I don't own these characters; Disney/ABC does.

15: Fluke

Regina was often curious about what Emma's day was like once she learned Emma went outside. This had grown since Emma decided to continue doing odd jobs for Granny at her diner, even though she was back home. Despite being filled in often when she inquired about Emma's day, she was not prepared for the bomb Emma dropped on her that night.

"I mean, I probably won't end up picked or anything, but it felt weirdly right to fill out the application for the sheriff's department," Emma said, sitting right outside the kitchen where Regina cooked dinner.

Emma bounced in her seat, full of energy that she had been since they came in. It was like she was bursting to tell Regina she applied for the sheriff's department. Even now that she did, she was still boiling over. It was adorable.

Regina seasoned the chicken breasts. "Why don't you think you'll get picked?"

"Well, beyond the criminal record, even though Mulan assured me those were sealed, the place was packed with dudes. I'm sure the sheriff will just hire more guys," Emma replied.

Regina made a noise. I guess I should encourage her. She's trying. "Graham isn't like that."

"Graham?" Emma made a face.

Regina sighed. "Sheriff Humbert." She should probably talk about this. Yes, we're talking more and trusting each other, so talk.

Emma nodded. "Somebody told me, he's not a fan of yours. Is he tough to work with?"

Regina considered the best way to say this without lying. "He's a professional, but, yes, he and I aren't on the best of terms." She had seen him treat other people on a professional level, though.

Emma frowned. "Why? People around here hate you for dumb shit."

"No, Graham's opinion of me is on a more personal level." Of course, she still thought it was dumb. He needed to understand just because he wanted her to feel a certain way, it did not mean she would feel that way or that she owed him anything. He needed to get out of his feelings.

Emma's jaw flexed, jealousy tensing her face. "You…" She took a breath. "And him?"

Regina focused on the meal. "Well, yes and no." Tell her. She's aware you've had relationships before her. But, did Emma want to work with someone Regina had a fling with? She wanted Emma to pursue this job if it was something she wanted and did not want Regina's open legs to derail her.

Emma's face screwed up. "I don't understand."

Regina let loose a long breath and then let the words flow. "We were more serious in his mind than in mine. For me, he was, I believe the colloquial term is 'fuck buddy,' but to him, we were a couple."

Emma nodded, but her expression did not improve. "Did he try to pressure you for more?"

"He did and was not happy when he didn't have his way. He told any and everyone that I broke his heart right before the election. He was hoping it would cost me the election."

Emma's face scrunched up. "He was pissed you won, huh?"

Regina had to think about that a little. "Not really." While he had given speeches on how horrid Regina was for not returning his affections, he never said anything against her goals for the mayor's office. "Yes, he bad-mouthed me to turn away voters, but not for the reasons they shouldn't vote for me. He knew I was the better choice, and admitted to voting for me. As colleagues, we got on well enough. Occasionally, we clashed for various reasons." Most of the reasons being, he allowed his emotions to control his decisions rather than using his brain.

Emma nodded. "One of those reasons being he saw you naked and therefore you belong to him?"

Regina shrugged. "It happened, but was rare. He was one of the few who thought he knew better than me because he was the experienced law enforcement agent and I was merely a law school graduate who barely tried a case. He's not a terrible person. You can do worse for a boss and the pay is decent."

Emma gave a slow nod, taking the information in. "I think Mulan wants more familiar company."

"That would make sense. Most of the deputies there were hired long before Graham took office. He's got the chance to hire new, fresh blood, which was something he promised when he ran for the office."

Emma rubbed her chin. "So, I might be the change he promised?"

"Yes, just as Mulan is."

"She said people need me as a deputy like they need her."

Regina had not considered that. Having her own poor experiences with the police, she was more than grateful for Mulan, which was why she would shower Mulan with gifts if Mulan would only allow it. Well, it probably would piss Marian off now. How many others had Mulan helped through dark times? Would Emma be able to do the same? For a while, she was the only thing keeping you from burning the world to the ground.

"She's right," Regina said.

Emma blinked, like she had not expected that answer. "She is? You don't even know what she said."

