A/N: Well, I don't know what to say about this chapter expect I hope you like it. It is a transitional chapter with lots of stuff happening in smaller vignettes. I took time on the last couple of section and stressed because I wasn't sure. But Jenn assures me you will like it.
Special love to my friend Bre for the beautiful cover art for this story. You are one talented and very special lady.
As always, thank you for the love you've shown for this story. I appreciate every comment and message. You make me want to go on.
To the guest reviewer who left me the very long and heartfelt review today, please contact me on tumblr or twitter. I'd really like to chat. I'm on twitter LP_EQ_RM or on tumblr madamemayorrm. I hope you will send me a message.
Yesterday morning, Regina Mills had awoken just as she had nearly every day of her life… alone. This morning she had awoken in Emma's arms.
Yesterday morning, she had been unsure about where she stood in their relationship and almost afraid to hope. This morning, as she turned over and nuzzled closer to Emma, she had no doubts.
Yesterday morning had been the closing of one chapter although she hadn't known it at the time. This morning, the whole world looked different and there was a new story to tell.
When Emma had finally opened her eyes, the two women had talked quietly and kissed gently and spent an inordinate amount of time intertwining, releasing and intertwining again their hands under intense observation. There was an odd delight in just touching their fingers together.
Life had given neither of these women an easy road to walk. Both had suffered their own unique and somehow similar trials. The simplicity of touching hands with one who understood the weight of the past, the tender beauty of feather-light kisses and laughter unfettered made the haunting and harrowing days gone by somehow easier to accept and to forget. They whispered I love you. They snuggled close. They enjoyed the moments as they came, thinking little of what was next.
But being in this idyllic bubble could only be temporary. Regina wondered later as she lingered long under hot water in her shower if the wonder, the specialness of moments like this were made more wonderful and special because reality was always waiting at the door. Reality didn't knock this morning. It phoned.
"Hey, dad. Yeah, I'm fine. I'm with Regina." Emma made a silly face at the woman pressed close to her.
Regina, seeing an opportunity for mischief, sat up suddenly and climbed straddle of her bedmate. Green eyes grew wide and a nervous laugh fell from her lips.
"No, I'm… uh, I'm listening. So, he's been yelling all night?" Emma frowned at Regina, mouthing stop and raising her brows. This was no time for playing. She was talking official sheriff business.
The brunette merely smiled a wicked little grin and leaned down to kiss Emma on the neck opposite the cell phone pressed to her ear. She hadn't kissed Emma there since the night she had brought Neal to dinner and the blonde wasn't ready.
Emma gasped at the unexpected contact of Regina's warm tongue against that tender spot and the brunette only giggled softly, nipping at Emma's ear.
"No. Nothing's wrong. Yeah. You are right. It's ok. I am still the sheriff. I'll be right there." Emma quickly tapped end on the screen and dropped the phone to the floor.
Regina squealed in pure delight as Emma wrestled her over onto her back and she found herself pinned down, looking up into smiling and equally mischievous green eyes. "You are in trouble now."
"What?" Regina asked with a mask of innocence. "What did I do?"
Emma's smile would light a thousand suns in a thousand universes as she leaned down and kissed Regina on her forehead, her cheeks, each eye lid, the tip of her nose and chin and finally soundly on perfect pouting lips.
Regina couldn't help but smile into the kiss. She was happy. Really and truly happy. Tomorrow may have monsters to fight and curses to break, but today she was happy and in love and nothing would destroy that. Not even the pirate.
Emma sat back on her haunches, Regina's legs around her hips where they'd been before the blonde flipped them over in her wrestling. An apologetic smile came along with apologetic words.
"That was David. He needs me to come to the station and deal with…" She let her voice trail off.
Regina frowned only a moment before squeezing Emma gently with her legs. "Stay."
"I…" Emma wanted to stay. But she also knew that if she did, she would never make it to the station today.
Regina tilted her head to the side a bit against her pillow and studied Emma's face. "Although, if you did, I am not sure I could guarantee you would ever be able to leave. And our son will be home soon and looking for answers I'm sure. So, go. And I'll be right here when you finish." She propped up on her elbows and pursed her lips, inviting another kiss.
Emma leaned forward and kissed her gently. "Thank you. For last night and for understanding and for having a very kissable mouth."
A sexy smirk appeared on the brunette's face. "It's good for more than kissing…"
Emma groaned at the thought and fell comically over on her side. "You're killing me here!"
Regina laughed darkly and poked Emma in the ribs. "Go… before I change my mind."
