Work Text:
*ding
*ding
*ding
Regina blushed and excused herself from the conversation with her assistant. She pulled her phone from her purse and saw three notifications.
Swan: You’re absolutely beautiful.
Swan: Did you swipe right on accident?
Swan: Why are you on a dating app?
Regina looked down at the unfamiliar app and sighed. She tapped the screen, swiped the app away, and put her phone on silent mode. She’d have to talk to Ivy about her attempt at matchmaking.
.oOo.
Emma took a deep breath and wiped the sweat from her brows. She still had one more set left, but her legs felt like jelly, and her glutes were on fire. She centered herself before lowering herself back onto the leg press machine. She settled her feet on the platform and gripped the handles. She pushed the lever, felt the weight, and began.
Slow and steady.
Deep breath in through her nose, feeling the weight. Her knees bent and to her chest.
Exhale out of her mouth, pushing the weight, feeling the burn in her quads, hamstrings and glutes.
And repeat.
She moved smoothly, making sure her movements were fluid and powerful. Consistent and careful to avoid injury.
The final push as her set came to an end and then rested. She took measured breaths before standing, wiping the machine down, and re-racking the weights. She grabbed her water bottle and went to find a quiet corner to stretch before hitting the showers.
*bzzzz
*bzzzz
*bzzzz
The notification icon for the dating app popped up, and Emma opened the app.
Regina: Thank you for the compliment.
Regina: What gave you the impression that it was an accident?
Regina: I'm assuming the same reason you are.
Emma chuckled at the responses and typed out quick replies. She honestly hadn't expected a response, but she'd been happy to receive one.
Swan: You're welcome. It's the least I could do.
Swan: Your answer isn't really helping me feel like this wasn't an accident.
Swan: Well, I think you got me there.
Emma slid the phone into her pocket and began her cool-down routine. Deep stretches and deeper breaths. She moved through her stretches, targeting the muscles that were the focus of her workout.
*bzzzz
*bzzzz
Regina: Do you find that people often swipe on accident?
Regina: Why Swan? Is it safe to assume that isn't your first name?
Emma smiled down at her phone and took a moment to look back through Regina's profile. It almost read like a resume, or maybe it wasn't created by the woman herself. The photos weren't all selfies, but they weren't professional, either. They were definitely taken by someone close to her. The fact there were more than three photos was lovely. All of them were tasteful. One in office attire, one full body in jeans, one with a glass of wine in her hand, one selfie with the sun setting behind her, and one of an apple tree. It was a nice profile, but it felt like something was missing.
Swan: Not usually, no, but it has happened. And something about your profile screams, 'someone made this for me!'
Swan: Swan is what I prefer to be called.
Emma slid the phone back into her pocket and finished her cool-down. Even as she felt it vibrate in her pocket, she ignored it. Not because she wasn't interested in Regina but because she didn't want to prolong the ending of her workout.
.oOo.
"Ivy! How many people did you swipe right to on this damned app?" Regina asked as her phone went off for the twelfth time in five minutes. It'd been going off since she'd turned the ringer back on when she got home.
Ivy walked into the kitchen, a sheepish look on her face. "Not that many…maybe like thirty."
"THIRTY? Why would you do that?"
"Because Zelena bet me $200 that I wouldn't, and I really don't like losing to her." Ivy rolled her eyes, and Regina wanted to pull her hair out. Regina and Zelena used to take turns babysitting Ivy when she and her sister were younger, and as the young girl grew into a young woman, Regina took her under her wing. Ivy was talented and capable but mischievous, as shown by her latest stunt.
"Well, did she pay you?" Regina asked dryly as her phone went off again.
"Yep, I made an extra $75 for setting your preferences to men and women."
"She paid you extra for that? It's no secret." Regina scoffed as she switched tabs on her computer.
"Yeah, but you also adamantly refuse to date women seriously." Ivy snarked, a big grin on her face.
"And you think a dating app will change my dating choices?"
"Hey, you could meet your wife on that app. You never know." Ivy shrugged, walking deeper into Regina's in-home office.
"That's quite the declaration," Regina answered absently. She re-read the email and began drafting her reply.
Ivy grabbed Regina's phone, "Who's Swan?"
Regina sighed but made no effort to take the phone back. That would be pointless; she genuinely didn't care if Ivy saw.
"She's the only person you responded to." Ivy tapped the screen, "Wait, I remember her. I super liked her. I know you have a thing for blondes."
Regina rolled her eyes, "I do not have a thing for blondes."
"Mal was blonde, and wasn't Ingrid blonde?"
"What? How do you know about Ingrid?" Regina looked up at Ivy, eyebrow arched. Ingrid hadn't been a secret, necessarily, but she hadn't been openly dating the woman. She hadn't been dating the woman at all. It was far more casual than that.
"I stayed with you that summer, and she spent a lot of nights here," Ivy replied as if it was the silliest thing Regina had ever said.
"Friends spend the night."
"Yeah, but do they wear your clothes, sleep in your bed, use your shampoo, and drink your very expensive coffee with zero repercussions?" Ivy asked, smirking. "Ooohhhh….she responded to your messages."
Regina reached over and snatched the phone from Ivy. She re-read the message she'd sent to Emma earlier and then read the woman's response.
Regina: And you assumed I swiped on accident because…? What about my profile says, 'I'm not an eligible woman looking for other eligible people?'
Regina: Are you opposed to telling me your first name?
Regina bit her lip as she pressed send and watched the three dots immediately show up.
"Do you like Swan? Have you two been talking all day?" Ivy asked, looking over Regina's shoulder. It was apparent that she was reading the conversation.
"What? No, she was just one of the first to send me a message." Regina waved away any notion that anything was brewing between her and the Swan woman.
"You literally have about 20 unread messages in your inbox. I mean, I'm not surprised. I picked great pictures of you."
*ding
*ding
Swan: Do you want a line or the truth?
Swan: No, it's Emma.
Regina smirked at the phone and typed out her reply.
Regina: What's the line?
Regina: Nice to meet you, Emma.
*ding
*ding
Swan: If it was an accident, then this is kismet and you were meant to meet me.
Swan: Was it not nice to meet Swan?
"You're flirting with her! You do like her!"
"Shhh."
Regina: And the truth?
Regina: I'm not sure yet.
Regina went to put the phone down, but the notification went off before the phone touched the desk.
Swan: Women that look like you aren't interested in women that look like me.
Regina: And that's not the line?
Swan: Ouch, okay. Lol
Regina: Are you under disillusions about your appearance, or do you find that brunettes are out of your league?
"Oh, that was smooth, nice," Ivy said, continuing to read over Regina's shoulder.
"Go away! Stop reading over my shoulder." Regina swatted Ivy away, and the younger woman chuckled but held her hands up in surrender before walking out of the office.
Swan: Was there a compliment in there or am I reading too much into this?
Swan: Not brunettes specifically no.
Regina: Are you fishing for a compliment?
Swan: It would be nice but not necessary.
Regina: I find you aesthetically pleasing.
Swan: Wow you really know how to woo a woman.
Regina: Is that what you'd like, Emma? To be wooed?
Swan: um…only if you're doing it.
Regina: We only just met, Emma. How do you know I'm someone you'll like?
Swan: Fair. Tell me three things about you that aren't in your very in-depth profile.
Regina: Just three?
