Chapter 11
Life was supposed to get better, Emma whined internally as she stared at the rafters of her parents apartment. Fate was having a laugh at her expense because this situation was beyond not okay. When she woke that morning, she was a ball of nerves, preparing for a romantic meal at Tony's was a lot of pressure. It cost her a shit ton of mullah as well. So, imagine her distaste when Snow heard that that night was going to their first date and insisted that a double date was the only way to go. Never mind that Regina and Emma might have wanted alone time, or that Snow and Charming had already eaten, or that Henry couldn't be left unaccompanied. No, Snow insisted therefore it was done.
Regina simply smiled politely and watched as her girlfriend's parents ran off to change into appropriate attire. Emma cringed. She had profusely apologized and explained that she didn't expect that. Regina, ever the sarcastic pro, made a quip about Snow and Charming's combined IQ. Bless her. And for a moment, when the four entered a crowded restaurant, all smiles and jokes, Emma relaxed. Maybe it wouldn't be too bad.
Spoke too soon.
Apparently Emma's parents were lightweights. After three glasses of wine, they were asking inappropriate questions regarding 'lesbianic sexual practices'. After the fourth glass, they were kissing and, yes, the two women caught sight of tongue. Emma was sure she saw Regina gag before stuffing a piece of garlic bread into her mouth. After the fifth glass, Snow decided that seeing her daughter give Regina a peck on the cheek was invitation to blurt out the fact that she used to have a gigantic crush on her former stepmother. Emma choked on her Pepsi when Snow admitted that she once fantasized about the mayor while she masturbated as Mary Margaret. Regina blushed profusely, especially when Snow accused her of giving Mary Margaret 'homosexual tendencies'. It was safe to say that the date was sinking fast.
And yet, it got worse after the sixth glass. Snow decided that she needed karaoke and she needed it at that moment. Tony, the restaurant owner, was a saint, or the devil depending on whom you asked (Emma), because he found a damn microphone and attached it to the restaurants speakers. I guess when Queen Snow asked, the peasants delivered. Snow dragged an essentially comatose Charming onto the cashier counter on the left side of the room and began belting out an off-key and screechy version of 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough'.
Emma mentally smacked her palm against her forehead as she watched her parents sway dangerously on the ledge of the counter. Emma groaned. She wanted to do well by Regina and this was... Suddenly, she heard raucous laughter in her ear. Emma snapped her neck to the right and saw Regina doubled over in laughter, barely managing to hold up her phone to record the musical tragedy that were Emma's parents. Emma had never seen the brunette look so carefree and jovial. She couldn't help but join in and, soon, the two women were crying from laughter, holding their sides.
Regina snorted, "Best date ever!"
Emma smiled widely. Oh, yeah, she was going to buy her parents a giant thank you basket.
"Yeah?" Emma cackled as Regina lifted herself up and extended a hand, silently asking the blonde to stand. Emma complied and watched as the brunette began swaying to the beat.
"Remember the day I set you free. I told you 'you could always count on me darling'. From that day on, I made a vow, I'll be there when you want me, some way, some how." Regina crooned happily, bouncing on her heels. Emma watched as Snow pointed at Emma, encouraging her to join in on the madness. Emma looked around at the other patrons, who were clapping joyously and enthusiastically singing along, some were standing with their partners and dancing as well. Emma felt pure exhilaration soar in her chest. Who knew life could be this way?
Emma swiftly wrapped her arms around Regina's waist, pulled her extremely close, and began to sway with the brunette. The women playfully danced and kissed and it was perfect. Emma turned Regina to face her and they both sang to each other playfully,
"There ain't no mountain high enough, ain't no valley low enough, ain't no river wide enough to keep me from getting to you babe."
Ruby sighed. At 11:40 pm, Snow asked her (well it was more of an order) to get her ass to the apartment to watch Henry. The wolf slouched on the couch. She had been serving Hades a late night meal. She said that Tony's was packed with regulars and she was new so she wanted to ease into introductions. From there, they had fun, flirty conversation and sensual touches until Snow fucking White called and the wolf ran to her aid like a dog being accosted by its owner. And the worst part was that before she could ask the goddess for a number or address, she was gone. Ruby was sure that she saw a small red cloud and guessed that her new crush was a sorceress. But as Ruby locked up, she spied waded up money and a folded napkin on the counter. Hades left her number. The wolf patted herself on the back.
