It wasn't until the week before winter break when Emma had finally completed the portrait of Regina. To the teenager's discontent, they weren't supposed to work on the project right away and when it was completed, she couldn't take it home until the entire class had finished.
By the time she had it in her room, sitting in its shiny new frame, it was Thursday night and Regina was busy with work. The thought of leaving it home and convincing Regina to wait for her as she would quickly run and grab it had crossed her mind, then, which was exactly what she had done the following day.
Fourth period was over, and Regina was waiting by her desk for Emma to assume her place. The blonde pulled out the paper bag and two bottles of juice from her backpack before heading over to the teacher's desk and setting the items down. Regina offered her a smile before her it melted in her confusion.
"Are you not going to sit today, Emma?" she asked.
"Actually," Emma started, a light pink tinting her cheeks as she played with one of the juices, "I finished that drawing of you."
"You did?" She seemed momentarily confused before surprise etched on her features. "I forgot that you were working on that, dear. I assumed that you had given up."
"Never." Emma quickly said.
"Where is it?" This time, Regina seemed to have taken a much darker tone to her cheeks and that had the blonde smirking, although she tried to hide it from the brunette's wandering eyes.
Emma bit her lip and played with a blonde lock of hair, twirling it around her finger. "At my house. I have to go get it. I didn't want to carry that thing around all day."
"Oh, you shouldn't walk out in this weather, honey." Regina frowned, looking up at the blonde who stood on the other side of her desk. "It snowed this morning. I don't think it's a wise idea."
"But I want you to see it." Emma pouted and took a step away from the teacher's desk. "You were busy yesterday when I finally got the frames."
"Emma." She looked conflicted for a moment, then quickly stood from her chair and grabbed the pea coat that was draped on the back of it.
Emma stopped. "What are you doing?"
With a playful roll of her eyes, Regina shrugged the coat on and grabbed the purse underneath her desk. "If you're going to be so persistent upon walking to your house to grab a drawing to show me, the least I can do is drive you. I do not want you to get sick. That would really tamper with my plans for you."
Emma's heart fluttered as she watched the teacher walk passed her to the door. "Are you coming?" she asked, opening said door.
"What about lunch?"
"You can grab it, if you feel so inclined. Be sure to turn the lights off. I'll lock the door." Then she walked into the hallway.
Emma quickly grabbed their lunches without protest and rushed out the door after her teacher. Regina was already halfway down the hall by the time she had turned the lights off. Her hips were swaying in that same delicious tease that she had often taunted Emma with. It was a sight to behold, and she already found herself missing the view of Regina's ass when she disappeared outside. It hadn't taken the blonde long to catch up with her, and both to be in the Mercedes.
"Are you ready to go, my love?" Regina tilted her head toward the blonde who fastened her seat belt in time to return the gaze.
"Yup." Emma bit her lip and waited as the brunette pulled out of the parking lot and onto the road. It wasn't long before the two of them had arrived at the Nolans' apartment.
Regina had parked the Benz just outside and turned to the teenager who hadn't moved. She sat there idly, staring out the window at the tall building before turning her ] gaze to meet the brunette's awaiting visage.
"Be quick, alright?"
"You should come in." The words were out of her mouth faster than she intended.
"Well, I'm unsure-"
"It won't hurt. Besides, it's cold out here and we have a table to eat at." Emma smiled reassuringly. "My parents are gone- I mean, not to sound- So, you wouldn't be intruding or anything."
"If you insist." She gave Emma an amused smile before shutting the Mercedes down and pocketing the keys. "I'll grab the lunches."
"Thanks. I have to find the stupid key again." Emma mumbled as she got out of the car, the faint sound of a chuckle sounded behind her and she couldn't help but to smile. Soon, she found the house key in her jeans pocket. The two of them headed towards the apartment building and that's when Emma suddenly felt embarrassed.
"I'm sorry it's crappy," she mumbled, sticking the key into the lock as soon as they reached apartment three. It was a sudden tide of self-consciousness that had washed over her. She had seen how nice Regina's house was. How tidy, pristine, and so luxurious it was. Her measly apartment fell in the shadows of such a great building.
"Don't be, dear. It's fine." Regina reassured, following Emma into the small loft. Upon seeing the small kitchen table, she sat the bag and juices down along with her purse. "Shall I wait while you retrieve the drawing?"
"Yeah. I'll be back. You have a seat. Make yourself at home." Emma jogged up the stairs to her bedroom, making haste in removing the charcoal drawing from her closet.
She was soon back downstairs, only to stop as if she ran into an invisible wall. There was Regina Mills, sitting at her table, in her house. Even though they had been going with each other for almost two months, now, she still couldn't believe the very sight of this woman in her home.
Emma cleared her throat, nervously chuckling as she reached her teacher. "Hey."
"Oh, Emma!" The brunette jumped in her spot, caught off guard from her roaming eyes.
"I've got it."
"Show me." Now the teacher was eagerly facing Emma, eyes on the large frame in her hands. The glass had been turned away from Ms. Mills, but as soon as her eyes landed on the object in her student's hand, Emma flipped it around.
And she gasped.
"Oh, my-" She stood, a slender hand outstretched as if she were going to touch the glass but was too afraid to. Her mouth was open, jaw slack as if she had witnessed the most impressive of sights. Emma bit her lip, stunned at the tears welling in the woman's eyes.
"It's so beautiful, Emma. You've done a magnificent job." Regina commented, looking up to the blonde with a watery smile on her face.
"It should be. It's you." Emma whispered softly.
"No, I'm not beautiful, dear. Your portrait is a million times the woman that I am." The husky voice was so quiet, Emma barely heard what she had said.
"You're beautiful, Gina." Emma spoke far more loudly than she had intended, but it had gotten the point across, for the brunette's eyes had widened incredibly.
"Emma, please. Don't do this. I'm really not worth the time nor effort to-"
But Emma didn't let the older woman speak. She cut her off with a finger pressed against those perfect, red lips. "You are worth the effort, Regina Mills."
"You seem to give me a lot of these little talks, don't you, dear?"
"I do it when you feel bad and I'll blab on until the cows come home about how beautiful, intelligent, perfect, haunting, and what have you, that you are. I don't give a damn if I sound repetitive. That seems to be the way to get your ass to believe me." The blonde tightly crossed her arms across her chest and gave Regina a quirked brow. "Now, if you have anything to say, do it now or forever hold your piece."
"Emma." Those scarlet lips moved, but no sound left them. Her name coming from those lips, though, made up for it. It was so soft, almost breathless, and dare she add even huskier than before.
The frame was set aside as she took a step forward, right into Regina's personal bubble.
"Ever since the first day, I just couldn't take my eyes off you. You had this perfect, silky hair." She brought a hand up, running her fingers through the hair she had yearned to touch back then. It was still soft, just like silk. She would never tire of running her fingers through Regina's raven mane.
Swallowing thickly, her eyes stared into the brown ones in front of her, which were dark with a deep, voracious hunger that Emma knew could never be satisfied with food. "And your eyes. They show your emotions. I've had fun staring into them, trying to figure out what you're thinking as you speak. But that mouth. You had this dark, red lipstick on, and it was so captivating to watch as you licked them between every sentence."
Emma's second hand found purchase on Regina's cheek, and she heard that sharp intake of air as she gently ran the pad of her thumb over the older woman's upper lip, lightly skating the scar that she had been curious about. She never did ask about that.
