"I worked at the Sheriff's office once," Ruby pulled out another long sleeve shirt for Dorothy to try on. She'd been watching her dress and enjoying the view as Dorothy tried on multiple tops. "Until, I found a human heart."
"A Human heart?" Dorothy's eyes went wide as she slid her arms in the dark blue dress shirt. To get a job she'd probably need to learn to dress like the rest of the residents. Modern clothing was all still to new to her but if she was going to live in Storybrooke she was going to have to gain employment.
"The heart belonged to a woman named Katherine," Ruby answered. "I think after the curse broke she got it back. Or at least I hope she did."
"What?" Dorothy struggled with the button's.
"Here," Ruby sighed and approached her from behind, placing her hands on top of Dorothy's. "They can be a little tricky sometimes."
"Was it hard for you to adjust to such tight clothing when you first arrived in Storybrooke?" Dorothy let Ruby finish buttoning her shirt. Ruby struggled with the top two buttons. Her tops didn't quite fit Dorothy. Ruby bit her lip noticing the cleavage.
"The programmed personalities included familiarity with all things common to this world," Ruby said. "Though the much of the culture stayed a bit dated til the curse broke."
"It must have been strange," Dorothy wrapped her arms around Ruby's waist. "Living without your wolf for that long."
"I didn't even know a part of myself was missing," Ruby pulled Dorothy in tight. "We were all complacent with the way life was. 30 years passed and it felt like no time at all."
Her hand lifted to Ruby's face, "That must have been awful. Good thing the evil queen is long gone."
"Have I told you how beautiful you are today?" Ruby attempted to change the topic. Her eyes roamed the length of Dorothy's body. She wasn't lying to Dorothy exactly, just withholding information. Kansas didn't need to know that Regina was the one responsible for the curse. Not right before her interview with Regina. Besides Regina hadn't been the evil queen in a long time.
"If you keep staring at me like that there's no way I'm going to make it to this interview on time," Dorothy smirked.
"Regina hates it when other people are late," Ruby licked her lips slightly, eyeing Dorothy for a moment longer. "Being late is one of her signature moves."
"The leader of your town is known for her late arrivals," Dorothy nodded she had a long list of mental notes in her head. But she couldn't possibly keep up with all the information Ruby had thrown at her in the past week.
"Don't worry so much, the sheriff's department will be more than lucky to have you," Ruby kissed slowly.
"Thanks for stopping by," Emma said as she walked Mulan to the door. "It was good to see you again."
"Yes, truly it was a pleasure meeting you, Mulan," Regina smiled as they stood just outside of the Sheriff's building. "Your resume speaks for itself."
"I've served in several armies but none would bring me more honor than serving in yours, Madame Mayor," Mulan bowed slightly
Dorothy let slip a slight cough. "Oh, Miss Gail. You're early," Regina said acknowledging her presence. "Please wait here while Emma and I prepare for your interview." She nodded as they walked back inside.
"Mulan," Dorothy flatly greeted her. "I wasn't aware that you'd be interviewing for a sheriff's position. Last time we spoke, you seemed as though you might not stay in Storybrooke for long."
"Well," Mulan inhaled sharply. "After hearing Snow speak about her exploits in the underworld. I've decided I can't leave any business unfinished."
"I see," Dorothy pondered asking for more details but decided to leave it be.
"Good luck in there, Dorothy," Mulan gave a polite smile. "And may the best woman win."
"Dorothy we're ready when you are," Emma called to her.
Dorothy sat at the table across directly across from Emma while Regina sat at the head to her left. She studied their very different postures for a moment, analyzing the relaxed approach of Emma versus the poised form of Regina.
"So Dorothy, What makes you a good candidate for Deputy Sheriff?" Emma asked wasting no time with pleasantries.
"This is a job I'll be doing whether or not you pay me," Dorothy leaned in a bit. "I see myself as a protector of my people. In Oz, that was the munchkins who I'd defend with my life. In Storybrooke, that would be your job." She gestured to Emma. "But I'd gladly take your lead."
Regina rolled her eyes as a smile spread across Emma's face. "This town is full of heroes, Miss Gail," Regina chastised. "What makes you think you're qualified?"
"To be honest, I'm not sure," Dorothy spoke firmly. "I know so little about your town or about this world that I wouldn't jump to say I'm the perfect fit. However, I've seen more than my fair of magic and sorcery in Oz."
"Do you have any experience with drunk dwarves?" Emma laughed.
"No. Wait, do munchkins count?" Dorothy asked.
"We spend a lot of time just rounding up Grumpy until the next big bad comes along," Emma said.
