I actually found this update in my computer and never posted it. Seriously it had already been spell checked and everything. I have no idea how it never got posted. Either way, I hope you enjoy. Happy reading.

I don't own OUAT.

Chapter 5. Mayor Mills.

2 week's time…

Rain crashed down onto already drenched brown hair. Mascara remnants cascaded along tan cheeks in addition to the red lipstick that was smudged across frustrated plump lips. Heeled toes kicked the car tire for what must have been the millionth time. She cursed at the vehicle for picking one of the most important days of her life to break down. In the rain. At night. Regina looked under the hood of her car again. A fruitless attempt. She knew nothing about the miscellaneous parts and wires that lay underneath. They might have well been a bunch of cardboard boxes labeled in Japanese characters. Her knowledge on cars and how they work was something she never deemed fit or necessary to acquire. Although, at this moment, she really wished she had listened to her father all those years ago when he was trying to teach her. His attempts to educate her would always be rebuffed. Learning how to fix a car was a man's job. And it was obviously not the sex she was assigned to during the moments of conception. Perhaps if he had taught her how to break in a car, she'd been more interested.

Brown eyes looked into the driver side window noticing the car keys still hanging in the ignition. Regina folded her arms across her chest. The black pea coat she wore didn't do much for keeping her warm or dry. "This is just fucking great." She said angrily. Tonight was supposed to be one of promise. Her last debate was a week ago and tonight was when she would wait for the final decision. The brunette had planned to go home to her son, turn on the news broadcasting the election and either jump in excitement with her boy or share some 'good try' ice cream together. It was supposed to be easy peasy. But, the universe apparently had other plans. For once why couldn't something just go exactly the way she wanted? Who out there was against her? What force hated her enough to leave her outside, in the rain, keys locked inside the car, a dead cellphone and wearing a coat that –at this point- seemed more for fashion than practicality?

Regina hugged herself even tighter, beginning to walk the 6 mile walk to her home. Cold feet in unforgiving heels walked briskly. Her breath misting in front of her face. The air was getting colder and the rain wasn't showing any sign of letting up. More like a tsunami than rain if Regina had anything to say about it. She picked up her pace, bearing her head down as strong wind made the harsh rainfall slap against her face. "Can this get any worse!?" She yelled through high gusts threatening to take her breath away. Closing her eyes to continue forward, already saturated feet stepped into a large mud puddle. Its contents splashing all over her legs. Red smudged lips let out a very feminine squeal as she felt the grainy germs seep into her stockings. Tears began pool at her eyelids. Normally something she would hold back. But it was dark and rainy; therefore no one would even know she was crying. Not that there was anyone there to witness it in the first place. To Regina, tears seemed absolutely necessary at this point. She was cold, wet, dirty, scared and hungry. The description of her current situation reminded her much of a stray dog.

Tanned hands grabbed the front of her coat along the neck as another blast of air went straight through her; bypassing her skin and going straight to her bones. She was shivering now. Her teeth chattering through clenched jaws. Heeled toes were now numb as she trudged forward. The brunette wasn't one to think too much of death or what would be her misfortune. But she came to the conclusion that after tonight, it was definitely going to be by severe pneumonia.

A pair of bright white lights began to shine behind her. She continued forward, ignoring them. There was no way she would be hopping into some stranger's car tonight. She has seen enough horror movies to know better. The lights grew brighter, signaling the car was closer. But they seemed to approach more slowly. Letting the brunette know that this person planned on stopping. The situation had a 50/50 chance of either one: helping her home or, two: murdering her on the side of the rode after sexually assaulting her. Chances not worth being taken. She would rather risk the walk home and catch pneumonia than willing put herself into that type of situation.

The car was closer now. Really close. Practically riding belong side her. Regina didn't bother to look the driver's way. She continued forward, although at a much slower pace that was inevitable due to her body giving way to the cold stiffening her joints and muscles. The passenger window was being rolled down.

"Regina…?"

