I don't own these characters; Disney/ABC does.
A/N: the rating will go up due to sexy things, so if you're not here for that sort of thing, come back next chapter.
13: Spirit
Regina removed her suit jacket and was in Emma's lap by the end of the movie. It was easy to start kissing Emma when the movie was over. Emma kissed her back, like they had all the time in the world. Kissing, touching, and being close were not a means to an end. This was one of the best things about being with Emma. Still, the promise of more hung over them.
"I wanna touch you," Emma whispered, as if it was dangerous to say aloud, like everything would stop if she let this desire be known.
"You can. I want you to," Regina replied.
Emma smiled like a dope. "You want me."
Regina rolled her eyes. "Obviously. Of course, I'm now wondering why, though."
"Cuz you like me." Emma kissed the end of her nose.
Regina chuckled. She very much did like this idiot. I understand why she likes the nose kisses and forehead kisses and things. The affection was soothing and reassuring.
Regina kissed Emma again. Emma's response was immediate, kissing back. Emma's hands slid to her back until her hands settled on Regina's ass. The way Emma held her, it was like she was admiring Regina's backside with her fingers. Regina pulled back, taking a breath.
"I love your hands on me," Regina whispered against Emma's lips.
Emma smiled, pride in her eyes. "See, you like me."
"I suppose." Regina nipped Emma's bottom lip.
Emma moaned and the sound danced down Regina's spine. She wanted this woman so much. She ran her hands up and down Emma's arms, shivering from the feel of Emma's skin and solid muscles, before cupping her breasts. Oh, this is spectacular. What would it be like without the t-shirt in the way? Emma letting loose another moan was the only thing keeping Regina's mind from wandering.
"This is a dream come true," Emma said, biting her lip.
"You dream of me, Emma?" Regina gave her a soft peck on the lips and a gentle squeeze.
Emma shivered and nodded. "For so long. You're so hot and, if I'm being honest, you petting me and stuff like that made me so damn hot."
Regina eased a hand to Emma's neck, fingers playing with the hairs on the nape of her neck. Emma hummed, almost like she was purring. Regina had to kiss her again. Emma kissed her back and chased her lips when she pulled back.
"I'm going to be very forward with you, Emma," Regina said.
"I expect you to always be that," Emma replied. "And if you keep saying my name like that, I'll never care how forward you are."
Regina snickered. "You like how I say your name, Emma?"
"Definitely."
"Then, let's go upstairs to my bed and you can hear me say it all night long if you play your cards right."
Emma groaned. "Shit, yes."
Emma stood up and Regina yelped as she realized she was going with Emma. Emma held her with little problem. But, she wrapped her arms around Emma, as being dropped would probably ruin the mood. Emma held her close, silently promising she was safe. Regina doubted they would be able to go upstairs like this, but was still quite impressed. It was a turn-on.
"You're even stronger than I suspected," Regina said.
Emma grinned and wiggled her eyebrows. "You ain't seen nothing yet, but I don't wanna risk tripping up the stairs with you, so I'm gonna put you down."
Regina nodded. "We can both risk falling by kissing up the stairs."
Emma's face lit up. "Oh, I do love that idea. It's a risk I'm willing to take."
Regina smirked and went in for a kiss. Emma returned the affection with vigor, tongue caressing Regina's. They both moaned, distracting each other from their plan. Emma's hands went back to Regina's ass, clutching ever so slightly. A jolt of pleasure went through Regina, reminding her there was more to come, and she pulled back.
"We're off task. Stairs. Bed," Regina ordered, panting against Emma's mouth.
"Yeah." Emma nodded and started another kiss.
They made their way to the stairs as best they could. Emma also tried to undress Regina, but it was more just tugging on her shirt. Halfway up the stairs, Emma gave up on taking off Regina's shirt and focused on experiencing her with her hands on Regina's stomach, which was also difficult with walking upstairs. The simple touch made Regina's body buzz and her mind fuzzy with desire.
"I'm honestly surprised we made it up here without getting hurt," Regina said when they hit the second-floor landing.
Emma chuckled, a breath away. "Me, too, especially since my luck isn't great and I'm clumsy at the worst of times."
"Come." Regina took Emma by the hand and led her to the bedroom.
