Chapter Text
Regina has never been on a date.
When she and Daniel were together, mother ended him before anything could begin. And Robin, he was a distraction. Their relationship was her final attempt at a happy ending. A futile one, but an attempt nonetheless.
The days that followed his departure had been painful, at first. But she hadn’t been devastated. Just mournful of a failed relationship. Maybe she didn’t even like him, let alone love him. Although, she would’ve never known that. If it weren’t for the night Emma had returned and brought along that should-be-corpse with her.
Anger had filled her heart directed at whom she didn’t know. She only wanted Emma to know how it felt, to face some sort of consequence for her incredibly reckless and stupid actions. Her attempts to earn Regina’s forgiveness being one of them.
Everyday she found someway to see Regina. She’d bring her food, stood by her side in the face of every crisis, and truly was her biggest advocate. Didn’t change the fact her happy ending was further than ever, but at least she had no desire to kill Emma and was rather grateful to her and her impulsivity.
So Regina, in fact, has never been on a date.
Scoffing, she tapped her pen against her desk. There were stacks upon, stacks of papers that needed to be dealt with. At best it’d take several hours for her to finish, at worst she’d be here the entire day. Regina sighed, her dating life hasn’t even crossed her mind before. This paperwork must be driving her stir crazy, however before she could continue her work the door was flung open.
“How many times must I tell you to be careful with the door.”
Emma grinned, settling down a tray of coffee and a greasy brown bag onto the single paperless spot on her desk. “Come on Regina, lighten up! It’s break time.”
“It’s not that simple. Snow left a disaster behind. And, unfortunately I have to clean it up,” Regina pressed the back of her pen against her lower lip. That didn’t stop Emma from handing her a grilled cheese, which was wrapped in aluminum foil.
“Take a break,” Emma said, even her voiced sounded sulky.
Regina’s eyes twitched she couldn’t look, if she looked she’d give in. They both knew it. Emma nudged the grilled cheese closer, blocking a paper from view. To hell with it, she thought and finally glanced and met Swan’s eyes.
It’s ironic that the savior’s wrath wasn’t her ultimate undoing. Instead those puppy dog eyes broke her. Regina scoffed and took the grilled cheese. And Emma’s performance came to to an end with a pleased expression she settled into the chair. That had basically become her’s.
Fine, if she must abandon her work. Swan would have to abandon her dignity. Those were the rules and, well, she’s never claimed to be a saint.
“I assume you brought two black coffees?"
Emma pressed her lips together and the sound she made was delicious to Regina’s ears, it almost made her feel sorry for her. Almost.
“Did you bring it or not?” Regina had already unwrapped the sandwich. But, wouldn’t take a bite unless she was certain Emma fulfilled her end of the bargain.
“And there better not be a hint of sugar in it either.”
That seemed to dig into Emma’s skin without a word she grabbed one of the coffee’s, hardened herself and drank. Her throat bobbed and a sour expression graced her face. Proving she had indeed been truthful, after all.
Emma’s brows furrowed and her face began to turn red. She was getting closer and closer to her limit and Regina refused to have that.
“Ah, ah. There’s still some left. Drink,” Regina spoke with a low, commanding voice causing her to choke mid gulp.
Emma hit her chest in quick succession, coughing as she sat the cup down. “Regina what the hell! Don’t do that!”
“Don’t do what, dear? I’m only giving you some incentive.”
Ever the sore-loser, Emma crossed her arms. “Yeah right, you just wanted to win.”
“I always do,” Regina teased. She’s been on a winning streak the entire week so far and as it happens, it’ll only continue. Still so much has changed. Their son had been three inches shorter when this game had begun, but Swan’s commitment to failure was ever present.
“Some of us have a more refined taste, than syrup in a cup,” she said, finally taking a bite of the grilled cheese. Regina has become rather, well-acquainted with this amalgamation of bread and cheese. There was even a part of her that was fond of it.
Emma took out her own grilled cheese and licked her lips. “Actually, How are things? I know it’s been difficult.. because of well, y’know..”
“It’s fine,” Regina insisted. She knew exactly what Emma had wanted to say and held no interest in being reminded of her circumstances. However her clipped tone didn’t seem to phase Emma at all.
“Well, were the dates just fine, too?” Emma took a bite of her grilled cheese.
Regina needed to resist the urge, to roll her eyes. There wasn’t anything to talk about, regarding this matter. She and Robin simply had a broken foundation. Which the town had further perpetuated. They wouldn’t have been able to sort things out, even with this new found peace.
