A/N: A HUGE thank you to my beta-readers lupwned and hunnyfresh – you ladies are the best! THANK YOU to everyone who has read, reviewed, followed, and favorited! I am having so much fun with this story and I hope you are too! Please continue to read and review!
Disclaimer: Of course, I own nothing, I just like to play.
The morning of the gala, Emma awoke at 4am. She groaned as she realized that the sun was not yet up, but still pulled herself from bed, her stomach churning as she contemplated the events to unfold. She had spent the last few weeks saving her money studiously, feeding Henry casseroles and eating with her parents whenever possible. She had a tidy sum prepared, but still she worried it would not be enough. Despite having met with her mother several times to be measured and discuss design for her dress, she had not yet seen it. Everything combined had kept her up until after 1am, her mind racing with all the ways her careful planning could go wrong.
She pulled on sweatpants and a hoodie over her customary boy shorts and tank top she wore to bed. Yawning, she went into the kitchen to make coffee and attempt to give her mind an occupation other than racing over the events to come. As the coffeepot finished brewing, she was surprised to hear a sleepy "Good Morning" from her son as he entered the kitchen yawning.
"Morning, Henry. You're up early."
"Just excited I guess. It's the big day!"
Emma just groaned as she looked in the fridge to see what she could make them for Breakfast.
"So how do you feel about leftover tuna casserole?"
Henry's face wrinkled in disgust, "For Breakfast? Um…how about I buy us some pancakes at Granny's with my lawn mowing money, since you won't let me help you tonight."
"No Henry, I'm the parent here, I'm supposed to be the one to take care of you. You're right though, I think it's time to loosen the purse strings a little. I'm hungry. And I'll never make it through this day if I don't eat something."
Emma and Henry had been avoiding the diner other than picking up the occasional hot chocolate and leaving generous tips for Ruby. Henry trudged back to his room to get dressed as Emma did the same. She pulled on her traditional jeans and red leather jacket before sitting down on her bed to wrestle her feet into her boots. As she did so, she wondered again whether all of this was in vain. Even if she was able to secure a day with Regina through the auction, who could say whether that would actually lead to anything. Emma had no reason, other than Henry's childlike faith, to believe that Regina felt anything but disdain for her.
Standing resolutely, Emma determined that although she could not be assured of the outcome she sought, the time had come to at least pursue Regina. She could no longer sit and wonder what would happen. Her mother was right; she may get hurt, but consequences be damned, she was going to give it her best shot.
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Regina's morning started later and at a much more leisurely pace. She had no distinct worry about this evening. She pursed her lips as she thought about the utter inanity of such a foolish spectacle. Still, she had an image to portray before her town and she had every intention of fulfilling their expectations. She had spent the last few weeks working with the planning committee to ensure that the gala would be fitting to the level of sophistication and elegance she expected.
In this, at least, she felt a small amount of pleasure. It was sure to be an evening to rival any other fundraiser despite being in such a small town. The town hall had been decorated for the evening, the grand ballroom filled with pristine white tablecloths on tables covered in crystal that would shimmer in the candlelight later that night. The flowers were being delivered in the afternoon, the food prepared in Granny's kitchen and then transported to the hall. Each detail had been attended to painstakingly until she was certain that whatever other foolishness occurred this evening, it would be beautiful.
She felt supremely confident that her gown would be as regal and enticing as any of the outfits she had donned as the Evil Queen in another life. Although she no longer wished to command the fear of her subjects, she felt the need to ensure that her presence was noted. She had no doubt that the gown she had purchased and tweaked to her own exacting specifications would turn heads.
Once more, she found herself idly considering whether Miss Swan would be forced to wear a gown. She was certain that the sheriff may have worn a dress or two under the right circumstances, but would be less than thrilled with her mother's idea of how a lady should dress for this sort of occasion. A wry grin crossed her face at the thought and she found herself humming as she cleaned up her Breakfast dishes, imagining that perhaps simply watching the blonde's discomfort would make this evening amusing if not enjoyable.
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David knocked on Emma and Henry's apartment door in the early afternoon. He and Henry were planning to get ready together, each wearing a tuxedo rented from Emperor's Menswear. The idea was to allow Emma and Snow to prepare for the evening together and then Henry and David would come to escort their "dates" to the gala.
"Hey, Emma! Your mom is dying to show you your dress, you'd better not wait too long."
"About that…have you seen it? Is it princess-y? Will I hate it?"
"She's kept it under wraps, I have no idea, honestly. She said you had to see it first. But we're going to have to get there early."
