Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters used in this story. I don't own anything to do with Once Upon A Time. I wouldn't dream of claiming I did. Ok, well maybe I would dream it but I wouldn't dare vocalise it ;)

This is my first fanfic ever, never mind just for OUAT. This is a Swan Queen story; however, I'm still weighing up the direction I plan on taking this story in. They are the focus though and I have a good idea but I guess any comments or reviews from you guys - the readers - will possibly help me see the potential for this journey to take.
If you notice any spelling or grammatical errors, then my apologies. I really hope that you all enjoy and I welcome all feedback; be it praise or constructive criticism. I love these two characters and it's just fun for me to play with their story.

EVERYTHING

Emma sat in almost complete darkness, if not for the soft glow shining from the small lamp on her office desk. The liquid in her glass swirled around as she raised it unsteadily to her lips. She really shouldn't be drinking in station but it was the only place she could be without being surrounded by people tonight.

"Damn, do I need this" she said aloud quietly.

The whiskey burned as it slid down her throat, causing her mouth to pull into a thin line for a moment. She placed the glass back on the table, next to the almost finished bottle and closed her eyes, resting her body back against the chair. Her body tensed as the exposed parts of her skin met the cool leather but she didn't care. It was quite soothing actually.

The blinds in front of the window fluttered slightly from the breeze carried in through the small opening. Music and laughter trickled in with it. Emma let out a deep sigh and ran her hands over her face. She really should get back out there and join the party… but she just couldn't bring herself to do it.

It was too much.

Emma raised the glass to her lips again and threw the alcohol to the back of her mouth, finishing the drink. She could feel the frustration in her body loosen a little, the effects of the alcohol beginning to kick in until she allowed herself to think of the evening's events so far. Immediately her irritation bubbled to the surface.

She poured herself another drink.

Emma was just wondering how long it would be before someone would notice she was missing from celebrations, when she heard the door to the station open. She took a swig from her glass and prepared herself to plaster a fake smile on her face – as she expected it must be Snow or Charming who would come looking. However, as she lifted her gaze upwards, her eyes met with deep brown ones. Her eyebrows raised in surprise as the visitor made their way to the open doorway of the office.

"Sitting alone, in the dark, on your birthday…" Regina drawled, as she placed her hands upon her hips and cocked one eyebrow upwards, "You don't think that's a little depressing, Miss Swan?"

Emma merely shrugged her shoulders and took a sip of her drink.

"And drinking by yourself" Regina continued "My, aren't we going all out on the dramatics, dear".

Emma merely rolled her eyes. She was in no mood for Regina's baiting. She reached into her drawer and pulled out another small tumbler, placing it down on the side of the desk nearest Regina.

"There" Emma huffed "I'm not drinking alone, if you join me. Otherwise, just go, Regina. I'm not in the mood".

Emma slumped back in her chair once more and ran her hand through her hair, stopping to give the back of her head a reassuring rub. Regina pursed her lips, clearly considering whether or not to remain with the Saviour and find out what was wrong. She could, instead, return to Henry and pretend she hadn't managed to track his birth mother down. Henry had begged Regina to go find Emma and bring her back to the party, not wanting her to miss out on the festivities. However, he wouldn't know the truth if she returned empty handed. Regina was fairly confident that Emma wouldn't bring up their encounter. As she pondered her decision, she watched Emma mindlessly swirling the alcohol in her glass and every so often, taking a gulp.

Regina sighed.

"Well, Miss Swan, what are we drinking?" She moved toward the desk and picked up the glass, motioning for Emma to pour, "And what is so bad to have you running from your birthday celebrations?"

Emma unscrewed the cap, surprised - but a little relieved that Regina wasn't leaving - and poured into the empty glass.

"What sane person wouldn't run from those celebrations" Emma retorted.

Regina gave a slight nod of her head, indicating she understood Emma's point. The festivities had been rather… extravagant, Regina thought. Still, that didn't quite explain Emma's mood, so she pushed further.

"Really, Sherriff, if I'd known that a mere party was enough to send you scarpering into the hills, then maybe I should have done that when you first came to town" Regina took a sip of her drink, eyes lifting to meet Emma's into a challenge.

Emma dropped her gaze immediately.

"Regina, just go" Emma closed her eyes, trying to prevent her watery eyes from betraying her "Please".

Regina took a moment to consider Emma and was about to put her glass down and leave, when she noticed a single tear slide down the young blonde's face. Before she realised what she was doing, she was by the blonde's side, bending slightly and wiping the tear away from Emma's face.
Emma's eyes fluttered open quickly at the touch and found herself staring directly into Regina Mills dark orbs.

