A/N: Surprise! Another update in a short amount of time. I figured since I left you with a cliffhanger, that is the least I could do.
This chapter made my heart hurt and I do not take responsibility for how it might make you feel. However, I would love to hear about it. So leave me a comment. They truly mean a lot to me.
I sincerely appreciate all of you who have been reading this little story and sharing it with others. It is by far my most popular and that is thanks to you.
Special thanks for dear, sweet Jenn who gif'd me all afternoon to convey her emotions on this chapter. I will never look at Henry Winkler or sliced bread the same way again.
"You did the right thing bringing her in."
"Well, don't just stand there. Do something!"
"We are doing our best but I need you to step out in the hall, Madam Mayor."
"Like hell I am. Emma? Emma?"
…..
"Dr. Whale said everything is ok, Regina. Please calm down."
"Excuse me if I don't trust Dr. Whale to take care of her after what he did to Daniel."
"Regina…"
"I'm sorry, Snow. I'm just worried. She looks so…"
"I know. Let's go get a coffee and try to calm down. David will call when we can see her."
"Ok. But just for a minute."
…..
"Emma, honey. Just rest. Everything's going to be ok."
"Let her rest, Snow. Regina can handle this."
"I know, David. I just want to tell her goodnight. Regina? Call me when she is ready to talk."
"I'll call. I promise."
…..
The images and sounds rolled around in Emma's mind. Some came in long stretches, some tiny snippets. Why couldn't she wake up? This dream was more like a nightmare. People hovering over her, whispering.
Her head was throbbing, a searing pain every time she coughed and she seemed to be coughing a lot. But there was something soothing too. A soft voice, a gentle hand. I need to wake up.
~ (SQ) ~
Emma pulled a soft blanket over her eyes. Someone had turned on the light. Blinking heavily, the blonde tried to assess her surroundings. The mattress was too soft to be hers. She definitely was not in the loft.
Burrowing deeper into the covers, Emma inhaled deeply. Everything smelled clean and fresh and somehow made her think of Regina. She pulled the blanket from her eyes and squinted at the light. It wasn't coming from a lamp or the overhead dome. It was the golden rays of the late afternoon sun coming through the sheer curtains.
Emma let her eyes adjust to the light and rubbed sleep from the corners. She looked around, drinking in her surroundings. Neutral tones, classic design, plush carpet, and mattress like a cloud… she was in the guest room at 108 Mifflin St. But why?
The sheriff eased into a sitting position despite her protesting head. It was still throbbing. Her hand reflexively reached up and felt a bandage on her forehead. What the hell?
She glanced on the night stand for her phone but only found a glass of water, a copy of Pride and Prejudice and Regina's reading glasses (that she swore didn't exist) on top of the book. Emma moved to push back the covers and stand when the door to the room opened.
"Oh! You're awake." Regina was by her side in a moment, covering her back up and tucking her in. "You really shouldn't try to stand up yet. How are you feeling?"
Emma looked at the brunette and wondered if perhaps Regina was the one who should be tucked in. Her hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail, her eyes weary and blood shot, a tiredness clear in her movements. The blonde smiled inwardly realizing the all-powerful Mayor had traded in her sensible pantsuit and was wearing yoga pants and a sweatshirt, standing there in her sock feet. And still so damn beautiful.
"I'm ok, I guess. My head is killing me." Emma's hand went up to her bandage again but was gently intercepted by Regina's quick fingers.
"Here now, don't mess with that. You don't want an infection." The brunette unnecessarily smoothed back Emma's hair and examined the bandage.
"Uh, Regina? What the hell happened? Why am I here?" Emma gestured around the room and leaned back into her pillows. Ok, so maybe Regina was right about not standing. I can barely sit up.
"You don't remember?" Regina sat gingerly on the edge of the bed beside Emma.
"Not really. I think I remember meeting you and Mom to taste cakes. Then I sorta remember feeling sick. But that's pretty much it. What happened?" Emma's green eyes searched Regina's face for understanding.
"Well, apparently you had a monstrous case of the flu and we have since learned that you stayed out all night in the damp air and the flu was quickly turning into pneumonia. At the cake tasting," Regina held the glass of water up to Emma's mouth and made her drink like a child, wiping away the moisture from her chin. "You face-planted in the middle of the pink champagne cake and cracked your head on the corner of the table. You needed stitches. So, the flu plus the head wound put you out of commission for a bit, dear."
Emma's eyes went wide and her hand again reached for her head wound, though Regina again gently stopped her. "Oh my god! Am I going to have a scar?"
