Emma had arrived at the firm not an hour ago and she was pacing back and forth in her office. She was procrastinating the meeting with her new boss and she knew it. It wasn't that she didn't like the blonde; in fact she didn't know her at all; she hadn't sized her up yet. If the situation was different Emma would have already introduced herself, hell maybe even flirted a little. All in all Emma was faithful and she would never go beyond harmless flirting especially with a colleague. Regina knew that Emma was a natural flirt and she didn't mind, she knew she was target number one after all, and Emma had never gave her a reason to worry.
Her father had already called twice to remind her of the meeting however Emma both times told him that she was busy and she would get around to it sometime later. Her nerves were a mess and a headache was starting to form. Her fight with Regina and the sleepless night didn't help at all with the situation. A knock on the door distracted her from her thoughts and after mumbling her permission the door opened to reveal Ariel.
''Mrs Swan your father called… again. What should I tell him?'' The redhead asked tentatively and Emma couldn't help but roll her eyes.
''Urgh, tell him I'm on my way to her office, and after that I want him in my office to talk.'' Emma replied.
''Okay. Anything else?''
''No that's all.'' Emma dismissed her secretary and plopped herself down in her chair in defeat. She sighed deeply. Time to face the demon she thought. Smoothing her slacks from imaginary wrinkles Emma stood up and tilted her head to both sides in a small attempt to relieve some tension. She checked herself in the mirror above the side table and after making sure that everything was in place, she opened the door and walked down the long corridor. Two right turns later Emma was face to face with her new boss's office. Two doors away was Mr. Gold's office and opposite to it her father's office. When she first came started at the firm David had offered her the exact same office but Emma had opted one more private, and now she found herself wanting that office more than anything in the world, okay, she wanted the position of the person who owned the office more than anything; she wouldn't give up her private corner office for anything! She was newly married when she choose it and, well, Regina used to visit a lot so every surface in Emma's office had born witness to the heated passion of their honey-moon period.
Letting out a small chuckle at her naughty thoughts Emma knocked the door calmly. After a few seconds a velvet smooth voice uttered ''come in'' was heard and Emma turned the knob to open the door. She was met with two sapphire blue eyes staring right at her.
''You must be Emma right?'' The other blonde asked while flashing a wide smile, lighting up as if Emma was the person she most wanted to see in the whole world!
''Mrs Swan and yes,'' Emma pushed a tight smile at her new boss who hadn't yet stopped smiling. She stood up walked around her desk and held out her hand for Emma to shake. She was wearing a black skirt with a white button up and sleek black heels and Emma could just about see the tell-tale red of Christian Loubutin peeking out from the base; there must be a pretty salary to go with that pretty position. The first three buttons of the shirt were open revealing a pleasant amount of cleavage and Emma caught a glimpse of a sliver of white lace. Her honey hair was pulled up in a bun, but a few wisps had escaped and fell loosely framing her face, where her make-up was excellently in place. Well, she certainly knew how to dress, Emma could give her that.
After a few seconds of shamelessly checking out her new boss out Emma took Jane's hand and shook it, firmly.
If Jane Smith noticed Emma's pause, she didn't let on, ''It's a pleasure to meet you. Your father told me a lot about you.'' Jane said while letting her hand fall from the firm handshake, twisted on her heels and retreated back to her chair. The twist instantly drew Emma's eye to where the black skirt hugged a decidedly not disappointing backside and she give it an eyebrow raise in appreciation. Clearing her throat Emma left the defense and moved towards attack.
''Did he also tell you that this promotion was mine?'' Emma spat, her head raised defiant, not caring for pleasantries.
''I'm sorry what?'' Jane looked up at her clearly confused.
''This promotion, this chair was for me.'' Emma replied bluntly.
''Oh I see'' Jane chuckled slightly, relaxing her shoulders of any tension Emma's first comment created. She settled back in her chair, smile glinting on her lips, now completely unbothered by Emma's previous statement. This alone bothered Emma, who watched the blonde carefully.
''This isn't about getting to know each other is it?''
Emma stood firm, ''I'm simply stating some facts. I don't have anything personal against you.'' she admitted.
