Two nights in row and Regina hadn't slept for longer than 4 hours. Regina looked at her flashing clock, 7:01am. Knowing that staying in bed would get her nowhere Regina pulled herself from the warmth of her blankets and made a start on her day.
With 30 years to prefect her morning routine, Regina was downstairs by 7:34 and making breakfast by 7:35. Regina sat at the island counter with a coffee in hand. She could hear Henry stumbling around upstairs and new he would be down soon for breakfast before heading off to school.
Regina heard a knocking sound, one that clearly wasn't part of Henry's morning routine. So, Regina made her way out of the kitchen and across the foyer to the front door.
"Emma?" Regina smiled as she pulled the door open a little further to let Emma inside.
"I just came to collect my car, didn't end up driving last night." Emma explained.
"Good," Regina nodded. "And you got home safely?" Even though Emma Swan was the reason for Regina's complete lack of sleep Regina couldn't help but worry about her- couldn't help but want the best for her.
"Yeah, got home just fine. Just thought I should say good morning," Emma smiled sweetly. "So, good morning."
"Good morning, Emma," Regina responded tenderly.
"Ma?" Henry's voice jolted the two women from their silent eye locked positions.
"Hey, Kid," Emma smiled towards her child who was just bouncing off the bottom step.
"Didn't you go home last night?" He asked curiously.
"I did," Emma confirmed. "Picking up my car."
"I literally have wine mums," Henry sassed before heading towards the kitchen.
"I blame that on you," Emma glared at Regina with a smirk twitching on her lips.
"Nothing wrong with having a witty child," Regina stated firmly.
"Witty," Emma repeated with air quotes. "Sure," She laughed.
"What would you call it?" Regina warned lightly.
"Being a smartarse." Emma retorted.
"Then surely, he got that from you, Miss Swan." Regina quickly counteracted.
Emma sharpened her gaze at Regina. "Mmhmm," Emma stepped really close to Regina. "I've got more to offer than being a smartarse." Emma winked before leaving.
…
Regina made it to her office with a sigh and a final heave of her heavy papers, knowing full well that she wouldn't be getting any work done for the morning. Emma Swan's visit had completely thrown her, once again.
Regina had dressed and ready herself for the day, forgetting all about last night and the thoughts that kept her awake. Regina had composed herself and reassured herself that those thoughts and questions swirling through her mind all night had only been brought on by her loneliness. Emma Swan was not the object of her desire. Regina was sure of that, yes, she had checked and double checked, third guessed each second guess. Yes, Regina Mills was lonely, that was it.
But as Regina sat in her office, her head beginning to throb with a dull pain, and more questions began to appear. Why had Emma winked at me? No, that was a part of Emma's bravado, she winked all the time, it meant nothing. Why had she come in, why not get her car and leave? Because it's the nice thing to do and she is your friend. Why had Emma gotten so close? Now that, Regina couldn't answer.
Emma Swan visiting that morning had undone every conclusion Regina had stayed up last night to form. Emma had so easily had Regina rethinking everything a thousand times. And it was driving Regina insane. She was never unravelled this easily. Ever. Regina was a woman of control and discipline, not chaos and confusion.
Regina forced herself to make sense of this all. Last night Emma had stirred up Regina's feelings of loneliness when she spoke of her own, and they had been drinking so of course it got a little flirty- but their friends now, so that's normal. And Regina had been tired and half asleep when Emma visited this morning and her presence had just unsettled Regina's morning routine. Yes, it was all explainable. Regina would repeat this to herself over and over until her intrusive thoughts disappeared.
Regina looked up to the clock on her office wall, it was just about lunch time and Regina had wasted the whole morning resettling her thoughts.
"Regina, you've got the Sheriff here to see you." Regina's receptionist's voice came flowing through the intercom.
Regina let out a sigh, knowing that once again, seeing Emma would do her no good- and yet she wasn't going to say no. "Let her in," Regina neatly responded to her receptionist, Lisa.
