A/N – Okay, some clarity is coming in this chapter on a few things. Also, I promise a happy ending with any sub plot angst! It is mentioned in the story summary, but people keep asking in PMs/comments. This is A/U and very much about Regina and Emma meeting and falling in love. Lucy has a BIG imagination and that's where the magical feeling in this story comes in as well as the ending. :-) Clarity with her storybook is coming in chapter 4.

Happy Hump Day!

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Chapter 3

The Lunch "Date"

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Regina sat in her office in the back of Queen's Customs as she listened to Emma's voicemail from last night for the second time.

"Um… Hi it's Emma Swan… We met outside my bar today… We talked about your panties and… Look, um, I have something of your granddaughter's. She left her backpack outside of the bar and I just wanted to return it. So feel free to call me back or stop by the bar to get it whenever…"

She cracked up over the message. The blonde sounded so earnest and adorable at the same time. There was sweetness under that genuine tone Regina was not used to hearing. It made her want to listen to Emma's voice again and again, but before she could play the message one more time Lucy's head popped around the door and she pressed the end button. "You need something sweetie?"

"I need your help."

Regina set her phone aside and gestured for Lucy to come closer as she reached for the pink paisley print bandanna being held out. She folded it into a triangle before tying it around Lucy's forehead. She tucked the end into the loose knot she made at the back and straightened the girl's low pigtails as she planted a kiss on a cheek. "There. All set."

"Thanks." But Lucy lingered in the doorway as Regina went to turn back to her computer. "When is Emma coming?"

And at the question Regina pushed back from her desk, shutting her lap top. The expense reports could wait. Not that she could concentrate anyway. "She said around 12:30. Speaking of which did you call Aunt Ruby at Granny's like I asked?"

A small grin. "Yeah. She said she'd be by to drop off lunch by 1:00."

"1:00? But I specifically told you ask for 12:30." She wanted the food here right when Emma got here to make this date that was only a sort of date done as quickly as possible. While she was looking forward to seeing Emma, maybe even a little excited, just the word date made her stomach flutter. The idea of this lunch being one after not being in that scene for so long made her nervous. It was not a feeling she was used to and one that seemed to amuse her granddaughter to no end.

Lucy shrugged elaborately, grin still firmly planted on her face. "She said they were going to be really busy right then."

Regina narrowed her eyes in suspicion and caught Lucy about the thighs between her knees. Her hands posed in a tickle threat. "Right then, hmm?"

"Yep."

"Last chance to change your story." Her hands came closer.

"Not changing!" Lucy shrieked and giggled as she tried to twist away from tickling hands.

Regina pulled her up after a few moments and into a lap to sit. Her hands were taken and their fingers wove together. Lucy seemed to be studying hers. "You've been in the paint samples already this morning haven't you?" Regina asked as she thumbed a shimmery pink spot on the back of Lucy's hand.

"Maybe a little. You got a lot of new colors in. I like the one called Hot Pink Hog."

A soft chuckle. "Later you can help me sort through them, but before that right after lunch I want you to get started on your homework, alright?"

;;;

Sighing, Lucy leaned back into Regina's arms like she used to do so often before stuff changed. They felt the same, even if the person they belonged to was not the same anymore. She didn't blame Regina though. Not really. It was more complicated than that. This whole situation with her parents was a nightmare; a curse they had to live out every day they all were apart.

Lucy felt herself changing too. Little by little the world didn't seem so bright anymore, and more and more she was turning to her book for answers. Searching for the answer to a question she didn't know how to ask. G'ma would know how. G'ma knew everything, but G'ma was not here… Her heavy thoughts seemed to drench the light moment that had found them somehow before the homework comment was made and she eased off that lap a moment later. "I'll do it. I always do it. You don't have to tell me." Stepping away.

It was Regina's turn to sigh it seemed. "Not so fast…"

Lucy's hand was caught and she was pulled close as her chin was lifted. She squirmed under the concern in those eyes. They were starting to look at her more in that strained way lately; like they were holding something heavy back from falling. "What?" And Regina's eyes shifted under her whine.

