Author's Notes: I know its been WAAAYYYY to long for an update! I could go through ALL the reasons for the long wait...but I'm just glad to finally be posting again. A big thanks to everyone for the reviews, follows, and favs. I never expected this story to be soooo popular! I hope this chapter was worth the wait. I'm starting on the next update soon as I post this one! Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Chapter 10: Lessons Learned

"I need a pair of shoes." Regina said as Matilda bagged Regina's dress and pinned the needed alterations to the package. Despite the rocky start to their shopping excursion, the professor had to admit that she'd enjoyed herself. Emma's bemusing charm was having an effect she hadn't expected. So much so, that it had led to an impromptu kiss that she'd initiated. Later she'd drop a few hints that people were watching and they needed to appear a convincing couple, but she knew that wasn't the only reason. Regina wasn't a woman use to getting caught up in the moment. In fact, if she was honest with herself, she calculated most of her actions in life. A task that was quite tedious at times but effective. She liked knowing the outcome. She liked things going her way. Then came Emma Swan.

"Really?" Emma laughed. "I almost broke my neck as I tripped over all the shoes you brought."

"You're just clumsy." Regina explained casually. "Regardless….if memory serves me correctly, which it does, I'm down one pair of boots."

"Don't worry I've already been on Craigslist in search of something."

Regina paused, her brow arching. "Craigslist?"

Emma chewed on her bottom lip. "Ebay?"

"Try again."

"I can't afford those boots."

"Well I could and now I no longer own them."

"I said I would replace them and I will."

"Before I breathe my last breathe."

Emma hunched. "Give or take a few minutes."

Regina sighed in an attempt to cover the smile that was starting to form on her lips. She was beginning to enjoy their combative teasing. "What costume are you wearing?"

"It's a secret."

"You had me parade around in costumes…."

"You had fun." Emma interrupted.

"Not as much as you. I didn't know what was going to hit the floor first. Your tongue or your eyes."

"Should I package up the French maid uniform?" Matilda's husband asked with a knowing grin before Matilda swatted him upside the head.

Both woman stood still and the professor raised a questioning brow at the Emma, who hoped she wasn't blushing. Regina Mills had her running hot since she'd set foot in Storybrooke despite the chilly weather that covered the town. Even though she'd managed to speak coherent sentences, her mind was still on constant replay of Regina kissing her in the dressing room. She had been sure after their first kiss, but the last one had confirmed the dark haired woman tasted like apples and cinnamon…..

"Of course they will. And I'll even pay for it." Killian Jones walked up to behind them. "As long as I get a photo or two…"

"It's rude to stare." Emma grumbled as she watched KJ's eyes roam over Regina hungrily.

"And it's rude not to admire a work of art." He countered.

"Then shouldn't you be staring in a mirror…since you think you're so pretty."

Regina smirked at the comment and at the sight of Emma trying to protect her virtue. "Are you here to pick up a costume?" She asked.

"Yes I am. Matilda here made a few alternations to my pirate costume."

"What?" Emma chuckled and looked his lanky frame up and down. "I thought you were getting a bit thick in the waist."

"Never." He grinned. "Some lovely lass ripped it off me last year."

"Too many details."

"Indeed." Regina agreed. "Did you say pirate costume?"

He nodded. "Captain Hook."

"Oh, I would have suspected Jack Sparrow because of your fondness for eye liner." The professor smiled and folded her arms.

Emma laughed. "And your slurred speech."

"Ha ha." KJ said dryly.

"Well, it was nice seeing you again." Regina lied. "But Emma and I were just leaving." And as she said that, the bell above the door chimed and in walked August and Ruby walked. Regina tried not to roll her eyes. This town is so suffocating, you see the same people at least three times a day!

Without looking, Regina could feel Emma's energy change and shift in the wrong direction. Regina had been raised not to show weakness, and apparently Emma Swan had not. With parents like Snow White and Prince Charming, it wasn't surprising. The whole family looked like they wore their feelings for the whole world to see. When they were together, she expected forest animals to come out of the wood works and eat from their hands. She also have expected Henry to kill those same animals. Maybe there was still hope for the boy.

