SL Kassidy
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New Tricks chapter 5/16
🕑 Added 2022-06-06 03:40:17 +0000 UTCI don’t own these characters; Disney/ABC does.
A/N: apologies for the delay. Real life got a little too real this weekend. Enjoy the chapter. Next one in a couple of days.
5: Companionship
Regina was a few days into pet ownership and it was just bizarre, but not in a bad way somehow. She did not mind waking up and making breakfast for Duckling. She even enjoyed shopping for Duckling with Duckling, even though it was just on the internet. She was not quite sure how this pet thing might play out, but it stayed on her mind, especially when it should not.
For instance, she should be focused on work right now, but her mind drifted to Duckling. Is this what other new pet owners go through? Duckling had not even done anything “pet-like” beyond whining for food and lying her head in Regina’s lap every night, but Regina made sure to think of her as a pet.
Her mind was taken from Duckling as a text came into her phone. Her heart paused, thinking it might be Robin. She had not heard from him since the storm. He threw silent tantrums until she checked on him. He liked to claim he was working things out with Marian, his estranged wife, in regards to what they would do with custody of Roland. Sometimes, it bothered her, as he made it seem like he really enjoyed his time with Marian, possibly trying to make her jealous.
Well, Regina did not have time for that right now. She had other things to worry over. Thankfully, this was Maleficent. I’m thinking of adding to my side of the menu of Two Witches, Pick Your Poison.
Regina laughed. These names were getting more and more outrageous, which was Maleficent’s aim. She wanted to wear Regina down until she agreed to Two Witches. It was not happening. But, she loved Maleficent’s enthusiasm. Before she could answer the text, a phone call came in. From her house. She answered immediately, heart in her throat.
“Duckling, what happened?” Regina asked with a gasp.
“Nothing bad! It’s just… There’s a package here. Should I get it? I mean, someone might see me leave the house. I mean, I know your yard is kinda secluded with those bushes and the fence, but do you want me to chance it?” Duckling replied.
Regina chuckled to herself as she relaxed. “It’s fine, Duckling. It’s probably for you and I’m sure it’s just on the porch. I doubt you even need to stick your head out of the door.”
Duckling made a noise. “You’re probably right.”
“Yes, so just grab the box, but do not open it.” She wanted to see Duckling’s reaction when the reality of being a pet hit her.
Duckling groaned. “Fine. Did anybody ever tell you that you’re no fun?”
“All the time,” Regina replied drolly. She was not lying.
Duckling snorted. “Whatever. I’ll get the thing and try to be fast about it. I might need more food to keep my energy up, though.”
“Are you making a dinner request?”
“No, everything you make is good. Can you just leave the pot with me?”
“Goodbye, Duckling.” Regina ended the call. It was a little funny to her that Duckling was the one worried about the neighbors seeing her. She was not sure what she would say if it came up that someone noticed Duckling and make some kind of assumption about her. Regina would probably just tell the person off and order them to mind their business. Duckling was nothing for anyone to concern themselves over, except for her.
Mentally, she went through the ingredients she had at home for dinner. Cooking for Duckling was very rewarding. She liked everything Regina made and lavished praise openly without prompting. She picked out simple things that she liked in each recipe, trying to figure out why it tasted the way it did, but also showing her enjoyment.
Those thoughts brought Regina back to Maleficent’s text. But, then she remembered she was at work. She had to focus on that. Still, though, what would Duckling like for dinner?
-8-8-8-8-
Emma could not believe it, but she had a collar. A bright yellow collar with a freaking jingle bell on it. She should feel humiliated, furious, and maybe even homicidal because Regina did this to embarrass her. But, she liked the stupid bell and every time it chimed she was flooded with a brief moment of happiness. She could not explain it, but every time she flicked it, a shiver of delight shot down her spine and warmth settled in her stomach.
