A/N: This is Part 2 to my ff Swan, based on the film and book 50 Shades Darker. So, if you haven't read part 1 yet, I suggest you do that first, and to those of you who don't like these films and books, I simply want to say, don't waste your time in commenting how bad it is. I know all your concerns regarding the films and books. Don't waste your time in sending me private messages ranting about how bad this is, because they will honestly go ignored and deleted. I kindly ask, please respect the fact that others, including myself love how these stories are portrayed. So keep your comments to yourselves and let others enjoy this series of installments. With that being said, I want to thank each and every one of you who read Part 1 and are still here for the ride in Part 2. Happy reading! :) and a BIG thank you to each and every one of you. Let's do this!

Part II

Wake Up, Work, Cry, Sleep. That's been the three Day pattern. Three hard, sad days without her lips to kiss, without her scent to smell, that intoxicating perfume that would make her head spin into a whirlwind of emotions. Three days, which felt like a week or two, made her lost. Three long, miserable days without Emma.

It wasn't easy, of course, but she was thankful for her new job at New York Book Publishers, she was thankful for all the lovely people working with her day to day, and for her new boss Robin Locksley… Robin Locksley…

Even if at times, the man was quite intense- not Emma-like intense- of course not! No one could ever be Emma Swan's level of intensity or fuckery. Or anything, really!

But, he liked to hover… a lot!

"Excellent work today, Gina, I think we are going to make an excellent team." Robin smiles his best smile at her, his blue eyes twinkling with glee.

Somehow, Regina manages to glance up at him while she sits at her desk, just outside his office and smiles.

"I'll be heading out now, if that's okay." She tells him, her voice kind.

"Of course. It's five-thirty. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good night, Robin."

"Good night, Gina."

Regina didn't mind him using her nickname, she found it a little informal to call him by his first name, given that the man was her boss, but he insisted upon it. He wouldn't take no for an answer. He was handsome, of course. Brown hair, that if caught by the sun light, it would take the form of an almost light gold color. Not as great and as perfect as Emma's though. He was well brought up, he seemed formal enough, carefree- though never like Emma. And he did have a charming smile and kind eyes, though sometimes, she couldn't help to feel over watched by them. Again, not like Emma's.

God, and I was doing so well… Regina sighed, shaking her head and scolding herself for even thinking about Emma, while she collected her jacket, handbag, and old phone, which had been activated again and headed out of the building.

The cool evening air that settled around her, gave her a sense of tranquility. But it was never enough to fill in that void inside her chest. That unfillable void that she had been carrying around since that Saturday morning, being the last time she had seen her.

No! Stop it! You must not think of her! She scolds herself, boarding a bus to catch a ride home. She missed her beloved Mercedes, and the Audi that Emma had gifted to her. But, hell… surely now she could buy a new car. Why not? That check she was given had to be good for something, right? Stop thinking about her or you will just burst into tears! She doesn't deserve anymore of your tears, Regina.

She arrives at an empty apartment. Hers and Belle's. Sigh! She missed Belle. She was happy for her and Ruby, of course, who were still together and doing better than ever. She could so picture her best friend along with her girlfriend, happy, under the Bahama's sun, matching sunglasses and smiling happily together with drinks in their hands.

Ugh… here we go again… Tears sting at her eyes. Her hand reaches for the remote control of their flat screen TV, turning it on to simply create any background noise and not feel so lonely. That's all it was, really, because all Regina's home routine would consist of would be to sit in front of it like a zombie and stare at the brick wall.

The doorbell startles her, and her thoughts, shaking her back into the pain that was her reality. She immediately answered the door, being greeted by a gray haired man, holding a bouquet of flowers. An expensive bouquet of flowers…

"Regina Mills?" He asked, chewing through his gum.

"Yes."

He handed her over the bouquet, digging through his uniform's breast pocket to fish out a white card with writing. "Comes with this." He smiles, tipping his hat at her and walking away, but not before wishing her a lovely day.

A lovely day… I have yet to have one… Her brow furrows as she glares down at the card, reading the following:

Congratulations on your first day at work.

I hope it went well.

And thank you for the glider. That was very thoughtful.

It has pride of place in my office.

