Hey, this is my first SwanQueen fanfic. I hope you like it!

I don't actually have any knowledge of Art History, I'm just making it up as I go along, so please bear with me! Also, I'm British so I have no idea how American college works, again just making it up! Sorry if it's totally wrong!

7am

"Ugh" Emma groaned as she rolled over, her alarm ringing incessantly. She reached over to her bedside table and fumbled with the touchscreen of her iPhone, bleary eyes adjusting to the bright screen as she thumped in her passcode, rendering the alarm silent. It was the first day back at college after Christmas break and Emma was exhausted, only having just returned late last night from a full on 6 week stay with her family in Storybrooke. She loved her hometown but man, she didn't know how long she could stand the seemingly endless stream of extended family nosing into her business. If she had to hear one more question about school, her love life or her future, she was going to rip her hair out.

Emma rolled out of bed and sauntered over to the mirror, rubbing her eyes and pushing her blonde hair out of her face. She sighed, gathering up her towel and shower caddy before quickly making her way to the girls bathroom.

"Shit." She exclaimed, walking straight into someone whilst wiping the sleep from her eyes. "I'm really sorry" she said, staring up at the smiling face before her.

"Emma!" The girl said brightly.

"Belle!" Said Emma, returning the brunette's smile.

Emma and Belle had become pretty good friends in the first months of their freshman year, often wandering into each others rooms armed with movies and junk food. Though they lived in the same dorm, they hadn't spoken until Emma noticed Belle receiving unwanted attention from a douchey frat boy at one of the first Beta Pi parties of their Freshman year. Emma had quickly intervened when she saw Belle trying and failing to push away a pair of wandering hands, informing the frat boy that 'Brad needed him to go and get some more tequila.' The boy groaned, staring angrily at Emma before slumping away from the two of them.

"Thank god." Belle sighed.

"You okay?" Emma asked.

"Yeah, fine thanks. He was getting a little too familiar, if you know what I mean." Emma smiled sympathetically.

"Yeah, I noticed."

Belle looked up at her inquisitively.

"Wait. Did you just make that Brad thing up to rescue me?" She asked. Emma laughed.

"Girls gotta stick together right?" She winked. Belle smiled prettily.

"Right. Thanks. My hero" She grinned, pretending to swoon.

The pair quickly bonded over tequila shots and a shared hatred of drunken frat boys.

"How was your Christmas?" Belle asked, reaching her arms out and pulling her into a hug.

"It was good, thanks." Emma replied, her chin resting on Belle's shoulder. "How was yours?" She continued, pulling back from the hug.

"Yeah it was really great thanks. All my cousins came over from England, who I haven't seen in like 5 years, so that was cool." She said, smiling warmly at Emma.

"Sounds great!" Emma smiled back, noting how fresh and beautiful Belle looked. Belle was one of those girls who just rolled out of bed looking amazing. Something Emma hadn't failed to notice on the few occasions Belle had crashed in her room, especially seeing as she usually looked like she'd been run over most mornings. Though she didn't see Belle as anything more than a friend, she wasn't blind to her beauty, and she couldn't help but notice her long, smooth legs in the tiny pyjama shorts she was wearing. She ran a hand through her hair and pulled her eyes back up to meet Belle's, who was blushing slightly.

"Anyway, I'm gonna hit the showers. Catch up later?" Emma said, reaching out and giving her arm a squeeze.

"For sure." Belle replied smilingly as Emma walked off to the bathroom.

11.30am

Emma's morning classes proved uneventful. They mainly consisted of going over the syllabus for the coming semester, her professors droning on about how students who didn't put the effort in, in their second semester of freshman year, and let their grades slip, were on a path to destruction. Pretty heavy stuff for the first day back. Emma was too tired to take any of it in, her mind wandering to what she was going to have for lunch, due to her stomach growling in protest at the lack of breakfast. She was allowed to slack off a little on her first day back. Besides, Emma was an exceptional student, so she had little fear of the heavy workload due to be inflicted on her over the coming semester. She would have to snap out of her daze before her Art History class though, Professor Mills would not be happy if she caught her daydreaming. Her mind began to cloud with thoughts of her Art History professor, until they were quickly interrupted by the sounds of everyone around her gathering their things and standing up to leave. Emma quickly joined them and began packing her notepad and pens back into her bag. 'Great, lunchtime' she thought hungrily.

