicious, turned to look at the blonde.

"He basically announced it to everyone. I was at the party while he was getting shit-faced. Blabbing about some hot chick he was waiting to go pick up," Emma admitted, reluctant to confess but feeling the need to continue, "Something about finally getting to...um, well, fuck her. I had no idea he was talking about you until you showed up tonight." Her eyes dipped low at seeing Regina's bewildered expression. She saw hurt, anger, and an array of other emotions cross the chestnut eyes that she had so quickly become fond of and had to force herself to look away to give the clearly damaged girl a moment to gather herself at the revelation.

"I'm sorry… For all it's worth, he's a player and a douche-bag." Emma whispered, still not looking at Regina. "Trust me, you don't want to lose your V-card to the likes of him. He's a pig." They had stopped walking altogether. She heard Regina inhale sharply, clear her throat, and saw her adjust her posture through the corner of her eyes.

"I see…. well, glad to know everyone is now aware of my business." She couldn't suppress the hurt and poison that coated her tone. She wanted to swallow the growing lump lodged in the back of her throat, but her mouth was dry, void of all moisture. Her eyes, glistening and burning, fought the tears off. Not now! She began moving again, as a distraction, as a way to give herself something to do.

"Regina…" Emma began, "Look, you're not missing out on anything, I swear it. He may be hot, but he's a dick. You don't want that."

"Oh, no?" Regina snapped, pausing to look at Emma. "And you know me, what, for a few minutes now and you're suddenly an expert on what I do and do not want!? Well, Emma, since you know me so damn well, you probably know that I'm 17 years old and still a virgin because every guy I have the slightest interest in is scared shitless to go past second-base because of my overly anal Mother! I am probably the only girl in my whole class without any stories to share, no fantasies to divulge in because, well, I have never had any! And yea, maybe he's a jerk, and a player, and maybe I already knew that but I don't give a damn! Because at least he was willing to give me a moment of...I don't know! So, yes, I'm desperate, and needy, and sick of always doing the right thing! Of being a perfect daughter. I just wanted a chance, a moment, to get lost and break every damn rule!" She finished, and inhaled, breathless from her rant. She didn't know whether to punch herself for her heartfelt confession to this stranger she met only a few hours ago, or whether she should hug herself for accepting this self-revelation. Emma, quiet and patiently waiting for Regina to make the next move, observed the brunette as she struggled with this inner battle. Although taken aback by the confession, she was equally intrigued by the passion exuded by the fiery woman. It would be false to state that Regina was confused and unsure of what she wanted. To Emma, Regina's wants and needs were crystal clear. A snicker escaped her lips at the thought of this perplexing yet stunning brunette yearning for a vibrant sex life. It didn't make sense to her. Emma was not one to be easily enthralled. Yet she couldn't help but feel incredibly bewitched by this petite, mysterious figure in front of her. The woman was a cross between a vixen, a siren, and a goddess. She was simply irresistible.

The unexpected giggle lured Regina back to the present and she scoffed at Emma, turning and walking briskly away.

"Wait, no, that-I wasn't laughing at you!" Emma followed, apologizing. "Look, you're…. sexy as hell, Regina! Any guy would be lucky to have you…. I mean that."

Regina slowed her pace, clutching her sides firmly. Emma observed the faint trace of Goosebumps sheath the brunette's exposed arms and shoulders. She let her eyes quickly observe the rest of her as well. Regina's choice of outfit was not one bit subtle in intention. The form fitting, tight black dress adorning her curvaceous form exposed more than just her luscious breasts and enticing ass. It screamed I want to be fucked, clearly a statement for piece-of-shit-Robin. Emma's pace faltered and slowed at an attempt to get a better view of the back of Regina's dress and behind...drooling at how her ass jiggled deliciously with every step.

"What?"

"Huh?"

"What are you staring at?"

"Oh...nothin'." Emma blushed. "Here, take this." She unzipped her jacket and handed it to Regina, who was clearly shivering at the sudden drop in temperature. She took it more than willingly. Emma smiled.

"Thanks." Regina mumbled. The black tank Emma wore underneath the jacket was not lost to Regina's curious gaze.

They walked mostly in silent the rest of the way. Emma would make silly comments here and there, earning a snarky remark from Regina in return, which would cause Emma to laugh or pout.

When they finally reached their destination, Regina paused, analyzing the windows to make sure no lights were on.

"I better go." She finally said to Emma, turning to give the blonde a thankful smile.

Before the brunette was out of her reach for good, and possibly forever, Emma reached out and grabbed her wrist, twirling her around to face her. She pulled out the black eyeliner she carried in her back pocket and grasped Regina's hand in hers, smoothing out her palm.

"Don't feel pressured to use this in any way," Emma spoke softly, scribbling gently onto the woman's palm, eyes focused on her writing, "But if you ever want to talk, or hang, or…. simply need someone to go beyond second-base with," Emma smirked up at her with this last comment, intention successfully transmitted upon noting the blush that crept onto Regina's cheeks, "You now know where to reach me." She leaned down and placed a chaste kiss on the woman's palm, right above where her digits were now displayed. She looked up at Regina, winking in her cute and charming way that she usually did when picking up women, and presented her with her best, award-winning smile. She then turned on her heels and left a stunned Regina still planted in place.

It took a minute for Regina to regain her senses. She would be lying if she said that burst of confidence from Emma hadn't been sexy. She shook off the thought and approached her house in extreme stealth mode. Once safely back in her room, she exhaled, and sunk into her bed. She jolted up a moment later and reached for her phone, adding the new contact to her phone's directory. Just in case, she thought. She stood and began to strip. Suddenly realizing that the blonde's jacket was still enveloped snugly about her. She carefully removed it. After a minute of just holding the fabric in her hands, fingers caressing the details on the material, she folded it carefully and stuffed it into her pillow. She realized the act was borderline creepy but she didn't care. She didn't want to go to sleep alone tonight.