A/N: I think you guys will like this chapter. Except for the end; you might not like that! Or me after you've read it …
Emma ran her fingers over the smooth glass and then rubbed away the faint smears left behind. She turned the object over in her hand and smiled at the shiny surface. It was perfect. The first new thing she had owned in a very long time.
"I can't accept this," she had said to Ruby earlier that day, trying to hand the open box back. "It's too much."
"Nonsense," Ruby had replied, shaking her head. "It's just a crappy cell phone but at least this way you're contactable."
"You shouldn't have," Emma said, her cheeks reddening. She didn't like to think of her flatmate going out and buying her something because she didn't think Emma could afford to do it herself. It was embarrassing.
"I wanted to," Ruby shrugged. "I knew you weren't going to spend any of your own wages you're squirrelling away on one and it helps if we can contact our staff."
"I live upstairs," Emma pointed out.
"Yes, but sometimes you go out," Ruby said.
"Rarely, but thanks," Emma smiled. "You've done so much for me already. I really don't deserve your help."
It was now Sunday evening and Emma was sat on the couch, admiring the cell phone resting in her hand. Ruby had disappeared down to close up the diner, leaving Emma to play with her new toy. She opened the contact list and laughed at the only entry.
Ruby Awesome Lucas
Best Supervisor Ever
Emma quickly typed out a jokey text and sent it to her friend.
Friend? She supposed there was no other way to describe what the brunette had become to her over the past few weeks. She couldn't imagine where she would be without her kindness and support and regularly found herself looking forward to the time they spent together after the diner closed for the night. The past week they had shared the responsibility of looking after Henry too, a strangely domesticated routine developing between them.
Emma's thoughts wandered to the sick boy. She hadn't seen Henry since Friday and she hoped his pox were fading away by now. The weight of the cell in her hand reminded her suddenly that she had Regina's number and, now she had a phone, could find out exactly how he was doing. The brunette had handed over a list of contact information in case of emergencies and her own personal number had been at the top of the piece of paper. Emma had never used it but now she felt her fingers itching to type out a message.
Could she really do it? Contact the stunning brunette under the guise of asking about her son's health? Surely a woman as intelligent as Regina would see right through that and know straight away what Emma's intentions were. But that didn't stop Emma from wanting to do it. She had never been one to sit back and let things happen around her. Perhaps that was what had gotten her into trouble in the past but she knew if she didn't at least test the water with the brown eyed beauty, she'd never stop wondering 'what if?'.
Taking another swig of her beer, Emma walked over to the fridge where the piece of paper had been stuck and entered Regina's number into her cell. Returning to the couch, she sank back into the pillows and began to write. It took her twenty minutes to word her message perfectly but eventually she pressed send.
Regina smiled in satisfaction as she heard the glug of wine against the inside of the bottle as she poured herself another glass. Leaving her pristine kitchen, she made her way through to her office and sat down. She pulled the pile of neglected paperwork towards her and began to read.
Henry's sickness had taken up much of her time that weekend and she knew she wasn't going to get to bed until late into the night. Not that she was complaining. Despite the circumstances, she had loved spending so much time with her son. Even if he had mostly been scratching and moaning. Now however his sores were reducing and he had drifted off to sleep after his bath and bedtime story without too much hassle.
Regina was barely halfway through her case notes when her cell phone chimed. Grateful for the distraction from what was turning into a particularly mundane company merger, she picked up the iPhone and frowned at the unknown number. Unlocking it, she began to read.
Hi. It's Emma Swan from the diner. I was just checking how Henry is getting on. I hope his spots are fading. Let me know if you need anyone to watch him tomorrow.
Regina felt the grin spreading over her face at the message. She didn't know quite why she was so happy to hear from the blonde but the fact that Emma had enquired after Henry's health warmed her heart and made something else tingle deep inside her. She replied at once.
Henry is much better, thank you. I am able to work from home tomorrow so I can watch him myself. Thank you for your offer though and once again I am grateful for all your help this past week. Regina.
Regina had barely reached the end of the next paragraph when her cell buzzed once more. She knew she should play it cool but she couldn't stop herself snatching up the phone and reading the message at once.
