A/N: As always, thank you all who are here for this new story. I am so happy to be posting *2 new updates* (ch's 7 & 8) instead of just one as I typically tend to do these days. That being said, I expect a review if you want another 2 more updates by tomorrow. LOL! JK! (Not really...) :) With that being said, Happy reading, everyone! Great to be writing again.

Chapter 7: Between Love and Obsession

Regina is startled by her father's loud whistle as she suddenly sees him standing by the open door of her bedroom, watching her with the biggest smile that could very well match her own. Today was not only an important day for her, but she wanted to look her best, deciding on a white pair of pants that ended at mid calf. A black blouse with a black/gray denim jacket. Her hair was loose this time, neatly combed over her shoulders. Not quite to her waist, but almost there.

"Daddy…" Regina breathed, placing a hand along her chest. "You startled me. I didn't hear you."

Henry smiled as he strode into her bedroom, hands in his pockets. "I'm sorry. I just can't get over how grown up you've become." He stands behind his daughter while she continues applying some finishing touches to her make up. His eyes study her carefully through the mirror. "You know, sometimes, I still think of you as my little girl who used to love bouncing on my knee. Now, look at you."

Regina rotated her body so that she could face him with a smile of her own. She reached for his hand as the back of his knuckles caressed along her cheek.

"Someday… you are going to make someone very happy. And they'll be fortunate to have you by their side."

"You're not getting sentimental on me, are you?" Regina asked, seeing her father's eyes gloss over. If he cried, she cried and she didn't want to ruin her makeup. Or see her father cry.

"What gave it away?" Henry asked, wiping away a tear that formed at the corner of his eye. All while hearing Regina chuckle. He felt Regina's lips press along his cheek, possibly leaving a smear of lipstick along his skin.

Regina's thumb wiped away that said smear. "I love you, daddy. And no matter how old I get, I'll always be your little girl. I won't be able to bounce on your knee anymore, but still your little girl."

Henry chuckled. His eyes took in his daughter's appearance. "You're looking as beautiful as always. Got a date?" His brow lifts.

Regina cheeks redden at the thought of a date with Emma. But this wasn't a date. Was it? "No," she assured him, although not sounding convincing enough. "I have somewhere I need to be. I'll be displaying a few of my drawings at the mall today and I just wanted to look a little presentable. Casual but still presentable."

She didn't deem it necessary to tell him about seeing Emma there. Not yet, anyway. Regina rather tests the waters with Emma herself first.

"Is that so?" Henry's eyes lit up like two Christmas trees. If anyone was supportive of what Regina wanted to accomplish in life, it was him. "Well, why didn't you tell me? I would have loved to have been there, cheering you on."

"I didn't want to jinx it," said Regina, giving him an apologetic smile. "And it's not a big deal, really. I might not even sell anything."

"Regina." Her father gave her a pointed look. "What have I always told you and Zelena? Never-"

"'Never doubt yourselves,'" Regina finishes Henry's saying by heart. "I know, but… really, it's okay. I think I'll just be more nervous if you're there, anyway. Besides, I won't be alone. Kathryn will be there." She reaches for her purse and Emma's book.

"Well, then… good luck. I know you will do just great." He leaned in to place a kiss along her cheek.

"Thank you, daddy. I have to go, I'm gonna be late." She glanced down at her watch, feeling the book slip right out of her hand and land with a thud along the carpet.

Henry bent down to pick it up, examining the cover before handing it back to her. "That's an interesting choice of novel. Doesn't really seem like your type."

"It's not," Regina securely holds the book along her grip. "That's what makes it interesting. It's sort of a new thing I'm doing. I'm learning to expand my horizons." She grins.

Henry laughed, wrapping an arm along his daughter's back as he guided her all the way down to the front door. "Well, good. As long as you're happy, I'm happy. You know that."

"And what are we happy about?" Cora's voice announced itself as they reached the door. And Regina's face fell upon seeing Robin standing beside her. "Regina, dear. Mr. Locksley's come to see you."

Robin's eyes sparkled as he watched Regina from above the steps. "Hello, Regina." He curtly nodded.

"Hello," Regina murmured, shifting uncomfortably at her father's side.

"I hope I'm not being inconsiderate with my stopping by." Robin's eyes looked at Henry. His hand flashed up a manila colored folder. "My father wanted you to have a copy of these papers from yesterday's meeting, Henry, and I thought I'd bring them myself and see Regina while I was at it."

"Ah, yes." Henry made his way down the stairs, reaching for the folder. "Thank you, Robin. Give your father my best."

"As always." Robin nods. His eyes found Regina as she made her way down the last step. "I also wanted to ask Regina if she would like to give me that tour of the city. I brought my car, we can leave whenever you want."