Swan: less pressure but you can tell me as much as you want.
Regina took a deep breath and thought for a moment. She found this woman amusing and enjoyed their back and forth. Regina looked at her laptop, the incomplete email looking back at her. She needed to work a little more. She sighed and put the phone down. She added two sentences to the email and then picked her phone back up.
Regina: I love horses.
Regina re-read the email and tweaked some things before the phone dinged beside her.
Swan: That's surprising but cool. I've never seen a horse in person.
Regina: Oh, they're beautiful. Very majestic creatures.
Regina: Your turn.
The reply wasn't immediate, and Regina finished the email and looked over a few spreadsheets before her phone went off again.
Swan: Uh… I'm afraid of heights.
Regina: Interesting. I'm afraid of spiders.
Swan: I can understand that. I'll save you from any spider that tries to get you.
Regina: My savior.
Swan: I'd like to be.
Regina smiled at the phone and rolled her eyes.
Regina: Oh, that was cheesy.
Swan: But it made you smile.
Another smile. Regina closed her laptop and packed it in her bag for tomorrow. She turned off the light in her office and headed to the kitchen. Ivy'd made a pasta salad and left a serving for Regina in the refrigerator. Regina plated up the late but light dinner and poured herself a glass of white wine. She settled on a bar stool at the island before responding.
Regina: Maybe.
Swan: Two more.
Regina: I'm a workaholic.
Swan: I gathered that from your profile but I guess I can let it slide.
Regina: Your turn.
Swan: I drive a yellow beetle.
Regina: I must say, I'm surprised by that.
Swan: Yep! I love that car. She's the longest relationship I've ever had.
Regina took a sip from her class and arched her eyebrow at the latest message from Emma. It was the first, not surface-level, thing the woman had said. That either woman had said.
Regina: I'd like to know more about that.
Swan: Nope, it's your turn.
Regina: I'm bisexual
Regina watched as the dots came up immediately and then disappeared. She bit her lip, nerves getting to her. She took a bite from her bowl and wondered if that had been the smartest thing to share. It wasn't as if she was ashamed of her sexuality. It just wasn't a usual conversation starter. It's odd that she felt compelled to tell Emma at all.
She finished the contents of her glass and got up to pour another.
.oOo.
Emma looked down at Regina's latest message, taking in the information. She hadn't been able to respond immediately. It was time for the shift change, and she needed to make sure David knew about their newest resident.
Swan: that's good to know.
Emma slid the phone back into her pocket, but it vibrated immediately. She pulled it back out and read the message.
Regina: Is it a problem?
Emma cocked her head to the side, narrowing her eyes at the screen before typing her reply.
Swan: should it be?
Regina: I'm not sure, but I figure we should get it out the way early.
Swan: Has this been a problem for you in the past?
"Hey Em, has everyone eaten?" David asked, walking into Emma's office.
Emma looked up from her phone as it vibrated in her hands. She clicked the screen off, grabbed the feeding clipboard, and passed it to David.
"Got it. Any dietary restrictions for our newest?"
"Nope, all good to eat with the others." David nodded and left the office. Emma grabbed her bag and her keys and left for the day. The sky was darkening when she stepped outside, and she took a moment to enjoy how pretty it was.
She climbed into her car, tossed her bag onto the passenger seat, and read Regina's message.
Regina: That's a bit of a heavy question.
Emma bit her lip, a little lost on what the woman met by that, but she didn't want to overstep in any way.
Swan: Okay. I'm sorry to pry. We can go back to getting to know each other questions.
Regina: I didn't mind the question, I just noted that it was heavy,
Swan: So….?
Emma put the phone in her lap and pulled out of the parking lot. Her apartment wasn't far from her job, but even when her phone vibrated in her lap, she didn't check it.
She pulled into the parking garage, parked in the spot assigned to her unit, and then put the car in gear before checking her phone.
Regina: Yes, it has. Women don't usually want a woman who 'doesn't know what she wants.'
Emma knew some women refused to date bisexual women, and while she'd had her own experiences, she wasn't one to judge.
Swan: I think you know exactly what you want.
Regina: Oh?
Swan: Yep. And it's a lesbian with a yellow beetle that she treats better than most men treat their women.
Emma grinned at her phone as Regina reacted to the message with a laughing emoji. She grabbed her bag and got out of the car, locking it first.
Inside her apartment, she kicked off her shoes and hung her bag on the hook near the door. She walked into the small living room and plopped down on the couch. She grabbed her firestick and flipped through the apps before settling on her comfort show to be background noise.
Regina: Is that so?
Swan: I think so, yea.
Regina: It's your turn.
Swan: I literally just told you I'm a lesbian.
Regina: It's on your profile.
Swan: Oh, I didn't think you saw it.
Regina: Why wouldn't I see it?
Swan: I told you I didn't think you made your profile.
Regina: You didn't explain why you thought that either.
Swan: It just sounds like it was written by someone trying to FIND someone a date and not by someone LOOKING for a date.
Regina: Hmm…you have lots of experience reading profiles, don't you?
Emma blushed when reading Regina's reply. It wasn't wrong, but Emma wasn't a serial dater. She'd just been in a 'casual phase' where she enjoyed herself with minimal commitment. There was nothing wrong with it, and she wasn't ashamed of it.
Swan: Maybe…
Swan: But let's talk about you finding me aesthetically pleasing.
Regina: What more is there to say?
Swan: Tell me, what about me is aesthetically pleasing?
Emma waited as the bubbles popped up immediately, and the messages came in quickly. One right after the other.
Regina: Arms.
Regina: Legs
Regina: Back
Regina: Eyes
Regina: Shall I go on?
Emma was a little surprised by the bluntness of the messages. She was proud of her body, and a couple of the pictures on her profile showed it off, but this meant that Regina actually looked at Emma's profile. Which made Emma very happy.
Swan: is there more?
Regina: Maybe.
Swan: why are you on this app?
Regina: You want the truth or a line?
Swan: a line.
Regina: I came looking for you. It was kismet for us to meet.
Emma quite literally laughed out loud at Regina's response. She got up and went into her kitchen. There were two burger patties in the fridge that she forgot she'd taken out. She grabbed a frying pan and put some oil in it, letting it heat up.
Swan: 😂😂 you're funny.
Regina: Sometimes.
Emma needed to know if her hunch was correct. She mentioned it several times, but it bothered her, and she needed to know the truth.
Swan: So....did you make the profile?
Regina: I did not.
Swan: I knew it!
Regina: You did.
Swan: So if you didn't make it, why use it?
Regina: Well, there was this woman who I found interesting, and I'm waiting for her to respond.
Emma read the message twice, trying to figure out if Regina was flirting with her or being very honest. She noticed early in the conversion that Regina wasn't someone who used emojis, so there was no way for Emma to decipher the meaning. She was just going to roll with it.
She placed both patties in the pan and covered them before responding.
Swan: Well while you wait for her tell me about yourself.
Regina: I already told you the three things.
Swan: Tell me more until your mystery woman is online.
Regina: It's 10pm. I don't know how much longer I can wait for her. I have to work in the morning.
Emma narrowed her eyes and looked at the time on her stove. 7:02. So they were in different time zones. That wasn't a deal breaker for Emma, though. Regina's profile hadn't had a location, and Emma's just said USA.
Swan: What do you do for work?