Emma slipped into the bathroom and dressed in yesterday's clothes. She folded the pajama's Regina had given her and laid them on the chaise before making her way back to the bed where Regina was now sitting up, propped against the pillows and watching her intently. The blonde stood by the bed a moment and then kissed her just once more because she could.
"I'll be back before you know it." And then, Emma was gone.
~ (SQ) ~
"There she is! The woman of the hour… and wearing yesterday's clothes. Tsk tsk, Swan. Is this your version of the walk of shame? How is her majesty this morning?" Hook's voice was rough from what David had described as nonstop talking and yelling all night long.
Emma ignored his taunts and stepped into her office with her father close behind, shutting the door. She sat down at her desk but avoided looking at the pirate through the glass. Already the warmth of Regina's presence had begun to fade in the cold light of day. She wished now she had simply let her phone ring.
David was staring at his daughter with something in between pride and worry.
"What?" Emma said, feeling the burden of scrutiny.
"Your face… where he hit you. It doesn't look too bad. I was afraid it would be black today." David looked away, not meaning to make Emma squirm.
"Oh, yeah. I almost forgot." The blonde gingerly touched the place where he'd struck her. It was tender but she had endured worse. "It's not so bad. I think my lip being busted is the worst part."
David grinned and winked at her. "I'm sure."
Emma blushed, embarrassed by her father's implication. "So," she said, in a decidedly authoritative voice, "What are we gonna do with him?"
For the first time, Emma looked at the man who she had been only weeks away from marrying. His face was swollen and bruised. Her father had given him a less than pleasant parting gift on the ship in the form of a fist to the face. But still, Hook managed to be smug and to offer her a flirtatious wink.
Shaking her head, Emma looked to her father for some advice. "I'm not sure I can really have anything to do with this since I'm involved. And you can't because… well, obviously. And Regina can't in her capacity as mayor. So… what do we do?"
David linked his fingers together behind his head and leaned back in the chair opposite his daughter. "Well, I'm not sure. In our realm, our personal involvement with him, or even Regina's, wouldn't matter so much. I'm surprised she didn't poof in here last night and handle this, frankly. But, since she didn't, if you want to do this above board so there is no way anyone can question it… I guess we will need to call together the council. Blue can head it up or maybe Archie."
Emma nodded, thinking Archie was the better option. Blue is shady.
"But, to be honest Emma, I think we should load him and any of his crew that want to join him onto that ship and sail it into a portal and be done with it." David leaned forward now, his elbows on his knees. "I can't imagine him having any kind of life here when people find out what he did to you…"
"No, dad. He… he deserves to be punished for assault but he also deserves a chance to live his life. This isn't the old world. We can't have a duel at dawn because he insulted me." Emma stood and stalked toward the door, watching Hook as he began banging his metal hook-hand against the bars of his cell, yelling nonsense. He was trying to get her attention however he could.
Emma turned back to her father, hands on her hips. "Call the council together. See if they can meet this afternoon. But you and I and Regina and probably mom too can only be there in an advisory capacity. We can't be part of the decision making."
David stood and reached for his daughter, hugging her. "Ok, whatever you want. I'm proud of you, Emma. I wouldn't give him a second thought at this point. You really are a hero."
Emma smiled and looked past her dad to the prisoner. "Maybe. But even the worst deserve a chance to make things right. Regina did. I did. Maybe he can too."
~ (SQ) ~
Regina was sitting in the living room, curled into the corner of the sofa and sipping her coffee when Henry slipped quietly through the front door. She was still in her robe and pajamas, even though it was closer to lunch than breakfast. The action may have been some subconscious attempt to hold on to the sweetness of her morning with Emma, but she told herself she was just taking a day to relax.
In her lap was her secret shoebox. She was going through the pictures of herself with Emma or with Emma and Henry and seeing them now with fresh eyes. She wouldn't be falling asleep with a photo pressed to her heart anymore. No, she could hold the genuine article now.
"Is it safe to come in?" Henry peered into the room from the doorway.
Regina smiled at her son and patted the seat beside her on the sofa. "Of course, sweetheart. Come sit with me."
Henry looked around as he moved across the room, dropping his satchel and scarf on the chair. "So… where's Ma?"
His mother's eyes widened and she arched her brow. "Henry!"
"What? I mean, she didn't come to the loft so I assumed…" He shrugged out of his coat and tossed it on the chair before sitting by her.
"Well, I suppose I should get used to you making assumptions going forward. To answer your question, she is at the sheriff's station dealing with the pirate. But she was here… last night." Regina tried to speak to her son in direct, adult terms. He wasn't ten anymore. If he wanted to have a mature discussion, she would try her best.