"Well, isn't that just a lovely idea!" Cora beams. "It's a beautiful day out, I'm sure Regina would love-"

"Actually, Mr. Locksley, I believe my sister Zelena is the one who offered to give you that tour, not me." Said Regina.

"Regina," Cora murmured under her breath, while Henry held in a chuckle.

"No," Robin held up a hand. "It's alright, Cora. She's right. Zelena did offer that tour to me." His smile is directed at Regina. "You have a good memory."

"Yeah, I pride myself in that." Said Regina.

"As you should. A good memory goes a long way. It's not to be wasted." Said Robin. "However, Regina, I ask you to reconsider. Besides, if we're being honest, I would much rather be taken up on that tour by you."

"Mr. Locksley…" Regina faked a grin. "As much as I would love to show you around, I'm afraid, as I said I will have to decline. I have other matters I need to attend to today, and I'm afraid if I don't leave now I will be late. But perhaps my mother would take you up on that tour," her eyes flicker to her mother's shocked expression.

"Regina!" Cora gasps.

Regina's fake smile widens as she looks back to Robin. "If we're being honest… she just loves being around you." She nods. "Good day, Mr. Locksley." Before leaving, she places another kiss along her father's cheek, brushing a shoulder along Robin's as she walks out.

"I am so sorry, Robin." Said Cora.

Robin however found Regina quite amusing. And the fact was, the more she resisted him, the more he wanted her. "It's quite alright," he assured Cora. "If you'll excuse me, but I really must be getting back to the office. Henry," he extends his hand, shaking Henry's. "Tomorrow as always."

"I'll be there." Henry nods.

After saying goodbye to Cora, Robin raced out of the door while keeping his composure. "Regina," he caught up to Regina all the way down the steps, walking by her side. "I must say you look exceptionally beautiful today."

"Thank you, Mr. Locksley, but flattery will get you nowhere." Said Regina, walking over to her black Mercedes.

Robin grinned, "Well, why don't you start by," his pace quickened until he was able to block Regina from walking any further. His eyes stole her gaze as he stared right into her. "Telling me, how does a man like me win a heart like yours?"

Regina's eyes rake over Robin's polished appearance. "My heart isn't some trophy you can win, Mr. Locksley. But if it were… I'm afraid that you're the wrong type of contestant to enter in this competition."

Robin's brow slightly lifted, his good humor replaced by a stone-cold look. "Meaning? Is there someone else?"

Regina grinned, "Be that as it may, Mr. Locksley, that's none of your business. Just like what I do day-to-day is none of your business. And while I appreciate everything you and your father have done for my family, I'm not indebted to you. Therefore… if we're being honest- if I were to take you up on all those dinners that you persistently ask me on, or that tour guide that wasn't even offered by me, I would be going against my will. I'm afraid it'll all be just an act."

Robin's jaw stiffens as his eyes hood over, staring down at Regina.

"Honestly, you shouldn't be wasting your time with me, when you would have no trouble in getting anyone you want. Now, please, I really must get going," Regina glances down at her watch again. "Or I'll be late-" she rushed off, only to feel Robin's grip tighten along her arm.

Robin's fighters held there tightly, Regina was sure she would bruise. His eyes staring into hers in a dark manner, "I warn you, Regina. No woman has ever said no to me, and you won't be the exception." He spat through his teeth.

He wasn't one to be told no, just like Regina wasn't one to be told what she could and could not do. "Then you won't have any problem moving on, Mr. Locksley." That being said, Regina quickly took her arm back, yanking away from his strong grip, her eyes staring coldly back into his. "I advise you to find a woman who will say yes to your every need. Because I promise you, it won't be me."

The corner of Robin's lip slowly lifted, "I wouldn't be so quick as to make a promise you won't be able to keep, Regina. Promises can be broken."

"Not mine." Regina lifted her chin, her stare never faulting away from Robin's. "Good day, Mr. Locksley." Once more, she brushes past him as she walks to her car.

Robin's gaze follows Regina, watching her carefully as she mounts her car, turns on her engine, and exchanges her own glare with him as she drives off. Robin walks back to his car, and as soon as he shuts the door and turns on the engine, he dials a number.

"Mr. Locksley?" A voice comes through the speakers from inside his Porsche.

"Find out everything you can on the Mills family." Said Robin.

"Yes, sir. Right away. Anyone specifically you want me to focus on?"

Robin frowns. "Everyone. Every single member. I want to know what they eat, what they do day-to-day, what position they sleep in. Everything."

"Yes, sir. But that kind of through work will take me a couple of months-"

"How much time?"

"One. Two at the most."

"Do it. Bring me results."

"Yes, sir."

Robin pressed on the call button along his steering wheel, hanging up the call before driving off so fast, the gravel underneath the back tires lifted like confetti.

"I just can't get over how talented you are. Truly! Wonderful!" A woman beams after buying three of Regina's drawings.

