Hook awkwardly flips through the shirts with his good hand. He takes a plain white V-neck off the rack. Part of him wants to curse Swan across the seven seas for planting the thought in his mind, but at the same time, Hook grudgingly admits a change is needed.

"But where the bloody hell do I start?" he sighs.

"If I may be of some assistance?"

Hook startles and spins around. Unfortunately, he loses his balance and stumbles into the rack. It goes crashing to the floor, and Hook looks up. Then he blinks a few times and frowns.

"Adella? But I thought-

"Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated. A simple change of hair color," Adella gestures to her platinum blonde locks tied into a high ponytail, "and a vow to the Queen leave me no longer bound to my father's wishes or my sisters' inane desires."

"You and Ariel have much in common, it seems."

Adella snorts and waves her hand. "I do not claim to know the inner workings of my sister's mind nor do I wish to."

"Bit of sibling rivalry?"

"Sibling indifference." Adella bends down and rights the rack, picking up the shirts. "To what do I owe the pleasure of having the famous Killian Jones in my humble establishment?" she asks.

Hook scratches the back of his neck with his hook and says, "Looking for clothing that doesn't make me look like a douchebag."

"If you moved away from all black-

"What's wrong with black?"

"On occasion it works. I suggest throwing in some reds or blues. Maybe a deep green or a purple."

"Does that not- will those not make me look…somewhat feminine?"

Adella laughs and finishes with the rack. "I can close down for the day, and I can give you the full Adella treatment. New shirts, new pants, new shoes, and I can even pass along some tips on how to put certain things together. Would that work for you?"

"I wouldn't want to-

"Yes or no?"

Hook deflates and says, "It would be acceptable, yes."

"Wonderful. And in return, you can take me out to dinner tonight."

Hook straightens and looks Adella in the eyes. "You- you want to go out with me?" he asks.

"Is that going- oh, please tell me you are not still hung up on Swan?"

"What? Oh! No, no. Swan and I are fine. I was never," Hook pauses, "Swan is not interested in me, and I have now concluded I was not as interested either. We are better off as friends."

"Finally realized Swan likes women?"

"How did you know?"

"For some reason, when I came over with the curse, I can sense people's true selves. I cannot explain it beyond Swan is, or was if his recent change is anything to go by, a troubled man forced to live as a woman. I am glad you and he both found the path that was destined for you."

"It would seem you are not at all as the tales made you seem."

Adella shrugs and heads over to the door. She flips the sign to closed and says, "The Queen and I bonded in the weirdest of fashions, and she kept me safe at the castle for however long I needed to be there. You can say she played a hand in making sure my father never knew where I was by spreading as many different rumors as possible, ensuring my safety. When she cast the curse, I was blessed and honored to be one of the few who managed to maintain some sense of normalcy."

"I see."

Adella releases her hair from the ponytail and runs her fingers through it. Hook thinks that taking her out on a date might not be such a bad thing. Then, he wonders if his thing for blondes is going to get him in trouble one day.

"I want to wear a suit tonight."

"A suit?"

"Yes."

"Why are you acting so nervous?"

"Rosalie!" Bella blurts. "I mean, come on! She's a Goddess! Out of everyone in the universe, they put her with me. It feels like a mistake, you know? We barely had a chance to know each other in Forks, and now she's uprooted her life to be with me. How unfair is that? She's away from her family, and I know it bothers her. I can see it. But- I just want – need – to prove I'm worth it. Like the universe didn't make a mistake."

Emmerson stares at Bella before he says, "Okay. I will pick your outfit and bring it to your room before your date."

"That's it? You have nothing else to say to me? Nothing else uplifting? Motivating?"

"It would be hypocritical to tell you that you're being stupid, despite the fact I believe you are being stupid," Emmerson says. "I'm in love with the Evil Queen, Isabella. Emphasis on Queen, not Evil. She is the definition of class, elegance, luxury, and I'm not. She's Prada and Valentino. I'm Walmart and the Salvation Army."

"More like Balenciaga and Chanel versus Vans and Dick's Sporting Goods," Bella jokes.

Emmerson smiles and pats the mattress. Bella comes over and sits beside him.

