There are not many things in life that I'm good at. However, I do consider myself a good sheriff. I like to think that I'm alert (most of the time), I can always spot a lie, I have a knack for finding people, I'm also pretty darn observant. At least, that's what I choose to believe.
So when I stop dead in my tracks while walking home from dinner with Mary Margaret, I lie to myself and try to trick my mind into thinking that it's because of those fine sheriff skills of mine. But if I'm being honest, it wasn't the suspicious vehicle parked across the street at Granny's that threw me, but the person getting out of that all too familiar truck. Charlotte.
My breathing hitches and by now Mary has noticed that I'm no longer walking beside her. I think she may be calling my name, but I'm still struck dumb on the sidewalk. She follows my gaze to the mystery woman across the street.
"Emma, are you okay? Who's that?"
I manage to shake off the stupor and grab Mary's arm, steering her down an alley between two shops.
"I don't know. I'll find out tomorrow. Why don't we cut through this way? It's faster."
Mary struggles to keep up with my long strides, and I feel her pulling on my arm.
"I don't know about this, Emma. Why don't we just stick to the sidewalk? It's pretty dark."
I force out a shaky laugh, my mind still reeling with questions, but I try to put on a mask of indifference for Mary Margaret's sake.
"You're with the town sheriff, what could possibly happen?"
It's not until I'm up in my room, after managing to dodge Mary's questions and her request to play Scrabble, that I'm able to let what just happened sink in.
I kick off my boots and peel off my jacket, letting it tumble down to the floor in a heap, before flinging myself onto my bed and throwing my arms over my face while muffling a groan.
Why the hell is she here? I never in a million years would have expected someone from my past to show up in Storybrooke. Especially not her. But it's not like there's been many people in my life that could show up anyway. She just looked so out of place here. Even though it had been dark, I still managed to see that short, spiky, dark hair and the tattoos that covered her arms. Storybrooke didn't even have a tattoo shop! She really didn't belong her!
I groan again and shimmy my way under my blankets, still fully clothed. I take my anger out on my pillow, punching it into shape and trying to get comfortable. Even though it's only 8:30 at night I figure sleep is the best option. Maybe she'll be gone in the morning. I'm lucky I had a pretty exhausting day and as I shift to get more comfortable I hope that I'll be able to fall asleep quickly. I do, but not before wondering for what feels like the hundredth time that night, what the hell is my ex doing in Storybrooke?
I'm awoken by my alarm feeling groggy and extremely uncomfortable. Maybe it wasn't the smartest decision to sleep in my jeans. I untangle myself from my sheets and push myself up off the bed. Well that was a weird fucking dream. I slip out of my clothes in search of fresh ones, sniffing an abandoned tank top to check if it's clean. It'll do. I laugh when I think about Charlotte being here. As if that would ever happen. That's not a dream, it would be a nightmare.
Once dressed, I head downstairs and find Mary Margaret filling a travel mug with coffee.
"Mm coffee," I saunter into the kitchen grabbing an apple off the counter as Mary holds out the mug. "You're a savior, thanks." I lean against the counter and take a sip.
"According to Henry, you're the savior." Mary says with a smile. "Are you feeling any better this morning?" Mary gives me a searching look over the rim of her mug.
"Better?" I ask, confused.
"Yeah, you said you went to bed early last night because you had a headache? You still don't look too great, do you think you're coming down with something?" She looks concerned, setting down her mug and stepping closer.
"I'm fine, mom." I roll my eyes and check the time on the stove. "Well I've got to head out, see you tonight?" I grab my keys off the counter and head to the door.
"Of course! Have a great day!" Mary calls from the kitchen.
"Yeah, you too! Say hello to Henry for me?" I call back.
"I will!"
I leave the apartment and get into my banged up bug, ready to start the morning patrol. It's kind of a joke, nothing really happens in this town, but it's routine.
As usual, everything is the same as it is every morning. I drive around the outside of the town and make my way towards "downtown" Storybrooke. It's not until I'm nearly passing Granny's that I see the truck. I just about spill my scalding coffee down my front.