Regina grabbed the blonde's hand to stop her from burying them in her pockets. Emma looked and stood up a little straighter at the challenge that was coming from Regina's dark eyes. She wouldn't let Ruby see how she still affected her. Why should she? Regina Mills was standing at her side. With a girlfriend like her….hold up Swan…she's not your girlfriend!

"Hey guys!" Emma greeted intertwining her fingers with Regina's.

"Hey!" Ruby said just as enthusiastically as Emma. Regina almost frowned at the artificial sweetener these two women were blowing into the air. "Funny seeing you guys here."

"Well not really. Everyone gets their costumes from here." August said lightly. "Pinnochio, here." He raised his hand.

"Little Red Riding Hood." Ruby added with her hand raised as well. "And I think the shortness of my skirt is going to reach a record low this year."

"Keeping the tradition going I see." Her best friends had gone as those characters since they were knee high.

"What about you two?" August asked.

"Emma tends to switch it up from time to time." Ruby said as she locked eyes with Regina.

A dark brow rose and Regina snuggled into Emma. "I like that about her. She likes to try new things and not be attached to old ones."

"It's a surprise." Emma interrupted. "Everyone will see tomorrow night."

"Last year she was the wicked bunny from Wonderland. Scared half the kids. She looked like Bugs Bunny with rabies…in this torn suit….really cool." Emma bowed playfully. August looked to Regina. "Yours a surprise too?"

"Evil Queen." Regina said in her deadliest tone.

"I can see that." Ruby offered and earned a slight nod from Regina.

"Love it." KJ nodded. "Almost as much as the French maid costume. Which you two are still getting, right?"

"KJ, can you try to think above the belt!" Emma groaned.

"It's not my fault. Lesbians…duh."

"Grow up, KJ." August insisted.

"Soooo." Ruby interrupted. "We were thinking of going into the city tonight to Dazzles. To party and unwind."

"And no Killian, you are not invited." August said.

"I have plans. So no worries." KJ said with a hunch.

"Sounds like it can be cool." Emma said and looked to Regina. "You down?"

"I'm not sure it's Regina's crowd." Ruby blurted. "So it's ok…"

"Meaning?" The professor asked.

"Dazzle can get pretty crazy."

"And you think I can't handle crazy?"

"No, you just seem mature."

"I was under the impression that we all were mature adults here." Regina stepped forward and there was a buzzing sound.

Regina looked at her phone and frowned. "They can wait…." She muttered as she buried the phone back in her purse. But Emma could feel the rigidity growing in the brunette's body. "Sorry about that. So tonight…" Her phone rang again.

"It's cool if you have to get that." Emma offered. "We don't mind."

"Ok, I'll be back in just a minute." She walked out of the shop.

"Mysterious phone calls that she doesn't want to answer." KJ commented. "I'd be suspicious if I were you Swan."

"Whatever." Emma muttered.

"I'm serious…"KJ started and then leaned closer. "And while that lovely woman is gone…I gotta know. How did you end up with someone like her?"

"Dude!"

"KJ!"

August and Ruby said at the same time.

"Asshole!" Emma sneered and pushed him.

"What?" He laughed. "Tell me I'm not the only one thinking this."

Emma whirled around and looked at Ruby and August. "You too?"

"Of course not!" August argued.

"KJ is a jerk and all…" Ruby started. "…but Regina does seem"

"Out of my league?" Emma said.

"No…different from others you've…dated."

"I guess so…since she has breasts!" Emma said loudly gathering a few stares from other customers.

"And exquisite ones at that." KJ added.

"Shut up KJ!" Emma moved towards Ruby. "Other than present company…you've never met anyone I've dated." Ruby began to fidget a bit under Emma's gaze.

"I guess she just meant I'm a hard act to follow…and well yeah I don't have breasts." August chuckled.

"Doesn't matter anyway how Emma snagged her. Because she's going to fuck it up."

