7.


The bedroom is not quite full dark anymore not with the low light shining in from the hallway. Two interminable shadows lie and then move on the carpeted floor as Maura walks further into the room first. Regina flips on the low overhead lights and then locks the bedroom door behind her. Maura can change her mind; it's not as though they're past the point of no return. In the essence of being prepared though and while Maura's back is to her Regina quickly and carefully wards the bedroom with a silencing spell again. No sense in traumatizing Henry in the name of passion.

Maura pivots on her tall heels to face Regina, "I'm not submissive."

Both of Regina's eyebrows arch up on her forehead. For once Regina isn't entirely certain how this will go and at what pace. Regina hasn't slept with anyone since Robin and before he died she had only allowed that to occur just a few times. Regina had no real wish to have sex with Robin after everything that happened with Zelena and then the mess with Emma and her handless wonder. Sometimes Regina wonders if Robin's sacrifice was made out of guilt but now isn't the time to linger on such thoughts.

"I don't want you to be." Regina says softly as she moves closer. Maura's taste is still lingering on her tongue and Regina is only interested in continuing this for the sole reason of it being an equal cessation of desire. "That being said I'm no bottom either, Miss Isles."

"Good."

And even in the face of such a rare brand of tension Maura's on the verge of telling Regina the exact number of partners she's had since she became sexually active at nineteen. Maura's personal number is fifteen and while it's nothing to be contrite over, it isn't something to be proud of either. In Maura's twenties experimentation was called for. Then in her late twenties and early thirties it was all for release and nothing more. It was easier that way given the complexities of human nature. Occasionally though Maura did try for more no matter how fruitless it turned out to be.

Garrett was a real effort for more beyond a chemical-physical release but after finding out later on that he was capable of murder. How does a person even categorize that type of a failure? Then there was Dennis who was much worse and the one comfort Maura takes from that fiasco is she didn't add a serial killer to her list of dalliances. To this day Maura feels more anger at herself over Dennis than the man who framed her for murder. Though, it was utterly embarrassing to be arrested, booked and then incarcerated.

Then there was Maura's most recent paramour Jack; who became clearly uncomfortable upon finding out he was number fifteen on Maura's list especially when he confided that his own number was just three including Maura. But now in this moment Maura smiles at the feeling of Regina's hands sliding along her neck, then jawline and how they propel her out of her thoughts. Not to mention that Regina's touch alone is enough to cause the ache between Maura's legs to grow.

"Where did you go on me just now?" Regina leans in closer and presses her lips to the underside of Maura's jaw, just below her ear. "Have you changed your mind?" Regina takes a small bit of Maura's earlobe in between her teeth; diamond stud and all before releasing it. "If you have it's more than fine."

Maura has most definitely not changed her mind. She initiated this encounter and she wants it like her body needs oxygen to survive. Maura wants this now more than anything since some part of her will be inclined to thinking that Regina is going to slip through her fingers like all the others.

"I want you." Maura tilts her head to the side to give Regina's tractable lips more room to work on her. "I've wanted you badly since the night we met." Regina's faint moan against the skin covering Maura's rapidly thudding carotid artery has Maura's hands bury themselves in Regina's thick, dark hair. "But I also want more than just a chance to touch you or be touched by you. I still do."

Regina pulls back from Maura's neck and rests her forehead on Maura's. The air passes between them. Maura can barely focus her words enough to string another sentence together. Maura pushes Regina's hair back behind both ears and then trails her fingertips down Regina's cheekbones. Regina's eyelids flutter shut for a few seconds and once more Maura is reminded of how the both of them have been deprived of a particular type of touch.

Maura inhales deeply and then licks her lips, "I want you even more now that you've chosen to share the most important parts of your life with me."

Regina nearly lets out a sob at Maura's words; she's going to have to fight to keep it in. The temptation to rush in for a fierce kiss to hide behind is there. Instead Regina holds still under Maura's touch as a rogue tears slips free of her tight control anyway. Regina closes her eyes as Maura's gentle fingertips brush away the traitorous tears. Crying before you've even had sex with your girlfriend for the first time isn't even remotely sexy in the slightest. This won't be just sex though.

"Regina," Maura's thumbs slowly trace along Regina's cheekbones. "Please look at me?"

Shining brown eyes open and Regina feels herself melt further into Maura's touch. There's no denying anymore that Regina is falling in love with Maura. How could she have possibly kept it from happening is a faraway notion that doesn't have a leg to stand on.

"You and I are quite the match." Regina sniffles and right now her brave face is at one time what she wouldn't hesitate to call pathetic. That also includes the next words that are going to slip past her lips too. "Why couldn't I have met you sooner?"

