Thanks for the reviews! I am attempting to create a little more plot with this chapter, but don't worry, things will heat up again soon!
Emma and Regina continued their arrangement, as the Mayor liked to call it. After Emma's confession in the car at Granny's diner followed by a night of earth-shattering make-up sex, the two women felt a difference in their relationship. They talked more than they ever had before, about Henry, the town, their jobs and what ever seemed important that day.
Regina was more affectionate and attentive, allowing Emma to caress her and snuggle up to her for longer moments after they made love; and yes, somehow their physical encounters had graduated from hasty, indulgent fucking to something more tender and meaningful. Their was a deeper level of understanding in their relationship and both women felt it without needing to express it in words.
There was a softening in Regina's features every time she looked at Emma, and sometimes when they would 'accidentally' run into each other around town, the Mayor would catch herself staring at Emma's ever-increasing beauty. It seemed the more time she spent with the Deputy, the more the Mayor appreciated how her hair moved in the wind around her shoulders, or how her pink lips arched into perfect smiles and adorable frowns depending on her mood.
There was no denying Emma had a killer figure, and Regina felt a surge of pride whenever she compared the blonde to any of the other 'beauties' in town. To the Mayor, no-one could hold a candle to the striking and incredible form that was Emma Swan.
But of course these feelings went unsaid, the words catching in her throat every time her pride overwhelmed her desire to be honest. It was not in the Mayor's nature to expose the soft underbelly of her emotions, and instead she just hoped the way she touched and kissed her lover spoke for her.
Once, Emma had actually fallen asleep for a few minutes after they ravished each other on the living room couch, and Regina just held her in her arms, watching her peacefully, listening to her breathing. It was out of character for the Mayor to allow herself to engage in a moment of such tenderness, but she couldn't help herself. Emma was so soft and supple, her hand curled against Regina's chest the way Henry used to sleep against her when he was a baby.
The brunette could have died happy in that moment, but as Emma stirred awake and looked up into the Mayor's eyes with heavy-lidded adoration, Regina felt she would have broken in half and had to break contact, releasing Emma reluctantly to keep the surge of her emotions at bay.
Many times the Mayor wanted to ask Emma to stay the night. Her bed would feel so cold and empty after the blonde's heated embraces that she wished on most occasions she could enjoy the warmth of the woman between her bedsheets. But her instinct of self-preservation would kick in and she would know that if she allowed Emma to stay the night it would put their relationship on a level of intimacy that Regina wasn't ready for.
The Mayor decided it would not do to allow herself to fall in love with the woman; everyone she ever loved had been taken away from her, and Regina didn't want to fall back into that black pit after she had been soaring so high. Unlike Icarus, Mayor knew the dangers of letting oneself get too close to the sun, and she wasn't about to lose her head just to plummet back down to how she used to be. Emma was the bright spot in Regina's world of grey; her source of warmth, comfort, and passion, but she was still unwilling to give the power that could destroy her to the one person who wouldn't want to.
Well, so far anyway. Occasionally flashbacks of her past life would enter into the Mayor's brain; memories of the people she hurt, manipulated, and killed to get what she wanted. A chill would run down her spine as she remembered the pleading faces of innocent people whose only crime had just been being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Regina would often wonder if Emma would still want her if she knew all the horrible things she had done, but she would quickly push the thought out of her brain. She was a different person now; she had a son, she didn't have magic, and there was no way Emma would ever find out anyway; it was too ludicrous for a grown woman to believe in.
Instead, she would think about Emma in that incredible pink dress and would consider for a moment that she could be happy like this, even if it was a lie, even if all they had were covert meetings in the middle of the night and it would never amount to anything more. It was still more than Regina ever had with anyone else, and she protected their secret affair, keeping it and her feelings just that...a secret.
SQ
Emma had been practically walking on air for the past several weeks. She felt liberated by how the Mayor accepted her feelings towards her, and their sex life had improved and become even more intimate. Emma could see the changes in how the Mayor looked at her and touched her, and she could see the tenderness in her eyes and feel the need in her caresses. When they were finished falling into one another, lusts satisfied after another breathless encounter, the Mayor would walk Emma to the door and watch her go, sometimes biting her lip as if she wanted to say something but couldn't bring herself to.
