"Since when do you bring to-go cups to school?" Belle asked as Emma spotted the chair next to her, dropping her bag on the floor and the stolen cup of Regina Mills' coffee on the corner of her desk.
She plopped down into the desk seat and gave her friend a wry look, one brow quirked. "Since I felt like it."
"Whatever you say." Belle rolled her eyes, returning the look before setting a reading book on the corner of her desk. There were still a few minutes before the bell rang, since they gave extra time in the passing period for restroom breaks and the like.
Emma sighed softly and grabbed the paper cup to take a sip, her eyes fluttering as the lukewarm liquid slid down her throat – sweet and spiced with cinnamon.
When Emma looked up after setting the cup down, she noticed Belle watching her. "Did you get your cinnamon cocoa to go?"
"Why are you so obsessed with what I have in my cup?"
"I'm not obsessed. Just curious." She shrugged. "You don't have to tell me, I guess."
"I won't." Emma smirked. She knew how curious the bookworm got when she was not told what she wanted to know. It would bug Belle probably to the point of taking drastic measures. Or by taking the blonde's paper cup to give it a whiff before setting it back down.
"Cinnamon." She nodded. "Go figure, Miss Cinnamon Freak."
"Excuse me if I like cinnamon in my coffee and cocoa." Emma defended, the bell ringing as she took the cup to hold close with a scowl on her face.
Belle was the first to be done with the test, and Emma was the first to notice as the brunette slid out of her seat with a proud smirk. How she could finish with that damned thing so quickly, Emma didn't know. She, herself, often finished tests before others, but government was just her weak point.
So, she was wary as she got up herself several minutes later with that test packet, insecure about the answers that she put. Whatever studying that she had tried yesterday with Regina didn't help all too much. She just blanked upon looking at the questions.
"How do you think you did?" Belle asked as the blonde made her way back to her desk, sitting next to the brunette.
"Horribly," the blonde muttered. "I bet I didn't pass."
"Oh, ever the optimist, Emma." Belle grinned.
To which Emma responded dryly, "We all can't be smart like you, Belle."
"I struggled with it."
"With, what, one question?" Emma grabbed the forgotten cup of coffee and took a swig, the contents now cold.
"With most of it. I studied, but that didn't seem to help. He didn't really teach us all that well, so none of it stuck." Belle whispered, chancing a few glances at their teacher who sat in front of his computer, blatantly ignoring the students as they turned their tests in.
"I know." Emma sighed. "I'm just glad that we're done with this class. It was nice to have the free time, but hell when we had tests over shit we don't know."
"I must admit that it's not my favorite class."
"Right there with you." Emma agreed, finishing off the rest of the coffee. "Hey, Belle?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you know when we get out of here?"
"In about twenty minutes."
"Oh, gods." Emma leaned back against her chair and glanced toward the clock on the far side of the room. "I'm getting a migraine. I want this day to be over with."
"Just one more class. Another hour and a half."
"Ugh…"
"Think of it this way, Em, it's art. All we're doing is working on our final project, and you're pretty much done, aren't you?" Belle cocked her head to the side.
"Yeah." Emma nodded. "But I'll be bored as hell for the entire thing, then, because I finished my book."
Emma scowled at herself for that. She hadn't thought to replace it this morning. For some reason, she had completely forgotten about her art class and the time she'd spend doing nothing in there, since all she had left was a few details on the final project of a lone wolf. She had made it for Graham, promising that she would make something in art for him upon taking the class and as a thank-you for Boston.
Graham loved wolves as Emma loved swans. It was their symbols, or so he liked to say. It was something that represented each of them in their own ways.
He admired the wolves' packs and their loyalty to one another, which equally represented his own loyalty to his friends. And he had also said that they were magnificent creatures and looked badass, especially when they bared their teeth.
Emma had told him her reason for liking swans. Her last name contributed little to her admiration for the bird. The reason that she liked them was for their grace and beauty, much as he liked wolves for their appearance as well. She felt that she could relate to the aggressive swans, ones that looked pretty on the outside but, if given a wrong look, would charge after the challenger with great ferocity. Graham, of course, had laughed at her statement because it was painfully true.
Regina, when Emma had the same discussion with the older woman and told her that, had also laughed. She said, "I could definitely see you chasing after someone for giving you the hairy eyeball, dear. You were nearly swan-ing after that couple in the restaurant in Boston."
When Emma had asked her about what her favorite animal was, she answered with a panda. Emma curiously asked why, and if it were to be a symbol that represented her, Regina grinned and answered with, "Because they are adorable. I suppose they can represent me in a similar way since you often tend to call me adorable."
And Emma had called her adorable again, just for the cute little smile on her lips after explaining. They laughed over that, Regina just shaking her head like she always did when Emma made that comment. Then they laughed over the pairing of a swan and a panda together and how absurd it would be if they were to be together in the wild.
"They'd have some pretty fucked up looking offspring," Emma had commented, snorting with giggles as an image of a panda with white feathers, wings, and a beak came into mind.
Emma had admitted to Regina, after they had finally calmed down after the blonde shared her input on the offspring of a panda and a swan, that she had a guilty pleasure in liking turtles. "They're adorable," she admitted. They also, in a way, reflected how she acted with outside forces, wanting to hide in her shell and only come out when coaxed into safety.
"Emma, are you coming?" Belle was standing beside Emma as she remained in her seat. Taking a glance around, she noticed that the students were now filing out of the room. The bell had rung, and she had apparently been too caught up in thought to have heard it.
"Yeah."
"Alright. Come on, then." Belle urged, walking towards the door.
Emma quickly followed, empty paper cup in hand. "Hey, I'm gonna go bribe Ms. Mills for some drugs before my head gets worse."
"Well, hurry." Belle smiled. "I'll be waiting for you in the class."
"I know." She chuckled and parted ways with her friend, heading down the opposite hallway as they hit the bottom of the stairs. She made haste to get to Ms. Mills' room, cursing silently at the people blocking her way.
Eventually she had found herself turning into the English hallway and quickly made her way to her destination. There were a few students already inside, she had spotted when she entered the room, and made her way to the brunette sitting in the teacher's desk. The blonde stopped beside her, a smile on her face as surprise chestnut eyes looked up.
"Emma?"
"Give me drugs." Emma whispered, laying the palm of her hand on the surface of the desk as she put her weight on it. "I have a migraine and I know you have pills for it."
"Can it not wait?" Regina muttered, trying to keep her voice unheard.
"No. It'll only get worse, and I have to do art for an hour and a half. Besides, I'm already down here and I still have to get back."
"Emma, what will I do with you?" Regina shook her head upon a sigh and pushed her chair back to grab the purse that was tucked under her desk. Quickly, she rummaged through the bag and pulled out a small bottle.
Emma watched as she dug out two pills and handed them over. The blonde took them immediately with a grateful smile. "Thanks. Here's a gift of gratitude." She sat the empty paper cup on the brunette's desk. "I have to go."
