Regina

She had her eyes on the blonde. For so long. Was it an accident she walked to this beach bar with her friend? No. Did she know the blonde will be here? Yes. How long did this take now? She couldn't even remember. Well, that's a lie. She could if she really wanted.

,,Are you even listening to me, dearie?"

,,Yes. I am sorry. What were you saying?" I turned back to my friend. This was happening more and more. Every time I was near the blonde. I just couldn't take my eyes of her.

Rumple grinned amused. ,,I was asking if you finally will do something about this," he pointed at the blonde.

,,What do you mean?" I chewed my salad trying to play it cool. Rumble knew about my abilities. Up to some point anyway. So he surely was very aware of the fact the blonde can't see me. Unless I'll let her. And tonight I decided I'll let her. Just for a moment. I removed my metaphorical invisibility cloak and tried my best not to look at her too much.

,,Do you have me for a fool? I am your friend, Regina. And I know you."

,,Please. You don't know more than what I let you to know."

,,I see why you think that," he winked.

We ordered our drinks and chatted a bit. The blonde, Emma, was also in company of her friends. She often hang out with these two girls. One tall slim brunette and one pixie haired brunette. I envied them a lot. I could see why they often walk into this bar. It was all open with beautiful view, bit of sand on the wooden floor and right now with a late summer breeze.

Suddenly I saw a dog running on the beach. Towards me. If you knew me, it wouldn't surprise you. I got up from my seat and took few steps to meet him in front of the bar on the beach.

,,Hello, handsome!" I said to the dog. He looked excited to see me and gave me his paw. First I thought he just wanted to do a high five but then he told me his paw hurts. When I observed it closely I saw a small thorn being stuck between his digital pads.

,,There you go," I petted him when I took it out. He leaned to me to give me a proper doggy hug as a thank you.

His owner came minutes after the dog run to me and said shrugging: ,,what the hell. He's never friendly with people!"

,,Well, I'm not people," I smiled. ,,And take him to a vet. It looks like he has something with his liver. It didn't show as of yet but I sense something. Better check it out before it's late," I petted the dog and got up back to my table.

The owner was watching flabbergasted. Rumple was amused.

,,Nice show, dearie."

,,It wasn't a show. You do know that animals seek me when they're aching."

,,Yes, I am aware of that. I'm also aware of the fact you don't let anyone see it. Yet here we are. Emma was watching very closely."

,,Was she?" I was shocked. This was the first time in months since I let her see me. And she actually noticed? Well, I guess it was because of the dog. I know I can bring attention when I want to. Even when I don't. Something about my composure and presence, I'd say. But I didn't let Emma see me for a reason.

,,Indeed she was. Good job."

He was getting on my nerves. It was not some kind of show! Maybe I should have stuck to my invisibility for her. It is true I don't usually let anyone see my abilities. I can be very invisible if I want to. I can make people unaware of all of this. But this was nothing. It's not like I calmed a storm or started tornado… And Emma was distracting me. Wait.

,,How do you know her name?!"

,,You see Regina, I told you I know more than you think," he winked and sipped his beer.

,,This conversation is not over. HOW do you know her name? WHY do you know her name?" I was furious. I didn't have many friends. I would consider Rumple as one but he can't be trusted like that. I didn't like this.

,,Oh come on, dearie. You follow this girl for months. You got huge house right behind this cliff. Which is not that far from her. And yet you never considered talking to her. Now YOU tell my WHY is that."

,,You're wrong in everything," I said and left the bar. I'm not in mood for his sneering and smug face.

,,Do you wanna go for a walk, Henry?" I asked my white tiger.

Yes.

I love night walks on the beach. Well, anytime suits me but nights are my favorites. I need to clear my mind. There's always way too much going on, especially when I let it wander.

We often talk deep with Henry when we're walking. Just like now. It helps to sort my thoughts. Other nights we walk in silence but that's pretty rare. Usually we don't talk during our daytime walks because the beach is busy. It's much calmer during the night. I could answer him back in thoughts. It's not like he could read them but I can insert my answer to his head. I just don't like this kind of interaction that much and imagine walking and suddenly bursting in laughter. Henry has great sense of humor so it happens a lot. It would be weird, right? People talk with their pets all the time and it's normal so why wouldn't I talk to my pet. It looks more normal than suddenly laughing. Weird world.