Regina: I run a business.
Swan: So you're a businesswoman?
Regina: I'm THE businesswoman.
Swan: that's kinda hot.
Regina: Is it? I mentioned I'm a workaholic.
Swan: aren't we all?
Emma flipped her patties and placed her buns in the toaster but didn't push them down.
Regina: What about you? What do you do for work?
Swan: I run an animal shelter and work part-time as a bail bonds person.
Regina: Those are two very different things.
Swan: The animal shelter is my passion, and bail bonds work helps pay the bills.
Regina: That makes sense.
Swan: Yep.
Swan: What kind of business?
Regina: Finance.
Swan: Boring, got it.
Emma pushed the lever on the toaster and grabbed two slices of cheese from the fridge. She placed one on each patty and covered it, letting the heat melt the cheese.
Regina: Do you really think it's wise to tell a workaholic that her life's work is boring?
Swan: I'm just helping you pass the time until your mystery woman shows up, so I don't really have to impress you, do I?
Swan: Unless you like having options, then in that case, I find finance work VERY interesting.
Emma smiled down at her phone as she assembled her double cheeseburger. She opened the fridge again, but her pickle jar was empty.
"Dammit." Emma rolled her eyes and grabbed condiments, lettuce and tomatoes. She turned off the stove and moved the pan from the heat when her phone vibrated on the counter.
Regina: Is that so?
Swan: Yep. Numbers are sexy.
Emma pulled off some lettuce leaves and sliced the tomato. She finished assembling her burger and grabbed the bag of sweet potato chips off the counter and a bottle of mineral water. She settled back on the couch with her dinner.
Regina: Sometimes they are.
Swan: I'm sure if you're into that kind of thing.
Regina: I'm VERY into that kind of thing.
Swan: You should teach me sometimes.
Swan: As long as it won't make your mystery woman mad.
Regina: I think she'll be okay.
Regina: Sadly, I need to call it a night.
Swan: Understandable, you are THE businesswoman. You need to get your corporate sleep.
Regina: Corporate sleep? Really?
Swan: Well you don't need beauty sleep, so….
Regina: You know…that was pretty smooth.
Swan: I thought so, too.
Regina: Good night, Emma.
Swan: Good night, Regina.
Emma slid her phone onto the coffee table before taking a chip out of the bag. Regina was definitely flirting with her. The woman was stunning, and their first conversation was nice. Emma wouldn't overthink it; the woman hadn't even created her own profile, but they seemed to vibe well. She'd see where it went.
.oOo.
"You're costing me money, do you know that?" Zelena asked when Regina stepped off the elevator. The office was already abuzz with employees. Regina usually got an earlier start but had an early breakfast with a potential client.
"I don't know what you're talking about. All my accounts are in the black." Regina answered, smiling at one of the accountants.
Zelena huffed and rolled her eyes, "I don't mean at work. I mean with Ivy. You're expensive."
Regina smiled at her assistant and collected her messages before walking into her office with Zelena hot on her heels. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"You haven't deleted that blasted app yet, and you're actively using it. You're also conversing with a woman, and it's been a full month, and you're still smiling at your phone. Two weeks was how long I thought this would last."
Zelena crossed her arms and looked at Regina pointedly as if somehow any of this was Regina's fault.
"I'm going to put her out, and she's going to be your problem."
"Liar…. tell me about this Swan. Who is she? What does she do? Is she hot? Where does she live? Is she hot?" Zelena's eyes seemed to glow with mirth and mischief as she sat across from Regina.
"You're not going to let me get any work done until I tell you, will you?" Regina sighed, exasperated. She hadn't kept Emma a secret, but she knew her sister, and sometimes Zelena could ruin a wet dream.
"Nope, so let's save us both some time, and you tell me what I want to know, and I don't make you late for the C-suite meeting."
"That would also make you late for the C-suite meeting." Regina stalled, knowing Zelena knew exactly what she was doing.
"Yes, but you actually care, and I don't."
"I swear I don't understand how we are related." Regina rolled her eyes and leaned back in her chair.
"So, spill it. You've got ten minutes."
Regina took a deep breath and explained what'd been happening between her and Emma. It's been nice. Low stakes. They've just been getting to know each other, and it's been nice to have someone to talk to and just relax with.
"So, when are you going to exchange numbers?"
"Uh, I don't know."
"Come on, don't you want to know what her voice sounds like? Your flirty banter could be so much hotter if it were verbal."
Regina shook her head in exasperation, "Is there really a big difference between messaging on the app and texting?"
Zelena rolled her eyes, "Yes, Regina. It's a difference. It shows interest."
"We communicate every day, is that not me showing my interest?"
"So, you are interested?
Regina knew she walked right into that one, and the smirk on Zelena's face was very telling. "As interested as someone can be when the other person is on the other side of the country."
"Yeah, Seattle is pretty far."
"There's a three-hour time difference between us. She's quite literally on the other side of the country."
"So you've said, and yet, you two talk every day," Zelena said, looking at her nails, feigning disinterest.
"Yes and?"
"I don't think the distance is that much of a hindrance. Lesbians live for having to take a plane for their first date."
"I'm not a lesbian."
"Might as well be. You're far happier when a woman is sharing your bed. Men annoy you."
"Mediocracy annoys me."
"That's what I said." Regina couldn't hide the chuckle that Zelena's snark elicited. It wasn't necessarily inaccurate. Regina didn't always have bad luck with men, but her last few attempts were unfortunate.
*ding
*ding
"Ooohhh, is that your girlfriend?" Zelena asked, leaning across the desk to see Regina's phone screen.
"She's not my girlfriend." Regina retorted and tapped her phone screen.
Swan: Good morning gorgeous. It's time for my morning run. I hope you start your day in the black!
Regina read the message and chuckled.
*ding
Swan: And end your day in the black, but I hope I hear from you before your day is over.
"What did she say to light your face up like that?" Zelena asked, craning her neck to see Regina's phone, though she was unsuccessful.
"Nothing, it's just something we talked about a couple days ago, and she remembered."
Regina: Good morning, dear. I did start my day in the black. You're a little late getting started on that run, aren't you? It's already after 6.
Before Regina could put the phone down, the notification sound went off.
Swan: Yea... well someone had me up very late talking about the difference between slasher and gore.
Regina: There isn't a difference.
Swan: We're not doing this again. I gotta run, and don't you have a meeting this morning?
"Oh, you're smitten," Zelena said with a lilt to her voice.
"I am not," Regina said, putting the phone on silent and placing it face down on her desk.
"Yes, you are. It's cute. I like this. It may be worth the money I'm losing."
"You would save yourself money if you didn't meddle so much."
"And if I didn't meddle so much, you wouldn't have a hot girlfriend in Seattle who runs every morning and texts you daily."
"She's not my girlfriend."
"Not yet." Zelena amends, and Regina doesn't correct her.
.oOo.
“Em! This family wants to add a furbaby to their home and wanted to know if we had any puppies we’re looking to rehome?”
Emma looked up to see a woman and a teenager. The kid was maybe 12, possibly 13, with red hair and a face full of freckles.
“I’m sure we can find something for you if you’d just-”
*bzzzz
*bzzzz
“I’m sorry, Rubes, can you show them to Paws Corner? I’ll be there in just a minute.
Regina: Would you prefer to talk off the app? Is that customary?
