Hi Guys! Projects have been heavy at work so apologies for this coming a few days late. I'm not sure how this chapter will be received so i'd love to hear back from you guys on what you thought.
Anyway, enjoy.
Emma stretched out a yawn as she leaned back in her chair. Her office was a mess of paper work, empty water bottles and coffee cups. She sighed at the sight of her desk, slouching in her chair with a huff.
It was only 12pm but the previous night shift took it out of her. She'd been working the night shifts the past two weeks so that David could have some time at home with Mary Margaret and Neal, but today David was back to relieve her of that duty.
The sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the hallway and Emma felt a flicker of energy bounce back into her, David was here and she couldn't be happier to get out of this office.
She pulled herself from her chair and made her way out the office, she was then met with a smiling David who brought her into a warm hug.
"Hey, how you doing?" he asked.
"Oh, you know...tired. Nothing much been happening," Emma replied with another yawn.
David gave her a sympathetic look, "go on, get yourself away. Mary Margaret is at Granny's waiting for you."
"Yeah she promised me lunch," that made Emma's stomach growl.
Emma picked up her jacket from it's hanger and threw it on, before saying goodbye she remembered, "oh wait, we need to talk about something."
"We do?" David asked, with a slightly worried look.
"Yeah, I think we need some more help around here, and maybe another patrol officer. What do you think?"
"Have we got the money for that?"
"Maybe, we could afford to at least take on an office assistant but another officer? I'm not sure, I'm going to have to speak to-"
"Regina," David finished for her, Emma could tell by the tone in his voice that he thought it was a stupid idea.
"Well she is the Mayor of this town."
"Yeah and how often has she been known to help out the Sheriff's department, Emma?"
"Look I can only try, David. The safety of this town and the people in it are still priority to her, no matter what people may think." Emma felt a strong need to defend the woman, she was pretty annoyed at David for writing her off so quick.
Before David got the chance to reply her was interrupted by the ringing telephone, he swiftly moved to his desk and reached for the phone.
"Sheriff's office...okay and when did you last see him Ma'am?" David was hastily taking down notes as he listened to the woman on the line, he looked concerned. Emma lingered, wanting to know what was the problem.
"Okay Ma'am, try not to worry, I'll be over shortly."
David hung up and turned to the blonde, "A Mrs Dunn says her husband didn't return home from work last night, she's been trying to contact him all day with no luck."
"Did she say where he works?" Emma asked.
"Docks. She said she'd been down there already, his boss told her that her husband clocked out at 8pm."
Weird
"You going to get her statement? Want me to come with you?"
"No no i've got it, you go. I'll call if I need you."
Emma nodded, secretly glad that David didn't need her assistance. Her stomach growled again, reminding her that Mary Margaret was waiting.
"Right, I'm off. Call if yo-"
"Emma, go." David said with a chuckle.
And with that Emma turned and made her way for the exit.
She found Mary Margaret in their usual booth; the first one on the left just by the door. Her mother was cradling baby Neal in her arms and talking sweetly to him with lovesick eyes. The perfect picture made Emma smile, part of her didn't want to interrupt the two, they looked so content.
Mary Margaret's eyes found her, still bearing that lovesick glow, Emma felt a warmness fill her at the sight of her mothers eyes.
She closed the short distance between them and slid in opposite her mother who immediately reached for her hand across the table.
"Hey," she said softly, "we've missed you this week."
"I know, I've missed you guys too. Me and David were actually just talking about hiring some more staff to share the work load with."
"I think you need to. You and your father can run that place by yourselves," Her mother said as she patted Emma's hand.
"Anyway, enough about work. Can I cuddle my brother now?"
"Yes, of course." Mary Margaret said excitedly as she rounded to Emma's side of the booth, placing Neal in the blondes arms.
Emma cuddled the tiny boy into her, getting lost in his hazel eyes. She was so in love with the child, and due to long hours in the office she'd hardly got to spend any time with her brother.
"Hey there, Cheeks." Emma said sweetly, lightly brushing one of the boy's cheeks.
Cheeks was the nickname Emma had given Neal, simply for the fact that she found his big chubby cheeks adorable. The boy was wriggling all over, he was an excitable child, hardly ever still.
"How's he doing?" Emma asked, looking over to her mother.
"He's fine, he's sleeping more now, thankfully. David only had to get up the once last night."
"Well if he's anything like his sister he'll be out all night," Emma said in a babyish tone as she lightly pinched one of Neal's chubby cheeks.
Mary Margaret chuckled quietly at her. "You sleep like a log, I don't know how his crying doesn't wake you up."