This is indeed a lovely night. I can see a lot stars despite the moonlight. Wondering how would it be if I were here with Emma. I could teach her everything about the universe. Every star, every constellation… would she be interested in hearing that? Or is she more into technology? From what I've seen I can't decide. I don't follow her on every step and know the first and last thing about her. Nothing like that. I just always end up where she is. And I did observe a lot. But surely nothing creepy. And believe me, I could do creepy if I wanted.

What is on your mind?

,,I just… Emma. I wish things were easier."

Things were never easy for you. And won't be easy for you. You can't live your life in solitude though. Look into her mind. You might find out that she likes you.

,,Likes me? She doesn't know me! I don't let myself be seen to her. As far as I'm concerned, she only saw me today."

That's progress.

,,Ugh. I don't know. And I don't live in solitude. I have you."

I am a tiger, Regina. You're literally talking to a tiger.

,,We both know you're more than that."

Perhaps. But no one besides you knows that.

,,I don't care what people think. Such idiotic creatures."

Emma is one of them. Yet you seem to like her.

,,She has a pure heart. And she's beautiful."

You should try, you know.

,,No. I should not. I don't …." I didn't finish my sentence as Emma bumped into me.

,,Oh my! Are you okay? I'm so sorry! I wasn't paying attention to where I go! Got totally caught up in the moment, you know. My favorite song started to play." Emma apologized while taking out her airpods.

Emma was in my arms breathing fast. I had to catch her otherwise we would both fall. When I released her from my embrace I had to calm my racing heart a bit.

,,No worries, dear!" I smiled. ,,I wasn't paying attention either. I was having discussion with my tiger and I wasn't looking. Are you alright?"

,,Uhm yea, sure. I am. Discussion with your tiger, huh?" Emma sounded amused.

,,I … uhm, yes," I shrugged. What else to say… I can hear his thoughts and that's how we communicate? Right…

,,Okay. I mean. Yea. I have this yellow car and we also have very deep conversations!" she laughed. I couldn't say if she's making fun of me or if she's just trying to be funny.

,,Then you know how it is," I winked. It was sweet of her to try to relate. She obviously didn't believe me and that was fine but she didn't judge. And that was sweet.

,,Right. Okay, lady, I'm on my way. Have to continue jogging."

,,Yes, of course," I smiled and immediately felt sad.

Don't let her walk away like that! Talk to her!

,,Shut up," I said to Henry.

,,I didn't say anything," Emma was confused staring at me.

,,Oh, not you! I was talking to Henry here. He's such a smartass, you know," I rolled my eyes.

,,Right. Wish I could consult my yellow bug right now," she laughed again. Oh my. Such warm genuine laugh.

Idiot.

This time I just glared at him dangerously for a second knowing better than to talk to him again.

,,Well anyway, enjoy your run."

,,Thank you!"

I watched her go again and my heart ached. She was so pure. So beautiful. So kind and warm. She was like sunshine in this dark night.

You shouldn't have let her go like that.

,,And what exactly should have I done, huh?! Kidnap her? Make her love me?! Just… don't talk to me now!"

I sensed some energy switch. Someone was approaching from behind and when I turned to face the intruder I was pleased to learn it's Emma.

,,Uhm. I was just thinking… weren't you at the beach bar today?"

,,Yes, I was," I blinked. I didn't think she would remember.

,,That's where I saw you! I couldn't place your face and it was bothering me. I knew I definitely saw you somewhere and couldn't figure out where it was."

,,Oh. Now you know then. I was there."

How smooth.

,,Yea. Ehm. You helped that dog…"

,,I did," I was getting nervous. This is not a conversation I want to have with someone. I would eventually tell her but so far she's a stranger and I am a complete stranger to her so I don't think something like "well he sought me because he was aching. And btw: I could have healed him right there and then" would be appropriate as a conversation start.

Can you please try to TALK instead of answering with barely a sentence?!

,,Just..!" I said towards the tiger and then turned my face back to Emma. ,,Sorry," I apologized. ,,I was there and I helped the dog. Do you have a dog?" I tried to start a conversation. And to escape the subject.

