*note: next chapter will be a lot of fluff. Reviews are appreciated! :)
Chapter 8:
"Thanks."
Emma muttered after Regina had stepped away, drill in hand, from the huge mirror that faced her mattress. The mirror reflected the entire room.
Her stuff was all contained in one carton, which stood by her bed. Her guitar and a back pack were lying on top of the mattress. The room was almost identical to the one she has at her mother's, but larger. She could tell from Regina's reaction that the woman approved, which was important to her. Regina's approval meant a lot.
Emma watched Regina trace her hand over the rectangular framework of her mirror. Her forehead was slightly sweaty; her sleeves were rolled up past her elbows- Emma watched the woman of her desires in the mirror. She was beautiful.
"Alright then. You're all set." Regina nodded at Emma's reflection "I should get going"
No. Stay…
Emma forced a smile on her face, hiding her true thoughts, "Okay." She grabbed Regina's toolbox without asking (or thinking) "C'mon, I'll walk you to your car"
Regina looked as though she wanted to say something. Her mouth opened then closed quickly. Instead she only nodded.
Emma carried the toolbox as she made her way out of her apartment, down the hallway and towards the elevator, Regina following her. She was just about to press the elevator button when suddenly with a slight ding, the doors opened revealing a familiar face.
"Ruby!" Emma squealed in surprise.
"Hey there, roomie!" the red head beamed at her, walking out of the elevator pulling a bright red suitcase behind her. Emma unconsciously dropped Regina's toolbox on the floor and hugged her friend, oblivious to the woman behind her who stood watching.
The red head was the quirkiest thing Regina had ever seen in her entire life. Her appearance didn't please her at all. The woman was fair, her lips coloured in blood red, eyes wore dark mascara, and her eyebrows and earlobes had numerous piercings. Ruby was dressed, to Regina's disdain, in the shortest of denim shorts and a plaid shirt that was pulled above her toned stomach and knotted. Her cleavage showed through, quite provocatively, the front of her shirt.
Regina hated her attitude as well. Ruby was full of bright sunshine which poured through her shrill giggles and flirtatious voice.
Regina watched as Emma and the red head chatted away, laughing and shoving each other playfully by the elevator. It took all of her strength to not roll her eyes and tap her feet impatiently while the two of them stood, blocking the elevator doors.
"Oh my god, Em, you should've come to the beaches. It was wild! You would not believe the adventures we've had…"
"I can't wait to hear all about it. Any luck with the ladies?" Emma winked. Ruby laughed.
"Ah…why're you playing me girl, you know I've only got eyes for you" the red head poked the slightly taller blonde, who only laughed in return.
Ok now that's just…
"Ahem!"
Regina cleared her throat pointedly, the two women turned. Emma quickly spoke, "Ruby, this is my… this is Regina. She's got this wonderful mirror shop downtown. She just installed one huge one in my room. It's pretty damn cool"
Cool? Really, Emma? Is that the best word you could use for a mirror worth two hundred dollars, exquisite framework which contains the symbolic dragon from the exclusive fairy tale collection, that took two whole hours to install with you watching my ass like some hungry wolf every time I bent down to pick up my drill…you call it just…cool...?
"Regina, this is Ruby"
Regina's mind was raging on as she took Ruby's hand and shook it politely. Ruby was eyeing her curiously.
"Mirror shop? I might come by someday, what's the name of your store?"
"Mirrors."
"Ah. Well…that's…a nice name…"
"Thanks"
Be nice Regina. No need for the coldness. Not right now anyway…
"Okay then" Emma spoke, "Ruby, I was just about to walk Regina to her car. You go on inside I'll be there in a bit"
"Don't keep me waiting" the red head chirped, grabbing the handle of her suitcase, nodding a quick goodbye to Regina and walking off towards the direction of Emma's apartment. Regina thought bitterly.
Their apartment.
"Did I say something?"
"No."
"Then why are you angry?"
"I'm not angry!"
"Oh you're not? So that scowl" Emma pointed at her face "that's just your Happy Regina expression?"
"If you don't like my face just say so," Regina shot back.
"Why would I do that when I think you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen?"
That stopped Regina dead on her tracks.