"What's wrong, Emma?" Regina asked softly, caressing the blonde's cheek once with her thumb.

Electricity seemed to pulsate through the room and neither woman moved, or seemed to take a breath for a moment. Both apparently content to be simply looking at one another, somehow receiving comfort from the connection.

Finally, one of them broke the silence.

"Everything" Emma stated simply, still never taking her eyes from Regina's, "Everything is wrong".

Regina frowned slightly and then, almost as though only now realising her close proximity to the blonde and the intimacy they had just shared, abruptly moved to the other side of the desk again. Regina sat herself down on the corner, crossing one leg over the other and took a slightly larger sip of her drink.

"Well, dear" Regina's voice, business-like once more, "I suspect we will need a re-fill if we are going to have this conversation. And that bottle appears to be particularly empty. Why don't I go grab us another bottle and come back. Then you can tell me all about it?" Regina looked at Emma and smirked, "That's if you dare be alone with the Evil Queen?"

Emma stared straight back at Regina, almost hypnotised by the older woman's presence.

"No" she said quickly.

Regina felt the surprise – and disappointment? – flicker across her face before her mask fell firmly back in place.

"I see" Regina muttered "Very well, Miss Swan, goodni-"

Emma jerked forward in her chair and quickly interrupted the former Mayor " I didn't mean no, as in no" Emma stammered, " I meant no as in don't bring another bottle back here" Emma looked nervously at Regina "I, well, I was thinking maybe you already had something at your place? It's just, I expect Snow or David will come looking soon enough and I don't really want to be found right now".

Regina laughed bitterly "And they would never come looking for the beloved Saviour at the Evil Queen's lair".

"Well, no" Emma answered honestly but sensing Regina's annoyance, added "Forget it. It doesn't matter. Stupid idea".

Regina stood up and pursed her lips, "Very well, Sherriff, let's go".

As the former Mayor made her way toward the door, she looked back over her shoulder to see a stunned Sherriff, still seated.

"Are you really going to make me wait, Miss Swan? Regina smiled playfully.

Emma rose slowly from her chair, not sure whether Regina was merely toying with her. She placed the empty glasses and bottle back into the drawer, noting to herself to deal with those later.

"I will have to collect Henry to take him home, so if you wish to remain undetected, you can meet me at the house. Does that suit you?" Regina stated, waiting for Emma's confirmation that she understood.

Emma had winced at the mention of Henry's name. She had known how excited he had been to share tonight with her. For a while, it had been fine... and then in the next moment, Emma felt as though she was suffocating and just had to get away.

"Miss Swan?" Regina's curt tone sliced through Emma's thoughts.

"Yes, your majesty" Emma snapped, "that suits me fine".

"A simple, yes and thank you would have sufficed, Princess" Regina barked back at Emma, narrowing her eyes before turning on her heel and heading towards the door.

"Regina, I'm sorry. Thank you..." Emma shouted after the older woman, not knowing whether she had heard her or not before the door closed loudly, signalling the brunette's exit.

This was definitely a bad idea.

She couldn't be sure that the older woman wasn't just preying on Emma's vulnerability. Perhaps she was hoping to get some further ammunition to use against her or her family.

No, Emma thought to herself. The image of Regina beside her, wiping her tears away and trying to comfort her swayed to the front of her mind. Regina's soft hands and pleading eyes…

Emma snapped out of her thoughts and gave herself a mental slap. The alcohol had clearly had a bigger effect that she had realised. That was the reason for the warm sensation flushing over her body.

Pull yourself together, Swan. The woman is helping you, for Henry's sake, nothing more. Plus, after that exit, who says she even wants you anywhere near the mansion.
And with that thought, Emma groaned, picked up her bag and made her way toward the exit. Once outside, she removed the keys from her bag and locked the door behind her.

The cool air caused goose bumps to jump up on Emma's skin. She looked around; making sure no one was near the station. Music, laughter and conversation filled the air but Emma barely noticed. As much as Emma was tempted to call it a night and slip off home, to the safety of her room and bed, the older woman's voice snaked through her mind, "Are you really going to make me wait, Miss Swan?"

And with that, she stalked off into the night with a confidence and determination that did not match the uncertainty bubbling within - not heading home but rather in the direction over the large, beautiful building that the former Mayor called home.

This night was far from over.

Go easy on me!

I haven't yet written the next chapter but I will probably do so tomorrow and post soon after.