Emma had just plopped down onto the sofa after a long day's work with a cold beer in her hand. She snapped the can open and took a big gulp, letting the cool liquid travel down her burning throat. Chasing perps in five degree weather was definitely not on the list of her favorite things. She was about to stretch out and close her eyes when she heard a soft cry coming from Regina's study.

Ever since Robin had left, Emma had been staying at Regina's house. She was doing her best to be a good friend and trying to help Regina get through the heartbreak without losing control. They were getting along fine, mostly they weren't in the house at the same time except at nights.

Emma took another gulp of her beer before placing it on a coaster, tentatively making her way toward Regina's study. She knocked lightly first, waiting for an answer.

"Emma…" It was an invitation and Emma knew that so she opened the door and instantly frowned.

Regina was sitting at her desk, head in her hands, eyeliner making tracks down her flushed cheeks. "I can't- stop crying!"

Emma was dumbfounded. Sure, she had seen Regina upset but never in hysterics like this. This was new territory for her so she made sure to tread lightly. She walked further into the room, placing her hand on Regina's back for comfort. "What happened?"

Regina shook her head, "nothing happened," she cried, "I just started out of nowhere and I can't stop." She reached for a tissue, dabbing at her eyes but to no use. "What's wrong with me?" She turned her chair around so she was looking at Emma and Emma crouched down to knee level so she could place a gentle hand on Regina's knee.

"It's alright," she assured her, "you're probably just tired. You haven't been sleeping well and," Emma stopped to look at her watch, "it's almost midnight."

Regina closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, counting to ten in her head before letting it out slowly. It seemed to work and her tears slowly began subsiding. "I'm sorry." She opened her eyes and hoped that Emma would understand, "I don't know what came over me." She was back to being Regina again, hiding her feelings as best she could. "I'm fine now, truly."

Emma wasn't buying it but she let go of Regina's hands and stood back up. "How about we share a cup of hot tea and then head to bed? I know I could use your famous tea after the day I've had."

Regina knew that Emma was trying to take the focus away from what had just happened and she was appreciative. She nodded, drying her eyes one last time before following Emma into the kitchen. She placed the kettle onto the stove and turned it to high before joining Emma at the table.

"Long day at work?"

Emma nodded, "you wouldn't believe it. Chasing bad guys in a foot of snow is never fun." When she didn't receive a reply she looked up and watched as Regina stared off into space, seemingly contemplating her next words. It wasn't until the kettle began hissing that she spoke again.

"Can I ask you something?"

Emma turned around to watch as Regina moved swiftly filling two mugs with hot water and placing a tea bag into each of them. "Shoot."

Regina carried the mugs back to the table but decided to stay standing. "Do you think… I could be pregnant?"

Emma was glad she hadn't taken a drink yet because she was sure she would have choked on it. She moved her hands away from the mug, eyes wide open. Regina missed the look on her face however as she kept her eyes focused on her cup of tea.

"I think that if you're asking me that then it could be a possibility," she answered calmly. "Have you missed a period?"

Regina nodded as tears sprang into her eyes unwillingly. "Yes. I didn't want to admit that it was late because then... " she looked up now, thankful that she finally had a friend to discuss her feelings with. "What if I'm pregnant?"

Emma shrugged, "what if you are? Regina, you're a wonderful mother and having a baby, well, that's wonderful news."

"Even when the baby's father is married to another woman and they are no longer around? Even when I'm the evil queen?"

Emma felt her heart break as Regina's words were spoken. She knew Regina had been upset after Robin left, she saw the damage his leaving had done. It wasn't until that moment that she actually heard Regina voice it. "Hey," she demanded, "you are not the evil queen anymore. That was the past. Second, you were a great mom to Henry and you did that all by yourself even through a terrible curse and even when I tried to take him away."

Regina winced at the painful memories. She was pacing now, long forgetting her cup of tea on the table. "If I am with child… Robin will never know…"

"You'll have me," Emma said without thinking. She silently cursed her actions but stood up and joined Regina by the sink. She reached for her hand and squeezed it gently. "We're friends now and friends don't let friends raise a baby alone."

Regina nearly chuckled, leave it to Emma to make a joke in a serious situation. "Do you think I should buy a test?"

Emma nodded. "I'll pick one up tomorrow on my way home from work."

Regina nodded, just noticing that Emma's hand was still firmly grasping her own. She pulled away reluctantly, missing the touch that Robin's hands used to fill. "I uh- I think I am going to head to bed now."

"Yeah," Emma agreed, watching as Regina walked away. "Goodnight."

When Regina disappeared out of the room, Emma let out an exaggerated sigh. Sure, they were friends, maybe even best friends but, Emma was beginning to feel something more. She saw a different side of Regina now and it was a side that she wanted to see more of. She loved watching Regina interact with Henry and cook dinner and even wake up in the mornings in a grumpy mood. Yet she knew she couldn't say anything. Regina would never understand. So, for now, Emma would stand by her side and go to the drugstore to buy a pregnancy test because that's what friends do.