"I told you to get me Regina Fucking-Mills MONTHS AGO!"

"I tried, but she stopped returning my calls."

"And you are just telling me this now? I sent you to do one job, Killian. You promised to deliver."

Killian shrugged.

"No, that is not an answer. What happened?"

"Well, I did talk to her. I did try to woo her to sign with us. She said she would think about it."

"Woo…? You mean you fucking hit on her?"

He shrugged, lifting his arms in the air, "Guilty. She is a stunning woman."

"You can't do shit like that, Killian! You're fired."

"What?! You can't do that. I was just doing my job…"

"I can fire you. It's my company. And this isn't Mad Men up in here. Cora in HR will send you your last check. Get your things and go."

Killian glared at her, but he got up and said nothing to her as he left. He already had his sights on another job, one where he didn't have to be told what to do by a woman.

Emma didn't look at Killian either. She was quite relieved to fire him and he failed to get her the one person she wanted: Regina Mills.

Emma stared at the magazine cover. A stunning picture of Regina looking back at her. Emma never had seen a bad shot of her, and tabloids had tried. She was a goddess. With this article, the talk of Hollywood right now was who would Mills sign with now that she was a free agent? Ever since Emma knew she was going to be ending her contract soon, she was hoping to win her over to her production company before that contract ended; scoop her up before anyone else had a chance to. Someone this important and big she should have done herself.

She opened her intercom to talk to her secretary. "Alice, come in for a second please."

Alice was in her office pronto and took a seat. She wore a chipper smile. She was the embodiment of positivity, and right now, Emma needed her spirit.

"Alice, please contact Cora in HR and confirm that Killian went to her to tell her he is no longer employed here. Also, please make sure that security sees to it that Killian has gathered all his things from his office, turned in his keycard, and left the grounds; request Leroy to come and escort him out. Then, contact Cruella de Vil and set up a meeting. Preferably today, but anytime she has free will do."

Alice wrote down her list of to-do. She looked up at Emma when she stopped talking, waiting on her next task, smiling.

"Yes, Alice?"

"Oh, just waiting for something else…"

Emma chuckled, "No, Alice. That is it. By the way, if you haven't spoken to Ms. de Vil before, she can be rough around the edges. Don't take no for an answer...tell her that if you have to. Let's make it a restaurant meeting. I have a standing reservation at Kusama, every Friday. Ask her if that will do."

Alice's eyes perked up, "The sushi place that everyone tries to get into but nobody hardly ever?!"

Emma smiled, "Yep, that's the one. Kusama and I are friends."

Alice's gleeful eyes become larger. "Wow. You are the best boss. So cool."

Emma blushed a bit. "You are the best assistant. Thank you, Alice, you may go."

Alice bounced out of her seat, closing the door behind her a little too enthusiastically, "Sorry!" She yelled from the other side.

Emma hated dealing with agents. She didn't trust them to convey what her offers were to their clients. But as far as agents went, Cruella was the best in the business. She protected her clients, and her clients loved her for it. It didn't help that Emma and she had beef. So, this was why she tried to go around her and reach Mills directly. Killian promised, so she gave the job to him. He had successfully reached other actors and got most of them to her company. She felt in her gut she should have done this one. Never again.

Emma took care of some work and impatiently waited for a response from de Vil.

--

Emma waited in front of Kusama for Cruella to appear. She was so relieved she agreed to meet with her. Alice was a little worn from trying to reach her, but she was an effective and tenacious assistant. Emma looked at her watch. Ten after eight. Figures that she would make her wait. But this was important to Emma, and nobody was ever really punctual in Hollywood anyway.

Kusama sat on the top of the Hollywood Hills overlooking Hollywood. It was remarkably serene; one wouldn't think that down below there was edgy drivers and strange people walking the streets. Unsettling for most locals, it was a wonder that it was a popular tourist attraction. But for Emma, it was familiar and full of life, home.

At eight-thirty Cruella's signature black and white Panther DeVille rolled into the valet parking, convertible top down. Emma stood facing the car, her hands in her pockets, patiently waiting for Cruella to get out. Cruella launched out of her car like a lightning bolt; she was very tall and thin, but her full, white fur coat reflected her immense personality. Emma grinned as she watched her give the valet instructions to take care of her car above any others. She wasn't rude about it, but very firm. The small man looked at her in awe and nodded as he took her keys, never losing eye contact.