"Shit!" I slam on my breaks and pull over to the side of the road to breathe. "No, no, no, no… I thought it was a dream!" I mumble to myself.
I've got to get out of here. I start the car again and pull out quickly onto the road, almost hitting Dr. Hopper and his dog in the process. I lazily wave my hand in apology as I take off for the station.
Once I'm safely inside my office with the door firmly shut, I pace the floor and try to stop my trembling hands. I didn't even realize until now that I was shaking. Relax. I try to breathe and think. I know I'm overreacting. So what if Char's in town? I'll just find her and tell her to leave. I know it's not that simple, but it's a comforting thought. I really never thought I'd see her again. We had been dating (if you could call it that) for about three months before I left Boston. Truth be told, I had plans to skip town not very long after Henry showed up. I was getting too comfortable, getting too close to people there. Well, Charlotte mostly.
My breathing has returned to normal now, so I take a seat at my desk and try to busy myself with the stacks of paperwork I've been neglecting. You can do this, Swan. I just have to hide out here until I'm ready to find Char. Then I'll tell her to leave, and things can go back to normal. I just wish I hadn't left my coffee in the car.
I actually manage to put a small dent in the tedious paperwork after working all morning. But I've been sitting hunched over for too long and my back is killing me. The small distraction the pain caused snaps me out of my productive mood and now my mind is wandering. What am I going to do about this? What if she talks to other people in town about me? Oh no. I try to focus on my work, but I find myself reading the same line over and over again.
Suddenly, there's a loud, shrill ringing that makes me jump and knock a stack of folders off my desk. I pick up the phone to stop the offensive noise.
"Shit," I grumble surveying the mess I've made. "Yeah?"
"You have such a way with words, Miss Swan." The honey-like voice on the other end of the phone could only belong to one person. Who also happens to be one of the last people I want to talk to at the moment. I'm starting to feel that headache I made up last night coming on.
"Mayor Mills, uh, sorry," I stumble my words. "It's been a long day."
"It's only 1 in the afternoon, Sheriff. Surely you couldn't have had too hard of a morning." Her patronizing tone just about sets me off, but an argument would defeat the purpose of our truce, so I take a breath.
"You're right. What can I help you with, Madame Mayor?" I try to make my voice sound as pleasant as possible, but I'm not so sure I manage to pull it off.
I hear her sigh before she replies. "One of my meetings this afternoon has been pushed back to 2:30, so I will not be able to pick up Henry from school today." Her tone is more amiable now, at least she's trying as well. "I was wondering if you would be able to pick him up and take him to Granny's. He can do his homework there and then perhaps the three of us," Her words are starting to sound more forced. "Could have dinner together? That is, unless you've had too hard of a day." Her biting tone is back, but I know that's only a show, she always has to have the upper hand, always tries to sound indifferent.
"Of course! Thank you, Regina. I really appreciate it." I don't have to force myself to sound sincere.
She doesn't say anything for a couple seconds, and I start to think maybe she's hung up, but then she's talking again. "You're welcome, Emma. For Henry, right?"
"Right. For Henry."
I hear a click and I hang up the phone while leaning back in my chair and let out a long breath. It really has been a long day, and it's not even close to being over. Spending time with Henry will be nice, but dinner with him and Regina? I know I'll have to be on my best behavior, and mind my temper. Something that I'm still finding hard to do, despite our truce.
The illustrious Mayor and I decided to call a truce a couple months back. For Henry's sake. After all our bickering and threats that never seemed to come to fruition, we realized we were doing more harm than good, and our fighting was having a negative effect on Henry. We hashed out a schedule very much like a divorced couple with a kid would. Allotting a certain number of times a week I could spend with Henry that worked around both of our schedules. It was all very civil, and I found she and I could work well together, when we wanted too. She even let me go to his lackluster birthday party. (They really needed to work on his friendship skills.) But we've never broken that schedule, or had dinner with the three of us together, until today.
I checked my watch. 2:00 PM. I have and hour to kill until it's time to get the kid before heading to Granny's. Wait. Granny's. I slap my forehead, making my headache worse. Char will be at Granny's. This is not going to end well. I drag my hand through my hair and decide that I'll face the problem when it happens, and it's no use worrying about now. She might have already left after all.