"Oh. Good, I guess. I mean. Is everything good? Like… Gram said she was breaking up with Hook so I figure things are… you know… like happening?" He wasn't sure exactly what to say but since his mother was being direct, he would too. "Are you together now?"
A smile as soft as the morning sun crossed Regina's face, brightening her eyes. "Yes. Your mother and I are… together. And things are very good." Seeing an uncomfortable blush on Henry's face, Regina nudged him with her foot. "Did you want the details?"
Henry's face became impossibly redder and he covered his eyes. Regina laughed and nudged him again with her foot. "Henry. I'm teasing you. Everything is fine and that is all you need to know."
"Thanks. I appreciate that." The boy shifted so his long legs were in his mother's lap. She moved her shoebox to accommodate him and patted his socked feet. "So, what… what happened with Hook? Gram wouldn't tell me much."
Setting aside her coffee mug, Regina took a deep breath and weighed her words. Should she wait for Emma to have this discussion? She decided to plow ahead. "The thing is Henry, when she went to tell him about us, he was very angry. And he lashed out. I have told you many times, violence is never the answer. But in this case, the pirate chose that path and now he will pay the consequences for his actions. He struck your mother. Your grandfather intervened and now… that steaming pile of—" Regina self-censored in front of her son. "—leather and rum… is sitting in the Storybrooke jail."
Henry's face became angry and he sat up straight. "He hit mom?"
"Yes," Regina said, patting her son's feet again. "And I offered to kill him, but you know how your mother is. Always trying to be good. She wouldn't let me." Regina sighed and tried to make light of the situation when in reality it was eating away at her to not be able to singe the hair off the pirates' chest with carefully thrown fire balls.
Henry was quiet a moment. "So, is she ok? Did he hurt her bad?"
Regina's heart melted at her teenage son's tenderness for his mother. "Oh, honey, no. She is ok. He busted her lip and bruised her cheek but she is strong. She has more strength than that buffoon could ever knock out of her." Regina waited for Henry to meet her gaze. "And so do you. You have all the best parts of her."
Henry smiled. "Thanks, mom. Will he like… be in jail forever or what?"
"Actually, that is a very good question and we are going to answer it today." Emma called from the doorway. She smiled at the two most important people in her life and suddenly felt the warmth returning.
"Hi." Regina said quietly, brown eyes looking up from under thick raven lashes.
"Hi." Emma replied, shifting awkwardly, her hands in her back pockets, looking like a puppy more than a person standing there.
"Well, I think I have something extremely important to do upstairs." Henry swung his feet down to the floor and made to stand.
"No, Kid. Stay." Emma pulled off her coat and flung it on top of the pile Henry had already made in the chair and flopped down between the brunettes on the couch, pulling them both into her arms.
Regina eyed the coats and raised a brow. "You know, we have a very nice coat closet in the foyer."
Emma and Henry both giggled at her mock irritation. "But if we hung our coats up, who would you get to sass?" Emma kissed the woman on her temple.
Regina grinned, giving up her pretend anger. "I'm sure I could find someone."
~ (SQ) ~
"I'm not sure I understand what you want from us?" Mother Superior said as she gripped the back of her seat at the Town Council table in Regina's office. She had yet to sit down.
Regina couldn't help but roll her eyes. The woman was annoying and she'd always thought she was a little on the shady side. Something about her didn't sit well though she wasn't sure just what.
"I believe what they are asking is for us to come up with a suitable consequence for Hook's actions. It is commendable that they are not making this decision alone in order to insure he receives justice and not wrath." Archie spoke up, trying in his calm manner to explain the situation.
"Screw that. I say we dump his ass across the town line and forget about it. Nobody messes with you, sister. Not while a dwarf has his axe." Grumpy addressed Emma with all the subtlety of a bull in a china shop.
"No. That isn't the answer." Emma tried to bring order to the meeting of the council. Granny, Ruby, Grumpy, Archie, Blue, Doc and Marco all watching to follow her lead. "We called you here because I can't make this decision and neither can Regina or mom and dad. I know in your world it would be easy to banish him or kill him or whatever but we can't do that here."
Granny eyed the blonde who was gripping Regina's hand tightly to show a united front. The announcement of their relationship had been necessary. It was truly no one's business what they did in their private lives, but since Emma's decision to call off her wedding and Hook's subsequent violent attack had been predicated on the relationship, it had been important to just put it out there. After the shock on one side and the whispers of finally on the other side had settled down, the reason for the gathering had come into focus.