,,No, I don't. I do get along with one at my work though."

,,Nice. Where do you work?"

,,In police department. I'm not K9 though. Which you probably figured since I said I don't have one," she smiled.

,,Police? Is that why you're running on the beach during the night?"

,,I mean… I like it. And it's good to be in shape for what I do."

,,I see. You're surely in great shape," I smiled back.

,,Uhm. Thank you. I should really go now."

,,Of course," I nodded.

,,Well, was nice to meet you. Bye."

,,Nice to meet you too. Bye."

And I watched her go again.

You should have looked into her mind at least.

,,And why would I do that?! She doesn't know me. It's pointless," I barked at him. This was his first sentence once we got home. Bloody amazing.

You could make her want you.

,,Don't ever say that again. I would never do that. She deserves better. I won't change her thoughts. I won't play with her heart. Who do you think I am."

Oh sweetie, we know each other very well and very long. I know what you can do.

,,I am not that person anymore. New life, new opportunities to make things right."

So what is the plan here?

,,I don't have a plan."

Said Regina Mills never.

,,Ugh. I'm starting to get headache from you."

I want the best for you. She is clearly the best for you.

,,Yes. But I am not the best for her."

You are the best for everybody. And don't act like you can feel pain. Not unless you allow it. So please, don't talk to me like I wouldn't know you.

,,I'm not. And we're done talking for today. I will not interfere with Emma's life. I would destroy her happiness and everything she knows about this world."

Next few days I made sure I won't see Emma anywhere. I wanted to. So much. But at the same time I knew I shouldn't. It wasn't wise. I didn't want to hurt her. I had to keep my distance. I was pacing in my house and Henry was looking at me unamused.

When the sun went down I set on the couch and started to look into my old book full of symbols you wouldn't understand. I wrote the book. It helps me to remember different spells as I established so many of them throughout the years.

Don't you wanna go out for a walk?

,,Already? Usually we go a bit later." I asked him suspiciously.

Yes. I wanna go now. Is that okay with you?

,,I suppose."

Let's go then.

I looked at him. He's usually not the one to initiate this. I looked into his mind but saw nothing that would concern me.

,,Should I take a bike? Do you want to run?"

Oh hell no. Walk is fine. I was running in the afternoon, if u remember.

,,Okay. Where do you want to go?"

The beach.

,,We live on the beach. You can just go outside."

Not the same as walk, is it. Come on, let's go.

I searched through his thoughts again but saw nothing.

,,Okay. Let's go."

It was such a lovely night. It was warm enough to be in a blouse with only the necessary buttons tied up and the wind was touching my skin gently. Even though I enjoy high heels most of the time I didn't take them now. Settled for barefoot. We live on the beach after all. No need to wear shoes on these walks. I enjoy walking through the water. I had to take my shorter skirt for that though. Don't want to have salt on any of my clothes.

Just as we continued in silence I saw one certain blonde jogging towards us.

,,You gotta be kidding me, right," I snapped at Henry.

What?

,,Emma!"

He looked ahead and I could see him fucking smiling. Bloody tiger! I'm telling you, he was smiling! And he had such a smug face.

What a coincidence, isn't it? It's like the universe is telling you to be together.

,,I very much know what the universe is telling me and I can reassure you this is not it!" I yelled at him so I didn't notice Emma got close enough to hear our argument again. She listens to music though, right?

,,Hi," she stopped and smiled.

,,Hello again," I greeted her happily.

She indeed took out her airpods and looked at me intensely.

,,Aren't these made for tapping? You tap one and it pauses?" I asked pointing to the airpods.

,,These? Oh yes. But I have different settings – left for previous song and right for next song. Plus, I find it kinda rude when someone talks to me with their headphones in their ears," she smiled.

,,True. I do too actually. So thank you for that."

,,No problem," she answered. She was so polite.

Ask for her name! Ask for her name! Ask for her name!

,,Don't tell me what to do! And when trying to do so, don't bloody scream at me!" I shouted back at Henry.

Emma was looking incredibly confused. But somehow also amused.

,,Uhm. Sorry. He's just…" I paused.

,,He's a tiger…" Emma added.