Maura looks like she's about to cry now as well and that's not okay considering where Regina had her mouth when they were in the study. Regina has made a real choice this time. These moments and what will happen next will be nothing like those times with Robin and not just because Maura is a completely different person.

Maura takes a shaky breath, "I feel the same way about you."

Regina smiles and her eyes close again as she deliberately moves forward and doesn't stop until her lips are pressing against Maura's which are parted, pliant. Regina moves her lips over Maura's and it's too good and Regina's magic livens at the sensations. The only other person Regina's magic has reacted to is Emma and for a time that meant something Regina wasn't ready to name. Now it means even less and for good reason.

Maura's hands trail down from Regina's face and blindly travel down, down. Maura registers the feeling of Regina's blouse under her hands but then a new realization jars Maura as both of her hands fill Regina's covered breasts. Maura tilts her head and deepens the kiss as her hands ransom and then peacefully devour the hidden flesh of Regina's bosom. Maura can hardly wait to see Regina's bare breasts and find out how responsive she can get when Maura takes a nipple into her mouth.

Regina groans into the kiss at Maura's talented hands that have her so achingly wet and she's not even so much as topless yet. Regina needs to fix that. Regina's own dexterous hands move from Maura's neck to reach between them and starts undoing the buttons on her shirt. Regina quickly runs her tongue along Maura's and then sucks on Maura's tongue, which earns a hip thrust and nice moan from Maura. Regina smiles as she breaks the kiss. It's good to know her skill set with women hasn't gone to the shabbiest level of hell.

Regina backs away from Maura enough to teasingly pull her unbuttoned blouse out from under her pants and step out of her heels, "Last chance to back out, Mau-ra."

Maura grins and huffs out a small laugh but as Regina's blouse dips off her shoulders Maura has eyes only for the skin that has been revealed to her. The black silk shirt falls to the floor forgotten. There's no stopping for Maura. Her unspoken answer is stepping out of her heels too and then eliminating the scant distance Regina put between them.

But then a precise need hits Maura; she just has to know if she excites Regina as much as Regina excites her. So Maura roughly unzips Regina's stylish charcoal pants and then shoves her hand down the front of them. The silk underwear now in Maura's palm is getting well past the definition of merely damp.

Maura moans while gently grasping the heat resting in her palm, "You feel so wet for me already."

Regina smirks while exhaling quick yet heavy breaths, "You have no idea what you do to me, Mau-ra. And I intend to remedy that."

It's like a flicker of an incoming rebellion; how Regina's magic wants to disobey, break free from its leash. With a simple gesture Regina could show her secret hand and have them both naked in bed and writhing together in a way even the most graceful of humans couldn't manage. Regina doesn't want some animalistic humping and she's certain neither does Maura. You can find a primal fucking anywhere that will leave you sore and feeling cheap later on. Regina needs something intense, lasting and deep with Maura.

Regina catches Maura's wrist and then draws Maura's hand out of her pants. Regina hopes Maura can read everything her eyes are no doubt screaming as she brings Maura's hand to lips and wraps her lips around Maura's fingers to the second knuckle. Maura's forceful, stilted moan is everything as Regina gradually draws Maura's fingers out of her mouth. Maura's gorgeous hazel eyes are dark and the quiet room is noisy in Regina's ears. It's not a stretch to believe that Maura is also feeling the same.

Regina lets go of Maura's wrist, reaches out and unzips Maura's skirt again, tugging Maura's blouse out from under the waistband of that red leather skirt. Maura responds by swiftly pulling her blouse over her head and then carelessly tosses it. Regina draws Maura into her arms as she starts leaving kisses along the tops of Maura's impressive cleavage. It has never escaped Regina's attention that Maura is well-endowed. Regina releases a small moan at the taste of Maura's skin as her lips reach the lace cups of Maura's bra.

"Regina, I...God!" Maura clings to Regina's head and for a second she worries about accidently pulling her hair. "We need to...the bed." Maura moans as Regina pushes the cup of her bra down on one side and then there's nothing but the feeling of wet-heat on her nipple. "My...legs, ah! They're not going to hold me up much longer if you keep doing that."

Regina's focus slips enough for her magic to betray her. In an instant Maura is flat on her back on the bed and Regina is on top of her. Regina does have enough presence of mind then to worry until she sees that Maura is a sizzling mess trying to squirm out of that red leather tease of a skirt. Maura wears red leather better than a certain Swan ever did.

