Emma picked up her rental car at the airport to make the short drive down to the resort in which Regina Mills was said to be staying at. During the flight from Burbank to Corpus Christi Emma slept and distracted herself, trying to ignore the small voice that told her this was insane; it was very stalkerish. But having Mills sign on with her studio would make all the difference; this was a business trip, nothing more.

Emma wanted to keep what she was doing from anyone, including her assistant, Alice. Alice knew where she was headed because she booked the flight and reservation, but didn't know the why, and Emma asked her to refrain from telling anyone. Emma instructed her to just say she was unavailable for personal reasons.

Her Vice President, Ingrid Fisher in the end pried Emma's plans out of her. She had come by her office for their last meeting of the day, and in the middle of the meeting, Alice burst in, overjoyed and excited that she got a room in the exact resort Emma was requesting. Emma didn't look pleased that she interrupted their meeting, which wasn't unusual for Alice to do. Ingrid caught that, and had to ask what this was about because as her VP, she usually knew about her vacations–it was her job to mind the business while she was away.

After some prodding, Emma finally told Ingrid what she was up to. Ingrid thought it great news because she was all for having Mills sign-on, but she did not like Emma's plan. She thought it was an invasion of privacy and deception. Emma attested that it was luck that she came upon the information, and she was going to run into Mills as smoothly and innocently as possible. She had already met with Cruella and she didn't think that Cruella was going to put in a good word for their company. She needed to take matters into her own hands before some other bigger company snagged Mills up.

Ingrid couldn't deny the urgency. Emma begged her to keep the secret because she was now the only soul who knew the truth. Ingrid said she would, without question, it was just the ethics she was concerned with.

But ethics-schmethics, She had to do what she could to get Regina Mills to sign with her before anyone else.

Emma drove into the Corpus Christi Resort and left her car to the valet, took her one bag with her so the porter didn't have to help her, then checked herself in. According to Nimue, Regina wouldn't be arriving until tomorrow, so she had some downtime. She took a nap to adjust to the time and the weather. It was late June and warm. Living in Los Angeles she wasn't a stranger to heat, but high humidity was another thing. She wasn't sure how to dress for humid weather, so her chino shorts, a white v-neck shirt, and Sperry shoes would have to do. She had her blonde hair fixed up in two French braids.

The resort had a five-star restaurant that didn't open until seven for dinner, so she chilled by the poolside bar for a few hours answering emails, not completely ditching her work, while having her earbuds in, listening to music. All of those hours and phone use drained her battery quickly. Emma had a portable charger in her room; she had some time to go upstairs and get it before the restaurant opened. Instead of going back through the hotel, she took a shortcut that led her to the main entrance.

When she was about to walk in, a Jeep Wrangler with off-roading tires, pulled into the valet, blasting Queen's "Fat Bottom Girls." It made Emma stop and wait, she wanted to see who this was.

A wind blown, curly haired woman got out of the car. Emma recognized her immediately, and her heart leaped—Regina Mills. She was a day early.

Fortune was smiling on her hair-brained plan.

Emma lingered, watching Regina greet the porters, give them instructions of some kind, and give the valet her keys. When she was done, Emma was about to call out to her, but Regina turned, pulled her sunglasses down, and looked at her; there was almost a look of recognition in her eyes, but then she asked Emma point-blank, "Are you with the hotel? Can I help you?"

Her tone was neither harsh, nor annoyed, but it was fiercely firm which told Emma that she was not really in the mood to be bothered. "Um, hi. No, I don't work for the hotel. I was coming from the pool and heard you blasting Queen. I wanted to know who was the person with such excellent taste in music." Emma smiled.

Regina removed her sunglasses, folded them in her hand while quickly looking Emma up and down. She seemed to assess that she wasn't a threat, and smiled back at her. "Thank you. I find that Queen is the perfect road trip music." She put her hand out to shake Emma's. "I'm Roni."

Emma was happy that she introduced herself, but was thrown off by her alias. Ok, she thought, if she wanted to play this game, she could humor her. It was clear she didn't want to be bothered. Emma put her hand out, "I'm Leia." Emma didn't know why she said that.