"Nice." Emma pushed past him and frowned when she didn't see Regina through the front window.

"Scared she left?"

"She's taking a phone call."

"Around the corner? Look Swan, I admit I'm not the most vocal advocate for marriage. But you better put a ring on that."

"Thanks Beyonce."

Regina took a deep breathe and answered the phone. "Hello Mother."

"Regina, it took three phone calls to get you to answer. If I didn't know any better I would think you were avoiding me."

"I was in the middle of something." She turned around and looked at Emma through the window, and wondered about the conversation transpiring without her.

"Such as?"

"To what do I owe the pleasure of a phone call?" Regina began to walk towards the alley where she and Emma had been earlier.

"You didn't answer my question."

"Nor did you answer mine."

"You're my daughter. Isn't that enough?"

"It never has been before." Regina retorted.

"I see years of therapy didn't get that chip off your shoulder that you insist on carrying."

Yet years of your mothering have kept it firmly in place."Mother, why are you calling?" Regina rubbed her forehead and frowned.

"Fine. I've sent a messenger over to your office. I need you to sign some papers..."

"It will have to wait. I'm out of town."

"Really? Where?"

"Does it matter? I'll be back in California by Monday morning. I'll have a look over whatever it is you need me to sign then. "

"Off with another of your whores?"

"Mother..."

"Honestly, I wish you would get over this obsession you have with women. Not that your choices in men have proven to be any better. You're not getting any younger. It's time you grow up and make the proper decisions..."

"I make nothing but proper decisions."

Cora laughed. "You should thank the Gods every morning that you're as beautiful as you are because in all honestly I wonder about your sanity and intelligence..."

"Monday morning. I have to go..."

"Who is she?"

"Good-bye Mother."

"Well whoever she is, please tie all the loose ends up. I can't continue to clean up your messes because you can't keep your legs closed. Your lack of restraint is proving to be a very expensive habit."

Regina closed her eyes as she remembered her ill fated romance with Danielle. And how she'd chosen Cora's deal over her. From that moment on, she hadn't put her heart on the line again. "I've never asked for any of your so-called help..." There had been other occasions over the years where Cora was in fact right. Regina had been reckless with her sexual exploits. And her mother had in fact cleaned up the ramifications. "...with anything in my life."

"I'm your mother Regina, I don't need to be asked."

"Well I'm asking you not to interfere."

"So you are with someone. I knew you wouldn't abandon teaching your precious art classes for anything less than a romp..."

"She's not some romp in the hay!" Regina blurted out and immediately covered her mouth. The professor was shocked at her own outburst. It's not like the statement wasn't true. Emma Swan was not some tryst. Regina had barely touched the blonde. But she didn't like the innuendos her mother was throwing around.

"Of course she is Regina. You're not capable of anything more." Cora replied coolly.

"And who's fault is that..." Regina hung up the phone and tried to compose herself.

"Mommy Dearest doesn't like Emma?" Someone said from behind her. Regina turned around to see Mayor Gold standing there casually leaning on his cane. A smirk was firmly placed on his face. "That's shocking. I thought everyone loved Emma. She is a Swan after all...and this town tends to adore that family for reasons that are beyond me."

"Do you ease drop on all your constituents?"

"No, but I do listen to them."

Regina scoffed. "Not from what I've seen."

His smirk grew. "You are an arrogant little filly aren't you."

"I haven't been anyone's filly in years."

"I was being kind."

"Well excuse me for not being impressed by your efforts. Now if you will excuse me."

She tried to walk pass him, but he blocked her way with his cane. "How's Cora these days?"

Regina's dark eyes narrowed. "Excuse me?" The mayor's references to her family earlier that day had bothered her. But here he was again, now mentioning her mother by her first name.

"Your mother. She and I go way back. Before she married your father in fact. This is truly indeed a small world."

Too small..."Well good for you. You may want to send her a postcard. Are you going to cure my boredom with this conversation by doing your best Darth Vader impersonation and confess that you're my father."

He chuckled. "Not sure your bite is as bad as hers. But that same female bravado oozes out of you."

