The conclusion of the school year in mid-May symbolized liberation and the promise of a scalding two-month break ahead, as well as a finalization to Regina's dull and uneventful Junior year. Now officially a Senior, she felt a stinging pressure clench her heart at the thought; the realization that she had a single Summer and one more school year to redeem herself from her shortfalls. She wasn't off to a promising start. After the embarrassing bout at the arcade, Regina avoided Robins' relentless pleas and serenades. She gained another suitor after that night, August, who similarly tried to woo her in annoying, ineffective ways. She wasn't impressed with any of it. To make matters more irritable Regina, under pressure from her Mother who seemed intent on keeping her fully occupied for the next two months, agreed to volunteer at the local library for a few hours a day, reading to small children and organizing returned books. She wasn't excited by the idea, nor was she ignorant to her Mother's true desires, to better monitor her and keep her compliant and well-behaved until she was re-elected to office. Yet she couldn't help but feel slightly relieved in knowing that for a few hours every day, she would be out of her Mother's reach.
Regina lied about the amount of time she planned to dedicate at the library, filling in the extra time with a part-time job she secured at the stables on the outskirts of town. Daniel, the owner, needed an extra pair of hands with the horses and Regina jumped at the opportunity. She was passionate about animals and especially loved horses, and the extra pocket cash was a huge plus. It wouldn't be a lot of money, but enough to secretly spend it the way she wanted it, free from Cora's control.
So after waving goodbye to Kathryn on their last, most anticipated day of school, she hopped on her bike and pedaled ferociously towards the stables, weaving through pedestrians and zigzagging through traffic, arriving at record time. Daniel was alone, having finished with the last lesson for the day, and was taking one of the steeds for a casual run. Regina carelessly dropped her bike upon reaching the wooden gate and rushed up to the stables, stripping off her school sweater as she ran to not waste any precious time. Truth is, she couldn't be more excited about this little arrangement. She loved horses. She took lessons, with Daniel himself, as a young child. She still clearly recalls the vivid memories of those moments, when her father would drive her up to the stables every Saturday morning for a full day of horseback riding. He would join her every now and then, racing alongside her with a slower steed so to let her win, but would often spend most of the time merely watching; observing her with adoring eyes from a distance, occasionally shouting praise or gentle criticism. She was her happiest then. During those simple, yet significant moments, spent with the person she loved most. That was a decade ago. Yet the stables looked and felt the same, Daniel aged but nothing too dramatic. Yet she was different. She had changed. Since her father's sudden death, Regina had not had the courage to return. Today was monumental in that maybe, just maybe, she could create new memories. She hoped part of her childhood, and her happiness, could still be salvageable. So she ran.
"Daniel! Dan- which should I take!" Regina shouted as she rushed up the hill to the stable, waving in Daniel's direction to get his attention. It worked.
"Hey, you! Go on in there and grab whichever!" He shouted back, delighted to see her after so long. He would occasionally bump into her in town, but their conversation was proper and distant to keep Cora at bay. Regina would forever remain his favorite student, a natural, and although he was a little reluctant to agree to her terms at first, he couldn't turn her down. Even though she had grown into a beautiful young woman, Daniel still saw so much of that kindred spirit in her that she so proudly and fearlessly exhibited as a child.
A few moments later, he watched as Regina, now changed into proper riding attire, steered the prized, most beloved black stallion out of the stables in his direction. Rocinante was the horse Regina first learned to ride on, and they quickly developed a special bond. Daniel had no doubts that he would be her choice today, yet watching her atop him, riding in such elegance and poise, and Rocinante, the usually feisty steed, calmly obeying every command baffled him. It's as if ten years had never passed between them.
"I'd say to take it easy on your first day back, but I don't think that will be necessary." Daniel chimed as Regina and Rocinante finally reached him. He beamed in her direction, unable to refrain from feeling immensely proud at her decision to return. "He's missed you, you know. I don't think he ever met his soul mate after you left."