"Hey," Emma's bubbly face was standing in Regina's door way moments later.
"Hi," Regina greeted coolly, calmly.
"Got you some lunch," Emma grinned as she held up a bag from Granny's Diner.
"I have so much work, Em," Regina smiled with a slight wince, she really didn't have time for this.
"Working lunch," Emma clarified as she walked towards Regina's desk. "I can help you," Emma offered hopefully as she sat down.
"How?" Regina looked sceptically at Emma- she had just wasted a whole morning stuck in her thoughts, she didn't have time for Emma's company, let alone lunch.
"I will forge your signature on all reports that just need a look over and approval." Emma offered with a cheeky grin, and there was something in her eyes that told Regina she as being sincere.
"Knowing you, you would probably approve something like a discount vending machine." Regina sassed.
Emma's eyes went wide and for a moment she faked a hurt expression. "It is a great deal." Emma argued in a childlike manner.
Regina rolled her eyes. "It is. That's why I signed it." Regina picked up a small file a lightly tossed it into Emma's hands.
"Really?" Emma grinned as she opened the file to see visual proof.
"Yes," Regina nodded, happy that she could so easily make Emma happy.
"No more out of date candy for lunch," Emma waggled her eyebrows. "The change my diet needs."
"You better not have out of date candy in that bag," Regina warned as she gestured to the bag that smelt far better than candy bars.
"I don't," Emma confirmed as she opened the bag and began to pull out its contents. "Salad sandwich with ham for you and a burger for me." Emma identified as she handed over a wrapped sandwich to Regina.
"Thank you," Regina smiled as she began to make space on her desk.
"So, want me to forge those signatures for you?" Emma smiled.
"I think I can spare 20 minutes." Regina replied with a smile, though she knew she really shouldn't.
"Only 20 minutes?" Emma whined. "It's like you don't want to see me," She joked.
"I see you too much," Regina teased. Though at this point there was some truth to Regina's words. Seeing Emma so much was chipping away at Regina's logical explications for her new feelings.
"Or," Emma held up a finger in contest. "Not enough."
"If you saw me any more we'd be waking up together." The words had just slipped out of Regina's mouth, but there was no taking them back now.
"Well I wouldn't have a problem with that," Emma easily responded. Before Regina could fully process Emma's words and form a response, Emma spoke again. "So, what are you actually working on today? Will you be free for family day tomorrow?"
…
Regina was indeed free for family day- She made sure of it. The Mills-Swan family always had a family day once a month at the horse stables on the edge of town.
When Henry turned 14 Regina had been very adamant that he learnt how to ride and care for a horse. Learning to care for a horse had taught Regina valuable lessons as a teenager and she wanted to pass them down to Henry. Emma, however, came for the fun of being with her family-unit.
Uncharacteristically Regina had let Emma drive up to the stables that morning. Regina had put it down to a small headache- the lie was that it was small. Regina had barely spelt again on Friday night. She had spent most of the night up doing paper work she hadn't finished at the office and when Regina had actually tried to sleep she was once again plagued with her thoughts of Emma.
"Go easy on the gears, Emma," Regina lightly scolded from the passenger's seat.
"This is my first time driving your car, so forgive me," Emma sassed back without taking her eyes off of the road.
"I'm driving us home." Regina declared.
"We'll see how that headache is." Emma said with genuine concern.
"It's like you guys are married." Henry jotted in from the back seat.
"Henry," Emma began firmly. "You know that marriage as an institution is terribly un-feminist." Emma said seriously. "Now handfasting on the other hand," Emma trailed off and threw a wink in Regina's direction, and it definitely wasn't missed by Regina.
Regina could feel her stomach turning and it was then that she cursed that damn card, that damn dinner invitation. It all meant nothing, it was completely innocent and yet here she was, sleep deprived and confused.