"Dahling...so good of you to wait for me. I was certain you would have left me by now...but of course, I would have insisted I take your reservation anyway, ahh-haaa-haha."

Emma smiled, "I would wait all night if I had to for you."

They both leaned in and kissed each other's cheeks. Emma was a little nervous that Cruella would give her attitude. Their last run-in was not the best, but the night was just beginning—anything could happen.

"Would you like to go to the bar first before we take our dinner table?" Emma asked.

"No, no, we have waited long enough. I'm famished. We can have drinks at the table."

"Excellent. The cocktails are unique and strong. Of course, everything is on me, do not hesitate to have whatever your heart desires."

"You know how to butter a woman up, Swan. But can you handle me?" Cruella gave her a smirk and a deadly smile.

"I'm willing to try."

Cruella gave the most roarous of laughs, making everyone from the bar to the restaurant turn their heads. If anyone in there was bothered by her manners, they didn't know this was Cruella; you just needed to accept her. She took off her fur and handed it to Emma. "Take care of this for me, will you?"

The fur seemed to weigh a ton. She took it to the coat check and held onto the ticket. A waiter saw Emma, recognized her, and immediately walked them to their table.

By Cruella's fifth cocktail, appetizers came to the table. Cruella didn't want to decide, so she had Emma order. Emma just asked for one of each. And as for dinner, she already let Kusama know she was coming, so she already had an impressive spread ready for them that she was going to deliver herself.

At the end of the meal, Emma had relaxed a bit. Cruella was friendly, chatty, and oddly enough, put her at ease. She was looking for the right time to discuss Regina Mills, but Cruella kept the conversation flowing; but Emma wasn't hating it.

Kusama also brought them their desserts. It was here that Cruella finally talked business. "What are you willing to offer my client if she were to sign with you?"

Emma was caught off guard but was excited to get down to it. "Well, I presume her contract was up because they no longer were going to offer her what she is worth?"

"Possibly."

"What do you mean, 'possibly?' Maybe you should tell me what that contract was like so I can try better."

"I can't just yet. I'd rather you tell me, and then we will see."

Emma grew irritated at that, but she proceeded to tell Cruella the terms.

"I like you, Swan. But I am not hearing anything unique that would benefit my client."

"How about you tell me what she would like specifically so that I can tell you if that is a possibility or not."

"She isn't ready to disclose that information yet."

Emma's eyebrows shot up. "For real? What could I possibly say that would pique her interest. I know I'm offering her more money, more creative input in projects, the ability to say yes or no to whatever she likes, even if she wanted to bring in outside scripts, we'd consider."

Cruella remained quiet as she licked her spoon.

Emma looked at her with raised eyebrows, waiting for an answer, but she was certain her face looked incredulous. Several cocktails and a belly full of food gave her no chill. She wanted Regina Mills, and after all this, she was getting the runaround.

"Does this have to do with what happened between us?" Emma asked.

"Whatever do you mean? When you implied that I kill puppies for my furs?"

There is was. Cruella had not forgotten, and by the look in her eye, nor forgiven.

"Cruella, I am sorry that what I said sounded that way, that was not my intention."

"I'm sure. But you should be careful about what you say around strangers. The media got ahold of that and had a field day with it…"

"Yes, I know," Emma sat back in her chair and smoothed out her dinner napkin. Looking down she said, "I'm really sorry. You are right. I know better."

Cruella eyed her posture. She supposed Emma was sorry. She had never had such slander hurled against her. It took all her public relations talent to wipe that away clean. To date, Emma Swan had been the only one to get to her like that, and it wasn't even intentional. "Dahling, look, I bring this up not because I wanted an apology or to see you squirm...although I admit I do delight in such things, but because I wish I could tell you about Ms. Mills to help you with the contract. However, the information is sensitive, and well, you have a track record of messing up such info. I am handling the PR, and it needs to stay for the time being between my client and me."

What a way to tell me to piss off, Emma thought. Feeling put in her place, Emma took a drink of her last cocktail. She was curious as hell, but she let the topic go. "Ok, Cruella, I understand. But is there any hope that Ms. Mills would come to us? Whatever it is, I really would like to accommodate her needs."

"Perhaps. But that rep you sent to her was not a favorable reflection of your company, " Cruella chided.