"You know exactly what." A finger tapped the tip of her nose gently and Lucy looked cross eyed at it for a moment. That action made Regina chuckle. "Mind the 'tude little miss. Now scoot. You have some parts to finish sorting for me in the inventory area."

Lucy huffed and left the office to go across the shop. There was a pallet with a big box of mixed bike parts in many different baggies she was supposed to scan with a hand scanner and put on the shelf where it went. She didn't really mind the chore because the inventory room was also the back area of the display room in the wide open warehouse style shop. The bikes she liked to look at were separated by a half wall housing the shelves of parts. The shop was quiet today except for them and Leroy, a mechanic who was always bugging Regina for extra hours. He was nice enough she supposed, if not a little grumpy.

As she worked a light breeze wafted through the open garage style door into the back of the shop where she was. Despite the rain yesterday the sun had come out from hiding and it was a beautiful near spring day outside in the city. A motor rumbling got her attention as it always did and a yellow chopper trike rolled right up to the opening of the shop. The rider got off and immediately Lucy recognized the red leather jacket. She dropped the scanner and ran to the front.

;;;

Emma undid the chin strap of her helmet and hung it from the handle of her trike as she slid the pink backpack off her shoulder. The kid was eyeing her ride with what she could only describe as a knowing grin of some kind. She held the bag out. "I think this belongs to you, kid."

"I was gonna say that pink didn't seem to be your color." Lucy said and took it. "Thanks."

"Where's Regina?"

"In the back pretending the idea of a lunch date that's 'not a date' with you is no big deal." Air quotes accompanied a giggle.

Emma snorted. "It's kind of not." Then blushing as she remembered how their call had ended last night. "I meant date as a figure of speech and she's just being nice because I'm returning your bag." She tried to play it off, but the kid seemed to think differently.

"Suuurree. Keep telling yourself that." Impishly stated and Lucy pointed to the trike. "How long have you had that?"

"Quite a while, but the paint job is newer. My Mom got it done for me as a gift about six years ago as a thirtieth birthday present." That had been some surprise. A little bit of her dad had even gone into the gift in a few unexpected ways. Some of the motor parts from his old Volkswagen he drove in high school had also been used in the restoration.

Lucy tilted her head to the side, that impish smile growing. "I thought you were more into red." Pointing to the jacket.

"I do, but yellow is my favorite color." Emma's shoulder popped up and down once at the questioning look from the kid. "What? It's a happy color." Then she looked over at the sound of heeled boots walking towards them and her breath caught just like it had yesterday when she saw Regina for the first time. Jeans were hugging curves and a black button up that opened in a deep V showed a hint of black lace underneath. She swallowed imagining just what that lace was hugging too as her eyes trailed the fine gold chain with Regina in loopy letters resting in the valley of a throat.

"I thought I heard talking out here." Heeled boots took their time walking in and Regina seemed to eye her back just as intently. "I see you found the shop okay."

"Hard to miss the huge crown shaped sign from the freeway." And that earned Emma a throaty chuckle in return. That same music that had filled her ears yesterday was back. It was softer than before. A little more in tune and fluid. Emma smiled. "Why do you call it Queen's Customs?

"It provides a different spin rather than calling it Regina's Customs. It's what my name means and it's catchy in a way the other is not."

Lucy tugged on Regina's sleeve. "Emma was telling me about her ride… Check out the back." And pointed to the trike. "Look familiar?"

Regina's breath caught and Emma shifted on her feet as woman and child exchanged a look she couldn't read.

"Lucy please go and start your homework."

"But you said after lunch." The kid whined and Emma saw the dark brow go up. That action made her squirm in the best way, but did nothing to stop the kid from begging again. "Please?"

"And after lunch you can help me pick out colors for some designs I've been working on instead of having to finish your homework." Regina said and gestured to the far side of the shop where there seemed to be a sort of office set up.

That seemed to be a good enough bribe because Lucy brightened at that idea and scampered off.

"Did I put my foot in my mouth again?" Emma asked. Again, the dark brow quirked up.

