I don't own these characters; Disney/ABC does.
A/N: more lady-loving, action between Regina and Emma in this chapter.
16: For the Birds
Regina was at her desk, getting through a budget proposal for the next quarter. It was more a suggestion for Kathrine than anything else, but Katherine was open to her ideas. The best of it was as long as she was able to find money for programs near and dear to her, Katherine promised to keep those going. It was harder than it should have been, but she was on it.
Her phone rang, interrupting her. Her cell phone. Not a normal occurrence. Glancing at the screen, it was Emma. Very much not a normal occurrence.
"Are you all right?" Regina answered the phone.
Emma chuckled. "I'm fucking amazing. I got the job!"
"You're a sheriff's deputy?"
"Yes! I got called back and he asked me to come in and I got the job!"
Regina glanced at her window. "Where are you now?"
"My car."
"Are you still near the station?"
"Yeah. I'm parked on the corner."
"Okay. Get in your car, but don't go anywhere."
"Huh?"
"Just do it, Duckling, like a good girl."
Emma gulped. "Um… okay."
Work would have to wait now. Regina grabbed her coat and purse. She rushed out, letting her assistant, Aurora, know she would be back in about ten to fifteen minutes. Leaving Town Hall, she spotted Emma's car with no problem. She hurried up the street and crossed behind the car. She came to the passenger side door and was not surprised it was open.
"Holy shit!" Emma jumped in her seat. "Regina, you scared me!"
Regina sat down and closed the door, happy the car was warm. "I'm shocked your heat works considering it looks like your engine is ready to fall out of your car."
"Shouldn't you be at work?" Emma asked.
"I was at work and now I'm celebrating your win with you because you matter and you're precious to me," Regina replied.
Emma grinned. "Oh, my God! Can you believe I got the job?"
Regina grabbed Emma's hand. "Yes, I can believe it because you were the perfect candidate. Congratulations."
Emma sighed and put her head down on Regina's shoulder. "I feel so crazy, like super amazing, but in a way that makes me wanna swim in the ocean right now. I don't know what to do with myself."
"You can do what you want."
"I have no clue what that is. I'm just buzzing with energy." Emma shook against her.
"Typically, I would suggest something I'm sure you'd enjoy, but I am the mayor, you just got hired as a deputy, and our workplaces are literally a stone's throw away from here."
Emma pulled back to grin. "But, we can do that at home, right?"
"Of course. Do you want anything special for this occasion?"
Emma sighed. "Being with you is always enough, but steak is also a treat."
Regina chuckled. "Steak it is." She would pick up some flowers, balloons, and a gift to celebrate. "And now that you mention food, I've been meaning to ask you, do you have any preferences for Thanksgiving?"
Emma made a noise. "Thanksgiving? When is that?"
"Roughly two weeks from now. I imagine you haven't had a proper Thanksgiving before. I was thinking we could invite our friends."
Emma's eyes went wide and she gawked at Regina. "A real Thanksgiving dinner? You sure?"
"If you don't mind celebrating with Mal and her cousins. You can invite your friends as well. I believe the term is Friendsgiving."
Emma nodded. "That would be so cool. I'll ask them."
Regina smiled. She would enjoy giving Emma these holiday firsts. Hell, she enjoyed giving Emma anything. She would have a grand time shopping for a gift later on.
"All right, I have to get back to the office. I'll see you at home," Regina said.
Emma squeezed her hand. "Thanks for coming here. Stuff like this makes me feel… I don't even know. You know how to make me feel like I matter."
"Because you do." Regina gave Emma a soft kiss and returned to work. She had plans for Emma later on.
-8-8-8-8-
Emma had errands to run. She was not used to having proper errands, but she required things for work now. Regina joined her during her lunch break to help get her started.
"Why do I need shoes and boots?" Emma asked as they entered the shoe store.
"Shoes are for any semi-formal work event while the boots are for work," Regina replied.
"Seems expensive." Who knew it cost so much money to start a new job?
"You can owe me."
Emma laughed. "How many cuddles is this worth?"
