Disclaimer: I'm most definitely not the creator or owner of the characters that populate the story. This is about as non for profit as it gets in the writing realm.

A/N: If you read the summary then there's nothing more to be done for you in terms of luring you in for the kill. So if you're game let's see what happens when a post S7 Isles meets a post S6 (canon-ish) Mills. I tried my best with staying true to the characterizations of both characters. So enjoy yourself or not?

_10 Foot Pole Society_

1.

The first thing Maura Isles notices this evening beyond the sour tannins present in her wine, the din of random conversation and the clinking of glassware on tabletops is the new face that walks into the Dirty Robber. Maura rarely stops for a drink at the Robber anymore since Jane became an employee of the FBI and a resident of the state of Virginia. Tonight though Maura chose to make an appearance since Angela is working. The notion of change has hit hard in and around Maura's life in a big way this last year. Angela has finally finished moving out of the guesthouse and Maura is conflicted to degree now that Angela is gone even though Maura's privacy has been greatly compromised for more than six years now.

Maura braves another sip of the wine Angela urged her to try. The wine is nowhere near as awful as the wine Tommy bought but it's aftertaste is little to be desired. After another less than thrilling taste Maura lets her gaze wander back over to the new face that walked in a few minutes ago. The woman at the bar has short, dark and immaculately styled hair; darker than Jane's even in this light. The woman is dressed all in black from what Maura can tell thus far from behind save for the distinctive shiny 'sammy red-bottom' lacquered color on the soles of the very stylish heels the woman is wearing. The trademark color is the signature of a fashion legend.

Maura's undisguised interest in the stranger doesn't flinch or wane to the side of discretion as she continues to watch the other woman. After Angela passes the woman her drink the woman at the bar turns around with what appears to be martini in her hand. The stranger is indeed dressed all in black. The leather skirt the woman is wearing is not unlike the ones that Maura owns too. Maura swallows another sip of the lackluster wine and debates on whether she wants the stranger to notice her appreciation or not. It's been a stretch of time since Maura has been immediately interested in a woman who wasn't Jane Rizzoli.

Maura continues to observe the woman as she subtly toys with the two olives in her drink before taking a delicate sip. Then the woman in black looks up from her drink and scans the room. Maura feels her face heat a little when the woman's gaze meets her's and the woman in black smirks at her. Caught. But it doesn't feel nearly as embarrassing and unlike a man the woman in black doesn't seem too smug only amused judging by her facial expression alone. Maura isn't a mind-reader and even though she doesn't believe in the application Maura does acknowledge that such a skill would be beneficial at certain times in a person's life.

There is no widely accepted universal signal that Maura is aware of but at any rate she finds herself gesturing to the woman at the bar to join her. The woman nods her head and then gracefully saunters towards Maura on those impressive four-inch heels that are but the first thing Maura has seen fit to admire on the other woman. Maura prides herself on not objectifying another person beyond what science allows. The Giovanni fiasco is a perfect example. Maura places her glass of wine down on the table and turns sideways in the booth to greet the approaching woman. Briefly, Maura considers standing but she decides not to since this isn't a pre-arranged date of any sort.

"Those are quite exceptional Louboutin's you have on. How did you get something from his newest collection so quickly?"

Regina smiles at the woman's question even though all Regina was trying to do after getting out of Storybrooke was to get a small respite from clan Charming with its pirate mascot and blonde Sheriff's with expressive green eyes. On closer inspection though this woman isn't blonde but more like a reddish coppery-blonde and her eyes have a startling golden hue to them. Plus this not quite blonde woman not only knows footwear but she also appears to know how to clothe herself. Regina grins at the woman who smiles back in return because at least a small cursed town is good for something. As in the curse provides and Mayor Mills found a deep lasting and abiding love in couture that suits her.

"I have my ways." The woman in black says with a wry grin before taking another sip of her martini. "I'm Regina."

"Maura."

Regina likes the other woman's name; it means 'great' in Gaelic and 'dark' in Latin. Regina is no intellectual slouch; she has perused a variety of languages and books over the years for reasons that didn't always stem from curse inflicted boredom. After all finding a way to fill her days stuck on repeat, before baby Henry, took some doing with the unavoidable trial and error. Not to mention some magical tomes are not available in plain English.

"I didn't want to seem too forward since I have no idea if you're meeting someone but," Maura says as her eyes flicker down from the other woman's deep brown eyes to her red-slicked lips for a moment. "Would you care to join me? That is unless you don't want to?"

Regina smiles and sits her drink down on the opposite side of the table, "I'm not waiting on anyone. Not anymore these days or nights."

Maura grins as Regina then moves to the other side of the booth. Maura watches the other woman move her clutch purse from underneath her arm and deposit it on the seat of the booth before smoothing down her skirt as she sits. The other woman's dark hair cut in its short bob style falls down the side of her face and as she reaches up to tuck her hair behind her ear Maura notices a small scar is on her upper lip.

The mark on Regina's face is quite deep but instead of it detracting from her beauty the scar only enhances her allure and symmetrical face. Regina's black leather jacket drapes perfectly on her petite frame and for a moment Maura's eyes track down to the black silk button down shirt and the third button which is straining over the other woman's chest. Maura quickly looks up at Regina's now smirking face and her red lipstick again. Regina is undeniably sexy and yet classy.

"I take it you're not from here originally?"

"You have no idea." Regina utters lowly since she has no qualms about what she may or may not say to this stranger since the other woman is willingly offering her attention without expectations, thus far. For a few seconds Regina moves her gaze around the bar. This place in Regina's mind is barely a stone's throw away from Granny's that's if her decor were more in the meme of organic butch.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Yes, you're right I'm not from here." Regina says while settling herself in the booth more, crossing her legs under the table. "I'm just visiting the city again for a while."