"Yes. Do you need a pass?" Regina eyed the cup before lifting her gaze to meet with Emma's, her head tilting slightly to the side.
"That would be much appreciated." Emma nodded and the brunette got to it, digging out a small pad of papers to write up a pass for her.
After she had finished, she poked the cup with her pen and shook her head. "I thought so."
"What? You expected me to not drink it?"
"Just go to class, you coffee thief." Regina's words were so quiet, Emma herself could barely hear them.
"Yeah. Have a good day, Ms. Mills." Emma smiled softly when she met brown eyes. She had the sudden urge to just bend down and give those curved lips a quick peck, but she had to resist and quickly backed away to make sure she didn't do just that.
"Thank you. You have a good day, as well, Emma." Regina called out as Emma started to head towards the exit.
Emma smiled and nodded, pushing the door open. "Thank you."
After Emma had managed to make it to her art class, she had obtained her painting and what was required to complete her touch-ups to it and took her spot next to Belle. Her friend looked up from her own work with a large smile.
"Did you get your drugs?"
"Yup." Emma nodded and began to work on the project.
On her way to the class, she had time to think about what she was going to do after finishing up with the painting. She figured that, since she had been thinking about animals and such earlier, that she would paint a picture of a panda for Regina. It would sate any boredom that she might have and would make for any excellent gift. The problem, though, was that she wasn't sure if it would be dry in time.
She'd figure something out, she was sure, by the end of the day. Right now, she wanted to concentrate on finishing her final project so Ms. Boyd could grade it before she left.
It wasn't long before she had finished with her main project before moving onto the panda that she had planned to paint on a smaller piece of paper. Though, she had somehow managed to convince herself enough to start this new project out like her old one, and make it on a new, larger paper that would no doubt have to be finished at home. Belle hadn't asked what she was doing but had given her a few curious glances. It was a good thing, since Emma didn't really know how to explain what the hell she was doing or why she was drawing a panda on a paper.
She was halfway through drawing out her plans before the bell had rung, indicating that class was over. Sadly, she was unable to get a good start on the project as she had planned, but she wanted it to be perfect, especially since she was planning on giving it to Regina.
Emma grabbed both projects and headed for the door, Belle following behind her.
"So, what are your plans for tonight? Ruby, Graham, and I are going to the movies." Belle said, carrying her large painting in one hand and a book in the other.
"I was planning on staying home and working on this." Emma showed her friend the panda drawing and smiled. "But tomorrow I plan on hanging out with you guys and staying over for a few nights."
"You better. We've missed you." Belle frowned.
"Sorry, I just haven't really been feeling like going out lately. But, hey, I'll be making up for it this break." Emma smiled and playfully bumped into her friend. "I thought you'd like the alone time with Ruby, though."
"Shut up." She was quick to blush, her entire face turning red.
"Is there something going on between you two? And don't worry, I'm not going to judge. It's cool if there is." It was silent for a few moments as the two of them headed outside, Belle stopped, though, before they could get to the sidewalk. Emma quirked a brow and turned around to face the petite brunette. "Belle?"
"If I say yes, will you shut up?"
"I knew it!" Emma pumped a fist in the air and giggled.
"Don't say anything about it. Ruby doesn't want anyone to know." Belle continued to walk, and Emma followed beside her.
"I won't. I'm glad that you guys have each other. She seems to make you happy." Emma commented, her head turned to look at the rosy-cheeked teenager.
"She does."
"Why didn't you guys tell me?" She asked. It was quiet as they headed down the sidewalk, all too soon arriving at Granny's where Belle would depart. The two of them stopped in front of the diner, Emma staring at Belle with raised brows.
"I don't know. I guess we just… We don't really want it out there. And we weren't really certain of things."
"I understand." Emma smiled. "Well, I'm happy for you two and you have my full support."
"Thanks…" Belle fidgeted in her spot, shifting from foot to foot as she shot several glances at the diner. Emma looked up and spotted Ruby through the window, though she was waiting a table.
"I guess I should let you go and see you tomorrow?"
Belle nodded and gave the blonde a relieved smile. "Yeah. See you tomorrow, Em." She quickly turned and sauntered down the path to the door of Granny's and entered, leaving Emma to make her way home.
Once she had arrived at the apartment, she quickly dropped everything on her bed and began to rummage through her dresser for clothes to take with her for the weekend. Mary Margaret had agreed to let Emma stay the night with her friends over the weekend, and then some if she had felt like it since Graham would be in town for a while longer and school was on its winter break.
"Are you leaving so soon?" Mary Margaret's voice sounded, startling the blonde from her work of stuffing her backpack with clothes.
"Uh… Yeah. I was planning on eating lunch there." She looked over to her mother, a half-smile on her face. "I'm sorry. I forgot to tell you."
"It's fine, honey." Mary Margaret made her way into the room. Her eyes moved over the collection of items on Emma's bed, landing on the painting that she had complete earlier that day. "What's this?"
"Oh. That's for Graham." Emma smiled, stuffing the rest of her clothes into her backpack before zipping it up. "He likes wolves and I needed something to paint for a final project in my art class. I figured I'd give it to him before he leaves."
"That's nice of you, Emma." Mary Margaret smiled, giving the painting one last glance. "It's really good."
"Thank you." The blonde flushed and marched over to her closet to dig out the dress that Ruby had given her. She had planned on wearing it to Regina's house for their dance, as she had asked the brunette if she would change into her dress as well to make it feel more dance-like.
Though, the problem now was Mary Margaret. How would she get out of the house without her mother questioning her about the dress? And what excuse could she come up with?
"Do you know when you plan on coming home?"
"No. But I'll let you know." She replied, pulling the thin black fabric off its hanger. "It'll be before Christmas, don't worry."
"Alright…" Her mother gave her a sad smile. "Be safe, okay? And have fun. I love you."
Emma nodded and returned the smile. "I will. I, uh, I love you, too."
"I'll leave you to it, then." She nodded toward Emma's backpack which lay on the bed, a few items that the blonde had planned on sticking inside were strewn about on her bed.
Emma nodded as the older woman turned to leave the room, leaving her to finish up her packing and quickly change clothes. As soon as she slipped on her boots and donned her red leather jacket, she was out of the loft and on the street.
Off to Regina's house she went, ear buds in as she listened to the song on repeat that she planned on singing to teacher. She knew the lyrics for the most part, but it was never safe enough to refresh herself. Besides, it beat the sound of cars sputtering by and the voices of people around her.
Though, she couldn't drown out the buzzing in her bra. Blinking, she quickly snatched her phone out of its little hiding place and woke it up to find that she had a new message from Regina.
Can you pick up a chocolate bar, please? I'd be happy to reimburse you.
Chocolate? Why the hell did she want Emma to get chocolate? Whatever her reasoning, Emma didn't care and typed back "Okay" before changing her direction toward the small grocery store. It wasn't necessarily out of her way, anyways, and a hell of a lot closer than the candy shop somewhere behind her.