"As you know, Rosalie is the type of person who knows what she wants and what she doesn't. I'm sure Hale would've found her way around having to be tied to you for the rest of her life. But she didn't. She jumped in head-first. I've known Hale for at least a decade, and I have never seen her smile as much as she has with you. She laughs harder when she's with you. She's stronger, happier, and…she's not as haunted. You've given her an eternity to look forward to, and I can say without a doubt in my mind that you are more than worth it."

"Damnit, Swan," Bella huffs. "Why couldn't you let me stew in this a little longer?"

"I would be strung up by my ankles," he snorts. "Your mother and girlfriend would have filleted me if I even considered letting you stumble down this path."

Bella laughs and falls into Emmerson. He wraps an arm around her and kisses the top of her head. The two remain in that position, Bella's eyes slipping close, and the door opens. Rosalie spots Bella, her eyes softening for a moment before she scowls and enters the room. Emmerson loosens his grip, and Rosalie snags Bella off the bed by the shirt. Bella yelps and catches herself in Rosalie's arms.

"You are an idiot, Isabella Swan-Mills."

"Aw man. How long have you been back?"

"Long enough to want to strangle you senseless."

"Please, leave," Emmerson says. "I am still the Sheriff, and I-

"Oh no," Rosalie interrupts. "You are in as much trouble as she is. Regina heard you as well."

"For fuck's sake, Hale!" Emmerson exclaims. "You couldn't have maybe made some noise coming in?"

"Why would I do that?" Rosalie deadpans. She turns to Bella and adds, "Bedroom. Now."

Bella hurries from the room, and Emmerson glances warily at Rosalie, who smirks.

"For the record, I adore you too, Swan. However…" Rosalie turns on her heels and announces, "Regina! Emmerson thinks you're a MILF!"

"What? I didn't- Rosalie!" Emmerson shouts. "Why would you-

Regina appears in the hallway at that moment, confused. Rosalie looks over her shoulder and winks before she leaves the room. Regina frowns at Emmerson.

"What in the world is a MILF?" she asks.

Emmerson groans and flops back on the bed.

Rosalie flicks a piece of lint off her black dress and waits patiently at the base of the stairs. Earlier, after ensuring there would be no more foolish thoughts about Isabella not being worth Rosalie, she banished the girl into the spare bedroom at the end of the hall while Rosalie searched for an outfit to wear. She wanted one that was tasteful and… well, to be blunt, something to make Bella lose that stubborn cockiness.

Rosalie stares off into the distance and frowns. The original purpose of this date was to show Isabella how much Rosalie cares for her, strengthen their bond, and have no guilt about having sex before they actually went on a date. However, it seems Rosalie also has to show Isabella it isn't her who's out of Rosalie's league, but rather the opposite. Isabella is a Princess. An actual, breathing Princess with a mother who could level the world should she choose, and technically, already did. That power lives inside of Isabella, simmering under the surface behind snide remarks and cocky glares that send shivers down Rosalie's spine.

But what does that say about Rosalie? That she so openly falls into that darkness, eager to let it consume her?

An Earthy scent, like a bonfire in the woods after it rains, suddenly wraps around her, and Rosalie turns to the side. Isabella descends the stairs at a leisurely pace, hands in pockets, and she burns in the best way with how easily Isabella carries her confidence. How Isabella could switch between being vulnerable and open to cocky and mysterious in a matter of two hours is incredibly… attractive. Rosalie blinks and finds Isabella directly in front of her. Rosalie's face twitches as she tries not to scowl at being caught off guard. Instead, she looks her mate up and down. Isabella falters momentarily when she realizes Rosalie's finally got the upper hand in height, and Rosalie smirks to herself. Emmerson did a fantastic job picking out Isabella's outfit without going overboard.

Rosalie twitches again when Isabella puts a hand on her collarbone, centering her in the moment and causing her to melt into puddle.

"How do you do that?" she sighs.

"Do what?"

"Make me weak."

"Not even I can make you weak, Miss Hale," she murmurs.

Rosalie swallows the urge to correct Isabella, claiming that she can in fact render Rosalie powerless with a simple touch, and instead, she says, "I like this look on you."