"He remembered me." Regina spoke, disbelief and emotion lacing her words. She ran her hand caressingly up and down the long, strong neck of the beast below her. He immediately stilled under her touch. "I thought he wouldn't, after all this time…"
"Yea, well, you're a hard person to forget, Gigi." He winked and grinned at her, referring to the nickname she had long forgotten, from an era long past. "Just don't do it again. I don't think that old fella can handle another heartbreak." Regina frowned at the thought. Guilt and shame washing through her at the realization that she had abandoned her only friend many years ago. Yet here he was, alive but frail, old age slowly consuming him, but nonetheless more than willing to forgive her. Probably forgave her long ago even, but she was far too weak to come acknowledge it and return him the same courtesy. A tear slowly crept down her cheek and she winced.
"Hey, brat, stop it. No time for that. We got ten years worth of riding to do." And just like that, her smile returned. Daniel was incredible, almost like a second father or uncle to her, and Regina wondered how she could have ever pushed him away. Taking his advice, she grabbed hold of the reins, leaned forward to kiss Rocinante in between his ears, and gently drove her heels into his side, urging him forward.
In that moment, she knew better than to believe the false assumption that everything remained the same. That change, although evident all around her, had spared this place, leaving this spot whole and unscathed. The way Roci's steps faltered below her, the way Daniel's hair once golden now streaked in grey bounced limpidly against the wind, and how she herself felt heavier, more cumbersome atop the horse, quickly dismissed that notion. Everything was different. Time is true in that it does not discriminate; it touches everyone and everything. But it wasn't necessarily bad, she thought. No, just…different. She smiled. Her Summer ahead no longer appearing so bleak.
"I'm home!" Regina shouted to no one in particular upon arriving home. Her voice echoed through the deserted halls of the mansion, so after receiving no response in return, she moved to the kitchen and began rummaging through the fridge for a snack.
"Where were you." Regina jumped, startled at the frigid voice coming from behind her, not having heard Cora approach.
"At the library, Mother, we discussed this earlier this week." She replied just as coldly, not turning to look at the clearly pissed woman. "I'm volunteering there, remember? Per your request."
"I'm simply trying to help you, Regina, so maybe you ought to change that tone with me, young lady." Cora deflected, in a much harsher tone. "Always ungrateful. Even after all I do for you, have done for you, you still act like an insolent brat."
Regina smiled, still facing the fridge. Arguments like this no longer phased her in the slightest. Heck, she was actually starting to enjoy it. It would eventually lead to Cora ignoring her, giving her the silent treatment and such, and she couldn't be happier to be on the receiving end of that.
"Foolish…. just like your father." Regina froze. She slowly turned, wide-eyed and utterly shocked. This was a new low, even for Cora. "Look how far that got him."
"Shut up, you evil bitch!" She was seeing red, and Cora was dead-center in the middle of it all. Regina felt the ground spin below her, and she thought she was entering a vortex directly to hell, because suddenly she felt ten degrees hotter. "Don't you ever speak of dad, EVER AGAIN! You have NO FUCKING RIGHT, how FUCKING DARE YOU!"
"HOW DARE Y- "
"SHUT UP!" She screamed, nostrils flaring, eyes bulging out in anger. She could feel the heat radiating off her skin. Her mouth was dry and tongue suddenly bold; she held nothing back. "You have no right-NONE! H-he was good, and kind, and honest! He LOVED you once but you were too arrogant to see it! I know you think you were too good for him, superior to him in every way, but you're dead, fucking wrong." She spat, eyes unblinkingly zoned into Cora's almond ones. "Truth is, Mother, he was too good for you."
Regina never witnessed Cora express any sentiment or reaction other than aloofness and disgust, yet she was seeing a rainbow of responses suddenly course through the stricken face. Anger, disbelief, hatred, anger again, all jumbled together and fighting for dominance.