Crossing the street, she made haste to get into the store and purchase the item that Regina wanted. Shifting her messenger bag on her shoulder as she walked in, the store clerk gave her the hairy eyeball as if she were in there to take something.
With a subtle scowl, she made her way to the back of the store where the candy aisle was located and searched through the brands of chocolate. Then her eyes landed on it – a large bar of chocolate with large print letters.
Regina didn't exactly specify what size of bar she wanted, and maybe if Emma got the big one, she would be willing to share? Yes, because chocolate suddenly sounded yummy and her complaining stomach agreed with a low rumble. Quickly, she snatched up the giant bar and headed to the checkout, slapping it on the counter as she dug around in her pockets for the two dollars that it cost.
"Thank you. Have a nice day." The clerk said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
The blonde returned it, muttering, "you too," before she walked out the door to head towards Regina's house once again.
It was freezing as hell out today; the wind was cold and bitter and whipped against Emma's face with an icy vengeance. She absolutely hated winter and she knew that she could continue repeating that over and over and never change her opinion.
Thankfully, Regina's house wasn't far, only a block more away. She could see the large structure and all its warm, warm glory that she would soon be basking in. And, before she knew it, Emma was pushing the gate open and walking up to the teacher's front door, her arm already extended to knock on it.
"It's freezing out here!" she shouted at the door, bouncing from one foot to the other to keep herself somewhat warm.
The door soon opened, Regina's face appearing on the other side of the threshold. "Hello, dear."
"Oh, gods…" Emma blinked, instantaneously forgetting about the nipping air.
Regina looked stunning in her dress. It wasn't the same one from the night of the dance, but that didn't matter much because, wow. The damned thing that she wore was skin-tight and clung to her every curve. The fabric was colored a deep blood red and generous enough to expose a large amount of Regina's cleavage and her long, tanned legs. It was crazy the types of garments this woman had. It made Emma envious to think about who had seen her in these spicy dresses.
"See something that you like?" Regina smirked, her crimson lips curving into something salacious. "Why don't you come in? You must be freezing."
"Oh, I don't know if I am, now," Emma muttered, following her lover inside. She kept her eyes on Regina, enjoying each step that she took with a sway of her hips.
"Why don't you settle your things in the room?" Regina asked, smiling softly at the blonde when she turned around at the bottom of the stairs. "I will get lunch ready."
"Sounds good. I'm starving." Emma smiled. She then remembered the candy bar that she held in her hand, no doubt frozen from the ice box she called outdoors. "Here's your chocolate."
Regina's eyes widened at the sight of the large chocolate bar, but she shot Emma an appreciative grin and plucked it from the teenager's fingers. "I very much appreciate this, Emma. How much do I owe you?"
"Nothing. It's on me." Emma shrugged, her eyes on the candy bar in her girlfriend's hand. She absently licked her lips at the thought of melting chocolate in her mouth and how sweet it would be.
"You're not getting my chocolate." Whisky eyes were narrowed as they stared into forest ones, a warning look flittering through them. "I will rip your arm off if you dare touch it."
"Make sure it's not the one that you like." Emma muttered, wiggling the fingers on her right hand. "Or you'd be one sad panda."
"Oh, indeed I would be. But I would be even more so if you were to take my chocolate."
"I won't steal it, Gina, don't worry." Emma chuckled and gave her cheek a quick kiss before hopping up the stairs.
She could hear the older woman laugh before she moved toward the kitchen, her voice trailing behind her, "Maybe if you're good, I'll share."
Emma played with her phone, tossing it from hand to hand as she found herself on Regina's couch. They had finished lunch just moments earlier and now she was resting on the couch after the light meal of a Greek salad that Regina had whipped together.
Regina walked into the room now, wearing a smile on her face as she gazed down at Emma with sparkling eyes. "Are you ready for our dance, darling?"
"Now?" Emma quirked a brow, looking up at the brunette. She quickly stood up, though, her stomach doing flips. She had been looking forward to dancing with her girlfriend and now that it was happening, she was positively trembling with excitement.
"Yes, of course."
"I figured you'd want to do it after dinner."
"Why wait?" Regina smiled. "I would like to relax for the rest of the day."
Emma shrugged. There really was no argument with that.
"Can I do something before we dance?" The blonde reached up to play with a lock of the older woman's dark hair.
"Of course, my love." Regina purred absently, blinking when she pulled her hand away.
"I want to serenade you." Emma bluntly stated. She shot Regina a smile after the woman quirked a brow.
"Serenade me?"
"Yes." Emma pulled the top of her dress up before sniffing and searching for the song that she had in mind. "This goes out to my girlfriend."
Regina's eyes narrowed, her lips pursing as her face scrunched up in confusion.
Soft music started to flitter from Emma's phone, which had her swaying slowly to get into the mood of the song. A wide smile was on her face and a twinkle in her eyes.
It was sure a scene to laugh at and hopefully that would be just what Regina would do.
"Emma…" Regina whispered as soon as she had figured out what the soft melody went to but was not quick to stop as Emma's voice sang off-key to the lyrics.
"Thanks for the times that you've given me.
The memories are all in my mind.
And now that we've come to the end of our rainbow- though not really-
There is something I must say out loud…"
Her quick add-in had a stunned, slack-jawed Regina make a noise that sounded like a garbled giggle. Emma smiled, gracing her fingers along the older woman's jaw.
"You're once… twice… three times a lady, and I love you."
The brunette softly giggled again; her cheeks flushed as Emma hummed with the music. She knew that Regina had probably been rolling her eyes internally after realizing what the song was. Cheesy.
"When we are together,
The moments I cherish,
With every beat of my heart.
To touch you… to hold you…
To feel you, to need you.
There's nothing to keep us apart."
Emma blushed because she had just realized exactly why she had chosen this song to sing to her lover. It reminded her of her feelings for the brunette, reflecting her emotions into the lyrics of the song. Though she had intended this song to be a gag because, honestly, it was almost cliché to sing to a woman. But Regina was standing there in front of her, eyes shimmering with unshed tears at that last verse and had a smile on her face that could just melt Emma's heart.
The blonde let her eyes fall from Regina's as pale hands gathered olive, squeezing them tenderly as she continued.
"You're once… twice… three times a lady and I love you."
"I love you…" Regina finished the last line, her voice fluid and heavenly, like a choir of angels. Who the hell knew she could sing like that? Emma certainly didn't and she instantly yearned for it like air.
"Whoa…" Emma muttered, eyes wide as saucers. "You can sing."
"And you can't." Regina gave a cat-like grin. "But I did quite enjoy your serenade, regardless. Lionel Richie. Classic." She snorted, but quickly recovered.
"I know that it's, like, cliché, but it was meant to be a joke." Emma nibbled on her lower lip. "I sing so horribly, I know. And this song is pretty overused for romantic thingies, I'm sure."
"I do not care, my dear. It was still… heartwarming in a way. And…" Her brown eyes misted as she spoke her last words on a tremble. "No one has ever sung to me before. It really is something sweet that you would do that for me, Emma."
