My beta (c. miller1991) and I were blown away by the response you guys gave to us. So we have to start by saying thank you to everyone that reviewed, followed, and favorited the story. Secondly before you read I know you will have a few questions by the end of the chapter. We intended it that way. So feel free to shoot a PM or a review and I will answer it as soon as possible. Last time I did breaks the disappeared so hopefully the new ones will stay. For Disclaimers see CHP 1 I updated it so no one would be offended. I picked the name after receiving a comment on the Evil Regals page. But to respect their privacy I won't put their names up. Hope you guys enjoy –A
Special thanks for all the name ideas and requests (see bottom)
Special thanks to my beta (c. miller1991) for putting up with me checking my chapter and helping pick
and add to the name. I will take all responsibility if you guys aren't fond of the name.
Chapter 2: Apples and Vanilla
Regina tried to smile but her attempt was unsuccessful. The pain written over the blonde's face was hard to miss. It broke her heart that she couldn't reach out, to console the blonde. But it wasn't her place. A piece of her knew Emma wouldn't accept it. Especially not after the emotional damage she had caused with the help of her mother. All Emma continued to say to her was, "It's you?" Making Regina feel worse then she already did.
"Well I see you have met the witness," Killian said giving the blonde a smirk as she turned slowly to him. Her face holding a look of desperation. "Since you have heard the details of the case," he shrugged. "You are obligated to see this case through." Extending a manila folder to the woman, her eyes returning to Regina. Feeling as though it was ten years over again and she was stuck in the rain. Holding her shattered heart and dreams as she stared after the limo.
"Why are you here?" Emma's voice venomous as she folded her arms over her chest. Breaking the gaze she held with her ex-lover as she turned back to Killian. "And you! What the fuck?"
"Swan it's not…"
The blonde saw nothing but red in that moment. Reds that were painted with her frustrations, hurt and anger. Tears threatened the back of her eyes as she shook her head. All Emma wanted to do in that moment was run. To run from her past that had caught up to her. It's what she had learned to do all those years ago, to protect herself. Especially when she felt her heart was being put at risk again. "No I can't. I refuse." Detective Swan stated storming from the room in search of her boss. She was willing to put up with multiple things but staying with Regina Mills was not one of them.
(X)
"I don't want to hear it Swan," Gepetto shouted throwing the file forceful on to his desk as he claimed his seat. Emma placed her hand on her hips as she stared daggers at the man. Trying to alleviate the headache that was looming to the surface. She felt betrayed. Not only by her colleagues but also by the brunette herself. "You will do this and you will do it with a smile." He said pointing his wrinkly finger in the blonde's direction.
"Sir this is," Emma protested, trying to find the words that would convince the old man she didn't want the case. "Conflict of interest sir." The blonde argued.
A lamenting sound escaped her captains throat, as he placed his aging palm to his chin. Granting her one of his famous 'you won't win this' smirks. "You are one of the best agents I have Swan. And the fact that you have history with the woman should make you want to. Take this file," Gepetto said taking the finger he once pointed at the blonde. Placing it down firmly onto the folder. "Go meet your witness and do your damn job! I would hate to fire you, my boy would be so disappointed." Dismissing her with the flick of his wrist.
Emma clenched and unclenched the fists at her side. Visualizing the disappointment her best friend would sport seeing her in her current manner. Dragged her feet begrudgingly to the white haired man's desk, snatching the file. Feeling defeated she dashed from the room groaning. Feeling all her emotions she had bottled up for ten years being to bubble.
"Ah your back Swan."
"Save it. Let's get this over with." Emma shot. Stepping past him angrily, holding her breath as she stepped back into the room. Administering what the bureau had trained her to do for years. The only weapon she knew would be effective. If she wanted to see the job through, with her heart intact. "Alright Mrs. let's get started."
(X)
"Why are you here?" Emma asked her thickly. "And you! What the fuck?" Turning her anger on Detective Hook.
Regina watched as Killian tried to calm down Emma. "Swan it's not…" Not getting the chance to finish.
Emma's pained expression grew forlorn as she turned and fled. "No I can't. I refuse."
