Emma sat at her desk, typing up reports and zoning out as she stared at the computer screen ahead of her. Her eyes were beginning to cross.

Her attention was stolen from her work as she heard the thumping bass of a car stereo system coming down the road...getting closer and closer...

"What the hell..." Emma grimaced as she got up and walked outside to see what the commotion was. She watched as a black Cadillac Escalade with New York plates pulled up to the station, hip hop music blaring from the speakers and the bass feeling like a low-level tremor on the ground. The truck parked moments later and the engine turned off. The driver's side door opened and out came a young woman...Officer Darling.

"Sheriff Swan?" The young woman smiled, taking off her reflective aviator sunglasses as she approached. She was dressed in dark denim skinny jeans, tall black leather boots, a simple grey crewneck tee and a black leather jacket. Emma noticed a sleek matte black gun and monogrammed leather holster strapped to her thigh, cuffs hanging from her belt. In her hand, a large duffel bag which she hoisted onto her shoulder as she walked over.

She kind of reminded Emma of herself...perhaps a bit more fashionable and high-tech.

"Yes...you must be Officer Darling, welcome." Emma stated, not exactly enthused but trying to sound friendly.

"Yea, great to be here." Wendy replied with a smile that went straight to her blue eyes as she extended her hand to eagerly shake Emma's.

Was this woman always so genuine and happy?

"Happy to have you. Come on inside, I made coffee." Emma lied through a smile. Wendy nodded and followed the Sheriff's lead.

Once inside, Wendy paused to look around...this was definitely different from New York. There were 2 basic looking desks...one empty and one littered with papers and files, a well-worn holding cell in the corner, tons of metal file cabinets and a lounge with a TV, couch and a coffee machine.

"Guess I'm not in Kansas anymore, eh?" Wendy joked as she looked around.

"Oh yea, I'm sure this is a step down as far as facility...but we're a small town." Emma replied defensively.

"A small town with big problems, I hear." Wendy confirmed. Emma nodded.

"So, your mayor seems to think I can be of some help. I'm excited to help. I love a good challenge." Wendy replied with that easy and relaxed smile that seemed to already annoy Emma.

"Regina tells me you're quite a hero." Emma said as she poured two cups of coffee.

Wendy shrugged.

"I do the job I signed up for, you know. I've made public service my life. The world is a scary place full of corruption, especially in our police forces...I pride myself in being one of the good ones. It's my passion to serve and protect the people." Wendy said easily.

Did this chick have that speech prepared? And did she always sound so damn genuine all the damn time?

I get it, you love your job.

Emma wanted to roll her eyes but instead she smiled and handed her new partner her coffee. Wendy nodded her thanks and fixed her coffee the way she liked: 2 sugars and a splash of cream.

Lightweight...

Emma smirked inwardly as she took a sip of her black coffee.

"I don't suppose there are lockers? Or a fitness facility?" Wendy asked innocently.

"Only lockers you'll find are down the street at Storybrooke High School." Emma replied.

"Oh." Wendy said, seeming disappointed by the lack of luxury at the station.

"Guess I've been spoiled in New York, eh?" Wendy joked half heartedly.

"Guess so." Emma shrugged.

After letting Wendy set up her desk, Emma gave her her new badge and the two set out to get the newcomer familiar with the town and its people.


At Granny's...

The bell on the door started to jingle as Emma entered the diner, Wendy following casually behind. It seemed that everyone's attention immediately was drawn to the unfamiliar brunette who seemed right at home everywhere Emma took her.

Of course she just had to be so friendly and likable. This was a characteristic that Emma wasn't ready for especially after how long it took for her to be accepted when she first came into town. Emma couldn't help but be jealous. Why should the newbie have it so easy?

"Emma, how are you?" Granny smiled from behind the counter as Emma and Wendy sat on the stools.

"Doing just fine. Granny, this is Officer Wendy Darling, she's working with me as an added town security measure." Emma replied. Instantly, Granny smiled and reached out to shake Wendy's hand.

"Where do you come from, Officer Darling?" Granny asked eagerly. Emma knew to expect this high interest in her new partner from everyone, she just wondered how quickly it would get old for her to hear it.

"New York City, Ma'am. Served with the NYPD for 8 years." Wendy smiled disarmingly. Regina was spot on about her. There was something utterly charming about Wendy. Perhaps she would be useful in capturing Hook, but then again, Hook was equally charming...when he wanted to be.

"It's an honor to have you here in our little town, Officer. Would you like anything to eat? Soup? Salad? On the house." Granny replied happily.

"That's very kind of you..." Wendy began.

"Call me Granny, dear." Granny said.

"That's very kind of you, Granny. But I think I'm ok for now." Wendy politely declined.

"Nonsense. I'll at least have Ruby bring you a grilled cheese, do you like sweet potato fries, dear? Homemade." Granny said, not taking no for an answer.

"I love sweet potato fries." Wendy grinned. Granny nodded and went off to tell Ruby the order, completely forgetting to ask Emma if she was hungry as she usually had.

Hmph...

Moments later, Ruby came sauntering up with Wendy's food. She introduced herself to Wendy before even noticing Emma was there.

"Oh, hey, Emma! Hungry?" Ruby asked with a smile.

"No." Emma mumbled childishly.

In about 4 hours, most of the townspeople were infatuated with Officer Darling, and much to Emma's dismay, Henry had taken an immediate shine to her, too.

That was simply going too far.

"Listen, I know you're not exactly thrilled to have a partner...but I know you care about this town. So, at least be glad to have one more person around who genuinely wants to help out around here, ok?" Wendy finally said, having noticed Emma's attitude throughout the day.

Emma sighed.

Am I really that easy to read? Geez...maybe Hook was right. Maybe I really am an open book.

"You sure you care and that this has nothing to do with your tripled salary?" Emma quipped.

"The offer was sweet and I needed a break from the hustle and bustle. Wanted to try something new. Different. Is that so wrong?" She asked.

"I guess not..." Emma replied.

"And, I know you just met me, but I really hope that we can become friendly. We're partners. Gotta learn to trust each other, right?" Wendy reasoned.

"You're right." Emma nodded hesitantly.

"Ok...well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow...thanks for showing me around town." Wendy replied softly as she tugged her jacket on.

"You're welcome. See you at 8 am sharp tomorrow." Emma said as her partner nodded and left the station.