The small web of lie that Regina built crumbled quickly so she went on the offensive. 'Henry! What have I told you about eavesdropping?' She put all the weight that she can on her scolding but it didn't hold a candle to the joy the teenage boy was feeling about this new revelation.
'Not to do it, but right now I'll take the grounding.' Henry approached Regina and threw his arms over her shoulder, engulfing her in a hug. 'This is amazing, mom! I've always wanted you both to be together, I mean, duh, we're already a family plus...' He turned to Emma and grumbled, '...I kind of hate Hook.'
'Kid! Hate is a really strong word.'
Henry moved to hide behind her other mother. 'I know, that's why I used it. He's sleazy, Ma! And I think you're just with him because Gramps like him. A little too much, if you know what I mean...'
'Henry!'
'Tell me, do you really love him?'
Emma was suddenly put on the spotlight and failed to answer. She's been together with Hook for a couple months and she's only just gotten used to his abrasive nature. Love was definitely far from what she felt.
Regina helped her apparent true love by cutting in. 'Henry, please go inside and resume eating. Miss Swan and I need to talk.'
'Mom, you know, you should probably call her Emma since she's gonna be Swan Mills soon or maybe Mills S-'
'Now, please.'
Thankfully, Henry understood and went back to the kitchen. He even closed the door so that they'd be assured that he wasn't listening in. Emma sat on one of the steps and hang her head between her legs. Regina sat next to her and carefully touched her arm. 'Emma, I'm sorry I lied to you. I just.. didn't know how to handle the situation yet. It all happened so fast.'
'I get it.' The blonde said, muffled.
'You seem upset.'
'Well, should I be ecstatic?' Emma tipped her head back and washed her face.
Regina took a bit of offense with Emma's reaction over her being the blonde's true love. 'Yes, because the idea of possibly being with me is so awful, right? Look, Emma, I'm gonna find a way around this thing so you don't have to walk around town looking like a bug. We don't have to act on anything, this is just a silly little dust that I can overpower. Now, I have to go back and finish dinner. I would ask you to come but I don't think it's best.' Regina stood up and went inside her home, locking the door for good measure.
'Wait, Regina!' Emma knocked.
Regina opened, keeping an annoyed mask on her face. 'Miss Swan, we cannot do anything to solution our problem tonight, now please-'
'I am not upset about the idea of you being my true love, I just... I just knew okay? And I came straight here. I'm guessing the drinking was your reaction? I need time to let it sink in.'
'Fine. Meet me tomorrow at Granny's and we'll talk.'
'What? Hell no. I already had to pick up Henry in my lady bug form. Pick me up at home then we'll talk.'
Regina couldn't resist a chuckle. 'Alright, then. I'll see you tomorrow at noon. Now, fly away.'
Emma rolled her eyes. 'Very funny, Regina. I'm gonna ask Tink for a dust that will turn my true love into a Llama then we'll see if you can still make jokes.' When the brunette only spared her a smile, Emma turned on her heal and walked to her car. Regina locked the door once more and went back to the dining room. Henry was halfway done with his meal and perked up when she came back.
'Sweetheart, can you please do me a favor?'
'Sure, sure, anything.'
'Take a picture of Miss Swan while in her bug form.'
Henry only pulled his phone and swiped to play a video showing Emma walk towards him in full on lady bug realness. Regina gasped as she watched the adorableness happen, chiming in with the laughter of the girls behind the camera.
'Can you please forward this to me?'
'I already did.'
Regina smirked. 'Good boy.'
[x]
Sunlight seeped through the small slivers of the Emma's blinds, hitting her eyelids and waking her up. She stretched, pushing her arms over head then exhaled. She hated waking up early but has always loved the feel of mornings.
'Good morning!'
'Ah!' Emma opened her eyes and saw a bunch of people standing over her and looking at her every move. 'Am I dead? Is this heaven?'
Snow bust through the room. 'Ruby! I told you just a second! Everybody out!'
A rumble erupted from all the people of Story brooke moving to go out of Emma's bedroom. Some giggled, some looked at her one more time as if trying to take a mental picture and some just waved, satisfied at their morning fill.
'You're so adorable, Emma.' Ruby raised her phone and took a picture before getting out of the room.
'I'm sorry, Emma.' Snow apologized as she locked the door. 'They wanted to see it.'
Emma sat up on her bed, disappointed. 'Did you at least charge them for the show?'
'I think Ruby did.' Snow sat down on a chair near. 'Emma, I need to know what Blue has told you yesterday. Did she give you a cure? What is this exactly?'
Snow and Charming took Emma to Blue but the blonde opted to be alone in talking to her. Had it been life threatening, she wanted to deal with it on her own first before bringing in Snow and probably causing her heart attack. The information spilled from Blue and when she got to the information that the effects dissipate when she comes in contact to caster, it went obvious that it was Regina's doing.
