„Why did you tell Snow?"
"Why did I tell Snow what?"
He came to Cindy's shop to ask how Skub was doing (he was quite a fine worker, as it turned out), but because her new employee was currently getting the supply from the magazine in the other part of the town, Bigby stayed to chat.
"You know what." He gave her a look.
"Oh, to let her know that you have other options," Cindy answered, self-assured.
"You shouldn't have told her anything about that" Bigby stated firmly.
"Why? I'm doing you a favor."
He sighed and took a puff. Luckily, she never cared about him smoking in her shop. "Stop it. She might figure out that you know, and she can't know that, I promised her I wouldn't tell anyone."
"Please, Bigby, you know I can keep a secret. I'd even say that I can keep a secret better than you." He looked at her with resignation. "How long has it been going on anyway?"
"Not that long."
"Are you dating? Just sex? Or something in between?"
"Sex."
"Well, so sorry then." He was confused by this comment. "I know you want more, don't even lie," she said. "You're not the only one who can read people." Should he even be surprised? He always had a feeling he was terrible at pretending he wasn't in love with Snow. "Maybe you'll turn it around though, who knows, fingers crossed."
"Not sure about that." He took a puff. He didn't know what made him not deny the accusation, normally he would never be this honest.
"Tough case, isn't she. You couldn't have found a bigger challenge in the whole Fabletown." This remark made him lift one corner of his mouth in muffled laughter.
"It does seem like it." He kept smiling involuntarily.
"God, you're such a lovestruck disaster." She shook her head. "How the fuck did she not catch up to it yet? I will never believe you are any better at concealing it while you screw her."
"Honestly? No idea." He took another puff. "Guess she really doesn't wanna see it." He thought it would feel weirder to admit his love for Snow out loud, but with Cindy somehow it was normal.
"Maybe try just telling her."
"I should get going." After all, he had a long day of work ahead of him.

In the Woodlands they only met once during workday. And it was, it's like he called it, in the elevator. They exchanged some looks, it was relieving to not have to hide their sexual relationship for just a moment.
He wanted to kiss her, put her against the wall, slide his hand under her blouse… He wanted to do so many things.
And then the moment was gone, when the door opened.

"Where should we start?" Bigby asked right after passing Snow's doorstep and closing the door behind him.
"Come along." She led him to the dining room holding his hand. Her grip was very light and a bit cold, like her touch always was.
On the table there were a lot of papers in organized stacks and two laptops, one, he assumed, was waiting for him.
"I'm sorry in advance, but this is the most boring task that there is to be done. We need to get data from tax reports to the program. Maybe one day we will have a more automated system for it, but at least four fifths of fables don't have computers yet, so we have to accept documentation on paper." Well, he too filed his report on paper, so he wasn't one to judge. For work he used machines with hardship and tended to avoid it if possible.
"Why does the deputy have to do this, it's a secretary's job."
"Because no one else will," she answered and then added: "Except you."
"Okay, so just show me what to do exactly." Bigby sat in front of the laptop and turned it on.
She leaned in and explained step by step what needed to be done, most of it was copying numbers and names into tables that would summarize chosen amounts.
"And always remember to check twice the final output to see if there were any mistakes, everything clear?"
"I think so."
"Coffee?"
"Sure."
She went to the kitchen and came back with two cups.
"Without sugar or milk, is that right?"
"Yes." Coffee was excellent. Way better than what he was getting four times a day from the coffeemaker or even some more fancy drinks from coffee shops, but it might've been his skewed judgment talking. "It's terrific, thank you."
She nodded. "Here is your half." Snow moved two of the stacks his way. "Unless you'll find some from the third tax bracket, give those to me. I need to examine them myself."
"Okay." He agreed, taking the first sheet from the closer stack. It looked like using computer programming wasn't going to be the only difficulty, he also had to read the handwriting.
"They often lie about their fortune, king Cole never cared, and Crane enabled it. I plan on doing something with it." He concealed a smile. Of course, how could she not.
"I never got a notification from fiscal control."
"Yes, because it was conducted by Crane. I certainly will notify you."
"Can't wait."
Transferring loads of numbers from paper to screen was indeed very boring. Hardest part was not turning off his brain for such a mind-dissolving job and constantly keeping attention to avoid errors.
