She vaguely registers the sound of something ringing in her ears and even though her eyelids refuse to cooperate and search for an answer, her body stretches in attempt to wake up. There is an ache between her legs that sends a signal to her bundle of nerves all over again from just one thought as to why she's so deliciously sore.

However, she can't enjoy the moment because that ringing has been replaced by a pounding sound instead. She stretches again, pleading with her eyes to wake up and that's when she hears a groan directly in her ear and feels a sticky heat gliding up her thigh.

"You're so warm," Emma mumbles, still half-asleep as her lower region seeks pleasure all on its own. Not to mention her hand, her sneaky hand that is groping Regina's breast in all the right ways.

"Emma," she hisses because as much as she wants to wake up with this woman pleasuring her, there is a very determined person at their door. "Emma, wake up. Someone is here," she whispers like the person outside could possibly hear them.

Green eyes spring to life as Emma's head jerks off Regina's shoulder. She's obviously disoriented, trying to blink away the foggy world of dreamland, but her hand never releases Regina's naked breast.

"Who could it possibly be?" She questions, provoking Regina's clit to flutter for attention from how sexy and raspy her morning voice is.

Regina glances around the room, realizing they must have passed out on the couch last night. Emma's already moving though, one hand still securely holding Regina's breast just in case someone is here to steal it away from her, while she's peeking out the window.

"Oh god, it's our case worker," Emma groans, prompting Regina to slide up on the couch as well and peek through the blinds.

"Damn Zelena Kelly. She has the worst timing ever," Regina growls, shoving Emma's hand away so she can scramble off the couch.

"What time is it? I'm so tired," Emma complains, falling face first back into the couch.

"Up, Miss Swan," she commands, smacking a very pale and naked bottom, drawing out a little yelp from the blonde. "You answer the door and I will run upstairs and get Lennox ready."

"The kid is still asleep, so I'm pretty sure we should still be asleep," her friend...lover? Friend with benefits? Whatever the hell she is groans into the couch cushion before she rolls over and reveals her very enticing body. "My legs feel like jelly."

"You only have yourself to blame," Regina clips, but her voice is too light to sound scolding. "You're the one that thought it would be fun to try out every piece of furniture in the house, carrying me and tossing me around like some rag doll," she huffs, sliding Emma's basketball shorts up her bottom and she will never admit out loud, but she loves the feel of them against her smooth legs.

"Yeah," Emma grins from ear to ear, "but it was totally worth it."

Regina rolls her eyes, slipping into Emma's tank top instead of her own cami. "Now, get up. We need to answer the door." She pivots, ready to run upstairs, but Emma grips her wrist and tugs her back toward the couch. "Miss Swan-"

She is cut off by Emma's warm palm cupping her cheek and those dainty lips gently brushing against hers. "Okay, now we can start the day," she claims, still beaming from all the sex she had last night with someone she actually cares about.

Regina takes off running up the stairs, sure that Zelena can see her through the windows, but she's on a mission and Emma is the one to answer the door. She runs into her bedroom, runs a brush through her hair and cringes when she realizes that her hair is a wild mess from being yanked on some many times and from sleeping on top of that gorgeous woman.

She growls to herself, tosses her hair into a very high ponytail and then rushes to dress herself in some jeans and a nice button down blouse. She dashes down the hall, only to find Lennox still fast asleep. So, she rushes back to her room, brushes her teeth and then decides to head downstairs. She is not about to wake a sleeping baby, too bad for the case worker.

"Yeah, sorry," she hears Emma's soft voice as she descends the stairs. "We are kind of having a lazy Sunday morning."

"You really need to work on your manners, Miss Swan. Again, are you going to let me in?"

"Of course," Regina chuckles lightly to ease the tension, yanking the door wide open. "Please come in."

Ms. Kelly hums in response, eyeing the two women intently as she enters. "Where is Lennox?" She immediately asks as Emma softly shuts the door behind her.

"She's still asleep and I'm sorry, but I'm not about to wake a sleeping baby. Maybe she will wake up while you are here," Regina curtly answers, earning herself a little sneer in return.

"Alright, why don't we sit down and discuss some things," the case worker suggests, causing Emma and Regina to quickly exchange a panicked look.

"Sure, um...how about the dining room," Emma awkwardly suggests, knowing they left the kitchen a mess from all the brownie baking and the family room is disheveled from all the different ways and places she took Regina.

"Emma, why don't you go get changed, you're still in your pajamas," Regina lightly chuckles, placing her hand gently against that glorious bicep that had the strength to hold her in so many dirty positions last night.

"Right," Emma laughs nervously and then darts right up the stairs, taking two at a time.

"This way, Ms. Kelly," Regina sweetly instructs, spinning around on her socked feet and leading the way. "Would you like some water? Coffee? Tea?" She can't stop her mouth from rambling, she's in such a great mood.