“Swan, we have never been on a date,” She ripped away some of the aluminum foil.
Emma blinked at her and carefully lowered her grilled cheese. “Huh? You’re kidding.”
“No, I’m not,” Regina sighs. “In fact. I’ve never been on one.”
And that’s what did it.
Emma’s hands jerked out knocking over her cup. Shooting up from her seat she grabbed it before it spilt all over the papers.
“But- your- You!” Emma stuttered, somehow gesturing at her.
“Your point,” Regina said, dryly.
“The point is, that you’re Regina fucking Mills! A queen, an incredible mother, and a mayor who’s been working her goddamn ass off!” Emma began to pace the office, she waved her hands and her face twisted.
“And how could he! How! I mean what sorta prick, no offense.”
“None taken.” Regina rested her chin against her hand and enjoyed the show.
“It’s just. How couldn’t he even take you out on one date? What. Cause soulmates get a free pass! Cause my tattoo is special. No it isn’t. No one is special and no one gets a free pass. Because not one person, has taken you out on a date! What the hell is that about—”
And here she was expecting Emma to mock her. Although, seeing the savior in such a frantic state was certainly a new but welcome change.
“—He’s just such a jackass, Regina!”
“I gathered as such. Tell me, how long have you been holding that in?”
“A couple of weeks,” Emma’s shoulders fell. “I don’t know, I just wish. Maybe I should take you out.”
“What.. you’d take me out on a date.”
“I mean, if you want to. Then, yeah, we should do that. A night. Just the two of us?”
“I wouldn’t hate it,” Regina said, deciding to keep her genuine interest to herself.
“Really! Uh, Great, cool, awesome, I’ll see you tonight,” Emma tossed her things into the bag and ran out. Gone before Regina could get another word in. And now she was alone with a cold grilled cheese, lukewarm coffee, and a mountain of paperwork she hasn’t even left a dent in.
Regina narrowed her eyes. “Wait, she didn’t tell me when she would pick me up.”
➽──────────────❥
Shit, shit, shit. What had she been thinking! How could a date be planned in five hours! Of course, it’d be fine for a normal person under normal circumstances. But these aren’t normal circumstances and Regina wasn’t a normal person. For starters she’s the damn mayor!
Emma let out a long, suffering moan and hit her forehead against the steering wheel. Maybe she could go back. Call off the whole thing. Lay it out to Regina that she had just put her foot in her mouth.
“No, that wouldn’t work, she’d just think I’m a coward,” she sighed.
All she wanted was for Regina to be happy. Sure, Robin Hood hadn’t been good enough for her. To be honest he kinda sucked. What sorta guy didn’t take out their soulmate on a date! Hell, if she was Regina’s soulmate she’d take her on so many dates, they’d lose count.
But this was Regina’s life and she had wanted it to work out. Emma just sped up the inevitable. And what kind of friend was she to take back her words and disappoint her best friend. This was the least she could do. No, she owed it to Regina.
Emma sat up and she searched her mind, trying to remember what Regina’s ever liked or shown interest in. What did Regina love more than anything in the world? Well, that would be Henry, so, what is the second thing she loved most. Murder? No. Apples, maybe. Regina loved them and sometimes even smelled like them.
“Wow, an apple themed date. Really going the extra mile aren’t you,” she hit her forehead against the stirring wheel again. How could she plan if she kept stressing out over every little thing? She knew Regina, she did. So she just had to focus in on that.
“She talks about her apple tree sometimes.. Wait. That’s it, flowers.”
Emma quickly sat up and hit the gas. She’s drove past this place enough times to know the directions by heart — Drive three blocks, take a right, and there’s your girl. Only problem was she couldn’t remember the name. She must’ve been too busy getting Regina breakfast to notice.
She pulled into the parking lot and got out of the bug.
Game of Thorns, huh. Seems the days of referencing that weren’t dead after all. She stepped inside causing wind chimes to dangle and glanced around. Expecting to see anyone behind the register but it was empty, and so was the rest of the shop.
“Hello? Anyone here. I’m kinda in a hurry.”
“Sorry, sorry, Just give me a moment!” A feminine voice shouted. The woman also turned out to be a brunette. She was carrying a couple of boxes. From wherever she had been and settled them onto the counter.
The woman turned. “Welcome to Game of Thorns, How may I help-”
“Emma?” Belle said, eyes widening in recognition.
“Belle, you work here?”
“Well, my father was kind enough to let me stay with him and I needed a job, so here I am.”