Regina smiled. It was such a carefree expression. "I'd estimate a year's worth at least."
"I think I can handle that. I guess having shoes would be cool with the watch you bought me." Emma nodded, agreeing with herself. She could not believe Regina purchased her a rather expensive and showy watch as a present to congratulate her on her job. "It's kinda ironic you got me a watch."
"How so?" Regina asked, scanning the shelves for footwear.
"That's what I got…" Emma glanced around to make sure no one was near them and still kept her voice down. "I got busted for. Possession of stolen watches."
Regina nodded, almost absently, as she picked up a boot and inspected it. "Only possession?"
"Yeah, I didn't steal 'em. Loser boyfriend did and left me to take the wrap." Emma frowned. She was so stupid for believing that was her way to a happy ending.
Regina turned, looking at Emma deep in her eyes. Emma wanted to lose herself in that gaze, but they did not have time for that. Besides, she would miss what Regina was saying if she did. "I'm sorry you went through that. People have been nothing but disappointments to you, hmm?"
Emma smiled. "Not all of them." She brushed her fingers against Regina's hand.
Regina smiled back. "I'm glad you feel that way. Now, let's find you the perfect shoes and boots."
"And I'll owe you a year's worth of cuddles."
"Maybe even two." Regina winked.
Regina was right once Emma saw the price of "good shoes" and "good boots." She was about to argue for cheaper ones, but the way Regina eyed her kept her mouth closed. Regina assured her these were cheaper in the long run anyway. They would last much longer.
Shoe shopping was rather painless. Emma got two pairs of work boots and a pair of shoes. Emma walked Regina to her car.
"Can I kiss you goodbye?" Emma asked in an almost shy voice. She glanced away, a slight blush on her cheeks. They had not been quite public with their relationship, but Emma desired nothing more than to show off their love.
Regina scoffed. "After what I just spent on shoes, it's the least you could do."
Emma grinned. "So mean, just how I like you." She gave Regina a lingering kiss on the lips. The way Regina kissed her back made her toes curl, even though it was pretty chaste.
Regina stepped away. "Don't be late picking up your uniform."
Emma nodded. "Right." That was her next stop.
They parted ways and Emma went to collect her deputy uniform. It had to be tailored, but would be ready when she started work the next week. Then, she went to Granny's to catch her friends up on her life and find out what was happening with them. Maybe invite them to Thanksgiving. That would be awesome.
Emma had not celebrated Thanksgiving before. She had seen stuff on television and in the movies. It would be cool to have all of the people in her life who mattered around her, sharing delicious food, and happiness. And, if not Thanksgiving, perhaps someday in the future.
"Emma!" Mary Margaret grabbed her into an embrace.
"Hey, M&M." Emma returned the hug with gusto. It was joyous, so much better than usual. Maybe it was because she felt better than usual.
"Hey!" David wrapped his arm around both of them and squeezed tight.
"Don't forget me!" Ruby made it a group hug. Thankfully, the diner was not so crowded yet.
Once the hug was over, Ruby directed them to a booth. She left to bring their usuals. They all settled in. Emma sighed, staring at her friends on the other side of the booth.
"So, Emma, it's been a while since we've seen you since you moved back in with Regina," Mary Margaret said.
"Yeah, sorry about that. We started… well, not really dating because we haven't gone on a date in the classical sense." Emma scratched the top of her head. They had plenty of their usual things in the house, but they did not have much time to do things after work.
Mary Margaret beamed, despite the lack of a coherent explanation. "That's wonderful. You deserve someone who will treat you right."
Emma smiled. "Thanks. To be accurate, she spoils the hell outta me. She just brought me shoes for my new job."
Ruby gasped as she slid into the booth next to Emma. "Food's coming in a minute. New job? Dude, you actually got that job?"
"Job?" Mary Margaret's brow furrowed and she focused on Emma. "What job were you trying to get?"
"I'm a deputy sheriff. I start next week," Emma answered with pride in her voice. Damn, I really wanted that job. She wanted to do as Mulan thought she could, make a difference in the everyday lives of people who had to deal with the police and needed some understanding, some compassion, and some empathy. It was not much, but it was enough for her.
