Chapter 13:

Robin had similar ideas to Belle, in that he too wanted Emma and Regina to come clean about their feelings for one another and see where their relationship goes, so he decided to encourage them to spend more time together by allowing, well forcing, Emma to take her lunch break at the same time as Regina.

Although Emma didn't know why Robin insisted she had her break an hour earlier today, she didn't complain as it meant that Robin had to deal with the brunt of the lunch rush rather than her for once. Maybe she also was excited about being able to eat lunch with Regina as well. Emma had just finished wrapping up Regina's usual sandwich as Regina herself walked through the doors of the Coffee Cabin. Robin came out of his office and relieved Emma of her duties before Regina had even made it to the counter. "Emma time for your break, please drop the coffee and go." Robin playfully said with a wink.

"Aye, aye captain." Emma said with a salute and a giggle.

"What's up with you two today?" Regina smiled as she could see that her oldest and newest friend were getting on well. Emma moved so she was opposite Regina and leaned her forearms on the counter between them.

"Robin is allowing me to have my break an hour early today, so how do you feel about having company while you eat?" Emma gave the cheesiest grin she could muster.

"Sounds delightful!" Regina eagerly said, too excited for their little lunch date to even care if she sounded insane. "I do need a croissant and latte to take away for my assistant again before I leave, please don't let me forget."

"I wouldn't dream of it miss Mills. Why don't you go grab us a table and I'll grab our food?" Emma asked. Regina simply nodded in return and turned to look for a table but before she walked away she glanced at Robin, who had a massive smirk on his face and then winked at Regina. She couldn't help the goofy, love-sick smile that instantly appeared on her face. She lightly shook her head and then walked over to a free table in the corner of the shop. She didn't want Robin to be able to eavesdrop too easily.

"Madame, here is your smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich and your vanilla latte." Emma placed the items on their table with a small bow followed by a small chuckle. She then sat in the seat opposite the Brunette.

"You remembered?" Regina asked.

"Of course I did, and you shall be receiving a vanilla latte for lunch every day from now on. I even added an extra pump of vanilla, but don't tell Robin." Emma hushed, a small smirk on her face.

"Thank you very much, and don't worry I can keep a secret." Regina laughed as she picked up her mug and blew over the top, she couldn't wait to try it, half contemplating just drinking it while still scalding hot. She decided against it and placed the cup back on the table and dropped her hands into her lap. "So how has business been this morning?" Regina grasped for a conversation topic.

"Really?" Emma rolled her eyes, "I think we might be a little bit past the pointless small talk Mills."

"Oh, so I'm just Mills now?" Regina raised her dark brows.

"I think it suits you better than Miss Mills, don't ya think?" Emma began unwrapping the tin foil from her home-made sandwich.

"Hmm, maybe." Regina mused, "What do you suggest we discuss then? I don't think there's much left after Saturday night." Emma took a big bite of her sandwich and proceeded to talk with her mouth full.

"How about we discuss the philosophical parallels of life with a PB and J?" Emma laughed, trying her best not to choke.

"That was truly revolting miss Swan, I'm now regretting my decision to allow you to eat with me." Regina looked away from Emma as she spoke. Emma swallowed her food and took a quick swig of her water before gently placing a hand on Regina's forearm. Regina slowly looked back towards her lunch date, brown eyes locking onto green. Regina's mouth gaped open slightly, her breath hitched in her throat waiting for Emma's next words.

"You didn't have a choice." Emma spoke softly before letting out a small giggle and pulling her hand back, "Besides you know I'm so fun! Your lunch would be dull without me, you are truly blessed today." Regina's face fell slightly, but Emma didn't notice as her attention quickly went back to her sandwich, half glad she has misread the situation as she did not want their first kiss to taste of peanut butter. The brunette quickly regained a normal breathing pattern before she spoke.

"Emma, promise me you will never, ever show me the half-chewed contents of your mouth again, for as long as we both shall live?" Regina asked genuinely, Emma simply responded with a nod as she didn't want to break her promise by agreeing to the promise, which made Regina relax again and let out a small giggle. Regina then picked up her own sandwich and began to indulge. They polished off their sandwiches pretty quickly, just in time for Regina to try her latte before it got too cold.

She slowly raised the mug to her lips and had a small sniff. "I can smell the vanilla scent is so strong, I love it already!" Regina exclaimed and then finally took a sip of the coffee, followed by a gulp and then an even bigger gulp and finally what Emma was almost certain was a small moan escape from Regina's lips. "Emma, this is amazing! I can't believe I've been drinking regular lattes all this time."

"Well, we can't have you associated with the common coffee drinkers ever again! I will personally ensure you receive one of these every day, five days a week." Emma's words were met with an excitedly nodding and wide-eyed Regina.

