Sweet-Swan-Queen

Warning! This chapter contains sexy times and is very adult themed. That's why i bumped this story up to M rated. Do not read if under age or this type of genre makes you feel uncomfortable.

Rating: M

Pairing: Emma Swan+ Regina Mills (Swan Queen.)

A/N 1: Once again thank you for the reviews, they're always appreciated. Please pay attention to the end as it will tie in with the chapters to come and this is where the story truly begins now. Oh and i had to change the title off this chapter due rewriting this chapter.

Disclaimer: Once again i own nothing!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Chapter 5 – Game Change

The first topic up for discussion had been about Emma's decision to quit her job at Regina's company which got covered up with a load of lies which she hated. The little luncheon had gone downhill from there. Regina and Rumple kept trading back handed insults at one another, Ashton and Rumple would break away into their own conversation from time to time talking about the business market and politics whilst Regina and Emma kept swapping heated glances at one another to which luckily no one seemed to noticed. Then to make things even worse Ashton had to leave after receiving an important phone call. Something to do with his endorsement, but Emma wasn't listening to a word he'd been saying because her attention had been focused on Regina, who'd been texting and checking her phone every chance she got when she thought no one else was looking.

"So Emma… tell me how are you settling in to Boston now that you've been here a good few weeks? It is okay to call you Emma now that you're not working for me anymore right?…I mean we don't have to be so formal anymore do we?"

Rumple looked like he was biting his tongue.

"Yeah i love it here, i've met some really good people and i guess we should be on a first name basis now considering you know Rum.. i mean my dad so well." Yeah and the fact that you've seen much more of my body than most of the people am on a first name basis with.

Regina arched her eyebrow at Emma's close slip up.

"I wouldn't say me and your father were good friends, not like he is with Ashton dear. But i'd like to think that me and you could be good friends, what do you think Rumple?"

"I think you need to know your place dearrrie!" He practically barked.

Emma looked on completely baffled by his sudden angry outburst.

"Oh and what place would that be you little imp." Regina leaned forward and whispered to him.

"Okay what in the hell is going on between you two? You've been sniping at each other half way through lunch and now you're acting crazy." She said pointing at Rumple.

"It's nothing darling, nothing that's worth wasting my time over."

"Well clearly it's something, is this why you didn't want me coming to Boston to begin with? Because you knew the internship was at Mills Media and when i first told you, i knew you hated it but eventually you came round to the idea. I didn't know who she was until my first day on the job, were as you knew from the start."

This was very true at Mills Media things get handled differently than they do at other companies. There are three different types of interviews you have to go through before you know if you've got the job or not. Emma's interviews had been handled by Regina's right hand man Albert Spencer.

"Yes well i guess i've had a change of heart since."

"Oh i didn't know you had one." Regina grinned into her wine glass, quite enjoying the little event unfolding before her eyes.

"You know more about hearts than i do Regina."

That wiped the smirk of her face which made Emma make note to ask what he meant by that at a later date when things weren't so heated.

"Why didn't you just say you had a problem with Regina before i moved here? I could of applied for other internships in this city over summer.…oh wait let me guess you knew i wouldn't last in the job there because you know her and thought she'd scare me away. That i'd come running back to you, begging for your internship instead! So yesterday was a complete load of BULLSHIT!" Now she was fuming but mostly with herself, she could usually tell when people lied to her.

"You're making a scene Emma." He glanced around at the other tables nearby who were now gazing his way.

"Well you know where the door is Rumple, after all your precious reputation is what really matters to you…well that and power, no matter who gets hurt right?"

"It's not like that, please come back to the hotel and we'll talk this through properly." He said walking towards her now.

She held out her hand to stop him coming any further.

"So you can manipulate me further. I don't think so, just go."

"My driver brought us here darling, don't be silly. Just come with me."

"I'm not some little girl and besides i'd rather walk home than go anywhere with you right now, so just GO!"

"I will call you later when you've had chance to calm down and see reason." He knew Emma enough to know if he kept pushing her, he'd just push her in the opposite direction, so he did as she said and left.

"What in the hell is wrong with the two of you?"

"Me? I wasn't the one who manipulated you dear. Before your first day at my company you were just another name on a promising file and our encounter beforehand well there are plenty of Emma's in this town. I think you're miss directing your anger."

"Even so your just as bad for winding him up, what really happened between the two of you to create so much hostility? Please don't tell me you fucked him. He may be my step father but that would just completely freak me out."

"You have such a way with words." She paused briefly. "Our rift goes way back to many years ago, it's a long story and one for another time. For now let's just say we bring out the worst in each other. Don't look so worried i wouldn't touch him if he was the last man on earth. Besides i'm attracted to the finer and much prettier things in this world dear."

"You talk as if you're an old woman when you're only a few years older than i am."

"I guess i'm just old at heart Emma." She grinned and Emma felt like she'd missed out on some sort of private joke.

"I guess there's more to you than i originally first thought but i don't see us getting another chance to talk about this do you?"

"You don't? Well that's a shame because i see us having plenty of more times… Emma." She whispered in that low octave register she uses when she's trying to be seductive and wants her own way.

"You confuse me."

"As do you confuse me."

"You scare me."

"Likewise dear, but i like to think it's in a good way."

"You're only making this more difficult."

"What more difficult?"

"You know what."

"I think you may have to show me exactly what you mean dear."

"Oh yeah in a room ful…" She stopped all of a sudden when she felt the pressure from one of Regina's high heels moving up her leg.

"I think you should stop, we are in a public place if we get foun…do you remember the last time we were close in public and that was in an empty restaurant."

"Oh relax, no one can see what goes on underneath this table and well i am feeling more bold and dare i say powerful right now. Besides i'm sure we can be very discreet."

"What is it with you people and power, are you listening to yoooou..oh."

"Do you want me to stop Emma?" She said edging her heel right in between Emma's thighs and pressing against her sex.

"Mm yes…I mean ohhh my…I think we should." She whispered back.

"My car is outside." She opened her purse and placed what looked like two hundred dollar bills on the table. "I always leave a good tip now you take care of the bill and i'll pick you up out back in five minutes." She grinned then left the table.

Emma just sat there by herself battling her own conscience. Go you know you want too. I really shouldn't Oh fuck it!

She got the waiters attention, paid the bill then left as quietly and discreet as possible. At least out back was empty and closed off. Anything could happen here and no one would even know it. Good thing it's still daylight then.

"Very punctual i see Miss Swan." Regina said as she leaned against her black Mercedes Emma looked at her car then back at her. "I'm not chauffeur driven everywhere Emma, i do like my own privacy when i can get it." As if sensing what the blonde was thinking.

"I think maybe this is a bad idea. I really should just go call a cab."

"So you say but your feet aren't moving dear that alone tells me you know it's a bad idea but you really don't care because right now all you want is my fingers inside of you. Go head tell me i'm wrong?" she moved away from the car and began walking towards Emma.