Regina: I’m fine if you’re not interested in exchanging numbers.
Emma smiled down at her phone.
Swan: 206-741-8771
Swan: Text me whenever you want.
Emma slid her phone into her pocket and met the family at Paws Corner. She’d been hoping to take things off the app but didn’t want to push Regina. They messaged regularly throughout the day and then once Regina was home for the evening.
“So, you’re looking for puppies? How young?”
Emma asked as she walked into Paws Corner. The mother looked at Emma with a look that Emma was used to. She smiled back politely.
“Potty trained, preferably. Connor is ready for some responsibility but not that much.”
Emma nodded and walked around the room, “well, puppies are a lot of work. Potty trained or not. They require a lot of attention and love. Can you do that, Connor?”
The kid nodded happily, eyes wide. Emma already knew which dog Connor was eying. They’d recently acquired an 18-month-old Lab Retriever that was sweet and house-trained. The family surrendered the pup because they were moving to a smaller place and couldn’t keep her. Emma walked over to Delilah, and the dog began wagging her tail.
“Her name is Delilah,” Emma said while she scratched behind the dog’s ears. “She’s house trained, up to date on her shots, and she’s been spayed, and we ensure all our animals are flea and tick-free.”
Connor sat beside Emma and held out his hand for Deliliah to smell. She sniffed him several times before climbing into his lap and licking his face. It was a sweet moment. Emma stood and let the two bond.
“They’re manageable dogs. Wonderful family dog. She has a great temper and is just a sweetheart. She came from a good home. They just couldn’t keep her.”
“How did you know that Delilah was who he was looking at?”
Emma smiled, “It’s my job to know.”
The woman chuckled and placed her hand on Emma’s forearm. “So, tell me, are you the Swan this place is named after?”
Emma nodded and carefully moved away from the woman. “That’s me.”
“Swan’s Shelter, it’s a nice name, and you have great reviews.”
“Well, I genuinely care about the animals. There’s no reason to do this if you don’t actually care. So, would you like me to get the foster paperwork started?”
The woman looked at her son and Delilah and smiled brightly, “Yes, I think we’d like to adopt Delilah.”
Emma led the woman back the way they came, “Well, we always do a two-week foster trial to ensure it’s a good fit. Then, a staff member will come for a home visit to see how everyone is getting along and then finalize the adoption. How does that sound?”
“Very serious. These animals are important to you. I find that so fascinating. We’ve been to a couple shelters, but Connor wasn’t drawn to any of them the way he was here.”
Emma walked into the office and sat behind her desk. “Well, the humane society and shelters are usually overrun and understaffed. I don’t have that problem. We can’t save every animal, but we try to keep them happy and healthy until they find their forever home. We also want to make sure the forever home is indeed forever, which is why we foster to adopt all our animals.”
“I think that’s beautiful.” How she said it made Emma think she wasn’t just talking about the shelter.
“I’ll get this paperwork printed for you.”
.oOo.
Regina stared at the message with Emma's number for the millionth time that day. She hadn't responded once Emma sent her number because she didn't know what to do next. The obvious answer was to text Emma, but they'd already been texting for a month. She knew it was around the time for Emma to be leaving the shelter to head home, so a call wouldn't be unreasonable. Or would it?
"What's wrong with you?" Ivy asked, walking into Regina's bedroom and plopping herself down on Regina's bed.
"Nothing, why do you think something is wrong?"
"You look distraught? What's wrong? Did Emma stop responding?"
"What? No! Why would you say that?!"
Ivy held both hands up as a sign of surrender. "Woah, woah! Relax, I didn't mean anything by it. Tell me what happened."
"Nothing happened, we're fine."
"Then why are you staring at your phone like it's a bomb," Ivy asked, concern in her eyes.
"I'm not."
"You were."
"It's nothing."
"It's something."
"No."
"Yes."
"Ugh! Zelena said something the other day that's been bothering me, so I asked Emma, and now I don't know what to do." Regina huffed, thinking about the conversation with Zelena earlier in the week.
"Okay….and?"
"I asked Emma if she wanted to communicate off the app."
"Annnnnnnd… she didn't?"
"She sent me her number."
"And that's bad?" Ivy asked, clearly confused.
"No, I just….I don't know how this works."
"Um, you use the number."
Regina sighed and bit her lip, "You two have messaged each other daily for over a month. Having her number is the next obvious step. Use it." Ivy bumped her shoulder against Regina's and smiled at her.
"Just like that?"
"Yep, she wouldn't have given it to you if she didn't want you to use it. That lesbian knows what she's doing."
"Out!" Regina said, chuckling as Ivy sashayed out of her bedroom, closing the door behind her.
Regina stared down at the number and then went for it. She copied it and opened a new text.
Regina: Hello, Emma. It's Regina.
Regina tapped send and waited. The message showed delivered, and she waited to see if Emma would respond immediately. She didn't. Regina put her phone face down on the bed and huffed. It was ridiculous to expect Emma to just stop everything for her.
*chimes
Regina's phone lit up and showed she had an incoming call. It was nearly 10pm, and the number wasn't saved, but she did recognize it.
"Hello?" She asked almost sternly and immediately regretted.
"Holy shit, you sound so much better than I imagined."
Regina blushed and tried to hide the chuckle that was bubbling up. Emma's voice was nice. Comforting.
"Thank you, I think."
"Definitely a compliment. My brain couldn't create the perfection that is your voice." Emma continued, and Regina couldn't stop the blush.
"Laying it on pretty thick, don't you think?"
"Not even a little. Damn, it's nice to hear your voice."
Regina smiled into the phone, "It's nice to hear yours too, Emma."
"I think I like that too much." Emma's voice dipped a bit, making Regina's stomach flutter.
'What, dear?"
"Hearing you say my name." It was almost a rasp, and Regina had to take a moment before responding.
"That's rather forward of you."
"Is it surprising at this point? And how is it forward? You're the one breathing my name into the phone."
"I didn't breathe your name. I just said it." Regina corrected, enjoying this silly conversation. If she wasn't so damn giddy, she'd be annoyed that Zelena was right. Their banter was better verbally.
"Say it again."
"No."
"Please?"
"Nope." Regina popped the P, a grin stretched across her face.
"Regina…, say my name again."
Regina cleared her throat, unprepared for how much she enjoyed hearing Emma beg and say her name. The firmness of Emma's tone was only amplifying the flutters in her lower abdomen. It wasn't something Regina often looked for, but Emma was different somehow.
Regina took a moment, listening to Emma's breathing before doing what was asked.
"...Emma." She breathed, intentionally adding a little extra breathiness to her voice.
"Yeah, you're dangerous," Emma said softly.
"Whatever do you mean, Emma?" It was not as breathy that time, but darker and heady.
"Stop it." Emma groaned, and Regina found herself crossing her ankles. Definitely wasn't expecting her night to take this turn, but she wasn't bothered by it.
"You just asked me to say it. Now, you want me to stop? Emma…. I'm confused."
"You….ugh! You're evil." Emma chuckled into the phone, and somehow, even that was attractive. Regina closed her eyes and let the sound wash over her.
"So I've been told…how are you? How was your day?"
"It was a good day. A really good day. I called because I'm driving, and I don't text and drive."
"Well, your safety is important, and I don't mind that you called." Regina relaxed into her pillows, settling in for their first phone call.
