Thank you for the reviews, I hope you are all still enjoying the story. I had a guest reviewer ask when I will be introducing Henry and the answer is I won't. I should have put it in the description at the start, but he isn't in this at all, I have nothing against Henry he just didn't really fit the story. They also mentioned Emma being OCC and she is but that's the plan throughout I don't know why, but I've always liked shy quiet Emma in fics as well as the strong badass Emma we are so used to. :3 personally I prefer AU, so my plan is to keep her as she is, shy and quiet. Hope you enjoy this chapter, it'll be shorter again but the next one will be longer.
Regina could tell how nervous Emma was as the entered the building, she laced her fingers with the blondes, "These guys can be real bitches, but you don't even have to talk to them, ill introduce you just shake hands. They will be so self-absorbed they won't even pay attention to us."
The blonde replied with a nod and a deep sigh, there was a few people she recognised from the office and attending various meetings with Regina.
Regina couldn't help but smirk when she noticed her mother glaring at them. "Guess which one my mother is." She whispered in her dates ear.
Looking around, Emma's eyes widened when they landed on the women glaring at them. "Oka maybe I should leave." She groaned and stepped back a little. If looks could kill she would be dead.
"If that's what you want you can take my car." Regina opened her purse softly as she handed the blonde her keys. She noticed her mother walking over and put a comforting hand on her assistants back.
"She looks like she's going to kill one of us… or both." Emma whined softly, stepping closer to Regina.
"Don't worry, I won't let her." Regina smirked at her mother who was now standing directly in front of them.
The older Mills glared at her daughter, not even acknowledging her date "You are late."
"Mother, it is 4:40pm the invitation said 5pm. We are not late." She sighed softly.
"Yes, but most of the gests are here already and you know I like to do things early… Robin will be here soon."
Regina groaned loud and pinched the bridge of her nose "Why is he coming?" she growled and looked at Emma "Mother this Emma, Emma this is my mother, Cora."
"I invited him why wouldn't I?" she blinked at Regina she smirked slightly and looked at Emma, looking her up and down "Ah yes, the new assistant."
Emma smiled politely as she held her hand out for Cora to shake "It's nice to meet you Mrs. Mills."
Cora looked at the hand in disgust then back at Regina "Your sister is around her somewhere."
Regina squeezed Emma's hand softy "Who did she bring?"
"Belle. I do wish those two would make up their minds." She rolled her eyes.
Regina chuckled and hugged her mother "But aren't you happy she brought her and not one of those other girls she normally brings?" she smiled and looked at Emma, her perfume smelt so good.
"That is true, at least it isn't one of her whores." She sighed "at least Belle is a lady."
"Mother." Regina scolded hitting her arm softly "You raised us better then that." She smirked at Emma's wide eyes.
"Yes Dear" Cora rolled here eyes.
"Can we go now or am I still in trouble?"
"Go go." She waved the two younger women off. "I left you a spot at the head table with me."
As Cora turned to walk away Emma smiled politely again "Nice meeting you Mrs. Mills"
Regina smiled sweetly "Well that went better than I thought."
"She already hates me." Emma whined.
Regina led Emma to the table were Zelena was sat with Belle. "Hello Belle Dear." She smiled pulling the petite brunette into a tight hug as Emma stood back to the side.
"Regina, it's so nice to see you." The young women replied with a thick Australian accent.
Pulling away, Regina let out a soft giggle, "I have missed you love." She looked at Zelena and winked "Told you so." Next, she turned her attention back to her date "She doesn't hate you. Trust me if she hated you, you would not be standing right now."
"Blondie." Zelena smirked as she pulled Emma in for a hug.
"Oh! Hi" Emma chuckled hugging her back
Regina raised an eyebrow at her sister's smirk, it took all her strength not to physically pull Emma away.
"Now I know why Gina was hiding you away." Zelena pulled back and winked at Emma.
The young blonde blushed and moved back to Regina's side.
Regina growled "Doesn't she look gorgeous?"
"Hi Emma, I'm Belle" she smiled sweetly holding her hand out to Emma.
Emma's blush deepened at Regina's compliment as she took Belle's hand "Hay."
Emma turned to look at Regina "Maybe this won't be so bad… though my feet are killing me already." She chuckled softly and then looked up as a waiter came over and offered a glass of champagne. Emma took a glass and smiled.