Emma liked to think that underneath her cool, controlled exterior she wanted to ask Emma to stay, but that was being overly hopeful. The Deputy knew the firm bounds of their arrangement, and that staying the night would be out of the question. Though they had reached a new level of closeness, the old rules still applied.
Regina continued to dictate when and how they met, for how long, and more often than not the activities of their meetings. Every once in a while Emma would get a window when she would be allowed to dominate Regina, but it was always short lived and both women knew who was really in charge.
So Emma would come over, knocking her usual way and devouring Regina with her eyes before she was even in the door. The passion between them was so natural, so easy, and so incredibly intense; but Emma knew that while Regina allowed her to possess her and touch her in the most intimate of ways, the Mayor was still keeping herself at a distance.
They would always start so eager to be near each other, pulling off clothes to press skin against skin, mouths moving against one other and hands mapping out the familiar landscape of each other's bodies. But when it was over, the walls would go back up and Regina would revert back to her formal, controlling self again.
Sometimes Regina held onto Emma so tightly that Emma doubted she could ever let go - but she always would, sending Emma on her way after her needs were met. Emma hated being treated like a whore, but she loved the way Regina moved against her, the way she smelled, tasted, and cried out in pleasure as Emma touched her in ways no one else could.
They had made some progress with their reconciliation after the council meeting drama, enough anyway to give Emma hope that the Mayor really could change. It was as if Regina was teetering between stoicism and emotional attachment; she just needed a final push, a good-enough reason to cross over and commit to the feelings she was so desperately trying to fight.
SQ
"So, you going to the Festival tonight?" Graham asked as he refilled his cup at the coffee table in the Sheriff's office.
"Umm, haven't really thought about it," Emma answered honestly. The idea of going to a town festival was completely foreign to Emma. It wasn't something she grew up doing, and as an adult never had the time or money for. Emma could recall once, when she was three, brief flashes of whirling lights, powdery sweet funnel cake and the smiling faces of two strangers.
Emma knew she had been adopted as a baby and lived with a family until she was three, but all she could remember were snippets. The one memory that stood out the most, however, was being dropped off at an unfamiliar building with her clothes packed into an old suitcase, and watching the faces of those strangers drive away from her and not come back. It was Emma's first taste of heartbreak and bitterness, two emotions that would unfortunately accompany Emma throughout her life.
"C'mon, it's a tradition. The whole town comes out. It's kind of a big deal," Graham insinuated with mock haughtiness, breaking Emma out of her reminiscing. "There will be loads of sugary foods, and beer; two things I know you love," he teased.
Emma just look at him skeptically, still unconvinced.
"Ok, I'll make you a bet. If you can get a higher score than me on the water-pistol game, I'll do your paperwork for a week. If not, you do mine. Deal?"
Emma grinned. "Deal."
SQ
Saturday came, and Emma approached the town square still skeptical of the whole affair. The Miner's Day Festival was an annual event, and all the locals tended to get overly excited about it, in Emma's opinion. She couldn't understand why people were so proud of their town history of mining. The mine on the edge of town wasn't even open; it was just some abandoned hole in the earth, and apparently never produced anything of value.
But people love their traditions. There was a cheerful energy in the air, people calling out to friends, children darting around recklessly and upbeat music coming from the speakers at the center of the commotion. The residents of Storybrooke looked so happy and at ease as they waved and exchanged pleasantries, pulling into contrast Emma's discomfort as she still considered herself an outsider.
A few friendly 'hello's' were thrown in the new Deputy's direction, though, as Emma was becoming a familiar face around town. Emma smiled politely and inwardly catalogued the names and faces she knew.
There was Leroy, the town grouch, who Emma had to throw in the drunk tank on more than one occasion, but was otherwise harmless. Mother Superior, the head nun of the local convent, who always seemed to smile serenely like a painted China doll; she gave Emma the willies. Marco was the resident carpenter and handyman, an elderly gent with impeccable manners, and Mr. Tillman, the mechanic Emma had on speed-dial in case her "trusty" bug decided to have engine trouble.