“It looks good on you.” Regina took Emma by the chin and lifted her head to examine the collar. They were both dressed in house clothes, but Emma had been in a t-shirt and sweatpants all day. Regina managed to make a black camisole and white linen pants look sexy as hell. “I’m surprised it came so fast with standard shipping. How does it feel?”
Emma shrugged. “Like a collar.” She wiggled a little, letting the bell go off and chuckling on the inside. She might get addicted to that if she was not careful.
“Is it comfortable? Not too thick? Not chafing? I don’t want to waste money on a custom one if the basic model isn’t up to snuff,” Regina said, gripping the collar between two fingers.
Emma had to hold back a shiver. Okay, I have to be careful with this. Regina’s fingers gazing her skin while touching the collar made her want to melt. She could imagine Regina caressing her neck around the collar and she would purr if it happened. It did not help that Regina’s fingers seemed to linger and warm her skin where they rested.
“It’s fine. It’s like a choker, but with a bell. Do I really need the bell?” Emma plucked it and held in a smile as it sang out. Okay, I might already be addicted to this stupid bell. I’m obviously an idiot.
“Well, tell me if it starts to bother you. I will leave a scathing review.”
Emma chuckled. She had been there for five days, but already knew a scathing review was such a Regina-thing to do. “You’re going to leave a scathing review on a BDSM site about a collar you purchased for none of those letters?”
Regina sucked her teeth and wagged her finger at Emma, like she was being foolish. “It doesn’t matter what I purchased the collar for. If it’s not functioning as it should, then that’s the problem.”
Emma nodded. “That’s true, I guess. I still say you should’ve gotten the tail, too. Really drives home that I’m a pet.” She wiggled.
“Of the non-sexual variety. You can buy your own sex toys.” Regina curled her lip.
The tails had been butt plugs. Emma did not really want one, but it was hilarious to see how grossed out Regina was. Even now, Emma grinned. “But, you said a pet is supposed to have toys to keep me stimulated or something. This is irresponsible pet ownership.”
Regina rolled her eyes. “You have adequate stimulation cluttering up my driveway with that hideous yellow death trap of yours. You said you were going to work on that.” True to her word, Regina had Emma’s bug towed to the house a couple of days ago and it now sat dead in the driveway.
Towing the bug to the house had blown Emma’s mind, even though so far Regina had proven to be completely honest. Everything she said she would do for Emma, she did. Emma was not used to such treatment, especially since Regina had not asked anything of her. Anytime Emma even offered to do something, Regina just scolded her, reminding her that she was just a pet.
“You told me it’s too cold to work on it!” Emma pouted. How was she in trouble for following one of Regina’s stupid rules?
Regina scoffed. “Because it is. Especially considering you don’t even own a proper coat. I still can’t believe you thought you could just go out there in your sweat-hood and fix a car in freezing cold weather.”
“I layer.” It worked. She would have been fine, but no, Regina thought she would end up with frostbite and sick again. “And it’s not freezing cold, just regular cold.”
Regina curled her lip. “Anyway, plus, I bought you toys along with your bed.”
Emma puffed out her cheeks and folded her arms across her chest. “Those are boring compared to working on the car.”
“Well, you’ll have to find ways to entertain yourself until the weather improves. While good pet ownership does include doctor’s visits, I’d rather not have to take you to the hospital for frostbite this early in your stay.” Then a light bulb seemed to go off in Regina’s head from the way she tilted her head and regarded Emma with a serious, but curious stare. “Do you have health insurance?”
“Uh… yeah. Why?” Was Regina going to hurt her?
“Just in case. I can’t very well put you on my health insurance if something happens, so if you are injured or sick, I can present that information if necessary.”
“Oh, okay.” Emma breathed a sigh of relief. “I don’t usually get sick.”
“You were just sick four days ago.”
Emma gave her a mocking scowl. “Don’t try to confuse me with the truth. Is dinner almost done? I’m hungry.”
“You’re always hungry.” Regina sniffed.