Mary Margaret gasped. "Congratulations!"
David's mouth dropped open. "That's awesome! I applied, too. I'm waiting to hear back. I hope we're coworkers."
Emma nodded with enthusiasm. "That would be awesome. When did you interview?"
"A couple of days ago. He said he'd call me and let me know, but nothing yet," David said.
"I hope you get the call. If he said he'll call, it seems like he means it. It'll be cool to know some people at the station," Emma replied.
Ruby arched an eyebrow. "You already know people there?"
Emma shrugged. "One person. Mulan. Deputy Hua. She's the one who told me to apply. She helped back when Hook was being stupid."
Ruby nodded. "Cool. Heard anything about Hook?"
Emma shook her head. "Nope. Still leaving me the hell alone." She kept up with him enough to avoid him, but he was actively avoiding her as well. Regina had to scare the shit out of him.
Ruby nodded. "So, you excited for this gig?"
Emma laughed. "Excited. Nervous. I don't want to do anything that embarrasses Regina."
"Not like they know you're with her," Ruby pointed out.
"Not yet, but it might come up once I'm working there," Emma replied.
"She won't be mayor by then, so it shouldn't matter," Mary Margaret said.
"It shouldn't matter now. It's not like she hired you," Ruby added.
All excellent points, but they had no idea the sheriff's department had something against Regina personally. She did not want to do anything to make them think their feelings toward Regina were warranted. Of course, they're assholes, so their opinions shouldn't matter. If anything, she should be embarrassed to work with them. Yeah, let's go with that.
Ruby got up to retrieve their orders and sat down with them again while they all had their food. She ate Emma's fries, which Emma was used to. Mary Margaret filled the air with updates on her class. As she finished a particularly cute story, David sort of dropped.
"What's wrong?" Mary Margaret wrapped her arms around David's bicep.
"I just realized if I become a deputy, I won't be able to do the shelter trip with you anymore. Your students love that," David replied.
Emma arched an eyebrow. "Why would that stop? You can volunteer at the shelter and still set up the field trip."
David gasped and his face brightened. "You're right!" He clapped his hands, all too happy.
Ruby chuckled and knocked Emma with her shoulder. "Look at you making people happy and giving them good experiences with deputies already."
Emma finished her last bit of burger and smiled. "Hopefully, I'll be doing that more on the job and it'll take more than 'yeah, you can still see puppies.'"
Ruby laughed. "I'm sure it'll be more than that, but I'd be real happy to see puppies, too."
Mary Margaret nodded. "You'll be so brilliant as a deputy. I mean, you're always so outstanding with the kids when you come to help with them."
Emma shrugged. "Kids are easy. Most of them haven't learned how to be assholes. And the ones who are still fear adults, so you can scare them out of being an asshole at least while you're around. Adults are super comfortable in their asshole-ness."
"Yeah, but you now have the authority to overpower that asshole-ness," Ruby said.
Emma was not sure of all of that, but she was able to battle back against the asshole-ness depending on who it was. She wanted to put some good out in the world, to pay things forward, in the sense that Regina had made her life so much better. Now, she might be able to do the same with others. She looked forward to it.
"Oh, before I forget, do you guys wanna do Thanksgiving with me and Regina?" Emma asked. They all gawked at her, like she invited them to Hell.
"Regina wants us to sit at her table for Thanksgiving?" Mary Margaret countered, pointing at all of them, in case they misunderstood.
With a grin, Emma nodded. "It was her idea."
"It was her… Wow." Ruby shook her head. "You broke our amazing super bitch mayor."
Emma laughed. "She is not broken. Anyway, can you make it?" They all looked away. That said it all. "It's okay if you can't make it." She meant that. "I know it's short notice. I never think about holidays because…" She shrugged. "Well, I never celebrate them."
Ruby put her arms around Emma. "Sorry. I help Granny do a Thanksgiving thing here for people who don't have anywhere to go. But, I promise, I will make time for it next year if the invitation is still open."