"No, dear." Regina shook her head and ran her thumb across the back of Emma's hand she was holding. "I assure you I will not let it leave a scar. Magic has its perks."
Emma's eyes darted of their own volition to the tiny scar on Regina's lip. As if reading her mind, Regina went on, a finger tapping lightly on her top lip. "I have this scar because I choose too. It made me look fierce when I was the Evil Queen. But mostly it is a reminder."
Emma looked into deep brown eyes. "Reminder?"
"Yes, it reminds me of a time, when I was a little girl. Let's just say I wasn't very obedient to my mother and I suffered the consequences. Not all battle scars come from wars, Emma." Sadness colored chocolate irises as Regina stood, uncomfortable with the discussion.
"So, I'm sick. And I'm wounded. But that doesn't explain why I'm here." Emma tried to change the subject.
Regina smiled down at the patient. "Well, it seems that your mother was concerned that Neal might contract the flu so she suggested you stay here and Henry stay at the loft until you were well."
Emma frowned. "Didn't she worry that you might get the flu?"
"Oh my dear, I won't get the flu. I had a flu shot. Honestly, I bring these peasants to a world with cable TV, indoor plumbing and all manner of modern medical advancements and do they thank me? No. They can't even be bothered with getting a flu shot. Idiots." Regina smiled again down at Emma. "You hungry? I have some soup on the stove just waiting for a bottomless pit to pour it in."
Soup sounded wonderful. As if answering for her, Emma's tummy grumbled.
"I will take that as a yes. Now, you stay in this bed and do not move until I get back. I mean it, Emma. Do. Not. Move." Regina had one hand on her hip and one finger pointing at the blonde. Emma nodded her agreement. She couldn't get out of bed yet if she wanted to.
Emma stretched every inch of her body, wiggling her fingers, pointing her toes, rolling her head gently from shoulder to shoulder. She felt stiff from lying in bed. Maybe Regina could poof her onto the sofa later. Or help her into a shower. A hot shower might loosen her up. Emma's eyes fell again to the book on the nightstand. What was that about?
She picked it up, easing Regina's glasses aside and weighed it in her hands. She had always wanted to read a classic novel like this but she just never did. She clearly wasn't reading it now since she was pretty much unconscious until ten minutes ago. Was Regina reading it to her? Had she been just sitting there all night with Emma? That would explain the haggard look about her.
Emma slid her finger along the pages until it hit the bookmark. Regina must've been reading the book before Emma got here. She was way too deep in the story to have just started last night. The bookmark seemed wide for a normal one. Curiosity won the day and Emma opened the book.
Green eyes opened wide. It was a picture of the two of them. Emma wasn't sure she had seen it before. They appeared to be at a party together and from the looks of it, they had both been drinking. They were hugging and smiling for the camera. Emma ran a finger across Regina's face in the photo. Even slightly drunk she was stunning.
She could hear the sound of feet approaching so the blonde replaced the photo in the book and slid the book back on the table. Maybe she would ask Regina about it. Later.
"Here we go. One bowl of my famous chicken and wild rice soup, with no carrots since I know you don't like them. Do you know how hard it is to make chicken soup without carrots?" Regina started talking before she even nudged the door open with her hip.
She had a bed tray in her hands, a steaming bowl of soup, a slice of toasted bread and a glass of what appeared to be ginger ale resting on it. Emma scooted higher into a fully upright position and tried to smell the soup as Regina settled the tray over her.
The deep inhalation made her start to cough. She coughed violently, unable to catch her breath until Regina removed the tray and began patting her gently on her back. The pats turned into soothing circles and Emma heard murmurs of comfort and nonsensical words as Regina tried to calm her coughing spell.
"Thanks." Emma wheezed as the coughing subsided, looking curiously at her friend.
"You're welcome, Emma. You've been having those spells but they are getting farther apart." Regina replaced the tray and Emma took care to blow gently across a spoonful before taking a bite.
"Oh god, Regina! How do you do this to food? Seriously. It's better than sex." Emma moaned around another spoonful. The warmth felt good sliding down her raw throat.
"Better than sex? Now that's just sad." Regina winked at the blonde, playfully tweaking her toes through the covers as she passed by to close the curtains. It would soon be dark out.
"Ha. Ha. You know what I mean. But it is delicious. Maybe you could teach me?" Emma hazarded a glance at Regina. She didn't want to be rejected.
"To make soup?" Regina sat lightly on the foot of the bed. "Sure. I can teach you. But let's start with something simple, like boiling water."
"Hey! I can cook. Didn't you like my pancakes? And you like my scrambled eggs." Emma nudged the brunette with her foot.
