I did plan on having this chapter out earlier, however, after some deliberation i decided to change quite a bit of the chapter as it didn't really work that way, so this caused a bit of a delay. Anyway for those of you who have been asking for an update, I hope this satisfies. Enjoy guys.

"Hey Mom!"

Emma looked up from her paperwork to find Henry leaning in the doorway to her office.

"Hey Kid. Wha- shouldn't you be in school?"

Henry planted his lunch box down on her desk and pulled himself into the chair facing the sheriff.

"I'm on lunch."

"Henry, you can't just leave school in the middle of the day."

"You can when your mom is the sheriff," the boy winked. "My teacher said it was fine anyway," the boy said with a wave of his hand.

"Uh huh," Emma mumbled as she reached across her desk to steal on of Henry's grapes.

"Hey get your own!" Henry playfully slapped her hand away with a giggle. "I'm a growing boy remember?"

"Yeah and I'm hungry," Emma replied, reaching over once more, stealing another grape. Henry seemed ignored it that time.

"What are you doing tonight?" The boy asked

Emma looked up from her paperwork again, "uhh, shopping with Sura and then no-"

"Oh can I come?" The boy almost fell out of his seat at the mention of the pirate, it appeared that Henry was quite smitten with the woman.

"Sorry kid, clothes shopping, no boys allowed." Emma winked.

Henry bobbed his head in defeat, "will you be finished by dinner? It's Tuesday so it's lasagna night. I asked Mom if you could come over."

"And?" Emma quirked and eyebrow, "What did your mom say?"

"She said yes," the boys grin was from ear to ear. "Do you think she'll let Sura come too?"

"Uhh maybe just me tonight kid, huh?"

"So is that a yes?"

"Yeah, sure. I love lasagna."

Emma pulled up outside Granny's Bed and Breakfast at 4 o'clock on the dot. Sura, only moments later, made her way through the B&Bs doors and headed for the yellow bug.

Emma took in the woman's attire, an old pair of her jeans that hugged the woman's muscular thighs a tad too tightly and a white tank top that showed off her slim figure.

Emma was happy to lend Sura some clothes, the woman had only what she'd arrived in, but still her hand-me downs wouldn't be enough.

So on the night of their return, whilst slightly intoxicated, Emma offered to take Sura shopping.

"Emma, this is quite the contraption you have here" Sura said as she clambered into the passenger side of the car, taking a moment to inspect the inside of the vehicle.

It suddenly dawned on Emma that Sura would have never been in a car, or any thing like this at all.

"Yeah she's unique huh," Emma said proudly, not at all joking, she was very proud of her bug.

The car journey was short, they pulled up outside the first clothing store on the street; The Hanger. It was the largest clothing store in Storybrooke and the place Emma frequents most, so she felt it was best to start here.

After struggling slightly with her door handle, Sura swung open the passenger door and climbed out of the bug. Emma couldn't help but laugh at the cursing woman during her struggle, in that moment Sura was so much like her brother.

Emma rounded the car and headed towards the shop door, Sura in tow. "Hey did Dr Whale get in touch with you? I mentioned to him that you had some medical knowledge and-"

"Yes, he did. Sorry I was meaning to thank you. I met with him today and he asked if i'd like to help at the hospital. Obviously the medical practice you have in this land is very different from mine, but we both agreed that a lot of what I have learned can still be put to use."

Sura was beaming and Emma gave herself a mental pat on the back for thinking of the idea.

"I will also be mentored in the modern practices you have here," she added.

"That's great, Sura." Emma was very happy for the woman who seemed to be settling in quickly.

Once inside Sura headed straight for the denim section , skipping past the dresses and cardigans. Emma liked to think of that section as 'Mary Margaret territory'. She wasn't surprised by the woman's choice, Sura didn't strike her as the dresses type.

"What do you call these again?" Sura asked, holding up a pair of jeans.

