*note: Jame's Blunt's "You're Beautiful" was the song that inspired part of this story. Reviews are always welcome, folks. Enjoy! :)

Chapter 5

Regina fell in love with the small room as soon as she walked in. It was completely different from what she had seen downstairs. This room had a story to tell.

The walls were covered in posters- bands and movies she had never bothered with- they were pasted in no obvious order. A shelf by the bed held numerous books. A guitar stood in one corner, beside a music player and two huge speakers. Regina noticed a stack of CDs as well.

Regina could tell that Emma wasn't big on cleaning. She could see the mess inside her closet through the crack between the doors. Emma swiftly moved to close them, looking slightly embarrassed. Regina smirked as the blonde tried to hide her dirty sneakers, which were clearly kicked off into the room carelessly before, under the bed. Regina let her eyes roam somewhere else, allowing Emma to think she had managed to accomplish the task without her noticing. She eyed the mirror beside the closet. It was the latest one Emma had bought from her shop- with silver spiked edges. It fit into the room perfectly.

There was a huge window on one side, with a frame wide enough to provide a comfortable seat. It held a nice view of the trees and rooftops of the neighbourhood. She could imagine Emma sitting there in the afternoons- reading, or playing her guitar or humming to the music that would be blasting from her speakers.

She liked that image of Emma in her head. She liked it a lot.

Regina noticed a tray resting on by the window frame. There were two plates with sandwiches, cookies and two mugs of something hot because she saw the steam rising from them. Coffee. She could smell the delicious scent of the freshly brewed drink. There was a red rose resting on top of the napkins on one side.

Oh Emma…

Regina sighed at the beautiful gesture. Emma walked over towards the window and picked up the flower.

"For you" she said, holding it out for her. Regina accepted the rose with a soft thank you.

Emma then beckoned her to sit by the window and Regina gladly complied. Her heart felt heavy under the weight of all the different emotions she was feeling that very moment, for the woman who had just sat down in front of her. She didn't have a name for these feelings, she didn't know if she wanted to feel so much, all at once. She didn't know if she was ready.

One thing Regina did know as Emma talked cheerfully while fixing up their plates and the snacks.

Emma was indeed the sweetest person Regina had ever met in her entire life.

"Play something for me"

"What?" Emma asked the woman sitting beside her.

"Play. Your guitar. For me" Regina repeated again. Slowly.

They had finished their sandwiches. The empty coffee mugs and the tray were moved to Emma's study table, so they could both sit more comfortably by the window. Emma had opened the glass slides just a little bit, letting the night air enter the room. Her break was long over but she told her mother she wanted to take the rest of the evening off.

Sitting here, in her room, with this woman, was all she could think about for the past few weeks. Emma was finally having her moment with Regina.

They had talked. About everything. About nothing. With Regina, Emma felt like she had too much to say. She couldn't believe how the woman had let her ramble on for so long- about her mother, her studies, her music, books everything. Regina hardly spoke; Emma had to constantly push against the chain of short replies and silent shrugs to get decent answers. The woman really didn't want to open up. Or maybe she just didn't know how to.

Why do you put up that wall Regina…of coldness…of silence…what are you afraid of?

She had wondered the same thing over and over between their conversations. However, when Regina spoke, even if for a little while, Emma listened with all she was worth. The rich, deep tone of Regina's voice, the breathy laughs, and the movement of her lips- Emma watched everything, mesmerized. She could listen to this woman all day if she would just allow it.

So hearing Regina request something from her, Emma couldn't say no. She got up from the window sill and walked across the room to get her guitar.

"What do you want me to play?" she asked, sitting beside Regina once again.

"Anything" Regina spoke, eyeing her softly.

"Anything? really? What if I break into some punk rock song? You hate those" Emma smirked.

"I trust you enough to know you won't ruin the mood with such…umm…odd…choice of music"

Emma laughed.

"I'm waiting" Regina crossed her arms.

And so Emma began. It was an old favourite. Regina had only asked her to play but Emma couldn't help but sing along. Quietly though, she was conscious of her voice.

She played the entire song for Regina.

You're beautiful. You're beautiful it's true

Emma strummed gently. Her voice tried to follow the tune the steel strings were creating.

I saw your face, in a crowded place

And I don't know…what to do…

Regina had her eyes closed. Listening.

Emma played the last note.

Cause I'll never be with you…

They were both quiet for a few breaths. Emma set her guitar down on the floor and looked outside. Regina looked up after a while.

Something in that woman's eyes made Emma lean forward, towards those lips that were so inviting.

Emma kissed Regina. Gently at first. Then cupped one side of Regina's face and kissed her again. Regina didn't pull away, she kissed her back, her hand rested on Emma's neck.

Emma's heart fluttered. Her thoughts ran wild. She forgot everything- who she was, where she was- none of those mattered.

All she could think about were those soft lips on hers.