The brunette stood, reaching out to stop Emma before realizing her actions. Guilt filled the widow's conscious. Making her retract her arms in a futile matter. Wringing her hands together apprehensively as Hook gave Regina a suspicious look. She didn't have a reason but she longed to find Emma and make things right. Ten years of hurt sat between them and Regina longed to rectify that pain. To make amends for what had happened. "Would you like to explain what just happened?" The man asked leaning against the door frame, sad to be caught in the middle of something he had tried to avoid.
"I told you." The widow lied reclaiming her seat. Repressing the tears that threatened to fall. Her throat tightened as she risked meeting the eyes of the detective again. Hook stared gazing at eyes full of muddied emotions.
"No you told me a version." Hook corrected. "And I fell for it. So if you don't mind?" His tone prickly as he shifted on the door post.
The woman turned away focusing solely on her boots as she repositioned herself in the chair. Not eager to include someone in on her past. "Mrs. Locksley?"
"Fine. Fine." Regina huffed aggravated, anxious to clear the air and find Emma. "Ten years ago I dated your detective. We were in love until life pulled us apart." She answered dejectedly. Having to recall the darkest part of her life, made the brunette begin to question the operation. All she had wanted was to get a second chance at true love. To make Emma fall in love with her again. But her attempts were being tarnished and her efforts seemed abortive. Only managing to increase the pain between herself and Emma.
Killian ran his fingers through his hair. Understanding why his friend had responded the way she did. He had sentenced his friend to the ultimate bizarre circumstance. Hook was prepared to hunt down the blonde and apologize when he spotted her storming down the hallway. Removing the final hold her tie had around her collar. Balling the blackened tie several times about her fist.
Hook took the liberty to warn Regina over his shoulder. "Swan off the port bow." He joked trying to make light of the situation. Though he could hear the brunette sigh repentantly and sympathized. "Ah your back Swan."
If Emma could set Killian on fire he would have been a pile of blackened ash by now. "Save it. Let's get this over with." She said stepping by him moving further into the office. Killian didn't need to see her face to know she was upset. Though he had to give her credit for hiding it better the second time around. Watching the blonde move he immediately recognized the stoic stance and tone of voice. Emma was in FBI mode and Regina would have a difficult time cracking her interior. Swan was making an impressive try at shutting off her emotions. "Alright let's get started miss."
Regina felt vulnerable viewing Emma as she strode toward her desk rigidly. "Emma please just give me a chanc…"
"So Mrs. Locksley," the blonde began cutting off her ex-lover. The widow not missing the condemning tone Emma paraded at pronouncing her last name. "It says here that you witnessed a murder. You are twenty-nine and I am to transport and guard you. In layman's terms of course. Have I missed anything? Or is any of the information incorrect?" Green eyes looked up from the folder to Regina, but the glance passed all too quickly.
Clearing her throat. She shook her head. "Very well. Killian will escort you to the car and I will continue the rest of the arrangements. I shall see you on the jet. Mrs. Locksley."
Killian took the cue Emma supplied and quickly ushered the brunette from the room. Hearing the door close alerted Emma it was safe to release the breath she didn't know she had been holding. Tension built in her shoulders as she stared at the chair Regina had sat. Permitting the wall she had built around her emotions to crumble again. As much as Emma hated to admit it she still loved Regina. And she always would. Regina was her forever.
(X)
Emma kept her word standing at the base of the stairs to the private jet. The brunette gazed out of her car window admiring the large metal bird they expected her to get into. Before her eyes fell back to the blonde in her black suit and tie. It was amazing after all this time one glance at the blonde still made her heart flutter like a teenager. Emma's piercing green eyes had the ability to view into her soul.
The unmarked, tinted car came to a stop and Regina's door was opened and Killian stood outside offered his hand. Smiling down at the woman who seemed to be debating whether or not she wanted to get out the car. "The longer we wait love. The more risk we take, putting you in danger. By law she isn't allowed to kill you," the brunette joked. Still recalling the unpleasant predicament the woman had put him in.
