well with Emma by any means. She’d made it this far on her own and she sure as hell wouldn’t set that example for Henry.

“So, food, lessons and torching Regina’s tree, are you in Mills?”

is to say that they won’t be a problem.”

The blonde’s relationship with each of her parents remained more than strained as neither of them care to understand her past, they only wished to move on from the moment the curse was broken with no responsibility for their actions and that didn’t settle +

them live here, nor do they have a key. Although, I’ve heard Mary Margaret reference her bandit skills a time or two. Neither here nor there, I’m pretty sure they’ve taken over Katheryn’s place. Because you know, they’re
entitled.”

Emma rolls her eyes, offering Zelena a half smile

“What I mean +

“No, no, I’m simply offering an addition to the agreement due to the fact that I actually have to learn to control my magic before we torch anything, on purpose that is.”

After Zelena’s plate is filled Emma does the same then causally places a napkin over her lap.

“As for my parents, neither of+

focus to the present.

“I wasn’t sure on your preference of salad to pasta ratio so I thought it best to let you plate it yourself, unless you like to give the ol’ ‘say when’ a try?”

With a bright smile, Emma shrugs her shoulders awkwardly and awaits a reply

pathetic a request for praise must have sounded to a woman of her caliber. From the beginning Emma had only herself. Even in foster care she was entirely self dependent. The life was a lonely one, a difficult and disappointing one at that but she shook the thoughts from her head and returned her +

“Well then, maybe if this doesn’t scare you away, we can exchange home cooked meals for magic lessons?”

A light brow arches as the proposition is made. Pulling the chair out for Zelena before moving to take her own seat, Emma exhales a low sigh, realizing how little the woman has said and how +

at the table?”

Motioning with the hand grasping the tumbler, the other is outstretched in offer to assist Zelena off the couch.

“Now, if you don’t like it, lie to me. If you do, then please praise me. I don’t hear nice things often enough, usually it’s a simple ‘thanks ma’ from Henry.”

heads to the kitchen where she begins slicing fresh mozzarella that soon finds itself scattered over the basil and roasted tomato pasta which Emma places on the table with the fresh salad. Having set their places prior she returns to a waiting Zelena and reclaims her tumbler.

“Would you join me +

impressed might I add.”

A soft snicker escapes between sips and she shifts her head from side to side.

“I was routing for you, secretly. Regina’s been just as much a pain in my ass as I’ve been in hers. Someone had to take her ego down a notch.”

Hearing the timer, Emma excuses herself and +

Emma’s fingers clinched firmly around her glass slowly bringing it to meet parted lips and she swallows a decent helping, the slight burn bringing her back to reality. This woman was here to teach her, nothing more.

“Oh, I would bet on that. I’ve seen you and Regina battle it out. I was quite +

“Here’s to magic lessons and to new beginnings—because who knows what kind of magic we’ll create together.”

The words escape in a very light flirtatious tone and are accompanied by a lingering glance as she awaits a clink before moving to take a sip.

question thrown her way.

“Damn, you caught me. It was all for the sake of classing the joint up a bit, although I think I’ve done a hell of a job at removing any trace of Mary Margaret.”

Swirling the amber liquor in her tumbler, Emma holds it out toward Zelena and clears her throat. +

“Just calling it like I see it and thank you. Thought maybe I should step it up bit rather than the usual jeans and what not.”

A gentle laugh leaves pink lips at Zelena’s added words of praise, all of which Emma thought were more than adequate. Green eyes wide with a hint of sparkle at the next +

slacks, partially tucked fitted white button down- ‘way to make an impression Swan’ she mutters inwardly.

“Thanks again for coming.”

make that couch look amazing.”

Arm extended, glass held in front of Zelena, Emma offers up the compliment even at risk of being touched.

“By that I mean you are stunning this evening. As per usual.”

Plopping down a few cushions over the blonde examines her own attire of simple black fitted +