Silence

"Your silence says it all." She practically purred in the blonde's ear.

"Okay i want you, i want you so bad it drives me insane."

"Oh i know you do." She trailed Emma's bottom lip with her thumb.

"Cocky much?"

"Always, but just so were clear the feeling is very much mutual dear."

The second Emma's ears had registered what the feisty brunette had said the blonde couldn't take it no more. She grabbed Regina's by the waist forcefully, their lips crashed together in unison, whole hands roaming each other's bodies. Emma was the first to break contact.

"Why'd you stop?"

"Because we've been here before, you're married, a closet lesbian or semi bi or whatever you want to call it and to top it off your moods swings confuse the crap out of me." Now i'm definitely going to get a slap or maybe a punch or perhaps both.

Regina was actually laughing.

"Well you seem to have all your facts figured out Emma, however they're not entirely accurate but perhaps maybe if you stick around long enough you'll find out. Right now all you need to know is that i find YOU attractive and it's YOU that i want in my bed, like i've never wanted anyone else before. So for once get in my car, stop listening to your head and listen to what your body is telling you. I won't ask again."

Emma looked at her then at the car then back to her. She's right, oh Fuck it!

It was easy to see where she was driving too, her house. More alarm bells went off inside the blondes head but she knew no one would be there, Regina was not that stupid. Besides she didn't care about anything else right now other than making the woman of her dreams scream in ecstasy. The drive to Regina's was a quick one as she already lived uptown but to Emma it felt like a drive cross country.

"Patience is a virtue dear." Regina patted her thigh lightly before placing it back on the steering wheel.

"Bite me."

"Oh i plan on marking you in many ways."

"Tease."

Two can play this game.

"mmm..i know what you're trying to do Miss Swan but unless you want me to crash i wouldn't move your hand any further.."

Emma's hand was gradually working its way up Regina's thigh, going higher and higher until it was just on the outside of her panties.

"Oh its Miss Swan now is it, you really don't like anyone else being in control do you?"

"No…so…mmm ..don't eve…mmmm."

"What was that I didn't quite hear you?" she pushed her hand inside Regina's panties. Looks like I'm not the only one dripping wet.

"Y…ahh oh myyy you need..to stop til…mm." She gripped the steering wheel tighter.

"Just let go, you don't always have to be the one in control." She inserted two fingers into Regina's core, sending the woman into overdrive.

"I d…don't stop…oh fuck..fuck." she moaned.

"You're so wet, i can't wait to get inside and taste you."

"Emma..ohh Emma…we need… so good."

She felt the retracting hand and missed the contact instantly.

"Now who's the tease?" she said clearing her throat.

"I have my moments and well your house is just around the corner now."

"Just try to keep your hands to yourself till were at least inside."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

She barely had chance to turn around after shutting the front door behind her. Regina was on her instantly, backing her up against the nearest wall. She began nuzzling at the blondes neck to begin with before placing sweet, rough kisses on her jaw line, then swiftly moving down to her collar bone. Emma grabbed the sexy brunettes head forward, mashing her lips against hers. She took the woman's bottom lip in between her own and sucked tenderly on it causing the other woman to moan deeply into her mouth. Regina broke the heated kiss to stare at the younger woman for a brief second, seeing her own hunger mixed with deep desire in the beautiful green eyes that reflected her own brown ones. That's when she saw it, something she thought was long lost.

"What?" Emma said between pants.

"It can't be you." she sounded confused at first.

"Less talk more action." Emma silenced her by crashing her lips back against Regina's, not giving the brown eyed beauty a chance to think. This time she was back in control, she spun Regina around by the waist till her back hit the back of the wall causing a sensational moan to escape her lips. She reached for the hem of Emma's dress only to have her hand battered away. She frowned.

"Your turn first after all i'm sure you know i'm good for it?" she raised an eyebrow before kneeling down in front of her. She began tracing small kisses starting at the bottom of Regina's legs working her way up to her thighs then she stopped causing the deeply aroused brunette to gasp at the sudden lack of contact.

"Don't stop."

"I wasn't planning to."

Emma began caressing her inner thighs with her fingertips ever so lightly then more firmly and slower causing Regina to bite her tongue to hold back the loud moan that was threatening to force its way out of her throat yet again.

"Your so wet." *Kissing* "wet for me." *more kissing*

"Yes." *kissing* "So wet….oh Emmma." *kissing*

Emma didn't need much more encouragement her own arousal had been building for some time now, her fingers instantly made their way up to Regina's pantie line, slipping her hand in, she thrust two fingers deep inside, burying them as deep as she could. She added a third finger inside curling it along with the other two deep inside Regina's core. She pulled them back out and licked her fingers clean one by one to savor the taste of this beautiful creature in front of her before she hungrily dived in for another rough yet sweet kiss. She deeply buried her fingers back in to the other woman causing the brunettes head to loll slightly backwards, she bites into Emma's shoulder to suppress the loud moan threatening to escape her lips, it ends up coming out anyway.

"Come for me Regina."

"Ohh sweet emmmmmmmmma….i'm so close."

Regina's hands grip Emma's back with an intense force she didn't even know she possessed, just as each and every layer of herself was coming undone. This wasn't how it was supposed to go the seducer becoming the seduced. She was the one who was supposed to be in control. Emma kept thrusting back and forth before one massive final jerk caused Regina's insides to clutch and release.

"Well that was…"

"Yeah… it was, i think i got just as much pleasure seeing you come as you did." Emma replied straightening out her dress and cleaning herself off.

Regina blushed, well that's a first.

"We haven't even started yet. The day is still early and well I'm sure there's a lot we can do in the next four hours." She smiled as her eyes roamed up and down Emma's body. "A lot indeed, why don't you go make yourself more comfortable. Go down the hall, turn right and take the staircase downstairs which will bring you to my room."

"Your room is downstairs?" She gulped. She could be a dominatrix, that wouldn't actually surprise me or maybe she's a private swinger, oh now I'm getting way too carried away!

"One of them is yes, don't look so frightened dear, like i said i like my privacy. Now go make yourself comfortable i just need to make a quick phone call."

"Are you always so bossy?"

"I think you know already know the answer and think you secretly like it. Now go on i'll be with you soon enough."

"Yes Mistress." She rolled her eyes playfully and made her way down the hall like a good girl.

Regina waited till the sound of heels turned to silence before pulling out her cell phone.

"Did you find out anything?"

"You were right, she is of importance as it would seem but even more so than you originally thought."

"I knew they're had to be a reason why that little imp adopted her. The Gold's wouldn't take on some orphan without it benefiting them first. Everything has its price with them." She mumbled bitterly.

"Yes i know i've got the marks to prove it thank you very much but listen about the girl she's royal blood Regina, Lucille's Royal blood, right down to the very core, she just doesn't know it yet.

"She's not a girl she's a Woman." She corrected him. "So she's Lucille's…. she's her one and only Heir?" She gasped as realization sunk in. So it is her after all these years.