Regina shook a hand from the blonde's grasp and cupped her cheek, the brightest of smiles on her face.
"I just hope that it wasn't weird. It kinda got serious when it wasn't supposed to."
The older woman chuckled softly and shook her head. "Don't worry about that. Let us dance!"
Emma quickly snatched up her cellphone that had found its way back into her brassiere. She shuffled through the music and smirked, finding the perfect song.
"What is on the playlist, dear?"
"You shall see. Let the music play!" Emma giggled just as a fast-paced song started to play, its pumped beats harmonized with each heartbeat.
This had taken Regina aback, but her surprise was soon gone and replaced with a delicious upturn of the lips as she started to bounce with the beat. Emma stood frozen to see what the hell this woman had planned and out of all the scenarios in her head, she never imagined what she was witnessing right now.
Emma's mouth went dry from the sight. Each move that the brunette made was intoxicating, making the blonde sway in a drunken dance with Regina, every cell of her body buzzing.
"I didn't know you could dance like that." Emma commented over the music, catching whisky in her gaze.
She, too, moved to the beat, though the way that Regina pursued her hips had Emma flustered. She was absolutely amazed that the older woman could move like that, though, she hadn't any doubt before that she couldn't. Regina could wiggle and bend in many compromising positions, so why couldn't she dance?
But, still, that woman was marvelous. Her delicious curves were enunciated by the dress that clung to her as if it were a second skin, and that had done wonders with her round rump – which was currently being shaken in Emma's face, or at least, close enough. The blonde licked her lips, resisting the temptation to give that damned thing a slap.
Unfortunately, the beat to the song faded out, which had Regina cease her dancing and turn around to face her lover, an immediate smile spread across those full crimson lips.
"That was so fucking hot." Emma muttered, staring into amused eyes.
"I used to go to clubs when I was younger. It was a thing after I started to date this one girl that absolutely loved the party scene." The brunette elaborated, her chest expanded as she inhaled, a smile on her face.
"Really?"
Then Regina started to burst into laughter, and for the love of her, Emma could not figure out why. Was it really that amusing? She wouldn't be exactly surprised if Regina got a lot of action.
"No. I haven't been known to date the popular girls. Like I had said, I mostly kept to myself and avoided friends. And by friends, that also meant girlfriends. People in general, really." Regina smiled at the next song that played, a slow, sweet tune that was perfect for an intimate dance. The brunette closed the space between them and wrapped her arms around Emma's waist as the blonde did the same with her girlfriend's neck.
It was strange that no communication was needed when doing things, at times. Emma knew exactly what the brunette was intending, and she would just go with the flow. She had always been inept to reading people, but now that she was with Regina, it was like a different life that she was living. She did things that she had never been able to do before and say things that she never had the need to say.
"What does that have to do with your dancing skills?" Emma mumbled against Regina's cheek before placing a kiss there. "Though it's not to say that I don't like your stories."
"Oh, well, it does have to deal with my dancing skills in a way. Boredom. I dance out of boredom sometimes and catch up with the latest dancing fads. Though, I must admit, quite a few of them are strange." She slid one hand down to rest on Emma' rump as the two of them swayed together to the slow music. "Like, what on earth is twerking?"
Emma stopped, suddenly bursting into laughter, which had Regina at a shock with the blonde's bellowing giggles in her ear.
"What?"
"Have you tried it?" Emma asked, still giggling.
"No," the brunette was quick to answer. "It looked so… No. I have not. It is not something that I would feel comfortable with doing. Not even alone."
"I bet that it would be hot as fuck if you do it. I would pay good money. Or at least have wild, hot monkey sex with you." Emma dropped her hands, landing them both on Regina's bum to give it a squeeze.
The brunette squeaked softly and pressed herself closer to Emma. "Don't count on me doing this twerking thing."
"Can we just skip to the hot monkey sex?"
"I am afraid not…" Regina pushed away from Emma; her head downcast. This had Emma concerned, her hands lifting to grab the older woman's face. She brought the brunette's face up to gaze into guilty brown eyes.
"Why not?" She asked softly, the pads of her thumbs gently stroking the smooth, olive flesh. "Is something wrong, Gina?"
"In a manner of speaking." Regina answered, her own hands landing on the back of Emma's. She sighed, eyes flicking down to Emma's lips before gazing back up into emerald eyes. "I started my period today. I found out once I got home."
"Oh… fuck." Emma frowned. "That's why you wanted the chocolate?"
Regina nodded and pulled away from Emma completely. She made her way towards the couch and sat down, the blonde taking the space next to her. "I can always pleasure you, if you wish for me to."
"No, no. It's fine." Emma shrugged and snuggled up to the older woman's side. "Would you like me to get you anything? A foot rub? A tummy rub? A heating pad for your uterus? Your chocolate? A snuggle?"
"Since when are you so quick to offer things?" Regina chuckled softly, wrapping her arm around the teenager.
"Since I know how it is to be a woman." Emma replied with a cheeky smile, a pale finger poking at the brunette's belly. "Is your uterus giving you troubles?"
"I took medication." She grabbed Emma's hand and played with her finger, a breathy sigh leaving her lips.
"I enjoyed the dance with you." Regina had finally said after a few minutes of silence.
Emma grinned widely. "I liked it, too."
"What are your plans for the holidays, dear?" Regina changed the subject quickly, shifting in her spot into a more comfortable position with her feet tucked under her and her head resting on the blonde's shoulder.
Emma bit her lip and moved as well, her arm finding its way around the brunette's waist to pull her closer. "Tomorrow I'm going to hang out with my friends. I'll probably stay with them until Christmas Eve or the day before. Then I'll be spending Christmas with Mary Margaret and David."
"That's nice," she replied quietly.
"Do you have any plans? I was thinking about coming over later on Christmas. I have something for you."
"My- my mother called the other day." Regina lifted her head, meeting Emma's curious gaze. "She's coming up."
"When?" Emma asked breathlessly, holding the older woman tighter as she felt her muscles stiffen.
"She wanted to visit on Christmas." The brunette replied, her words were soft, but strained, as if she didn't want to say nor believe those words. "After all these years, she wants to finally see me. She must want something."
"She doesn't know about us, does she?" Emma's eyes turned to saucers.
"No. No… It would be impossible if she were to know about us. And I don't plan on telling her, either." Regina sat up, placing her feet on the floor as she moved out of the blonde's hold. "I don't know why she's coming here. I… I don't know if I'll be able to see her."
"Why not?"
"I will fall under her guise, and I am afraid that she will…" The brunette shook her head, the words dying on her tongue before she could say them.
"Hey, don't worry about it… If you need me, you can call me, or text me."
"But what can you do, Emma?" Regina pushed herself from the couch and stood. "She'll manipulate you into leaving me so she can set me back on track again. And… you're too young. She'll ruin my career, she'll ruin my relationship, she'll ruin everything and break me so she can build me back up. She had done it before, and I am sure that she is willing to do it again. Something is wrong, and she… wants to… She wants me for something."