1pm

After gorging on a chicken salad sandwich and a large bag of potato chips, Emma wandered over to the humanities building across campus. Art History was her favourite class, and she had every intention of making it her major. She had been enthralled by art ever since she was a little girl and her mother had taken her on a trip across Europe, exploring various museums and art galleries. Her mother was an avid collector and Emma was fascinated by everything she saw. Her childhood home was filled with various pieces of modern and classic art. Throughout her adolescence she had visited every gallery and museum in her proximity, taken art classes and read every book on the subject she could get her hands on. She had returned to Europe last year, taking a year out after graduating high school to travel, immerse herself in the culture and see as much art and as many cultural landmarks as possible. She had spent three months in France, three in Greece, three in Italy and the remaining three in London, her favourite city. She was now fluent in French and Italian, opting to take both classes in addition to Art History, Philosophy and Literature.

Emma dropped her bag on the floor and settled into her seat near the front of the class, pulling out her notes from last semester and going over their study topics for this semester. She had almost finished reading when she heard the door to the front left of the room open and shut, closely followed by the familiar clack of high heels on vinyl floor that made her heart quicken. She glanced up at the figure that was striding purposefully into the room. Emma could feel her mouth run dry at the sight of her teacher. The blazer and briefcase she carried were slung onto her desk before she reached for a pen and turned to write on the board, giving Emma a perfect view of her incredible ass. The tight pencil skirt, which Emma swore, she wore just to taunt her, hugged her in all the right places, accentuating every curve of her remarkable figure. Oh yeah, Emma had it bad for her Art History professor. It was extremely rare that Emma ever let a girl (or woman, in the professors case) get under her skin, in fact, she never did, but there was something about Professor Mills that she felt inexplicably drawn to. It wasn't just that she was hot (though she was extremely hot), it was something about her presence, the way she moved and spoke, that exuded sex. And Emma was captivated by her.

The other students in her class nicknamed her 'The Evil Queen' because of her penchant for being tough on grades and a tendency to be kind of bitchy. Emma, however, liked that Professor Mills was a hardass. It was incentive to work harder and, not to mention, really fucking attractive. Over the first few months of freshman year Emma thought she and the professor had built up a kind of mutual respect towards each other. Emma was clearly the brightest in the class, and her passion and talent for Art History had not gone unnoticed. Professor Mills had made several positive comments on her past work, which had pleased Emma greatly, because she didn't make those comments often… or ever. The professor finally turned to survey the class, her dark brown eyes gazing over the sea of faces before landing on Emma's. Emma could feel her heart beat a little harder, but she never made her attraction towards the professor obvious. Playing it cool, she smiled slightly, and could have sworn she saw the corners of her lips tug upwards in return before her expression hardened and she began the lecture.

Professor Mills wasted no time going over the syllabus, expecting everyone to already be familiar with it. Instead, she launched into an in depth lecture on the impact Greek mythology had on western art and literature. Emma paused from her note taking every once in a while to glance up at the professor. Watching her mouth move as she spoke, the way she ran her tongue over her top lip between sentences, making Emma bite down on her bottom lip in response. Emma's eyes glazed over the professors marvellous body, the buttons of her blouse opened up enough to expose a hint of cleavage. Her dark brown hair sat perfectly on slender shoulders, matching dark eyes which gazed coolly over the class. She watched as she gestured to the slides on the board, graceful, manicured fingers pointing to specific references. Emma noted the movement in her hips as she walked across the room, and her toned calves, which were accentuated by a pair of expensive Manolo's. Emma had a perfect view of it all, but nothing enticed her more than her teachers face. Her high cheekbones and strong jaw looked like they had been carved by gods, her smooth skin a perfect shade of olive. And her mouth, that mouth which Emma thought of often. Full lips painted a dark shade of crimson, always slightly glistening from where she licked them, covering perfect, white teeth.

"Ms. Swan?"

Emma snapped out of her daydream to find her professor staring expectedly at her.

"Yes?" She asked, feeling a slight blush creep up her neck. 'Fuck' she thought. 'I really hope she didn't notice me staring.' She definitely did not want Professor Mills to think of her as one of the many graceless students who had a crush on her, it was totally not her style. She levelled the professors gaze, appearing unaffected by her obliviousness as to why she had been called upon.

"I was hoping you could tell us the story behind this painting?" She asked levelly, gesturing to the board, the corners of her lips curving up into a slight smirk.