"Why?"
"Gold's been trying to make progress with Belle for weeks, but she hasn't given him the time of day. I guess he's decided he wants to be eligible to bid after all. He's asked me to step in as auctioneer."
"Wow. Well, ok then. I'm glad I've been tipping Ruby well, she can't be thrilled at this turn of events."
"You'd better go and let your mother fuss over you. We'll need some time to get ourselves handsome and then we'll pick you ladies up later."
"Ok, thanks. Henry! I'll see you later, kid."
Henry didn't even look up from his video game as he muttered, "See ya."
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"Oh Emma! You look so beautiful" a teary-eyed Snow took in her daughter several hours later.
Snow had made Emma a flowing sage green gown with a flare at the ankles making her appear to float across the floor. The bodice was a deep green corset accentuating her slim waist and displaying an enticing amount of cleavage. Her make-up was light, appearing to be more of a natural glow than a cosmetic mask. Her hair was piled on top of her head with curled tendrils cascading around her face. She looked lit up from the inside, supremely confident. She felt surprisingly comfortable in her gown, but she could hardly recognize herself.
"You look amazing, too."
Snow was wearing a more conservative deep royal blue dress. It had an empire waist that hid her pregnant belly and made her look appropriately elegant. She wore little make-up but her beaming smile lit her face as she took in her work. Emma looked ethereal and pure, an expression of the love between her and Charming more than she ever had before. She was certain that if Regina had any inkling of good left in her, she would find Emma irresistibly attractive.
A knock on the door heralded their escorts. Snow practically skipped to answer with an excited giggle. She opened the door and saw her prince, resplendent in a black tuxedo with a bow tie and waistcoat matching the color of her gown. He beamed at her as he took a step back to admire her from head to toe before sighing appreciatively and saying "Wow!"
Snow giggled again saying "That's my prince – so eloquent" before grasping the back of his neck and pulling him in for a kiss that stole her breath.
Henry made his presence known before the scene could get too heated saying "Um, guys…grandson over here. Pretty grossed out."
Snow and Charming both laughed as they turned to look at Henry. "My goodness, Charming. Do we have the most handsome grandson in the land, or what?"
"He takes after his grandmother."
"Where's my mom?"
"I'm here." Emma called from inside the apartment. All three of her family members pushed in through the door at that moment, taking in the sight of her nervously clutching her hands in front of her but still looking radiant.
Henry's jaw dropped and he simply said "Whoa!"
Charming's eyes became suspiciously bright as he took in the sight of his little girl and he crossed the room in three steps before pressing a kiss to her cheek and murmuring "You look beautiful, Emma," his voice raspy.
Emma felt simultaneously reassured by their reactions and slightly uncomfortable with the scrutiny. She decided to break the tension. "Well, I guess we better go. David…um Dad needs to get set up and stuff."
Henry found his feet and walked over, offering his arm gallantly to escort his mother. She took a deep breath before grasping his hand and walking toward the door. Her parents followed behind, Charming's hand on the small of Snow's back as they shared a look of pride and joy in their family.
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The ballroom was magnificent. Regina surveyed the progress the staff had made toward lighting candles and making other last minute touches with utter satisfaction. She had spent the afternoon overseeing the workers. In a few moments, she planned to leave to finish getting ready for the evening. She had not wanted to wear her gown too early and spoil the effect she planned to have entering the room later, once the town had assembled. As she checked the last item off of her clipboard and turned to leave, she spotted the Charming family entering through the doors. Charming led Snow looking appropriately dashing as the radiant young couple practically floated through the door.
When they moved to the side to speak to Archie, however, her breath caught. Her son was beaming at her resplendent in a miniature tuxedo. The forest green of his bow tie and waistcoat matched his mother's dress. But it was his mother herself who caused her heart to stop momentarily. Emma was magnificent. She seemed to glow as she walked in on Henry's arm, her pale skin catching the flickering candlelight and her golden hair a halo around her face. Regina had of course noticed before that the sheriff was attractive, but she would never have expected to react like this. Without her trademark leather jackets and skin-tight jeans, Emma was a knockout. She smiled shyly at Regina and the mayor remembered to breathe. She shook herself and strolled forward, returning her gaze to her son and giving him a warm smile.
"Henry, you look very handsome. A true prince." She leaned down to kiss him on the crown of his head and smoothed his hair back from his face.
"Thanks, Mom!"
"Good evening, Miss Swan."
"Evening, Madame Mayor."