I while away the next hour by trying to reorganize the papers I sent flying earlier. That endeavor proves to be pointless however, and I start to find my office suffocating. There's still half an hour before Henry's done school, so I decide to walk over instead of taking the car. Some fresh air will help clear my head. I make sure to check my appearance before I leave. If I'm going to be seeing Charlotte later, I want to look my best. I also don't want to look too frumpy next to the always immaculate Regina. I frown at my appearance, wishing I had spent more time getting ready this morning. I shrug off my jacket and walk back into my office to change into the spare shirt I keep there incase of times like these. I strip off my tank top and pull the plain black collared shirt on quickly, doing up the buttons before tucking it into my jeans and walking back to the mirror. Better. Maybe I'll leave one extra button undone. Just for fun. I roll up the sleeves and take off for Henry's school.
It doesn't take me long to reach the school. I walked quickly, letting my thoughts wander. As expected, the fresh air did wonders on my head. It's not like it was in Boston. The air is different here. I lose myself in my thoughts of Boston and my other previous "homes" as I lean against a tree waiting for Henry. The bell snaps me out of my reverie and I look up to see Mary Margaret holding open the front doors to let the kids out. Henry doesn't see me at first. He just walks slowly, away from the other kids dragging his backpack behind him. When he sees me, his face splits into a wide smile that kind of warms my heart. He swings his bag over his shoulder and bolts over. He crashes into me, knocking the air from my lungs.
"Hey kid," I give him a quick hug and straighten up.
"Hey Emma! What are you doing here, aren't Friday's mom's day?"
"Yeah, but she got held up at work, so it's Super Emma to the rescue." He smiles up at me. "We're going to Granny's, your mom's gonna meet us there when she's done."
"Awesome!" I pat him on the head, ruffling his hair.
"Yeah, uh wait here for a second, okay? I've got to go talk to Miss Blanchard for a sec."
"Okay!"
I jog over to Mary Margaret and let her know about the change of plans, and that I won't be home for dinner.
"Okay, have a good time! And good luck!" She adds with a smile.
"Thanks, I'll see you later!" I give her a wave and head back to Henry.
Once I reach him he starts rattling on about his new comic books. I try to follow along but I get lost quickly. I'm just glad he hasn't decided that we're all X-Men characters yet. He seems to have put "Operation Cobra" on the back burner now that his life at home is getting better. I think some part of him still believes, but he hasn't said anything about it recently.
Soon enough we're at Granny's and I feel like Henry's hit me in the stomach again when I see the truck still parked out front. I steady myself and take a breath, ready for whatever happens. I pull open the door and let Henry in first. The tinkle the door makes causes the only two people in the place look up from where they're sitting at the bar. I ignore both of them, steering Henry over to a booth and sit down, making sure my back is toward Charlotte. Henry sits across from me and goes to pull out his comics.
"Oh no, no comics right now, kid. Homework first." He tries to pout but I just laugh. "Yeah, that's not going to work on me. Homework. I can help if you need it."
"Alright." He sighs, defeated. He starts to dig in his bag for his stuff when Ruby comes over.
"Hello there!" She says cheerfully, but with a mischievous look in her eyes, pulling out a notepad. "What can I get for you two?"
"Two hot cocoas with cinnamon please, Ruby." I reply with a small smile. She's up to something.
"Coming right up, Sheriff!" Ruby says cheerfully before leaning closer to me. "You have an admirer." She straightens up and heads behind the counter.
"Uh, kid, you work on that for a bit, I'll be right back."
"Okay." He opens up his math book and I ruffle his hair again, making it even messier. Regina's going to hate that. I slide out of the booth and head over to the brunette at the bar.
I feel her eyes bore into me as I walk over, and she shoots me that smile I know all too well. I can feel my heart racing. Keep it cool. As I get nearer, I see she looks the same as I remember, even though it's been almost a year since I've last seen her.
"What are you doing here?" I'm pleasantly surprised at how hard my voice sounds, I thought for sure it would crack.
