I don't own these characters; Disney/ABC does.
18: Strays
Emma counted the days until the new year. Partly because that would mean Regina was free from being mayor, but also because it meant she would have her partner back at work. Mulan had only worked a couple of days since right before Christmas Eve. It was boring without Mulan.
She and the other newcomers became rather familiar with each other, though. They were the only constant presence in the Sheriff's station for a week. Most of the other deputies ignored them, no reason to approach them with their training officers out. It was fine by them.
Emma brought them around Two Witches for lunch. David was already very familiar and he was just as excited as Emma to introduce Dorothy and Will to the restaurant, food, and atmosphere. They were solid by the second lunch.
Emma had also hoped Regina would be in, but she never was. Her last days in office did not come across as any busier than others, so there had always been a chance. Or perhaps Emma had just been wishing too hard.
"You gonna bring the whole sheriff's department here, eventually?" Tinker Bell asked with a wink as Emma stood before the counter.
Emma snorted. "Only the cool kids." She motioned to the others.
Tinker Bell chuckled. "I'll talk to the bosses about getting a discount for you cool kids."
Emma let out an exaggerated gasp. "Are you saying we're poor?"
Tinker Bell laughed. "I think it's just you."
Emma wagged her index finger. "I'll have you know all four of us are poor."
Will nodded and pressed his hands together. "Extra poor if it gets us that discount."
Tinker Bell was almost doubled over, giggles bursting from her. "Yeah, I can't give you the discount yet, but excellent try everybody." She shot them finger-guns and winked.
Will huffed. "Not really." He shoved Dorothy, who barely moved from the push. "Dorothy, you should've looked intimidating when Emma got offered that discount. You gotta work with us."
Dorothy rolled her eyes. "She's trying to do us a favor and you want me to scare her? How does that make sense?"
"What's the point of you clearly being the scariest woman on the force if you're not going to help us get free food?" Will countered.
"It wasn't free. She never said free," Dorothy replied, face twisted with mild confusion.
"And how is she the scariest?" Emma asked.
Will laughed. "I hope you don't think it's you."
"Why not? I'll punch you in the face right now and walk over your dropped body while Dorothy's gonna be the one to check and make sure you're all right while helping you up," Emma pointed out.
"I, on the other hand, will laugh and say you had it coming," David added.
Good thing they ordered already because as this back and forth went on, Tinker Bell had their food for them. They grabbed drinks and paid, including Emma. She was proud of herself for having the money to pay for lunch. They found a spot at the booth by the door and conversation flowed as they enjoyed their meal.
Out of the corner of Emma's eye, movement caught her attention. She turned to catch the sight of Mulan holding the door open for Marian and Roland. Mulan glanced at them and nodded, but that was it. Roland did not notice Emma, running straight for the counter to scope out the goodies. Smart kid.
Mulan stood in line while Marian stood with Roland, who pointed at several things behind the counter. Emma focused on the conversation with her colleagues again. They were mostly commenting on the food, like Mulan did not register to them. Emma almost giggled over how much they enjoyed the food. Regina and Maleficent have to know what they did here. Everything on the menu was addictive.
"Have you guys been hiding this place from us?" Dorothy asked as she scraped the bottom of her paper bowl with her biscuit for any last trace of stew.
"Nah, but it's just for the cool kids," Emma replied with a laugh.
"Emma!" Roland charged toward her with the brightest smile. "Hi, Emma! I came here and got a cupcake Regina made!" He pointed behind him to the display. Marian was right behind him, holding a bag that probably had his cupcake.
Emma chuckled. "I bet it'll be yummy." She then motioned to everyone at the table. "These are my friends and they're eating here with the cool kids, right?"
Roland nodded with conviction. "We're so cool."
"Happy to know we're cool now, too," Will said.
"Will!" Roland rushed over to him and hugged him.
"Does everyone know this kid, but us?" David pointed between him and Dorothy. Dorothy shrugged.
Marian stepped closer. "Will, did you find a new job?"
Will nodded. "Yeah, policing with these blokes. Works a lot better for me than things at the other place, you know?" He scowled.