"Sounds like heaven! Thank you."

"Anything for my favourite customer!"

"Anything?" Regina purred unexpectedly, taking both women by surprise. Regina dramatically cleared her throat, trying her best to play off her sultry and suggestive tone as a mistake but the damage to Emma's core had already been done. Emma fidgeted in her seat slightly, she had never heard Regina speak like that before and it was a massive turn on if Emma wasn't into Regina before she most definitely would be now. Neither woman was sure how to get their lunch back on track after their surprising detour, so they sat in silence and stared at each other for a minute. Both desperately wanting to ask the other how they feel, but neither one brave enough to take the first step just yet.

"I listened to that album you recommended all last night, and I think I may have to swallow my pride and admit that your music isn't too bad. You'd be happy to know that I did feel connected to the music despite the massive lack of lyrics, which I still find confusing but overall I enjoyed it." Toyed with her fingers in her lap as she spoke. There was a short silence before Regina regained her ability to speak after the traumatic occurrence from a few minutes ago.

"I knew you would enjoy it after you agreed to give it a chance. I, however, will not attend a proper rock concert standing as I don't have a desire to be trampled to death just yet." Regina let out a sigh just before she began her giggles as she was so relieved that Emma managed to swiftly move the conversation away from her hiccup. Their conversation flowed much better for the rest of their lunch break, there were a few light touches exchanged and a lot of laughter. Every chance Robin got he glanced over at the two women, proud of himself for making this happen. He had never seen Regina so happy and carefree, and as much as he hated manning the lunch rush alone he would continue to do so until one of the women finally made a move. Although he may just have to give Emma a gentle shove in the right direction.

Emma let out a sigh of relief as the last two customers for the day exited the coffee shop. Flipping the sign over to closed, she wished she could just leave now rather than staying for another half hour to clean. She had made a little competition with herself to see how fast she could clean the whole place while maintaining Robin's high standards of cleaning of course. Her fastest time to date was 26 minutes and 32 seconds. She set up the stopwatch on her phone and began to race around clearing tables and sanitising them. She was making good time until Robin snuck out of his office and appeared behind her causing her to jump out of her skin as she was wiping down the last table.

"Holy crap, why would you do that?" Emma clutched her chest as she spoke, her breaths were shallow and fast as her heart raced. "I'm going to put a bell on you!" Robin simply laughed at the suggestion before apologising and helping Emma flip the chairs up onto the tables.

"I really didn't mean to scare you, although the look on your face was priceless." Emma rolled her eyes at the older man, she wanted to ask why he was out here helping her tidy as he rarely did but she didn't want to risk him changing his mind so she remained silent as she went about sweeping and mopping the floors. "She is single you know." Robin finally broke the silence.

"What?" Emma asked.

"Regina, oh sorry I mean Miss Mills. She's into women too." Robin tried his best to act nonchalant as if discussing his oldest friend's love life, or lack thereof was a regular occurrence for the two.

"Oh right, I know. Have you already forgotten the day she came here with a hell of a hangover and I had to stay with her all night?" Emma chuckled as she remembered the state the brunette was in.

"I don't think I'll ever get that image out of my head, much to her dismay." Robin joked along with Emma as they both moved to behind the counter and began returning the clean cups and dishes to their rightful places. "Do you also know that she likes blondes too?" Emma just shook her head and laughed, she could see where her boss' conversation was heading and she didn't want to be apart of it again. She was feeling more certain of her own feelings for Regina, but she was so confused about how the brunette was feeling towards her, and she didn't need to discuss the potential romance with her employer of all people. "She once told me that her idea of a perfect date would be an evening picnic in the park, with a nice bottle of wine. She said she'd love to lay back and see the stars, bonus points if the blonde she was on the date with could point out a constellation or two."

"Is that so?" Emma rolled her eyes and continued focusing on the task at hand, with Robin doing half her work she should be out of here within the next few minutes. As long as Robin's oh so subtle suggestions didn't become unbearable by then.

"I don't know much about constellations myself, but then again I'm not a blonde woman who is interested in dating Regina." Robin shrugged, he turned to face Emma and leaned back on the counter. "If I was that woman, I'd throw together a nice chicken salad, maybe grab some chocolate covered strawberries. Oh, and I'd definitely grab a bouquet of flowers. Reds and purples maybe. I'd even potentially make sure carnations are involved." Emma had finished putting away the last few pieces of cutlery as Robin spoke and he turned around to face him.