The former mention turned her head towards the familiar voice. She stopped in her tracks to face the yellow car and bent downward to see the person inside. Concerned green eyes were staring back at her. "Emma?"

The blonde quickly stopped her car and reached over to open the passenger side door. Normally the brunette would detest against riding in something so…hideous. But right now she was desperate and the car could have been a pumpkin for all she cared. Regina ducked into the car quickly closing the door after her.

Emma rolled up the passenger window from her side control buttons. She reached around towards the back seat pulling forward a dark brown wool blanket; taking the liberty of wrapping it around the shivering brunette beside her. The older woman didn't make a motion of negation or a sarcastic quip, which the blonde was sure to come and was slightly worried when it didn't. Emma reached across the brunette to grab hold of the seatbelt to buckle her in. Her worry dissipated slightly when she noticed Regina giving her a threatening look. Making sure she keeps her hands in their proper places. After securing the seatbelt, the blond began to turn the dials controlling the cars temperature putting the heat on its highest setting and blasting the air through the vents. Green irises took a glance towards the brunette who was slowly beginning to stop the shivers. Deciding there was nothing more for her to do to make the woman beside her more comfortable. She put her car in gear and drove forward.

Silence followed for the better of fifteen minutes. The blonde refusing to start any conversation knowing that the brunette may not be ready just yet. She had no idea what could have happened for the older woman to be outside alone in the rain. At night at that. This town wasn't big on violence but it still wasn't safe. Maybe she didn't have anyone to call…..but she could have called me. I would have come. Does she know that? Or…would that be too much to assume. The blonde continued driving in silence. Not sure where she was going at all. It was more of an attempt to wait for the brunette to speak up and give directions. Emma glanced to her passenger seat. Regina had visibly stopped shivering and some color was definitely coming back to her cheeks. The blanket and high heat obviously doing what she intended. Although it was making the blonde sweat underneath her jacket, but it was a small price to pay for helping…a friend? Were they friends? They have been texting every day since that night. But nothing of title came to play. Perhaps they were still acquaintances. That just happened to text often. That doesn't happen. So what is it then? I don't know. Maybe an acquaintance-ship. That's stupid. Emma rolled her eyes discreetly at the inner mental battle.

They drove around a bit more; stopping at red light before Regina decided to speak.

"Thank you."

The sudden sound startled the blonde. They had been quiet for almost a full twenty minutes. She looked over to the brunette briefly before pulling her eyes back to the windshield; pressing her foot on the gas as the light turned green. "You're welcome."

Silence once again.

"Are…you okay?" Emma asked.

"I'm fine thank you." Regina's voice was soft. Not in a way to show affection. More in a fashion of weakness. The brunette inwardly cursed herself for coming off that way. But it couldn't be helped. She really just hoped the blonde wouldn't pity her or use it against her later.

There was a brief pause before speaking. "You're going to have to give me directions to your place. I have no idea where I'm going." Emma gave a soft smile. An effort in lightening the situation.

...

The yellow bug soon pulled up slowly to a large white house. An elegant black gate was blocking the walkway leading up to a white door numbered '108' sitting between two large columns. Emma parked her car and looked over to the brunette who was fumbling with the blanket to remove herself from the seat. The blonde leaned over to unlatch the seat belt allowing the brunette to finish the rest for herself. After tossing the blanket towards the backseat she spoke up. "Let me help you inside."

Regina merely shook her head and raised a hand. "That won't be necessary. But, thank you, for the ride."

"I just want to make sure you're ok."

The brunette paused for a moment. Contemplating. The blonde had been exceptionally nice in offering her the ride. Along with warming her up. She took a breath. But what if the younger woman thought this to be more of a nightcap than a friendly endeavor. Although, the blonde did give her some sort of space. Not really asking what happened nor playing cruelly in a moment of weakness that was beyond her control. Maybe, just this once, for a short a couple minutes, she could lower her guard. Enough for Emma to see she was in fact ok. The blonde wasn't asking for too much in her opinion. Just a chance to make sure her good deed for the night was followed through. Perhaps, she simply just…cared. Maybe. Regina nodded; suppressing an eye roll when she saw the smile that spread across the younger woman's lips.