"Yes girl, woman whatever, the point is she should have been trained and taught by now but for some reason she hasn't Instead she has been kept in the dark her whole life and i'm trying to find out why without anyone else finding out. If anyone else knew this information i don't need to tell you what would happen. Rumple's changed the game yet again."

"Yes Jefferson dear old friend i am well aware."

"She doesn't know it yet but she soon will. She doesn't have a choice, it's her birth right and well it's also her destiny too. I'm just afraid what the ramifications will be if she's not prepared. Come her twenty third birthday on the winter solstice her fate will be tied to us all and we shall be all at her mercy dear friend. The one blood line links us all even through her."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Just to let those who are interested know i will be updating Never Letting You Go and Welcome to Storybrooke over the next four days as after that i will not be able to update till at least mid February due to my new work schedule starting next week and if i can i will also try and update Give Me A Reason To Love Again if i can.

A/N:  I’m not the most expressive writer but I do try so thank you for all the kind reviews, I really do appreciate them so please keep them coming as they inspire me to write more. I hope you all enjoy this chapter and Happy New Year everyone! :)

Disclaimer: I own nothing!

=================================================

Chapter 3 – Laying Down Roots

  “I must say for someone as secretive as you, I’m pretty curious as to why you’re confiding in me out of all people. Should i be honored?” He smiled as he took a seat opposite Emma.

“Well i need to talk to someone or i’m going to end up hitting something or someone, besides i’m pretty sure the whole town knows my name after my little drama the other week.”

“Not everyone but you needn't worry, you’re the first new comer to pass through here since, well i don’t think we've ever had anyone new pass through before, i can’t really remember.” He frowned before continuing on. “You’re lucky it was only a pregnancy scare, you should be taking better care of yourself and the baby.”

“Yes yes i know, i've had the third degree already from Dr Whale about how lucky i was yada yada yada.” She rolled her eyes.

“This is serious, i don’t know what you’re running from but you need a stable environment if you’re planning on keeping it, you are aren't you?”

Now he looked worried.

“I am taking this seriously…. well i am now anyway. I just wish people would stop treating me like some teenager that got herself knocked up, I may only be eighteen but i've seen more of the real world then most old people have witnessed in their entire life time so please skip the lectures.”

“That’s not what I meant …I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable.”

“It’s okay.” She said looking away suddenly feeling open and vulnerable, two things she hated.

“This town is a good town to lay roots down in and so are all the towns people. ”

She raised a challenging eyebrow. As if to question his last words.

“Okay well most of them anyway.” He grinned.

 “I’m starting to get that impression i mean for the first time in a long time i feel safe here, staying with Mayor Mills.”

“Well as odd as that sounds I’m glad. Just don’t start making any drastic attempts of running out of town Emma. That is your real name right? I don’t have to worry about finding your mug shot on America’s most wanted under multiple different names now do i?”

She burst out laughing just as Ruby was bringing Grahams usual over.

“Here you go Graham, your usual and for you?” She said looking at Emma.

“Just call me Emma and i’m leaving soon actually but thanks anyway.”

“Oh yeah i've heard about you, you’re that chick Leroy was talking about the other day.”

Alarm bells went off in Emma’s head and she stood up instantly.

“Relax, he just said we had a new sister in town. To us that’s big news, no one ever comes here.” The waitress smiled before leaving the table.

“Overreact much?”

“Maybe just a little bit but i can’t help it. I’m just not use to people…”

“Being nice.” He added.

“Yeah well without a hidden agenda anyway.”

“You don’t need to explain yourself i get it.”

“Good because i wasn't gonna.” She smirked.

“Well as riveting as the conversation is i need to head back to the station soon. So why was it you asked me here again?”

“Well you’re the only one i really talk to besides the Mayor at the moment and you’re the only one i can risk asking this question to without getting my head ripped off.” She paused briefly. “Is there something wrong with her….i mean is she mentally unstable by any chance?”

“I wouldn't let her hear you say that” He grinned into his coffee cup. “But to answer your question no she isn't  Her moods however can be unpredictable if you get on the wrong side of her.”

“Unpredictable?! She practically freaked out on me Graham and when i woke up the next morning the mirror downstairs was in pieces.”

“You must have really pissed her off then, what did you say to her exactly?” He said leaning back in his chair.

“Nothing, we’d just got back from the hospital after the pregnancy scare and she freaked out when i told her, i was going to call him Henry.”

He nearly dropped the cup out of his hand.

“What?”

“Her father’s name was Henry.”

“Was…well what happened to him?”

“Yeah umm it’s a very sensitive subject with her, one she never talks about to anyone.” And with that he stood up and got out of the booth leaving enough money on the table for his coffee and a decent tip for Ruby.

“Hey wait up.”

Emma followed him outside.

“Listen thanks for listening i um, you won’t mention anythi…”

“I won’t say a word.” He said before she had chance to finish off.

“Good it’s just i figured you two were very close and well i just don’t want her to flip a lid over something not even worth mentioning you know?”

“I get it and how did you know…i mean you know?”

“You and her, i can read between the lines. I best be going anyway, i’m supposed to be taking it easy till the baby’s due now.”

Graham waved her goodbye, she began walking in the direction of the Mayors house which was just a short 15 minute walk away.

Graham and Regina WTF?! She kept walking for another five minutes. She didn't even hear the footsteps behind her as she was too lost in her own thoughts. Regina and Graham. For some reason the idea of her new ‘friend’ and the kind town Sheriff hooking up bugged the hell out of her.

“Emma, What are you doing out i thought you were at home resting today?”

The concern in the older woman’s voice was starting to have an effect on the young woman over the past week, it seemed to soothe something deep inside her and her night terrors had started to ease. Even with the brunettes change in moods, day by day Emma was growing rather attached to having this woman in her life and sooner or later she knew it was going to be a problem but for now she had decided to ignore the warning signs and just live in ignorance for once.

“I just needed some fresh air.” She said as she slowed down till they were walking side by side.

“Is that why you were talking to Graham? And before you say anything no i was not spying on you, i just spotted you as i was coming out of the sheriff’s department. I was dropping some papers off for Graham.”

“I bet.” She mumbled in almost a whisper and there again was that bugging sensation. The thought of the Mayor with the Sheriff made her want to gag pregnant or not, which was even more confusing.

“What did you say?”

“Ermm i just said okay.”

She lied and Regina knew it, even in a low whisper she had heard what Emma had said but decided to not push what she’d meant by it any further after all she didn't want her to get anymore stressed not after last week.

“Well my car is parked around the corner so i can drive us both home now that i've managed to finish early for the day.”

Emma just smiled and nodded. They drove in silence most of the way. Emma kept fiddling with the radio to drowned out the silence. Regina found herself growing slightly agitated.

“Can you just stick to one station.”

