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It was just another day at Storybrooke High School.
Emma pulled up to the school parking lot in her ratted out bug that her parents bought for her. Don’t think otherwise, Emma greatly appreciated the bug and she absolutely loved it.
But, it was just another thing for her life long ‘enemy,’ Regina Mills to make fun of her for.
Regina Mills was the absolute bane of Emma's existence, and the cause of almost every single one of her mental breakdowns. Emma hated school all throughout her life, because Regina and her minions made it their life long mission to cause Emma to have the absolute worst school experience.
When they were in elementary school, Regina used to take Emma’s shoes, dunk them in the toilets, and pour them over her head. She also used to shove Emma over at every chance she got. But that was of course when Emma didn’t have the height advantage.
As well as muscle wise. Emma was a lot taller and had more muscle than Regina now, so Regina could no longer shove her over after about 6th grade.
Emma parked her bug, hoping that Regina was already inside. She had a habit of ‘coincidentally’ meeting Emma outside and not so nonchalantly picking fun at her car. Because as if her being a complete and utter bitch wasn’t enough, she was a spoiled brat, as well.
Emma grabbed her book bag and quickly got out of her car, slamming the door shut behind her.
She had only gotten a few steps towards the school before she heard giggling and felt the tap of a long manicured finger on her shoulder.
Emma huffed and turned, already knowing exactly who’s manicured finger that belonged to.
“Regina,” Emma drawled, rolling her eyes as much as she could.
“Emma, darling. I see you still have that death trap on wheels. What? Mommy can’t afford to buy you anything better with the three jobs she has?” Regina adopted a whiny voice and pouted her lip, tilting her head.
Emma absolutely hated herself for it, but she observantly watched as Regina’s silky hair that was tucked behind her ear spilled down the side of her neck as she tilted her head.
Emma’s lips pursed and she shook her head, preparing to completely ignore the girl and continue on her way to class, but she was again stopped by one of her minions, Ursula.
“Oh, don’t say that,” The girl said, putting her hand on Regina’s shoulder.
Emma frowned, confused. Ursula wasn’t the meanest, of course Regina was, but she wasn’t ever nice to Emma.
“It’s a nice car,” The girl continued, eyeing Regina up with a playful smile. “For a peonie.” Ursula finished, giggling.
Regina and her other minion, Mal, started laughing, Mal high-fiving Ursula.
Emma’s frown deepened and she shook her head, turning around completely and stomping her way into the school.
All throughout class, Emma was deciding whether or not to just drop out of school completely. But then, she started thinking about how far she’d come. She had survived many years of bullying and cyberbullying from the girls, so why should she give up now?
Emma was in her junior year of highschool, she would be graduating in a little over a year, so why should she give up. All because some girls want to act like middle schoolers? Hell no. Emma would stay.
If she left, that meant they would win.
And Emma would never let them win.
After lunch, Emma had a free period. She loved spending that period in the library, as nobody ever really went there, and she had a secret spot in the back. It was near the back doors, but nobody ever entered through there, and there was a little nook with a chair and pillows.
Emma was reading her book, and it was getting to a good part, too. The two women in the book were about to share their first kiss.
She heard the back doors slam open and she jumped, pulling her book, and legs closer to her instinctively. She looked up and tried to look at the doors through the small cracks in the bookshelves that reached up to the ceiling. She couldn’t see much, but she did see flashes of brown and blonde hair.
“It’s so damn annoying!” Emma heard, and she definitely recognized that voice. Regina Mills. She was sighing and groaning, and Emma's eyebrow lifted into her hairline.
She had never heard her sound this distressed.
“Just tell her, then. I know you put on an act that you despise her, and that your mother would absolutely, most definitely, without a doubt kill you. But wouldn’t it be worth it?”
“And say what?” Regina asked, and Emma could make out the girl throwing her hands in the air in a shrug position, “Hey, Emma. I hate you, but I’m madly in love with you, and I want to make out with you, but I act like I hate you because you make me nervous and I know my mother would never allow it?” Regina ranted.
Emma’s eyes widened. What the hell?? Emma’s heart was pounding in her chest and she felt as though she couldn’t breathe. She needed to get out.
Emma scrambled up to leave, but she dropped her very heavy and very much hard covered book on the ground, causing a loud bang to resound across the library.
Emma slapped her hand against her forehead and stiffened when she heard the telltale signs of three pairs of feet walking quickly around the bookshelves and towards her to see what the noise was.
And when Regina saw Emma, they both froze, staring at each other with wide eyes.