"I stopped on the way here, I have coffee," Zelena acknowledges, waving a paper cup of coffee in the air, clearly pointing out how oblivious Regina is this morning.

"Of course." She easily flashes a smile and allows the comment to roll right off her. Nothing is going to sour her mood. "Please, take a seat," she gestures to the dining room table as she pulls out her own chair and settles.

There is a very long and heavy pause as they sit down. Ms. Kelly is scrutinizing her intently and under normal circumstances, she would internally panic, probably blush profusely, but this particular morning she just continues to smile, unfazed. However, when she realizes the cold redhead isn't going to speak, Regina opens her mouth.

"Would you like to start?"

"As soon as Miss Swan returns," Zelena replies, holding Regina's gaze tightly.

"Alright. Are you sure I can't get you something?"

"I'm fine."

"Alright," Regina murmurs under her breath.

Luckily, she doesn't have to suffer too long because five minutes later, Emma is bouncing down the stairs with a giggling baby on her hip. Somehow, Regina's smile stretches even wider, and she was sure that wasn't even possible.

"Alright, kiddo, let's show Ms. Kelly what you learned," Emma cheerfully announces, not able to contain her goofy grin either. She gently plants Lennox's feet down on the ground and winks over at Regina. "Go get Auntie Regina," she whispers, encouraging those little baby feet to rush over to her other aunt.

Regina is positive her smile has never been this wide before and she's sure she will have sore cheeks from stretching the muscles so much this morning. She opens her arms and scoops up her baby girl, immediately diving in to kiss her temple.

"Good morning, baby," she coos against the little hair curling outward.

"So, she's walking now I see," Zelena states the obvious, scribbling something down on her clipboard.

"Yes," Emma happily replies, sliding into the chair next to Regina.

"So, how is everything going? Are you still adjusting to living together under one roof?"

"Nope," Emma claims with far too much pep.

"No, not at all," Regina says in a calmer tone, her eyes gliding toward those sparkling eyes that almost appear blue this morning from her giddiness.

"Really?" Zelena skeptically calls them out. "No problems on deciding factors of raising her? No issues with scheduling? Or figuring out your future with Lennox? Last time I was here, neither one of you had mentioned a future including her."

"I mean, yes, we are still trying to figure out the whole future thing, but we both can agree Lennox is a part of it," Regina sincerely responds.

"Well, I had an idea for a future," Emma quietly states, gathering Regina's undivided attention.

"You do?"

"I do," Emma confesses with a shy smile on her face, all while Lennox happily bounces in Regina's lap.

"I thought planning wasn't your thing."

"Yeah, planning is sort of your thing," Emma flirts, batting her long lashes.

"Oh come on," Ms. Kelly exasperates, tossing her pen down. "You two slept together didn't you?"

Regina and Emma snap their heads toward Zelena so fast, the case worker is sure they both now have whiplash.

"I-" Regina chokes as Emma mumbles, "huh?"

"Why did you two have to go and blow up my day?" Regina and Emma both flinch, blinking rapidly as Zelena's blue eyes glow with irritation. "I was so happy this morning, thinking I was going to visit my easy house. I even stopped for some coffee on the way. I thought I could enjoy my cup of coffee, see my easy case where no drug addicts or pimps are-"

"Pimps?" Emma balks.

"Yes, pimps. You two were supposed to be easy. Two women raising a baby. Easy. But no, you had to complicate things and sleep together."

"I'm sorry, what-" Regina tries to interrupt this woman's rant, but she proceeds without a care in the world.

"You two can't just screw whoever you want now, especially each other. What happens if things don't work out? How will that effect that little bean? Did you think about it? Are you going to be able to break up and continue living in the same house? Did you ever stop during your humping to put that into consideration?"

"I really think this is inappropriate-"

"I need to remove myself from this situation," Zelena exhales, standing up from her seat as two wide eyes blink up at her. "I have one visit left and you two better have your stuff sorted out by then. If you want to be together, fine, but you need to consider that baby," she scolds, already moving to vacate the house.

Regina and Emma leap to their feet, chasing after the woman who walks passed the kitchen and freezes. "Oh, brownies, may I?" She suddenly asks, and Regina's only logical explanation for the abrupt change in mood, is this woman is hoping the chocolate will calm her down and bring back her happy mood.

"Oh, of course," Regina sweetly replies, hoping to get back on this woman's good side.

Zelena quickly steals a piece from the tray and that's when Emma's high-pitched voice startles Regina.

"Ummm, Regina, you sure you want her trying that batch? Isn't that the one you tried with ummm that weird chocolate...uh...it didn't really-"

Emma doesn't get to finish her statement because Regina is smacking the brownie right out of Zelena's hand, shocking every person in the room. Well, maybe not Lennox, she's busy giggling hysterically from the food flying across the room.

