Dates

Once they got outside, Emma finally realized she had been holding Regina's hand this entire time. Blushing she let go, "Oh— I'm so sorry. I didn't realize." Her head sunk into her shoulders. This was one way to scare the woman off. Already she was being clingy without realizing it. It had just felt so natural that she never noticed.

Chuckling Regina shook her head, "It's alright, if we're honest I didn't notice we were still holding hands either." She cleared out her throat and her cheeks tinted, "I also don't know what we should do that isn't so cliche. I'm new to New York if I'm being honest. I hope that doesn't—"

"No, no, it's perfectly fine. I have an idea or two if you trust me to make the plans." Her sheepish hopeful smile stretched. A glint in her eyes at the excitement of what they could do. "But I'll have to drive actually if you don't mind walking we would probably make better time that way."

Leaning back with her hands now tucked in her pocket, almost taken back a bit Regina smiled. "Alright, I'm gamed for whatever you got." She looked down at her shoes. "Question will my heels make it alright?" she joked.

Cupping both her hands over her mouth while she let out a chuckle. "I don't know, have you ever gone more than a mile in those?" She raised a brow, swaying side to side.

Bobbing her head a little, a bounce in her heels. "Oh, I've gone farther than you think in these bad boys." Regina couldn't help but nudge her. "Lead the way Em-ma." She smiled happily.

Biting down on her lower lip as she smiled widely, taking Regina's arm while lacing their fingers together. Her heart soared and she didn't feel embarrassed by doing so, especially since Regina hadn't bothered to shake her off. "Have you ever ice skated before?" She asked while they walked. "I figured we would do that to work up an appetite before eating at this really cute restaurant downtown."

Leaning into Emma Regina thought back, "I don't know if I have ever ice skated… I think it's been a very long time since I had so you may just have to remind me how to." She chuckled lightly as her hand gently squeezed Emma's. "And this restaurant I look forward to, what do they serve?"

Her face was nearly red, standing out in the chilly fall weather. If it weren't for her gloves Regina would be able to feel her clammy hands. "I'll make sure to remind you how to and the restaurant is this around the world type. It has all authentic meals from different countries. It's absolutely amazing. Henry and I like to go there every couple of weeks and stuff our faces. And I feel that you would appreciate it."

Arching her brow Regina nodded, "It sounds like a plan and a place I would love to indulge in. Thank you." Her chest rose hearing Henry's name for a second time. She cleared out her throat, "Henry, that's your son right? How old is he if I might ask?"

Her hand slipped away from Regina's and she began pressing the tips of her fingers to one another as a nervous tick before folding them together tucked behind her back. She felt like a little schoolgirl. "Yeah, I had him when I was young…" her teeth ground over her lower lip, "He turned fourteen this year in August." It was different having someone else be interested in Henry that wasn't Lily.

"Oh wow, he is a growing boy alright. Teenage years you have your hands full." She swallowed back hard. It caused an ache in her heart to know that she had missed his birthday. That he was growing up, going to school and making new friends… She took in a slow breath reminding herself that if things go well they will both remember her and she won't have to miss any more birthdays. She just needed to keep hoping.

"Yeah, tell me about it. But he and I are all we got really. So I don't have problems like some of the other parents have it seems." Emma chuckled lightly. "He has a friend that lives a few apartments down from us too." She shifted and saw the ice rink coming up to their right. "Almost there," she pointed.

Smiling Regina felt relieved then something irked her a bit, "So— what about that Lily person?" She couldn't have but cause for a bit of concern.

Emma paused and couldn't help but laugh, "Lily is just a friend from my childhood. She and I met while I was in foster care and well we had a bit of a falling out. But when Henry and I moved here from Boston we ran into her and ended up reconnecting. So she helps out from time to time."

Once they reached the ice rink Emma pulled Regina along up to the counter. Relief filled her knowing that there wasn't anything going on between them. "That's good to have that support," Regina admitted wholeheartedly.

Reaching the counter Emma ordered them both a pair of skates handing Regina's over after paying for them. Laughing at the brunette seeing her face scrunching up and confused as she hung them in the air. "You ready for this?"

Her eyes widened, brows rising while she let out a laugh taking them from her. "Yes, let's do this. But if I fall and bust my ass it's on you, Swan." She teased her, sitting down and exchanging her heels for ice skates.

Taking her hand as they stood up and walked over to the rink. "Just follow my lead," she laughed pulling Regina onto the ice. Seeing the woman stumble a bit she pulled her in closer towards her, "Easy there slower strides."

"I'm trying, but thank you." Regina smiled easing into her following Emma's lead. She couldn't stop her smile from stretching from ear to ear. How natural it all felt being with Emma and yearning to kiss those beautiful lips.

"See, it's not so hard, is it? It's like you've done this before and were just acting earlier just so you could get closer to me." She blushed saying that teasingly. Her eyes traced up and down Regina, sucking back a deep breath. What was Regina doing to her? She wanted the woman so badly and they'd only just met but it felt like they'd known each other so much longer. "Let's go around the rink a few times and then get some food?" She said hopefully. A shiver ran up her spine.

Now skating side by side with their fingers laced together they strode around the rink talking and laughing. Without paying attention to time it had flown by one hour after another. Their connection was strong and it was like falling in love all over again. Finally, the cold air had grown colder and they turned in their skates. Walking across the street to the corner where the restaurant was.

"Be prepared for the meals of your life." Emma cheered once they got their seats and the menu was handed to them.