"And you wore this tight, tight power suit that just hugged your ass every time you turned or bent." Emma chewed on her lower lip as the hand in the raven locks fell away to rest on Regina's posterior end. And that's when she surged forward and crashed her lips against the English teacher's.
It was nothing but needy desperation as she furiously kissed those tempting lips that had taunted her since the beginning of the year, almost four months ago. She was terrified that she had read Regina wrong, for she hadn't made a point to move, that was, until she felt a hand cup the nape of her neck as soft lips moved against her own.
Emma felt the older woman's lips part and she took that as invitation to enter her mouth. She tasted sweet, much like caramel coffee. Then the blonde remembered seeing one of those paper cups on her desk earlier in fourth period. If that wasn't enough to bring Emma to her knees, it was that delicious groan that emanated from Regina's throat which caused the blonde to think she would absolutely die.
And then it was over when oxygen became a necessity. Both had mutually pulled away, breathing heavily, and stared at each other.
"Regina," Emma couldn't help but to say her name, and it came out breathlessly, earning her a look that could slay her where she stood.
It was almost a silent plea on that woman's face, and Emma thought that she knew exactly what the brunette was asking, for she felt the desire throbbing between her own thighs.
"Emma?"
That was enough to get Emma to gather her wit and grab onto Regina's hand, then proceed to head toward the stairs that led up to her bedroom. As soon as her feet hit the top landing, she turned to look at the woman who had followed behind her, a lip caught between her teeth.
That was a holy crap, screw all things moral look right there and it was enough to force Emma into the room and up against a wall as their lips came crashing down on one another again. The sensation caused more heat to pool between her legs, and she swore if she didn't get relief soon, she would explode right there.
Emma had decided to make the first move, moving her free hand to cup the side of Regina's neck. Apparently, that was enough for the brunette, for Emma soon felt a hand tugging at her black jeans until she soon felt it go past the waistband.
"Oh," she gasped against the teacher's cheek when the hand reached her panties and slipped past the elastic band. She blushed deeply as the hand tried to squeeze inside the tight jeans, fingers brushing against her sensitive flesh in the process which was enough for Emma to blank.
All logical and coherent thoughts flew out of her brain in that moment. Whatever was happening now was nothing but raw emotion and there was no stopping it. Emma backed away from the wall, her hand on the brunette's wrist to tug it out of her pants.
Emma gave her a reassuring kiss before slipping her jeans off. She smiled, hoping it was explanation enough, before tugging on the older woman's hand to bring her closer so she could begin removing the pea coat she still wore.
But Regina stopped her with a lifted hand and shook her head. Heart sinking into her stomach, Emma backed away, only to notice as the high school teacher began to undress herself. It was first the coat, which landed next to the blonde's jeans. Next it was the jacket, which left Regina's arms completely exposed.
Emma licked her lips at the sight of smooth, olive skin and made haste to remove what remained of her own clothing. It took her record time to shuck everything off and now she stood in her birthday suit.
Regina, on the other hand, stood proudly, stark naked in the middle of Emma's bedroom. This reminded the teenager of a dream she had the other night, and, for some reason, she just hoped that it was real.
The kiss seemed real enough, and so did the feeling of her teacher's breasts and skin against her own. And, oh, did it feel so good. Emma couldn't help but to let out a guttural moan from each sensation. Her desire only grew into a raging fire, the sudden need had her pressing closer against the tanned flesh. Her hips ground against the other woman's, and the sound that came from her shot straight to Emma's core.
Lips connecting with one another in a heated kiss, the two eventually found the bed and fell back against it. Somehow Regina had ended up on top, slowly rocking against the thigh between her own. The blonde's hands roamed over as much olive flesh as they could, savoring the smooth and warm skin underneath her fingertips as she shifted her leg further up, pressing her knee against the brunette's center. The way the other woman squirmed under her dubious touches only made the blonde's ego grow.
Pale, slender fingers delved through thick and silky raven locks, tugging slightly at every touch given to the owner's. Regina had found the swell of one of Emma's breasts, the hand delicately squeezing the small globe as if she were afraid it would break. The blonde's response was eager, her back arching against the palm as a soft cry made its way from her lips.
"Regina," Emma whispered as she broke away for air. Her thigh had begun to grow cooler as the slick juices from Regina's heat started to dry, for the woman ceased movements upon discovering the younger girl's body.
"Emma," she whispered, the hand on the teen's breast moved further south until it reached forbidden territory, her other soon finding the blonde's own hand to entwine their fingers together.
Emma's breath hitched as she felt skilled fingers move across her sensitive lips, soon nuzzling between the folds, her hand squeezing the one that Regina had given her. She jumped and let out a choked moan when the English teacher had found the sensitive bundle of nerves. Yearning for more contact, she ground her hips against the hand and began to rock at a pace that Regina had set as she rubbed the girl's clit in tight circles.
"You're so wet. I always liked that about you, my pet." She purred into Emma's ear, her teeth gently teasing the lobe before she pulled those delicious lips away, only to trace the blonde's jaw with them.
Emma bucked her hips and cried, "only for you!" Her eyes squeezed tightly together, and she swore she saw stars.
She encouraged the now exploring fingers as they slipped up and down the length of her slit. Then, without further notice, two fingers slipped inside of her. "Fuck."
"Language, Miss Swan, unless you plan on doing exactly that to me." Regina growled tantalizingly into her ear, and it was that that had Emma coming blissfully against her hand, shouting her teacher's name into the thick air.
Her body shook with spasms as she stilled, the grip on the older woman's hand tightening. The teacher, though, hadn't stopped her thrusts and helped the blonde ride out the orgasm until the tremors died altogether. And she lay there, panting like she had just run a marathon.
Having a sudden desire to see that gorgeous woman above her reach such heavenly heights, her own fingers began to find their way between their bodies to discover the brunette's own hot arousal.
"You know," the blonde panted, her index finger lightly grazing over the older woman's damp, intimate mound. She could feel Regina softly squeeze her hand from the contact, which had her continue with her exploration.
"Hm?" The brunette hummed in pleasure, finally pulling her fingers from Emma. She brought them to her mouth and licked each one delicately, groaning softly both at the taste and feeling of her lover's exploring fingers.
"I've been wondering…" She shivered; her cheek tinted a deep shade of pink as she watched Regina.
Regina shifted up so she could straddle Emma's stomach, which had ultimately allowed more access for the blonde's fingers, to where she had immediately thrust into her teacher.
"W-wondering what?" The older woman moaned her words, eyes squeezed tight as she rolled her hips against the thrusting fingers.
"Do I suck at this?" Emma asked sheepishly, eyes drinking up the woman above her, marveling at how sensual she looked with pleasure on her face and the way the sweat glistened on her bouncing breasts.
Then she smirked. Dark eyes met with green and right then, her silent question was answered. "Of course not, dear."
"Good." Emma smirked, awkwardly shifting her thumb to press against Regina's clit, which ended in an ultimate success as the brunette mewled softly and bucked her hips.
Soon her lips were back on Emma's in a searing kiss. The rocking of her hips came quicker and more desperate as the fingers pumped harder and faster, urging her to tip over the edge.
And it didn't take long, or much. All Emma did was whisper, "Come for me, Gina," before the teacher came undone, her entire body stiffening in its place as waves of pleasure shot through the brunette's body. Emma could barely feel her hand as the older woman had squeezed it.
Regina collapsed beside Emma, her chest rising and falling heavily, as she stroked the top of the blonde's hand with her thumb. She turned her head and watched as Emma brought her fingers to her lips, her tongue coming out to taste the residue left over from the brunette's orgasm. She closed her eyes, enjoying the familiar essence.