“Oh i love this song.” She said ignoring Regina’s remark. She was actually learning how to deal with her odd outbursts now.

“Sometimes I hate every single stupid word you say

Sometimes I wanna slap you in your whole face

There's no one quite like you

You push all my buttons down

I know life would suck without you.”

Regina began fidgeting in her seat as Emma’s head just nodded along to the beat of the song, looking aimlessly out the window at trees as they drove along the road.

“At the same time, I wanna hug you

I wanna wrap my hands around your neck

You're an asshole but I love you

And you make me so mad I ask myself

Why I'm still here, or where could I go

You're the only love I've ever known

But I hate you, I really hate you,

So much, I think it must be”

Regina kept looking over at her every few seconds, she was still nodding along to the song only now she was singing along with the song.

“True love, true love

It must be true love

Nothing else can break my heart like

True love, true love,

It must be true love

No one else can break my heart like you”

“Well were here.” And just like that she was out of the car as quick as possible.

Wtf seriously?! Emma shook her head and made her way out of the car and went ahead of Regina to the front door whilst she locked the car.

“I take it you’re not a fan of Pink?”

“Pink’s not really my color Emma.” She said opening the door.

Emma burst out laughing and Regina just frowned.

“What?”

“You really are from another world.”

Regina froze.

“I mean the song playing on the radio in the car, the singers name is Pink.”

“Oh i've never heard of her.”

“Obviously.” She grinned as they made there way into the kitchen.

“The words in her song are quite…”

“Full of depth and raw emotion.” Emma added.

“She talks about it in a way i think most of us can relate to one way or another.”

“I guess, i've never really had a true love so I wouldn't know. What about you?” Emma asked casually leaning against the fridge whilst helping herself to a handful of nuts that were in the bowl on the counter top next to it.

Regina’s back stiffened as soon as she heard the question, normally she would get really defensive if anyone else had asked her something so personal but this was Emma and yet here she was again, letting another crack through her heavy Armour.

“I loved someone once, a very long time ago. It ended badly.”

“Well he must have been a fool for letting you go.” Emma was about to put another handful of nuts in her mouth when she realized what she’d said and began turning a very bright shade of red. “So what are you cooking anyway?” She said moving away from the fridge and changing the subject, which Regina was very grateful for.

“Well there some lasagna left over from last night so how about that and a nice healthy salad?”

“The lasagna sounds great but not so sure about the salad. I think you’re trying to turn me into some sort of health freak.”

“That wouldn't be such a bad thing dear.”  She said as she gathered a handful of vegetables out of the fridge.

The phone began to ring.

“Just ignore it, it won’t be anything important.”

“Are you sure? You are the Mayor after all.”

“This is a quiet town Emma, trust me it won’t be important.” She began chopping up some of the tomatoes as the voice mail in the foyer came on.

Voice-mail: You've reached the Mayor Mills Residence, i’m sorry i cannot take your call at the moment but please do leave your message after the beep and i will get back to as soon as possible.

**BEEP**

Hi Regina umm it’s me Graham… listen i know we haven’t really seen each other recently but listen it’s okay, Emma know’s were seeing each other and….

As soon as she heard Emma’s name being mentioned Regina flew from the kitchen to the foyer and by the time Emma had caught up with her Regina had disconnected the phone.

Emma was staring at her, a sudden anxious lump forming in her throat, she gulped.

“So you've been talking to Graham about me and him. We have a nice little arrangement and what of it Miss Swan?” Her eyes bored furiously into Emma’s. oh shit were back to Miss Swan now!

Emma placed her hands over her stomach and backed up. Growing up she'd learned to protect herself quick, usually she would of protected her head with one hand and her stomach with the other but now she was pregnant with Henry she instantly thought of him first.

“I’m not judging, it’s none of my business who you share your bed with.” Just stop speaking now Emma before she buries you under her apple tree! “Remember i’m about to pop so if you hit me for one i’ll hit you back and two i’ll probably give birth on your floor.”

The fire in the woman’s eyes died when her gaze looked down to Emma’s stomach then back up to her eyes.

“I would never hit you, especially not in your condition.” She said and walked back into the kitchen to resume cutting up the tomatoes. Emma gave her a few minutes before re-entering.

“Is it safe to come in? I’ll put up my white flag if you put yours up.” She smiled whilst holding her hands in the air as if offering a sign of surrender. Regina just smiled and nodded. She really did find Emma a breath of fresh air, the young blonde could take the most unpleasant conversations and turn them into something much lighter.

“I really am sorry if i overstepped the mark, for what it’s worth Graham is a nice guy.” Emma said trying to ease the tension between them that bit more whilst also leaving what she really thought inside her head. He’s a lovely guy but she could do so much better, like me!

“Not that we are talking about this and if you ever bring it up again i will deny this conversation ever existed got it?”

“Got it.”

“What i have with Graham is just casual sex Emma, nothing more and nothing less.”

Regina had said it with no expression in her face and no emotion in her voice. It nearly knocked Emma off her feet but at the same time she understood it. She started rummaging through her own memory before she responded.

“I get it, casual sex is simpler no complications. No feelings are involved, no one can get to you, no one can use you, no one can hurt you and no one can leave you.” She turned her head to look out the window the very second she felt the first tear fall against her cheek.

“Maybe that’s why i feel so connected to you Emma. You've had your heart broken just like me, different but still broken all the same.” Regina cupped her cheek and wiped her tears away.

“Whoa.” Emma gripped the counter top and Regina removed her hand straight away.

“Is everything okay?”

“Yeah you’re usually at work when Henry starts kicking or asleep.” She smiled and took a seat on the stool.

“Henry is kicking?” It was the first time she’d mentioned his name to the blonde and she felt completely comfortable saying it.

“Yeah i think he’s getting impatient and want’s to meet us already you know.”

“Us?”

“Oh i never meant to imply anything, i mean you've been asking me all week what i’m going to do and well after talking to Graham today about this town i think it would be nice to put down roots for once. I know you said i could stay as long as i wanted but when the baby comes it could get a bit much. I mean a house guest with a baby is a lot of baggage.”

“Nonsense you both can stay here, there’s more than enough room. So you’re staying for good then?” The brunettes face lit up.

“Well i can’t keep running not now that i've got him and this town makes me feel safe.” She smiled at Regina. “Are you sure you don’t mind us both staying? You only have to say the word and i can go stay at Granny’s B&B till i find a job, i've still got a little bit left that i saved up.”

“Emma you’re not going anywhere. I also have umm i have a surprise for you both if you’ll follow me upstairs.”

“Ohh really? Well you’ll have to wait for him to settle a bit first.”

“May i?”

Emma nodded a simple yes and as soon as Regina’s hand touched the bump the baby kicked harder.

“Wow, he’s got a strong kick.” Regina smiled.

“I think he like’s you, his kicks aren't usually this strong.”

Regina smiled, they stayed in the kitchen and waited for Henry to stop kicking then had something to eat. After an hour had past Regina asked  Emma to go upstairs with her again. This time she did.

