#multichapter au

A/N: Thanks again for the kind reviews. I'm just glad you're all enjoying it. I had to put the rating up just to be on the safe side for following chapters to come. I didn't think I'd get a chance to update today but luckily I had some free time tonight, so sorry if it's slightly rushed. Thanks for sticking with the story reviewers it always motivates me to do more. This isn't my favorite chapter, to me it's up and down emotionally but there are reasons behind Regina's behavior and it will make more sense as the chapters go on. The next two chapters after this are my favorite they're more smushy and emotional but in a good way! :)

Disclaimer: OUAT does not belong to me, I do not own anything.

Pairing: Swan Queen

Rating: M

Chapter 3 – Price Tag

Days had passed by since they'd been rudely but wisely interrupted from their kiss. Since then they had avoided each other as much as possible accept for when it was necessary at staff meetings. A few glances would be exchanged here and there but that was it, they were in a room with other people after all. It was only when Thursday came things began to change. Emma had to stay behind to work late with one of her male colleagues Bryan, everyone else had left apart from the creepy security guard Sidney.

"Why is it that out of everyone, I was the one who had to work late?" she said looking rather bored at the papers in front of her.

"That's because you're the new intern and unfortunately that's the curse of being the new kid on the block." He laughed.

"Yay lucky me." She rolled her eyes.

"Sarcasm, that's good, you'll need it if you're going to make it here."

"I'm not interrupting am i?" Spoke a nervous voice from the door. It was Regina's second assistant Ella.

"Were just finishing actually Ella, what's up?" Bryan was the one to speak up.

"Well I was half way across town running an errand for Mrs Mills when she called me, I don't suppose one of you could do me a massive favor  I'd do it myself but I can't be in two places at once." Ella said looking rather stressed.

"Any other time girl and you know i'd help you out but it's my wedding anniversary tonight and well I'm already in the dog house with the wife for working late."

"What about you Emma?"

"Ermm…what about Kathryn, why can't she help out? She is Re..Mrs Mills other assistant after all."

"She's been off work sick for two days, some sort of virus going around or so I was told. This is why I've been doing double the work…please Emma I don't want to lose my job." Ella begged.

"I'm sure she wouldn't go that far."

"Oh she would, the other assistant I replaced got fired for being late twice in one week."

"Maybe she had an off week, but if it will make you feel better okay I'll do it just this once, what's the favor?" Emma said as she stood up.

"She asked me to pick up some important paper work from upstairs in her office. It's for her morning conference call. I've already been upstairs to get it, all I need you to do is drop it off at her address. I'd do it myself but I have to finish off the other errand….Oh thank you thank you Emma, I swear I'll owe you big time for this." She said practically throwing the paper work and piece of paper with Regina's address on in Emma's hands before making a sharp exit.

"Rather you than me sweet pea." Bryan laughed as he left.

The drive to Regina's house was quick and before Emma had chance to change her mind and do a u turn in the road, there she was standing outside the door frozen in place. She decided to hell with it and pressed the buzzer. A voice came on over the intercom.

"Who's there?"

A young boy's voice called out before a more mature male voice followed.

"Henry your father has told you to stay away from the intercom…..*silence* I'm sorry about that can I ask who is there please?"

Mayor's security is all that registered in Emma's head.

"My name is Emma Swan, I'm one of Mrs Mills interns. Her assistant Ella couldn't make it so she sent me to deliver the paperwork instead."

"Hang on a second." He muttered.

Buzz

The security guy came to the door and escorted Emma into the house.

"Mrs Mills will be along shortly." He smiled and left her alone in the room. Damn Regina has fine taste…or her husband does, shut it damn brain! This is work…totally professional… yeah sure it is.

After a few minutes pass by, Emma thinks she should probably just leave the paperwork on the table and leave. As she's walks down the entrance hall she can hear loud voices.

"I didn't say you couldn't go I just said that I wouldn't be able to go. I cannot leave Henry by himself and let's face it, I do not want to be there and you certainly do not want me there. It is not my fault the baby sitter is unwell and I refuse to leave our son by himself, he's only nine years old Ashton."

