Here we go with chapter 7. The next one is almost ready as well, it will be up soon.

And again, thank you for the wonderful reviews. It really made my day :)


After a rather stressful lunch meeting with a very curious Ruby, Emma was on her way to pick up the car.

The fresh air felt good, she felt good.
Her mind wandered to Ruby's earlier words, smiling while she tried to justify them.
From Ruby's point of view it must seem like a crush indeed. Being this happy after a dinner date with Regina. I would probably think the same thing if I were her.
But come on...me and Regina...it's insane!

As soon as she arrived at the mansion, she noticed Regina's car was missing from the driveway.
For a brief moment she considered walking another block, and coming back later.

Now why would I do that? Am I actually disappointed she's not home? This is all Ruby' s fault.
Without giving it much further thought, she got into her car and drove off.
Insane I tell you...

When she opened the door to Casa di Charming, her phone buzzed.
She opened the message: How was Regina? Looking hot? X

Damn you Rubes! Emma smiled, immediately starting to type her reply:
Oh Ruby, you know I only have eyes for you! ;)

At the other side of town, Regina arrived back from picking up Henry from his playdate.

"Hey Emma picked up her car already!" her son noticed.

Great...I was only away for 10 minutes!
"Yes she did, too bad you missed her eh?" the queen said, facing her son through the car mirror.

Regina didn't deny to herself she was looking forward to seeing Emma today.
She was about the only person in this town who didn't quickly cross the road when she saw her.

The day suddenly seemed a lot less appealing knowing she would be alone today.
There must a way for her to return. Simply asking it not an option. I'm not desperate.

"Henry, you just start on your homework ok? We'll have dinner in one hour"

"Sure mom" with great aversion he walked up the stairs.

Regina made her way into her office, walking towards a closet in the back of it.

Ok maybe I am desperate after all.
She opened the doors, and took a step back to have a better overview of its content.
On each shelf there were maps, boxes and piles of unsorted photos that still needed a place in one of the many empty albums she once bought.

She took out a few of the boxes labeled Henry, and started going through the photos that were inside.
Within minutes her desk was filled with pictures of her son, all sorted in small piles.
She held a picture in her hand that was taken the day she became a mother. Flipping it over she read Henry, 5 months old. She smiled to herself. Time really goes by fast.

She picked up her phone and started typing.


Back at the Charmings, Emma's phone buzzed again.
It seems like I just missed you. Too bad, I wanted to give you something. Regina

An instant grin appeared on Emma's face. Butterflies went mad in the pit of her stomach. And her face turned bright red as soon she realized her mother was looking at her.

"Regina?" Snow asked rhetorically.

All she received was a stunned look from her daughter, followed by a "No, no it's not".
Emma got up and left the room, leaving her mother alone once again.

Things were so much easier when I was still her friend instead of her mother.

Not caring much about Snow's feelings, Emma dropped herself on the bed, and started typing her reply.
What did you... *delete*
What is... *delete*
She gave it another thought. I can... She deleted it, started typing again, deleting, typing...then she stopped.

She sat in silence for some time, replaying the past 24 hours in her head.
After several minutes staring into nothingness, it finally hit her. How the hell did this happen?

She took up her phone again, sending another message.
Rubes, you were right! HELP!

Within seconds the waitress sent her reply:
Come by my place at 4, bring wine a chocolate. Let's talk. X

Emma felt better knowing she had someone to share her recent discovery with.

Great, now what to reply to Regina?
Why is this so hard? Just act normal, it's not like she has been flirting with you.

Too bad! :( Did I forgot something yesterday? Emma

No, I just wanted to give you something I found the other day.
Think of it as a surprise. Regina

A surprise?! Regina thought when she hit send button. I might as well make her an album now!
One photo is hardly a surprise. Stupid!

Emma smiled at the text.
I can come by this evening if that's ok? E.

That would be great. R.

Emma smiled at the way Regina mimicked her text style.
I guess she's not much of a text person.



"So..." a very proud Ruby began "I'm glad you finally decided to listed to me. You know, I'm almost always right about these things."

Emma rolled her eyes "Yeah yeah, you have a nose for romance, I know"
"But what the hell should I do? It's Regina we're talking about! Out of all people."

Ruby put her hand on top of Emma's, squeezing it lightly "Don't even get me started about wrong choices. Love is never easy and the complicated ones are always the most interesting."

Emma lifted her head to meet her friend's eyes "You do realize she is the evil queen right? She wanted to kill my mother, was married to my grandfather, and lets not forget she wanted me dead before I was even born."

"Excellent point, this may indeed not be your finest moment. But in all fairness, she is really hot. Plus she didn't kill you, nor your mother." Ruby looked at Emma rather painfully, not really knowing how to handle this.
"Did I mention already she is hot?

"Really not helping! What should I do?" the blonde whined, she leaned her head against the couch.

Ruby squeezed her hand tighter "Whatever you do, do it carefully. I have a hard time trusting her, and I don't want to see you get hurt."

"I will. Thanks."