"Leia...as in Princess Leia?"

Emma tried not to laugh, but she couldn't hide the amusement on her face, "Ummm, yeah. I don't think anyone has ever made that association."

"You are the first Leia I ever met. Well, if you excuse me, I need to check-in." Regina turned around, with Emma trailing close behind her.

She wasn't sure why she was going to follow her, but she immediately regretted it. At that moment the porter came by with the luggage cart, very close and fast to Regina, and she reacted by stepping back to avoid crashing into it; but Emma didn't react as swiftly, and she crashed right into Regina's back. She stammered backwards, lost her footing, and fell hitting the back of her head on the bottom of a planter.

"OH! Are you okay!" Regina cried out. "I am so sorry I didn't realize you were right behind me, I was trying to dodge the cart."

Regina bent down over Emma who was rubbing the back of her head, wincing. The valet rushed over just in time to help Regina get Emma up.

"Are you hurt?" Regina inquired. She wanted to touch the back of Emma's head, but she just met her. As it was, this was already a highly embarrassing and awkward moment.

Emma looked at her hand that had been rubbing the back of her head to check it for blood. There was none, but the back did throb. "I am fine I think. No blood."

"I am so, so sorry!" Regina said. "Is there someone I can call and let them know, so I can apologize to them too? I feel terrible."

"No, not with anyone."

"Then let me check if the resort has a medic you can see to rule out a concussion."

"No, I am fine. Thank you, Reg...oni, you don't have to…"

"I feel awful. Please let me make this up to you somehow."

Emma thought this was the perfect opportunity. "Well, there is something…"

"Yes?"

"Maybe we can have dinner with me at 7? I will be dining at the resort's five star. You can keep me company, watch me to make sure I am not concussed?" Emma flashed a sweet smile.

Regina looked at Emma curiously. She couldn't believe that she was getting hit on in this way. But she felt bad for what had happened. She supposed she owed her that much. If it wasn't pleasant, it wouldn't be the first dinner she walked out on. After a moment, she replied, "Ok, Ms. Leia. But I am still going to see a medic. I'd rather dine in peace over cocktails than babysit you for a concussion."

Her sass pleased Emma, but couldn't believe she asked her to dinner. Talk about flying by the seat of your pants! But fate shined upon her, and Regina accepted. "Deal."

"I'll see you at 7."

"I'll be waiting out front for you, Roni."

"Ok, Ms. Leia."

--

Regina had a long shower, thinking. Her next couple of weeks were to be casual and relaxing, so her wardrobe consisted of shorts, jeans, and a few Stevie Nick's type dresses, ideal for flowing in the beach breeze. She didn't really have evening dinner wear because she did not anticipate attending a nice place, nor intend on such a thing occurring. She was to be alone, give time to think and figure out how brave she wanted to be. She supposed bravery could begin with not abiding by social norms. She put on one of the dresses; the black one. Black counted as fancy.

In the elevator, she reflected on the situation at hand. Her plan for her first night was to hold up in her room and have a whole large pizza for as long as it took her to consume it—movie pizza, midnight pizza, breakfast pizza, maybe even brunch pizza. Then maybe she'd consider going to the pool. She deserved some reflective time alone. She should have said no. Just because she said she would do anything to make up the harm she caused, didn't mean she had to say yes—especially because it was Emma Swan. They had never met, but she knew who she was. When she was approached by Mr. Jones and learned about the studio, she did her homework and looked into the studio. She was impressed that it was founded and headed by a woman; that was why she fought Cruella's irrational resistance that Emma's studio was unworthy. She wanted to learn more, and meet Emma herself. But after talk-two, she was very disappointed that the man Swan sent to recruit her was sexist slime. Regina was shocked to see her at the resort. Only two people knew she was there. Coincidence or not, she wasn't interested in conducting business on her vacation–coming up with a fake name on the spot was her way of saying she was there to play only. She was pleased that Swan played along. She had to remember to call her Leia at dinner, and, well, this was going to be an amusing dinner.