Glad to hear you're taking a break. You clearly work too hard. And it was my pleasure; Henry's a great kid. Emma
Regina did a double take. A semi colon. Used correctly, no less. Once again Regina found herself wondering what on earth had happened to the blonde to make her end up on the streets. She was clearly educated, intelligent, and hard working. How had her life gone so drastically wrong? Her fingers were typing out a reply before she could stop them.
Thank you anyway, Emma. I really appreciate it. If you'd like to come over for my famous lasagne some time as a token of my gratitude, I'm sure Henry would like to see you. Regina.
No sooner had the cell phone touched the desk did it light up again. Regina felt her heart flutter before she had even read the words.
Just Henry?
Regina felt the blush rising in her cheeks. She hadn't expected the blonde to be quite so … direct. It wasn't as if Regina hadn't been expecting it. She had seen the way the blonde looked at her, the familiar burning in her bright green eyes. But for her to come out and challenge Regina's intentions so abruptly made the brunette squirm. She had always liked the fiery ones. She smirked as she replied.
And I would too. How does tomorrow suit you? I know you have Tuesdays off work and I'll have time to cook. Regina
Regina put the cell phone down and placed the tips of her fingers together, waiting. She watched the screen patiently but after a full five minutes, it remained depressingly blank. Eventually, she went back to her work, the stirrings which had begun inside her when she had been messaging Emma churning and distracting her until long after midnight when, at last, she finished her tasks and closed her files.
The cell phone was still silent.
Emma slid the dirty plates into the washer and wiped her hands. Reaching into the pocket of her apron, she sighed when she saw no notifications on her cell. She had texted Regina back the moment she woke up that morning. The long week had caught up with her the previous night and she had passed out beneath her blankets seconds before Regina's text offering dinner arrived. Now she was nervously waiting for the response, hopefully telling her when and where to go that evening. That was, if the offer hadn't been retracted.
"No cell phones at work," Granny said as she entered the kitchen with an order slip for the chef.
"Sorry," Emma said quickly, dropping the phone back into her apron pocket and hurrying out into the empty diner in search of more jobs to be done.
Not wanting to risk being caught, Emma didn't check her cell again until she clocked out after lunch. As soon as she signed her name however, it was in her hand. She was momentarily amazing at how dependent she had become on the device in just twenty four hours. Her cell phone from before had barely lasted a week on the streets before it was stolen out of her bag at a shelter. She didn't have the money to replace it.
A grin spread across her face as she saw a text message waiting for her.
My apartment is on the corner of 5th Avenue and 67th Street. Ask for the Mills penthouse and our doorman will escort you up. How does 6 suit you? I like to feed Henry early if possible. And there's no need to apologise about falling asleep. We've all done it! Regina
Shit. How rich was this woman? Ok, so Emma had seen the town car idling outside whenever Regina picked up Henry and she had noted the designer suits, beautiful jewellery and her overall appearance. But Fifth Avenue? That was one of the most expensive streets in the world. And a penthouse? The blonde could only imagine the stunning views over Central Park. Emma walked slowly upstairs through the dark corridor, not even noticing that her flatmate was emerging just as she reached the door.
"What's so interesting?" Ruby asked, startling Emma into realising she was there.
"Oh, nothing," Emma said quickly.
Ruby raised an eyebrow. "You're a terrible liar, you know that, right?"
"I do," Emma nodded. She might be able to tell when someone was bullshitting her but that didn't mean she was any good at deceiving other people.
Ruby laughed. "Well, good luck."
"With what?"
"With whoever is putting that dopey grin on your face."
Emma stared open-mouthed at her flatmate who waltzed down the corridor without a backwards glance. Was it that obvious? Emma wondered as she let herself into the apartment and began to work out how much money she could spend on a new outfit. There was no way her jeans and old sweater were going to be acceptable attire at the Mills' Fifth Avenue residence.
"Henry, have you tidied that board game away yet?" Regina called down the corridor.
There was no reply but a clattering told her that Henry was at last doing the chore she had requested he complete over an hour previous. She shook her head and ducked back into her bedroom. She groaned as she surveyed her bed. The comforter was almost invisible under the piles of discarded dresses; each and every one tried on and rejected until nothing remained in her walk-in closet. Regina huffed in frustration and began to work her way back through the clothes, determined to find something which would be just right for the upcoming evening.