"I came here for you." Same voice too. It brings back a rush of forgotten memories.
"Really? You're not here for the quaint, small town scenery?" I quip back with ease.
"There's that sarcasm I remember so well." She reaches out and strokes my bare arm. I shift so Henry can't see if he were to look over. I feel my face flush. Char looks over my shoulder to Henry.
"Who's the kid?"
I square my shoulders, readying for a fight, she's hit a nerve with the way she called him kid. Only I can call him kid.
"That's my son." There's so much venom in my voice I feel it would make even Regina proud. "Look, Char, I don't know why you're here, or how you found me, but I've got a good thing going here and I'm not leaving anytime soon." She tries to say something but I cut her off. I'm on a roll, and if I stop now I might not make it though. "No. I'm not doing this Charlotte. Go home, there's nothing here for you anymore. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to go help my son with his homework." I see her flinch a bit at the harsh words, but she recovers quickly.
"Wow, this whole MILF thing is kinda hot, Swan."
I want to slap her, but that wouldn't be very fitting for the town sheriff, and I'm trying to be a better role model for Henry or whatever. I end up just turning away quickly and stalking back to the booth. Henry's staring at me.
"Who is that?" He's too smart for his own good, he knows something's up.
"No one, how's the homework coming?" I pick up my lukewarm hot cocoa and take a long sip, wishing it had something stronger in it.
"She doesn't look like she's no one. She's been staring at you this whole time, and she's made you angry."
"Henry." I sigh, "Don't pay attention to her, please. Now, let's get this homework all done before you mom gets here, okay?"
Together, we work through all his homework and order another round of hot cocoas. This time Ruby's added a shot of something strong. Remember to thank her later. I see Henry look up towards Charlotte from time to time, but he always looks away when I catch him. He's showing me his new comic when we hear the door open. Along with the bell tingling, there's the familiar click of Regina's heels on the tile as she walks over to join us at the table.
"Hey mom!" Henry sends her a wide smile, and I turn to see Regina beam at his greeting. She even aims that smile at me. I'm relieved to see she hasn't noticed Charlotte. Yet.
"Hello Henry." She bends down and places a kiss on his head and tries to flatten his hair like I knew she would, it's a sign that things have changed when he doesn't even flinch. Regina straightens up and turns to me. "Emma." She smiles again. Wow, two smiles in a minute, and she used my first name! I think that's a new record.
"Hey, how was the meeting?" I slide over to make room for her beside me, but she's already scooting in beside Henry. Duh, why would she sit beside me? I try play off the movement as me just getting comfortable. Regina noticed though, of course. She notices everything.
"Long and incredibility nonsensical. Thank you again for picking up Henry."
"My pleasure." Ruby is at the side of the table now.
"Can I get you anything to drink Mayor Mills?"
"Just a water, and some menus if you please."
"Sure thing! Be right back!" Ruby bounces away and Henry's eyes light up.
"We're having dinner together?" His smile is infectious and both Regina and I smile along with him.
"It would seem so. Although, I remember telling Miss Swan here you were to do your homework before dinner."
"All done, Regina." I reply, keeping my tone light.
"Wonderful." She turns to Henry. "How was your day at school?"
Regina and Henry talk about their days while I look over the menu Ruby brought over, even though I already know my order. I find myself wondering what this must look like to Charlotte. Me sitting here with Regina and Henry. I drum my fingers anxiously on the table knowing Regina's going to notice Charlotte eventually.
"How about you, Emma?" I snap my head up when I realize Regina's talking to me, and that she's used my first name again. "Was your afternoon better than your morning?" There seems to be genuine care behind her usually cold eyes. It throws me off a bit.
"Uh, yeah, I guess so. I went for a walk, the fresh air helped a bit."
"Well that's good, dear."
"Is your friend going to join us for dinner, Emma?" Henry turns to me. And here we go.
"No, kid. No she's not." I see Regina look confused, something that doesn't happen often. If I weren't so stressed I'd probably enjoy seeing her like that.
"What friend?" Her eyes scan the diner, landing on Charlotte at the bar for the first time.
