First of all, I want to thank once_upon_a_girl for her amazing and hard work. Love you!

I'm really sorry it took me so long to update this ff, but here it is.

Enjoy it!

Introducing her world to Robin is easier than she would have thought. Regina spent a few days with him, showing the many aspects of their hard work and how the company is structured in different departments. Each one of them has a specific purpose with different deadlines and rules to follow, but in some ways, they are all connected. Should, for any reasons, something go wrong the entire magazine may be delayed and Regina could never allow it. She counts on each manager in the different departments to do their job as good as possible and to make sure things are done the right way. Differently than what people may think of her, they can always count on Regina for any kind of problem, matter or just a suggestion. Being around to help each other is one of the many lessons she's learnt from Ingrid when she started working for the magazine. When Ingrid became the Editor-in-Chief, some people doubted that her attitude and behavior would've changed, that power would've turned her into a nasty woman, but Regina knew better. Ingrid was one of the best and Storybrooke clearly suffered after she left. Regina had some big shoes to fill and it took her a while before she felt entirely comfortable, but things got easier with time. Every single decision, even the smallest one, is crucial when you're the Editor-in-Chief of a magazine with such a massive impact on fashion worldwide. Except for one person, Regina can trust each member of her team to keep up the name of Storybrooke.

Sitting at her desk, the phone shoots a reminder that she has to attend Jason Haunt's photoshoot in twenty minutes. Regina grabs her bag and coat and leaves her office.

'Ruby, please tell Jay I leave in five.' Regina says walking towards Robin's office.

'Yes, Regina', her assistant says, typing Jay's number right away.

The door of his office is half open, but she still knocks. Robin smiles as soon as his eyes meet hers: 'Regina! What can I do for you?'

'Don't.. Don't you close the door?', she asks, walking towards his desk.

'Bad habits, I guess.'

'Oh, fine.' Regina decides not to pay much attention about his lifestyle. The last thing she wants is to be too noisy or even show interest in his life. 'Anyway, I'm leaving to attend a photoshoot session. Care to join me?'

'A photoshoot session? Yeah, sure.' Robin says, standing up. 'Lead the way.'

##########################

'Regina', Jay lowers his head to greet her, as he opens the door of the black Mercedes. 'Ruby messaged me the location of the photoshoot. We'll be there right in time.'

'Awesome. And Jay? This is Robin Locksley, my co-worker.' She says sliding onto the backseat of the car, trying not to waste any more time.

'Nice to meet you, Jay', Robin says, extending his hand.

'It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Locksley', Jay smile politely, shaking his hand.

'Please, call me Robin.'

For most of the time Regina is too lost on the sketches of Jason's dresses to pay much attention to the man sitting next to her on the backseat. Ruby already had the folder ready as she knows how meticulous Regina is, especially when it comes to details. Everything must be on point during a photoshoot, from tip to tail, from hairstyle to shoes – even the smallest detail is played to perfection. Regina believes that the single issue of the magazine can get half of the estimated sales just by using the right cover photo.

'So..', Robin clears his voice, breaking the silence in the vehicle. 'Is there anything in particular I should know about this photoshoot before we get there?'

'Well, Jason Haunt is a dear friend of mine', she says turning to look at him. 'Last year he launched his first collection and he quickly became a famous stylist. His style may be.. alternative at times and not entirely understood by a not-trained eye, but he has a great potential. Jason called a few weeks ago, asking for my opinion about his latest collection and we worked together on some details.'

'But..', Robin doesn't hesitate, 'If you already helped him with the collection, why are we going to the photoshoot session? Or is it something you usually do?'

He is smart, Regina thinks, biting her tongue. No way she would've let those words slip out of her mouth.

'I rarely attend any photoshoot sessions. With Cruella and Milah I work on the accessories, shoes and hairstyles back at the office, then I leave them on charge.'

'And this time is different, because..'