"You keep dropping hints that you know my family. What's your game Gold?"

"I was just about to ask you the same question. What in the world are you doing in my town... with Emma Swan."

Regina tilted her head then smiled brightly. "We're plotting to take over the world."

Gold returned the smile. "I have no doubt that's what you do in your spare time. But you and Emma..."

"...are you none of your concern." Regina finished for him.

"You are not.." He stepped closer. "...who you seem." Before Regina could comment, Gold moved out of her way and walk away.

Regina grimaced and watched Gold cross the street. It appeared that the Gold knew more than he'd let on when they'd first been introduced. That worried Regina. Normally she didn't care what people thought or said about her...but this could affect Emma and her plans. She scowled even more, why did she suddenly care if Emma's plan worked or not. Surely if this facade fell apart at the seams...the blonde would follow through on her promises...

"Done with your phone call?" Emma said.

Regina jumped and clutched at her chest. "For such a small town, why does everyone move like a ninja?"

Emma laughed. "Sorry to scare you."

"You should be." She smoothed her dark hair.

Emma studied her for a few seconds wondering should she inquire about the phone calls. It obviously had affected Regina in some way. Maybe KJ has been right. Maybe Regina had been talking to a love interest of some sort. It only made sense. A woman like Regina Mills would not be without suitors. Just because Emma had somehow snagged her for the weekend, didn't mean that woman's love life had come to a screeching halt. "Hot date waiting for you back in Cali?" She asked and totally regretted it once the words left her lips.

"What?"

"The ummm persistent phone call." Emma quickly waved off her comments. "You know what…sorry…it's none of my business. Forget I asked."

Dark eyes narrowed. "You right it's none of your business." Emma looked down at her shoes. "But being the constant contradiction that you are, you're also wrong."

"Not a hot date?" The professor didn't miss the slight brightening of the Emma's eyes.

"Far from it." Regina sighed deeply.

"Wanna talk about it?" Emma offered.

"Not really." She didn't want to talk about her mother or her cryptic conversation with Gold…even if Emma probably needed to know of the latter.

"I'm a really good listener."

"Then why did I always have to ask you a question twice in my class?"

Emma shrugged. "I was distracted."

"I wasn't enough to hold you attention?"

"Oh, you were more than enough. Sometimes the lecture came in a close second is all." Emma grinned. "That red V-neck sweater with the…" Regina knowingly nodded with her every word and Emma quickly stopped talking. "Well you know your own wardrobe. You were saying?"

Then Regina was doing it again. Smiling. Genuinely smiling. She decided to let the blonde off the hook again. And may even herself. She changed the subject. "Did you settle up plans for tonight?"

"Yeap." Emma let the phone call subject drop.

"Am I still included?"

"Of course." They started walking towards Emma's car.

"I'm not too old?"

"She didn't call you old."

"Sure she did. I'm a lot of things dear. But lacking intelligence isn't one of them. Ruby is jealous..."

Emma stopped short. "No she isn't. She's with August."

"Say whatever you want. But you may want to warn your bestie."

"About?"

"Me. Because I think there is a quote from Agatha Christie that applies to young Ruby's amusing attempts to spar with me."

"Which is?"

"If you place your head in a lion's mouth, then you cannot complain one day if he happens to bite it off."

"Honey I think you need to calm down." David said to his wife. He sat behind his desk at the sherriff's office and watched her pace back and forth.

"She took over my rehearsal!" Mary-Margaret complained.

"Sounds like she helped to me."

"She told little Grace that she was singing in the wrong key."

"Was she?"

"Well yes she was."

"Then there you go."

"She rearranged the set." She threw her hands up in the air. "Regina started talking about lightening, needing more drama, and flare!"

"How does it look now?"

Mary-Margaret slumped down in a chair defeated. "Wonderful."

"I'm still trying to see the problem."

"She was just supposed to play the piano!" She pouted. "And she's awesome at that."

"Did you want her to be bad?"

"Of course not."