"Remember our first time?" The brunette tossed onto her side, facing Emma, and stared at her with a quirked brow. "I was surprised with what you told me."
Emma nodded her head at the question. "Yeah, and that I've never been this far with someone before. I knew this chick once and I touched her boobs, but that was about it."
"Oh? I don't recollect hearing that." Regina smirked and scooted closer to the teenager, her fingers lightly trailing across her jaw. Emma gazed at her, head slightly tilting into the touch, and the sight just made her heart melt. That woman was so stunning, even with mussed hair and sweat-slick skin.
"You're so beautiful."
"Haven't you already established that? And might I add, rather adamantly?" The brunette teased, bopping Emma's nose with her finger.
"That's why we're where we are, actually." Emma clarified, a grin on her face.
"Indeed, my love. It seems to happen quite often."
Emma stared at Regina now, who had been smiling as well, and it was so absent, she assumed the brunette didn't even know she was doing it. And now she was staring at her lips again. They were just so kissable.
"I'm hungry." Emma huffed softly and sat up, her eyes sliding over to the small, digital clock on the headboard.
"You always are afterwards." She heard as she read the clock, the time that it had displayed had the blonde stumbling out of bed, tripping over sheets and her teacher's naked limbs.
"It's almost sixth period. We should get back."
"Pity," Regina said softly. Emma could feel those eyes boring into her skin, which ultimately froze her and made her turned around to note the small smirk on the brunette's face.
"Is it?"
"Well, I mean, since we're here and Mr. Glass will mark you present regardless…"
Emma's brows rose. "Ms. Mills! Are you condoning me to skip class to dare I say," then she whispered, "have fun?"
Then that smirk spread across her lips once again, and Emma was back on that bed in zero time, all traces of hunger and panic immediately gone.
"Yes," she finally said, leaning forward with one arm by the blonde's naked hip. And before the blonde knew it, the two of them were back on one another in a tangle of limbs, lips attached to skin, and hands exploring familiar and aching territory.
After Emma had floated back down to the ground from her third climax, panting in Regina's arms, the two of them lay together with fingers lazily trailing patterns on each other's skin. The brunette had her arm wrapped around Emma, hand resting on her bicep as the other held onto a pale hand resting on her rapidly rising and falling abdomen.
"Answer me this." Regina's mouth was mere inches away from Emma's ear as she spoke, and the blonde could feel the teacher's warm breath against her skin.
"What is it?" Emma purred.
"Why me? I'm ten years older than you, Emma. Why haven't you gone for someone your own age?" Regina looked genuinely confused.
When Emma considered her dark eyes, she could see a hint of fear and that made her heart sink. She was sure the brunette figured this was just some desire-driven action that the blonde had decided to take. Hell, Emma even thought it was exactly that months ago. But it was something far different because she felt like she just wanted so much more.
"Because I like you. I-I love you. I mean, I must admit that I liked your appearance at first. But after I started having lunches with you, after that first day that I stayed behind, I got to know your personality. I got to know a little more about you and I wasn't so threatened. I started to like you and develop some genuine feelings for you. Then we did more and, I don't know, I just found myself falling and fast." She answered honestly, her cheeks burning a rosy shade of pink. "Age doesn't really matter to me. I mean, I guess that it's kind of weird that you're older than me, but it doesn't matter. If you were eighty and crippled, I'd be there to take care of you and- It just doesn't matter. You know? Love knows no boundaries. And I'm eighteen, so it's pretty legal."
"Legality has nothing to do with it." Regina murmured softly. "It's far stranger for me than it is for you."
"It's love, Gina." Emma shrugged. "How I felt then, how I feel now."
"Love? Is that what you had felt?"
"I don't know. I just liked you, like, a lot." She nibbled her lower lip after she finished.
"I see." Regina seemed to contemplate those words, her head slowly nodding as she accepted them.
"What did you feel?" The blonde tentatively asked.
Regina looked down immediately, eyes on the back of her hand that was still next to Emma's hip. "I'm not sure. I was conflicted with my emotions, and I didn't know how I should feel. I really shouldn't be feeling anything for you. I-it's just not right. But I do. I feel something, and it makes me feel so… light."
Emma couldn't help but let a small smile upturn her pale lips. She leaned forward and confidently pressed her lips to Regina's. Those words were raw honesty and Emma appreciated that.
"How long?" she asked after pulling away, leaving herself breathless, because, gods, she could taste herself on Regina's lips. And that mixed with Regina's flavor was pure bliss.
"I'm not sure. It was probably a month and half into the school year, when you first opened to me after staying for lunch. Because, right then, and I don't know why I'm saying this or thinking this, I knew that there was someone that cared about me. Someone that actually cared in a world where people didn't. Perhaps, then, I didn't have these exact feelings for you, but that was a turning point. The more we talked, the more you opened up and revealed yourself… And there was that day with those boys. And despite however I may have scared you that day, you came back. You stayed."
"I stayed," Emma whispered. She just realized how serious of a turn that this conversation had taken. Regina was now insecurely huddled in her own bubble instead of fixing to give her another fuck.
She took the time and looked, really looked, at the brunette. It was then that she had noticed how small she looked, and not just because her heels were off, and clothes gone. She was isolated, and from what Emma could gather from what Regina had told her, she had been cast out most of her life. The hope in her eyes now told her that Emma was the only light that she had seen in years in her dark, absent cave of a life, and it was scary because she almost felt as if that was the only reason why the woman reached out to her. Yet Emma felt just the same; she latched onto the brunette, as well.
People were selfish. That's what Emma thought as she scooted closer to the brunette's form and wrapped an arm around her, bringing the nude body close into an embrace. Fingers played with raven strands of hair, sliding through the mussed mess, trying to untangle what she had ruined in the first place.
Regina just collapsed into her arms and, right then and there, Emma knew she would have to hold this woman for the rest of her life.
"And I always will," she finally whispered, voicing as much of her thoughts as she could into that simple sentence.
"You won't want me later on." Regina's voice sounded younger than her years as she spoke. It killed Emma.
"Don't say that. I won't regret any of this. I am not everyone else. I am me."
And that's all she had to say to soothe Regina's worries for now. She just snuggled close into the blonde's arms, her head nestling underneath Emma's chin while her arms wrapped tight around her waist.
Emma's eyes closed, her fingers still smoothing through Regina's hair. They remained in this position for a few silent minutes, the blonde's hand roaming over soft, olive flesh as Regina's fingers skittered over Emma's porcelain back, grazing ever so lightly over the angry scratches on her back; a result from a few nights ago when Emma had surprised Regina with a new twist in her methods.
The two had remained with gentle hands exploring soft skin and fingers curling in locks of hair for what seemed like a lifetime until they had both jumped to remember that they needed to return to school. They had stayed gone too long, and they were going to get into trouble if they hadn't returned before the final hour.
"We need to go." Regina mumbled against Emma's pale skin. "I have a class to teach seventh. You have to go to art class."
"Yeah…" Emma reluctantly pulled away from the embrace and stood. She quickly donned her clothes once again before quickly cleaning up and running a brush through her tangled curls. Offering the brush to Regina, she ran downstairs to gather their belongings, only to spot their uneaten lunch on the table.
"We forgot about lunch." She heard Regina say behind her. "Shame. I was looking forward to today's surprise."
"Me too. She usually stuffs a note in the bottom of the bag." Emma ended up muttering, picking the food bag up.
Regina blinked and looked at her. "She does?"
