I do not own anything to do with Once Upon A Time or The Proposal. This is for leisure writing. Mistakes are my own and hopefully fixed. Enjoy...

The Proposition

Chapter 1

The sound of a buzzing alarm made itself known, barging in on her comforting sleep and a dream she could no longer remember. As Regina took a moment to collect herself she felt that it was probably a good one because she didn't automatically tense along with the alarm. She got up to sit at the edge of her queen bed and turned the insistent buzzing off. I'm awake.

With that thought, Regina's body went into automatic morning mode, going through the motions of getting ready for work as her brain went through the list of things that needed to get done by lunch time. Teeth brushed, showered, and clothed, she made her way to her condo's elegant kitchen to make herself some apple cinnamon oatmeal, as usual. Her mind was so focused on her job as Editor In Chief at Crown and Sword Publishing, on manuscripts, deadlines, meetings, and negotiations, she hardly had space to entertain the monotony that has become her life. If she thought about it she would quickly dismiss it deeming she had a hectic life that suited her. A hectic work life. Outside of that…well, she didn't think about it.

By 7:30, her three used dishes in the dishwasher, her makeup and brunette hair perfect, she dropped the manuscript she had taken some time to read through into her briefcase, and gathered the rest of her things. It was clockwork and reliable. As she locked her door and made her way to the front lobby of her building she pulled herself to her full height, commanding any space she was in with quiet authority (or a deathly glare). In the cab ride to work she hung up her third call of the morning. Regina checked her emails and her daily schedule that was precise down to when and where she went to lunch, if she didn't eat in her office.

She noticed a note attached to today and silently thanked whomever her assistant could be an attentive listener when Regina barked orders at her. It had been a long time since she had a good assistant. A decent assistant, really. They all quivered under her glares and stuttered when conversing that she became irritated by every single one. And she had a good many. At first she thought it would be the same with a one Emma Swan but it pleased her to see after a couple days the blonde adapted.

A small smirk played across her lips as Regina thought back to their first official day working together. Looking down to her phone under the heading November 25thit simply read August Booth-interview! that proved that after 3 years since that first day with Miss Swan, regardless of bumpy interactions, Regina thanked whomever again that she could at least rely on an employee to do her job. She quickly went to her contacts and found the person she needed to get to do an interview for his new book. It would be tough convincing but Regina relished in the challenge. She hit the call button when she was mentally ready.

After the third ring she heard a gruff voice on the other end and quickly put on her cheery voice she used on clients and her bosses. "Mr. Booth! How's my favorite new writer?"

3 years ago

A knock at her office door slowly broke Regina from the manuscript she was reading. "Enter." she said loud enough to be heard. As the door swung open she finally lifted her gaze away from the words she was reading, mentally marking her spot for later. Her gaze caught on green eyes and blonde hair of her new assistant. "Ms. Swan. Have a seat." she gestured to one across from her desk.

Emma did as she was told quickly. Her nerves had been steadily getting worse even though she knew she got the job. It seemed like the butterflies in her stomach were due to more than first day jitters and more with the woman sitting behind the desk. Regina Mills was eyeing her up and down as she moved like she was trying to fault in the way she walked and sat down. It was with this in mind that Emma clumsily crossed and uncrossed her legs trying to portray some sort of confidence. Regina watched on slightly amused but more so annoyed.

Emma cleared her throat, ready for small talk. "Good morning, Ms. Mills. Its nice to-" Regina hated small talk so she cut her off quickly.

"There is something about this company I think you should know, dear. It strives for excellence especially from its employees. That goes all the way from the CEOs and owners down to the mailroom lackeys which includes us in that scale. I strive for excellence, perfection really, that is the first thing you need to know. I expect it from you. Every errand, order, call, message, email, and anything in between must be handled quickly and efficiently. My schedule is tight and I keep it that way. The work of an Editor in Chief is never fully done so the assistant to the Editor in Chief is never done. Ever." Regina paused to fix Emma with a pointed look, hoping this was sinking in to that blonde head of hers.