Mary Margaret brightened up. "Us, too!" She shook David. "We'll definitely make time next year, but this year, we already have to go to David's mother and then my father. Sorry."
Emma smiled and held her hands up. "Guys, it's okay. I didn't think about it until Regina brought it up two days ago. But, would you really come next year?"
"Sure!" David grinned. "First off, Regina's food is amazing, so that's enough to come. But, also we'd love to celebrate with you. We are thankful for you, after all."
Emma's smile wobbled as her eyes burned with unshed tears. "You guys are awesome. I'm so thankful for you, too. I can't wait for next year." She meant it. She had never looked forward to a holiday in her life and, yet, here she was. She was looking forward.
-8-8-8-8-
Regina had to resist the urge to take pictures of Emma in her deputy uniform. Emma frowned, uncomfortable in the unfamiliar and unflattering clothing. Regina did not care how frumpy the uniform made Emma look. Emma was so damn proud of getting this job. To the point, it showed through her discomfort. Regina picked up her phone.
"No, don't take a picture." Emma put her hands up, as if she were naked and trying to hide her shame.
"You'll appreciate it later," Regina replied, quite certain this was true.
Emma shook her head. "In this tan? Is this tan? Grey? What the hell color is this?" She gawked down at her shirt and her pants.
"It's tan." The shirt was an off-shade of tan and the pants were a darker khaki color. It was god-awful, but that was neither here nor there. The important thing was that Emma was sharp and precious in that uniform. "You'll want a picture of this later on. Come on, look happy. Put up your chin."
Emma sucked her teeth, but did as she was ordered. She stood with her shoulders squared and smiled. Her eyes sparkled. Regina snapped several pictures.
"Such a good girl," Regina cooed.
"Is it weird that the couch is in the picture?" Emma asked, glancing behind her.
Regina shrugged. Okay, now she wants attractive pictures. That's a good sign. "Do you want to go by the front door? The overhead light might improve the picture. We can see how truly frumpy the uniform makes you look." She gave a teasing smile.
Emma made a face, but she moved in front of the door. She smiled and did her best to give a power pose. Regina snapped several more pictures.
"I would not be mad if you pulled me over," Regina said with a smile.
Emma grinned. "Even if the uniform is frumpy?"
"You're still tempting." Regina stepped closer.
Emma purred. "You like me. Hey, should we take one of me in the uniform and in my collar?"
"I'm sure that's against your code of conduct."
Emma pouted. "Aw. Can you pretend not to know that next month when you're not mayor anymore?"
Regina chuckled and wrapped her arms around Emma. Emma embraced her back, holding her tight and close. She kissed Emma as softly as she could, always happy to experience the press of Emma's lips. Emma's tongue tapped at her lips and she gave in, opening her mouth to the gentle caress of Emma's tongue. The kiss went from gentle to heated in a matter of seconds.
Emma broke the kiss, panting slightly. "Guess the uniform is a hit." A bright smile conquered her face. Her eyes sparkled with joy.
"I think we need to test that theory a little more," Regina replied.
Emma nodded and led Regina to the sofa. Emma sat down first and then pulled Regina down to her. Regina straddled Emma's lap. Emma's hands went right to Regina's ass, which was clad in black yoga pants. Regina went in for another kiss. They made out for a few minutes.
"Okay, no, I think I need to take this uniform off before I ruin it," Emma said.
Regina could not help laughing. "I can help you with that."
Emma grinned, but was not quite happy with Regina's help as it really did involve just helping her out of the uniform. Regina hung up the uniform properly to avoid wrinkles. Emma, dressed in nothing but her bra and bikini-cut panties, smirked at Regina.
"Back to the couch?" Emma nodded to the sofa and wiggled her eyebrows.
Regina smirked back. "Well, you have been a good girl."
Emma whimpered and fell back onto the couch. Regina stepped back over to her and Emma's hands went to her hips. They locked eyes.
"Can I take these off?" Emma asked.
"Only if you don't stop and let me take your things off," Regina replied.
"How can I pass this up?" Emma rolled down Regina's pants, taking her thong with her pants. Regina removed her camisole.
