Only a few hours had passed since Ruby and Emma returned to Storybrooke, but Emma was already growing eager to see Regina again. She finished unpacking the last of her belongings into the drawers at the Inn before announcing that she was heading out.

She shrugged her jacket over her shoulders and headed out the front door. The brisk November Maine air forced her to suck in a strained breath before slowly exhaling. As she headed in the direction of Regina's office, she wasn't sure if she'd picked up her pace to fight off the cold or because her feet were carrying her toward the person she missed most.

The blast of heat that welcomed her inside the building made her feel better, but it was nothing compared to what she'd expected to feel once she laid eyes on Regina. Her senses were heightened and she felt lighter, somehow. As if nothing could dampen her mood just knowing she was about to see her.

She pushed open the mayor's doors, but instead was greeted with the sight of an empty desk. Her posture hunched and she narrowed her eyes. She ran out, desperate to find a receptionist.

The younger man at the desk looked up at Emma, baffled at how she'd managed to walk passed him unnoticed. He blinked a few times and Emma approached him.

"Hi, I'm looking for Regina." She paused and frowned, unsure if the first name was too informal when dropping into City Hall. "Mayor Mills. Do you know where she is?"

The young man cleared his throat. "Sorry, she had a few meetings in town today. She should be back some time this afternoon. Would you like to leave a message?"

Emma bit her lip, finally shaking her head. "No, that's okay. I'll just stop by later. Thanks." She ran out the door before he could say another word.

Despite the cold, she took a longer route back to the Inn. Her hopes were high that she could just run into Regina on the street if she were walking in this route through the heart of Storybrooke, but the roads were fairly deserted. When she was beginning to lose feeling in her hands from the wind, she rushed back toward the Inn.

She fumbled with her key for a moment before realizing the door wasn't locked.

"Ruby? You know you left the door un— oh my god."

"Emma! I thought you were going to see Regina?" Ruby yelped as she pulled the duvet up to cover her and Belle's exposed bodies.

"Okay, I'll be downstairs… Hi, Belle!" She shouted as she tugged the door shut and locked it on their behalf.

A small shiver rushed down her side—not quite a cringe but certainly enough to unsettle her—then let out a soft laugh as she shook her head in disbelief. "Well, they didn't waste any time…" She said aloud to nobody.

"Are you talking to yourself, dear?"

She knew the voice before she turned, and her stomach muscles fluttered. Pivoting on the heels of her high boots, she couldn't hide the smile that gleamed in Regina's direction.

"I might be," Emma laughed. "I was looking for you!" She didn't mean for her eagerness to come out so abruptly. Granny, as well as a few patrons, turned their heads to see what the fuss was about.

"And you chose to look upstairs at the Inn for me?" Regina mocked and Emma frowned, about to interject before Regina continued. "You just missed me. I got back to my office after my meeting with Mr. Gold and my assistant told me a blonde woman who 'seemed very antsy and frantic' came in to find me just moments earlier. I couldn't think of any other blonde, let alone anyone who would be eager to see me."

Emma rubbed at the back of her neck and Regina laughed and continued.

"I came here, assuming you were staying at the Inn again, and to grab some lunch before heading back to the office," she nodded her head in the direction of the to-go container packed up and ready for her on the countertop.

Emma didn't even care that she was still grinning. She eyed the food and realized that meant Regina was on her way out. Her lips curled downward.

"Oh, right. I don't want to take you away from your work," Emma shuffled her weight from one foot to the other.

Regina laughed, not caring that it resulted in raised eyebrows and curious onlookers. "What are your plans for dinner tonight?"

Emma didn't have to mull it over before answering. "Well, it's safe to assume Ruby already has plans… so I'd say my schedule is wide open."

"Great. I was thinking you could come over to my place and I could cook us dinner. How does that sound?"

"That sounds like a date, Madam Mayor." Emma raised an eyebrow and smiled.

Regina bit her lip momentarily then felt her lips curl up into a soft smile. "Call it what you want, Miss Swan. I'm happy to see you, that's all."

"Well, the feeling is mutual, but yes. Count me in."

"Great, see you at 7?"

Emma nodded and Regina grabbed her lunch off the counter before heading out the door.

Emma's giddiness seemed contagious, and Granny smiled from behind the counter. "What was all that about?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure…" It was the only response Emma had to offer. She was about to blurt out something else when she heard someone entering the diner.

Ruby and Belle shuffled over to the spot where Emma was standing and Granny shook her head and walked to tend to a customer.

"Hi," Belle said softly, a nervous grin creeping onto her face to accompany the crimson flooding her cheeks.

