NOTE; EVERYONE I AM SO SORRY I HAVENT UPDATED IN LIKE MONTHS. My computer stopped working and we haven't gotten a new one so I haven't really had a way to upload new chapters. I'm so sorry but just know that I'm still working on the story!

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I can't say the words out loud,

So in a rhyme I wrote you down.

Now you'll live through the ages,

I can feel your pulse in the pages.

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Emma sat on her bed thinking of what happened earlier at Granny's. She had had the intention of asking Regina out on a date. She silently cursed herself for not doing it sooner. If she had done it sooner, she wouldn't have been interrupted by Nathan. Emma's stomach tightened.

She had tried her hardest not to let his words affect her. Even if he was drunk, the words still hurt just the same. Emma also had remembered how quickly Regina reacted. The brunette woman had swooped up so quickly to reprimand Nathan.

Emma thought long and hard about why the Mayor had done that. Nathan had not insulted Henry in any way with his comment. And he definitely hadn't insulted Regina. His comment only hurt one person; Emma. Yet Regina still flung the man up against the wall and threatened him. It's because she cares about you.

Then there was the hug. Emma had been so vulnerable in the moments after witnessing someone so fiercely and proudly protect her like that. Because she had feelings for Regina, it only amplified the emotions. Emma was so grateful to have Regina in her life. She was so grateful that Regina had raised their son. She was so grateful to be able to spend time with Regina. And before she knew what she was doing, she wrapped Regina in a tight embrace. Surprisingly to Emma, Regina had only squeezed tighter when Emma began to cry.

Emma loved the feeling of being held by Regina. It was all she could think about. Of course, as soon as her parents arrived home, she had to explain to Snow and Charming what had happened.

As she heard footsteps shuffling into the apartment, she pushed herself out of bed and made her way into the kitchen.

"Emma," Snow whispered and quickly enveloped her daughter into a hug. So they already know, I guess. As Snow let go, David took Emma into his arms and squeezed her.

When he let go, Emma smiled at her parents. They were taking the news better than Emma thought. She expected them to go after Nathan with swords and arrows for insulting their daughter like that. "Hey guys,"

"Are you alright?" Snow asked, studying her daughters face. "Grumpy had said he'd seen Nathan get into your face at Granny's. He couldn't hear what went on but said it looked pretty serious."

"Wait, so you don't know what Nathan said?" Emma asked.

"What happened?" David asked as he stared at his daughter.

Emma proceeded to tell her parents the story, leaving out the part where Regina had come in and defended her.

Snow gasped as she began to cry. "Oh honey, no. No, no, none of that is true at all. You know we would've done anything to keep you."

David swiftly stood up and pushed his chair backwards as he headed for the door.

"David, what are you doing?" Emma rose and made her way after him.

"Going to talk to Nathan." David put on his coat.

"No, you can't do that."

David stared at Emma with anger etched into his face. "I'm not just letting him get away with talking to you like that, Emma."

Emma grinned. "Oh, he didn't get away with it. Trust me."

"What do you mean?" Snow piped up from the couch.

Emma looked at David then the couch, silently telling him to go sit down. He did, and Emma followed, sitting on the opposite couch.

"After he said that, Regina came up and picked him up by the collar and like, and kinda slammed him against the wall. She basically said if he ever talked to me again she'd come after him. And then she flung him on the ground and threw him the nastiest glance. I mean, if looks could kill that guy would definitely be a goner."

Snow's lips curved upward as David stared in disbelief.

"Regina? Like Regina Regina?" He asked skeptically.

"That's the one."

"Huh," David pondered the idea of the former Evil Queen protecting his daughter. "Good thing that son of a bitch paid. Regina definitely knows how to threaten someone."

"She sure does," Emma chuckled and looked at her parents. "I think I'm going to get some rest now. I'll see you guys in the morning." With that she went into her room and plopped onto the bed. She picked up her phone.

E: Hope you're having fun at August's. Love you kiddo.

H: love u

H: heard about the diner. Are u ok?

E: I'm fine. Nathan's probably the one who's not lol

H: lol I heard about tht

H: I'm glad mom was there 2 protect u

E: Me too

Emma smiled to herself. As her phone dinged again, she expected to see another text from Henry. She was thoroughly surprised to see Regina's name light up her screen.

R: Are you awake?

E: no

R: Funny.

E: I know

E: Whatcha need?

As soon as the text delivered, Emma's phone began to ring.

"Hey," Emma answered coolly.

"Hello," Regina replied.

"You know, I am shocked. I thought your mandatory bedtime is at eight."

"Well, I guess I made an exception." Emma could hear the smile in Regina's voice. "I wanted to know if you'd want to come over Friday."

"Oh," Emma grinned. But then she suddenly stopped. "Well, Henry's actually staying at August's again so we'll have to pick a different day."

Regina stayed silent for a minute. "Actually Sheriff, I was hoping you would just come over."

Emma's heart fluttered. Did Regina just ask her out?

"I'd love to." Emma replied. She heard Regina sigh on the end of the line.

"Great. You can come over around five if you'd like."

A thought suddenly came to Emma. Today is only Wednesday. "Why didn't you just wait and ask me tomorrow?"

"Because I didn't want to wait," Regina smirked. "Goodnight, Emma."

"Goodnight, Regina." Emma hung up the phone and smiled to herself as she lay back in bed.

Regina Mills had just asked her out on a date.