By the next morning, Emma was positive that she looked like death. She'd definitely been 6 feet under. There was no amount of make-up on the planet that would hide the bags under her eyes, and her hair looked like it'd been home to a spider or 15. Maybe there really was a Zombie apocalypse and Ruby wasn't insane after all. But that'd be too good to be true. Her first instinct was to just throw on a faded t-shirt and a pair of ratty old jeans, but with an ex-girlfriend out there that she was secretly bent on impressing; a miracle would have to be made. After an hour of experimenting with concealers, taming her impossible curls, and narrowly avoiding wiping out a bookshelf and 2 vases while putting on her jeans, Emma Swan was ready to face the world. Well sort of. Coffee first. Glancing at the clock on her nightstand, Emma's eyes widened comically; Mary Margaret was expecting her at the school by 9, and it was already 8:45. Fuck. If Emma would have been thinking straight, she would have remembered that Ruby always makes coffee. She also would have remembered that the diner was not on the path to the school. But she wasn't. She was thinking inside of a labyrinth; all paths leading back to one Regina Mills.
"Hey Rubes."
"Em, what are you doing here? And for the love of God, stop bathing in my perfume collection!"
"Shut up and make yourself useful. I want coffee." She flashes Ruby a shit-eating grin, hoping that her attempts at being adorable would get her out of trouble.
"I made you coffee at home. Not good enough Princess?"
"Actually, smart ass, I didn't see it. I'm a little.. preoccupied."
"Yeah, well you're going to regret that slip-up," Ruby murmurs as she nods towards the booth at the far end of the diner.
"Wh- OH SHIT."
"Emma"
"STOP. WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME!" She's red now, and Ruby would find it funny if the girl wasn't currently hyperventilating.
"Emma." she says a bit louder, still trying to stifle a giggle.
"THIS WAS SO STUPID. What was I thinking?!" Her voice is shrill, pulling everyone's attention from their food and onto the two girls, one who is nearly seconds away from collapsing.
"You're getting flustered Emma. Okay. Breathe." Ruby puts down the coffee pot and makes her way around the counter, dragging Emma to the back room.
"She's seen you, I'm sure of it and she hasn't said anything. Actually when you walked in, she damn near folded herself into the menu. If anyone knows that menu, it's you and Regina. It hasn't changed in years. She's either really embarrassed, or is trying to avoid you too Em."
"You think so?" Her breaths are more regular, and she doesn't look like she's going to puke.
"Yes. That's what you wanted right? You got it!" Ruby says with a shrug, making her way to the door. "I have to get back to work, and I have a hot chocolate for M&M. It's a peace offering, because you are beyond late."
SHIT!
"IF I HEAR THAT WORD ONE MORE TIME!" granny shouts through the door.
"Sorry!" They shout in unison.
"Later Em."
"Wait. Let me walk with you, just in case she" - her hands are flying everywhere, forcing Ruby to snatch one in midair- you know."
"Jesus Emma."
"Emma you're late- ooooooh chocolate."
"Ruby is a genius" Emma mumbles under her breath, thankful to avoid M&M's self-righteous rampage on punctuality.
"I need you to put up the Christmas tree."
"The Christmas tree?"
"The Christmas tree Emma you heard me."
Mary Margaret, you and I both know that I don't know the first thing about decorating, or Christmas."
"I trust you Em, go for it. I have a class to teach; otherwise I'd do it myself. But I'll come by and check on you during my lunch break.
She's gone before Emma can even form a rebuttal, leaving her gaping at the hoarder's collection of ornaments and velvet ribbons surrounding her.
After 2 hours of practically being slapped and smothered by branches, Emma had finally created something that resembled a traditional Christmas tree. All that was left was the placement of the all mighty Tree topper. She had managed to make it to the top of the ladder without killing herself, when she heard the clearing of a throat from behind.
"Never thought I'd see you in the Christmas spirit, let alone using a ladder."
Emma's body went rigid, her breaths coming in shallow waves as she prayed to whichever God that would listen to let her just pass out. Without falling over.