Emma quickly made her way out of the car; motioning over to the passenger side where the older woman was having a harder time getting out. The brunette wobbled a bit on her feet. Her lower limbs left weak from being numb from the cold, along with remaining still for a period of time in intense heat. The blonde reached out, wrapping an arm around a damp waist to keep the older woman steady. Regina clutched at a leather clad arm to balance herself. The muscle tone of the woman beside her was enough to catch her attention longer than she had anticipated. Impure thoughts on how the blonde's strength could be used in forms of pleasure invaded her mind fleetingly before mentally shooing them away.

Emma kept her arm around the older woman's waist, walking leisurely to the front door. The rain had let up significantly. Pure mist now. As the two figures grew closer the door swung open reveling a panic stricken Katherine in the door way. A small boy was peeking behind her legs. The duo crossed over the threshold slowly. They made their way to the nearest couch; Emma removing her hands to set her down gently. Henry ran over to the couch leaping onto it and wrapping his small arms around his mother's neck. "Mommy you came back," he buried his face in the crook of her neck.

Regina stroked his soft hair planting a kiss on his forehead. "Of course I came back sweetheart, why wouldn't I?" The brunette glanced at the clock. She was three hours behind her normal time of returning home. A pang of guilt swam through her system. What could she have possibly done to make her little boy feel that she would ever abandon him? Maybe it was the recently long hours at work. Or the time she has been spending with the blonde. Either way she made a note to put a day aside especially for him. One where their bond can be strengthened so he would never think that way again.

Tanned hands placed themselves on either side of the five year olds face. The brunette looked at him lovingly before placing a gentle kiss on his cheek. "I'm never going anywhere. Remember that. Ok?"

Henry beamed, "ok Mommy." He climbed off of her lap. His pajamas dampened by his mother's own wet clothes. Katherine ushered the boy upstairs to change them, leaving Emma behind.

"That's a side of you I've never seen before." Emma bent down to remove the brunettes ruined shoes. She was surprised when the older woman didn't reject and placed her foot in her hands.

"There are lots of sides you have yet to see, Miss Swan."

"Yet?" the blonde placed the heels to the side and stood with a hand extended to help Regina to her feet.

"Perhaps."

Did she hear correctly? Did Regina just tell her that she might allow them to get to know each other? Perhaps she was reading a bit too far into it. But it was worth a shot right? Maybe…just maybe her wall was coming down. Ok, so perchance, that is a little farfetched. But one can hope.

The brunette accepted the outstretched hand and stood on her feet. "Thank you."

The blonde waved a hand, "do you need help getting upstairs. You really should get out of those clothes." The older woman raised an eyebrow in how sensual that comment could have been taken. Emma quickly raised her hands to rectify the meaning, "no not like that. I mean…geez. I don't want you to get sick."

Regina's eyebrows stayed in their former place for a few moments watching the blondes blush deepen. Her lips spread into a sarcastic grin, "I'm just teasing Miss Swan. Yes, I would like some help." Did I just… yep. Admit too needing…hmm-mm…from miss- indeed. There must be a full moon. She waited for the blonde to make a notice of her actually admitting she did need help. Nothing. Emma simply just made her way to the stairs helping the older woman by her side. Regina was internally grateful.

...

The brunette descended down the stairs in a regal fashion. Tanned hands slid down the bannister. When she rounded the steps she heard sounds of giggling. Mostly from Henry. Regina stepped into the living room to find a laughing blonde squashed on her stomach beneath the small boy who had his arms wrapped tightly around her neck. "Give up yet?" He said in a small grunt, as if trying his hardest to keep Emma down on the ground.

"Henry!" the two bodies looked up at the reprimanding voice. "Get off of Miss Swan this instant. You know better than that young man."

