Two chapters in one night! All because I love you guys. Sorry if it's kind of slow, but I felt it necessary. Reviews welcomed!
Chapter 12
The next day was busy, Regina wasn't lying. People were in and out of the office so much that Emma wondered if the door would break. At three, Mal and Emma locked up the office and headed to one of the conference rooms for the board meeting. Even though all she needed to do was take notes, Emma was nervous. The two walked in and Emma saw Regina sitting at the head of the table like a queen. Other's brows raised as they saw their mayor give the most friendly smile they had ever seen to this blonde, and Emma blushed, but smiled back. It was the first time she had really seen Regina today and it made her heart beat faster. While everyone sat, Regina stood and started the meeting.
"Ladies and gentleman of the board, I'd like to introduce you to my newest assistant Miss Swan. Emma? Stand up please."
Emma blushed and stood as all eyes were on her.
"She's only been with us a week, but has already proven very valuable to Mallory and myself. She's here on assignment, but Mal and I hope to make her a permanent fixture in our office and our town. Please show her the same respect you show us, and she will do the same for you." Regina nodded at Emma who sat down, glad that the reason she was there was merely skimmed over.
The meeting started off interesting, but after a while, it was dreadfully boring. The only things keeping Emma awake was the tic-tac-toe game that her and Mallery were playing, and the creepy, piercing eyes of Mr. Gold staring at her. He gave Emma the creeps and even Regina hated how he was looking at her.
Finally the meeting wrapped up and Regina took Emma's hand, wanting the blonde to be with her ans she said goodbye to the board members. Everyone smiled and welcomed Emma, which made her feelgood. Mal went back to the office and all the members were gone - except one. Mr. Gold walked over with a grin.
"We meet again, Miss Swan. It's so nice to see a new face in town. Especially one that can make our mayor light up."
Emma wasn't sure what to say and hated that she could feel herself blushing. "Thank you."
Regina cleared her throat. "Emma? How about you go help Mallory close up?"
Emma nodded, happy to get out of there. Regina looked at Gold and her face hardened.
"I don't know what it is you're trying to do, but you stay away from Emma. She's been through enough in her life and doesn't need someone like you harming her."
Gold laughed and leaned on his cane.
"Someone like me? You know, Dear, you ask the town and many of them would say you are like me." He walked to the door and turned lightly. "I have no intentions of harming her. I just hope the same can be said for you, Madam Mayor." He gave a final nod before leaving.
Regina slammed the papers in her brief case. "I'm not going to hurt her! I'm not!"
Mallory walked in and closed the door. "Don't you dare let him get to you. It's what he wants."
Regina took a few breaths. "Where's Emma?"
"I sent her home. It's Friday and she said something about having plans tonight." She grinned as her words registered in Regina's head.
"She did?" Her voice was soft, almost younger.
"She did. Regina? I know this is a long shot, but why don't you let me take that Godson of mine for the night? I can bring him home first thing in the morning, or if you find yourself needing him tonight, just call me."
Regina's initial response was no, but she stopped and thought about it. Most kids by his age would have spent time with their grandparents, which he didn't have any, so why not spend time with Mal? She trusted her completely, and this way, she and Emma wouldn't be interrupted in conversation or anything else. "If you're sure, I would like that. Emma's supposed to come around eight, and I do want to spend some time with him first. Can you come around 7 and get him? I'll have dinner cooking and don't want to leave it."
"Of course I will. Oh now I'm so excited!" Mal smiled and grabbed her purse. "I'll see you at 7."
Regina sighed and sat down, so many thoughts in her head. Gold's words really bothered her. Mostly because he was partially right. She was a lot like him back in their world, but not in this world...at least she never meant to be. She took a deep breath and stood, making the decision that she would not be like him. Sure, she could easily hurt Emma, but in her heart...that cold, dark, but still beating heart, she didn't honestly want to. She wanted to help the girl - something pulled her to Emma that she couldn't explain, but she wanted to do what she had said she did and build her up. Of course, if Regina had known who Emma really was, maybe she'd have thought differently...but maybe not...