There's an in-house joke there for Regina in that one sentence so she smiles at the woman across from her. A woman that is quite beautiful, well dressed and somewhat out of place in this establishment as Regina is. But this trip for Regina is all about embracing the unknown; living the life she has ahead of her now without an array of hindrances courtesy of drama-seeking authors armed with magic ink pens, fairies named Tinkerbell, an idiot friend named Snow, Rumpelstiltskin and her controlling late mother.

"Oh, well then what brings you here if you don't mind me asking? To Boston as well as this establishment in particular?"

"Well, to be honest the name of this bar name reminds me of the one in my town back in Maine." Regina reaches for her drink and grasps the toothpick between two slim fingertips and stirs the speared olives through the alcohol. "In fact one would think they are franchisees. So cheers to the Dirty Robber and the Rabbit Hole but with the stipulation that the decor of this bar ill fits its namesake."

Maura tilts her head to the side and smiles, "It used to be much different a few years ago. I used to come here with my best friend after work or for lunch and other occasions. This was her favorite place."

"Hmm." The sound of Regina's elegantly husky voice carries across the table to Maura's ears and over the other sounds in the bar. "So where is your best friend tonight? Running late? Or are you alone too?"

Maura's smile falters slightly, "She moved away some months ago for her new job. I'm here alone so to speak even though I'm surrounded by people at the moment."

Regina arches a single eyebrow but as her lips part to reply a taller figure appears at the booth. Maura's bright smile returns but then due to having inherit manners Maura turns her head to look at the man who has decided that his presence was called for. Or rather in his case he has been watching the two outrageously hot women long enough to think that there's a good chance he might land at least one of them tonight. The man's deep blue eyes run over to the woman with the dark hair and eyes. She's unreal and for a second he thinks that dropping down to his knees for the one all dressed in black is in no way emasculating.

"Hello, I hope I'm not intruding too much but I've been watching you since you came in and it took me awhile to work up the courage but I was wondering if I could buy you another drink?" The man says while loosening his tie. His mother always told him that he fidgeted too much and as an adult being around beautiful women makes it a harder habit to keep from doing. "I'll even buy your friend here a drink too."

Regina smirks because it's rather entertaining to have people ramble in her presence which hasn't happened recently. Being purposefully intimidating will do that to most people and Regina enjoys applying that tactic when it's called for. The man seems nice and clearly nervous. He is physically attractive but Regina isn't attracted to him in the slightest and she sees no real reason to pretend otherwise. Maura is much more interesting and Regina wants to talk to her more without being interrupted.

"That won't be necessary for me or my friend but thank you for the offer." Regina says before taking the speared olives out of her drink and then biting one off of the toothpick. Regina enjoys the taste and texture of the olive as the man silently leaves. Regina grins as she then places the remaining olive back in the martini. "Now where were we, Maura?"

The way Regina says her name is enough to make Maura aware of the minute arousal that she's been quietly enjoying. Maura has never seen anything wrong with admiring a beautiful woman in a purer sense. Regina isn't an object Maura wishes to possess. But Regina is a work of art in human form; the complex private mind as well as the aesthetically pleasing exterior. The nervous man clearly also had similar thoughts, albeit more sexual because of his testosterone, but Maura is glad that Regina has chosen her company over his.

"You know my friend is shy and he gives up too easy." A male and faintly Boston-accented voice says and Maura startles. But then Maura grins as she catches the sight of Regina rolling her eyes. "I don't give up so easy since I figure if two ladies like yourself really wanted to be left alone you'd just stayed home. I'm Simon by the way."

Simon smiles at the two fine examples of high-class pussy. But it's the woman in black he wants just like his friend who is always shot down when he goes after women out of his league. Simon knows what women like these two want and he thinks his friend Kyle is too much of a pussy to get any real pussy. In Simon's opinion Kyle wouldn't know if he was shot, fucked or snake-bit on any given day.

"What sound logic wouldn't you agree, Maura?" Regina says with a rather menacing quirk of her lips. Maura is momentarily confused until she registers the unsubtle undertones of sarcasm in Regina's voice. Maura reaches for her wine and takes another less than stellar sip as Regina smiles up at the man in the expensively tasteful suit. Regina is betting that this man has to dress up on the outside to make up for the ugliness inside. "And since you're here...do make it good, dear."

Maura doesn't want to indulge the man's attentions any more than she would blatantly encourage him. But then again the man standing at the booth isn't hitting on her, yet. So Maura allows her gaze to run over the dark grey Tom Ford lightweight wool suit the man is wearing. Maybe four years ago she would've overlooked his personality flaws in favor of his grooming skills and rugged good looks. But now thanks to Jane and all Maura has learned about men the hard way Maura is wiser now. Maura is smart enough now to know not to step on landmine much less flirt with it, go for drinks with it and then seriously consider having sex with it.

Simon offers up his best lop-sided smirk, "My friend Kyle really wanted your number so he knows where to get ahold of me in the morning."

Regina minutely purses her lips, "Is that the best you've got, Simon was it?"

Maura puts her wine down and vows not to pick it up again. Instead Maura opts to divide her attention on the match that's just getting started. To an untrained eye Regina's micro-expression appear thoroughly amused by the man but whether he knows it or not Regina is not charmed by him. Maura bites her bottom lip to keep from smiling.

"Do you live on a farm 'cause you sure know how to raise a cock?"

"How flattering?" Regina glances towards Maura and grins. "And to think I'm still leaning towards telling him 'no'."

"Hey, you wanna do a 68? You go down on me and I'll owe you one."

Maura nearly laughs at the disgust painting Regina's micro-expressions. Once in the distant past Maura would've been thoroughly appalled to hear a man talk to a woman he just met that way.

Regina faintly shakes her head and looks away from Maura, "What makes you think I have any interest in letting any part of you in my mouth?" If Regina's going to really start insulting this imbecile he's going to get the full treatment. "I do have to eat with it again at some point and even the strongest antiseptic mouthwash doesn't also provide a mind wipe."

