Actress/Character One-Shots (WLW)

I Know - R. Mills

Prompt, found on Pinterest, in bold

Calliope sat across from her sister, leg bouncing rapidly and fists clenched. She was doing her best to stay calm, as they were at Granny's, but her patience was wearing thinner and thinner with each word that left Susan's mouth. She couldn't believe her sister was doing this to her again.

"I can't do that, Susan; I can't just up and leave on a whim because Mother thinks I should. I have a life here, no thanks to all of you." Susan rolled her eyes and scoffed as she slumped back in her seat.

"I'm seriously asking you to do one thing, and you refuse? What kind of sister are you? Not to mention daughter. You really need to get your pri-" That was the final straw for Calliope. She snapped, no longer caring that they were in public.

"How dare you demand more of me when you know, without question, that I would give you the very shirt off my back if you asked for it. My very skin and blood and bones to keep you all happy! I have done everything you have asked of me for the last twenty years, and I will no longer allow you to guilt me into falling at your feet. I'm done!" she shouted. She pushed back her chair, toppling it over in her haste, and rushed out of Granny's leaving a shocked audience of Susan and other restaurant-goers behind. Among them was Regina Mills, one of Calliope's best, and only, friends. After taking a second to process what had happened, she sprung out of her seat and chased after her obviously upset friend.

Calliope stopped in a nearby alley, slamming her knuckles against the wall over and over as she tried to reign in her emotions. The last thing she needed right now was to lose control of her magic and hurt someone because she was angry. Her vision was blurred with frustrated tears, and her hand ached. She didn't stop until a hand caught her wrist and pulled it away. She tensed and turned but relaxed when she saw it was only Regina.

"Stop that. You're going to hurt yourself," she scolded rather gently. Calliope only whimpered and fell into Regina's embrace, burying her face in the woman's neck. "I know, bug, I'm sorry."

They remained that way for quite some time until Calliope's sobs slowed to sniffles. She pulled away from the brunette, her head lowered in shame at her previous actions.

"I'm sorry, Reg. She just makes me so angry, and I... I didn't want to lose control. You know how I get sometimes when I'm mad, and I couldn't risk hurting someone, and I know it wasn't a good idea, but it was the only thing I could think of and-" Regina cut off her rambling by lifting her chin and placing a finger over her lips.

"Enough. You don't need to apologize, okay?" Calliope nodded in understanding. "Good. Now, let's get you home and clean this before it gets infected." Calliope didn't have time to protest before Regina began dragging her down the sidewalk towards her home.

They walked through Regina's front door together and continued up the stairs, through Regina's bedroom, and into her ensuite. Regina stopped and turned to look back at Calliope.

"Sit on the counter, and stay there. I'll be back." Calliope did as she was told and waited until Regina came back with hydrogen peroxide and bandages to wrap her hand in. She wordlessly began cleaning the young woman's hand, ignoring her quiet hisses.

"Reg, you didn't have to do this," Calliope said softly. Regina finished wrapping her hand before setting it down gently and looking into her eyes deeply.

"I know," she whispered. The two continued to stare into each other's eyes as Regina stood between Calliope's legs. It was only then that the two truly noticed how close their faces were. Their gazes flicked from the other's eyes to their lips before the women began to lean in. When their lips finally connected, a shiver ran down Calliope's spine. She never would have admitted it out loud, but she had been waiting for this moment since she met Regina. Little did she know, Regina had felt the exact same way. When they pulled apart, Calliope's eyes remained closed as she whispered.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have-"

"Open your eyes," Regina demanded in a soft tone. She always did that with Calliope; she could never bring herself to be harsh with her like she was with everyone else.

Calliope, again, did as she was told and was pleasantly surprised by the gentle smile gracing the brunette's features. Oh, how she loved that smile.

"Stop apologizing," she said simply. Calliope returned her smile and leaned in again, lacing her fingers through Regina's hair to deepen the kiss. Regina smirked into the kiss, resting her hand on Calliope's thighs. When they finally pulled away the second time, both were breathing heavily and had goofy grins on their faces.

"I love you, Reg."

"I love you too, bug," Regina replied. Of course, the two had told each other many times that they loved each other, but this time was different. This time they both knew what the other really meant when they said those three words. There were no more secret feelings or hidden meanings.

Regina took Calliope's face in her hands and stroked her cheekbones with her thumbs gently. She couldn't help but admire the beautiful woman in front of her. Sure, she had her issues, but who didn't? Regina used to be the Evil Queen for fuck's sake! She studied every detail of Calliope's face, smiling softly as she looked into her eyes once more.

"What's going on in that pretty little head of yours?" Calliope asked, able to almost see the wheels turning behind Regina's honey brown eyes. The latter shook her head lightly.

"Nothing. Let's get some ice for that hand." And with that, she pulled Calliope off the counter and back down the stairs. She shooed her into the living room while she grabbed an ice pack from the freezer and returned to see the young woman curled up on the couch waiting for her.

"Thank you." Regina hummed in response as she sat beside Calliope. Calliope leaned her head on Regina's shoulder while the brunette turned on the show they watched every time they had a girl's night. They spent the rest of the night on the couch together, watching their show, stealing short glances, and sharing sweet kisses as they celebrated a new-found love.