“Open the door.” She said to Emma as they stood outside the guest room next to Emma’s.

Emma looked at Regina then opened the door and walked in, her jaw nearly hit the floor.

“When did you, how did you?” She was practically speechless as she looked around the room that was now painted baby blue, with Henry stenciled in big bold blue italic letters over the crib.

“Two days after we found out you were having a boy, when i took you to Granny’s for something to eat and then made you come to the office with me for a few hours. Do you remember?”

“Yeah i was in a bitchy mood because my feet were sore and i had back ache.”

“Yes, well whilst i was  keeping you distracted i had the decorators in here. It was meant to be my way of apologizing but i couldn't tell you till i knew for sure you were staying. Do you like it?”

“I love it.” She felt her eyes fill up with tears again and without thinking placed a gentle kiss on Regina’s cheek and pulled her into a hug. “This is the nicest and kindest thing anyone has ever done for me thank you.”

Regina broke the hug first and took a step back, smiled at Emma then excused herself to go attend to the dishes. She encouraged the young blonde to take a moment to look around the room. Once she left the room she headed downstairs towards the kitchen but stopped in her tracks when she caught her reflection in the newly brought mirror, hanging up in the foyer.

WARNING: Character death – not Swan Queen though, so don’t worry.

My own take on episode 2.10 which is yet to air so maybe spoilerish but I doubt it as the episode has not aired yet. This is just a little idea I had whilst I’m doing my other stories. 

Summary: Emma and Snow have been back in Storybrooke for a few weeks thanks to Regina. Regina has been trying her best to change but when a town member is killed all evidence points to her. Emma is the only one who believes she’s innocent but with Snow and James adamant she did it, things don’t look good, especially as Emma and Regina grow closer. But will the presence of old enemies force a truce between the long-time nemeses or will their own pigheadedness seal their fates.

Pairing: Swan Queen

Rating: T – Swearing.

Chapters: 1?

Disclaimer: I do not own anything even though I wish.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Give Me A Reason To Love Again

Chapter 1 – It's a Deal

She was trying her best to redeem herself. To become the person she once was long before magic and her need for revenge had consumed her. She'd saved her arch nemesis and the Savior yet it still wasn't enough. In everyone else's eyes she was still the Evil Queen that had destroyed lives, taken hearts and damned them all to this world.

"You will not take my son away from me."

Blast

"I raised him, he is my son Miss Swan, not yours."

She lay down on the cell bed staring at the ceiling, replaying the events of that morning over and over in her head. Yes she'd reacted harshly but with good reason she tried to convince herself. The Charming's had come over and excused her of murdering Archie, the guy who was actually helping her. After all she'd done to try and change, to show she'd changed. Well her anger got the better of her, especially when her son was mentioned.

"Your still here." She called out but her eyes never left the ceiling.

"You sound surprised." Emma replied as she walked over and took a seat in front of the cell.

"I am, I'm surprised your mother is not here to hold your hand, whilst your charming father and the town decide my fate." She said sitting bolt rite up on the bed.

"So just like that you're back to being a complete bitch."

"Don't hold back now will you dear. You certainly didn't this morning." Regina said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"After this morning's stunt you should be grateful I'm even talking to you but you know what I've got a lot to say so for once you're going to shut up and listen." She paused briefly, waiting for the other woman to protest but surprisingly she didn't "After last couple of weeks I thought finally…finally you were making some progress but it's like you're so determined to alienate yourself by pushing everyone away. Speak to me Regina I'm on your side."

Silence, Regina just stared at her, before placing both hands on the cell bars.

"Oh I get it now Archie is gone so you think we can be bff's now. That I'll tell you all my deepest darkest secrets and we can braid each other's hair. Did they send you in here to try and get me to crack? If they did you're in for a long wait. I didn't kill him."

"No one sent me in here, that's not what's happening and I never said you did kill Archie."

"Oh do enlighten me then Miss Swan what is happening? Will it be pitch forks at dawn or a nice public beheading?"

"That may happen in your world Regina but this world is different. At the moment we are investigating. Despite what you think, you're in here for your own safety right now."

"Oh please, I know everyone thinks that I killed him. After all I am the Evil Queen right? It couldn't possibly be anyone else." She rolled her eyes as she began pacing back and forth in the cell.

Emma was getting more frustrated by the second. She walked right up to the bars, her face was only centimeters away from Regina's. The only thing separating them apart were the jail cell bars.

"Like I said I never said you killed Archie, the others may think that but I don't." She said as her eyes looked straight into Regina's.

"You don't?"

"No, I think you're innocent and so does Henry."

"He does" Her face lit up at the mention of the young boys name. "You do, Why?"

"Because… I see you, I see you when you think no one else is looking. I've been trapped in that world, i've heard the stories about your mother, Daniel and even the ones about the Evil Queen and what she's done, but that's not you anymore. Whether you care to admit it to anyone other than yourself, you have changed. You saved me and Mar… Snow from that portal. You said you wanted to redeem yourself well you already have." Emma smiled at her.

Regina was first to break eye contact as she felt her eyes fill up with mixed emotions all blended into one. No one had ever believed in her like that before, no one. Yet here was a woman who'd lost everything because of her and she believed in her.

"You have more faith in me than I deserve." She mumbled out.

"I heard somewhere once that evil isn't born it's made and I believe it. Your past blinded you, now you have a chance to be the person you were meant to be. The others will see it with time, there only reacting now because they have no one else to blame. We will find the real culprit. In the meantime don't go blasting anyone else with your magic… even better just don't use your magic at all."

"Apart from getting you home and this morning I haven't been using it, I also made a promise to Henry."

"I know I do remember our conversation last week."

Snow walked into the station, she didn't even acknowledge Regina.

"Emma can I have a word outside a minute please."

"Yeah just give me a minute and I'll be right out okay?"

Snow just nodded before leaving the same way she came in.

"You're mother thinks I did it."

"She won't for long."

"How can you be sure?"

"Have a little faith."

"Oh very reassuring Miss Swan."

"I think were past that now don't you? Just call me Emma, after all i've saved your butt more than enough times now, let's just add this to the list." She grinned before walking away.

"Emma."

She turned around instantly.

"Why are you doing all of this?"

"Because believe it or not we have more in common than you realize and I made a promise to Henry."

"But why do you care so much?"

"You're the mother of my child of course I care. I'll always care."

"When this is all over, you'll have to let me know what things we have in common besides Henry." She smiled genuinely for the very first time.

"It's a deal." And with that Emma headed out the door to talk to a very irritated Snow White.

In the distance they were being watched.

"You know what you have to do don't you?"

A/N: All mistakes are my own. I do not have a beta for any of my stories.

Pairing: Swan Queen

Rating: T

Disclaimer: I own nothing!