Of course there was Mary Margaret, Ruby and Granny. And Regina.
Always Regina. With her perfect, touchable hair brushing the tops of her shoulders, her red, kissable lips that seemed to sneer and pout adorably at the same time, and that squeezable ass, perfectly formed under another designer pantsuit. It was like Emma had a radar for the woman. If Regina was nearby, Emma always seemed to find her.
Regina was walking into the fairgrounds with Henry, looking annoyed at his incessant questions about how much junk food he was allowed, and how many turns on the Twirl-A-Whirl he could have. Emma chuckled to herself and steered herself towards the pair automatically, as if there was no other place she would possibly be than right next to the both of them.
"Moooooom, pleeeeeeease!" Henry begged, either about funnel cakes or cotton candy, Emma wasn't sure yet.
"Henry, I already told you, one or the other. I'll not have you staying up all night with a stomach ache like you did last year."
"I'd definitely go with the funnel cakes then," Emma offered as she approached the mother and son.
"Emma! You came!" Henry exclaimed.
"Of course, kid. Wouldn't want to miss the world-famous Miner's day Festival!" She responded happily. The blonde reached and gave Henry a half-hug, smiling over his head at Regina and receiving one in return.
"This is so cool! Mom, did you know that Emma was coming?"
"I did not. What a nice surprise, Deputy," Regina answered cordially, giving Emma a subtle once-over.
"Nice to see you too, Madam Mayor. I figured I should get more acquainted with local town customs if I'm going to be the deputy. Maybe you could show me around?"
"Sure! We can play some of the games and then try some of the rides if you want. Is that ok, mom?" Henry asked, turning to Regina.
"I think that would be fine," she answered casually.
"Great! Let's go!" Henry cried, bounding off.
"After you, Madam Mayor," Emma offered.
Regina smiled, knowing that was Emma-speak for "walk in front of me so I can ogle your ass", and put a little extra sway in her hips, knowing it would be appreciated. Regina loved tempting Emma in public, it made her feel sexy and powerful knowing the control she had over the Deputy's libido. It also made the sex hotter, and Regina smirked mischievously as she recalled how feral Emma tended to get after a few days of teasing. Tonight was going to be a good night.
SQ
Henry excitedly drug Emma round to his favorite booths, challenging Emma to ring toss, skee-ball and free throws. Regina trailed along, enjoying her son's enthusiasm and Emma's eagerness to please. Somehow, Emma managed to get slightly ahead in each game, only to make a few "mistakes" and act comically outraged when Henry would win. Emma would pout convincingly, making Henry giddy with confidence, all the while shooting sly grins over his head at Regina.
The Mayor was having a better time than she would admit, watching Henry's excitement replace the sullen mood that he had been dwelling in the past couple of months. Actually, Regina had noticed a significant improvement in Henry's attitude towards her. She couldn't help but attribute it to Emma's presence, the blonde seeming to know just what to say and do to make the boy laugh.
There was a naturalness in how the three of them moved around together, Henry skipping excitedly between the other festival-goers, Regina calling out for him to slow down and Emma following closely behind, enjoying the view of mother and son. At times Emma would place her hand on the small of Regina's back to steer her through the thicker parts of the crowd, her fingertips lingering as long as she dared.
There was an instant when Emma looked down at Henry as he looked up at her, identical grinds spreading across their faces as the festival lights glowed upon their skin. They laughed simultaneously, then they both looked over at Regina with love and happiness in their eyes.
Family. The word resounded in Regina's head like gentle, rolling thunder on a Sunday afternoon, warm and cozy. The Mayor could feel herself giving into the moment and smiling back at the two of them with genuine adoration.
"Heeeey, Emma!" A voice called out and broke the moment. Ruby pranced over wearing a wet bathing suit, coming from the direction of the dunk tank. Regina eyed the skinny brunette, irritated at her disruption.