"Jeans," Emma replied as she made her way over to the woman. "They come in all different styles too, skinny, slouch, boyfriend, ripped, bootleg, high-" Emma stopped her rambling when she noticed the confused look on Sura's face. "Sorry, too much at once?"

Sura slowly nodded in reply.

"Right well judging from how mine fit you, I'd say these would be your size," Emma pulled out a pair from the rack and handed them over. "See how these fit first and then we can grab some more."

They made good work of the store, Sura picked out a few checkered shirts, T-shirts, tank tops, by the time they headed to the fitting rooms both Emma and Sura's arms were full with clothes.

"I'll just be out here if you need anything," Emma said as Sura stepped into the small fitting room.

"Thank you for this, Emma. It is greatly appreciated," Sura offered a genuine smile before closing the heavy curtain of the cubicle.

Not even a minute had passed before she called for her. "Uhh Emma?" I could use your assistance."

Emma picked herself up from the floor and made way over to the cubicle, pulling the curtain open. Inside stood Sura, with her back to Emma, she still wore her jeans but her back was completely bare, all but the unclasped white bra that hung loosely on the woman.

Sura craned her neck and looked at Emma over her shoulder, "I am not familiar with the clasps on this brassiere. Would you mind lending a hand?"

"Yeah, yeah...uhh sure," Emma replied, steeping closer to the half naked woman.

Emma gulped, her throat gone dry; Sura's body was marvellous, like and athletes. Emma's eyes were fixed on the woman's abs in the mirrors reflection, they then traced her back, the muscles there let themselves be known, emphasising the athletic body this woman held. Whoa, thats...hot. Wait..shut up Emma.

As Emma's eyes trailed further up the woman's back she noticed a long scar from about half way up, stretching itself to her left shoulder.

"I got that some time ago."

Sura had obviously noticed Emma's curious gaze, she immediately pulled her eyes away, embarrassed at being caught.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean-"

"No, it's fine. It is hardly subtle, Emma."

"How did you get that? If you don't mind me asking."

"Me and my crew made port in a town on the Northern Coast, I forget it's name," as Sura went on Emma reached up and fastened the bra's clasp, like she was asked.

"That evening I came across a group of men, 4 of them, part of the 'Free Men' I believe. They had an elderly couple who looked wealthy surrounded. I heard the men as they demanded money and jewels, anything of value. They were taunting them, kicking, beating them. No body was helping, so I-"

"You helped," Emma finished for her.

"Yes, but sadly too late. It was a task to fight the men off, once the struggle was over I turned to find the Lady on the floor, cradled in her husbands arms as he weeped." Emma could sense the woman tense up, she looked to the mirror to see the guilty expression that now covered the woman's face reflected there. "She had suffered a fatal wound, received during the struggle I assume. I tried...but it was too late to save her."

Before Emma knew what she was doing she found her hand slowly reaching to the woman's back, she traced the length of the scar with her fingertips.

"You did all you could, more than anyone else could have done." Emma hoped her words brought some comfort to the woman.

Sura turned and faced the blonde, "this scar no longer haunts me like it once did. For a long time now it has served as a reminder for myself, of the person I want to be."

"And that is? Emma asked, locking eyes with the blue ones before her.

"A person that saves lives," she replied, with a hint of a smile and fierce eyes.

Emma thought on the admiration she had for the woman before her, something she's rarely felt. Her mind drifted back to the first time she met Sura and how differently she'd thought of her, but with every new day Sura surprises her, and Emma liked it.

"Uhh, Emma? Emma," Sura's voice brought her out of her thoughts. "I need to try on these clothes," she said it slowly, obviously aware of Emma's unfocussed state.

"Right, yeah go ahead, I'll be-"

"Right out there," Sura finished for her.

Emma noticed the amusement in the woman's eyes before they were separated by the closing curtain.

You're an embarrassment.

The rest of their shopping trip went smoothly, Sura got a whole new wardrobe, Emma didn't get caught staring again, actually she didn't even attempt to look at the woman's body. Not only did it make the hairs on her neck stand up but it also made her regret all food choices she'd made for the past decade.

