Emma looked down on her self and saw the six fuzzy legs. She cringed, just as she thought she was gonna get out of this unscathed. Regina must have had to deal with something for her to put enough distance between the two of them.

'I thought this was cured already? I thought you and Regina cured this already?' Charming got out of his seat and poked one of the antennas.

'Dad, don't do that.'

'Oh, I'm sorry. Does it hurt?'

'No, but it's embarrassing. Quit it.' Emma sighed.

Charming sat beside her. 'Emma, what's going on?'

The blue eyes seared through her and her heart started punching out of her chest. Her father was already so convinced that she and Regina were together that Emma thought for a second to just own up to it. His following statement sounded understanding enough.

The notably soft hands of her father took hers and squeezed in a reassuring manner. 'Emma, honey, just tell me.'

That's when the door opened and Regina walked in. The effects of the dust melted away and Charming was wide eyed, amazed with the show of magic in front of him. Emma didn't know how to feel. It was always good to be human again, being the lady bug over time has started to itch, but there was a problem looming and with them all in the room, it was all gonna come to a head.

'Regina, maybe you can explain what's going on? I just want the truth.' He said with a bit of edge.

Emma looked to her with pleading eyes and suddenly her shoulders felt a whole lot heavier. 'Charming, Emma is not cured of the dust. I am... healing her... with my magic.'

'Honey, you told us that Regina had a solution... This was actually her solution?'

The blonde was to answer but Regina cut her off. 'The solution was a little bit more complicated and I have yet to determine how to go around it. For the meantime, my magic is containing the effects. That is the reason why Miss Swan is always so close to and part of the reason why she moved in, my magic only works if we're close together. I am finding the cure but it's proving to be hard so for the meantime, we are doing this.'

She took a deep breath after. Her plan B reasoning sounded bullet proof and from Emma's sly thumbs up, it sounded good to the blonde as well. It was basically the truth, it was their true loves magic that's keeping the lady bug from reappearing but masked enough to hide the fact that they are true loves. As much as it annoyed Regina that she had to do this just to ease Charming's mind, she had to pull it out. Desperate times.

'We wanted to tell you, Dad but we didn't want you to worry. That's the reason why I also didn't let you in with my talk with Blue. Mom's a little neurotic nowadays and when I knew it wasn't fatal or even slightly damaging, I just decided to take it upon me to solve it. I asked Regina to help me.'

Charming was a little dazed with the 'truth' but eventually nodded his head and accepted what has been laid on the table. Still, there was one little fact that he needed confirmation on. 'Okay but you're not... together?'

'Did I not just explain that reason why we are together all the time?' Regina asked.

'Dad, we're not together.' At least that was true. Emma hated lying to her father, yes but the telling the truth was so much messier. 'We're just trying to get along for Henry's sake.'

Charming raised both his hands in surrender. 'Okay, okay, I believe you. I'm sorry I doubted you both but the evidence is overwhelming...' He turned to Regina and offered an apologetic smile. 'But I understand now... Thank you for doing this for my daughter, Regina. Emma tailing you all the time? I can imagine that being a little annoying.'

'I agree, Charming. It's torture.'

Emma pouted. 'I'm literally right here.'

The two chuckled at Emma's grumbling.

'Well, I guess I got all that I needed here. Emma, you can just email me the statements. This is actually what I came for. I have to go let out Hook now, maybe shake him up a little before doing so so he'll stop running his mouth about you two.' He gave her daughter a kiss then stood up, walking to the door. He even gave Regina a squeeze on the arm, which the Mayor found odd and headed for the door.

The knob mechanism shut and Emma sprung up from her seat, flew to Regina and crushed her with a hug. 'Oh my god, that was amazing!' She pulled back and said sincerely, 'You're so amazing. How come we just tell that excuse now?'

'Because I wanted to take any magic out of the equation... your father had to force my hand.' Regina found herself returning the hug, her hands settling on the small of Emma's back. 'Thank God, I came in here just in time, you looked like you were gonna cry... I apologize for putting you in that predicament. I had to go to the bathroom.'

Emma chuckled. 'It's fine. It worked out for the best. Now we can hang out and be seen together and I don't have to worry about my parents catching us. You're so amazing, Regina.' She locked her hands on the brunette's neck and brought their faces closer. 'Can we finally walk outside holding hands? No. How about I just hold your waist? Is that okay?'

'Emma, we just dodged a bullet. Let's not put ourselves in the line of fire once more.'

The blonde shrugged. 'I guess you're right. Hey, didn't you say earlier that if I survive my father's grilling, you would kiss me? Well...'