Emma

She rolls her eyes at first- because she can do that now- her chest clenching in the most disturbing and painful way. She clutched the flowers in her hand, all a combination of red and white roses, walking toward the trash bin in her kitchen, ready to toss them. Her eyes falling on them, stinging again with tears that were begging to come out. She couldn't toss them. How could she when they were from Emma? How could she when she still loved her? Yes, maybe she was stupid, but who wasn't now a days? At the end of that unspoken battle, the roses won, gaining a home in a brand new vase and a spot in her bedroom.

Damn, Control Freak, Idiot. Even when she isn't around, she wins.

One good thing about riding the bus to work was no music. She couldn't bear the sound of music anymore. None. Not even those stupid commercial jingles, as they would all remind her of Emma.

She couldn't even get a good night's sleep anymore, because somehow, some way, the blonde would always find a way to evade her dreams, too. Her golden, blonde hair as soft as ever, as her fingers run along the all too familiar trails of her scalp. The softness of the skin on her lips, the way her tongue would possessively enter her mouth without even asking for permission, just taking what it wanted. The way her hands cupped perfectly around her breasts, and the way her green eyes would have this gentle, sparkling look to them, as well as a level of intensity and darkness that up until now, was always such a mystery to Regina.

Regina had become really good at isolating herself lately, too. She hadn't even dared to talk to her mother over the phone because she knew perfectly well, that if she would, she would break down crying. And no way was she telling her mother that her relationship had ended.

Relationship. She chuckled at the word, because that's not what this was. It was never that. It was under terms, an agreement to her, and that's all.

Not to mention her eating habits. She had none, because she hardly had an appetite, if she was being honest. Every time she saw food, she would see her, scolding her for not wanting to eat, like a fucking tortured soul that wouldn't leave her alone.

By Wednesday morning, sitting at her desk at work, she was enjoying a yogurt for breakfast with a bit of granola and a couple of blueberries. Barely even able to stomach it, but she would try and force herself to eat this time. Completely ignoring the blueberry muffins that had been offered to everyone else that morning at the office. Courtesy of Mr. Robin Locksley.

Blueberry muffins… Emma… Their outing for coffee after that photo shoot where she looked like the fucking Greek goddess that she was. Ugh…

Work! She needed work, distractions. That's what she needed. Yes.

Maybe now that Robin wasn't hovering all over her, asking her personal questions, she could get those corresponding emails out of the way for him.

Her desk computer chimes, alerting her of a new incoming email from… Oh, no… not here. Not now!

Dear Regina,

Forgive this intrusion at work. I hope it's going well. Did you get my flowers?

I note that tomorrow is the gallery opening for your friend's show, and I'm sure you've not had time to purchase a car, and it's a long drive. I would be more than happy to take you- should you wish.

Let me know.

Emma Swan

CEO, Swan Enterprises Inc.

Regina can't help but stand from her desk, leaving it, neglecting the opened email from Emma to rush to the bathroom, where a few tears leave her eyes. Damn her! With these past three days and her misery, she had completely forgotten about Daniel's show, which was tomorrow. And as much as she hated to admit it to herself- Emma was right. How would she get there tomorrow? She already promised Daniel she would go. At least Belle was off the hook for being on a lovey dovey vacation.

Shit! She scolded herself, remembering that she left her phone back at Emma's place. That's why Daniel hasn't contacted her. Maybe all of her calls were still being forwarded to that phone. Oh, no… maybe Emma has seen those calls… Her eyes grow wide at the thought. She wouldn't blame the woman for snooping around her phone. Then again, she didn't have to, with her stalking tendencies. She certainly didn't find it at all challenging to get a hold of her new email address.

And Emma offering to drive her… would she even want to say yes? After everything. Would she want to see her again? What would she say if she did? Would she want to talk? With what purpose?

Brave face, Regina! You are at work! She drew in a couple of slow breathes, exhaling them even slower. Wiping away at the corner of her eyes. She stepped out of the bathroom calmly, making her way back to her desk, while her eyes scanned through the blonde's email once again before typing up her reply.

Hi Emma,

Thank you for the flowers; they are lovely.

Yes, I would appreciate a lift.

Thank you.

Regina Mills

Assistant to Robin Locksley, Editor, New York Book Publishers

Regina pulls out her phone, taking notice that Robin is too busy in his office, exchanging a few words with Marian to even notice. So she decides to send Daniel a quick text message:

R: Hi Daniel. It's Regina. What time should I be at your show tomorrow?