Emma had driven to work that day, and she was glad when she saw that Gold came out of the office and started walking. She was glad she didn't have to be stuck walking by him. She went to the store and picked up some things and went back to the B&B. She had a few hours, and wanted to look good. The blonde's roots had been growing in and it was driving her crazy. Sure, she was naturally blonde, but a darker blonde. She got the hair dye out and applied it to her roots as she picked out an outfit for the night. She decided on a green blouse to bring out her eyes and black dress pants, tight in the ass, just like she liked it. She had dress boots that would be perfect with it.
Emma rinsed out the hair dye and did her make up - some sexy smokey eyes to bring out the green - and then dried and curled her hair. She never really went on a date before - Henry's dad was the closest, but it was never like this. Her phone rang and she rolled her eyes when she saw it was Ruby.
Hello?
Hey Ems! Mary Margaret and I are coming to pick you up and go out. I know you're too young to drink, but you can still come to The Rabbit Hole with us.
I'm sorry, Ruby, but I have plans.
Oh...With who?
Emma bit her lip.
Regina. Maybe another time.
Oh, okay. Yeah, another time.
Emma hung up the phone and knew that she and Regina would be the talk of Mary Margaret and Ruby that night, but she didn't care. She got dressed and looked at the clock, she had about 10 minutes before it would be 8 so she headed out.
Regina picked up Henry and headed to the store. She had a few things to pick up for dinner. Sure, her signature dish was lasagna, but it wasn't terribly romantic. She picked up what she needed to make home-made fettuccine noodles and Alfredo sauce. She then picked out some fresh shrimp and bread. Henry was so good in the shopping cart and Regina kept smiling.
"You're going to see Mallory tonight. You better be a good boy."
He looked at her and giggled. Regina headed home and put him in his high chair as she started dinner. He was happy just playing with some toys and eating cheerios...at least for a while.
"Hungy! Mama hungy!"
Regina chuckled and got his food ready. He loved fettuccine alfredo and she had some ready just for him. He was busy feeding himself when Mallory came in, early of course.
"There's my favorite man!" She smiled and tickled him as he giggled at her. "Okay, Regina. I'm ready for your list of instructions."
Regina chuckled as she chopped up vegetables for the salad. "No list, per say. I have his bag ready. He still gets a bottle at bed time, I mix baby cereal with the formula so that it's thicker and he sleeps better. I left the instructions for that in there. He loves to be read to. I have his pack and play crib if you need that. But other than that, there's more than enough clothes, some treats and his favorite blanket."
Mallory looked through the bag. "Looks like it's all there. I don't have much room in my room for a pack and play, would it be okay if he just slept in bed with me for one night?"
"Of course, just know that he's a bed hog. And put a blanket on the floor in case he rolls out."
"Don't worry, I'll have a stack of blankets on the floor and I am a very light sleeper, so he's safe."
Regina had let Henry sleep with her plenty of times so she wasn't worried about it. "If he cries too much, please call me. I won't get upset."
"If it gets to that point, I will, but I think we'll be fine. Wow, you're really going out of your way for this date, Regina, but you better go get ready. You look like shit."
"Language!" Regina chuckled and wiped her hands on her apron. "I have the bread in the oven, you mind staying for about 10 minutes until it's done and take it out for me? I'll be back down to say good bye to my prince."
"You go, I'll watch over everything."
"You better not eat everything. Besides, there's shrimp in there and I know you're allergic. Oh crap, I hope Emma's not allergic."
"Just don't mix the noodles with the sauce until she gets here, that way, if she is, you can pull out one of your jars of your spaghetti sauce for them."
"Good thinking. Thank you." Regina kissed Henry's head and headed upstairs to get ready. She showered and knew that by this time, the bread would be done and she should probably go say good bye, she didn't really want Mal here when Emma came, even if they were close friends. She put her robe on and came downstairs.