Chapter 2 – Henry

It had been three days since the young woman had arrived at the Mayors house. She'd spent most of her time in the guest room sleeping. Regina didn't know why she felt so drawn to her but she was which only irritated her more than she'd dare let on. When Emma was awake she didn't want to push the girl to talk before she was ready to. Well for a control freak like Regina that was certainly a new development. She's forced people to talk to get answers many times in the past and in very unpleasant ways more often than not. She had noticed one thing about her guest though. She seemed to sleep just fine in the day but come night time was a whole other story.

It was the third night in a row now and quite frankly Regina had reached the end of her tether enough was enough.

"I mean it…nooo…it's dark." Emma shouted out as she tossed and turned in her sleep.

"Oh for goodness sake!" Regina stormed into the room but was taken back when she saw Emma curled up in a ball wrestling with her bed sheets and crying out. She acted on pure instinct before she gave herself time to think. She walked further into the room and sat next to her on the bed and lightly stroked the top of her head.

"Miss Swan, wake up you're having a nightmare."

"No…I hate the water…noo."

"It's just a nightmare, wake up dear." Regina continued to gently stroke her head trying to soothe the girl. Odd!

"mmm.. night.." Emma slurred as she began to slowly open her eyes.

"It was just a nightmare." Regina immediately removed her hands feeling slightly awkward and exposed.

"I'm sorry I really didn't mean to wake you up. I told you, you might regret inviting me to stay here." She said as she sat up on the bed.

"Nonsense, you're more than welcome to stay here as long as you would like, I know you're finding it hard figuring things out. You can talk to me."

"Thank you but i don't mean to sound ungrateful but why would you do all this, what's in it for you?"

"Truthfully I don't know, I do not expect anything in return as shocking as that is to believe. All I ask is that you treat my home with care and respect."

"I do believe you." She smiled before scooting closer to the brunette.

"Why?"

"Because I can tell when someone is lying. It's my super power so I could tell you were being totally honest with me just now. That's not something I've seen very often." She smiled before looking at the older woman straight in the eyes.

"Really?"

"Just always be honest with me please. Even if you're totally pissed at me. I know I'm not the easiest person to talk to. I do admit I can be moody and I do have trouble with authority figures, I just don't like being told what to do."

"Well i may be the Mayor but you are an adult after all are you not?"

"Yeah, I'll be 19 in three months." She smiled.

"Then there you go. You're old enough to know how the world works by now and something tells me you've known for some time now but if you should ever need advice from one person to another, I'd be more than happy to help."

"I've never had a friend before."

"What?" Regina replied a little taken back.

"Well we are… well I guess friends now aren't we? I don't know what else to call it I've never had a real friend before." She smiled genuinely.

"Neither have I dear."

"Then it's a first for both of us then."

"I guess it is."

"When I first met you the other day I thought you were some rude stuck up bitch to be honest."

Regina frowned at her if anyone else had made such a remark they would have received a massive slap or punch to the face by now.

"I thought you were very bossy and then I found out you were the Mayor and well I remember thinking you looked too young to be the Mayor. I mean you can't be more than 30 and you look like you want to slap me right now but you won't because me being the very pregnant woman and all." She grinned.

"Close I'm 29." She grinned back.

"That's impressive, I didn't mean to be rude by calling you a bitch that was just my first impression of you and now were on friendlier terms I just wanted you to know. My first impressions were wrong just so you know."

Regina's face softened at her last words.

"Not sure the people in this town would agree with you but thank you for saying so Mrs Swan."

"Really so it's just me that gets the special treatment then, I am honoured ma'am and please stop calling me Mrs Swan, call me Emma, you did manage to call me by my first name when you thought I was called Casey after all."

"I wouldn't push it if I were you. Do not mistake my kind offer of hospitality for anything more than that. Now that you're staying here you should know a few things about me. I am a woman who likes structure and routine, I like order. It shouldn't be a crime for a woman to have ambition." Regina replied cold and blunt as she stood up from the bed.

"I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable for fuck sake." Now Emma was pissed. What in the hell! How can she go from warm and kind one minute to completely cold and a bitch the next.

"You haven't dear, I'm just stating facts that I should of made clear to you from the start. I do not let my emotions rule my head like some adolescent. So you would do good to remember that. I am the Mayor after all, you have no idea what I am capable of."

"Okay I should just leave. It was obviously a very bad idea for me to stay here to start with." Emma said hoping the brunette would object. She was waiting to see some kind of human emotion back on the Mayors face but all she got was cold distant eyes staring blankly at her.

Silence

"FINE!" Unfuckingbelievable! This is why I trust no one. Another let down.

Emma began to get up off the bed, Regina's eyes immediately fell to the woman's rounded stomach and unsettling feeling was placed in own her stomach. A feeling she wasn't use to, guilt. The younger woman stomped her feet all way over to the chair that was near the window and grabbed the pair of jeans she'd left out earlier with a baggy cotton jumper.

"Now could I have some privacy, I need to get changed."

"Its 2am do not be so ridiculous you STUPID GIRL!"

"Well I can see how much you want me gone so why waste time." She replied and started to pull her nightie up and off her dainty shoulders not even caring that she was undressing herself in front of the other woman. Regina's eyes roamed briefly over the young woman's form before quickly turning around to give her some privacy as they talked. Regina was quite taken in by Emma's small frame. If it wasn't for the baby bump and rounded breasts you wouldn't even know she was pregnant.

"I was angry before, you really shouldn't be going anywhere this time of night especially in your condition."

"I'M SO FED UP OF PEOPLE TELLING ME OH YOU SHOULDN'T BE DOING THIS OR THAT IN YOUR CONDITION. DAMN YOU AND DAMN THIS BABY!" Emma shouted, she pulled the zipper up on her jeans and walked right up to the other woman.

"Getting yourself worked up won't help." Regina turned back round to face her.

"Oh so were back to being nice again, make your …min..d..up….Owww!" Emma clutched her belly and fell back against the bed. "Something's wrong."

The worry was evident in Emma's voice, Regina found herself bending down in front of the young woman.

"We need to get you to the hospital Emma, I know you refused the other day but this is serious. If the pain is that bad I can call an ambulance otherwise I'll drive us but we need to do something now."

Even in pain Emma couldn't help but smile when she realized Regina had just called her by her first name.

"No ambulance..i'll be fine…it's just ouch…shooting pains. Can you take me….please?"

The whole drive to the hospital was a frantic one, for the first time in her entire pregnancy Emma was actually frightened for the baby she was carrying…the baby she was so determined to give away...the baby she now realized she was scared of losing. After they arrived at the hospital Emma was even more surprised by how involved Regina had been. She had stormed in the hospital demanding only the best treatment for the young mother to be. The doctors ran a bunch of tests; all coming back that both mother and baby were indeed healthy. Emma thought she'd be able to go home and rest now but Dr Whale had said there was one last exam they had to perform and rather insisted on it. He was very agitated and voiced his opinions very loudly in fact. Not having regular check-ups and a baby scan was damn right neglectful at seven months pregnant. Regina had been her saviour though and soon put him in his place. Lying down in a small room with the doctor and Regina made her even more nervous, she was about to have her first official baby scan of the baby she now knew she was indeed keeping.