"Emmerson said I needed to branch away from black."

"While I quite like you in black, nothing wrong with burgundy and gray."

"I will keep that in mind."

"Are you ready?" she asks.

"Yes. Where are we going?"

"Did you- wait, do you not have somewhere for us to go?"

Isabella pales and starts to respond before she sees the look in Rosalie's eyes. She frowns and huffs, "That isn't funny, Rose."

"It was to me. Come. I found a decent restaurant while I was out with your Mother."

"Oh, shit. Wait, please? I need to- she wasn't there the first time."

Rosalie waves her off, and Isabella cocks her head to the side, eyes un-focused before she disappears down the hall. Rosalie decides to pay a visit to Emmerson.

Bella knocks on the door to her mother's study.

"Come in, darling."

Bella opens the door and enters the room, closing the door behind her. "How'd you know it was me?" she asks.

"I could feel your magic." Regina looks up from her desk and smiles. "You look handsome."

"Thank you."

Bella pulls out her phone and motions Regina over. Regina stands, confused, and comes up beside Bella. With a brief smile, Bella drapes her arm around Regina and smiles at the phone.

"Say cheese!"

"No."

Bella laughs and takes the picture. She glances down at it, satisfied, and puts her phone back in her pocket.

"My first official date with my future wife. I wanted to capture the moment with you," Bella says.

"Wife?"

"You and I both know I am not letting go of Rosalie."

"It's a little odd to hear you say it so openly. Especially knowing she can hear you."

Bella shrugs. "No biggie," she says.

"Regardless, I am happy to be a part of this momentous occasion. Though, I guess you can say it is both of our first dates with our future partners."

"Gross."

"Isabella."

"Come on. I'm kidding. I know Emmerson is here to stay."

"Hopefully for a very long time."

Bella cocks her head and asks, "You really love him, don't you?"

Regina blushes and looks off to the side. "It pains me to admit this but I have never felt this way about someone. Not even with Daniel. Emmerson makes me feel like I can walk on water-

"You can do that anyway with the right spell," Bella interrupts.

"-my point is," Regina laughs. "I want more than forever with him. I want multiple lifetimes, universes, and realms. He is my always."

Someone knocks on the door, and Bella walks over to open it. Rosalie smiles apologetically and gestures to the clock.

"As much as I hate to cut in, our reservation is in twenty minutes," she says.

"I thought I was just going to-

"Poof me? Absolutely not," Rosalie scoffs. "You will drive me like a proper gentlewoman."

"Yes, dear."

Regina snorts and gently pushes Bella out of her study. She glances at Rosalie, a warning in her eyes, and the vampire inclines her head in acknowledgement.

"Tell Emmerson to keep his grubby hands to himself."

"As long as Rosalie does the same."

Bella scowls and grabs Rosalie's hand. She walks off toward the garage. Regina smiles and glances at the stairs. She sees Emmerson disappear into his bedroom from the bathroom and bites her lip.

"Always, indeed," she mutters to herself.

Emmett bounces on his toes and smiles at Regina. He reminds her of an excitable puppy. Emmett taps his fingers on the counter to get her attention, and she smiles apologetically.

"All good. Just wanted you to know Lee and I are going on a double-date with Ruby and Belle tonight."

Regina pauses and asks, "I thought you two were just going to be hunting."

"At some point, we are going to hunt. But we figured you two needed time alone without worrying about us hearing anything."

"Who said anything was happening tonight?"

"Are you saying you don't want it to?" Emmett teases.

Regina clicks her teeth. The conversation stalls when they hear footsteps. Regina nervously brushes down her dress, hoping she made the right choice, and her breath catches in her throat when Emmerson enters the kitchen. Emmett's gone before she can blink, and Emmerson scratches the back of his now bare neck, a few strands of hair falling in his face. Regina licks her lips and somehow finds her voice.

"You cut it more?" she asks.

"Yes. It was still…"

"I like it."

Emmerson relaxes and gives her that same annoying crooked smile. "You look incredible. I love that color on you," he says.

"I know. Just like you know I love that color on you."

Emmerson tugs at his green shirt and says, "Hale threatened me to wear it."