Giving an ill-fated grunt Regina cautiously slid her hand into his. Detective Hook kept the woman at bay as he closed the door and barked orders to Grumpy and his other subordinates. The walk to the jet was brisk as the wind swept around them. The sound of the turbines turning was deafening as the male passed her off to the steps, motioning her to go inside. The widow was greeted by a man she assumed to be the pilot. "Hello my name is Gaston," he said with a wide showing off an impressive set of teeth. Offering Regina his hand. "Might I have your name?" He asked stepping back leaving his hand in hers as he allowed her to step into the cabin.
Regina was prepared to answer when she was cut off by the detectives' rough voice. "No Gaston you may not ask her name. You know the rules." Emma's husked from behind her. Anger painting the blonde's voice, but Regina shrugged inwardly trying not to read too much into it. Refocusing her attention she watched as the pilot's smile disappeared along with their hand contact. Gaston bowed at the two women before disappearing. Regina ignored the smile that endangered decorating her lips as she took a seat in plush tan leather. The cabin consisted of beiges and tans. With faux wood glossed panels. Brown eyes looked on in awe as she further examined the cabin. Spotting a chair opposite of her similar to the one she sat in.
Deeper into the cabin was a couch with similar interior built into the wood paneling. As well as several small television monitors placed calculatingly into the walls above. Small oval shaped windows lined the walls and Regina took the opportunity to appreciate the view.
"We'll be leaving soon." Emma stated gazing down at her watch. "Allow me to check with the pilot and double check things before we take off. Then you and I will have a conversation," the detective said looking up from her watch. Her tone daring Regina to argue.
"Where is detective Hook?" Regina asked looking at the open door to the jet. Awaiting the brunette man to walk up the stairs as if he knew he was being summoned.
Emma frowned at the older woman in front of her. "When you entered this aircraft. You verbally signed your life over to me. Relieving Killian of his duty to you." Regina met emerald irises that seemed burdened with hidden emotions, inwardly she conceded feeling the same way. "Despite our history you are in the best hands." Emma stated feeling insulted by the look in Regina's eyes.
Gulping down the invisible lump in her throat. The brunette shook her head, denying what her protector was insinuating. "Emma I never doubted that for a second," her voice breaking as she placed her hands nervously in her lap. "I know that you would never hurt me." Her eyes grew wide as the words crossed her lips, wishing she could take them back.
Narrowing her eyes Emma studied her witness. I'd never hurt you Regina but I can't say the same about you. "Yes. Well if you will allow me I will talk to the pilot and then debrief you." Discomfort filled her heart as she turned on her heels and disappeared behind a small door.
Wonderful Regina just wonderful. She thought as she watched the woman she was still in love with vanish behind a door. Slamming her head back against the leather as she reprimanded herself for her choice of words.
"That was painful," Hook said appearing in the doorway of the jet. Hands in his pockets as he stared at the woman.
"I got that." Regina humored closing her eyes. Praying she could cease to exist after sticking her foot in her mouth.
"She still loves you. Ya'know?" The pirate bargained flexing his leg. Waiting for the brunette to re-open her eyes and heed his words before he continued. "Sorry about leaving you in the blind as well." He shrugged, earning a sigh from the witness.
"Pay back I am guessing?" The man nodded and Regina immediately softened. Realizing she had hurt the man in the process by giving him an abridged version of the truth. Leaning forward she studied the detective, "How do you know she's in love with me?"
Killian smiled knowingly at the brunette. "Love is like riding a bike. You may neglect it and hop off after you get hurt. But after that first ride, it is something you never forget and something you'll always remember."
Both cabin occupants' eyes flew to the blonde who seemed engaged in a heated phone discussion as she stepped back into the cabin. "Yes Anna I know. I will call you as much as I can. Yea, yea I love you to." Emma's final words hung around Regina's neck like a noose. Her jealousy quickly kicked in as she looked to Emma who looked uncomfortable as she passed several documents and her phone to Killian.
"All set love?"
"Yes you back stabbing traitor." Emma joked landing a playful punch to his arm. Leaving Regina to stare muddled at the interaction. "So we are good," the blonde asked Hook.