They were almost near her car now. The underground parking lot was deserted except the two of them and a whole bunch of empty vehicles.
Really? Do you really think that, Emma…?
"Nice try"
"I mean it"
"Well whatever, I'm allergic to quirkiness."
Emma laughed. "Right, ok, it's Ruby" Regina didn't comment.
"She's quite…er…cheerful. She's a good friend though. I love her." seeing Regina raise her eyebrow, Emma quickly added, "No, not that way! Ruby's just a really good friend and a great roomie. Geez Regina you know who I'm crazy about!"
Regina rolled her eyes at the blonde's comment.
"Oh and who's that?"
The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them, or change their flirtatious tone.
Emma eyed her a moment.
"You. I'm crazy about you."
The sincerity in Emma's voice kept Regina from making a snide remark. She kept walking, eyes refusing to meet Emma's. The other woman didn't say anything else.
They walked up to her car; Regina unlocked it and then watched Emma set the toolbox down gently on the front seat.
"Alright, " Regina smirked, opening the driver's door "G'night"
"No, wait..."
Emma grabbed her arm and turned her around. Pressed against the front door, Regina was only a few inches away from Emma's face. The green eyes were watching her curiously.
"Emma…I should go…" Regina muttered, refusing to meet those eyes.
"You really won't even give me a chance?"
Don't make me Emma, please don't make me…fall…for you…
"Emma, you're…I…Some girl somewhere out there will give you that chance…but…I can't…I can't deal with the whole…just…not again…" Regina rambled, her eyes closed, her skin enjoying the feel of Emma's hand, her body wanting more comfort from the woman before her but her mind was relentless. Her mind was screaming countless warnings, making her shudder inside as it sifted through old, painful memories of lonely nights, broken glasses, a screaming baby…
The intensity in those green pairs softened a little. Emma's grip on her arm loosened.
"You don't feel ready."
Regina breathed a little.
"I don't think I'll ever be ready."
Emma trailed her hand down Regina's arm and found her hand, she gripped it tightly.
"I'm asking for one date. Just one. No hovering mother. No children running wild. No son." Emma added after a quick thought "No son despite the fact that he's absolutely adorable and a sweet heart who no one can possibly resist." Regina laughed, Emma continued, "I want you. I want us. Just one night. I want to know you. I want to…know…"
Regina's heart gave a loud thud. She sensed panic take over her form.
She couldn't possibly talk about it could she… How could she tell Emma about…him? How would she? Did she want to?
"Give me one date with you Regina. We can talk. Do something together. Just get to know each other. Then you decide whether you want me…or not…I promise you if you feel nothing for me…" Emma trailed off.
But I do feel something…I don't want to but I do…I just want to stop feeling… it…
"…if you think you don't want to give it a shot, then I'll…I'll walk away. I won't ever bother you ever again. No more mirrors."
I don't have to say yes.
Regina thought as Emma waited for her reply, still gripping her hand. They were soft, Regina loved the feel of Emma's palms against her own. She looked into the eyes that were trying to catch hers, staring at her so intently. She finally met them and saw expectations there, longing and maybe, possibly…love…
No. Just infatuation. It'll pass.
Will it?
Regina sighed. After what she'd done to her the other night, Emma at least deserved an explanation from her.
And maybe I deserve another chance as well…
The thought was in her mind before she could stop it. She could see herself in this woman's arms, walking down the street, Henry trotting along, she could see Emma laugh, cheerful, she could see herself smiling…happy…
I've nothing to give her…nothing…
But I've nothing to lose either…
"Fine. One date. If I still find you…er… ridiculous…" seeing Emma's face light up, Regina smirked " then no more mirrors, Ms. Swan "
The last bit changed Emma's smile into a scowl. Regina took the chance to free her hand and step into her car.
"Would you quit it?" Emma snapped.
Regina lowered her glass window, smiling innocently.
"Quit what, Ms. Swan ?"
"That…calling me that quit it!"
Regina started her car, her smirk turning into a wicked grin.
"Never. G'night Ms. Swan "
Regina saw Emma, in the rear view mirror, shaking her head, but smiling, as she drove out of the parking lot towards the highways.