AN - seems its taking a while to post stuff at the moment so I'm sending this early. :)

She stepped outside, taking a deep breath and looking down at her coat. If something like that had happened while she was Queen…but for some reason she wasn't angry with Emma. It felt strange, as though the missing emotion wasn't important.

"You seem to be spending a lot of time with your new secretary these days."

At Sydney's voice her anger surfaced, like an old friend, wrapping around her. She turned towards him, hiding her reaction at his comments in case anyone inside the diner was watching. Regina headed down the road, knowing he would follow her and hoping no-one was listening. She suspected where the conversation was headed.

"Miss Swan is my PA. She is also my friend. I do hope you aren't returning to old habits, I would hate to have to speak to the Sheriff about this."

Sydney smiled at her, as though he knew she was trying to hide something. "I didn't think the two of you were as close anymore."

"Whatever you think you know, is it worth your job?"

"You wouldn't…"

She allowed the cruel thoughts to show in her eyes. "Try me."

"Regina, I…"

"It would be so easy to find another editor for the paper and remember, broken restraining orders and criminal records can destroy a career. Some of your investigation techniques may need to be reviewed. I'm sure the Sheriff would act on an anonymous tip-off if enough evidence was provided."

"I'm just worried about you. What do you really know about this woman…"

"Oh the information you provided was more than helpful."

"I don't want you to get hurt."

"Unless you have anything new to add on her background… I didn't think so."

She remembered that she was supposed to be nice to him. Keep him on her side; keep him useful. Make him… Regina smiled and stopped walking.

"You're right."

"I am?"

"I'm spending a lot of time with Miss Swan."

"Ooookay." He didn't try to hide his surprise at her change of attitude.

"I need to know that I can trust her. She's my PA and I have to give her access to important files at work. We also have to work together; you know how busy my life can get and she can make my job easier." She reached out and smoothed down the jacket arm she had so rudely grabbed earlier, as if trying to erase any creases.

Sydney practically swooned at the contact. His eyes pinned hers and he eagerly listened.

"I'm sure you understand that I just want what is best for the town. Late night meetings, things like that, they're just part of the job. It would be dreadful if someone were to get the wrong impression. Rumours can be so ugly, don't you agree?"

He nodded. "I understand… I wouldn't want anything to hurt you."

"Thank you. I knew I could rely on you."

"So there's nothing between you and Emma?"

"Oh Sydney." She finally withdrew her hand. "I'll let you in on a little secret."

"Yes?"

"I did overhear the Sheriff asking her out. Not that it's print worthy news, mind you. So don't go thinking about writing it up in a story. I've read your local gossip columns…"

He laughed nervously. "Whatever you say madame mayor."

"That's my… that's right."

"Would you like me to escort you home?"

It was the least she could do, Regina supposed. She nodded but didn't hold out her arm. That was one rumour she didn't need started.

Thank goodness it was the weekend. Emma hadn't realised how late it was until she was leaving the party. She checked for anyone watching her as she headed to the manor. The coast seemed clear.

She rang the doorbell and scanned the empty street as she waited. Within seconds Regina was there, pulling her inside, her hands and mouth exploring every inch of Emma as soon as the door closed.

"So you missed me?" Emma asked as they broke for air.

Regina wondered whether to tell her. If people were starting to get suspicious she should end this now. The only other option was… no, she couldn't think of that.

"Emma…"

Emma's hands were reaching for the zip on the back of her dress. Soon she wouldn't be able to think clearly enough to talk to her. Her hands were still wandering across Emma's skin and her feet were moving backwards, towards the stairs.

"How's your coat?" Emma thought to ask her as she reached for the support of the banister on their way upstairs.

"I've left it to soak in some cleaning products, it doesn't matter."

"If I've ruined it…"

"I'll just buy a new one. It's not important."

"But…"

"It's just a coat, Emma."

Emma shivered at her name. The way Regina said it made her want to press herself against the mayor and… well, they were about to do that anyway, so she just smiled to herself and closed the bedroom door when they entered. Regina had already closed the curtains and there was a soft music playing from somewhere in the room.

"The weekends don't come often enough." Emma told her as she removed her jeans and tossed her jacket onto the back of the chair.

"I see you every day at work." Regina reminded her, the dress already on the floor around her ankles. "Aren't you tired of my company yet?"

Emma stalked over, a look on her face that answered her question. She wrapped her arms around Regina's neck, looking into her eyes as she kissed her. Regina's arms snaked around her waist and pulled her closer.

"Did you enjoy the party?"

"Yes. Granny says thank you for the present and I snuck you some cake. It's in my jacket pocket, probably a bit quashed now, but it's a good cake…" She squirmed as she felt Regina tug at her panties, trying to pull them down.

"You're a very thoughtful person." Regina told her, before capturing Emma's bottom lip between her own and running her tongue along it.

Emma just moaned and pushed her hips forwards, nudging Regina towards the bed. Regina released her and Emma quickly removed her bra as she scrambled on top of the covers. Within seconds Regina followed, hovering over Emma's body, trapping her on the bed. Her hands moved to Emma's face, tracing the curve of her cheeks and across her lips. Emma shivered at the intimate look in her eyes, waiting to see what she would do next.

"I still owe you for Granny's present."

"No, it was my idea to get her something."

"How much?"

"I told you…"

Slowly Regina lowered her head to Emma's body and began to kiss her, all the way down to her belly button. She paused and looked up at Emma, a smile on her lips.

"Don't stop." Emma begged her.

"I want to repay you."

"Then just keep going."

"Emma…"

"Please, Regina…" Emma grabbed her hands to get her attention. "Not now."

"But…"

"This is our time, for just us. I don't want to waste it."

Regina pulled her hands from Emma and traced her nails along the path her kisses had taken as she thought. Eventually she nodded. It felt like time moved so much faster at the weekends now. She couldn't believe how long Emma had already been in Storybrooke and wondered if the curse would affect her. Would Emma begin to age? Regina stroked across a sensitive area of Emma's skin, realising that she was picturing Emma in the future, still in her life. She frowned, knowing that the point of the curse was for nothing to change. Yet here Emma was, and she wasn't alone.

"Hey, what are you thinking?" Emma asked.

Regina shook her head to clear the thoughts. Emma was right; she didn't want to waste their time together. You never knew how long things would last. She had to focus on the present.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes." Regina smiled down at her, brushing away the hair on Emma's forehead. "Let me show you how much I appreciate you…bringing me some cake, and getting Granny's present."

Emma smiled as she realised Regina was going to stop at 'you'. She knew the ending was just part of her defences. That was all right, she understood.