Regina wastes no time in helping Maura rid herself of what's left of her clothes. The red skirt goes over the end of the foot of the bed. Regina leans back on her knees and takes a moment to enjoy the sight of Maura in a matching deep red lace underwear set even if one of her breasts is mostly uncovered leaving the visual askew.

"Take your pants off."

Regina chuckles at Maura's soft spoken order, "A tad bossy aren't you." Regina moves off the bed and stands between Maura's legs. There's an intentional pause before Regina unfastens her pants and works them down her thighs before straightening up and stepping out of the pile of fabric. "I like that."

Maura inhales sharply as a jolt of arousal hits her low. If Regina weren't standing between her legs Maura would close them to alleviate the ache that keeps ramping up. Regina is a goddess in black silk and the most magnificent woman, dead or alive, Maura has ever seen without clothes. And to think that Regina is going to be completely naked soon is enough for Maura to realize she's only getting wetter with each breath.

"Keep going." Maura says propping herself up on her elbows as Regina's faded red lips quirk up in the most seductive way. "I need to see you first."

Regina reaches up and pops the front clasp open on her bra. Her magical blunder is almost forgotten but she has to be careful enough to not let it happen again. Regina slides the straps of her bra down her arms one at a time and then drops the garment on the floor. And once more without an ounce of hesitation Regina bends over and works her underwear down her thighs and then steps out of the miniscule fabric. She's bare for Maura to see and Maura's level of appreciation in one word is ravenous.

Regina smirks and moves in closer to Maura on the bed. Regina straddles Maura's lap and then sits down all the while enjoying Maura's darkened gaze traveling over her body. The many times and different paths over and over. Regina places her hands on Maura's chest and then runs her hands over the soft flesh before reaching behind Maura to undo the clasp on her bra. Maura gasps and Regina almost laughs because Maura seems to be at a loss but supremely elated about it.

"Breathe, Dr. Isles." Regina says while sliding Maura's bra straps off her arms. And as Maura is revealed to Regina's eyes Regina feels her own breathlessness comes in waves. "I don't want you fainting on me before you've cum for me at least twice."

Maura's mouth works to form a small playful smile, "I have never gone vasovagal syncope due to a lover's efforts."

"That sounds suspiciously like an unspoken challenge, Dr. Isles."

Maura bites down on her lower lip, grabs Regina by the waist and then abruptly flips Regina over to the side. Regina isn't surprised; she only chuckles darkly as Maura lies down along her side.

"Do you like a challenge?" Maura says before leaning down and capturing one of Regina's nipples with her lips. Maura circles the erect flesh with her tongue before taking her mouth away. Maura listens to the cadence of Regina's thundering heart. "Don't I get an answer? Or should I just go ahead and tell you that I can't wait to taste the rest of you."

"Yes, I love a challenge." Regina rasps out breathlessly. Maura smiles at the sound while deciding that its past time to sample Regina's other breast. "In fact, I live for it."

Any other words Regina might've thought about saying dissolves into a loud moan while her eyes fall closed as Maura tongue goes back to doing its own special kind of magic to her body. Regina's other breast receives the same precise, effective treatment that it's nearly enough to have Regina tipping towards the edge. But then Maura starts kissing her way along the length of torso and lower. Regina opens her eyes and looks down the length of her trembling body to see Maura hovering right over where her desire is the most visible and leaking out of her.

Upon seeing Regina's abundant arousal a small smile flashes across Maura's lips because her thoughts run to Zelena's comments at dinner. Maura is following through on Zelena's thinly disguised crass suggestions but truthfully Maura has thought about doing this before. Maura leans in and leaves an open-mouthed, lingering kiss and then another on the inside of Regina's thigh. Regina's hips are moving of their own accord and Maura needs to hear how bad Regina wants her to keep going. Maura lightly runs her tongue along Regina's sex.

Regina's responding loud yet rumbling low throaty moan is now sex personified for Maura. And perhaps one of the many delicious truths currently on Maura's tongue is there's no possible way now that Maura will be comfortable with anyone else having Regina like this. Maura flattens her tongue and opens Regina up more. Another long, loud moan is the reward along with the renewed taste on Maura's tongue. Maura drags her tongue up to the cluster of nerves that has but one purpose. Maura groans as Regina's thighs close in around her shoulders as Maura slips two fingers inside for the first time.

"Ah! Mau-ra." Regina's hips lift off the bed and she grips the duvet tightly in her hands. "N-Not like that."

It's not that Regina is uncomfortable or that she wasn't enjoying what Maura was doing. Regina shudders as she feels Maura's compliance in the form of her mouth leaving and Maura's fingers slipping out of her.