Marian nodded and looked away, eyes troubled. "He has been difficult for a while now. I'm surprised it took us so long to figure it out."
Will scoffed. "I'm shocked more of us haven't managed that bit. Most of them are still there, still backing his downward spiral. He's been difficult since you first split."
"Before that," Marian replied.
"Yeah, but it's delightful to see you and little man. Hope it happens more often," Will said as Mulan stepped behind Marian. He winked at Mulan, but grinned at Marian. "Seems like your taste runs the same."
Marian's eyes twinkled and her expression was so young for a moment. She glanced back at Mulan, who held their food bag. "Yeah, sad he's not like this anymore, though. It was wonderful talking with you and hopefully, it'll happen again."
Will nodded. "Before you go, these are my mates, Emma, David, and Dorothy." He pointed to each one. David and Dorothy waved. Will smiled. "Good people so far. Mulan's been taking care of us at work."
Marian smiled back and grabbed Mulan's hand. "Because she's an amazing person. You lot make sure you take care of her as well."
They all nodded and Mulan, Marian, and Roland left. Roland waved wildly. They all laughed and then the group was on their own again. They had to finish up lunch and go back. On the walk to the station, Emma stepped next to Will.
"You know Marian because of your old job?" Emma asked. Yes, he used to work with Robin, but was it normal to be familiar with the boss' wife and kid?
Will nodded. "Oh, yeah. She used to work there, too. They'd have the kid up all the time. It was a blast."
"Then, why aren't you both there anymore?" David asked.
Will made a face. "Something happened a couple of years back and he kinda left her hanging or something. Whatever happened, she left the company. He got worse then, not as attentive as he used to be, and he messed up a few deals, which just made a bad situation so much worse. And he never wanted to take responsibility for it. It got annoying, especially when he was making folks miserable around him. I stuck around for a while cuz he's my mate and we've all known each other since middle school."
"Oh, so he wasn't always a jerk?"
"Nah, used to be a stand-up bloke. Not sure what happened. Whispers around the office were he made a deal with that asshole, Gold, but I can't figure out why he'd need to or why he'd do that. That's basically selling your soul."
Emma was aware of that one based on stories from Regina. "Sorry that happened to your friend."
Will shrugged. "Thanks. Maybe he'll get his shit together eventually and we can be something again. Maybe not friends, but something."
"And you'll go back to work for him?"
Will blew out a loud raspberry. "Hell, no. He doesn't support anyone enough to go back to working for him. Besides, so far, this gig and you lot are pretty fun."
Emma grinned. "Yeah, I agree with that. Although, this holiday shit is so tiring."
He laughed. "Shit yeah. Can't believe we can expect this shit every holiday. I'm more than ready to collapse and can't even celebrate with my best girl."
Emma shook her head. She did not mind working on a holiday. Holidays did not mean the same to her, but at the end of the day, she would go home to Regina and Regina would make the day extraordinary. Of course, Regina made every single day like that.
-8-8-8-8-
It was New Year's Eve and Regina was in bed alone. She did not want to watch the ball drop or anything by herself. Beyond that, she was exhausted. Staying awake until midnight was not possible tonight.
Emma texted her Happy New Year! but, they were not able to talk. Emma was on a call, texting on the way to the situation. Regina texted her back the same and planned to stay awake in case Emma got a moment to talk. Emma put a halt to that. Huge fight at this club. This'll take a while, especially when we start processing them.
Regina sighed. I'm sorry. Call me when you have a chance. She was a light sleeper, so she would hear the phone when it went off. Emma answered. Promise to call u as soon as I can. That was enough for Regina to go to sleep.
The call never happened. Regina woke up like she had work, but she did not have to go to the office. It was not because she was no longer mayor, as there were still a couple of days of that, but she was off on New Year's Day. The cafe was also closed today, as they had to give Tink and Nova some time off to enjoy themselves.
Regina put on some music and started to clean the house. It had been a while since she had time to do this chore, so it should hold her until Emma came in. After an hour, she checked her phone, expecting texts or missed call alerts from Emma. Instead, texts from Robin awaited her. She scowled.
