I don't own these characters; Disney/ABC does.
12: Forever Faithful
It was election night. Emma had the best idea of distracting Regina from the numbers — making out on the couch like two teenagers. It was brilliant and amazing. No, it was not the first time they made out, but it was the first time Emma initiated it seriously. She had not requested kisses, merely leaned in and started kissing Regina on her own.
"I should at least watch the results," Regina said as they broke apart. Her bare lips were already swollen from kisses and she panted for breath.
"Why? Does it matter? You didn't even officially endorse a candidate," Emma replied. She had Regina almost fully in her lap. How the hell do people go about their day after having Regina in their laps? I never wanna move again!
Regina smiled at her, but arched an eyebrow. "Since when do you pay attention to politics? You didn't even know I was mayor when you moved in."
Emma scoffed. "Didn't care then, but I care now because I know you're involved. And, like I said, you didn't endorse a candidate."
Regina kissed the end of Emma's nose. "That's sweet, but I backed Kathryn Midas, though I never outright said it."
Emma shrugged. "That doesn't mean we have to pay attention. Let's enjoy ourselves." She wrapped her arms around Regina and settled Regina all the way on her lap.
Regina made herself comfortable, straddling Emma's thighs. Emma could not help shivering and her nerves buzzed with energy. Damn, wish I wasn't wearing these stupid shorts. Skin-to-skin contact with Regina was the best.
Regina's body was warm, as always, and the perfect weight. Emma would not mind having Regina lay on her every now and then. Regina leaned in, mouth close to Emma's lips, teasing her. Her breath, soft and sweet, tickled Emma's nerves right down to her soul.
"You like this?" Regina asked in a whisper.
"Who wouldn't?" Emma countered, tingles going down her spine.
Regina snickered, her breath caressing Emma's mouth. "But, you know what would make this better?"
"You actually kissing me?" Emma wiggled her eyebrows with a wide grin.
"No, Emma." She smirked, like she was all too aware of what saying Emma's name would do to Emma. Emma shuddered against her. She held in a laugh. "You touching me would make it better."
Emma blinked, as if this never occurred to her. "Right." She nodded, a light brightening her eyes. "I can because you're my girlfriend."
"I thought you knew that considering you started this little session."
"Well, I'm an idiot, so there's that."
"There is that."
Emma's hands went to Regina's thighs, touching bare skin since Regina was dressed in a nightie. The buzz humming through Emma's nerves transformed into sparks as she caressed Regina's soft skin. This was incredible.
"You feel so good," Emma whispered, scared if she spoke too loudly this would all end for some reason.
"I love your hands on me," Regina replied and she rocked against Emma. Hot jolts shot through Emma.
"Shit," Emma hissed before she could stop herself.
Regina chuckled, deeper than usual. It was sexy and hit Emma below the belt. She went in for a kiss, if only to distract herself. They probably were not at a point where they would do more than make out.
Regina wrapped her arms around Emma's neck and deepened the kiss, her tongue caressing Emma's as if it was the only thing they would ever have to do in life. That was fine with Emma. She had no problem with kissing Regina forever.
Emma's hands continued stroking Regina's thighs. Regina insisted on moving against her, sparks popping across all of her nerves with each pitch of Regina's hips. Emma's blood hummed and her thoughts went fuzzy. What would this be like if we were naked? Her heart rate increased at the idea. She clutched Regina's ass, not sure if she wanted to stop Regina or help her.
"Shit, sorry." Emma moved her hands. She was not sure if she had permission to touch Regina there.
Regina sighed, resting her forehead against Emma's. "My love, you can touch."
Emma gave a wobbly smile as her heart hammered against her ribs. How long would it take her to become accustomed to being called "my love"? Someone loved her. Regina loved her. Her heart swelled.
"Sorry," Emma said, having to say something to restart her brain. "It'll take some getting used to. You being my girlfriend and my owner."
Regina laughed. "You like that, huh?"
"Yeah." Emma rubbed her name collar. She did not want to risk the mood with the bell collar. "Is it weird I like that?"
Regina locked eyes with her, serious. "Not at all. I also like it. It works for us and that's what's important. Now, you were doing something I enjoyed. Carry on."