Mallory took the bread out and made sure the stove was all on low so that nothing would burn. She cleaned Henry up and got his coat on him just as Regina was coming down.
"Oh, Emma's gonna love that outfit." Mallory winked.
"Hush you, I just came down to say goodbye so you're not here when Emma gets here." She smirked and picked up Henry. "Okay, we talked about this. You be good for Auntie Mal." She peppered the boy with kisses and then put him in his carseat. "You know how to work this?" After trying to explain it, Regina suggested that Mal just take her car. The base for the seat was in there, and that would be easier. Mallory agreed and moved Regina's car out of the garage, putting hers in it so Emma wouldn't be confused seeing her car there. She then came in and grabbed Henry's bag.
"Alright, we're off. You have a great night. Oh and Regina...you're not anything like Gold. Remember that. And remember that you deserve to be just as happy as anyone else."
Regina smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Mal. I'll call you in the morning."
Mallory left and Regina went back upstairs to get ready. She didn't want to be too formal, too...much. She looked through her clothes, and frowned. She simply had too many work clothes, and she dug to the back. With a smirk, she decided she'd give Emma a taste of her own medicine. She noticed how the blonde walked around with those tight jeans or tight dress pants. It made Regina practically drool. She found a deep purple blouse and put her own tight, black dress pants on. She did her make up, very regal like and went downstairs to set the table. It was almost eight and Regina hoped Mal was right, that Emma was coming.
Soon enough, Regina heard a car and looked out to see Emma parking in front of her house. She couldn't help but smile, the butterflies flying in her stomach. Her breath was taken as she saw Emma. Green was definitely her color - and her hair, it was perfect. But the best part was those pants. Damn, that girl could rock tight pants. Of course, Regina did wonder how long it would take to tear those clothes off her...but that would wait. This wasn't about sex - well not all about sex.
Emma had stopped and got flowers, she knew wine was tradition, but she couldn't exactly buy it. She took a breath and knocked on the door. She hoped Regina would realize that by being here, she was fully trusting her. The door opened and Emma stood there in shock. Regina was beautiful - hell even beautiful wasn't strong enough of a word for her. But tonight...tonight she was simply ravishing. Emma didn't think she could get more beautiful than how she was every day at work, but damn, she could.
"You going to come in or just stand there and stare?" Regina smirked as she stepped back.
"Oh right...sorry. You look amazing, Regina." Emma came in and handed her the flowers. "I wanted to get wine, but I can't so I got these. I hope you like them. Shit, I hope you're not allergic, I didn't even think of that." Emma blushed as she fumbled like an idiot.
Regina took the flowers and inhaled their scent. "Emma, they're beautiful. But the fail in comparison to you." She sauntered to the kitchen, knowing Emma would follow.
And follow, Emma did. Her eyes on Regina's perfect ass in those pants. She tried to snap out of it as she came into the kitchen. "It smells so good in here. I hope you didn't go through too much trouble."
"Thank you. No trouble at all, Emma." Regina smiled as she put the flowers in the vase. "These will look perfect on the dinning room table. I have it all set. And you may be too young to buy wine, but I think tonight, you can drink some. If you want, of course."
Emma wasn't one who drank much, she saw what it did to people. But she didn't want to explain that to Regina so she gave a small shrug. "Honestly, I'm not a drinker. I have nothing against you drinking, but I'll stick to water."
Regina actually found that refreshing for a young person. "That's admirable. But water is boring. I did get some sparkling grape juice and added my own apple juice to it. It will pair with the food really well and no alcohol in it." She grabbed the juice and poured two glasses. "Everything is set, if you're hungry."
Emma took the glass and nodded. "Starved, as always." She chuckled and the two went into the dinning room. "Did Henry go to sleep good for you?"
"Actually, Mallory practically begged me to let her have a night with him. She's his Godmother and he adores her." Regina sat down and started dishing out the food for them. Everything was perfectly set. Plates for the pasta, bowls for the salad and seperate plates for the bread. Glasses of ice water along with the juice, and enough silver wear to not have to use the same fork for the salad and the pasta. "I kept the sauce separate when I realized I didn't know if you were allergic to shrimp or not."