Regina swallows to get some more moisture back into her mouth, "Get up here. Please."

Maura is confused in a way. Her first instinct is to inquire as to whether she hurt Regina though that is unlikely given how aroused Regina is. Still Maura moves back up Regina's body; holding her weight up off of Regina. Very dark, near black brown eyes greet Maura and there's something Maura is missing in Regina's physical cues. But before Maura can utter a single vowel she finds herself thrown on her back and Regina straddles her legs and sits down on her thighs. Maura grins but then Regina moves her hips and spreads her arousal on Maura's thighs. Maura throws her head back with a groan and closes her eyes.

"I did warn you that I wasn't submissive either." Regina smirks and walks her fingers up one of Maura's thighs, moving closer, until she hits Maura red lacy underwear. Those beautiful hazel eyes spring open. "And as sexy as your underthings are they're in my way."

Maura chuckles, "Then maybe you should do something about them since you're in charge. At the moment."

Regina grins and reaches for the waistband to Maura's skimpy underwear. As Regina drags the underwear down the reveal is all the sweeter, so much so, that Regina considers ripping them off. She won't though and Maura doesn't know this yet but it's not about being in control. Regina adjusts her body to coincide with her actions, she moves off the bed along with Maura's underwear. Just looking down at Maura lying naked on her bed Regina opts to make another kind of move.

Regina quickly settles on her knees on the bed between Maura's slightly parted legs, "I'm not in charge, Mau-ra."

Regina places a hand on each one of Maura's thighs and gently urges them to open more for her. Maura is practically dripping. Regina moves in closer and understanding appears to dawn on Maura's face. Regina presses her aching, drenched sex to Maura's. They're both flexible and the fit is better than the closest imitation to perfection. Regina sees no point in making them wait any longer. The only control Regina is looking for is for them to cum together, as close as possible. Regina moves her hips in precise, lingering strokes. The slide is effortless.

Maura's eyes slam closed again as her moans come one after another until they string and run together. Regina's moans are much the same but the only foil to Regina's plan is that she can't afford to lean down to kiss Maura senseless while she fucks her senseless. Deep and slow but not too slow. Regina's eyes are open though; she wants to see everything. Regina's hands fist into the duvet as she holds her weight up and drives her hips into Maura's with a purpose that isn't about racing to the inevitable conclusion.

Maura's hands grab after anything but there's no purchase that's enough. Maura blinks her eyes open and the sight of Regina's flushed, sweat-glistening chest is the first thing she can focus on. Regina's breasts are ideal and Maura wants them in her hands. Maura reaches for the smooth olive skin of Regina's trembling stomach and runs her hands up the superb torso until she's holding the breasts she wants in her mouth again. For now though Maura can only hold on since the slick rhythm they're creating owns the room and Maura loves that wet sound. This is more than any fantasy Maura's entertained.

"Regina! Ah, ah...don't stop!"

It's in the way Maura just shudders and moans her name. Or it could be in the way Maura is caressing her breasts that causes the tell-tell pulling to become even stronger. Regina decides that she's willing to sacrifice her angle for a kiss of any kind. Regina tries her best to keep her long strokes going as she leans down, but as the angle changes so does the friction between them. Regina cries out against Maura's breast as their nerves hit one another directly. Maura responds in much the same way but she also pinches Regina's nipples too. There will be a round two or more.


"Is that what you're wearing?" Maura's eyes widen to take in the resplendent vision of Regina standing in front of her in Gucci. Or to be more specific a fantastic Gucci raspberry viscose open front dress. Regina has her dress buttoned appropriately but Maura can still see a hint of Regina's black bra. "Not that you don't look incredible since you're just...Wow!"

Regina blushes faintly. But then she squares her shoulders while contemplating that perhaps one day she'll be able to tell Maura that this dress is lucky for her. The luck being it was the very dress Regina was wearing when she found out that she shared True Love with her son and then as an extra she kicked Zelena's ass with her then newly acquired white magic too.

"This dress happens to be one of my favorites. It's not new. I've had it for years but it will never go out of style as long as I have a say in the matter." Regina says while smoothing her hands down her torso. She catches sight of Maura's still bare feet. "Also, you should consider it as retribution for seeing you in that red leather skirt all day long yesterday."

Maura chuckles, "Well, you did get to take it off me eventually."

"Indeed."

Regina smirks and then turns and walks back into the recesses of her expansive closet. Maura tilts her head to the side to freely appreciate how phenomenal Regina's retreating ass looks in that great dress. Maura shivers as the smile on her face grows. Regina is late getting dressed because she took it upon herself to make the bed, pick up their scattered clothes and then check on Henry all while Maura was picking out her outfit for the day. Regina assured Maura that she would get her skirt and blouse properly cleaned and returned to her by the end of the day.

