A/N: Thanks to everyone who has been reading this one! I have to say that this ff, next to A Thin Line is among my favorites that I've written. :) Enjoy chapter 3! :)

It was almost 2am when Emma finally made it home, entering quietly as possible to not wake a sleeping Henry. As Emma shut the door behind her, she could clearly hear the faint, low sound of the television. As she placed her guitar case down by the door, she made her way into the living room, her eyes falling upon a passed out Graham, still in his cop uniform, stretched out on the couch with only the ending scene of Evil Dead 2 lighting up the room as it played on the screen.

Graham startled awake, jumping up from the couch as he felt a kick coming from Emma's own foot, directed onto his own hanging leg, "Hey, you're home." a lazy smile and sleepy eyes still part of his features as he quickly rubbed at his eyes, "The little guy went down like a sack of potatoes, no problem."

Emma didn't say a word as Graham's tired eyes met fully awake green ones, who immediately glanced at the now ending credits of the film.

"That- I watched that by myself." Graham quickly answered, his eyes fully awake now as he looked back at a glaring blonde, "I did. I swear."

"If I get woken up by a frightened Henry because he had a nightmare that monsters were chasing him and I had a chainsaw for a hand at 3am, so help me, I will suffocate you in your sleep." said Emma with a now hint of exhaustion in her voice.

"Ruby will kill you." replied Graham, earning another hard glare from Emma, quickly causing him to place his hands up in defense, "I'm going. Good night, Em."

"Night. Thank you." replied Emma as she walked behind him, shutting the door quietly as he headed down the hallway into his own apartment. Emma walked over to the coffee table, reaching for the remote as she switched off the flat screen, tossing it on the couch as she headed down the small hallway and into her bedroom, removing her suit jacket in the process as she tossed it freely on the edge of her bed.

It didn't take her long to change into a pair of pajama pants in exchange for her dress pants, brushed her teeth and collapsed onto her bed as she made her way out of her bathroom. Thank God it was summer. It would be hell to wake up super early having to rush to Henry's school to drop him off if it wasn't.

Green eyes began to slowly shut as soon as Emma's head hit her pillow. Her body feeling the aftermath of her entire night in that bar, playing none stop. Until sleep finally took over, as dreams slowly began to fill her mind of her most ambitioned dream. Of a better life for her and Henry, with possibly a little more money than she was making now. Of her pushing herself to be the best single parent she could be for her son. Of her not having to play at bars or parties anymore. She loved playing, she was passionate about it, but her dream involved that and so much more, of course.

She could clearly see herself now, August and her owning what they envisioned the most, not having to answer to anyone or accept less pay than they were promised. Being able to take more days off and enjoy more of her own time. She could see it now. She could see her friends, her son, all the people there as clear as day.

She could see Regina.

Regina?

Yes. The very same brunette that she met on that plane. The very same classy woman she had luckily encountered again at tonight's bar.

Regina Mills. She was there too, wearing the same black dress pants and white, elegantly pressed, tucked in white shirt she was wearing tonight. But, what on earth was she doing in her dreams? Why her? Questions arise as she suddenly felt those familiar plump lips press against her very own in a passionate but more slower kiss. Emma's hands quickly pulling her in from her waist, pressing her up against her own body, as she melted away into a puddle of goo.

Just like it was on that plane. Only, it wasn't just like that. This was something more. Their kiss was slower for one, still a hungry one, filled with lust but there was something different. Something… tender.

Why were dreams so strange sometimes that they became so impossibly hard to understand?

For a moment, this didn't feel like a dream. This was real. It felt real. It had to be real.

Slap!

Emma suddenly woke as she felt a hard slap across the face, grunting loudly in pain as she felt a tiny body shift next to her. She lifted herself up on her elbows, trying to comprehend what on earth just happened. Realization hitting her as her still sleepy eyes landed on a sound sleeping Henry.

"Wh- Henry?" she murmured as she reached over, turning on the lamp on her nightstand. She spoke again as soon as Henry's head popped up, fully awake from his sleep, "What are you doing out of bed, kid?"

"I had a bad dream. There was some monsters chasing me." he spoke softly, his little lips in a pout, pleading his mother not to make him go back to his room.