"Nice to see you… in clothing." Emma laughed and Ruby nudged her.

"Just ignore her, Belle. She's jealous she doesn't get to see you naked like I do."

"You caught me," Emma laughed, raising her hands up in defense.

"So I take it Regina found you instead of you finding her, hm?"

Emma nodded. "She just invited me to come to her house tonight for dinner," She paused, mainly because it didn't feel real and she wondered if she could even differentiate between what was real and what wasn't anymore. "Which she is cooking for us…"

"What?" Belle's confusion and shock were evident in the one syllable. "Regina Mills invited you to her house? To cook you a meal?" Her jaw was nearly touching the floor as she spoke slow, the look on her face surreal.

Emma shrugged and Ruby jumped in, "Holy shit, wait a minute. Do you know what this means?"

"No, what?"

"She's definitely into you! And also… that reminds me," She turned to Belle. "Can I take you out tonight?"

Belle began to blush again, but the smile that appeared on her face gave away her answer before she even opened her mouth. "I'd be flattered for you to take me out, Ruby Lucas."

"That's my girl! And this time, I'm not talking dinner at Granny's. You deserve to be treated like a princess. How about I pick you up around 6:30 and we can try that new Steakhouse that opened up? I heard it's really good."

"That would be delightful," Belle said as her eyes gleamed.


Emma took her time curling her hair and putting the finishing touches on her eye makeup. Ruby helped her pick out an outfit earlier and she took the silky top off of the hanger and slid it on. Her dark denim dressed down the fancy top a bit, but with her heeled boots, she felt like she was appropriately dressed for a nice dinner at Regina's house.

When she reached Regina's doorsteps, she used her fingers to gently comb through her curls, smoothing them out to hide the damage the cool, windy night may have caused to them.

Despite her ability to remain calm for the latter half of the day leading up to dinner, that all changed when her finger made contact with the doorbell and the sound of the bell echoed inside the mansion. The nervous flutters she was becoming accustomed to when she was around Regina made an appearance once again, without fail, and only intensified when she saw the silhouette of Regina approaching to unlock the door.

"Hello, Miss Swan."

"Madam Mayor," Emma said with a small bowing of the head, laughing at the gesture that just seemed appropriate, albeit silly.

"Come on inside, it's chilly."

"That's an understatement," Emma muttered. "It's brutal."

She stepped inside and shimmied out of her winter coat. Turning to face Regina, she finally had the chance to admire her outfit. Regina's royal blue dress was cut lower than most dresses Emma had seen her wear in her dreams or otherwise – a deep V showing off the fullness of her cleavage that threatened to spill out at any moment.

Though the length was modest, coming down below her knees, the dress was cold shouldered with eyelet cut outs to show off a peek of her tanned shoulder that made it seem like it was bronzed from the sun, not hidden beneath layers in the cool November air.

Emma licked her lips, trying her best to not reach out and touch the woman in front of her. She tried her best to stop her mind from racing, but, without fail, Regina recognized the evident desire Emma was doing a poor job of concealing.

"Has anyone ever told you that you're terrible at subtlety?" Regina laughed.

Emma's gaze lifted, and she smiled apologetically. "Sorry – you just look really good."

"Oh, no. I don't mind," Regina let out a deep laugh that made Emma's mouth go dry. "I could stand here and let you watch me check me out, or perhaps you'd like a tour of my home before we eat?"

Nodding quickly, suddenly eager to avoid any more embarrassment, Emma smiled. "I'd love a tour."

"Right this way."

They made their way into the kitchen first, and Emma set down the bottle of red wine she'd brought for them to share over dinner.

"Good call with the Merlot, it'll pair nicely with the red sauce."

Emma smiled, glad she went with her gut instinct that told her Regina would be making them Italian. Well, could she even call it her gut instinct? She wasn't entirely sure, considering she made the assumption based upon dream-version of Regina. Either way, she's glad she was right.

Regina didn't waste a moment before proceeding with the tour. "If we head back that way, I'll show you the living room. After you, dear." She gestured for Emma to lead the way.

Emma turned and began walking back toward the grand foyer they had come from earlier and she could've sworn she felt Regina's eyes making their way up and down her body. She licked her lip, suddenly wishing she could skip the tour of the house she had already been relatively familiar with, and just head to the bedroom.

Emma peered over her shoulder and locked eyes with Regina, noticing the flush creeping across her cheeks. "I guess I'm not the only one who lacks the art of subtlety." Emma teased. "Or am I wrong to assume that I just caught you staring at my ass?"

Regina swallowed, her face not giving anything away. "I don't know what you're talking about. I did no such thing."