"What are you doing here?" she winces, pissed at her voice for sounding gravely.
"Visiting."
"Visiting?" face palm.
"Yes."
"Oh."
"Emma, are you ready to go?"
If anyone asked her, she'd say that they were insane, but she's sure that the singing Angels and Heaven's sun-rays beaming down on her are manifestations of the blinding relief that she feels for Mary Margaret's ever so lovely timing and surprisingly authoritative tone. Clambering down from the ladder, Emma takes her time to school her features into the most uninterested façade ever created. She won't let her emotions control her, not again. But when she turns around to face Regina for the first time in 4 months, every vow she's ever made to herself becomes absolute bullshit.
She was beautiful, more beautiful than Emma remembered. She never thought it possible; being that Emma had committed every dimple, every worry line, every scar to memory. Her hair was shorter as it fell along her shoulders, and her outfit hugged every curve, definitely reminding Emma of just how much she loved Regina's body. Especially when she wore jeans. There was a casualness about her that struck Emma as odd, but flattering nonetheless. And there was the problem. She hadn't forgotten anything about Regina, but she'd missed out on her growth. She meant what she said that day when Regina broke up with her; at the time it sounded needy, and a little bitter, but now it just served to show that Emma was right. She survived off the memory of her. Whether that meant she wanted Regina to regret her choice or if she really just wanted her back played over and over in her head, off and on, until she stopped searching for a reason.
"Hello Regina."
"Mary Margaret." Regina says, nodding curtly.
"Oooookay, well Emma I'll just go."
"NO. I'm done." the sentiment's double entendre hitting its mark.
"Emma."
But she never replies, grabbing her beanie and leather jacket, completely tripping over the boxes in her haste to get away from heartbreak.
"Shit M&M. Thanks for saving my ass."
"You need to handle that Emma. Soon."
The wind is heavy and Emma's jittery, wishing more than anything that she could just disappear.
"I will, just not now."
Vince told me that she was at the bar asking about you.
"Really? He didn't say anything to me." Emma mumbles, refusing to speak any louder because she's afraid that her voice will betray her.
"Of course he did. You and Vince are bros"
"What the fuck is that about!" Emma asks, thankful for a subject change. She doesn't want to process Regina's presence because thinking about it would be too much, and all she really wants at the moment is a burger and a couple of beers.
"He said, and I quote," 'Emma is my bro. And bros have codes. And she likes burgers and beers.'"
"Why are you dating him again?" Emma huffs. Her brain hurts, and she doesn't have the energy to follow through with the conversation.
"How about why am I friends with you? Look Em, if you want, you can just go home. She's going to be here for a while longer today; she's having lunch with Kathryn."
Of course. Emma smiles, remembering how inseparable the two of them were in High School. Regina didn't really like anyone there, only tolerating M&M and Ruby because they were Emma's closest friends. Kathryn however, was the only person that Regina made an effort to be friends with, and it warmed her heart that she was still willing to keep in touch.
They took a seat on a weather worn bench at the edge of the playground, watching the kids as they took turns on the swing.
"What did she want to know?"
"If you still lived here, with Ruby."
"Mmmm." Suddenly the world seems so small to Emma. Mary Margaret's heartbeat is just a little too loud and the incessant squealing of children is beginning to drive her insane.
There's a moment of silence as she remembers how Regina didn't originally like the idea of her moving in with Ruby due to jealousy and a history that she rarely discussed. But she knows now that she can't avoid her anymore; no more running. So with a final rub to her neck, she stands.
"I have to talk to her." The outburst startle Mary Margaret, but she nods instantly.
"Yeah, I think that's best. Look, there's your chance." And like clockwork, Emma sees Regina storming out of the school, face focused into a scowl.
"Damn, the fates have really been on my ass lately. Here goes nothing!" She says uncertainly, stuffing her hands into the pockets of her jacket, breaking into a semi-jog.
Regina wait!
Reviews would be greatly appreciated! This is actually a lot of fun!