"Listen, Robin, I get what you're trying to do here. I appreciate the tips and words of encouragement I really do, but Regina and I, it's just never going to happen. We're too different, she doesn't think of me in that way and I-"

"Do you think of her in that way?" Robin interrupted. Emma just stared at him with her mouth agape as a slight blush crept up her neck and exposed her through her cheeks before she could provide a verbal answer. "Trust me, Emma, ask her for a date." Robin said sincerely, it made the blonde wonder if Regina had confided in him. Maybe she had told Robin that she had feelings for Emma. No, you're being ridiculous. Regina is an insanely attractive, super confident, smoking hot woman. If she was interested, she would've said something by now.

"Robin, I just don't think it would end well. I don't want to risk our friendship over a stupid crush."

"Just sleep on it." Robin suggested as they both left to retrieve their belongings from his office. Emma waited with him while he switched off the lights and set the alarm, just as the two began to part ways Robin shot over his shoulder with a wink, "If you do manage to grow some balls, I heard she's great in the sack." Emma stood shocked still, her mouth had gone dry and her brain seemed to malfunction. As if it wasn't already hard enough looking at her, just brilliant.

"Honey, I'm home!" Emma called out as she hung up her coat and made her way to the living room.

"You're back early." Belle had been laying on the sofa reading a book but sat up as Emma walked it.

"Robin helped me clean up today, so we finished in a record-breaking fifteen minutes and forty-seven seconds." Emma high fived the brunette as she slumped down on the sofa next to her. "I don't think I should count it as my record though, there's no way I could ever beat that alone. I'd just be setting myself up for failure."

"Hmm, very true. I say pretend it didn't even happen." Belle smiled at her friend before she laid back down, her head now resting in Emma's lap. Emma began to stroke the long brown tresses as Belle continued reading her book. A few minutes passed before Belle rested her book on her stomach and looked up at her blonde friend. "I had an interesting day at work." Emma peered down at the excited green eyes on her lap. "My boss confided in me even more, it was a little strange. In a good way though. I really think we're like friends now."

"Well that's great, I'm glad she is no longer Satan herself anymore." Emma smiled down at her friend as she continued to play with her soft hair.

"I believe we called her 'ruler of all that is evil' but Satan works too. Anyway, she's been telling me about this girl that she's dating. Well kind of dating, it's a bit complicated. She's really into this girl though. Like 'head-over-heels-butterflies-in-your-stomach-giddy-laughter-at-the-thought-of-them' into her, but she's not sure if the girl likes her back and she way too weird and awkward to ask her. It's honestly sad to hear."

"I received the advice today from my boss to just 'grow some balls' and ask her out. Why don't you give your boss the same advice?"

"That is pretty solid advice I'll be sure to pass it on." Belle rolled her eyes. "Her story kind of reminds me of you and your not-date mystery woman. Is that who the advice was about?"

"Maybe."

"You should totally listen to them, the way you go on and on about her and run to her aid whenever she needs it it's so clear that you like her. Like-like her that is." Belle winked.

"What is it with everyone trying to set me up with her today? I'll do what u think is best and I'll do it in my own time."

"Okay, okay. Keep your pants on, I'm just trying to be a supportive friend here. Tell me more about her, maybe even, I don't know her name?"

"Nope, you still don't get that until you officially meet. You shouldn't have blown off the house warming."

"I had no choice! Satan needed me to cover an event for her." So she could be at the house warming. "Regardless, I want deets. You've barely told me anything."

"I don't know what to tell you. She can seem standoffish, but underneath her little persona she gives off she's actually really sweet and considerate. She hates horror films and she believes in soul mates, which I still think is weird but different strokes I guess." Emma was beaming from ear to ear and her eyes had a glint in them that Belle hadn't seen in years. "She's a secret game nerd too. When I stayed at hers I found this whole room dedicated to gaming, it was so baffling because she has this whole posh and classy exterior. She also listens to rock music! Isn't that so strange? She works in a bank, but she plays video games. She acts as if she's so high-class, yet I watched her devour a greasy loaded cheeseburger like a wild animal. She loves vanilla lattes, but she would never order one. I guess classy women aren't supposed to like flavoured coffee or something."

"You sound smitten Em, but she sounds amazing. Just your type too." Belle kissed her friend on the forehead after she stood up. She was so happy that Emma had finally found someone that made her so bubbly again. "Let's go check on our dinner."

"I'm starving, how much longer is it gonna take?" Emma asked as Belle pulled the dish out of the oven.

"Maybe another 10 minutes." Belle stood and continued to face the oven so Emma wouldn't see the smile on her face, finally the perfect opportunity for operation love birds. "There's half a croissant in my bag from lunch if you want that for now?"

"Aren't you worried I'll spoil my dinner mum." Emma shot at her friend as she rushed over to the bag in question anyway.

"You're a human garbage disposal Em, I'll never be worried about you spoiling your dinner." Belle tried her best to keep busy by adjusting and organising things on their kitchen sides to avoid eye contact with the blonde, she needed to be as casual as possible to plant her first seed.