'Because as soon as Mr. Gold found out about this favor, he called Jason..' Regina purses her lips, still feeling irritated about it, 'And, let's just say that Mr. Gold asked him if he could give Storybrooke an exclusive preview of the collection or, at least, a part of it', she explains, feeling the anger raging once again. Mr. Gold put Jason in such an awkward situation in which he had no choice but to accept it. Regina felt ashamed of being the face of the magazine. When it comes to getting an exclusive on something noteworthy or extremely important, there's nothing she wouldn't do to be one of the first to report it, but not like this. Not with a friend like Jason. 'This is why we are gonna attend this photoshoot. Now more than ever, it has to be perfect, I owe it to Jason.'

'Oh, it makes sense now.' Robin nodded his head, putting the sketches back into the folder when she realizes, that they are close to the venue. 'Correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like Mr. Gold doesn't do anything for nothing. Like, he always tries to gain something.'

'No..', Regina clears her voice, turning back to him: 'I mean.. no, you're not wrong and yes, that's one of his best features. Speaking of business, that feature is quite effective and productive, but there are limits, that should never be crossed.'

'I see. Well, some people don't think about the weight of their actions, so they cross those limits', Robin looks away, breaking the eye contact: 'And voluntarily or not, they hurt people in ways they probably would never understand. Not completely anyway.'

Regina can't help but feel bitter after those words. She may no longer look into his beautiful blue eyes, but she knows, that something is wrong with him. She wishes she could say something to make him feel better, but when she opens her mouth, nothing comes out. Perhaps one day, he'll tell her what's bothering him, but until then she'll give him all the time he needs.

'Here we are', Jay says, interrupting Regina's thoughts.

'Thank you, Jay', she bubbles, grabbing her bag and the envelope on her lap. Her trustworthy driver gets out of the car and walks around it fast, to open her door. He extends his arms to offer his help. 'I.. I think I can manage getting out of this car without your help. But thank you.' Regina eventually finds a way to get out of the vehicle without falling down onto the sidewalk, in front of many people. 'I'll call you when we're ready to leave.'

'Always at your service, Regina.' He smiles, slightly lowering his head.

Approaching the building, Robin walks faster to get to the door first and opens it for Regina. She thanks him, silently wondering whether he acts like that with every woman or just with her. It's not the first time she notices that he does these little things, like an 'old school'- gentleman, a real one. Not that she would complain about it, she's just not used to it. People open doors for her almost every day, during special occasions or events or, most precisely, to get in her good graces, but something is different with Robin. Professionally speaking, there's nothing she could do to get him to a higher level on his career and clearly nobody is forcing him to be extremely kind with her. It comes so natural and spontaneously to him. Trying not to fantasize too much about his gallantry, Regina leads the way reaching the photoshoot set.

'Oh My God! Ms. Mills!', a redhead woman suddenly bumps into Regina. 'I'm so sorry. I was distracted and I didn't see you. My apologies.'

'That's fine', Regina says, fixing her clothes.

'We were.. I mean, Mr. Haunt and Graham are waiting for you.' Despite all her efforts, the woman is now blushing and Regina can clearly see her cheeks turning red.

'And now that I'm here, let's get the party started.'

'Absolutely, Ms. Mills.'

'One more thing..' Regina turns fast towards the young woman, looking straight into her blue eyes, 'How many times do I need to tell you not to call me Ms. Mills, Zelena?' Without breaking the eye contact, Regina waits for an answer that doesn't come. 'Good. Then call me Regina. Please.' She says smiling at her to defuse the situation.

'Yes, Regina.'

Followed by Robin and Zelena, Regina reaches her dear friend Jason in the other room, who was waiting for her with the best photographer she ever met. Graham and Jason stops talking as soon as they see her. Jason greets her with open arms, gently kissing her cheeks and Graham slightly bows in front of her and says, 'there you are!'

'I apologize, you know I hate being late', Regina says smiling at them.

'That would be my fault.' Robin takes a step forward, raising his right hand. 'I didn't know about the photoshoot session until this morning.'

'You must me Robin Locksley, the man who's trying to take Regina's leading role and stealing the company in the meantime. Am I wrong?' Graham says in an irritated (tone of) voice, without taking his eyes off him.