Just delete the thread without bothering. She opened it and saw a piece of whatever nonsense he was talking about. Was thinking of you. We should do lunch… Hell, no, they should not. Thread deleted, moving on with her life.
"Regina!" Emma whined as soon as she stepped through the door. Cold air blew in with her. She stomped her feet, heavy boots pounding on the floor, as she shut the door.
Regina arched an eyebrow. "Yes?" She would remind Emma that stomping her feet was to be done before stepping into the house later. It was not likely to stick in her mind while she was exhausted from work.
"I'm so cold and tired! I could barely use my keys, even though my gloves are perfect for this kinda weather." Emma fell on her, freezing.
"Emma!" Regina's teeth chattered as cold shot through her to her very soul.
Emma let loose a pathetic whimper. "You gotta undress me and put me to bed. I'll never make it on my own."
Regina chuckled. Okay, this was adorable. "My, how things have changed over the course of a year. I would've been cursed out if I dared suggest that a year ago. In fact, I was cursed out for such a thing."
Emma groaned. "Stop bringing up the past. Put me to bed. Maybe even put my ducky pajamas on."
Regina would love to do all of that and more for Emma. "You're asking a lot. Pajamas are for after you're clean."
Emma let out a long, loud whine, burying her freezing face in Regina's neck. It sent a shock through Regina. Despite the cold, Regina smiled as joy filled her, warmed her. It would never cease to amaze her that someone as independent as Emma would trust someone like her this much. She would always treasure this gift.
"You have to be aware I'll never abuse the faith you have in me," Regina whispered.
"I know, so put me to bed already and give me kisses in my sleep," Emma replied with a yawn at the end.
Regina gave Emma a quick kiss, noting Emma's lips were chapped. She would take care of that problem with everything else. She helped Emma upstairs and stripped her out of her uniform. She walked Emma to the bathroom, giving her a quick shower. Emma let her do everything, including brushing her teeth and applying some lip balm. I shouldn't enjoy this as much as I do.
She dressed Emma in an underwear set she bought Emma for Christmas — a pair of light blue boy-shorts and a bra with yellow ducks. Emma laid down, curled into a little ball. Regina spooned behind her, covering as much of Emma's body as possible, and Emma was asleep almost immediately. With that done, Regina went back to her housework.
After a couple of hours, she started on a brunch. Emma would wake up hungry, as always. A grilled cheese, fries, an omelet with spinach and peppers, a bowl of green grapes, bacon, and donut holes. The aroma of food summoned Emma and she dropped on the sofa as Regina laid out the food on the coffee table. She curled up next to Emma. Emma purred.
"I'm so hungry." Emma went for the omelet first and took a huge bite. "You ate already?"
"No, but you're going to share half your omelet with me." Regina smiled. Emma had more than enough food to tide her, so she would donate half of her omelet to Regina.
"Hell, yeah, I am." Emma broke off a piece of her omelet and put the bit to Regina's lips.
Regina's smile grew. "Good girl."
Emma shivered as Regina made a show of sliding the food off the fork with her tongue. Emma's eyes darkened, but she shook that away. Regina would hold off on doing that again. Emma needed to eat more than anything else. They finished the omelet and then Emma started on the donut holes.
Regina scanned for the remote to find a show to keep their attention, but her phone went off. She picked it up, as it might be work or possibly Maleficent wanting to find out her plan for tomorrow. No, it was worse than that. It was Robin again. Regina groaned and deleted the text.
"What's wrong?" Emma asked around a lump of food in her cheek.
Regina curled her lip. "Robin texted me." She wanted to be upfront with Emma, though this would add stress to Emma's life. She did not want Emma to find out some other way, though. Beyond that, Emma trusted her implicitly, so she would return the favor.
Emma frowned. "Just now?" She had to put her sandwich down for this conversation.
"Just now and earlier." Regina glanced at her phone.
Emma glared at the phone before focusing on Regina again. "What did he want?"