"No one, just an old, ah, friend from Boston. She's not staying." I'm not sure what made me add that last part, I just felt it needed to be said.
I turn to look at Char, who's smiling at us, and getting up from her stool.
"Oh no." I mutter under my breath.
Charlotte's at the table now, holding her hand out towards Regina. Regina's looking at the appendage as if it just called her every bad name in the book. It's the same look I've gotten many times, but I haven't seen it recently. I forgot how intimidating it could be. Charlotte pulls her hand back like it's been burned.
"Hello," Charlotte shifts uncomfortably under Regina's scrutiny and they both turn to me.
"Aren't you going to introduce your friend, dear?" Her words are too sweet.
"Uh, yeah, sorry. Um, Regina, this is Charlotte Hurst. Charlotte, this is Mayor Mills." I decide using her formal title may win me points.
"Pleasure." Regina says, her voice cold as ice as she turns back to Char.
Charlotte just keeps smiling, but slides into the bench beside me.
"Mom, can I have a grilled cheese sandwich?" Henry breaks the silence when he talks to Regina, who ignores him, her full attention focused on Charlotte beside me.
I see Charlotte quirk and eyebrow at him. "I just wanted to come over and say that you guys make a really cute family. I've got to ask though, how did you manage to get this one to settle down?" As soon as the words leave her lips I groan and try to hide my face with my hands.
"Excuse me?" Regina raises one of her perfectly sculpted eyebrows, but Charlotte just prattles on.
"It's just that Em was the biggest commitment-phobe I've ever met, but here she is, with you. And a son!"
"Charlotte. You should go." I feel my face flush, it must be scarlet, but no one seems to be paying me any attention.
Suddenly, Regina stands up. "Henry, go wash up before dinner please, and fix your hair, it's a disaster." Henry slides out and walks towards the washroom looking back once with a confused expression.
Regina sits back down gracefully. She takes a breath to regain composure. "I'm not sure what gave you the impression that Miss Swan here and I are a couple, but, and this is absolutely none of your business, you could not be further from the truth." Ouch, that stung a bit.
"Oh! Really? Wow! You guys just seemed so close and happy. I should have know though, this one," Charlotte runs her fingers down my arm again. "Would never settle down. We were together for months and I think you only ever spend the night once! And that was only because you passed out on my couch!" I groan, remembering the night. I'm thankful Henry's not here to hear this. "And then! You just completely disappeared after I said we should go away for your birthday!" She laughs and puts her arm around my shoulders. The weight feels foreign and uncomfortable. She fully turns away from Regina and looks me in the eyes. "But I guess, if you're single, you can come back to Boston with me, babe."
I'm about to protest but Regina takes me by surprise and cuts me off.
"No." I shiver from the power behind that one word. She turns to me. "Emma, dear, I think it's time your friend left."
I pull away from Charlotte's hold. "You've got to go, Char." I see Regina smile from the corner of my eye as Charlotte gets up and leaves the restaurant without a word as Henry comes back.
Regina stands up to let Henry in, but doesn't join him back on his bench, instead she settles herself down next to me. I jump as if I've been shocked when her thigh presses up against mine. I move over a bit to give her more room and to put some distance between us.
Ruby, who I noticed had been listening through that whole ordeal, is back to take our orders.
"So that's two grilled cheese sandwiches and a salad, it'll be ready soon!"
She disappears again and Regina engages Henry in conversation, leaving me to think about what the heck just happened. What was up with Regina saying 'no' like that? Wasn't me going back to Boston what she wanted? It would have been the perfect opportunity for her to try and get me to leave again. Does she want me to stay? When did that happen? I shake my head and observe the brunette out of the corner of my eye. She seems composed, as usual, and fully engrossed with whatever Henry's talking about. I find myself staring. Staring at her perfect hair, her long eyelashes and that small lip scar I've always wondered about, but never had the balls to ask her about. Before I can look away, her eyes flick to me, and a small smile plays on her lips for a split second. It's gone before I can make sure it was even there.