I have to control this better. I'm so used to talk to him that I don't even realize. Plus, I can hear him just like anyone else. It's literally like he talks to me. So I answer back. I'm also very used to the fact it's mostly just us. During the day walk we don't talk and during the night walk there's way less people. And I don't care about their opinion anyway. Peasants.

,,Well… yes. We have a special bond. And he goes swimming right now," I looked at him dangerously. He looked back at me questioningly. ,,Don't give me that look and go," I commanded and left no space for him to argue. He scoffed (yes, he can do that) and run into the ocean.

,,Wow," Emma grinned.

I had nothing to say. I imagine how this looks like. At least now I really didn't want to read Emma's thoughts about me.

,,You're lucky he's listening to you like this. Remember my yellow bug? If I told him to go dive into water, I bet he would just stand right where I left him!" she rolled her eyes and then laughed.

Oh god, she's so gorgeous.

,,It's all about discipline, dear. You have to train the bug."

,,Hmmm, I mean, we have very special relationship together but I'm not entirely sure he would do something on his own," she mimicked thinking hard. ,,But I guess I should be happy about that! I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be pleased if I went to my car in the morning and found out he just took off and went swimming. Yep, I wouldn't like that."

I laughed along with her. She was beautiful and funny. What a combination.

,,So your car is a he, yes? As a living creature?"

,,Of course, Lady! Thankfully HE didn't hear you now. HE has feelings, you know."

,,I'm Regina by the way," I smiled and extended my hand.

,,Regina. I like that. Much better than lady," she smiled. ,,I'm Emma Swan. Hi," she introduced herself as well and shook my hand. The amount of electricity that run through me from this simple touch was overwhelming. She seemed to have some reaction within her as well. I swear I didn't do anything though. Then she pointed to Henry in the ocean and reassured herself: ,,and that is Henry, right?"

,,Yes. That's Henry and my full name is Regina Mills," I smiled back losing myself in those green eyes. Which is funny because it was dark now and only the moon shined. Yet I could see her eyes clearly. And boy, did she look good in the moonlight.

,,Henry is quite old fashioned name…"

,,Well yes, I suppose," I interrupted her.

,,No no, I didn't mean it as offense! I like the name. Actually, I was always thinking to name my son like that. If I'll ever have one, that is."

So there is probably someone who she wants to have a kid with. Great. Surely some guy with smug face, dark hair and eyeliner.

,,Oh. I guess that is nice."

,,You guess?" she laughed.

,,No, I meant… I'm sure." Gosh Regina, get your shit together. Compose yourself. I told myself and lifted my head a bit. No one has ever made me this nervous. I didn't like it. There was something about Emma that I just couldn't place. She was special. That much was clear.

Henry came out of the water and sat next to me. He called for attention and wanted to be petted.

,,Can I touch him? I mean… won't he bite my head off?" she laughed but I'm pretty sure she was also a bit serious.

I raised my eyebrows and I said teasingly: ,,Let's see…."

,,Uhm. Okay. Then maybe not," she laughed again.

,,I'm kidding. I wouldn't let him hurt you."

,,No offence but he's a tiger. Pretty big one. And you're a lady. Average size. So my bets in this fight go on the tiger…."

,,Don't underestimate me!"

,,I would never. It's just… he's a tiger, Regina. You know? Teeth and claws and a looot of weight and strength…. As much as I don't doubt your strength, he's a TIGER!"

Is she calling me fat?

,,She's not calling you fat. She means you weigh more than me. Right?" I explained to Henry and turned back to her.

,,That's right! You're not fat at all!" she apologized and petted his head.

,,Well I guess that answers the question whether you survive or not if you touch him," I winked.

,,Oh! Yea. I guess," she smiled shyly. ,,So do you live somewhere near?" she asked while petting Henry.

,,As a matter of fact, I do."

,,Oh. Did you recently move in?"

,,You could say that. Why?"

,,It's just that I'm running here on this beach every night, at least I'm trying, and I've never seen you before. I think I would notice beautiful woman with tiger next to her," she said with spark in her eyes and I blushed. And I'm pretty sure Emma noticed.

I smiled widely. ,,Yes, Henry is a catch for the eye."

,,Right. Henry. Sure," she winked and smiled back. ,,Anyway, I should really get going now. I spent my time chatting instead of running… Can't be good for my shape."

