It was a rainy day; one that meant you needed a boat to even consider going outside, and Emma was at her office playing a game on her phone. Her day was extremely relaxed today, no meetings so she didn't strictly need to go to the firm. Yet there she was as she needed to speak to her brother and apologize. And she also needed to apologise to a certain blonde. However neither one of them had been around all morning, since Jane had a meeting and Nate was at court. So she had nothing better to do than some administration paperwork, playing on her phone and occasionally dropping by her colleagues' offices to catch up. Regina had called sometime around ten to remind her of the dinner she had arranged with one of potential nannies for Ezra. Although Cora was still insisting she didn't mind watching the boy when the two women were at work, Emma and Regina had decided that it would be better for him if there was someone at home who could both watch him and help him with his problem. They knew that the boy would not take this well but he had to start opening up to other people at some point. Surprisingly Regina was the one who suggested it. She would always back out when she and Emma had arranged similar dinners but now she was completely up for it.
Watching the time tick by on her wall clock she decided for a trip to the small kitchen. Another one of Regina's decisions was that Emma cut out the greasy foods at the diner and started packing her wife home-made lunch. Emma laughed with the idea at first but seeing that Regina wasn't joking she went along with it.
Arriving at the kitchen to retrieve her lunch she spotted her brother and Jane talking animatedly. A pang of jealousy seeped through her body as she entered the kitchen. She moved around the kitchen as she was looking for some utensils and she couldn't help but feel angrier with each passing moment. And the fact that neither of them was paying her attention was making her want to snap at them. Remembering that she had no right to feel like that she was ready to leave the room when Jane's voice stopped her.
''Aren't you in the mood for sharing today?'' Jane teased. She turned around and stared at the blonde duo. Her brother was avoiding looking back at her. Instead he was pretending to watch at his phone while Emma spoke.
''There's nothing really to share. My wife has banned me from greasy goodness and that's about it.'' She shrugged. She also noticed that at the same time Nate mumbled something under his breath.
''What was that?'' She looked at him quizzically.
''Nothing. I better go. So are you in for tonight?'' He looked at Jane who nodded back at him and with a small wink in her direction he left the kitchen. Emma, feeling more relaxed, sat at the small table slowly eating her sandwich. Jane, since none was speaking, opted to make another cup of coffee. It was then that Emma decided to break the silence.
''So you and my brother huh?'' She asked trying to sound nonchalant.
''There's no 'me and your brother'.'' Jane defended.
''Yeah right.'' Emma scoffed without looking back at Jane.
''What's that supposed to mean?'' Jane asked in confusion.
''That if there was nothing going on you wouldn't have been agreeing to dinner with him and you wouldn't be 'in for tonight'" Emma said while using air quotes.
''So am I not allowed to make friends at the firm? Do I have always to be the new girl?'' Jane pushed back.
''That's the point. He's not trying to be your friend.'' Emma admitted
''How do you know that?''
''He's my brother.'' Emma deadpanned and Jane rolled her eyes.
''Well you didn't seem the kind of siblings who share everything between them.''
''We don't. But I can tell when he likes someone.'' Emma said gently.
''I don't like him in that way.'' Jane confessed ''But even if I did, why would you be so against it?''
"Because he needs a serious relationship not a one night stand.'' Emma exclaimed but winced the moment she realized what she said.
''Sorry, that's not really what I meant to say.'' Emma apologised but Jane had already stormed out of the room. Emma sighed in frustration but quickly stood up and trailed behind the blonde woman. She caught up with her as Jane opened her office's door and slammed it behind her. Emma quickly opened the door behind her and stepped inside.
''You followed me so you can throw more shade at me?'' Jane asked angrily.
''I didn't meant it like that, I swear.'' Emma apologized.
"What other way is there to mean it Emma? You practically called me a whore right to my face.'' Jane spat as she entered Emma's personal space. Their faces were inches away but neither of them backed down.
''That's not what I wanted to say, believe me.'' Emma looked apologetically at the other blonde shaking her head, wondering why she kept fucking up.
''What I wanted to say is that I don't want YOU to get hurt.'' Emma confessed her breath tingling the other's woman face.
''You don't?'' Jane weakly asked.
''Of course not. You're an amazing woman Jane and I know Nate is not the guy for you. I know he can be charming and all but he's not the relationship type. It might seem like that now but after a while he'll become same old Nate, he can' help it. And when I said one-night stand I meant him, he would just hurt you.'' Emma said sincerely.
