Chapter 3: Chapter 3

Author's Notes: Sending love across oceans! Reviews are welcomed and encouraged! Enjoy!

~a week later~

"Hey Mal, can you go grab the crates from the truck, I think we're gonna need some more apples soon." Regina says as she sets up her booth at the local farmers market. Her booth is covered with vibrant reds, yellows, and greens. All the apples looking crisp and fresh, and so shiny that you can see your reflection. On both sides of the booth are cases of her infamous apple cider, with small samples in front to try. "Okay, I'm ready." Regina says as the clock strikes 7:15 a.m. signaling for the market to open.

"Killian, I don't think that's such a good idea", Emma says trying to plead with him.

"And why not? You always said that Robin needs someone stable in his life. She seems nice."

"Yes. But I don't think she's into him, you said it yourself she looked at him with distaste at the wedding. Which reminds me, how much of the wedding do you actually remember?" Emma questions putting emphasis on the word, remember.

Killian looks like a deer in headlights, bug eyed and anxious.

"Well, um, instead of setting them up on a date you could invite her to our house for dinner, how's that sound love?" He stutters, avoiding Emma's deadly stare from the question before.

"Besides," he adds, " you said you really liked this Regina lady, I'm sure you can say they you guys are going to have a girls night."

"Yes bu-"

"Please love, Robin won't get off my case about this girl. He thinks her lack of interest is a turn on, please just do this so he can stop asking me to ask her out for him and he can do it himself."

"Fine, whatever but if Robin gets drunk and starts rudely hitting on her again we are going to leave."

"Well I've never seen you take such an offense to women being hit on, but I guess you girls stick together."

"That's right, and don't you forget it!" Emma teases as she give her husband a peck on the lips and walks out the door in search for Regina.

"Looks like we had a good day huh 'Gina?" Mal says as hands the days profit to Regina.

"I suppose so, guess I'll be making apple turnovers tonight," Regina says while motioning towards a leftover crate.

"Regina it's the weekend, go out and have fun. I'm meeting Phillip, Aurora, and Mulan at the Rabbit Hole tonight why don't you join us and have a few drinks? It'll be fun." Maleficent says as she playful nudges Regina's elbow. "Besides if you get drunk enough, we can make out like old times."

Regina laughs, "That was a long time ago. But maybe some other time."

"Okay suit yourself, I'll see you next week." Mal says with a wink before turning around and walking away.

Regina turns away from her as she continues to count today's profit. Suddenly she hears footsteps coming closer to her booth, "I'm sorry were closed." Regina says without looking up at the person from counting.

"Oh sorry to bother you." Emma says nervously as she shifts from foot to foot.

Regina recognizing the voice instantly looks up, "Oh Emma, right? I'm sorry, I thought you were another customer. Coming back for more apple cider?" Regina says offering a small wink, "I told you it was the best in the world."

"Actually I'm not here for the cider, I'm here for you."

Regina looks surprised.

"Me? What do you want with me?" Regina asks.

"I- I mean Killian and I are inviting you over to have dinner with us tomorrow night. Fair warning he's inviting Robin as well. It seems he wants to try to pair you together."

Regina lets out a hearty laugh.

"I know, Robin is ridiculous," Emma adds, "I told Killian that I didn't think you'd be into him because you seem so, so-"

"So what?" Regina asks playfully.

Beautiful. Graceful. Lovely. Enchanting.

"So different."

"Different in a good way or-"

"Yes, yes! Definitely in a good way," Emma stutters quickly correcting her mistake.

"Look don't feel as though there is any pressure-"

Regina interrupts, "I'd love to come over tomorrow night."

"Really?" Emma says without attempting to mask her excitement from the brunette's acceptance.

Regina nods in agreement and tosses the blonde an apple.

"What's this for?," Emma says while observing the apple.

"A honey crisp. It can survive in temperatures as low as 40 degrees and keep growing. They can weather any storm. Take it as a good omen for the start of our friendship." Regina says giving Emma a genuine smile.

"Thank you Regina, until tomorrow then." Emma says giving Regina a small hug before walking out of the market and towards her car.

As odd as the apple gift was Emma couldn't help but be touched by the gesture. Most people didn't care about whether or not they had Emma's friendship, except Killian of course and her ex, Neal. Coming to think about it the only "friends" she ever had in her life were mostly past boyfriends, and all they ever wanted to do was get in her pants. Killian was different because he cared for her and cared for whether she came home or not, which she was thankful for. Neal was good until he enlisted in the Army and died a few months later. And though Emma had a good childhood with loving parents, it was filled with her parents always working, and Emma being left on her own.

Regina was the first female friend that she had other than Ruby. Though Emma knew she could go to Ruby for anything, she also didn't want to interfere with Ruby's business of running a new diner alone with some help of her granny.

Emma smiled at the gift and suddenly got a tingly feeling inside. A feeling that something special was about to happen.