"So, you want us to punish him? What about those brawlers you kept in jail over night from the cannery? He's been in overnight. Isn't that the usual?" Granny wasn't trying to be difficult. She just wanted to be fair.
"Yes," David began. "It is typical for anyone in a fight to spend the night and go home the next day. But this isn't two guys at the Rabbit Hole with too much to drink, Granny. This is a man who assaulted Emma and had made it clear he intended… well, he was dragging her to his private quarters when I stopped him."
Regina's hand tightened around Emma's. The brunette wanted to vomit at the mental image the mention of the pirate's threat conjured up. Green eyes brought her back to the conversation, telling her it was ok without saying a word.
"Isn't it highly irregular for all of you to be here for this… if you truly wish it to be fair for Killian?" Mother Superior spoke up again, finally taking a seat.
"We are only here to explain what has happened. We are not involved. In fact, we hoped that one of you would head this up and we will wait outside until a decision is reached." Snow smoothed out her skirt absentmindedly. She wanted these people, her friends for so very long, to do right by her daughter.
"Perhaps Archie or Blue… I'm sorry, Mother Superior would make a good choice to lead us then?" Marco's voice was soft as he made his suggestion.
"It is a weighty position to be in, and there is so much to consider but I would—" Archie began.
"I'll do it." The fairy turned nun spoke up, cutting the cricket off.
Finally the Queen had had enough and spoke. "Oh, hell no. If I have to trust this to one of these... bugs, I sure as hell prefer the cricket with a conscience to the fire-fly with selective hearing."
Regina had a very shaky relationship with Blue. Many times as a child she had cried out a wish for help, for escape, for freedom to the fairy and had been ignored. Later in life she had only come to despise the self-righteous little sprite more and more as they fought on different sides. She was able to endure her now, but Regina had no intention of sitting by while Blue decided the pirate's fate.
"Regina…" Emma soothed.
"No. Emma, this is your show. I know that. We are doing this your way. If it was up to your parents or to me, that bastard and his entire crew would be sailing off into some unknown port with my boot print in his ass. But as it is, if one of these people is going to guide this conversation then it needs to be Archie." There was something frightening and awe-inspiring about the brunette when she took on this regal posture. Emma felt a very inappropriate and ill-timed wave of arousal watching the color rise in Regina's cheeks even as she rose from her seat. "It's the cricket or it's nobody as far as I'm concerned."
So it was settled. Archie would be in charge. The first thing the council agreed to do was wait until Monday to begin their discussion. They all wanted a chance to talk to Hook and to Emma privately to see if indeed the pirate would be able to co-exist with the savior and her new love in the borders of Storybrooke. Regina wasn't happy that they would be delayed, but she would have to deal with it.
"You're sorta sexy when you're angry." Emma whispered when the meeting was adjourned and everyone was clearing out.
The brunette smirked and nudged Emma with her hip. "Is that why you spent the first year of your life in town trying to piss me off?"
"Maybe..."
~ (SQ) ~
By Tuesday afternoon, it was settled.
"We have reached what we feel is a fair decision for everyone involved." Archie began. Regina was already sure she wouldn't like the outcome but she was committed to trusting them because Emma did.
The two women had come to a silent understanding that they would take things between them slowly. It wasn't just about simmering, although that word and the memory tied to it played in Emma's mind more often than it should. This was about dealing with the pirate first, and then spending time learning each other in this new dimension of their relationship before jumping ahead to the next step.
Regina didn't need to wait. She didn't want to wait. Except for the night of their date, she and Emma had ended each evening together with a hug, a kiss and goodnight at the front door. Emma would go home to the loft and Regina to bed alone. Regina felt it was best in her heart to give Emma time to process what had happened and to build on this so it wasn't just about sex although she knew there was no threat of it ever being about sex alone. Her mind knew it was right to wait. Her body was not as on board with this plan.
Emma didn't need to wait. She didn't want to wait. When she kissed Regina goodnight at the door, she wondered if she could actually walk to the car. She assumed Regina was trying to protect her, to give her time to process everything, but all she really wanted was to wake up to that husky voice and sleepy smile every day for the rest of her life. Maybe she did need some time. She was going from cancelling one wedding to wishing for another in just a matter of days. Her heart and mind knew that slowing down was probably a good idea. But every night that Emma lay, counting the squares in her ceiling, longing to touch golden skin… her body let its opinion on the matter be known.
The first step to ending the waiting game was to deal with Hook. So here they were, with the council and the Charming idiots, waiting to hear of the pirate's fate. Would he be sent away? Would they have to see him at Granny's every time they went for lunch? Emma snaked her arm around Regina's shoulders and hoped for the best. No matter what happened to Hook, they were together. They would face it together.
