Thank you all for the wonderful reviews they're always appreciated! This chapter took me a while to get my head around but I'm pleased with the way it's turned out. Hope you enjoy.


When Emma left Regina felt a rush of relief, they had successfully managed to get her out without Henry noticing. She released a breath that she wasn't even aware that she'd been holding. The rest of the morning routine went by uneventfully and she saw Henry off for school before heading to her office.

It wasn't until she was alone, sitting behind her desk, that the thoughts from the previous evening returned. It was easy to fall prey to her own mind when she was by herself. She was happy with Emma but that also gave her a deep pang of guilt because she knew she didn't deserve this and it was selfish to keep it going.

As always she was constantly looking for something to come along and ruin this good thing she had. She was reminded of words that had been spoken by her mother, the only one standing in the way of your happiness is you. The thought of Cora made her shudder especially since what she had said seemed very true right now though she would never admit to her mother being right outside of her own head.

She tried as hard as she could to concentrate on the paperwork in front of her but she just couldn't. There was a confusing muddle of emotion sitting heavily on her chest, it was hard to sort through it all.

After forgetting what she was even supposed to be looking at for the umpteenth time she placed her pen down and tried to calm herself and push back the tears that were threatening to fall. Her first appointment of the morning would be arriving at any moment and she could not be seen in such a state.

On que there was a knock at the door and though Regina didn't trust that she was fully in control of her voice she called for the person to come in. She was pleased when there was no waver or hint of her distress and so was hopeful for the rest of the day.

From there on though the morning did not go well, she had several meetings with various towns people scheduled. Her Emma situation was constantly stuck in her mind and she'd found herself so engulfed with her thoughts that occasionally she found herself not paying attention. This meant that her defences rose and she snapped back as if it was that persons fault that she wasn't listening.

When the morning meetings were all done Regina realised that she was going to have to make up for her behaviour that had really been unacceptable. However, that was something she could contemplate later for her phone had just buzzed and Emma's name flashed across the screen. Seeing the younger woman's name made her heart skip a beat and her breath catch in her throat.

It was a text that read: Going to get lunch from Granny's, you want something? I could bring it to your office and we could spend some time together x

Regina then realised she had no hope because what she felt for Emma was unlike anything she'd felt before; it was stronger than what she'd even felt for Daniel. She knew that she was going to continue seeing Emma despite the selfishness of it all.

She was quick to reply to the text and Emma was just as quick to respond that she'd be there in under an hour. She smiled, she was going to see Emma, the day was going to get better.

At the Sheriff station Emma was humming pleasantly as she headed out to get lunch from Granny's, she was so content and it felt like for the first time in a while everything was going well. She was happy to focus her full attention on Regina to show her how much she cared for her

Not long later Emma was stood at Regina's office door, a bag of Granny's in hand and knocking before entering. Upon seeing the brunette in front of her a wide smile spread across her face.

"Hi," Emma greeted making her way over to Regina's desk.

Emma's smile was contagious and Regina couldn't help but smile back, "Emma." She stood taking the blondes hand and guiding her towards the sofas so they could be more comfortable. Her eyes never left Emma, taking in every inch of the woman in front of her.

Emma handed over a salad to Regina before retrieving her own grilled cheese out of the bag. When she looked up again it was to see Regina's gaze that was unwavering.

"Regina are you ok? That's a very intense stare you've got going on right now."

The tears that had been threatening Regina all morning started back up again but this time she couldn't hold them back and they spilled down her face.

"Regina," Emma gasped abandoning her grilled cheese and wrapping her arms around the woman next to her. There was brief moment where the brunette stiffened at the contact before she lay her head against Emma's chest.

"What is it Gina? Has something happened?" Concern clearly evident in her voice she rubbed soothing circles against Regina's back.

Regina looked up into Emma's eyes hesitant at first to open up. "No…it's just…I don't deserve you…you're so good and I'm the Evil Queen. I've done so many terrible things. How can I ever deserve you?"

"You were the Evil Queen, Regina but you're not anymore. You've changed. I wish you could see yourself the way I see you." Emma held on tighter, placing gentle kisses over Regina's forehead.

"Villains don't get their happy ending, what if it's all taken away and you get hurt because of me…I couldn't…I don't think I could live with that."

"We can face whatever comes our way and we don't know what the future holds, we just have to take one day at a time." Tears were now starting to fall down Emma's cheeks, she hated seeing Regina so upset.

"I want to be with you…more than anything there's nothing you could say to make me change my mind." Emma's heart quickened as she contemplated her next words carefully, "In fact…I'm pretty sure I'm…falling in love with you."

Regina's eyes widened in surprise and it took a moment to pull her thoughts back together. "Emma," her voice came out breathy. She was overwhelmed, her voice failed her so in reply she kissed Emma hard on the lips trying to put every thought and feeling into it that she could to convey that she felt just the same.

Emma understood and kissed back just as passionately, she knew how hard it could be to state feelings out loud. She often was the one struggling with this but she also knew that Regina needed her to show how much she meant to her.

When they broke apart it was only for air, both breathing heavily and gazing into each other's eyes for a moment. Regina nestled herself closer into Emma's side holding on tightly to her saviour who held back equally as tight.

They spent quite a while just holding onto each other, Emma occasionally pressing kisses against Regina's forehead.

Eventually Regina croakily whispered, "this is rather nice but perhaps we should move."

"Yeah probably but you can't if I just keep a hold of you."

"We haven't eaten yet and Storybrooke needs its Sheriff and Mayor."

"It can manage for a while without us."

Regina raised her eyebrow, "you sure about that."

"Hmmm, well we can pretend for now."

Regina rolled her eyes trying to extract herself from Emma's arms without much luck.

"Emmmma," she whined still trying to wiggle free.

The blonde couldn't help but laugh at Regina's tone but released her grip and sat up so that the brunette could do the same.

They both went back to their food which was still untouched.

"Do you feel better now Regina?" Emma asked slightly hesitant to ask.

Regina gave a weak smile, "yes, I do actually."

"Good." Emma stated matter-of-factly.

As they ate Emma told Regina about her morning which had consisted of filling in paperwork and the usual chasing down of Pongo which was a far too regular occurrence.

When they'd finished eating and it was time for Emma to head back to the Sheriff station neither wanted to separate. They were stood in the centre of the office facing each other holding hands.

"You should come over tomorrow night after Henry has gone to bed," Regina smiled bringing one of Emma's hands up to kiss it.

"That's so long away, how about I also come see you at lunch too?" Emma said giving the most hopeful look she could muster.

"Of course you can, I'm not going to deny myself the chance to see you."

Emma's face brightened at the prospect of lunch and an evening with Regina and untangled their hands so she could place them on the others hips.

Regina rested her hands on Emma's chest and pressed their foreheads together before meeting lips in an intimate kiss.

They pulled apart as Emma's phone rang, "I think Storybrooke needs its Sheriff now."

"I guess so," Emma gave Regina a quick kiss before turning to leave, answering her phone and waving a hand goodbye.

Regina returned to her desk in a far more improved mood than earlier. Only minutes after Emma left she received a text that read: Can't wait to see you tomorrow, miss you already.

This prompted an eye roll from Regina but she did think that Emma was very sweet and replied: You just left but looking forward to seeing you too.

That is how the rest of the day went by, texting each other constantly. Despite the added distraction, Regina had a far more productive afternoon. The distraction kept her mind busy but she also found that Emma's words had truly helped her.