If Regina really let herself think about it, it actually all made sense. The two had gone from enemies to allies, to co-parents and friends. Good friends. And there were so similar; painful and troubling pasts that all started off with crushed innocents. They had both lost control of their lives and with sheer brute force they were both able to regain their lives and minds, then of course there was the lost loves. Both having fallen for rugged men that needed changing, and to finally cement their growth from bad boys to something a whole lot gentler, they both sacrificed themselves for the people they loved. Yes, Regina and Emma had so much in common, so these feelings Regina had- they made sense. Because of course, opposites -with a lot in common- attract.
But Regina didn't really want to think about it, she wanted to logically think her way out of the strange feelings she couldn't seem to shake. Regina was anything and everything but in love with Emma Swan. How dare the L word even make its way into Regina's train of thought. No. Regina was anything and everything but in lust with Emma Swan. She just wasn't going to except that as fact.
"Do I get a say in this sham marriage?" Regina finally asked, curiosity in her tone.
"Handfasting." Emma corrected quickly. "Also, yes?" Emma cocked a brow in Regina's direction. "Wouldn't want an unhappy life partner." Emma nodded, her eyes back on the road.
"Right," Regina's voice was drawn out. "Well, then, I suggest you keep this handfasting talk to the 3rd date." Regina hated that she was actually entertaining this conversation but the smile on Emma's face and the glint in her eyes was to irresistible, Regina didn't want that look of joy to ever leave Emma's features.
"Would you two actually date already, I can't deal with the both of you beating around the bush." Henry interjected with an annoyance in his voice. "It's been 6 years." He added with an exacerbated groan.
"I will not be forced into a one-sided marriage." Emma said dramatically. "And by my own son!" Emma covered her heart with one hand in mock pain.
"A one-sided marriage?" Regina's curiously was heightened, along with her heart beat.
"Regina," Emma stated, still clutching her heart. "You will always have my heart, but you can't have my dignity. Our sham marriage would be the end of me."
"Ma," Henry groaned. "Stopped being so dramatic or let me out of the car."
"Well good thing we're here." Emma glared playfully at her son in the revision mirror.
Emma was quick to shut of the engine and hope out of the car so Henry's wish could be fulfilled. What neither Emma or Henry notice was Regina's completely look of shock and disbelief. Regina eventually got out of the car, slowly and with care- Regina was sure that any sudden movement would be the last straw- She'd be unable to hold herself up, Emma's joking had hit a chord and Regina found herself wanting it to be true.
"Head on into the stables, kid, we'll be in soon." Emma shooed her son and walked around to the other side of Regina's Mercedes. "Are you okay? You look rather pale, I can drive you home," Emma's voice was so soft and gentle.
Regina looked up from the ground and swallowed. "No," She smiled. "I'm fine, thank you."
"Are you sure?" Emma stepped into Regina's space and held Regina's arm. "It wouldn't be a problem,"
Regina smiled gently at Emma and took a moment to collect her thoughts. "I think the fresh air will do me good." Regina assured Emma and began the small walk towards the stables.
Once Regina got into the stables she became emerged with her job of saddling up three horses. She loved being in the stables, for the most part it brought back wonderful memories and Regina always found it an extremely relaxing and calming activity.
Eventually Regina led the horses out of the stable and to where Emma and Henry were sword fighting with sticks. Regina watched them adoringly as she tied the horses to the fence.
"If you are going to teach my son to sword fight you should at least do it properly." Regina called as she walked over to the most beautiful idiots in her life.
"This is so right!" Emma argued as she took a stance pose.
Regina shook her head and she stepped closer to Emma. "It most certainly is not." She chuckled. "Your holding your sword for long point guard and yet your stance says middle iron," Regina tsked. "Henry should be teaching you."
"Ma is way too stubborn." Henry pointed out as he took a few steps backwards.
"Why don't you teach me? Queen I-ran-one-of-the-best-armies-in-the-realm." Emma sassed as she stepped out of her pose.
"Best army in all of the realms," Regina corrected.
Emma helped up her hands in deference. "Prove it," she grinned.