,,Your shape is more than fine," I tried to compliment her back while checking her out from head to toe.

She grinned again. ,,Thank you. Well, anyway…"

,,Right. I guess someone is waiting for you at home and I'm stealing their time," I said and it stung. Just the idea of some guy waiting for her was driving me crazy. As I didn't investigate into her life like this I didn't know whether there is someone or not. And I think I somehow didn't want to know. I liked to think she's just mine. My Emma.

Emma inserted her airpods to her ears smiling. When she started running again she turned around to face me and grinned: ,,No one is waiting," she winked and she was gone.

I like her!

,,Me too, Henry. Me too," I sighed. ,,Tell me one thing though. How did you know she will be here and most importantly, HOW did you HIDE it from me?"

I didn't know. But I was hoping. And if I didn't learn how to hide my thoughts from you, I would be in deep trouble by now! Not because of Emma, that's too fresh but because of other things.

,,What did you do?!"

Depends. But it's usually far in the past. But now: you're welcome.

,,For what exactly?!" I was furious. I wanted to keep my distance from Emma. He knew that very well. And how dare he hide thoughts. I mean… of course I respect his privacy and we only communicate through thoughts but when I wanna look into something in his head, I should be able to see it! Like today when I was looking for something suspicious.

We did meet her, didn't we? Thanks to me.

,,I didn't want to meet her! You know I didn't want to."

That's not true. You did and do want to. You just think you shouldn't. And I disagree.

,,You're so stubborn."

From the two of us I'm surely the one more reasonable than you.

,,Go swim."

Nice try.

I was pacing in the house again when we came back. ,,This is unacceptable," I scoffed.

What is?

,,What you just put me through!" I shook my head. Henry just didn't seem to understand. I can't have human near me. I can't have Emma near me. I would break her heart and she would break mine. I can't risk that. Love is weakness. And I don't have time for love. I mostly don't have time for the aftermath of that. I don't have time for the breakup. And I CAN'T love. I can't. My mother taught me better than this.

Do you mean meeting Emma? I think it was nice. I like her.

,,Yes, it was nice, Henry. And that's the problem."

Regina, I already told you it's not healthy to live in solitude.

,,But it is my only option! Don't you understand? Do you have any idea what this could cause me?" I rubbed my temples and sat down. ,,You know my powers. You know what I can do. Henry, I can't risk hurting her. Or anyone else. Not anymore."

You won't hurt her. You never hurt me either. You don't hurt the ones you love.

,,It's not that much about what I want or who I want to hurt, Henry. I have enormous power in me and it's addictive. The more I use it the more I need it. And with Emma it's not even about that. Imagine telling a human that their lovely world works in a completely different way than they thought. Than what they believed. Yes, it's just me here. But what if I tell her who created it? What if I tell her all the things I know? She will have me for a nutcase. And I wouldn't blame her," I sighed heavily.

If you tell her you have powers then you'll show her. She won't have you for a nutcase.

,,Yes, if I'll do that it will be even worse – SHE will think she got insane herself."

Nah. Emma is different. Emma will handle it. Emma can handle it.

,,I don't think so. Emma is pure, she's sweet and she has great life ahead of her. You shouldn't have done that."

Did you see the way she looked at you? Did you hear she said you're beautiful? Why do you think she said no one is waiting for her? What if that great life you're talking about is with you? Is suppose to be with you?

,,But it's not, Henry! It's not! It can't be! I'm destruction!"

Oh, are you now? Let's ask the dog. Or tons of other animals you healed.

,,I didn't heal him. He just had a thorn in his paw."

Yes. Yet you prevented him from enormous pain by telling the owner to go to the vet. You created beautiful things here. You helped forests, you helped animals, you helped the planet. Please tell me more again about the destruction.

,,You're giving me headache again," I signed and went to get some water.

We both know that's impossible. But you do need to calm down a bit or you'll bring a hurricane.

I looked outside and saw the storm forming there. That happens sometimes. I sat down, drank the water, rubbed my temples again and tried to breathe. The problem was that now I couldn't stay away from her. I know I should but I can't. I want to see that smile again. And I want it dedicated to me.