The room was dark and Regina paused to turn on the light, needing to see Emma in all of her glory when the moment came. Emma spun her around and kissed her, holding her as if she would never let Regina go. Regina wrapped her arms around Emma and clutched her shoulders, as that might be the only thing to keep her from flying apart under the press of Emma's raw passion.
"This was supposed to be romantic, but I just want to tear your clothes off and feel you," Emma growled, the look in her eyes heated and heavy.
It was Regina's turn to moan and her legs quivered at the very idea. "Just do that. That's romantic in a different way." Besides, they would have time for slow, romantic love-making later on.
Emma smirked and kissed Regina with so much passion it was like they might explode if the kiss continued. Then, she grabbed Regina's ass, but with a purpose. Regina moaned into Emma's mouth, which only added fuel to their fire. Emma lifted Regina and Regina wrapped her legs around Emma's waist. Emma walked them the few feet to the bed and Regina's back hit the bed. The kiss never stopped.
Regina's hands bunched up, pulling at Emma's tank top until she was able to experience hot skin under her fingertips. This was so different than when she rubbed lotion on Emma. She had to dig her fingers in and leave her mark on Emma, however temporary.
Emma groaned into her mouth and ground against her. Regina shivered and yanked Emma closer using her legs. Emma took the hint, grinding against her and plucking her buttons open with shaky hands. Regina was out of patience. Their bodies needed to touch now.
"Rip it. I have others," Regina said with a growl.
Emma nodded and ripped open Regina's shirt. The action managed to turn Regina on more, which she never would have guessed was possible. Emma's body was flushed and her eyes were ablaze, pleased with her work.
Regina smirked. "Yes, good girl."
Emma hid her face in Regina's neck and moaned, pushing her pelvis against Regina's body. Regina's body burned for Emma, ready for her. She held onto Emma's back, trying to bring her closer.
"Gotta get you outta this shit," Emma muttered and she stood up, tugging on Regina's shirt rid her of it.
Regina helped, getting out of her shirt, so Emma could see what was underneath. The shirt fluttered to the floor. Emma glanced at the cloth for a moment, but then her eyes snapped right back to Regina.
Emma's breath hitched. "Holy shit. I didn't know they made bras like this."
Regina chuckled. "I brought this particular set just for you." Front clasp, crimson with a light floral lace pattern, and see-through except for strategic spaces over her nipples. The matching thong was still hidden by her pants, but quite ruined at this point.
"Holy shit." Emma did not move, like she short-circuited from that information, which was what Regina wanted. Emma swallowed. "Shit, shit, shit."
Regina smirked. "Are you all right to continue?"
"Uh… shit." Emma blinked a few times, like that would jump-start her brain. "Even though I've seen you in nighties and shit, this is still something." She licked her lips. "You got underwear just for me."
"Yes, and if you continue you can see the matching thong."
"Shit." Emma's hands went right to Regina's pants, opening the fly, and pulling them down with surprising caution. She did not want to displace the panties.
The pants slid down Regina's slim hips, revealing the barely there, lacy red thong. Emma stared for a long moment, brain overloaded once more. Regina reached out, hands on Emma's wrists.
"Emma," Regina whispered.
Emma quivered. "Fuck, the way you say my name." She dived in for a kiss.
Regina was more than happy to kiss Emma back. She clutched Emma's back, delighting in the contact, the way Emma's shoulder muscles tensed. These were muscles Emma built up while living with her. I'd love to dig my fingers into her back with her on top of me.
Emma broke the kiss to remove Regina's pants. The second she dropped Regina's slacks to the floor, she yanked off her tank top and tried to open her jeans. Regina was unable to admire Emma shirtless, eyes on her hands. Emma's hands shook. Regina sat up and eased her fingers through Emma's belt loops.
"I've got it, my love," Regina said and she opened the button on Emma's fly. Leaning in, she kissed Emma's stomach, the outline of abs on the way, and a couple of scars Regina was familiar with from caring for Emma's skin.
Emma swallowed. "Can you do that again?"
Regina wasted no time peppering kisses around Emma's navel as she rolled Emma's jeans down her legs. They looked so lovely, but they were difficult as hell to take off. But, Regina kept herself busy with kisses and swirling her tongue around Emma's bellybutton. She tastes so exquisite.
Emma moaned and ran her fingers through Regina's hair. As the pants went lower, Regina's lips drifted lower. Emma yelped and stepped away, almost falling over to escape. Regina pursed her lips.