Emma paused, then took two steps toward Regina until their bodies were dangerously close. "You know, I have this ability. Some may call it a super power, even. I can always tell when someone is lying. And you, Regina Mills, are."

"A super power, hm?" Regina took a step closer, their bodies mere inches apart. They locked eyes. Emma felt her fingers tingle as she tried to steady her breath.

All Emma could manage to do was nod, words suddenly unable to come to her as she licked her lips again, unwillingly.

"Believe me. If I were checking you out, I'd be certain you knew it." Regina's gaze slowly fell down over Emma's blouse, making note of the way the fabric hugged her chest. She kept her eyes locked there for a long moment before her eyes flicked back up, a smirk accompanying the gleam in her eyes. Emma swallowed.

"Okay, okay. Point taken." Emma's pulse quickened – she could hear her own heartbeat echoing in her ears. She forced an exhale and took one step away from Regina's dangerously-close proximity.

The rest of the tour was brief, with Regina pointing to rooms rather than actually walking Emma through them once they were upstairs. Emma didn't push to see more, she knew what to expect.

"Are you ready for dinner? It should be done shortly." Regina declared as they re-entered the kitchen and she stirred the simmering sauce in the pot.

Emma sat down at the table, pouring the wine into both of their glasses as Regina made her way over carrying two plates of the pasta.

"Thanks for cooking, this looks great." Emma smiled, wasting no time as she shoved a small forkful into her mouth and moaned softly in appreciation.

"That good?" Regina laughed.

Emma nodded. "Definitely exceeded expectations."

"I suppose I'll take that as a compliment instead of picking apart the way that could easily be interpreted as an insult." Regina laughed and reached for her wine glass. As she took a sip, her gaze fell to Emma. "Tell me about yourself, Emma."

The question caught Emma off guard – to her, it felt like she and Regina had known each other for so long.

"Well, what did you wanna know?"

Regina took another small sip of her drink and studied Emma. "It's odd. I feel as if I know you so well, I have to keep reminding myself you're somewhat of a stranger to me."

Emma forced a smile, but she felt a pang in her chest knowing Regina was right. Yes, she knew Regina well. But only based on what her subconscious conjured up. In reality, they knew next to nothing about the other.

"I know the feeling. I guess I'll start from the beginning," Emma began. "I grew up in a group home in Boston. Well – all over, really. I never knew my parents, but I never really cared to find out. They gave me up when I was born."

Regina's gaze dropped to the table, and she fidgeted with the edge of her napkin. She hadn't intended to open up old wound for Emma.

"I turned out alright though, I guess. I was adopted once – I was very young. But the family ended up having a child of their own, so they sent me back. By that point, nobody wanted to adopt an older kid. They all wanted a baby. I bounced between foster homes for a bit, and once I turned 18 and finished high school, I joined the police force."

"What made you decide you wanted to go into that line of business?" Regina asked, sipping her wine and studying Emma's expression. Truthfully, she wanted to spend more time discussing Emma's present rather than dwelling on the scars from her childhood.

"Growing up, I wasn't always the most… behaved kid. I had some rebellious years. But my friend, August… he was in the system with me and he always talked about how he wanted to grow up to become a police officer. So the idea was planted in our heads that we'd grow up and pursue that together. We now work together, Ruby as well. I'm lucky to have them. He's basically my big brother and Ruby is the closest I've ever had to family."

"Well, from what I can tell, you both seem very close. She's lucky to have someone like you."

Emma offered a warm smile, and nodded slowly.

"So how about you? How did you get into politics, let alone become mayor?"

"My father was actually the mayor of Storybrooke when I was a young girl. I looked up to him as a role model and always knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps. My mother and I weren't close – she was cold and controlling, and my father would always be at a loss for words when I approached him asking why she was like that toward me. Part of me thinks she never wanted me, and part of me thinks I just let her down somehow… like right from the start, I wasn't what she expected me to be. I never felt like I was enough."

Emma noticed the slight quiver in Regina's lip, and she reached across the table and grabbed her hand. "Hey… you should never feel that way."

Regina looked up and cleared her throat, forcing an apologetic smile. "Luckily, my father always made up for the heart my mother lacked. He supported me and showed me the in's and out's of the town, the duties of being mayor, and helped me prosper."

"Are you still close with him?"

"They both died when I was a teenager. Car accident."

"Oh," Emma said slowly. "I'm so sorry."

"It's alright, it was a long time ago and I've grown to be quite independent. I might not have a social life, but work keeps me busy. I'm content."

"Well, being content is no way to live. Something must excite you," Emma proclaimed. "And you keep saying you don't have many friends, but you seem so warm with me? I don't understand…" Her voice trailed off.

