A/N: So there were no comments on the last chapter. That's understandable as we're still setting the scene somewhat. Here's hoping the next chapter inspires some feedback!
I do not own Once Upon A Time or any of its characters.
Enjoy!
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"And then you're scheduled to meet with…" The White House aid pointed at the board that held the President's excessively busy schedule. Regina glanced down at her watch and grimaced.
"Is everything okay ma'am," the aid stopped talking when she saw the President's expression. "Yes, I've just missed dinner with Henry," she said ruefully. Zelena looked up from her notebook at Regina's regretful tone. "You know what, why don't we pick this up again tomorrow."
She knew they'd been working the President to the bone in the first weeks but they needed to capitilise on her sky-high popularity after winning the election. Still, even she knew that Regina needed some downtime. "Everyone go get some rest and we'll tackle all this with some modicum of freshness," she looked towards Regina for affirmation. "Yes please…everyone take yourselves home. I plan to do the same," Regina agreed.
She shrugged her jacket on and stuffed several documents into her briefcase. "Rose," she called. The secretary appeared in front of Regina within seconds. Regina secretly wondered if the woman was just waiting to jump to attention at the mere sound of her voice. Nevertheless, she appreciated Rose's efficiency. "See if you can schedule some time with Miss Swan tomorrow, would you," she requested. "Yes ma'am," she quickly jotted down the note. "Is there anything else Madam President," she asked. "No, you can call it a night".
It was almost eleven thirty pm as Regina made her way up the stairs to the private residence. She knew she'd long since missed dinner not to mention Henry's bedtime. Quietly she pushed the door to her son's room open. A sliver of light from the hallway illuminated the small boy who was fast asleep under the covers. Regina leaned down to brush a kiss over his forehead. "Sweet dreams my little prince," she whispered.
"Ah, she appears," Cora announced as Regina silently closed the door to Henry's room. She smiled tiredly at her mother. "Sorry I'm so late, things got rather busy," she offered. Cora wrapped an arm around her daughter's shoulder and led her towards the kitchen. "Well, you are the President dear." Regina chuckled. "Still not tired of that mother?" Cora pulled out a plate and set it in front of Regina. "Definitely not. And don't expect me too either," she motioned towards the plate. "Eat," she ordered.
Emma was sat in the Oval office waiting for her first official appointment with the President. Naturally, the woman was delayed but Emma didn't mind. It gave her a chance to take in the changes to the office the new President had made. Gone were the dark colours and sometimes overbearing portraits. Overall the décor was far lighter, perhaps even comfortable. However comfortable you can be in the office of the most powerful person on the planet. Emma regarded the array of photos behind the President's desk too. There were several photos of Regina's parents but one stood out to Emma. Regina had a baby Henry in her arms and she was smiling down at him as Daniel looked on lovingly. It captured a happy and loving family.
"I don't particularly care if he has some other engagement. Get him in my office," Regina's voice carried through the outer office. Emma hurried around the desk and took a seat in front of it. As the door opened she rose to her feet and readied to greet the President. Regina took several steps into the office before noticing Emma. "Miss Swan," she motioned towards the couches in the middle of the office. "Please take a seat".
"Thank you, ma'am," Emma wasn't nervous around the woman. While she certainly respected her position she was awed by powerful titles. After all, she interviewed some of the most powerful people in the world throughout her career. Still, she was somewhat unsure around the woman.
Regina neatly crossed her legs as she took a seat opposite Emma. The gunmetal grey silk shirt rustling as she settled on the couch. "I wanted to carve out some time for you today. I know you need to get started with your assignment," she smiled at the blonde.
"Thank you madam President…" If she were to be honest Emma was getting a bit antsy. "I hope that we can build up a productive rapport Miss Swan," Regina said as she poured herself a cup of tea from the tray that had been set on the table in front of her. "Would you like some," she asked.
Emma had heard from many people that the new President was a stickler for protocol. Some even called her uptight. "Uhm…ye…" Emma cleared her throat. "Yes, thank you," she finally got out. It wasn't the woman she was experiencing at the moment though.
Regina poured the cup of tea for Emma and presented it to her. "Thanks". Regina took a sip of the hot liquid savouring the taste before making eye contact with Emma. "I can't promise you unfettered access to everything, some things are classified as you know," she talked. "But we can let you in on some meetings here and there. I have an in with the boss," she chuckled lightly.
The sound of the woman's laugh shot through Emma's entire body. It was low and husky and… "Miss Swan?" Regina prodded. Emma snapped out of her haze. Pull yourself together Swan. "That would be wonderful ma'am," she eventually got out. Regina could see the woman sitting across from her was out of her comfort zone. She chalked up to her title. "Relax Miss Swan, I'm only the leader of the free world," Regina tried to ease the seemingly anxious woman. "Ha, yeah!" Emma said a bit too loudly. Does she have to be so fucking perfect? I mean who looks that gorgeous under so much pressure. Regina Mills that's who. The voice inside her head rambled.
"I do have some ground rules," Regina's voice held a commanding tone. She didn't wait for Emma to speak. "I will be honest with you as I can be. But my son is off limits, is that clear?" The question was rhetorical as Regina's authoritative tone left no room for negotiation.
"Of course madam President," Emma wasn't in the business of exploiting the families of politicians. She wasn't surprised by the President's fierce protectiveness either but she did find it noteworthy how her first consideration for her son. She's a mother first, then the President.
"I'd like to start with your first days in office, of course. Get some idea what's it's been like from your perspective," Emma finally found some solid ground where she could express herself. "You mean as the first woman to hold this office?" Regina asked with a slight roll of her eyes. "No ma'am," Emma shook her head. "Everyone on the face of the planet is waiting to see what sort of President you'll be, besides female," Emma retorted. "I'm interested in you," she added.
"Well, that's refreshing," she locked eyes with Emma. The buzzing of the phone broke the moment. "Yes?" Regina picked up the receiver. She listened for a short time before putting the phone down. "It seems that's all I have time for right now," She reached her hand out to Emma who readily grasped it.
She shook the President's hand not oblivious to how soft the other woman's hand felt in her own or how their hands seemed to fit together. Regina looked at their clasped hands marveling, for a split second, at how comfortable she already felt with the journalist.