"Nope! I go first!" Emma said with conviction and bent down, snatching her pants off. She almost tripped again as the jeans were under her knees.
"Careful," Regina replied. "It does us no good if you knock yourself unconscious."
Emma grinned. "You're so right and I don't want this to stop, especially because of a head injury from me."
Regina smiled. "We're of like mind then."
Emma managed to wiggle out of her pants. Regina barely had time to take in Emma, noticeable muscles and several marks on her torso. Braless, her pale breasts called to Regina, but she did not have a chance to enjoy them, even with only her eyes. Emma was back on Regina, kissing her as she settled between Regina's legs again.
Regina wanted to melt against Emma, meld with her through the kiss. The taste of Emma was addicting. It was subtle and gentle in ways Regina would never associate with Emma. She was like a treat, a snack to soothe Regina from any rough times.
Emma broke the kiss again. "Move up the bed?"
"You can tell me. Everything doesn't have to be a request, Emma," Regina replied, using her name with purpose. Hell, damn near wicked intent.
Emma groaned, body taut as she bent her head back for a moment. "I really need you moaning my name now."
They both moved to the center of the bed. Emma remained on top of Regina and kissed her, tongue gliding against Regina's. Regina sighed through her nose as she dug her fingers into Emma's shoulder blades. This was so perfect. Regina would have been able to stay like that forever, but Emma had other ideas.
Emma sat up enough to keep the kiss going, but moved a hand to caress Regina's chest, kneading her left breast through her lace bra. Regina moaned, arching into Emma's hand. Okay, correction, she could stay like this forever.
"You feel so damn good," Emma whispered against her lips and pinched Regina's nipple through the bra.
"You, too," Regina replied, squirming against Emma, needing to feel as much of Emma as possible.
"Can I touch you lower?" Emma gave her another pinch.
Regina hissed as pleasure zipped through her. "Yes. You can touch me whenever you want and I want you to do it now."
Emma nodded, pupils blown. "Yeah." She breathed the simple word, as if her voice had abandoned her.
Emma kissed her way down to Regina's breasts, not bothering to remove Regina's bra. The heat of Emma's hands made Regina's skin buzz. The touch of her lips was enough to make Regina burst into flames. She craved so much more. Emma did not disappoint.
Emma's hand eased down from Regina's breasts, touching her stomach. Emma's mouth occupied Regina's covered breast as her fingers circled Regina's navel, promising even more. Regina let loose a light moan, almost a squeak. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment and it did not get better when Emma looked up, met her gaze.
"Just wanna be sure, but I can put my fingers in your thong?" Emma asked, eyes darker than should have been possible.
Regina growled. "You can put your fingers anywhere you damn well please as long as you don't stop. Now, get to it, Emma."
Emma chuckled against her skin and made her nerves burst with desire. Emma's mouth remained busy against her breast as she slid her fingers into Regina's panties. Pleasure rushed through her.
Regina's breath hitched and she bucked against Emma's hand, wanting so much more of those fingers already. Her head snapped to the side the moment Emma's finger pressed against her clit. How could such simple movements feel like they were capable of blowing Regina apart? She wanted to be blown apart.
"Shit," Regina found herself saying, nails digging into Emma's back.
"Say it," Emma begged and lapped at Regina's nipple.
"Emma." Regina breathed the name and Emma's finger caressed her clit so perfectly.
"Yes," Emma moaned and bit Regina's nipple.
Regina cried out and tried to pull Emma closer, but it was impossible. Emma understood it was a plea for more, though. Emma sat up enough to rid Regina of her thong, putting it to the side instead of throwing it to the floor. Regina took the time to take her bra off.
Emma pouted. "Aw, I liked the bra."
Regina rolled her eyes. "I was hoping you like my bare skin, but I guess not."
Emma frowned. "Of course, I wanna see your skin, feel your skin. Shit, you're hot. I mean, I knew that. I always knew that, but to see it…" She blew out a breath. "Fuck. I'm so damn lucky. Thank you for sharing yourself with me."
Regina smiled softly. "You actually have to do something for me to share myself with you."