At first, she was angry. Why would the brunette do this? To humiliate her? Then the words True Love were spoken and she went off the rails. She started rambling, Blue barely catching up but was tried to answer every question fired at her. The rest stayed and nagged at her, Did Regina do this because she was lonely? Was this another trick? If this is true, Snow would have a fit seeing as her daughter is being paired up with her greatest enemy. How in the world did the universe knew she was kinda gay?
Fired up, Emma excuse herself from a confused Blue and her parents. She went out the back and walked until she reached the Mayor's home. The long walk she thought would quell her swirling emotions but when faced with the brunette, they all came rushing back. Knowing Regina lied about the dust was upsetting but in the same situation, she would have done the same thing. Henry's reaction was a nice surprise amongst all these however and she took that with her until she went home.
Before bed, she thought about what her parents would feel about this and she could only cringe. Regina and Snow were civil at best. 'Uh.. well, it is easily solved but it's gonna take some time.'
'Okay, but what is it exactly? You never got to tell us what you and Blue talked about.'
'It's just a dust. It's fairly harmless.'
'Who did this to you?'
She cannot admit that Regina did this, Snow will just see this as something more than what it really is. 'I don't know, maybe some dust got loose from the mines. You don't have to worry. I'm not in any trouble. Now, is there breakfast?'
Snow knew her daughter was hiding something but decided not to press. 'Yes, come on.'
[x]
Great part of Regina's morning was spent doing the jobs that she left yesterday. As soon as 11 rolled in, the budget were done and over with. She passed it on to her secretary so that she can make the rounds around town and the respective offices can start their respective projects. The Sheriff Department's however was left with her as this would be their cover for talking at Granny's.
At 12 sharp, she knocked on Emma's door and waited for the blonde to open it.
'Hey, Regina. Do you want to come in first?'
Regina appreciated that Emma was dressed and ready to go. The less time she spent at Snow's house the better, the decor was making her want to throw up rainbows and unicorns. 'Why would I do that?'
Emma was taken aback by the comment. 'Uh, I don't know. I was just being nice. Never mind, c'mon.'
They both drove in silence, both deciding that Granny's should be their talk grounds. The little bell attached to the door chimed and cause everyone to look at them. Ruby noticed immediately that Emma was no longer in her lady bug form.
'Emma, what happened to your costume?'
Emma rolled her eyes as they both walked to an empty booth. Ruby followed, pad in tow, to pretend that she was going to take the order when she was really wanting to gossip. 'What can I get you?'
'Chicken salad for me, Miss Luca-'
'Yes, I know. Chicken salad, cheeseburger and fries.' Ruby then turned to Emma. 'Emma, what happened?'
'I took it off, Rubes. Now, can we please be served?'
The waitress pouted before she went to the back. Regina pulled out the budget and laid the ruse on top of the table. Emma eyed it and nodded acknowledgement when she understood why Regina brought work. Even with however, they both stayed silent, biting the inside of their cheeks. Regina didn't know what to say, Emma didn't know if she should start. They both looked at each and gave shy glances, smiling from time to time.
Regina formulated a neutral sentence in her mind to say but when she went to say it, Emma did too. Leading to another round of weird silence. It went on longer than they noticed, both being too preoccupied with nit picking every movement they make that Ruby was already placing their orders but still no one was talking.
'Are you guys okay? You're not speaking.'
Regina cleared her throat of cobwebs. 'We're fine, Miss Lucas. Just dandy. Thank you.'
'Oh, wait, Regina, I forgot to ask, did something happen to you? I heard yesterday that Belle remembered what the dust is. What's it do?'
The women sitting looked at each other briefly.
'It... doesn't.. do anything. I haven't really checked. Can Miss Swan and I eat in peace, please?'
Ruby's shoulder's slumped. 'Fine. Enjoy your meal.'
'Does she know something? Ruby is a notorious gossip, if this gets out-'
'Ruby was with Belle when I opened the box, that's all. She doesn't know more than that. Don't worry, she's not gonna spread around town that you're supposed to be shacking with the Evil Queen.'
Emma sighed. 'I told you I'm not embarrassed of being with you, Regina. I just want to be able to tell my parents first before they hear it from the grape vine. Okay? I'm not embarrassed of you.'
Regina only nodded as she unfolded the napkin keeping the utensils and prepared her salad, mixing the dry ingredients, dressing and lettuce.
'Can I ask you something?' Emma started.
'Sure.'
'Why did you use the dust? I thought your soulmate was Robin.'
'I didn't use it, per se, I was helping Belle in cleaning Rumple's place when I came across the box. Like I said, Ruby and Belle were opening it but their strength were not enough so I used magic and it was sprinkled on my face.'
'Oh.'
'And I already talked to Tink. According to her, the term soulmate can also mean a close friend. Since it has been reveled that you are my true love, I guess he falls under being a friend. She made a mistake.'
Emma gasped. 'What? So all this time, I could've... I mean, I could've...'
'Could've what, Emma?' Regina asked, piqued.
'Nothing.'