"Is that.."

"Yes indeed Miss Swan, congratulations you're having a perfectly healthy baby boy." Dr Whales pointed at the monitor.

Emma could feel her eyes well up with tears and without thinking she grabbed Regina's hand on impulse. When she turned her face to look at her she could see the brunettes eyes had misted up so she squeezed the hand that was in her grasp. Regina didn't say a word and she didn't speak at all even when Dr Whales was talking things through with Emma. She didn't speak when Emma had been discharged from the hospital or in the car. Emma spoke enough for the both of them. It was only when they'd arrived back, standing in Regina's foyer that the older woman found her voice again.

"Henry."

"What did you just say?" Regina's mouth nearly hit the floor in shock.

A/N 1: Thanks for all the reviews guys it really does mean a lot and motivates me to write more so please keep them coming. I appreciate each and every single one. :)

A/N 2: Rating is up to M because chapter five onward will be smut and I'd rather be safe than sorry. All mistakes are my own. I do not have a beta.

Disclaimer: I own nothing!

                                 Chapter four – Love or Intrigue

Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies. ~ Aristotle

What is the definition of love? It can have various meanings but in completely different contexts. When it comes to interpersonal, love is considered gentle, caring and the rawest emotion of all vulnerability. It is letting yourself feel, to care and be cared for. To a selected majority of people this may seem like a foreign concept, but to most of us mere mortal beings love is debatable depending on each individual.

However Emma is indeed one of those selected individuals who never lets herself fall into any of those characteristic traits, hell she's never even had a serious relationship before. The only ones she's had never last longer than a week or two, that's when things usually get too complicated for her. So what was so different this time. She'd only spent one night with Regina and yet she couldn't get this woman out of her head. The mysteriously sexy dark brunette has well and truly gotten under her skin.

"This isn't like you Em's, I don't get why you're so hung up on her especially after last night. It sounds like the woman has got major issues….you're not falling for her are you?"

Ruby rambled on, dragging Emma out of her current thoughts. They'd been talking for the last half hour now about what had happened the night before.

"WHAT?! Are you insane? Of course not..I just wish I understood it myself Rubes…maybe it's just because I find her intriguing and somewhat of a mystery."

"Oh come on!"

"What? It's true, you know I like a challenge, so maybe that's why i cannot stop thinking about her."

"Yes I do know but you have had and dare I even say this without you trying to slap me, your fair share of activity partners in the past but they've never gotten to you like this, normally you'd have cut and run by now."

"Oh gee thanks."

"I'm just being honest, now stop looking like that and get yourself up."

"Like what?" Emma said defensively as she sat up in bed.

"Like a lovesick puppy."

"I'm not a love sick puppy…I do not do stuff like that." Emma threw a pillow at Ruby.

"Ouch, that really hurt." Ruby rolled her eyes sarcastically.

"Stop looking at me like that, I don't need your pity."

"Whatever Em's I'm just concerned is all, I mean what type of friend would I be if I wasn't besides its 5 o clock in the evening and you're still in bed and…. ice cream really?" Ruby said pointing at the now half eaten melted tub of mint chocolate chip on the bed side unit.

"I've just lost my job too so I have a good excuse."

"One you might still of had if you would have listened to me."

"Not the I told you so speech please." Emma said grabbing one of her pillows and putting it over her face to scream into.

"I wasn't going to."

"Really?" Asked Emma as she removed the pillow to look at her friend.

"Well maybe just a little bit." She grinned back. "Oh and before I forget to tell you, i gave that letter to Kathryn."

"You did, when?"

"Well you did only give it to me late this morning and I went to see Belle first. I dropped it off about an hour before I got back here, why?"

"No reason I just wondered was all….SHIT!…I've just remembered it's Friday.. SHIT SHIT SHIT!" Emma said jumping out of bed as fast as her two legs would carry her to her built in wardrobe near the bed.

"What?"

"Rumple will be here in a few hours."

"Daddy's coming into town, why didn't you say something?"

"Daddy, really?" *Emma rolled her eyes* "I thought I told you last week, he's coming to Boston for the weekend, for business apparently."

"You mean to check up on you."

"My thought's exactly and isn't the timing just perfect." She rolled her eyes again as she began to undress.

"Well I'll leave you to it, just promise me you won't tell him about you quitting your job? You know he'll only go on about the internship at his company."

"Oh don't worry I have no intention of telling him anything about it."

"Good, your my best friend Em's, you may not know it but I'd be lost without you being here with me." Ruby smiled before leaving Emma to get changed.

Across Town

"You have cleared your schedule for tomorrow afternoon right? I did tell you about our dining plans with my dear old friend a couple of weeks ago remember? And it's not like he is in town that often. Regina are you even listening to a word I am saying?" Ashton continued to moan whilst fixing his tie in the mirror.

"Of course dear." She replied simply. Of course I do you've talked about nothing else for the past two weeks.

"I thought we understood each other Reggie, you've been acting different lately. I do hope you're not forgetting your place in this arrangement."

"I hate it when you call me that, it's REGINA! or maybe i should spell it out for you and I know very well what this marriage is all about so do not condescend me dear, it is you who should know your place because without my sacrifices we both wouldn't have this lifestyle or Henry. Have you forgotten THAT?!"

She stormed out of her office and slammed the door behind her.

"Are you okay Mrs Mills?" Kathryn nervously asked from behind her desk.

"Everything is just fine Miss Nolan, can you cancel my meeting with Mr Jones and rearrange it for next week. I think I'm coming down with something." She replied forcing a small false smile to her lips.

"Yes that's no problem and Mrs Mills before you leave I was ermm…I was."

"Do spit it out woman I do not have all day."

"I have a letter for you from Emma... i mean Miss Swan Mrs Mills." She said handing the sealed letter over to Regina.

"Thanks you Miss Nolan."

And with that Regina made a sharp exit into the nearest elevator and out of the building with her head held high and regal mask firmly held in place. It was only when she took a seat in her car she felt her shoulders falter as she relaxed her back into the seat. She tore the envelope open in one swift motion using her index finger.

Dear Regina

You may think I behave like some foolish child but even I know the basic rules that apply when resigning and terminating a contract with the company i work for. Usually a two week written notice is what is required along with other elements i'm sure but after last night and our exchange of words I think it would be in the best interest of us both for me to leave immediately. I will be in on Monday to clear out my desk.

I will not apologies for last night, only for how the situation could have been handled better. I know who you are Regina and maybe one day you will too and learn to accept yourself for who you truly are, because i believe the real Regina underneath all those masks is quite magnificent. I really do hope you find true happiness one day. Goodbye.