The food arrives, and the conversation lulls as we all enjoy our dinner. I see Regina eyeing my plate while picking through her salad. I spin my plate around so my fries are closer to her and nudge it towards her. She laughs, realizing what I'm doing and grabs a fry and pops it in her mouth. I'm staring at her mouth again. I've never seen someone make eating so sexy. Wait. What? Charlotte showing up obviously has me flustered. This is her fault, saying we look like a family. I can't find Regina sexy. She's eyeing the fries again.
"Help yourself." Oh God, did that sound as suggestive to her as it did to me?
"Oh I plan to." I swallow hard as she does exactly that, taking more fries.
I feel a blush on my face, so I turn away and look at Henry, who's been watching us. I look away from him too and take a large bite of my sandwich.
"Is Charlotte your ex, Emma?" Henry asks me.
I choke on the food in my mouth and reach for a glass of water. I feel Regina pat me gently on the back as I cough. I take a long sip and try to start breathing properly again. That task is made harder by the small circles Regina's rubbing on my back.
"Are you alright, dear?" She slows her hand, but doesn't pull it away. I miss the motions already.
"Yeah, it just, uh, went down the wrong pipe." I risk looking into her eyes, and am rewarded with a warmth in them I've never seen directed at me before. Usually that look is reserved for Henry. She pulls her hand away and puts it on the bench between us before turning to her son.
"Henry, that was rude." She scolds.
"No, Regina," I place my hand over hers. It seems I can't get enough of the contact. What is wrong with me? "It's alright. Henry, what if I say she was?" Regina's hand clenches under mine. I run my finger tips lightly over her knuckles.
He just looks at me evenly and shrugs. "Cool. I liked her tattoos. Can I have ice cream? I ate all my dinner." Regina and I seem to breathe a sigh of relief at the same time. I even laugh a bit. Of course he cares more about ice cream than his birth mother's sexuality. What kid his age wouldn't?
Regina pulls her hand out from under mind and folds it in her lap. "We have ice cream at home. Since it's not a school night, I think that would be acceptable." I notice she's lost the edge to her voice. She sounds tired, yet the fierceness in her eyes tell a different story.
"Can Emma come?"
"I suppose that would be alright. If that's what you'd like?" She adds turning to me.
"Of course."
I pay for dinner and Regina drives us to their house. It's a quick, quiet ride, but it's not uncomfortable like most of the night has been. It's a nice change. But this nice and welcoming Regina is confusing, and a little unnerving. It's as if Charlotte flipped a switch and released this new Regina. I can't help but wonder if it's a trap, if she's going to somehow use this new information about me to hurt me somehow. I feel bad immediately for my thoughts. Maybe she really is just trying to change.
Soon enough, we're in the Mills kitchen eating ice cream and laughing at something Henry's said. He's so much happier tonight. It looks like this ceasefire between Regina and I is working.
"Alright. I think that's enough fun for one night. It's time for bed, Henry." Regina grabs my empty bowl and stacks it with hers.
Henry pouts at Regina. "No pouting, it's already way past your bedtime." Henry starts to turn to me but I throw my hands up.
"It's not gonna work for me either, kid. I'm with your mother on this one. Get your butt up to bed!" I say with a laugh.
"Fine." He puts his bowl and spoon in the sink and then walks over to Regina and gives her a hug. "Thanks for tonight, mom." Regina just smiles and kisses his head.
Henry walks over to me and gives me a hug too. "Stop stalling!" I give him a light push towards the door.
"I'm going, I'm going!" He gives us a wicked smile that he's obviously picked up from Regina. "Goodnight moms!" He spins around and takes off up the stairs.
"No running." Regina mutters sounding a little shocked by what Henry just said. But soon enough, she's composed herself.
"Cider?" Regina asks, fixing me with a stare.
"Ah, I probably shouldn't, remember what happened last time?"
"Vividly. But you're not driving tonight. Just one glass." She plasters on her best mayoral smile that leaves no room for argument. I nod and follow her into her study.
We sit in silence for a while. I have no idea what to say to her, but I feel like I need to say something.
"Thank you." There, that's something.
"For what, dear?" Regina asks from the armchair beside me diverting her gaze from the fire to my face.