Emma put her hand to her forehead. Mother fucking Hook! "Fuck. I am batting 2 for 0 here. I just found out what he did and I fired him for it. Was there anything more to it? Did he assault her? Do I need to handle this with more severity? He is no longer representing the company, but I will go after him if she wants me to."

Cruella shook her head. "No, it didn't go that far. Made Regina very uncomfortable, but she handled herself, and Hook was more annoying than anything. Still, she didn't like it."

Emma was relieved. "Look, if I could just meet with Ms. Mills, apologize, assure her that was a mistake and that nobody like that will ever work for me again…"

"Swan, you make such desperate and assuring promises that you don't know if you can't keep. Nothing is one hundred percent, dahling, nothing. Have some patience. How about if I meet with you in a month, over dinner again? Perhaps I can bring Ms. Mills with me."

Emma's distraught face perked up, "You think? But why a month? Yes, I know, I lack patience. Why not next week?" Emma chuckled. She couldn't help herself.

"Because Ms. Mills is taking some time to herself for a few weeks."

"Oh, that's important. Anywhere special?"

Cruella took the last bite of the dessert that had been sitting there. At this point, she deserved it. "I may have had more cocktails than you, but I am as composed as ever. My tongue is not loose enough to fall for your casual questions. Where my client goes is none of your business."

Emma grinned. "Worth a shot."

Cruella looked at the table, then over at her. "I think we decimated this table." Cruella laughed loud, holding her belly as she laughed. She was so thin that Emma could see her food-baby. "It was a lovely meal, thank you for bringing me here. You are charming, Emma Swan. But you are also a bit irritating. Nevertheless, I look forward to some more time with you."

The two of them got up. Emma made sure to retrieve Cruella's coat. She offered to put it on her, and Cruella accepted. They waited outside for the valet to bring about their cars. Cruella's came first and fast. She handed the man a fat tip. "Ta-ta, darling, " Cruella waved to Emma. "And do wear pantsuits more often, the one you have on is sexy as fuck, ah-haaaa-hahaha."

Emma blushed at Cruella's loud compliment as she watched her race off. The valet pulled up her car next; not as unique as Cruella's car, but a black Porsche wasn't just any old car. Emma was about to take her car when she heard someone call her name.

"Emma, is that you?"

Emma looked up from just handing the valet a tip, and she spotted an ex of hers, Nimue. Despite herself, a large smile took over her face, "Nimue."

The woman had just come out of the restaurant and handed her ticket to the valet. She stood in her spot, smiling back at Emma. She was dressed in a sleek, fitting rainbow metallic dress, her skin glowing bronze even in the dim light, and her eyes gleamed, beckoning Emma to come to her.

Emma told the valet to give her a minute. She closed her car door and walked over to her, taking her hand and kissing it. "You look wonderful. I'm sorry that I didn't see you inside. Alone?"

Nimue squeezed her hand and held it in hers as she spoke, "No, they're in there somewhere. Wasn't the kind of date I was looking for, so I am leaving."

Emma chuckled. "Such a heartbreaker."

"I know," Nimue gave her a wicked grin. "But I wasn't looking forward to my night being over. Let's go have a drink." She pulled Emma back into the restaurant.

Emma complied. She tossed her keys to the valet. The nearest valet handed her back two tickets, one for her, and one for Nimue.

They made their way into the bar and found a two-seat table near the window overlooking a similar landscape Emma had earlier.

"You are looking very well. You weren't here alone," Nimue commented.

"Thank you. Business meeting with Cruella de…"

Nimue cut her off, "Yes, I know. Well, I heard her." She gave a small laugh.

"Spying on me, I see." Emma smiled as she flagged down a bartender.

"Couldn't be helped. I admit, I kinda was stalking you. Once I saw you, I lost interest in my date."

Emma blushed, but she didn't know why. "Stalked! You are funny Nimue." The bartender appeared, "IPA and a Sidecar, top-shelf cognac, please."

"Pure gentlewoman, Emma. You remembered my drink, and ordered for me."

"Only the best for my stalker."

"It's been a long while since we've seen each other."

"It has been."

"So you noticed. We parted amicably, so why didn't you call me if you missed me?"

"I didn't say I missed you. I just said I acknowledge it has been a long time. Phones work both ways. Even a quick text would do. I have the same number you know."

"I may have lost it."

Emma raised her eyebrows, "Now why would you do that if we parted 'amicably?'"

Nimue shrugged. "I dunno. I found a reason to get mad at you, so I just deleted it."