Maura covers her mouth with her hand to keep from laughing. And to think if she had slept with Giovanni even once Maura would've probably been subjected to being spoken to like this with 'babe' thrown in for good measure.

Simon clears his throat as he leans down and places both hands on the cool surface of the booth's table, "The only reason I would kick you out of bed is to fuck you on the floor. Or how about I'll fuck you so good the neighbors will be having a cigarette too when we're done."

"I don't smoke." Regina deadpans. "And I fail to see the appeal in rutting around on the floor."

Again. Rutting on the floor again Regina mentally supplies. Of all the things she's resorted to in her life; mostly out of what she recognizes now as desperation, having sex with Robin in her vault was low. Soulmate or not Robin was married and Zelena in disguise or not his wife 'Marion' was just a few doors down in the vault too. And after the wish realm adventure Regina has finally realized that her first instinct about Robin all those decades ago was spot on. She was right not going into that tavern. Funny how splitting herself provided some much needed perspective at least.

Simon sniffs, "Wanna spend the night at my house then? The sofa doesn't pull out but I do."

Maura laughs. She can't help it and in turn what follows is the sexiest dark chuckle she has ever heard from a woman. Regina really is something else and Maura has arrived at the conclusion that Regina is just warming up.

Simon frowns and looks away from the dark beauty he wants to fuck raw to the cute blonde in the booth too, "You think that's funny, huh?" Simon's light brown eyes flick down to a seriously nice rack before meeting a set of inquisitive hazel eyes. "You know what I think I know you. Yeah, I've seen you in the paper before, right?" Maura swallows and Simon smirks at her. "I know what you do for a living...Doc. And since you're a professional let me tell you my dick's been feeling a little dead lately. Wanna give it some mouth to mouth?"

It's official in Regina's mind that the man is not just a moron but he is without a doubt a graduate of Captain Hook's program on how to talk to wenches. Regina allows her magic to awaken as much as it can be here. It's good to know she has some access to magic now in the world outside of Storybrooke. Granted, she can't very well rip out Simon's heart and play a rousing game of 'Simon Says' to make him service the nearest willing man for her viewing pleasure. Or perhaps force Simon to bend until he can do auto-fellatio that might be even more fun. Keeping a straight face is key and Regina has options and after all reprisals can be a bitch. Inviting the sharp dressed asshole to talk smack to her is one thing but Maura wasn't to be included.

"I'm sorry but I don't believe it's Maura's duty any more than mine to lose two and a half minutes of our lives, that we'll never get back to provide you, a stranger, with such an intimate act and then be expected to swallow the results?"

The grin falls off Simon's face and his hands slide off the table as he straightens to his full height. Maura's quick assessment of Simon's stature is five foot ten without the aid of his shoes.

"Tell me something," Regina says with a quirk of her lips as her dark eyes sweep over the masculine body loitering at the booth. "Is your ass jealous of the amount of shit that just came out of your mouth?"

Simon's face registers the blunt verbal bash in the form of a slightly open mouth and a faint shifting of his weight from one foot to the other. His arrogant confidence also appears to have sizably deflated.

In the past Maura repelled her dates, whether she meant to or not, by diagnosing them. Not once has Maura remotely entertained doing what Regina has been masterfully doing. Even Jane was never this bold when it comes to dismissing men or even toying with them before getting rid of them.

"What's a matter dear? Having trouble realizing that your crude charms aren't wanted at this table?" Regina chuckles and picks up her martini. "Well then perhaps this will make things transparent...you asked me if I live on a farm well then let me tell you that the only way you're going to get laid tonight, aside from trolling blind drunk women, is to crawl up a chicken's backside and then wait."

Simon grits his teeth, "One of these days that smart mouth of yours is going to get you into a kind of trouble you can't talk your way out of."

Regina hears the unspoken 'bitch' that Simon wanted to tack on at the end of his pitiful threat-laced comeback. And with just enough magic tickling her fingertips Regina momentarily contemplates making Simon's sleek black tie preform a sudden choke-hold maneuver.

"I've seen trouble already, dear." Regina says in a low and almost dangerous tone as her brown eyes briefly darken with a small purple flash. "And it's nothing I can't handle with a little background music."

"Female bats or more specifically Cynopterus Sphinx perform fellatio to prolong copulation." Maura says and Regina and Simon promptly stop their face-off to turn to be greeted by Maura's bright smile. Regina almost snorts but she does relax her magic. Simon just looks confused. "They are the only non-primate known to exhibit such practices. In fact mating pairs spend more time engaging in coitus if the female bat licks the male than if she doesn't."

Maura spares Simon a glance and the man more or less just makes a face and leaves without further incident which was Maura's intention. This time spouting out 'fun facts' was entirely premeditated instead of an involuntary information deluge that it once was. Maura hears the sexy low chuckle again as she watches Regina raise her glass in a mock toast before taking a lingering sip of her martini. The contrast of Regina's bright red lips on the glass is quite the distraction.

Regina puts down her now practically empty glass, "So what are you a doctor of that is if that moron is to be believed?"

"I'm a medical examiner." Maura really didn't appreciate the joke Simon made at her expense about performing fellatio on a dead penis in order to revive it. The joke was unfunny on many levels and it also reminded Maura of the circumstances in which she met Dennis Rockmond. "I'm the chief medical examiner for the commonwealth of Massachusetts to be precise."

"Impressive and as a bonus you have what has to be the most compliant patients." Regina says with a faint twitch of her lips that gives way to a brief smile which in turn causes Maura to grin. "I'm the mayor of a small town in Maine with the questionable name for the dive bar I mentioned earlier."

"Mayor, also impressive and you said the bar was called 'The Rabbit Hole'? That sounds like a tribute to Alice in Wonderland."

"It certainly does...doesn't it, Mau-ra?"