"Monst-?" she groaned, cutting off her own question as her head turned, looking over at the clock on her nightstand, which now marked 3am. "Hen, all that isn't real. Okay? I promise you - there are no monsters."

Henry sat up, obviously still frightened, "But, your hand was gone! You had a chainsaw with you!"

"That was just mommy's special glove. That's all. You know, before you came in here I was having a dream of my own. I knew you were dreaming with those silly monsters, so I went from my dream into yours to protect you." Emma assured him, proud of herself for coming up with a quick story while she was mentally begging for sleep, her hand brushing away Henry's hair from his eyes.

"I've never seen that glove, mommy!" Henry shouted, calling her bluff.

"We can have anything we want in our dreams, buddy. I chose that because it's the only way to beat those monsters, like you saw in the movie." replied Emma, her heart going into a flutter as she gazed upon her son's happy smile.

"So, I can have one in my dreams too?!" he asked excitedly.

"Sure, kid. But, only if you promise to go to sleep." the blonde replied. Her request didn't take much of an effort for Henry happily got back under the covers, cuddling into his mother's arms, as Emma happily held him tightly and protectively into her warm embrace, her eyes quickly closing.

"I get to help you kill the monsters!" said Henry, a little grin forming on his lips as he felt more confident and brave enough to go to sleep. Happy he wasn't taken back into his bedroom where he would be alone and not under his mother's protective embrace. His eyes momentarily snapping open as his head turned to look up at his mother, waiting for her confirmation, "Right, mama?"

"Mhm - sure, bud. And tomorrow you can help me kill your uncle Graham." Emma mumbled under her breath, which caused Henry to giggle at the silly idea of killing his uncle.

Early morning, Regina woke up to a grinning Kathryn, quickly taking notice that her clothes were still the very same she wore the night before when they were at that bar.

"Good morning." Kathryn grinned.

"Did you just get in?" asked Regina, her hand grabbing a cup as she poured herself some coffee.

"You didn't? With the way that blonde was eyeing you last night, I thought you would it get it just as good as I got it." Kathryn replied.

"She gave me a ride over here." said Regina as she took a small sip of her coffee.

Kathryn placed her hand on her chest, almost choking on her eggs, "Dear God, please don't tell me you got some action on my bed."

"We didn't sleep together, Kathryn!" Regina snapped as she took a seat in front of a wide eyed Kathryn.

"Do you plan to? Maybe on another flight." said Kathryn.

"No." Regina answered quickly.

Silence filled the room as Kathryn slowly sat her mug of coffee down on the table, taking a piece of egg as she placed it in her mouth and chewed slowly.

Regina glared over at her best friend, knowing well that wasn't her last word.

"Could I have a go at her, then?" Kathryn asked, causing Regina's eyes to grow wide like saucers. She placed her hands up defensively, "What? It's on my bucket list: Sleep with a hot woman. I can show you-"

"I don't need to see it." Regina cut in, knowing well Kathryn would keep such a list.

"Well, I invited August over tonight for my birthday party, so they can play some music for us - sooo… Emma will be here." Kathryn grinned at her next thought, "So, if you don't make a move on her tonight - I will."

"Are you still drunk? You're acting a lot like we are still in high school." said Regina.

"Oh, relax. I'm kidding! You can totally have her. Just… don't go into my room." replied Kathryn.

Regina couldn't explain why she felt sick to her stomach at the thought of seeing Emma Swan again tonight. She wasn't even sure why she was staying for this party in the first place - she hated parties. But, Kathryn was her best friend and she needed to be here. She would be here. In the same room as Emma, yet again.

"You drove her home?!" Ruby exclaimed as she walked behind Emma as went through her clothes, trying to figure out what to wear. "And, then what?"

"And, nothing. We said good night." Emma replied from in her closet.

"Ugh! If only I didn't get stuck working an extra shift last night, I could have seen her for myself." a lightbulb immediately going off at the top of Ruby's head as she leaned against the closet door frame, "You have to let me come to this party with you."

Emma chuckled, "Absolutely not, no."

