Suggested RedSwan in the start lol...kinda boring chapter here too. Enjoy.
SQ :: SWAN QUEEN :: SQ
SQ :: SWAN QUEEN :: SQ
John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York [Monday, January 12th..10:02 am]
Emma glanced down at her wrist for what seemed like the hundredth time to check the time. Of course the flight was late. She had better things to do than to be sitting in a crowded terminal pretending not to notice two reporters sitting a few rows away from her. Of course being New York's new financial adviser, she was bound to be followed every now and then...but it was starting to get annoying. The reporters were looking for a scandal, ''the big scoop'' on New York's richest bachelorette who has seemed to wiggle her way into the city politics. The latest article about her being appointed as the new head financial adviser was...unflattering, "Why can't the rich just be rich and invisible?", Emma found it amusing honestly. If only they knew how much she knew about the political cat and mouse game—being as old as she is, one would dare say Emma created the game herself.
The terminal door opening caught her attention, she wasn't even aware that the plane landed...Emma remained seated but kept her eyes on the door, watching various people exit the terminal either distracted by their smart phones, or looking around for a familiar face. Emma exhaled slowly when a tall brunette walked out and stopped next to ticket desk and took a deep breath right before those clear green eyes met Emma's almost immediately.
Emma rose from her own little plastic seat as her long time friend weaved through the crowd of people that were packing up and getting ready to board their flight. Emma found herself slightly off balance when the brunette pulled her into a hug and nearly leaned all of her weight onto the blonde.
"Ruby," despite her annoyance of this situation, Emma was happy to see her best friend again. It had been entirely too long, she realized. "It's good to see you..."
Ruby hugged Emma closer as she buried her nose in Emma's princess curled hair. "I've missed you my friend...you know if Granny was able to come, she'd be kicking your ass right now as I should be."
Chuckling Emma pulled away from the hug and crossed her arms across her chest, "I missed you too Ruby but the last thing I want and need is for you and Granny to hover over me like I'm a child."
Ruby frowned and Emma knew what she said was a little insensitive but she didn't exactly care at the moment, she was not going to be treated like some sort of last edition antique—even if she was figuratively speaking. "Emma...You won't live under the protection of the station, so we're just worried about you."
Emma was suddenly reminded that they were still standing in the middle of the busy terminal with two reporters watching them not too far away—this was definitely not the time or place to have this discussion.
"Did you have anything else besides the backpack?"
Ruby shook her head, "I packed light."
Emma nodded, looking sideways briefly at the reporters who edged closer to hear what was being said between them—so she decided to throw them a bone that would benefit her in the long run. "That's fine, as your new employer I'll supply you a credit card and you can go shopping. I can't have my body guard wearing the same shirt every other week, come along."
Ruby stared after the blonde that brushed past her before following after her. Ruby was surprised how fast Emma could move in four inch stilettos especially with the throngs of people everywhere. "Wow Em, you really have this rich thing down don't you? I almost believed you back there..."
Emma looked over her shoulder as they finally walked outside, "I was being serious Ruby, you're my new bodyguard...you and Granny insist that I'm being hunted so be my bodyguard. That way if I'm truly being hunted by...them, you'll be there to save the day."
Ruby looked at her friend, not appreciating that Emma was making light of the fact that her life may be in danger but the seasoned wolf held her tongue—for now.
SQ :: SWAN QUEEN :: SQ
E. Swan Residence... 2209 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, New York...[Tuesday, January 13th..4:36 pm]
Emma walked into her garage quickly as she slipped on her dark red scarf and fluffed her princess curls out of her turtle neck. Emma carried her black pumps in her hand that also held tight to her Armani brief case. Emma looked as if she just plucked her outfit right out of a fall fashion catalog. Ruby was close behind her wearing a pair of denim jeans with her new black calve high boots with platinum buckles and zippers. Ruby's burgundy polo shirt fit her torso like a glove and complimented the gun sitting on her right hip.
She and Emma argued about her buying the gun all last night until Johanna finally intervened between the sorceress and the werewolf—the gun stayed. Emma had to admit that Ruby looked good as her body guard but she'd be lying if she said she wasn't worried about hot the press will eat her alive about allowing Ruby to carry a gun.
"Never really took you for a politician..." Ruby attempted to start a conversation with Emma as the blonde maneuvered her canary yellow Ferrari LaFerrari out onto the street and floor it.
Emma shrugged, glancing at her best friend. "It's not my favorite thing in the world...no."
"So why are you doing this? Are you bored or something?"
"Something like that..." Emma sighed as she checked the time on her watch—she wasn't late but she wasn't exactly on time either.