Emma was outside the restaurant wearing a pinstripe pantsuit. All her casual clothes were too casual, and she brought this business outfit just in case. But it was the most casual of her pantsuits, even though it had a matching vest and cross over tie. But when she saw Regina looking simple, yet elegant, she took off the jacket.

"Hello, Roni. I'm glad you were able to join me."

Roni loved the way she looked, but it was obvious that Emma was here on business, and she was concerned that the business maybe herself. She tried to disarm Emma by being very obvious when she checked Emma out. "I appreciate the invite. It is a wonderful way to start my vacation. You look stunning, but tell me, Leia, are you here on business?"

Emma grimaced and cursed herself for not having better vacation clothes. She laughed nervously, "I was in the area for business, but I had some extra time and came down here. I was ill-prepared."

"I see. Well, let's have a good time, shall we?" Roni walked into the restaurant as Emma followed.

As they walked to their table, Emma thought about when the right moment would be to break the farce and start by apologizing for Jones. They are seated at a booth by the window with a view of the ocean. It was nearly sunset.

"What a lovely spot. I think we should get a drink right away to toast the sunset," Regina said as she slid into her side.

"I can go directly to the bar and get whatever you like?" Emma said before she sat.

"No, no, sit. We are both on vacation here. I'm sure someone will come around soon."

A waiter was immediately at their side to introduce themselves and take their drink orders.

"I just realized that maybe you shouldn't have a drink. Did the medic go to your room?"

Emma chuckled. "Yes, she did. No concussion, I am cleared. Thank you for that."

"Of course. You seemed like the type to NOT go see a medic, so I made sure they went to you. It is in their best interest of course to make sure a hotel guest doesn't die on their grounds."

Emma laughed. "What a way to put it. Very practical, aren't you?"

Regina smiled, "Yes. And I know how to read people."

The way she said that and looked directly at Emma made her nervous. It pulled Emma out of her game a little and she ended up giving Regina a strange little smile.

"Is there something wrong, Leia?" Regina continued to eye her.

"Nothing at all...so…" Emma scrambled to change the subject. "Tell me about your vacation goals. Ever been here before?"

"Yes, I've been here several times."

"Wow, this must be someplace! It's my first time, on a recommendation."

"I stay here, but I spend my time on Padre Island. There is incredible wildlife on the island, particularly the Kemp Ridley sea turtles. It's hatching season. I love to come and watch the hatchlings be released into the ocean."

Nimue told her about the wildlife, but not about the sea turtles. "No kidding? That happens here? I've seen videos and pictures, but I didn't know that happened here."

"Not many know that. It's just this stretch of land. Well, at least for the United States part. There are nests that go into Mexico."

The waiter brought their drinks and asked if they were ready to order. Regina answered for both of them and told the waiter to come back in a few, and when he did, bring another round of their drinks.

"We haven't even finished these," Emma said.

Regina shrugged, "It's our vacation. Were you planning on having just one drink and then leaving me?"

Emma grinned, "You don't have to keep feeding me alcohol to make me stay."

It didn't escape the two of them what a flirtatious remark that was. Regina wanted to keep this side of Emma; get to know her without business getting in the way. "Leia, why don't you come with me to Padre Island? How long can you stick around?"

"I dunno. I'm not a big outdoorsy type. I mean, I love animals, don't get me wrong, but I wasn't prepared…"

Regina nodded in understanding, but she let it go. "Ok, then, a toast to the sunset, and new friends."

"To new friends!" They cheered. Emma grinned happily, but then it occurred that at some point soon she should tell Regina the truth.

"I just love it when the sky goes lavender opposite the sunset. The bright pinks are wonderful, but that lavender just calls to me," said Regina as she looked over Emma's shoulder.

Emma turned around and looked over her shoulder. "I love that midnight blue right behind it. Oh wow, you can already see stars!"

Regina chuckled, "Yes. You sound like a little kid."