"Indeed I do. But we need to ease our way up to real food Emma. Maybe I can teach you canned soup first." Regina's eyes danced with mischief. She was teasing in a way only she could.
"Oh, funny. Here I am on my death bed and you want to be funny." Emma nudged Regina harder this time. Regina laughed at the blonde and stuck out her tongue. "Oh, it is on."
Emma nudged harder this time and sent Regina flying. She landed with a hard whomp on her perfectly round ass and fell back against the dresser. Emma sat up suddenly, worry evident on her face. She was about to spring from the bed when the sound of Regina's lilting laughter stopped her.
"I think I can safely call your mother now and tell her you are feeling better." Regina stood, rubbing carefully on the sore place on her tailbone where she had hit the floor. "I think you broke my ass."
Emma began laughing them with abandon. She couldn't remember the last time she laughed so hard. But the laughter was short lived. It only served to bring on another coughing fit.
Once again, Regina moved the tray of soup and began her patting, soothing and cooing until Emma relaxed and the coughing stopped. "Ok. No more excitement until we get this cough taken care of. Time for your medicine."
Regina stepped to the dresser and opened three different bottles, shaking out tablets and capsules and brought them to Emma. "Here. Take these."
Emma eyed the pills for a moment and then looked up at Regina. "What are they?"
Regina huffed and shrugged impatiently. "This is a pain pill for the head wound. This is an antibiotic. And this is a pill to ease the cough. You've been taking them for days without a fuss, so… here."
Regina pushed the pills out again and Emma frowned. "Days? What do you mean days?"
"I mean, days. Now if you don't want the pain medicine, I can get you some Tylenol. The pain one is what is making you sleep so much." Regina dropped everything expect the pain tablet into Emma's hand.
"Days? I thought I just got sick yesterday." Emma stared at the pills in her hand. "Regina, how long have I been here."
"Well, you hit your head on Wednesday. Then they kept you overnight at the hospital. You have been here since then. I'm honestly not surprised you don't remember. You wake up some but you act stoned because of the pain medicine. I've been cutting it back gradually as Dr. Whale suggested. Anyway, this is Tuesday, so I guess you've been here six days." Regina was back at the dresser, replacing the pain pill in the container and shaking out two Tylenol tablets.
"Six days!? Holy shit! You've been taking care of me for six days?!" Emma was on the verge of a minor panic attack. How had she lost a week of her life?
"Well, yes. You needed me, Emma." Regina handed Emma the Tylenol and sat beside her on the bed. "I like to think you would do the same for me."
Emma stared at Regina for a moment, saying nothing. Regina was still holding out the Tylenol and waiting patiently. "But, six days Regina—"
"Six days or sixty, Emma. What difference does it make? I—" Regina hesitated. "I care about you. It really isn't a big deal. Here. Take your medicine."
Emma obediently put the pills in her mouth and accepted the water glass once more. She swallowed the tablets and opened her mouth to show Regina she had indeed swallowed them. Regina smiled and placed the soup tray back across the blonde's lap. "You need to eat some more."
"What about work?" Emma said after a few bites.
"What about it? For one thing, I'm the boss so nobody is going to question me. And I am set up in my office to be able to work from home when need be." Regina placed her right hand on the bed and leaned on it. He body and her arm formed an A-frame across Emma's legs below her knees. "And to be perfectly honest, I have several thousand sick hours and probably 15 weeks of vacation that I have never taken. So, don't you worry about my work. As for your work, your father is doing a great job but if you ever tell him, I will punish you."
Emma smiled at that. "Sure you will. You are always promising to punish me, but you don't look very convincing sitting there in yoga pants serving me soup on my sick bed."
"Well, you just wait until you feel better. I like a fair fight. I wouldn't take advantage of you in this weakened state." Regina poked the blonde in her thigh with her free left hand. When the poking stopped, her hand remained on Emma's leg but neither of them seemed to mind.
"Anyway, as much as it pains me to admit it, these few days away have only shown me that this town can get along rather well without us." Regina shrugged before adding, "Temporarily."
"Assuming no monsters, or evil wizards, or relatives hell-bent on killing one of us shows up." Emma smirked.
"Exactly."
"So, why do you have so much sick time? Don't you ever just take a fake sick day?"
Regina dropped her head low and arched a brow at Emma. "Do I look like I take fake sick days?"
Emma shrugged and nodded. "Point taken. But so many sick days?"
"Well, I never take them unless Henry is sick. Or when he pretends to be sick because he didn't do his homework. Although it has been years since he tried that." Regina's left hand patted gently against Emma's leg and squeezed. If either woman was aware of this familiarity, neither said so. "He is definitely your son in that regard."