Emma took that as the challenge it was and her mouth went back to Regina's breasts. Emma's hand was back between Regina's legs and Regina moaned at the tender touch of Emma's fingers. She was so slow, like she feared she might break Regina. But, that was exactly what Regina wanted. Regina wanted to be broken and then pieced back together.
Regina dug her nails into Emma's back. "Emma, be a good girl and take me."
Emma groaned and did as requested, sliding a finger inside Regina. Regina keened and moaned as everything that made her who she was came to life. Fuck, that felt so perfect. Emma wiggled her finger, earning more noise as Regina's nerves popped, fireworks bursting through her.
"Such a good girl," Regina mewled, rubbing Emma's shoulders.
Emma's thumb pressed against Regina's clit and she eased another finger inside of Regina. Her blood ignited and she would erupt soon. Regina arched into the sensation as Emma sucked her nipple. Regina cried out yet again.
Emma's fingers pumped at the perfect rhythm. Her lips remained busy with Regina's nipple, first the right one and then she moved to the left. Regina mumbled nonsense words of praise as she hung onto Emma, unable to let go. If she released Emma's back, she would be broken just as she wanted, but now she wanted to hold onto this feeling forever. Then, Emma curled her fingers and Regina was gone.
Regina was taken by a wave of pleasure, deep under, and it poured into every aspect of her being, blowing her apart. The world disappeared and the only thing that existed was the pulsing pleasure rippling through Regina. She blew out a long breath, thoughts reforming as she came back into herself, and pieced herself back together.
Light pressure on her chest registered in Regina's brain. Opening her eyes, she saw Emma giving her breasts feather-light kisses. Regina scratched the nape of Emma's neck, gaining her attention.
"Cool?" Emma asked.
Regina purred. "Perfect."
Emma beamed. "Yeah? I've only just gotten started, though. I mean, that was like nothing."
Regina smiled. "Good to know. I would love to experience more from you, but it's your turn."
"I kinda wanna stay here. Wanna go down on you." Emma looked down Regina's body.
Regina shivered, wanting that as much as she wanted anything else, but there was something else to do first. "Later. You move to the head of the bed right now." Emma grinned and did as ordered.
-8-8-8-8-
Emma settled against the pillows as Regina watched her. The way Regina looked at her, like she was the embodiment of sexy was almost overwhelming. Emma wanted to flex, but there was no real abs to speak of yet. She would have to work out more to make it to that point and she damn sure would if Regina would keep looking at her like a full snack.
And then, Regina was on her, kissing her like it was the only thing they should ever do again. Emma was all for that and tried to give the same energy. She could do this for the rest of her life and be the happiest she had ever been. Kissing Regina was inspiring, raw, and delicious.
Regina's small hands roamed her torso, tracing over scars she had to know were there from memory. How was she able to remember Emma's body like that from a few glimpses? No, not a few glimpses. She's been paying attention to you since she started taking care of you.
Regina had memorized Emma's body from little moments between them and that thought touched Emma deeper than she hoped Regina was about to do. No one knew her scars like Regina did. Inside and out.
Regina pinched Emma's nipple, getting her mind back to what was happening. The delightful shock made Emma break the kiss with a loud moan. Regina smirked at her and did it again. It was like lightning went from her nipple right to her throbbing clit. Emma squirmed, slickness gathering between her legs, and moaned again.
"You like it a little rough. Why am I not surprised?" Regina shook her head.
"It's because it's you and I know you won't really try to hurt me," Emma replied, and it was true. She trusted Regina in ways she would never trust anyone because Regina took care of her like no one else ever did. If anything was too much, all she had to do was say so and Regina would not only stop, but do everything in her power to soothe Emma. Who better than that to add a little pain to spice up her pleasure?
Regina nipped Emma's earlobe. "Only as much as you want me to hurt you." She caressed Emma's breast and then palmed it, as if admiring the weight.
Emma yelped and wiggled. The zip that went down her spine was not surprising. The things she would let this woman do to her.
"Fuck me, Regina," Emma begged.
"You bet I will." Regina dragged her teeth down Emma's neck. Emma trembled, both in delight and anticipation. Fuck, I want this so bad.
Regina's teeth made it to her collarbone and nipped the area. She dragged her teeth across the bone, but switched to kisses as she got to the other side. Wet kisses all over her chest and Regina cupped her breasts before sucking on one of her nipples. There were those jolts again, going from her breasts to her dripping passion.