In that moment Jane looked up to meet Emma's green eyes which were begging her to forgive her. Jane moved closer to the taller blonde and kissed her softly on the lips. The kiss lasted barely seconds before both women realized what was happening and stepped away abruptly.
''God Emma, I'm so sorry.'' Jane apologized, throwing her hand over her mouth in shock.
''I...uh… I'm married!' 'Emma exclaimed, also shocked by the kiss.
''Ι know! I know! I don't know what came over me.''
''I need some time'' Emma stated and quickly exited Jane's office.
Once in her office Emma closed the door behind her and sagged against it sighing. .How did that happen? She thought. She was supposed to be apologising to her not finding themselves in such a position. She closed her eyes and started taking deeper breaths. Jane kissed her. Panic started to creep through her body. What about Regina? How was she going to tell her about that? Maybe she didn't have to, it didn't mean anything after all. She quickly decided the latter was not, in fact, an option. Regina would sense that something was wrong. She moved towards her desk to pick up her phone. She quickly called Regina but her call went straight to voicemail. Groaning in frustration Emma sat back in her chair and let her head fall onto the glass surface. However a knock on the door startled her.
''Not now.'' Emma said but she wasn't heard as the door opened revealing her younger brother.
''I'm sorry'' he said quickly so as not to be cut off by Emma.
''Nate please not now.'' Emma implored.
''Is everything okay?'' Nate asked warily
''Really, no, I just need some time. Can we talk later?''
''No I really want to apologize Emma for being an ass. I shouldn't have snapped at you.'' He said sincerely and Emma sighed.
''It's okay. I shouldn't have acted like a dick either'' Εmma admitted.
''So we're cool?'' He asked hopefully.
''Of course we're cool you dumbass.'' She smiled and he laughed.
''Okay so...I asked Jane out for a movie.'' Nate confessed
''Can we really not talk about this now?''
''Come on Ems I thought you would be happy for me!'' He said
''Well I can't!'' she shouted
''Why? Don't I deserve someone too?'' He shout equally loud
''Because she's not into you Nate, she likes someone else!'' Emma spat and she cursed herself when she understood what she said. ''It's a lost cause. Please don't hurt yourself and just drop it.'' Emma begged.
''No I won't'' he replied stubbornly and left the office slamming the door behind him.
Regina and Emma had arranged to meet outside the restaurant half an hour before the meeting to discuss a few things by themselves. However with everything that happened Emma was running late by ten minutes. When she arrived at the restaurant Emma quickly tossed her keys towards to valet and hopped outside the car. She ran towards the entrance of the building and was greeted by a very worried Regina. She was wearing a fitted grey dress along with her signature black heels, clutching her purse in her hand.
''Hey love, what happened?'' She asked after pecking her wife's lips.
''Uh, lots of work, don't ask.'' Emma simply said as she escorted her wife inside. Once Emma gave her name,a brunette waiter guided them at their table at which they sat next to each other while leaving the other two chairs opposite to them vacant for their guests. Before sitting,Emma helped her wife with her coat,which placed behind her chair,and plopped next to her already seated wife.
''Are you okay babe?'' Regina asked worried.
''Yeah I'm fine. A little bit exhausted but I can manage.'' Emma smile sheepishly and kissed her wife with full force.
''Emma!'' Regina chastised but Emma didn't stop kissing her.
''Emma we're in a public place. What has gotten into you?'' Regina inquired, unable to stop the grin creeping onto her face.
''I just, missed you.'' Emma said and Regina pecked her lips one last time as a blonde woman arrived.
''Hello, you must be Mrs. Swan-Mills. I'm Ashley Boyd.'' the younger blonde introduced herself while offering her hand to the two woman to shake.
''Ah yes Miss Boyd.'' Regina said. ''Please take a seat'' she offered and the other woman sat opposite to the couple. A few minutes later the waitress came to take the orders and after doing so, Regina started talking.
''So we've read your CV that you have sent us and I must admit I'm impressed. The recommendations along with it can't help but make you the perfect candidate. However, I do have some questions for you.'' Regina said smiling.
''Of course, ask away.'' Ashley smiled equally broadly. Regina opened Emma's briefcase to retrieve the CV and her reading classes. She opened the folder and scanned it for the notes she had made the day before.
''Ah yes. Well it says here that the last two years you have been out of work. May I ask why?''
''Well I got pregnant and I decided that some time away with my own child was much needed. Surely you can understand.'' She replied honestly.