"Your foot in your mouth… Is that a hidden talent I should be aware of?"

At the obvious tease Emma lost some of her nerves. "Yeah in a way. Did I say something wrong like I did yesterday? I have a tendency to put my foot in my mouth when I get nervous."

Red lips parted in such a way that made Emma think they were giving an invitation to be kissed. And then they turned up at the corners in a coy manner that made her knees want to give out. She cleared her throat and again Regina stepped into her personal space.

"Do I make you nervous Miss Swan?"

"Only when you say my name like that."

Regina smirked as if filing away that tidbit for later. And stepped past her toward the garage door. "I am just not used to seeing my art work after it leaves the shop." She gestured to the design on the back of the trike. "Usually I get orders from outside of the city and I don't get to see the bikes I work on again. This one was a very unique order that I have never quite forgotten though."

"What's your last name?"

"Mills."

And it clicked. RM. The initials just above the right back wheel the size of a dime in a black circle. Regina Mills. So that's where this familiar feeling was coming from.

"The woman who order it…" Regina cocked her head to the side as if remembering. "She was your mother. For your birthday."

"Yeah my Mom wanted to surprise me. I am amazed you remember though. I'm sure you do hundreds of customs a year and that was quite a while ago."

"Mmmm." A hum that was not quite an answer either way. Regina's finger pointed to the pair of crossed swords over the license plate. "I take my time with each design. Each one is unique and tells a completely different story once all the symbols are put together."

And that made Emma pause. "And what's my story?"

"Swords symbolize protection, strength, and courage. Usually they belong to nobility or a knight in times past. In your case they represent someone who stands their ground for the all the right reasons and asks questions later. You're a fighter and you put your truth and your family first."

"How did you…" And Emma lost her question to those red lips moving. As if reading a page in the book of Emma, that same finger got closer; tracing one of the wings of the mirrored swans on either side of the swords. "Swans stand for transformation and love. You are the kind of person who has had to redefine yourself more than once and a big part of that has to do with self love. Two swans, like here are for balance and partnership. You both want and need someone to have your back."

Emma could almost feel those fingers on her skin as Regina traced the lines and said the first thing that came to mind. "I remember reading somewhere that Swan's mate for life. They've always held special meaning to me, my family name aside. My Mom likes to tell me about how her and my Dad found each other again and again growing up. It was kind of a thing between them, but it didn't quite work out the way that they hoped in the end. I'm hoping for something different for myself." She had never said that last part out loud before and she puzzled over the easiness of it with Regina. The soft eyes on her seemed to understand that.

"You sound close to your Mom."

A shrug. "We are and we're not. We are different people, but we love each other very much."

"Does she live here?"

"Used too, but she moved to Florida for the sun or so she says. I think she just needed a fresh start after my Dad passed away and she knew I was settled." A shadow of understanding passed across amber eyes. A darkness was there and then promptly hid away again and Emma wondered just how much of Regina's life was defined by loss.

Regina stepped back from the trike and closer. "Last night, Lucy said something about him being in a coma when you were a baby."

"According to my Mom he had a stroke and never woke up. I knew him only through the stories others told me and pictures. Even though he never actually talked to me I always heard him in my head. I still do. He died when I was fourteen and that was the same year I began to learn about running the bar. It was his whole world along with my Mom before I was born. And I like to think I can help a piece of him live on." Emma gestured to the trike. "The ring you put around the swords reminds me of a promise I made him. Keeping my word is very important to me." She stuck her hands in her pockets and took in the artwork again. Somehow, with Regina, it felt like she was seeing it again with fresh eyes.

"I remember your Mom specifically mentioning a promise when I was working with her on the details of the design." Regina went on to explain the lengthy interview process she takes each client through for a custom piece. "I like to tell their story with symbols and in some cases, like your own I never actually meet the client. In cases like that I always ask for a picture. Helps me tap into their energy. Your Mom shared a picture of you sitting on the trike wearing one of those paper cone birthday hats. You were laughing, but your smile didn't quite reach your eyes."