Emma's eyebrows were raised in surprise and disbelief. What could she say to that? "I- uhh I-" Again she was cut off.

"You will be available 24/7 if need be and at certain seasons it is expected. Regardless of where you are from or education I will give you a chance to not completely disappoint me. I assume you are capable of learning on the job for I have no intention of holding your hand through this, Ms. Swan."

Emma sat stock still listening with rapt attention. What have I got myself into she thought as Regina continued on her morning greeting/rant. Her eyes showed shock, she never had a boss be so upfront and brutally honest with her the minute she got there let alone the first day. She knew she looked ridiculous with her mouth opening and closing trying to find the right response. Half of what Ms. Mills said she expected, life as an assistant to Editor in Chief at a highly regarded publishing company was going to be rough but she didn't expect this dictator of a boss.

What she said to Emma at the end caught her attention though. A hint of condescending apathy and…a challenge? Emma likes challenges and pushing people the right way but this was her new boss. She couldn't get carried away.

"I understand, Ms. Mills." Emma said with as much stone cold confidence her boss just threw at her without batting an eyelash. Her response was a raised eyebrow that Emma for some reason could find just a little attractive. That was wiped from her mind quickly as her boss spoke again.

"Do you?" Dammit, Emma thought, that is a straight up challenge. This woman- "Very well, your resume shows you have proficiency with electronics and technology so I will not bother showing you how to use the company website, email, phone lines, et cetera." Regina opened a desk drawer, withdrew a smartphone, and slid it across the desk towards Emma. "This is your work phone. For work. We are not paying you to text family and friends or call significant others at any time of day. Certainly not to play tetris at your desk when you need to be working. It already has important numbers programmed in and the number is in my phone. There is a business schedule app that links to mine so we can update to the same schedule. If I need something put in I will tell you to do it if I cannot. This will be very important. It will be your schedule as well since you need to be available to me during my scheduled times."

During this Emma took the phone and looked it through. It was pretty simple and bare. Nothing extra or fancy until it got to the app Regina was talking about. Emma's brows furrowed, this was going to take some trial and error. Which she knew right away was going to upset her boss. She poked around the app finding Regina's schedule for today. There it was: 9:30 am - Emma Swan orientation. Underneath that it read: 10:00 am - Board meeting. Emma felt that 30 minutes wasn't enough time to adjust to this cold dip into icy waters that was her new job especially when she saw the calculated Ice Queen in front of her. Regina on the other hand began mentally preparing for the board meeting already and was counting down the minutes she allotted for her new assistant.

"I've never used this app before but I think I'll manage." Emma said looking up to Regina. "It's almost like tetris, sliding the boxes around to fit into a full week. Is there anything you don't need me for that's scheduled?" Emma thought the question was innocent enough, even though she wanted to be anything but with the brunette. Regina, however, took it as a jab to her personal life, more importantly the way she ran her life. She had her meals and doctor appointments in that schedule for Emma to see. This made the blonde snort inwardly and the brunette defensive.

"If it is a personal matter I can handle it on my own. You merely add, delete, or move said schedule so nothing conflicts." Regina's voice was slightly raised, she was a little more than annoyed now. "I do not think I can state it more simply than that and I will not strain to think of smaller words to use for you."

Emma frowned at the insult but tried to hide it. She couldn't get fired on the first day. She could handle bitchy and condescending she kept telling herself. This job was a long time coming and she needed the experience at the very least. It just wasn't the kind of experience she was hoping for.

"Of course not, Ms. Mills, we wouldn't want you to strain yourself thinking." Emma said before she could stop herself but she added more sweetness than needed to cover up the backhanded insult. "I see on the schedule for today you have a board meeting in a few minutes. Did you need anything from me before you go?"

The only thought Regina had was 'Is she dismissing me from my OWN office?!' That really riled her up, especially when Emma threw her an innocent and sweet smile. All Regina saw was a smug look hiding behind thinly veiled professionalism. This woman insulted her on her first day, Regina thought, how stupidly brave and idiotic and stupid. Mentally Regina was not proud of her lack of vocabulary but the blonde was nothing but…stupid. Did she know who Regina Mills was?!

