***Author's Note: I know that it's been quite the wait but Emma and Regina will finally get a chapter together. I think that there is always something about a shopping trip that can really make a break a relationship. (: Also, I will be starting grad school this week so even though I really want to continue with regular, weekly updates, I don't really know what my schedule is going to look like yet. I'd really appreciate all the encouragement that I can get and I hope that you like this update.***
Emma is absolutely thrilled as she is leaving Joe's and Janie's rental. The place is perfect. It is a tad small, yes, but she thinks that it will be just the right size for her. There is even a spot for her to park her bug right outside which is something she has heard is very difficult to find in the city. The couple is more than gracious, telling Emma that any friend of Regina's is a friend of theirs and offered Emma the condo to Emma at a rental price that she can afford. In return, Emma promises that she will be the best tenant they have ever had.
By the time she makes it back to the bar that Sunday afternoon, she is on a high from her excitement. Killian and Regina both look at her curiously as she pulls herself onto one of the barstools. "Guys, I have a place to live! And they told me that I can move in immediately." Emma pulls a set of keys from her pockets waving them.
Killian smiles at how happy Emma is but decides to throw a jab her way anyway. "Well, that really is exciting news. I'll have the telly zapper to myself again. No more insufferable reality television shows."
Regina laughs at this as she is imagining Killian and Emma fighting over the remote control but when she sees Emma glaring in their direction, she stops herself and clears her throat still smiling at the blonde. "So, it all worked out then. That's great to hear."
"Yes, it really did. I'm just so relieved. Contrary to what you two probably think, I really did not want to be taking up Killian's spare bedroom for forever." Emma sticks her tongue out at Killian and scrunches her face. Killian returns the gesture.
Regina shakes her head and chuckles, "Okay, children. You two need to play nice."
Killian and Emma both laugh at Regina's comment. Then Killian asks, "So, when are you going to start moving your things? You need any help?"
"I'm actually headed back to your place right now to grab my stuff. And then I have to go get some furniture. I really hadn't thought about it but when I was walking over here, I realized that I don't have anything to my name because I left it all in New York. I figured that if I can at least just grab a new bed today so that I have something to sleep on, I can get other furniture later. Do you have time to go shopping with that today?" Emma asks in a hopeful tone.
"Ah, I'm closing today. But Regina here is going to be finished with work in about an hour or so."
Regina hears her name so she looks up from whatever she is reading on her phone to both Killian and Emma looking at her. "What was that? I'm sorry. I'm afraid that I missed what you were talking about. Were you saying something to me?"
"Well, Emma was just saying-"
Emma stops him. "It was nothing Regina. I was just checking with Killian on his work schedule to see if he could help me with mattress shopping today."
Regina raises her eyebrow. "Did you need someone to go with you today? I don't really have plans tonight. I can switch with Killian and close instead."
"What? No. I don't want you to do that." Emma hesitates for a second trying to decide whether she should just ask Regina to help her. She really does want to spend more time with Regina and get to know her better but is not sure why she cannot ever seem to work up the courage to ask her. The woman is still so very intimidating to Emma for reasons she has yet to figure out. Emma then looks over at Killian and he just winks at her. Emma has had this conversation with Killian before. He has told her his concern with Regina being cooped up at home on her days off and has told Emma that she should take the initiative in getting the other woman out of the house more often. So, Emma just smiles and adds, "Since you don't have other plans, did you want to come with me to pick out a few things for my new place?"
Regina is surprised by Emma's question but earnestly considers it for a moment. "I suppose that I could do that. I'm not sure that I will actually be much help though."
"Well, I really just need someone to help me test out a mattress." When Emma says this, she notices that Regina turns red in the face and she immediately corrects herself. "I mean, I'll need a second opinion. I'm terrible at picking these kinda things out."
Regina chuckles nervously and is obviously embarrassed because she could still feel the heat in her face. "I'll do my best. So, do you want to just wait for me here or do I have time to run home to change into something that doesn't smell like food?"