"Good. So, I think we found Deliliah a forever home." Emma started, and Regina liked that she could hear the smile in Emma's voice. She'd known that the shelter was Emma's passion, but being able to hear it was different.
"The lab that was surrendered?"
"Yeah, damn, you remembered?"
"Of course, I remembered. I saved her picture. She's so precious."
"She's the sweetest thing and so smart too. She fell in love with Connor immediately." Emma continued.
"Connor?"
"The kid. He's thirteen and has wanted a puppy for five years, but his mom didn't think he was ready for the responsibility. Delilah was perfect for them. She was a family dog. She's house-trained and incredibly sweet, and she and Connor got along immediately. The mom seems nice enough."
Regina uncrossed her ankles and cocked her head to the side, "nice enough? What was wrong with her?"
"Nothing, she was a little flirty, that's all." Regina could almost hear the shrug in Emma's tone. Regina wondered if Emma felt like she had to downplay her interaction with the woman.
"And that's a bad thing?" Regina asked, trying to sound indifferent. She wasn't bothered, not really. Emma was an attractive woman, so it was no surprise that women flirted with her.
"It's not good. I was working." There's something in Emma's tone that Regina can't decipher. She's good at noting shifts in people's speech and body language. Being a woman of color in a male-dominated field made it a necessity. But Emma was different. She wasn't a client or a potential problem, and yet Regina could still hear the shift, and she couldn't ignore it.
"Ah…and you take your work very seriously." She tried levity to figure out what she was missing.
"Well, yeah, but that's not the only reason." Nerves, Regina could hear nerves now. It was interesting; she could let it go, but that wasn't in her nature.
"What's the other reason?" She questioned.
"Well, I'm kinda talking to someone else," Emma said softly, and Regina nearly melted. She took a moment, letting the words hang between them.
"Oh? And who is this mystery woman?"
"Well, she's really hot. Like unnecessarily attractive and smart. She's really good with numbers. And her voice is…sinful. I could listen to her talk about crayons and never complain." There's that smile in her voice again.
"Wow, she sounds pretty great." Regina played along, her smile growing.
"I think she is, but there's a downside to her…"
"And what is that?"
"It's not really a downside, just a little complication."
"What's that?"
"She's a brunette," Emma whispered into the phone.
Regina's laughter surprised her, "Well, it could be worse. She could be a blonde."
"Hey! Blondes are great. We're so much fun, but you know that already, don't you?" Emma teased, and Regina shook her head, feeling a blush rise. She told Emma about Mal because they'd been discussing past relationships. She didn't go into all the details but shared enough that the gentle jab was warranted.
"Whatever, Swan."
"Hmm…I like that too."
“You are incorrigable.”
"You can encourage me all you want."
"That's not what I said," Regina said, still chuckling.
"I know…so tell me about your day."
"There's not much to tell."
"Tell me anyway," Emma said softly, and how could Regina not?
.oOo.
“Okay, who’s the woman?” Ruby asked when Emma walked into the shelter. Emma squinted at Ruby but didn’t answer.
“What woman?”
“The woman that has you looking like this? You’re glowing, your hair is shining, your skin is clear, and I swear your muscles are more pronounced.”
Emma rolled her eyes and headed for her office. She did not want to have that conversation with Ruby, not because she was ashamed or trying to hide Regina, but because the teasing would be merciless.
*bzzzz
THE Businesswoman: I’m so embarrassed.
THE Businesswoman: I’m so sorry.
Emma smiled down at her phone and typed her response.
Emma: Don’t be sorry, it was cute. ☺️
“You didn’t hear anything I just said, did you?” Ruby asked, arms crossed, leaning against the door frame of Emma’s office.
“Huh?” Emma asked, looking up from her phone. Ruby arched an eyebrow.
“Still gonna pretend there’s not a new woman in your life?”Ruby asked, amusement evident in her eyes.
“We’re just friends,” Emma said petulantly.
*bzzzz
THE Businesswoman: It wasn’t cute! I fell asleep!
Emma chuckled, shaking her head. Remembering how she’d been telling Regina the previous evening why Spartacus was worthy of praise, similar to Game of Thrones. She’d noticed how quiet Regina’d become and how deep her breathing sounded. She gently said her name a couple times before ending the call and sending Regina a good night text.
“So, who is she, and when can I meet her?” Ruby asked, sitting on the corner of Emma’s desk.
“She’s just a friend, and you can’t.”
“She’s obviously not just anything, so why can’t I meet her?”
Emma huffed but gave up on explaining anything but the facts to Ruby “because she lives on the East Coast.”
“Ouch, sorry, babes, that sucks.” The slight pity in Ruby’s eyes was a little annoying, but Emma wouldn’t tell Ruby. She’d just begin teasing her about uhauling.
Emma shrugged, “It’s fine. We’re just friends anyway.”
“Tell that to your eyes, smile, and whole aura.”
*bzzzz
THE Businesswoman: I hope I didn’t upset you. I really didn’t realize how tired I was.
Emma: Not at all. I like that you’re comfortable with me.
“Earth to Emma!”
“Huh, what? I’m sorry, what is it.” Emma put her phone face down on her desk. “I’m listening.”
“I said, we need to-” *bzzzz “schedule the home check for Delilah and Toebean Alley needs-” *bzzzz “a couple new scratching posts and maybe-” *bzzzz “just come find me when your girlfriend is ready to let you work.”
Ruby walked out of Emma’s office, and Emma couldn’t help but look at her texts.
THE Businesswoman: I am comfortable with you. I enjoy your company.
THE Businesswoman: And I love our evening talks. I find them very relaxing.
THE Businesswoman: Is that odd? Do you find it weird how comfortable I am with you, and we still don’t really know each other.
Emma looked down at the text and furrowed her brow. She checked the time. It’d be 11 a.m. for Regina. She should have a few minutes to spare; if she didn’t, she’d just tell Emma she couldn’t talk. Before she could second guess the decision, Emma pressed the phone icon and put the phone to her ear.
“Good morning, Emma.”
“Good morning, sleeping beauty.”
Regina sighed into the phone, and Emma chuckled, “You’re going to tease me about that a lot, aren’t you?”
“Maybe a little, but again, it didn’t bother me,” Emma reassured her.
“Are you sure? I feel awful about it. I’m interested in this show now.”
“No need, seriously. I wasn’t-”
“-Just one second, Emma… Where are the projections for Victoria’s accounts? Is there a reason they’re not ready? The IPO is in less than a week, and I need to know how her shareholders are and the stock price.”
Emma could hear the timbre of someone’s voice, but she couldn’t make out what they were saying. Hearing Regina in work mode was something Emma secretly enjoyed. It’d only happened two other times, but Emma never minded. Hearing the respect that Regina commanded made her both proud and something else far less wholesome.
“I want those numbers by the time my lunch with Rupert ends.”
“Rupert?” Emma whispered to herself. “What kind of name is Rupert?”
“A very wealthy one,” Regina answered, returning to the calm timbre Emma was used to. Emma chuckled into the phone, shaking her head.
“Listening to you in work mode is something,” Emma said, not realizing she’d actually said it out loud.
“Well, I can’t sweet talk my employees into doing their jobs,” Regina said matter-of-factly.
“Is that what you call it?” Emma asked, leaning back in her office chair.
