Anything But Vanilla

Chapter 1

"Emma! Wake up! We're gonna be late!" Mary Margaret huffed as she hovered over Emma.

"Ughhhh. Five more minutes!" Emma pleaded.

"Emma Swan, if you don't wake up right this second I will get the cold water."

At that, Emma rolled over, swung her legs onto the floor, and slipped her feet into a cozy pair of slippers. As much as she hated waking up in the early morning, before the sun had even slipped up and over the New York buildings, she hated the cold water treatment even more. Mary Margaret had always been a punctual person. If she was just a minute late to an event that was hardly even worth going to, she'd have a conniption. But today was different. Today's event was worth getting up for. Emma glanced over at her alarm clock that was perched atop her dresser. 5:30 AM. Mary Margaret would be the death of her. 

Emma rose from her bed, lifted her arms above her head and stretched, enjoying every delicious moment of release. She slowly made her way into the kitchen. Great, she thought, Mary Margaret couldn't even be bothered to make a pot of coffee. Emma, still in a morning haze, stumbled over to the cabinets and pulled out the coffee and a mug. As she sat and waited for the coffee machine to beep, she watched as Mary Margaret hurriedly dressed herself, ran to the mirror, made a face of disgust, and then changed again. This repeated countless times. Finally, the coffee machine beeped, and Emma poured her coffee into her mug. She held the mug with both hands and gently lifted it up to her lips, enjoying the warmth that it was providing. After finishing the coffee, Emma walked back into the shared bedroom. 

Mary Margaret had finally settled on an outfit, a black skirt that fell to the tops of her knees, a long sleeved, collared, pink button up, and a white blazer along with a pair of super high pink pumps. She then made her way to the bathroom to do her hair and makeup. Emma was never a dress- up kind of girl. She preferred little makeup, maybe a bit of mascara, some eyeshadow, and a nice coat of clear or pink lipgloss. Emma went for her usual outfit- white tank top, skinny jeans, black boots, and her red leather jacket. Unfortunately, Mary Margaret caught her just in time. 

"Emma! There is no way you are wearing jeans today! This is a big deal. How about a skirt or a dress?"

"Must you be so difficult? What's wrong with jeans? They're comfy!"

"But this is a BIG day for me, for us! Please wear something a little dressier."

"Fine." Emma grumbled.

As much as she loved Mary Margaret, at times she could be a little demanding. Emma searched around the closet and finally settled on a simple black dress with black flats. If she was forced to dress up, she was going to make sure as hell she was comfortable. 

Emma made her way into the bathroom after Mary Margaret had walked into the kitchen. She did her best to brush down her unruly curls, but after many unsuccessful attempts she decided to do a ponytail. She applied what little make up she had and then returned to the bedroom.

Mary Margaret sat waiting impatiently on the bed. And Emma knew exactly why. This had always been one of their many rituals. Whenever one of them was leaving, the other would examine her to make sure that she looked okay. Mary Margaret's face lit up when she saw Emma. Emma was just so beautiful. Her golden hair shone in the light of the now- risen sun, her emerald eyes beamed bright, and her smile was radiant. 

"Emma. You look incredible!"

Emma blushed at the comment from her best friend and room mate.

"Thanks Mary. As always, so do you."

Mary Margaret smiled sheepishly. She glanced over at the clock. 6:30. Time to go. 

Mary Margaret linked her arm into Emma's and off they waltzed into the hustle and bustle of the city.