"Yeah." Emma blushed. "I mistakenly told Belle that I had a crush on you on the first day and, of course, she told Ruby. That's why I had an extra grilled cheese. She usually leaves a note saying something about my 'girlfriend.'" And then her cheeks were aflame as well as the pink creeping up her neck.
"Girlfriend, huh?"
"They were just messing around. Nowadays, it's just some quote stuff or her being a dork."
"It's no longer a joke, now, is it?" Regina purred, her voice dropping a few octaves into a sensual growl.
"I-I guess not." Emma blushed and quickly handed Regina her purse. "Here. We should go. It's less than ten minutes until seventh starts."
The brunette teacher nodded and smirked, taking the bag before turning towards the door. Emma soon followed behind with her backpack slung over one shoulder and a smile spread across her lips.
"Where were you sixth?" Belle immediately asked upon seeing Emma in the hallway on the way to art class.
Emma blushed as the memories came back to her. She knew exactly where she was and what she had been doing, but she couldn't tell that to Belle. Especially if she couldn't keep her mouth shut. "With Ms. Mills. Lost track of time again."
"Uh huh." The brunette quirked a brow.
Emma just shrugged and pulled the door open to the art room, then headed over to her regular spot. She looked up as Belle just stared suspiciously at her. "What?"
"I thought you said Ms. Mills wasn't going to allow you to stay that long."
"Like I said, we lost track of time." Emma shrugged, now unable to keep focus on her friend. Everything else just seemed interesting, suddenly.
Belle took the spot next to Emma, laying down their supplies across the table. It didn't take long for her to notice the way the blonde avoided any visual contact. "You smell different."
"What?"
It felt like Emma just ran into a cement wall.
"Yeah. Usually you smell like apples or, well, nothing. But you smell kind of spicy, like some kind of perfume. And something else." Belle nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders and Emma knew exactly what she was doing.
"You're not getting anything out of me," she warned, pointing her pencil at Belle, who tried to feign her innocence.
"I'm not doing anything. You're giving yourself away, Em."
"No, I'm not."
"You're acting guilty. Almost shameful."
"No. No, I'm not."
"Yes, you are." Belle then smirked. "Did the walk of shame from her classroom, did we?"
"No. No walk of shame."
"So, you do admit it."
"What? I admit nothing! We hugged, maybe. That's it." Emma should just shut up, but she couldn't help but to argue with the brunette.
"God, Em! I'm just teasing you!" The brunette let out a guffaw and shook her head. "You should see the look on your face! It's so hilarious!"
"Shut up, Belle!" She ground her teeth, arms crossing tightly over her chest.
"Fine." She just shrugged and played with a pencil in front of her while the teacher gave instructions on what they were supposed to do next. Something to do with 3D-ing stuff, but Emma wasn't really paying any attention.
"Hey, Em. Wasn't Graham coming down here for the weekend?" Belle finally broke the silence between them, all tension immediately gone at the mention of their male friend.
"Oh, yeah! I think it was supposed to be after midnight, though. He didn't want to interrupt us from our dance. Although, I sort of wish he would. What the hell are we supposed to be doing, anyways?"
"Hang out and stuff. We might have a sleepover at Ruby's. Well, at the Bed and Breakfast. Either Graham's going to rent a room or Ru's gonna convince her granny to let us stay in one for the night." Belle shrugged. "You in?"
"Totally!" Emma nodded.
She hadn't seen Graham since visiting Boston a few weeks back and she was excited about hanging out with him again. Of course, she just wanted to sit back and chill at her house playing on the game station like they usually did, but there was limited time, and she was sure her other friends wanted to spend time with him as well.
Emma spent the rest of the period buzzing with excitement. It wasn't long until the final bell had rung, and she and Belle were out of there and into the hallway. Earlier that week, Mary Margaret had volunteered to do the girls' hair and makeup. She looked so excited and anxious to do it that Emma didn't want to reject her kind offer. Anyways, she would have a hell of a time doing it herself and if it were her own choice, she'd probably end up going to the dance with her hair down and mussed, without any makeup on.
Belle hadn't minded at all, either, in fact, she was rather pleased to get her hair and makeup done by someone else. She said she wanted to look her best tonight and couldn't afford to look like someone threw a Crayola box at her face and used a bad perm kit on her hair.
Emma had laughed at her because her date was supposed to be Ruby. She didn't exactly understand why Belle wanted to impress her so much when the two were friends. She suspected something was up between the two but had never given her suspicions away.
As the two headed down the hallway, Emma let her thoughts veer away from the possible affair between her two best friends. Graham was coming down tonight. Luckily, it wasn't until way later, so she should be able to have enough time to sneak away with Regina and dance with her like she had promised. Perhaps they'd even have a little time to do something more.
Oh, gods, was she as anxious as hell to see Regina tonight. She said she'd be wearing something special for her. The brunette would be chaperoning the dance, so, it would be something appropriate, but who said that it still didn't have to be suggestive? That woman was sex on a goddamn stick. No matter what she wore, looked like, or what have you, she was the most gorgeous woman Emma had ever laid eyes on and would, no doubt, still be stunning.
Regina was especially sexy when she was wearing absolutely nothing at all. Well, except for that smirk on her face that always teased Emma when she would be just far enough out of reach.
You must have patience, dear. It is virtue.
She always said that, just before the blonde would pounce on her and take the brunette wherever they were standing.
"Hey, Swan! You ready for tonight?" Killian's voice interrupted her thoughts.
Emma blushed, trying to force the dirty thoughts from her mind. "Oh, yeah. Totally. I've got my dress, and everything all planned out-"
"Wasn't it the short, black number that Ruby gave you a couple weeks ago?" Then, as if by magic, his entire visage had fallen away to naught but a smile.
"Yeah." Emma gave him a look of skepticism.
"Awesome. I know what to get you. So, I should be off." Killian flashed a handsome smile that shehad tried to return. "So, pick you up at six?"
"The dance starts at six-thirty or seven." She quirked brow; something she inherited from the brunette teacher and her never ending sass.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll pick you up at six-thirty So, be ready, because I'm a loaded gun." And with that, he whipped around and waltzed off, leaving Emma to roll her eyes.
"Well, if he isn't a raging ball of hormonal youth, I don't know what is." Belle finally murmured from beside her friend.
Emma grunted and started to head toward the main entrance, weaving and maneuvering through the students who had still crowded the hallways. The two of them stopped short as Emma ceased her movements, eyes wide when they met with familiar, chestnut ones. All memories of earlier that afternoon had suddenly flooded her mind and Emma found herself drowned in olive toned sex.
"Re- Ms. Mills! Wh-what is-"
"You left this in my room, dear." The older woman walked the distance between them, arm extended with a red, leather jacket attached at the end. Emma could just feel the immediate sexual tension from earlier occupy the air surrounding them.
Belle looked awkward in her position beside Emma. It was a good thing that she didn't know what was going on between them, because the blonde was quite sure that she would jump to conclusions, or at least feel even more awkward than she was, because she might just assume that the jacket wasn't exactly in Regina's classroom, but her actual room instead, and Emma could say it just might not be a lie.
"Thanks, Ms. Mills." Emma received the piece of leather from the English teacher and shrugged it on.
It smelled of Regina, and it was the most beautiful thing.
"You're welcome, Emma.".
"Thanks. Again, I mean."
"Because, knowing Emma, she would probably die without that thing." Belle managed to joke, making herself known, as she gazed awkwardly between the two.