Regina waved the question off. "I didn't read this one, but earlier, it appeared like he was asking me out. I deleted it."
Emma's face remained hard. "You could block him, you know?"
Regina sighed. "I am aware. I guess I didn't before in case something happened with Roland, not that he was any of my business once we broke up. I just had hope I'd spend time with him again, I suppose."
"You really like that kid, huh?" Emma put her arm around Regina.
Regina returned the embrace. "He's so sweet. Plus, I guess it's because I've always wanted children." She said that so easily, but then remembered, this was not something she ever shared with Emma.
Emma blinked. "Really?"
Regina nodded. "Yes, your nest was actually made to remind me of my true goal in life."
Emma tilted her head. "True goal?"
Regina leaned into Emma and tucked her feet underneath her. "I wanted to have a family. It was my dream with Daniel before he died and I wanted to hold onto it, but as life went on without him, it fell away. Your nest was supposed to be my reading nook with my children. We were going to go on quiet adventures and then possibly do arts and crafts to unpack what we read. I had the doors added after a while, just so I wouldn't have to look in the empty area, my empty dreams."
Emma sniffled and held her a little tighter. "Do you still want kids?"
Regina sighed. "Yes, though I gave up on the idea for a while. When I started dating Robin, I thought Roland would be the closest I'd get. I never envisioned having children with Robin, but he already had Roland, so it worked out. I loved that little boy immediately and would've treated him like my own."
Emma was quiet for a long moment, but she did not turn her attention back to her food. "Do you think we could have kids together?"
"Have you ever thought about having children?" Regina countered. She had envisioned a future with Emma, but she had not dared to consider children. Not yet anyway. Considering how much Emma had changed and grown since they met, things might change in the future, but not now.
Emma shrugged. "Fair enough." She blew out a breath and ran a hand through her hair. "I had a pregnancy scare in jail."
Regina stiffened at that for a second. She had not expected that. "You did?"
"Yeah. I was almost hysterical, but couldn't be because I was a fucking kid in an adult jail. Shit was scary."
Regina snuggled closer and rubbed Emma's hip. "I can't even imagine."
"I hope not. I wouldn't want that for anybody, especially you. I thought I was gonna have a heart attack. I knew I'd have to put the kid up for adoption because I'd be locked up for a while, which didn't work out for me at all. It was like sentencing my kid to death because I wouldn't be out for years and even when I got out, what the fuck did I know about raising kids? Not a goddamn thing." The disdain and pain were evident from Emma's use of more swear words than usual.
I wish I could hug her tighter. I wish I could take all the pain away. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be. Funny thing is, had I thought I was pregnant when I was out, before all that shit happened, I'd have been so happy. I would've had a family with Neal… before…" Emma glanced away.
"Neal?" There was so much that was still a mystery about her and Emma with each other.
Emma blew out a breath and scratched the top of her head. "So, yeah, I don't talk about prison a lot because it fucking sucks. I never want to think about it, like I hate thinking about giant chunks of my childhood because it just fucking sucks. The present is way better and I think the future will be even better than this, somehow."
"I hope so."
Emma inhaled deeply. "So, I met Neal after running away from my last crappy group home. Not that it mattered since I was seventeen, so I was about to get kicked out. We stole the same car."
Regina pulled away to look at her with wide eyes. "Not that terrible piece of yellow scrap metal."
Emma laughed. "Yes, we both had awesome taste in cars. Anyway, he was asleep in the back seat when I stole the Bug. Not as cool as my meet-cute with you, but still freaking epic in my teenage mind. We then went on a petty crime spree and fell in love. Or at least I thought we did. He was like me, a misfit, no family, and ready to take on the world."
Regina rolled her eyes. "Delinquents."
"Definitely. Anyway, we made plans to go live in Tallahassee and have a family and stuff like that. He had stolen some expensive watches and hid them, but could never pick them up because the cops were watching for him. The money would've been a huge help to us starting this great new life."
Regina guessed where this was going. She cupped Emma's face to look deep into her eyes. "Duckling, you didn't." There was no way her street-smart Duckling fell for that. No way.