''So it's not personal coming here in my office claiming that this job should be yours? Let me ask you something, Mrs Swan, did you want to come and talk to me today or did you do it because your daddy made you?'' Jane replied posture and voice firm as steel. She knew exactly what she was doing, and Emma knew it too; she was opening and closing her mouth but wasn't able to come up with a come-back.
''I thought so,'' the blonde smirked, gazing up at Emma, her eyes glinting, barely disguising the fire beneath them. Emma instantly thought of Regina, pushed tight against her body, her eyes burning brightly into Emma's as she deftly slipped her fingers into Emma's soaking underwear. Emma's breath faltered as she snapped out of her day-dream, and subtly shook it off.
''Do you think that figuring that out is impressive?'' Emma pressed not wanting to admit defeat just yet.
''No.'' Jane said simply as she sit comfortably at her chair. ''What I think Mrs Swan is that this isn't high school; lets not start fighting with each other about a boy. Mr. Gold simply offered me a job and I would have been an idiot to decline such an offer. I did nothing wrong.''
Before Emma could form a remark Jane raised her hand immediately silencing Emma's attempt.
''Anyway, I have a busy day. It was nice meeting you .'' She gave her best smile, only slightly laced with sarcasm, and turned back to her work dismissing the blonde who stood there anger boiling through her body. Emma was ready to snap again but she remembered the promise she gave to Regina that morning and backed off. Her jaw hardened, she nodded at the dismissal and walked silently out of the door.
Once outside Emma let out a deep breath. The nerve that woman had! They have only known each other for a few minutes and Emma could tell for sure that she hated the woman. Well hated was a strong word but deeply dislike her could do. Her inner monologue was disturbed in good time by her father by putting his hand on her shoulder shaking her a little. Emma opened her eyes in shock;
''God dad you scared me!'' she gently smacked his arm to bat him off.
''You were just sitting there with your eyes closed and I was worried. Have you talked with Jane?'' He asked.
''Don't remind me.'' she mumbled, closing her eyes again.
''What?''
Emma sighed, opening her eyes again to join the real world ''Come to my office and I'll tell you,'' she started walking towards the office with her father in tow.
When they were inside of Emma's office she opted to pour a drink while her father sat at the couch.
''Do you want one?'' She offered.
''No and neither you should drink at this hour of the day'' He said caringly and Emma refrained from rolling her eyes.
''I'm fine. Besides if I don't have this drink, I'll be on edge for the rest of the day, and I really don't want a replay of yesterday's events.''
''What happened yesterday?'' David asked confused.
Emma turned back around and leaned back against the side table, cradling her drink. ''Regina and I had a fight. Everything's okay though, I apologised this morning.'' Emma confessed.
''Really? We saw Regina this morning and she didn't say anything about a fight.'' David said.
''Oh you know Regina. She's isn't much of a sharing person. And really it was nothing to worry about. That's why she didn't say anything.'' Emma offered as an explanation. Emma sipped her drink in the short silence, gearing herself up to alleviate her second guilty feeling.
''Anyway, dad I'm sorry about yesterday'' Emma apologised.
''What for?'' David asked softly while beckoning Emma to come sit next to her to which Emma complied.
''For being an ass. I was really irritated with the whole thing and I overreacted. Sorry for that.''
''Hey it's totally understandable to be angry. I was angry too darling. Don't worry about that. Everything with us is fine'' and to make sure she was absolutely sure he pulled her to him and gently kissed her temple.
''Thank you dad.'' Emma smiled allowing herself to relax in her father's arms.
''So, are you gonna tell me how the meeting went?'' David nudged her a little in order to make her talk.
''Ugh dad, it was a disaster. And I don't regret it.''
''What happened?''
''Long story short I hate her and something tells me that the feelings are mutual'' she shrugged.
''Oh Emma, why?'' He whined.
''She's infuriating. And I like being at people's throats.'' She scrunched up her face, and took a large sip of her drink. At that David face palmed himself and Emma grinned.
''I can't help it. It's the Swan genes'' she pouted and David chuckled. Before he could say anything more Emma's phone interrupted him. Emma stood up and went to her desk to retrieve her cell phone. Seeing Regina's name flashing she immediately answered.
''Hey babe, what's up?'' Emma questioned.
''Nothing dear. I just called to tell you that I might be late tonight and I wanted to know if you could come and pick up Ezra when you finish work? He's getting really tired and I'm sensing a tantrum is coming over.'' Regina implored.