Emma giggled to save her, and Regina soon joined in.
"Oh, I'm quite sure that she's fond of this fine jacket. I see that she tends to wear it often." The teacher spoke through her giggles.
"She really does."
"Shut it, will you?" Emma grumbled, cutting her friend off before she could express the next thought on her mind.
"Sorry."
"I should let you girls off. I am quite sure that you're anxious for the upcoming weekend and tonight's winter formal?" Ms. Mills addressed with a pleasant smile on her lips.
"Yeah. I heard you were gonna chaperone?" Emma smirked.
"Yes, actually. It was a last-minute thing, especially after Ms. Boyd had gotten ill and could not attend." Regina had the faintest of grins on her face.
"Huh, so I suppose I'll see you later?"
"Indeed." Regina nodded, then turned her attention to the long-haired brunette standing meekly next to the blonde. "Will you be going, as well, Miss French?"
"Yes, I will." Belle nodded.
"With anyone special?"
"Not really." She muttered. "Ruby said she would go with me."
"Oh, really?" Regina's eyes only slightly widened as she tilted her head, observing the small brunette.
"Yeah." Belle fiddled with the lace on her yellow top while her bottom lip disappeared into her mouth. "I-"
"We should probably get going. We still have to get ready, and I know my mom has plans to spruce me up." Emma cut in, sensing the sudden mortification radiating off her friend from Regina's question.
"Indeed, you must. I shall see you both later." The teacher offered the two a polite smile, her eyes, though, lingered on the blonde for several heart beats longer than what would be considered safe.
Emma could feel the pleasant shivers sent from the older woman's stare run down her spine and hit every nerve in her body.
"Yeah, see you." Emma said softly, taking Belle by obvious surprise.
Regina nodded and leaned slightly forward, as if she were about to speak. Emma knew what words had been caught on the brunette teacher's tongue.
"Have a good weekend, girls." She said instead, turning around to saunter down the hallway where she had soon been engulfed by the sea of students.
"That was weird." Belle immediately muttered her thoughts after the English teacher's departure.
"Yeah, it was." Emma merely shrugged and headed off, once again, towards the exit.
"I mean- Do you still like her?" The brunette inquired, trying her best to keep up with the hastily walking Emma.
"She's become something of a friend through our lunches." The blonde pushed her way through the thinning crowd.
"What do you mean?"
"I talk to her. She talks to me. Sometimes it's personal, but usually, it's nonsense."
"Nonsense?"
"Can you stop being nosy?" Emma suddenly stopped and arched a brow at her friend who, in return, halted and donned the visage resembling that of a kicked puppy.
"I-I'm sorry-"
"No, don't be. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have- It's just that, you know, some things are private, and I don't want to blab about stuff. I spoke too much the first time and I know I shouldn't have." Emma sighed and gave Belle a quick hug before slowly proceeding to walk. "But, I guess, I'd also have to thank you for pushing. If not, I wouldn't have had lunch with her, and we wouldn't be where we are today."
"I'm sorry. I should have known better and-"
"Eh, don't worry about it. You helped me, believe it or not." She shrugged it off and turned down her street.
"I did?"
"Yeah."
"Okay. Cool." Belle smiled, making her words short, but Emma could see the burning question in her eyes. She must have decided not to pry, especially since the blonde had left it so vague.
The two of them had quickly made their way into Emma's apartment, of course, being immediately greeted by Mary Margaret. She wore a wide smile on her face and held two dresses in her hands. Looking behind her, Emma knew just what was there – the makeup kits.
"You girls ready?"
"As long as we have some good tunes." Emma smirked and made her way over to her mother, dropping the messenger bag onto the floor as she shed both jackets.
"Depends on what. We have to make a unanimous decision." Mary Margaret quirked a brow at Emma's bag before gesturing to a free kitchen chair for Belle to take. Belle did just that as the blonde pulled her phone from her pocket.
"Only because you hate it when I listen to the majority of my playlist. Admit it, Mary Margaret, you hate rock."
"I do not. I simply do not like profanity in some of the music you listen to." She replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Well, Cher it is." Emma shuffled through the music on her phone and chose a song. The beat of it filled the silence and had the newly pumped Emma slightly moving to it.
"Awesome, right?"
"One of her new ones?"
"Yeah. And no profanity, so don't worry." She gave her mother a wry look.
"Oh, sit down and let me do your makeup."
"It was just a little joke." Emma feigned a pout as she took the spot next to Belle. She leaned towards her and whispered, "sorry 'bout my mother."
Belle giggled a response. "It's alright. Your bickering is entertaining."
"Better than cable?"
"Definitely."
"I can make you girls look like clowns if I want. Need I remind you of who exactly is doing your makeup." Mary Margaret was quick to interrupt Belle's next thoughts. She had quickly donned the same look that she had earlier.
"Sorry, Mrs. Nolan."
"It's quite alright, Belle." The pixie-haired brunette gave her a reassuring smile, but the same had not been given to Emma when she had turned her attention to the blonde. "Now you on the other hand, young lady."
"Sorry." Emma let her head drop to stare at the twiddling thumbs on her lap.
"It's alright, sweetheart." The elementary schoolteacher lay a hand on Emma's shoulder and gave it a light squeeze.
"Okay." Emma bit her lip, her cellphone held in a tight grip.
"Who wants to go first?"
"Ruby and I wanted to eat at the diner before we went."
"And Killian's picking me up at six-thirty, so she can go first." Emma shrugged and played with her phone. "I can wait."
"Alrighty, then. Belle, if you could close your eyes for a moment." Mary Margaret instructed, her voice fading as Emma paid attention to her phone's small screen.
She wondered what Regina was doing right now.
Hey, Gina. What's up?
The reply was almost immediate, which had the blonde by surprise.
Getting ready. Figured to get it done.
How far are you?
The reply this time wasn't so quickly sent. Emma sat at the kitchen table with a bored look, watching as her mother buzzed around Belle with a small cosmetic brush.
Her phone buzzed with a new message. When the blonde had checked her status bar on the phone, she had noticed the regular preview had been blank. Blinking slightly, Emma clicked the message and was soon greeted with an image of a mini-Regina.
And a very graphic photo of this little Regina inside her phone. The teacher wore nothing but a smile – nay, a smirk – and a few scraps of lacy material covering her intimate bits.
Now that was a dangerous photo. Emma bit her lip, mouth salivating as she had continued to stare at perfect, sun-kissed skin. Regina probably shouldn't have sent such a racy photo to the blonde's phone. If anyone ever got a hold of it and flipped through her messages…
She'd have to delete the message. Or wipe the whole thing. Although perhaps she could somehow save the image and transfer it to a safe device? Later.
"What's got you smiling?" Mary Margaret's voice had caused Emma to nearly fall out of her seat. That phone's screen was black within seconds and stuffed into her pocket before her mother could even take another breath.
"Uh… I-I was just reading about a new episode of my favorite show." Emma quickly explained, urging the blush to keep away from her cheeks.
"I voted on porn." Belle was quick to interrupt Mary Margaret as she had begun to speak. "The way you stuck that thing in your pocket so fast like it was on fire. I mean, wow, Em."
Oh, it was closer to porn than you think, my dear Belle.
"Well, it wasn't. Mary Margaret just scared the shit out of me."
"Language, Emma!" The woman in discussion reprimanded with a stern look, nearly burning the flesh from Emma's guilty face.
"Sorry, I was just saying-"
"You can say it with less profane language, young lady."