"Fine." Regina took a few steps closer, her body now inches from Emma's. "Face Henry," Regina instructed as she place her hands loosely on Emma's hips. "Okay, now bring your left foot back a little." Regina said as she lightly tapped Emma's left hip. "Now you want to make sure you have a little bend and bounce in your right leg." Regina little pushed down with her right hand to see if Emma was actually listening. "You're to tense." Regina spoke right into Emma's ear. Now, whether Regina was getting so close on purpose or if she was simply trying to teach Emma a proper stance, I do not know.
"Well sorry," Emma sighed, "this better?" Emma asked after a moment of lightly bouncing up and down.
"Yes," Regina choked out. "Much."
"Now for the long point guard hold you should have both arms outwards," Regina instructed as she run her hands up Emma's sides and along her forearms. "But don't lock your elbows, you want a little give, like you do in your legs."
Emma nodded and took the instructed position.
"But have a firm hold on the sword." Regina added. "I think that is about it, unless you want me to start charging by the hour," Regina said as she struggled to step away from Emma's warmth.
"Right, so what is this stance for?" Emma asked as she awkwardly turned her head to Regina.
"It's not usually a stance you'd stand still in but rather one you enter while coming toward in preparation to counter your opponent's defence." Regina explained. "Henry, come here so Emma can try out her one sword wielding skill."
With a grumble and something whispered under his breath Henry came towards Emma and readied to go on the defence.
Regina stepped away and was once again watching Emma and Henry play fight. Emma kept coming back to that one stance, but she was using it well and correctly so Regina stayed impressed rather than laughing. Regina had regreted getting so close to Emma, because not only was it inappropriate and a violation of Emma's space but it was also something she now longed for. Ever since that night in Mills manor den Regina had been trying to keep her physical distance from Emma in fear that if she got to close she would never want to leave and sadly she was right. Regina hated it but her feelings of lust were becoming harder and harder to deny. Emma's strong muscly biceps were doing a good job a smashing through Regina's walls.
"Can we go horse riding yet?" Henry's voice brought Regina out of thought.
"Yes, of course we can." Regina nodded with a smile.
Throughout the ride Regina kept her distance from Emma. Regina had unintentionally shown off her impressive skills by talking off quickly across the field and slipping into the forest without a trace. Regina had spent the majority of their three-hour ride on her own, racing through the fields and neatly missing trees as she sped through the forest. At any sight or wisp of Emma, Regina would turn in the opposite direction- not yet ready for her feelings to once again control her. Horse riding had always given Regina a certain freedom that she couldn't find elsewhere.
"Where'd you get off to?" Emma asked as Regina came trotting back into the stable area.
"Just wanted to get out of my mind for a bit." Regina stated honestly as she dismounted her horse. "Where's Henry?"
"Putting our horses away," Emma said as she threw a hand in his general direction.
"Best be getting Riptide back to his stall." Regina announced as she walked inside with Riptide in toe.
It wasn't long before Regina had Emma and Henry back in the car and driving back towards town.
"Mum, do you think we can get dinner at Granny's tonight?" Henry asked softly from the back seat.
"It is family Saturday," Emma chimed in sweetly with a look towards Regina.
"I think we could, yes." Regina nodded from her spot in the passenger's seat.
So instead of taking Regina and Henry back to the Mills manor Emma took the two across to the main street diner. It was only 6 o'clock when they arrived, perfect timing for the dinner rush. Luckily enough Emma was able to get a park right out front of the diner. After getting out herself and letting Henry out Emma instructed him to go find them a booth. Henry happily complied as he dashed off up the steps and into the diner.
"You still have a headache?" Emma was leaning against the hood of the Mercedes when Regina finally got out of the car.
"Yes, unfortunately" Regina nodded.
"Are you sure that's all?" Emma crossed her arms lightly. "You've been distracted lately, everything alright?" Emma couldn't have been more sweet and sincere if her life depended on it- and that was completely melting Regina's wall of denial.