'Well..' Robin hesitates, wondering what to answer. 'I'm not doing such a thing, but you're right about something - I am Robin Locksley, nice to meet you.' He stretches out his hand, waiting for Graham to shake his hand, but he doesn't. Regina hates this situation more than she is willing to admit, she wishes she could do something, at least say something, but she stands still instead. She needs to talk to Graham as soon as possible, but not in front of them, especially not in front of Robin.

Jason, though, breaks the ice and shakes Robin's hand smiling at him. 'Pleasure to meet you Mr. Locksley. I'm Jason Haunt. Is this your first photoshoot?'

'Is it so obvious?' Robin answers, rubbing the back of the neck with his left hand.

'Graham, a word, please.' Regina requests, taking a few steps back, inviting her friend to follow her whether he wants it or not. 'Jason, why don't you show Robin the different sets in the meantime? I will be right back.' Without waiting for a direct answer, Regina turns around and keeps walking, knowing for sure that Graham is following her. She stops only when she finds a private spot, where nobody will interfere nor listen to them.

'Regina..'

'No. I speak first', She says, interrupting him. 'I don't know what pushed you to say those things to Mr. Locksley, but whatever that was, you did something wrong. This is not how we do things, we don't treat people, especially coworkers, like that. What were you thinking?' She sounds more rude than she wants to, but this isn't about Robin, it is about work.

'I'm sorry, Regina.' Graham says, looking straight into her eyes. 'You know I would support you until the end of times, but I heard that Mr. Gold hired Mr. Locksley to question all of your decisions, forces you to work with him and discredits your hard work, so I couldn't resist it. Nobody knows as much about fashion like you do, you're the Queen of Fashion for God's sake, and looking at this..', Graham hesitates for a second, '..gorgeous, but not so competent, British man, irritates me.'

Regina spontaneously smiles at the fact, that he calls Robin gorgeous, can she blame him? If Graham only knows how good Robin is in bed, Regina thinks.

'Look..', She tries not to think about what happened in the elevator, 'I don't like this situation either. Do you think I want my decisions to be questioned all the time? That one member of the board, despite the fact that he's a jerk, does whatever he can to put me under a bad light to take my place? And if he wins, I might lose this company forever after everything I've sacrificed for Storybrooke magazine? No! I don't.' Regina takes a deep breath. 'But.. I'm trying to make this thing work as good as I can. It's hard, but it's for the best of the magazine.'

'You are the only one the magazine needs. Everybody in that building is amazing, talented and useful, but they are not indispensable.' Graham takes a step closer and takes her hand: 'There are thousands of photographers, models, designers, stylists all around the world, but there's only one Regina Mills. Without you, Storybrooke would be nothing. You can't let him win, you won't let him. Promise me!'

'I will try, Graham. You know how much this magazine means to me', she says, smiling at him. She can't just promise that, it's way too much, even for her. Gold is a powerful man and he never takes a no for answer.

'I'd be the first one to quit, if he becomes the Editor-in-Chief, even if it means creating a new magazine from the scratch with you.'

'Hopefully that won't be necessary', Regina says, placing her hand on his shoulder, trying to reassure him. 'Now. Can we focus on this photoshoot? For Jason.'

'Alright, ma'am.'

During the entire photoshoot, Robin can't help but admire how much hard work Regina puts in everything she does, especially in the smallest details. People think they are spectacular photos, but watching her and Graham working together on the different sets changes his point of view. What common people may think are just necklaces, rings and hats, they are actually small details, that makes the final result more perfect. And Robin understands that now.

'Sorry', Regina says talking toward him, at the back of the room.

'Oh no. Don't.' Robin smiles politely. 'Some details are essential, especially during a photoshoot.'

'Actually I wanted to apologize for what happened earlier. With.. with Graham.' She crosses her arms around her chest, looking for the right words to say. 'It's not your fault that Gold dragged you into this messy and complicated situation, and Graham should've never talked to you like that. He's.. he's a pro at his job, but before that he's a great friend and cares for me. I'm sorry he overstepped.'

'Regina, that's okay. You don't have to apologize for that, it's not your responsibility', Robin says, slowly finding his way to her hand and taking it. 'I'm sure he's not the only one that thinks like that.'