“You think it’s cute, so…” Emma shrugged.
Regina did not bother to address that. “Dinner will be done in a few minutes.”
“Can we eat in the living room?” It was cozier than eating at the dining room table.
“Yes.”
“And watch a movie?” Emma caught up on a lot of movies this week. Of course, she had fallen asleep through many of them, too. It was hard to stay awake when she was curled up next to Regina and Regina was caressing her head.
“No explosions, no animation.”
Emma gasped and put her hand to her chest, offended. “No explosions? Come on! It’s not a movie without an explosion.”
“No, you get too hyped and you make a mess.” Regina wagged a scolding finger to Emma. “Plus, it’s hard to get you settled again and we agreed I’d wash and brush your hair tonight.”
“Oh, right.” Emma was not sure how she would feel about that. She did not mind Regina playing in her hair, but cleaning was a different matter. Usually, she washed her own hair in the shower, but she had been to the salon a few times, so she had other people wash her hair. Those other people just did not happen to also be her platonic owner. Still, it was something Regina wanted to do, offered to do under the guise of good pet grooming, and Regina took care of her in a bunch of ways in the guise of good pet care, so she could offer up her head for the evening. It would help relax Regina, like her caressing Emma’s head after work.
They had fallen into a routine pretty quickly and Emma enjoyed it so far. Regina made her three meals a day, gave warm and comfortable place to stay, and access to more television than Emma knew what to do with. Whenever Regina came in from work, she would flop on the couch, and play in Emma’s hair for about an hour, either while reading a book, watching the TV, or complaining about work. Apparently, her coworkers were idiots all day, every day. Emma could not imagine, even with Regina giving detailed descriptions.
Well, not very detailed. Emma had no idea what Regina did and it was not important to her. The important thing was that Regina was there for her and clearly delighted in her company. It’s early in our knowing each other, though.
Anyway, they had dinner, and Emma found a movie, Chicago. Regina seemed very intrigued. Not surprising. It was a little surprising that Regina had never seen the movie. Emma could totally see Regina being into something like Chicago. They had to pause the movie after dinner for Emma to get her hair washed.
“Duckling, kitchen,” Regina called.
“I’m not in the kitchen!” Emma made sure to stay out of there already. The house no longer felt like a museum to her, but the kitchen was like a jewelry store and she could not afford to touch anything.
“No, I need you in the kitchen.”
“Oh. Okay.” Emma hopped off the sofa and trotted into the kitchen. Regina had a chair pulled up to the sink and a towel in her hand. “Wait, you’re going to wash my hair in your precious kitchen sink?” She snickered, giving Regina a teasing smile.
Regina rolled her eyes. “Would you rather bend over in the bathtub?”
“You know, for someone who wants a non-sexual pet, you say some kinky things.” Emma blew Regina a kiss and could not help but enjoy Regina’s face turning dark red with righteous indignation.
Regina frowned. “Sit.” Her voice was short, curt, like she was.
Emma laughed, but did as ordered. It was a good thing she did because the time Regina spent washing her hair would have wreaked havoc on her knees if she had picked the bathtub option. But, damn, her head felt so good and smelled so good. She lost count of how many times Regina shampooed her. She just closed her eyes and existed.
This is so amazing. She was not sure how she did not drift off to sleep. Emma could hardly believe this was her life. A week ago, she was sleeping in the back of her car, eating stolen goods like a starved rat, and freezing, always freezing. This seemed like a fever dream. Maybe I did die in the car. That made more sense than her current reality.
“All right, we’re going to let the conditioner sit for a while,” Regina said.
Emma blinked and opened her eyes. “Huh?”
“You’re done with the wash, but we have to let the conditioner sit. You can get up.”
Emma could only nod with her hair tucked into a large shower cap. They finished the movie, the conditioner was washed out, hair was blow-dried with more care than ever before, and her hair was brushed so nice, she fell asleep while sitting on the living room floor with her head between Regina’s legs and her hands resting on Regina’s ankles.