''Of course.'' Regina chuckled. She scanned again for another note but she couldn't find any as her resume was impeccable. They were interrupted for a while as the waitress came back with their food.
''Even though my wife's work schedule is quite intense, mine is a more flexible one. So your services will be needed twice or thrice a week tops. However there might be times that both myself and Mrs. Swan will be away all day. We would of course give you plenty of notice beforehand if something like that happens.''
''It is not problem really. I have been to houses where both parents were away literally the whole time, so you don't have to worry. Also I love working with kids in every age. How old is your son?'' Ashley asked kindly.
''He's four.'' Emma took part in the conversation too. ''But it's not only that. Ezra, our son, is a special boy. He doesn't get along with strangers very well and he's extremely shy. Also he, uhm, he doesn't talk, yet.'' Emma admitted and Ashley nodded herself in understanding.
''That's why we would like, if you're up to the job, to arrange a meeting with him before.'' Regina said ''You know, to get to know each other.''
''That would be lovely! Anything else I should know?'' Ashley inquired.
''You need to be really patient with him. Even if he warms up to you there might be moments at which he can become a real handful.'' Regina admitted
''Don't worry Mrs. Mills. I have dealt with other kinds in the past. I know how to approach them. What does he like?''
''He loves when we're reading him books. If he gets used to your voice he'll want you to read all the time'' Regina chuckled and continued ''He also likes when myself or Emma plays the piano.''
''Well I don't know how to play the piano but I do know a few things about the guitar.'' Ashley smiled.
''As long as it's a musical instrument he'll enjoy it.''
''I can't wait to meet him then! He sounds like a lovely boy.'' Ashley said sweetly.
''He is'' Regina smiled at the thought of her younger son. Ashley after that excused herself and went to the bathroom. Regina found that as an opportunity to talk to her wife who was checking her phone.
''Hey.'' Regina said softy to catch Emma's attention which she achieved as Emma snapped her head to meet with Regina's concerned face.
''It was an email from Gold.'' Emma said as she put her phone back at her pocket.
''It's not that. You seem a bit off. You've barely have spoken with Ashley. Don't you like her?''
''I do. She's really good and I'm sure Bubbah will love her.''
''But?''
''There's no but. I just really wanna get home that's all.'' Emma whined and Regina laughed.
'Give it another hour or so and then we'll leave'' Regina said while squeezing Emma's hand under the table.
When Ashley returned, the trio continued the small talk with some questions from both sides. Emma was still really quiet and Regina couldn't help but feel that there was something more to Emma's mood.
After an hour as Regina had predicted they had decided to call it a night. Emma paid the bill while Regina went to retrieve her car. When everything was ready Emma followed her wife's example and the two women left for their home.
Once inside their house Emma tossed her heels and coat haphazardly at the closet and moved further into the house while Regina followed behind unconsciously picking after Emma's mess. After that she too stepped into the living room where she found her sons watching TV. Ezra was sitting in Henry's lap on one couch while on the other Colin was sprawled along with a popcorn bowl which had long ago been emptied by the three brothers.
''Don't tell me that you ate an entire bowl alone.'' Regina teased while lifting Colin's feet to make room for her to sit. Emma had made herself comfy in the armchair; her phone already in hand.
''No I didn't'' Colin defended but Regina could tell that he was only half telling the truth.
''Colin Matthew Swan-Mills.'' Regina warned and the boy relented, slightly.
"I offered Henry and Ezra but they don't like salty but it's all we had!'' He finsihed with a dramatic sigh.
''What I've told you about popcorn? And why did you let him make it?'' She asked turning now to Henry who was playing with Ezra.
''Hey I told him he probably wouldn't be allowed but he insisted. And then he used Bubbah to persuade me.'' and Regina sighed
''Tomorrow we're all eating healthy again.'' Regina stated and all the boys groaned.
''You brought that on yourselves'' she said as she stood up to take Ezra from Henry.
''And now is sleep time. Emma can you tuck Colin in?'' Regina asked but Emma wasn't paying attention again.
''Emma?'' Regina asked again and finally Emma's attention was back to the room.''
''Huh?''
''I said will you tuck Colin in to bed?''
''Um, yes give me a minute.'' At which Regina nodded and headed upstairs.
After all the boys have gone to sleep Regina returned to her and Emma's bedroom. She found her wife already in bed holding a book but not really reading it as she hadn't change the page yet. Regina moved towards her and sat next to her. She gently grabbed the book and took it from Emma's hand who snapped from her haze.
