Both Regina and Emmett were high off happiness from the perfect date they'd had that evening. Even now as the two were driving back to the Mills' home neither could stop smiling. Reaching between the consoles in the car Emmett took Regina's hand in his, "Thank you so much for tonight," He smiled bringing her hand to his lips leaving a ghost of a kiss.
"If all of our dates go as successfully as this one i might just have to keep you around," She replies smiling at him basking in the warmth that fills her chest.
Allowing their hands to rest clasped between the seats both teens allow the low hum of music to fill the space not wanting their bubble to burst. Both content to bask. As they drive through the winding roads they squeeze the others hand every now and again stealing glances and smiles.
It was under one such glance from Regina that Emmett had to laugh because she was now outright staring, not that he minded, "Am I that pretty to look at?" he enquired.
Unashamedly, she just grinned harder, "On many levels yes, but I was wondering something," she started off softly, "But I don't know if you'll tell me if I ask."
"I can understand that," then follows up with, "You can ask, but I can't promise an answer if it's the question I think it is." He knows he needs to tell her, but after their perfect first date doesn't seem the right time or place.
The brunette lets out a breath, not happy with the answer, but pushes forward, "Will you ever tell me why you've never dated anyone?" There the question was out and maybe this time she'll get somewhere.
Swallowing hard, Emmett is quiet for a moment. You can do this. She wont run. She'll listen. She is not them. He tells himself before replaying, "I want to tell you," he starts and she seems to deflate wanting to remove her hand from his, "But I am scared," he grips her hand, a silent plea to not pull away, his voice is quiet and small, "It's the real reason I changed schools, and many never believed me."
Regina can hear the apprehension in his voice, "I promise I won't run," she assures him.
Nodding the blond truly hopes she'll keep her word, "I was charged with something horrible. Something that took a long time of therapy, changing schools, and signing an NDA after the fact."
"What was the charge?" she followed up as he trailed off/
Images of tears, flashes of cameras, disgusted looks from his former peers and unadulterated fear filled his head. Shaking the images and fear off his words trembled, "I don't want to talk about it while driving, or even after this perfect date, but I will sit down with you tomorrow night and tell you everything."
The seriousness in his soft tone was haunted, and Regina in that moment knew whatever it was had the possibility to change what they had. For better or worse, "I'd be fine with that," she acquiesced, feeling Emmett relax as their hands remained clasped.
The drive from there went by too quickly, but with lighter topics. Discussing hobbies, likes and dislikes, and potential ideas for future dates. Pulling up to the Mills' home Emmett parked the car, "So we're here," he looks up to the front door from the passenger window spying a light still visible from the interior of the home, "What are the chances someone is waiting for you?"
"Inevitably so," she chuckles deeply looking at the front door herself, "But it's expected." Regina looks at him then meets his eyes, "Walk me to the door?"
Smiling, the blond agrees, "Of course." Exiting the vehicle he jogs around the back end beating Regina to the door. Opening the passenger door for her he holds out his hand, "M'lady," a small bow follows.
Taking the offered hand the brunette steps out, "It's your majesty," she jests with a smile. Closing the door the two walk up the sidewalk, then the five steps up the porch finally stopping outside the door.
"Well, here we are your majesty," Emmett's voice is almost a whisper as he looks to Regina, "Safely home."
"Indeed," she whispers back looking up and leaning forward, "I think this is where you ki-" Her sentence is cut off by lips meeting hers. Bliss. Pure, sweet, and soft. She allows her arms to travel up his arms as his hands find purchase at her hips.Both let out sighs as they part, smiles gracing both of their faces.
"I had a wonderful evening," he grins as she hums in response.
"I did as well," she was about to add more but as she went to speak the front door flung open.
Standing in the doorway Zelena smirks, "That was adorably disgusting."
"Ugh, Zelena what the hell!" Regina practically growls while the eldest Mills cackled with delight.
Chuckling himself Emmet shook his head, "Perhaps it's best she interrupted us," he admitted, "I have to get going to make curfew myself."
"We wouldn't want that now would we Reggie?" The redhead snickered, "But seriously you are too cute."
Arms crossed Regina glared at her sister, "I'll be in in a minute, just let me say goodnight."
"Oooo, have to mack out more than you already have?" Zelena mimics kissy noises even as she shuts the door, "Use protection!!"
Pinching the bridge of her nose, the youngest Mills can't help but feel embarrassed, "I'm sorry about her."
"Gotta love 'em," He replies with a chuckle, "But I really do have to go."
"I know," she smiles up at him then. The porch light silhouetting her frame Emmett comes in for one last kiss, "I'll see you tomorrow night yes?"
Nodding the young man meets her eyes, "I swear it." A declaration. A promise. She knows it to be true, "Until then my queen," he kisses Regina on the cheek before making his way back to his car.
Opening the door into the foyer Regina smiles even knowing her sister would be in the next room waiting for her. Kicking off her shoes the brunette goes to face the partial inquisition. "So how was the date?" Zelena enquiries from the sitting chair.
Pausing to gather her thoughts the brunette happily sighs, "Absolutely perfect." She moves over to the chair near her sister, "I haven't felt this way about any date I've had before." Regina went on to explain the date in full detail and then the kiss at the top of the ferris wheel, "And he was scared Z, but he went up there ... .for me." Zelena was practically vibrating with happiness. The way her sister didn't even realize as she spoke that the smile she walked in with had never left.
"And when we kissed…"
"Well my dearest one, I'd say you are smitten," Z teased but not even Regina could deny the truth, "When are you seeing him next?"
"Tomorrow," the brunette informs, "There's some things we need to discuss. Nothing bad," she clarifies, "But it is something he feels fearful of."
Her older sister hums, "I'm just glad you'll be able to communicate, not a lot of young adults are good at that these days."
"Agreed, but I am concerned about what it is," she admits, uncertain if she'll be able to keep her promise and not run.
Zelena observes her sister closer then. She can see the worry in her brow and the way she wrings her hands, "I'm sure it'll be alright," she assures. At least I hope it will be she thinks to herself, "Besides, what's the worst that could happen?" Oh how Zelena would come to regret those words.
The quiet stillness and stale air hung thick in the small office of The Daily Mirror, as a man in a tweed sweater vest sat rigid in the chair across from the paper's chief editor. The news article the older woman wanted published was a direct violation of the law, anonymous sources having delivered the information days prior. Since then it's all been all she'd want done as front page news.
"Are you sure you want us to run this Mrs. Fitzooth?" The paper's editor pushed his glasses awaiting the answer.
Looking down at the front page of The Storybrook Daily Mirror, "We could use some new talk in this town," the woman chuckled darkly reading the headline for the morning's paper. Criminal Captain: An expose of Storybrook High's baseball hero. The truth behind the monster. "Run the presses, it goes out tomorrow morning."