Loving Emma Swan

Chapter 9

During the next periods Emma tried to set her mind on her studies. She found it overly boring but as long as she didn't have to think about the next couple of months, she was calm.

Regina's unexpected appearance in the library had initially caught Emma off guard. As she joined her at the table, Emma tried to focus on her homework, pretending to be engrossed in her tasks. She kept stealing glances at the older woman, who, like her, seemed deeply engrossed in her own work. Their silence hung in the air, a strange mix of tension and familiarity.

Emma's eyes couldn't help but roam over Regina's figure. She noticed how the brown locks of hair were neatly tucked behind Regina's ear. The older woman leaned forward, her eyes scanning her own set of papers. Emma's gaze shifted down, and she couldn't help but focus on the small scar just above Regina's lips, a detail she made the woman seem even more charismatic. Regina's choice of red lipstick, perfectly complementing her attire, left Emma somewhat mesmerized. Despite the constraints of the conservative era they lived in, Regina managed to exude sophistication and grace with her impeccable fashion sense. Emma couldn't deny the allure of the woman's style and the way she carried herself, even in such a repressive time.

As Emma continued to steal glances at Regina, she was lost in her thoughts until she realized her teacher had noticed her subtle observations. Regina looked up from her work, a knowing smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She raised an eyebrow, her eyes locking with Emma's.

Caught off guard, Emma's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she quickly averted her gaze, pretending to be engrossed in her homework once again. She tried to regain her composure and focus on her studies, but Regina's playful, teasing tone soon broke through the silence.

"Is there something on my face, Miss Swan?" Regina's voice was filled with amusement as she inquired, her eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint.

Emma couldn't help but smile at the playful banter. She finally met Regina's gaze, her embarrassment giving way to a hint of curiosity and a dash of confidence.

"I was just admiring your fashion sense, Miss Mills. You always manage to make even this era's conservative attire look chic."

Regina chuckled softly at Emma's response, pleased by the compliment. "Well, Princess, if you ever need a fashion consultant for, you know where to find me." Regina kept her playful tone.

Emma appreciated the connection they shared, especially in these small moments. She didn't know how to keep her distance from this woman. And moments like this, she felt just like a normal girl... a normal girl who's kind of crushing on her teacher. But a regular girl, no Princess, not Royal and not a soon to be Queen. Regina always made her feel like she can be just whoever she wants to be.

Regina's fingers gently brushed against Emma's hand on the table, a subtle and reassuring touch. "You know, Emma," she began, "I understand that you might want to keep your distance, to maintain your independence and self-reliance. But there's strength in letting others in, in sharing your thoughts with someone you trust."

Emma looked up from her homework, her eyes meeting Regina's. "It's... hard for me. I feel so embarrassed for having these breakdowns like a little child. It's not like me... to let my guard down. I don't think I ever felt this... drawn... connected to anyone. As soon as I had a stronger relationship with someone in the Royal Court, and my mother got to know about it, they replaced the people."

"Why would she do that?"

"That was.... The practice. It's been like that for centuries."

"It doesn't make much sense to me."

"I understand that back in the old time it  was needed... mostly for safety."

Regina nodded in understanding. "I know it's not easy." She began. "There was a time in my life when I felt the same way. I was convinced that I had to be strong and self-sufficient at all times, that showing vulnerability was a weakness. But then, I found myself in a situation where I had no choice but to open up to someone. It turned out to be a pivotal moment in my life."