The second hardest part was not focusing on just watching Snow in her element. She was typing way faster than him and she looked so graceful, back straight, legs crossed, she made every ordinary activity appear so alluring. But there was no time for admiring her, he wanted to finish his workload as soon as possible so they could move to something more interesting.
In the next few hours, not counting a break for sandwiches, they didn't talk much apart from passing some documents, throwing offhand comments on private financial information he was not supposed to have access to or him asking about some probably very basic functions whenever he had a problem. He didn't even feel especially stupid, most fables were still way behind him when it came to technology and if it wasn't for his partly office job, he would surely never learn how to use any of it.
While his stack was getting thinner, he was growing in impatience. He was quarters, then minutes away from taking her in his arms and tasting her skin. It was quite a test for his will.
She was already done with her papers when he had still a few to do, so she started cataloging some other data, at least that was how he understood it. When he could finally close the laptop and say he was done, he felt weary but proud. And excited. She closed her laptop as well and looked into his eyes with very obvious intent. He was tired of this room, so when she moved closer, he stood up and carried her to the bedroom.
She has not changed her mind since the day before. When he landed her on the bed, she sat on the edge of it and unbuckled his belt.
"How long did you wait for it?" he asked.
"All day." Very flattering.
And the sentiment was reciprocated.
Like the day before, she started with licking and sucking before she moved to stroking. There was no turtleneck in his way, so, just like she wanted, he undid two of the buttons and slipped one hand under her blouse and bra, while the other one she put on the back of her head. He left it there, but did nothing to control her movement, so she wouldn't choke. Seeing her having so much fun sucking him off was almost more pleasurable than the act itself. Almost.
He had no idea if it took a few minutes or a quarter of an hour and he didn't care. He only cared about how good it felt and how satisfying it was for her as well. He loved that she was so passionate about it. And growing in skill, how fast she could fit his whole penis inside started to be seriously impressive.
It was a relief to not have to stop to not come in her mouth, he could just not think about it and let go. When that was done, they got themselves in order and lay on the bed next to each other, but not cuddled or anything, just side to side, shoes off, clothes on. He noticed that she did not button up, so white lace was partially exposed to his view, lurking from behind the greenish-greyish top, he could not name the color.
"Did you like that?" He had a hard time taking those kinds of questions seriously.
"Quite a lot." He turned to stare at her more comfortably. "It was as amazing as yesterday, better, probably." Snow smiled lightly.
"And compared to some other women you slept with?" Where did that come from?
He moved closer, lay his head between her neck and collarbone, and put his hand on her waist. "You're the best." Could he ask if he was better than her ex-husband? Too much on the nose? No, he shouldn't, he didn't wanna hear an answer he wouldn't like.
„I like that you're not seeing anyone else, you know. I like having you all for myself." Was she really saying it or did he just dream it?
"I like having you for myself too" he said, how could he not. How could he say anything else?
She didn't answer anything, so there was silence for a moment filled only with her heartbeat.
"Is there something you lack?" Well… "Would you want to do something we haven't tried yet?"
He breathed in her smell deeply before he answered. "I'd like you to be on top."
He could tell she was considering it.
"I don't know," she almost whispered.
"Why are you so opposed to it?" he said, still not moving his head from her neck.
"I… hmm… I'm ashamed." This really struck him. He leaned on his elbows and moved up to look at her embarrassed face.
"What? Why?" She avoided his gaze.
"Because…" She sighed and tried to regain composure. "I can be bad at it. I… don't know if I can do anything but lie still and get fucked."
From his perspective it was absurd. Mere suggestion that he could be in any manner disappointed with her was offensive to him.
But apparently it was how she felt.
"And yet you give outstanding blowjobs" Bigby said. "Snow, there is no way I wouldn't like that, trust me." She finally looked him in the eyes. "Do you think I don't wonder if I'm gonna be good enough for you each time?"
"You really do?"
"Yes."
"But you are, though."
"So the bar is even higher." Nice to hear some compliments nevertheless.
"I wouldn't mind if you came too early or something, sometimes it just happens like that." He had doubts about her not caring about that, but whatever she said.
"So why would it be a big deal if… sorry, I don't know exactly what you can do wrong in that situation."
"It's not about doing something wrong, it's about…" Snow shook her head. "Okay, forget it, you convinced me, we can try." He was proud of himself, but also…
"But don't do it just for my sake if you don't want to."
