And Then There Was You

V. Surreality

Hey there SwanQueen shippers! It's getting steamy, but hey fantasy or not, I'm getting all giddy writing. Thank you for all the wonderful comments and support and I deeply apologize that I took this long to write the next chapter. Anyway, here's the continuation. Here we go! ^_^

[Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters from ABC's hit show, ONCE UPON A TIME.]

Belle, Emma, and Ruby strolled across the campus, reveling in the colorful tapestry of fallen leaves blanketing the ground.

"Ooh, I just adore the fall season!" Ruby exclaimed with infectious delight. Her arms stretched wide as she twirled gracefully across the field of leaves, her Isabel Marant designer boots crunching beneath her.

"Yes, autumn is truly magical," Belle chimed in, her excitement matching Ruby's as she joined her in the impromptu dance on the fallen leaves.

As the two friends danced gracefully, Emma's mind lingered on a particular dilemma. "Girls, we don't have fake IDs. How will we get into the wine tasting this weekend?"

"Just leave it to me. My cousin Onyx can sort it out for us," Ruby replied, still enjoying the sensation of the leaves beneath her feet.

"Onyx? That's quite a unique name," Belle giggled. "But I suppose it fits with your family's trend of distinctive names."

"You're not wrong, Bells," Ruby agreed with a grin. "Onyx and I practically grew up together. We've been partners in crime since we were kids, navigating our way through picking up girls and eventually women. So I know exactly what Ems is going through right now. Isn't that right, Ems?" Ruby nudged Emma's arm playfully, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Annoyed by her friend's teasing, Emma scoffed and rolled her eyes, choosing to ignore the jest. "You two are incorrigible. Let's go, or we'll be late for class."

With a casual turn, Emma headed towards the entrance of Building E, her friends following close behind, their smiles and giggles echoing through the crisp autumn air.

"I heard that," Emma retorted, though her friends' laughter followed her all the same.

-Psychology 101 Room 417-

"Class dismissed," Regina declared as she sauntered back to her desk.

The students scattered towards the exit, but Belle, Emma, and Ruby remained in their favorite spot at the back of the classroom, which they affectionately dubbed "the balcony."

"So, I'll catch you guys later for lunch? I've got to hustle and turn in my paper. See ya!" Ruby announced before darting towards the exit, not waiting for a response.

"Uh, see ya," Emma called after her, raising an eyebrow at Belle, who was engrossed in her new book. "What was that about?"

"Ten extra points if she turns it in before the due date," Belle explained, checking her watch. "But that's only if she submits it in, oh, about five minutes."

"Hah, that's clear across campus," Emma smirked, joining Belle as they descended the steps together.

"Well, we can't give up hope. After all, she was a wolf in her past life," Belle remarked, smiling as she headed toward the door.

"Of course, how could I forget?" Emma quipped to herself, smirking in agreement.

Just as she was about to leave, Emma heard a familiar low, husky voice behind her. "Miss Swan, may I please have a word with you?"

Emma hesitated for a moment before turning to face the owner of the captivating voice. "Professor Mills... Sure thing," she replied, feeling a flutter of nerves as she approached the divine figure seated at her desk. Regina's presence was magnetic, and Emma found herself drawn in, captivated by her beauty.