"I actually want to run back to Killian's really quick and move my suitcases to the condo first. And then maybe I can just meet you at your place, pick you up and we can leave from there?"
"Sure, that works. I'll just text you my address. I can probably be ready by three-ish."
Emma is delighted. "Great. I'm going to get out of here then. Just text me the address when you can and I'll see you in a bit." Then Emma pushes herself off of her seat and basically bounces out the door.
Killian, who has been observing the recent interactions between his two lady friends, is suddenly very interested in what just transpired. He does not see it often, but lately there has been a strange tension between the two women and he wonders if he may be misinterpreting it as a possible spark. Obviously, Regina has an affinity for the ladies and he has not necessarily picked up anything from Emma that tells him that she leans either way. "Hmm. That's interesting." He thinks to himself but aloud without meaning to.
"What's interesting?" Regina questions.
"Oh…" Killian chuckles. "It's nothing. I was just thinking about something I have to do later tonight." He lies. "So, I'm glad to see that you're spending your night off doing something that isn't just sitting in your apartment."
"I do go out and do things. I started that kickboxing class. And I joined a book club."
"Right..." He just smiles at her.
"I'm fine, Killian. Stop treating me like I'm fragile."
"I never said that you were. I'm just glad that you're getting along with Emma and you're helping her out with this, that's all."
"You're acting strange," is all Regina says to him as she shakes her head and then heads into the back to finish up a few things so that she can leave. The last thing she hears is Killian laughing in reply to her comment.
"Hey Em, I just got your message. This is great news! And I'm ready to pack my bags, just tell me when."
Emma laughs. "Well, give me a week or two, will ya? I have to at least somewhat furnish the place before you come stay."
"We could just get you another blow-up living room set like the one that we used for a whole month and a half when you first moved to New York." Ruby is laughing now just thinking about the bright blue sofa that took them nearly all afternoon to blow up because Emma forgot to buy the pump to go with it.
"Yeah, Rubes, because that would be real classy. Seriously though, I'm actually going to buy a real bed for the first time in my life today. Can you believe that I'm in my thirties and I've never purchased a bed of my own?"
"Well, my friend, you're finally a big kid now. I'm so proud of you."
They are both laughing again and Emma cannot believe how long it has been since she has seen her best friend. "I seriously miss you so much. So, I did take a look at the calendar earlier today and was wondering if you be able to break away from work in a couple of weeks so that you're here for the weekend of Halloween? We can check out the Seattle party scene together, maybe wreak some havoc?"
This definitely gets Ruby's attention. "Oh, hell yeah. That's perfect actually because I was not ready to spend Halloween by myself. I can put in a request for it first thing in the morning. How long do you think you'll want me there before you get tired of me? Because I have been hoarding a ton of vacation time and I'm ready to use it."
"However long you want, really. We lived together for almost four years before, Rubes. You know that I have never gotten tired of you. I will probably not take any shifts with the staffing agency and just work at the bar while you're here. And you could either just chill at my place or come hang out there when I do have a shift. I'm sure that Killian and Regina will be completely cool with that."
"Okay, I'll just talk to the boss and I'll let you know once I get everything booked."
"YES! Alright, hot stuff, I have to get off of here because I'm back at Killian's and I have to move some stuff over to the new place before I go get this bed. I'll send you some pictures tonight and you can help me with some interior decorating."
"Yeah, okay. I'll talk to you later then. Love you, babe."
"Love you, too." Emma ends the call and sees that she has a text message from Regina. Emma opens it to find the woman's address so she saves it into her phone for later. She puts the phone back into her back pocket and runs up the stairs two at a time until she reaches the door.
Regina feel anxious and moody as they make their way towards IKEA. They are at a stoplight when she looks over to see that Emma is still sulking. "Emma, I don't understand why are you so bothered that we are taking my car instead of yours."