A lopsided grin slapped itself on Emma's face. "With pleasure. Now, where was I?" Emma's hands went back to Regina's ass and they were back to kissing. This was more than awesome. Were there any words to properly describe this?
Emma lost herself in Regina's kiss and the feel of her body. This was so different compared to having Regina against her for an embrace. It charged her, lightning zipping through her veins. She squeezed Regina's ass. Regina bucked and moaned into her mouth. Fuck! A moan never tasted so damn delicious.
Emma was ready to explode, every bit of her craving Regina more and more. She wanted all of Regina, right now. Emma had to pull back and catch her breath.
"Wait," Emma panted.
Regina gave her a soft smile, as if she was fully aware of her effect on Emma. "Of course."
Emma blew out a breath, rubbing her forehead with two fingers. "Here's the thing, this is kinda fast."
"It doesn't have to be. What do you want to do?" Regina asked.
"Right now?" Emma's face twisted. She had not thought of that beyond "everything." "I definitely want to keep kissing. But, maybe don't grind on me."
Regina blinked, like she did not realize what she was doing. "Oh. Sorry."
Emma laughed and kissed Regina's chin. "Don't apologize. I'm not complaining. It's just you grinding on me is tempting as hell. I really wanna pull your damn nightgown off, pin you beneath me, and feel you writhe against me." All true.
Regina swallowed, eyes darkening. "Well, now I want that."
"Yeah, but I also don't want our first time to be a distraction on the couch and me not knowing if you'll say my name or Duckling when you come on my tongue." The very idea made Emma throb. It did not matter what name Regina used. She wanted more for their first time than a session on the couch.
Regina smirked. "Look at you being romantic." She stroked Emma's cheek with her thumb. "As for as what name I'd say, whichever you'd like." Regina leaned in closer, lips brushing against Emma's ear. "Do you want to hear me moan Em-ma?" The name was certainly moaned.
Emma was soaked right through her underwear and shorts. "Okay, I might come if you do that again." She meant that.
Regina pulled back with a twinkle in her eyes. "Maybe I want that."
"Fuck. How the hell did you get sexier?" Emma was not sure she would survive this. Do I want to survive this? Well, yes, she wanted to survive because she wanted to do it every day for the rest of her life.
Regina scoffed, rolling her eyes. "This is nothing."
Emma's brain short-circuited for a moment and those words lit her on fire. "Fuck. How the hell is this nothing? Okay, no, don't tell me. Any more and I'm gonna turn into a puddle."
Regina nodded and her eyes searched Emma's face. "Do you want me to get up?"
"Hell, no!" Emma hugged Regina close. "You don't move." She would not give this up for anything, even if it meant she would die of a sexual frustration of her own making. At least she would go with Regina in her lap.
"Wouldn't think of it."
Regina snuggled closer, tucking her face against Emma's neck. Her warm breath caressed and teased Emma's flesh. Emma purred, despite being certain this would be the end of her. How would she make it through this if they did not do anything more than make out?
Then Regina made it worse. "So, what do you want me to say when I climax on your tongue?"
Emma groaned, entire body overheating and pulsing with desire. "Fuck. You're unfair, but I knew that already. It doesn't really matter what you call me. Knowing I'm doing it to you is more than enough for me. I am curious which one you'd say since you almost never call me Emma."
Regina nodded. "I think it'll depend on the situation we find ourselves in. Like will you be wearing the collar?" She curled two fingers under the collar and yanked. "That'll most certainly get a Duckling out of me." She smirked.
Emma moaned, resolve crumbling like crushed potato chips. "Okay, screw it. Let's go upstairs."
Regina stared her down, focusing hard, trying to read her. "Are you sure?"
Emma sagged. "No. You're just teasing me and I'm falling for all of it." She took a deep breath to calm down. She sort of itched now. "I still want to wait, though. Not long, but again, don't want it to just be a distraction for you. I want it to at least be fun. Maybe romantic. I've never actually cared this much about sleeping with someone. I want it to be right."
Regina sighed and rested against her chest. "Me, too."
"When we… experience each other, I want it to be meaningful. Sex kinda stopped meaning anything to me as soon as it started."
Regina pulled back again, eyes ignited. "Did someone…" She did not finish the question, but the implications hung in the air.