"I didn't know you were coming! I'm so happy to see you!" the waitress advanced on Emma with her arms spread wide open, threatening a hug.
"Oh no you don't - aww, c'mon Ruby, you're getting me all wet!" Emma laughed as her friend grabbed her in a bear hug, making sure to press wet wet bikini into Emma's dry clothes as a joke. Emma placed her hands on Ruby's bare hips to try to push her away playfully. "You better dry off, you're going to catch a cold."
"Naw, I run hot. Not cold at all!" Ruby teased, shimmying her shoulders for effect.
"Yes, Miss Lucas. I think it would be best if you dry off and cover up. This is a town festival, not a burlesque show." Regina's tone was firm and cold, initiating bitch-mode. She was rather unamused by the younger brunette acting a little too-friendly towards Emma, and was positively fuming at Emma's hands on the other woman. Mine! The word growled in her throat.
Emma recognized the possessiveness in the Mayor's tone and broke the tension before things got ugly. "Actually, I've got to meet up with Graham, but maybe we can catch up later?" the blonde asked, stepping back to put a little distance between herself and Ruby.
"Sure. Shoot me a text later. Rabbit Hole for drinks?" Ruby winked flirtatiously.
"Alright, I'll let you know," Emma waved as Ruby departed the group, skipping back to the dunk tank.
"Well, Miss Swan, if you have some place to be, please don't let Henry and me keep you." The Mayoral tone was back in her voice. Emma knew she was pissed. It was a shame that relaxed, casual Regina couldn't hang out more, and Emma didn't feel like groveling for just joking around with Ruby. Emma hated that Regina got so jealous over nothing.
The Deputy shrugged nonchalantly. "I just agreed to a little friendly competition with Graham at the water pistol game. I guess I'd better go find him. See ya later, Henry. Madam Mayor." Emma nodded in farewell and shuffled off, Regina watching after her departing lover with a clenched jaw. The mayor immediately missed the blonde's presence, the evening air suddenly seemed a little colder.
Regina wrapping one arm around Henry's shoulders for warmth as he looked up at her with a questioning expression.
"What's a burlesque show?"
SQ
"There you are, Swan. I was wondering if you were going to show," Graham teased Emma.
The deputy sauntered up to the water pistol booth. "Yeah, yeah. Sorry, I got caught up playing games with Henry and Regina."
"Oh yeah? How is that going?" Graham asked with a curious look.
Emma just gave him a look that said "don't ask".
Graham chuckled knowingly. "That good huh?"
"Shut-up Graham. You get the first round." The Sheriff slapped a few quarters on the counter.
"Well, well. Storybrooke's finest at my very own booth," Mr. Gold limped up the counter. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Mr. Gold?" Emma asked surprised. "I didn't know you were working the Festival."
"Of course, dearie. I work it every year. I like to see the people of this town happy. Helps me remember why I put it on."
"Mr. Gold is the beneficiary of the Festival," Graham explained. "He pays for everything and donates all profits to the elementary school."
"Seriously? That's pretty decent if you, Mr. Gold," Emma responded.
"It's the least I can do. I like to take care of the town that takes care of me," he answered with a toothy smile. "Now, do I sense a friendly competition in the air between the Sheriff and the Deputy?" the man asked, giving Emma and Graham a playful look.
Graham picked up on of the plastic water guns and looked at Emma. "Best 2 out of 3?"
Emma picked up the second water pistol. "You're on."
SQ
Thirty minutes and 21 games later, the Sheriff and Deputy had run out of quarters and Graham had run out of luck. The pair had battled viciously, Emma ultimately coming out as the winner.
"Damn!" Graham slammed the plastic water pistol back onto the counter.
"Aww, don't take it so hard Sheriff. It's just a week. It was your idea in the first place, remember?" Emma teased.
Graham peered at the Deputy through narrowed eyes. "Any chance for a rematch?"
Emma laughed. "No way. I won fair and square. It's not my fault you underestimated my water pistol skills."