"How do you feel about going to Granny's for breakfast this morning?" Regina's voice carries out from the innards of her walk-in closet and it causes Maura's smile to dim for a moment but then it brightens again. "It's Saturday and when I went downstairs to the kitchen, after I discovered that Henry wasn't in his room, only to find that he none too subtly left a note telling me that he stopped by the aforementioned establishment for breakfast. Dammit, I knew that he understood what my big-mouthed sister said last night at dinner. At any rate the note also said that from Granny's he's going to Violet's house."

Maura shifts on the bed and crosses her legs, "Is she Henry's girlfriend?"

Regina emerges from the closet with a sigh and a leather jacket in hand, "She was for a time. But thankfully given how young they both still are they maturely decided recently to just be friends to my extreme relief." Maura grins while her eyes track over Regina's dress again and the also fantastic asymmetrical cut black leather jacket that Regina slips on over her frame. "So will Granny's be acceptable? It's fast and actual food. But if that's not an attractive offer then we can cook together. That is unless you have no desire to do so either?"

Maura smiles and seriously considers suggesting that they go back to bed until lunch so they could shower together again. But they both do need sustenance sooner rather than later. Last night and early this morning was by far the most intensely satisfying sexual experiences Maura has had in years. Beyond the emotional aspect of their coupling the physical expression was like a study in stamina meshed with an intimate version of equality. And given how scintillating Regina is Maura's inclined to want to indulge again since her time here in Storybrooke is going by far too quickly.

"I'm not averse to dining in at Granny's but," Maura uncrosses her legs and stands up from her seat on the bed. There's no way to preface her sudden concerns at the public venue. "You see Boston is a very liberal city and I wonder how the residents of Storybrooke would react to their Mayor and a stranger, who happens to be the Mayor's girlfriend, having breakfast together?"

One side of Regina's red-slicked mouth quirks up, "Are you worried that if my constituents see the woman I'm dating that I may not get re-elected, Miss Isles?"

"It crossed my mind." Maura fidgets with the ring on her middle finger. Regina is utterly charmed by every detail of Maura's idiosyncrasies when they appear. "I'm not in any way ashamed of our growing relationship but I'm also not so selfish. I know I'm not a secret but sometimes discretion is called for."

Regina nearly laughs. If only Maura were in on the truth, the extent of how people's hatred for Regina ran at one time, then Maura would know how ridiculous the suggestion of discretion alone is. The relevance in regards to the gender of the person she's dating is small in comparison. Still how can Regina not treasure Maura's selfless reasoning? Regina has never met anyone like Maura and she doubts she will ever again which is all the more reason to try her best to hold onto someone so rare.

"Maura, I promise you that you'll find out that Storybrooke is rather...progressive." Regina restrains herself from expounding on her statement by saying that she's stronger than carbine at this stage in her life. Maura would understand and appreciate the reference though. "So there's no need to worry about keeping up appearances."

Regina takes a moment to recognize that Maura is clothing herself in Gucci again too. Only this time it's a black dress with blue pearl plackets. The dress falls just above Maua's knees and like the little vixen she is Maura's left the collar unbuttoned a fair bit. Maura smiles brightly and Regina feels her heart pick up its pace. That smile is truly magical to behold and Regina loves that she's the cause of it.

"Would you like to borrow one of my black trench coats? It will go with your dress better than the one you brought with you."

Maura nods her head in ascent, lets out a small squeal and then plants a small but lingering kiss on Regina's lips before quickly moving past her towards the closet. Regina places her hands on her hips and gives it a minute or two at most. She knows what's coming. They share a size in footwear.

"Oh my God!" Maura's exclamation carries out of the closet perfectly and Regina smirks. When you're right you're right. "Can I borrow a pair of your Jimmy Choo's? Oh! You have more than two pairs of the black patent platforms. Oh! You even have a fabulous suede pair of Jimmy Choo's in claret red!" There's a pause and Regina chuckles under her breath. "But they don't go with my dress."

Regina's laughs louder at the sound of the pout in Maura's voice, "Take your pick of whatever you feel goes with your dress."

Another squeal is all the confirmation Regina gets out of Maura. The brand of child-like glee Maura displays at times has become another desirable quality and Regina smiles as she moves towards her dresser to pick out a pair of earrings. Regina flips open her jewelry box and selects a pair of diamond stud earrings and then puts them in one by one. Regina turns around just as Maura steps out of the closet and shuts the doors behind her. Regina thinks that the borrowed black trench coat and patent platform shoes fit Maura as well as they do on her.