"Hey! I can't help it if school is hard. I can't believe you fell for his fake-outs though." Emma took a corner of the toasted bread and dipped it in the soup bowl. She was already feeling better with a full stomach.
"I didn't believe him. I chose to ignore the facts and let him stay home. He had colds occasionally, and he had is appendix out when he was eight. But the only other major sickness he had was the chicken pox." The look of remembering in the brunette's eyes made a glowing warmth settle in Emma's chest. She couldn't help loving the woman who loved their child so much.
"Oh god! I hated the chicken pox. I missed the entire last week of kindergarten with them. Of all the times to miss school, the last week of kindergarten isn't the one you want to miss. All they do is arts and crafts and movies and snacks all week." Emma wiped her mouth with the cloth napkin on her tray. She couldn't eat another bite.
Seeing the nearly empty bowl, Regina smiled. "Good girl." Then the tray disappeared. Emma assumed it was magically on the island in the kitchen, waiting to be put away.
"Did you ever have them? The chicken pox?" Emma slid down a little, nestling in the pillows again. Regina made no effort to move and was still A-framed across the blonde's legs.
"Yes. I had them the same time as Henry. He was four and had a terrible cold. I do not trust Dr. Whale and since Henry and I were able to cross the town line, I took him to a pediatrician in another town. The doctor assured me that Henry was fine and the cold would clear up on its own. But while we were in the office, Henry hugged and kissed a little girl in the lobby. He was such a sweet little boy, never met a stranger, and in a matter of seconds he had befriended this child and moved on to physical affection." Regina smiled remembering her chubby little boy, arms around the little red-head before Regina could stop him.
"Let me guess. She had the chicken pox." Emma snaked a hand from under the blankets and laid it gently atop Regina's hand still on the sheriff's leg.
"Indeed she did. In a few days, so did Henry. And not long after, so did I. I had to quarantine us here in the house. There is no such thing as the chicken pox in the Enchanted Forest and I couldn't risk an epidemic spreading through town." Regina absent mindedly laced her fingers through Emma's and cocked her head to the side. "The chicken pox are hard on little children, but for an adult they are nearly unbearable. I thought I would literally die wanting to scratch them. But I knew I would scar if I did. Plus, I had a full-time job keeping Henry from picking at his. I made him sleep with socks on his hands so he couldn't scratch in the night. Needless to say, I was happy when that was over."
Emma looked at Regina with fresh eyes. She had of course known that the brunette was a great mother. Henry was a great kid and only so much of that could be credited to genetics. But hearing her talk about his sickness, about her own care of him, it made the warmth inside her grow toward the woman before her.
"You really are remarkable." The words came out before she knew she was speaking.
A blush colored Regina's face. "I only did what any mother would do."
"That's not true. I've met a lot of mother's in my life. Not all of them care. Not all of them love." Emma brought her other hand from beneath the blanket and covered their intertwined hands with it. "Thank you for loving him so much, for raising him to be such a great kid. I'm glad it was you."
Regina melted under the weight of Emma's gaze. If she was to name the look in green eyes, only love would do. But Regina was afraid to call it what it was.
"Don't thank me Emma. He is who he is today because of both of us. I just got an early start is all." Regina looked down, embarrassed by the direct appreciation Emma was giving her.
"No, that isn't all. I mean it. Thank you. And thank you for sharing him with me now. I know you don't have to—legally." Emma squeezed Regina's hand causing the brunette to look up. "This is where you say 'you're welcome' or something."
Regina smiled shyly. "Well, you are welcome. In our home, in our lives. I should be thanking you for sharing him with me, dear." Regina paused a moment, thinking of their son. "We certainly have a fine young man, don't we?"
"Yeah, we do. He's gonna be a lady-killer too. With your good looks and my smooth moves…" Emma's eyes danced playfully.
"Your smooth moves? If anything, he has your good looks and my moves." Regina smirked.
Emma cocked her head to the side and a long silence fell between them, each realizing they had just called the other attractive without really meaning to.
"Well, I suppose I should go call your mother and let her know you are awake and coherent." Regina eased to stand but Emma didn't let go of her hand.
"Do you have to? I was sort of enjoying just talking to you. If she finds out I'm feeling better…" Emma's voice drifted off. She was ashamed to admit she was in no hurry to have another person come into this intimate nest she was building with Regina.
"I do need to call her, Emma. But I will tell her you are not ready for company." Regina stood fully then, reluctantly letting go of Emma's hand. A sad smile filled her face, realizing this sweet moment couldn't last forever. Eventually reality would barge through the front door and destroy it all. "I can't promise she won't be here first thing in the morning with a get-well committee in tow, but I can give us tonight."