"Already? You have only had them on a few minutes" she chuckled and looked at Emma with fascination.
"I'm not used to them." Emma shrugged and sipped on the drink "Oh wow"
Regina raised an eyebrow, "What? Is it strong?" she chuckled and took the glass of Emma sipping some, humming softly.
"No… no it just tastes expensive." The blonde bit her lip softly.
"Well it will be, my mother picked it out." She giggled and led Emma to the table that they would be sitting at.
Emma nodded and took her seat next to Regina. She placed her clutch on the table and picked up the evening programme that explained how the night would run and which charity it would be for. "What kind of things will be up for auction?" she asked curiously.
"Paintings, furniture, just lots of different things really, it depends what people have donated." She explained with a soft smile, watch Emma. Her smile quickly turned to a frown then a growl when she noticed Robin and his family.
Emma simply nodded, her head down as she continued to read. She started to slouch a little, almost forgetting where she was.
She didn't notice Robin come in until he was stood far too close to her. "Regina. Swan" he smirked then looked at Regina "You brought her?"
Regina tapped Emma's back gently reminding her to sit up before locking eyes with Robin "Well I certainly wasn't bringing you and your childish behaviour" she growled and reached for Emma's hand "Oh and I want your stuff out of my home by Monday. If its not gone by the time I get from work I will be getting rid of it. I have no use for it anymore." She told him with a bright smile.
Robin chuckled darkly as he scoffed at Emma, "Don't worry Regina, you will come to your senses."
The brunette smirked at his words, she turned to face Emma and placed a hand on her soft cheek, stroking lightly as she looked into the bright green eyes, "I already have." She told him as she kissed the corner of Emma's mouth before looking up and smirking at Robin.
Robin scoffed as he noticed the blush on Emma's cheeks. "I can't believe you brought the help." He growled as he stormed to the bar looking pissed.
In that instance, Regina felt her blood boil. Quickly placing a kiss on Emma's forehead but casually walking to Robin, she slapped him hard "Who do you think you are? You're nothing but a little rich boy that can't do anything for yourself. Emma is a hell of a lot smarter then you. Money is the be all and end all Robin." She growled.
Emma stood and gasped when she heard the slap "Regina…" I felt my self-blush as everyone in the room had their eyes on us.
"Oh, I'm stupid?" He scoffed "I'm the stupid one? Please explain to me how on earth you worked that one out. Your little bimbo is a no one Regina. She will never be on our level, she will never be able to look after you like I can. I know it, you know it and she knows it."
Before Regina had the chance to react Emma gently held her wrists "Regina please, it's okay… really he isn't worth it."
Regina reluctantly pulled her eyes from Robin and looked at the blonde again, her chest rising and falling in anger as she looked at him again, "Get the fuck out." She yelled, she really didn't care who was watching "If I ever hear another word about how you are better than anyone else, especially Emma. I will make your life a living hell. My family own half of the buildings that your company works from so do not push me." she hissed lacing her fingers with Emma's.
"Really it's okay…" Emma squeezed her bosses hand gently avoiding Robins look "Regina come on… lets just go sit back down."
Slowly backing away, Regina took a deep breath and pulled Emma to the table with her before having Robin escorted.
Emma watched Cora talk to Robin's family as she apologised on behalf of Regina. It shocked her that anyone, especially her boss would stand up for like that, so publicly. Regina was always about image. She was sat side on holding Regina's hand still as she rubbed her arm soothingly with her free hand. "It's really okay. I don't mind." She shrugged, of course she was annoyed but what he had said didn't really upset her. not as much as it should have.
Regina stood and looked down at Emma "Can we go. I can't be here right now." She really didn't want to embarrass them any more then she had. It also bothered her that Emma didn't seem to care.
"Come on." Emma nodded and stood grabbing both their bags under one arm as she kept hold of Regina's hand in the other. Without speaking they went to Regina's car. The both of them remained quiet for the majority of the drive and it was Emma who eventually broke the silence "I…I'm sorry."
Regina sped the car the rest of the way. She chuckled and shook her head as they pulled up in her spot. "Why are you sorry? You've done nothing wrong." She spoke softly as she walked to Emma's side of the car and held her hand out.
"Because… I know those things are important to your mother and the business and i… me being there caused that and maybe it was just a bad idea."