Immediately, comes his reply:

D: Hey stranger! You're still coming? Seven-thirty is a good time. See you tomorrow! :)

She sighs, happy to take notice in the smiley face he used, meaning he was happy that she was still showing up tomorrow and still talking to her, even if she went AWOL for three days straight.

Her brown eyes caught glimpse of another incoming email from Emma, not being able to resist the urge to open it up and read the following:

Dear Regina,

What time shall I pick you up?

Emma Swan

CEO, Swan Enterprises Inc.

She's keeping her emails short, that means maybe she hadn't been having the best three days either. Good.

Daniel's show starts at 7:30p.m. What time would you suggest?

Regina Mills

Assistant to Robin Locksley, Editor, New York Book Publishers

Emma's reply comes in the span of three minutes.

Dear Regina,

I've been informed of the location of the place, and it's quite a distance. I shall pick you up at 5:45.

I look forward to seeing you.

Emma Swan

CEO, Swan Enterprises Inc.

Keep it short, Regina… She reminds herself, typing up a reply.

See you then.

Regina Mills

Assistant to Robin Locksley, Editor, New York Book Publishers

Suddenly, Regina had realized what she had done. Yes, she was still mad, yes she sometimes hated the woman for her fucked up ways. But, her heart… her heart still loved her. And right now, it was jumping all over her rib cage, swinging on jungle vines like Tarzan and shouting to seven seas that it would see Emma again. She would see Emma again!

That night in bed, Regina tossed and turned, unable to sleep. But it wasn't because of the pain she had been carrying inside her chest, or for crying the entire night. This was actually the first night since she last saw Emma, that she didn't cry. Instead, her mind was racing with thoughts of Emma. How she looked the last time she saw her. Her green eyes displaying sadness, coldness and… fear? Fear of what? Love?

Was Emma really incapable of it? No… Regina shook her head. She was capable. More than capable. Part of her blamed Emma's upbringing. Her real mother- the prostitute- wasn't a great example of love. And as loving as her adoptive family seemed when she met them, and they were lovely. So classy. They weren't enough for her to learn the true meaning of love. She knew how to love in her own way. And her and Emma had shared many firsts together, which brought her to know that Emma could love.

Eventually that night, as Regina snuggled close to her pillow, her eyes suddenly felt exhausted. Too exhausted, she was able to drift off into a long and peaceful sleep.

Saturday morning was a drag. Longer than Regina hoped it would be. She had gone dress shopping with her first paycheck, settled on something casual, a black casual dress, that its hem finished just above her knees. It had a V neck collar that exposed part of her chest and had short sleeves that expanded loosely around her arms. It felt a bit loose, but she didn't really care.

"Hot date tonight?" Robin asked her, walking past her desk with his boyishly charming smile.

"Yes." She shook her head, "I mean, no, not really. Just seeing a friend- an ex." She smiled back at him.

"Oh?" The man's brow lifted, "A boyfriend?"

"No. Ex-girlfriend."

His eyebrows shoot up to his hairline, "Oh…" A smirk that gives her an unsettling feeling marks his lips, "Maybe tomorrow you'd like to join us for a drink, after work. You've had a steller first week, Gina. You deserve it."

Unsettling feeling and all, Regina smiles, watching Robin walking toward Kathryn Midas. She was another one of his assistants that was a good woman. Regina knew her way more than she was able to know Marian or any other employee here. Maybe her and Kathryn could become friends. She certainly hoped so. It would be nice to have another friend besides Belle. As much as she loved her, of course, she wasn't sure when she would be back from her trip yet.

It was five-thirty! I'm going to see her! She beamed, hating herself for doing so, but she couldn't help to express her happiness about feasting her eyes on Emma again. Before heading out though, she headed into the restroom to make a few last minute adjustments to herself.

Nothing too good, Regina. She doesn't deserve your best! She reminded herself, nodding proudly at her reflection that looked back at her in the mirror. She just re-added some of her lipstick, retouched the blush on her cheeks and ran her hands rapidly through her hair. That should do it!

Taking a deep breath and composing herself, placing on her mask that she had, for the past three days, worked on, if she were to see Emma again. She must not show that she still loved her. She must not break. She must not cry and run into the woman's arms. Brave face!