Emma's heart began racing. Give us tonight?
"I think I'd like that. Very much."
Regina's skin flushed at the unvarnished affection in Emma's face. Maybe she should let Snow come tonight. There was something dangerous about the lack of restraint in Emma's gaze.
"Alright. I'll be right back."
Regina slipped into the hall and shut the door. Her back fell against the wall in the darkening hallway. If only Emma loved her. Life could be like this always. The two of them, together, Henry across the hall doing his homework. She could sit in the bed and read to Emma, just as she had these last few nights and they would be happy… so happy.
Taking a deep breath, Regina pushed off the wall and went down to put away the soup and call Snow. Keep it together, Regina. This isn't real.
Inside the guest room, Emma Swan pulled the blanket up to her face and inhaled as deeply as she dared without causing another coughing spell. This could be her life. The two of them, together, Henry across the hall doing his homework. They'd lay in bed and talk and cuddle. Maybe Regina would finish the book. And god, they'd be so happy. If only she could be sure how she felt… how Regina felt.
She pushed back the covers and looked at the petite diamond on her left hand. You're engaged, Swan. Don't forget that.
~ (SQ) ~
Regina knocked lightly on the door to the guest room as she opened it. She smiled, seeing Emma just as she had left her, burrowed under the covers.
"Alright. Snow says she loves you, she's glad you are feeling better and she will be here in the morning to see you." Regina sat on the bed's edge again.
"Oh, thank god. I don't feel like company tonight." Emma felt relieved.
"Thank god? You should thank me. I'm the one who convinced her to stay away." Regina winked and stood. "So, do you feel like going down to the couch and watching a movie? Or would you rather rest? Or…."
Emma thought a moment. "If you will help me, I think I'd like a bath."
"A bath?" Regina felt another blush coloring her cheeks. When had she started blushing so much?
"Well, yeah. I mean, unless you've been sponging me off all week, I'm pretty sure I could really use one. And my hair is gross." Emma had spent a few minutes while Regina was gone trying to comb through her curls with her fingers. It hadn't gone well.
"Um, ok. Then, let's get you in a bath. You stay put and I will be right back." Regina slipped out the door again and in a moment, Emma heard the sound of a bath being drawn.
Regina appeared a moment later and eased back the covers on the bed. "You might need some help getting there. You've not been vertical much in the last week."
"I can do this." Emma proudly stood without Regina's help and immediately regretted it. She flopped back down on the bed, dizzy and weak.
"I see you can, Savior. Now, let me help you before you knock yourself out again." Regina slipped her arm tightly around Emma's waist. Emma put her arm about the brunette's shoulder and leaned heavily on her.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
The two made their way into the hall, but instead of turning left toward Henry's bathroom, Regina guided them to the right and into her bedroom. Emma gazed at her friend curiously.
"My tub is bigger and better equipped for a woman than Henry's. I have bath salts and candles and expensive soap. He has gross teenage boy… stuff." Emma chuckled at Regina's defense.
"Are you sure you didn't just want me in your bedroom. You can admit it, Gina." Emma laughed as Regina deposited her on the closed toilet lid.
"Laugh it up, Miss Swan. I'm not the one who hasn't bathed in a week." Regina arched an arrogant brow, teasing the blonde.
"Touché." Emma raised her hands in surrender. "I thought you liked a fair fight."
"I thought you wanted help with your bath." Regina turned and knelt by the tub, adjusting the temperature and scooping in bath salts. "Ok. All ready. Do you need me to—"
Regina nodded toward the tub, hoping to convey her question without voicing it.
"No. No, I got it. Just stay close in case I need you. Ok?" Emma smiled sheepishly, not really glad to be asking for help.
"I intend on sitting right outside the door. After a fainting spell like you had you really shouldn't be taking a bath at all. But I will allow it if you promise to make enough noise to let me know you aren't drowning." Regina winked at her and slipped out the door. "I'm not closing the door. But I promise not to peek."
Emma felt a blush over her whole body. She was about to be naked, in Regina's tub, with Regina a few feet away. If she wasn't sick she might feel a bit turned on at the idea of it.
Holding onto the counter for support, Emma slipped out of her pajamas and eased over to the tub. She stepped across the side and slid down gently until she was surrounded by the warm and soothing water. Regina was right. Her tub was better than Henry's.
At first the blonde just sat there, splashing occasionally to let Regina know she was alive. The heat from the water was seeping into her tired and achy joints and loosening her up. The scent of the bath salts drifted up in steamy clouds and filled her mind with images of Regina, sitting in this very spot, naked.
