Hey, hope everyone had a great Valentines Day. I had a really awesome idea today, where both my stories "Unexpected" and "Aftermath" are connected. More on that later, so just ignore that I said that. For now. Anyway, here's the next chapter. As always, love all my readers, reviewers, subscribers, and favorite-ers.
Regina watched out the window as Emma waved and vanished out of the driveway. She smiled to herself, happy that she had something to look forward to.
"I wish everyday was like this," Regina sighed, getting dressed for another day at the office. After all, a town doesn't run itself.
Bells clinked together as Emma walked into Granny's Diner. It was fairly busy, even in a small town like Storybrooke. She waltzed up to the counter.
"Hey, Ruby," Emma said. Ruby swirled around.
"Hey, Emma. The usual?" Ruby asked, bottle and shot glass already in hand. Emma shook her head and laughed.
"No, I think I'll have a hot chocolate instead. To go," Emma replied, watching as Ruby raised an eyebrow in a quizzical expression. The waitress leaned over the counter, giving Emma a view of her cleavage.
"Every time you come in, you order a shot. And every time you order a shot, you complain how Regina is pissing you off. So the question is... what's going on with you, Sheriff?" Ruby asked, smirking flirtatiously.
"I'm just in a good mood today," Emma replied, ignoring Ruby's display with ease.
"And why is that?" Ruby interrogated, "Wait! Did someone get laid recently?" A look of excitement plastered on her face. Emma tried to conceal her blush.
"Ruby, I just want a cup of hot chocolate," Emma said, having difficulty in keeping a smile off her mouth. Ruby bit her lip.
"Alright, Sheriff," Ruby whispered, she leaned in closer to the blonde. She sniffed. "You smell like apples." She paused. "Now... why does that smell familiar?"
"Well, it's the shampoo I use. You know, apples," Emma lied, forming a fake smile. Ruby was about to open her mouth when Emma interrupted.
"Ruby! Hot chocolate! Now!" Emma demanded, but when she saw the surprise on Ruby's face, she added cheekily, "I mean, please." Ruby obeyed and whipped up a Styrofoam cup of steaming hot chocolate, sprinkling cinnamon in it, just like Henry told her to before.
"Here you go, Sheriff," she said, handing her the cup. "And jeez, can't blame a girl if she's interested in this kinda stuff, can you?" Ruby reasoned, shrugging it off. Emma just rolled her eyes, getting ready to leave.
"Oh. By the way, Happy Valentines Day," Ruby said, "You busy tonight?" Emma nodded, which resulted in a smirk from Ruby.
"So, there is a special someone," Ruby grinned, winking at the blonde. Emma rolled her eyes once again.
"Sure, Ruby. Sure," she said, walking to the door.
"Who is it?" Ruby shouted, drawing attention from the other customers. Emma turned around as she opened the door.
"Happy Valentines Day to you, too," Emma said, ending the conversation.
"I'll find out, Emma. I always do!" Ruby yelled, watching the blonde smile and turn the corner.
"Good morning, Mayor Mills," the secretary greeted, looking up at Regina as she passed with her confident stride. "Happy Valentines Day," the secretary finished. Regina came to a halt.
"Oh. Is that today?" Regina asked sharply, twirling around to meet her assistant's eyes. She wanted to throw up and cry at the same time. Valentines Day was so overrated. It was a Hallmark creation to get people to buy things for their sweethearts. The very idea of the whole thing made Regina want to puke. But then, there were those times when she longed for someone to love, and then she destroyed her thoughts with her usual cold demeanor. She had a whole town eating out of her hands, why would she need someone to love?
"Yes, ma'am. February 14, Valentines Day," the secretary confirmed, rechecking the calendar. Regina nodded and resumed her walk, thoughts bouncing around in her head.
"Oh, and Mayor Mills," the secretary continued, once again stopping Regina.
"Yes?" the brunette replied, hiding the annoyance in her voice.
"There's a delivery for you on your desk," the secretary said, typing on her keyboard.
"You let someone come in my office?" Regina replied, taking a step towards the woman.
"Absolutely not, ma'am. It was already there when I came in to set your files down," the woman stated.
"What was already there?" Regina asked, genuinely confused. The secretary glanced up from her computer and smiled.