Emma opened her mouth to give Regina some type of comfort, but the ringing of the doorbell interrupted her before she could utter a word.
"Expecting someone?" She asked, quirking her brow. But Regina shook her head and a wave of panic shot down Emma's spine. "Should I go upstairs?"
"No…" Regina slowly moved away from the couch, Emma following suit, as they traveled to the foyer where the blonde stopped before the threshold as the brunette continued to answer the door. She cautiously opened it, Emma peering around her to spot a tall, slender woman with pale skin and long, ginger hair.
She spoke with a crisp English accent, the simple, "Hello," echoing through the spacious foyer. "I do hope that I am not interrupting you." Pale green eyes slid up and down Regina's attire, a small smile on her face.
Was this one of Regina's old flames?
Emma found herself bristling. She didn't want to think about her girlfriend's past lovers. She burned at the thought of someone else touching Regina as she had. So, she found herself marching into the entryway and taking position next to the older woman, eyes slightly narrowed as she stared down the newcomer with a warning look that should send her away with her tail between her legs.
"No, you aren't." Whisky eyes moved to the blonde now standing next to her and Emma met them, a guilty smile on her face.
Shaking her head, Regina turned her attention back to the mysterious woman as the latter spoke, "are you Regina Mills?"
"Yes." The brunette furrowed her brows, studying the woman. "I'm sorry, but who are you?"
"Oh, I apologize! My name is Zelena. Zelena Mills." Zelena extended a hand toward Regina for a handshake, but Regina left her hanging, her jaw slack.
"Mills?" She asked, eyes sliding down toward the gloved hand before she shook it as to not be rude.
"Indeed I am. May I come in? It is rather cold out here." When Regina nodded silently, Zelena stepped through the threshold and into the foyer, allowing the brunette to close the front door.
"Why are you looking for me?" Regina inquired, her arm dropping to her side as she turned towards her guest. She crossed her arms, frowning slightly. "Or so I assume you are. Who are you, exactly?"
"Pardon me for not elaborating. I must be so rude as to interrupt you and your guest." The ginger haired woman smiled politely to Emma, who caught herself from scowling.
"Care to elaborate?" The brunette pressed.
"Oh, I apologize." Although, she didn't look sorry at all. "I am your half-sister on our mother's side."
"My what?" Regina gawked, taking a step back. Her eyes were wide; her brows were almost lost in her hairline as the blonde had to press a hand to her back to keep her steady. "That's… impossible. I don't have a sister. I-I am a lone child."
"I was given up for adoption when I was a baby." The woman who claimed to be Regina's sister smiled tightly. "Dear old mum couldn't afford to keep me. But in recent events, we had been reunited, under certain circumstances."
"How do I know that you are not lying to me?" Regina kept her distance from Zelena, eyes sharp and focused on the woman before her. "And what brings you here to disturb me?"
"Our mother is Cora Mills. She owns a successful lawyering business and she's an absolute bitch that believes you, of all people, should inherit it."
"She never spoke of such a thing to me." Regina stiffened in her spot. "And why would I inherit it when she-"
"She's not going to be around forever. Last I heard, she had something terminal." Zelena interrupted. "And she wants to give the business to her only daughter. She had completely disowned me. Forgot about me. She forgot about me when I am the one who is practiced in the law. Not you… All you do is teach, something so insignificant."
"I will not have you come into my house to insult me." Regina hissed, taking a threatening step towards her sister. Emma took a step back. "I want you to leave."
"Or what?"
Regina took another step forward, her upper lip curling in a threatening manner. She looked as if she were about ready to grab the woman by the neck and throw her out.
"Gina…" Emma reached out to touch her back, instantly causing her to freeze.
"I need you to leave, Zelena. I am sorry, but I cannot help you. I do not control what Cora does, and she will know when she comes here, that I will not take over her business. She has controlled my life enough and you are lucky that you didn't have to grow up with her."
"I am lucky? I grew up without a mother. And as soon as I had learned about who she was and who you were, I needed answers."
"Well, you got them now, didn't you?" Regina narrowed her eyes.
"Not completely, I did not." Zelena answered with a growl. "I could give our mother all that you refuse to, and more, but she said she didn't want anything to do with me. I will convince her otherwise. I will find something to ruin her view of you."
Regina stiffened. She didn't mind losing rights to the family business, but what she did mind was getting exposed all over again.
"You won't find anything that she doesn't already know." Regina's tone was quiet, deadly, and her eyes were on fire as they bore into the woman before her.
But now that Regina did have knowledge of Zelena, her newly revealed sister, she wondered why Cora wouldn't want her to take over the family business. Of course, Cora wouldn't know exactly what this woman had in mind, but wasn't she the ideal daughter? Zelena wanted to take over the business. She wanted to follow in her mother's footsteps as far as Regina could tell. This woman was someone that could give Cora everything she wanted in a daughter, and that included grandchildren to pass the business unto. Unless there was something preventing that; something that Cora had discovered and why she was so quick to reject the perfect daughter.
"Are you gay?" Regina found herself asking, unable to stop the question from slipping out.
"Why on earth would you ask me such an inane question?" Zelena's eyes widened, reflecting Emma's own visage.
"It would explain why mother would be so quick to turn you away."
"Well, I am sorry to tell you, but I am not." Regina's sister snarled, her nose wrinkling. "Are you? Is that why mother complained about not having grandchildren?"
"No. I'm barren." The brunette found herself saying. She wasn't going to risk telling Zelena the truth, because she was sure that woman was smart and would quickly connect Emma as her lover. It was better to lie about not being able to have children than bear the knowledge.
"Barren? What a shame." Zelena puffed out her lower lip, feigning sympathy as she took a step forward. "Why would mother not want me? I can at least bear her heirs, unlike you."
"I wouldn't even go there." Regina growled, her nails digging painfully into the palms of her hands. She could feel Emma's hand on her arm, urging her to stay calm. Normally that was easy for the brunette, for the scene in the restaurant weeks back had proven it, but when someone pushed her buttons so relentlessly…
"Whatever you want to believe, dear sister." Zelena shrugged nonchalantly and made her way to the door, heels clacking on the ground as she moved. "Mother is better off without you. You're such a waste. I could make something of this house."
The ginger haired woman was out of the door before Regina had gotten the time to reply, though it didn't make her any less angry. She fumed, stomping up the stairs, leaving Emma to chase after her.
"Gina! Wait!" She heard the blonde's voice calling after her, but she didn't dare stop. Regina was too afraid that she would accidentally lash out at her lover. Her body was too small to handle the emotions that suddenly invaded her.
"Regina, please…" Emma stopped in the doorway of the master bedroom where Regina had entered.
Regina let out a scream as she whipped around to face her girlfriend, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her entire body was trembling, shaking with fury as the image of this half-sister of hers appeared in her mind.
It was Emma's large, terrified eyes that had sated some of her anger, letting Regina's vision to clear of the red that had blinded it before. She sighed and let her eyes squeeze shut, shuddering.