"Did you see the way the patrons at the diner reacted when I walked in and approached you?" Regina asked.

Emma nodded, "Yeah, I did notice. But that doesn't help me understand why."

"I do well on my own, it's as simple as that. I keep to myself, stay busy with work, and avoid making friends or pursuing any type of relationship because, well, I just don't think it would end well for me."

"But you had no problem accepting my friendship, how come?"

"I'm still not entirely sure. There was something about you when you first approached me. It made me feel," she paused. "Well… it made me feel comfortable. Like I was my old care-free teenaged version of my former self. I'm not sure how, but I liked the way it felt when you were around me. I still do. So I figured I'd go with it and see what happens."

"I see," Emma said with a soft smile. She wondered what it was that made Regina feel like herself around her, but didn't want to keep pushing it, instead she changed the subject. "Have you ever dated anyone?"

"Once, yes. I dated a boy in high school. His name was Daniel. He was such a sweet boy, always going out of his way to find ways to make my day brighter. He had the kindest eyes and this lovely spirit about him. But when I lost my parents, I began to pull away and I guess he didn't think it was worth fighting to break down the walls I put up. So it ended, just like that."

"He must be a fool."

"Perhaps. We ended up going to different schools after graduation and I haven't heard from him since." There was a moment of silence that neither of them knew how to break, but it wasn't uncomfortable. "So what about you? Any relationships?"

"Well, I had my first crush in high school. There was this girl who was as out of my league as someone can be. She was a cheerleader, dating a football player on and off, and was student council president."

Regina hid her smirk, remembering her days of student government.

Emma continued. "She was popular, and I was… a foster kid who still caused more harm than good most days. I only went to class just to get a passing grade and graduate. I don't think she even knew my name until I approached her one day and decided to shoot my shot."

"You didn't," Regina's jaw dropped as she shook her head. "I presume that didn't end well?"

"Lucky guess. Although she did get drunk and kiss me once, a few weeks later, at a party. I don't even remember why I was there. I wasn't usually invited to the parties she went to. But she had a few too many drinks, we kissed, and then I held her hair back as she puked in the toilet and passed out on the carpet. I carried her up to an empty bedroom, locked the door, and headed home."

"Miss Swan, quite the chivalrous woman." Regina laughed. "So you knew you were into women your whole life?"

Emma gave a firm nod. "Well, for as long as I can remember. In middle school, all these girls would obsess over those awful boy bands. They'd hang posters of them all over their bedroom walls and lockers, and I couldn't understand why I'd rather watch the girl who spent her lunch reading a book."

Regina shook her head once. "I was never boy-crazy, either. But mother would never have approved of me hanging a poster of a band in my bedroom, whether I wanted to or not."

"Have you ever been with a woman? In college or anything?" Emma asked, her tone a little too eager.

Regina laughed, a husky sound that came from deep in her throat. The sound was both arousing and terrifying, but Emma didn't dare to look away.

"I never dated a woman, but I did have a fling with a girl I went to college with. Her name was Mal. She lived on my floor in the dorms and she was very persistent when we were both drinking. I don't think she would've let me turn her down, but I certainly didn't want to."

An unfamiliar feeling bubbled up inside of Emma, something she hadn't felt before that made her stomach harden. She was never a jealous person, but hearing Regina describe her attraction to another woman made her chest fill with a burning sensation. She clenched her teeth and let out a half-assed laugh.

"What ever happened to her?"

"I believe she's married to a woman now. Her wife must be one patient woman. Mal had quite a temper and liked to always get exactly what she wanted."

"Sounds like someone else I know… the need to be in control," Emma laughed, mocking the mayor.

Regina shot her a look, raising an eyebrow but smirking at the same time. "Yes, I strive for order. I like to be in control, but that doesn't mean I can't let loose once in a while."

"I think I'll have to be the judge of that." As soon as Emma's words left her lips, she swallowed. It was a bold statement to make when she didn't even know if this was a date or if Regina just enjoyed her company.

"Mm," Regina hummed – which did little to relieve Emma's nerves. They both found themselves reaching for the last of the contents in their wine glasses.

Regina spoke first. "Would you like to move somewhere more comfortable? I can tidy up if you'd like to top off our glasses and we can head into the living room. My sofa is much more comfortable than this table, I can assure you."

Emma nodded, eager to escape the kitchen suddenly. She grabbed both of their empty glasses in between her fingers and then grabbed the bottle in the other hand. Dropping down on the couch, she filled the glasses and set the bottle down.

When Regina entered the room, she slipped out of her heels and kicked them aside. Tucking her legs to one side of her body, she turned to angle toward Emma and reached for the wine.