"There hasn't been a single day since, that I don't wish that he was still here…" Regina blurted out, now emotional at the thought. "And I wish, Mother, desperately wish, that it was YOU in his place!" Pain. The emotion she saw in Cora's face. It was foreign to her. She never thought her Mother's face was capable of twisting in such manner. Brows rose in a plea, eyes suddenly glistening, mouth parting as a shocked breath escaped, bottom lip lightly trembling. It was raw and beautiful. She was captivated by it. And then it was gone, replaced by anger again. No, wait…. rage. Rage and…hatred?
"Get. OUT!" It wasn't a scream. It was more of a whisper. But the weight behind it unhinged Regina. She stiffened. "NOW!"
"Where….no, mom, I-I did- "
"Just….go." Surrender. The reaction winning over Cora now. Another new one. The most powerful yet. Cora didn't wait for Regina's response. She turned and left, slamming the upstairs bedroom door closed. Regina stood, numb and grounded, legs disobeying her every command. After a moment of deliberation, she grabbed her phone and schoolbag, and headed out the front door, walking with intent in no particular direction.
She was angry. Steaming, really. No one, not even her own Mother, would ever be permitted to talk so lewdly about her father. No-fucking-one! She mindlessly dialed Kathryn's number, but hung up immediately, remembering that her one and only friend was on her way to Tallahassee with her parents to spend a good portion of their summer vacation. She sighed, feeling agitated and slightly panicked, upon the realization that she had no one else to contact.
Hungry and in need of a location to settle into while she thought up of a solution to her current problem, she altered courses in direction of Granny's Diner. Once inside, Regina paused at the counter, ordered a burger with fries and a chocolate milkshake, and plopped down on the far, corner booth near the jukebox. It hit her then. She was currently homeless, moneyless, and friendless. She had one of her Mother's cards, to use for emergency situations only, but she rarely ever did. She hated giving her Mother any reason to further investigate her. She was impeccably awesome at saving up money, so she had enough for meals, but not enough to rent out a room. Also, she didn't want to instigate a town uproar. She was sure that a 17-year-old renting out a room was sure to spark rumors amidst the small town's citizens, especially if that teenager was the daughter of said town's Mayor. So she moved that idea into the trash bin.
After gouging down her food- the afternoon's colorful events build up a bigger appetite in her than she originally gauged- she began considering alternative options. Really, any option would suffice at the moment. Scrolling through her contacts, she cringed at the sight of so few names and numbers saved under her contacts. She made a mental note to change that in the upcoming year. She was once again bordering the thought of just renting out a room at Granny's with the credit card, as she was becoming increasingly more exhausted and frustrated, when a too familiar name stood out from all the others. Emma Swan. Her thumb hovered closely above the name, tempted to press it. Goddamn it, Regina cursed to herself. She really, really didn't want to. No, that's a big fat lie. She actually really, really, really wanted to, but couldn't. wouldn't.
"Gigi, want anything else? Last call for grub before the kitchen closes, kid." Granny called out to her from behind the counter. What is up with the nickname revival, Regina thought, having heard the name twice in a day. Regina looked up and realized she was the diner's only patron. It would be closing in an hour. Fuck. She had no choice.
"No, thanks, Gran. I'm all set!" She smiled back. Without hesitation this time, she pressed Emma's name on her phone screen, and typed her a long, detailed message. She read it over three times, judging its length and intent, making sure nothing more than the minimum amount of information was being revealed.
Hey Emma, It's Regina.You gave me your number after the party the other day. Anyway, I apologize for the late, and random, message. This is gonna sound kinda weird, and I'm sorry in advance, but I'm currently locked out of my house (Mom left for the weekend on a business trip)and I misplaced my spare key. Bottom line is, I have no place to stay for the night. I was wondering if you know of a place…or something. Again, sorry, and no pressure! Thanks.
Regina
Send.
She was nervous. She was flat-out, agonizingly nervous. She regretted sending the message instantly; half-wishing she could retrieve it. Yet the other half remained dangerously hopeful.
Her phone pinged.
Where are you?