Regina barks out a laugh and walks up to Emmerson. She traces the outline of his jaw and says, "No mention of Rosalie, my daughter, no vampires, no Blue, no Henry, and no Charmings tonight. I want this to be just us. Deal?"

"Deal." Emmerson places a gentle kiss on Regina's forehead and adds, "I adore you."

"How about we eat first? Then, you can shower me in affection however long you desire."

"It would be my pleasure, your Majesty."

Hook squints at the menu and says, "What the bloody hell is- oh. Oh! That sounds decent enough."

"Well, well, well. Captain Hook in white? The world must be ending."

Hook looks up and glares at Bella, who smiles cheekily. Rosalie squeezes Bella's arm, nods to Hook, and follows the waiter to their table. Bella watches her go, lovestruck and something else he didn't want to think on before she turns back to him.

"Are you on a date?" she asks.

"Yes."

"With a person?"

"I swear you're as annoying as your mother."

Bella grins and pats him on the shoulder. "No worries, matey. Just a joke," she teases.

"Matey? No one says-

"Sorry I'm…late."

Hook manages to stand and pull out the seat for Adella. He clears his throat and says, "Adella, this is-

"Yeah, I know who this is," Adella interrupts dryly.

"Hello, fish."

"Evening, psychotic child of my savior."

"Such sweet words."

Hook glances between them, confused, and Bella winks at him.

"Enjoy your date, Killian. House is off limits tonight," she explains.

"Okay?"

Bella flicks Adella on the ear before she walks off. Adella leans forward on the table and cocks an eyebrow.

"How do you know the Queen's daughter?" she asks.

"Ruby and I are unofficial members of the Queen's guard. How do you know her?"

"The brat threw me in a pond because she wanted to see my tail," she deadpans.

"Sounds about right."

Adella stares at him for a long moment before she picks up her own menu and sighs.

"Well. At least you won't be boring."

"You threw her in a pond?" Rosalie asks.

"I was six."

"You threw someone in a pond."

"I knew she- I am not defending myself."

"And yet…"

Bella lets out a little bit of her magic. Rosalie inhales sharply and glares at her under the soft light. Bella watches the black bleed into the gold like ink spilling on parchment. She lazily flicks her wrist, and a red bolt of energy crashes into Rosalie's chest. Rosalie groans under her breath and hunches over. Bella watches her carefully, smiling when she sees Rosalie's skin gain a little color. Rosalie looks up, and the black has transformed into a lovely violet. Bella picks up her menu and scans it while Rosalie finds a way to adjust to the spell.

"I think I want the salmon. Trout is an odd fish to eat in my opinion. Or maybe I should get the-"

"What did you do to me?"

"It's- well, it's a very dark spell that I don't use that often. I don't recall who taught it to me, but it's basically a spell that brings to life that which is dead. As you are technically…deceased, in a manner, it allowed me to jump start your organs and what not, bringing you back to life. This spell will allow you for the next twelve hours to eat and drink without worrying about any future side effects. At least, not any vampiric side effects. I still don't think you should eat the trout or this escargot crap. They sound-"

Bella squeals as Rosalie practically tackles her across the table to the ground. Thankfully, Bella put more than a silencing spell around their table. Bella blinks up at Rosalie, who has the brightest smile on her face.

"If I were not so dead set on doing this properly, I would make love to you right here in this restaurant."

Bella shivers at the promise and says, "Babe, the waiter is coming over."

Rosalie stands and pulls Bella to her feet. They right the chairs and fix the tablecloth just in time for Bella to drop the spell around their table. The waiter blinks a little and smiles.

"Hi! What can I start you ladies off with?" he asks.

"Bottle of your finest Merlot and everything on the menu," Rosalie says.

"Everything?"

"Yes."

"Sure. I- I will get right on that," the waiter stammers, hurrying off.

"Good thing this place only has six entrees," Bella jokes.

Rosalie bites her lip and says, "I apologize. While I can normally eat food, I have not been able to enjoy it. I hope you are alright with me indulging?"

"Do what you want, Rose. It's why I did it. I want you to enjoy this."

"I love you."

Bella grabs Rosalie's hand and says, "I love you too. But you will be paying tonight."