"So, why was I rudely ordered to babysit you again?" Ruby asked Henry, whom she knew should be in bed but, hey, if the adults acted like flaky bitches, she assumed the kid got free reign.
"My moms told Gram and Gramps that they're dating, they were fine with it by the way, and then Snow did what she always does." Henry laughed, sitting by the window with his handheld gaming device.
"She butted in!" Ruby cackled, "Don't tell me she—"
"Invited herself on their date," Henry answered, a smirk overtook his features.
Ruby burst out laughing, "Oh God, Emma and Regina are probably miserable."
"Hey, Ruby, doesn't Tony's close at 12:00?" Ruby furrowed her brows.
"Yeah, why?"
"Well, it looks like there's a party going on down there." Henry sat up straighter, attempting to get a better view of the lively restaurant. The brunette sidled up next to him and they both gaped at the scene.
Laughter sounded throughout the mansion, as Emma and Regina lay side-by-side on the brunette's ironically queen sized bed. After partying through all the musical classics that this realm had to offer, Tony sent everyone home because he needed to close shop. The two women drove Snow and Charming, who immediately snoozed in the back seat of the Mercedes, back home and ordered Ruby to do as she pleased with them. Henry shook his head amusedly before hugging his mothers goodnight and running to his room to hide from the chaos that was the two intoxicated buffoons. Regina swore she heard Ruby curse them out as they ran back to the car. Upon arriving at Regina's home, the two women stripped down to their underwear and reminisced funny tidbits of the night.
"I'm pretty sure I dislocated my hip during 'The Final Countdown'." Emma chortled as Regina laid her head on the blonde's ample chest. The brunette laughed.
"Oh come on dear, I'm at least thirty years older than you and I'm fine. Don't tell me the great Emma Swan can't get jiggy with it?"
"I never want to hear the word jiggy come out of your mouth ever again." Regina threw her head back and laughed causing her to back away from the blonde a bit. A comfortable silence fell over the two as they smiled widely, thinking about their night.
"That was one of the best nights of my life." Regina whispered. Emma felt tears well up in her eyes.
"Yeah?" Emma laughed shakily, "I thought maybe the fact that you were surrounded by mortal enemies would bring the date down."
"Actually, it made it better." Regina sighed contentedly. She lifted her head to look into Emma's glistening eyes.
"Really?" Emma prodded, her fingers picking at the lace of Regina's panties.
"Emma, in the car, you asked me what was wrong. I was feeling guilty, as I have the past couple of months, about my crimes against the people of this town. I keep wondering how the hell they could forgive me. Then tonight, I witnessed Snow White jump for joy at the fact that I was dating her daughter and something clicked in my mind. If she can forgive me, the one I hurt the most, then I need to start forgiving myself," Emma played with a piece of the brunette's hair, nuzzling their noses together, "Then, at the restaurant, I saw affection in their eyes, all of them, and it directed towards me, towards us. My negativity melted away and for the first time in my life, I didn't feel the need to look over my shoulder. I felt free, sweetheart."
Emma opened her mouth to respond but was cut off by Regina's lips. Once they broke apart, the brunette continued, "When you asked me out on a date, I imagined roses and candlelight and a romantic dinner. But after tonight, I realized that that wasn't what I needed. I needed to know that I fit in here, that I am a part of this community. That I matter. And seeing everyone smile in my presence and dance, and dance with me, it was the greatest gift you could ever have given me, Emma. I matter."
"Oh, Gina." Emma hiccupped. The savior felt her lover's speech resonate throughout her mind, body, and soul. They mattered. To each other. To Snow White and Prince Charming. To Henry. To Ruby. To Storybrooke. They mattered. They had a home.
Emma leaned in to seal their mouths and mumbled against the brunette's lips, "If I wasn't so damn sore, I'd jump your bones."
"Way to ruin a moment, dear." Regina snickered against Emma's mouth, starting up another bout of endless laughter.
A/N: When I think of Regina, I think of a woman that wants acceptance and love desperately. So, when I was formulating ideas for the date, I was back and forth. I wanted romantic but I wanted to focus on Regina's needs and I feel like that dance party at the restaurant brought new life to her. And then I gave you some romantic, semi naked, sweet conversation. Let me know what you think!
-Side note: They didn't have sex because I don't think they're ready yet but sleeping in your underwear together is pretty nice too ;)
Oh, and lets hope Once doesn't screw up all of Regina's character development tonight (And over a man). Why can't us fan fiction writers just take over?