"Fu-Je-Chri-Crap! Alright. Shi-Sheesh." Emma slumped back against the kitchen chair. Her back was already cramping just sitting here. It hadn't even been all that long and all she felt like doing was spouting spiteful language.
"I do not want to hear that kind of language from you again. Okay?"
"No promises. They just slip out; you know?" The blonde shrugged and pulled out her phone to wake it up after the device had gone off again. It must have been Regina, no doubt asking why she hadn't replied. "But I'll try my best."
"Oh, Emma. What am I going to do with you?" Mary Margaret let out a dramatic sigh, or so Emma thought, and went back to her station, fixing Belle's hair up.
The blonde withdrew her attention once again and gazed down at the small screen to see the new message that had, in fact, been sent by Regina. It was another picture. This time she was fully clothed in a delicious black number that plunged at the neckline to give a generous amount of cleavage – although an appropriate amount for school – and stopped short of her knees. She had completed her outfit with a bun in her hair, albeit a few pieces of raven framed her face.
She looked breathtaking; and that was just the picture. Emma could only imagine how stunning she would be in person. The blonde could already smell her spicy perfume. Regina's perfume was her favorite scent, and that was for a fact.
Wow. You look so amazing, Gina. Can't wait until I see you.
"It's going to be your turn, soon!" Mary Margaret smiled at her daughter as she continued to stylize Belle's hair.
"It's very relaxing." Belle looked over to Emma, a smile on her face. "Of course, that's just me."
"No, I know. I enjoy it when people touch my hair. Well, when I want them to." The blonde shrugged and sat her phone down next to her on the table as she retrieved a makeup case.
"Why don't you go put that dress on while I get a start on Emma?"
Emma looked up at the mention of her name just in time to see Belle nod and stand up from her seat. She grabbed the yellow gown that Mary Margaret had handed her and headed towards the bathroom.
"Now, it's your turn." The short-haired brunette made her way over to Emma, a brush in hand. "I'll do your hair first to get it out of the way. I don't want to accidentally color your hair."
"Alright." Emma nodded at her mother's words and gathered her phone up after it had buzzed with a new message once again.
"You can't have that thing while I'm doing your makeup." Mary Margaret put a fist on her hip.
"Yeah, I know. I'll be done after this." She muttered, trying to read the text on her screen with a smile. Her mother had gotten close to her now, she could feel it, and the brush tangling in her blonde curls proved her proximity.
Emma sucked her lower lip into her mouth and kept her phone close to her. She couldn't risk Mary Margaret seeing the picture that was still showing.
"Are you texting someone?" The brunette asked as she had brushed tangles from Emma's blonde mane.
"Yeah. Still haven't got to read it, yet."
"You should do that. I'm not stopping you."
Emma nodded and chuckled softly. She had been so worried about Mary Margaret seeing Regina's picture that she hadn't read the last message yet and the pixie-haired woman could very well see her screen.
Why, thank you, dear. I simply cannot wait, either. Why don't you let me pick you up?
"Oh, shit." Emma couldn't help but to mutter.
"What is it, dear?"
"Uh, nothing. I just, it's just this message. It's fine." She shrugged and quickly started to type in a response.
Can't. MM's doing my hair and makeup right now.
She hit send and bit her lip. She should probably tell her about Killian, as well. The excuse that she had made up wouldn't entirely suffice, because the brunette could still very well offer to pick her up afterwards. And Regina would be at the dance, after all. She would see Killian with her.
And I'm getting picked up. Killian asked me to the dance, and I felt bad if I were to reject him. It's not like anything's going to happen. I'm exclusively yours.
"Your hair is so beautiful. I wish mine was like that sometimes, but your mom did such a wonderful job with mine." Belle's accent echoed from behind Emma, who had rolled her eyes.
"My hair's a beast. It hates me half the time."
"That's why you tame it."
"I've tamed enough beasts in my life." Emma nonchalantly shrugged and slumped once again in her chair, but Mary Margaret had told her to straighten up, in which she abided with a groan.
"Well, you've got more."
"No."
Belle huffed and stuck her tongue out at the blonde. "Do I look stupid?"
"Yes."
"You look beautiful, dear." Mary Margaret smiled.
"With tongue and all?"
Emma snorted. "Oh, I'm sure Ruby would like that."
"Emma Swan!"
"We're just friends." Belle's face had developed a florid color at the statement, and she fidgeted in her spot.
"Sorry. Just making a joke." Emma gave her friend a skeptical quirk of the brow.
"Just, shut up."
"Hey, you look pretty, Belle. Beautiful. Ruby will agree, I'm sure. Just don't yell at me again." Belle gave her a wry smile.
"Answer your phone." She muttered and sat in the chair next to Emma.
"Shit. It went off?" The blonde quickly looked down at her phone to note that, sure enough, there was a new message from Regina. Her stomach did flips. What was she going to say about that?
Oh, I see… I suppose that is alright so long as you keep your promise to dance with me, my love. My eyes will be on you all night, knowing that you are mine. I will not let him take that away from me. Remember that, Emma.
"Who are you talking to?" Belle's voice had interrupted the momentary reverie that she had been in upon reading the sweet message from the high school teacher.
"What?"
"You're smiling like an idiot again." She chuckled and pointed at Emma's face, looking up at Mary Margaret who wore a humored grin.
"You are, Emma. Who is it?" The pixie-haired woman stopped her work and tilted her head to give the blonde a questioning arch of the brow. "Do you have a boyfriend, Emma?"
"No, I can honestly say that I don't." Emma replied, the internal debate storming within her mind. She wanted so much to tell Mary Margaret right now. But who would she suspect Emma was dating?
Would she think Belle?
Although, she had told her that Killian were to pick her up later. And Belle would be leaving with Ruby soon as well.
Maybe she would think that Emma had finally been fed up with the boyfriend questions. But Emma didn't know if she could even bring herself to utter those words to her. There was something in her gut, pulling her back. And she knew exactly what it was.
"Oh, then who it is?"
"No one. Nothing." Emma mumbled, hiding behind her phone as she hastily tried to reply to Regina.
I know, babe. I'll be keeping my eyes on you, too. But I gotta go right now. Everyone's hounding me on who I'm texting because I can't stop smiling like an idiot. See what you do to me, Gina?
"Oh, bull! You're totally talking to someone."
"So? It's my own personal business. I don't have to share." She quickly slipped her phone into her pocket and sat back against the chair.
"Why don't you do my makeup, please, so we'll be done with that? I don't want to talk about this anymore."
"I'm sorry, honey." Mary Margaret frowned and grabbed one of the makeup kits to get a start on her daughter's face.
"Calm down. I'm sorry, too. I guess I know what it's like to want privacy." Belle shrugged, the blush crawling up her neck like a rapidly burning fire was what had given her away. Emma suspected she knew what her brunette friend was referring to but opted not to bring it up.
"It's alright, guess. I'm sorry for overreacting like that. I just don't feel comfortable with telling you who I'm talking to. Maybe one day, I will."
"Maybe one day?" The long-haired brunette squished her brows together as she leaned towards the blonde. "What if that day never comes?"
"Oh, it will. Trust me. You'll know when I tell you." Emma met Belle's eyes and let a slow smirk spread across her pink lips.
"Close your eyes, please." Mary Margaret whispered. She had been listening to Emma, she was sure. Now she'll have the schoolteacher jumping down her throat with anxious questions about her new revelation.
Emma gave an internal sigh and closed her eyes. Why were the people around here so nosy? Regina seemed to be the only one so far that hasn't bugged her with futile questions that only pried and made the blonde angrier than she had been before.