ES
Heart suddenly palpitating faster; hands sweating at the sight before her. She grinned widely at her device, watching her eyes sparkle triumphantly at her reflection on the fading screen.
Granny's Diner. They close in an hour. I can maybe meet you somewhere?
Send.
Waiting. Not as anxious but still pretty damn nervous.
No, stay there. I'll be there in 15.
ES
She was grinning now. Her wicked, childish grin.
Got it. Thank you.
Waiting again. Anxiety fully abated.
No probs. Hey, can you order me a grilled cheese? I'll pay you back once I get there. I'm starved! (Smiley face emoji).
Regina smiles at the random, impulsive request. It's quite cute, she thinks.
"Hey, Gran, got time for a quick grilled cheese?" Regina shouts, watching as Granny steps out of the kitchen to give her a look of pure terror and fury. "Pretty, please?" She pouts, purposely quivering her lower lip in Granny's direction.
"Only for you, kid." Granny sighed and retreated to the kitchen. She has Regina's order ready in less than five minutes. "I don't know what kinda pickle you're in, but I threw in an extra sandwich in there, on the house." She smiled and handed Regina the brown paper bag. "Just…take care. I'm here if you need anything, alright?"
"Thanks, Gran. I'm fine, really." Regina smiled back and gratefully accepted the sandwiches. She waved goodbye and stepped out of the diner, walking to the corner of the block. She didn't want Granny's curious gaze on her when Emma pulled up.
Ten minutes later the purr of the motorcycle became more audible as it curved around the opposing corner, slowing to a crawl as it approached Regina. She watched attentively as Emma placed a leathered foot on the ground, supporting herself and the bike, inches away from her and removed her helmet. She held it under her left arm, placing her free hand on her thigh as she leaned forward towards the stunning, tired-looking brunette.
"You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd be asking how much right now." Emma smirked provocatively, eyes roaming over Regina's body hungrily.
"Wha-wait, why..." Regina gasped. Nighttime. Alone. Standing on a street corner. "Seriously!? I get you your dumb grilled cheese and THAT'S how you thank me!?"
Emma laughed at the brunette's feisty reaction. She absolutely loved how easily irate she could become. "Relax, it was meant as a compliment." Emma apologized, feeling unashamedly amused. "And thank you. You. Are. Awesome. My tummy thanks you too!"
She lifted herself from her bike and opened up the seat latch. She removed a second helmet from it, placed the sandwiches in the now empty compartment, and motioned Regina to come forward. She hesitated, but obeyed nonetheless.
"Ever been on a motorcycle before?" Emma asked, attention on worried brown eyes as she gently slid the helmet over silky, black hair. She adjusted the straps, checked to make sure it was tightly secure, and smiled down at the smaller woman in front of her.
"No, never." Regina admitted and gulped. Suddenly nervous at the thought of riding off into darkness, with a semi-stranger, to god-knows where, on this two-wheeled deathtrap.
"It's not so bad. I'll go slow, I promise." Emma grabbed Regina's stiff hand and guided her to her seat. She swung her own leg over the bike first, sliding up the leathered cushion to give Regina space to do the same. "Just straddle it. Step there and swing your left leg over." She explained. Regina placed a hand on Emma's shoulder and did as instructed. She was wearing her school uniform, so the skirt did little to cover her once her legs parted. Emma kept her gaze ahead. "Wrap your arms around my waist and just hang on to me." Emma spoke, voice coming in slightly muffled as she slid her own helmet on. Regina did. Her body was now flush against Emma's, holding a little too tightly to the slim, toned waist in front of her. Her thighs clenched around Emma's, distracting the blonde and causing her to push a little too hard from the ground, causing the bike to become unsteady. Emma quickly adjusted, purred the bike back to life, and slowly inched forward. "Relax, cutie. No need to tense. I won't let you fall." Emma tried to calm Regina, and she felt it work as the delicious thighs wrapped around her slowly relaxed and pulled away, making Emma wish she had kept her mouth shut. She rode her bike way slower than she usually would, giving Regina ample time to get used to it. She finally parked in front of a recently built, ten stories brick building.