Then, Regina’s cheeks reddened and Emma’s heart was pounding in her chest, her legs felt numb and her head felt fuzzy.
Regina looked like there was steam coming out of her ears, and Emma's head cleared enough for her to hear the giggles coming from Ursula and Mal.
“Shut up!” Regina sniped, her voice sounding like a whip, cutting through whatever amusement the girls on each of her sides were feeling.
They both stopped, but Regina’s eyes had never left Emma’s.
Emma clung to her books, unconsciously pulling it closer to her chest.
“Em-.”
Emma cut her off by shaking her head. “I gotta go,” And with that, Emma shoved through the three of them, completely forgetting her book bag and quickly exiting out the back door.
She had no idea what to think, and all she wanted to do was go home and forget this ever happened. Emma thought that she might like Regina hating her and treating her as nothing more than the dirt she walked on rather than confessing her undying love for her.
It felt like whiplash, one moment Regina was treating her like absolute garbage, and the next, she had secret hidden feelings for her.
Emma got into her bug, only then remembering she forgot her bag that she normally tosses into the passenger seat. “For fucks sake…” Emma mumbled.
Forget it. She’d get it tomorrow.
Emma put her car in drive and drove out of the parking lot, her tires squealing on the pavement.
The next morning, Emma had almost completely forgotten about the interaction.
Almost.
She woke up to her mother yelling her name, and Emma thought she was telling her that she was late.
Emma hurriedly got out of bed, ran into the bathroom and brushed her teeth. She put on her deodorant and perfume after, and then brushed out her long curls.
“Emma Swan!”
Emma yelled back, saying she was coming.
She ran into her room again and rummaged through her closet. She knew it would be chilly out today, so she threw on a black crew neck and then pulled on a black and red checkered flannel.
Emma tugged open her dresser drawers and grabbed a pair of black sweatpants and then put on her white vans and grabbed her keys off her coat hanger on her wall, and her phone off her bedside table and shoved them into her pocket.
She ran downstairs and into the kitchen, grabbing a water bottle from the fridge and then walking quickly into the living room that led to the foyer.
“Bye, mom. Love yo-.”
Emma paused.
Regina was sitting in her living room with her mother.
Regina. Who her mother knew all too well. Mostly because of the amount of times they’d been brought into the principals because of Regina doing some nasty thing to Emma.
But because Emma’s mother and Regina’s mother worked together. And yes, that was just, “one out of three of her mothers jobs.” She was Cora Mills’ assistant.
Emma’s shoulders slumped.
“Regina has just brought you your book bag. Silly girl, she always has had the habit of forgetting things,” Mary Margaret chuckled, smiling at Regina.
Regina flashed a small smile and shifted on the couch. Emma’s book bag was right beside her.
Emma frowned and then walked towards the brunette girl, snatching her book bag and turning around.
“Thanks, I guess. Gotta go. Can’t be late and all that,” Emma said, quite shortly.
“Oh, Emma, dear,” Mary called out, standing from her seat, “Won't you give Regina a ride to school? Her mother has just dropped her off and the poor girl was planning on walking all the way to school.” Mary clicked her tongue and shook her head.
“Her cars broken down and is in need of fixing. I’m sure you can offer her a ride. It’s not a long drive, but it is quite the walk,” Mary ranted, her hands moving expressively with her words.
Emma’s brow furrowed and she was sure she was shaking. She was seething with anger and her eyes flicked to Regina for a moment. She noticed the girls all too tight posture and how her head hung just a bit.
“Fine.” Emma bit out, turning around and all but stomping towards the front door. She didn’t turn around to check that Regina was following her, nor did she answer her mothers call to her saying goodbye.
Emma threw her book bag in the back seat and slammed the door shut, ignoring Regina who all too calmly walked to the passenger door and elegantly slid into the seat.
Emma whipped the driver's seat door open and plopped herself in the seat, grabbing her keys from her pocket and sliding them into the ignition.
After all of thirty seconds into the ride, Regina just couldn’t help herself.
“I do hope you will keep this to yourself.” Regina said. And Emma almost reached across the car and choked the girl with her bare hands.
“Keep what to myself,” Emma bit out, tilting her head innocently.
“Emma.”
“Nah, it’s all good. I really couldn’t give a shit. Your secrets are safe with me, princess.” Emma kissed the tips of her pointer and middle finger and pressed them to her heart. “Scouts honor,” She said, sarcastically.
Regina sighed. “Emma.”
“Just please stop.”