'What do you mean?'

'Working for you.. with you in the past few days, opened my eyes. You're not that self-concentrated, heartless, work obsessed boss I thought you were. I mean, you're a little bit obsessed with work, but it's a different kind of obsession. It's passion!' He gently rubs his thumb over the back of her hand. 'It's honorable how much you dedicate to this magazine and now, I understand when people say that Storybrooke wouldn't be the same without you. You're the heart of it, the breathing soul. So, don't worry about me. I'll be fine.'

'Well.. that's not fair though', she says, lowering her face to masquerade the fact that she's blushing.

'I'll be gone before they can even realize that. As soon as Gold understands, how valuable and essential you are to this magazine, I'll be out of your life and you'll keep doing your work without me breathing against your neck every second of the day.'

Regina rises her head fast, her eyes wide open. If a few minutes before she was simply blushing, now her cheeks are burning like hell. Flashbacks of that night in the elevator come back to Regina's mind as her breaths become deeper and louder.

'You shouldn't-'

'I probably shouldn't have said that, but..' Robin smirks a few inches away from her, 'your pulse.. I can feel it beating faster against my fingers.'

'Robin..', Regina whispers softly, making it sound like a prayer. Willingly or not, Robin moves slightly closer. Their noses are few millimeters from rubbing against each other and so are their lips. Regina swallows loudly, looking back and forth from his eyes to his lips.

'Regina! There you are!', A feminine voice fills up the entire room, forcing Robin to let her hand go. 'This place is amazing, wide but amazing.'

Regina takes a step back and tries to clear her head. That voice is way too familiar to her that she knows that Emma is walking toward them. 'Emma. What are you doing here?' She asks, friendly hugging her. Despite the fact Regina is glad to see her friend, she can't help but think that Robin almost kissed her.

'I need to talk to you. I was looking for you at the office, but Ruby told me you were here for a photoshoot session. So.. here I am, but I guess you're busy.' Emma says, turning to Robin.

'Oh, right. Emma, this is Robin Locksley, my partner for the magazine. Robin, this is my friend Emma.' Regina introduces them, trying to look as normal as possible. 'And no, I'm not busy. The photoshoot's just finished, we were about to leave.'

'I didn't mean to interrupt you.' Emma insists.

'No interruption at all. I'm gonna call a cab, so you and your friend will have the car all by yourself.' Robin says, turning to Regina. He gently places his hand on her back before he leaves.

'Wait!', she says, unconsciously grabbing his wrist. 'Emma and I will take a walk, I need to stretch my legs. You take the car, I'll call Jay, when we will be ready to come back.'

'Are you sure, Regina? I'm sure I can find a cab at every corner of this town', Robin insists.

'Don't be silly. I'm gonna text you his number.' She grabs her phone as she speaks. 'Call him and he will take you wherever you need.'

'Well, thank you then. See you tomorrow at the office.' Robin smiles at her, before greeting the blonde woman standing right next to them. 'It was nice to meet you, Emma.'

'See you tomorrow.'

'My pleasure.' Emma says, without taking her eyes off him until he walked out of the room. 'Look at those smiles!'

'What.. what smiles?'

'Mr. Hansome's smile and yours.' Emma says, raising her left eyebrow. 'Girl, you're glowing.'

'Oh shut up, Emma. I'm not glowing at all.' Regina wraps her arm around Emma's and they start walking out of the room. 'We're just working together, actually we're forced to. It's not what you think.'

'Please, Regina. Tell me how terrifying, uncomfortable, awful it is to be forced to work with such a handsome guy every single day. I'm all ears.'

'Why am I still talking to you?' Regina laughs, trying not to think about how uncomfortable it is to work with him, after they made love on the pavement of the elevator.

'Because I'm your friend and you love me.' Emma slightly tilts her head to lay on Regina's shoulder. 'He's British, right?'

'Come on!'