"Who does she think she is, coming into my house like that?" Regina cried, her glistening eyes opening to meet with emerald. "I-I can't let her find out about us. My mother will… she will… take you away from me."
"Regina…" The way her name fell from Emma's lips was soothing and Regina found herself in the blonde's arms, her face buried in golden curls. She inhaled the sweet scent of her lover, letting the familiarity flow through her body and relax her frazzled nerves as she slowly found herself once again. "We won't let her find out, okay? Your mother can't take me away from you. There is no way in hell I'd ever leave you."
"I hope not…" Regina breathed. "We are fucked if my mother finds out."
"Come on, Gina. Why don't you try to forget about this? Think of something else."
"You're right." The brunette sighed and peeled herself from Emma. "Would you like to relax with me in bed? I can grab my laptop and we can find a movie to watch, if you wish."
"That sounds good. Can I change, first?"
"Yes, dear. I plan on doing the same." Regina sniffled and offered the blonde a watery smile, in which was returned with a sweet smile that squeezed the brunette's heart in her chest.
"There's that smile," Emma whispered, bringing a hand up to wipe the tears from olive cheeks.
"For you." The teacher purred, nuzzling the hand for a hot second before turning away.
She made her way over to her closet, unzipping her dress on the way. She could hear the blonde struggle to get out of her own dress as well and smiled, unable to help it when she turned around to watch Emma, who was hopping around with one leg in her pajama pants.
Then she fell over and Regina bubbled with laughter.
"Shut up!" Emma whined, glaring at the brunette as she stood. "Or I will make you fall down."
"I would like to see you try, dear." Regina smiled, her dress pooling around her ankles when Emma had started to make her way over to the closet. She had stopped, though, halfway across the room with her eyes on the brunette; dark and hungry.
"Gods, you're hot." Emma smirked, bouncing the rest of the way over to the older woman. Her eyes ate up the sight in front of her, slowly licking her lips as she let emerald rake up the smooth, exposed flesh.
Regina wore nothing but a pair of skimpy, lace panties. She had blown off wearing a bra, since her dress already had built-in cups. Unfortunately for her, it only made her arousal even more evident. Her nipples had hardened underneath the intense stare of her lover and ached to be touched. The thrumming between her thighs intensified with each breath that the blonde had puffed against her tanned flesh.
Emma leaned forward and pressed her lips against the older woman's shoulder, feathering kisses down to her clavicle, earning a surprised gasp from Regina whose hands had now found purchase on the blonde's shoulders.
"Oh, Emma," Regina purred, her head tilting back as the blonde's mouth proceeded downward, patterning over the swell of the teacher's breast. She used her tongue to lave over the brunette's aching tip before completely pulling away with a devious smirk.
"You're on your period. No sex for you." And then she was gone, cackling like an evil witch.
Regina glared at the teenager, sucking in a breath as she pressed her thighs together.
"You're evil," she muttered, turning to snatch up a pair of her silk pajamas and don them just as quick.
"You're the one that's evil for getting the red sea to come out of your cooch today." Emma retorted, an amused smile on her face as she waited for the brunette in the middle of the bed. "But it'll be just my luck if I start mine, too."
"I cannot help what Mother Nature decides to do." Regina huffed and made her way over toward the bed as well. She clambered on with a soft grunt and rested her back against the headboard. "Shit!"
"What?" Emma jumped slightly and looked over to her, frowning.
"I forgot my laptop. How am I supposed to not be angry when I forget small things?" Regina scoot off the bed and headed over to the bay window where she had left her laptop.
"Hey, don't beat yourself up about it. Just…" Emma sighed, frowning at her girlfriend as she made her way back over to the bed, an angered look on her face.
"Maybe she's right. Maybe I am just a waste."
"Stop thinking that." Emma crawled over to Regina as she got back into her spot. She dropped next to her and stole a kiss. "Let's find a movie to watch, okay? How about something comical?"
"Bloody." Regina grumbled, opening the laptop up to bring up the web browser. "We need something bloody and gory."
"Well, I could think of a place to find something like that..."
"Now you're just being sick, Emma." Regina crinkled her nose and browsed through the horror movies listed.
"Yeah, sorry. Too far." The blonde mumbled, leaning into her lover as she looked through the movie titles as well. "Gina?"
"Yes, dear?" The brunette wrapped her arm around Emma, pulling the teenager flush against her side.
"Don't let Zelena get you down. She isn't worth your breath." Emma threw her arm over Regina's stomach, her head resting on the older woman's chest. "I want you to know that you're good enough."
"Sweetheart," she whispered, her eyes closing.
"Please just hear me out." Emma pleaded, pressing a few soft kisses to the brunette's jaw.
"I am hearing you." Regina purred; loving eyes focused on the blonde below her. "I believe everything that you say. You really do make me feel so much better about myself, Emma. You inspire me every day."
"I do?"
"Yes, you do, my love." The brunette kissed the top of Emma's head and gave her a squeeze, a happy purr rumbling in her throat.
"You make me feel like my heart is going to explode. I don't know how to explain what I'm feeling, but I just…" The younger woman trailed off, her head shaking slightly as a soft pink dusted her cheeks.
"I know how you feel. You make me feel the same way." Regina sighed, her hand absentmindedly rubbing Emma's arm as she finally chose a movie to play. "Emma…?"
"Yes, Gina?"
Regina's heart squeezed and she smiled. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
Emma slowly gained consciousness, groaning softly as a stream of sunlight hit her face. It had taken her a few moments to realize where the hell she was and what the hell was wrapped in her arms.
Then she opened her eyes, soon greeted by an eyeful of brunette locks, splayed every which way including all over her own face. She sputtered out the hair that had managed to force its way into her mouth and shifted her head slightly away, though her arms remained firmly wrapped around the brunette in front of her.
"Emma?" She heard Regina's lost whisper as she shifted in her arms. "Are you awake?"
"Yeah. I am." Emma replied, giving the older woman a reassuring squeeze. "I'm here."
"What time is it?"
"Let me check…" Emma craned her head to check the digital clock on the bed stand. "It's almost noon."
"Noon?" Regina questioned, bewildered. "We should get up."
"It's cold." Emma snuggled into the blankets, pulling the older woman tighter against her body. "Let's stay in bed, my little spoon."
"Emma, honey, we have to get up." Regina turned around in the blonde's arms and faced her with large, brown eyes.
"Can't we just stay for five more minutes?" Emma pleaded, giving the teacher a pout. "You're very comfy."
"Fine…"
"Thank you!"
The blonde leaned forward to give the woman in front of her a sweet kiss, her teeth nibbling ever so slightly on full lips. Regina groaned softly against Emma's lips, one of her arms draping over her lover's side.
"What would you like for lunch, dear?"
"I don't know." Emma replied with a shrug, pressing lazy kisses against Regina's cheek and jaw. "I'm not really hungry. I never am when I first wake up."
"Neither am I." Regina gasped softly when Emma's lips found the sensitive flesh below her ear. Her breath had suddenly quickened, and Emma could feel the short wisps of air against her ear, causing her to shiver.