For a moment, no further conversation occurred, the two women simply stared at one another until Henry tugged at Regina's hand and said "Mom. Why aren't you wearing a gown?"
"I just had to oversee some last minute arrangements. I'm going to get ready right now, sweetheart." She found her eyes drawn back to the green eyes of his birth mother, giving a controlled smile before saying "I trust your father is prepared. We all know he's not the most gifted speaker."
To Regina's surprise, Emma laughed at this and said "Well, I expect that everyone will simply be relieved not to listen to Gold all night. His creepy little giggle won't exactly drive attendance."
Regina's lips tilted upward despite herself. "True enough, Sheriff Swan. If you'll excuse me, I will go home to prepare myself."
"Of course. See ya later."
Regina turned and walked out, turning just before she crossed the threshold to steal one last glance at the princess behind her.
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The ballroom was filled with Storybrooke residents in their finest clothing, seated at tables scattered through the ballroom eating salads and creating a low din of conversation. Suddenly, a hush fell over the crowd, beginning near the door and cascading outward. Emma looked up from the front of the ballroom to see Regina standing in the door all the way in the back.
To those who had been present at Snow and Charming's Fairytale Land Wedding, her late entrance and confident smirk recalled a far different time. The dissociative rage, however, was missing, leaving in its place a stunning woman who commanded attention. Her deep purple gown fit tight to her body except for a slight train at the back. The neckline plunged low and it was nearly entirely backless.
As she glided forward, brown eyes sought the green of the sheriff and when the connection was made, Emma gasped audibly, her mouth dry. She reached forward and drained her wine glass, looking desperately at her plate to regain her equilibrium. Regina seated herself at a nearby table, nodding to those seated with her and the conversations around them resumed. Snow reached out her hand to touch Emma's shoulder briefly in a silent sign of support with a hesitant smile. Emma returned the smile nervously and reached for her clutch to check the time again. Surely this auction would be getting underway soon.
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David had been doing a surprisingly, well, charming job of hosting the auction. To nobody's surprise, Ella and Aurora had attracted a few bids, but their fiancé and girlfriend Mulan, respectively, were the winners of those contests. Mulan herself refused to participate in the auction as a candidate, prefering to stand in the back stiffly and to bid for her girl. They had stowed away when Hook and Cora had sailed for Storybrooke and had settled in with some discomfort to the modern town.
Granny had ignited quite the bidding war after promising to spend the day cooking for the lucky man who bid to take her home. Marco, Archie, and several others put forward bids, but in the end, none of them could match the sum the dwarves had pooled together. The six of them surrounded Granny as she left the stage shouting about it being unfair that she was forced to please six suitors.
Leroy was not counted as he was saving his own money to bid on Nova. Newly freed from the convent, Nova had refused to return to life under the strong hand of the Blue Fairy. She, like Ruby and a few others, felt that this new life was a second chance at happiness. The contest for Nova's hand was half-hearted and Leroy easily won the day.
When Ruby came up for auction, there were several who participated in the bidding, but Belle glared them all down until her own bid won the contest. Ruby's smile was wide as she leapt from the stage and ran to the librarian, unable to restrain herself from dipping her low and kissing her in front of the entire crowd. The wolf-whistles and cheers continued for several minutes, led by Granny.
And now came the moment that Emma had been waiting for. As David began the introduction, she found her palms sweating and resisted the urge to rub them on her skirt. Her heart began to pound as she listened. Regina strolled confidently to the stage and stood smiling at the crowd with the same smooth smile she employed for mayoral press conferences. Emma forced herself to listen.
"Our next bachelorette is Mayor Regina Mills. All of us know her as the woman responsible for creating and maintaining this very town. Although we may have had some differences of opinion in the past," the crowd chuckled at the understatement, "She proved herself a loyal citizen and ally at the battle of Storybrooke Wharf where she risked her own life to defeat her mother. You may believe that she's put a spell on you, but I'm assured that's just her natural charm. Let's get our first bid for…Regina."
This was it. A month's worth of preparation and yet Emma found her voice was stolen in this critical moment. All she had to do was call a number but she simply couldn't choke it out. It seemed like an eternity passed as Snow stared at her, eyes widening before Henry passed a hand in front of her face and she looked up. Too late.
"One hundred dollars."
The voice came from a table toward the back. Jefferson stood at his table, his eyes gleaming with malice, a smile twisting his face.
A/N: So we finally arrived at the night I've been dying to share with you. Please let me know what you think!