"I see," Dorothy looked down at her hands in disappointment.
"But when bad guys do show up everything goes to hell. Sometimes literally." She let out a loud laugh at her own comment and looked to Regina waiting for some kind of response.
"We get it, Emma," Regina smirked. "It's just not that funny."
"Well when evil is on our doorsteps, I'll be ready," Dorothy nodded confidently.
"Like you were ready for the wicked witch?" Regina scoffed. "I have it on good authority that my dear sister bested you on more than one of those occasions."
That may be true but at least one of those times I was only twelve years old," Dorothy paused. "Your sister will never harm Storybrooke as long as I'm here."
"I'm not afraid of Zelena," Regina indignantly replied.
"Neither am I." Dorothy answered meeting Regina's eyes they stayed eyes locked with one another for several seconds.
"Well now that's settled," Emma interjected. "I'll move on to the next question. What would you say is your weakness?"
"There was a time I would have said nothing," Dorothy shrugged. "But now I'd have to say it's Love."
"Love isn't a weakness, it's strength," Regina and Emma answered simultaneously. They gave each other a slightly surprised look then turned back to Dorothy.
"I agree, my life is certainly better with Love in it," Dorothy clarified. "But I can't say that I'd be able to think with a clear head if something ever happened to Ruby."
"No judgements here," Emma laughed. "I made my whole family come to underworld with me because of my boyfriend, and Regina enacted the dark curse because Snow couldn't keep a secret about her first love."
Dorothy stood from the table and took several steps back, "You enacted the Dark Curse?"
"Did your little red riding hood not tell you?" A wicked grin grew across her face. "I'm the Evil Queen."
"Regina," Emma said calmly. "Hasn't been evil in at least two years. Everyone deserves redemption don't you think Dorothy?"
"Everyone deserves a chance at redemption," Dorothy said sitting back at the table. "But not everyone works for it."
"I couldn't agree more," Regina added. "And what would a villain have to do to earn redemption in your eyes, Miss Gail."
"Well, they could start by putting the hopes and dreams of their people above their own," Dorothy stated confidently. "Goodness comes from standing with others and not by standing alone."
"So you'd consider yourself a team player?" Regina asked. "And not a humble servant?"
"I think of everyone as equals," Dorothy answered. "It might sound silly but even Toto's opinion is equal to mine."
"If I or Sheriff Swan were to give you a direct order that you disagreed with," Regina arched an eyebrow. "How would you respond?"
"I'd let you know immediately, and if it put anyone's life at risk I wouldn't do it, not even if it cost me my job," Dorothy said firmly. "If that makes me an undesirable employee, I'm sorry."
"Actually, it's quite the opposite dear," Regina looked to Emma who nodded and gave her a smile. "Maybe it's the effect this one's had on me. But I've found I work best with challenging employees. If you'll excuse me, I run some numbers to see if we can even afford to hire you at all." Regina stood up and walked towards the computer in the office.
"She's just bluffing," Emma whispered. "She told me earlier that we would hire you and Mulan both as long as you weren't and I quote 'complete idiots like charming'." A smile beamed across Emma's face as she looked over at Regina. "This town has a bit of a problem with nepotism and if anyone can bring the evil queen out in Regina it's my father.
"Can I ask you why things didn't work out between the two of you?" Dorothy said observing the exchanged. "You seem to click with one another."
"Uh… I beg your pardon," Emma stammered. "Regina and I-"
"Oh no," Dorothy retorted quickly. "I didn't mean to pry. Surely your lives are complicated enough as it is. But you've raised a wonderful boy. He's obviously the product of two loving mothers."
"Henry is a great kid and Regina is a wonderful mother," Emma smiled. "But-"
"I know you've moved on," Dorothy said. "But the look on your face as you glanced at her just now, only one person has ever looked at me that way. And I'm not letting her go."
"Dorothy, look-"
"Congratulations, Miss Gail," Regina said. "The position is yours."
"Thank you," Dorothy reached out and offered her a firm handshake. "When should I start?"
"First thing Monday," Emma stood and started to walk to the door. "I'll see you here at 8am sharp."
"If you'd like Ruby and yourself can join us at the diner for a celebratory dinner on Sunday evening," Regina said.
"Um, Regina," Emma cleared her throat. "I'm not sure that's such a good idea."
"I know it's usually just family," Regina sighed. "But Red is your godmother and her grandmother owns the dinner. I'll make sure to invite our other new employee as well. So that no one feels left out."
"I don't want to impose," Dorothy said looking to Emma.
"No, it's fine," Emma said. "I know Snow would love to have you both."
"It's settled," Regina nodded. "We'll see you then."