A/N: so Happy fouth you Americans! I hope you enjoy this short little chapter in my story. This story is about 25 chapters so I am almost done. I will try to pound it out before I move as I am working toward myamerican dream and am about to buy a home. So I will be moving. Enjoy! Much Love~S.K.

Debate

Regina told her staff and family days after she had married Emma. They were all happy but were all waiting for the day when the news would hit the press. The interview with Oprah had hit the stands the week before, and her ratings had gone up when the Q&A session was distributed.

Regina walked into the oval one morning, weariness etched in her features. "No worries, if you're tired I'll take the work off your hands." Came a voice from behind her.

Regina turned to her waiting area and saw the Speaker sitting in one of the seats. "Ah, But this isn't a job for the elderly." She retorted and folded her arms in front of her. Rupert Gold was impressed. The president had become less tolerant of his attacks, and he began to enjoy and appreciate the new dimension of their relationship. He liked her this way, her temper was more noticeable now though to the untrained eye she still seemed calm.

"Be careful Madam president, the political mastermind that is Robin Locksley is no longer in your pocket." The speaker said coming closer to Regina. They stood face to face, and eye to eye. "All of the sensationalism you have built around yourself has made it seem to the public that you're blowing smoke."

"What are you doing here Gold?" Regina said beginning to get irate.

"I'm here to congratulate you on your marriage," Gold said placing his hand on her elbow and leading her into the Oval. "And to wish you good luck on this evening's Debate."

"Gold, I'm a lawyer," Regina said leaning on her desk.

"And I... am a speaker." Gold countered, "It's in my job title."

Regina laughed, "I guess you're right Mr. Gold. Good luck to you too, because arguing is in my job description." She shook the speaker's hand, "Now if you will excuse me, Mr. Speaker, I have an appointment with someone else in three minutes. Good day."

"Good day Madam President." Gold said shaking his head as he limped out of the oval.

"Our economy may be flourishing, but the companies on top need to stay that way to prolong the upswing." Rupert Gold defended his bill as he stood on the opposite side of the stage from an incredibly bored looking Regina.

"Time," Greg Marshall, the moderator, said, "Madam President your rebuttal."

"The economy isn't only run by the large companies, but it is driven by the small businesses that support them. If we push legislation that favors the larger companies the small businesses are bound to dissolve under pressure, and our economy is back to where it was in 2008."

"Time, Mr. Speaker?"

"I think this should inspire small businesses to become a major company and grow infinitely."

"Madam President?"

"Not if you don't give them enough time to flourish, and if they do grow, there would be way too many bosses. There will be a crash..." The buzzer sounded, "and we will be back in the hole.

"Next topic, Social Security. In recent years, There has been the issue of social security coverage for the elderly..."

The moderator asked his question, and the speaker went on to give his opinion on the topic. Regina was really bored, and it was kind of bothering her because she wasn't supposed to feel this way.

"My administration has been working hard the past two years to get the social security issues cleared. Citizens have spent their lives working and putting money away for retirement in this mandatory account, and they deserve to get their money back." Regina stated when it was her turn.

"The issue here is that they are running out of funds before they are done," The speaker stated. "Not all of us elderly, as the president called me this morning are lucky enough to have a big enough nest egg so that we can live off of it when we are done."

"Mr. Speaker, If I had been allowed to finish, We are considering matching contributions to everyone's social security accounts. It still might not cover most costs, but at least it would help alleviate, the fact that retirees are living longer now." Regina said as the buzzer sounded for her.

The debate was heated, and if a winner had to be declared, it would be a tie. Regina and Gold both gave as good as they got.

Regina climbed the steps to the residence extremely tired. As she stepped inside, she noticed Robin leaving Roland's room. "Hey," he said to her with a soft smile.

"Hey," Regina genuinely returned the smile.

"I saw the debates," Robin said, "You did great Regina."

"Thank you," Regina said looking down at her feet. Robin started to walk out of the residence and stopped as if he wanted to say something. He changed his mind and turned, "Robin... I."

Robin stopped and turned to look at her. "What's up?"

"I want you to take your old job back." Regina stated, "It's yours if you want it. You are the best, and I let you go."

"Grant it, it was a fair thing to do." Robin answered taking accountability, "I'll think about it."

"Good," Regina said starting for her bedroom.

"Won't Emma be uncomfortable with that?"

She turned and looked at Robin, then shrugged. "I don't know, would you be?"

"Yes."

"Even if he was the best, and I could at least trust him with my career?"

"Yes."

Regina nodded, "Well, the offer's on the table, anytime you want it."

"Goodnight Madam President," Robin said heading towards the door.

"Good night," Regina answered, "Mr. Locksley."

Emma picked up her phone. She waited for Her wife to call her after the debates. She knew it was going to be late, but She had to be there for her. It was 5 am by the time the call came through.

She clicked open the facetime and smiled at her wife's tired face. "Hello my love," she said.

"Emma…" Regina said with a smile. "Can I ask you something?"

Emma frowned. Regina looked like she wanted to say something that she wouldn't like. "Okay."

"I asked Robin to take his job back. He is a Political strategist, and I need him."

"Ah…" Emma said and bit her lower lip. "Should I worry?"

"No," Regina said. "I was never in love with Robin in the first place."

"If you think it's best, Love, I think it's okay," Emma said and sighed. Tears were prickling in her eyes. "I don't know what you want me to say. Our situation is total shit, Regina. I miss you so much, and I live Half of my life away from you. I can't abdicate my throne until Elena is of age. But I don't want you to miss the chance at your second term I just don't know If…"

"If what?" Regina paused. "Do you want me to stop running?"

"No, that's not it." Emma said, "Mother is ill again. I can't leave my people."

"I understand."

"I just miss you," Emma whispered.

"Your mother doesn't want you to lose yourself in Duty. She wants you to be happy… and I wouldn't dream of taking you from your people. I also wouldn't ever dream of leaving you. We will work something out. I promise." Regina reassured. "I could lose this election."

Emma laughed, "You won't lose."