"No, but you've brightened some of my darkest days. You have gone out of your way to help me. You didn't need to take this pet thing in the direction you took it in," Regina said and held up a hand as Emma tried to open her mouth, possibly to argue her impact. "You're still helping Granny, even though she pays you like it's 1924. You try to do the right thing, whether it works in your favor or not. You're a good person and that department needs people like you. Hopefully, Graham will see that." Regina meant every word.

Emma sighed, like it was some heavy burden. "I guess."

Regina arched an eyebrow. "Do you not want the job?"

Emma rubbed the back of her neck. "It kinda goes against my nature. I don't trust the cops. The only cop who's ever been fair to me is Mulan."

Regina nodded. "Ah. I see why she picked you. She wants you to be the cop you've needed throughout your life. That is a remarkable thing. You might not change the world, Emma, but you'll change enough for some people."

"Won't change the world, huh?" Emma chuckled.

"I don't want you to go into this with grand ideas of changing the system. That's a lot to put on your shoulders. If you end up with support for it, then yes, make it happen, but on your own, you can do a lot. You can touch the hearts of many people, people who need you and aren't aware of it."

Emma hopped up and marched into the kitchen. She wrapped her arms around Regina's waist, pressed herself to Regina's back, and nuzzled Regina's neck. Regina's insides melted from the contact.

"I didn't know I needed you either. Not at first, anyway," Emma whispered.

"I'm not going anywhere, regardless of you becoming a deputy sheriff. I will ask you to be careful, though," Regina replied. She did not want to lose Emma to someone else's foolishness any more than she wanted to lose Emma due to her own foolishness.

"Promise?" Emma kissed her neck.

"Promise. I'm here for you for as long as I can be."

"Me, too."

"Excellent. Now, let me finish this food." She shooed Emma away. "I have to make sure we have time to wash your hair."

Emma scoffed. "My hair's fine."

"Your hair hasn't been fine since Granny hired you. I'd hate to see how you'd be without me while you work for her."

Emma sucked her teeth and pulled away. "My hair isn't that important. I mean, I used to care, but whatever."

These were such lies, but cute lies as Emma was merely being a brat. Emma enjoyed having her hair washed, as she liked any moment she was pampered and cared for. And, of course, Regina liked it as well.

"Not whatever. I like your hair and doing your hair," Regina stated. "So, we'll be caring for it tonight. If you behave yourself, you can have more of those mini cinnamon rolls you've enjoyed lately."

Emma hummed and rubbed her stomach. "They're so damn delicious."

"You think everything's delicious."

"No, I think everything you make is delicious." Emma kissed her cheek. "You know it and I know it. Don't act humble now."

Regina did not deny it. Emma kissed her again and then went back to her spot outside of the kitchen. Dinner was cooked and eaten. Then, Regina busied herself taking care of Duckling's hair. It was a good night.

-8-8-8-8-

Emma was surprised to receive a callback for the deputy sheriff position, and so soon. She only filled the application out a week ago. The interview request came when she was home alone. She was not sure she had the wardrobe for the interview process. She put on jeans. Can't wear a hoodie, though. A t-shirt would not be fine either.

She braved Regina's closet. She should be able to fit Regina's shirts. Would Regina be okay with that? She wants me to get this job, so I'm sure she'd be okay with this.

She grabbed a blue shirt, put on her "good coat," the one Regina brought her at the beginning of the year, and then rushed off. She hopped in her car and was out. Arriving at the sheriff's station, she scanned for Mulan, but did not see her. She did not get a chance to look for long, being directed to the sheriff's office almost immediately. She had never been on an interview so efficiently.

Sheriff Graham Humbert was a young guy, which Emma had not expected. It made sense considering he had… something with Regina. He appeared about the same age as Regina. He had a warm smile with kind eyes, like he was a decent guy. The expression disarmed Emma enough that she did not want to punch him in the face for sleeping with Regina, trying to pressure Regina into a relationship she did not want, and then throwing a damn tantrum when he did not have his way.