Emma picked up a bar of soap and sniffed it. Another secret layer of Regina's fragrance assaulted her senses as she scrubbed her skin clean with a cloth Regina had laid on the lip of the tub for her. Easing forward, Emma leaned her head back and wet her hair. She was tired, but her hair needed to be washed.
Squeezing the shampoo into her hand, Emma caught another whiff of Regina in the air. No wonder she smells so good all the time. She scrubbed her scalp and realized a bit too late that she didn't have the strength to rinse.
"Uh, Regina?"
Regina's voice called back instantly, from very close by the door. "Yes? Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just…." Emma paused. Was she really about to ask? "I need your help. Can you come in here for a minute?"
Regina stood and swallowed hard. Emma needed her and she would help her… even if she was naked and wet, sitting in the tub. "Of course, dear. I'm coming in."
Regina stepped into the room and kept her eyes averted. The mirror was slightly foggy from the bath and Regina was glad. She didn't want to see her own expression at being called in to help.
"It's ok. You can look." Emma smiled at Regina trying hard to protect her privacy.
Regina glanced toward the tub to find Emma with her knees drawn up to her chest. She was clearly naked, but the important bits were out of view.
"I need you to wash my back and help me rinse out the shampoo." Emma gave Regina a brief glance but didn't maintain eye contact.
"Oh." Regina made no move to do what Emma had asked.
Green eyes found brown again. "So, are you going to help me or what?"
"Oh." Regina suddenly came to life again. "Right. Let me just take this off so it doesn't get soaked."
Regina pulled her sweatshirt over her head. Underneath it she was wearing a gray tank top. Emma felt a warmth that had nothing to do with the bath as her eyes tracked across her trim and slender figure. Between the tight yoga pants and the tank, there was little left to the imagination about what Regina's body looked like inside her pencil skirts and silk blouses.
As the brunette kneeled down, Emma noticed the tank top had been worn under the heavy sweatshirt in lieu of a bra. The outline of pert nipples pressing against the thin fabric made the blonde look quickly away. She cursed inwardly as her she felt the tightening of her own breasts in response.
"Where's the cloth?" Regina's voice was quiet and rich near Emma's ear.
"Back there." Emma motioned with her head. Regina saw the cloth then, floating near the bottom of the tub behind the blonde.
She reached a tentative hand into the warm water and grasped the rag. Lathering it, she began rubbing gently across Emma's back.
The blonde couldn't help the short exhale of air through her nose that matched the electricity that shot through her as Regina's thumb grazed the small of her back without the cloth.
"Sorry." Regina breathed, misinterpreting Emma's noise as a negative one.
Emma could only shake her head. She hadn't anticipated Regina guiding a soapy rag across her back being so erotic. Every pass of her hesitant fingers sent sparks through Emma. The tiredness that had made her call the mayor to her aid in the first place was long forgotten.
Regina stared at the bumpy ridge of Emma's spine. Her normally porcelain skin was tinted pink from the heat of her bath. Regina wondered if her skin pinked like that when she was in the throes of passion. Did her face look flushed and rosy when she was blissfully sated?
Regina dropped the cloth back in the water and lifted it up again, squeezing the water out of it across Emma's shoulders. Tiny streams of water coursed across the blonde's back, rinsing away the soap. A second time Regina dropped the rag. When she grasped it and lifted again, her bare knuckles brushed lightly against Emma's skin.
Emma's felt her eyes slam shut at the contact. She just wanted to tell her. Just say it out loud. I love you, Regina. I want you. I never want to leave this house. I love you.
Regina squeezed the cloth again, her eyes following a droplet of water sliding along Emma's soft skin. She had an urge of lap it up with her tongue. She wanted so much to just lean across the side of her tub, ease her arms around Emma and just tell her the truth. I love you, my darling. I'm in love with you and I never, ever want you to go away.
"There we go. Now, just let me get a cup and we will rinse out the shampoo and be all finished." Regina reached a wet hand back and opened the cupboard under her sink. In a moment she produced a small cup.
"Tilt back." Regina's lithe fingers were under Emma's chin, leading her head back into a tilted position. Emma kept her green eyes closed, afraid if she looked at Regina now she would drown in the chocolate depths of her eyes.
Regina placed a hand tenderly across Emma's forehead to protect her face from any escaping droplets and began to scoop up cups of water. She poured cup after cup and watched it push away the suds of shampoo. After a moment, she was satisfied that all the soap was gone but ran a timid hand through the wet locks just in case.