Maura smiles, she is not oblivious to the unabashed appreciation she sees in Regina's expression, "I'm ready and I'm driving."


It wasn't completely pre-mediated on Regina's part to show Maura off in public. But that's what happened as they walked into Granny's. Regina knows that they make quite the beautiful couple so she did, on purpose, choose to sit at the counter in full view. Regina is used to all manner of attention and she knows that Maura is immune in a sense too. The proof lies in how they met after all though both of those men were more invested in trying to weasel their way in between Regina's thighs than Maura's.

"Hey Regina!" Ruby says with a wide smile as she pulls out her order pad and a pencil. "Oh, and you brought company. Storybrooke's newest visitor. Hi, the name's Ruby."

Any other time Regina could choose to be nervous under her aloof facade of Ruby accidently saying something incriminating about Storybrooke but not today. Word travels fast in a cursed town the same as it does anywhere else and Ruby works at the epicenter of gossip headquarters.

Maura smiles pleasantly at their very attractive server, "Hello, I'm Maura Isles."

"Fancy name. It suits you though." Ruby glances at both women and then aims her sharpened pencil point at the notepad in her other hand. "So what can I get for you both this fine morning?"

Maura feels rather flustered by the woman in front of her, Ruby. So far since arriving in Storybrooke Maura has not seen one woman that wasn't above average in terms of being aesthetically pleasing.

"I'll have two chocolate chip pancakes, hold the whip cream. A side of mixed fruit and please bring the sugar free syrup." Regina says as she pulls off her leather coat and then places it on the empty stool on her other side. "I feel like spoiling myself today to an extent but I'm not trying to destroy my waistline in one sitting."

Ruby grins in such a way one would say a wolf would if it could smile, "Had that kind of good morning, huh. Together?" Ruby briefly glances towards the va-va voom strawberry blonde woman shrugging off her coat. Actually, the coat that Maura is wearing smells like Regina and if Ruby's eyes are not mistaken, even if her nose is off and it isn't, the coat is one of Regina's. "Didn't know that about you, Madam Mayor. I gotta say that I like you're not hiding it either. Not that I see anything to hide."

Regina would growl at the wolf if she thought it might actually work, "I'll also take a cup of coffee, Ruby."

Ruby fights back a grin while she scribbles down Regina's order, "Leaded or Unleaded?"

Regina places her elbows on the countertop and leans forward, "Unleaded."

Ruby finishes writing down Regina's order and turns her attention to Maura, "What about you? You're probably hungry for something."

Maura hears a distinct sigh from Regina. It seems to Maura that Ruby is merely amusing herself but to what end is most puzzling to Maura.

"I'll have pancakes as well but make mine blueberry please. And regular syrup is fine."

"Drink?"

Maura isn't going to bother with an elaborate coffee order. She rarely drinks caffeinated beverages these days unless it's coffee she has brewed herself and then only sparingly. Jane was the coffee addict.

"Tea, please."

Ruby uses the pencil's eraser to rub a slight twitch on her right cheek, "Kind?"

"Green tea is fine." Maura tilts her head to the side and places her hands in her lap. "Do you have honey?"

Ruby smirks and tears off the slip of paper with both orders off the pad, "I bring you some honey, Sugar."

Regina tries to stare down Ruby. Putting up with this for a couple of minutes is one thing but for Ruby to start taking a page from Zelena in terms of being a pain in the ass is crossing the line. Ruby doesn't seem to comprehend that with a single finger Regina could give her a flea infestation.

Regina shifts on her stool, "Put that all on my ticket, Miss Lucas."

"Sure." Ruby winks, places the order to Granny and then turns towards the coffee station.

Maura clears her throat and leans in close to Regina, "Did you date Ruby at one time?"

Regina hears a faint snicker emanating from the coffee station. No doubt the wolf heard that. The wolf is really enjoying herself this morning and Regina supposes it's better for her to stay the course in terms of irritation. Regina can only imagine what the gossip mill sounded like when it was grinding away at her and the Robin Hood ordeal with a side of Zelena. The whole damn town knows that Robin cheated on his poor cursed wife Marian with Regina.

Semantics being what they are now in a new light, but it still doesn't change the fact that at the time Marian was frozen, dying and Robin thought it was more important to track Regina down to her vault twice and on his second attempt it was for sex. He used Regina to fuck the pain away. The worst part though is that Marian's body was also in the vault too. Regina feels a specific kind of sickness when she truly allows herself to think about it all now. Regina was almost as bad after Robin as Emma is over Hook.