Regina schooled her appearance and plastered a sickeningly sweet smile on her face. "Of course, dear, a venti decaf double shot sugar-free vanilla soy latte from the coffee shop around the corner would be a good start. It should take you roughly ten minutes if you miss the morning rush, which does not give you much time as I like to have my coffee before my meetings." Regina added fake checking her watch for flourish hoping to unsettle the blonde. It seemed to work as Emma did the same, checking the time on her phone. 9:48. Emma mentally cursed, there was no way to not hit a morning rush in the business district of New York on a Monday morning.

Her wide eyes went back to Regina who was still smiling innocently but Emma swore she saw fangs protruding from behind dark lipstick. Emma told her new boss this very legit concern and all she got in return was a lopsided smirk. "I do need my pre-meeting coffee, dear."

Gods, Emma thought, she could make a word that's usually a term of endearment a cutting insult. Emma didn't want to feel like an intern getting coffees or a stereotypical female secretary low on the chain but that's the image her boss put in her head. And it made Emma grind her teeth. She could feel her body temperature rise from indignation which caused her to fidget with the phone in her hand. She tried to remain calm as Regina watched on in masked amusement. Her new assistant was getting as flustered as they all did when given their orientation to her working style, however, there was more than bottled anger in Emma's eyes. Regina was trying to figure it out as she continued to look her in the eyes.

Suddenly, Emma stood, staring down to Regina, which felt kind of good to look down at the smug brunette. "As you wish..." Emma pushed through gritted teeth trying to smile sweetly. It looked painful, which amused Regina even more. Before Emma opened the door to exit she mutter under her breath with all her frustration "…Your Majesty."

Regina's office was quiet enough to hear a pin drop so she definitely heard Emma's muttered words. Surprisingly, it was enough to turn her smirk into a full smile baring teeth to the empty office. This will be interesting, she thought.

Present

Several streets away Emma Swan squinted against a bright light and stirred in her bed. A very comfortable bed, she might add. Why do mornings have to suck so much? Slowly her brain registered what she was thinking. It was morning? Her eyes shot open to see the early morning light beam through her bedroom blinds onto her bed. Emma quickly rolled to her nightstand to check her phone. 7:31! Emma was so focused on waking up and checking the time she failed to notice the other body in her bed. Her guest woke slightly due to Emma tossing so she lazily threw an arm around Emma's waist. Emma forgot she was there. I'm awake now!

Emma darted out of bed with little consideration for her bed partner and began running around her room for clothes. "I'm late! You need to go!" she tried not to scream at the woman who stared at her in confused shock. The naked red head wasn't moving fast enough for Emma's liking, if at all, so she raised her voice a little in urgency. "I'm serious, come on!"

Emma ran into the bathroom right off her bedroom to brush her teeth and manage her unruly bed head. The red head finally got the message and started to dress. "Where's the fire? I can lock up for you."

Emma called from the bathroom, "No, that's ok!" By the time the redhead was dressed Emma was back in the bedroom looking a little put together but still flustered. She grabbed her wallet, satchel, phone, and keys as she strode to the front door. Quickly locking her front door she glanced at the redhead and simply didn't have time to feel guilty of the fact that she didn't know her name. Emma quickly backed away down the hall. "I'll call you." She turned to quicken her pace to the elevator.

"I didn't get your number!" the redhead yelled after her.

"Ok!" Emma yelled, half hearing what she said as she got into the elevator that opened for her. On what Emma deemed the slowest ride in an elevator ever, she checked her phone for any messages. There was nothing yet. It was unlike her anal boss to not send her a text or call by now even though she didn't need to be at the office until 8. So far in her 3 years working for the Evil Queen (as her co-workers titled her boss) Emma was only late twice, which didn't result in anything but an exhausting lecture, snide remarks, and glares from said boss. Emma thought after 3 whole years being late twice was a great feat but did she get acknowledgement for it? No.