''Yeah that's okay I'll be there in 30 minute tops. Should I cook anything?''
''No my mother said that she'll stop by to bring some lasagna. Oh I almost forgot. It's bath day for Ezra and Colin. And don't let Colin eat too much of my mother's food. She tends to make it a little spicy and he'll have a stomach ache if he eats too much. Oh, and Henry-''
''Regina baby relax. It's not the first time I've met the boys. We'll be fine'' Emma reassured her.
''Ugh I know it's just that today's been a really busy day and I cannot wait for this week to be over so we can go to the cabin next week'' Regina sighed.
''It's okay baby. Be patient okay? I'll see you in a few. I love you.''
''I love you too dear'' and with that Emma hung up.
''Everything's okay?'' David asked worried.
''Yeap. She had a lot of incidents today and she has to stay late. She asked me to watch the boys. Anyway what were you saying?''
''Oh right. Uhm actually, there's a case that Gold told me to assign to you.'' David admitted.
''I've been working on three! Can't he just give it to someone else?'' She whined.
''He said that you're the only one who can handle it. I'll ask him if he can assign someone else to help you.'' He offered.
''Fine'' she sighed.
''Tomorrow at 10 you have a meeting with him about it.'' He continued.
''He wants me to look at it over night? Dad I can't. I have to watch the boys.'' She pleaded.
''You'll find a way. Anyway before you leave drop by my office and I'll give you the details.''
''Okay.'' Emma relented, finishing her drink on one.
David thought that this was his cue, leaving behind a much stressed Emma.
Emma, thirty minutes later as promised, was at Regina's clinic. She pushed the door open and she was greeted with a very packed hall. A wide spectrum of animals were waiting there along with their owners. From dogs, to cats to a goose, Emma started to feel sorry for Regina. She approached Jefferson who was calling the next patient to enter the examination room.
''Hey Jeff. Where is my gorgeous wife?'' She asked leaning over the counter.
''She's been in the examination room ALL day. Seriously the day has been crazy. They keep coming all the time. I doubt that we'll even manage to close at 9 today.'' He sighed.
''That bad?'' she winced.
''Regina hasn't seen Ezra at all. Poor boy had a tantrum earlier and she put him for a nap. Poor guy is exhausted.''
''I see. Anyway I should go pick him up and go home. Can you let her know?"
Jefferson nodded a response and went back to his mountain of paperwork.
"See you later Jeff.''
Emma opened the door to Regina's office and found her youngest son sleeping on one of Regina's couches. She made her way towards him and bent over to scoop him up. The motion made the toddler to wake up but Emma quickly started rubbing his back, soothing the little boy asleep again. Emma thanked her lucky stars and left the clinic as quick as possible.
After an hour Emma with sleepy Ezra cradled to her shoulder and a container with her mother's in law lasagna in her hands, finally made it home. Cora had told her that it would be no hassle coming by as she was planning on visiting but Emma quickly waved it off saying that she was already on her way. She firstly put the container at the kitchen and then walked upstairs to put the sleepy boy to bed. She made a tour around her other's sons rooms to find them studying. She informed them that dinner would be ready in an hour or so and she went to the bedroom. She had a quick shower and then she changed into yoga pants and an oversized t-shirt. She pulled her hair into a messy bun and went downstairs to her and Regina's study.
Remembering that she left her briefcase in the car she cursed herself and went to retrieve it. Ten minutes later she was sitting comfortably on the couch, her reading glasses already on, one hand holding the papers while the other a marker. She had already started making a few notes when a soft pitter patter outside the half-closed door made her raise her gaze from the papers and towards the door. When said door opened fully it revealed a brunet boy with a very sleepy face indeed.
''Hey bubbah!'' Emma exclaimed while abandoning her papers in order to scoop Ezra up.
''Are you hungry lil' man?'' She softly asked and the boy nodded grumpily not fully awaken from his nap.
''Well, will you help mama set the table?'' She tickled his sides and the boy squirmed while laughing. Emma loved when the toddler was laughing. He didn't do it often but when he did Emma's heart melted. She kissed his cheek and let him down to his feet.