Regina had to step out of her pants, which gave Emma time to rip out of her bra. She started to remove her panties, but Regina's hands on her stopped her. Regina locked eyes with her, hooked her fingers in the waistband, and glided the panties off her, kneeling to do it. Emma's legs trembled against her fingers.
"Regina…" Emma's breath hitched.
Regina chuckled and kissed the side of Emma's knee. "Yes?"
Emma swallowed. "You gonna do this right here?"
"If you want me to."
"Fuck." The single word was breathed out.
"Exactly." Regina painted Emma's thighs with kisses.
Emma moaned loudly, uninhabited. Regina caressed her thighs and then up to her hard stomach. Emma scouted closer and Regina wasted no time giving her exactly what she desired. She dived in, mouth first, tongue finding Emma's clit with ease.
"Shit!" Emma cried out, but the sound was muffled by her thighs wrapped around Regina's head.
Regina focused on her task, drinking Emma in. It was not a surprise how sweet Emma tasted and this had nothing to do with the fact that her diet mainly consisted of sweets. Emma's personality was so sweet, she could only taste the same. Regina enjoyed every drop.
Emma's hands lost themselves in Regina's hair, encouraging her closer. Shivers coursed through Regina with each movement of Emma's fingers. I love bringing her pleasure, love loving her. Regina would kneel before Emma all night if Emma let her.
Regina licked Emma as one hand caressed her thigh and she slid her other hand up Emma's torso, palming one breast. She pinched Emma's nipple and the noise that escaped Emma was something beyond a scream and her thighs clenched around Regina's head. The thighs quivered against her, holding her in place. She would not have it any other way.
Then, Emma relaxed, falling back and away from Regina. Regina stroked Emma's thighs and gave light kisses right below her belly button. Emma sighed, blissful and content. Hazel eyes were partially shut and her cheeks were tinted red.
"How do you feel?" Regina asked, hands drifting from Emma's knees to her ass.
"I gotta get a uniform more often," Emma answered with another sigh. "Fuck, that was so damn amazing."
"I'm glad." Regina kissed her navel.
"Come up here. Need kisses," Emma whined.
Regina chuckled, but gave in as always. She kissed Emma with vigor, Emma's tongue seeking hers out almost immediately. Emma cupped the back of her head and massaged the area with her thumb. Regina moaned into her mouth.
"We gotta go upstairs. I wanna do something," Emma said.
Regina nodded and made her way upstairs. She expected Emma to be right behind her, but she was delayed. It was possible she was getting ready for whatever she wanted to do. Regina went to the bedroom and waited against the pillows at the head of the bed. Emma came into the room moments later.
Emma was still naked, but had on her bell collar. "Duckling reporting for duty."
Regina was surprised how her entire body throbbed at the sight, at the words. "So, come be a good girl and lick me."
Emma shuddered. "Fuck, that's hot."
She crawled onto the bed and went for kisses before anything else. Regina kissed her back. Kisses were important to Duckling and Regina had not realized how important they were to her until Duckling. Perhaps they had never been as important to her until it was Duckling. There was something so intimate and connecting with kissing.
Regina cupped Emma's face, holding her gently to her as their tongues caressed. A gentle hand drifted down until it was on the collar and she tucked her finger through it, ignoring the chime of the bell. She gave a tug and the moan that escaped Emma was beyond obscene. Regina trembled and pulled back.
"If that little pull gets you to sound like that, I have to hurry and buy you a leash and a tail," Regina whispered.
Emma moaned and kissed her way down Regina's neck. As she got to Regina's breasts and immediately took a taut nipple in her mouth. Bliss shot through Regina, who moaned and squirmed as Emma touched her. She gave the collar another tug and Emma took more of her breast into her mouth, tongue pressed flat on her nipple.
Emma clutched Regina's other breast, holding herself up with one hand. Then, she switched, mouth on the other nipple and hand on the now wet one. She had to shift to change hands to hold her up and Regina's legs fell open, trying to accommodate Emma's body.
"Mark me," Regina breathed out the order.