He shook Emma's hand. His handshake was as strong as anyone would expect of a man in his position, but he did not try to force it. Comes across like he's confident in himself and his manhood. He led her into his office. It was small, like a glass box thanks to the walls. He had the blinds closed.

"It's to keep the guys from speculating on what's going on and then offering opinions no one asked for. They gossip like crazy," Graham said with an amused shake of his head. "I can open them if you feel more comfortable, though."

Emma shook her head. "It's fine. I've heard good things about you." The simple fact that Regina was in a position to badmouth him, but had not, said a lot.

He laughed as he motioned for her to take a seat. "Funny, I can say the same about you."

She had not expected that and had to control her expression to remain impassive as she sat down. "Really?"

He clasped his hands together in front of him on the desk. "You've made a lasting impression on Deputy Hua and I respect her opinion quite a bit. I'm curious what you're actually like after she sang your praises the moment you dropped off your application." He sat down across from her.

"She didn't." Mulan was not the type.

His face brightened, like he understood her skepticism and wanted nothing more than to make her a believer. "Oh, she did. I'm assuming the moment you left the other day, she burst in here to let me know about you. She was adamant you'd be a great addition around here. So, I guess you can start by telling me how you'd help the department and the good people of Storybrooke."

Emma was ready for this in a way. Regina tried to practice with her the other night in case she got this call, but she declined the offer. She had been on enough job interviews in her life. She sort of knew the right things to say. At the very least, she knew what beats to hit. Besides, she still was not sure she wanted this job. She did not want to waste Regina's time coaching her for a job she might not want.

Emma rattled off the qualities Mulan and Regina thought would make her an okay cop. Halfway through the spiel, she started to believe it. Hell, they were probably right about her in this job.

Emma thought about all the cops she encountered throughout her life. There were kids out there like her and they would encounter the same police who tried to say Regina burned down her own cafe. That was unacceptable.

They would be the same police who accused her of stealing because her clothes were visibly dirty rather than believing the store clerk had given her a pity chocolate bar. That was more than unacceptable. And worst of all, they would be the same police who returned her to a foster home and believed the asshole adults over her when she explained that she ran away because they did not feed her. Kids deserved so much more, so much better.

It did not take long before Emma found herself answering questions in earnest, going into detail, and using personal experiences. Graham focused on her with every answer while he jotted down notes. By the end, Emma was not sure how she did, but she was in an amazing headspace about herself. She did her best.

"Well, thank you for this," Graham said as he extended his hand. Wait, it was done? How long had she been here?

Emma shook her thoughts away, climbed to her feet, and shook his hand. "Thank you for this opportunity."

Graham followed her up. "The pleasure was mine. I'll probably be in touch soon."

"Yeah?" She had heard that before.

"Yes. It'll take a few days to interview the other candidates and make some decisions."

Emma nodded as he opened the door for her. Sounded like she did not get the job, not that she expected it. The department was a boy's club, after all. Besides, despite knowing all of the right things to say, she almost never got the job, usually because she looked like she needed a job.

She got in her car, but did not feel like going home, not to an empty house. She was tempted to go to Two Witches, but Regina was not there to comfort her. Instead, she went to Granny's. It was too early for a burger, but a bear claw and hot cocoa would be soothing. And Granny's had way better cocoa than Two Witches, not that she would ever admit that. Ruby was on her as soon as she sat down at the counter.

"Look at you in your fancy coat," Ruby said with a smirk.

"Nice, right? Regina bought it for me," Emma replied with pride.

Ruby's shoulders dropped and she poked out her bottom lip. "No, don't go along with it. It's harder to make fun of you."

Emma gave Ruby a lopsided grin. "Guess you gotta get another hobby. Better still, get a girlfriend."

"Oh, believe me, I'm trying. I think the cute librarian is straight, though."

"Oh, that is a pity."

"But, anyway, what's up? What are you doing here? Granny summon you?" She glanced toward the kitchen, where Granny might have been.

Emma shook her head. "No. I didn't have a chance to tell you, but I applied to the Storybrooke Sheriff's Department. Today was my interview. I thought I did pretty okay, but at the end, I got the old 'I'll be in touch' line from the sheriff."