Regina did, and Emma heard her shuffling in the seat.
When Emma pulled into the school parking lot, her heart finally felt like it was slowing in her chest.
She pulled into a parking spot and turned her car off, jumping out of the car and grabbing her book bag from the back seat.
She began walking towards the school, pointing her key fob towards her car and pressing the lock button. She didn’t look to check, or even care if Regina was already out of her car or not.
But she heard the clacking of Regina’s obnoxious heels advancing on her and she sighed, rolling her eyes.
“Emma, I do believe we should speak about this at some point, do you not?” Regina asked, her voice going higher a pitch at the question.
“No, I do not.” Emma said, finalizing THAT conversation.
“But, I just wanted-.”
“I don’t care what you want!” Emma snapped, turning towards the brunette. She was so sick and tired of Regina ruling and ruining her life.
“All I've ever wanted was for you to just stop being so cruel to me, and now this. I can’t deal with this and I just want you to leave me alone. What did I ever do to you? I don’t fucking understand. I can’t comprehend what the fuck I ever did to you for you to treat me like this.” Emma said, shaking her head at the brunette who looked properly scolded as of right now.
“What goes through your brain, that if you love someone you think you should treat them like shit?” Emma questioned, her eyebrows rising further into her hairline as she spoke.
“I don’t get you. And I don't think I ever want to.” Emma finished, turning again and stalking off towards the school.
But, of course, Regina just couldn’t help herself.
“Emma, I understand I’m in no place to want anything from you-“
“Correct,” Emma cut through her sentence.
“But, I really just would like for you to give me a chance to explain.”
“Explain?” Emma said, a choked laugh escaping her throat.
“Indeed.”
“No, I don't think that’s a good idea.” Emma said, shaking her head.
“But I just,” Regina seemed to not be able to find the right words. So, she grabbed at Emma’s wrist, trying to make her slow down.
“Don’t touch me!” Emma shouted, ripping her arm from Regina’s hold.
“I… I'm sorry-.”
“I don’t care about your apologies, Regina. I just want you to leave me the fuck alone.” Emma said, shoving through the front door of the school and ignoring Regina’s last plea.
Throughout the next week, Emma was thoroughly confused. Regina and her minions hadn’t advanced on her, not once.
Regina made eye contact with her all the time though. And she didn’t even seem pissed, or… angry. She just seemed resigned.
It made Emma almost feel bad enough to hear her out on the explanation. Almost.
Prom was coming up this weekend.
It was Thursday and she still didn’t have an outfit. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to wear a suit, or a dress.
She really liked the suit idea, but wasn’t sure if that was a cliche, stereotypical lesbian thing. And she actually quite liked dresses.
Emma found herself texting her mom and seeing if they could take a trip together to the dress and suit shop.
Her mom immediately answered with a thumbs up.
Later that day, Emma refused to give Regina a ride home. She left the school parking lot, not even feeling bad that she hadn’t asked if she needed a ride or not.
She just went straight home, picking up her mother and then driving to the dress and suit shop.
Emma and her mother walked in, and her mother immediately went to the flower filled dresses, showing them to Emma with a gasp at each dress. Emma suffocated a giggle and shook her head at each one.
“I think a white or red dress would do. Or maybe a blue. Like a navy blue. Or a green, that would match my eyes, right?” Emma asked, turning her head to look at her mother.
Mary nodded and immediately went to the green section of dresses. She picked out a few options and Emma picked out some dark blue and navy blue options.
She took them all and walked into the dressing room, hanging them up.
The first she tried on was a green dress that was completely straight, it had no poof at the waist. It looked good on her, but Emma didn’t like the chest on it.
She took it off and the next one she pulled out was a navy blue one. She happened to absolutely love this one, and Emma slipped it on quickly, looking in the mirror.
It had a v-neck and it was short in the front, and long in the back. The skirt was ruffled and poofy. Emma normally didn’t like either of those things, but she didn’t mind them in this dress.
Emma smiled.
She walked into the waiting part of the dressing rooms to show her mother.
Emma’s mother smiled. “Is this the one, dear?”
“I think so.”
The next day at school, she once again experienced absolutely nothing. Ruby sauntered up to the lunch table and sat down next to Emma.
“What’s up with bitch face? Her and her minions haven’t bothered you in like… a week.”
“I don’t know,” Emma shrugged, stuffing a fry into her mouth.
“Hm. Weird,” Ruby shrugged and let the topic go. “Excited for prom?” She asked instead.
“I guess.”
