The next morning the band was back in the studio and learning Emma's new song when Mr. Gold came in. His glare immediately settled on Emma.
"How nice of you to join us, Miss Swan. I do hope you enjoyed your little vacation." His tone made it absolutely clear that he hoped nothing the sort.
Emma decided to ignore his sarcasm. "I did, thank you," she smiled.
"A word in my office," he stated as he turned and walked across the hall without looking to see if she followed.
As she got up to join him, she wiped the sweat that had gathered on her palms onto her jeans. She couldn't help the shiver that ran down her spine as she wondered if he was going to murder her right there in his office.
"Have a seat." She sat as he took his own seat behind his desk. "That was a very foolish thing to do. I should terminate your contract."
"I know. It's just my friend needed me, and I thought that if I asked you, you wouldn't let me leave. What can I do to fix this? Please don't punish the entire band for my mistake." Her hands fidgeted in her lap as she spoke, because she did not want to ruin this for everyone else.
He leaned forward to assure that Emma was looking him in the eye when he spoke again, voice low and threatening. "I will not terminate you at this time, but don't forget that I own you, Miss Swan. I won't forgive so easily a second time."
"Yes sir," she replied tersely. She wanted to rip into him, but she knew that they would be screwed if she did.
"Now, go make me a record Miss Swan, and make sure that it does not disappoint me."
She only nodded in reply and forced down the way Gold's threat seemed to add a tangible weight to her shoulders. She quickly left the room and went back into the studio to work on the album.
The band stayed in the studio until eight o'clock that evening when Mr. Gold finally told them that they were free to go. As the band left the building, Emma was surprised to hear Belle call out to her. "Could we talk for just a minute?"
"Sure," Emma nodded and lead her over to a bench. "What's up?"
"Mr. Gold-" she grabbed Emma's arm when the blonde rolled her eyes at his name. "Listen Emma, I know he seems harsh, but he's really not a bad man. If you could see him the way that I've seen him, you'd know. I know it isn't an excuse, but he throws himself into his work so he doesn't have to remember."
"Remember what?"
"His son, Neal. He died. It was years ago, but he's never gotten over it. You remind him of Neal. He told me. He was talented, very talented but he ruined it. Please, just try to see beneath his mask before you decide to hate him. I truly think he's trying to help you."
"I don't-" Emma wanted to tell her that she didn't particularly like Mr. Gold, but she didn't hate him either.
Belle cut her off. "I have to go. Have a good night Emma, and please think about what I said." She left Emma gaping after her as she rushed down the busy sidewalk.
Emma walked back to their hotel alone. She could have taken a taxi, but she wanted the time to think over everything that had happened that day. Mr. Gold's threat and Belle's nearly desperate plea. She wasn't sure why she reminded Gold of his son, and she didn't know if she should be glad or concerned. By the time she got back to the hotel, she was tired of thinking and the only thing on her mind was talking to Regina.
After a quick exchange of hellos and asking about Henry, Emma told the other woman about everything that had happened that day.
"Why the hell would she tell you that?" Regina asked once Emma had finished.
"I don't know," Emma shrugged although she knew Regina couldn't see her. "She doesn't want me to hate him I guess. I think she likes him. Maybe she even loves him. They are kinda weird. Y'know how people are though, when someone is important to them they want everyone else to like them too."
"That's true," Regina whispered.
"What's wrong?" Emma asked. "You sound like you've got something on your mind too."
"Nothing. I've just been thinking a lot the last couple of days," she sighed.
"About?"
"Us."
Emma felt her heart clench painfully as a feeling of dread washed over her, and all she could do was barely breathe out, "Oh."
"It's not bad!" Regina was quick to assure her. "I promise. What you said just made me think about how much I want my family and friends to like you. I know Henry obviously adores you. Tink and Mal are definitely in your corner too, but I worry about my parents, well Mother mainly."
"You think they won't like me?"
"Well, Daddy just wants me to be happy. My mother, on the other hand, she's- well, you know."
"Yeah," she couldn't help the bite to her tone. When she realized what they were talking about, she couldn't help but ask, "Does this mean you want me to meet them though?"
"Eventually, yes."
Emma smiled. "Good."
The phone line was quiet for just a split second before they spoke in unison, "I miss you."
They both laughed. "I was afraid to say that," Emma admitted.
"Why?" Regina asked.
"I'm afraid I'm going to scare you away. We agreed on slow and this doesn't feel slow." She bit her lip as she waited for a response.
"You won't scare me away. You've only been gone a couple of days, but I feel like a part of me is missing."
"Me too, and it's hard to sleep."
"Tell me about it. I had Henry sleep in my room last night," she laughed.
Emma giggled. "Regina?"
"Hmm?"
"Are you sure about this?"
"I've never been more sure of anything. In fact, there's something I'd like to ask you Miss Swan. I know what we agreed to, but I want this to be official. I want to tell the world that I have this amazingly sweet and patient girlfriend all the way across the country. May I do that?"
"Are you asking if you can call me your girlfriend?"
"I am."
"Of course you can, because I have been dying to tell people that I have this absolutely beautiful, wonderful woman waiting for me at home."
AN: For those that keep asking, no this is not the end. I am so sorry that I cannot update on a regular basis, but I promise that I will let you know when it is finished, so please don't ask. I'm also sorry that this is a short update, but I've been crazy busy. Thank you all for sticking with me.