Emma turned around, smiling. The last ray of sunshine was going down right over Regina's shoulder. It haloed her curls, revealing her different shades of brown. This time there was a smile in her eyes as she looked at her.

"Do I sound like a kid? I suppose I am easily amused. Where I'm from I don't see that many stars too soon after sunset, if at all."

"Oh yeah, where is that?"

"Los Angeles."

Regina hesitated to say where she was from, but she figured why not. "No kidding? I'm from Los Angeles too!" She waited for Emma's reaction.

"No kidding," Emma said in a "surprised" tone. "What are the odds?" She took a drink of her beer.

"Indeed, Leia."

Emma nearly choked. The way Regina said her fake name gave her the impression that she knew who she was and was about to call her bluff. If she did, it would save her the trouble of doing it herself. Emma put her beer down and waited for Regina to say more.

Eventually Regina spoke, "Let's look at the menu and order food before we get to drinking."

Emma liked a good game, I can do this, she thought as she opened her menu and smirked at Regina.

Regina ordered three different appetizers on top of her dinner, as well as a bottle of wine to accompany her meal, no apologies. Emma loved it. She hoped this was the real Regina, and not Roni.

Halfway through dinner, Emma nearly forgot how they ended up in each other's company. She enjoyed every bit of conversation and topic that they landed on. Emma found herself opening up to her with ease, telling her things about herself, and sharing long-forgotten memories from her past. She cannot remember the last time she just sat with someone and talked about anything other than her job and the industry.

Regina suggested another round of drinks and desserts.

"I cannot believe you have room to pack in desserts," Emma joked.

"We will share them, of course."

"Maybe a dessert, as in ONE? But you said 'dessertssss.'"

"Are you fat-shaming me?" Regina said, a little serious, but somewhat joking.

"NO! I love that you have no problem enjoying yourself. I am enjoying myself, too. I don't think I have had this much fun at a meal with anyone recently."

Regina smiled at her, feeling grateful for the company. She envisioned the trip alone, although it was to be with Nimue. She told herself she was ok with being alone, she had done it every single time alone, but this trip was feeling different because of the break up, as much as she didn't want it to. Emma was turning into a nice surprise. Or was she Leia? Was anything she told her about herself true? Regina, although Roni, was telling truths. The thought made her sad, and now she wasn't enjoying the game as much.

"I like your company too," Regina said as she looked at Emma. She contemplated saying "Leia" but she didn't feel like labeling her truth with a lie.

Emma looked at Regina and felt that they were having a genuine moment. It filled her with joy, but then she started to feel like shit. She never got to a point to confess the truth of who she really was and why she was there. She was enjoying getting to know Regina, and became enough for her. She forgot her goal, her intention. She had to tell her, because the longer this went on, the more rotten she would feel about the deception.

Emma opened her mouth, daring to tell the truth, but instead, she said, "Let's do it. Another round and all the desserts! Who says we have to finish them all, so long as we have a taste of each? This is a vacation!"

"A woman after my heart," Regina leaned back with her wine glass and gave Emma a long, hard stare, smiling. "Come with me tomorrow. I insist. I have plenty of casual clothes unless you wanna come to the beach in a business suit and heels, that is your preference, I don't mind. Whichever the case, I want you to come with me tomorrow to the beach."

Emma's laughter started to grow. She leaned forward on the table, "I'm from Los Angeles. Do you know how many times I have NEVER been to the beach? Outside is not for me, BUT I'll do it for you." Emma was sober enough to know that the alcohol DID change her mind. But, intoxicated or not, she always kept her word.

Regina smiled like a cat who caught her bird.

The waiter came by to ask if they were ready for dessert. Without even consulting the dessert menu, Regina ordered only three different things, no drinks.

"Wait, only three? And how did you know they had those?" Emma inquired.

"It was the first thing I looked at on the menu when we ordered. I had this planned all along," Regina smirked at Emma.

Emma suddenly felt that she was being toyed with. She decided to switch her tactic and remain Leia for as long as she could. She liked Leia and Roni and wanted to see where their story went