"Then I am not to blame here. You know where to find me."

Their drinks arrived before Nimue had a chance to respond. But when the waiter walked away, and it looked like Nimue didn't have a reply to her statement, so Emma just made small talk. "So, what have you been up to? I mean, I see what the press puts out, and all the modeling work you are getting, congratulations by the way, but fill me in on the details."

Nimue took a long sip of her drink. "Whoever this bartender is, they know how to make this drink perfect. Details...well, honestly, as of late, I just got out of a relationship."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I didn't know you were dating anyone. I mean, not like the press put it out."

Nimue hummed, "Yes, well. The person I was dating wanted to keep it a secret. And that was a problem for me, not to mention that we were both so busy that we hardly had time for each other anyway. You know me, I lost interest."

Emma couldn't help but snort.

Nimue gave her a sharp look. "Am I really that bad?"

"You're sitting here, catching up with an ex, who you stalked while ditching a date, talking about another ex. I'm sure there are more on that trail of broken hearts."

Nimue sighed but smiled, "I don't think I can ever be monogamous."

Emma put a hand on Nimue, "Then don't. There is nothing wrong with that. You have to find someone that understands you because they are looking for the same thing. You and I wouldn't have worked out in the long run because I am a monogamous creature."

"But you are wonderful. The person I was with reminded me a little of you. I am really upset that it wasn't going to work out. Her lack of being out was grating on my nerves. You know how I am about that; be out and proud. Don't hide in a closet; it fucks everyone else up."

"Was there a reason why? I mean, in this day and age…and you are one of the top models in the world, and trans. Didn't that show them it's ok to be out?"

"I tried to reason that everything would be fine, but, well they were just coming to terms with themselves, so it was overwhelming. And she's an actor."

"So you bailed on them?"

"Ouch, it's not that way...exactly. I mean, I don't think I wanted to take on that kind of responsibility, and besides, as I said, our schedules made it difficult. I couldn't be there for them if shit did hit the fan."

Emma nodded. "Probably the best for both of you then."

"It was. No regrets, for sure. But seeing you tonight gives me a little regret…it has to be a sign of some sort?" Nimue gave her that wicked grin again.

Emma blushed. "Flattered, but I have a strict rule about hooking up with exes, even if it is you."

Nimue fake gasped, "What's that supposed to mean, 'even if it is you?'"

Emma chuckled, "I suppose that you would be the one ex that I could hook up with and it would be just that. But I'd rather just stick to my policy."

"I'm not going to deny that I'd like to spend the night with you. The fact that I'd return to you is a compliment...but, if that is how you feel, I can respect that." Nimue caressed Emma's hand wrapped around her beer with her finger in a last-ditch attempt to change Emma's mind.

Emma didn't pull away. There was something to her touch that brought good memories of how the woman felt in bed; the care and gentleness that she felt with her. Then she became sad remembering how they drifted apart and there was nothing Emma could have done. She broke the contact by taking a drink of her beer and smiled at Nimue. "So, are you going to tell me who this actor is?"

"I really shouldn't…"

"But you are dying to tell someone…"

Nimue sighed. "Yes. Not sure why. Maybe it's the petty in me?"

"You do petty?"

"Shut up," Nimue playfully said. "Although I am ok with the breakup, I was looking forward to our vacation together. We were supposed to go to a little island just at the border of Texas and Mexico to look at sea turtles hatching, and some other assorted nature adventures."

"Nature adventures? You? Are you for real?"

"She got me to have a soft spot for animals. Correction, an even softer spot for animals. I had forgotten the passion I had for animals when I was young. I wanted to work in a zoo, believe it or not."

"Wow. This woman helped you to recapture a part of yourself. She got to a part of you, it seems. Couldn't you two still go?"

"She was scared of being found out, and the timing wasn't right for us, and she ended things. I was already feeling a certain way, so this made it easy for me to agree...but I would have loved to gone with her. A final fairwell."

"I'm sorry. You can always go another time."

"Yes, true..." Nimue sighed "...that Regina. Absolutely amazing woman. I sure hope she gets her life right. She deserves it."

Emma nearly choked on her beer. "I'm sorry, who did you say?"

"Regina."

"As in Mills?"

"Umm-hmm, that's the one."

Emma was floored. This must have been the confidential thing that Cruella couldn't speak of, and here it landed right in her lap. Emma tried not to seem too eager as she fished for more information from Nimue.