"I know one thing that I'm hungry for, though."
"Mm, and what is that, Emma?" Regina whispered huskily into the blonde's ear.
Emma couldn't help the moan that slip from her lips when those words shot straight to her core. "You."
"You don't want me." Regina muttered, nibbling on Emma's earlobe. The blonde had ceased her teasing kisses, her fingers digging into her lover's back.
"Yes, I do." She growled and went back to her kisses, trailing her lips down the older woman's neck to the pulse point where she gave a quick nip to the flesh. "I want you so much."
"Trust me, Emma. You don't want to touch me down there." Regina groaned as those teeth sunk into her neck, the grip only tightening with each heavy breath that she took.
"Damn your body…" Emma pulled away to gaze into whisky eyes, which here darkened with desire. "You're horny."
"Indeed, I am, my love." Regina mumbled, eyes searching Emma's own. "You make me so undeniably wet."
"Do I?"
"Always," husked the older woman whose hands roamed underneath the blonde's white tank. Her fingers graced up Emma's back, tickling her skin with the tips of them. Emma shivered, her breath hot against Regina's cheek. "You turn me on with just one look."
The blonde grinned like the Cheshire cat when her own hand had copied Regina's, sliding underneath the silk fabric of her sleepwear. She let her own fingers skitter along heated flesh, though they directed their attention to her figure and moved across her twitching stomach.
"Can I really do that?" Emma asked curiously, the palm of her hand flattening against Regina's stomach.
"Sometimes, yes." The older woman answered, inhaling sharply. She squirmed slightly, pressing her abdomen against the younger woman's hand.
"Gina?" Emma let her gaze meet her girlfriend's, her thumb stroking the older woman's belly as she let her hand remain there.
"Hm?" she hummed in response, her eyes half-mast as she basked in the touch.
"I know it's a random question, but… I was thinking about yesterday, and some things we talked about weeks ago…"
"What is it, dear?" Her eyes opened fully as they searched Emma's face.
"You said that you wanted kids?"
"Indeed, I had." She nodded, a soft smile on her face. "What about it?"
"How?"
"There are different ways." Regina turned to lay on her back, taking the blonde's hand with her. "I can get pregnant by artificial insemination, or I can adopt, or some other ways like surrogates or forcing my partner to have the child."
"Did you want to have a baby?" Emma slightly narrowed her eyes as she asked the question, her hand now stroking Regina's lower stomach. "Like, I mean, carry it yourself."
"I would like that, yes." The brunette nodded and looked over to her blonde lover. "But I fear I will be too old by the time I reach that point."
"Why is that? You're still young."
"How flattering of you, my dear." Regina chuckled. "In a little over two years I will be thirty."
"You can still have a kid." She shrugged.
"Why are you asking me this?"
"Just curious."
"Do you want children, Emma?"
"It depends. I have to find the right woman, you know?"
"Oh, I see." Her voice sounded almost disappointed, and Emma wanted to stuff those words back into her mouth.
Silence.
"How about we go eat?" Regina had finally said, sitting up in her spot which had forced Emma's hand away from her stomach. "What would you like?"
"I don't mind." The blonde sat up as well and flipped the covers off. "Anything you make is delicious."
"When are you supposed to meet up with your friends, dear?" The brunette quickly slid off the bed, not waiting as she headed towards the door.
Emma frowned and quickly scrambled after her. "Any time, I guess. Regina, are you okay?"
"I am perfectly fine, dear. Why might you ask?" The brunette smiled, though it looked forced when she had turned around to face Emma.
"Was it something I said?" Emma tilted her head, watching as Regina battled with oncoming emotions. She could see the way that her eyes had sparkled momentarily, as if tears were about to break through their barrier at any given moment. Then her face hardened as she threw on her usual mask.
"No." The teacher shrugged and made her way down the stairs.
Emma stood in the hallway for a moment, wondering what the hell had happened. Was she upset over the comment that she had made earlier? She hadn't exactly worded what she said correctly and knew that it had come out wrong.
The blonde frowned and quickly met up with Regina who began preparing their lunch, which looked like it would be consisting of sandwiches and large pickles that Emma had found a jar of in the teacher's fridge earlier.
"Gina?" Emma came up behind the petite brunette and wrapped her arms around Regina's waist. She set her chin on her shoulder as she watched the older woman slap together the current sandwich.
"Yes?"
"If something is wrong, you should tell me." Emma whispered, making sure to press a kiss just below the older woman's ear. She knew that it was Regina's favorite spot and it always tended to make her purr.
And this time was no exception. The brunette's head tilted slightly to the opposite side, allowing Emma to kiss that very spot again as she hummed. "It's really nothing, Emma."
"It is. You shouldn't hide anything from me. It'll only make things worse." When the brunette hadn't said anything, Emma continued, pressing another kiss to her skin. "And if you tell me, we can fix it."
"I'd rather not talk about it, Emma. Please, just let it be for now." Regina shrugged the blonde away and cleanly set the newly made sandwiches onto two plates, placing a pickle on each.
"Gina…" Emma sighed softly, taking the plate that her lover had handed over to her.
Regina shook her head and sauntered out of the kitchen, leaving Emma to follow after her. Regina hadn't said anything when the blonde arrived at the dining room, for she had assumed her place at the table and began to take small bites from her sandwich. Her eyes every so often traveled to Emma, who was studying her with frowning eyes.
"What?" She finally mumbled after swallowing her fourth bite.
Emma blinked and looked away, flushing now that Regina had called her out on staring. "Nothing."
"Emma," the brunette whispered upon a sigh, setting her sandwich down to look at Emma, dark eyes sternly staring at the blonde's face.
"You're quiet and it's bothering me." Emma muttered, playing with the half-eaten sandwich in her hands.
"I don't want to talk about it." Regina's eyes dropped to her plate before she hesitantly reached across the table to set her hand on top of Emma's. When chestnut met with forest, Emma melted, Regina's hand relaxing against the pale hand. "But I do not want to be… cold towards you. It must just be my hormones."
"Yeah, it could always be that." Emma mumbled, flipping her hand over to lace their fingers together. She could already feel her worries dripping away and a sudden peace take over her body.
There was a tentative smile soon on Regina's face, twitching as if it were struggling to stay up. But it was enough to have the blonde smiling back, her heart fluttering like a swarm of butterflies in her chest.
"How could I ever be angry with you?" Regina asked, though so quietly Emma thought it was meant to be to herself.
"I can ask myself the same question." Emma grinned, giving the brunette's hand a tender squeeze. "You make amazing sandwiches." She took a large bite out of her sandwich, a smug look on her face as she chewed and stared at her lover, who had returned the gaze with wide eyes.
"You like me for my sandwiches?"
"Amazing sandwiches." Emma nodded, taking another bite. "What the hell do you put on these things to make them so good?"