"Em!" Ruby shouted at her as the blonde made her way out of her closet, setting another pair of clothes on her bed as she stood in front of her mirror.

"No." Emma replied, ridding herself of her previous shirt, trying on another one in the process as she looked herself over in the mirror.

"Why?" asked Ruby, Emma could swear she was almost pouting.

"Because, I know you. You'll be elbowing me all night, telling me how hot she is, encouraging me to sleep with her once again." replied Emma as she made her way back into her closet.

"You remembered the woman's name, you never do that. That must mean she is either really good or something more happened on that plane that you aren't yet aware of."

Emma groaned, "Don't start this again, Rubes. Please."

"You could sleep with her again. What would be the harm in that?" Ruby asked.

"Having sex with one person more than once usually leads to feelings. You know that all too well. You and Graham started exactly the same way and now you live together." Emma replied as she tried on another shirt, "Besides, I noticed her left hand last night. She's married. She still has the mark of her wedding ring."

Ruby scoffed, "That doesn't mean she's still married. She could easily wear a ring that maybe her now dead father left her."

Emma turned around, her eyebrow raised at Ruby's statement, "Do you hear yourself when you talk, Rubes?" she placed a flannel shirt in front of her as she looked it over in the mirror, "Go away, please. You're confusing me on what to wear for tonight."

"Fine. Fine, I'm going." Ruby replied as she walked out the door, popping her head in as she came right back, "At least promise me you'll text me, giving me updates."

"Out, Ruby." said Emma.

Ruby's head disappeared from the door frame as she quickly appeared right back, "I'd go with the flannel, combined with that vest."

"Out!" Emma shouted as Ruby quickly disappeared for good, as the door was heard shutting. The blonde sighed as she grabbed the flannel she had tossed on the bed, placing it in front of her again. She grabbed a black vest she had, placing it around the shirt, her eyes studying the combination. "What the hell."

With Henry being watched by Ruby, Emma and August both arrived to Kathryn's apartment. It was big enough to hold more than twenty people - that was the first thing they noticed as they were welcomed into the apartment, which already had music blasting, food being served and people drinking. Everyone but Emma and August were having fun. They were too busy standing near the entrance with their mouths hanging open at the fancy place.

Emma's place wasn't bad, but it was far from fancy.

They were each handed a drink, as they made their way through crowds and crowds of people. Kathryn had gone all out, she was literally throwing the place out the window.

Emma leaned into August, speaking into his ear, given that the music was blasting loudly, "I have to check on Henry!" she walked out into the terrace as August only nodded, staying behind. The blonde quickly dialed home, the music faintly still being heard from inside. "It's me, just checking in on Henry."

"He's been an angel. Of course, he loves his aunt Ruby, so me - he listens to."

Emma smiled, "Alright, if Graham stops by at least wait until my kid goes to sleep before you guys start groping on each other."

"Speaking of groping-"

"Good night, Ruby." Emma pulled her phone away from her ear, clearly hearing a quick shout from her friend before hanging up as she said, "Text me!"

Emma looked out into the city of New York. It was a fantastic view from the balcony, but the view that soon caught her eye as she looked away from the city lights directly to the brunette beauty that was standing a few feet away from her, elegantly holding a glass of champagne. Her posture was just as elegant as her silk black dress complimented every curve of her body under the lights of the city and the moon itself.

If Emma wasn't gay before, she would be now with this view she was being blessed with tonight. Regina Mills was certainly a walking masterpiece. Green eyes studied everything. To the woman's short black hair that was a little more above her shoulders, the ruby colored lipstick that made her lips feel absolutely desired, to the length and detail of her olive toned arms, all the way down her silky smooth back, which was slightly exposed as the dress remained opened from behind. And, last but not least - that perfectly rounded ass.

"Don't waste your time, love. She's a tough shell to crack, that one."

Emma blinked rapidly, startled from her gawking, because she was dumbfoundedly gawking at this goddess of a woman before this rude stranger interrupted her very thoughts. She could tell right away he was drunk as a skunk from his look alone.

"I'm Killian." he grinned as he began to sway back and forth. "Let me get you a drink." he offered.