"We're here." Emma said, looking over her should at Regina, who still remained attached to her. "you ok?"
"You live here!?" Regina asked, the hint of surprise and confusion lingering in her tone.
"Err, yea, I do." Emma replied. Regina knew the building well. Her friend Kathryn lived here with her parents. The condos were not only enormous, but fully furnished, with the most modern technologies and furniture out in the market. They were also not cheap to rent. Regina was baffled. "You coming down?" She realized Emma was no longer in front of her but had already moved off the bike and stood questioningly next to Regina, helmet dangling from her hand.
"Yea, um, sorry." Regina mirrored Emma's actions, and swung off the parked bike. She removed her helmet and placed it back in its compartment as Emma removed the bag with the grilled cheeses. She then followed the blonde past the concierge, who greeted them both warmly, and stepped quietly into the elevator Emma summoned.
"So, got locked out of the house, eh?" Emma asked as the elevator doors shut and it began its slow ascend. Her tone bordering disbelief.
"Yea, it's a long story. But that's the plot of it." Regina offered back, also pitching Emma a shy smile. "Thanks, by the way, for picking me up. And letting me stay here for the night. I promise I'll find some way to make it up to you."
"Oh, is that so? I have a few scenarios in mind that might accomplish that." Emma smirked mischievously at her, causing the brunette to tingle internally in very inappropriate places. "But no worries, like I said, it's no problem. The grilled cheese and seeing you needy and desperate is enough reward as is."
Regina was ready to fire back when the elevator halted and parted its doors. She followed Emma to the end of the hall, where the blonde pulled a key from her jeans pocket and slipped it into the lock. The condo was well-lit and lively. Voices were heard seeping out of a 60" TV that hung proudly on the adjacent wall. Regina wasn't sure what she expected, but this fancy, slick-clean apartment was definitely not it. This blonde was just full of surprises, Regina thought, smile forming on glossy lips.
"Welcome to my humble abode, Miss Mills. Mi casa es su casa. So feel free. To anything. I mean it." Emma tossed the helmet and her jacket on the couch and went to the kitchen, ready to devour the sandwiches.
"Thanks. You have a lovely home, Emma. Very impressive." Regina spoke, still observing every detail of the spacious apartment, a look of awe plastered on her face.
"Were you expecting a dungeon or something? Maybe a cave?" Emma replied, taking a mouthful of the grilled cheese in the process. "Hey, there are TWO grilled cheeses in here!"
"Oh, yea, Gran threw in an extra one. Free of charge."
"Well then, haul your sweet ass over here, Mills. This one is yours." Emma said excitedly, eyes fixed on Regina as she took in her surroundings.
"No, I'm fine. I ate before you picked me up. Go for it."
"Nope. Nah-uh, come here and help me, woman." She persisted, so Regina obliged.
"Wine? Beer? Soda? Capri Sun?" Emma asked over her shoulder as she analyzed the fridge for beverage options.
"Water, please."
They ate quickly. Emma finished first and spent the time after watching Regina slowly eat her sandwich. She couldn't help but be intrigued at how careful the woman took every bite, gently chewing.
"So, you live here. Alone? I thought you were a foster kid. Aren't you supposed to be living with a family or something?"
"Supposed to, yes. But they don't really enforce rules like that. Especially when they have kids of their own and space is limited. So I got a job and moved out as soon as I could." Emma replied, very matter-of-fact. "And no I don't live alone, I have a roommate. I don't think I could afford this place otherwise."
"Still, it's... really nice. What do you do?" Regina asked, seriously curious.
"IT stuff. Taught myself everything I could about computers and software systems. Work freelance most time, which allows me to make my own schedule. It's pretty cool really." Emma replied, she was leaning on the kitchen island across from Regina, still observing the beautiful figure in front of her. "You seem surprised?" She chuckled, lifting a brow in Regina's direction.
