A/N: I just wanted to tell you guys that I will have to slow down the chapter updates this weekend and when I start school next week. Just expect one to two chapters a week. As for our girls, Swan Queen is endgame, don't worry. ;)

"When I first met her,

I knew in a moment

I would have to spend the next few days

re-arranging my mind,

so there'd be room for her to stay."

I woke, irritated, to the blaring sound of an alarm. Almost as soon as it started it ceased with a bang. Confused, I shifted and began to register a warmth enveloping my entire body, grinning lazily at the familiar feeling. Opening my eyes, I rolled over; the sheets rustling in my wake until I found the blue depths I was looking for.

Shadows were cast across her face as Ruby stroked my cheek lovingly, "Morning sunshine."

"Morning."

I gave her a long and slow kiss, beginning to untangle our legs as I remembered it was Monday, and we had early shift. I glanced out the window to see the beginnings of sunlight filter through, creating heavy shadows throughout the room. Ruby pulled my arm gently to pull me back down to the mattress, hovering above me. I realized our clothes were scattered amongst the floor and sighed in pleasure as she lowered herself on top of me. She kissed me tenderly, her fingers tracing patterns on my abdomen. I broke away as I felt her hand travel lower.

I brought my hand down to hers and held it in place, "Ruby we have early shift."

She silenced me with her mouth, grasping my hand tighter. When we separated for air she had adopted an animalistic glint in her eye;

"Fuck the early shift."

I shook my head, trying to control my heavy breathing, "We can't skip work. We can't afford it after all the money we spent for Mary's birthday."

She sighed, backing off, "Ever the voice of reason."

I smiled and gave her a quick peck, "That's me."

I swung my legs over the side of the bed and borrowed her fuzzy red robe hanging on the end of the bed. It felt like a hug as I wrapped it around myself, and I began to step into the hall.

"Emma?"

I turned back to see Ruby sitting on her heels in the mess of red sheets, trying desperately to pay attention to what she was saying instead of staring at the body on display.

"I might've told Mary we were dating again."

My eyes widened as I struggled to keep my composure, "Why?"

I knew in the back of my mind that it was only a matter of time before Ruby and I broke up; mysterious woman or not. I also knew, no matter how much Ruby loved me, it would be an absolute disaster for both of us. I didn't want Mary Margaret to be caught in the crossfire, even if she was angry for keeping our relationship from her again. I worried she would think less of me, misleading Ruby like this. Truthfully, I wouldn't blame her if she did. I certainly wouldn't blame Ruby if she did. But it felt so good to be with someone, even if it was mostly one sided.

She shrugged, "I felt ashamed keeping it from her. You remember how she reacted last time."

I forced a smile, "You're right. Thanks."

"I need a Boston BLT with fries and a dinner bowl of clam chowder please!"

"No problem Swan."

I took the two latest plates placed on the counter and quickly made my way through the maze of booths and tables. I had almost gotten to table 7. Almost.

The back of a woman's head caught my attention, and I paused where I stood, right behind her window booth. I blinked twice, she was so familiar; the glossy raven hair, the posture. It couldn't be. No. I decided to walk past; just to check. What could it hurt?

I balanced the plates on my forearms carefully as I took a deep breath and detoured, going right instead of straight. I walked slowly by her, and as soon as her face came into view I dropped the plates. I barely heard the earth shattering crash at my feet; I only saw her eyes meet mine in surprise. I only saw her.

Ruby had been walking by and had seen the carnage at my feet. Her voice snapped me back to reality and I felt the heat rise in my cheeks.

"Em!?"

I tore my eyes away from the woman's with the greatest difficulty and met Ruby's worried face, "Sorry, it slipped."

She nodded, "I'll get one of the bus boys."

She left and I turned just in time to see the woman take the few steps to approach me. In that moment I forgot how to breath.

Her expression was kind, even though she looked like the type of person who wouldn't be. She was wearing a fitting black pencil skirt accompanied by a dark red silk blouse with long sleeves. Her black stockings completed the outfit well, and her high heels gave her a slight height advantage above me. Everything about her screamed 'rich' and I felt instantly intimidated; people like her didn't mix with people like me.

Her voice was smooth and reminded me of velvet, "Do you want some help with that?"

I struggled to find a response, "Oh no thank you. I, uh, I'm getting on that."

She nodded but stayed where she was. My heart raced faster the longer I looked into her eyes. Her presence was comforting in a way I've never known, in a way I found I wasn't ready to give up. I didn't quite know what to do so we continued to stare each other down before the bus boy came. I crouched down reluctantly to help when I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder. I looked up nervously to meet chocolate eyes,

"Miss..." she glanced to my nametag, "Emma. Have a good day."

She flashed me a stunning smile as her hand slipped off my shoulder, and I instantly missed the contact. I watched her take her card from the checkbook before taking her purse and slipping out of sight. I stayed where I was, absentmindedly picking up food but staring at the spot she had just been. She was just there. Just right there. I mentally kicked myself once I realized the gravity of the situation. No! No Emma! What if I never saw her again?

God, there is something seriously wrong with me. Like, majorly wrong. I'm running now, running out of the building like a bat outta hell after some woman I don't even know to ask her god knows what. But I know I have to. I need my chance, I need this.

I burst through the door, the wind hitting my face in a bitter assault as I looked around wildly for the woman. I tried desperately to spot the expensive red silk of her shirt, the graceful stride; but all I saw were crowds of people I couldn't care less about, because they weren't her.