When Emma arrived at Regina's complex, the brunette was already out front waiting for her. Regina waves her down and then tells her to wait so that she can pull out of her parking spot. That way Emma could park her car there instead and they could take her SUV to the other part of town. "I just wanted to drive is all. I don't get why we couldn't just take the Bug."
Regina is frustrated when she asks, "Really? You really don't see why my SUV would be the more practical choice than your Bug in this situation? We are going furniture shopping, Emma. It's not like we are going on a trip to the farmer's market which even if that were the case, I would still be skeptical that you'd have enough space for groceries. How did you manage to ever move all the way from New York in that thing?"
Emma loves her Bug. It was the first car that she ever bought for herself when she was just leaving home and even though it is old, that car has served her well. She cannot help but feel a little hurt by what Regina just said.
Emma does not respond and Regina can tell that she probably should have backed down on the subject. Regina frowns. "Emma, look, I'm sorry. I just really wanted to help."
Emma looks over to see that Regina looks genuinely upset. She knows that the other woman is right, she just really hates admitting it. "I know, Regina. I'm sorry. I was just being an asshole. Just ignore me when I get that way."
This lightens the mood and a short moment later Regina is laughing as she says, "I didn't think that I'd ever meet someone who could be as stubborn as I am. You definitely give me a run for my money, Emma Swan." Regina cannot help smiling when this makes Emma laugh and she suddenly feels better about the whole trip.
As soon as they get into the parking lot of IKEA, Regina remembers why she hates coming here. There are swarms of people everywhere and the traffic that has built up around the building is terrible. "Ugh, what is it with this place that always has people crowded here. It's as if they are giving the furniture out for free or something."
Emma feels bad because she can hear the irritation in Regina's voice. "It's probably just because it is a Sunday. I really, really appreciate you coming here with me, Regina. You'll have to let me buy you dinner afterwards."
Regina softens, "Emma, it's fine, really. Like I said before, I'm glad to help."
Emma smiles timidly and adds, "Well, you have to at least let me buy you a cinnamon roll."
"Let's just pray that we actually make it inside before they close. Now, quit trying to distract me with the mentions of food and keep your eyes open for a parking spot."
Once inside, they each grab a bag for anything that Emma might see that she wants for the condo. They quickly walk through each section taking shortcuts when necessary so that they can get to the areas that Emma needs to be. Emma has already considered all of the things that she will probably need right away and has compiled her shopping list prioritizing those items. They move as quickly as possible from showcase to showcase grabbing just a few things here and there until they get to the bedroom section where the mattresses are.
"What size do you think I should get, Regina?" Emma asks as she scans the room before sitting on the one closest to her testing out the firmness of it.
"You probably should look for at least a queen. I haven't seen the place. How big is the bedroom?"
"Eh...it's big enough for a king, I think. But the question is, will I need a bed that big? What size is your bed?"
Regina just shrugs. "That's really up to you. Mine is a California king." And Regina wants to add that it was once a bed for two however, she keeps it to herself. Regina remembers when Danielle insisted that they get a bed that was comfortable and large enough because they would be spending a lot of time in it. She shakes herself out of the memory and pushes the thought to the back of her mind.
Emma thinks that she will probably go with one of the foam mattresses so she walks towards the selection. Emma sits on one of them and then lays back so that she can test it. It feels like it would be comfortable enough. Emma's biggest worry is that beds too soft tend to make her body ache when she gets up in the morning. The foam ones, as she suspected, are not too soft nor too firm. She pulls herself up and looks for Regina. Regina is a few feet away looking at some of the bedding selections. "Hey, Regina. Come lay down on this one with me."
Regina walks over and sits on the very edge of the bed that Emma is already sitting on. When she puts her hand down to feel the mattress, her right one settles on the same spot that Emma already has her hand. Emma pulls her hand away while muttering an apology and moves over to her right so that Regina has a bit more room. Regina bounces a couple of times on the mattress before replying, "This seems pretty good. I don't really know how you like to sleep though."