The older women frowned at that as they entered her apartment. "It is important to my mother yes, but she can handle it without me. and why was it a bad idea for you to join me?" she raised her eyebrow and pushed the door open as she kicked her shoes of.
"Maybe Robin is right… no wait that's not…" she groaned trying to find her words "Because I'm not like you Regina. I don't want to embarrass you I mean, you had to tell me to sit up straight like I'm some child."
Regina crossed her arms as she stood in front of Emma "You think I… want to date you because your lie the others?" she asked "How can you embarrass me just because you were born into a different lifestyle then me. that doesn't mean anything." She sighed and ran a hand through her hair.
"I know it doesn't mean anything to you… or me. But obviously it bothers some people. And Robin is right I cant give you the stuff he can..." she shrugged and sat down. "You know what… just ignore me."
Regina allowed Emma to rambled as she sighed, took her heels of and walked towards the blonde and took her hand "Emma, I understand what you are saying. But they can kiss my behind." She giggled softly and smiled turning her back to Emma "Now can you unzip me?"
Emma nodded and placed their bags down "I am sorry we had to leave early." She chewed her lip as she unzipped Regina, part of her was glad they had left but she was embarrassed and felt bad.
The older women shivered softly as she felt soft hands brush her back "It's quite alright. I normally leave early anyway." Her dress opened a little more to reveal a small moon on her lower back.
"You have a tattoo?" Emma big her lip and raised an eyebrow.
"Yes. My mother still doesn't know." She chuckled and nodded "When I was a little girl I always wanted to run away to the moon, so no one could find me. Sometimes I would still like to do that."
"It's pretty… I have one too." Emma smiled softly.
Regina turned holding the dress to her chest so it wouldn't fall. "May I see?" she asked softly.
Leaning against the wall Emma took her shoes of with a moan. They had been killing her all night. She lifted her dress just enough to show her ankle that had three small birds in flight.
Smiling at the ink, Regina nodded. "why birds?" she asked softly as she grabbed her make up wipes and began to remove her make up.
Emma took the wipes from her and did the same in the mirror with a soft shrug "Well… cos… I guess cos birds are free… I got it when I was pretty young… I just wanted to be… free from stuff." She cleared her throat and shrugged. Clearly it was a touchy subject for her.
Regina felt her heart tighten at the admission. She could tell Emma wasn't really in the mood to talk about it "It's beautiful Emma."
Smiling, the blonde turned to face her boss with a make up free face. She took her hair down before running her fingers through the blonde curls.
The brunettes sile grew as Emma turned. God, she was beautiful. Every time she looked at Emma she took her breath away. She noticed she was staring again "Would you like me to take you home?"
"Oh umm… sure okay." She nodded a little. She really didn't want to go home, didn't want to leave Regina's company but she didn't want to impose either.
Regina bit her lip and smiled. She didn't want Emma to go at all. "Just let me grab a shirt." She headed into her room as she changed into a black t shirt and black jeans. Grabbing her keys in one hand and Emma's hand in the other she led them down to her car parked out front. The ride to Emma's apartment was silent, not uncomfortable but silent. "May I stay at your house for a bit?"
Emma's smile lit up the car as she nodded "Yes. Are you hungry? We can get a take out."
"As long as you order for me, I don't remember the last time I ordered a take out." The brunette giggled softly
"We can order pizza, I know this great place." Emma smiled as she took Regina's hand. As they walked up to the building Emma smiled at an older man sat on the front step, his clothes were dirty and worn and he looked like he hadn't had a wash in a long time. "Good evening Mr. Smith."
"Emma." Mr Smith stood and smiled as he took Emma's hand in his own. "Don't you look beautiful tonight." He kissed her hand and smiled looking at Regina.
Emma chuckled and let him hold her hand "I went on a date. This is Regina."
He let go of Emma's hand and took Regina's kissing it with a slight bow "Pleasure to finally meet you. Emma talks about you allot."
Emma interrupted him there "Okay she doesn't need to hear that… I gotta go change but ill order you a pizza promise" she kissed his cheek as she took Regina's hand again.
The brunette raised her eyebrow at Emma and chuckled "It is lovely to meet you." Regina gave him a small curtsy as she followed Emma upstairs to the blonde's apartment.
"He is harmless don't worry" they headed upstairs as Emma let them into her apartment.
"He seems sweet." Regina nodded and sat on the couch scrunching her nose down at the shelled creature on the floor in front of them.