“Duckling, I think it’s time for bed,” Regina said.
“Huh? No, I’m up!” Emma popped up and blinked several times. “We can watch another movie. It’s Friday,” she replied. She would be able to spend time with Regina past ten o’clock.
“You’re drooling on my knee.”
Emma chuckled and gave a dazed smile. “It’s a very nice knee. Super comfortable.”
Sucking her teeth, Regina shoved Emma’s head to the right as she got off of the couch. Emma laughed, which turned into a yawn. She was definitely tired. Why was she always so tired? She had not done anything all week except get pampered by Regina.
“I don’t get why I’m so tired,” Emma said.
Regina caressed her cheek, making it feel warm. “You finally have a moment to relax. Let your body heal.”
Emma frowned. “But, I’m not hurt.”
“Healing doesn’t have to mean physical pain. Sometimes it’s mental. Let your body rest. You’ve agreed to be a pet. Do you think a cat would be fighting sleep right now? A puppy would’ve curled up on the floor immediately.”
Emma nodded. “But, I wanna watch a movie with you.” She really did. She just wanted to spend time with Regina, this amazing woman who showed her more kindness in five days than most foster families had in her entire life.
“Come on, Duckling. There’s always tomorrow,” Regina said.
Emma sighed, shoulders sagging. “Fine.”
Regina chuckled, but kissed the top of Emma’s head. That was new and nice. A warm mellow feeling seeped through her.
“Bribing me with kisses isn’t going to make me move faster. You should try cookies.” For all her talk, Emma was on her feet and shuffling on her way to her nest.
Regina smirked. “I’ll be sure to remember that. Good night.”
“Good night.” Emma slid her door shut loudly, trying to slam it. Regina chuckled again, like Emma’s attitude was cute.
Emma turned on the light in her room and squinted. The light was too bright. It was annoying because she only needed it on for a second, to make sure she had not left anything on the floor that might hurt her feet as she eased into bed, which was the bench by the window. It was long enough and wide enough for her to sleep on with the aid of the firm, thick “bed topper” Regina purchased for her, which was covered with a bedsheet. She had two pillows and to be funny Regina got her a baby Donald Duck plushie. She was more a Daffy Duck fan, but there was no need to point that out.
The room was still pretty bare, but Emma left her bag everywhere and it was like a magnet for her feet to trip her up. Regina also bought her some actual toys, like she was a fucking five-year-old, which were on the floor… like she was a fucking five-year-old. Touche, Regina. Regina gave as good as she got in this weird contest between her and Emma where they were both waiting for the other to blink.
For now, Emma crawled into bed, hugged the plushie, and closed her eyes. This had possibly been the best week of her life. No way that could last.
-8-8-8-8-
Regina ignored Duckling staring at her with big, tearful hazel eyes as she grabbed her coat to go out this chilly Saturday afternoon. She had to meet with Maleficent, which meant she could not continue to laze around with her pet, watching movies and eating junk. Duckling was trying to guilt her with that look. It would not work. Oh, yeah, then why are you seriously considering sitting back down?
“You promised we’d spend Saturday together, so we could get some bonding time in,” Duckling actually whined. She did not usually whine. She teased and grinned, but she did not whine.
“And we will. I just have important business to tend to. It’ll only take a couple of hours. I’ll make you a special dinner tonight if you just stop pouting,” Regina replied.
“Nope. Not good enough. I’m mad you lied to me.” Duckling retreated to her space and definitely wanted to slam the door, but that was impossible. She closed it as hard as she could, though.
Regina snorted and went about her way with her leather satchel in her hand. She had work to do and could not worry over her pet’s tantrums. Besides, she needed to warn Maleficent of her pet in case their next planning session was at her house. She wanted Maleficent’s opinion of this as well. She had a feeling it would come back to bite her in the ass, and needed Maleficent to either cosign that or reassure her that this was a fine idea. It’s definitely not. Well, then reassure her this was not completely stupid. It definitely is.