Emma twisted her mouth up with a short shrug, but her eyes glistened. "I was seventeen and in love. I loved him so much. I really thought he was my happy ending."
"Oh, Duckling." Regina gave her a soft kiss. This helped explain why Emma was so standoffish when they met. She had been betrayed, lied to, and hurt by everyone in her life, even those who claimed to love her.
Emma let loose a long sigh, eyes on the floor. "We had so many plans. He seemed like the real deal, like I thought things were finally working out for me. So, I grabbed the watches for this amazing future we were going to have. He was standing right there when I got picked up, holding the stupid fucking watches, like a dumb-ass. He didn't do anything, didn't say anything. He let me go down for it. Only sent me one letter to tell me I could have the car. Our stolen fucking car." Emma wiped her eyes.
Regina scowled. How dare that bastard hurt her precious Duckling like this! Send her to prison and tear the dream of a normal life from her! Oh, when I have the time, this Neal person will feel my wrath.
"Anyway, it would've been cool to have a family with him before he blew up my life like that. It's good I wasn't pregnant like I thought I was. That might've been the thing to do me in. Like my life has sucked all the way through, but to ruin another life, it would've been too much," Emma said.
Regina kissed her cheek and then kissed her other cheek. "You can still have a family." She brushed Emma's hair back as an excuse to caress her cheeks and her head. "You're getting your life together without him. You didn't need him. You have a bright future ahead of you, in spite of him."
A small smile crept on Emma's face and a light returned to her eyes. "I see that now and that's thanks to you. You've done so much for me, helped me make it to this point, and helped me just be a better person outright. Thank you."
"You've helped me make it to this point, too." Regina took a deep breath. She needed Emma to understand the impact she had on Regina. "Emma, before you, I was rotting on the inside. I had very little faith in myself as a person. Hell, you saw I was willing to settle for Robin. I think without you pushing me, believing in my dream, I might have been bullied into doing a second term as mayor."
Emma shook her head. "You're a great person. You'd have gone after your dream."
"You want to believe that because you think I'm so strong, but I promise you, I wasn't always like this. This time last year, I was a shell of this person. I would've crumbled, but then you came along. And, I'm not sure what it was about taking care of you, but I've felt more like myself in your presence than I have with anyone else in a long time."
Emma smiled a little, cheeks flushed. "That makes me feel good. I'm happy I bring so much to your life. So, do you think we could have kids?"
"I think we're on the path. I envision building a life with you and for me that means children. Are you ready to give up your nest so I can have a reading nook?"
Emma chuckled. "You could read to the kid in their room."
A wicked smirk curled onto Regina's face. "And you could give me the last name of this Neal person, but I suspect we know how that'll go." She would find out on her own eventually.
A snort escaped Emma. "He's not worth your energy. And I haven't thought about him since living with you. I'm healing."
"Well, I'm quite pleased with that." She would still punish that asshole.
Hazel eyes twinkled. "I'm more happy to know you'd like to have kids with me someday. You'd make a good mother. I'd at least make the kid cool." Emma grinned. "I guess you can have your reading nook back. Think I could have the garage? You don't actually use it. I can teach our kid to work on cars and stuff."
"It's nice that you're making plans." Regina was so pleased with that. She would love to build a future with Emma and children were back in Regina's future. This was incredible.
Emma went back to eating and Regina remained snuggled into Emma. Who knew this was where her future lay? If I was able to go back in time a year ago, I'd be able to tell my past-self it does get better for once.
-8-8-8-8-
Emma was glad to be back to her regular shifts with Mulan at her side. Mulan was practically glowing, so it was clear the holidays went well for her. Emma was glad for her.
"Things going well with Marian now?" Emma asked as they started their patrol.
Mulan glanced at her. "Yes, things are going well. Will wanted to interrogate me about it this morning. I was unaware they were so close, but he claims to be like a little brother to her."
"Does she see it that way?"
"Yes, apparently. She is pleased he's working with me. She knows I'll treat him better than Robin."
"What's his deal?"