Emma laughs, "Well, I love to sleep so this is going to be a big deal to me. Lay down with me." Emma lays back again.
Regina turns her body to look down at the blonde. "Do you think that's really necessary."
"Of course I do! Or else I wouldn't have asked." Then she is pulling herself up again and grabbing Regina by the shoulders pulling her down onto the bed with her. They are only a few inches away from each other and when Emma turns her face so that she can look at Regina, she swears that she can smell the soap or shampoo that the other woman uses. Emma has noticed before how beautiful Regina is, but being this close to her, she thinks that the woman is practically flawless and it makes her breathless for a moment. Once she is able to compose herself she asks Regina again, this time her voice coming out smaller than she is anticipating. "So, what do you think?"
Regina can sense that Emma is looking at her but does not turn her head. Part of the reason being that sometimes she feels that Emma makes her nervous in a way that she does not really expect but also because she is worried that she will not be able to hide her awkwardness if she turns towards the blonde. "It's nice. I think that it's comfortable enough." Then she pushes herself up with her elbows and stands up getting off of the bed.
Emma gets up as well and smiles. "I guess I'll get this one then. You've talked me into it."
She picks out a frame as well and writes down all the information that they will need for when they go to look for it in the warehouse. She lets Regina pick out the bedding or in truth, she forces her to do so. She tells Regina that she wants her to feel like she has been able to contribute something to this shopping excursion. After some coaxing, Regina finally picks out a set of plain gray bedsheets and one of the lighter down comforters.
When they finally arrive at the warehouse section of the store and find a flatbed cart, they also have two bags full of lamps, light bulbs, begging, dishes, eating utensils, some picture frames, and few other knick knacks that Emma saw along the way. They find the aisles that they need and the two of them stack the boxes onto the flatbed with little trouble.
Regina looks at her watch and sees that they have been shopping for a couple hours. She thinks that by the time they finish up and get everything back to Emma's place, she will be starving. At home, she had taken out some chicken to thaw so that she could cook herself dinners but it seems that there will probably not be enough time for it. "Emma, I know that you mentioned getting dinner together earlier and it's nearly six. Did you want to pick something up before we get you back home?"
Emma considers this for a moment. "I want to buy you dinner, for sure. But I kinda need to get this bed put together tonight or I'll be sleeping on the floor. What would I have to do to convince you to come over and help me get this thing assembled? I'll buy pizza and beer? Or burgers and nachos. I know that's your favorite…"
Regina laughs. She is actually quite impressed with Emma's memory. They talked about that the very first time they had a conversation and it really has not been brought up again. "Alright. I can do that. And pizza and beer is just fine."
"YES!" Emma says and she pumps her arm in the air. Then she crosses her arms nervously and shyly adds, "Um, so also, I may need to borrow some tools if you have any. I don't really have anything except for a Phillips head and I keep it in the bug so I don't even have that with me right now."
"Oh, I see. So, you buy the pizza and beer and in exchange I have to supply the tools and the manual labor. Suddenly, I'm not really seeing the appeal." Regina says as seriously as she can but when she sees that Emma has a look of guilt on her face, she reaches over lightly touching Emma's arm. "Hey, I am only kidding. A casual dinner while we put together your new bed sounds lovely. We'll just swing by my apartment so you can pick up your car and I'll run inside and grab my toolbox and follow you back to the condo." Regina smiles hoping that helps to reassure the blonde.
"Only if you're sure. I really didn't mean to take up your whole evening."
"Of course I'm sure. Now let's get into one of these dreadfully long lines and see about getting the hell out of here."
Emma smiles and nods. Then she spots something on an endcap behind Regina and her eyes widen in excitement. She quickly runs over to grab one of the packages and she brings it back to their cart. "Ha! I found the cinnamon rolls. This is definitely going to be our dessert."
Regina just shakes her head in amusement as they push forward into the closest checkout line.