Emma's eyes remained shut tight. Regina's fingers hit a snag and tugged gently through the knot. The sensation filled Emma's mind with visions of Regina, writhing beneath her, those same hands wound into her golden curls, pulling her close for a kiss.
"All done." Regina stood and headed toward the door as Emma came back to reality.
"Thanks." Her voice was breathy and weak.
"It's my pleasure… Emma." Regina's throaty voice made goosebumps appear along Emma's skin.
"Would you…" Emma paused, trying to regain control. "Would you hand me a towel?"
Regina turned and pulled a towel free from the rack. Turning back, she held out the open towel but stopped suddenly. Emma was standing in the tub, unashamed of her nakedness in front of Regina.
All the air in Regina's lungs rushed out at once and the brunette couldn't force herself to look away. Looking up, she met Emma's gaze, less confident than her brazen nudity might suggest. Green eyes turned dark and bore into coffee colored irises.
Remembering herself, Regina looked away and stepped forward, handing Emma the towel. "I'll… um." She cleared her throat and tried again. "I'll just be right out here."
And then, she was gone. Emma frowned. Perhaps she was misreading Regina. Maybe her medicine was making her crazy. At least that is what she would blame it on if the subject ever came up. The medicine made her do it. Idiot.
Drying off, Emma quickly dressed in a clean set of pajamas Regina had laid on the sink for her. She toweled her hair lightly and hoped she could recover from her error. She didn't want it to be weird. Not when things had been going so well.
Taking a deep breath, Emma stepped into Regina's bedroom. The brunette was sitting on her chaise, blow-dryer in hand. She patted the spot beside her. "Come here. You look too weak to dry it yourself."
Emma searched Regina's face for a moment, looking for any anger or embarrassment for what she had done in the bathroom. Finding none, the blonde smiled a crooked smile and made her way to her friend. Instead of sitting on the chaise, Emma sat down on the soft carpet in front of Regina.
Regina looked down at the wet head in front of her and smiled. Everything was ok. This, their unconventional friendship, it worked and it was going to be ok.
Regina reached a hand out and felt Emma's wet hair, a light brown from the darkening effects of the water. She switched on the dryer and began gently combing her fingers through to the ends. Emma was too far away in this position, but the former queen had no intention of asking her to move.
As if she knew Regina's thoughts, Emma scooted back a bit until her back was against Regina's knees. A moment later she pushed back again and Regina's legs parted, making room for her. Regina kept drying, kept pulling free knots, thankful for the droning sound of the dryer so they needn't talk.
The brunette sat perched on the edge of the chaise, the blonde seated on the floor between her legs. Torture was something Regina was familiar with on both the giving and receiving ends and this, this moment with Emma so close, so intimate and yet somehow as far away as ever—this was torture.
Emma closed her eyes and listened to the sound of the dryer, the warm air tickling her skin. The roar was a welcome cover for the occasional sound of pleasure she could not restrain as Regina's nails scraped against her scalp. She tried hard to keep her back straight despite the overwhelming desire to melt into Regina's body behind her. But she couldn't allow that. She had literally been naked before her and Regina had walked away.
Emma considered the look that had passed between them. It didn't feel like a rejection. Emma had seen many looks of rejection in her life. Regina's wasn't like that. There was something else going on in her dark eyes, something Emma felt unable to identify. She decided to let Regina lead.
Regina watched spellbound as Emma's hair lightened as it dried. Soon enough her fingers were pulling through strands of gold and she knew she would have to cut off the dryer and help Emma back to bed. Just another moment wouldn't hurt. Regina made a quiet sound as her finger tips slipped across Emma's warm neck, seeking any damp locks.
Was she mistaken? Did Emma lean into the touch just now? Another pass over her head and Regina chanced letting her fingers more deliberately caress the skin where Emma's neck met her shoulders. She was sure then, Emma had moved toward her touch.
I probably hit a tender spot. That's all.
Emma leaned into Regina's tender caress. Did she mean to touch her there? It's an accident, Swan. She's drying your hair. She's bound to touch you.
Regina shut off the dryer and laid it aside. Now with both hands she raked her fingers lovingly through Emma's long blonde tresses. Her nails scraped against Emma's scalp again and the blonde moaned softly. Regina felt the sound race through her body and stilled her hands.
Emma's body tensed. She hadn't meant to moan. Now Regina had stopped. Was she upset?
The two women sat unmoving, Emma still between her knees, Regina's hands tangled in blonde curls. Emma carefully dropped her head onto Regina's left knee and slid her arm around the leg and hugged it close.
"Thank you for taking care of me, Regina."