Regina's voice is spectacular. Maura's auditory cortex and occipital lobe are functioning properly and therefore Maura can say that Regina has to be the most darkly seductive woman she has ever encountered. Regina appears to be close to Maura's age; it's difficult to tell since the woman is unbelievably attractive and has impeccable grooming standards. Maura also surmises that Regina may possibly be Latina given her skin tone and facial features.

"You know I'm passed the point of caring hence why I'm here instead of drinking in the comfort of my own home that's in another state." Regina begins but then tries to wave off the stream of morose thoughts that are suddenly crowding the space as though they're leaving an unpleasant odor in the air she's breathing. "So how about I just tell you the complete truth and take the risk of painting myself of less than sound of mind?"

Maura grins and how could she not. Between the woman's exquisite fashion sense that has an edge to her chocolate eyes and deep velvet voice that shames Jane's quite frankly. Regina who's name when she gave it and even in her entranced state Maura gradually recalled that the name Regina means 'Queen' in Latin. As of now Maura is more than willing to concede that she's well past the point of mere appreciation in Regina's presence.

"I wouldn't worry about that." Maura carefully begins to run her finger around the rim of her wineglass. "Because even though I'm a doctor I don't know you well enough to have you interned at McLean regardless of the direction our conversations takes."

Regina smiles brightly and chuckles, "Okay."

Maura smiles wider at the sight of Regina's mirth even though it's cloaked in a kind of bitter irrepressible sadness. The woman across from Maura seems to carry much of the same burdens of loneliness, loss and some type of neglect too. Maura has no way of knowing for sure now but facial cues do not lie. Reading micro-expressions is an actual skill that can be learned.

"Hey Maura, my shifts done and I thought I would come tell you bye before I go." Angela says while giving the doctor's new friend a subtle once over. Maura jumps a little at the intrusion of Angela's voice into her analytical and appraising thoughts regarding Regina. "But I see you have company so I'll just be going. Goodnight, hun."

Angela Rizzoli is far from subtle. In fact she has been watching Maura and the other woman for some time now. Angela caught some of what the other woman said to that good-looking but pig of a man earlier. Angela knew in a way that Maura maybe liked women too. Jane seemed to be Maura's type. And it was a sad day for Angela when she realized that her daughter would never be brave enough to love her best friend back. It's all a damn shame. Angela really wanted the doctor in the family; she thought Maura was the only person Jane would be able to settle down with.

"Wait, Angela. I want to introduce you to Regina." Maura smiles and gestures to the woman sitting in the booth with her. "Regina, this my best friend's mother Angela."

Angela watches the classy woman smile and she hasn't seen such a glamorous woman up close before. The red lipstick is brazen, bold and clearly she dresses like Maura but with more of a kick judging by all the black and leather that she's wearing.

"Pleased to meet you, Angela." Regina says offering her hand which Angela takes. Angela smiles at the feel of the firm handshake and the smooth, husky voice like her daughter's but clearer with less of a rasp. Angela lets go of Regina's hand. Yeah, Maura's so got a type. "And it was very nice meeting you as well Maura but I must be going too."

Maura's smile falters marginally again because she's not ready for this kismet to end. Jane jokingly told Maura some time ago after Jack left that the next awesome person would come along. Maura took it to mean that Jane would finally come around. That didn't happen though.

Angela recognizes the poorly disguised turmoil on Maura's face, "Oh, well then why don't you walk us both out Maura?"

Regina saw Maura's expressive face slip when she said she had to go but now at Angela's suggestion Regina bears witness to by far the cutest expression she has ever seen on another person's face. Aside from Henry of course. Maura's face is projecting a kind of surprised awe and it's a very good look and those golden hazel eyes seem even larger; it's as though the idea never occurred to Maura. The doctor has shown Regina a range of emotions in such a short span of time. Maura is vulnerable but with an unmistakable strength, humor and a type of worldly innocence. The awkward scientific babble Maura spouted about the sex life of bats was funny and oddly endearing.

"That's fine with me." Regina says as she reaches for her clutch purse and tucks it under her arm as she gracefully scoots to the end of the booth's seat without it making an unflattering noise and then rises to her feet. "I parked just down the street."

Maura grins and grabs her purse and while she moves out of the booth and Regina watches as Maura places her Hermes bag in the crook of her elbow. Regina then takes a timely pause to appreciate the navy blue silk floral print dress Maura is wearing. The round neck, flared skirt at knee length is delicately tasteful without being cloying. Black patent leather Prada pointed toe stilettos elevate not only Maura's height but the whole ensemble in Regina's mind.

"Let's go then, girls. I've been on my feet all day." Angela says loudly as she leads the way out of the bar. "God, I can't wait to get home."

For second Maura hesitates beside Regina at the booth until Regina cuts her own path through the crowd of people in the bar. Maura can't help but watch Regina's authoritative strut in her sinfully sexy heels and the slit up the back of her leather skirt offers an amazing view with each step she takes. Maura smiles as she follows after Regina because each man that Regina passes Maura can read the palpable jealously radiating off their longing stares.

As Angela pushes open the door and night air hits her face she feels a special kind of sadness on Maura's account. Jane keeps in touch but it's not the same and it's hard on Maura; losing her best friend and the person she loved all at once. So maybe a nice night with Regina could be a step in a positive direction. And let's face it Maura's taste in men is terrible while her taste in women is far better. Angela knows she's a good judge of character and she can just tell that Regina seems to be carrying a burden too.

Angela reasons that she knows this about Regina since everybody is on some level. And like speaks to like as the saying goes. Angela quickly tells Maura and Regina bye and then makes herself scarce. With one lingering backward glance Angela smiles at the sight of Maura strolling down the sidewalk closely beside Regina. The two of them look so beautiful together; light and dark side by side always does. But maybe it's more than that. Angela hopes so for Maura's sake.

"This is mine." Regina says while reaching into her clutch for her car keys.

