Disclaimer: I do not own OUAT or any of its characters. I am only playing in their universe.
AN: Once again thank you to all the readers, followers, favs and reviewers! Please enjoy!
Emma Swan had reached her limit. She ran upstairs and pounded on her son's door. "Henry open this door now and give me that phone." Finally, right when she was about to kick the sucker in, she hear him undo the latch. Quickly, grabbing the phone she dialed Regina's number. The call was immediately directed to voice mail. She was stuck, there was no way to get out of this. "Kid, we are going to have a serious talk about your actions. Right now we have to get ready for this thing…date...meeting… disaster whatever it is. Please go take Sam out for a quick walk while I get ready." Henry beamed and ran off to take care of the pup.
Emma jumped in the shower, as the water crashed down on her she couldn't believe how crazy this day had been. She hadn't planned on having to explain her emotions to her whole family and now to the person she had hidden her true feelings from for so long. What was she going to say? How could Ruby and Henry have put her in this predicament? Shaking her head, it was actually her big mouth that had got her in this pickle, now it was up to her big mouth to get her out of it.
Trying not to freak out, Emma did her makeup and hair. Running to her closet, she scanned for the best options. Grabbing a purple t-shirt, black skinny jeans and biker boots, she was ready to go. They were a little early but she needed to get this show on the road. Grabbing a jacket, she looked over at her parents who were sitting at the kitchen table.
Mary Margaret teased "I feel like we should be taking pictures of our little girl off to find her true love, kind of like Prom or the first day of school." She and David broke into huge grins. "You guys are killing me" said Emma in a low growl "Let's go Henry, grab the leash and the dog." Henry obeyed without questions knowing he had really pressed his luck tonight. Jumping in the bug, they made their way to the mayor's house.
Regina gazed at the ashes in her hand. That had been a new phone. God, she hadn't lost control of her magic like that in years. She was fuming how could Miss Swan put her in this position. Trying to calm her nerves, she gulped down the rest of her cider. Taking a deep breath she tried to focus, again reminding herself that they were never a couple and Emma did not know she was affecting her this way. This fact really did not temper Regina's anger at all, but it did steel her will. She would not let Emma see that she was jealous - she would, once again, put on the Mayor/Queen face and hide those emotions that hurts so much. Grabbing a broom, the mayor swept away the ashes and returned to the house to prepare for the big introduction.
Fifty minutes after Henry's phone call, Regina's door bell rang. She was ready for this, calmly she opened the door and was greeted by a huge hug from Henry. "Please don't be mad, I made the phone call from Emma's phone, I sent your call to voice mail. Listen to what Emma has to say. I think I'm grounded so I am going to my room." And with that he released his mother and ran up the stairs.
Regina was dumbstruck as she watched Henry climb the stairs, "Henry get back…" but he was gone and she heard his door shut. What in the world was that about? She then heard, "Regina is everything okay?" Turning around she found the beautiful Miss Swan leaning on the open front door. Realizing she was staring, the mayor tore her eyes from the view, "Well, I really don't know Miss Swan, my son just ran up the stairs, telling me to listen to you and I believe grounding himself. Is there something you would like to share?" Regina tried to stick to her game plan but Henry had thrown her a curve ball and Emma look so delectable in those jeans that she was losing focus.
Emma kicked the toe of her boot into the ground. "Yea, I guess I do have a few things to tell you but let's get the introductions over first"
"Yes of course" said Regina trying to put on the politician's smile "where is your new love, Sammi with an I, isn't it."
Emma blushed a little at the reminder "Waiting in the car. Just a minute and I'll go get her." As Emma trudged to the car, Regina turned back to look up the stairs to see if Henry had returned. Sure enough, there was his shadow, but the mayor didn't say anything to let on she knew her son was there. She was sure he wanted to hear her reaction to meeting Emma's new love. Hearing the sheriff making her way back up the walk she turned to face the door. For the second time that day a fluffy black body bounced off her legs.
Regina looked down in shock at the little imp that had been the only bright spot of her day. "Little one what are you doing here?" She cooed as she picked the wiggly puppy up only to be covered with tons of little kisses. This time the puppy was sporting some new jewelry. Regina gently cradled the dog as she took a look at the new tag hanging from the collar "SAMMI" was spelled out in big bold letters. A small gasp left Regina as her eyes widened and she looked up at Emma.
"This is Sam, Sam is a dog?" Regina asked, a smile starting to spread across her face.