Its not like I put my social life on hold to be at work practically six days a week every morning at 8 am. Last night was a rare occasion where she thought she deserved a drink out and met the redhead she brought home. Emma never thought of herself as the one night stand type but that was before these three years. Before she left home in pursuit of her own life, her own calling, she had an idea of the woman she was but life happened. More like a bitchy brunette happened. Ever since she landed this job it had been snarky remarks, glares, short talks, lectures, annoying errands, cancelled plans, and late nights at the office.

Sometimes Emma wondered why she stuck around to be a lap dog to a cold hearted witch on caffeine but then she just picked up a good book and she remembered. She loved the written word. Emma dabbled in writing herself but didn't think it was anything special so she decided on the next best thing. Be a publisher and editor. It was by sheer determination that she got a job at the highly regarded Crown and Sword Publishing company and she wasn't going to throw it away.

That was one of the things that hasn't changed about her over the past couple of years; her determination. Some people would say stubbornness but it didn't faze her because you needed to be stubborn (and a little crazy) to work for Regina Mills. Emma's mind didn't wander far from her boss during anytime of the day and it was normal now. Regina wasn't joking on her first day when she told Emma that she will be needed at anytime for work issues. Over the years Emma got use to being on her boss' call. She didn't enjoy it one bit but it was her life now. For now.

The ding of the elevator yanked Emma from her fast paced thoughts of mentally planning her strategy of getting Her Majesty's coffee and getting to the office before eight. As soon as the doors were wide enough for her to get out she bolted for the exit. After the first week or so of getting her morning schedule down so she would be ready by eight (she was not a morning person) Emma decided to find an apartment closer to work, just in case. And this morning was one of those cases.

She thanked her stubborn determination of never wanting to see a condescending smug smirk on her boss' face if she was ever late for it was that reason she lived a few blocks away. Her go-to coffee shop was around the corner where she knew mostly all the baristas and they knew her, more importantly her order. She swung the café door open and stuttered to a stop a few steps in. Shit! A fucking line?! Emma shifted her weight on the balls of her feet to see around the mass of people to gauge the wait.

She was sweating bullets and about to call in and give an excuse for her tardiness when she caught the eye of one of her favorite barista. The long haired brunette smiled at her and waved her over. "Emma!" Feeling like a bad person and super grateful at the same time, Emma walked past the people in line, some giving her the stink eye. She smiled weakly at the barista who pulled out two large to-go cups that were still warm. "Figured you were running late today."

"You are saving my skin here, Anna, thank you!" Emma said quickly. Trying to dig for her wallet in her jacket.

"Oh, please, don't mention it. It's on me." Anna said trying to stop Emma from paying. Emma looked up at her and smiled again. She swore the smile on Anna's face never left and it made her look so much younger. "Go on before the Queen takes off your head." she said giggling.

"I owe you, Anna." Emma thanked her and left the café as quickly as she could. A quick glance at her watch told her she was going to be cutting it very close.

Emma made it to the 24th floor lobby of Crown and Sword Publishing to a steady stream of bustling workers. Some days were pretty mild and others were hectic, fortunately for her, it was one of the former that morning. She still had to dodge and side step bodies in her haste to get to the far corner office that belonged to her boss. She managed to avoid a mail cart by twirling around it with her arms up to calm the hot liquid in her hands. As soon as she righted herself down the hallway she was forcefully met with a skinny body and felt hot sticky liquid coat her front.

"Shit! Are you fucking kidding me?!" she froze on the spot to examine her ruined shirt and looked up at what appeared to be a wide eyed intern holding a large stack of manuscripts. He looked so frightened by Emma's wide angry eyes he began to back away from her. "Are you new to walking?!" she snapped at him in frustration and slight pain from burns.

He mumbled an apology and quickly walked in the opposite direction which looked more like a slow run. Other workers took notice of the small morning disaster taking place, some offering sympathetic looks or words but continuing on their morning. Emma swore she heard someone mumble 'rub some dirt on it'. It really is a cut throat place sometimes.