"No, no, no." Emma shook her head. "I mean, my childhood was shit, but not that much. Just… lied to me. She lied to me." Emma's heart constricted, but she wanted to tell Regina everything. "She pretended she understood me, pretended she was a foster kid like me, but she had a family."
"I'm sorry, Duckling."
Emma kissed Regina's cheek. "Thanks. Lily kinda used me or got off on pretending she was like me. I dunno what it was and I don't care. It was after she hurt me, sex lost any real meaning. I also didn't want to be with girls for a while after her either."
Regina cupped Emma's face with both hands. "I understand and I promise I am not pretending to like you. I enjoy having you around, Duckling. I'm not using you and nothing will happen until you're ready."
Emma smiled. "Thanks. When we're together, I want it to be real intimacy. I want it to be everything sex is supposed to be."
Regina snuggled up once more. "We'll figure it out."
Emma hugged Regina and held her close. Yeah, they would figure it out. They had come this far, after all. I want everything with this woman.
-8-8-8-8-
Regina wanted to pick Maleficent's brain over her and Emma's decision on sex. Not so much the waiting, but more how to be romantic. She had done romantic gestures with Maleficent, but for the sake of romance, not as a prelude to sex. Yes, sex happened, but it was never the focal point of the deed.
"Really? This is what you want to discuss after an election night? Do you even know who won?" Maleficent asked with a smirk as she kneaded dough.
Regina rolled her eyes. "I truly don't give a damn." Of course, she was aware of who won. They had a meeting at ten.
"I'm shocked you haven't had sex yet. I'm well aware you wouldn't do it while with Robin, but you haven't been with him for months. You didn't jump her after?"
Regina sucked her teeth. "Forgive me for respecting the boundaries I placed on the relationship." Now that Emma made it known she wanted to more make love than have sex, she was pleased with those boundaries. She had not added to the trauma these past relationships had pressed upon Emma.
Maleficent scoffed. "Yeah, like you were respecting the boundaries when you're sticking your tongue in her mouth."
Regina pointed at her. "That was a renegotiated boundary."
Maleficent laughed. "And now?"
"We've agreed we're a couple, but we're working on what that means to us. We now how to figure out how to fit sex into it."
Maleficent nodded. "Sounds like you have this worked out."
"Yes, but I'm trying to work this out more than this. We want to sleep together, but not like in a planned manner and Emma wants it to be special."
"You want to plan a spontaneous romantic interlude?" Maleficent arched an eyebrow, silently questioning her sanity.
"I can't stand you."
Maleficent smirked, pleased with herself. "Yet you seek my approval and ideas. But, do something simple and if it leads to sex, then let it. Have you spoken to her?"
"Yes, we've discussed."
"Look at you being excellent at communicating." Maleficent gave her an exaggerated once-over. "A healthy relationship looks good on you."
Regina scoffed. "I'm stressed the hell out." She wanted to give Emma the world and keep the world from ever hurting her again. If one thing — no matter how big or small — caused a problem with Emma's day, she would destroy it to the best of her ability.
"You're amazing and in love. I'm proud of you." Maleficent hugged her.
Regina pushed away, both of them getting bits of dough on each other. "Stop it. Playful is unbecoming of you."
Maleficent chuckled. "I mean it, though. I'm proud of you as I watch you with Duckling. Yes, it's unconventional, but she makes you happy and she cares about you and your well-being. That's a step up, even from me as far as partners go for you."
Regina arched an eyebrow. "You think so?"
"Regina, I love you, you know that. We didn't work as a couple, though. We weren't right for each other as a couple, even though we cared about each other. We didn't fit."
With a sigh, Regina rubbed right above her eyebrow. "How was it we brought out the worst in each other?"
"Two dominant personalities used to getting their way. We did bring out the worst in each other, always wanting to be right. I can recognize that. You and Duckling care about each other, but you're also good for each other."
Regina smiled. "You want to tell her that? She doesn't actually believe she's good enough for me."
"I can see that. After all, what she brings to the table is much more intangible than the things you bring into the relationship. Do you want me to talk to her? Is she out there?" Maleficent glanced at the door.
"Of course she's out there, sleeping in a booth now." Emma had fallen right back into her routine of waking up and coming in with Regina as soon as she moved back in. It was sweet. "But, you don't have to talk to her."