"Ok ok I get it, but for appearance sake it is vital we both attend this gala, you know how hard I've worked to get to where I am now, I have to go and as my wife you need to be there, we all have to make sacrifices. What about Mary Margaret?"

Emma tried to tip toe down the rest of the hall and get out unnoticed, that was a private conversation going on in whatever room it was. One she is sure she shouldn't be listening to. Fate had other ideas as it would turn out, just as she was close to making her quick exit the wooden panel beneath her left foot creaks. Ohh shit!

"My niece? She's fifteen years old, I'm not….."

Ashton doesn't give Regina chance to finish the sentence off.

"I was just dropping off the papers Mrs Mills requested, there in the living room." The words came out of her mouth quicker than what they should have. Idiot!

"How much did you hear?" he questioned coldly. This wasn't the nice Mayor Emma thought she knew. What goes on behind closed doors Ems.

"Not much I was too busy thinking about this weekend's big launch even. I was brainstorming ideas with Bryan before I came here." Emma replied calmly and very convincingly too it would seem.

That's when she remembered he wasn't alone. Regina was stood next to him, she was dressed in a very stunning formal red gown. It looked like something off a runway show. Emma's eye's scanned Regina's body ever so briefly, but no were near long enough for anyone else to notice.

"Good." He said softly this time.

"Thank you for bringing me the papers Miss Swan." Regina smiled, poker face perfectly in place.

"Actually I've just had an idea, I know it is not in your job description but our baby sitter has just let us down and well we have a rather important event to get to."

"You're asking me to baby sit?" Emma was stunned. This was beyond her job description.

Regina's face went white.

"Yes, it'll only be for a few hours, Henry is nine and he'll be in bed before we leave. He really is a good kid. We'll pay you very well, as you can see money is no object to me." Ashton rambled on far too obnoxiously for Emma's liking….he was starting to sound far too much like her power and money hungry step father Rumple, who just so happened to be coming to Boston for three days this weekend on a 'Business trip'.

"Miss Swan doesn't know the first thing about children, she's practically still one herself." The words flew out of Regina's mouth and instantly she regretted them, but by then it was too late. She could see the hurt in Emma's eyes. You need to push her away anyway, you only told her the truth she is practically a child…no she's not, not really. She's only a few years younger than yourself and well she was old enough when you had sex all night…and what great sex that was.

"Regina love…that's great to hear isn't it?"

"What's great?"

"Miss Swan…I mean Emma said yes." He corrected himself.

"You did?" Regina had to practically stop her mouth from hitting the floor.

"Well I know a lot about kids actually I grew up with a lot of siblings." She replied with a fake smile Liar! They were foster kids just like you!

"Just great, well I best go say goodnight to our son, make yourself at home Emma. I'll tell Henry you'll be in to tuck him in soon." He nodded at Regina.

"Listen..i"

"Save it, you don't need to explain yourself to me in your own home. After all I am practically a child." The bitter coldness in her own voice scared Emma.

"I didn't mean to, it kind of just came out. I'm not saying this very well am. I'm not good at this type of conversation."

Regina's voice was shaky, it lacked the confident tone it usually radiated. Her voice was vulnerable and soft and Emma had to look twice at the woman in front of her just to be sure she wasn't someone else.

"You're by far the most complicated woman I've ever met." Emma found herself laughing.

"As are you dear, but…" Regina tried to finish.

"..But you have a fantastic life and you're my boss I get it." Emma admitted sadly, she knew it was stupid but deep down she knew her gut wanted more…more of whatever this thing was between them, lust, attraction, simple amusement or god knows what. She didn't understand it, just that she liked it. Women like her don't fall for damaged people like you Emma get a grip! You'll only end up hurt, you always do. And just like that she felt her walls closing up inside of her.

"What?" Regina asked now confused by the woman in front of her. She'd gone from laughing and smiling to cold and distant within seconds.

"I just meant I get it, the whole Miss Swan thing. You're my boss and you have a pretty made lifestyle, it's a lot to lose. You don't need to worry though." Emma said confidently.