Emma quickly studied the guy, he looked like a rum type of person, by his style in clothing this guy most likely may had been a pirate in his other life. She smiled, "Killian. You know what this party could use? Rum."

His eyes lid up as his smirk grew, "I had you figured for a rum type of girl!"

Emma smiled as she quickly removed his tentacle like arm from around her waist, "Why don't you go purchase some from a liquor store and we can share that bottle. Oh, but don't drive. Walk. I wouldn't want you spilling a single drop, so… walk slow, huh?" she pushed him forward as he stumbled back inside the apartment, losing himself amongst the crowd.

Emma sighed with relief as soon as she was left alone again. Given the many places her and August had to play at, she had plenty of experience with drunken men hitting on her.

She finally chugged down her champagne she had been holding since her arrival, because after that exhausting encounter - she needed it. Her head looked over to a now smirking brunette as she heard a loud enough chuckle followed by her husky voice come from within her, "I'm impressed. He isn't an easy one to get rid of, yet you managed to do so in less than a minute. Not counting the amount of time you stood there gawking at me."

Fuck! Did she really notice that? Play it cool, Swan… just play it cool.

"What are you doing out here all alone?" asked Emma, finding it easier just to change conversation. Her hands finding their way inside her jeans pockets.

"Did you forget we traveled on the same flight? I did travel alone, dear." replied Regina.

Emma's breath caught in her throat as flashes of their flight crossed her mind, "No. I mean, why aren't you inside?"

"Not everyone likes parties, Ms. Swan." replied Regina. Her eyes alone were so inviting, Emma felt like she was floating on air as she took a few steps towards her.

"You must like something about this party, if you're here." said Emma.

"I'm visiting my friend Kathryn. I leave back to Boston first thing tomorrow morning." Regina informed her.

"So, you live in Boston?"

"That's correct."

Emma chuckled, to which Regina raised an eyebrow.

"Did I miss something funny, Ms. Swan?" asked Regina.

"I just can't believe your husband would allow you to constantly travel, spending thousands of dollars on flights every weekend. Especially join the mile high club."

Another brow was raised by the brunette, "Not that it's any of your business, but I can assure you, Ms. Swan that I don't have a husband, and if I did - he certainly wouldn't have a say on how I spend my money."

Emma's eyes grew wide at Regina's sudden change of tone, "So… you're not…?" she continued as the brunette shook her head, "But, you have a mark of a ring on your matrimonial finger."

Another chuckle escaped the brunette, which Emma couldn't tell if it was an angry one or not, "My father gave me a ring before he passed. I don't particularly like to wear it when I travel."

Emma's cheeks turned red with embarrassment. She wanted to hide under a rock. Burn herself to the ground and sweep herself under a rug, even. Ugh, did she hate it when Ruby was right. She quickly turned her back towards Regina as she pulled her cell phone out of her pocket, quickly sending a text to Ruby.

Remind me to kill you when I get home tonight.

"Is something the matter, dear?"

"Huh?" Emma jerked around as she placed her cell back into her jeans pocket, "No. Uh… I'm going to get another drink."

"If you go into the kitchen, Kathryn keeps a small fridge, it's filled with bottles of champagne." Emma turned, looking over her shoulder at the brunette, who continued giving her instructions, "Perhaps we could finish that bottle together."

Emma was never one to turn down a challenge and that sounded well enough like a challenge, "I'll drink that bottle with you, if you do a shot with me."

Regina's eyebrow raised, "I'll do two." said Regina, accepting the challenge.

Emma couldn't help but smirk, "I'll be right back."

Regina's own smile was gone as soon as Emma headed inside. What the hell was she doing? Okay, so Emma didn't have anyone, if she did she wouldn't be checking her out. Plus, it didn't mean anything would happen between them, she was leaving tomorrow and that was going to be the end of Emma Swan. She was sure of it. She's had drinks and so far she's seen a side of Emma that brings out a good side in her. But, damn it - did Emma look irresistible in that outfit she was wearing.

No. Just a few drinks, that's all. What happened on that plane was a one time thing. It didn't mean it was meant to happen again.

Not again, not ever.

A/N 2: Would you like me to start writing chapter 4? ;) leave reviews and likes, please! Thanks again, guys.