And Then There Was You

XXIV. Cabin by the Frozen Lake (part two)

"Don't be a pussy! Have her pussy!"

Ruby's bold declaration still hung in the air, reverberating in the minds of the four women standing in the living room. A palpable silence ensued, thick and stifling. The giggles of boys from upstairs floated down, bouncing off the high ceilings and only adding to the awkward tension.

Regina was the first to break the silence, her cheeks still flushed from Ruby's audacity. She cleared her throat, forcing a smile as she tried to diffuse the situation. "Well, I guess that's settled then." Her eyes darted to Emma, who stood there, wide-eyed and frozen like a deer caught in headlights. "Shall we bring our things?" Regina added, offering a soft, reassuring smile as she gently placed a hand on the small of Emma's back, hoping to bring her back to the present.

"Oh, yeah. I got it." Emma's voice was barely above a whisper, her embarrassment evident as she avoided Regina's gaze. Her cheeks were a deep shade of pink as she stooped to pick up her duffle bag, both Henry and Neal's backpacks, and Regina's small suitcase all at once.

"Hold on, Emma. You don't have to bring my things up," Regina interjected, her tone gentle yet firm. "I can manage."

Emma shook her head, her determination overriding her embarrassment. "Oh, no. I got it." In her mind, carrying all the bags at once was a way to redeem herself, to mask the awkwardness. Maybe if she focused on the task at hand, the weight of the earlier embarrassment would lift. She also secretly hoped that Regina might see her as strong and capable—maybe even impressive. After all, she had been working out, and she couldn't help but wonder if Regina might notice her toned muscles and momentarily forget about Robin.

Regina watched Emma with a mix of concern and affection, her eyes tracing Emma's determined steps as she ascended the stairs. Behind Regina, Ruby and Belle exchanged looks of mild concern, but soon shrugged it off. They trailed behind, following Regina up the stairs to their respective rooms, leaving the echo of Ruby's brazen words lingering in the space they left behind.

Emma entered the room Regina had pointed out, her steps faltering as she took in the sheer grandeur of the master bedroom. The space was bathed in the soft glow of natural light, streaming through the glass walls that led to an expansive balcony. From the doorway, the view was nothing short of breathtaking—a panorama that stretched out to the horizon, where sky met sea in a seamless blend of blues. Emma, unable to tear her eyes away, set the bags down with a soft thud, the sound barely registering in her mind.

In a daze of awe, Emma moved towards the sliding door. She could feel the cool, smooth surface under her fingers as she slid it open, the action sending a soft breeze into the room. Stepping onto the balcony, she placed her hands on the railing, feeling the sturdy wood beneath her palms. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply, the fresh, mountain air filling her lungs and washing away the remnants of her earlier embarrassment.

Regina had been watching Emma intently from a distance, her eyes following every movement with a quiet, pleased smile. She made her way to the balcony, her presence a warm contrast to the cool air. Standing beside Emma, she leaned on the railing, gazing out at the view before turning her eyes to the blonde. "Don't you just love it here?" Her voice was soft, almost intimate, as if sharing a secret.

Emma opened her eyes slowly, the serene expression on her face giving way to a bright, genuine smile as she turned to face Regina. "Regina, this place is amazing," she said, her voice filled with wonder. She returned Regina's smile, feeling the warmth of it spread through her. "Thank you for inviting us here."

Regina's smile deepened, a touch of affection in her eyes as she reached out, her fingers lightly brushing Emma's hand on the railing. "You four are always welcome here," she replied, her voice steady and sincere. "Thank you for coming."