It had been a couple of weeks since the party, and Emma had really implemented herself in the town. Almost everyone knew her now, and loved her. She'd moved in with Mary Margaret, sorted her job out properly, and really got to grips with living in Storybrooke. She hadn't got round to calling her Aunt yet, but she'd do it soon. The lawyer had also hired an assistant, a very competent one at that- Belle.
As for her and Regina, they had a relationship which was purely professional. They always seemed at each other's throats during meetings however, they resented each other. Even Graham had gone off the idea of them being together, Emma just wasn't sure. There was something she could feel still between them but she couldn't decide just what that was, yet.
Emma was filling out some paperwork when the Mayor came by. They hadn't been alone together since Mary Margaret's, and the thought of being near Regina made the lawyer uncomfortable. She felt as though everything the Mayor did was against her, to make her life miserable in every possible way she could.
'Miss Swan, this work is unacceptable. It was given to me late, and to a low standard. No notes on how you came to this conclusion, just a verdict. Sure this will hold up in meetings. Am I to blame you for this? Or your assistant? I assume you're competent, so please could you explain yourself?' Regina's upper-lip curled in disgust.
'That was my work, and I'm sorry.' The mayor looked victorious for a moment, then stepped forward and placed the files on Emma's desk carefully.
'Okay, I accept that Miss Swan. I expect them to be back to me tomorrow, redone completely with notes.' Regina held her head high, and broke the eye contact between them.
'Regina.' Emma called. 'That's Miss Mills or Madame Mayor to you.' Rolling her eyes, the lawyer continued. 'Madame Mayor, do it yourself. I know you can do this yourself; you just enjoy sending me extra work, don't you?' She knew just how much she was pushing the woman before her, but truthfully, she's just had enough of being treated like this by Regina.
'How dare you. You're my lawyer, in effect. My father is still out of town which makes me your boss. Firstly, this is what you are paid to do. This is your job, and you should do it properly. Secondly, who are you to comment on my decisions- Which by the way I can assure you Miss Swan, are only to get the results I need, perhaps I should ask somebody else though. I could do a better job than you, I, however, choose not to waste my time… In fact, it seems your assistant seems to be surpassing your abilities.'
'Belle is a good lawyer, yes. She's just very young and needs more experience and training. She certainly doesn't surpass me there. You know what though, you think you could do a better job than me? Then that's absolutely fine, you do my job.'
'Please, I'm not going to waste my time, as I said, Miss Swan. Just get on with what you're supposed to be doing, my desk, tomorrow, first thing.' Regina smiled at Emma, though it was more of a grimace- Then stalked out the lawyer's office. That didn't go quite to plan for either of the women.
Emma shook her head, and decided to try and get the Mayor's paperwork done, once more. That actually took her a couple of hours as well. She worked in to the night, and eventually got some sleep in the early hours of the morning. When her alarm went off at eight, as usual, she crawled out of the wrong side of the bed, a scowl already etched in place.
She got dressed, and had her morning coffee. Once she'd said 'goodbye' to Mary Margaret, she made her way over to the Mayor's office. She knocked once, and didn't even wait for a reply, letting herself in.
'Here's your paper work Regina.' The mayor's face contorted in to fury, Emma thought she was going to explode… 'Hey, you said first thing. I've done what you asked, right?' But Regina was still shaking her head.
'That's Miss Mills, or Madame Mayor to you, I'm sure I've said. Also, where are your manners? You wait for my reply, you don't just barge in. Now you're in here, close the door behind you. Sit.' For once, Emma found she was doing as she was told. Regina still had some sort of power of Emma.
'I've had enough of you, frankly Miss Swan.' It was said so casually, Emma couldn't quite believe what she was hearing… 'You're… You're just- You're so frustrating. Do you know that?' The lawyer shook her head, feeling confused.
'I can't stand to be around you. I can't. I was considering just meeting with your assistant from now on; it would benefit both of us.' Emma realised that would mean they barely saw each other. That's what she was supposed to want, but didn't.
'Belle? Why? She is great, but…' Emma wasn't quite sure where she was going with this, and neither was the mayor. Regina looked less than amused, and set her jaw.
'If you can let her out of your sight for a few minutes, you're always with her aren't you.' Regina spoke with bitterness, and muttered. 'Talk about professionalism.'
It hit Emma. Regina was completely jealous of her and Belle. Not that there was anything between them, but she couldn't help having a little fun. See how far she could really push the mayor before she snapped. 'Well, she is a lovely young woman, and we're quite close. Why should I keep away, I really… Enjoy her company.'
Regina's eyebrows hit the roof. 'That's just- Inappropriate! I don't need to know about your- Miss Swan, if you'll refrain from informing me about yours and your assistant's relationship… That's something I certainly do not need to know.' She sounded completely frazzled.