Mulan shrugged. "Marian likes to say he made a deal with the devil and started to change. She makes it seem like he was trying to save their business after he made a big mistake, but it didn't work or didn't work like he thought it would, so he's been lashing out since, making life difficult for those around him. I don't make it a point to keep up with him, as long as he's treating Roland right when it's his time with him."
Emma scowled. "He texted Regina…"
Mulan frowned. "Regina isn't entertaining him, is she?"
"No, no, no. She deleted the texts and told me about them, but it's crazy he's texting her, right?"
Mulan made a face. "Well, he's an ass. But, he's also a manipulative ass."
Emma nodded. He had managed to catch Marian twice, but then again, he shared a child with Marian and she seemed a little frightened at the idea of settling down with a woman. Regina did not come across as bothered and was willing to plan a family with Emma.
"Did Marian actually go back to him partially because she wasn't ready to be with a woman?" Emma asked.
Mulan glanced at her. "It was part of it. I'm her first woman. I'm sure things will be better this time around. They have been better as she's more comfortable with herself and ready to move on with her life."
"You think I should be worried?" Emma asked.
Mulan shook her head. "From the limited interactions I've seen between them since meeting Regina, I feel confident in saying no. Still, be careful of him, though. He doesn't like taking no for an answer."
Emma nodded. "Thanks."
"No problem." A beat of silence passed. "So, speaking of Regina, this is her last day in office, right?"
"Yeah. I wish we got assigned at Town Hall to see the new mayor inaugurated." They got stuck with their usual patrol, though.
"It's nothing special. Regina will still work a full day, so you can see her at home. Tomorrow, though, you'll be able to see her at Two Witches," Mulan said.
Emma smiled. "We're going by, right?" That would be awesome!
Mulan chuckled. "Yes. I would never deprive you of that treat."
Emma frowned, not too happy with being teased. "I'm a badass, you know?"
"I've seen you tackle a domestic abuser as he tried to run away. I'm well aware," Mulan replied.
Emma nodded. "Never tell Regina I did that."
"Should I also not tell her you snatched a knife from the guy before he ran off?"
"Yeah, just don't ever tell any of that story." Yes, Emma had tallied a few stories already, even though she had barely been a deputy for three weeks.
Mulan gave her an amused smile for a moment. "I'll do my best, but if you get truly reckless and don't listen to my advice, you have alerted me to the first person to tell."
Emma winced. She needed out of this conversation. "Hey, you think you could talk Marian into taking Roland to Two Witches more often now? They had an okay relationship. I mean, it might be weird for Marian…"
Mulan shook her head. "It might be weird, but I think she would like to start over with Regina. She feels silly over arguing with Regina over Robin."
Emma smirked. "And you?"
Mulan chuckled. "Yes, and me. Point being, she's willing to try again with Regina."
Emma's expression brightened. They were silent for a long moment and continued with their patrol. Then, Mulan turned onto Main Street, which was not part of their patrol. Emma stared at her and Mulan smiled. They pulled up to Town Hall, where there were so many cars, patrol cars, and a local news van.
"It's inside Town Hall," Mulan said.
"You sure this is okay?" Emma asked. Her heart thumped hard in her chest.
Mulan clapped her on the shoulder. "Maybe I break the rules every now and then. Can't follow the rules one hundred percent of the time. That's never the right thing."
Emma grinned and followed Mulan out of the car into the freezing Maine winter. A dust of snow on the ground with an incredible wind chill. It sliced through her despite her coat and face-mask until they got into Town Hall. Mulan knew the way, leading Emma to a hall. They eased inside, blending in with the huge crowd despite being in uniform.
Emma was not sure what was happening, but she had a view to the front and caught sight of Regina. Regina stood in her power suit, face stoic, like a truck would not be able to move her. The new mayor was sworn in — Kathryn Midas.
They only stayed a couple of minutes, but it was enough. Regina shook Kathryn's hand after the swearing-in. Regina was all right with this, so Emma was all right with this. Yet, her stomach twisted during the rest of her patrol.
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: Emma takes Regina out on a date.