Emma

She read the letter at least three times before she caught a glimpse of herself in the side mirror, she hadn't even realized she'd been crying. Oh Emma if you only knew.She grabbed her cell phone out of her bag then paused instantly. Just call her, what harm could it do really? I have to see her…but I can't, what makes her so special anyway? I can have any woman I want without any complications…but it's her that want! Dammit!

On the other side of town Emma was sitting waiting in a very fancy wine bar waiting for her "Father" when she got the text.

We need to talk, I got your letter, meet me at your place, 10 minutes.

How dare she! Does she think she can just snap her fingers at me and I'll come running. How does she even know where I live? She's never been to my apartment before. Emma was now fuming once again. Her phone bleeped again, another text message.

I need to see you. Hear me out, please?

Now that's a first! Emma smiled. No I wrote that letter as a goodbye come on Emma don't get even more tangled up in to this messy situation, but I like this messy situation and I really like her! Argh damn that woman and damn Rumple.

E: I can't right now, I'm meeting up with my dad.

R: later then? It won't take long unless...

E: To be honest I don't think it's a good idea for us to see each other right now. Perhaps on Monday when I come to clear out my desk? That'll give us both time to think more clearly and well we'll be in a building with other people.

R: Do you not trust yourself to be alone with me Miss Swan?

R: I'll take that as a no then, okay then my office first thing Monday morning 8am.

E: I'll see you then.

Emma sighed and put her phone away into her bag

"Emma, I hope you haven't been waiting long?" Rumple said as he greeted her with tight hug.

"I'm fine thanks Dad." She had to force the last word out.

"Good to hear, I see you've already ordered a bottle of my favorite vintage." He smiled as he took a seat next to Emma.

"Well I know how fussy you are."

"It's just called having impeccable taste." He smiled. "I'm sorry I'm a few minutes late i just had to get settled in the hotel first and it is all the way across town."

"The apartment I live in is not big enough for guests. There are only two bedrooms and one of them is occupied by my roommate Ruby, you know this already." Yeah like hell i want him staying at my place.

"So you've said but I do not like the area you live in. I'd much rather you have a nice penthouse uptown and I'd happily pay for it."

"I appreciate the offer really I do but remember what you told me once?"

"and what was that?"

"In this world nothing comes for free, everything has its price." And no one does anything without wanting something in return, you know that better than anyone Emma.

"You remember that….well you may just take after me after all. However I am your father and I do have your best interests at heart. For instance I know about your current circumstance." He grinned.

She nearly choked on her glass of wine.

"What do you mean?" She asked nervously.

"You quit your internship dearie, I do have a lot of friends in this city. What I don't understand is why? Why would you quit a job you've barely been in for five minutes. A job you talked non-stop about for months before you moved here to quit just like that. Hmm? Was Regina giving you a hard time? If that's the case you really do need to toughen up Emma this is the real world and in business people are like sharks."

"It's just not for me and it has nothing to do with Mrs Mills. I just think i want to do something different."Bullshit!

"Okay but in this family there are certain expectations required out of all of us Emma, including you. I know you don't want the internship at my company. You've turned it down enough times. I just want you to know it's still on the table, the job is still yours if you want it. If you are to stay in Boston you need to find a good job, you are a Gold after all." He smiled.

"Swan…it's Swan Dad and I know, I was going to start handing my resume out at the start of next week."

Silence

"You really are a stubborn girl… you've got a month to find a suitable job, one that I deem fit if not you come back home and work for me. Do we have a deal?"

"Do I have a choice?"

"Not really no. So?"

"Deal."

"Good now that is settled let's just enjoy the evening. I know the perfect little restaurant I do hope you're hungry dearie."

It was only later back at the apartment Emma realized that she only had a month to get her act together or goodbye Boston it would be.

"He really said that?"

"You know what he's like by now, his reputation is everything to him. He's all about power and money. There more important to him than…"

"His own family apparently."

"He's not really my family Ruby, just because I have to call him Dad from time to time means nothing to me." Emma said coldly.

"I guess…well at least you only have to have dinner with him one more time tomorrow afternoon right?"

"Yeah he leaves the following day thankfully but tomorrow afternoon he's catching up with some guy for a business lunch at 1.30 and wants he me to come along."

"Yeah I can tell you're so looking forward to it, that's why your frowning at the very thought of it."

"Yeah because everyone likes to be the gooseberry in between two power hungry men having a business lunch."

They both burst out laughing

"Head out the gutter Swan, I'm not sure you're wicked step mother would approve of your innuendo's."

"How is it you always turn my words into something completely dirty? and please no putting Rumple and dirty talk in the same sentence it's just so wrong."

"I have my moments, but your potty mouth is as bad as mine. I just own it." Grinned the brunette.

The rest of the evening was spent curled up on the sofa, watching movies and eating popcorn. Halfway through all about Eve, Belle, Graham and August showed up with a crate of beers. Things were a little tense between Graham and Emma at first but after a few jokes things were back to normal or as normal as things would ever be between them.

After a restless night's sleep spent tossing and turning whilst having very filthy dreams about a certain brunette in many various positions she'd spent her Saturday morning cleaning the apartment followed by a quick shower and the last thing Emma wanted to do was go to a pompous business lunch. Yet here she was at 1.20 checking herself over in the mirror, dressed in a very sophisticated little blue dress, that hugged her curves in all the right places and her hair knotted in a lose bun. She left the restroom to join her father on a round table bang right in the center of the restaurant. She looked around the room, she was dining in a very high class establishment indeed and she looked every inch the part except she couldn't help but feel completely out of place.

Just great!

"Something on your mind?"

"Just wondering why there's an extra seat? I thought it was just going to be me, you and your friend?" She said as she sat in the seat opposite him.

"Oh I wasn't aware till this morning, his wife will be joining us too." He said the last few words with such venom.

"At least it gives me someone to talk to whilst you two talk shop." She said trying to ease the tension she could now feel in the room.

"Hardly Emma, I believe you alrea….ahhh here they are now." He quickly changes subject as he spots his friend coming through the door and instantly put his showman smile in place which only made Emma want to gag.

"Rumple my dear old friend, how good it is to see you." Ashton greeted Rumple with a hug and Emma's eyes nearly fell out of their sockets when she realized who was dining with them, Ashton and Regina Mills. "Good to see you too Regina." There was that venom again, now Emma definitely new he hated Regina. "I believe you already know my daughter?"

Regina now stepped into full view as she moved from behind her husband to the open seat on the opposite side of her husband and to Emma's right side.

"Our paths have indeed crossed Mr Gold although I must say I am very surprised. I didn't realize you had a daughter." Her eyes lit up with a devilish glint.

"Well technically I'm not his real daughter." Oh shit crap crap crap.. I should have stayed at home. She noticed straight away how her "father's" jaw clenched the second "real daughter" left her lips and how he was glaring at Regina like her wanted to throttle her, she also noticed Regina's lips curl slightly in an amused and playful smile.