"Thank you." Regina smiles.

"You know, I have a friend who owns a gallery and he's always looking for new talent. I shall pass along your name to him."

"Much appreciated. Thank you." Regina didn't expect anything from this, but it was good to have an aspiration for the future.

"Do you sell these online?" The woman asked, her eyes looking at her eagerly.

Regina frowned, because she never thought of doing such a thing before. "No, actually, I don't."

The woman's gasp sounded just as shocked as she appeared, "Well, you should. Consider it an idea for the future. I guarantee you, people will buy more that way."

Kathryn grinned at the idea as she exchanged a look with Regina.

"You have a lovely day, now." Regina smiled. "You have my number if you ever want anything else."

"Oh, I will be calling you!" Said the woman, tucking Regina's business card into the safety of her purse before walking away.

Kathryn squealed with excitement as soon as the woman walked away, "Look at you! An artist! I can't believe it. You're famous!" She clapped her hands.

Regina chuckled, shaking her head, "I'm not famous yet."

"Oh, but you will be! Mark my words." Kathryn grinned at people coming and going from the shop. "You will." Her eyes looked back over to Regina, who frowned and looked down at her watch. "Regina, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I don't think she's coming like she claimed."

"She didn't stand me up, Kathryn." Regina glared. "So, don't say it."

"I didn't say that," Kathryn held up her hands defensively.

"But you were thinking it. And don't deny it."

"Look, so your savior didn't show. Why don't you call her up and ask her to explain herself."

"I can't do that," Regina shook her head.

"Of course, you can. If she agreed to meet you here, and didn't show, you deserve an explanation. It's the least she can do."

"It's just not like her to not show up." Regina sighed, staring at the door frame, in search of that familiar face.

Kathryn's brow lifts, "And just how would you know that? You barely know her."

"What if something happened to her?"

"Like what? She went off to rescue another drowning girl?" Kathryn chuckled, seeing a glare pin at her from her best friend. "I'm sorry. It was a joke."

"Very funny," Regina murmured, crossing her arms over her chest.

Kathryn looked down at the time on her phone, "Look, it's almost time to go. Why don't I stay with you and help you clean all this up? And we'll catch a movie."

"No," Regina shook her head. "I appreciate the offer, Kat, but I think I'm just going to pack up what's left and go home."

"Are you sure?" Kathryn frowned.

"Yeah," Regina smiled. Her hand brushing along her friend's arm. "But you go ahead. I'll stop by later to help you unpack your things at your new apartment."

Kathryn hesitated, and after being told by Regina that she would be okay alone, she said, "Okay, but call me if you change your mind. I'll drive right back here."

"I know," Regina pulled her best friend for a hug. "Thank you so much. For everything."

"Hey. It's what I'm here for." Kathryn smiled, giving Regina's hand a squeeze before waving goodbye.

Regina sighed, checking her watch again, seeing that it was in fact time to go. It was past one PM and Emma didn't show. And while Regina packed up her things, she tried to come up with different good reasons as to why she hadn't shown. Hoping that one of those reasons wouldn't involve her getting into some type of accident. She stopped to withdraw her phone from her purse. As she opened her contact information, she scrolled down until she stopped at Emma's name and for a moment she thought about dialing. But no. She couldn't do that. Above all, she didn't want to seem obsessive or too desperate, even though, truth- she was dying to see her again.

"Ah, Regina," the owner of the shop approached her, taking her by the hands. A triumphant smile stretched out along his lips. "I want to congratulate you on a spectacular display! I do hope I see you again soon?"

Regina smiled, "Definitely. And thank you for the opportunity. I'm glad everything worked out."

"Are you kidding? I haven't seen this many people since my grand opening. You're a real luck charm!" He winked, patting her hands with his. "We'll be in touch."

"Okay. Thank you." Regina's smile grew, feeling proud of herself. She slung her purse over her shoulder, placing her phone back inside and picking up a few of her drawings. As she turned to the direction of the opened doors, her heart stopped at the sight of Emma, standing between the crowd with an apologetic look swimming in her ocean green eyes.

Emma's chest rose and fell hard, as if she had been running. She wore a pair of black jeans, a t-shirt underneath an overly large light blue flannel that brought out her eyes that she took from David. It was old and he never wore it, so he wouldn't miss it. Her hair had been picked up in yet another messy ponytail. Not her best look, but after today, she didn't have time to even change. She just wanted to get here.

Unlike her crazed beating heart, Regina approached Emma calmly, blinking a couple of times, a quirk she performed when she needed to steady herself. Or maybe it was to adjust her eyes to Emma's beauty. "You came," she murmured.

Emma nodded, "I promised you I would. Although, I think I dishonored my promise in being the first one here." She frowned, looking around at all of the people around them.