Emma glanced up at the painting and instantly recognised it as the famous 'Leda and the Swan', originally painted by Leonardo Da Vinci. It was in fact, one of her favourite pieces of classic art. Emma looked back at her professor, who was waiting expectantly for an answer, her arms folded.

"Leda and the Swan." She stated. "It was originally painted by Leonardo Da Vinci sometime around 1504." She paused, glancing at Professor Mills, who nodded, imploring her to continue. Emma took a short breath.

"It depicts a story from Greek mythology in which the god Zeus, in the form of a swan, seduces or rapes Leda. According to later Greek mythology, Leda bore Helen and Polydeuces, children of Zeus, while at the same time bearing Castor and Clytemnestra, children of her husband Tyndareus, the King of Sparta. The original Da Vinci version of this painting is lost, rumoured to have been deliberately destroyed, and was last recorded in the French royal Château de Fontainebleau in 1625 by Cassiano dal Pozzo. However, there are several copies, the most famous of which resides in the Borghese Gallery in Rome. It's quite breathtaking."

She stopped when she felt every eye in the class boring into her. They weren't ignorant to her intellect, but they definitely didn't know the full extent of her knowledge on the subject. She glanced around at the impressed expressions of her peers and shyly ran a hand through her hair, before turning back to look at her teacher, who's eyes slightly widened, then quickly narrowed, as she peered at her student with intrigue.

"You've seen the Sodoma replica?" She asked with a raised brow.

"Yes, and the Da Sesto version in England also." She paused, basking in the look of surprised impression on her teacher's face.

"I travelled around Europe last year." She explained, shrugging her shoulders slightly. The professor held her gaze for a moment longer before glancing around the room.

"Well, it's nice to know that at least one of my students is actually interested in the subject." She stated. The rest of the class shrunk back in their seats as Professor Mills continued with her lecture. Emma picked up her pen and continued her note-taking, smiling contentedly to herself, knowing that she had impressed the unimpressionable.

The class ended with everyone walking down to the front desk to collect their graded papers on early Renaissance paintings, which were handed in before the Christmas break. Before Emma reached the front desk she heard her name being called from behind. She turned round and saw Ruby heading towards her, a bright smile plastered across her face. Emma groaned inwardly. Ruby was a Delta Kappa sorority girl who hit on Emma every chance she got. There had been numerous occasions at several parties where Ruby had flirted shamelessly with Emma in an attempt to sleep with her, and Emma had awkwardly deflected several kiss attempts, but Ruby never seemed to get the message. It wasn't that she wasn't attractive. I mean, she was drop-dead gorgeous. Long brown hair, incredible bone structure, curves in all the right places, full lips and legs that went on for days. She was every frat boys dream. But Emma wasn't interested in being some drunken sorority girls 'college lesbian experience.' In fact, she resented the notion, which is why she repeatedly turned Ruby down.

"Hey!" She exclaimed, bounding over to Emma and enveloping her in a tight hug. Emma huffed slightly, the surprise embrace knocking some of the wind out of her, but she begrudgingly returned it.

"Hey Ruby." She exhaled.

"How was your Christmas?" She asked excitedly.

'It was fine thanks, how was yours?" Emma replied, running a hand through her hair.

"Oh my god it was amazing! My parents took me and my brother to the Bahamas. Totally lush." She grinned.

"Sounds great." Emma replied, wanting desperately to remove herself from the conversation. She turned to get her paper, but Ruby grabbed her arm and pulled her back round.

"Hey so, I was wondering." She started. Emma internally rolled her eyes. 'What now?' She thought, raising her eyebrows expectedly.

"You're like, crazy good at all this stuff." She said, gesturing around the room. "Like you obviously really know your shit, and I really, really need to pass this class."

Emma didn't like where this conversation was heading…

"So, I was wondering if you would tutor me? Please? Pretty please? I really need your help." She pouted.

"Umm."

Emma really didn't like the prospect of being alone with Ruby. But, it was obvious that Ruby had no idea when it came to Art History. Emma suspected she was failing the class, and felt a little sorry for her. She looked up at Ruby's hopeful face and knew she couldn't say no. 'God dammit' she thought.

"Sure, Rubes. I'll help you out." She smiled defeatedly. A wide smile erupted across Ruby's face.

"Eee!" She squealed, jumping up and pulling her into another tight hug.

"Oh. Okay." Emma exhaled, laughing slightly.

"I promise I'll make it worth your while." She grinned, her eyes darkening slightly.