"Well, yea this is my new love Sam" Emma started trying to figure out how to explain the misunderstanding from the diner. "I'm sorry if you got the wrong impression this morning. I…"
Regina interrupted "Emma, would you like a drink, I think I am in need of one." Emma felt a little weight leave her shoulders. "Yes I would. Anything you have would be great." "Henry" Regina called almost laughing. It's safe to come down now. Please come take your little sister outside, I think she is in need of some serious play time." Henry was beaming as he bolted down the stairs. "Walk" both of his parents yelled. Quickly taking Sam from Regina's arms and giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, he took the pup outside to run circles around the apple tree.
Grabbing two glasses and the bottle of cider she led Emma to the living room where they both crashed on opposite ends of the couch. Emma took over the bar tending duties and fill the glasses with good amounts of the amber liquid. Regina held up her glass in salute "to Sammi" she said. They touched glasses and took a drink. My oh my, Regina hummed to herself, purple had always been her favorite color, continuing out loud "So my dear what possessed you to get a dog?"
"Well, I've been looking for a while, really ever since we got back from Neverland. I thought that Henry needed a little pick-me-up" Emma glanced up losing her train of thought for a second, how was it possible for anyone to be so beautiful, quickly catching herself, "anyway I had always wanted a dog when I was growing up and I saw how good you are with Pongo, I thought it would be a great fit" said Emma taking a rather large drink of her cider.
"You've seen me with Pongo?" said Regina looking at Emma. No one other that Archie had ever commented on her love of dogs.
"Oh.. yea I notice how whenever your near Pongo your face lights up," said Emma then quickly hurrying on, "and that dog loves you, he practically drags Archie over to see you."
"I see" said Regina curiosity on her brow "what else have you noticed about me Miss Swan." The queen was astonished to see the blush that had rose quickly on the sheriff's lovely face. Her stomach tightened with delight just knowing she was having this effect. Maybe there was hope yet?
Emma just smiled and quickly drank the rest of her cider. "I notice you need more cider, Mayor Mills"
As Emma filled both glasses, Regina realizing the time, went to check on the children. She found them both crashed on the cushy lounge chair. Waking Henry, "Why didn't you come inside silly?" Henry gave her a sleepy grin, "all part of Operation Sammi, Mom." "Oh really?" she laughed and shooed him upstairs to get ready for bed. The mayor made sure Sam took care of her business then brought her inside as well. Emma and Regina, both tucked their son in and placed the newest addition to the family at the foot of his bed. They both laughed as the puppy immediately moved up to spoon against Henry and then the boy and the dog were out like a light.
Settling back on the couch, Emma was kind of amazed at how well the evening was going. She reminded herself to hug Henry tomorrow; she didn't know what he had said to his mother when he ran in the door but it had total removed any fight from her. The mayor had been in a great, even flirty, mood all evening and Emma loved every minute of it. Then a small frown came to Emma's face, as she realized how stupid she had been not to approach Regina earlier, how much time they had wasted.
Regina saw the look of concern on Emma's face, "Penny for your thoughts, Miss Swan."
"Oh," Emma said "I was just thinking how I should have asked you about the dog earlier. I don't want you to think I was trying to win over Henry" Emma stammered. "Things are going so well and I really do care about you.." she looked up and caught Regina's eyes widen just a bit, "I mean I care about your opinion and would never want hurt the relationship we've established." "Crap.. Emma said to herself as she was trying to talk… I sound like an ass."
Regina just laughed thinking how cute the flushed sheriff was, then she laughed again that she had just described the sheriff as 'cute'. "Relationship huh?" She said then taking a drink of her cider. Emma blushed then stated with a little more confidence, "Yes relationship, I like to think that you and I have a special connection." Now it was Emma's turn to smirk at the blush rising on Regina.
Trying to turn the tables, Regina said "I think that a dog was an excellent idea not only for Henry but you as well," continuing with a glimmer in her eye "little Sammi has so much energy. I believe this morning you said something about you really enjoy the ladies that are high energy." Emma's head snapped up and saw the teasing smile on the mayor's face. Regina added "Oh.. and the ones that kiss your chin and jump on your lap." Emma sat up and moved just a little closer to the queen, "oh Ha Ha," the sheriff said then paused and then gave a smoky look to Regina, "I guess I do enjoy kisses and.. "
Regina quickly interrupted and thinking how warm the room had suddenly become, "So why did you pick that particular pup?"