"I don't?" Regina crossed her arms slightly agitated.

"No and I know you spoke to Bae about what happened last Friday, he wouldn't say anything anyway so it was unnecessary of you to threaten him."

"How'd you know I spoke to him?"

"I had to drop off August's jacket on Monday he left it at my apartment, plus I wanted to make sure he hadn't said anything myself."

"Well I didn't know that."

"Why would you? I'm actually glad Ella talked me into dropping your paperwork off tonight."

"Really and why is that?"

"So we could finally clear the air, at least we both know where we stand now." Emma sat down opposite Regina.

"And where is that?" Regina asked looking directly into Emma's eyes.

"I never thought you were the twenty one questions type. Let's just say we start over, you're my boss and I'm just an employee like the rest of your staff."

It was the unemotional tone in Emma's voice, the unreadable expression on her face, that's what hurt Regina the most. Regina had mastered this perfect poker face herself over the years and to see it on someone she was growing fairly fond of was just painful.

"Just an employee." She repeated Emma's words.

"Yes, just treat me like you do them."

"Okay I can do that Miss Swan." Regina stood up.

As if right on cue Ashton came in with a couple of security guards. You'd think he was president, maybe in his dreams Emma thought to herself.

"I just read a story to Henry so he's is waiting for you to tuck him in."

"You're the perfect husband. I really do have a great life." She kissed him, which from the look on his face even surprised him. "I'll just go tuck Henry in, you wait in the car sweety I shan't be long." Regina left the room.

Ashton cleared his throat and smiled at Emma. He then thanked her for minding Henry and told her were to find the emergency contact numbers if she should need them before leaving with his security guys in tow. Emma felt like gagging, she had a sinking feeling that Regina's little display of poor affection had been a put on show for her and it pissed her off more than she would dare admit.

The night went on. Regina didn't bother saying anything as she left. Emma decided why not do as the Mayor said and make herself at home. She brought some popcorn in from the kitchen, poured herself a small glass of wine from the island and switched the TV on, placing her feet on the coffee table. Yes right at home she would make herself. She was too busy flicking through the channels before she could register the footsteps coming down the hall.

"Who in the hell are you?"

"I think it's me who should be asking that, you know you're on private property right?" Emma muttered still in shock as she jumped up.

"Do I seriously look like a burglar? This is my aunt Regina's place, I have a key." The girl said waving the key in front of her.

Emma looked at the girl in front of her, she looked like a cute little pixie with chopped black hair. It was then she noticed the girl had obviously been crying. Her eyes were red, her cheeks were still damp and there was mascara smudge underneath her eyes.

"Sorry, it's just you can never be too sure these days, what's your name?" Emma sat back down. Please don't cry please don't cry.

"Mary Margaret, where's my aunt?"

"She had to go to an event with your uncle, so I'm looking after Henry."

"And you are?"

"You sure do ask a lot of questions, my name is Emma. Come sit, there's a movie coming on soon if you wanna watch it with me till your aunt gets home?"

"That actually sounds good." Mary smiled and took a seat next to the blonde.

The movie turned out to be a bad remake of snow white were all the main characters got killed off bar one. Leading to no happy endings, isn't that what movies were for. To silence out the lack of happy endings in real life. Emma wasn't so sure about giving advice to a hormonal teenager, she wasn't good at giving herself advice let alone anyone else. Yet she'd spent half of the movie and afterwards giving young Mary Margaret some, the whole thing was baffling to say the least.

"She's been like a mother to me, to everyone else she may be this bitchy ice queen in a business suit but I see the other side to her. Not many people get to see it. Every stomach ache, every bad day at school, she's been there for me always."

"Everyone needs someone like that in their life, no matter who they are." Emma smiled at the girl.

"You know I'm glad I came tonight, everyone else treats and talks to me like I'm some child but not you. Apart from Aunt Gina no one speaks to me like I matter." The young girl smiled shuffling some popcorn in her mouth.

"Well even I was fifteen once and not too many years ago may I add."

"Really because I kind of thought you were ancient." Mary said sarcastically.