David got up. "Honey. I want you to be honest with me…are you looking for reasons to not like Regina?"

Mary-Margaret's mouth dropped open. "Really, David?"

He hunched. "I'm just trying to understand why you're acting this way. From all I've seen Regina's a smart, beautiful…" David stammered a bit at his wife's look. "What? I'm just stating the obvious."

"The obvious doesn't need to be stated." She retorted.

"She's a smart umm woman that's in love with our daughter. And the reason for how you're acting can't all stem from Regina having been her teacher for one semester years ago. Even you swooned over breakfast during Regina's story.'

"I did not swoon!"

"They seem happy. Emma seems happy. Why aren't you?"

"I am happy."

"Are you?"

"Of course I am!" She screamed before she started to cry. "Emma's happiness means everything to me."

David rushed to his wife side. "Honey, it's ok. I didn't mean to…."

"Emma went away to college all the way in California and stayed for graduate school. She barely comes home as it is. And with Regina there with all things Regina…"

"You think she's going to come home even less." He finished for her. She nodded sadly. David cupped her cheek and wiped at her tears with his thumb. "I miss Emma too and that's why we need to enjoy these times when she's home. I can't imagine anyone or anything keeping Emma from her family. Regina's great and all, but Emma would never forget about us."

"Why couldn't she find someone closer to love?"

"Love isn't bound by a location. Not everyone is lucky enough to grow up and marry their best friend." He kissed her on the forehead.

Mary-Margaret smiled. "We aren't lucky, aren't we."

"Yes we are. And not everyone's love story is like ours. From the moment Emma was born, I knew that she was the very best of both of us. So, we have to trust that she knows her own heart. And if that means Regina…" He hunched. "It means Regina."

Emma had been running late for class…again. With a half-eaten apple in her mouth, she gathered up her belongings and moved quickly through the library. A book had begun to slip from her grasp. She looked down to readjust and that's when she ran smack dead into something. Or rather someone. Every book in her arms fell to the ground, and Emma quickly knelt down to gather them.

"I'm so sorry..." She sputtered to the person in front of her. The apple fell from her lips and rolled away to parts unknown.

"As you should be."

The smooth voice ran through Emma's body like a warm chill, if that was even possible. She went still and looked up. Her eyes connected first with black cut-out heels that connected to smooth lightly tanned legs. It seemed like forever before she saw the material of the grey fitted skirt. Next came a black tank top, shoulders, sleek neck, and then...

"I'm not a stature dear." The woman said with a slight frown on her beautiful face. She tilted her head slightly, with raven locks falling to the side giving a clearer view of her dark eyes. "No need to stare."

"Sorry..." Emma stammered again as she finally stood to her feet with the books clutched to her chest.

"You said that already."

"I know...sorry...I mean..."

With a deep sigh, the woman raised her hand to silence her. "Apology accepted."

"Cool." Emma smiled. The woman did not. "I'm Emma Swan by the way."

"Weren't you on your way somewhere?"

Emma nodded. "Class."

"Then I suggest you make your way there." She stepped out of Emma's path. "Have a good day." Then she walked away.

"But your name?" Emma called after her.

The woman stopped and turned around. "Unless you're in one of my classes, my name is of no use to you."

The memory of first laying eyes on Regina Mills had often replayed itself in Emma's mind over the years. How could it not? Emma doubted there were few who would forget such a moment. But now she had new memories of the woman. Like just then for instance. She sat at the kitchen table watching Regina gracefully move around the Swan kitchen to prepare dinner for her family. The professor had changed into more casual wear, a fitted t-shirt, with was covered by a blue "KISS THE COOK" apron that belonged to David. Regina had turned her nose up at all of Mary-Margaret's floral and food themed aprons. Emma cunningly tried to take a picture with her phone.

"Not much of a photo to use for blackmail." Regina commented, not even looking up as she continued to roll the dough.