With that mantra engraved in her mind, she walked past the empty desks, smiling kindly at Kathryn, who kindly smiled back, and toward the double doors that would take her down toward the exit. Robin of course, rushed toward one of the doors, holding it open for her.

"After you." He smiled.

"Thank you." She smiled back, rushing out the door.

Regina makes her way toward the last exit doors, surprised to find that Robin had followed her all the way down to hold open the door for her.

"After you," He smiles again, holding the door.

"Thank you." She smiles, her smile growing at the sight of Gold, who was standing by the curve, near the Black Volkswagen SUV.

She surely missed the man and his kind fatherly smile.

"Ms. Mills." Always the curt gentleman that he was, he smiled as he held the passenger door open for her.

"Hello, Gold." Regina's smile grew, paying no attention to Robin, who was observing the black SUV from afar.

And as she climbed into the back of the vehicle, there she was… Emma Swan… wearing her black suit jacket, unbuttoned, on top of a black t-shirt, a pair of tight jeans and her converse. Her hair tied up in a messy ponytail, very much like she had it since the last time she had seen her.

My God, she seemed to have lost weight! Regina's lips parted open, but quickly composed herself as she climbed in. But, not before noticing Emma's hardened expression turned soft, her green eyes sparkling.

She surely did miss that sparkle in her eye. But why was she so grumpy looking? She had to wonder.

"Hi." Emma breathed.

"Hi." Regina murmured, blinking a few times.

My God, she looked like she had lost weight! Emma's lips slightly parted, falling into a thin line. "When did you eat last?" Her tone firm.

"It's nice to see you, too, Emma." Regina scoffed. Ever the Ms. Control Freak.

Emma's eyes glare in the direction of the car window, which made Regina turn, where she caught a glimpse of Robin waving at her. Her cheeks turned red, but she waved back, like a good employee.

"Who's that?" Asks Emma, her green eyes growing dark.

"My boss," Replies the brunette, rolling her eyes, not really caring anymore.

Thankfully God climbed into the driver's seat, pulling out into the New York evening traffic.

"So?" Emma continued, "Your last meal?"

Regina rolled her eyes again, "That's really none of your business anymore, is it? But if you must know, I ate last Friday. I had yogurt for breakfast this morning."

"Regina, everything you do concerns me." Her eyes turn soft again, "Please eat, Gina. You look like you've lost at least five pounds since we last saw each other."

Regina grows quiet, turning to look at the city outside the window, which had more of a vibrant color than the one inside this car at the moment. She knew things would be awkward, hard even, especially when Emma herself looked like she had had it rough these past couple of days. She looked skinny too. Sad even, but still angry. Was it because of her boss?

She silently chuckled, ever the jealous one.

"How are you?" Asked Emma, breaking the silence again, her eyes never leaving the brunette's.

Regina turns to face her once again, finding her body has shifted more her way. She scoffs, "Well, if I told you I was fine, I'd be lying." Her head dips down to find Emma's hand clasped around hers.

Oh, no… don't do this. Not now.

"Me too." Emma murmurs, her thumb brushing against olive toned knuckles, her eyes still soft as they locked onto Regina's, "I miss you."

Regina blinks, fighting back tears that sting away at her eyes, "Emma, I-"

"Regina, please. We need to talk."

The brunette shakes her head, practically hearing the desperation and begging lingering in the blonde's voice. Which made this situation even harder. Why do you have to be so stupid? Why did you have to say yes to a ride from her? She scolds herself.

Her eyes sting with unshed tears, turning away to look out the window again. Don't you dare cry! Not here, not in front of her.

But as always, Emma was five steps ahead of her. Her hand squeezing gently against hers, until she turned to look at her again.

"Oh, baby, don't cry." Emma murmured, her thumb wiping away at a fallen tear against her cheek, her green eyes staring back at her in a soft manner.

Emma wanted to pull her in, sit her on her lap and even allow her to lay her head against her chest, but she didn't want to push her. She didn't want to push herself in trying to force her into anything she didn't want to do. Yes, she would always want things at her control, because at the end of the day, that's who she was. But, mark her words, she promised herself that if she could get her back and gain her forgiveness. She would never hit this beautiful woman again. Instead, she would love her with every fiber of her being. Even if she had to learn the correct way to love. Even if it was the toughest thing she ever had to do- she was willing to try, rules aside for this woman.