Ruby frowned, not satisfied with that answer. "Emma please don't lie to me... I thought we had more than that...first you're refusing to come back to the station for your cool down period, then you're ignoring Granny's calls...now you're lying to me? Emma...What's going on with you?"
Emma wondered if telling Ruby she was fulfilling a wish would be such a good idea—the wolf thought it was necessary to carry a gun after all. "Promise not to breath a word of this to Granny?"
Ruby hesitated for a moment before agreeing with a quick nod. "Yeah Em, now tell me what's up."
"I'm fulfilling a wish."
Silence except for the loud purr of the Ferrari's engine as Emma expertly moved in and out of traffic. "You're what?" Ruby deadpanned.
"Ruby...I did a memory sweep this time." Kinda... Emma kept that thought to herself, "He doesn't remember who I am..." Not really... "It's not going to end up like last time..."
Ruby laughed humorlessly, "Oh man Em, are you serious? How could you do this after last time? I...we almost lost you!"
Emma swallowed thickly, "It was five decades ago Ruby, I'm over it and you should be too. Yeah, it was a close call but I'm still here and I learned my lesson."
"How old is he?"
"Will be five in a few months...his mother is the Mayor of New York."
"What did he wish for?"
Emma shrugged as she exited the freeway, not bothering to ease up on the accelerator. "He wants his mother to be happy and to be loved. His heart is pure Ruby...he's my truest believer...I couldn't tell him no. He even gave me a present..." Emma couldn't pull out her necklace at the moment with the thick layer of clothing she wore but she wanted her friend to know because...in all her years, Henry was the first person in decades to give her something straight from the heart. She was proud to call him her truest believer...and maybe, just maybe he can be her little helper this year. Stop. Those were dangerous thoughts and Emma quickly shoved them away.
Ruby stayed quiet the rest of the drive to City Hall because she didn't know what else she could say. Emma was fulfilling a wish and she couldn't take back her word as it was against the rules. The most Ruby could do was have Santa's back and hope things went better than last time.
SQ :: SWAN QUEEN :: SQ
City Hall, New York City... New York, New York...[4:59 pm]
Before word of Emma Swan's 'promotion' as New York's lead financial adviser, press vultures were only there because their bosses told them to be there to cover the Mayor. Emma Swan wasn't a politician, not a known politician that is—she was considered a woman with extreme wealth that had too many men and women on her arm to be healthy at nearly every fashion and art Gala in New York and Europe.
The canary yellow Ferrari LaFerrari didn't help either. Thankfully there was security at the entrance of the parking garage with strict instructions to keep the press at bay.
"Is your life always this exciting?" Ruby asked more curious than anything as they stepped off the elevator, following Emma through the semi-crowded halls to the Council Chambers.
"More or less, yeah. The joys of being Santa after hours." Emma shrugged as she walked through the open double doors (the doors council members weren't supposed to use as an entrance). Ignoring the Mayor's disapproving frown, Emma made her way to her seat to the right of Regina's while Ruby took the chair provided behind Emma's and right next to a brunette who didn't spare Ruby a glance.
"Ms. Swan, you're late." Regardless of the bustling noise in front of them and Regina's quiet voice, Emma still heard her.
Emma chuckled softly, "Traffic Mayor Mills. Don't worry so much, I have everything ready." Emma took out her own pen and planner, as well as her Ipad Pro. She pulled out her flash-drive and turned to hand it to Belle, then suddenly remembered to introduce her best friend to her best personal assistant. "Oh right, Belle this is Ruby my best friend and body guard. Ruby this is Belle French, the best assistant I've ever met...and I've met a few."
Ruby scoffed, "You've been around a while Em, you've met more than 'a few'."
Emma laughed again but it wasn't as smooth as it was the first time, and Ruby suddenly caught on that she had slipped. After all the nagging she has been dishing out on the blonde, she slipped but she followed Emma's lead and just laughed, acting as if it was some kind of inside joke. Regina and Belle shared a confused look but neither got a chance to comment, the double doors shut loudly and the noise began to die down.
Regina stood from her seat sporting her best political smile, "Good evening ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming out and joining us in helping New York become even bigger and better than it was the previous year. Those who are not aware, Edgar Smith the previous financial adviser suffered a near fatal heart attack shortly after our last meeting in December."
Regina paused and glanced down at Emma, rather appalled that the blonde was playing angry birds on her Ipad but the brunette schooled her features before facing the crowd once more, "I'm happy to introduce our adviser who will be solely focusing on the budget and taxes of New York... Emma Swan."