When the table was ready Emma called the older boys who immediately responded to the call. They sat at the table and in few minutes they had eaten half the container. Emma noticed that Henry had been very quiet during the dinner but she chose not to comment on it. After having satisfied their hunger the Swan-Mills boys headed to the living room for video games leaving Emma to clean up the mess.
Her cleaning session though was interrupted by shouting from the living room. She abandoned the dishes, throwing the cloth on the counter and followed the voices. Colin sensing his mothers arrival he started whining.
''Moooom, Henry won't let me play with him!.''
''I'm trying to play and he keeps losing. I won't finish the level if he keeps doing it!'' Henry defended himself, throwing the controller aside.
''I don't lose!'' Colin cried ''You're just mad because-''
''Don't you dare speak!'' Henry shouted. Seeing that his brother was ready to open his mouth he took a pillow and threw it at him, hitting him square on the head and Colin lost it. He bolted from the couch and attacked Henry throwing him down.
''Hey, that's enough!'' Emma yelled ''Henry in your room, Colin to the time-out chair.'' Henry glared at his mother before storming upstairs and sutting the door with an unrequired amount of force.
''You're paying for that door'' Emma yelled up the stairs when she heard the slam. When the two boys were settled Emma sighed and looked at Ezra who was peacefully playing with his toys not having a care in the world.
''Alright Bubbah, time for a bath.'' She softly said but the youngest Swan-Mills boy just shook his head no and continued playing.
''Come on Bubbah!'' But the boy was having none of it. Instead he stood up and started running away from his mother. She looked around to see where her son might have gone. She saw him hiding under the grand piano. She looked at him and crawled to his side but Ezra was fast, and tiny and quickly crawled away out of Emma's reach leaving her stuck under it.
Fifteen minutes passed and Emma, having managed to wriggle out from under the piano, hadn't managed to catch Ezra yet. He was really good at hiding, Emma must give him that. She almost managed to grab his leg as he ran frantically from his hiding place behind the curtain but she was too afraid that he'd fall and hit his head so she let him slide through her grasp. Finally, she decided to let him tire himself out which, to her horror, didn't happen anywhere near soon enough. It was nine thirty and Ezra was still running around the living room, with Emma slouched exhausted on the couch, her eyes barely able to stay on him. She didn't remember giving him anything sugary. How could he have so much energy?! And where the hell was Regina?! She tried calling her but her calls were being immediately followed to her wife's voicemail. She hang up and tossed her phone on the coffee table. She then noticed Colin coming towards her clutching his tummy.
''Mama my tummy hurts.'' He pouted.
''Oh sweetie, I'll make you a chamomil-'' she didn't finish as the sight of Colin's sudden throwing up had her jumping to her feet.
''Shit'' she cursed out loud.
''Mama that's a bad word'' Colin commented and he threw up again perfectly aimed towards the white carpet. Ezra decided that this was the right moment to come out of his lair at full speed but thankfully Emma was quick to catch him, flying him over the carpet, before he ran through Colin's vomit.
When Colin has finally done spitting his guts out Emma called Henry to help her keep Ezra busy while she looked after Colin, but Henry still mad at her for earlier he completely ignored her, and she didn't have the energy to deal with him too. Frustrated Emma held Ezra in on arm and managed to more-or-less squeeze Colin in the other and started climbing the stairs. She wasn't half-way up with both Ezra struggling against her and Colin crying out in pain and confusion when she heard the front door open behind them, and Regina's heels in the hallway.
"Hi boys! Oh Emma, what happened?!"
After what it felt like eons Regina was finally returning home. She couldn't wait for a nice bath, a nice dinner and maybe a movie with Emma since the boys would already be in bed. However when she arrived at home, this is not what she was expecting to see. Emma was on her way to the second floor struggling with a very upset Ezra and a pale, tear streaked Colin barely in her arms.
"Oh Emma, what happened?!'' she shrieked. Emma turned looking at her like a deer caught in headlights.
''Long story'' She sighed.
''What did we say about not lifting weights? And why does the house smell like vomit.'' she stepped further into the house and saw Colin's vomiting mess all over the living room carpet.
''Oh my god what happened?!''
Emma let Ezra and Colin down who both sprinted down the stairs to cling to Regina. She kissed both of the boys' heads and looked at Emma expectantly, waiting for the long story.
''Henry is mad at me, Colin threw up and Ezra, for the past two hours has refused to take a bath, and has been running around like a lunatic'' She sighed.