Emma wasted no time obeying, biting the swell of Regina's breast. Regina hissed and bucked against Emma, barely coming into contact with her thigh. More nips and bites made Regina arch as her body popped with pleasure, trying to seek relief. She needed so much more.
"Touch me, Duckling. Be a good girl and touch me," Regina begged.
"I am touching you," Emma replied, her lips drifting lower, right below the swell of Regina's breast.
Regina sighed, resting against the pillows as Emma's mouth drifted lower. Emma swirled her tongue around Regina's navel before going where Regina wanted her most. Regina hissed as pleasure burst through her the moment Emma's mouth was on her.
Regina gave herself over to the magic of Emma's mouth, her tongue, and even her teeth if the tender scrap meant anything. The jolt from her teeth was a great mix with her lips and tongue. Regina gripped Emma's hair tight, trying to pull her closer. Emma paused and looked up.
"Pull the collar," Emma said.
Regina nodded and sat up more, so she could grab hold of the collar. Emma went back to her task and Regina did as she requested, yanking the collar slightly. Emma moaned, dipping her tongue into Regina. Emma's hands stroked and massaged Regina's thighs as she worshipped Regina's body. Regina gave another tug and Emma sucked her clit into her mouth. Regina saw stars and shook as her body exploded.
Emma rested her chin on Regina's hip and smiled at her. "Okay?"
Regina scratched Emma's scalp, offering a small, tired smile. "You are such a good girl."
Emma popped up and kissed Regina, pressing their bodies together. Regina wrapped her arms around Emma to keep her close. They kissed for what felt like an eternity before Emma settled beside her. She shifted, so she was spooned against Emma, being the big spoon.
"I like this," Emma said with a yawn.
"Me, too," Regina replied, caressing Emma's abdomen.
"Like being your good girl," Emma said in a low voice.
Regina kissed the nape of her neck. "You are a very good girl."
Emma put her hand on top of Regina's and was asleep already. Regina smiled to herself. Emma was so content and she deserved this, deserved her job, and deserved love. She kissed the nape of Emma's neck again and drifted off to sleep herself.
-8-8-8-8-
Emma had Regina in her lap as Regina made a list for Thanksgiving. While none of Emma's friends were coming, Maleficent, Tinker Bell, and Nova would be there. Emma caressed Regina's ass to busy her hands.
"You know, you could just turn on the TV," Regina said.
Emma scoffed. "And distract from this sweet thing in my lap? Hell, no. Would you mind if I went shopping with you?"
Regina turned, gawking at Emma. "You want to come shopping?"
"Yeah. I never have with you, mostly because I was a house-pet, but now we're a couple and I think it'd be nice to do regular stuff with you, like grocery shopping."
Regina nodded. "That's fine. I'm going this afternoon. It's the only time I'll be able to do it."
Emma shrugged. "I have all the time today. In fact, it'll be the only time I have all the time for a while. I've got deputy training right after Thanksgiving." She wanted to spend as much time with Regina as possible before then.
"I am aware. Don't expect it to be exciting, though."
Emma scoffed. "I'm fully expecting you to gut punch a guy over the last turkey."
Regina chuckled and kissed Emma's cheek. The list was complete and they got dressed. Regina checked her phone partway through the process and frowned.
"You okay?" Emma asked, wrapping her arms around Regina's waist.
"Maleficent's list is longer than mine. There are only five of us, so I don't understand why she needs so much food."
Emma kissed the side of her neck. "Maybe she's trying to make things memorable for her cousins. I don't know what their holidays were like, but I doubt they were cool."
"You're right about that. This might be their first holiday where they're not pressured to perform in a certain manner and put on a cheerful face." Regina sighed. "Fine. This trip will take more time than I thought."
"That's fine. I'm happy to be with you."
Regina smiled and kissed her, which made Emma beam. Fully dressed, they made their way to the grocery store. Emma held Regina's hand for a moment, but then they went down the snack aisle and Emma was stuck in place.
"Grab what you want," Regina said, leaning against the cart, which was fuller than Emma remembered.