'Oh god. What have I gotten myself into.' Emma thought, trying her best to give a convincing smile.

"So." Ruby started, stepping forward and reaching out to play with the shirt fabric covering Emma's arm. Her eyes gazing lustfully into Emma's, who raised her eyebrows in response.

"Are you coming to the Delta party this Friday night?" She asked expectedly, pulling at the fabric of her blouse. 'She literally could not be more blatant.' Emma thought to herself.

"I was planning on making an appearance, yes." She exhaled, running her hand through her hair. Ruby watched as her hand disappeared into her blonde curls. She grinned sexily at Emma.

"Good. Parties are always more fun when you're there" She said flirtily. "I'll text you details about the tutoring thing later." She said before turning to the desk, grabbing her paper and running past Emma, winking as their shoulders brushed.

Emma exhaled loudly and looked up to find Professor Mills staring back at her, a slight smirk playing on her full lips, she had obviously overheard the entire conversation, as they were the only two people left in the room. Emma laughed slightly and raised her eyebrows embarrassedly, running her hand through her hair as she approached the other woman.

"She's right you know." The professor stated. Emma blinked at her confusedly. "About you knowing your stuff." She said, smiling slightly.

"Oh. Uh. Thanks Professor Mills." Emma grinned. The professor paused, holding her gaze for a moment.

"I was thoroughly impressed by the paper you turned in last semester. Your knowledge of Renaissance art is quite remarkable. It made some of my senior's look like amateurs." She said, handing Emma's paper over to her. Emma glanced down, her gaze immediately averted to the big 'A' circled at the top of her paper. She couldn't stop the smile that stretched across her face.

"Wow. Thanks Professor Mills. I really appreciate it. I know how hard it is to get a good grade in this class." Emma replied, grinning sheepishly.

"Well you needn't thank me, you earned the grade. As do my other students earn the grades I give them." She said with a knowing look, folding her arms. Emma let out a short laugh.

"Fair enough." She said, looking up at the professor, smiling lazily. "Well, I better get going." She said, picking up her backpack and hoisting it over one shoulder. Just as she turned to leave the professor called her name.

"Emma."

"Mm." She replied, turning back round expectantly. Professor Mills walked round to the front of her desk, perching on the end and crossing her legs. Emma's eyes widened slightly as her skirt was pushed up by the motion, revealing a pair of smooth, plentiful thighs. If the professor had seen her eyes wander, she certainly didn't act like she'd noticed, instead she removed her reading glasses and folded her arms.

"I'm working on a project with a few of my most promising upperclassmen. But, even with their help the workload is proving quite difficult to manage alongside my other various commitments." Emma nodded in understanding. 'Where is she going with this…' She wondered.

"Usually I would never ask a freshman to assist with my work outside of the University, but your penchant for the subject thus far has proved to be very impressive, not to mention your passion and knowledge is inspired. I think you may be a very valuable asset to the team. That is, if you're interested?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Seriously?" Emma stared incredulously, completely baffled by her offer.

"Yes, seriously. But don't make this decision lightly, Emma. If you agree to work with me I will demand your fullest attention for the entirety of the project. That means a lot of hours, and a lot of sacrifices made on your part. But, your assistance on this project could prove incredibly beneficial to your future… I assume you'll be majoring in Art History?" She asked.

"Of course." Emma replied.

"Well then, let's just say, if you agree, your future is set." She stated plainly, unfolding her arms and placing them on either side of her, perfectly manicured fingers curling over the edges of the desk, her chin lifted towards Emma, who was completely dumbstruck. There was no way she could refuse this offer, right? It was an incredible opportunity for a senior, let alone a freshman six months into college. It may demand a lot of her time but the thought of working closely with Professor Mills was too great an opportunity to pass up.

"I'm 100% in." Emma said, her face breaking into a wide smile.

"Good." The professor replied, returning the smile. "I will email you with a meeting time so we can discuss the project and answer any questions you may have." She said, gathering up her papers and returning them to her briefcase.

"Thank you, Professor. Seriously, for the opportunity. I won't let you down." Emma said, her goofy smile still reaching both ears.

"I don't doubt it." Professor Mills replied, glancing up at her quickly before returning to her briefcase.

Emma took a last look at the professor before turning round and walking out of the lecture hall.

'Holy shit' she thought.

—

Stay tuned for the next chaper! :) Please leave a comment if you like it! Or if you don't, any feedback is appreciated!