Emma just shrugged her shoulders at her mother, not wanting to tell her the real truth behind her ways. Growing up in foster care Emma got used to children crying through the night, she eventually learned how to drown it out and sleep through. Anyway, she felt her Mother was best saved from hearing that part.
They talked and talked, the conversation mostly revolved around Neal and Henry, and the Sheriffs office, Mary Margaret once again commented on her dislike of Emma working so hard. When their food arrived both of them ate like they hadn't eaten all week, Emma tucked into a burger whilst Mary Margaret wolfed down a mushroom omelette. They both left empty plates that made Ruby chuckle as she cleared them.
"Hungry?" she asked.
"You have no idea," Emma replied, slouching in her seat and rubbing her stomach.
Emma ordered another coffee, knowing that she won't have the energy to get through the rest of the day. Ruby returned and placed the mug of steaming coffee down in front of her, even the smell of it managed to perk her up slightly.
The two of them sat quietly for some moments, having run out of all things they had to catch up on. However, not before long the silence was broken by the sound of a bell as Sura made her way through the diner doorway; she immediately spotted the two of them.
She quickly moved to the counter and placed her order with Ruby, then turning and heading back towards to two women.
Mary Margaret was the first to speak, "Hello, Sura. Come join us." She waved the woman over.
Emma slid along to the far side of the booth, giving Sura a space to sit.
"Thank you, I cannot stay long however, I am needed back at the hospital soon."
The woman took her seat next to Emma, smiling at the blonde. Her eyes then flicked over to Neal, who was once again cradled in his mothers arms.
"He is just divine," Sura said admiringly.
"You could hold him if you'd like?" Mary Margaret said eagerly.
Emma could see the slight apprehension in Sura's face, however the woman didn't have much time to think as Mary Margaret was already up and placing Neal in her arms.
Emma kept her eyes on Sura face, seeing tenderness wash away the apprehension that was once there.
Neal seemed to take a liking to her, giving her what could be considered a smile. However, it often turned out that the child just had some wind. But Sura was quite the natural, she glowed just about. Emma smiled at the two of them, they were both in their own world now, the rest of the diner was nonexistent.
"How is it going at the hospital, Sura?" Mary Margaret asked.
"Very well, thank you. Dr Whale is teaching me a lot, he's being very patient."
"He's a good man," Mary Margaret beamed.
"He thinks i'll be ready for some more invasive procedures soon, apparently i'm the best student he's ever had."
"Pftt, that's because you're the only student he's ever had," Emma joked.
"Emma," Mary Margaret quietly scolded her.
Sura laughed though, her eyes mirroring her amusement.
"No, it's okay Mary Margaret, I'll just remember that when the Sheriff is in need of immediate medical attention." Sura turned on the blonde when she spoke, matching the blondes sarcastic tone.
Mary Margaret sat up straighter in her seat, "well if you do excuse me, I must visit the ladies room."
She left the booth and silence followed. Emma suddenly felt very awkward, for some reason all words and thought processes were lost on her. What do we talk about?
Sura soon fixed that however.
"He has your eyes," she said, not looking up from the boy.
Emma was surprised by the woman's observations, yet it brought a smile to her face.
"You think?"
Sura turned to her, their eyes met and Emma felt like the woman was searching for something there.
"Most definitely, how could anyone miss them."
Emma knew it wasn't a question. The woman's words caused the redness to rise in her cheeks, Sura's voice was ardent and Emma suddenly felt very hot. She wasn't uncomfortable, but she didn't know what to do with herself when the woman looked at her the way she was now.
Sura's eyes were carving away at her, scouring her brain, her body, purging through all of her.
Emma's throat went dry, she opened her mouth but nothing came out.
Embarrassment washed over her when it dawned on her just how dumbfounded she must look right now.
"I..uhh..I" Emma mumbled, she really didn't know what to say.
"Emma are you alright?" Sura asked.
"Yeah, yeah. Sorry i'm just tired, night shift takes it out of you." Emma tried to laugh off her embarrassment.
Sura laughed, then turning her attention back to Neal.
"I think your sister needs some rest, huh?" She said in sweet tone. Both Emma and Sura cracked up at the boy who was holding a rather distasteful look.
"I think he agree's with you," Emma said as she reached over to pinch one of Neal's chubby cheeks again. "You think I should go take a nap, Cheeks?"
Emma suddenly felt eyes on her, she looked up to find the culprit stood over by the diner counter holding a take out coffee. Hazel eyes met brown; her look was intensifying.
Emma was baffled at how she could tell that Regina was watching her, it was like she was there touching her, physically summoning her attention. Shit
Emma saw Regina's gaze flick to the woman who sat cradling her brother, she didn't know what it was but the look in the woman's eyes changed, there was less there than before.
Their eyes met again and all Emma could see this time were walls blocking her from getting in.