Emma jumped. "When did you circle back?"
"When it was clear you'd need rescuing. Grab the snacks you want. It's fine."
Emma grinned and snatched up several types of cookies and chips. Regina did not say anything, despite being able to make every type of cookie Emma dumped in the cart. She did not utter a word when there were mini-donuts added to their cart. The trip was as mundane as Regina made it out to be, but Emma was more than happy to have come.
"Should I stay out of your way when you're cooking? I could hang out in my nest. My nest probably misses me," Emma said. She barely went in there for clothes now, as much of her wardrobe made it up into spaces in Regina's bedroom.
Regina chuckled. "I'm not cooking today. I'll be cooking the night before."
"Oh. Is that how it works? I guess that makes sense." Emma rubbed her chin.
Regina kissed the end of her nose. "Help me put everything away. Mal will more than likely come here to cook in the morning."
Emma's eyes went buggy and her mouth dropped open. "Cook the morning of Thanksgiving? Is that how you do it?"
"For certain things, yes. We'll more than likely eat in the afternoon. That gives us several hours to finish up the meal in the morning."
Emma gave a solid nod. "Maybe… could I… I wanna watch."
Regina tilted her head. "You want to watch us cook?"
"Yeah. I'm so clueless about this stuff and I want to watch you do it. I want to learn."
Regina smiled. "That's fine. If you're a good little Duckling, I'll teach you how to make some of your favorite sides."
Emma gasped. "I'd love that!" It had never crossed her mind that Regina might teach her how to cook something.
"I thought you might. Now, let's unpack everything and put them away. We have to worry about dinner tonight rather than the one a few days away."
Emma nodded. "Whatcha making tonight? I was too busy getting lost in the ice cream aisle to pay attention. Wait, I have ice pops!" Emma wanted to get to those before they melted.
"Only one. You shouldn't have too many sweets and I know you're going to open those frosted cookies after dinner."
"I am. I can't wait." Emma rubbed her hands together. "I had a social worker who used to buy me those little cookies whenever she came to visit me. The family I was with sucked, but she was cool and did her best with me. It was always good to meet people who got into their job to help people, even if the system sucked."
"Oh, like you'll be doing with your job."
Emma smiled. It was making more and more sense why she wanted that deputy job now. Now, she was eager for training. I'll carry some snacks in case I run into kids, too.
-8-8-8-8-
Regina had to practically slide out of bed on Thanksgiving morning to start cooking. Emma was wrapped around her fairly well, but she managed. She popped the turkey in before anything else. She had prepped it last night with Emma watching over her shoulder. Sometime today, she would show Emma how to make cornbread.
Maleficent arrived early, dressed in her pajamas. "I'll change later. I have to go back home, anyway."
"You could eat like this if you want. It's only us and your cousins."
Maleficent blew out a breath. "Do you think I should've brought them? If their mother calls them today and I'm not there, she might talk them into going back home for Christmas."
"Then you'll have a month to talk them out of it. They'll be fine for the morning. Not to mention, once they experience a Thanksgiving where they don't have to act exactly how their mother orders them to, they'll be fine. They're enjoying their time with you. They're not going to leave."
Those words calmed Maleficent down enough for her to get to business. They worked in silence, moving around each other in a familiar dance. This was their peace, with themselves and with each other, in the kitchen. They were so focused on their tasks that Regina was not sure when Emma showed up at the kitchen entrance, sitting and watching them.
"All right, everything's on. I'm going to go pick up Tink and Nova," Maleficent said.
Regina nodded. "We'll be here and ready when you're back."
They parted with a hug and Maleficent petted Emma's head as she went by her. Once they were alone, Emma stood up and kissed Regina in a delayed greeting. Regina kissed her back.
"So, can we eat yet?" Emma asked.
"Nope. I still have two dishes to make and I waited for you for both of them."
Emma's eyebrows shot up. "What are we making?"
"Macaroni and cheese and cornbread."
Emma let out a genuine squeal. Regina laughed and walked Emma through the process for both. It was more difficult than she imagined as Emma kept embracing her whenever she got close. If she let Emma hold her, kisses followed and it took them much longer to make the sides than it should have.
