Chapter 11

They walked along the streets of downtown Manhattan. Regina was so animated in her speech that Emma couldn't help the permanent grin that was on her face. The woman was usually so serious at work, rarely even conversing, but ever since they had started hanging out, the blonde was seeing a new side to her.

"Horses huh? I rode horses quite a bit growing up. It's not uncommon where I live. Why did you stop riding?"

"Time. Ever since I started taking a larger role at Mills Enterprises I don't have the time that I used to. However I still consider it one of my favorite activities, though I don't go riding more than once or twice a year now."

She nodded noticing the two people lying near the garbage cans of a small business.

"Excuse me for a moment." Emma didn't think twice, as she pulled the bag containing the money and pressing it into the lap of the old man.

"What did you give him," Regina asked as they continued walking.

"Oh nothing. It was just some pocket change."

[SQ]

"To the United States of America," Emma said raising her glass. She repeated the name of the kingdom several times, making sure she didn't confused New York, the state, with United States, the kingdom she was in. it was hard to remember the different ones, as she was used to various villages in a kingdom. On Earth however, they had a different system for classifying where a person lived. Cities, Counties, States, Country. It was so different. Even the various kingdoms classified differently.

"Why did you come to America?"

"I'm here to…find something special."

"Something huh? Well, we all have our secrets." Regina grinned, twirling her fingers around the edge of her wine glass. "That's a long way to come just to find something."

"My father says that 'No journey is too great when one finds what they seek.' I have taken those words to heart."

"Does everyone in Eastern Europe speak the way you do?" Emma drummed her fingers. She was talking too much. Regina was not going to believe her.

"W-Why? You don't like the way I speak?"

"No I absolutely love it. It's been so long since I've had a conversation with someone that wasn't a client and who knows how to express themselves without put-downs, sarcasm or arrogance." She took another drink. "Your are careful with your words. Manipulating them, in a good way, so that you can have the deepest effect on people. It's a real talent"

"Me? No I don't."

"Yes you do," Regina took a small drink before crossing her hands in front of her. "I've met many people don't have the same skill with words that you do. Businessmen, even politicians. Remember that guy at the game the other day. I bet where you're from men were throwing themselves at your feet."

"You mean women." Emma corrected with a smirk.

What," the brunette paused a moment before she understood."Oh! Well women we're throwing themselves at you. You carry a confidence that can't be denied. It's almost….regal."

Emma nearly choked on the water she was drinking as she forced out a laugh.

"So," the brunette continued. "What did you do back home?"

"Back home," Emma said stuffing some bread into her mouth. "I-I was in the family business."

"What was that?"

"Um...shepherding!" she said thinking of the profession her grandfather's father held. Regina laughed "I was a shepard-ess."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. You seem shocked."

"Well...you seem very educated for someone who takes care of sheep."

"Oh...well they kind of take care of themselves. As long as there are no predators around I have plenty of time to read...until they need to be sheared." Emma tried to remember what she knew about taking care of sheep, but there wasn't much. Her great grandfather had found true love with a princess and it was shocking to say the least. Fortunately love won out. Her family line had been known for finding love in their marriages, and she couldn't understand why her parents were trying to force her with this woman from providence of a Arendelle. She was 100% sure she would never fall in love with her.

They spoke a little more before the server brought the check. Emma immediately went to pick it up, before finding Regina's hand on top of hers.

"Let me."

"No. I should pay. You already bought groceries."

"Emma," Regina raised her eyes looking directly at Emma, "Stop worrying about what you can and cannot afford. I picked this restaurant. I wanted...if I was so concerned with income, I'd be having dinner with someone else, not you." It was as if the air was being sucked out of the room. Was she saying what Emma thought she was saying? Maybe she was misunderstanding her. How could she know? She tried to decipher to look in Regina's eyes. It was almost defiant, a challenge.

"Would you….would you like to dance?" the princess could feel her palms beginning to sweat.

"Yes."

Emma stood and pulled out the brunettes chair before leading her over to the small dance floor. There were no other couples dancing, but Emma couldn't even feel awkward. Regina slid her arms up around the taller woman's neck with ease. They fell into an easy rhythm with Emma leading, her hands firmly around the businesswoman's waist. She didn't know the song they were dancing too, it was obviously of earth origin, but as Regina laid her head against the blonde's shoulder, she could certainly identify with the lyrics.

At last

My love has come along

My lonely days are over

And life is like a song

It felt that way. As if what she had been waiting for was finally happening, finally in her arms. She could feel the woman's heart beat as the two moved as close as possible, no space between them.

"So I take it I don't have to worry about Zelena," Regina whispered as she lifted her head to look into the blonde's eyes.

"I am not, nor have I ever been interested in Zelena."

That seemed to be a good enough answer, as the brunette, in surprising display of authority, pulled Emma's head down, their lips meeting in what was decidedly not a chaste kiss. The woman's lips were like silk, moving against her own with purpose. With little hesitation, the businesswoman opened her mouth, allowing Emma's tongue the freedom to explore, tasting each and every inch of her mouth.

Neither cared that they were in public, dancing on a makeshift dance floor surrounded by other patrons. All that matter was the contentment they found in each other arms.