Graham laughed. "Ok, fair enough. Well, excuse me while I go lick my wounds. I'll see you tomorrow, Swan." The Sheriff departed in the direction of the Rabbit Hole, the local bar.
"Your winnings, Deputy Swan," Mr. Gold offered.
Emma turned as Mr. Gold held out a stuffed horse, brown with a white blaze down the forehead. It even came with a tiny leather studded saddle.
Emma chuckled as she took the toy. "Thanks, Mr. Gold, but I think I'm a little to old for stuffed animals.
"Perhaps a gift then? For young Henry? I'm sure the boy would treasure anything you gave him."
Emma smiled. "Yeah, good idea. Thanks Mr. Gold."
The man smiled. "Anytime, dearie."
Emma scampered off to go find Regina and Henry. The sky was beginning to darken as the sun had set almost an hour ago, and the crowd was beginning to thin out as people headed home. Emma caught sight of Regina's back walking towards her car with her hand on Henry's shoulder.
"Hey there!" Emma called out as she approached the pair.
Regina and Henry both turned simultaneously. Emma smiled at the mirrored reactions, appreciating how Henry had "inherited" many of his mother's traits.
"Check it out! Look what I won," Emma beamed as she handed the toy over to Henry.
"Neat! Did you win this at the water pistol game?" Henry asked.
"Yeah, I kicked Graham's butt, so now he has to do my paperwork for a week. I figured you might like it," the blonde offered to Henry.
"Sure, thanks Emma," Henry responded genuinely. "Mom, look at it. The saddle, it's so detailed, like a real saddle." The boy handed the plush toy to Regina to inspect. At first she barely gave it a glance, before doing a double-take and bringing it closer to her face for inspection. The Mayor frowned as she looked closely at the toy.
Emma thought at first Regina would be happy for Henry to have the gift. Emma knew that the Mayor liked horses. There were a few oil paintings of horses around the mayoral mansion, so the brunette's expression surprised Emma.
"What's his name?" Henry asked.
Emma peered at the tag. The print was small and difficult to see in the dim light. "Ros…Rocc…Rocinate…"
"Rocinante," Regina answered, almost in a whisper.
"That's a weird name, huh?" Henry surmised.
Regina handed the toy back to her son, a peculiar look on her face. "Where did you get it from again?" the Mayor asked.
"The water pistol booth. Mr. Gold was running it."
Regina's features stilled, her eyes widened slightly and her lips thinned. The muscles in her jaw clenched – never a good sign. Emma knew Regina was less than fond of the man, but she couldn't work out why Regina would care if he was running a booth at the festival, especially if he paid for the Festival in the first place.
"Thank you, Miss Swan for the toy. It was very thoughtful of you." She had a dazed look in her eyes, and barely made eye contact with Emma as if she was thinking really hard about something entirely different. "Say good-night Henry. It's past your bed-time."
"Good night Emma, and thanks again," he said politely.
"Good night Henry, see you around," Emma answered.
Regina took Henry's shoulder gently and led the boy towards her Mercedes. Emma watched them go as a yearning feeling sprang up in her chest. Everywhere she look there were families and couples leaving hand in hand, tugging along tired children and wrapping arms around each other's waists, heading back to loving homes and shared beds.
It was moments like these that made Emma ache for more than just a physical relationship with Regina. She envisioned the brunette turning around, stretching out a hand in invitation and smiling as she insisted Emma come home with her and Henry. Emma would run to catch up, riding shotgun back to the mansion while Regina drove, where she would have to carry Henry upstairs to bed because he fell asleep on the way home. After Henry was tucked in, Regina would lead Emma to her bedroom where they would take their time undressing one another and making love until they fell asleep in the other's embrace.
The blond shook her head. Fantasies like these did more harm than good. As an orphan, it was easy to become obsessed with the idea of a perfect family coming along to rescue them. The fantasies would slowly eat away at one's insides, replacing the need for food and sleep, breeding deep feelings of want, loneliness and pain. Wanting desperately for something you can't have is a terrible affliction.
So instead of fantasizing, Emma simply waved to the departing car that held the two most important people to her and watched them drive away.