"Purely recreational." Emma added. Not that the older woman was particularly chatty in the first place, but Regina has been rather quiet and bit more withdrawn that usual. While her mood was usually that of boredom, indifference, or even annoyance. That had been the first time that Emma had seemed well…unhappily preoccupied. She suspected it had something to do with the phone call from earlier. But other that Regina confirming it hadn't been from a romantic interest, Emma had been left in the dark. So she had left Regina to her on thoughts, when the brunette had suddenly asked her stop the car. They had been in front of the local grocery store.

"I can't believe you mother doesn't own a pasta press." Regina grumbled. "I am not satisfied at all with this. But it will have to do I suppose." Some people exercised. Some people screamed. When Regina needed to relieve stress, she cooked. The phone call from her mother had left her on edge as always. And her conversation with Gold hadn't helped. So Regina had offered to cook for the Swans in an effort to really help her nerves. Not that her intentions weren't genuine, Emma and her family would be benefited with a wonderful meal.

"And I can't believe you make your own pasta." Like everything else, Regina cooked with precision. She mostly swatted Emma away at every attempt to help. And when she didn't, she criticized her technique on almost every task she was given. Despite how inept Emma felt at the moment, she had to admit that the kitchen smelled absolutely like heaven. She was adjusting to the ambient opera music Regina had insisted upon. And Emma had definitely enjoyed Regina standing behind her as she tried to teach her how to chop vegetables.

"Ah yes, your family does seem to like to get things out of a box." She reached over for her wine glass and took a sip. "Hmmm so much better."

"I can't believe you had some poor guy travel all the way to Storybrooke just so you can have that wine."

"Why not? You brought me all the way here." She smirked. When the two had returned to the Swan residence, a package had been waiting on the doorstep with Regina's name. "Besides, he was paid nicely. And I could not continue to drink those travesties mislabeled as wine."

"Elitist much?"

"Call it what you want, I have standards." She exhaled noisily. "And when was the last time your knives were sharpened?"

"The last time we went into battle, my Queen." Emma retorted with a faux English accent.

"You're not funny."

"No even a little?" Emma stood up walked over to kitchen island.

"Not even."

Emma touched the other woman's cheek. "You've got a little something…" She dusted the small smudge of flour off. She'd been close to letting the flour stay in place. Wanting to relish in a moment when the professor didn't look perfect. But somehow, the woman had managed to look even more delectable with the minor flaw. Adorable even. And Emma couldn't resist the chance to touch her.

Regina stilled just a bit with the gesture and warmness of Emma's thumb on her skin left a small tingle. "Thank you." She managed to say.

"No problem."

With meticulousness, Regina cut the dough into lasagna sheets. She closed her eyes and smiled. "Best part of the song."

"Madam Butterfly." Emma watched her peaceful expression.

"Yes." She opened her eyes. "You've seen it?"

Emma hunched. "It was in a scene from the movie Fatal Attraction."

"Of course." She frowned.

"You're not going to go all Glenn Close and try to kill me, are you?"

She pointed the knife at Emma. "I just might." She was distracted by the music again. "This was the first opera I ever saw. My father took me when I was ten. He bought me a pretty gown and he dressed in a tuxedo. I felt like a princess."

"Sounds like you two were close." Emma tried to imagine miniature version of Regina as a child.

Regina smiled. "Very much so. He taught me how to make this lasagna." She scooped up the noodles and placed a couple in the baking dish. "The best part is the pepper flakes gives it some kick."

"Was he a better cook than your mom?"

The smile faded. "The only thing my mother ever cooked up…was a scheme." She went in search of her wine.

"I take it you two aren't The Judds."

"Is pop culture your only source of reference material?" She drained her wine.

"Most entertaining source."

"Broaden your horizons dear." As if she owned the kitchen Regina grabbed another glass from the cupboard. "And to answer your question, my mother and I are complicated." Regina was a bit confused as to why she was divulging so much information to Emma. Normally she would refrain from referring to either of her parents, considering the information highly private. But here she was sharing anyway. " I'll finish the lasagna. Pour us both another glass. I'll give you a wine tasting lesson." Regina saw Emma crinkle her nose a bit at the comment. "Don't be offended because…"

"I know I know. Wine in a box. I'm beginning to think you need to record a song about it." Emma lifted the lid off the meat sauce and tasted it for the millionth time. "Awesome."