Maleficent nodded. "All right. Then, let's go back to your dilemma and figure out how to lead to sex without making the day about sex. Does it really matter that you're doing something to have sex?"
"I'm certain she wants our first time to be special, magical in some way. I want that, too, partially because she wants it and partially because I haven't had sex in that manner since dating you. Duckling is special and dear to me. I want her to feel cherished while I also want her body."
Maleficent shook her head. "She's turned you into this gushy romantic. I don't know you anymore." She laughed.
With a snort, Regina rolled her eyes. "Why are we friends again?"
"You need someone who isn't scared of you to say things like this to you. But, anyway, don't think too much about this. Sex will happen," Maleficent replied.
That was probably true enough. Regina desired things to be perfect for Emma. Emma worried so much about her and their relationship. She needed to do something to show Emma she was as precious as she thought Regina was.
-8-8-8-8-
Emma woke up in the booth in Two Witches thanks to a soft goodbye kiss from Regina. Tinker Bell threw a napkin in her as she popped up, watching Regina leave. Emma glared at Tinker Bell, who laughed.
"Emma, you gotta get out of the booth," Nova said, pulling at Emma's wrist.
Emma rubbed her eyes. "I'm up. I gotta go to Granny's anyway."
"Not before you have some breakfast." Maleficent waved her to the back.
Emma was not about to argue that. She got out of the booth and rushed to the kitchen. Maleficent shoved an egg sandwich in her face and a small bowl of porridge.
"Eat here," Maleficent ordered.
Emma arched an eyebrow, but did as ordered. "Can I at least have something to drink?"
"I'm tempted to make you drink tea or water. Go get something to drink and come back here to talk for a moment."
Emma nodded and rushed off for fruit punch. She came back and started in on the sandwich. A cheese and pepper omelet and spicy sausage patty on one of the homemade biscuits was so freaking delicious. They cooked so damn well.
"What do we need to talk about?" Emma asked around a lump of food in her cheek.
Maleficent pinched the bridge of her nose, needing to close her eyes for a second. "Can you at least finish chewing first?" She glared at Emma, who grinned, but chewed and swallowed. Maleficent sighed. "You and Regina are a couple now, right?"
"Yup." Emma's face lit up. She was light and giddy, even so early in the morning under weird questioning, at the thought of being Regina's partner.
"You do realize how much you mean to her, right?" Maleficent asked.
Emma scratched her forehead with her wrist, careful of her sandwich. "Uh… I guess."
Maleficent's glare gained power. "Don't guess. You're good for her and she cares about you so damn much. Don't stress yourself about the relationship. You're doing quite well."
Emma blinked, not expecting that considering the look in Maleficent's eyes. She had expected to be cursed out and railed for daring to think she was good enough for Regina. How could she be good enough for Regina? Emma was such a mess, even now.
"Am I? I moved out for three weeks for no reason." Emma took a huge bite of her sandwich, wanting to push down the heavy feeling bubbling into her throat.
"You moved out to grow as a person. I'm assuming you learned a lesson and that's why you're back home. She understands you're at a different stage in your life than she is. She doesn't expect you to do what she does. She expects you to do what you do," Maleficent said.
Emma sighed. "It's hard when what I do is nothing."
Maleficent scoffed and regarded Emma as if she were a complete idiot. "You honestly don't understand, do you? Do you have any idea how emotionally closed off Regina was before you became her pet? She holds you near and dear to her heart because you reminded her she had one. You reminded her she had a tremendous capacity for love for the sake of love. She doesn't have anything to prove to you or with you. She merely has to love you and you allow it with open arms and an open heart. That's huge."
Emma took those words in, biting her breakfast sandwich again. "Why are you telling me this?"
Maleficent's gaze managed to harden more, her eyes boring into Emma's spirit. "So you don't move out again to prove you deserve her or to try to build a grand fortune that will never matter. You're already taking care of her better than any other partner because you're taking care of her emotionally. I barely did that when I was with her because she was already so scarred she didn't want to risk more. Don't muck it up chasing things she doesn't need. You're enough. Now, finish eating and go to work."
Emma had no choice but to obey. She finished the sandwich and swallowed the small bowl of porridge. She was enough. Maleficent said so. Maleficent, Regina's best friend and ex-lover, deemed her enough. This made it take root. Yes, Regina said it, but part of her always thought Regina was being nice. Maleficent would never "be nice" when it came to Regina and her feelings unless it was true.