"Oh! A 1988 Mercedes 560SL." Maura says with a smile as her eyes sweep over the sleek black coupe which shines under the street lights. She also notes the Maine license plate before turning her gaze back to the car's owner. "Classically beautiful and timeless."

"Thank you." Regina looks away rather shyly and tucks some of her short hair behind one ear again. "Could I offer you a ride home?"

The pleased expression on Maura's face is easy to read. And secretly Maura has absolutely no qualms about leaving her Prius at the precinct. It's not as though she hasn't done it before and the car is in no danger of being stolen.

"Sure."

The ride to Maura's house wasn't all that nerve-wracking for Regina and it certainly didn't seem that way to Maura either. It was quiet for the most part aside from the radio droning on low volume with Maura's helpful and precise directions to her house. Maura was very firm about taking the most efficient way not that Regina minded. Upon arriving in Maura's neighborhood Regina wasn't at all surprised to find that Maura lives on Beacon Hill. What did surprise Regina though was the invitation Maura extended to her. Nowhere during the planning of Regina's much needed trip outside of the trappings of Storybrooke did she envision meeting someone.

"May I take your jacket?" Maura says as she turns on the lights and then places her purse and keys on the table by the door. She knows its presumptuous in a sense but the offer is more to do with good manners even if your guest won't be staying long. "That is unless you would be more comfortable with leaving it on?"

Regina simply shrugs off her jacket and offers it to Maura who takes it tentatively. The black silk shirt Regina is wearing is tight and the woman's figure is a perfect hourglass. Right then Maura's sympathetic nervous system reacts to a surge of adrenaline thus her cheeks begin to heat up at her assessment so she quickly turns to hang the jacket up. Maura hasn't felt this level of attraction to a woman in ages but more to the point to do away with gender just another person. Maura has kept to men in recent years simply because she thought they were easier in a sense. Needless to say all her attempts at dating the opposite sex has been a disaster.

Regina grins due to the fact it has been too long since she's been the cause of such a sight. No one has blushed around Regina for any reason so pleasing; they only ever did when she was Queen and was summarily scaring or simultaneously embarrassing them. Regina lets Maura have her space to regroup and instead uses the time to glance around the doctor's house and furnishings. From what Regina can tell Maura's home is tastefully decorated without being pretentious, cluttered or overdone in terms of interior design. Maura clears her throat and gestures for Regina to accompany her.

Regina eyes the painting in the entryway of the two figures draped in black. The portrait is interesting and morbidly arresting at the same time. Walking with Maura past the entryway Regina sees the kitchen next with its large island, stainless steel appliances and the pale blue-green coloring of the walls and cabinets. In the living room the crème and green patterned sofa is large and just as inviting as every other element in Maura's home. Regina spots the matching arm chairs off to the side of the sofa; she loves the purple and white pattern. The purple coloring of both chair's fabric is close to the same shade as her magic.

"You have a lovely home, Maura."

"Thank you. Would you like to sit down in the living room? Can I get you something to drink? Water or perhaps some wine? I have a very nice vintage I was going to open soon."

"Water is fine. I've had enough alcohol for tonight. Thank you for the enticing offer though." Regina says as she runs her hand along the back of one of the wooden chairs at Maura's kitchen island. "To be honest I much prefer my homemade cider over most other forms of alcohol if I'm going to really imbibe."

Maura goes to her refrigerator and grabs two bottles of water, "You make your own cider from apples?"

"Yes, it's a hobby. I grow apples and I like experimenting with the press, the fermentation process. But I never stray too far from my tried and true recipes."

"I would love to try some." Maura says offhandedly and to be honest she would. The fermentation process greatly interests Maura as does any other chemical reaction whether it be created in nature or engineered and manipulated by mankind. "I mean, um...oh well, I mean if we see each other again."

Maura closes the refrigerator door and moves around the island to where Regina is standing, "Would you like a glass? I always feel compelled to ask now since Jane informed me that pouring bottled water out into a glass is just ceremony."

"Jane sounds like woman with a healthy sarcastic streak." Regina says with a laugh and Maura is entranced by the sound. "I say that with the utmost sincerity because it takes one to know one. And I've come to understand that I've been sassy since birth."

Regina takes one of the bottles of water from Maura and removes the cap and then takes a drink. The water is cold and it would be so easy to say that the water is making Regina shiver instead of Maura's delightful proximity. They're the same height though Regina suspects that Maura is marginally taller since she is in no danger of being called tall without her heels. Still Regina smirks and moves towards the living room and as she sits down on the sofa she notices the fresh tulips in a clear vase sitting on the center table. The heavy blooms are white and pink and are drooping as tulips are wont to do.

Maura grins as she follows Regina and then sits down a cushion away while she unscrews the cap on her bottle of water and takes a small sip, "Normally, I wouldn't say something like this but I enjoyed watching you verbally demean that rude and sexually aggressive man at the bar."

"He deserved no less and I'm all too accustomed to dealing with a variety of idiots." Regina puts the cap on her bottle of water and places it down on a coaster sitting on the low table in front of the sofa. "Among other things."

Maura is beyond intrigued with Regina. And yes since Maura is only human she more than aware of how her body has been and is continuing to react to the other woman. An elevated heartbeat could mean any number of things but every time Regina speaks at length or laughs; Regina's laugh is magnificent, Maura feels a slight contraction in her pubococcygeus muscle.

"You were debating on whether or not to tell me something back at the bar before Angela came over to our booth." Maura says before placing her bottle of water on the low table too. Maura then slips off her heels and tucks her feet up underneath her. Thankfully, the skirt on her dress is loose enough. "If you would like to resume that conversation I'm more than willing to listen. No judgment here."

Getting to know someone is much more than just taking your clothes off, getting sweaty and then getting off a couple of times. Regina hadn't really gotten to know anyone much in her life while she was Queen. Her life and allowing people in beyond her father started with Henry then Emma, the two idiots, and finally Zelena is coming around. Regina would be the first to admit that her and Zelena are still circling each other and that they may very well be for the rest of their natural lives. Somedays it seems that's going to be the only way thanks in no small part to who birthed the both of them. Cora is the gift that keeps on giving and at the same time it's the one you can't return.