Emma never sore it coming, she was about to bend over to grab a handful of popcorn out of the bowl. The hit was quick and soon followed by another and then another.

"Oh it is on!"

Emma grabbed the pillow from behind her back and struck Mary with it. Mary gave as good as she got and within seconds a full blown pillow fight broke out. Mary couldn't stop laughing and soon enough neither could Emma.

"What in the hell do you think you are doing?"

Emma and Mary tried to hold their laughs in but both broke out when they noticed the floor was covered in pillow fluff.

"Oh you think this is funny?" Regina fumed like a crazy woman whilst trying not to raise her voice, good job this house was huge she thought.

"No… I really am sorry." Emma replied seriously way to prove you're not practically a child Ems!

"Aunt Gina, it's not Emma's fault, I came over upset and she really helped cheer me up. It was me who started the pillow fight, I'll clean the mess up just please don't shout at her."

Regina looks at her niece then at Emma.

"Mary Margaret it is okay, why don't you go make yourself comfortable in the guest room and I'll come see you in a bit. I'll ring your mother and let her know you're staying the night."

"Okay, where's Ashton?" The young girl refused to call him uncle something that didn't go unnoticed by Emma.

"He'll be home shortly, now go along dear I'll see you soon."

The girl hesitated for a second before walking up to Emma and pulled her into a tight hug, luckily they were around the same height.

"I know I hardly know you but I feel like I do, thank you so much for listening to me tonight Emma, you're like the big sister I always wanted but never got." Mary smiled before leaving the room with a stunned Emma and Regina behind.

"Miss Swan if you'd like to follow me please." Regina said as she quickly walked out the room, Emma following shortly behind. They walked in silence to her study and once inside Regina shut the door, walked over to her desk, pulled out a cheque book and began writing in it.

"What are you doing? I thought we'd agreed to start fresh?" Emma questioned her but her own subconscious knew the answer already, it just refused to hear it.

"I think we need a complete fresh start so how much?"

"What?"

"How much for you to clear off, leave my company and go back to where in the hell it is you came from?"

"You couldn't afford me." Emma snapped, fighting back tears that dared to spill from her eyes any second. Just like the rest of them!

"Name your price? Everyone has one." Regina barked in her face.

"Fuck you! I'm not for sale like the rest of your life is. You may have this fancy lifestyle and everything that goes with it but just answer me this does it really make you happy or do you go to bed at night with a big empty hole in your heart." Emma wiped her eyes, swiping at the tears that now ran freely down her cheeks.

Silence

"Just what I thought, you keep pretending to yourself this is all real. I'm not even sure you know what is real or fake any more, maybe when you do you'll know what you really want."

Emma walked towards the door as a conflicted Regina stood and watched her every move like a hawk.

"I already know what I want."

"and what's that?"

"You!" Regina lunged for her, pushing her forcefully up against the wall, pinning her in place with her body. She seized Emma's mouth in a passionate kiss which the blonde was only to eager to respond to as a pleasant moan escaped her lips. This only turned Regina on more. She started unbuttoning Emma's shirt when she felt her pull away.

"Why'd you pull away?" Regina questioned.

"You know why, this isn't right and i will not be some dirty little secret you only acknowledge when no one else is around and look at me the way you are right now." Emma gasped.

"Like what exactly?"

"Like you want to rip my clothes off and fuck me senseless."

"Do you always have to use such vulgar language dear?" Regina stated as she moved to the other side of the room trying to put some distance between them.

"Really, so not the issue right now and I refuse to play this cat and mouse game with you anymore. You know what I quit and you didn't even have to pay me to do so…. some people are worth a hell of a lot more than some price tag. I told you, you couldn't afford me because that requires a lot more than what money can buy…maybe you should have tried the same for yourself." And with that Emma stormed out of the room and out of Regina's life leaving the very angry and confused brunette shaken. Little did Emma realize just how high Regina's price had already come.

Seems like everybody's got a price,

I wonder how they sleep at night.

When the sale comes first,

And the truth comes second,

Just stop for a minute and