"Don't be late for work," Maleficent said, shooing Emma out of the shop.
"I'm going, I'm going!" Emma waved Maleficent away as she rushed to the door.
Emma was glad Granny still had work for her, even though she was back home. Earning a paycheck, however small, was fantastic. She also needed to bug Ruby. She had to wait for Ruby to go on break, though.
"Dude." Emma took Ruby by the elbow, pulling her from the diner to the back, so they were alone.
"Dude!" Ruby did not resist. "What's up?" she asked once they were alone.
"So, I told you how me and Regina are a proper couple now, right?"
"You wouldn't shut up about it. Granny thinks you're crazy because she was sure Regina was already your girlfriend."
Emma tapped her chin with her index finger. "Maybe. Like we had a relationship, but not girlfriends. Anyway, this means eventually we're gonna have sex."
Ruby rubbed her eyes with one hand. "I'm still shocked you haven't done that already."
"Yeah, well, we haven't. And until recently, I didn't think it was a real possibility. She's always so serious about me being a pet, which I like. It helped me trust her, you know? I never felt used by her like…" Emma shuddered and her stomach twisted.
Ruby grabbed her hand and held it tight. "Don't think about anybody except Regina. She's not like anybody else you've ever been with. You trust Regina."
Emma nodded. "What if I… I dunno, mess up?"
Ruby laughed. "You're going to mess up sex? How? Gonna get a cramp? Paper cut on your tongue?"
"Shut up." Emma shoved her. She was not sure how she might mess up sex, but it was a genuine fear right now. What if she did something weird? Something Regina did not like? Something Regina found gross? What would that do to their relationship?
"No, you shut up." Ruby pushed her back. "You're worrying over nothing. One, you're not bad at sex. That's why you can't get rid of Hook's dumbass."
"He's actually left me alone, but I think it's because he's scared of Regina." It was a little funny to think about, but mostly Emma was very happy about it. She never wanted to interact with Hook ever again.
Ruby's face was serious. "He should be. She has a reputation. But, don't interrupt me." She held up two fingers. "Two, if you're bad at sex for whatever reason, she's not going to throw you away. After all, she hasn't been keeping you around for sex." Another finger went up. "Three, again if for whatever reason you're suddenly bad at sex, you communicate to find out what you can do to improve. The reverse is also true if she ends up bad at sex, although I don't see how someone with that ass is bad at anything." Ruby grinned.
Emma shoved Ruby again. "Stop looking at her ass. That's my ass now."
Ruby snorted. "You're an ass. But, it's mostly because you're in love, so I'll allow it."
Emma nodded and sighed. "I do love her." She had thought she loved Lily and then thought loved Neal, but this was so much more than that. It was those emotions, stronger than ever before, but mixed with other things. Regina brought the sun back to her world, let light into her soul, and warmed her like no other human being could.
"Trust me, we know. It's gross. I mean, case in point." Ruby motioned between them.
Emma rolled her eyes. "But, who's going to want all the details when it finally happens?"
Ruby grunted, throwing her hand to the side. "That's called being a good friend. Besides, after this, you owe me and I'm invested. I'm definitely gonna wanna know if you forgot everything you know about fucking and find yourself bad at sex or if Regina is. After all, that lady is a vamp."
"Hey! Come on, she's my girlfriend." That felt amazing to say. I might have to say that more often.
Ruby made a face, "And your girlfriend is hot. Honestly, she might be wasted on you." She tapped her chin in thought. "You haven't seen her doing the mayor thing and being terrifying and intimidating in such a sexy ass way."
Emma laughed. "Oh, I've seen it. Not as mayor, just Regina. That shit is sexy." Emma snickered, shaking her head. "Something's wrong with us."
"Yeah, we appreciate fiery women. Now, you do something romantic for that woman and make sure the neighbors hear how fucking sensational it is."
Emma laughed, but she nodded. She would do just that. She would stop being scared, and stop worrying over her worth. She would rock her girlfriend's world.
-8-8-8-8-
Regina was pleased to beat Emma home. She had dinner plans and she did not want Duckling in the way. She was giddy as she cooked, giggling for no reason. Oh, dear, what this girl does to me!