"Not distracted, just very tired." Regina explained.
"Tired?" Emma questioned.
"Yes, I haven't been sleeping the past couple of nights." Regina wasn't going to give a reason but there was no harm in telling Emma that she wasn't sleeping well.
"Oh," Emma looked a little stumped. "Something on your mind?" Regina hated that Emma was so caring, no that was a lie, Regina truly appreciated it and the friendship that came along with it but in that moment Regina wished that Emma would just leave her be. She didn't know how much more she could take.
Regina shook her head lightly. "No, just a lot of Mayoral duties as of late."
"Okay," Emma nodded slowly. "Just let me know if I can help you in anyway." Emma offered before heading towards the diner's front door.
Later that evening inside the warmth of the diner with all meals eaten and stomachs full the Swan-Mills family sat in a happy silence as they waited for the check.
"I got it," Emma extended her hand towards the waitress with the check. "Thanks."
"Are you sure, Emma?" Regina asked from the other side of the booth.
"Very," Emma nodded dramatically.
"Well thank-you." Regina smiled.
"You're making it seem like I've never shouted you and the kid dinner before." Emma noted as she reached for her wallet.
"Yeah, mum." Henry added. "What's with that?"
Regina looked at Emma and Henry curiously. "I was just saying thank-you." Regina left as though she was being examined.
"Well you're welcome." Emma grinned before tucking a few notes into the check.
Emma insisted in driving Regina and Henry back to the Mills manor. She had even pulled the Sheriff card, saying if Regina was still feeling unwell then she shouldn't be driving- which is true, Regina's concentration had been lacking lately. The drive was quiet, everyone tired after a long day.
Emma, as always, was quick to get out of the car so Henry could get out.
"You better be finishing that assignment off tonight, Henry." Regina called after Henry as he quickly made his way to the front door.
"Okay!" Henry called over his shoulder as he walked inside, though Regina was sure she would have to tell him at least twice tonight to get off of his games and get back to his assignment.
"Well, thanks for a great day." Emma smiled as she handed Regina's keys over.
"Yes, it was rather nice, wasn't it?" Regina nodded slowly as she excepted the keys- letting her hand linger on Emma's for a little too long.
"Always is with you," Emma smiled as she locked eyes with Regina. "And Henry," Emma quickly blurted as she broke eye contact. After a moment of silence Emma spoke again. "Hey, you know that girl's weekend you wanted?" After a small nod from Regina, Emma continued. "Well I think we should have one the weekend after next."
"Seriously?" Regina cocked a brow. "Aren't we both adults with adult responsibilities? You and I practically run this town, Sheriff." Regina put an emphasis on the title Sheriff to remind Emma of her job.
"This back-water town would be okay without us for a few days, Regina." Emma counteracted easily. Emma knew that in theory Regina loved the idea of getting out of town for a little while but Emma also knew that Regina would put up somewhat of a fight, in some ways Regina really hated getting out of her comfort zone.
"Oh, Emma, I don't know." Regina knew that spending a weekend alone with Emma in a new city would do her absolutely no good.
"Come on, it would be amazing." Emma smiled. "Plus, you're not the only one that needs a little holiday."
"Are we really going to do this?" Regina winced knowing that in the end she wasn't going to say no to Emma.
"Yes, really. In New York." Emma confirmed. "It will do the both of us some good"
"Right," Regina nodded sceptically. "And Henry?"
"Well that's the first weekend of the summer holidays, so he can stay with his grandparents." Emma had already thought this through, and it was showing.
Regina nodded with a small laugh. "Okay. So, you've thought of everything then?"
"Just about," Emma laughed shyly. "I'll book everything. All you need to do is get yourself ready to leave by next Friday afternoon."
Regina looked at Emma and let out a long breath. "Okay, Swan. The balls in your court."
"I won't disappoint." Emma affirmed before striding off to her yellow bug on the other side of Regina's driveway.