Regina closed her eyes and savored Emma's touch, tears gathering and threatening to spill. "Thank you for letting me, Emma."
Another moment passed and the women just sat still, enjoying the silent intimacy, the warmth of the other's touch, reveling in a stolen moment that each believed to be one-sided. Emma released Regina's leg and pulled up onto her knees.
"Help me up?" She smiled over her shoulder at Regina.
The brunette nodded and eased around her friend, standing and pulling Emma to her feet. "Let's get you back in bed."
Regina put her arm around Emma's waist again and the blonde eased her arm around the brunette's shoulders. They made their way back across the hall to Emma's room, both leaning on the other more than was necessary, trying to prolong the contact.
Once Emma was securely in the bed again, covers tucked around her, Regina stepped toward the door. She wanted to put her sweatshirt back on. She wanted to make sure the front door was locked. She wanted to watch golf on TV. She wanted anything but to stay here, love and longing wearing down her resistance, with Emma looking like she was a goddess among men.
Emma's voice halted her escape. "Regina, wait. Will you… read to me?"
Regina's fingers were already closed around the door knob. She could keep going. Her eyes closed and she steeled her resolve. She could read to Emma.
"Of course, but I'm afraid you've missed quite a bit." Regina turned toward the bed and noted that Emma had made room for her and folded back the covers.
"Well, I don't mind. Or you could start again. I've always wanted to read this." Emma picked up the book. She remembered then the photo that had served as the bookmark. Later had finally arrived.
"Very well. I will begin again." Regina opened the book to the bookmarked passage and removed her place holder. It was a photo of Henry at about age 3, his face covered in chocolate pudding, dark hair standing out in a million directions.
Emma frowned. Had Regina magically switched the photo? But why? Why didn't she want Emma to see?
Regina settled into the bed beside Emma and slipped on her glasses. She was adorable in the dark frames but Emma knew better than to comment. The blonde curled into Regina's side and rested her head against the brunette's chest. She noted that Regina's heart was racing.
Clearing her throat, Regina began. "Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Chapter One. 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be…'"
"Regina?" Emma interrupted.
"Yes, Emma?" Regina stopped reading and looked down at the blonde against her breast.
Emma chanced to slip an arm across Regina's stomach. "I… there is something I want to tell you."
Regina felt her pulse quicken. "Oh?"
"Yeah." Emma nodded and shifted her eyes up toward Regina.
"Well, there is something I want to tell you as well." Regina said, laying the book aside and removing her glasses.
"Really?" Emma said, hope filling her green eyes.
"Yes," Regina breathed. "Really."
A moment of silence passed as both women considered what they would say and what the other may be about to tell them. But neither of them spoke yet.
"Maybe…. Maybe you should go first. You know, in case what you say—well, I mean, what I have to say is pretty important—so you go first." Emma fiddled with the edge of Regina's tank top, delaying her admission. She was suddenly terrified to go on.
"What I have to say is…" Regina paused. "Well, what I have to say is important too. So, you go ahead."
Another moment of silence befell them. Emma continued to tug at Regina's tank while the brunette stroked her hand along the blonde's back.
Emma sat up abruptly and looked Regina in the eyes. Studying her for a moment, the blonde swallowed her fear and opened her mouth to speak. So much for letting her take the lead.
"Regina. I didn't realize it until very recently but—"
Bing Bong. Bing Bong.
The chimes of the front doorbell sounded. Emma looked toward the door of her room in surprise.
"It's ok, Emma. Whoever it is will go away. Go on." Regina encouraged Emma to continue.
"Ok." The savior was terrified enough and the interruption set her reeling. "Ok. So, I was saying—"
Bing Bong. Bing Bong. Bing Bong.
The doorbell cried out again. The ringing was followed by a persistent fist hammering against the wood. "Swan! Are you in there, love? It's your dashing fiancé. I've come to save you from the boredom of your sick bed."
Hook's voice cut through the air, as welcome as an uninvited dinner guest.
Emma's eyes went wide at the sound. "Killian," she whispered.
Sadness settled over Regina then, a heavy burden on her slight shoulders. Indeed reality was threatening to burst through her front door just as she had predicted. The moment… the magic was lost.
"I'll go let him in." Regina slid from Emma's embrace and stood from the bed. Pale fingers closed around her hand, stopping her yet again.
"But, wait. What about what you were going to say?" Emma's green eyes silently pleading with the queen of her heart to stay met the resignation in Regina's brown orbs.
"It will keep."
Regina had barely unlocked the front door before the pirate was bounding past her, taking the stairs two at a time and headed toward Emma's room.
He didn't even bother to say hello.