"All set. We will keep you informed as soon as we know more about the case. These are yours as well." Handing Emma a large thick folder. "ID's, documents, USB, and other needed items."
"Excellent," the blonde's eyes gleamed as she plucked the folder from his large hands. "After I secure everything I will contact HQ."
"Aye love. So long Regina, oh and do remember what I said about bicycles." His grin wicked as he turned and began his descent down the stairs. Detective Swan stared after him waiting till he cleared the final step before she pushed a button. Causing the stairs to detach from the door watching as her friends and colleagues hauled it away. Before grabbing the handle to the aircraft pulling the door shut and locking it in place.
The happiness Emma felt quickly dissipated as she faced the fact she was leaving behind her family. Her home and everything she knew to travel somewhere she didn't know the first thing about. Not to mention she would be forced to spend that time with the woman she had taught herself to live without. And despite her best efforts still loved. The cabin filled with tension as the two women locked eyes with one another.
Time itself seemed to freeze before the detective broke the awkward silence. Exhaling as she moved to her seat strapping herself in. Her hands caressed the envelope, before turning her palm to the wall feeling for the hidden table. "Finally," she breathed as her fingertips hit the concealed dip in the panel. Pulling out the small wooden table, spilling out the folders content. Disappointed her gaze fell to a heavy book that read "Minnesota" on the front. "Fuck me," Emma muttered under her breath.
Cold weather was her kryptonite, certain temperatures were doable. But blistering cold was another thing all together not to mention it was the middle of December. She would be frozen as soon as she stepped off the jet. Feeling agitated she continued shuffling through the items. A small USB was among the other items. Papers and pouches littered the small table, peaking Regina's interest as she leaned over the arm rest.
"What is all that?" Her curiosity getting the best of her as she leaned closer to the blonde. Emma inhaled and immediately regretted the action when the brunette's scent permeated her nostrils. Apples and vanilla, she still smelled the same way she had when they'd first met.
Flashback (14 years ago)
"Class turn your books to page 159. We will discuss osmosis and how it works." Mr. Knave said, opening his own textbook. Readying himself to take a seat at his desk before a knock to the door interrupted him. "Read silently." He warned as he waddled toward the door.
Hushed voices exchanged outside the door, keeping the blonde's interest more then anything in her text book could. "Class," the burly man issued, strutting back to the front of the room. "Principal Anton has a guest he wants me to introduce to the class. I suggest being on your best behavior. Tyler and Miss Swan that means the both of you," the teacher warned. Walking to the door pushing it further open allowing the 'guest' to step into the room.
"Class this is Regina Mills. She just transferred here." He supplied to the room, then turned to the brunette. "You can take a seat anywhere Miss Mills with an open seat and textbook." His arm extended as the girl trekked deeper into the room. Moving hesitantly as eyes followed her around the room. Emma looked unamused, going back to her textbook.
"Would you mind if I sat with you?" Regina asked observing the girl before her.
"He said you could sit anywhere. I don't care," the blonde hissed not looking up from her book. The young blonde listened as the wooden stool scrapped across the tiles.
"Are you certain you wish to sit," the heavy set man offered raising his eyebrows toward the brunette. Pointing a finger in her direction, "there?" Emma looked up from her text book offended. She may have been rebellious but she hardly deserved the treatment the man was giving.
Regina watched the blonde's jaw clench as she ground her teeth. Eyes trained and glaring at the older man. A smile formed on her face as she nodded. "Principal Anton advised me to sit with someone that made me comfortable and knew the school well. I choose…" it was then she grasped she didn't know the girl's name.
"Emma," the blonde supplied through gritted teeth. Eyes unmoving from the man who seemed to bounce on the balls of his feet uncomfortably. With his student staring at him as though he could be killed where he stood.
"Right I choose Emma."
"If that is what you wish Ms. Mills." The man shook his head clearly disappointed in the choice she had made. Perhaps she had made the wrong decision but she was very interested in the cryptic blonde next to her. "We are on page 159." The brunette nodded not interested in the man, but more in Emma who casted glances out of the corner of her eye.