Regina licked the other nipple, dragging the flat of her tongue slowly across the taut peak. She repeated these simple actions. Emma's head thrashed to the side, pleasure flashing through her.
"Fuck, so good," Emma said. She wanted more. She would always want more of Regina.
Regina chuckled, darkly, and Emma could only imagine what was about to come. Regina did not linger, kissing down Emma's body, and went right for the prize. She covered all of Emma with her mouth, sheer bliss shot through Emma so fast and so much she was barely able to comprehend what happened. Emma bucked against her lips.
Regina held Emma's thighs as her tongue worked, lapping at Emma as if trying to drink her in, soak up every inch of her. Emma would go happily if Regina drained her of any and all moisture, as this had to be what paradise was like anyway. I'm in heaven. Regina caressed her skin, a gentle touch on her thighs.
"Regina," Emma breathed. "Gonna come…"
Regina sucked on her clit, trying to set Emma off. Emma gave herself over to the adoration. She was surrounded by something so much more than pleasure. This was more intense than she expected it to be, like it had the power to destroy her. She would let it.
Regina somehow pulled her closer, her mouth devouring all parts of Emma with enthusiasm and flair. Emma was not sure how she remained tethered to this Earth as pleasure consumed her whole. Emma climbed higher and higher before exploding. She threw her hands up, grabbed the headboard, and hollered as ecstasy popped down every nerve. It was so much Emma thought she might actually die from this. But, it ebbed, softly, slowly.
With a sigh, Emma melted into the bed. While it no longer felt like she had been blown apart, delight seeped through her like warm goo. She was a puddle, a happy little puddle.
Regina gave light kisses to Emma's thighs, sparks flickering through her. She reached down to get Regina's attention. Regina came up, kissing Emma on the lips. It was such a lovely, sloppy kiss, growing hungry with every passing moment. Emma tasted herself on Regina's tongue and lapped at her mouth as if she wanted to rid Regina of every last bit. Emma wrapped her arms around Regina, pulling her close, so they were skin-to-skin.
Emma sighed and dropped her head back to the pillow. "That was fucking awesome."
"Oh, Emma. We are just getting started," Regina promised, hand roaming Emma's side.
Emma chuckled. "I'm all for it." She sighed and twirled a strand of Regina's hair around her finger. "You know, I was nervous about this. I thought I was gonna be really bad and you wouldn't want to do it again."
Regina scoffed. "You'll be lucky I don't attach a leash to this bed for you."
Emma perked up, surprising even herself. Something stirred inside of her, a fiery flash of want. She stared at Regina. "Would you want to do something like that?"
Regina did not break eye contact, but she gave it a few seconds of thought. "It's too early for me to tell. Would you like something like that?"
Emma swallowed as she gathered the courage to admit this epiphany. "I don't think I'd be bothered being Duckling here. I mean, it's pretty obvious I like following your orders and, damn, it does crazy things to me when you call me a good girl."
Regina nodded. "I noticed that."
"Yeah." Emma took a moment and let her imagination run wild. "What if I had my collar on and you put a leash on me and you tugged my leash?"
Regina sat up a little. "Are you sure?"
Emma let out a slow breath. "I'm just seeing it in my head right now. It doesn't have to be all the time. I mean, I loved this."
Regina gave her a light kiss on the lips. "I'd like to try that. Would you like your tail now?"
Emma was nodding before she realized it. "Yeah, not exactly right now, but eventually. Let's get some practice at this before we buy any real toys."
"I agree. We could be practicing right now, you know?" Regina smirked.
Emma ran her hands up and down Regina's smooth back. "Oh, we'll get to it. I just want to appreciate your naked body against me right now and let my mind run around all kinds of things we can do to each other now." She took hold of Regina's ass and held on. It felt as glorious as it looked. She groaned at the sensation.
Regina purred and ground against Emma. "Yes, definitely like this."
"Wishing you didn't set those 'no sexual shenanigans' rules in the beginning, huh?" Emma could only imagine what her face looked like with her goofy grin.
Regina sucked her teeth. "You know you can talk your way out of this."
"I don't believe that. This is like you not feeding me at this point. We know you're always gonna feed me and now we know you're always gonna let me sex you up."
Regina rolled her eyes. "Not if you keep using phrases like 'sex up.' You're absolutely awful."