"Yes well, it's not everyday one meets a thief stealing her bicycle only to sell it for scraps on the streets, to later find said thief living lavishly in one of the towns newest, most upscale condos. Surprised indeed, Miss Swan."
"Fair point. And to be absolutely honest, the money wasn't for me. It was for a friend. In need. I saw the bike and thought I could make a quick buck out of it." Emma admitted bluntly, no shame nor regret being expressed. "But my apologies. I guess that makes us even now."
"Even? How so?" Regina questioned, truly baffled.
"Well, you still got my favorite jacket." She smiled broadly, mocking her.
"Oh! Um, no, I just haven't seen you. Trust me, I never planned on keeping that hideous thing."
"Ah, ever the charmer." Emma responded wittingly.
"So," Regina started after a brief silence "do have a habit of kissing random girls in arcades or was that your girlfriend you were groping out in public that night?" Regina blurted out. The thought had been slowly simmering inside her and she needed to know. Her eyes remained pinned on the blonde, firm and unwavering.
"Um, well, a little of both I guess." She responded, a little shy and a little ashamed. Regina picked up on the hidden I'm-a-player vibe.
"Ah, you're one of those." She acknowledged with a smile, covering up the jealousy still very much intact within her. "You did seem the type. Can't say I'm surprised."
"Well, for someone who gets off on watching guys brawl over her, you sure are being a tad judgmental right now." Emma responded in a playful tone, a single brow raising at the brunette. "Seems like the poor bastards usually leave your presence bloody or arrested. Likewise, I can't say I'm surprised. But no, Belle is not my girlfriend since you're dying to know. We're just-"
"Fuck buddies?" Regina cut in, lips curling up suggestively.
"Yea, something like that." Emma blushed profoundly, causing Regina's smirk to expand even more.
The loft door opened then, and a dark haired, light-eyed, fair skinned Greek God strutted through, shouting for Emma but pausing the moment his eyes met Regina's.
"Oh, hey there love." He said to the brunette. "Sorry for the yelling, didn't think we'd have visitors." He finished the sentence with a subtle smirk in Emma's way, a look of sheer approval being transmitted to his friend. "Pleasure, love. I'm Killian. Most people call me K, or Jones." He smiled at her, revealing perfect, pearly teeth. Instead of accepting the brunettes' outstretched hand in introduction, he opted for a kiss on the cheek, causing the invaded flesh to become a few shades of red instantly.
"Regina. Pleasure to meet you too." She managed to reply. Regina immediately recognized said Greek God. It was the same guy shooting pool with Emma at the Arcade earlier in the week. He was absolutely stunning. Especially now, while wearing basketball shorts and a long, sleeveless shirt slit from shoulder to hip on both sides, giving her wandering eyes access to very muscular, toned arms and torso.
"Regina will be staying with us for a few days, K. She's managed to lock herself out of her house."
"Aye? Well, sorry to hear love, how unfortunate." K replied. "You're more than welcome here. For as long as necessary." He smiled and crossed past the kitchen to what must be his bedroom. Her eyes followed after him.
"You alright there?" Emma snapped a finger in her direction. "Thirsty much?" She chuckled.
"Oh, no, I'm fine. Not thirsty, thank you though." Emma burst out laughing. Regina was confused. She looked at Emma quizzically, waiting for an explanation for her sudden outburst.