She didn't hear Henry come in and jumped a little when she saw his hazel eyes locked on hers in the mirror's reflection.
"Hi sweetheart," Regina said, bending down and picking him and Marlo up so they could sit on the bed. "What do you think?"
Henry regarded the royal blue dress his mother was wearing for a moment before shaking his head. Regina chuckled and nodded her agreement. The dress was stripped off and a black and white one took its place. Yet again, Henry rejected it.
"Mama, why don't you just wear your jeans?" Henry asked, scratching at his pox as his mother unzipped a flowery dress he had just sneered at.
"Because we have a guest coming," Regina explained. "And I want to look nice."
"For Emma?" Henry asked, bouncing a little in excitement at the mention of the blonde. His joy when he heard his new favourite babysitter was coming to dinner had been almost unparalleled. The last time Regina had seen him like that was when they had seen the baby monkeys at the zoo.
"Yes," Regina said simply.
It was true. She did want to look nice for Emma. In fact, Emma had been the first woman in over four years whom Regina had wanted to impress. She knew it sounded crazy. She knew the two of them came from completely different lives and had nothing in common. She knew what she was feeling towards the blonde was probably just lust. But then, why hadn't she told Ruby? Or Kathryn? And why had her heart swelled when she had seen the way Emma interacted with Henry? If what she wanted from the blonde was just … sex, then why did it matter if she got on well with her son?
Emma tried hard to ignore the sideways looks the doorman shot her in the elevator. She jutted her chin upwards and stared straight ahead, trying desperately not to tug self-consciously at the coat she was wearing. It was Ruby's, borrowed for the occasion and just a little too big for her. When the elevator doors pinged open, Emma shot out of the confined space and took a deep breath. She didn't move again until she heard the doors slide shut and the elevator begin its descent. She looked around.
The opulent hallway was covered in cool, grey marble, pictures in lavish gold frames hanging on the walls. A bouquet of fresh lilies billowed from an ornate vase on a glass topped table. Emma hated lilies. She averted her gaze and focused on the only door. Emma ran her hand through her hair one more time and began to walk towards it. She pulled out her cell phone and waited until she saw the digital display change and announce the time: 6:00pm.
The patter of little feet could be heard mere seconds after she knocked, followed by a scuffling and a series of high pitched grunts. Henry evidently couldn't reach the door handle. The throaty laugh which followed made Emma squeeze her thighs together. After a few more seconds, the door swung open to reveal two smiling Mills'.
"Emma!" Henry cried, running forwards and hugging the blonde's legs.
"Hi Henry," Emma said, ruffling his hair and smiling down into his upturned face. The pox had definitely faded but there were still reddened circles on his skin. "How are you feeling?"
"Good," he grinned. "Mama said you came for dinner."
"I did," Emma nodded, looking up and taking in the brunette woman for the first time.
She couldn't stop her eyes from roving over the woman. Her halter neck black dress clung to her body, stopping mid-thigh and accentuating every delicious curve. Her toned legs were encased in sheer black hosiery but her feet wore no shoes. Emma noted she was a few inches shorter than usual as a result. Her plump lips were the familiar ruby red however and her hair, as always, perfectly styled.
"Come in," Regina said, stepping back from the doorway so her son and Emma could enter.
The blonde did so with difficulty, one of Henry's arms still looped around her thigh.
"Is that for me?" Henry asked, spying the bag dangling from Emma's finger.
"Half of it is," Emma nodded, reaching in and pulling out the bottle of wine before handing over the remaining gift to Henry.
His eyes glittered in delight as he looked inside. The bag dropped to the floor and the soft toy monkey was wrapped in a tight hug.
"Thank you!" Henry beamed up at her. "He's my new favourite."
"I feel bad for Marlo now," Emma joked.
"You didn't have to, Emma," Regina said softly.
"I wanted to," Emma shrugged. "Oh and this is for you."
Regina bit her lip to stop herself from admonishing the blonde as she looked at the pinot noir label. She knew the blonde didn't have the money to be buying either of them gifts but she also knew that saying as much would hurt the blonde's pride. So she put on her best smile and continued to play host.
"Thank you. May I take your coat?" Regina asked as she closed the still-open door and turned to her guest, noting as she did so that Emma's pale eyelashes were, for the first time, coated in a delicate layer of mascara.