“You’re acting weird,” Ruby observed, “But I won’t third degree you. See you tomorrow at prom!”
“See ya.”
A couple of hours before the prom, Emma decided to take a walk. It was raining, and Emma loved the rain. She figured this would be able to calm her nerves down. She hated large crowds and she hated all the people at her school. Those things didn’t pair well.
Emma saw a figure in the distance, just standing in the middle of the road. Emma squinted her eyes, and walked a bit quicker. The person should really be careful, the rain and clouds were making the sky dark and it would be hard to see this person if they’re just standing in the road.
“Hey! You should really be careful, you could get hit-.” Emma cut herself off.
Of course.
“Regina.”
Regina just stared at her, and Emma couldn’t tell if it was raindrops streaming down her cheeks, or tears, but her short dark hair was definitely sticking to her face and her clothes soaked through.
Emma didn’t want to deal with this, but she couldn’t help herself but to ask.
“Are you okay?”
“I love you.” Regina whispered.
“Wha-?”
“I love you! And I absolutely despise it!” Regina was yelling over the rain, her hands gesturing wildly. “I can’t stop thinking about you. No matter what I do, it’s always you. I can’t get you out of my damn head. And I know I… I know that I did awful things to you and I don’t think I can forgive myself for it. Perhaps I was taking all my anger out from my childhood onto you. And that is so unfair and I’m… I'm just so sorry, Emma. I don’t… understand why I did such horrible things..” Regina’s lip trembled and she was starting to hiccup over her words.
“I just have been so obsessed for so long, but I knew it was never possible. I knew you would never like me and that my mother would throw an absolute fit if she knew I weren’t straight. I just knew it would never work out and so I suppose I took out my anger over that on you, and now I’m afraid I can’t ever fix that.” Regina sobbed, her hand swiping furiously at her face.
Emma just stood there throughout her entire confession, her eyes locked onto Regina’s face.
She was just so utterly confused.
“I don’t..” Regina whispered, trying to continue. “I don’t know what I can ever do to fix this, Emma.” She said, staring into the blonde's eyes, her own filled with tears and rain drops dripping down her forehead and cheeks.
Emma tugged a piece of wet hair behind her ear and blew out a breath, shuffling in place.
“I don’t know what to say to you, Regina. You literally ruined my entire life. And school experience. You were a right bitch.”
Regina chuckled. “I know.” Regina recovered, understanding that this was no laughing matter. “All I can say is I’m sorry and I hope that you can forgive me in time.” Regina finished, her hands aching to reach out to the other girl, but she firmly kept them at her sides.
Emma rolled her eyes and swiped at the rain on her forehead. “I don’t know, can you just… Can I have some time?” Emma asked, not really asking. She would take all the time she needs, she wouldn’t be forced to make a decision now.
“Yes. Yes of course,” Regina nodded. She grabbed at her shirt and squeezed out the rain, needing to do something with her aching hands. “I’ll see you later?” Regina said, questioning.
Emma forced out a nod and turned. “Get out of the road, Regina.”
And with that, she left, feeling the other girl's gaze burning through her.
Emma got ready for prom.
She tugged a lock of her newly curled hair behind her ear. She planned on keeping her hair down completely, but curled. Her hair reached her lower back and she figured that curling it would be enough. She wasn’t one for dramatics.
Emma brushed out her curls and then put on all her jewelry, small hoop earrings, diamond earrings for her second holes, a few rings, and a matching diamond necklace.
She stood and took her bathrobe off, and slid the navy blue dress onto her shoulders and turned, zipping the zipper up and then smoothing her hands over the dress.
Emma put her heels on that she had gotten from her mother.
Emma smiled and then put her phone and car keys into the pockets on her dress.
She nodded and then walked downstairs, rolling her eyes at the collection of “oo’s, and aww’s” coming from her parents.
“Oh, Emma. You are so beautiful.” Mary said, tearing up.
“Mom. Please get a hold of yourself.” Emma joked, teasing.
David snorted. “You look beautiful, Em.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Emma mumbled, being gathered up in a bear hug from her father.
“Well, I should be off.”
Emma should’ve known by then that she wouldn’t “be off.” She was at her house for another fifteen minutes, getting her photos taken.
By the time Emma got to the school, she was late. Only by twenty minutes, and Emma knew she should never be the first one there, but she had planned to meet up with Ruby, Belle, Jefferson, and Killian. Although she felt like she was third wheeling with Ruby and Belle going together, and Jefferson and Killian going together, she didn’t mind all too much. She knew she would have a good time either way.