"Oh god, I am so-"

"She's a professional baker," Emma chimes in to defend Regina. "That was an awful batch. She's kind of a perfectionist."

Zelena straightens her blazer, squaring her shoulders to recover from the unexpected slap. "That's quite alright. Your food. Your home. I should have never asked," she coldly states before clicking her heels toward the front door. "One visit left, I want to see two adults who have their future in order," she clips and then she is out the door.

"Oh my god," Regina breathes heavily as she rushes to lock the door behind the woman with Lennox still giggling away on her hip.

"Well, that was somehow worse than when you were drunk."

"Wonderful."

Regina sighs, resting her back against the front door and within a few short strides, Emma is right there, stealing Lennox away. She plops the little one in front of her stomach, facing Regina, and then she stays close to steal a kiss, but Regina dodges those lips.

"Maybe Ms. Kelly is right?" Regina quietly acknowledges. "Maybe we are complicating things for Lennox," she pouts, her hand moving to caress the smiling baby's cheek.

"Screw her. She doesn't know us. What if we are offering Lennox a happy family?" Emma counters, dipping down again and gently pressing her lips to the plump pout before her.

"You think?" Regina lazily mumbles into the kiss, like just one peck washed away all her coherent thoughts.

"I think you need to get ready for work, it's almost eight o'clock. We can talk when you get home, promise," Emma vows, placing one more delicate kiss to Regina's lips before she steps back to grant her some space.

"I almost forgot that I have work today," Regina admits, shaking her head at the craziness of the morning.

"Or," Emma drawls, latching onto Regina's hip and squeezing, "you could call your manager and tell her you're not coming in today. I really want to see you in my shorts and tank top again. That was so hot," she gushes, swaying closer again as Lennox grabs Regina's face and laughs.

Regina gently pulls Lennox's hands away, kissing both baby hands before she takes a step away. "As much as I would love to. I missed enough work last week from you two being sick. We will talk this evening," Regina says, placing the softest kiss to Emma's cheek before she disappears upstairs.

XXXX

"Is this permanent?" Tiana interrogates, poking Regina's cheek as she goes over the bills for this month. "How much did this cost you?"

"Stop," Regina scolds, swatting the woman away, but her scary boss persona is tossed out the window because of that sappy grin that just won't quit.

"Did you finally get laid from the hot doctor?" Her manager laughs, folding her arms and leaning against Regina's desk, ready for the juicy gossip.

"I did not," she calmly answers, but then naughty images of Emma between her legs invade her mind and force that smile to blossom again.

"Okay, what gives? You have me smiling like a fool from just one look at your stupid grin," Tiana chuckles.

"I believe you have some employees to look after," she demands, dismissing the other woman, stating she won't be revealing any personal information.

"Fine, but I will keep bugging you until you spill," Tiana claims before she drags her feet to the door and leaves Regina behind.

She sighs once her manager leaves her tiny office. She tosses her pen down and scrubs her face to wipe away some of the heavy exhaustion clinging to her. She knew she had to work today, she should have never stayed up all night being stretched and flipped into all different kinds of positions. A cold chill runs down her spine, causing her to shiver and she smiles even wider. She doesn't regret one single second, in fact she would do it all again.

Maybe Emma can sense Regina thinking about her from across town, but her phone lights up. She is sure she has never felt this giddy before, not even as a lovesick teenager, but she's loving every moment of it. She quickly retrieves her phone to find the most adorable picture her eyes have ever seen.

Emma is lying on her stomach, in the middle of Lennox's room with their precious goddaughter climbing on her back. Lennox is peeking over Emma's shoulder and both green-eyed beauties are grinning wildly at the camera. Regina can only assume Emma is practicing her morning ritual of push-ups with Lennox upon her back.

"We miss you! Come home!" Is written beneath the message and Regina melts. The picture is so damn cute that she actually feels tears of joy prick her eyes.

That is until there is a light knock on her door and Tiana is peeking her head inside.

"Hey, hot doctor is here," Tiana announces, tearing Regina's attention away from her phone. "You coming?"

She sighs heavily, dreading what she is going to have to do. She nods firmly, places her phone back on her desk and follows Tiana out the door. Her stomach is twisting itself into knots, knowing what she needs to do. She can't possibly lead this woman on any longer, not when she knows Emma has stolen her heart.

"Hi," Ivy greets her, sliding her sunglasses up her head.

"Hello, Ivy," she politely greets her. "My staff took care of you well?" She questions, nodding toward the white paper bag and cup of coffee in hand.

"Oh yes, they always do," she beams, forcing a twinge in Regina's heart, because truthfully, she doesn't want to give this woman up.

She really is perfect.