“Call what?”
“What you do with your voice when we talk.”
“I’m just talking to you, Emma,” Regina said softly, and Emma sucked in a deep breath.
“Don’t you start that. I’m at work. I have to go scoop poop when we get off the phone.”
Regina chuckled darkly but took the husk out of her voice when asking, “How’s Hamilton?”
“The vet is in today and will check him out and see what’s happening. A couple of appointments are scheduled for today, and I think we have multiple surgeries on the books, too. Which means I need to be able to focus today.”
“Very well. But, um…I was curious about something.”
“This sounds interesting. What’s up?”
“Would you open to trying something?”
Emma sat up in the chair, “Something like?”
“Well, we both have iPhones, so we could…well…maybe we could Facetime tonight instead of just talking on the phone?”
Emma froze.
“We don’t have to if you think it’s too soon. I just figured, well, we send each other photos, and we talk and text all the time, but if it’s too much-”
“It’s not too much. I’d love to Facetime with you tonight.” Emma answered, cutting Regina off. She hadn’t meant to not respond, but the idea of getting to see Regina was blowing her mind a little.
“Okay, great, that’s good. I’d like that too. Are you working late tonight?”
“I’ll let you know. I should be out of here no later than 6:30 tonight, and I’m not working with Lou, so I’ll be all yours tonight.”
There was a pregnant pause before Regina spoke.
“I like that idea, Swan. I’ll see you tonight.”
And then the call ended, and Emma felt like she needed a cold shower and a nap.
.oOo.
“Is a Facetime call considered a date?” Regina asked Ivy while she started her nightly skincare routine.
“Do you want it to be a date?” Ivy asked, a little lilt to her voice.
Regina and Emma hadn’t made any declarations. They hadn’t missed a day talking to each other since their first exchange on the app nearly three months ago. There were days when they didn’t text all day, but they always at least sent good morning and good night texts, which was never a consecutive thing. Regina wasn’t a serial dater, but she’d silenced the app and hadn’t responded to anyone else. She did go look at their messages periodically.
“Well?” Ivy prompted.
“I just don’t know what the etiquette is. I’m usually in bed when we talk in the evenings, but is that forward? Will she think I’m trying to seduce her?”
“Are you trying to seduce her?” Ivy asked, and Regina rolled her eyes.
“You keep answering my questions with questions, and it’s not helpful, dear.”
“Because it’s not a big deal. She knows it’s late here. That woman knows your schedule just as well as you do, which is impressive. She wouldn’t think badly of you. You sleep in silk pjs, your face will be free of makeup and glowy, you’ll look gorgeous, and she fall in love…if she hasn’t already.”
Regina shook her head before adding her favorite serum to her face when her phone chimed. She froze and made eye contact with Ivy through the mirror.
“I believe that’s my cue to leave. Enjoy your date.” Ivy winked and then left the room. Regina could feel the nerves, but she tried to push them away. She’d stayed a little late at the office today because of a complication with one of the surgeries, and Emma would be at the shelter later than planned.
She wiped her hands on a towel and then picked up her phone to read Emma’s text message.
Savior: Hey, just got home. You still want to FT? I know it’s late.
It was a quarter after 11, and they both knew Regina was usually getting ready to sleep around this time, but she’d been looking forward to this call all day.
Regina: I’m still awake, I’m starting my skincare routine.
Savior: Your face?
Regina: Yes.
Savior: I have time to shower and probably find something to eat too.
Regina: It doesn’t take me that long!
Savior: ….sure. 🥴
Regina: Just call when you’re ready.😒
Savior: is that….an EMOJI!?!??!?!
Regina: Swan….
Swan: Okay, I’ll call when I’m done. ☺️
Regina chuckled at the phone and continued her routine. She wasn’t the type of person that needed 20 different products. She’d perfected her routine, and it wasn’t terribly complex, but it was necessary. It was a way for her to wind down. Self-care that let her relax and let the stress of the day go. She moved with practiced ease. Grabbing the different tubs and jars almost without thought.
Once her face was done, she moved on to her body, moisturizing the skin with her favorite dry oil. Her hair had air-dried, and she slid a simple silk nightie on and climbed into bed with her phone. She was getting comfortable against the pillows when the phone rang. A picture of Emma in the gym flashed across the screen. Regina stared for a moment before accepting the Facetime call.
“Hi,” Regina said, trying not to look at the small square with her video. Emma was sitting on her couch. Her hair was in a wet, messy bun, and she wore what looked like a sports bra. Regina couldn’t see what she wore on the bottom.
“Hey…was I supposed to wear sexy nightwear?” Emma asked, and Regina could feel the heat in her cheeks. The nightie was one of the simpler ones she owned.
“It’s just a nightgown,” Regina said, trying to keep from grinning like an idiot.
“Sure it is. You’re absolutely beautiful, you know that, right?” Emma smiled sweetly, and it made Regina smile back.
“Emma…”
“What? You are.” Emma shrugged, and it was mesmerizing being able to see Emma while talking to her.
“It’s not like you’ve never seen me before,” Regina said coyly.
“This is different, this is very different and not just because you’re wearing lingerie.” Emma teased, mirth clear in her eyes.
“I’m not! This is just regular sleepwear.”
Emma adjusted the camera and showed her full body, “ This is regular sleepwear.”
“ That is underwear,” Regina said, while her eyes greedily devoured all the spare skin on display. Emma only had boxer briefs on the bottom, and Regina could see how toned Emma’s abs and thighs were.
“Exactly,” Emma said with a grin before moving the camera back so that her face and chest were the only thing visible.
They stared at each other, eyes roving and neither speaking. They shouldn’t be shy, but this felt different. It was different. It was a different layer of intimacy. It made her simultaneously feel closer and further from Emma. There was a longing that hadn’t been there before.
“Tell me about your day,” Regina said softly and watched as Emma’s face lit up as she talked about the animals that were in the shelter. Regina loved listening to Emma talk about her work at the shelter, but seeing it was a different experience. Her eyes were bright, a perpetual smile on her lips. She looked happy. So happy and Regina loved it.
“Hamilton was so good! I’m proud of him. He did well with the anesthesia and wasn’t too cranky about the needle. He’s going to be okay. Doc was able to drain the abscess, and he’s on antibiotics.”
“That’s good! I’m happy the little tabby is going to be okay.”
“Me too, so how was the meeting with the C-suite? How’d you guys end the quarter?” Emma asked, shifting her weight and leaning her face into her hand.
Regina rolled her eyes, and Emma chuckled, “That good, huh?”
“It’s not bad, just frustrating.” Regina launched into a rant about work and how some of the members of the C-suite were not the most competent. She tried to keep it short because she didn’t want to bore Emma, but every time she looked at the phone, Emma seemed rapted by what she was saying.
“So, you had to go and save the account?” Emma asked, smirking.
“Of course I did because I have to do everything.”
“What would they do without you?”
“Fail,” Regina said dryly.
Emma laughed, and Regina loved the sight. “You’re so pretty when you laugh,” Regina whispered, marveling at the blush that flushed Emma’s skin.
“And bashful.” Regina teased.
“I’m not, you’re just….”
“What? What am I?” Regina asked, eyes bright. Emma was so expressive, and while Regina could always hear it, seeing it was different. It made her yearn in a way she hadn’t in a long time.