"I… im just gonna go… get change." Emma's face filled with a soft blush as she reluctantly let go of Regina's hand to change into something more comfortable and practical.
Nodding, Regina let go of her hand. She sat there waiting, and thinking. She had no idea how or if what ever they were doing was going to work but she really hoped it would. She hadn't noticed Emma's return until she flopped on the couch next to her wearing a vest top and sweat pants holding the small cat in her lap.
"Whatcha thinking about?" The blonde tilted her head.
"Good question…" Regina sighed and looked up at Emma with a reluctant smile "Emma, I don't know how this is going to work, I mean I am your boss, but I want you to know that I will try. I want this." She twisted slightly so that she was facing the blonde.
"Yeah?" she tilted her head "I was really nervous tonight you know."
"Me too… but only when I was asking you out."
"I just… I wanted to be perfect for you, I wanted to look perfect."
"You wanted to look perfect for me? Emma, you always look perfect." Her heart sped up, no one had ever made her feel the way Emma made her feel.
"I wanted to… impress you."
"Emma Swan. You impressed me when you didn't run in tears on your first day at work." She raised an eyebrow and chuckled
"I… may have come close." Emma blushed "You are not as bad as you want people to think you know."
"I am scary when I need to be thank you very much" Regina wiggled her brows.
"You always put on this mask."
"That is just how I was raised Emma." She sighed looking down at her lap.
Emma nodded and tried to change the subject "Do you want me to order food?"
"I'm not that hungry but go ahead." She smiled as she scratched the cats chin.
"Okays, im going to order Mr. Smith something." She reached over to the coffee table and ordered a large margarita pizza and a drink before telling them who it was for and telling them to add it to her bill for next time before thanking them sweetly and hanging up.
Regina watched the young women on the phone and smiled sweetly, "You have such a good soul Emma."
"I guess I just know what its like to not have anyone look out for you." She shrugged and blushed.
Regina didn't know that feeing, not really. "I don't know what that's like but I am sorry Emma."
"It's… whatever, I'm used to it I guess."
Regina nodded and sat awkwardly for a moment, "It's getting late."
Emma chewed her lip, she shouldn't have said anything, that was too personal. "Yeah…"
"Do you want me to take you to your car?" Regina sighed, this wasn't going well, she didn't feel good about tonight at all.
"No that's okay, its out of the way, I can just get a lift or whatever." Emma nervously played with her fingers "Are you sure you aren't hungry?"
"No dear, come on." She took Emma's hand and led her to the car again "It is not out of my way, I have to go by work to get home anyway." She shrugged.
"Alright, thank you." Emma chuckled.
The ride back to the office was a quiet one, not uncomfortable but quiet. It was late at night meaning there was little to no traffic which made their journey go quicker then normal. Emma got out of the car with a soft sigh and leant against her own as she looked at Regina.
"I'm sorry about tonight."
The older women frowned and tilted her head slightly "What do you mean dear?" God Emma looked beautiful.
"Robin." She shrugged playing with her keys "We missed the dinner… and we missed the auction. I met your family for the first time and made a fool out of myself not to mention the fact that I embarrassed you."
Regina couldn't help but chuckle "That is incorrect. I made a fool out of Robin, he deserved it. God, he is such an air head." She rolled her eyes with a smirk.
"Yeah I… don't like him." Emma chuckled.
"I don't know how anyone can like someone like him." Regina chuckled with a sigh, she really didn't want this night to end.
"True." Emma groaned and looked up when it started to rain a little "I should go…"
"It's late and you do have work tomorrow." She replied, avoiding the green eyes staring at her.
"I do." Emma scrunched her nose as nodded and squeezed her bosses hand "Night Gina."
"Goodnight Emma" she smiled at the nickname, biting her lip when Emma squeezed her hand. She took a deep breath and got in her car before heading home.
About half an hour later Emma was back home again, she dropped her keys on the coffee table with a soft sigh, she had an amazing night, despite the incident with Robin, she was scared it wouldn't last though, Regina was her boss but she was happy, she wanted for it to work so badly. She headed straight to bed.
Regina on the other hand couldn't sleep. Her mind was in overdrive, she kept thinking about every little detail. God, Emma probably hated her, why wouldn't she? She was probably just being nice, so she didn't upset her boss. That night Regina had a restless night. She had a lot to think about.