"It has been decided based on our conversations with Killian that he is remorseful for his actions and wishes to make things right. He will be offered two options. He may remain in Storybrooke on the condition that he does not in any way harass either of you and he may not engage either of you on the street or in public forums such as Granny's, the Town Hall, etc. The second option we will offer is that he may, if he wishes, take his crew and his ship and use one of the means we have to leave this realm altogether." Archie smiled congenially at Emma and Regina. "I for one hope that you find these options acceptable. I have offered Killian my services as a counselor if he wishes it at no charge. I feel he may benefit from that. So… what do you have to say?"
Emma looked at Regina and they seemed to have a silent conversation for a moment. The connection between them that had been there for years had only grown over the past weeks and seemed stronger still since they had admitted their love for each other. The obvious communication with eyes alone did not escape the notice of those around them.
"We think that is acceptable. He can choose for himself. Will he be released from the jail now or later?" Emma spoke for them both, Regina's hand now resting on the blonde's leg in a show of unity.
"We believe he has been confined long enough. He seems to pose no threat… especially since you both possess magic." Archie smiled again.
"Alright, then. I will go let him out. Is everyone on board with this?" David stood and addressed the crowd with his words but his daughter was the only one he was speaking to.
"Its fine, Dad. Let him out."
~ (SQ) ~
The following day, Emma and Regina had slipped into Granny's for lunch and to meet with Snow about cancelling the wedding. It was time to get back to reality. Hook, for his part, had swaggered away from the sheriff's station with a promise that he would decide whether to stay or sail away as soon as possible. He needed a drink and he needed time to think.
"Well, the first thing we need to do is call everyone who RSVP'd and tell them the ceremony has been cancelled. You do not have to explain why. It's no one's business. But we do have to tell them." Snow was already splitting the guest list into three parts. "I thought we could all take some names."
Regina eyed her list. No one she just hated to speak to was listed. "I can do that. What else? Should I call the caterer?"
"Yes. Someone needs to do that. I think we should let them keep the deposit naturally but also perhaps part of the balance. Since this is such short notice. What do you think, Emma?"
"I guess. I dunno. I'm sorry this is such a hassle." The blonde folded her portion of the guest list and stuck it in her pocket.
"This isn't a hassle. This is a joy compared to watching you marry him." Regina squeezed Emma's thigh under the table.
"I guess. I just hate we have to do it. And it is costing you so much. Ugh." The blonde grunted her dissatisfaction.
"Well, the money is of little importance to me, darling. Especially where you are concerned." The brunette kissed Emma on her cheek and looked back at Snow who was smiling like the idiot Regina thought she was. "Oh for god's sake, Snow."
"I'm sorry. It's just so… sweet." She blinked back tears. Whatever fear she had about this relationship melted away. Regina really loved Emma and wanted her to be happy. A mother couldn't ask for more.
"What about the bachelorette party? It was supposed to be Friday night." Ruby spoke up as she laid out their lunch.
"Oh…" Snow frowned. She hadn't thought of that. "Well, it was just dinner and then drinks and dancing at the Rabbit Hole. We can just cancel it."
"No!" Ruby whined. "Why would we cancel it now? It just sounds like a GNO to me. And god knows we could all use a girl's night."
"Ruby, I'm not sure Emma or Regina feel much like doing that now. It was meant to celebrate—"
"I know, I know. But we do have something to celebrate. Emma and Regina! Am I right? And who couldn't use some drinks and dancing after the shit storm we just waded through. Come on. We can just go out and drink and dance and forget all the drama." Ruby's eyes pleaded with Emma but the blonde didn't say anything.
Regina tried to intervene. "Ruby, it may just be too—"
"I think… we should do it." Emma said, surprising herself.
"You do?" Emma, Regina and Ruby all chimed in together.
"Yeah. The guest list was short so I won't have to deal with many people. Plus I like everyone you invited, so… there's that. And besides. I'd like to dance with my lady." Emma smiled wide at Regina.
"Well then, that's settled. Girl's Night Out, Friday night at 7pm. I'll let everyone know it's still on." Ruby bounced away, happy for a night on the town—even if it was just Storybrooke.
"So, about the cake…"
~ (SQ) ~
"Do you have everything you need?" Regina was standing in the door to Henry's bedroom as he zipped up his duffel bag.
"Yeah, I'm good. Toothbrush, deodorant and clean socks." The boy who was nearly a man smiled at his mother. "I've got this, Mom."