The lecture continued and Regina ceased staring at Emma long enough to take notes. "Alright class put your books away. For those of you that took notes this should be easy for you. For those of you that didn't. Maybe you can find a partner. Who will be willing to share their notes with you. If not good luck." His feet stomped against the floor as he moved around the room passing out an open note quiz. Groans from several students echoed through the room as he continued passing out quizzes.
"Want to share?" Regina asked eager to come face to face with the blonde. But also because she hadn't seen the blonde take notes. She seemed miles away and sad. "I don't mind." The brunette's breath hitched as the young woman finally turned in her stool to face her. Coming face to face with the most mesmerizing set of green eyes she had ever seen.
"Why do you care? You don't even know me. I could be a pyscho or something." Emma half joked. Receiving a full hearted chuckle from Regina that sent her stomach fluttering with butterflies.
"I doubt you are dear. But to answer your question," she started. Scooting her notes in between herself and Emma. Her tone turning serious as she met Emma's orbs with the sincerity of her own. "Everyone deserves someone who is willing to give them a chance. And for me that person is you." Emma gawked at the brunette student unsure of her motivates but pacified by her words. Plus she smelled good, like apples and vanilla. Emma knew the brunette had no way of knowing she was the social out cast everyone made fun of. The one person no wanted, and everyone wanted to avoid. But in that moment gazing into Regina's big brown eyes she knew her life would never be the same.
"Emma?" Regina questioned snapping her fingers in front of her face. The blonde had been sitting and staring at the pouches, unmoving for several minutes. Worry had made itself known as Regina observed her curiously. "Emma are you okay?"
"Hmm? Oh yes sorry," she stated repentantly shaking her head. Attempting to quiver the joyful moment from her memory, going back to her task. Continuing her investigation of the items she picked up the pouches handing the one labeled to Regina.
"What's this?" She asked procuring the piece from Emma.
"Open it and you'll see." The blonde said with a hazardous smirk. Sending unwanted shudders down the olive colored woman's skin.
Guardedly the woman flipped the lip of the pouch upward and regarded the materials inside. Fingering the paper work she pulled out a birth certificate that read "Rose Alana White" along with her an imaginary birthday. Next she pulled out a social security card, a diamond ring and marriage license. Marriage license? "Emma what the hell is this," she asked looking over to the blonde who was also examining her pack.
Emma's brow furrowed. "I am going to take it that you didn't read everything?"
"No," Regina admitted. "I was stuck on the name change and marriage certificate!" Demonstrating her shock as she flailed the paper back and forth.
Sighing the detective placed her papers on the table. Turning in her seat to face Regina crossing her legs under her. "For safety purposes we needed you to have an alias. As well as a backstory since we will temporarily be moving to Minnesota." Her finger coming crashing down onto the book beside her.
The witness's palms turned sweaty, "So what is the backstory exactly?" Anxious to hear what fable the FBI had conjured for herself and Emma.
Scratching her cheek lightly the younger woman focused her energy. Hating the scenario HQ had dreamed up. "Apparently," Emma started but didn't want to continue. Trying to reassure herself it was for the job she blew air through her nose. "We are newlyweds facing martial problems. And to rekindle our love we are traveling on an extended vacation. We were referred to a renowned couple's psychiatrist and decided to make a vacation of it. On our vacation we are to make friends and do activities and blend in. Along with whatever the man prescribes." Horror etched into the brunette's features as she listened to the blonde. Giving her an interpretive version of what the bureau wanted them to do.
"I am not excited about it either." Emma confirmed, sending a knife through her own heart. The last thing she wanted to do was be in a relationship real or fake with the woman that broke her heart.
Regina crossed her arms, clearly hurt by the detective's words though she plastered on a face of indifference. "Just do your job and things should be fine." Regina retorted crossly not wanting to let on the actual hurt she felt.
"Fine by me Rose." Emma smiled happily though her tone was anything but.
"Why did the FBI choose that name for me?" Regina asked curious to the meaning behind it.