She remembered that photo explicitly. Emma had been wishing her Dad could have been there for her birthday and wondered just how long Regina must have studied it to catch that detail.

"I hope I did the importance of that promise justice here."

Emma nodded, deep in thought. "When I saw it I cried. I didn't have any words to explain how I felt." But standing here, with Regina, looking at it with fresh eyes the words that had been missing from before seemed to find her. "It was like someone opened my heart and saw what was there and painted the inside of it. Every time I look, it feels familiar. Like a well worn leather jacket who knows all the curves and angles of me well. It just fits without trying." Their eyes met in understanding and Emma was about to ask a question of her own, but startled. A tapping on the metal pillar behind them made them both turn around.

"Hi'ya you two. Aren't we nice and cozy?" Ruby walked over with a bag of take out in her arms and a huge shit eating grin plastered on her face.

"Hey Rubes." Emma rolled her eyes with a laugh and waved as the bag was handed to Regina.

"Wait. You two know each other?"

Emma's shoulders popped up to her ears at the edge in that tone as she rolled onto the back of her heels. "Yeah, a little. Ruby plays pool at my bar every Saturday."

A look of surprise flashed across Regina's face as she turned to the redhead. "And I am just hearing about this now?"

"Chillax Gina." Ruby tried to smooth things over in a situation Emma was not sure why it needed to be. "Emma's like the token bartender in those sappy TV shows everyone and their twin brother talks to about their ups and downs. Her heart is always in the right place. Like with making sure you got back Lucy's backpack."

And then Emma felt like all the air had been sucked out of the room. If tension could be cut with a knife, Emma wished she had more than a butter one to ease the moment. And damn if Ruby didn't hurriedly mumble about another order that needed delivering before she was once again left completely alone with Regina. That should have been a good thing. But right now the way those amber eyes darkened at the edges over just how Ruby knew that detail and why, was enough to make her want to jump in and explain. It was a look fueled by past ache and she didn't know about what, but it looked misplaced, heavy as it was, on that beautiful face. "Look Regina, Ruby and I were just talking last night at the bar and—"

"Can we eat already?" Lucy's voice calling from the office cut the tension much better than she ever could and thankfully Regina's whole demeanor softened at the sound.

"We're coming." Regina called in return and Emma followed those boots deeper into the shop.

She tucked her fingers into her belt loops as she walked. 'God I wish I was coming already.' Emma's vagina started doing her thinking for her; eyes watching the fine ass and the sway of hips in front of her. Regina made her brain go primal that way. 'How does she do that so easily in jeans that tight?'

"Emma?"

And Emma promptly told her vagina to shut the fuck up as Regina gestured to the table Lucy was currently spreading out their food on. "Sorry what?" That red delicious evil grin from yesterday was back. It seemed to know exactly what her vagina had been thinking too.

"I asked if you wanted anything to drink. There's cold seltzer and water in the mini fridge just there."

"Oh, right. Yeah cold water's good." Ice would be better as a rush of heat shot right through where her thighs met. Emma was handed a bottle and stood awkwardly with it as Regina excused herself to the restroom. Just as quickly Emma unscrewed it to give her hands something to do. The cold shower she needed ended up being a bath as her fumbling hands spilled half the bottle all over the front of her shirt. "Aw, really?"

"That sucks." Lucy chimed in and handed her a wad of napkins. Then that impish grin was back. "There's a spare shirt in the office you can put on if you want."

"Oh, um… I couldn't."

"Really. There's a ton in the shop for workers 'cause of the paint and grease." Lucy pointed to the office. "There's one hanging on the back door you can use."

Chilled and soaking Emma decided to take the kid up on that offer. She slipped into the office and out of her jacket. Then she shrugged out of the wet t-shirt leaving just her tank. She balled it up and stuffed it in her jacket pocket. Eyeing the shirt, which was a rather nice gray one with a silky feel, Emma shrugged and put it on. Tucking it in, she put back on her jacket and rejoined Lucy just as Regina returned from the bathroom.

