Finding Home

Untitled Part 8

"Good afternoon Madam Mayor, Sheriff Swan," The woman identified only as Tess, Store Manager said. "Welcome to All Sewn Up."

"Tess, lovely to see you again," Regina said, tugging gently on Emma's hand.

"We are so happy to have your patronage, Miss Mills. With any good fortune, perhaps we can secure that of Miss Swans as well." Tess said with a warm, cheery smile.

"Emma, please."

"Alright Emma," Tess said, unlocking a dressing room, and moving off to the side "here is your changing room. Would either of you like anything to drink? We have wine, champagne, beer, soda.."

As Tess continued to prattle off the options, mostly for Emma's sake, the blonde stuffed her hands inside her pockets. She was trying to listen but was also thinking about how Mama had allowed her to sleep in until the appointment. She was such a good Mama too since Emma had to cover a night shift for her Daddy. Now all she could think about was the yummy food sitting at home and not in her tummy.

"Or I can get you a juice box if you'd like," Tess suggested, garnering Emma's attention away from the thoughts of hunger. Looking at Regina expectantly, she saw the nod of approval.

"Yes please, Miss Tess," Emma answered, body relaxing as the woman went off to retrieve their beverages. The blonde stared at her eagerly awaiting an explanation, expression filled with fear.

"It's alright Emma," Regina said, setting her things in the room and helping Emma out of her jacket.

"You didn't...tell her, did you?"

Taking Emma's face in her hands, "Purely coincidence, but you did finally tune back in for the words juice and box. "

"I should have gotten up the first time you tried to rouse me for breakfast."

"You had a graveyard at the station. The fact that it took so little to rouse you was impressive."

Nuzzling into Regina's palm, Emma smiled to herself. "Let's just get through this."

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"You're going to want to see this," Tess said, grinning all the way to her eyes.

"She found a dress?" Regina questioned, smoothing the burgundy selection of her own. More beautiful in person than in the online photographs. The red, even richer. A perfect complement against her skin.

"When I realized that Emma needed to explore the shop on her own, I instructed the girls to make themselves scarce."

Shaking her head. "That woman is something else."

"Wait," Tess said, at the entrance to the showroom. "Emma told me to give you this."

Accepting the extended item, Regina arched an eyebrow. "This must be some dress."

Stopping Regina in her tracks, Tess nodded with an exuberant smile. "She is quite a sight to behold. When Emma began to put on this dress, she became the prodigal Princess."

"Don't say that too loudly," warned Regina.

"Stunning would be an understatement."

Slipping on the mask, Regina allowed Tess to lead her into the parlor. There was still slight rustling, as the seamstresses worked to make the dress all that it could be. A cool hand slipped into Regina's palm.

"Leave us," Emma said, and the sound of additional people faded to the back room. "Are you ready?"

"That good?" Regina said, bottom lip between her teeth. Lips brushed her own, as Emma pulled the mask free.