"Thank you again, Emma. I promise I shall repay the debt I owe you once I receive my earnings from the hospital." Sura was bent over, talking to Emma through her side window.

"There's no rush, honestly."

Sura nodded and smiled at the blonde, "I enjoyed your company today, perhaps we could see each other again? I don't exactly have many here I can consider a friend, well, apart from that brother of mine, but I am sure we will tire of each others constant presence soon. Anyway, what I was going to say is that I consider you a friend, Emma."

Emma smiled at the woman, "I'd like that."

"Well then, I'll be seeing you, Emma." Sura waved her off, turning and heading towards the B&B.

Emma stood on the front porch of the Mills household, in one hand she held a copy of the newest Green Arrow issue in one hand and a bottle of Shiraz in the other.

She wasn't sure about whether she was expected to bring anything, she'd never actually been invited over somewhere for dinner, especially not with the Mayor. Emma remembered Henry telling her that his mother liked red wine, so she settled on that.

She felt a little awkward about the wine however, she didn't know what it was, it just felt a bit...Romantic?

She had half the urge to throw the bottle in the hedge, out of sight out of mind. However, before the blonde had time to act on that thought the door before her was opening and there appeared Regina holding a quizzical look.

"Do tell me Sheriff, were you planning on staying out here all evening?"

"How did you-"

"I saw you drag yourself up my driveway 5 minutes ago, I had come to the conclusion that you had gotten yourself lost."

Emma felt embarrassed, she'd spent so long deliberating about the wine that she'd been stood there some time, also to discover that Regina was well aware of her presence made her feel slightly embarrassed about the whole thing.

Why do you do this to yourself ?

"Well, do come in, Sher-"

"Emma," she cut in, "you don't have to call me Sheriff, I'm off duty."

Emma could never understand the woman's persistence to call her anything but her first name.

"You are the Sheriff of this town are you not?" she replied in a sarcastic tone, tilting her head.

Emma tried not to rise to the woman's games, she knew Regina got a kick out using that tone with her.

The brunette finally stepped aside, clearing the way for Emma to enter, she was obviously satisfied that she'd won this round.

"Fine, do come in, Miss Swa-"

"Oh my god you're impossible," she grumbled.

Emma couldn't help but laugh though, the woman's determination was rather funny.

She made her way through the doorway and past the smirking woman, briefly meeting cocky eyes. Yeah she's definitely happy with herself.

"Hey Mom."

Emma turned to the direction of hurried footsteps to find henry bolting down the stairs and towards her, wrapping her in an loving yet awkward wine bottle and comic included hug.

"Hey kid," she said as she pulled out of their awkward embrace. "I got your comic for ya, new issue came out today."

"Oh cool, thanks," Henry eagerly accepted the comic, then turning to his other mother. "Mom can I read it before dinner?"

Regina bent over slightly, coming down to her sons level. "Dear the lasagna is almost ready, can't it wait until after?"

"Okay, after." Henry nodded and smiled at his mother, a smile that no doubt melted the woman.

"Now, can you be a dear and set the table for me whilst I finish up?" Regina asked as she tenderly cupped her son's cheek.

"Yeah, sure Mom."

"Thank you, Son." Regina placed a soft kiss on the boys forehead to which he quickly wiped away.

"Mommm," he whined before turning and heading down the hallway.

Both women watched their son go, with nothing but love and fondness in their gazes.

Once Henry was out of sight Emma turned back to the brunette, "I uhh brought some wine. As a thanks...you know, for dinner."

Emma handed over the bottle of red to Regina, who readily accepted it.

"Why thank you," she inspected the label, "impressive taste for a-"

"Neanderthal like me?" Emma interrupted, cocking her head.

"Well, I was going to say peasant but whatever works for you, Emma."

"AH HA!" Emma cried, almost jumping in the air. Regina looked rather startled by the whole thing. "You said it, you called me Emma."

By the look on Regina's face Emma could tell it was a total slip of the tongue, she didn't even care about how immature her reaction may have been, she felt rather satisfied.