A new bottle of water was in her place setting. The wet floor had been cleaned up and she took a seat next to Lucy and across from Regina at the card table and finally took in the part of the shop they were in; a nook that looked like a break area for workers. She was about to say thanks for the shirt when the smell of food got her full attention—and the way Regina was suddenly eyeing her. A burger the size of her head stared back up at her. With the works. And she wondered how Regina had known to order it that way for her. Emma took a bite; it was heaven in her mouth and like she always did she was very vocal about the taste as she chewed.

Lucy smirked and laughed. "See! I'm not the only one that does that G'ma!"

That word from Lucy had a liquefying effect on Regina and it seemed to also be unexpected. The whole woman turned into melted butter. Soft and easy at the edges. Emma thought she looked beautiful that way and any way really, but this way seemed to suit Regina best.

Regina smiled and finished chewing. "No, I suppose you're not Luce."

And it was Emma's turn to liquefy. "Um, you got a little something…" She reached with a napkin automatically and gently caught the smallest bit of mayo at the corner of Regina's mouth. "Just there." At the touch she felt it again; that spark.

They stared at each other for a moment. And then it was obvious to her that Regina felt it too—whatever it was, before Lucy began chattering away about the latest order Regina was working on for a big name client in New York. Emma listened and asked questions as they ate, but Regina remained quiet and seemingly pensive through the chatter until Lucy went on to ask a question that startled the woman out of her thoughts.

"When Dad and Mom get back and even if they don't in time, can we go ride in the motorcycle parade in Maine this summer like we used to?"

A sigh that shook at the seams of Regina's lips escaped. A glance her way and then back to Lucy. "Sweetie, you know how I feel about Maine."

"Which is exactly why we need to go back."

"And that is not up for discussion right this moment." Regina pushed.

And the kid pushed right back. "But the book says that another adventure is always waiting if we decide to—"

Kind but firm. "That's enough." A clear indication Regina was indeed, done talking about it. Emma quietly nibbled on her fries as she wondered about the exchange. She sensed Regina trying to be patient and clearly avoiding the elephant in the room Lucy let out.

"You always say that though and we never do."

Regina sighed. "And now is not the time."

"But—"

"Lucy please."

"Fine." The little girl pushed back from the table taking her burger in one hand and her fries in the other. "I have homework to do."

Emma watched Lucy go into the office and the door shut just as Regina's hands covered her face. Swallowing, she reached out and rested hers on a forearm. "You okay?"

A long breathe out and Regina forced a tight smile. "I will be." And Emma felt that lovely spark return when amber eyes found hers. "She's going through a lot right now and sometimes I forget that in the moment when my own feelings get overwhelming."

"I sooo get that." Sharing something personal like that seemed to surprise Regina and Emma suspected it was because Regina realized that they may have more in common than originally thought. "Lucy seems like a resilient kid though."

Regina's smile returned a little. "She's tough. Just like her dad." Then another frown as a throat cleared.

"And smart." Emma decided to finally address the other elephant in the room. "That backpack thing was a clever way to get us together to talk."

"Speaking of which; do tell me just what you and Ruby talked about besides Lucy's backpack."

It was Emma's turn to blush and she slipped off her jacket to hang off the back of the chair, suddenly feeling warm. "I didn't know she knew you. I'm not the kind of person who goes around telling about other people's business. Ruby trades me burgers for pool and we shoot the shit once a week. I made the connection between you when I met Lucy and she mentioned she had an Aunt Ruby."

Regina's shoulders dropped, losing some of the tension that was there before. "I'm sorry if I seemed uptight over the fact. I've had bad experiences with people being up in my personal business behind my back. I tend to keep mostly to myself because of that fact."

Now Regina's reaction from earlier began to make sense. Emma chewed thoughtfully wondering what was so special about her to earn this lunch invite by such a private person when she realized Regina was staring at her. Staring like a cat wanting to play stares at a well loved toy just out of reach. "What?"

"You just asked me what makes you so special."

"I said that out loud?" Emma told her vagina to shut up again. But it wasn't listening. 'Don't blow this Swan.'

