I'm shamelessly using this story to fill two prompts, the one above, and… well… you'll see. Wouldn't want to spoil it :)
Ever since Ruby had become the deputy, Emma had been staying later and later at the sheriff's office on weeknights. One really couldn't blame the sheriff's girlfriend for being suspicious of her actions. After all, the timing was rather unfortunate.
And the conversation hadn't helped things either. The one Regina had overheard one night in bed. Emma had gone to the bathroom and made a phone call thinking Regina was asleep. But Regina had overheard every word.
"Hi Ruby…. No, I don't think she suspects anything… She thinks we're actually working late. Want to meet up Friday night again?… No, we don't have any plans, nothing I can't cancel anyway…. Okay, see you tomorrow. And Ruby? You're amazing."
Regina had choked back a sob before Emma had returned to bed, wrapping a traitorous arm around her waist.
The next evening, Regina decided to do something about it. After all, when had she ever been one to sit back and let things happen to her? So the mayor composed herself before driving to the sheriff's office. And storming through the front door.
"Regina!" Emma greeted in surprise.
Regina didn't greet her back. Instead, she surveyed the office suspiciously. "Where's Ruby?"
"She had to go home early. Something about Granny wanting them to have 'bonding time' or something. Why are you here, baby?" Emma got up and snaked her arms around Regina's waist.
Regina backed up, though, breaking the contact.
"What's wrong?" Emma sounded genuinely concerned.
"So were you going to come home early tonight?" Regina asked, dreading the answer to the question.
"Actually, yeah. Why?"
Regina turned intending to storm out. Emma grabbed her elbow, forcing Regina to turn and face her. She stroked Regina's cheek as tears formed behind the mask the brunette was attempting to hold. "Regina?"
The brunette pushed Emma's hand away. "Don't. I know what you've been keeping from me."
"Ahh." Emma nodded, and went to her desk, pulling something out of the drawer. She went to hand Regina the small box, but Regina just shoved her hand away warily.
"You can't make it better with presents! After what you've done…." Regina couldn't even finish her accusation.
"What I've done?" Emma looked genuinely puzzled.
"Oh please. Don't play innocent. I know. About you and… and Ruby," she spat.
Emma's eyes lit up with recognition. "About…" she said slowly, "About Ruby and I planning how I was going to propose to you?" She smiled tentatively, eyes searching Regina's.
"You… what?"
"Here."
This time Regina took the box, and opened it. Inside was a beautifully simple and elegant diamond ring. An engagement ring. Her eyes widened with understanding.
Emma grinned. "Well? What do you say, Madam Mayor?"
It took Regina a few moments to recover, but when she did, she shot back, "Not the most romantic proposal ever, Sheriff Swan."
"Well, it would've been a lot better if you weren't so nosy and suspicious," Emma teased.
Regina looked down, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. "I'm sorry," she said softly.
"Hey," Emma whispered, lifting Regina's chin with her thumb and forefinger. "You're forgiven. I love you."
"I love you too." Regina's eyes never left Emma's.
"Is that a yes?" Emma teased.
"Of course I'll marry you, Emma."
Emma rushed forward and embraced her. "You know I'll never leave you."
Regina smiled. So this was what happiness felt like. "I know."