“You’re laying over there looking like a wet dream, and I’m just trying to keep my eyes on your face.”
Regina’s eyebrows raised almost without her permission. “Is there something else that has your attention, Emma?”
“Don’t.” Emma shook her head, a little smirk on her lips.
Regina changed the angle of the camera so a little more of her cleavage showed and she looked directly into the camera, “Don’t what….Emma?”
Emma closed her eyes and bit her lip, “I’m trying, and you’re making it very difficult.”
“Trying what?” Regina breathed, and she could see it was doing something to Emma.
“Trying to not cross any lines.”
“What do you mean?”
Emma opened her eyes, and there was something in them, “Regina, you know exactly what I’m talking about.”
Regina tilted her head, “I do?”
“Yes.”
“Tell me.”
“Regina,” Emma warned, and something hot flashed through Regina at her tone.
“Emma.”
“It’s late.”
“I’m not tired,” Regina said quickly, not wanting Emma to end the call. She was wide awake, and she sensed something was happening between them.
“This is…I really don’t want to….”
“Want to what?”
Emma sighed and shifted on the couch. “I like talking to you.”
“I like talking to you too,” Regina whispered back, watching the little smile on Emma’s face. She was gorgeous. Regina knew it, had seen it in pictures, but the light in her eyes, the little smile that never quite went away, the soft curve of her top lip and the way she regularly licked or bit her bottom lip. It was a privilege to experience it in real time, even if it was just a video call.
“And I like it when you send me pictures.” Emma continued, not looking at the phone anymore. Regina wanted her to, wanted to see her eyes.
“I also like when you send me pictures.”
“And I’ve wanted to ask to Facetime since you texted me, and the damn message was blue.”
“Okay.”
“So, yeah.”
“So, yeah, what?”
“Regina, come on. You have to know I like you. You have to, right?” Emma’s eyes were nearly pleading, and there was something there. It almost looked like fear. Was it possible that Regina hadn’t been as transparent as she thought she’d been?
“Do you think I don’t like you?”
“It’s not that.”
“Just say it, Emma,” Regina asked, shifting slightly to get more comfortable.
“I’m starting to think of you as more than a friend,” Emma whispered, biting her lower lip.
“Okay.”
“Okay?” Emma asked, a look of concern in her eyes.
Regina smiled, “Yes, Emma.”
“Yes, Emma, like that’s sweet, but no or Yes, Emma, I also think of you as more than a friend?” She wasn’t looking at the camera again, and Regina could hear the worry, and even still, Regina was holding back.
“Are you asking me if I consider you my girlfriend?”
“I mean…that’s not exactly what-” Emma stammered and cut herself off, her cheeks pink, and Regina wanted nothing more than to pull her close.
This wasn’t the plan when she’d asked for the call. She’d just wanted to see Emma, her smile, her eyes, and just her. There had been no agenda, but she couldn’t lie to herself. She was pleased that they’d stumbled upon the conversation.
“Do you want to be my girlfriend?” Regina whispered, trying to hide her nerves.
“God, yes.”
“Okay.”
“Okay.” Emma smiled.
.oOo.
Emma: Your birthday is in a month.
THE Businesswoman😘: I'm aware.
Emma rolled her eyes and looked at her computer screen. She flipped through different tabs and sighed.
THE Businesswoman😘: Is there a reason you're bringing it up?
Emma: Maybe😏
The Facetime call notification was almost immediate. Emma grinned before answering the call.
"You're supposed to be working."
"And you're plotting. What are you doing?" It was almost annoying how well Regina knew Emma now. But they'd just hit the three-month mark of officially dating, so it wasn't all that surprising. Regina could read Emma like a book.
Emma widened her eyes to appear innocent. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Liar." Regina laughed, "I agreed to a Christmas gift. I did not agree to a birthday gift."
"I couldn't get you what I wanted to get you for Christmas, so I'm trying to rectify that on your birthday," Emma argued.
Regina shook her head, looking down at her wrist, where Emma knew the bracelet was sitting.
"I love my Christmas gift," Regina said softly, and Emma couldn't help the smile. The bracelet wasn't extravagant, but when Emma was trying to decide what to get Regina, she'd wanted it to mean something. She'd finally decided on a Pandora bracelet. One charm was a briefcase, and the other was a paw print that said, ' I woof you.' Emma had been so nervous to watch Regina open it, but she'd smiled so big, and her eyes were teary, and Emma knew she'd made the right choice.
"I know you do, but I wanted to do something else."
Regina narrowed her eyes, and it made Emma look away. She heard Regina inhale sharply. When she looked back at Regina, she seemed almost stunned.
"I thought we were going to wait until Spring Break." She said softly.
Emma bit her lip, "I know, I know. I just…I don't know if I can wait that long. I'd really wanted to surprise you for Christmas, but David was on paternity leave, and Jacinda wasn't ready to be left alone just yet, and it didn't work. But….I figured it'd be a nice birthday gift."
"I….it would be an amazing birthday gift, we-" Regina cut herself off, "Yes, Zelena?"
Emma chuckled, knowing what was going to happen.
"Is that The Swan? Let me see her!" Zelena said, and soon Emma watched the phone be snatched away. Emma laughed, always amused by Zelena and her relationship with Regina.
"Hi, Zelena," Emma said when the redhead appeared. She could hear Regina muttering, but Zelena ignored her.
"Swan! You little minx, distracting her while she's supposed to be working."
"She called me. I didn't do anything." Emma laughed
"You have my sister wrapped around your finger."
"That's quite enough of that," Regina said, reaching for the phone.
"Let me talk to my future sister-in-law," Zelena said
“Okaaaay, you’re done.” Regina took the phone back, and Emma couldn't stop laughing. "What did you need?"
"Rupert wants to push his lunch to….now, so I was coming to get you." Regina rolled her eyes, and Emma chuckled.
"Well, you can't keep Rupert waiting," Emma said, rolling the 'R' aggressively. Zelena cackled, and Regina just shook her head.
"Call me when you get home so we can finish talking about…everything."
"Talking about what? Swan, are you trying to steal my sister away to Seattle!?" Zelena screeched, shoving her face next to Regina's so she could be visible. She gave Emma a faux glare.
"Uh…nope, that was not the plan."
Zelena looked at Regina, "You want her to move to Maine?"
"What? No! No one is moving."
Zelena smirked and looked back at the camera, "Not yet." She winked
Emma chuckled a little, "I'll call you tonight."
"Okay," Regina said.
"Alright, kiss kiss, smooch smooch, she loves you, you love her… we have to go. Bye, Swan!"
Zelena ended the call, and Emma just stared at the phone screen. They hadn't gotten that far yet. Neither had said it. Yes, Emma bought the charm bracelet, so it was heavily implied, but she hadn't verbalized it. Not yet, but it may be time.
.oOo.
"There's nothing wrong with her wanting to see you for your birthday. The fact that it's taken this long is surprising, honestly." Ivy said while Regina pan-seared chicken thighs.
"This long? It's been three months."
"It's been six ." Ivy corrected, and Regina scoffed.
"We met six months ago, yes."
" I downloaded a dating app, made you a profile and liked over 30 profiles. She was the only person you even looked twice at."
"And we got to know each other."
"You talked every day for three months. That's a little more than 'getting to know one another.' In the six months that you've known this woman, has one single day gone by that you haven't gotten at least a 'good morning' text?"