"I know. I just want to be sure you are safe and warm and ready for this camp out." Regina tried not to fret despite her worry.
"Mom, Michael and Nick and Gramps will be there. I will be fine. It's just two nights. We've had this planned for a while and we will probably end up at the cabin anyway. Don't worry." Henry hugged his mother with one arm, clutching his bag in the other.
When Ruby and Snow had announced the plans for the bachelorette party several weeks before, David had made plans for a guy's camp out so the ladies could enjoy their night out and sleep in the next day. The fact that the party was now a GNO didn't change things one bit. Henry had rushed in from school that day and was waiting for his grandfather to pick him up.
"Well, as long as you are my son and I am your mother, I will worry." Regina smiled and squeezed her son again before releasing him. Letting Henry grow up and be independent—a young man—was hard but she knew it was a part of life. He had to learn to leave the nest.
Ten minutes later and Regina was on the porch, waving good-bye. She closed the front door and headed back upstairs. She had to shower and get ready for tonight—the first night she and Emma would really be in the public eye as a couple.
Rumors had of course been flying all over town. Though the council had agreed not to talk about it until the ladies were ready, somehow it was the topic of gossip in every shop, home and booth at Granny's. Regina grinned to herself as she slipped out of her suit and stood in her closet in her underwear. She and Emma had agreed to play it close to their vest. They wouldn't hide, but they wouldn't be making out in a corner either.
"Let's give them something to talk about." Emma said, her head on Regina's shoulder as they watched a movie with Henry.
"Sounds interesting, Miss Swan. What did you have in mind?" Regina purred.
"I just mean, if they are gonna talk, let's give them something to talk about. It could be fun." Emma had the look of a trouble-maker.
"I'm up for it. So what do we do? Flirt? Or stare?" Regina gave an exaggerated stare.
"Yeah, but we already do that. We might have to step up our game. Nothing too obvious though. It's only fun if they are left guessing." The wheels were turning and Regina liked it. Emma could be sweet. Emma could be intense. Emma could be playful. And Regina loved every version of her.
"Sounds a little bit like simmering, dear." Regina's voice husked in the darkness and her fingers traced up Emma's jean-covered thigh.
"A little…" Emma said, eye brows waggling up and down.
Regina ran her fingers along several dresses. She didn't want to be too dressy but she also wanted to look her best. She settled on a classic little black dress. It was form fitting and short without being exhibitionist. The neckline dipped low enough to showcase her assets without showing too much. It was perfect. Emma would approve.
The blonde had promised to come get her but had gotten caught up at the station. She had to leave the new deputy, Sean, in charge while she and David were away and he needed a bit of coaching before she left. Ruby would be the Mayor's ride tonight.
Waiting for Ruby to arrive, Regina inspected her make-up in the mirror in the front hall, fluffing her hair. She looked good. She felt good. Sexy. She felt desirable. And she knew tonight was going to be fun.
Deciding to forgo dinner and head on over to the Rabbit Hole, the ladies in their party began to assemble at about nine o'clock. The group included Snow, Ruby, Ashley, Mulan, Aurora, Mal and Lily. Regina walked in to a bar already teeming with patrons, music playing, and looked around for the group. Ruby stopped to talk to the bartender about a round of shots.
Scanning the dimly lit room, brown eyes met green almost instantly. Emma had come straight from the station and beaten the brunette there. Regina started to smile but, remembering their game, she leveled her best sexy smirk at the sheriff. She wasn't expecting Emma's look in return as green eyes tacked slowly down her body, burning a trail as they descended and returned to meet her eyes again.
Oh, so it's like that, is it?
Regina turned on the charm and strutted across the crowded room. Whether she knew it or not, every eye followed her as men and women alike moved back to let her pass. She hadn't been there five minutes and already she owned the room.
"Good evening, ladies." Regina smiled. Then, eyeing the sheriff, she smirked playfully. "Really Miss Swan, do you always wear that red leather jacket?"
"Well, not to bed." Emma quipped without missing a beat. "Unless you're into that."
Regina felt it then. She had hoped to keep the flirtation and double talk close enough to the edge so that it would do what they intended in their little game without pushing too far. But as the image of Emma in her jacket and nothing else filled her mind, the warm sensation spreading through her told Regina she was already in over her head.
The women stood gazing, Emma's eyes flicking down to Regina's mouth and back up again until Snow cleared her throat.
"Hi Regina! Glad you finally made it." Only then did they look away from each other and address the group.
"Finally? Snow, nine o'clock is early for a girl's night. I'm on time." Regina pulled herself onto a bar stool and crossed her legs toward Emma. In her periphery she saw what she had hoped for. Emma felt it too.