Soon enough, after Emma had gotten lost in thought of Regina, Mary Margaret had finished up with her makeup. She switched to the black dress and found a pair of black leggings to wear underneath the short material, also donning her red leather jacket to cover up the exposed skin on her upper half.
Belle had left about an hour after Mary Margaret had finished Emma's makeup, a smile on her face as she climbed into Ruby's car.
Killian had arrived only moments ago and was currently waiting while being berated with questions by Mary Margaret in the living room as Emma had slipped on her boots and jacket.
When she walked back downstairs to take off, Mary Margaret was holding a camera and wearing a large – if not conniving – smile.
"Why don't you go stand next to Killian and I'll take a picture?"
"Okay," Emma grumbled, doing just that. Really, she shouldn't be taking a picture like this with him. It should be Regina standing beside her. Maybe she could convince the brunette to take a picture with her later.
"Smile!"
The smile on Emma's face couldn't be any more fake. Unfortunately, Killian looked just as happy as he could be. That stuck a needle into Emma's heart. She felt bad for leading him on like this, and for as long as it had been. She should have told him when they first met – or at least when he first started to show interest in her.
"And we're off. Thanks mom." Emma gave Mary Margaret a soft smile before rushing to the door.
On their way there, she could just feel the guilt eating away at her. The happily chatting teenage boy next to her was completely clueless to her agenda for tonight.
I should probably tell him before I run off with Regina…
"How are you?" Killian interrupted Emma's thoughts and pried emerald eyes away from the sidewalk ahead of them.
"Good," she answered. "You?"
"Just good? Aren't you excited to go to the dance?"
"Not really. It's not my thing."
"Then where'd you get the dress?" He stopped in his tracks and pointed to her attire.
"Ruby." She shrugged and continued to walk, forcing the boy to follow. "Birthday, remember? She already planned my demise. And I told you earlier about this."
"Oh, yes. That." Killian chuckled. "I couldn't picture you in a dress. Especially that one."
"Oh, hardy har har."
"No offense, Emma, but you aren't all that girly." He playfully bumped her side, whispering something that froze her. "You gay or something?"
When she hadn't said anything, he spoke once again. "It was meant as a joke, but I guess you can't take one." He crossed his arms and stood in front of her, a bushy brow arched curiously.
"Yes."
"Yes? You can't take a joke?"
"No."
"No, what? You can or you can't?"
"Neither. I mean yes. No, I mean no. I can take a joke, but- Fuck, you're giving me a migraine." Emma wiped her hands down her face and started toward the school again at a slow pace.
"Then what are you talking about? You're pretty, but you're confusing as hell."
"That earlier statement."
"What? That you don't seem to be a dress girl or that you aren't girly?" Killian took the few steps to catch up with her, his face crinkling with confusion when she had shaken her head with a negative reply. "Then what? That joke about you being-"
"Yes," Emma finally sighed, her eyes focused on the students gathered outside the high school, chattering away.
"So, you're- Then why did you let me take you to the dance? Or are you just pulling my leg?" The two of them had finally entered the building and very slowly made their way down the hallway as Emma explained.
"No, I'm not joking. I didn't really want to make you feel bad if I rejected you for no reason. I just- I don't like telling people. There are too many that would judge." She stopped by the gymnasium's door and leaned against it, considering his light eyes. "My parents don't even know."
"All this time, you were gay?"
"Yeah. I was just humoring you."
"You're a bitch." The smile on his face was the only thing that had told Emma that he was joking. "You owe me a dance for this. Make that two, actually."
"Fine. Deal." Emma shrugged and helped open the door to the gym. Loud music immediately blared into their ears. "Get your ass out there if you wanna dance, 'cause I am not doing this again."
"I know when to accept an invitation." He chuckled, surging forward into the room, rushing past the clusters of students dancing to the obnoxious music.
"Also, I'm going to be running off," Emma had started to explain, but her eyes caught sight of a brunette standing on the other side of the room, talking with a group of teachers, all of which had little plastic cups of punch in their hands.
Regina.
She looked even more stunning than in that picture that she had sent. Now all was left was to see what she looked like without that dress on. The image of the woman wearing nothing but the lacy undergarments had flitted through Emma's mind and now all she could picture was Regina wearing just that.
"Emma? Are you alright?" Killian quirked a brow and stood in front of her, waving a hand in front of her face. When she blinked and shook her head, trying to snap back to reality, she could see his gaze drift from her to the group of teachers.
"Who are you checking out over there?"
"No one." Emma quickly denied. "Come on. Let's dance."
"No, seriously. What's over there?"
"Nothing."
He was still looking over there by the time Regina had broken contact from the crowd and gazed across the room to lock eyes with Emma, a smile breaking out across her face. Then those whisky eyes moved to Killian and quickly averted towards the teachers once again.
"Ms. Mills?"
"What?"
"Do you fancy her?"
"I'm not telling you anything." The blonde shrugged and backed away to head towards the middle of the gym where the students were dancing. Killian followed behind her with his question in the air.
"Why won't you tell me?"
"Because." Emma tapped her foot to the beat of the music. "Just dance, dude. You wanted to and if you wait too long, I'll just walk away."
"Fine."
"How the hell are we supposed to dance to this, anyways?" Emma watched as he shrugged across from her and stood there, his own foot tapping in time with the blonde's.
"I don't know, but I think this song's almost over. Everyone's slowing-"
"It's your turn, couples. Slow dance away!"
Emma could hear a man's voice booming through a microphone. The upbeat music had suddenly halted and was soon replaced with a slow-moving song. Most of the students left the dance floor while the couples remained, and a few others joined.
Emma stared disbelievingly at Killian who wore that same, wicked smile on his face and twinkle in his eyes. He was all too happy for this, while Emma wished she could just shoot herself. She wasn't much for dancing or contact with others, and with this, she had to do both. With him.
She had to admit, he was a nice and sweet guy, but he was also what Belle had described him as earlier: a hormonal ball of youth. He was flirty as hell and, despite what Emma had told him earlier, he seemed to be anxious to get his hands on her. And thus, he had, placing one hand on her back and the other on her hip. Emma, on the other hand, had placed both hands on his shoulders, trying her best not to touch him too much, if that were possible.
"Why couldn't we just wait until a different song came up?" Emma muttered, having to force herself closer to speak the words into his ear.
"Because you owe me a dance. And I don't want to wait. You said you were going to run off anyways." He smirked down at her, and she was just about to smack that damned thing off his face.
"Oh, just shut up and let's dance."
Because she wanted this over with as soon as possible. She just hated doing something like this. It was so utterly ridiculous, and she couldn't believe that she was dragged into such a mess. Trying to occupy her mind, she subtly changed their positions so she could keep an eye on Regina, who was still chatting away with the teachers.
Good for her. She was socializing, Emma thought. She had never seen the teacher talk with others unless she had to. It was nice to know that she was doing it now. But the way that she seemed to fidget at times, the blonde could tell that she didn't like it as much as it had appeared. She wanted as much to get away from this scene as Emma did, and the way that she drew her attention away from the group every so often told her so.
And when she did it again, she came into eye contact with Emma, who flashed her a crooked smile. It had, in return, earned her a small, but sweet one, but there was something else holding her back and Emma could see that.
Then Emma felt something touch her ass and give it a shameless squeeze. She growled in Killian's ear and pulled slightly away to glare at him. He gave her a hopeful smile before leaning forward, causing Emma to stare at him with wide eyes. He wouldn't dare.