Belle did seem happier, she even wore her uniform with pride. And she’s not the only one everyone in town has become happier thanks to Gold’s banishment. Since then, there’s been little to no villains, besides some b-listers. Not like it was fair, how could one of the main contributors not get anything. Regina worked so hard and what did she get?
“Uh, that’s nice of him.”
“It really is! But my father has a been.. His business practices are questionable, to say the least.”
Was she about to talk more? She didn’t have that sort of time, today. Leaning against the counter she gave Belle a tight smile. “That’s great Belle, really it is. But where’s the flowers? Particularly roses. Purple roses.”
Belle tilted her head. “Well, there’s some in the back but don’t you want to know about my father’s—”
“Thanks Belle! You’re a life saver,” Emma headed towards the display of roses. It’s a strange place to have them for sure. But who was she to judge she’s never ran a shop before.
Besides from that odd placement the roses weren’t bad but she found herself drawn to the massive selection of flowers. There was such a variety, that she didn’t know where to start.
Emma squinted and saw the small notecard underneath the roses. Both the title and their meaning were written in elegant handwriting. She’s far from illiterate in the language of flowers, her tattoos proved as such but it’s been showing its age.
No harm in getting a quick refresher. She walked down the rows, if she hadn’t known any better she’d think they were pulled from a movie. But the flowers hadn’t gave off that regal feeling she was looking for. And the longer it took for her to get these flowers, the less time she had to plan their date.
Belle had mentioned there was some purple flowers too, hadn’t she. So how come all she’s seen were things better suited for a get-together or a picnic. Maybe those roses weren’t so bad, she thought. About to settle for anything until her eyes landed on some elegant flowers.
Their color reminded her of Regina’s magic. Especially when she’d poof away and did that thing with her hands. Was it strange she found it kinda hot? It’s probably weird, but could you blame her. That lady has nice hands! Her nails were manicured to perfection. They’re like a model’s or a painting if she were being poetic about it.
These flowers were perfect because of there regality. Not because of anyone’s hands, she thought. Gently, she pushed aside some petals to get a better look of the notecard.
“Irises.. best to.. give these to someone you cherish,” she read. Although, this definition could be fake. It felt right and that made it honest enough. Picking up the vase she returned to the register. Where Belle was still standing but this time she had a book with her.
Belle closed the book. “Oh your finished?”
“Yeah,” Emma placed the vase onto the counter. “Did I take a long time or something?”
“About two hours, I believe.”
“Two hours.”
“Well, I wouldn’t say it’s a bad thing. I’m sure if Regina knew she would be delighted! And you still have plenty of time to—”
“Two hours,” Emma repeated.
“Yes, but that’s just a rough estimate.”
“Cool.”
Belle hummed, then scanned the vase. “At worst you may just have a lovers quarrel.”
A crooked grin spread across Emma’s face. “…Me and Regina, aren’t lovers.”
“You aren’t?”
“Nope. We’re just two friends. Going on a date.. between friends. Shit like that.”
Belle covered her lips. Then she pressed them together. Then she opened them. Then, closed them once again. Before smiling and handing her the vase.
“You know what, it’s on the house. I hope your date goes well.”
Emma stared at the vase and took it into her hands. “Thanks..”
“I owe you, big time,” she muttered, walking out of the shop with the vase in her hands. She headed towards her bug, then opened the passenger door. Where she settled down the flowers, buckling the seat belt over them for good measure.
Emma sighed and dialed her mom’s number, with these flowers she’d need all the help she could get. Her only hope was that her mom wouldn’t take too much of her time.
“Hey, mom are you still interested in botany?”
➽──────────────❥
Scissors snipped away and fallen petals joined the ever-growing pile, that had started to form on the counter. “That’s science, Emma.”
Mary Margaret trimmed another batch of petals. “But this here, this is an art form.”
“It just looks like you're killing my flowers.” Flowers she had spent far too much time picking out. Those damn notes were a trap wrapped in velvety handwriting and she had fallen for it. Hook, line, and sinker.
“Neal’s still at daycare, right?”
“Why do you ask? Are you worried David will find out, your going out with Regina.”
“No, I’m just trying to be a good friend, that’s all.”
“Well that is very friendly of you,” Mary Margaret said, cutting another petal.
“How’d you learn how to do this anyways?” Emma took an apple from the sink bowl, but her attempt at nonchalance didn’t seem to be working as Mary Margaret only chuckled.
“I had a lot of time on my hands during the curse,” Mary Margaret picked up the bouquet to admire her work, “Enough about me, this is a big day for both you and Regina. Or should I say night.”