"Well, some of us are mothers of small children. We don't usually do late nights." Snow answered, seemingly unaware of the tension that had exploded at the table since Regina arrived.
"That is unfortunate dear. But I am a mother and I assure you, I can go all night."
Mulan snickered quietly to herself. Mal arched a brow in agreement and Snow blushed. Emma merely stepped close to the blonde and whispered something in her ear that made her shiver and smile.
Before things got too crazy, Ruby appeared with a tray of shots. The women all took one and toasted to happiness for their friend and for each other before downing them. Regina declined another and ordered a glass of wine. She wanted a clear head tonight.
She watched Emma and noted with some satisfaction that the blonde didn't have another shot either. With a beer in hand, she laughed and talked, but she never seemed to take a sip. The only time Regina noticed her drink at all, it seemed to be for Regina's eyes only. Lifting the bottle to her lips, her pink tongue darted out and flicked across the lip before she drank, her eyes blazing, watching Regina.
Ruby and Lily slipped away to the dance floor as Mulan regaled them with a story of her adventures before meeting Aurora. She was clearly in love with the princess, but no one mentioned it. As she went on about some beast or battle or other, Emma stepped close to Regina and leaned into the table.
Regina gasped as she felt Emma's fingers graze the calf of her leg. Emma seemed fully engaged with the warrior but her fingers again brushed lightly along Regina's golden skin. The third time, the fingers crested her knee and brushed to the hem of her dress at mid-thigh. This motion caught Snow's eye and she quickly nudged her daughter and gave a look that said behave.
Unimpressed by Snow's interference and undeterred from playing her game, Regina slipped from the stool and gripped Emma's hand. "Dance with me."
"With pleasure." Emma said, leading them toward the floor.
"If you're lucky, darling." Regina purred, stalking behind the blonde like a minx.
At first, the pair seemed to be aware of their surroundings and the people there. They danced respectably enough. They were enjoying the gaping-mouth gazes. It was amusing to them both how invested everyone seemed in their private lives. If Emma had been afraid before to reveal her sexuality to her parents… to the town… that had died when the rumors had given way to congratulatory smiles and thumbs up from various citizens. Everyone—whether or not they were sure the rumors were fact—everyone seemed happy about the turn of events. It appeared the people of Storybrooke really couldn't care less who the savior loved, so long as she was happy. And she was.
Emboldened by this, Emma pulled Regina closer. The room was too warm and the music too loud, but Regina moved as if she had been dancing like this all her life. Her hips pressed into Emma's and set off a series of fireworks in her mind and body. The brunette leaned in to Emma's ear, "Are you having fun, Emma?"
The blonde nodded and her eyes dropped closed as Regina kissed her neck before pulling back. The mayor had heard a sound come from Emma when she kissed her there that let her know it was a tender spot and she intended to use that tidbit to her advantage. On they danced, bodies close, hearts racing until they forgot the crowd.
Emma wasn't sure how long they danced before Regina had pulled her off the floor toward the bathroom. Barely in the door and Regina kissed her soundly, nipping her bottom lip harder than she had before. She felt alive with desire and despite their surroundings, she wanted to feel Emma's hands on her. She pressed Emma against the door with her body and twisted her hands into blonde hair.
"Whoa. Whoa…. Regina." Emma pressed Regina away. "Hold on."
Breathless, the brunette pulled back. Suddenly very aware she was in a public bathroom, attacking the woman she loved like a bar room hook-up, Regina frowned. "Emma… I'm sorry. I…"
"No, don't apologize. I like this version of you. I really like her. But…" Emma gestured around.
"I know. Not ideal. I'm sorry. It's just, the flirting all night has me… on edge. I know we are taking our time. We agreed. And we need that… right?" She didn't sound so sure.
"Yeah. That's what we agreed. And when the time is right, we will know and you will look at me with those gorgeous brown eyes and say stay and I will." Emma kissed her gently. "And since the flirty game is pushing both our limits… well, I think we've given them enough to talk about for one night."
Regina smiled, biting her bottom lip in that shy and sexy way. "I think you may be right. Your poor mother looked like she might have an aneurism."
Emma laughed outright then. "And you were loving every minute of it."
Regina shrugged her agreement with little commitment. "How long do we have to stay?"
Emma checked the time on her cell. It was eleven-thirty. "Half hour—hour tops. Are you tired?"
"No. And I'll stay as long as you want of course. But, I thought you might… want to watch some TV." Regina stepped to the mirror over the leaky sink and checked her lipstick.
