Regina Mills
I followed the stumbling blonde back to her bedroom. The first thing I noticed was her dresser drawers were hanging open and her clothes thrown all around. The sun was just starting to peek over the horizon, illuminating a soft orange glow throughout her room.
My head was fuzzy from the alcohol, my body was aching from the lack of sleep and I couldn't wait to crawl into bed. Emma walked around her room closing the drapes to block out any of the light, so we could rest.
We both climbed into her bed, scooting beneath the warmth of her blankets. Emma's bed was always flooded with extra pillows and blankets, making the bed more fluffy and comfortable. Lying next to Emma, in her bed, was nothing new to me. This has become routine over the past month, but right now, it felt different. Something between us changed whether we want to admit it or not. I truly cannot pinpoint what this feeling is, and I don't think Emma understands it either.
Suddenly my thoughts were interrupted by the familiar scent of vanilla and cinnamon invading my personal space. Her long smooth leg was gently gliding across mine in a teasing manner, testing her boundaries. Emma slid on top of my body, pressing her flushed skin against mine. Her hands were supporting her body on both sides of my ribs while her long golden locks were flowing all around our faces, tickling my cheeks.
I opened my eyes to be met with Emma's signature smile. Her stupid, goofy, shit eating grin that I thought I might not see for a long time since he broke her. That grin was contagious, and I tried to fight against mine that was slowly spreading.
We both leaned forward, meeting halfway to connect our lips into a delicate kiss. Only this time the kiss was far more frantic than I anticipated, and I knew she needed me to distract her. She was desperate for my touch because I was her temporary relief from all the pain. To my own surprise, I didn't mind. I could be this for her, I could be a good friend and take away all that heartache, if that's what she needed me to be.
I gripped the back of her neck pulling her in closer, provoking Emma to slowly roll her hips. An electrifying spark burst straight to my core prompting my eyes to fly open.
What is going on with me? Why am I so turned on by a woman? I've never been with a woman before but now I cannot fathom how I was ever with a man. I tried to rid myself from my life altering thoughts, to only focus on this moment.
Emma hummed softly against my lips and I actually felt my heart swell. I ignored the feeling and focused on the task at hand. My fingers slithered beneath her shirt to drag my nails against her silky bare skin. This time her moan was deeper, filled with need. That's when the room became unbearably bright.
"Emma! Do you and your boyfriend always have to be humping like rabbits!" Ruby shouted as she stomped into the room. Our actions came to a screeching halt as Emma reached behind her to lift the blanket over our heads. "Oh, now you cover up? But the last five years, it was all, come watch how bendy we can be, please listen to the disturbing noises our bodies make..."
"Fuck Ruby, shut up!" Emma bellowed from under the blanket.
Emma and I were perfectly still as her forehead rested against mine. The air was thick and the only scent that surrounded our hideaway was stale wine from our breaths. That was until a cold breeze hit us as Ruby ripped the blanket from our hiding faces.
"Mills?! Fuck, Emma!" Ruby screeched in disbelief causing Emma and I to wince from the volume.
Emma groaned as she rolled off my body and the intensity of the situation hit me hard. I wish there was a way to make myself disappear. My whole body was tingling from the embarrassment I felt. The walls felt like they were closing in on me and there simply wasn't enough air to breathe.
"It's not what you think, calm down Rubes," Emma insisted trying to relax the frantic brunette.
"Then what is it?" She snapped looking back and forth between us.
I caught a glimpse of Emma, out of the corner of my eye. The blonde was sitting with one leg up, resting her elbow upon her knee with her head in her hand. She looked utterly exhausted.
"Neal left me. He left the country," she mumbled as a single tear trickled down her cheek.
"Oh girl! I'm so sorry!" Ruby rushed over to Emma's side of the bed. She sat down in front of the blonde, pulling her into a loving hug. I sat up slowly feeling a little too exposed while laying down. Ruby glanced over Emma's shoulder and directly peered into my eyes. "So, then what was going on between you two?"
"Nothing, we were just messing around," Emma casually said as I nodded confirming her admission.
"That looked like a lot more than messing around..." Emma swatted Ruby's arm prompting the brunette to rub the inflicted area. "So, what, you wouldn't hook up with me, but you go for the straight one?" Ruby interrogated with an eyebrow raised toward me.
"I'm not going for anyone. We drank a bottle of wine and Emma suggested we experiment a little. That's all," I firmly stated looking back at Emma for validation.