Emma cringed, taking a bite of the apple. The irony was not lost on her, she just needed anything to distract herself from this situation. Keeping her gag reflex down was a bonus. Still her mom hadn’t caught the hint.
“Are you sure you don’t want any help planning? I know a few places.”
“No. No, Mom, it's fine! I can handle this myself,” She already had a place in mind, it was a little far but they were the easiest to book, or rather bargain. Emma looked at her phone almost thirty minutes had passed. That knocks it down to two hours. Fuck.
“I really do appreciate all your help and I promise I’ll tell you all about it. Just.. later.”Emma took small steps but Before she could escape the door opened.
“Hey, Ma.”
“Howdy,” David added, tilting his hat. For some reason he spoke with a country accent. He also wore a cowboy hat along with Neal. Only Henry was dressed normally, aside from the badge on his coat.
David’s accent caught Mary Margaret’s attention right away, which was anything but a good sign. He unbuckled Neal and Emma took the opportunity to hide the bouquet behind her back.
“What’s with the hat?” Emma asked.
“They were playing this movie.. it was something about aliens.” David replied, carrying Neal.
Mary Margaret gave David a once over. “My, my, you are such a charming cowboy.” They drew each other in for a kiss and Emma winced at the sickening display of affection. But Henry didn’t seem to mind at all, he only cared about one thing. Which was the bouquet hidden behind Emma’s back.
“What’s with the flowers?” Henry asked.
She froze. If her parents joined in on the questioning she’ll be here even longer. And that needed to be prevented at all costs. Emma gestured Henry to follow her into the hallway.
“Now will you answer my question.” There was a command in his voice, instead of the questioning tone she had expected.
“Kid, That is not how you ask someone something.” Seriously she had to work on that. Henry never took that tone with Regina. Still, she may as well show what she had been hiding.
“It’s not a big deal..” She held up the bouquet and adverted her eyes, “I’m just—”
“Taking mom out on a date,” Henry finished, his shoulders relaxed with relief.
“How’d you know?”
“Everyone knew. Also grandma isn’t subtle.”
There it was again that expectancy. Did everyone think that she and Regina were in love? That they were too stubborn to say anything?
Their relationship was fragile, she had just barely been forgiven for the whole Marian thing. So, if, and that’s a hard if she had some romantic interest in Regina. Those feelings, they couldn’t be acted on.
“What is everyone seeing that I’m not?” Emma wondered out loud.
“Well, you’re always hanging out with mom, you also text her a lot. And you’ve both been so happy just being with each other.
“You think I make Regina happy.”
Henry looked at her, confused. “Yeah, mom even lets me have pancakes for breakfast now and she never does that.”
“Well are the flowers normal at least? I mean, it’s normal to give someone flowers.”
“I guess so.”
“Look, they even have a sappy meaning. Which makes them super normal. It’s just about cherishing someone—”
“—With all your heart.” Oh god, that wasn’t normal. Not normal at all. Okay, maybe her feelings were passionate, in a romantic way. Instead of a friend-y kinda way. That complicated things to say the least.
Emma chuckled but it was shaky and weak. “I feel like an idiot. Am I an idiot?”
“All adults are idiots, you just might be dumber than others,” Henry shrugged causing one of his backpack straps fell off of his shoulder.
“But on the bright side, you have great taste in flowers. Plus you know now, so it undoes all of the old stuff.”
“Great so I’m an idiot with good taste,” She wouldn’t say she felt joyful, couldn’t she un-realize this about herself. Was that even possible to just forget about it. But Regina’s first date cannot be ruined over her feelings.
Henry patted her on the shoulder. “You know..”
“I’m pretty mom likes you too. So why not just go on the date. If it doesn’t work out then it won’t.”
“Emma ruffled his hair. “Alright, no need to be a therapist.”
“I’m not a therapist, I’m observant.” Soon loud cries could be heard from behind the door. This wasn’t the first time Neal cried like this and wouldn’t be the last.
“You’re leaving?”
“Yeah there’s still a lot to do.”And those cries were something else. She hardly could stay here herself because of them. Granny’s has served her well although those mattresses were hard as hell. But with cries like that she’d take rock beds any day.
“Wait, let me help.” Henry pleaded and Neal’s cries were becoming loud shrieks and wails.
“Kid, I get it, really. I do. But you can’t stay at Regina’s. She’d never allow it and as your other mom, I can’t either.”
“You let me stay up til eight. Mom wouldn’t like that.”
“Okay, you win. What’s the plan, Operation First Date?”
Henry grinned. “Nope, Operation Wingman.”