"Thanks," Emma said, shrugging the heavy black material from her shoulders.
Regina just about managed to stop a gasp falling from her mouth. The blonde didn't seem to notice how the older woman had reacted to the reveal, unaware of the white hot desire coursing through Regina's veins at the sight. Emma's dress was a vivid fuchsia, startlingly bright against the blonde's pale skin. Her long hair had been released from its usual pony tail and curls cascaded down her back, a messy waterfall Regina was just itching to run her fingers through. Composing herself however, she opened the closet door, hung up Emma's coat, and then led the way into the cavernous kitchen.
"Wow," Emma murmured as she entered.
Regina wasn't sure whether the reaction had been due to the size of the room or the delectable smells filling the air. She decided she didn't care. She wanted to impress Emma. The blonde made her way over to the breakfast bar and took a seat without being offered. Regina decided she didn't care about that either. As long as Emma was comfortable.
"Wine?" she asked.
"Yes please," Emma responded, helping Henry up onto one of the bar stools beside her as she spoke.
Seconds later the most beautiful wine glass Emma had ever seen appeared before her. Her fingers trembled as they reached out to take the elegant stem and she closed her eyes in bliss as the rich scent caught in the wide bowl filled her nostrils. The taste was equally sublime.
"Dinner will be about ten minutes," came Regina's quiet tone, her eyes dark as she watched the blonde sipping her drink.
"Fine," Emma smiled. "Anything I can do to help?"
"No, everything is under control," Regina said, walking over to the fridge to retrieve the large salad she had made earlier. She had debated making garlic bread but decided against it. She wasn't sure why. No, that was a lie. She knew exactly why she had chosen not to prepare that particular dish but she was trying very hard not to think about her reasoning. This isn't a date, she reminded herself as she turned back to her guest and smiled at the sight.
Henry had somehow clambered into Emma's lap and his legs were now wrapped around her waist. The blonde's thin arms were looped around his back, supporting the boy whose face was rapt with concentration. His fingers were fiddling with something hanging around Emma's neck. Regina hadn't noticed the small silver disc which hung there before but as she moved past the two towards the dining table she glanced surreptitiously at it.
"How was your day?" Regina asked as she returned to the oven and bent to check the lasagne.
Emma swallowed thickly, forcing herself to tear her eyes away from the tight material stretched across Regina's ass and focus again on the boy sat in her lap.
"It was fine. Not too busy," Emma replied. "How was working from home?"
"Well, let's ask Henry that question, eh?" Regina said, picking up her own wineglass and taking another sip. "Henry, what happened to Mama's work today?"
Henry blushed and concentrated extra hard on the necklace still between his fingers. Emma smothered a giggle.
"Henry," the blonde said gently. "What happened?"
"My juice carton broke," came the mumbled reply.
"Oh dear," Emma said, looking up to see an amused expression on Regina's face.
"It exploded all over my papers," Regina explained. "I've never seen such a guilty look on a four year old's face before."
Emma chuckled. "Were they salvageable?"
"Nope," Regina replied. "I've had my assistant print off a new set for me ready for tomorrow. The blackcurrant stains just don't send the professional message I want to display to my clients."
Emma laughed just as the oven timer pinged. Whilst Regina busied herself with removing the dish, Emma tightened her grip around Henry and stood from the stool. Together, they made their way to the dining area where Henry instructed her where he wanted to sit. Once he was safely in his chair, Emma took the seat opposite, leaving the head of the table free for Regina.
"More wine?" Regina asked as she laid the bubbling dish down. "Henry, don't touch," she added at the combined look of curiosity and hunger on her son's face.
"Please," Emma nodded. "This smells amazing, Regina."
"Thank you," Regina smiled, as she topped up Emma's drink. "I love to cook."
"I love to eat," Emma replied.
Regina laughed but her eyes darted to the blonde's body. The scoop neckline of her dress both exposed and accentuated her collarbone, the sharp jut beneath her skin making Regina think the blonde wasn't eating nearly enough. Even her wrists were bony, a solitary bangle Regina recognised as Ruby's dangling loosely from one.
After plating out Henry's portion and spreading the food around to ensure it cooled quickly, Regina heaped a portion onto Emma's plate.
"Trying to fatten me up?" the blonde remarked as the generous dish was laid in front of her.