Ruby's expression dropped. "Oh. That sucks." After a second, she tilted her head a little. "Well, no, maybe he meant it. Graham's an all right guy. I've never been on a job interview before, so I have no clue how they work." She had been working at Granny's before it was legal. "Seems fair they'd all end that way."

Emma frowned. "When they go bad, they do. So, I wanna drown my failure in hot chocolate and a bear claw, please." She pressed her hands together as if begging.

Ruby chuckled. "Coming right up." She stepped away.

Emma shrugged out of her coat, not wanting to chance getting anything on it. She placed it on the empty bar stool next to her. Ruby was back with the chocolate and bear claw in record time. She put them down and grinned in Emma's face.

"What?" Emma asked.

Ruby's eyebrow ticked up. "A cop, huh?"

Emma nodded. "Yeah, I mean, I'd make an okay cop, right?"

"Yeah, you would, actually." Ruby chuckled. "I just never pictured you as a cop, but I could see it. You'd be great for calming down people who have been through some shit."

Emma pursed her lips. "Everyone who knows me seems to think so."

Ruby shrugged. "Then maybe we're onto something. And, obviously, you thought there was something to it since you applied."

Emma had no argument there, especially since she kind of agreed with everyone. She would be able to do a decent job as anybody if given the chance. It was only that life never gave her a chance, except Regina. You know what, I'll take that over anything else, though.

-8-8-8-8-

Regina did not have to see Emma to know she was down. Tinker Bell had texted her throughout the day, telling her Emma had not been into Two Witches all day, not coming in for a proper lunch or anything. The interview must have gone poorly. Regina resisted the urge to go see Graham herself. It would not do any good.

Regina was not sure how Graham would react knowing she was close to Emma. It might ruin any chance Emma had at being a deputy, no matter how awful the interview went. There was no one she could ask at the station to help either beyond Mulan, who had done what she was able to do already.

She also was unable to flex her powers as mayor. That would be up in a month and Graham would only put it off until he did not have to deal with her. This was completely out of her power and she hated it. Of course, Emma probably would not want her to interfere, anyway.

Emma was attempting to find her path in life and make her own way. Regina had to allow for that, including if it meant Emma failed sometimes. The best she would be able to do was be there for Emma and support her through the failure, comfort her if necessary.

Entering the house, she was not surprised to find Emma on the couch. She was curled up into a ball with a movie on low volume watching her. She had on her duckbill hoodie, hugging her Donald Duck plushie to her chest. Maximum comfort, I guess.

"Duckling," Regina said and she bent down, kissing the top of Duckling's head.

Duckling whined and faced her. "Kisses."

Regina pressed a soft kiss to Duckling's lips. Duckling returned the kiss and did not pull back, a clear sign that she did not want this to stop. Regina obliged, giving Emma kisses until she moved away.

Duckling stared into Regina's eyes. The world was dark and murky in Duckling's gaze. Regina's heart broke. Emma really wanted that job.

Regina put her hand on Duckling's cheek. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Duckling sniffled. "Not right now."

"You want pasta?"

"With a lot of cheese."

Regina smiled. "You got it."

Regina went on to make cheeseburger pasta. While the food cooked, she took a quick shower and then got comfortable in a camisole and dark blue yoga pants. Duckling was still curled up on the couch. She gave Duckling a forehead kiss.

"I'll be right back. The food should be done," Regina said. Duckling nodded.

Regina checked the food, bowled the pasta, and toasted some bread. Since Emma seemed to be fully in Duckling mode, Regina grabbed her some juice to go with the meal. She put everything down on the coffee table and then found an actual movie for them to watch.

"Up, Duckling." Regina tapped Duckling's shoulder to prompt her to move.

Duckling groaned, but did as ordered. "Is this garlic bread?"

"I keep an emergency stash for you in case I need to make pasta for you."

Duckling gave her a smile and rested her head on Regina's shoulder. "You take such awesome care of me."

Regina kissed the top of her head again. "We take exquisite care of each other. Now, eat up."