“I’ll bring you back a treat, Duckling,” Regina said as a farewell and then was out the door.
The drive to Maleficent’s condo was not bad. Fifteen minutes with no traffic and then she was at the condo complex that overlooked Storybrooke Lake, very expensive real estate. She parked and then headed upstairs, using her key in the door. Mal’s apartment was decorated in black and mint green. Art decorated the walls and a large balcony that overlooked the park and lake.
On the terrace and by the terrace, there were perches and a birdhouse inside and outside. Diablo fluttered about, cawing loudly at any bird that got too close to his territory. Regina doubted she had ever seen a raven as big as Diablo. I told Mal not to feed him after midnight. He was like a freaking eagle.
“You’re late,” Maleficent said as she stepped over to Regina from the kitchen, cut off from the living room by an island with a black marble counter. She was dressed in a white dress that barely made it to her knees, not exactly loungewear. Regina hoped they were not going out someplace to work. She needed to get back to Duckling as soon as possible.
Regina scoffed. “We don’t have a set time and I have an excuse you’re not going to believe.”
Mal smirked as she grabbed a glass of iced tea from the counter. “Do tell.”
“After work. You’re going to want all the details for this one.”
Mal arched an eyebrow. “Well, now I’m intrigued.”
Regina chuckled, even though she was not sure how she was going to tell this story. But, she had time to gather her wits as they discussed their bakery/cafe. They needed to settle on a style, so they would go sit in the property and brainstorm there. Possibly later in the week. Most little things they settled on, but the place needed to be decorated, equipment needed to be purchased, and they had to finalize the menu at some point.
“Now, tell me why you were late,” Maleficent said as she packed away their things, closing binders, folios, and notebooks, even as Regina tried to scribble one last note down.
Regina glared at Maleficent as her pen went astray and then she put everything down. She took a breath. How to put this?“So… I adopted a pet.” Not a lie.
Maleficent’s brow furrowed. “Okay.”
“And she’s very needy and wanting my attention, so she got in the way a lot when I was trying to leave the house.”
Maleficent nodded. “You come across as a cat person, but I know you, so this has to be a stray dog you found. It was probably near-death and followed you home.”
“Well, she’s definitely a stray and was near-death when I got her.”
Maleficent arched an eyebrow. “There’s more to this. Spill.”
Regina took another breath. She did not expect this to be so hard. It was not that she worried over Maleficent judging her, as they judged each other often, but would always have each other’s backs. It was the scolding she knew was coming and, technically, Maleficent would not be wrong, even though Duckling was harmless and sweet. “So… my pet isn’t a dog or a cat.”
“Well, I know it’s not a bird. Diablo doesn’t care about me leaving, knowing I’ll be back.” Maleficent glanced over at the terrace. Diablo had free run of the place and could come and go as he pleased, like Maleficent, as she knew he would be back as well. “You can’t have a stray exotic pet, even though a python with separation anxiety would be quite the sight.”
She snickered. “No, my pet’s a little more exotic than that.”
“How do you have an exotic stray? You found a spider monkey in the garbage?”
“No. Remember my mysterious visitor?”
Maleficent’s brow wrinkled. “Wait, the little vandal who broke into your house on multiple occasions? What the hell is wrong with you taking her in?”
“She walked to my house during the big storm, almost frozen to death. She needed shelter and then she got sick.”
“So, you’re keeping her at your house as a pet?”
Regina nodded. “I made the suggestion to get rid of her—”
“You made the suggestion?” Maleficent’s voice was thunderous and she glared at Regina as if she had lost her mind.
Regina winced. “Yes, I was trying to insult her to be rid of her.”
“Yes, because if I was a homeless burglar I would certainly turn down staying with a wealthy woman as her pet.”