Emma broke their gaze when Mary Margaret rejoined them, "oh look there's Regina," Mary Margaret tapped Emma's hand.
Emma turned back to where Regina was stood, only to find the woman now exiting the building, not before one quick glance back at the blonde.
"You should go speak to her about your budget."
Emma knew her mother was right, however, right now the last thing she wanted to do was be anywhere near Regina, not after that. Whatever it was that was happening between them, Emma knew she wasn't ready to face it just yet.
You know you're gonna go after her anyway, Emma.
Emma caught up with Regina just before she crossed the road, "Hey, Regina."
The woman stopped, taking her time to turn and face the blonde.
"Sheriff," was all she said.
"I need to talk to you about something."
"Go on," Regina said as she folded her arms across her chest.
"The Sheriffs department...me and David, we're struggling with just the two of us and I don't think we have enough in the budget to hire the extra help we need."
"So, you want to discuss adding to your budget?"
"Yes," Emma perked up.
"Well then you'll have to arrange a proper time to discuss these matters with me, Sheriff Swan. And not haggle me on the pavement." Regina's voice was scolding, cutting through Emma's hopeful expression like glass.
"I'm haggling you?" Emma furrowed her brow, "Regina I'm not asking you to produce numbers right this second. Jeez I just thought i'd mention it."
"Town business should be dealt with in a proper manner, Sheriff Swan." Her bitter tone was still present, Emma could feel her patience wearing thin.
"Jeez what crawled up your ass today?" she let out with a scoff.
The brunette looked irritated, "I will no longer endure this insufferable conversation. Good day, Sheriff."
Regina turned to leave but Emma pulled her back by her arm, something which didn't go down too well with the Mayor.
"Sheriff Swan! What do-"
"Seriously what is it with you, Regina?" Emma exclaimed, throwing her hands out, "what was that...back there?" Emma's voice was quieter this time, those words only for hers and Regina's ears.
The brunettes expression faltered slightly, not long before she threw her walls back up, but Emma could see the cracks in the woman's facade.
"I have no idea what you're talking about, Sheriff Swan."
Her voice was harsh and Emma felt the pang of her words in her stomach, but she already knew she wouldn't get anything out of Regina.
"You know what, just forget it." Emma gave up, letting her arms fall to her sides.
"I shall."
"Good."
Emma felt like a child, she mentally scolded herself for stooping to such a level.
Their gaze was like a fierce contest of who could hold on the longest. However, both of them were as stubborn as each other, they could be here all day.
To Emma surprise Regina was the one to break the spell, "now why don't you run along with your pirate friend, Sheriff. Seeing as all you seem to do around here is befriend criminals." The loathing in Regina's voice matched her expression.
"Is that what it is? Sura?" Emma stepped closer to the brunette, searching her face. "You don't like her being here do you?"
"What that woman does is no concern of mine."
"Well act like it then."
Emma stormed away from the woman, she was annoyed at herself for getting so worked up. She just wanted to try and understand what this thing was between them, but Regina was a stubborn woman and obviously refused to confront it.
Emma didn't turn back before re-entering the diner, part of her wanted to, but what she might see there scared her. She didn't know what she wanted, if she looked back and Regina was watching her she didn't know if she'd be happy or not. But what if she just walked away? Brushed it off like nothing? Maybe all of this is just in my head. She might not be seeing any of this.
Emma tried to shake away her thoughts, she knew deep down that Regina was aware of it all, her eyes told the whole story.
Emma hastily made way through the doorway only to find herself face to face with the woman she was just arguing about. They were inches away from each other, Sura quickly stepped backwards in order to dodge the impending collision.
"Whoa, hold up there."
"Sorry, my fault." Emma held her hands up.
"Did everything go okay with the Mayor? You look rather tense."
Emma sighed, "long story."
"What is it with you two anyway?"
Emma was surprised by the woman's question, she felt her heart quickening in her chest. She knew exactly what Sura was getting at, but she decided to play dumb.
"Huh?"
"You and the major, anyone would be blind to miss that encounter earlier. You could have cut the tension with a knife."
She saw that?
Was it that obvious?
Shit.
Apparently Emma's face said all she needed to know.
"So there is something." Sura said, nodding her head.
"It's nothing" Emma mumbled.
"Tell your face that." Sura winked at her. "Anyway I must be getting back to the hospital, I do hope you figure out your 'nothing' soon, Emma."
Emma moved to the side and let the woman pass by, she rubbed her temple in an attempt to sooth the headache that had formed there.
Nothing huh?
It was 10pm, Emma knew Henry would be well asleep by now, so she went ahead with her plan. She'd spent the whole day trying to focus on anything but Regina, but she couldn't, It had been 6 hours since their encounter on the street and she was still just as worked up about it. So obviously the best possible solution to the problem was to go knocking on Regina's door at this time.