"Hey B, when did you come to my shop?" Emma quizzed as she tucked into the semi-stale croissant.

"What?" Belle replied. Emma placed a paper bag with The Coffee Cabin's logo on in front of her.

"That's the place where I work, don't tell me you've forgotten. I didn't see you come in today."

"Oh right, it totally slipped my mind." And the Oscar goes to… "My boss grabbed lunch for me."

"Satan went for you? I know you're friendlier now, but your boss went on your lunch run?"

"She didn't go on my lunch run, she goes there like every day I just asked her to grab something for me because I was swamped today." If this whole PA gig doesn't work out, I really should try acting.

"Ooo your boss is a regular! I probably know her, what does she look like." Emma asked, mentally flicking through all the usual customers she had. When she got to Regina she smiled. She knew that her friend was a PA at The Gold Bank, so she must work for a colleague of Regina's. Not that she's ever seen the brunette chat to anyone at the shop other than herself and Robin.

"Um, short dark hair and dark eyes" Belle smiled, she recognised the look in Emma's eyes, and she was definitely thinking about Regina. This is honestly too easy.

"Wow what a great description, I'll get my sketch artist on it right away." Emma joked, although there was a sense of urgency in her tone, she hoped her friend wouldn't pick up on. Plenty of women have short dark hair and brown eyes, not just Regina.

"Haha, well she basically only ever wears power suits." Belle continued her teasing. Unless she's hungover, in which case she prefers rock band t-shirts and black jogging bottoms, Emma's smile grew. The brunette could really pull off any look.

"That's still like half my customers."

"Oh, you know what she has a scar on her top lip that's kind of hard to miss." Emma's heart stopped. No way. How is it possible that Regina is Satan? Wait, didn't B say she likes me? 'Head-over-heels-butterflies-in-your-stomach-giddy-laughter-at-the-thought-of-me into me' to be exact. Emma leaned back into the counter, her legs felt like jelly. She just had pretty solid confirmation that Regina likes her too and her entire body felt confused. "Does that ring a bell?"

"Um, scar? Nope. No bells rang here, radio silence. Weird huh?" Emma took a deep breath before turning and making her way to her room. "Give me a shout when dinner's done, I need to lie down." I think I may actually need to grow some balls now. Regina likes me. Regina like likes me. Why does she make me feel like a stupid teenager with their first crush? I'm 22 for crying out loud. She closed her bedroom door and threw herself face down onto her bed and released a small scream into her pillow. She was grateful for this new information, but she knew after everything she's heard today, she couldn't look at Regina the same again.

Belle smirked as she watched her friend stumble away. Step one of her operation was complete, Emma was for sure aware that Regina liked her too. It also seemed she had a new ally in Emma's boss, maybe she would have to make a trip down to The Coffee Cabin to have a chat with him. Now for step two, convincing Regina that Emma feels the same way.

"Good morning Miss Mills." Belle smiled as she placed a latte down on Regina's desk. She then took a seat opposite Regina as was becoming their new routine.

"Good morning Miss French." Regina smiled back. "Mmmh, what is that smell."

"Oh, I'm so sorry but I could only find vanilla latte pods in the lounge this morning and figured it would be better than the cinnamon or hazelnut." Belle gave her best meek smile, she tried to keep her eyes on the ground to add to the effect, but she also really wanted to see the other brunette's reaction. Emma provided me with the perfect start to step two without even realising.

"It's quite alright, you made a good choice. I'm a fan actually." Regina pulled the cup closer to her nose and breathed in the sweet scent.

"To be honest with you, it wasn't my choice. My friend works at a coffee shop so I asked for her opinion. She said you can't go wrong with vanilla." Maybe I could also win an Emmy.

"Well then, thank her for her divine taste in coffee."

"I'll be sure to let Emma know." Belle trained her eyes on the hands that were folded in her lap, she knew if she made eye contact, she wouldn't be able to help the huge smirk that was sure to grace her face. She heard Regina's breath hitch slightly as she heard the blonde's name.

"Where does this friend of yours work?" Regina began shuffling papers around her desk and avoiding eye contact, her best attempt at acting casual.

"She actually works at The Coffee Cabin, you've probably seen her there she works most weekdays."

"I suppose maybe I have." Regina choked on her own words, she had told her assistant all about her feelings for Emma and now she was finding out that Emma and Belle are friends. I can't let Belle know that her Emma is also my Emma, she'd reveal all her feelings to the blonde before I ever have the chance too. "Sorry Miss French, I know we usually chat in the morning, but I actually have a few calls to make if you wouldn't mind."

"No problem at all, we can chat another time." Belle smiled although she was internally chastising herself. She had clearly let too much slip too soon, now Regina is probably confused and panicking. Way to go B, step two was a failure. Good job I have a backup plan.