Duckling dived into her dinner. Regina more watched Duckling eat than eating herself, not that she was a fan of cheeseburger pasta. She also was not a fan of garlic bread, but Duckling loved it whenever they had pasta. Duckling finished her food quickly and Regina made her another bowl. Duckling finished her second helping by the time Regina finished her first.

"What dessert would make you feel better?" Regina asked.

"Mini apple pies?" Duckling sounded so hopeful. There was no guarantee for this treat.

"You're lucky. I made some yesterday when you finished the strawberry shortcake." She kept a few frozen in the freezer, also in case of emergencies.

Duckling smacked her lips, which remained curled into a small smile. Regina got up, gathered the dishes, and then put them in the dishwasher. Opening the freezer, she grabbed three of the tiny pies. She heated them up and made a small bowl of ice cream for Duckling. Returning to the couch, Duckling was curled up with her plushie again.

Regina put the treats down before sitting once more. She lifted Duckling enough to put Duckling's head in her lap. Duckling cooed as she lay down. She managed to eat in that position. Regina did not care about the crumbs in her lap. She busied herself scratching Duckling's scalp.

"It's weird. I didn't even care until halfway through the stupid interview," Duckling said.

"What makes you think you didn't get the job? What did he say or do to make you think that was it?" Regina asked.

Duckling shrugged. "It just ended the same way all my job interviews end and I never end up with the job."

Regina hummed. "Well, plenty of job interviews follow that pattern until you're hired. What did he say that disheartened you?"

"The stupid expect-a-call thing."

Regina ran her fingers through Duckling's hair. "I've known Graham for several years now. If he tells you to expect a call, it typically means he'll call you."

Duckling scoffed. "People always say that after a job interview. Some BS about how they'll contact you or some crap. They never contact you."

"I don't know other people, but I know Graham. Did he show any signs of not being interested in you while he interviewed you?" Regina asked in a soft tone. She did not want this to seem like an interrogation.

"He seemed really interested, which I think is why I started getting into it. It was like he believed me, believed in me, and knew I wasn't just pulling this stuff outta my ass. It felt cool. Plus, it was like I was proving Mulan right, like it was right she had faith in me. And, I finally got it. I understood why you both thought I'd be a good cop. I had hoped he got it, too."

Regina made another noise and massaged the back of Duckling's neck. "If you spoke like you meant it, I'm sure you conveyed that and he listened to you. Give it time before you give into despair."

Duckling scoffed and took a big bite out of her second mini-pie. "Even if he liked me, I'm sure there are way better candidates. Ones who haven't been to jail or have actual high school diplomas or more stuff than that."

Regina rubbed behind Duckling's ears. "Those candidates don't have everything you bring to the table. Being different is the thing that sets you apart and makes you that much better than other candidates. We don't need another deputy like all the ones from before Graham was elected."

Duckling finished off her second pie. "He could've hired other people when he got elected."

"He could have, but he would have had to fire plenty of people and come up with a cause for the firings. He has to live around these people, too."

"You don't care that you have to live around these people."

Regina scoffed. "Because fuck these people." She would never care about these plebeians' opinions of her.

Duckling guffawed, which was the intended purpose of her swearing. Duckling rolled over, facing Regina. Regina stroked her cheek and kissed her softly, ignoring the fact that Duckling's mouth was cold and sticky thanks to her ice cream.

"I should figure out what I want to do with my life. The thought of having a career was pretty cool for the twenty minutes I had it," Duckling grumbled.

"You'll figure it out." Regina believed that with her whole heart. "Please, remember I'm always here for you."

"I'll never forget that, I promise. You're the best thing to ever happen to me."

Regina kissed Duckling again. "Same."

Duckling turned her attention back to her treats. When she was done, she was quiet for a while, but wiggled about as if trying to find a comfortable space. Regina got the idea and laid down, so Duckling would be able to lie on her. Duckling snuggled in close, head on Regina's breasts and Regina wrapped her arms around Duckling. When the movie went off, Duckling turned off the television.

"Tell me a story about something good in your life," Duckling requested in a small voice.

"Any specific time period? Because it was a top-tier day when I was able to move into my dorm," Regina replied.