But it was inevitable. She had taken too long to pull away and he had obviously used her immobility as an invitation, because the next thing she knew, Killian's lips were on her own and his scruffy beard was unpleasantly scratching her chin. The hand on her behind had taken the liberty to squeeze the round flesh again.
It had taken a second to gather her wits, but as soon as her brain had flicked back on, Emma was pushing at his chest with one hand and taking a step back. Luckily, Killian had abided and released the blonde with an apologetic look.
"I'm sorry."
"Yeah, you better be. What the fuck was that?"
"You- I thought you-"
"Has everything I said gone over your head?" Emma narrowed her eyes and gave him the most intimidating glare that she could muster. "Maybe in a different life I would have wanted to kiss you. But not this one. I'm sorry, Killian."
"No. I'm sorry." He sighed.
Emma shook her head and gazed past the teenager to the group of teachers. Regina was gone.
"Fuck. I gotta go."
"I'm sorry!"
She waved a hand at him as she marched toward the back exit where she had seen a shadow just moments ago. The door had clicked shut by the time she had reached it.
"Fuck!" Emma pushed the door open and made haste to exit, but one of the staff members had departed from the group to grab her arm.
"You can't exit that way."
"I just saw someone go through here. I need-"
"I'm sorry, but you can't." He didn't look the least bit of sympathetic as he pulled her back.
Emma struggled in his grasp, trying so desperately to break free. She needed to get to Regina before she left. She couldn't just let her go. But the teacher wouldn't let her go.
"Come on! Just let me go!" She could feel her throat constricting as she spoke. Her eyes were beginning to glisten. "I need to go! You don't understand!"
"I can't let you through." The man shook his head, leaving Emma to sigh and give her attempts a rest.
"Good. There's an exit over there that you can use." He pointed towards the door that Emma had entered earlier, which so happened to be across the entire gymnasium.
"Fine." She could have wept when he released her arm as she had trudged a few steps away from the exit.
When he had turned to head back toward the crowd of teachers, Emma hastily scrambled to the door once again, this time succeeding as she slipped through the exit. The teacher was shouting after her, but she couldn't hear him, she was too focused on sprinting down the hall in search of Regina. There was absolutely no clue of where she would have gone. She could have gone home, for all Emma knew.
She hastily walked down the halls, head whipping back and forth to peek into each room. All that had come up empty and when she had passed down the English hallway, Regina's room was as dark. Just to be sure, Emma quickly walked towards the door and tried for the handle. It was locked.
"Fucking hell." She mumbled and made her way down the hall once again. Where was Regina going to be? She wouldn't just go home, would she? Would she?
Then she heard it, as she passed the gym's doors as she made her way there. It wasn't Regina's voice, but a couple of girls gossiping outside the door.
"Did you go into the girl's bathroom?" One of them spoke urgently to a redhead.
"What? No. Why?" The redhead replied, tilting her head with green eyes focused on the brunette in front of her.
"There's someone in one of the stalls."
"Oh, congratulations! You know that people actually use the restroom." The redhead sarcastically enthused.
The brunette rolled her eyes. "No! I meant there was someone crying. I didn't see who it was, but I could hear them sniffling."
"Which bathroom?" Emma suddenly moved to stand between the two of them. She usually never interrupted others' conversations, but this was her only lead on Regina right now. Maybe that was her. And if it was, oh gods, Emma felt like utter crap for making the older woman cry.
"Who the fuck are you?" The brunette narrowed her eyes.
"No one. Just tell me what bathroom."
"Do you know who it is?" The redhead queried, a gentle look in her eyes.
"Possibly. But it's kind of urgent if so. So, please."
"It's the one nearest to the gym. Where else?"
"Thanks." And Emma was off, leaving the two of them to continue with their gossip. Hopefully this was Regina and hopefully she would still be in there.
Oh, gods, what had she done? It was a bad idea to come to the dance with Killian. She should have just rejected him like she had planned if not for the insistence of her friends – which she hadn't seen at all upon her arrival.
After hastily making her way down the hall, squirming past the people loitering in the hallways and talking about the mysterious girl in the bathroom, she had soon arrived in front of the girls' restroom. A few people stood outside, whispering to one another. She scowled at them and made her way into the bathroom. There were a couple girls inside as well, touching themselves up in the mirror.
Emma slowly walked up beside them and pretended to fluff her hair all the while checking each stall in the mirror. Every stall appeared to be empty, each door slightly ajar to cross off the list.
Then her eyes landed on the final stall door, which was completely shut. Emma could see the shadow of a being ghost across the tiles. Was that her? If only she could see the shoes that she wore.
And to get these two girls out of the bathroom because she was running out of things to do in front of this mirror and she was starting to look like an idiot just standing there, staring at herself.
"Can you believe that?" One of the girls' voices asked, loud and squeaky.
"No!" The other replied as the two of them pushed away from the sinks.
"It's so crazy, isn't it?"
"I know!"
"Why would someone do that?"
"I don't know!"
Emma wrinkled her brows and slowly inched her way closer to the closed door at the far end of the bathroom. What the hell were they talking about again? She hadn't necessarily been paying attention. Her focus was on trying to find Regina.
"Uh! I can't believe that someone would stick a pad to the ceiling."
What the fuck?
Their voices faded away as they left the bathroom, leaving Emma alone with whoever was in that stall. She really hoped that it was Regina or else she was absolutely screwed. Who knows what it would turn out like if she were to knock on that stall and someone else would be in there?
Maybe she could call her? Or text. If she heard a phone go off, which she hoped that Regina would have hers on her, then she would know that it was her. So, she whipped her phone from her jacket pocket and quickly thumbed through to find Regina under her messages.
Baby?
Send.
There were no sounds within the bathroom to indicate that it was Regina in that stall, nor that she had received the message. She frowned slightly, brows furrowing. Perhaps it wasn't Regina. After all, why would she go into a bathroom stall?
Emma looked down to her phone once again. There were no new messages, aside from a few that her friends seemed to have sent her asking where the hell she was. She didn't bother to respond to them. Instead, she decided to try calling her brunette lover in attempt to get a hold of her.
And, if that was Regina in the stall, there would be no way that she couldn't at least hear the phone vibrate.
But as the phone rang on her end, it was silent on the other.
Then the bathroom stall door opened revealing a young teenaged girl, mascara and tears streaking her face. One look at the blonde had the black-haired girl out of the bathroom in no time.
Emma visibly relaxed at the sight. At least that wasn't Regina. But that had also raised a question: Where was she?
With a sigh, She left the bathroom as she attempted to call the teacher one last time. She probably wanted to be left alone. Emma screwed up.
Well, it was Killian's fault, but it was Emma's all the same for going with him to the formal. Oh, she was going to string that boy up by his testicles and make him wish he hadn't kissed her.
Shaking those nightmarish thoughts aside, the young blonde decided to search the premises of the school one last time before calling it a night. When she hadn't found any traces of Regina, or her car, Emma decided it was time to return home.
And as she was walking down the path in the desolate streets, tears stung her eyes. What did she do? Regina was more than likely angry at her for what she had done, or even worse, she was hurt by the action. And Emma couldn't blame her.
Emma wouldn't even blame Regina if she were to cut off their relationship. But the very thought of that sent her heart sinking into the pit of her stomach. After all the risk and time that they had spent to get to know one another, it would all have been for naught.
And the laughter. And the tears. And the wonderful feeling of each other's embrace. It would be gone and that drove a stake through Emma's heart.