"Better than not showing up at all." Regina shook her head. "I was almost afraid you weren't going to show."

"Me, too." Emma breathed with a sign of relief. Regina should be furious with her, and she wouldn't blame her if she were. But she wasn't. And that made her feel more like shit. "I would have been here sooner, believe me. I wanted to be here, but I sort of had an unexpected emergency."

"An emergency?" Regina frowned, her eyes filled with worry as they looked over Emma.

"I'm okay," Emma smiled a little. "It was my dad, he… he had a little accident at work. I had to take him to the hospital."

"Hospital?" Regina's frown deepened. "What happened? Is he alright?"

"He's fine now. It was just a scare. He suffered a dislocated shoulder, which will have his arm in a spring, but he'll manage."

"Well, is there anything I can do to help?"

Emma smiled at that, "No. I promise, he's fine."

Regina's eyes looked down to Emma's heaving chest, rising and falling before finding her eyes again. "You ran all the way here?"

"Well," Emma breathed, attempting to steady her lungs. "I took a bus, but uh, I ran the rest of the way, yeah. I really wanted to see you."

The corner of Regina's lip lost against a smile, "I wanted to see you, too." She admitted.

"Great," Emma's smile grew, her eyes sparkling to the sight of Regina's own beautiful smile blooming before her eyes. Against all odds, she looked away from Regina to see her carrying some of her artwork along her arms. "Can I help you carry those?" She didn't wait until Regina gave her consent, she simply took some of the drawings off her hands, perching them underneath her arm as she allowed Regina to lead the way.

Emma wasn't surprised at all to see that the black Mercedes belonged to Regina. Her financial status could be spotted a mile off to Emma. But Regina seemed to like her company so she wasn't complaining.

"You can set them in here," Regina popped open her trunk, placing the art pieces she held within, and stepping aside so that Emma could do the same. Once the trunk was shut, she turned back to Emma.

"Nice car," said Emma.

"Thanks." Regina shrugged, locking eyes with Emma's green ones. "We could go for a ride, if you want."

"A ride?" Emma's brow lifted suggestively.

Regina blinked, "I mean, coffee. We could take a ride to the coffee shop and drink coffee. If you still want to."

Emma's smile slowly grows, "I do. Only if you still want to."

"I do." Regina nods a little eagerly. She clears her throat while she searches for her keys. Her hands seemed to be as nervous as she felt because at that moment, they seemed to fumble with her car keys, causing her to drop them and Emma's book along the floor. "Shit… um…"

Emma bent down as quickly as Regina did, cupping the brunette's hand as they both seemed to reach for the book first. Their eyes locked in place again and Emma's heart entirely stopped beating. Whatever breath her lungs had gathered had left them again.

"Um…" Regina looked down at Emma's book before she handed it back to her. "I believe this is yours."

"I was looking all over for that," Emma took it back, finding Regina's eyes more interesting to look into. "You kept it?"

"Well, I didn't want you losing it. A good story should be finished."

"Thank you." The corner of Emma's lip lifted. She reached for the keys next, standing to her feet as she handed them to Regina.

"Thank you." Regina looked down at Emma's hand as it cupped her palm, her long fingers caressing along her wrist. It was the most delicate touch she had ever felt. It made her pulse rise. "Shall we go?" She asked once they parted hands.

Emma nodded, and to Regina's surprise, before Emma climbed into the passenger seat, she followed Regina to the driver's side to hold the door open for her. Something she had never seen anyone do before. Not for her, at least.

"Thank you," Regina didn't hold back a smile that colored both her cheeks as she settled into the seat. Her eyes followed Emma as she moved along the car until reaching the passenger door.

Emma was surprised how well settling into the seat felt. It was different from driving her father's truck. The seats were genuine leather. She knew plenty about cars, so she knew what one of these was worth.

"Are you okay?" Regina asked, noticing Emma's hesitance.

"I'm fine. Now." Emma smiled, watching Regina's own smile bloom again. She loved watching that smile bloom more than she loved watching flowers do the exact same thing.

"Where would you like to go?" Asked Regina.

"There's a small coffee shop about ten minutes from here. It's not luxurious, but they sell the best cup of coffee you can ever have."

"Who says I care about luxury?" Regina's brow lifts.

"Well, your car kind of gives it away." Emma teases.

Regina chuckled, "Judging a book by its cover? This was a gift from my father. I can't help it if he has good tastes. Besides, you have to admit, it does beat taking the bus. Can you imagine if you had to run all the way to the coffee shop or farther? You would have collapsed on the floor before you could reach me."

"I don't know," Emma shrugs. Her eyes locking onto Regina's as she said, "Running after you doesn't seem like such a bad thing. And if I were to collapse in the process, the mere thought of you would be enough to revive me."

Regina's heart stopped and she wondered then, if Emma's heart had done the same.