"You so hopelessly desired to hear your own name, I simply took pity on you, Miss-"

"Don't say it!" Emma warned, however, unable to keep the amused smile from reaching her lips. Regina simply let out a scoff, making her way to the kitchen.

The conversation was minimal during dinner. Henry talked mostly about school and friends, they talked briefly on Neal and Emma's day at work.

Regina was rather quiet however, Emma assumed she wasn't fond of dinner chat.

They'd eaten all of the lasagna though, Emma even considered going in for a third portion at one point. However, the judging look she received from Henry stopped her.

Now that they were finished all three made their way to the kitchen, empty plates and glasses in hand.

"Hey can I go read my comic now?" Henry asked as he placed his plate on the island in the middle of the kitchen.

"You may-" Henry was already out and down the hallway before his mother could finish, "as long as you promise me all your homework is completed!" she shouted after him.

"I promise," came the distant voice.

Emma shook her head, laughing quietly to herself.

"One can only assume he gets his impatience from you," Regina turned on her.

Emma felt slightly offended, however what's new when with Regina.

"You're probably right," Emma tried not to bite back, however that proved too hard. "Let's just hope he doesn't inherit your prone for revenge," Emma replied. She knew her comment was risky and the glare she received from Regina confirmed that, she'd hoped the woman would sense her joking.

Thankfully Emma soon saw a twitch in the corner of the woman's mouth, she could tell the brunette was forcing that smile down.

"And hopefully not your sense of humour, Princess."

"Well you seem to enjoy it, your Majesty."

Emma was met with challenging eyes, here we go.

"The only thing I enjoy about you, Miss Swan, is the fact that you never fail in proving your incompetence in all aspects of life."

Damn

Emma had no reply, she couldn't help but crack up at the woman, she wins again.

Emma cleared her throat, deciding to change the subject.

"Uhh why don't I help with the cleaning up," she said, reaching for Henrys plate and taking it to the dishwasher.

They both worked together, Emma stacking the dishwasher and Regina cleaning the kitchen and dinning table. Not long later both rooms were back to their spotless selves.

"Thank you, for you help." Regina said to Emma, who had perched herself on one of the chairs around the island.

"Hey, maybe I'm not so incompetent after all." Emma smirked.

"We'll see," Regina muttered as she turned away.

At the far bench Regina poured the freshly brewed coffee into two mugs and brought them over to the island, sliding one across the counter to the blonde.

"Thank you, it's nice to know i'm not the only one who enjoys a fresh coffee after a meal," Emma breathed in the hot steam rising out of her mug, giving a satisfied moan. "Mary Margaret thinks it's strange to enjoy such a thing."

Regina scoffed, "at least we know who you get your idiocy from, really you had no chance with those two as your parents."

Emma could almost taste the sarcasm in the woman's voice, "you're such a delight, Regina."

"That's what they all say, Princess."

Emma chucked at the woman, then taking a sip of her coffee, revelling in it's taste.

Damn that's good.

Emma's thoughts drifted to her evening, she'd very much enjoyed her dinner with Henry and Regina. Yes Regina spent half the evening insulting her but really that was half the fun. The banter between them is what helps them get along, in a strange sort of way.

The two of them were silent, quietly enjoying their coffee.

Emma took the time to appreciate this peaceful moment, she rarely had the time or space to just sit and enjoy the quiet. She assumed that Regina revelled in these moments too, judging from the woman's current state. She was slumped slightly in her chair, no longer holding her usual upright posture.

Her face was relaxed, no frowns or fake smiles, neutral. Emma noted the brown eyes that deepened with every sip the woman took of her drink, the picture that Regina painted caused a faint smile to creep across the blondes face. She could look at her for hours.

Whoa, where did that come from?

Thank you for reading guys! I hope you're enjoying this so far. I promise things will get more exciting soon. Just like to take the time to thank those of you that have messaged, commented, followed and favourited. I love you all and you make my day!