A/N: Hey guys, sorry it's taken me a while to get this up, brought a new house working loads of OT during the pandemic, where others have lots of time I have had none! I have picked up this sorry and will continue to write it. Much love to all for their follows, comments and kudos, love you all. As always I don't own anything or anyone :)

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It was now the 5th day of no contact, Emma has been listening to that song on repeat, day and night, she even finds herself humming it when focusing, but she still can't face the Mayor and yet more paperwork was on her desk ready to go to the town hall.

'Daaavvvviiiiiddddd' Emma sang. She feels slightly bad at putting David in that position but she will face Regina when she is ready.

'Sorry Boss. I've gotta clock off on time today! Besides the Mayor hasn't been in office all week, so you don't need to worry about her combing through your mistakes! Just drop the files with her receptionist' he replies.

'What? Why? Where is she?' She said, sitting bolt upright, with a voice so full of concern even David noticed and looked up from his own files.

'You know, I don't actually know' catching the flash of anger on Emma's face he quickly continued ' I asked but her receptionist said but was none of business'

'Huh' she said. I guess I'm going to the Mayor's office today and I will get an answer she thought. Pressing play on her phone to start the track again, for the millionth time in the last 5 days, she gets up. Gathers the paperwork, tosses a quick goodbye to David, and walks about the station heading for the Mayor's office.

'Good Afternoon Sherif Swan, how can I help?'

'I have files the Mayor requested'

'Thank you, if you could leave them with me I'll ensure Mayor Mills gets them' the receptionist doesn't even look up as she spouts the instructions.

'Actually these are very sensitive documents, hence I am bringing them myself. I need to hand them to the Mayor and no-one else' Emma says trying not to get angry.

'I'm afraid Miss Mills is out and so that won't be possible, leave them here she will get them' the receptionist states pointedly at Emma.

By this point Emma is out of patience and let her anger get the better of her. 'Listen lady. Its Mayor or Madam Mills, I am the sheriff of this town and as such the safety and welfare of EVERY citizen is my duty. Including the Mayors, so cut the crap and tell me. Where is she?' She states harshly. Glaring at the now shrinking receptionist

'She's been unwell all week, I take her paperwork each morning and evening' stutters the receptionist, refusing to make eye contact with the now frustrated Sheriff

'See was that too hard' she snaps storming out the office, slamming the door behind her. She walked back to the station, not quite sure what had caused the outburst. She allowed her thoughts to wonder during her walk, they went to Regina, they always went to Regina. Regina loves Henry fiercely and after all this time, all this fighting, she gave up the one person she loves, to do the right thing. Regina gave up Henry to be honest, not only to him but to Emma as well, she realised that was just as important to Regina as telling Henry the truth. Why should she suffer for doing the right thing, She shouldn't. Emma reasoned with herself, Although this is a lot for Emma to try and process, and she will admit she wasn't finding it as difficult as she thought she would, Regina shouldn't have to go through this alone. Suddenly overcome with guilt as she remembers their talk.

'I'll stand by you'

Regina pulls back from Emma 'you won't, give it time and you will leave just like everyone else has'

'I promise you, I will stand by you, always'

Then another memory

'Remember when you said you would stand by me, well now I'm going to test that, and Emma I want to be very clear. If you walk away I will understand. If you do go. I will not hold it against you. I will not think poorly of you'

Physically hitting her forehead with her palm 'How could I have treated her that way after making a promise, stupid, stupid, stupid' sheoutloud to herself. Deciding her next steps, she can't just let Regina feel forgotten, decision made, Emma pulls her phone out of her pocket and sends a text to Regina.

Listen to this song, 'I'll stand by you the pretenders' I'm so sorry. E X

She walks into the station, swipes the keys to the cruiser, paperwork still in hand, she makes the drive to the Mayoral Mansion. I hope she will give me another chance. She pulled into the driveway and walked to the door. Taking a deep breath she knocks.