She was out in the garden behind her large estate, picking apples off her tree. Even in her classy beige business suit, it seemed to suit her that she was actually outside picking the apples. Every strand of glossy, shoulder length black hair was in place, a small, tight scowl on her painted red lips. It was nearly seven am when the sun finally swept over the sleepy little town, but she had been out there for the last half an hour amongst her apple tree, her basket nearly full now. If anyone had ever stopped to notice, they would have known that she was out there everyday at the same time. But no one came near Regina Mills estate. No one, except Mr. Gold, and that was only for the deal they were currently negotiating.
But today was different. Today, her scowl was deeper than normal. Today, the clock on the main street had rung for the first time in nearly seventeen years. She had heard the mournful cry of the tower while she drank her morning caramel Apple Cider, spilling the contents over her once impeccable clean shoes. Yanking another apple angrily off its branch, she gritted her teeth, trying to figure out what was the cause of the clock suddenly coming to life. An idea flickered through her mind as she reached for another apple. This one did not want to come off its stem and with an exceptional tug, she was finally able to wrench it off the branch, morning dew spraying everywhere.
"Did that tree do something to offend you dear?" a Scottish accent cuts through her train of silence.
Regina had been so lost in her thoughts that she hadn't even noticed Mr. Gold stepping up next to her. He was dressed completely in black, a stark contrast to her beige outfit. Usually, she kept an eye on him, so he was never able to sneak up on her. This time, he had managed to visibly startle her, and as a result he was smirking at her. She shot him a glare that would've frightened a lesser man. Unfortunately for her, Mr. Gold was not only accustomed to her icy daggers, he also was one of the only people in town who wasn't afraid of her.
"What can I do for you today, Mr. Gold?" her voice was almost as icy as her appearance.
"Oh, was just on my way to collect rent, settle a few…arrangements" the way he emphasized the last word sent shivers up Regina's spine, but she managed to keep her outer appearance stoic.
"Yes, you're always so precise about who owes what" Regina now turned to face the man in front of her. He did nothing but smirk at her for a minute, which caused her frustration level to reach dangerous levels. "All right, you and I both know you don't make social calls. You and I also know that I don't consider patience to be a virtue, so will you get on with your point"
"Oh" he said mockingly, his free hand touching his heart as if he had stung her, "Can't an old friend pop in for a quick chat"
"Gold…" her voice had dropped into a warning tone.
"Alright, I see your in no mood for games" Mr. Gold couldn't help but chuckle, "I just came by to let you know that our little town as acquired a new visitor"
"Probably some tourist" Regina shrugged it off and turned back to her apple tree.
"I don't seem to recall us ever getting any tourists that often"
"So what's your point?" Regina turned back to face him, her expression angry. Mr. Gold's grin grew even wider as he noticed the note of panic in Regina's voice that she was so desperately trying to hide. "We get visitor's once in a while. Tourists. People who are lost most of the time"
"Just thought I'd let you know" Mr. Gold said evenly, "But I did not come here to jest. Rather, as you well noted, I only make calls when I am on business. As for our agreement that we've been discussing, I afraid I have some bad news. The paper work didn't go through"
"What!" the basket full of apples dropped to the ground as she spun around to look at him. "Again"
"I do apologize for that"
"But why!" this time, Regina's stoic expression crumbled slightly. Her pale skin was flushed with frustration, and her eyes were brimming with tears as her chewed on her lower lip.
"I don't know dear" Mr. Gold said, still remaining as calm and aloof as ever. "Now, if you'd like, we can go inside and discuss this like two reasonable people"
"Every time!" for the first time, there was a slight crack in the proud woman's voice. "It's my turn!" Her lips suddenly turned back up into a scowl. "You bastard! You have some involvement in this don't you! I know you! It's no accident that the paper work keeps getting denied each time!"
"I have no idea what you're implying" Mr. Gold said absentmindedly, circling the tree as he reached for an apple. He was in complete control of the situation, and Regina knew it, which only exasperated her temper. "But, if you want to come to a resolution as quickly as possible, I suggest you please regain a hold of yourself dear"
He was sure to add that word in as subtly as possible. No need to raise more alarm just yet. He saw her will power crumble, even if she didn't catch on just yet. Fortunately for him, subtly was a skill he had much practice in.
Regina was near tears at this point. This was such a rare sight indeed, and Mr. Gold wanted to be there to soak up every moment of it. Coming up to stand beside her, he place an arm on her shoulder, in a false show of empathy, and directed her towards her house.
No matter how much she would say otherwise, Regina was a lonely woman. The only things in this world that brought her joy were her apple tree of course…and ruling over Storybrooke with an iron fist. No one would come between her and her happy ending, she would make sure of it. Even if she had to kill.
Of course, Mr. Gold knew that. He couldn't help but smirk to himself. It took a lot of effort and patience to see a woman such as Mayor Mills come close to a breaking point, but after seeing it, he knew without a doubt that it was time worth spent.