Regina blushed. "Sorry," she said at once, reaching to take the plate back. But Emma's slender fingers closed around her wrist, stopping the moment.
"It's fine," Emma assured her, searching out Regina's gaze and smiling reassuringly once their eyes locked. "I love lasagne and I'm sure this will be the best I've ever tasted. I'm planning to eat every last morsel."
Regina's cheeks felt like they were on fire but that was nothing compared to the sensation in her wrist. Where Emma's skin lay against hers, flames were licking every nerve ending. She wanted to pull back, to get as far away as possible. But she also never wanted to contact to break.
It did, however, when Emma released her wrist and began to serve first Henry, then Regina, and finally herself, some salad. Regina sank slowly into her chair and watched as lettuce leaves fluttered onto her plate.
Emma knew her dress was clean but she still thought she was going to leave a mark somehow on the spotless cream couch on which she had been told to sit. She marvelled as she sipped her red wine (a bad idea in anyone's mind) how Regina had managed to keep the stunning penthouse so clean with a young son. Hoards of servants, probably, Emma mused. She looked around the large living room, taking in the toy chest pushed neatly behind the television which was the only sign a child lived in the house at all. Well, that and the photographs. There were framed prints of Henry on every surface. Some of just the boy, some with his mother, some with friends, and a couple with a woman Emma could only assume was Regina's own mother. Just as she was wondering about Regina's father, who appeared to be absent from all photographs, the brunette herself reappeared.
"He's asleep," she said, plucking her discarded wine glass from the coffee table and sinking elegantly onto the other end of the couch.
"You have a beautiful home," Emma said, looking around once more. "How long have you lived here?"
"Five years," Regina replied.
"You bought a place on the Upper East Side when you were twenty-four?"
Emma hadn't meant to ask such a blunt question but now she had, she realised she was curious about the answer, no matter how rude it sounded.
"We did," Regina nodded.
"We?"
"My wife and I."
Emma swallowed. So there it was. Proof that Regina, as she had suspected, was gay. And the revelation that the woman was unavailable. Not that she had ever exactly been attainable to a street rat like Emma, the blonde reminded herself, but it still felt like a punch in the gut.
"Oh, congratulations," Emma said, her voice hollow. "It's a wonderful place to raise your son."
"Yes, Henry loves being so close to the park and the fact that we're minutes away from the zoo is just a bonus."
"I've never been."
"To the park?"
"Oh no, I … well, I lived in the park," Emma admitted. She had seen far more of Central Park than she would have liked and knew many more of its dark secrets than the tourist guides ever dared to reveal. "I meant the zoo."
"You've never been to New York Zoo?" Regina said, choosing to ignore the tidbit she had been given about the blonde's life on the streets.
"I've not been in town long," Emma shrugged. "And didn't exactly have a disposable income."
Regina managed a small smile but her heart ached for the sadness etched in the corners of the green eyes.
"Where were you before?"
"Florida," Emma said.
"The sunshine state," Regina nodded.
"Hardly."
Something dark crossed across Emma's face and Regina felt her heart skip a beat. She didn't know what the blonde was remembering and she was unsure whether she wanted to find out. Emma had, for a moment, scared her.
"Well, Henry loves the zoo and I'm sure he'd be more than happy to show you around," Regina said, trying to steer the conversation back to happier topics.
"Oh really?" Emma asked, a playful tone miraculously back in her voice as if the previous, painful thoughts had never entered her mind. "You think he'd accept me as his zoo date?"
"I think we both would," Regina said, draining her wine glass without breaking eye contact with the blonde.
"I thought you said you were married," Emma frowned.
"I was," Regina nodded, her face hardening slightly. "But I'm not now."
Emma opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. Emma got the feeling that was not an avenue either woman wanted to discuss more that evening. She closed her mouth again and the brunette offered her a small smile. Regina leaned forward and placed the empty glass on the table besides Emma's own.
"Another?"
"I'd better not," Emma said, glancing at the grandfather clock and making a mental note to ask Regina where on earth she got the beautiful but ridiculously large and old-fashioned piece. "It's getting late."
"It's nine thirty," Regina replied.
"I know but I think I should leave."
"You don't have to," Regina said, her voice soft. "I mean, I don't want you to go."