Emma slipped off her coat as she rose from her seat gracefully, but left on her red scarf. Green eyes took in the people occupying nearly all the seats of the chamber room and then she just smiled, "Hi. Um, yeah...some of you may know me some of you don't. To those who don't, I'm the CEO of Arendelle International Stock and Trade. I work with numbers, and I'm exceptionally good at my job." As Emma was talking, Regina took a moment to subtly study the blonde. She had to admit that Emma may be a bit unorthodox in terms of rules policies but the woman could dress and the slacks she wore outlined her ass perfectly. Regina cleared her throat softly and looked away before her observation turned into ogling and that's the last thing she needed to be doing with the press sitting in the first two rows.
A reporter in the front row stood not even bothering to raise his hand, "Ms. Swan, you're not exactly known for your politics...is this a publicity stunt to bring more business to Arendelle Stock and Trade?"
Emma shrugged nonchalantly, "I was elected for this position as I'm sure you all know. I won't stand here and lie to you, business has been booming." Ruby chuckled, leave it to Emma to make a joke during a serious situation.
The reporter didn't even crack a smile, "So you're not denying that this is a publicity stunt to promote your company?"
Arendelle's CEO plopped back down in her chair with a loud sigh, "Whatever helps you keep your job man." Emma rolled her eyes before she could stop herself, and Regina resisted the urge to jump out of her chair to tackle Emma and strangle her. She had completely forgotten how horrible Emma could be with the press—not that she stalked the woman, Emma was just known to have little to no etiquette when it came to dealing with the media.
Regina remained seated as she reached forward and brought the small microphone closer, chuckling tersely and avoiding the looks from the other council members. "I believe Ms. Swan is attempting to put an end to your nettlesome questions and I, for one,agree. Now..."
And with Regina and Emma sitting side by side, that is how the rest of city council meeting went on with the citizens and reporters alike expressing concerns about the upcoming crime rates to the 'cracked out prostitutes and homeless bums on every corner'. They were concerned about their children's safety and the graffiti and speeding in the neighborhoods. Of course the police Commissioner, Albert Spencer, promised two-hundred more foot officers to patrol the streets of New York, while August W. Booth, whose job Emma was still unsure of, promised the people that he and the Mayor were in the midst of making plans for recreational centers around the city near schools for that had after school programs and paid meals.
The entire meeting Emma hadn't said a word—she didn't even make an effort, she just continued to sit there and observe...like she always did. Well until a citizen who had been similarly observing everything quietly—particularly Emma, decided to walk up to the microphone in one of the aisles.
"Ms. Swan, I couldn't help but notice how quiet you've been this entire meeting...don't you have anything to say considering you're the biggest key to making all of this happen?" That caught people's attention and all eyes were on the blonde executive. Regina, for her part, was ignoring the fact that Emma was sitting next to her fiddling around with her tablet out of the audiences and other council members sight because she knew of Emma's budget plan...and agreed with it.
Emma paused her Angry Birds 2 game and smiled at the woman, Regina couldn't tell if that smile was genuine or not- Emma's politician smile might have been better than her own. Maybe. "Of course I have a lot to say, I was simply allowing my fellow council members to have their say first."
Commissioner Spencer grunted and crossed his arms, "Is that right? Well then is there anything you'd like to add Swan?"
"Hmm." Emma shook her head, looking down at him from her seat a row above his own. "Nah, you guys have it covered." Regina cringed, would it kill Emma to stop reminding everyone just how young she possibly was.
The woman in the audience wasn't done questioning Emma and butted in before the Commissioner could taunt the blonde again, "Let me ask you this Ms. Swan. Does all of this fit the budget?"
"Well..." Emma tipped her chair back much to the Mayor's irritation and Belle and Ruby's amusement. "Assuming that you're talking about Edgar Smith's adopted budget—then no. None of this would fit into Mr. Smith's budget. You all want roads fixed, more cops, places for your kids to go after school, more shelters and or community houses for the homeless...new buildings...and then some. You want a lot, but with the adopted budget...you won't see any of it."
"So I take that you have you're own little fancy Wall Street plan? Do we have to buy stocks too?" Albert mocked with a smirk.
"Commissioner, I would expect you of all people to show a little more professional." Regina glared down at him, unamused.
Emma shook her head, "It's alright Mayor Mills, he couldn't afford my stocks if I gave him a 10% discount." Belle snorted behind them, mumbling her agreements. Albert shifted uncomfortably in his chair, red faced. "Anyway...what was I saying?"
"Edgar's adopted budget." Belle offered helpfully as she began setting up Emma's presentation on the big screen behind them that consisted of two slides...the first with Edgar's budget plan, and the second with Emma's budget plan.