Arching a brow Regina looked over the rather interesting menu, "Meals? So how exactly does this work? It's not a menu I'm used to seeing. Where are the food and sections?"

Giggling Emma shook her head, "It's not a typical restaurant. So, you pick which route you want to take and that will determine the type of meals you get to try. They are small and only a couple of bites. You can do around the world, or pick from one of the map routes and try foods from those areas. I personally enjoy around the world. You can never go wrong with that. And it will include beverages to match those meals."

Rubbing her fingertips over her chin Regina looked intrigued, "Alright then, Around the World it is. Might as well go all in." She handed the menu to the waitress as did Emma. Her hands folded on top of the table, entwined, her leg lifted over her knee underneath the table as they waited for a wonderful evening of meals.

Lily

Sooooo? How are you and that lady friend of yours doing?

Emma

Lady friend? LOL. Regina you mean? We're good…

Lily

Oh no, what's with the hesitation?

Emma

There's no hesitation! It's just…

Lily

It's just what? Out with it Em!

Emma

Is it bad that after just a couple of weeks I really…

Like really…

Want to sleep with her?

Lily

OMG! It's about time you dirty woman!

I've seen the way you look at her!

I bet you have nasty dreams about her.

Emma

FML. Is it that noticeable?

Do you think she can sense it?

Lily

If I could. She could.

For all I know she can smell how horny you are

Emma

Alright. I'm ending this convo. See you later

Emma couldn't stop her face from turning completely red, so red she felt the heat emanating from it. Picking up her bag of icing she continued to distract herself while decorating her new line of cupcakes. Ever since her near-miss kiss with Regina on their first date, she had been inspired. New flavors, new designs. Things she couldn't shake from her mind. Her latest design is more regal like a queen.

The bell chimed over the door as it swung open and heels clicked against the tile. Slipping her gloves off and folding them into an open palm. Regina smiled with those plump red lips leaning over the counter. "Hey."

Hearing that soothing husk in her voice brought Emma's eyes up from her work. Smiling from ear to ear, bashful as always. "He–hey." She fumbled her bag of icing and some squirted out of the bag from the top onto her blouse. "Oh no… crap. I'm sorry. Ugh, I —wait… what are you doing here?" Her heart sank in embarrassment. "Did Lily contact you? Did she send you here?" Her mind raced in a million directions.

Chuckling at her with a tight-lipped smirk, "Do you need me to grab some napkins for you to wipe that up?" Tilting her head curiously at Emma's questions she shook her head, "Uh, no, but why do you ask? She should have? What would she have said to me?" Regina reached for napkins after Emma had nodded, handing them over to her and watching her wipe the buttercream from her blouse.

Her cheeks tint different hues of red, "Oh, umm no reason at all." She shook her head, "So what brings you into the bakery?" Making a face at the buttercream that had stained her shirt. "Damn…" she muttered under her breath. "Sorry, I've been working on a new theme for my cupcakes. This is the latest one."

"I lost track of time while reading a book at the coffee shop down the street and then I saw you were still here so, naturally, I thought I'd pop in to say hi." A slight bob to her head as she said that. Leaning over the counter she blushed at the design. "That's beautiful Emma. You have a true talent."

"Thanks, it just came to me doing this cute fairy tale-inspired theme. This one is cinnamon apple flavored because," she looked at Regina with big doe eyes, "it just feels like they go together. Don't you think?" Emma couldn't help but suck on her lower lip, her chest rising and falling as her heart raced.

Nodding Regina caught Emma's gaze and found herself lost in her eyes. Her heart felt like it was syncing with Emma's. "I think they are a wonderful combination myself." She leaned in slightly closer over the counter.

A chill rolled up Emma's spine and the heat between her legs grew when she realized how close Regina had gotten to her. "I have a crazy idea," she blurted out, "come over tonight and let's stop and get some Chinese food and watch a cheesy romcom." Her nerves consumed her slightly but her hormones and heart overcame that.

Her smile tightened and quirked in the corners of her lips. Nodding at her, "Why yes, I'd love to come over."

"Great!" Emma exclaimed, "Let me go ahead and clean up here and close up shop then we'll go." She picked up the cupcake and put it into the case with the others. Wiping down her counter space Emma watched as Regina headed outside while she finished up. Quickly she texted Henry to go to his friends for the night. Then shot him another saying not to tell Lily about any of this.

Once she was done she linked arm and arm with Regina and headed to get their food. Getting back to the apartment Emma let them inside and grabbed some blankets for them to snuggle underneath. Turning on Clueless they cuddled up and ate their food.

As the movie played and they finished their meal, Emma nuzzled against Regina who had her arm wrapped around her. She could feel Regina's breath against her neck once they readjusted. Chewing on the inside of her cheek Emma tilted her head back and kissed Regina's jawline gently.

Her eyes fluttered back behind their lids at the sensation she felt from Emma's lips against her skin. Without saying a word she leaned into her feeling another kiss to her skin. Regina practically melted feeling Emma's hand cusp into her hair. "Em-ma," rolled from her tongue as a moan escaped her. How she longed for the woman's touch.

Emma's eyes flickered wide open at the moaning sound of her name. Her yearning for Regina was even stronger. Kissing the woman passionately as her hands wandered under her dress. Her mind ran wild as familiarity came second nature on how to make Regina cry for her more. Emma's lips trailed down her jawline, over her collarbone down to her breasts, unhooking her bra and stripping Regina slowly of her clothes and then Regina was quick to pounce Emma and do the same.