"Smoked ham, dear." Regina shook her head and used her free hand to take her own sandwich. She looked annoyed and Emma would be concerned if not for the twitch of her lips as the corners gave the faintest showing of a smile. "And mayo. A little bit of spicy mustard. And we must not forget the provolone cheese."
"It's fucking delicious." The blonde popped the last bite into her mouth. "And with the soggy bread soaked in pickle juice- Marvelous!"
"Ah, well, that was unintended."
"Good kick to it."
"The kick would be the spicy mustard, as I had mentioned." The smile on Regina's face no longer remained hidden as it brightened her entire face. "And my special ingredient."
"What?"
"I cannot tell. It is a secret."
Emma lifted her gaze to Regina who wore a devious smirk and a secret that the blonde wanted to pry for. "Tell me! What is it?"
"Oh, but I cannot." Regina shrugged simply and picked her pickle up to take a bite, the sound of the crunch echoed in the otherwise quiet room.
"Why not?"
Regina pouted, giving the blonde that look that she knew not to continue with questions or else things were about to get crazy. Emma sighed in defeat and sat back against her chair, chewing on the pickle as she watched the brunette do the same.
"Do you know how perverted that looks?" Emma couldn't help but to comment when Regina had sucked on hers. She stopped and looked up, pickle still in mouth and cheeks turning rosy.
That pickle was out of Regina's mouth quicker than Emma could say the word herself.
"You're perverted, Emma." She mumbled, setting the food on her plate. "And now you've just ruined pickles for me."
"I'm sorry." Emma smirked, taking a bite off hers.
"I do not do…"
"I know," the blonde chuckled and gave her lover's hand a squeeze. "I was just playing with you. But, seriously, though…"
"I don't do dicks."
"But you do dildos." And that had Regina's cheeks flaring a florid pink, the heat creeping up her neck like night to day.
"Only when you're on the other end." The brunette growled, and it took a moment before the blonde noticed that her eyes had darkened incredibly. The blush on her cheeks had faded quickly.
"So, I have noticed." Emma smirked.
"Unfortunately, we cannot enjoy that activity today, or else you would be upstairs, strapped to my bed at this very moment." Regina sat back in her chair, her grip on Emma's hand had loosened. "Which reminds me... I will be right back." She pushed her chair from the table and stood, releasing Emma's hand altogether.
"I'll clean up." The blonde volunteered, doing the same as she gathered the plates. "That way you don't have to."
"Why are you suddenly being so nice?"
"Hey, I always am." Emma stacked the plates on one another, Regina's half-eaten pickle on top.
"I was only joking, my dear." Regina leaned forward, pressed a kiss to her girlfriend's cheek, and turned to leave the room.
Emma smiled absently as she made her way back to the kitchen, dirty dishes in tow. She dumped them into the sink, the brunette's pickle in her mouth, as she filled one side up with hot, soapy water. The dishes from last night remained.
She figured she would do the good deed and help Regina out, since she had contributed to the mess after all. So, as she waited for Regina to return, she did just that, finishing up when Regina had come back with a surprised remark.
"You did my dishes."
"Indeed." The blonde smiled, turning around from drying her hands on a dish towel. "I'll probably be heading out soon, if you don't mind."
"No." Regina's voice was quiet, the faintest of frowns on her face that told Emma otherwise.
"I'll message and call you all I can." Emma promised, closing the distance between the two. She wrapped her arms lithely around her lover's waist and smiled when Regina had done the same, returning the embrace.
"I don't want to be bothersome." She smiled, pressing her forehead against the blonde's. "After all, you will be spending time with your friends."
"You're more important to me." Emma found herself saying.
"Surely not…" Regina blushed, her eyes lowering to the blonde's lips. "There is no possible way-"
"But there is." Emma quickly interrupted, pecking Regina's lip. She smiled when the older woman hummed and pressed herself closer. "I will make sure to talk to you whenever I can."
"I would hope so, my love." The brunette's breath was hot against Emma's lips and with each heartbeat that had passed, it only quickened. The blonde exhaled shakily just as Regina had decided to move forward and kiss her, soft and tentative.
It hadn't taken long for Emma to return the kiss, her grip around the older woman had tightened as brought her closer, the kiss deepening into something sweet and passionate. Regina mewled against the blonde's lips as Emma couldn't help the groan that rumbled in her throat.
She could feel fingers sneaking up her back and the base of her neck to soon twist in her blonde curls as the cause of those shivers up her spine had parted her lips to run that sweet tongue of hers across Emma's mouth before pushing through into the tangy abyss.
Emma hummed and pulled Regina closer if it were possible, her tongue fawning over the other with soft strokes. The older woman growled, tugging Emma's hair to pull her head away, her breath short and hot as it puffed against the blonde's wet mouth.
"You have to go," she whispered breathlessly, untangling herself from the teenager's arms. "If we continue any further you will never leave."
"But I don't want to go…" Emma stood in the middle of the kitchen as the brunette backed away, her arms at her sides and her back hunched as she watched Regina.
"Do not make yourself regret your decision." Regina warned, her head gesturing towards the door.
Emma huffed out a breath of air before marching passed the teacher, sticking her tongue out childishly as she left the kitchen. She could hear Regina cluck behind her, muttering "child" under her breath.
Emma made haste to get upstairs and change, packing her things up once again. She didn't want to leave right now, but Regina was right because if she didn't, she would never get out of here. Though, it was probably the kissing bit that she had been talking about, but it was the truth, nonetheless.
It didn't take long before Emma was back downstairs where Regina was waiting for her in the foyer, a sad smile on her face. She stopped and readjusted her messenger bag with a crooked smile.
"I will see you… soon." The blonde had been the first to speak, slowly making her way over to her girlfriend.
Regina only nodded, her arms extending to wrap around Emma as soon as she had come close enough. "When is soon?"
"I want to come over around Christmas, but if I can help it, I will come by sooner than that." Emma gave her a squeeze before pulling away.
"Don't come over on Christmas." Regina warned, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. "Remember that my mother is coming over."
"Oh, yes, how could I forget?" Emma shook her head slowly. "Good luck with your mother and whatever kind of fucked up shit is going on."
"Yes, thank you." Regina wrinkled her nose, her eyes darkening with the memories of the day before. "I will let you know when she does arrive and when she leaves so you know not to come over during that time."
"I'll keep my eyes peeled." Emma nodded, taking a step forward to give Regina one last kiss. They pulled away with contented sighs and smiles on their faces despite the displeasing subject.
"Goodbye, honey. Be safe and have fun." Regina took her lover's hand to give it a squeeze as the two of them headed towards the front door. She opened it and Emma stepped onto the porch, their hands still connected.
"You be safe and good luck." Emma nodded towards her, a concerned expression on her face.
"I will be. Don't you worry about me." The English teacher gave Emma's hand another squeeze before she released it and grabbed the door. "Have fun, okay?"
"I'll try." Emma pulled her phone from her jacket pocket and waved it in the air as she stepped off the porch. "And I'll message you later, okay?"
"Okay." Regina called after her as the blonde shoved the device in her pocket and continued down the path.