"Regina, are you lonely?" Emma asked again, realizing she was dwelling on this way more than she should.

Regina laughed softly, unsure why Emma kept wanting an answer to that. "Aren't I just as alone as you are, Miss Swan?"

"Well, I– I have Ruby. And I also have August back home and… I don't know. Nobody has ever feared me."

"You think people fear me?"

Emma proceeded slowly, phrasing it as lightly as possible. "Belle asked me if I was a magician. She saw how you opened up so easily the first time I approached you at the diner. She turned to me and asked if I had magic powers because she'd never seen you so welcoming. So, yes. I do believe some people in this town might fear you a tiny bit."

"Mm, I see your point. But to answer your question, yes. I do get lonely from time to time. Work can only keep me occupied for so long. And it's not the most riveting line of work. Last week, I spent three days reworking a budget proposal." She stopped and laughed against the rim of her wine glass. "I do enjoy reading in my spare time. And don't tell anyone, but I'm pretty decent at video games."

Emma dropped her head to one side and laughed. "You're joking, right? You? You own a video game?"

"Laugh all you'd like, Miss Swan. But I'm willing to bet good money that I could kick your ass in a game of Mario Kart."

Emma was still laughing. "Oh, you're so on. You should know that I have the highest score out of everyone at the station back in Boston, though."

"You don't scare me, Emma."

Emma went silent and turned to her. "I don't? Because you terrify me."

"I terrify you?" Her face washed over with a look of concern and she frowned.

"Not like that. I meant it in a good way. Being around you… it feels—"

"Like a dream?" Regina finished.

Emma nearly choked on her own saliva as those words flooded her ears. "Hm?" She asked, panicked over what else she could possibly say to that.

"I meant I can see why you're terrified. What we have—in such a short time—I feel like it's a dream. I've never had anyone approach me like you did or take me out to dinner or bring me coffee." Her voice softened. "It's– it's nice."

Emma's mind was still racing. She suddenly wondered if maybe she wasn't the only one having dreams about the two of them together. Maybe Regina was having those very same dreams and that's why she immediately warmed to Emma's presence.

But that couldn't be possible. Could two people have the same dreams? What could that mean? Before Emma could think about this any longer, she felt her body acting without accord.

Settling her hand on Regina's shoulder, she relished at the sensation of warm, exposed skin under her fingertips. She leaned in, her head tilting slightly, before pressing a soft kiss on Regina's lips.

But Regina froze. She didn't reciprocate like she did in all of Emma's dreams. Instead, she pulled away and blinked only once before clearing her throat.

"Emma, I'm so sorry. I think I gave you the wrong idea." Regina muttered, nervous to break their eye contact, despite the hurt splayed all over Emma's face.

Emma knew her confusion was evident, but she didn't care at this point. Instead, she stood up and looked down at Regina as if she were waiting for Regina to say something and explain.

"I shouldn't have said some of those things earlier. I clearly gave you the wrong impression. I realize now, I'm completely at fault. I just meant that I'd never expected to have a friend like you. Someone I felt a genuine connection with. My intention wasn't to lead you on."

She didn't ramble. She didn't stumble over a single word. And Emma only swallowed, forcing moisture back into her dry mouth.

"I– I shouldn't have just went for it. I should've– I don't know." She wasn't sure what she was apologizing for. Or if this even constituted as an apology at all. "I should've waited until I was sure what your feelings were toward me." She paused, her tone growing cold. "Or lack thereof, apparently."

Smoothing the fabric out of her jeans that didn't have a single crease, she eyed the coat closet in the foyer.

"Wait, Emma. Don't go."

"It's getting late, Regina. I'll see you around, okay?" Emma pulled her coat on and zipped it up, ready to brace the cold air in hopes it would be a welcome distraction from the hurt she was experiencing at the moment.

"Emma… wait." Regina chased her out the door, realizing she was barefoot and without a coat.

"Regina, really. It's okay. I'm just going to walk home, I need the fresh air."

"At least let me lend you a warmer coat." She pleaded. "Please."

Emma gave into her persistence, but mainly because a heavier coat sounded like something she desperately needed to survive the Maine weather. She followed Regina back toward the coat closet.

She bundled up, with Regina handing her a scarf for good measure. When Emma wrapped it around her neck, the all-too-familiar smell of Regina that she knew too well overwhelmed her, but she didn't dare to take it off.

"Thank you. I'll see you later, Regina."

All Regina could do was nod as she closed the door slowly. She watched until Emma disappeared out of sight. Locking the front door, she slid her back down the length of it, dropping her head into her hands and replaying all the things that had gone wrong.