Emma just chuckled, thinking maybe it was time for a different approach. "Well, there were lots of reasons but the first one was because she was so darn cute. I mean just look at her beautiful brown eyes, and brunette hair what is not to love."
"Miss Swan, I think you are swayed by a pretty face." teased Regina.
Slowly Emma inched towards the stunning queen. "No Madame Mayor I am truly only swayed by one very gorgeous, very intelligent, brown-eyed brunette." She could hear a quick gasp from leave from the mayor as she laid a gentle kiss on Regina's spectacular waiting mouth. The energy that passes in that tiny touch could have lit up the entire town of Storybrook for years. Emma was thrilled by the tiny moan that emanated from the lovely lady in her arms. Regina then took the initiative pulling Emma close intensifying the embrace.
Gently, pulling back Regina looked into Emma's brilliant green eyes, "I am so happy to hear that Sam has such an effect on you." Emma just laughed and once again kissed the beautiful women in front of her. After a moment, Emma gently pushed Regina away and stood up. Looking down at the queen she said "I'll be right back" and made her way upstairs, coming back down with the dog's collar in her hands.
Regina looked at her in confusion, "What are you doing?" as Emma place the item in her hands. "Well, before I forget, thank you for saving Sammi's life today" and with that Emma once again leaned over and kissed the queen thinking to herself "God I love this women" then continuing "I got your message from Ruby about your worries regarding Sammi's owner."
Regina just smiled as the sheriff continued, "and I think that your concerns are warranted. I think the mayor really needs to personally see to the owner, stay in touch, meet often with them, etc." Emma looked up with a twinkle in her eyes. Regina smirked as she leaned in to kiss Emma again, "I think that can be arranged, I told Ruby I would be happy to handle the problem."
Leaning back again Emma said, "I know Sammi will be living with me but just so there is no more confusion, I put a little extra information on the tag. Regina looked at the collar, again reading the front of the tag "SAMMI" she then flipped the tag and saw "please return to Emma Swan's TRUE LOVE at 108 Mifflin Street."
Regina look up stunned and the sheriff quickly continued, "I hope you don't mind I put your address, the apartment is usually empty…." Regina gently placed fingers on Emma's lips and smiled "Shut up Emma" and kissed her again.
6 months later
Emma woke up and thanked her lucky stars. She was once again wrapped around the beautiful Mayor Mills. Not wanting to spoil this moment, she lay as still as possible just breathing in that wonderful smell of apples and vanilla that was so Regina. Then she couldn't help herself she leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss right below the queen's ear. Her body hummed as she heard that sultry voice, "So I take it you are awake Miss Swan." The mayor rolled over and planted a good morning kiss on the sheriff's appreciative lips. "That I am but I really don't think we have to get up yet" she cooed as she let her hand drift over the amazing body next to her and pulled Regina into a deeper embrace.
Right then the door burst open and a rather enthusiastic dog jumped on the bed and proceeded to take over all the kissing duties. "Henry" yelled Emma trying to hide her face from the onslaught of dog kisses, "come get your dog!" Regina was laughing and fighting off the dog herself, "don't yell at Henry I believe this little lady is your love!" Emma hit Regina with a pillow.
"Sorry" said Henry, laughing as he ran in the room. "But I guess you guys are up now so we can go to the park."
"Don't think we don't see through your evil plan, young man" Regina teased "Take Sammi downstairs and we will be there in a minute" laughing as they heard Henry saying "Good Girl Sammi! You did it".
An hour later the Swan-Mills family was at the park. Henry was off playing with his friends and Sammi was playing with Pongo in the fenced dog area. Regina, Emma and Archie were getting a kick out of Pongo trying to keep up with the new kid. Emma yelled "See what it's like Pongo, chasing after someone all the time." Regina giggled, "Oh, that was mature" Emma look over a little put out, "Do you know how many times I have had to chase Pongo around this town." Sheepishly Archie joined in "Sorry about that" then trying to change the subject "so what type of dog is Sam"
Emma laughed "Sammi is a Labradoodle - half Poodle and half Labrador." Archie got the biggest grin, "What a perfect dog for you both" continuing on as he looked at both Regina and Emma "the Poodle is the elegant regal and the Labrador is the loyal protector. It's a perfect match!"
Emma leaned over giving Regina a quick kiss and whispered, "Yea, a regal and a protector are a perfect match, I couldn't agree more!"
AN: Thanks again for reading! Hope you enjoyed it. I was very nervous about posting but your kind comments kept me going.