And Then There Was You

XXI. Hearts Resolved

"Emma—" "Regina—" they both started to say, their voices intertwining. Their faces, still flushed from the passionate kiss, radiated a shared warmth. They giggled at their simultaneous speech, eyes locking in a gaze that spoke volumes. Regina's skin-tight pencil dress clung to her curves, accentuating her rapid breaths. The remnants of their earlier passion lingered in the air, undeniable and palpable. As they stared into each other's eyes, the certainty of their feelings solidified—they knew this was far more than a fleeting moment.

"Go ahead—" Regina began, her voice soft yet firm.

"No, you go first," Emma offered, her tone equally gentle.

"No, I insist," Regina replied, a blush creeping onto her cheeks, adding a pinkish glow to her already radiant complexion.

"No, no, after you," Emma insisted, her determination clear.

"Are we in high school?" Regina chuckled, the sound breaking the tension and prompting Emma to join in.

"If we were, this would be easier," Emma remarked with a wry smile. "Kids nowadays have more courage to share their sexuality and preferences. Unlike old—"

"I'm not that old," Regina interjected, her chuckle laced with a teasing smirk.

"N-no, I meant, older," Emma corrected herself, her cheeks turning a shade to match Regina's. "You're not... old."

"How old do you think I am?" Regina's eyebrow arched, a playful challenge in her gaze.

"I'm not going to answer that," Emma murmured, her eyes dropping to the floor.

Regina chuckled again, reveling in Emma's embarrassment. "Well, if you must know," she whispered, moving closer to Emma, "I'm already in my late-twenties."

Regina's age was a surprising revelation, especially considering her position as a young professor whose intellect and expertise could challenge even the most seasoned academics. When she first started teaching, barely in her early twenties, her youth sparked envy and elicited threats from some faculty members. However, these challenges only fueled her determination. Regina's resolve to earn the respect of her students and colleagues was unyielding. This experience had steeled her teaching methods—firm yet fair, believing that tough love would drive her students to strive for excellence. Proving herself time and again, she knew that her rigorous approach would ultimately be worthwhile if it inspired her students to achieve their potential.

"Well, you look young for someone in their late-twenties," Emma remarked, her eyes tracing Regina's form with barely concealed appreciation. She couldn't help but take in every detail. "I thought you were younger."

"Thank you for that, dear," Regina replied, a smirk curling at the corners of her lips.

Emma's eyes widened, captivated by Regina's confident demeanor. "And fucking hot for that matter." The words slipped out before she could stop them, and she felt a flush of embarrassment color her cheeks.

Regina chuckled, a melodious sound that sent shivers down Emma's spine. She delighted in how easily she could make Emma feel like a bashful teenager. This playful banter was a refreshing contrast to the rigidity of her usual life. Emma's presence brought a lightness that Regina cherished, a reminder that life shouldn't always be taken so seriously. Regina loved how effortlessly they connected, how natural it felt to be around Emma.

"Well, thank you, dear," Regina repeated, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"And this proves that age is nothing but a number," Emma added with fervor, her tone laden with unspoken desire. She hoped Regina understood the depth of her feelings, that their age difference was inconsequential compared to their undeniable attraction.