Emma sat down and tried to relax. "No I'm not. It's my favorite actually." She smiled as Regina got her plate ready. "Is there a specific fork for the salad?"
Regina couldn't stop the chuckle. "Princess, you can use what ever you want. I get a little...anal at dinners when I set the table but I end up using the same fork for everything. Truth be told, Emma, I know you would have been happy with burgers and fries, but I wanted to make something you deserve. I do hope you like it."
Emma smiled, Regina was just so kind to her. "I'm sure I will. I appreciate the thought behind it, Regina." Emma knew enough to put the napkin in her lap and start with the salad. Even the simple salad was amazing. Emma had to remind herself that the food wasn't going anywhere and to slow down. That was one habit she hated the most. Both in foster care and jail, you had to eat fast if you didn't want someone taking your food.
Regina didn't mind, she wasn't judging her at all. She was glad Emma liked the food to be honest. After the food was eaten and compliments from the blonde ended, Regina set to clear the table. Emma got up to help but Regina waved her hands away. "No. You sit. I'm just going to rinse these and put them in the dishwasher."
Emma rolled her eyes and grabbed some dishes and followed her. "You cooked, I can help clean."
The two worked together and soon, everything was cleaned up.
"I have some cheesecake, but I don't know about you, but I need to rest my stomach a bit before I eat more."
Emma nodded and laughed. "I couldn't eat more right now if I wanted to."
Regina took Emma's hand and lead her to the sitting room where a fire was waiting. She sat down and Emma sat next to her. "I want to get to know you, Emma, and I want you to get to know me. Is that okay? We only have to share what we want to."
Emma nodded and looked at the woman. "I feel like you know so much about me already. You have my file."
"I know what the file says, but that's not you. That's someone else trying to say who you are. It's not the same. But you're right, I do know more about you than you do of me. Is there anything you'd like to know specifically?"
Emma thought a bit and smiled. "Everything. Regina I want to know everything about you."
Regina chuckled and took Emma's hand. She had been prepared for this. She didn't want to lie to her, but knew that she had to at least bend the truth a bit. "I grew up in a very strict home. My mother wanted me to be perfect and proper and trained to be the perfect wife for a rich and powerful man. I didn't get to go play with other kids, I didn't get to do anything that she deemed as not proper. And she let me know it too. If I snuck off or disobeyed her, I was punished. I was locked in my room - if I was lucky - but most times, I was abused. More so mentally than physically, but that was there too.
"My dad though, he was different. He was kind and loving, but he just couldn't stand up to my mother. So as much as I loved him, I hated him for letting me go through what I did, you know? He could have saved me, but he didn't. We lived on a ranch and when I was a teen, I rebelled and fell in love with a stable boy. He was amazing. He loved me and built me up when my mother would knock me down. Of course, a stable boy was not someone my mother's daughter should be with. He and I planned to run away and marry."
Regina's voice was soft and Emma was listening to every word with baited breath.
"My mother found out. He tried to stand up for me - something no one did- and she...she killed him. Right in front of me. She got away with it because she had money and told a lie that he attacked me and that I was too distraught to talk about it. I never forgave her for that, and sometimes, in a way, I wish I did. She died when we weren't talking and sometimes I do regret it."
Emma caressed Regina's hand with her thumb. "I can't imagine how hard that would be. Even what I went through...it was from people, strangers, not my own mother. But you can't blame yourself. You can't be mad at yourself. What she did, it wasn't right. If you do regret it, I'm sure she knows."
Regina looked at Emma, those eyes so full of compassion and smiled a little. "It was hard, but it was the final straw for my dad. He and I left and eventually, I was able to deal with the pain. But I put my passion into work. I excelled in my studies and here I am today."
"You never loved anyone else?"
"No. Not until...now."