The brunet reluctantly got off of his victim with his head hanging low.

Emma helped herself off the ground and put a hand on the now sullen boys shoulder. "Regina, its ok. We we're just playing."

"Henry knows better than to be horsing around." Browns eyes directed their gaze to the former mention who was still looking at the floor. "It's time for bed Henry."

"Aww man." He slowly made his way towards the stairs. Looking back to his mom who blew him a kiss and then glancing a smile at the blonde.

"Night secret ninja." Emma joked, causing Henry to smile even more before descending upstairs. Regina wondered how the pair of them became so close within the twenty minutes she left to shower and change.

"Miss Swan, I would appreciate it if you didn't teach such …unnecessarily reckless things to my son."

Emma shrugged off the threat, "He's a boy, and it's already in his DNA."

The brunette started to speak in retort but her attention was caught to the television screen behind the younger woman. There was a clean shaven man speaking with his hands folded against a wooden desk. She quickly ran to the small table near the couch to turn up the volume.

"And in other news, the tally of tonight's voting has been released in regards to the mayoral position. Held between candidates Killian Jones and Regina Mills. The final decision has been decided by one vote. Congratulations Storybrooke to your new Mayor, Regina Mills."

Regina sat wide eyed on the couch. She clutched the remote hard in her hand. A ghost look appeared on her face. Emma stood slack jawed. "Regina…you won." It came out a whisper. "You won Regina! Holy shit!" Her voice was much louder now.

The brunette stood from her previous seat. "I won…I," a pause. "I won!" Without thinking and for the first time ever, Regina acted completely on impulse leaping towards the younger woman and crushing their lips together. Emma's eyes flew open at the sudden intrusion. By time she could even register what happened the brunette had already pulled back. Her tanned features were colored a dark crimson as she realized what she'd just done. She looked up at Emma whose face was as equally red as hers. Green eyes greatly dilated.

"Emma…I'm-,"

"Don't," she paused, "its ok…I...I should go." The blonde quickly walked towards the door. "Um…congratulations." With that Emma quickly left Regina's house. Correction…the Mayors house.

Emma sat in her favorite booth by the window in Granny's, a mug of hot chocolate settled between her palms. Thoughts of what happened just a few hours ago clouded her mind. Regina Mills, now mayor of storybrooke, had just kissed her. Of course the blonde was no stranger to women kissing her, even of spontaneous nature. But as far she knew, or thought, the two were just friends. Had the brunette held feelings for her all this time? If she did, how come Emma hadn't seen it before? They were getting closer, sure. But that didn't mean…

A sigh left pink lips as she brought the cup up to her lips, taking slow sips of the brown liquid while remaining in thought. Normally she was good at this. Realizing another woman's attraction towards her. And most times she'd play on it, but that didn't happen with Regina. No the brunette's attraction had slipped right past her knowledge. So what did that mean? Should she play on it or leave it alone? Did Regina even like her? Surely that kiss was just out of excitement for winning. But given the time she'd gotten to know the other woman; she didn't seem like the type to act irrationally.

"You going to drink that hot chocolate or stare at it?" Ruby's voice rings out, successfully knocking Emma from her thoughts and sliding into the booth across from her. She could always tell when her friend was upset and it was almost always a woman thing. Always.

Green orbs float from their place inside the mug and up to her friend who had a knowing look on her face. She placed the warm mug back down onto the table before folding her forearms over each other, leaning against the cool table. "Regina kissed me." The words fall out of her mouth rather easily. In fact there probably wasn't another way to start off this conversation. Not with the way her mind had been laying on the subject for the better of two hours.

"…oh," the red streaked brunette says as her face contorts into slight confusion. She knew Emma was helping Regina with her campaign but she had no idea it had gotten that far. And if they were why didn't she know about it? "So…is this a good thing?" Normally the blonde is quick to talk about her latest endeavors. Rather detailed actually. But this time she had kept completely quiet and perhaps that was for a good reason. But they only way she could find out were to ask.