Regina slips off her heels too and moves to sit sideways on the sofa. For a moment she toys with one of the large model decorative jacks sitting on the desk behind the sofa, "Six years ago my son ran away to find his birth mother. That's the start of the real truth of why I'm here. My son's birth mother used to live in Boston up until she found her way to my town over six years ago."

"You have son...that you adopted? Oh gosh, and how old was he when he ran away?"

"He was ten and yet that didn't stop him from running all the way from Maine. You see when I told him he was adopted he didn't take it well. Still adopting him thus far has been the only thing worthwhile that I've done with my life."

"What's his name if you don't mind telling me?"

"Henry." Regina leaves out the part where her son's middle name came from the only other man that she loved. "I named him after my late father."

"And what is your relationship with your son's birthmother if you don't mind me asking?"

Regina grins at the poorly masked tone in Maura's voice, "I learned to tolerate her. Then I reluctantly allowed her to become Henry's co-parent and my friend to an extent. But that was after a good length of time of loathing the ground she walked on. I won't get into that part of my past though because current events are far worse."

"What happened?"

"The idiot; Henry's birthmother, recently took back and then married one of the sorriest excuses for a man on the planet. And mind you I'm hesitant to even assign that label to him. It doesn't seem to properly convey how vile he is."

"Oh?"

"Yes, and I don't want to even think too much about how Guyliner will slime and slither his way in even deeper now. I swear if that man tries to be a father figure to my son I really will give him matching hooks."

A single notion flits through Regina's thoughts and it's that telling Maura everything would be worth it if only for the shock value not to mention the purge in general. Then again Maura works with the police and Regina only has so much magic at her beck and call to avoid a life behind bars or finding out how good she'll look in straightjacket.

"Hooks?" Maura tilts her head to the side and purses her lips. "Does your friend's husband have a prosthetic attachment?"

No one can accuse Regina of not being passionate in whatever form it takes. Anger was a big a trigger but now mild irritation has been bumped up the index. Regina can't say that the martini at the bar has affected her filter; it was weak and watered-down to a degree. But then again Regina has one hell of a tolerance or constitution depending on how you choose to rate it.

"You could say that."

"So what's her name?" Maura says as she repositions herself on the sofa a little closer to Regina. "Henry's birthmother. Tell me about her?"

Regina smirks and turns her gaze towards ceiling for a few seconds before directing her full attention back to Maura, "In the beginning she was just 'Miss Swan' the absolute pain in my ass. Now she's Emma for the most part. But between you and me I still like to call her 'Miss Swan' to piss her off every now and then. But that's over with now too. Emma's last name is Jones now, ugh. Even if she had hyphenated it would still sound awful."

Maura gapes a little but then grins at Regina's eye roll and the slight curl in her red-slicked lips. Jones? Just how many awful male specimens carry surname Jones in this world? Jane would've had the same last name as Emma does now if she'd married Casey.

"My son, Henry has made his displeasure at Emma's choice in husband more vocal as of late. Dating a man for years who fancies himself as a pirate is one thing, it was cool to a twelve year-old boy, but to have the same man marry your mother is another matter. Henry is nearly seventeen now and Emma marrying a filthy pirate isn't cool to him. Is it bad that I loved finding out that my son called Emma's beloved Killian a 'filthy pirate'?"

Maura thinks that Regina's smile is beautiful but sad at the same time. Clearly, thinking about her son makes Regina happy and thus the sadness can only be attributed to a woman named Emma. Now Maura thinks that she and Regina have even more in common with one another than a shared keen fashion sense. Though Maura deduces that Regina would never be stupid enough to ever date a serial killer. Maura briefly ponders Jane's 'dumbest genius' remark yet again.

"Henry is staying with his set of grandparents on Emma's side while I'm here." Regina shifts on the sofa and runs her fingers along the back of the sofa until her arm is extended in Maura's direction like an invitation to move in more. "This is difficult for me to admit but I know that my son feels sorry for me in a way. And I'm sure when he went to go find Emma he didn't plan on the true conflict between Emma and I or what it would evolve into. Henry saw right through me. He knows how my feelings changed about Emma. Eventually, I tried to settle for someone else who was technically even more unavailable than Emma. It didn't last. I knew it wouldn't. And I feel foolish now when I look back into all the effort I poured into that doomed relationship that really wasn't worth it."

Maura sees no reason to feel pity towards Regina. The woman is simply magnificent as is the story Regina is divulging. Regina being a single mother by choice is impressive alone. But this unfettered confession between the two of them is refreshing for Maura. So many people are only interested in playing games. Stringing other people along until they find something better; it's the classic monkey mentality of not letting go of one branch until a firm grasp on another is assured.

"Emma Swan is a lovely name." Maura says with a smile and leans in more towards Regina. The woman is single and Maura is relieved that Regina has said so quite directly. Maura prefers direct people since they are much easier to understand. "I wouldn't give up my last name for anyone even though I'm adopted. Not that it matters. I like my name and I can't imagine my last name changing merely to appease outmoded practices."

Regina smiles briefly, "What is your last name, dear?"

"Isles."

"Hmm, your last name is lovely too...it's musical really. My last name is Mills by the way."

"Mills is an English-Irish surname." Maura blurts out at the way Regina practically crooned out her name in that intoxicating voice she deftly wields. "I thought perhaps you might have a more exotic last name though. Not that there's anything wrong with the name you have. Your full name suits you."

"Thank you I suppose." Regina says with a faint smirk. "So you are an adopted child too?"

"Yes." Maura nods and then dares to move a little closer again. "My biological mother's name is Hope Martin but I would've been named Maura Doyle."

"Isles sounds better if you don't mind me saying so."