Another smile from Regina. "You're cute when you blush."

'She thinks I'm cute! Yes. Yes! YES!'

Regina chewed on a fry for a moment watching her before continuing. "And I don't think I will answer that question just yet."

'Wait what?' Emma thought and gave a small push in return. "Why not?"

Regina leaned in closer, their forearms on the table nearly touching. That deep husk nearly vibrated in her ear. "Because Miss Swan." And Emma felt herself shiver, sure if their arms somehow touched—or those lips got any closer—she would cream herself right then and there. "I don't think you're ready for my answer."

'Fuck me. Right here, right n—'

And Emma leaned back in her seat, regaining control of herself and the situation—and her cunt. This woman did things to her no other woman had been able to with just the sound of her voice. She was not normally one to lose control or stumble with her words and thoughts so freely, but something about Regina made her let her guard down in a way she longed for more of. It was more than sex—though there was a strong desire there. They both knew it, she was sure of that. But the things Regina said and how she said them was as if her soul was vibrating on the same frequency of another that understood her unique dialect. Regina spoke Emma. And it was happening so naturally and easily that it made a part of her want to pull back for the very fact that it shouldn't be so, but made the another part of her want to dive in head first. So she did. "What will it take for me to prove to you that I'm ready?"

"If I have to tell you that then you are really not ready for my answer."

A challenge. Emma like a challenge. "Come out with me next Saturday." That got the cocky brunette's attention.

;;;

Regina stared at the ballsy blonde. An order from anyone else she would have scoffed at. But coming from those full pink lips gave her pause. "Me. Go out with you? Like on an actual date, date?"

"That's what I said."

"You have a demanding way of asking." But it wasn't at that same time Regina realized. It was so straightforward and honest that it was startling. She was not used to people being that way, especially with the front she put on. And she wanted more of that candid truth. More of Emma.

"I'm not trying to tell you what to do Regina. You were vulnerable with me by inviting me here today. This is me being vulnerable with you. Come out with me and let me show you more of who I am." Emma stood up and cleared their wrappers and trash away before waiting by the table. "I can pick you up at 8:00 and I can see if Ruby can watch Lucy, if you want." Emma reached gently, tucking a stray dark curl behind her ear and under the intimate touch Regina felt her sex clench and even more so at the sure blonde's next words. "You may want to wear something comfortable. Something you can move in."

"Whatever for? Where are we going?" And it was then and there Regina realized she agreed to going out. Emma gave her a knowing smirk.

"Once a month there's a theme night at my bar. I think the one next week will help loosen you up."

"Loosen me up for what?"

But that hand left her ear and tailed down along Regina's jaw where the pad of Emma's thumb came to rest on her bottom lip. For a moment it stroked there. Then Emma backed away with an even bigger grin as she brought the same thumb up to those pink lips Regina couldn't take her eyes off of.

"You'll just have to wait and see Regina." Emma teased as she sucked the pad of a thumb clean. "Thanks for lunch by the way. It was delicious."

;;;

"Miss Swan."

Emma's shoulders went up to her ears at the subtle and sure way her name rolled between them. It wasn't dominating or bossy by any means, just a warm matter of fact that got her complete and utter attention. Like her nipples were standing to attention and staring straight at Regina. Emma thought she had the last word of banter in the afternoon between them. But the knowing way Regina's eyes were consuming her this moment said otherwise. "Yeah?" She couldn't help but squeak.

Regina stood and picked up the forgotten jacket from the back of the chair Emma had been sitting in. Red leather was held out and their hands joined over it, but neither of them were letting go. "I wouldn't want you to catch cold." A chin dipped and Emma looked down realizing she was advertising exactly what Regina's mouth saying her name like that was doing to her. "That color looks good on you by the way." Fingers trailed the collar of the borrowed silk and Emma wished there was nothing between those fingers and her skin. Regina slowly backed away. "I'm looking forward to Saturday. Until then, enjoy my shirt Emma."

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A/N – Date night Saturday! I'll see you all then! :-)