Duckling chuckled. "Couldn't wait to get out of the house, huh?"

"Glad to go under my own terms. Ever since my mother threw my sister into boarding school, I had always been afraid she could be rid of me like that. While I wouldn't have minded being gone, whenever my sister came home from school, she always seemed to want Mother's approval, to want to come home. I never wanted to end up someplace where I would want Mother's approval or want to come back home. How awful was the place to make her want to come back to Mother?"

Duckling looked at her for a moment and then settled back into her space. "You never said you have a sister."

"We're not close, which is thanks to our mother. She's made both of our lives Hell in different ways."

"Do you wish you were close?"

Regina's brain sputtered to a halt and the truth spilled from her lips before she was able to stop it. "Yes. She's my older sister. We have different fathers, but it never seemed to matter. The problem has always been we share a mother."

"Your mother's a piece of work."

Regina resumed caressing Duckling's scalp. "You're not wrong there."

"I always wanted a sibling. The closest I got was August."

Regina scowled. This name sounded familiar. "Last name Booth?"

"You know him?"

"I'm aware of his criminal activity around town. How was he like an older sibling to you?"

"He helped get me involved in criminal activity, so I could take care of myself."

Regina sighed. "Of course, that would be it. Are you ready to go to bed?"

"I kinda just wanna stay here for a while. You still owe me a story. Do you have any good ones with your sister? What's your sister's name?"

"Zelena."

"How much older is she?"

"Only a couple of years." Regina had to think about things for a long moment. "Okay, I have a few memories. They're fading as they're from when we were very young. My father used to enjoy taking us to the park once the weather was warm. I enjoyed the slides and we competed on the swings. Zelena always beat me in going the highest. Daddy always took us for treats after. So, we'd have ice cream or cake after running around a lot. We used to pretend Mother didn't exist. I think she realized it because, after a few trips, she wouldn't allow Daddy to take us out anymore."

"She didn't like you guys having fun?"

"Not if she didn't approve it. But, one day, Daddy took us out to one of those little traveling carnivals. Mother would've hated it, as she would've considered it lowbrow. We ate cotton candy and funnel cake and got on rides. I've been trying to make funnel cake that tasted the same as it was that day and never come close."

Duckling let out a long breath. "Maybe you gotta make it with Zelena cuz you were together…" She sounded like she was drifting off.

"Perhaps. Daddy made us split one in case we didn't like it. He had to buy us another one. We were covered in powdered sugar, giggling as we lost every game we tried. It didn't matter," Regina said.

Duckling's breathing had changed, deeper than before. She was already asleep. Regina would leave her be for a little while. Hopefully, the brief memory shared with her would give her pleasant dreams rather than dealing with the nightmare of disappointment. And maybe I should text Zelena. She grabbed her phone.

-8-8-8-8-

Emma wallowed on the sofa after making her way back home from Two Witches. She had gone in with Regina as always, but came back home when Regina left to go to her office. Emma only wanted to lie down in her favorite hoodie hugged up with her plushie until Regina came home. She promised to be by at lunch.

Then, her phone went off. Regina, please don't be canceling lunch. She needed as much of Regina as she could have right now. Grabbing the phone, it was not Regina's number. It was the Storybrooke Sheriff's Department.

Emma answered. "Hello?" She did her best not to sound confused.

"Hi, I'm looking for Emma Swan," a male voice replied.

"Speaking."

"Hi, Emma. It's Sheriff Graham Humbert." She did not believe this. "I was hoping you'd be able to come back in."

Come back in? "Really?"

"Yeah. When would be an all right time for you?"

"Uh…" Emma was not sure how this worked. "I could probably be there in an hour." She needed to change.

"Oh. I wasn't expecting you to be able to come in today."

Emma scowled. "So, should I not come in?"

"No, no, no. It's fine. If you're free today, that might be better. I'll be waiting for you."

The call ended with polite farewells. Emma was not sure what to make of this and got up, putting on proper clothes. She kept the hoodie on, though. She needed the luck.

-8-8-8-8-

Next time: Emma has good news to share.