"I don't know," Emma responds, moving to sit back against the booth with her arms slapping down on to her lap.

That response definitely took Ruby by surprise but she remained quiet. Apparently Emma was still working out the kinks within her mind herself.

"I mean. I'm not sure if she likes me. It kind of came by surprise."

"Surprise?" The waitress raised a brow at that. Since when does Emma not know when someone is going to kiss her?

"Yeah. After she found out she won she just…leaped into my arms and kissed me." The blonde gestured with her hands.

"Wait she won?" This piece of information was definitely new to the red streaked brunette and it showed on her face. However it was wiped with a shake of her head, focusing back to what she deemed was the more important subject. "So Regina Mills, who is actually pretty hot, kissed you." A beat of silence, "I'm not finding the problem here."

Emma chuckled at that and it was definitely a welcomed reaction, "I just don't know what to do next." As if on cue, the bell hanging above the entrance of the diner rang to signal someone was entering. And that someone was no other than the woman who was the subject of conversation between the two.

"Well," Ruby starts as she begins to slide out of the booth. To do her job, of course. At least that was what she wanted to seem like. "I guess you're about to find out." With a smile she's out of the booth and walking past an apprehensive looking Regina.

The former mention stalked slowly towards where Emma was sitting. It took nearly thirsty minutes for her to leave the safety of Katherine's car. Considering her own was still on the street and wouldn't be tended to until the morning. Apparently her mayoral status hasn't fully kicked in yet. Upon reaching her destination, she remained standing. Hands hidden in the pockets of her long coat as she cleared her throat. It wasn't to catch Emma's attention. No those emerald eyes were already looking up at her. It was mainly for herself, to calm her own nerves. For she too had no idea what was going on in her own mind. Or why she had just attacked Emma that way. Though whether she knew why or not, it was inappropriate and she owed the blonde an apology. To say the least. "Miss Swan-"

They were back to that.

"Don't worry about it, Regina." She says with a wave of her hand as she sat up. Noticing the look on the other woman's face; deciding it wasn't best to torture themselves.

"No, let me finish." Regina waits until Emma sits back again, pale hands folded at her lap. "I wanted to apologize, for earlier. It was inappropriate and I let my feelings get the better of me." Pearly teeth chewed at the inside of her cheek. The next few words were definitely not something she says often. "I'm sorry."

"Ok," Is all Emma says because truth be told her was thoroughly confused by this whole ordeal. What did Regina want? Or maybe she was reading too far into it. Maybe.

"Ok," Regina repeats before giving a curt nod of her head and swiftly turning around and exiting the diner.

The next day…

Loud grunts echoed the empty dojo as Emma's shin lands into the large square pad that August is holding. It was definitely a long, distracted day for her. So much so that she had her instructor cover all of the classes because the blonde just couldn't get her head together. The kiss between her and Regina was all that played in her mind. Over and over again like a black and white movie.

"Rugh," Emma grunted again as she kicked the shield, much harder this time. Eliciting a huff of disapproving air as August felt the power behind it against his forearm. Faster and faster she went. Alternating legs and soon backing her willing partner against the wall.

"Okay I definitely need a break!" He throws out just before Emma is about to kick again. Thank goodness for control.

The blonde doesn't say anything. Instead she pads back towards her office and heads towards the small mini fridge in her office; pulling out a bottle of water and opening it as she paces around to slow her breathing. She's only alone for a few moments before her assistant instructor is leaning against the doorframe. "You wanna talk about it yet?"

Emma's head was already tilted back as she guzzled down the water in one go. It thrown into the trash can rather roughly before muttering a, "nope."

"Well, if it's about Regina," He smiled when her gaze quickly shot his way and lifted up a hand in her direction. Silently asking her to let him explain, "Ruby told me."

An eye roll.

He continued, "I think you should just ask her out."