On their way to the Starbucks down to the next block, Regina avoids every single question Emma asks about Robin and their professional relationship. In a normal situation, she would be up to answer every question, but when it comes to Robin she always ends up saying more than she should. Knowing Emma, she already started a book inside that blondie head of hers about how they met, what happens during late nights at work, the wedding venue and their children's names, she clearly doesn't need more encouragement. Despite the fact that Regina hates lying, especially to the people close to her, she can't just tell her the truth. Both Robin and her agreed to never talk about what happened in the elevator that night, it was a mistake, a one-night thing.

If it was really nothing, then why I have feeling we were about to kiss again a few minute ago? Why did I crave his lips against mine so badly?

'Earth to Regina. Are you here?', Emma asks, interrupting her thoughts as they're walking into a small park downtown.

'Yes. Yes, I'm sorry.' Regina shakes her head, trying to focus on her friend as they sit on a bench. 'You said you needed to talk to me and you looked worried. Is everything okay?'

'Walsh is back!' Emma says out of the blue, that Regina almost chokes on her latte. 'Yes. He wanted to talk and yesterday we met for breakfast.'

'Oh Emma..'

'That's okay. He said that he's an idiot, that he didn't mean what he said that day. He was tired and stressed because of the wedding. If he could turn back time and change everything, he would.' Emma lowers her head, staring at the Starbucks-cup in her hands. 'He asked me for a second chance. Start over.'

'And you?' Regina asks, trying to not push her friends too much. She wants to give her all the time she needs.

'I don't know what to do, Regina, that's why I came to you.' Emma turns to her and, despite all the efforts, she can't hide the tears that are slowly filling up her eyes. 'What would you do if Daniel would show up and tell you he wants to be with you again?'

'That's different.' Regina shakes her head. 'Daniel and I agreed to divorce, we weren't meant to be. We were happy at the start, but then our marriage started to fall apart right in front of us and there was nothing we could have done to fix it.' Regina bites her tongue, still feeling guilty for what had happened. 'We're happier now than we've been in the last few months of our marriage. And Walsh? This's something else.'

'But..'

'Walsh walked away. He left you a month before your wedding, because he was too stressed and tired. He told you he was wrong about your relationship, about you. He even said that the last three years were a mistake! Emma, look..', Regina stretches her arm and holds her friend's hand. 'I don't mean to rub it into your face, but I remember how much those words have hurt you and how heartbroken you were, I don't want to see you like that ever again.'

'What if he really changed his mind?', Emma asks, unable now to stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks. 'Don't we all deserve a second chance?'

'You already gave it to him, remember? You asked him to meet in Central Park, right on the bench where you first saw each other, so you could have the chance to talk, but he didn't show up. And for how long did you wait for him?!'

'F- four hours.'

'Four hours. You sat on that bench for four long hours, waiting for him to give you the explanation you deserved and he didn't show up. He simply disappeared like he never existed and he moved away to God knows where.' Regina rises her free hand and wipes away the tears from Emma's face. 'It's been two years now, you moved on. You've become a whole new person – stronger, braver and independent.'

'Then why does it still hurt so much?'

'Sweetie, that's normal. A part of you will always care about him. Look..', Regina slightly turns her body towards Emma and gets closer. 'I can't tell you what to do nor what's best for you, but think of the woman you used to be and the woman you are now. Look how far you've come, how you've changed and let your instinct decide.'

Without saying anything, Emma wraps her arms around Regina then and hugs her tight, bursting into tears. Regina hugs her as well, slowly rubbing her hands up and down on Emma's back. She wish she could do more for Emma, but it's up to her now. Regina never really rooted for Walsh, but she's okay with him, as long as he makes her friend happy.

'Thank you, Regina.' Emma says between the sobs, as she breaks the hug.

'You don't need to thank me. I'm your friend and that's what friends are for.'

Once again, I'm sorry for updating it after such a long time. I really hope you enjoyed it tho!

Sadly I have to give up on "My Other Half" ff because I don't have enough time to write it and the last chapter of "The Bandit" will be posted as soon as possible.

Many of you know that I'm a video maker and I really love that, but it's not easy to make videos and still find the time to write fanfictions. So, I was wondering if you're still interested in this AU story or not. Please, let me know, so I'll decide what to do.

Daisy.