Now that's better. Why are you so afraid? She seems sweet.

,,She is sweet. And I wish she wouldn't be. Because I'll corrupt her."

Can you please try not to think about your mother?

,,What? I don't think about my mother! She has nothing to do with this." Where is he going with this? Why would I think about my mother when I think about Emma? Ugh. I'm grateful I can't have headache because I surely would have one by now.

I think this has everything to do with her. You think the worst of yourself because she told you so. But I've seen you change, Regina. I know you're nothing like she made you believe you are. And you're afraid to let anyone in because she taught you it's weakness. Your mother was a cruel bitch that didn't love you and because of that you don't know how to receive feelings now. End of story.

,,Do not talk about my mother like that!" I snapped. He has no right. She was a noble woman and she knew very well what she wanted. And how to get it.

Fine. Now please focus on the rest of what I said.

,,Love is weakness. Everyone knows that."

That's what she said.

,,You're not funny." I rolled my eyes. Even though it was kinda funny. I do like "that's what she said" jokes. When they're used wisely, that is.

Sure. He winked.

,,Fine. Let's say, this is because of my mother. It still means I can't do this."

No. It means you have to prove her wrong. Come on. If not Emma then who? You like her, she likes you. Boom, babies! I'm gonna be uncle Henry!

,,I don't think it works that way, Henry," I said laughing. He had a point though. I didn't see anyone I would like for years. But I can't tear her world apart, can I.

It was 8:15am when I made my decision after sleepless night. I can't stay away now. I want to see her, I want to get to know her. We can be friends. That will work too.

Friends? Henry laughed in his head. For real? He laughed some more.

,,Yes, friends! It's better than nothing and surely safer."

I don't think Emma wants to be friends.

,,Oh please. You know nothing about humans."

You don't want to be friends!

,,Yes, I do! And shut up! I need to call someone," I shushed him with my hand.

Emma?

,,I don't have her number, idiot," I said and made my phone appear in my hand. I was in the living room now and the phone was in the bedroom. Too far. This must be done quickly or I'll change my mind.

I dialed and waited. Rumple picked it up after the second ring.

,,Hello, Dearie. What can I do for you?"

,,Hi. I was curious if you want to grab a bite for lunch today?"

,,Lunch? Well yes, why not. Where do you want to go?"

,,Do you know that burger place on the corner of the main street?"

,,Yes. I am aware of that restaurant."

,,Great! So can we go there?"

,,Of course. Will Emma be there?"

,,What?!" How the hell does he know?

,,Oh dearie, can we skip this part please? She will be there and you need me because you wouldn't touch something as unhealthy as burger. You want to see her and it would be very weird if you sat there on your own chewing salad when it's a well known BURGER place. So yes, I will go with you and I'll have burger. Just don't pretend there is any other reason you want to go otherwise you're going alone."

What a snake …

,,Fine. Be there at 12:00. Emma starts her lunch break at that time."

,,Can't wait!"

We hang up and I tried my best to be okay with this. He really knows too much.

When we met in front of the restaurant I was greeted with a grin on his face.

,,What?!" I spat annoyed. This is really not what I needed.

,,Oh nothing. I'm just happy you finally decided to do something. That is if Emma will be able to see you, of course."

,,Yes, she will. She already saw me few times," I unwillingly admitted while we entered the restaurant. No point in hiding now.

,,Excellent!"

I rolled my eyes. ,,Is this really necessary?"

,,Yes, dearie. I am happy for you."

,,Are you? I`m having hard time believing that."

,,Oh, I am. Now you see, I'm a sucker for true love," he winked at me and I stopped taking my coat off.

,,Excuse me?"

,,Come on, Regina! Just relax. Let's have the order done before Emma comes in," he said calmly and held a chair for me to sit down. I didn't want to argue with him but I gave him one of my cold glares.

The waiter was quick to get our orders and I was left alone with Rumple. He was my friend but there was always something odd about him. I don't think he would really sacrifice his life for me and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't do it either. Yet we became good friends. He knew a lot. I always considered him as someone trustworthy and he probably had his own recourses. He can't be trusted in a lot of things but you can tell him anything and be sure he won't say it anywhere else. The only problem was that sometimes he could use it against you. Other than that, your secrets were safe.