Emma trudged to her cubicle to set down a mostly empty cup minus a lid and a full one, thankfully untouched. At this moment she was glad that there was more than one occasion where she slept at her desk over night so that she had an extra outfit in said desk. She pulled open the bottom drawer, reached to the back, and pulled out a dark blue blouse. Her slacks were fine enough so she quickly went to the restroom to change and clean up. She checked her time again. She had two minutes to get situated and be in Regina's office, coffee in hand. It was going to be very close.

The redheaded secretary at the head of the small lobby to the 24th floor was on the phone with a potential client when her eyes wandered up to the opening elevator doors. Her eyes went wide slightly as she shifted from her relaxed position to rigidly sit in front of her computer. She placed the receiver between her ear and shoulder and opened up a group chat to mostly everyone on the floor. The secretary's eyes stayed on the woman now out of the elevator as she began to type a message. Once she clicked send, she mentally relaxed. Others on the floor, not so much.

Cheryl; to 36 others: Winter has come. Its here!

The chat message popped up on several screens on the 24th floor causing its recipients to pick up phones, check mail, and file paperwork. As a rigid brunette moved through the cubicles, workers who had slight warning never met her cold glare, as they were obviously busy working now.

The elevator dinged its arrival to the 24th floor and Regina thanked the heavens for her release from pure torture. She had unfortunately been trapped in the metal box with a coworker that would not get the hint that she did not want to talk. The fact that she barely said six words to him didn't deter his speech.

After another pause in the one sided conversation he began again, "So, any plans for the holidays?" Regina was getting a headache. "My brothers are coming into town so I'm glad I don't have to brave the airlines this year." he chuckled, she bristled slightly. Nothing about this was amusing or lighthearted to her. Regina's features stayed blank and uninterested. "I am looking forward to all that turkey and ham though!" he chuckled again while patting his stomach. "You aren't vegetarian or anything, right? That would be a shame to miss out on a Thanksgiving tradition."

Thanksgiving tradition.

Regina Mills didn't have any holiday traditions besides pay her respects to her parents and work into the night with a stiff drink. She hasn't for a very long time. No one needed to know that though.

"I am not a vegetarian, Mr. Graham. As far as Thanksgiving traditions go, considering how the holiday first started in history, I am certainly not going to partake in those activities." her response was clipped and cold. He either got the hint or didn't know how to respond, which was fine with her.

Outside the elevator she strode with confidence and determination a bit excessively but she needed to get to her office as soon as possible. A bottle of Tylenol in her desk was calling her name. Despite how well her conversation with August Booth went it only took an elevator ride with a chatty coworker to put a damper on her mood. For a small moment she was glad that people backed away from her or parted like the Red Sea in the hall so she could get to her office just a little faster. It annoyed the hell out of her that she was surrounded by weak-willed people but there was a delicious taste in her mouth from the power it gave her.

The door to her office was closed. Not a good sign. As she entered, her suspicions were confirmed when she found it empty. Annoyance doubled pushing that headache further into her eye sockets. She never let it show, however, instead she quietly moved behind her desk. As she sat a figure strode quickly into her office and right to her side. She fought the urge to smirk as she knew exactly who it was. Without a word she held a hand out while her gaze was on her desk and its papers already demanding attention.

A warm cup was placed in her open hand. "Morning, boss." Regina heard and noticed the breathing was slightly labored. She moved a few papers around her desk with her free hand, not bothering to look at the blonde.

"Nice of you to show, Miss Swan. Now. Double check the book launch location. Confirm three times, if you must, I will not lose that hall to a wedding or silly high school prom. Call Randy G. to remind him of his financial responsibilities. We're not bonds people. Call PR to start drafting a release for our new writer, Mr. Booth, getting on The View. Check our sales. Oh, and call housekeeping. I saw a spill on the carpet in the hallway as I came in." she let out a sigh and mumbled, "Honestly, is it hard to keep this place looking professional?"

Emma had been mentally creating her list of duties as Regina spoke but by the end her concentration broke and she shifted slightly on her feet. She ignored the stab her boss took at her tardiness when Emma felt her prompt attendance was the miracle of the year. Not to mention an unexpected workout and damaging to her nerves. Emma's eyebrows rose at the writer, however. "August Booth? Wow. The View. That's amazing. I knew his stuff was good but The View so soon? That's…wow. Nice work." she began to walk out of the office.