"Alright, princess, lets get you to bed. You look like you need to catch some z's." Emma moved around the island, grabbed Regina's hand without ever wondering if it made the brunette uncomfortable, and led her to her room, which happened to be the master suite. "Under the bathroom sink you'll find everything you need. Razors, soap, extra toothbrushes and toothpaste, feminine products and such, and… a few more things, so careful when you start digging under there. You've been warned." Regina semi-listened as she looked about the room. It was beyond…normal? In all honesty, she was expecting some sort of gloomy, Goth-like chamber, to match Emma's peculiar taste in attire and strange personality. Yet the room was quite cozy and inviting. The colossal king-sized bed was placed strategically in the center of the room, surrounded by dark, wooden furniture and a dark rug that contrasted in perfect balance against the white linen hanging from the windows and engulfing the mattress. She had a massive glass desk taking up nearly two walls of her room, supporting three monitors and a variety of tools and software programs scattered across it. The decoration in the room was kept at a minimum, except for the beautiful, large painting posted above the bed frame. She moved closer, absorbing every detail and shade of color. It was of a black horse, standing in all its glory, left front leg half lifted, mane blowing sideways from traveling winds. The horse looked away from Regina. Staring towards far away hills in the distance, where a golden globe appeared to be making its descent beyond the purple-shaded hills yonder. A stream flowed in front of the black steed, glistening vividly against the fading light. It was stunning.
"Err-Regina?" Emma called somewhere behind her. Regina had no clue how or when, but she was perched on Emma's bed, gripping the back frame as to better look at the mesmerizing painting above it.
"This is…. beautiful. Emma, did you paint this?" She asked, turning to the blonde. She somehow already knew the answer to her question, but she needed confirmation.
"Yea, long time ago. And well, thanks! You're the first one to have such a strong reaction to it." She admitted shyly. Rubbing the back of her neck with her left hand. Her right hand was currently occupied, holding on to a few pieces of clothing Regina assumed to be her sleeping wear for the night. "Is there anything else you need? I think I have everything covered, but I could be missing something…"
"No, Emma, everything is perfect, thank you." She slid off the bed and walked towards the blonde, confidence and forwardness suddenly gone from the usually playful eyes.
"Sure thing, yea. I'll be out in the living room while you shower and stuff. feel free to…anything." If Regina was baffled by Emma before, she was beyond astounded now. There were so many hidden layers to this, once thought to be easy to read, blonde she just recently met. It captivated her to dangerous extremes; depths Regina was slowly becoming more willing to explore. She wasn't sure what it was about Emma, and even more perplexed at the feelings this woman instigated in her, it frightened her yes, and to neglect that truth would be foolish. Yet it also lured her in. She was hooked. She wasn't sure what of, but she wanted more.
She shook off the alien sentiment and proceeded to the shower.
"So… you planning on tapping that, Swan? Should I pull out the earplugs for the debauchery about to unfold?" Killian mused, taking a seat next to Emma on the couch, handing her a cold beer. "Impeccable taste, by the way. Please pass her over once you're through with her." He grinned at her, receiving a glare in return from the blonde he was so very fond of.
"Shut it, asshole. It's not like that. She needed a place to stay, I offered it. Simple as that."
"Nothing is ever simple with you, love. Plus, how could you just allow such a fine piece of ass to walk around untouched? Not your style, Swan."
"Stop." Emma warned. "She's not that, alright. She's, I- she's a friend and I don't see her that way. So drop it." He watched her in silent. He was joking of course, in their usual way, yet this reaction was new. Emma was usually one to vulgarly subjugate women with him, it was their thing. He smiled to himself, bringing his beer to his lips to cover up the lingering smirk. Emma is smitten. Well, how about that.
Regina walked back into the empty room utterly ruffled. In her quest to find the toothbrush Emma had mentioned, she came across a rather odd item that drew her attention. Upon unwrapping it from a wad of plastic bags, she dropped the item onto the floor, greedily eyeing the lengthy, realistic looking shaft protruding from a metal ring, which was attached to a black harness. She gulped. Something stirring within her. Regina might have been a virgin still, and somewhat innocent to many things, but she was not a prude in any sense of the word. She knew exactly what her eyes now greedily scanned, suddenly causing her mouth to salivate at the thoughts dancing in her mind. She placed the item back in place. Emma had given her a large, grey t-shirt, a pair of new, white boy-shorts and a pair of sweats. Feeling hot and bothered, she skipped the undies and sweats, using only the t-shirt to cover her nakedness beneath. She smirked, ruffling her damp hair and letting it fall wildly about her shoulders.
Well... Game on.