"They didn't. I did." The blonde mused, proud that she had managed to have something go her way. "To be honest you are a rose," her answer obscure, rotating forward in her chair.
"Care to elaborate dear?"
"Not really. But knowing you if I don't, it will eat you inside out. I choose all of your name. Rose because you're beautiful and smell amazing," Emma said flashing her brilliant smile. Instantly mesmerizing her ex-lover pulling her into her hypnotic trance. "But," she resumed frowning deeply. "As alluring as you may be. You have hidden thorns and as soon as someone gets close enough. They end up getting hurt by you. And sometimes… those wounds never heal Regina."
Emma knew her words had hit the brunette directly in her core. Her attributes contorted to ones of pain and Swan regretted speaking the truth. But didn't take the words back. She wanted Regina to know how she felt. The years of hurt she held in her heart were still there. They hadn't disappeared, they never would. "The middle, Alana. Is a version of the name, after your favorite actress. Plus I remember you saying you liked it. But I can address you as Lana if you wish."
Regina nodded, not wanting to be called Rose. Not after the explanation her ex had given. "Thank you… for protecting… me Emma. I know it can't be easy for you."
"As painful as our past is I wouldn't dream of anything happening to you." Surprising herself at the admission. "Regina… I… still," The detective started but was interrupted by Gaston.
"Detective Swan we have a call for you." Standing, Emma sped to the back of the jet, secretly happy for the distraction. Regina stared out of the window trying to give the blonde her privacy. Despite still being able to bits and pieces of the conversation. It also gave her time to think of what her 'wife' had planned to say. The conversation grew louder, cresting the brunette's interest.
"Anna that's amazing! But I told you I am working a case I have to go. No I can't tell you who I'm guarding."
"… I got it Anna we will have celebrate two times over when I get back ok?" The conversation quieted down as the younger woman waited for a response. "Yes now go home and leave my boss alone. I am gonna be in a lot of trouble thanks to you when I get back. I will contact you hopefully after I land."
"… yes I love you too beautiful." Emma ended the call with a chuckle shaking her head.
Pressing the call button she radioed Gaston. "Thanks. How much longer?"
The intercom clicked over as Gaston responded. "Approximately two hours left. We have been traveling for an hour. Prepared meals are in the back if you and the Mrs. get hungry." Emma groaned understanding the title would last for her duration with Regina. Walking back to her previous seat, she picked up the Minnesota book and began studying. Hoping to ease her mind from the turmoil she felt.
Regina heard Emma as she re-entered the small cabin. Mustering her courage she directed her question at her protector but kept her eyes focused out the window. "Emma?"
"Yes?"
"Who is Anna?"
Unaffected but slightly taken aback by surprise and the tinge of jealously coming from Regina's voice. She continued flipping through the book. "Any reason?" Emma teased.
"Just curious," she supplied shifting impatiently against the leather.
Biting her lip, Emma struggled to keep her voice level. Trying to make the brunette more jealous then she should be. "Well Mrs. White if you must know she is someone very important to me." Emma concluded enjoying the word volley between herself and the brunette.
Intrigued and fearful to know more she continued her questioning. Keeping her features composed but on the inside she was screaming. What the hell? How could she move on when I still love her? "Such as?" She prodded.
Huffing she finally grew tired of their game. The blonde placed the book back on the table. "Anna is someone important to me Regina because she filled the void you left." Venom painting her tone, twirling around to meet the coffee colored eyes she had gotten lost in years ago.
The only response she received from the widow was a defeated, "Oh."
"If you must know… Anna is my daughter."
After the amazing name response I felt bad I couldn't use all the names so I plan to put as many of them into the story as I can. After the reposted pictures from season 5 I thought everyone would enjoy a couple's therapy section. Also I have nothing against Minnesota, I actually want to travel there. But until then here are some questions for you to think about until the next chapter. What happened to Regina's husband? How did she get away? Was Emma trying to hurt Regina when she said Anna was her daughter? Or was she being honest? Who is Regina running from? I hope you guys like the name and the new chapter. Feel free to review and ask questions.