Regina rolled her eyes. “First off, she doesn’t know I’m wealthy. Second off, the way she blew up at me when I offered to help her before, telling me how she wasn’t a stray, I was sure the pet offer would make her storm out again.”
Maleficent nodded. “She called your bluff.”
“Yes, and then I called hers. I even bought her a collar.”
Maleficent frowned. “Are you sure this isn’t your kinky side coming out after dating very vanilla Robin Hood for too long?”
Regina sucked her teeth. “First off, I’ve only been dating him for a couple of months.”
“Which is much too long in my opinion. The man doesn’t suit you.” Maleficent folded her arms.
Regina pressed on, not interested in that line of argument. “It’s not sexual. I thought that would break her and her pride would send her running.”
“But, it didn’t happen.”
“No, I think she’s going to stay.” And Regina’s heart thumped over that. It was nice having Duckling around the house. She enjoyed cooking for someone who appreciated it and for some reason she liked winding down with Duckling in her lap at the end of the day. It was relaxing. She was not sure the last time she relaxed before Duckling came into her life.
Maleficent tilted her head. “And you’re okay with that?”
Regina shrugged. “It seems fine so far.”
“You really want to take care of another grown adult? You already have Robin.” Maleficent probably could not help the sneer that curled her lip. She had no love for Robin and it mostly came from him dating Regina. Regina could have thought it was jealousy if she was not so completely certain Maleficent was over her. Maleficent just thought he was the most boring man on Earth and disliked that he was still married.
“Duckling is different.”
“Duckling?” Maleficent gasped, drawing back until she hit the back of the couch. “Oh, my god, you’ve given her a name. You’ve let her imprint on you.”
Regina scoffed. “I have not. We’re just at a stalemate at the moment.” She was starting to doubt there was anything she could do that would offend Duckling enough to get her to leave, which did not make any sense. She would never forget the fiery look in Duckling’s face, declaring she was not a stray and she could take care of herself. But, then again, she would also never forget the quiet cries of “adopt me” as fever dreams ravaged Duckling’s mind.
Maleficent shook her head. “This is insane, even for you. So, you’re going to keep this grown woman — wait, she is grown, right?”
Regina nodded. “She is.”
“Okay, you’re going to keep a grown woman as a pet until you manage to offend her enough that she leaves on her own?”
Regina gave a small shrug. “What else can I do? I can’t kick her out after offering to help. That makes me a liar.”
Maleficent sighed. “Which you are not. I guess you’re stuck with her.”
“For the moment. I’m sure eventually she’ll get sick of me.” Everyone always did, including the person sitting across from her.
“And you’re sure it’s not sexual?”
“It’s not.”
“Is she blonde?” Maleficent smirked.
Regina sniffled and turned her chin up. “That has nothing to do with anything.”
Maleficent made a humming noise. “Keep telling yourself that.”
“Why do I tell you anything?”
Maleficent laughed. “Because you have to tell someone the insanity that is your life. You’re not even thirty yet and you’ve lived more life than I have.”
“The lies!” Regina laughed. “And I’ll be thirty soon enough. I want to stop having so many stories to tell. I just want to sell my baked goods and cook delicious meals and live a quiet life.” It was all she ever wanted and she had been close until an aneurysm took Daniel from her, changing her young life forever.
Maleficent scoffed. “Fat chance. You work with one of the shadiest, most corrupt figures in town history, you’re dating a man who won’t go back to his estranged wife, but won’t divorce her either, and even when you’re just minding your own business you get into a pissing match that has you keeping your burglar as a pet. What the hell is your life?”
“You forgot to include best friends with my ex who I might have to poison if she keeps laughing at me.” Regina glared at her.
Maleficent only laughed more. Regina was not sure, but her life was more exciting than she ever would like. She really did just want a quiet life, but there was always something pushing against that. Maybe that was why she liked cuddling on the couch with Duckling. She could just slow down and let the world move on without her for once.