"I know. Even despite those not being my usual ingredients."

"Sorry we don't have ambrosia."

"Ambrosia. The food of the Gods." Regina smiled and nodded approvingly. "A much better reference."

"You're welcome." She returned the smile.

After finishing off the lasagna with a generous portion of cheese, Regina put it in the oven. "Now for a bit of education."

"Are you ever out of teacher's mode?"

"I thought it was part of my allure." She motioned for Emma to have a seat.

"Good point."

She offered her one of the wine glasses. "What we have here is a beautiful Tuscan wine, 2006 Sassicaia. Which in my mind is just a little young to be opened. But it should be just fine. I also usually decant my wines but your family surprisingly didn't have a decanter." She swirled the glass around. "It's a crystalline dark ruby color…" She stopped abruptly.

"What?"

"Just to make things more interesting." She leaned forward and removed the scarf she'd lent Emma earlier from around the blonde neck. "Let's do a blind wine tasting." Not waiting for Emma's consent she moved behind her and blind folded her.

"A little light bondage never hurts." Emma joked nervously and almost jumped when she felt a warm breathe against her ear.

"Cutting off one sense intensifies the others."

The professor wasn't lying because each velvety word she spoke was sending a subtle shockwave through her body. "Ok."

Regina smiled, enjoying the reaction she was getting from Emma. She lifted the wine glass just below Emma's nose. "A wine's aroma or nose is so important. As you breathe it in, you should pick up on a scent of smoke and cedar. If you concentrate you may even be able to pick up on the blueberries, blackcurrants, and full ripe cherries." Emma nodded. "Part your lips, dear." Regina ordered. The blonde did as commanded and set out a soft sigh as she did so. Regina found herself licking her own lips as she watched the display. "And next we'll taste it." She put the glass to her lips. "Drink. Slowly. It should taste slightly sweet to your tongue. Giving it a very bold start but if you wait it'll have a smooth long finish with hidden layers of fruits that absolutely delight."

Emma tasted Regina's words almost as much as the wine that coated the inside of her mouth. Regina used her thumb to catch a droplet of wine resting on Emma's moist lips.

"You like?"

"Very much so." Emma almost moaned.

"You should see your face." She leaned in close again. "You have the sex in my mouth expression."

"Better than sex."

"It's a wonderful wine." Regina raised a brow. "But it seems you've been sleeping with the wrong people."

"It's an expression."

"It's revealing."

Emma blushed and was slightly thankful her eyes were hidden. "Whatever."

Dark eyes studied her for a second. "Lack of confidence."

"What?"

"The reason you don't have a girlfriend."

"Huh?" Emma moved to remove the scarf but soft persistent hands stopped her.

"How confident are you in your bedroom skills?"

"Excuse me?"

"On a scale of one to ten."

"I don't know."

"Well that answers my question."

"Now wait just a second…I'm very confident. Extremely so."

"I don't believe you." Regina found herself blurting out playfully.

"Believe this." Following an impulse Emma somehow found Regina's hips and pulled her forward. To stop herself from falling, the brunette opened her legs and straddled Emma's lap.

"Getting bold aren't we?"

"Just following the wine's example."

"Looks like this lesson was a success."

"I'll say." Emma was all smiles as she felt Regina removing the scarf. The elated feeling quickly faded when she saw the look on Regina's face. "What?" With exasperation Regina motioned over her shoulder. Emma looked around the woman on top of her, to see her parents standing in the kitchen doorway with expressions Emma couldn't even describe.

"Kitchen smells great!" Henry walked in. "What's for din…" He stopped short and looked around the room. He started to say something, but instead just backed out of the kitchen slowly. "I'll be in my room."

"Hi, Mom and Dad." Emma said. "We cooked dinner for you!"

Hope you enjoyed! The girls will be headed to Dazzles next! And again thanks for hanging in there with me!