"No, she's not one of my ex's." Regina says lowly. The idea that Maura might be the faintest bit jealous is not unwelcome. But Regina doesn't have the stomach for truly jealous people in general. She will not allow anyone to view her or treat her like 'property' ever again. "But Ruby is 'family' as the saying goes. Her girlfriend Dorothy is the one running the register. Ruby just needs to not pick up where my sister leaves off when trying to be a public nuisance."

Maura laughs while the bell over the door resounds as another patron enters the homey dinner and Maura finds herself turning slightly to see who it is. Maura's eyes scan over Emma and then the man accompanying her. His face is unshaven which is one of the most unfortunate trends to manifest in most males over the last few years. The man is wearing a black motorcycle style leather jacket and he places his arm across Emma's shoulders. It's then that Maura sees the rather threatening and actual hook where his left hand would be.

"Is that Emma's husband?"

"Yes, that's Killian. The one and only for now. Feel free to fire away with as much harsh critique as you see fit, Doctor."

Maura chuckles lowly, "Are you aware that's only the second time I've heard you say his given name?"

Regina shrugs, "I usually refer to him as Guyliner."

"Does he actually wear make-up?"

"Yes, he does. But I dare you to go make a quick appraisal and then give me your opinion, Dr. Isles."

Maura considers the teasing intonation to Regina's voice as a direct challenge to prove her wrong. But with one brief glimpse over her shoulder at the booth Emma and Killian seem to have chosen Maura is still resolute that she's currently close enough. There's something very distinct about Killian even from afar that reminds Maura of a serial killer.

"I'd rather not. There's just something about him that reeks of some very bad people I've encountered in my line of work." Maura of course could elaborate but it's too soon to tell Regina just how close she's gotten to the worst humanity has to offer. Dated even. "And that hook on his arm looks dangerous and not at all like a traditional prosthetic attachment should for someone with an amputation."

Maura watches after Emma as she sits down in a booth facing them at the counter. Emma's husband, Killian, joins her but instead of taking the opposite seat he sits down close beside Emma. And judging by Emma's body language it's no stretch for Maura to ascertain that Emma is uncomfortable for a moment until she masks her displeasure. Maura feels an instant sort of sympathy for Emma.

"I can't predict what you're thinking Maura but I recommend trying not to imagine Emma having sex with her beloved unwashed." Regina grimaces at not only her words but the images that could spring forth if she were to let them. Maura switches her full attention back to Regina. "I do hope Emma makes him wear protection and remove his hook though."

Maura grins at the expression on Regina's face, "Perhaps she likes it rough? Although, with that hook he would be more liable to leave gaping wounds that would be fatal which is way past the category of rough."

Regina shakes her head and laughs while she nudges Maura with her shoulder, "Stop please. No more talk of the Joneses. It's bad for digestion, Dr. Isles."

Ruby smiles as she carries Regina's and Maura's drinks to them. And despite tempting fate with teasing Regina a little it was all in the name of good will. Ruby meant what she told Whale all those years ago on the dock. Regina did save her a lot of pain by muting her wolf. Allowing her to forget the people she hurt long enough to heal. Even at her worst Regina never actually ate a person alive like Ruby did. The past is the past though and Ruby found her real True Love by sheer chance.

Ruby's smile grows when she sits Maura's tea down in front of her and then places a small squeeze bottle of pure honey down next to it. Ruby thinks that Regina sure has landed a looker and if Maura's clothing choices are anything to go by it seems like this new stranger could be a good fit for Regina in the long run. They at least can share clothes. Ruby places Regina's coffee down and scoots the 'doctor up' holder towards Regina. Ruby thinks Regina is seriously funny with a good heart that she hides with sarcasm and sexy badass clothes.

"Your pancakes will be out shortly." Ruby smiles at Maura and ponders what kind of a response she would get out of Regina if she winked at the woman. Ruby then finds herself admiring Maura's unique hazel eyes. "We make ours fresh from scratch. None of that frozen and nuked stuff."

"Thank you, Miss Lucas you've been ever so helpful." Regina selects a package of imitation sugar, flicks the pack and rips the top edge open. "And I would be more careful if I were you. Since I don't believe Dorothy would react too kindly to you flirting with my girlfriend."

Ruby nearly fist pumps; Regina just came out, "It's cool. DG knows I have to add some effort to get the really good tips. She's secure and she trusts me."

Regina is on the verge of playfully telling Ruby that it must be past time for her to be taken out for her morning walk but then logic kicks in to thwart her sarcastic barb.