She was just about to connect her knuckles with the wooden door when she stopped herself, deciding against it. Instead she pulled out her phone and dialled Regina's number.
The phone rang for what felt like hours until finally the other woman picked up.
"Sheriff," it was more of a question than a greeting.
"I'm at your front door."
"What are you doing at-"
"Just come and get the door, Regina. We need to talk."
"Sheriff Swan, did I or did I not inform you that you need to organise-"
"REGINA JUST...get the door."
Emma's patience was wearing thin, she was already regretting this decision but there wasn't a lot she could do now. The woman on the other end hung up and Emma pretty much assumed that there was no chance in hell Regina would be making her way to the front door anytime soon.
Much to the blondes surprise, 5 minutes later the door was opening and there stood Regina in a pair of jeans and a loose fitting shirt.
The brunette stood with her hands on her hips, holding an furious look. Emma didn't notice however, she was too busy taking in the woman's attire. She'd never seen Regina in something so casual, her shirt was open at the top, revealing just a sneak peak at the woman's collarbones. Her jeans suited her, shaping her legs generously. The woman wasn't wearing any shoes, making her shorter than Emma was used to. She was thrown off by the woman, she'd never have expected Regina to allow herself to be seen in such a casual state.
"Do you care to inform me as to why you're standing on my front porch at this time?" her scolding tone was back but the brunette kept her voice hushed, obviously not wanting to wake Henry. "Sheriff Swan, are you listening to me?"
Emma snapped out of her daze, brining her eyes up to meet the woman's questioning glare.
"What is the problem?" Regina asked, the anger in her voice growing thick.
"You," Emma whispered, "you are my problem."
Silence fell between them, Emma could tell that the other woman wasn't expecting those words to fall from her mouth.
"I am not following," Regina said with a shake of her head.
"You are the most irritating person I have ever met," Emma let out with a sigh.
"I am sorry, did you come to my home just to insult me?"
"Just..shut up."
Regina folded her arms across her chest, unimpressed by the order she was given.
Emma took a deep breath and then continued, "when I went to the Enchanted Forest, to the past, it...I don't know, as dumb as it sounds, it opened my eyes about everything." Emma started pacing as she spoke, much to Regina's dismay, "when I came back everything was the same, but some things changed, with my parents, and Sura, and...with you."
Regina's eyes snapped to the blondes, questions were all Emma saw there. The brunette was about to speak but Emma stopped her, holding up a hand.
"But the more I think about it the more I realise how it didn't really change at all, it was always like this. I was just oblivious to it all."
Emma's phone started to ring but she ignored it, holding her gaze with the brunette.
"I don't know what it is, I just know that it's making me crazy trying to work it out. And I know you see it too, that's why you left the diner so quickly today, and then on the street those walls went right up."
"And what is it you're implying, Sheri-"
"You know what I'm implying, Regina." Emma stepped closer to the woman, closing the distance between them, "I know it's not just me. I hope it's not just me."
Regina didn't protest. Emma felt the thumping of her heart in her throat, she knew it wasn't a good idea but she wen't for it anyway. She reached for Regina's arms, unfolding them and letting them drop to her sides, the minuscule moment of contact with Regina's skin made the hairs on her neck stand.
"Emma, I-" Regina's voice was barely a whisper.
Hearing the woman speak her name was just enough to give Emma that final push she needed. She placed one hand on Regina's waist, and she heard the woman's breath hitch. Their eyes connected once more, hazel on deep brown.
They were only inches apart and Emma could feel the woman's breath tickling her face. It felt like hours had passed before their lips finally connected, it was awkward at first, both women very aware of what they're doing. Eventually they both sunk into it, soft and slow. Emma clung to the woman's waist and Regina brought her hands up to the blondes face, wrapping one around the back of her neck.
They pulled apart when Emma's phone rang out again, both practically jumping away from each other, like teenagers getting caught.
"Shit," Emma breathed out, pulling her phone from her pocket, it was David.
"Hey, uuh what's up?"
Regina stood awkwardly, holding one hand to her lips as she watched Emma.
"Another?...Okay, I'll be right there."
Emma hung up her phone and turned back to the brunette.
"You need to go?" Regina breathed.
Emma sighed, "another missing person has just been reported. I've got to get to the station."
Regina nodded in understanding.
"But we should talk...tomorrow we should talk." Emma said.
"Okay."
Yeah so I wanted to bring this part of the story forward a bit because i felt like Regina's and Emma's thing needed something a bit more solid before all this other stuff that i have in store happens. Anyway i hope you enjoyed it. See you at the next chapter.