“I should get going,” Regina said. She suddenly wanted very much to be home.
Maleficent nodded. “Be careful with this.”
“You know I will.” They exchanged hugs as a farewell and Regina was back in her car, looking forward to being home with her pet.
Thinking of Duckling, she had promised the pest a treat. It was not good pet ownership to award bad behavior, but she wanted to cheer Duckling up. Duckling, who only wanted to spend the day with her watching television. Definitely not asking for much.
She stopped and bought ingredients to make pizza, including different toppings. Roland, Robin’s son, loved when he made pizza with her, so Duckling should like it as well considering she ate very similar things to Roland.
“Duckling, I’m home,” Regina called as she came into the house. It was quiet. Usually, Duckling had the television blasting. “Duckling?” Maybe she was napping. She did that a lot.
Regina went to put the groceries down in the kitchen and then checked Duckling’s room. It was a mess, but her bag was gone. Duckling was gone.
Regina’s stomach dropped and her heart sank, but a second later, her blood boiled and her temper flared. How dare that little freeloader sneak out on her? Of course, she should have expected it from a damn thief. Well, she would teach that little bitch a thing or two! A knock at the door caught her attention.
“Coming!” Regina called. Who could this be? Interrupting her time of mentally cursing that damned— “Duckling?” she said as she opened the door to her pet.
“It’s freezing out there!” Duckling rushed into the house. Her face was red, even though she was bundled in a scarf. It was a ratty thing that probably could not do its job, even when it was new. I should buy her a real scarf if she’s going to go out.
Regina closed the door as her insides lurched, but her blood was still hot. “Where were you?” That was a demand.
Duckling continued on to her space. “Since you were gone, I went to do my laundry. I ran out of clean stuff.”
Regina scowled, but was confused. “I have a laundry room in the basement.”
Duckling looked down, toeing the hardwood floor with her boots. “I know. I’m just kinda scared to use it. I don’t wanna break it.”
Regina softened. “You don’t have to use it. I take care of you. I’ll do your laundry.” There was nothing in pet care about that, but it seemed like it fell under “good grooming and hygiene.”
Duckling sniffled. “Are you sure? Because I can do it. I’ve been doing laundry since I was seven.” There was that willful pride from their first meeting.
“I’m sure you can, but I’m meant to take care of you. Proper hygiene would include clean clothes. I will do your laundry. I’m responsible for your well being.” There was a sting in Regina’s eyes and her throat burned.
Duckling nodded and her eyes finally met Regina’s gaze. “Okay.” She took a breath. “Okay.” A wobbly grin grew on her face. “So, did you bring me a treat like you promised?”
Regina let loose a laugh that felt freeing, but sounded hysterical. “I thought we could make a pizza.”
“Make a pizza? Like from scratch?”
“Yes.”
“You can do that?” Duckling’s eyes could not get any wider.
Regina chuckled. “I’m sure it’s not as hard as you imagine. Now, do you want to do that?”
“Hell, yeah!” Duckling chucked her duffle bag into her nest and rushed into the kitchen.
“Go wash your hands first!” Regina ordered.
Duckling yelped. “I’m going! I’m going!”
“And don’t run!” Of course, Duckling ran anyway.
Once Duckling’s hands were clean, they got to work. Duckling marveled over the pizza the whole time, but was truly in awe when they sat down to eat it.
“Oh, my god, this is so good!” Duckling grinned.
“You expected otherwise?” Regina asked.
“Nope. Everything you make is amazing, even if I make it with you apparently. I’m pretty sure you’re a witch or something. Nobody can cook this good without it being magic.” Duckling continued to smile.
Regina chuckled and shook her head. “Silly.”
Duckling found a movie for them to watch and once the pizza was done, she laid her head in Regina’s lap. Regina’s hand immediately lost itself in soft hair. She could get used to this. Having a pet was soothing.
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: Emma tells her friends about what’s going on.