Emma ate as well, she was feeling pretty hungry even though she had a big breakfast and did basically nothing all morning. Regina took the silence to resume her eating. Mid chew, Emma decided to speak. 'So, what are we gonna do about this? Am I forever gonna be a lady bug?'
'You shouldn't speak while chewing, Miss Swan.' She couldn't help but say. 'Well, if you don't love me that is.'
In this context, the word love made Emma's throat close up and she choked on the food. She started coughing and punching her chest. 'What?' She said strained.
'For God sakes, swallow your food.' When Regina saw her neck muscles move, she continued. 'Tink has told me that the only cure to this is to profess our love for each other. Since you're still with Hook and not in love with me, you're gonna stay like that for a while. I'm sorry, Emma.'
Emma pouted. 'Do you think if we said the words or like, if we kiss, it would be it?' The blonde stood up and sat close next to confused Regina. Determined hands locked on her cheeks and she looked at the scared brown eyes. 'I love you.' She leaned in and closed her eyes, aiming her lips at the woman's. It was however halted with a hand pushing her away.
'Miss Swan, get back to your seat.'
'You're not even gonna try it, Regina? It might work!' Emma slumped and crossed her arms. Aside from the rejection of her idea, she was also a little miffed that Regina rejected her kiss.
'I thought you knew better than that, Emma. It has to be real for it to work. You don't love me and I don't you, so keep your hands to your self.'
'So, I have to make you fall in love with me. That's never gonna happen cause I think you secretly still hate me.'
Regina eyebrows furrowed, the comment was so unexpected with everything that they've been through. 'I don't hate you, Emma. I find you terribly irritating at times but I also find you delightful. You're brave, strong and you're a true hero for the people of Story brooke. Aside from the grave lack in manner and class, you're a great mother to Henry. All that said, I have never hated you.'
Emma melted from Regina's ego boost and she couldn't help but give a genuine smile. She held Regina's opinion of high value, if the brunette thought that of her then she's been doing pretty great so far. 'Thank you, Regina. That means a lot. A little backhanded but still appreciated.'
Regina only hummed.
'Do you think I'm hot though?'
The water that the Mayor was drinking was almost spat in Emma's face. She quickly composed herself. 'So the rousing speech that I just gave was for nothing? You just really wanted to know if I think you're good looking?'
'I'm kidding... sort of.'
'I told you, Emma. I will find a way around this dust. I don't want you to do something that you don't want to. I've had the displeasure of that all my life and I will not let that happen to you. I promise. Now finish your meal, I have a meeting in a half an hour. I'll find something on my books later and tell you what I find. Are you okay with being a bug for the rest of the day?'
'No... but I don't have a choice, right? Alright, I guess I'll tough it out. I got David to cover the station until I'm still like this. I can't imagine arresting anyone in my state. Finally, uhh, I know Henry's excited about this new development. I think.. I think we need to talk to him. You know how he gets, Regina. It's gonna get to him and he's not gonna stop. I don't want him to be disappointed should... we... not work out.
Yes. The one big collateral damage of all this fuss. Henry has been really excited about the prospect that they will be a whole family and Regina didn't have the heart to shot down his dreams. If they every acted on their True Love prophecy and it failed, Henry will certainly get hurt. 'Together or not, we're already a family. We just have to be honest with him, alright? He doesn't know much about this so we have to tell him everything.'
'I agree.'
'Come to dinner this Friday and we'll tell him everything.'
'Okay, wow. We agreed on a lot of things. This feels good.' Emma grinned before she bit into her burger rather generously, causing some ketchup to squirt on her cheek. The blonde was so immersed in what the burger tasted that she didn't even notice.
'Miss Swan, you have ketchup on your cheek.'
'You know, Henry was right. You should call me Emma. Wait, what did you say?'
Regina grabbed a couple tissue papers and handed them to the woman in front of her. 'You have ketchup on your face, Em-muh.'
'Ohh.. I like it. You should only say my name like that from now on.' The naturally arched eyebrows wagged in teasing. 'Wipe it off, please?'
'This is not a date, Emma. I will not.'
'Pleaseeeee?'
Emma is the biggest child there is. Afraid of the blonde throwing a tantrum, Regina reached over and slowly took of the ketchup from her face. She had the biggest smile while the brunette was doing the deed and Regina couldn't help but smile back.
'Do you know that you have really beautiful eyes?'
Regina pulled her hand back even though there was still a couple traces of ketchup. 'Stop flirting with me, Emma.'
'What? I'm just stating the obvious. You do have very beautiful eyes.'
'And you have dusty pick up lines. See, I thought we were the ones who were stuck for 28 years.'
'An oldie but a goodie, Regina. A sure panty dropper.'
Regina pushed the folder towards Emma and stood up from booth. 'This is you budget, Sheriff. I expect you to discuss this with David and start all that you have proposed.' The brunette then leaned in close enough to whisper. 'And.. don't worry about my panties, Emma. I'm not wearing any.'
The Mayor chastised herself as she drove back to the her office but, still she couldn't help the smile that appeared on her face.