''Emma are you sure that everything's alright? Did something happen at work?'' Regina asked concerned.
''Babe everything's fine'' Emma smiled softly and pecked her wife's lips.
''No I can feel that something's wrong please talk to me.'' Regina implored.
''Fine. Go get changed and then we'll talk'' Emma said and Regina kissed her one more time before going in the closet.
Fifteen minutes later Regina emerged from the bathroom wearing a black tank top and white shorts. Her hair was pulled up in a messy bun and her face a little shiny from her moisturizer. She pulled the covers and snuggled next to her wife. Emma's arm quickly raised to snuggle her wife. After they found a comfortable position Emma started talking.
''Do you remember my boss Jane? The one that Nate's has a crush on?'' Not waiting for Regina to respond, Emma continued. ''Well our relationship is kinda weird. I mean she's a nice woman and really funny but sometimes I act like a dick and say something mean to her and our relationship goes one step behind. Anyway today when I was talking to her about Nate I kinda said something that she interpreted to mean that I implied she's was whore or something, and that really hurt her, obviously. So I went to her office to apologise and after doing so she...uhm, she kissed me'' Emma confessed. She waited for Regina's response but it never came.
''Are you mad? Please say something...'' but when she turned to look at her wife she was faced with a very asleep Regina. Sighing in frustration Emma leaned over and kissed her wifes temple. She untangled herself as quietly as possibly so as not to disturb her wife and grabbed her phone. She got up and left the room, closing the door behind her. She made her way downstairs to her and Regina's office. She opened the liquor cabinet and grabbed Regina's homemade cider. Pouring some into a tumbler she thought back to her kiss with Jane. If she was to admit that she didn't like her she would be lying. As brief as it was she did quite like it, there was a thrill, and more than anything that was what's bothering her. She was supposed to be angry at the other woman for making such a move. But she wasn't. She couldn't forget her lips on hers. On a whim Emma stood up abruptly and stormed out of the room. She shoved on her converse, grabbed her jacket and her keys and left the house.
Half an hour later Emma was shivering outside a building she'd never been to before. Taking a big breath she knocked the door in front of her twice and waited patiently. The door opened revealing a very confused and sleepy blonde. She was wearing an oversized t-shirt and Emma could tell that she wasn't wearing much underneath. Gulping audibly Emma snapped back and looked into Jane's eyes.
''You kissed me.'' Emma said
''I know.''
''I'm married.''
''I know.''
''Do you like me?'' Emma asked.
''I...I yes.'' Jane confessed while bowing her head down. Emma closed her eyes again and took a deep breath.
''Do you want to come in'' Jane said as she opened the door wider for the other woman. Emma paused for what felt like a lifetime. She inhaled deeply and held her breath as she made her way over the threshold. Once inside she let it out again as she took a moment to appreciate the other's woman apartment. It was cozy yet elegant. Jane surely had some style. Adjusting her eyes at the dimly lit room Jane raised her arm to guide her to the couch while she went to grab two beers. She gave the one to Emma who took it with gratitude.
''So...'' Emma started but Jane cut her off.
''I don't want to talk about it.'' Jane admitted.
''Why not?'' Emma asked with a frown.
''Because you're married Emma. And I have think… I have… feelings for you and…ugh! God this is so fucked up.'' Jane said and stood up to leave the room but Emma was quick to grab her bringing her face to face with Emma.
''Emma please.'' Jane implored, her eyes watering fast.
''Sshh'' Emma soothed her while with her thumb wiping Jane's cheek. They looked at each other for a few seconds before crushing their lips together in a slow kiss. The slow kiss quickly escalated to a more passionate one and Emma's hands found themselves roaming the shorter womans body and stopped at her ass squeezing lightly while Jane's hand found Emma's neck and pulled her in tight. Emma's mouth moved from Jane's lips to her pulse point where she bit down deeply earning a moan from the other woman. Jane's hand reached back to where Emmas was gripping her ass and held it tight, motioning Emma to stop. Emma stopped and looked up staring into her eyes. Deep blue eyes growing darker by the second. Jane stared back. Emma sighed deeply, trying to force the energy to subside and started to pull away, but Janes hand held her tight. Emmas was sure if she looked down she'd see her heart beating through her chest. With an abrupt move,Emma lifted Jane off the floor and was instanly encouraged when Jane wrapped her legs around Emma's waist. And with that Emma guided them towards Jane's bedroom.