"I don't and I agree given what I've learned about my birth parents. No one is perfect but who's to say that I would've achieved my goals had I remained with my birthparents? At least with Arthur and Constance I had opportunities I may have not had otherwise. It took some time but I realized that my adoptive parents allowed me to become the person I am."

Regina finds herself appreciating Maura's frank declaration of truth since it clearly comes from years of hard learning. Maura Isles is delightful in every way without being an annoying ray of sunshine. The woman is a little weird but in a good way. Obviously, Maura is highly intelligent which is rare in someone so evidently attractive both inside and out. And why shouldn't Regina find her desirable? Regina isn't dead yet and who is anyone to judge? And furthermore Regina's decided that only a fool would limit their options when such an incredible one presents itself.

"Disappointing were they? Your birthparents I mean."

Maura suppresses the urge to twist the ring on her middle finger, "In a sense. My biological mother is a brilliant doctor and I volunteer at her clinic when I can. As for my biological father...he's the equivalent of a CEO in the Irish mob. Oh, perhaps I shouldn't have told you that although it's common knowledge now."

Regina knows better than anyone how disappointing parents can be. How much they can demand of their child and take in the same breath.

"Relax Maura, I'm not going to judge you either." Regina moves in and hesitantly takes one of Maura's hands in hers. "And you are without a doubt an extremely nice person. And right now I don't want to compare battle scars with you too much. I have a feeling that our stories aren't all that dissimilar unless I were say something along the lines of a fairytale villain that was vastly misrepresented by a man who's overly saccharine empire was built on the foundation of a cartoon rodent."

Regina has officially changed her mind; she doesn't want to tell Maura who she really is. Right now she's just Regina Mills and anything more is irrelevant. Making peace with her past is long overdue any way; this can be another step towards that goal.

Maura smiles and tilts her head to the side thoughtfully, "I take it you mean Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse. Which 'Steamboat Willie' was released in 1928 and is considered the first appearance of Mickey Mouse who was created as a replacement for Oswald the Lucky Rabbit." Maura relishes in the soft but sure touch of Regina's hand gripping her's. "But you consider yourself a villain, huh? So who would you be that has been interpreted poorly?"

The playful quality of Maura's pleasing voice is disarming. Maura believes that Regina is being charming and just the notion is enough to make Regina smile again. She's done a fair amount of that tonight because of Maura. Regina gently squeezes Maura's hand in her's before she slowly brings Maura's hand up to her lips and leaves a faint kiss on her knuckles. Maura's sharp inhale only fuels Regina that much more. It's with some hidden reluctance that Regina lets go of Maura's hand.

"Regina, you are the most charismatic woman I've encountered in many years. And I can safely say that since my opinion has nothing to do with any expectations I may have for the remainder of the evening." There is a slight tremble in Maura's voice, her breathing; she already misses Regina's affecting touch. So Maura closes the scant distance between them until her bare knees are pressing against Regina's. "Recently, I've arrived at the conclusion that it would be much healthier for me to see life as nothing more than a wave of probability."

Regina grins and studies Maura up close. The faint freckles she has is only barely visible under expertly applied make-up. Fine smile lines are at each corners of her eyes; Regina has some of her own too. But seeing Maura's eyes this near is another feature that Regina affixes on. The color is unique, fascinating and utterly magical to Regina but then her gaze falls to Maura's lips for a moment before she forces herself to meet those hazel pools again. This isn't a matter of who is seducing who; they've both already seduced one another. Regina places one hand on Maura's dress-covered thigh and drags her fingers over one of the white flowers imprinted on the skirt of Maura's dress.

"Orbicularis oris or the kissing muscle. Labium superious oris or cupid's bow." Maura says lowly as she leans forward; her eyes darting between Regina's darkened stare and her red lips. "The lips and the tongue are the most densely concentrated with nerve endings than any part of the human body. They even surpass both the clitoris and the frenulum of the penis. The precise number varies from person to person as it should since I feel that a person's erogenous zones are as unique as their fingerprint."

Maura voluntarily ceases her admittedly clinical evaluation and instead she reaches up with both hands to touch Regina's face. Regina's skin is soft and in another bold move Maura faintly grazes the side of Regina's lips or more specifically the mark on Regina's upper lip with the side of her thumb, "I know when you got this that it had to hurt awfully. But to be completely honest with you I have no reservations in telling you that your scar makes you even more exquisite than you already are."

Maura continues to hold Regina's face in a tender cradle of flesh upon flesh. Regina gradually melts into the touch and her eyes flutter before relaxing to a near-close. Unbidden tears want to come next under Regina's lids that are lined in black by the flourish of liquid eyeliner and her own naturally dark lashes. Regina doesn't spend too much time thinking about how she got her scar. She accepted that it was just another part of her long ago.

"No one has really touched you the way you needed, have they?" Maura's breathing is shallow because this connection is beautiful and something she herself has always wanted to be a part of. "I know this is true about you because I feel the same way. And I'm still learning to ask for what I would like from someone I believe is special."

Special. Emma said that once too but this is different. Regina chooses not to waste another second so she closes her eyes and leans forward. The following sigh falls from her lips as they gradually connect with Maura's. This is the first kiss Regina's ever had that wasn't about a dying passion or trying to kindle a new-old one that was far removed from anything resembling passion. Maura moves her head to the side to deepen the kiss and Regina is hyper aware of how Maura is reverently holding her face as her tongue seeks to taste her more. Regina grants Maura's unspoken wish as it suddenly is her's too. Regina's grip on Maura's thigh creeps higher for a few stolen heartbeats as Maura's hands slowly dips from her cheeks to caress her neck and then Regina's lost in the feeling of Maura's tongue against her's.

A low moan escapes from Regina and she breaks the kiss with a breathy exhale, "How much are you still in love with Jane?"