Once the food was on, she took a quick shower. Donning a suit and light makeup, she made her way back downstairs. Emma still was not home, which was fine. She set up their meals on the coffee table with a single candle. Then, there was a knock on the door.
"I have to make her a key," Regina said as she went to the door and opened it.
Emma stood before her with a bouquet of blood-red roses mixed with a couple of white roses. "Got these for you."
Regina smirked. "I figured, unless you've managed to hide another girl in here."
"Wouldn't try. I got the best one already, after all." Emma stepped inside and kissed Regina on the lips. "I should put these in a vase, right?"
Regina closed the door. "You know where there's a vase in the house? I'm impressed."
"Yeah, I almost broke it enough times." Emma laughed and then she noticed the table. "Oh, food. Is this a date? You're all dressed up and everything."
"Yes, it is a date. If you want to freshen up, I won't stop you, but don't wear a hoodie."
Emma gasped. "I'd never wear a hoodie to a date!" She pursed her lips. "Well, now that you told me not to, anyway."
"Whatever you're comfortable in is fine, but I tend to think of you as Duckling if you're in a hoodie. Before you go, do you want wine or juice to go with the spicy pasta?"
"Spicy pasta?" Emma's face was raw with interest.
"It's something you'll like."
"I don't doubt that. You've never made spicy pasta before."
"I thought this date would be the perfect time to try."
Emma nodded. "Can I live dangerously and have a beer? Do you even have beer here?"
"You'll have your beer." Regina had a stash in case she needed it for company, not that she entertained often. Still, she liked to be prepared.
Emma returned to find a beer waiting by her pasta. She was in jeans and a white tank top, like she was about to work on her car. Regina's throat went dry and her heart rate picked up. Emma smirked, very aware of the effect she had on Regina.
"Figured I'd treat you since you treated me," Emma said.
"What a thoughtful partner you are," Regina replied, eyes lingering on Emma's arms for longer than proper.
Emma flexed her bicep. "I always thought you watched me when I was working on my car, but then I figured it was my imagination."
Regina snorted. "I promise you, it was not. You have an impressive physique."
"That's thanks to you. I was rail-thin by the time I got to you, probably suffering from malnutrition. This is what I look like with normal meals and warmth." Emma struck a pose and flexed again. "Oh, and cuddles and kisses. I'm gonna definitely need a daily dose of those to keep my body in shape like this."
Regina smiled. "Of course. I'm always happy to provide everything you need. For now, though, let's eat."
"Is there a movie with this dinner date?"
"The Quick and the Dead since I know how much you like seeing Sharon Stone." She thought something simple would also be sweet. After all, Emma wanted them to date. They had plenty of opportunities to do that in a manner that was comfortable for both of them.
Emma rolled her eyes. "Oh, yeah, it's just me."
Regina chuckled and they ate after she turned on the movie. They sat close enough to touch, but were careful of their hands. Emma rubbed her elbow against Regina's arm on purpose several times, calling attention to her physique. Regina rubbed right back.
"I like your suit. You look amazing in suits," Emma said, eyes sweeping up and down as she focused on Regina.
Regina smiled. "You should see the terror I strike into the hearts of men in these suits."
"I've heard, but I wouldn't mind seeing. You're sexy when you're a terror."
"To be fair, you always think I'm sexy."
Emma shrugged. "I'm not wrong." She gave Regina a quick kiss.
Regina blinked several times, surprised by the action. "I don't think anyone's ever kissed me while I'm eating."
"Was it okay? Because I do think you're always sexy."
Regina's cheeks burned. "It's fine."
Emma kissed her again. "Cool. I like it when you taste like spicy pasta and expensive wine."
Regina laughed. "You're ridiculous." But, she kissed Emma this time. Emma accepted the kiss with a loud smacking sound, as if Regina was delicious.
Soon, the dinner was done. Apple pie for dessert and soon that was done, too. Then, it was them and the movie. Regina curled in close, pressing herself to Emma's side.
"This is a great date," Emma whispered.
"It'll get better," Regina promised. "But, after the movie." She thoroughly enjoyed this movie.
"I can wait." Emma wrapped her arms around Regina and held her. This was a great date.
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: the date gets better.