Emma bit her lip, the teeth digging almost painfully into the pale flesh. "I know," she said at last. "But that's exactly why I need to."
Regina considered the blonde before her. She looked determined yet regretful, her eyes wide and flickering with so many complex emotions Regina was struggling to identify them. Lust, was obvious. As was regret, although about what, Regina wasn't sure. There was also doubt, intrigue, and something Regina thought for a moment looked like fear.
"Ok," Regina said after a moment, rising from the couch and smoothing out invisible wrinkles in her dress. "I'll show you out."
Emma stood too and followed the brunette through the penthouse. She hadn't had the full tour but she could tell the stunning interior design continued down the hallway to, presumably, Henry's and Regina's respective bedrooms. A door on her right stood ajar and Emma glimpsed a dark wooden desk and an iMac. Regina's office, she guessed.
When Emma was finished surreptitiously snooping she turned her attention back to where Regina was retrieving Emma's (Ruby's) coat from closet and holding it out so Emma could slip into it.
"Thanks again," Emma said, flicking her hair out from beneath the coat's collar. "That lasagne was really delicious and I'm glad Henry is getting better."
"It was my pleasure, Emma," Regina said, her hands clasped behind her back and her right foot rubbing up and down her left calf. She hoped it didn't look too obvious how hard she was trying not to move towards the blonde.
Emma turned to the door and her hand rested on the cool golden handle. Her brow knitted together however and she spun back around. Regina seemed unsurprised.
"Can I see you again?"
"I'll see you at the diner on Friday, I suspect," Regina said, her lips tugging slightly into a smile.
"I know, but I mean … maybe, we could go for dinner some time? I … I had a great time tonight and I'd like to take you out. I'd offer to cook but I can't so …."
She tailed off, her cheeks colouring in embarrassment as she realised how badly she had delivered the invitation.
Regina hesitated for a fraction of a second before she decided to put the blonde out of her misery.
"I'd love to, Emma," Regina said. "Are you busy on Saturday afternoon? Perhaps we could go to the zoo and then after Henry has his dinner, you and I could eat something together. Just the two of us."
"Sounds great," Emma said, a wide smile on her face.
"Perfect," Regina said. "Well, I guess I'll see you on Friday too."
"Yeah," Emma nodded. "See you on Friday."
It was a split second decision and Emma didn't quite know what made her do it. All she knew was that suddenly her lips were pressed against the impossibly soft skin of Regina's cheek and her nose was filled with the heady scent of the older woman; an enticing mix of red wine, spices, and cherries. She heard a sharp gasp and pulled back. Green eyes met brown for a moment before Emma turned away.
"Goodnight, Regina."
"Goodnight, Emma," Regina said just as the door snapped shut behind the blonde.
Emma was glad she was walking home. The cold New York air gave her a chance to clear her head. She was also glad she wasn't going to have to sleep outside that night. She glanced into the dark park just as she passed the entrance she used to take to her old tunnel and hurried on, focusing instead on the magical evening she had just shared with Regina Mills.
Emma wasn't sure what exactly she had expected when she turned up at the penthouse that evening but to discover that the older woman was genuinely interesting in getting to know her, in … dating? her. That had been a surprise. Emma couldn't for the life of her see what the gorgeous woman saw in her but she wasn't going to complain, not if it meant spending more time with the brunette and her adorable son.
Still high on the excitement of the evening, Emma let herself into the back door of the dark diner and shuddered in delight at the warmth which enveloped her chilled frame. Briefly wondering how on earth she had survived three months of the New York winter before Ruby had offered her the couch, she made her way up to the apartment she was starting to call home.
As soon as she entered however, Emma stopped dead.
Granny was sat on the couch, her eyes stony. Ruby was stood behind her, arms folded and her eyes red-rimmed. On Granny's lap was a piece of paper. Emma's criminal mug shot stared up at her, the cold narrow eyes judging her future self. Emma slumped back against the apartment door and a single tear rolled down her cheek.
A/N: ok so firstly, yes the cliff hangers are back. And secondly, I wanted to write a fic where both women knew they were gay from the start and neither women are denying their attraction to each other. The problems facing Emma and Regina in this fic go far beyond the sexuality and I want to explore them in more depth over the fact that they find each other sexy as hell!