"I can never cook with you again," Regina said, pressed against the sink with Emma's mouth on her throat.
"You gotta because I missed most of this lesson," Emma replied with a snicker and then there were more kisses.
"Who's fault is that? And you have to stop. We're about to have guests. Showering and dressing must be done."
Emma groaned. "Why are you so responsible!" She threw her hands up.
Regina chuckled and made it her business to prepare them both for the day. Emma was well-behaved throughout the process. She bounced somewhat, energy building. She was excited. Regina held back a smile.
"Can I wear my collar? Will it bother Tink and Nova?" Emma asked, rubbing her neck.
"I think it might be too much for them right now. Remember, they come from a very religious family. I have a solution for you, though. Something, I thought might help you while you were at work as well. Something to remember you're always my dear Duckling," Regina replied.
"Yeah?"
Regina nodded and went to her vanity. She grabbed a jewelry box and popped it open for Emma. Emma's mouth dropped open.
"Regina, this is too much," Emma said.
"Nothing is too much for my Duckling. You are precious to me and I want you to always have something to remind you of that."
Emma swallowed. "I'm so fucking lucky to have you."
Regina smiled and took the necklace out of the box. She put it on Emma and admired the flying duck charm with an amethyst heart at its center. She gave Emma a gentle kiss on the lips.
"Happy Thanksgiving, Duckling," Regina said. Emma only smiled.
When Maleficent arrived, it was clear Tink and Nova were just as excited. They both were talking a mile a minute the second they walked in the door. There were hugs and Emma jumped right into the speedy conversation somehow. Regina and Maleficent glanced at each other, no clue what the hell was happening.
Emma, Tink, and Nova never lost that energy. Apparently, it was the first holiday for the sisters where they were not scolded for "unladylike" behavior, which to hear them tell it could mean pretty much anything. The food was secondary to them, which was fine. All Regina and Maleficent wanted was for them to have an exemplary holiday.
Then, things got better for Emma. Her friends showed up. It was well after dinner was done, but they were there and Emma appeared ready to cry.
"We can't stay for long. My father expects us in an hour," Mary Margaret explained with an arm around David.
"It's fine. We're eating pie. You guys can have some," Emma replied.
"You had me at pie," Ruby said, rubbing her palms together.
"I'll be sure to send you home with one," Regina said to Ruby.
"Yes!" Ruby pumped her fist in the air.
This was more company than Regina anticipated, but it did not last long. Emma's friends were there for only about twenty minutes. Mary Margaret and David had to go to her father's house and they had to take Ruby back to Granny's, where she was still needed to help with the annual Thanksgiving.
It was not until they were alone that Emma made Regina aware of how much this all meant to her. The second they closed the door and it was only them again, Emma fell against her and wept. Regina held her close and let her cry. When Emma finally pulled away, tears stung Regina's eyes as well.
"This day was so awesome," Emma said.
Regina sniffled. "It truly was." It did not hit her until just now. "This was the best Thanksgiving ever. Thank you, Emma."
"What? You made this great! I fucking love you so much. I've never felt so loved before, Regina. I've never…" Emma wrapped her up in another hug.
Regina hugged her back. "Same, Emma. I love you so much and I've never felt so loved. Seeing you enjoy this so much made me enjoy it more than I would've thought possible. Thank you so much." This was so much and she looked forward to so much more. "You make me look forward to life. It's new and it's amazing."
"Same." Emma kissed her and then pulled away. "Did you know everybody liked my necklace? I told them it's my fancy collar. They thought it was a joke, but it was nice to say."
"Well, now, you can tell whoever you want and show it off all you want. Now, here's the bad part about hosting Thanksgiving. We have to clean up."
Emma groaned. "Well, now you've ruined it. I'm gonna go crawl in my nest and be Duckling now."
Regina chuckled. "You could if you want." Of course, Emma did not. They cleaned up together. It only enhanced the day. It was perfect.
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: Emma's new job, which almost gets in the way of her celebrating another holiday with Regina.