Regina abandoned her coat and purse at a nearby chair and scooped Ezra up.
''Did you let Colin eat too much lasagna?'' Regina asked calmly, but Emma immediately went for the defensive.
''I'm sorry Regina, everything was perfect and then Hen and Colin started fighting and everything went downhill after that. And...ughhh I'm supposed to have been preparing for new case meeting tomorrow!" she remembered suddenly, letting her arms fly in the air. She pondered for a second about heading towards the study but couldn't face it "I'm going to bed'' she shook her head and started sprinting up the stairs without a look back at her wife or her sons.
''Emma wait!'' Regina called after her but Emma was already turning the corner at the top of stairs.
When Regina finished bathing Ezra and Colin, she cleaned as much vomit from the carpet as she could and wrote herself a note to remember to call for a carpet cleaner. She took a deep breath before turning the lights off and going upstairs. She stopped first at Henry's room. She knocked twice and after a soft ''come in'' she enter the teen's bedroom.
''Hey Henry'' She said as she sat at the edge of his room. He was lying on the bed playing on his phone.
''Will you tell me what happened with mama?'' she asked lightly.
''Nothing happened'' He shrugged it off.
''This is not about her is it?'' Regina asked, her eyebrows knitting in concern.
''I don't know what you're talking about'' he lied, flicking between apps on his phone.
''Well, I won't push you. Goodnight Henry'' she ruffled his hair and stood up. She hadn't even made it to the door when Henry stopped her, "Mom". She smirked and turned to face him.
''It's Violet. I… I asked her out'' he stammered, sitting up, his head still bowed.
''And it didn't go well.'' she stated more than asked.
''She said that she doesn't want to ruin our friendship.''
''Aw Henry I'm sorry baby. But it's her loss. Okay? Don't dwell on that.''
''Yeah right'' he huffed.
''Hey, I said it's her loss and I mean it." She said crossing the room to sit beside him and pull him into a hug. "Now come on, get some sleep. Everything's going to be fine.''
''Thanks mom'' he gave her a small smile and nestled his head into her shoulder. She held onto him a moment longer before pulling back and stroking his hair.
''I love you my prince'' she said as she kissed his temple, standing up to let him pull back the covers and climb into bed.
''Love you too mom.''
After a short tour around the other two boy's rooms Regina finally returned at her bedroom. She changed into a pair of shorts and a white tank top and climbed into bed next to Emma who was currently playing a game on her tablet.
''Everything's settled'' she stated.
''Hmm…'' Emma nodded without averting her eyes from the phone.
''Do you want to talk about it?'' Regina asked as she scooted closer to Emma to take the tablet from her hands. Emma huffed but she let her wife take it.
''There's nothing to talk about.'' She said pulling the tablet back and placing it behind her on the bedside table. She raised her head to kiss Regina on the lips. She kissed her hard and Regina couldn't help but moan a little. Emma muffled the moan by thrusting her tongue inside Regina's mouth dominating the kiss. She moved round to pull Regina's legs down, so her back was supported by the pillows and straddled Regina's lap. Her hand stroked up Regina's bare leg and went to the hem of her tank top; her fingers easing under the fabric and smoothing over the soft, warm skin. She moved her kiss from Regina's mouth to her collarbone nibbling and sucking her pulse point.
''Emma…'' Regina moaned lightly, trying to pull Emma's head from her neck.
''Yeah?'' Emma asked without breaking her movements as her hand roamed Regina's body leaving goosebumps in her trail.
''Emma, darling, as much as I want this I'm really tired.'' she admitted but Emma ignored her, continuing with her insult at Regina's neck and ear. So before letting Emma have her way with her she put her hand on Emma's torso and pushed gently, immediately stopping her.
''Baby I'm really tired.'' She pleaded through red eyes. 'Okay' Emma huffed, and removed herself from Regina's lap, to lay on her back starting up at the ceiling feeling frustrated at Regina leaving her like that. Regina leant over and pecked Emma's lips one last time before turning her back to Emma to let her spoon her. Her heart dropped a little when Emma didn't immediately follow, but a few seconds later she felt an arm lace around her middle and pull her into to a warm embrace.
''Goodnight Ems.'' She whisper sleepily, smiling.
''Goodnight Gina."