"Oh yeah, budget plans. Uh, so yeah...that's Edgar's plan." Emma waved her hand flippantly and shrugged, Belle took that cue to switch the slide to Emma's plan. "And this is mine."
Regina tilted her head back curiously, "And just what are we looking at Ms. Swan?"
"Yes. Not all of us can read financial reports like it's a Dr. Seuss book." Tamara Flynn, head economic developer, added sarcastically.
Emma took a deep breath, trying to bite her tongue. she had better things to do than this. She was still feeling under the weather and all she wanted to do was lay in bed buck naked watching cartoons on Netflix with a few comic books scattered around. But no...she was in Lower Manhattan putting on her executive face and playing politician. If she hadn't given her word to little Henry Mills... Emma would have blown this off like everything else, but she needed to get closer to Regina Mills. Perhaps a small part of her wanted to as well—and not just for Henry's sake.
"I got rid of New York's adopted budget...and created an executive budget."
"And just how much would this executive budget entail?" Duke Weselton inquired with a snide sneer.
Emma bit her pink bottom lip gently, then decided she had better things to do than to pitch a perfect well thought out budget plan to a room full of tabloid reporters and sexists. She picked up her tablet once more and sent the Blue Bird Trio to their deaths. "75 billion."
SQ :: SWAN QUEEN :: SQ
"That could have went better." Emma chuckled as she settled into the stuffy leather chair in front of Regina's desk, "Who knew Duke Weselton and the Commissioner were sexists."
"Your sarcasm is noted but unwanted Ms. Swan. That was a complete mess out there—what happened to the presentation? You were acting like a child—and I looked like the idiot who gave you free reign to every bank in New York City."
"You did, but you're certainly no idiot and I'm not a child Mayor Mills. Those men weren't going to listen to the presentation..they were gonna nit pick at everything. So I got to the point."
"I needed you to show them that you could handle that massive amount of money, not piss them off and worry them. Do you have any-"
"Do you trust me?"
"Excuse me?" Regina was already irritated and Emma cutting her off wasn't helping matters—or putting points in her favor what so ever.
Emma cleared her throat, straightening her posture in the chair. "Do you trust me to handle this job? I don't care what everyone else thinks...but as long as you trust me to do this, I swear to you—I won't let you down."
Regina stared at the blonde curiously, those verdant eyes were so calculating and determined yet Regina could see a layer of sincerity. Regina rubbed her eyes tiredly, "I don't really have a choice do I Ms. Swan? This is your budget and as of right now, you're the only person I know...and trust to handle that large amount of currency responsibly. But know this..." Regina looked back at Emma who was still watching her intently, "I will expecting weekly reports from you. Every Thursday—not Wednesday, not Friday but Thursday."
Emma smiled, "Fair enough Mayor Mills." they both knew that one Regina signed off on the budget approval, it wasn't necessary for Emma to have reports for Regina every week but for the sake of getting closer to the brunette—Emma would take what she could get. "Thursdays are my Major meeting days...would you mind if we discussed these reports over dinner or drinks—or both?" Emma swallowed nervously, she wasn't sure if she was pushing too soon but a year can fly by very fast and the last thing she wanted to do was fail at making Regina happy. In order to do it—she needed to get to know the one behind the suits.
Regina thought over it for a moment...she got off late on Thursday's as well—so late she had to hire a weekday nanny to pick up her son from school, but what was another hour or two? When was the last time she even had a drink with another adult? Even though Emma was technically a colleague Regina knew the young executive wouldn't be analyzing her every word and move like so many do, judging her. "That will be fine, dear."
Emma's irritatingly, but adorable, grin was back. "So I guess I'll see you Thursday then? I'll have Belle call your secretary with a time and place, cool?"
Regina nodded, rising from her chair and Emma followed suit. "Until Thursday Ms. Swan oh and do keep your 'bodyguard' at home."
"I'll make sure she keeps her distance." Emma winked playfully and Regina had the sudden urge to voice that she wasn't jealous but if she did that, she'd only look guilty. "Later Madam Mayor."
The Mayor of New York watch the taller woman saunter out of her office and she had to admit, Emma had a lovely backside—her choice of clothing made sure to accentuate that fact. When the door finally closed behind her, Regina sank back down into her chair with a deep exhale. What the hell was she about to get herself into?
SQ :: SWAN QUEEN :: SQ
SQ :: SWAN QUEEN :: SQ
Wasn't over all satisfied with this one, but hoped it was enjoyable anyway. Thank you all for the love tho, much appreciated!
Monster Galore