"TV? Is that some kind of code?" Emma walked up behind her, looping her arms about her waist and setting her chin on Regina's shoulder.
Regina swatted her hands. "No, it is not a code. I just quite enjoy our time together talking while Henry watches television. I know he's gone for the weekend but still, we could carry on without him."
"Well, maybe. Let's see how you feel in an hour." Emma kissed her on the cheek and squeezed her tight.
The line of women outside waiting for the bathroom eyed the pair suspiciously as they came out together. Some whispered, some giggled, but Regina and Emma walked along, hands linked and heads held high. Yes, they had given them all something to talk about tonight.
~ (SQ) ~
"Are you sure you have to go?" Ruby was drunk, and hanging onto Lily for dear life, but she still knew she wanted the party to go on.
"Yes, I think we're gonna call it a night, Rubes. Don't you drive home, ok?" Emma gave her friend a stern look. Snow, Aurora and Ashley had left already, each claiming to miss their babies that Granny had agreed to watch. Mulan had convinced Mal to shoot a game of pool with her and the pair were taking every man in the place for all they had. Dragon Lady had skills.
"I won't. Lily will walk me, won't you babe?" Ruby nuzzled into the other woman.
Lily kissed her on top of her head. "Yes, I'll get you home. Don't worry, Em. I'll take care of her."
Emma and Regina slipped out into the cold Maine night and headed for the bug. Since the heated exchange in the bathroom, both women had played it coy the rest of the evening.
"I know it is horrible most of the winter, but I do enjoy the shock of the air on a night like this. It feels so brisk and alive." Regina wiggled in her seat so she could watch Emma.
"If you say so. I like the cold but… tonight is brutal." Emma pulled the bug onto the nearly empty street and started toward Mifflin.
"I had fun tonight, Emma." Regina reached out a hand and brushed Emma's hair back from her face so she could see her in profile. "And I'm sorry for getting carried away."
"Don't apologize. It makes me feel good to know I'm not the only one who… you know." Emma blushed suddenly. She hadn't exactly meant to say that.
"You know… what?" Regina said, her fingers slipping from Emma's hair down across her neck and to her shoulders. She began kneading gently along the tight muscles there.
"Just that it's good to know that I'm not the only one who feels that way. I know we are taking our time and that's great. But I like the idea that you… want me." Emma's voice was very quiet in the still night air.
Regina smiled, applying more pressure in her one handed massage. "Of course I want you. Didn't I say I wanted to make love to you? Emma, you are a very attractive, beautiful woman. I make no secret of my desire for you."
The words felt like cool water on overheated skin. Emma smiled. "Well, that's just good to know. Especially since I feel the same."
Emma stopped at a traffic light and looked across the dark car at Regina. The brunette licked her lips and leaned in toward the blonde. Leaning to meet her, Emma tilted her head and closed her eyes.
HONK!
A car behind them let them know the light had changed and Emma drove on the remaining blocks to the mansion as Regina continued to massage her neck and shoulders. Neither woman said anything, both lost in thought.
Finally, Emma pulled up in front of Regina's white house and jumped out of the car, jogging around to open the door for the brunette. Regina accepted her hand and stepped onto the sidewalk, leaning into the blonde's warmth as they walked toward the house.
When they reached the porch, Emma pulled Regina fully into her arms and held her close for several moments. She kissed the woman's forehead and cupped her face in her hands, studying her closely.
"I love you." She whispered, smiling.
"I love you back." Regina replied, intertwining their hands.
Regina didn't release Emma's hand as she turned and unlocked the front door. She didn't let go of it as she pushed the door open and turned back to face the blonde.
Regina seemed poised to say something, but the words never came. She only gazed shyly at Emma and rubbed soothing circles into Emma's hand with her thumb.
"Well," Emma whispered after another long moment. "I guess I should go."
Regina lifted Emma's hand up to her mouth then and kissed twice along her knuckles. Her eyes locked on Emma's and she kissed the back of the blonde's hand. Her lips felt soft, her gaze tender and loving. Turning the hand over, the brunette placed several soft kisses along the inside of Emma's wrist.
Regina opened Emma's hand and pale finger rested against a golden cheek as plump red lips kissed the blonde's palm lightly. Then, a warm, wet tongue flicked against Emma's palm. The sensual intimacy of the action created a tight drawing in Emma's low abdomen. All the while, Regina's brown eyes blazed with love and desire, watching—always watching Emma's green orbs. Another tender kiss to her palm and Regina pulled the hand in front of her chest, against her heart.
"Why don't you stay?"