The door opened just when the waiter came with our food and Emma marched in. She was busy chatting with that 50 shades of grey kind of guy so she didn't see us. Thankfully I knew he's her colleague. I still didn't appreciate the way he was looking at her though. They picked a table on the other side of the room as they always did and ordered their lunch. I tried to focus on my Greek Salad but I was failing.

He was touching her, he was leaning close to her. Too much for my liking.

,,This must be hard for you," Rumple said before he took a bite of his huge cheddar burger.

,,Aren't there rules against this?! I don't think you can date your colleague, right?" I was fuming.

,,I'm pretty sure they don't date, dearie. But I'd say he wouldn't mind," he looked at the scene again to confirm his theory. ,,Just don't do anything stupid, okay?" he warmed me.

And the truth is, I really wanted. Little heart attack or maybe just the inability to speak for a second. Pain all inside his body. Let his brain explode….

,,Regina!" Rumple said sharply. Not too loud but loud enough for me to snap back to reality.

,,Right. I'm good. All is fine here," I reassured him.

,,Your eyes started to have different color," he stated.

,,That's impossible, that only happens when I'm doing something."

,,Perhaps you were starting before you even noticed."

,,Fuck. Okay, this is bad. This is why I wanted to keep distance. This is why I'll turn Henry into a frog when I'm home!" I sighed.

,,It will be okay once the first sensation passes. You can control yourself. You are the most self-controlled person I know."

,,You don't know me that long, Rumple… I've done things…"

,,What's done is done. You haven't done anything since I know you and that counts. And this burger is delicious!" he changed the subject and I was happy for it. If he only knew how easy it is to kill. To make someone disappear. But I wouldn't do that to Emma. Speaking of which…

,,Regina!" Emma greeted me suddenly. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't see her approaching. She was smiling ear to ear looking at me. Take that, Christian!

,,Emma! Wow, hi! So good to see you. What are you doing here?" I returned the smile and tried to calm the butterflies in my stomach.

,,You're new here so I shouldn't be surprised but this place should basically be named Emma! I'm here all the time! They have the best burgers ever!" she laughed and sat down for a moment. Without asking. Of course I wouldn't say no but there's just this super forward thing about her.

,,So I heard, dear. That's why we came today."

,,And that's why you're eating salad, yes? What kind of person goes to THE BEST burger place and orders a salad?" she grinned.

,,I don't eat mist meat in a bread roll, Emma. I guess it could be good but it's still a junk food and it's very messy."

,,Watch out, we have a fancy lady over here!" she laughed again. ,,So the reason you don't eat burgers is because they are messy, right?"

,,Yes. And fat and very unhealthy."

,,Well thank you for ruining my lunch," she laughed again.

,,I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. Enjoy your meal," I smiled.

,,Pfff, do you think you can destroy my passion for burgers just like that? You're gonna have to try harder, Regina! And you also have to try one of the burgers!"

,,No way. We came here with my friend Robert," I said looking at Rumple: ,, who loves a good burger. And so here we are. I'm not putting that stuff in my mouth, Miss Swan," I explained calmly and put small piece of cucumber in my mouth to prove my point.

,,I'll make you," she said teasingly looking at me very intensely. I nearly choked on the cucumber. Then she broke the gaze and shook Rumple's hand introducing herself.

,,Please dearie, call me Rumple. All my friends call me like that," he said while smiling at her.

,,Emma, your burger is ready! Do you want to eat it at your table or should I bring it to you?" the waitress asked holding two plates with burgers on them. Now I noticed the waitress was one of the two friends Emma hanged out a lot with.

,,I'll eat it with Graham, Rubes! Thanks!" Emma shouted back at her and then turned back to me. ,,I gotta go. Don't wanna leave my colleague there alone. Unless you guys wanna join?" she looked hopefully.

,,Oh we don't wanna interrupt the date, dearie," Rumple said politely. I wanted to kill him but at the same time I was incredibly grateful.

,,What?!" Emma laughed so hard. ,,You mean I'm on a date with Graham? For real? Oh my god, is that what it looks like?" she shook her head while still laughing. "I know him for years. We're really good friends and colleagues. Besides, he knows I'm gay," she winked and stood up.