'Regina, no need to be jealous- She's with Mr Gold. You know that, right?' With that, the mayor stood, trying to seem intimidating- But Emma stood too, grinning from ear to ear.
'Madame Mayor. Now, Miss Swan, I am not jealous. I have no reason to be jealous.' She punctuated every word, walking slowly toward Emma with a frown etched upon her face. They were inches apart and the lawyer's smile faltered slightly.
The mayor's eyes remained on Emma's, whose were drifting slowly to Regina's lips. Instinctively, she began chewing on her lip. Both women began breathing slightly heavier than usual, and it all happened too quickly for either woman to comprehend.
Emma leaned in first, eyes closing slowly. Regina's brow furrowed, as their lips connected. Emma's hand was on the small of Regina's back, holding her close. Responding to that, her hand lifted to the woman's face, cupping her cheek gently.
The kiss began to get slightly rougher, bodies getting closer… Emma ran her tongue over Regina's lip, and she moaned in response, welcoming her. It was all completely new to them both; neither had ever felt this way. If there hadn't been a spark to the kiss, Regina would've stopped it before it had even started.
Lips parted, and Emma continued trailing kisses down on to Regina's neck. Moaning at the contact, the mayor couldn't carry on- She pushed the lawyer away, with a weak force. 'I'm sorry, Emma, I can't.' Tears formed in her eyes, and Emma knew her cue to leave. The rejection was taking its toll, and she couldn't manage to look at the mayor.
'No, I'm sorry. That was totally inappropriate- I'll see you around.' Within a few moments, she was already half way down the street. She planned to avoid Regina for as long as possible. Kissing the bosses daughter was always a bad idea. Why do I do these things?!
Granted, she hadn't seen Henry since her second day here. He still hadn't come back. Sighing, Emma spent the day at her office, going over paperwork. Every now and then, she'd touch her lips and smile. Despite the bad reaction and the rejection, it had been lovely.
Eventually, she got home at seven, and had fallen asleep by eight. It had been a particularly long day; Not only for her, but for Regina too. 'When you get this, please give me a call. I've been worried sick, I haven't heard from you in a week. I hate it when you do this.'
She paused for a moment, looking up at the ceiling, willing the tears not to come. 'I'm just worried about you, okay. You shouldn't be going on these stupid trips now, you should be at home resting, and I know what you're going to say- You'll say what you always say, 'Life is for the living'.'
Regina sighed before continuing, 'But I need you, I need you here with me. Look, just call me.' Shaking her head, she set her phone down on the side table. The house was huge and completely empty, and it made her feel even more alone. The worst part, she couldn't stop thinking about Swan.
Emma swan is so frustratingly beautiful and so irritatingly sweet. The way she talks, that certain way she says my name. But I don't want her. Actually, I don't want to want her, but I do.
Sitting at home alone was horrible, Regina had to go and do something. She considered going to 'Granny's' but everyone there hated her guts. She considered going to see Graham, but thought better of it. She thought about her friend, Kath- But remembered how busy she'd been lately with David.
Sighing, she got ready for bed. She read some of her book, and settled for the night. Falling asleep, she couldn't help the worry overtaking when she thought about her father. She couldn't help but wonder when he'd be coming home.
It was around four thirty when she received the call, from the hospital. 'Regina Mills.' She barked down the phone, angry at whoever dare break her slumber.
'Madame Mayor. I'm calling from the hospital.' Her mind immediately went to her father, and then to Emma. She sat up in bed, suddenly panicked. 'There's been some kind of accident, the sheriff's in. He's in a bad way; I was hoping you could come down here.'
Regina practically jumped out of bed, shock evident on her face. She couldn't believe it, it almost didn't feel real. 'Of course. What has happened?' She questioned, pulling her pyjamas off, and replacing them with her normal, day to day clothes.
'I'm not completely sure, but Dr Whale will explain more once you're down here.' There was a beat of silence whilst she pulled her shirt on. Buttoning it up, she finally asked what was really on her mind. 'Will he pull through?'
'Madame Mayor, I couldn't say. It could go either way, honestly. Right now, I can't discuss it further until you are here. Is there anyone else I should call?' For a moment, Emma flashed through her mind, and for once she considered her feelings. She couldn't put her through something as awful as this. It was decided.
'No, thank you. I will call anyone when I am there. I'm on my way; I'll be there in around twenty minutes.' She put the phone down, not waiting for a reply, and hurriedly grabbed her bag and keys. Once again her mood changed dramatically. She'd gone from a relaxed state to a mess.
She would have to pull herself together before she got there. As she drove to the hospital, she prepared herself for seeing Graham in such a way.
'I'm on my way, Graham.' She muttered, pulling in to the hospital car park.
…
A/N: Sorry about the wait! Thanks for all the reviews and follows!