Emma quickly sat down at a table in the corner of the room. Exactly where she wanted to be. She leaned back in her seat and looked around the room.
Damn.
Emma quickly spotted Regina.
She was wearing a maroon dress and it had a slip up the leg. It looked like silk and it also had the same v-neck as hers, but it wasn’t poofy like hers.
Emma had to admit, she looked damned good. Emma kind of liked how Regina looked with soaked hair that clung to her face as well, but-
What?
Emma snapped out of those thoughts by shaking her head.
She quickly looked away from Regina since the brunette had caught her eyes. Emma hadn’t even realized they’d been staring at each other for a while now.
Emma huffed and got out of her seat.
She was suddenly very warm.
Emma walked right through the crowd of people and out of the gymnasium and made her way through the school's hallway until she felt like she was far enough away.
She leaned against a locker with her back against the cool metal and closed her eyes, tipping her head back.
“You look beautiful tonight.” Emma heard. Emma jumped and her eyes snapped open, landing on a blushing brunette.
She must’ve been some sort of ninja, because Emma hadn’t even heard her heels.
“Um…. thanks.” Emma mumbled, side eyeing the girl.
“I…” Regina started, taking a step closer. “I was just wondering if you’d… if you’d like to join me for… a… for a dance?” Regina asked. She grimaced, almost as if she already knew the answer.
Regina licked her lips and shook her head before Emma could even answer. “Nevermind. I'm sorry i asked-.”
“Regina,” Emma interrupted, placing her hand on Regina’s shoulder to stop her. “I’ll dance with you.”
Regina’s eyes widened. “You will?” She asked, her voice rising with excitement.
“Of course. Now, let’s go before I change my mind.” Emma muttered.
Regina nodded quickly and started off towards the gym.
Emma quickly grabbed her arm and stopped her. “I meant here. I don’t want to go back there.”
Regina’s brow furrowed but she nodded. She turned so she was face to face with Emma and reached for her hand. “Is… is this okay?” She queried, looking up to green eyes.
“Yes.” Emma answered, simply.
Regina smiled and placed her other hand on Emma's shoulder. Emma placed her hand on Regina’s waist.
They could hear the music from the gym and they began swaying to the beat, Regina unable to look into Emma's eyes. She instead focused on the glittering necklace around Emma's neck.
“I’ve been such an idiot,” Regina whispered, shaking her head. “I’m sorry, Emma. I truly am.” Regina said, her eyes filling with tears.
“We’re having a good time, right? Let’s not ruin it. We can talk later.”
Regina nodded.
Emma could tell there was some internal turmoil going on, though. She could see the clock ticking behind her eyes.
Emma bit her lip. She and Regina had a lot to work through, a lot to talk about.
But, tonight was for new beginnings.
Emma leaned towards Regina, slowly enough that the brunette could stop it if she truly wanted to.
But she didn’t, she leaned forwards as well. Until their lips touched in a chaste kiss. Their eyes fluttered closed, and Emma's grip tightened around Regina's waist, while Regina’s hand squeezed Emma’s shoulder.
The brunette wrapped her arm around Emma’s neck and pulled her closer, feeling like she could breathe again.
The kiss deepened, their heads tilting as they became more comfortable with each other. Emma’s hands drifted from the other girl's waist up to her shoulders and then eventually they cupped her cheeks, her thumbs brushing against the brunette’s cheeks.
Her fingers felt warm on Regina’s burning cheeks and she smiled into the kiss, absolutely living in the moment as she realized the effect she had on the brunette girl.
One of Emma’s hands drifted down to the slit in Regina’s dress, toying with the edge of it, while the other stayed cupping Regina’s cheek.
Regina was the one to pull away from the kiss, inhaling a breath of air. It was probably a good thing she did, because Emma just realized she had been out of breath, too.
Regina looked towards the ground and had a permanent smile attached to her face.
“Does this mean… you forgive me?”
Emma smiled and pushed a lock of hair out of Regina’s face. “I’m starting to. It’ll take some time.”
Regina nodded. “Of course.”
“Want to hang out at my place sometimes?” Emma asked, trying to catch Regina’s straying eyes.
“Yes!” Regina said. She cleared her throat and then calmed down a bit. “I meant, yes. Of course I do.”
Emma smiled. “Sounds good. I’ll see you then.”
And with that, the blonde left prom. Regina left soon after, going to bed that night with a smile on her face.
On the other side of town, Emma was doing the same.