Maura opens the yellow top on the small bottle of honey and adds a few dollops of the dark amber bee product to her tea, "Recently, I read a fascinating gay and lesbian couple study conducted by the Gottman group over the course of twelve years. And I won't bore you with every aspect of their findings but overall the study showed that gay and lesbian couples are more upbeat in the face of conflict. When compared to straight couples, gay and lesbian couples use more affection and humor when a disagreement occurs, and the partners are more positive in how they receive it. Gay and lesbian couples also use fewer controlling, hostile emotional tactics."

Maura stills and then fumbles for the spoon on her napkin to sir her tea with. Regina isn't saying anything, just smiling, but Maura can practically hear Jane filling the void by saying something sarcastic about her impromptu lecture like: 'I dare you to say gay and lesbian one more time. Might break a record. I'll call Guinness.'

Ruby smiles and color her impressed with a side of intimidated, "Are you a doctor or something?"

"Yes."

"Cool." Ruby smiles and takes a quick glance at the only occupied booth she hasn't waited on. She saw Emma and Hook come in a few minutes ago. She'll get to them soon enough. Emma orders the same thing while Hook does his flask. The smell of just standing downwind of Hook is enough to make Ruby tipsy. Ruby feels that Emma has lost and frankly given up too much of herself and that's why Ruby and Dorothy didn't go to the wedding. "So, your pancakes should be ready and I'll be right back out with them."

Regina swivels to the side on her stool and crosses her legs. Regina's foot accidently grazes Maura's calf. The passing startled expression Maura abruptly sports makes her eyes that much brighter. Regina opens her mouth to apologize but then Maura moves one of her hands off her lap and reaches for Regina's on the counter. Maura's hand is warm on Regina's and it just spreads out from there. Regina feels her magic stir.

"I love it when you touch me." Maura says in low tones while methodically tracing her thumb over Regina's. "I also loved it when you told Ruby I was your girlfriend." Maura dips her chin and leans in enough that her breath tickles warmth on Regina's neck. "After we finish breakfast perhaps I could show you where I would thoroughly enjoy more of your touch?"

Regina smirks even as her face colors, "Why Dr. Isles are you implying that you and I require another follow-up examination?"

Maura leans back to gauge the depth of Regina's reactions to her suggestion and the proof is in those intense brown eyes, "Shall I amend my statement to include that I love your dress and I'm looking forward to taking it off you as soon as possible."

Emma looks up from her wavering study of the booth's tabletop at the sound of Regina's laughter over everyone else in the busy diner. She chose the seat in the booth facing Regina at the counter and predictably Killian sat down right beside her. Emma likes her space every now and then, which started getting harder to come by, and now since getting married that space has shrunk to nothing. Emma now knows that she has made so many sacrifices she didn't know when to stop. Trying to be everything to everyone doesn't leave much room for anything else.

Regina continues to laugh; Emma can tell not only by the sound but by the way Regina's shoulders move up and down. Emma thinks that Maura is a very beautiful woman and who knew Regina was like that. For a second Emma let's herself envy Regina's clear and present happiness with Maura. Emma wonders though if the new relationship will survive the truth of Regina's past and everything else. Emma remembers all too well how hard it was for her to accept magic and all the other shit that came with it. But Maura could be different.

Emma is still watching Regina and Maura as Ruby sits two plates of what looks like pancakes down in front of them. Emma has never seen Regina eat pancakes before. Killian clears his throat and then presses a kiss to Emma's cheek. Emma catches herself before she shrugs him off. Emma closes her eyes and forces herself to relax into his touch. She did this to herself. She can't blame anyone else for how far she took it with Killian. Lately, Emma occasionally has dreams about meeting Milah in the Underworld.

Emma keeps seeing Milah's face after Gold smugly revealed that Emma had slept with Neal who was Milah's own son and now Emma's gone and married the man Milah left Rumple for. The man who lives for revenge and getting whatever he wants. Emma takes a deep breath and opens her eyes. Regina and Maura are still eating, talking and they really look so happy. Emma faintly smiles; Regina deserves it, and Emma is going to heed Regina's request about staying out of it. Emma hasn't even told Snow about Regina and Maura and she won't but someone else will.


The Sia-Empowered Soundtrack: "Diamonds", "Fire Meet Gasoline" & "The Greatest"

A/N: While in search of inspiration (for the fashion porn sections of this story, cause hello both ladies know how to dress, like dayum!) I ran across some seriously foxy early promo pics of Maura slicing an apple with her scalpel. How's that for a sign when you weren't looking for one?