"I thought I was being subtle but...enough to let her go." Maura says and then dips her head down to lay a kiss against the smooth, heated skin that of Regina's neck. "But what makes me the most melancholy is that Jane would never choose to see past my gender to have me be anything more to her than just a friend. We went to Paris together before she left and over the course of a month nothing happened or changed the status quo between us."

Even through the potent signs of arousal coursing through her body Maura feels like crying. Maura is still mourning what has always felt like to her as a missed opportunity only made worse now because Jane left like all the others. But at the same time Maura is looking for a reason to make peace with her unanswered feelings and move forward. Life goes on until it reaches the inevitable conclusion. Death.

"I'm sorry...to a point."

Maura pulls away from the woman in her arms but only so far as resting her forehead on Regina's, "What do you mean?"

"I mean that had your trip to Paris been successful you would have your heart's desire now." Regina moves her hand off Maura's thigh and uses it to push some of Maura's soft, silky coppery-red long bangs behind one ear and then smoothes her palm over Maura's cheek. "But that would also mean that we wouldn't have met. And I'm glad we met."

Maura sighs, "I really like you. And you saw through my feelings towards my best and only friend."

"I know the feeling and it goes without saying that Emma would never choose me either and to think I'll get to see her every day attached to a man who sees her as nothing more than his property." Regina is a seasoned scholar on a certain type of the male of the species view on women as no more than a prize, a possession, chattel. Regina opens her eyes when she feels Maura's forehead leave her's. "The worst part though is knowing that Emma has willingly let herself be reduced to nothing more than Killian Jones' little wife-whore."

Maura chuckles at Regina's terse and sarcastic tone. This Killian Jones Emma has chosen to marry is a person that Regina apparently loathes and it seems that Regina's opinion of the man actually has very little to do with Emma. Maura doesn't need to have above average intelligence to deduce that Regina has had her heart broken which a common occurrence in Maura's mind but only because of inherit human nature. Humans are hardwired for it as a means for ensuring evolution, the perpetuation of the species. In Maura's case though she simply desires a companion to share the rest of her life with and for Maura the asking for more than just sex is the hardest part.

"I don't like 'what-if's' but...suppose I told you that I want to see you again? Suppose we continue to see one another? I have no issues with you living in Maine. Or the fact that you have a son you love above all else." Maura smiles and licks her lower lip; she tastes Regina's lipstick, as the pressure in her chest increases. Human emotions are so complex and the way they puppet the body nearly defies the understanding that scientific theory provides. "I've only just met you but as I said before I like you. So this is me asking you, choosing you. And all you have to do is let me."

Regina smiles and uses her hand, that's been holding on for dear life on the back of the sofa, to wipe the smudge of her red lipstick off Maura's lips, "My little road trip is about letting go. I used to hold onto things so tightly. And I've had lots of experience in picking up the pieces when it slips through my fingers but I never mastered the moving on part. So this journey back to Boston was a combination of this is where Henry found Emma and Boston is also where I adopted Henry sixteen years ago."

Maura doesn't care that she's most likely still wearing a good portion of Regina's decadent shade of lipstick despite Regina's tender efforts to remove it. The way Regina speaks about people in her life she treasures is slowly making Maura want to be one of those people.

"Before I adopted Henry for a long time I thought that part of me, the part that could love or even recognize love, died a horrible death. Then Emma Swan barged into my life and changed it again. And it's changing again but this time it's thanks to you, Maura. I like you too and I want to see you again. Distance be damned."

Maura feels her face warm again but she can't find it in herself to be all that embarrassed about it, "I have a whole guesthouse and a guestroom here in the main house if you'd like to stay tonight?" Maura is so reluctant to break contact with Regina. Attraction is attraction and it always will be but Maura isn't interested in selling herself short for just one night anymore. "I don't expect you to sleep with me right away. That would make me no better than Simon and you remember what a charmer he was."

Regina laughs, "Oh yes, I imagine 'Simon Says' has gotten lucky a fair amount in his life due to his...exterior polishing. But given his current prowling status clearly the entire sample size of women were smart enough to throw him back."

The air settles into a sweet stillness and for Regina Storybrooke feels like a world away. A world she can't leave yet but here, now with Maura, it feels like there could be another chapter to add to her story. A better one.

"I'll stay with you tonight. But I do hope you have something you're willing to let me borrow to wear tomorrow for when I have to go back to my hotel." Regina smirks as she recalls the jibe she sent Emma's way once over root beer: 'I'm a Queen and a bit more refined'. "I'm too old to be caught doing the walk of shame."

Maura chuckles and the sound causes such a pleasant feeling to wash over Regina on top of the arousal she's been enjoying for a while now. Normally, Regina wouldn't ask another woman for her clothes. Regina has magic but not enough to transport her belongings magically. Besides, that might send the wrong message at this very early stage. And while being with Maura might not ever feel like being with Daniel and thank who the hell ever it feels nothing like being with Robin. But so far Regina will say that spending time with Maura, just talking, letting Maura touch her does feel freeing.

"I'm sure we can find something in my closet that fits and that I would be willing to loan you." Maura says with what Regina wouldn't hesitate to call a megawatt smile. "I have separate systems for my shoes and my clothes so it shouldn't be too difficult to find something suitable."

"Hmm, I wouldn't dream of messing with either of your systems. However, I should warn you right now that I do love doing things the hard way."

Maura smiles, "Me too."

Soundtrack: "Spellbound" by Siouxsie and the Banshees, "I'll Be OK" by Nothing More & "Fist Fighting a Sandstorm" by Sia

Parting Words: Yes, I had to do it. The thought of Isles and Mills together just sharing the same space is *deep breath, fans self*. Seriously though this is just a fun experiment. And even though I docked the unrequited OTP ships for once it's not because I'm trying to launch another. But Maura and Regina? I gotta say the possibilities for the Queen of the Dead and the Queen formerly known as Evil was too tempting to write more about. And finally as per usual all nasty and over the top critical commentary isn't something that's welcome.