"If I wanted your praise Id ask for it." Regina deadpanned motioning to put her coffee down on her desk, her hand froze. "Miss Swan?" Emma froze at the door but dutifully returned to stand in front of Regina's desk. "Who is…Anna? And why does she want me to…call her?" Emma felt a chill run down to her gut. Regina turned the cup slightly so she could see the two words and a telephone number written delicately on the side. Emma's first thought was Anna got up her courage to hit on her today, of all days when her boss ended up with her coffee cup.

Not knowing how to answer besides with the truth Emma took a deep breath, "A barista. That was originally my cup."

She could see Regina tense slightly and she nodded slightly as she eyed the cup again. "I'm drinking your coffee because…?" She slowly brought the cup to her lips, sipping. "And you just so happen to drink a seasonal apple spice soy latte with a pump of peppermint, as well?" Regina eyed her with an almost playful smirk that just came across as deathly.

Emma gulped. This was embarrassing. There was no way to lie out of this now. She straightened her spine and looked her boss in the eyes. "I do. Its like drinking the holiday season in every sip." she said almost mockingly. Her eyes momentarily faltered while gazing at brown eyes that looked much too dark for the morning. "And your cup spilled." she practically mumbled.

It took Regina only a moment or two to put the pieces together. Realization lit behind her eyes as she placed the cup down sharply. "Let me get this straight, Miss Swan. You were late today because you were pining after some barista and busy ruining company property with your un-swan like grace?" Regina finally took the blonde's outfit in and could faintly see coffee stains on her dark slacks. "You may not hold your belongings in high regard in your private time but here at work we have standards in our appearances." she finished condescendingly.

By this point Emma was fuming. Every sentence, hell every word, her boss spewed hit her buttons. "Hey, I was not late! It's not like I spilled hot coffee all over myself on purpose, either." Emma bristled and Regina's jaw clenched. "And with the help of some barista I got here sooner rather than later so don't take that tone about her."

Regina stood with her hands firmly planted on her desk ready for a verbal beat down when her office phone began to ring. Its shrill tone only heightened the tension and pushed her pass a headache to a migraine. She knew she needed to take the call but wasn't going to let her assistant get the last word. She eyed the phone then back to the blonde, raising an eyebrow expectantly. Emma huffed her frustration, hating to submit to her boss but knowing she had to. She hated the thought of Regina holding her lack of professionalism over her as well.

Emma stepped to the big oak desk and picked up the receiver with a quick jerk, never dropping Regina's gaze. "Miss Mills' office." she tried to say sweetly but Regina could hear the frustration in her tone. Regina internally smirked. "Hi Bob. Yes." Emma shortly replied in response to one of the higher paid Editors. Emma noticed Regina tense even further, if that was possible, and let out a breath through her nostrils that reminded her of an angry bull. Maybe this is the wrong time to push her buttons. At this point she swore Regina could see red or bust a vein. She really didn't want to force her boss to the hospital today.

Regina stood erect turning to her second desk against the window that held her computer. Emma listened to Bob beat around the bush about wanting to speak to Regina, she was use to that so she let him talk. A gesture from Regina halted her for a moment. "Yeah, Bob, we're actually heading your way." When Regina turned back towards her Emma gave her a questioning look which was ignored as her boss shuffled more papers around. Emma hung up the phone when Bob finally stopped talking. "Why are we going to Bob's?" Her answer was a pointed look and suck of teeth as if Emma didn't need to know.

Emma bristled again at being out of the loop. For the past 3 years, as far as Emma was concerned, it was her job to make sure the loop stayed connected in the life of Regina Mills. Being out of it for a moment felt foreign to her, as odd as that sounded. Not that Emma knew anything really personal about her boss by being told directly, she just always had a sense of wanting to get inside the inner personal loop of Regina Mills. Just out of curiosity. A metaphor about curiosities and cats barely registered as Emma pushed the thoughts out and quickly exited the office. I really need coffee for this morning.