"No, let's do this." There was some of that excitement that he loved so much in her tone. He leaned in to kiss her, which was well received.
Using only one hand he unbuttoned her blouse completely in a slow process, but he didn't mind how long it took, his attention was dedicated to kissing her warm and soft lips. It was too soon for him to get it up again anyway, they had time.
It was just a very nice time, hugging, kissing, touching, leisurely undressing submerged in unbelievably soft featherbed while the light in the bedroom was getting dim with evening changing into night. In general he preferred stuff like this to sex, well, maybe not to going down on her, but this time he was very much curious of what was to come.
But then, when it already crossed his mind, he did not fight the temptation. She was there wet and willing, he was there very eager.
He planned on making her come with his mouth first, then switching position, but she didn't let him. She allowed him only for a few minutes of cunnilingus and then stopped him by gently pulling his head away.
"Let's get to it" she said.
He wiped his face, moved onto her and then rolled over, taking her with him. Snow's hair swept over him, when she straightened up to sit on his stomach, legs on the sides. She looked so perfect gazing at him from above, it was way hotter than he imagined it to be.
She moved higher and he helped her with putting his stuff into hers. She let his dick slowly delve inside, taking time to adjust. Regardless of what she said before, she did look quite comfortable and he didn't smell much fear from her, maybe slight stress.
"You look so good right now" he murmured. It was true, he could not look away. Her over him… it was seductive, captivating, exciting. Such a turn on.
She gradually started to move, watching and feeling her was extremely enticing. Was it better than before? He could not tell, honestly. Each time he had the pleasure he considered it to be the new best sexual experience of his life. He was truly a hopeless case, lovestruck disaster.
She was still exploring and searching for the best position and rhythm, and he was enjoying every little motion of her hips. Seeing her move up and down on his dick, her breasts and hair rising and falling, eyes closed, mouth quietly moaning, he knew he would not ever free his imagination from this image. He wouldn't want to.
"It feels so right, Snow."
"I hope so." She seemed to find her way of fucking with her movement getting more steady. He joined her, keeping her tempo and meeting her hips with his own each time she moved.
"Are you doing fine as well?"
"Hmmmh" she agreed, or at least that was his interpretation. Anyway, it was clear she was close.
He relocated his right hand, so he could touch her clitoris and make it easier for her. In just a few seconds it was done, she came and slowed down immediately to rest. He waited a little while and then suddenly pulled her closer and moved to a half sitting position, so their faces were inches apart and he could look in her eyes and kiss her. She was surprised, but not displeased at all.
While they were kissing, he started moving his hips, quickly increasing the pace, holding her lower back with his left hand, while the other one he used to stimulate her clit again. She loved it. And she didn't need much time to come for the second time.
Now he was content with himself and could focus on his own orgasm. He did not slow the pace, grabbed her breast and went back to kissing her without thinking much about it, he just did what felt good in the moment. He didn't drag it out, but let it happen right when he was ready.
"So, how did you like that?" Bigby asked after she moved to his side and they both recovered their normal breath and heartbeat.
"I did like that," she answered calmly.
"Would you like to repeat it some time?"
"Why not." That was not enough feedback, Bigby craved to know more.
"For me it was great, if you're still worried about that" he said standing up to clean himself, she did the same.
"Yeah… I guessed that much." Well, it's not like he tried to hide it, so he could figure she would easily see how he felt.
He moved closer to face her.
"I hope in the end you weren't in much discomfort, I really think you have nothing to be embarrassed about."
Snow smiled softly, which made him smile too. He put his hand on her waist to caress her soft, smooth, beautiful skin.
"I should've assumed you're not that hard to satisfy."
He put his cheek on her temple, scratching her with his stubble a little bit. He hoped it wasn't too annoying.
"No, I'm not." As long as it was with her, yes, he really had no complaints whatsoever. There was nothing she could've done wrong.
"You want to stay for the night?" Unexpected question, but an easy one.
"Yes" he answered, but it felt like confession.
"You'd have to wake up earlier to go to your apartment and change."
"I don't mind," he whispered in her ear.
"Care to join me under the shower?" So many easy questions.
"Wouldn't dream of a better ending for this evening."
"Then just let me pee in peace, so I don't get an UTI, and we can get to it."
"Sure." She left his arms and he already started to miss her. A lovestruck disaster, yes.