"Ask her out?" She repeated the statement as if it was the dumbest thing she's ever heard. Not that she hasn't done it before, but she's only known this woman for the better of two months. Okay sure that didn't stop her with other woman. But she simply just wanted to bed them. Emma didn't want just that with Regina...at least she wasn't entirely sure. "It's not that simple"

"Sure it is," He says matter-of-fact, "If you're unsure about anything you won't be able to make any kind of decision unless you go out with her."

Perhaps this man did make sense. Surely a simple date could answer all her questions. In fact just asking in the first place would answer the biggest one of all. Whether Regina Mills carried feelings for her at all. Deciding not to answer, she moves past her friend to head back into the dojo. "Breaks over."

Regina sat up in bed with a cup of tea. Her phone had been going off for most the night following her win. Between all the congratulations of relatives, news stations and talk shows trying to be the first to get an interview with the newly elected mayor. It was definitely a busy day. Though it was just the beginning of what was to come. Truth be told, she welcomed it. The brunette was finally going forward in her career. This was truly a big step in her life. One that may finally allow her to breathe easy; especially with the added protection she'd be given.

Nude lips take another a sip of her dandelion tea as she begins to visibly relax. However it's short lived as she notices her phone vibrate beside her. Mocha colored orbs looked at the digital clock that said it was a quarter to midnight and question who could be trying to text her at this hour. Surprise is written on her face when she sees the name of a certain blonde. Surely that was over, right? The two hadn't spoken since the…incident. Any feelings that may or may not have been felt. You totally felt them. Were to be diminished. What could she possibly want?

Well the only way to find out was to read the text.

Still awake?

It was a simple question. Why did she suddenly get so nervous? Tanned hands placed the tea down on a near nightstand. Her full attention was on the cellular device in her hands. She hesitated for a moment before typing a response.

Just barely.

Well if you're going to bed then I won't bother you.

Her eyebrows furrowed then and she typed a response a lot faster then she meant to. Perhaps she did miss talking to the blonde. No, it's alright.

Realizing how needy that may sound, she's quick to send another one. I've just settled into bed. You aren't bothering me.

That was better, right? She sank back in bed as she held her phone in her hand, awaiting a response. Nearly rolling her eyes at her own eagerness.

Good. I have a proposition for you.

Regina raised an eyebrow, even as the second message comes in.

Since you are the mayor, now.

Oh? And what could that be?

Go out with me?

Regina visibly pauses then. Had she read that correctly? Taking the liberty of reading the message a few times over to make sure. Emma swan didn't just ask her out. Did she? She did. And did she really want to go out with her? You do. The subconscious smile that crossed her features definitely answered her own question.

And you're asking me over a test message?

I think you can do better than that.

I didn't think showing up at your door step at midnight would send the right message.

So you chose to send a literal message?

Well yeah, I'm fresh out of carrier pigeons.

Regina laughs at that, rolling her eyes with a shake of her head.

Pity.

You still haven't answered my question.

Perhaps if you asked again I'll remember what the question was.

You're so not funny.

Regina chuckles again. She was really beginning to enjoy teasing the blonde. However it's wiped off her face when her phone begins to ring. Though she's quick to school her tone into one of indifference as she picks up. "Do you know how late it is?" The brunette could practically see Emma roll her eyes.

"Well you could have gone to sleep already had you answered my question."

"Do remind me what that was."

"Regina," Emma playfully warns. But the brunette likes the way her name sounds from Emma's lips.

"Miss Swan?" She replies, as if she truly had no idea. Her playful tone is the only thing giving her away.

"Alright fine, we'll play it your way."

"As it should be."

Emma avoids that quip and repeats her question, "Will you go out with me?"

"I'm sorry, dear. I don't think I heard you correctly. Could you say it again?"

"Regina…"

The former mention laughs at that, truly laughs at the way Emma gives off an annoyed sigh. When had the mayor become so childish? "Yes." She finally answers after collecting herself. "I would love to go out with you."