Emma wanted to give Regina space, knowing that if she pushed too hard or too fast the Mayor would shut her out again. So instead she made sure to include the road past the Mayoral Mansion as part of her daily route around town. It had been a few days since Emma and Regina had spoken, sat behind her desk at the station idly playing with a pen, wondering how long was long enough before she should reach out. Closing her eyes she takes herself back to sitting next to Regina. Holding her close being able to smell the apple scented shampoo the Mayor used. Getting lost in the feel and the smell of having her arms around the woman she lov. . . Wait.
The sound of heels on the stone floor quickly bringing Emma away from that thought. Turning towards the door as the Mayor in all her beautiful glory came in. Wearing her usual black pant suit, this time with a deep red blouse, and, as Emma thinks of them, her 'come fuck me' heels, Emma couldnt help but stare in awe at how stunning Regina truly was. Seeing Emma stare at her Regina was suddenly hit with nerves, maybe she thought wrong, maybe they hadn't started a new chapter, stopping just in front of Emma's desk Regina places two coffees and a container from Grannys on Emma's desk.
'Hi, erm, I wasn't sure if you had eaten yet and I thought, well you might like a break or' she stopped not really knowing what else to say, huffing she continued 'I would like, for Henry's sake, for us to be more, to be better, I' she sighs 'I would like for us to start again. Emma'
Sensing her discomfort Emma stood, walked round and pulled the brunette into her, although Regina stiffened at the unexpected contact she soon relaxed, allowing Emma to note that they were the same height, even with her heels on, before Regina remembered herself and stiffened, pulling away slightly.
'Thank you Regina, it was very kind of you to think of me' she pulled up another chair, silently asking Regina to stay with her a little, accepting, Regina sat, picking up a cup and taking a sip.
'I know you are rather partial to bear claws, although they are not great for you, so I only got one' she started, although the silence was not awkward Regina felt the need to fill it.
'Thank you, again, Regina' Emma said with a smile.
'Emma, I wanted to say thank you for the other night, I have been seeing Dr Hopper every day for the last few days and I would like to share something with you if I can, Dr Hopper suggested that I may be a little' pausing to remember how the cricket described her 'guarded.'
Emma could see the uncertainty in Regina's eyes, she could also see vulnerability and pain and fear, in fact looking into Regina's eyes Emma could not only see, but feel what Regina was feeling. She felt so emotionally connected to her former enemy it made her sure she was right, Regina is worth fighting for no matter what, she may not feel the same but Emma knew she would try. Not now. But soon. Maybe.
Feeling exposed Regina continued 'I would like to get to know you better, and if you are willing, I would like for you to get to know me more, I'm not going to lie to you Emma. Everything about me is, well I suppose intense is the word, and parts of my past are. . .not all that different to yours in some ways. I don't trust very well, most people have taken advantage any trust I have given, but I would like to trust you, maybe in time you will learn everything, I need to have someone I can trust, with all parts of myself, and in turn I would like to be the person you trust, again if you are willing' slipping on the Mayoral mask she had come to perfect, waiting for the rejection to come and stealing her emotions for the blow, she was taken by surprise by the Sheriff's answer.
'I thought I had been clear. I will stand by you Regina. No matter what' The conviction is there again and it shakes Regina to the core. 'I need to stay strong' she thinks to herself, 'when she learns the truth she will leave like everyone else' letting the momentary shock pass and the mask of the Mayor fall back into place.
'Okay, I am going to get Henry from school. Can you come by when you are finished here. I need to speak with you both.'
'Okay, sure, I should be done by 7' Emma said with a glimmer of excitement.
'7 it is, I shall make dinner' as she walked towards the door she noted Emma was watching her so she put a little extra swish in her walk, stopping just before the door she looked over her shoulder ' don't forget the reports for the town meeting'
She smirked when Emma blushed at being caught staring and walking out the door before the blonde could pick her jaw off the floor.