Emma kissed Regina's forehead. "You love me like I love you."
Regina sat up a little more, looking Emma deep in her eyes. "I do love you, Emma."
Those words, her name, hit Emma right in the chest, much more potent than the orgasm Regina had just given her. Her eyes burned and then Regina's thumbs were on her cheeks. Emma sniffled and Regina wiped her cheeks for her. Why did — Oh, she was crying.
"This is the best thing to ever happen to me. You are the best thing to ever happen to me," Emma whispered, tilting her head enough to kiss Regina's palm.
Regina smiled and kissed the end of Emma's nose. "I'd say the same of you. Emma, Duckling, you have been such a gift to me." Her eyes shimmered, tears gathered in her eyes.
Emma smiled, but it wobbled as more tears fell from her eyes. "No one's ever made me feel like that, but here you are. You're the best, Regina, always, no matter what. You're the best."
Regina sighed against her and tucked her head under Emma's chin. Emma held Regina tight. She would never let Regina go.
-8-8-8-8-
It was late and Regina found herself unable to sleep. After their emotional moment, she and Emma had gone on for several rounds. After, Emma showered while Regina changed the bed linen and Regina put Emma through her usual nighttime skincare routine. After a fast shower, Regina curled up in bed with Emma, who fell asleep almost immediately once Regina was next to her.
Regina was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to sleep as soundly as Emma was against her side. Having Emma draped over her was always comforting. She delighted in the weight of Emma and was always soothed by it, but her mind buzzed with thoughts.
She stared at Emma. Her partner, her lover, her pet. Emma wanted to try being Duckling here. It did not bother her. If anything, she was flattered. Emma had been betrayed and abused by so many in her life, yet still had enough in her to trust Regina. Regina would do her best to take care of her.
"You'll always be safe with me," Regina promised, brushing some of Emma's hair from her face.
Emma inspired Regina to do better. She wanted to be better. She wanted to approach life differently. If she could get someone as jaded as Emma to see kindness in her, there had to be something in her that was worthwhile, something that made real connections. It had not died all those years ago with Daniel or at the least it had been resurrected with Emma.
"Thank you for loving me, Duckling. Thank you for trusting me, Emma," Regina whispered. All she ever wanted was to be loved, which she supposed was something she and Emma had in common.
But, was that not something everyone wanted, to be loved? Well, no. Mother never wanted love. Love is weakness. A credo she and Zelena had been raised on. Zelena… Regina grabbed her phone without thinking about it.
Emma groaned as Regina moved. Regina rubbed Emma's back and Emma slung her arm across Regina's stomach. She kissed Emma's forehead and Emma settled again. Regina turned her attention back to her phone.
She was not sure where Zelena was, so she shot her a text. Still avoiding Mother? She hoped that was the case. Perhaps, Zelena had finally come to her senses as Regina had, learned there was no pleasing Mother, and gave up. If that was the case, they might have a chance to have what Mother ripped from them so many years ago.
Doing my best. Regina was surprised Zelena texted her back so quickly. She was probably still in London, or at the very least the United Kingdom. What had she done for Mother to be tracking her across the pond? It had to be big for Mother to focus on her rather than Regina. Give her Hell. Regina meant that.
Again, doing my best. I hear she's been cursing your name. Regina would not be surprised by that. Mother had done everything in her power to break Regina and it had yet to work. But, then again, she had also done the same to Zelena and it had yet to work. Yes, they bent sometimes, but they had yet to break. When isn't she cursing my name? I'll make sure it keeps happening.
Zelena's response was a voice message and it was of her cackling. Followed by, "Bloody Hell, Regina, it's two am there. Go to bed."
I am. Just wanted to check on you. It was the truth. She held onto the hope that reaching out to Zelena would work out this time. She glanced down at Emma and smiled. Thanks. Tah! It was easy to picture Zelena giving that annoying hand wave and demented smile.
"You've made me an idiot right along with you," Regina sighed. How dare she have hope again? Putting her phone down, she settled in her space and closed her eyes. Sleep came now.
-8-8-8-8-
Emma woke up, not sure why. She was so comfortable. Glancing up, Regina's peaceful face greeted her. She smiled at the sight. She's happy. The thought warmed Emma and soothed her right back to sleep.
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: more sexy times and good opportunities.