I desperately tried to gauge her reaction but all I saw was how tired she looked. Dark circles were rapidly forming around her dull eyes. Her face had lost all color from the lack of sleep. I could only imagine how hard her temples are pounding between the alcohol, the tears and sleep deprivation.
"Now that you tested the waters, ready to dive in with me?" Ruby suggested as she wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
Emma instantly shoved the brunette down onto the bed. A small bead of hope sprouted, that maybe Emma was feeling protective over me? Maybe she was jealous with her friend attempting to flirt with me?
"Leave her alone Rubes and please get out. I'm overly tired, I've been up all night."
Ruby stood up from the bed and placed a small kiss to Emma's cheek. For just a brief moment the fun, flirtatious Ruby was gone. Her face grew stern as she peered down at her friend, her eyes were full of concern, painting her to appear as a worried older sister.
"Okay girl, we'll talk when you wake up," Ruby stood from the bed, but before she made it to the door she called over shoulder, "sleep well Mills!"
And the free-spirited Ruby was back.
"I shou-"
"Stop right there, Mills! No, you shouldn't be going, lay your ass back down. We are both exhausted."
I pressed my lips into a firm line, watching the blonde snuggle in next to me. I hesitantly slid back down into the warm bed. The tension from our actions was slowly haunting the back of my mind.
No words were spoken, the previous night left unsaid. Emma placed her head next to mine on the same pillow. Her right leg draped across my legs while her right arm rested against my chest. I laid perfectly still focusing on keeping my breathing under control, until her breathing steadied and her limbs relaxed.
I woke up feeling overwhelmed with the heat that suffocated my body. I glanced down to see Emma still glued to my side, she's the reason why it's so hot in here. I didn't have the heart to wake her though. She went through a lot last night with Neal and I know she needs her rest.
I laid still and thought back to this morning's events. I'm beyond confused about the whole situation. I've never felt the urge to kiss another woman before but in that moment, it was like everything I ever thought to be true, slipped away and all I could see was the beauty that is Emma. Even when I first met her I felt a strong connection. I didn't believe it was a sexual attraction but now I'm not so sure about anything anymore. This girl has turned my life upside down and as much as I'm terrified of what's to come, I can't wait to find out.
"Hmmm, you're very cozy," Emma muttered as she stretched her sleepy muscles. I provided her a sheepish smile and she returned the gesture.
"How are you feeling?" I tentatively asked not wanting to upset her.
Emma's sleepy eyes drifted away as she shrugged her shoulders noncommittally. She rolled away from my embrace and refused to answer my question truthfully while avoiding my eyes.
"I'm alright..." she stood from the bed prompting me to sit up, "thanks for last night." My nerves came rushing back, making me feel extremely shy. "I mean it, just showing up in the middle of the night would've been enough. But then you brought my favorite ice cream and wine! Seriously you're the best."
"Of course, Emma, I just want you to be happy. You're my best friend. I'll always be there for you."
Emma placed one knee on the bed and fell to her hands, so we were now face to face. I held my breath from the insecurity of my morning breath.
"Thank you for...distracting me. I know that must have been hard or uncomfortable for you. I know you did it for me, so thank you," her words were so sweet and sincere as she placed a quick peck to my cheek. I felt something stir deep inside and I knew I had to push whatever it was away. Emma stood up again from the bed and checked her phone. "Damn Regina it's three in the afternoon!" My eyes almost fell out of my head as I fumbled for my phone.
"This time Swan I really do have to leave. I have an early class tomorrow and I haven't really been home this weekend." She nodded as she followed me out the bedroom door. As I approached her front door I tuned back around abruptly. "Are you sure you're alright? Do you need me to stay?"
Emma giggled and shook her head. "No, I'll be fine, besides I have my girls here."
"Hey Regina!" Belle greeted me as she strolled out of her bedroom. The smaller woman stopped in her tracks as her eyes took in our appearance. "Did you girls just wake up?"
"Yeah, we didn't sleep last night." The blonde glanced around nervously as she worked up the courage to explain. "Neal left me," she mumbled, not wanting to admit the harsh truth yet again.
I could feel her heart breaking all over again. Belle instantly pulled her friend into a comforting hug. When the smaller brunette pulled away she headed toward the kitchen.
"Come on, I'll make you some hot cocoa with cinnamon. Just the way you like it and you can tell me everything," Belle smiled brightly which helped settle my own anxious nerves about leaving my friend behind.
"See? My girls!" Emma fondly gloated before she pulled me into a hug goodbye.
"Good. I'll talk to you later. Everything will be okay, I promise." She smiled sweetly and nodded along, but I knew she didn't believe in my words.