Regina didn't answer because Ivy already knew the answer.
"Exactly my point. So, let that woman get on a plane and fly across the country to see you. It's not like you don't want to see her. Are you worried it's going to change?"
"No…I just… it's complicated."
"You're not going to want her to leave," Ivy said softly.
"We've built lives for ourselves on opposite sides of the country. I would never ask her to leave Swan's Shelter, and she would never ask me to leave Gold & Associates. Having her here will be beautiful, but then I'll have to take her back to the airport and watch her leave, and I don't…I can't…." She didn't finish because she could feel the burn of tears trying to free themselves. Having Emma in her arms, in her home, in her bed, she wouldn't recover. She already felt so much for her, and she'd never even seen her in person. It's going to wreck her.
"You can't run from it because you're afraid. It's good what you two have. You love her, and that scares you. I know, but don't push her away because you're scared. You don't get to make that decision for her."
Regina knew that Ivy was right, but dammit, it was terrifying. She turned off the stove and pulled down two plates. She took the salad she'd made from the refrigerator and served it, placing the chicken atop it.
"She loves that shelter. It's her passion. She loves Seattle, the gym she's a member of, and her friends. She loves the weather and her elderly neighbor, who sometimes cooks for her. Her friends and employees. I can't take that from her."
She set a plate in front of Ivy and took the offered wine glass.
"Why are you even worried about moving? This would be the first meet."
"Zelena said something to Emma this morning.."
Ivy's eyes went wide, "What did she say?"
"Called Emma her future sister-in-law, asked if she was trying to steal me away to Seattle and then asked if I was trying to get Emma to move to Maine. Then, after we both said neither of us was moving, she said, "not yet.' But she didn't stop there, she told us that we loved each other and then hung up on Emma. I haven't heard from her since."
"Regina, you can't assume that's a bad thing. She runs a business. You know how busy she gets."
"I know that I do, but she looked so-"
Regina's phone rang on the counter, and they both looked at it. "You were saying?"
Ivy challenged before taking a large bite of salad. Regina got up and grabbed the phone, seeing the picture of Emma.
"Hello."
"Hey babe, I'm sorry I didn't text today. A lot happened. We got a call about a dog fighting ring, and there were six pitties I just had to take because no one else would, and I couldn't let them be put to sleep."
"A dog fighting ring? That's horrible. How are all of the dogs?" Regina asked, genuinely horrified.
"Traumatized, and we had to separate them from all the other dogs and each other. It was….a lot, but we got it figured out."
"That's good."
"Hi, Emma!" Ivy said, loud enough to be heard.
"Hey, Ivy," Emma said with a chuckle. Regina knew Emma was amused by both Zelena and Ivy.
"She said hey." Ivy smiled at Regina before taking her plate and wine glass and leaving the kitchen.
"So, how was lunch with Rupert?" Emma asked.
"Oh, it was okay."
"What's wrong?" She asked immediately.
"Why do you say that?" Regina asked, trying to deflect.
Regina's phone beeped, and she saw that Emma requested Facetime. She accepted the call.
"Talk to me," Emma asked.
"It's nothing."
"No, it's not."
"Emma…"
"If you think a visit is too soon, we can stick with the original plan. I didn't mean to-"
"It's not too soon."
"Okay, so what is it?"
Regina cleared her throat, already feeling the tightness there. "I… it's silly."
"It's not."
"You'll have to leave. You'll come here, stay a couple of days, and then leave, and I…" Regina sniffed and paused her video. She was so embarrassed. She hadn't meant to say anything. She hadn't wanted to make it Emma's problem.
"Hey…hey, it's okay. I get it. I'm going to absolutely hate leaving you, but I can't pass up the chance to look into your eyes for the first. No screens just us. I need that." Emma said softly, and it only made the tears fall.
"Emma…."
"I know, but it's been six months, and I really want to kiss you." Regina laughed a little.
"I want to kiss you too." Regina grabbed a napkin and dabbed her eyes before unpausing the video.
"There she is. You're so beautiful."
"I look a mess with puffy eyes and tear-stained cheeks."
"Doesn't matter. You're the most beautiful woman in the world."
"Stop it, you're going to make me cry again."
Emma smiled at her, "I love you."
Regina's heart slammed against her ribs, and her vision blurred as more tears collected in her eyes.
"I love you, too," Regina whispered and couldn't stop the tears when she saw the look on Emma's face. Regina took a deep breath, "I have miles you can use for the flight."
Emma's smile was so beautiful it made Regina's heartache. She was in love with Emma Swan.
.oOo.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Delta Airlines welcomes you to Bangor, Maine. The local time is 9:41 AM. For your safety and the safety of those around you, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened and keep the aisle(s) clear until we are parked at the gate."
Emma: Just landed
The response was immediate.
THE Businesswoman😘: I'm here. Near baggage claim.
Emma's leg bounced as she waited for the flight attendants to announce that they could de-plane. She'd already had her carry-on. She would be one of the first off the plane anyway because Regina had insisted on buying a first-class ticket. Emma had tried for days to convince Regina that it wasn't necessary, but Regina wasn't willing to compromise.
They'd agreed on five days. Regina had taken the time off, and it would be just them and a dinner with Regina's family the day before her birthday.
The flight had felt like an eternity. Emma thought the red-eye flight would mean she would sleep through the flight, but that hadn't been the case. She did sleep, but she woke up with two hours left until they landed, and the nerves made it impossible to fall back asleep.
The door hissed, and the flight attendants began ushering first class off the plane. Emma tried not to rush anyone, but it was difficult to do. She didn't have patience for the elevator, so she took the escalator she treated like a staircase to the first floor to get to baggage claim.
She scanned the crowd, looking for Regina. It didn't take long. The woman was stunning in fitted slacks and a silk button-down. Her hair was past her shoulders, and she looked down at her phone. Emma just stared for a moment, taking in the sight. Unbelieving that she'd gotten so damn lucky. She started moving before she realized she was, and then Regina looked up, and it was like looking into the sun. Regina's smile was soft and tender, and Emma knew that she'd do anything to make sure Regina always smiled like that. Always looked at her like that.
They moved towards each other like magnets, drawn together. Emma dropped her bag once Regina was at arm's length and hugged the woman. She lifted her, and Regina squealed and held on as Emma spun them.
"You smell so damn good," Emma said into Regina's neck and loved the melodic laughter she got in response.
She held Regina tight for a moment longer before setting her down. They stared at each other, still wrapped in the other's arms. They would debate about it for years, but Emma knew it was Regina who leaned in first. Her lips were so soft Emma thought she'd melt. It was sweet at first. Just the faintest of touches. A whisper almost, but Regina leaned back in, pressing their lips together. Emma fell into it. Letting everything around them melt away. She wrapped her arms tightly around Regina's waist and moaned softly when Regina cupped the back of her neck.
When their tongues touched for the first time, it sent euphoria through Emma's entire body. She groaned, and Regina answered with the softest moan before slowing the kiss.
"How was your flight?" Regina whispered, their lips nearly brushing.
"I'm still in the clouds," Emma answered, and Regina's smile was radiant.
Emma knew they'd figure it out. They'd make it work because it was worth it. Regina was worth it. The distance wouldn't break them; they'd break the distance.