"Good, I'm glad to hear." She curls her finger, motioning for the doctor to follow her toward the back of the restaurant and of course, Ivy is right on her heels. "I want to apologize in private for not reaching out yet."

"That's alright. I figured you were busy with Lennox being sick."

"I was," she sadly says, her fingers nervously twisting in front of her as she musters up the courage to let this woman down. "And Emma caught it pretty bad as well."

"I'm surprised, we found it pretty early."

"Maybe because she is prone to strep," Regina mindlessly acknowledges, remembering how Emma said she should have had her tonsils out years ago.

"Is something wrong?" Ivy suddenly whispers, reaching out to gently touch Regina's forearm.

"I'm sorry?"

"You're frowning," the doctor informs her, pouting right back, but Regina had no idea that she was even frowning.

"Look Ivy, I really enjoyed our date, even though it was interrupted-"

"It's Emma, isn't it?" The woman sadly interjects.

"I really do like you, I just don't think the timing is right," she admits, neither confirming or denying that the reason is in fact the cocky tomboy with golden waves of sunshine and dazzling green eyes.

"I should have known by the way Emma was staring me down."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Oh come on, Regina, don't act like you didn't see those yearning looks and doe-eyes."

"Emma doesn't yearn," she says faster than she intends.

"For you she does. I was sure she was going to punch me from pure jealousy. She looks at you like you are her entire world and nobody can ever touch."

"I really do like you, Ivy."

"Maybe things would have been different if I had the courage to approach you sooner," Ivy sadly proclaims.

"I believe they would have been," Regina quietly concedes as Ivy steps forward and places a gentle kiss to her cheek.

"Take care, Regina."

"You too, Ivy," she whispers, watching as the woman waltzes through her bakery and right out the door.

And she contemplates Ivy's words, would they have been something special if Kathryn hadn't passed? If she would have started seeing her before the accident?

"You better get your money back, your smile didn't even last a whole day," Tiana teases, poking at the frown tormenting Regina's mouth. She purses her lips, her eyes tracking as Ivy turns the corner and officially walks out of her life. "That didn't seem like a second date kind of talk. What happened?"

"Fate happened."

XXXX

"Re-gina!" She enthusiastically, over pronounces with her goddaughter in her lap and Emma curled around her like a body pillow. Lennox simply smiles from ear to ear and reaches for her face. "How about her? Who is that?" Regina asks, tilting Lennox in her lap to see the blonde resting on the bed.

"Ba-ba," Lennox babbles, grabbing at Emma's face.

Emma leans up on her elbow, pretending to eat those chubby fingers. "She'll talk when she's ready."

"All the books say she should have twenty words by now, she doesn't even have one."

"She's had a huge change in her life. She will get there, Regina," Emma vows, pressing a kiss to Regina's knee to comfort her. "I promise."

"Lennox, baby, how about, hi?" She tries again, not wanting to give up so easily.

"Ba-ba!"

"Hey stinker," Emma steals her attention, leaning up on her hand, and resting her chin on Regina's shoulder. "Can you say, bye-bye?"

"Ba-ba!" Lennox squeals.

"Sounds like bye-bye to me," Emma says, so sure of herself, but Regina rolls her eyes and shoves the woman back down to the bed.

"You're insufferable."

"Yet you are still attracted to me," the blonde chuckles, tickling at Regina's sides until she's squirming and trying to fight away with Lennox in her lap.

"Emma, stop! I could drop her!"

"We are on a bed, Regina. It won't hurt her," she laughs, wrapping her arms around Regina's waist and pulling her down until she's acting as a big spoon of her two most favorite brunettes.

Much to her own surprise, Regina sighs and allows Emma to hold her while Lennox crawls out from her arms and over their conjoined bodies.

"Do you want the cuddles too?" Emma baby talks.

Regina falls to her back as Emma lifts Lennox up and then gently lays her down on Regina's chest. Emma scoots in close and smiles up at their goddaughter.

"I suppose we should talk," Regina quietly acknowledges as Lennox rests her head against her beating heart and cuddles close, expressing how sleepy she is. She runs her fingers through Lennox's hair while Emma gently rubs her little back.

"Or we can cuddle."

"Emma, you said we could talk this evening about everything," she quietly scolds, her voice still light for the tired baby upon her.

"We can. I just think it's not really necessary. I think we are both happy and we should just live life and let this thing play out on it's own."

"And while we see where this takes us, will you be exploring other options?" She inquires, desperately trying to portray impassive.

Emma chuckles, pressing a kiss to Regina's shoulder and squeezing her closer. "I can only handle one HBIC at a time."

"What?" She curiously questions, moving back to regard the blonde.

"Head bitch in charge," Emma grins wildly, scooting forward to steal a kiss from Regina's parted lips.

"You're an idiot."

"Only for you," Emma murmurs, stealing one more kiss from Regina's smiling lips.