"I think you should go see for yourself. From the quick glimpse I got, I could tell it was well, quite an attractive collection," the secretary said, still smiling. Regina nodded and continued on as calmly as possible, opening the doors to her office. She strutted to her desk and examined the bouquet of flowers on her desk with a smile. She could only begin to imagine who it came from. There were so many people that would either wanted to give her flowers, or wanted to get on her good side. Sidney, Dr. Whale, or Mr. Clark as an apology for accusing Henry of stealing. Maybe it was Ruby, she was such a huge flirt, no doubt she sent everyone flowers. Or maybe it was her friend, Kathryn. That'd be sweet of her.
Unwrapping the plastic, she saw bright carnations, rich tulips, and roses. They looked perfect together, blended in so each shade complimented the others. There were drops of water on each of the flowers, emphasizing their freshness. The white roses looked so pure, as if the flower was a symbolization of content. The red ones were a deep shade of red, and crisp. Regina was grateful to find that the thorns hadn't been removed. That would take away half of its complicated, yet wise meaning. A beautiful and majestic flower, but a guarded stem. It reminded Regina of herself, no matter how vain it sounded. Apparently, the sender had the same idea.
Dear Madame Mayor,
We're not exactly dating or whatever, and we only had sex last night (It was scary amazing). But that doesn't mean I can't do what I'm doing right now. I'm not exactly the romantic or poetical type, as you may have noticed. But when I saw these on display, I had to get them. They remind me a lot you. You're obviously attractive, but there seems to be some kind of barrier that you put up to protect yourself. Plus the fact that you're unbelievably stubborn, not that it's a bad thing. *Cough*. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the flowers.
From,
E.S.
Regina was baffled, her predictions were wrong. As it turns out, Emma Swan, of all people sent her a bunch of flowers. What has this world come to? She shouldn't really be complaining, though. And deep down, she knew she wasn't. In reality, Emma had just made her day, even if Valentines Day was really screwed up. She reread the card and noticed the tiny little words at the bottom.
P.S: Look behind you.
Now that was kind of creepy... Regina did as she was told and was startled to find Emma leaning against the door frame, sipping her hot chocolate. She almost screamed. The mayor put her hand over her chest to calm herself.
"Hey, Madame Mayor. Happy Valentines Day. Like my flowers?" Emma asked, laughing at Regina's reaction.
"Sheriff Swan, what are you doing here? And yes, they were beautiful," Regina replied, still annoyed that Emma got to her. Emma pushed herself off the door frame and took several steps towards Regina.
"Well, as you could see, I set the whole thing up. But I came here to ask you a question," Emma said, gulping down her drink.
"If you're asking me to marry you, the answer is no, Sheriff Swan," Regina replied, enjoying Emma's expression as she gagged on her hot chocolate. When she regained her composure, she smiled.
"Cute, very cute. But no, I'm not asking you to marry me. I wanted to see if you'd be interested in having dinner at the fancy restaurant across town," Emma explained, "You know, with me." Regina crossed her arms.
"The restaurant is called 'The Spell' for your information. And... is this you asking me out on a date?" Regina said, her face without a ghost of a smile. Emma on the other hand, grinned like an idiot.
"In fact, yeah, this is me asking you out. And unlike some people," Emma said, hinting at Regina, "I'm not afraid to admit that it's a date."
"The party is not a date! It's just... okay, maybe it is kind of like a date. There. I admit it. So what, Sheriff Swan?" Regina said with annoyance.
"So... are you going to say yes?" Emma quizzed, waiting for an answer. Regina battled with herself.
"What about Henry?" Regina asked.
"He could stay with Arch-I mean Dr. Hopper," Emma replied.
"I strongly dis-"
"Oh, c'mon! It's just one night," Emma interrupted, her excitement betraying her. She was hoping Regina wouldn't notice. She did.
"Well, if you're so eager, then I will check my schedule. Alright?" Regina quipped, sitting behind her desk. Emma smiled.
"Great! Meet you at 7:00," Emma said, walking out the door.
"Wait! Sheriff Swan, I said I'd check my schedule!" Regina shouted.
"I took that as a yes," Emma said, popping her head into the room. "See you tonight, Madame Mayor," Emma said and disappeared in the maze of offices. Regina rubbed her temples.
"She is such a..." Regina started, but she bring herself to finish. Emma was sweet in a way. Regina removed a rose from the bouquet, careful not to puncture herself with the thorns. She closed her eyes and inhaled, basking in the aromatic and fresh scent the rose produced. Maybe Valentines Day wouldn't be so bad this time.
Sorry this was kinda late... Part two is coming up tomorrow. Oh and to those of you who were wondering about Regina's dream, it'll come up again later.