I take another sip of cider, suddenly nervous. "For letting me spend time with you and Henry tonight."
"Of course. It's what's best for Henry."
"Yes, for Henry." The cider is making my head feel fuzzy. I feel like I need to fill this silence, so I keep on talking. "And I'm sorry about Charlotte tonight. It was…"
"Awkward."
I let out a laugh, whoops, too loud. "Yeah it was." I set my glass down on the coffee table and stare off into the fire. When I start to feel my eyes droop I try to stand up. I'm tipsier than I thought. "I should probably go."
Regina just laughs. Not a mean laugh, a nice laugh. A sexy laugh. No. Stop it, brain.
"How exactly are you planning on getting home, Emma?" She's set her glass down too and standing much closer to me than I realized. She places her hand on my arm and I feel that same spark from earlier. I'm angry she's so stable, she had the same amount of cider that I did!
"I can walk."
"It's freezing."
"I can call Mary Margaret."
"It's very late."
I huff, frustrated she's being difficult and I throw myself back down onto the chair. "Well it looks like I'm sleeping in this chair then."
"I do have a guest bedroom. You're welcome to stay there."
I peer up at her, trying to focus on her face. "Why are you being so nice? I know we have this truce or whatever-"
"For Henry." She says quietly, holding her hand out to me. "Let's get you into bed, Sheriff."
I let out a dark laugh. I'd make a dirty joke but I can't think of anything. It's probably for the best. I take her hand and she pulls me up close to her.
"Emma."
"You're even more drunk than I though. My name is Regina, dear."
"Was that a joke? Did the Mayor just make a joke?"
"I am capable of humor, Emma."
I swing my arm around her shoulders and let her walk me up the stairs to the guest room. Of course it's even bigger than my room at Mary's.
Regina leaves me to get changed. I manage to undo my belt and take my jeans and socks off, but the button up shirt is proving to be a challenge. I blow at the hair that's fallen on my face and sigh. Looks like I'm sleeping in my clothes again.
Just then, Regina knocks on the door, but doesn't wait for me to answer before walking in carrying a large glass of water. She doesn't even seem to notice I'm standing here in just my underwear and my shirt.
"Drink this, and take these." She pushes the glass of water and two pills into my hands. I take them and quickly chug the water down. Over the rim of glass I think I catch Regina staring at my legs, but her eyes are back to my face when I lower the glass.
"Thanks." I set down the glass on the dresser and try to undo my shirt again, but my hands are clumsy on the small buttons.
"Here," Regina steps closer, getting into my personal space like she always does. I watch her raise her hands and move them towards my chest. "Let me."
I don't argue. I don't even breathe. She doesn't look me in the eye, instead she watches her hands undo each button lightly and with a practiced ease. When she undoes the last button, her fingers lightly breeze against my stomach. My eyes flutter shut and when I open them she's moved away from me. I sigh, not trusting myself to say anything, and shrug my shirt off, leaving it with my jeans on the floor. I walk over the bed and get myself settled under the smooth silk sheets. When I look up, Regina hasn't moved from her spot near the door, but she's facing me, which makes me think she watched me on my way to the bed. I shiver at the though. I'm angry at my body for betraying my mind with these feelings.
Regina seems to thaw out and she moves to sit on the edge of the bed, facing me. Her hands busy themselves with the fringe on the blanket on the end of the bed. "Are you considering going back to Boston?"
She says it so quietly I almost miss it. Almost.
"No. I told you, and Henry, I'm staying. This place is kind of home now. Boston never was."
"Not even with Charlotte?"
"Especially not with Charlotte." I want to reach out and touch her but she's too far away. Curse this huge bed. "Plus, all that fighting would just go to waste if I left. I wouldn't even get to enjoy this," I wave my hand between us. "This, kindness. For Henry, right?" I repeat her earlier words.
"Right. For Henry." She stands up and smoothes down her skirt.
"Goodnight, Regina."
"Goodnight, Emma."
**This is my first Swan Queen fic, please comment and let me know if you like it! I've got a fair bit more written, so updates should be pretty regular, I'm not sure how long it's going to be yet though. Thanks for reading!