'Dear, I helped you survive your father's grilling. That doesn't count.' Contrary to her words however, she moved in and eliminated all the remaining distance between their bodies.

Emma tsk. 'Just admit it. You don't want to kiss me.'

Regina took in a breath. 'No, I don't.'

'Oh. Okay...' Her hands dropped and went to the pockets of her jeans. Distance came back as Emma stepped back and accepted Regina's answer with a nod. 'That's fine. I'll keep my lips to myself. My luscious luscious lips... Great at kissing, great at everything.'

Regina put her hands on her waist and threw her head back in laughter. 'Didn't I tell you to stop flirting, Emma?'

'Oh c'mon, don't give me that crap. You've been flirting back the past couple days. Me thinks you kinda like it.' Pale eyebrows wagged.

As much as she liked to deny since it was in her nature to do so, she coudln't. The little gesture of Emma that morning opened something deep inside of her. Something that she's kept under lock and key for too long. The reveal that Emma Swan was her true love pulled it out in the open but she tried so hard to not let it bother her. Now, however, Regina's finding it harder and harder to ignore the nagging feelings.

Regina being suddenly quiet alarmed Emma a tad. 'Oh. Oh my god, do I make you uncomfortable, Regina? If I do, just tell me please. I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable.'

'No, no, Emma, I don't feel uncomfortable. I admit that I may have been flirting back, I mean I even encouraged it with the panty comment. I just.. I feel..' Her words faltered as she moved forward, grabbing Emma's cheeks, relishing the sharp intake of breath that she was about to get from the Sheriff and kept their face close. 'I actually... I'm actually...'

The obvious internal struggle pushed Emma to lay one long kiss on the blush colored olive cheeks. She heard a tiny moan slip out of the usually composed Mayor and she couldn't help but be elated.

'Oh, Emma, I forgot-' Charming walked in once more and caught the two women kissing. His grip on the knob tightened from shock, fear and anger.

They both separated, as if each other was a hot bed of coals and faced the White Kingdom Patriarch.

'Dad...' She said nervously. 'You forgot what?'

'This Thursday. I was thinking we could all have the dinner on our house. Including Regina, obviously, cause you're now attached at the hip.'

Regina smiled politely although the invite was obviously forced. 'If Emma wants to come, I'll be there.'

'Let me know, Emma. You can now go back to what you were doing earlier.' He was quick to leave, not letting them have the last word.

Silence settled between the two of them and the attraction was doused. Emma checked Regina's reaction and she looked as shook up, even though she was trying to hide it well. 'I'm sorry. That was my fault. You're right, I should stop flirting.'

'Not entirely your fault, Emma but you're right. We should tone the affection. You're gonna need to keep your hands to yourself, dear.'

'Yeah, I know, don't hug you anymore. Got it. Loud and clear.'

The sadness in the tone was clearly present so Regina sidled up to her. 'Well, maybe just outside...' She leaned in to whisper. 'Inside our house however...' She let the statement hang and walked out the door, missing the way Emma's dropped entirely.

'You're really making hard not to flirt with you, you know?'

[x]

'Regina, it's 6:30. C'mon...' Emma was outside the door and has been there for a couple minutes now. The dinner was in thirty minutes and Regina has been getting ready for about 2 hours now. 'Regina, you always look beautiful, please just come out. I'm hungry...'

'Alright, you can come in.' Came the low response.

Ever the Queen, of course she needed an audience first. Emma turned the knob and entered, trying to die down the serious sounds her stomach was making. 'Regina, can we please...'

Perched on the chair on her vanity, Regina slowly turned and showed herself. It was a very casual dinner with family but she looked like she was about to attend a prestigious event. Perfect make up, perfect hair perfect sparkling skin and that dress. Emma almost drooled at the sight of Regina in a little black dress. The dress had a low neckline while still being decent, flared slightly at her knees and was insanely tight.

'Holy shit...'

The jacket draped over the chair was lifted and put on, finishing the whole outfit. 'I'll take that as a compliment, Miss Swan.'

'Are you kidding? You look.. amazing.' Emma was mesmerized and like a moth a flame, she walked towards the Mayor. Her hands made contact with the tapered waist and then they were toe to toe.

Regina of course gave a little fight but gave up because she knew Emma wasn't gonna let go. 'Well, thank you. Now, can you please stop touching my ass?' The blonde's hand drifted a little lower than usual and was a little too close to getting a good grab.

'Oops, sorry.' Emma retracted and kept it on acceptable territory. 'God, you're so beautiful... Why didn't I date you sooner?'

'Emma, we are not dating.'

'That's such bullshit. Yeah, we already live together.' She said proudly. 'We also have a wonderful but kinda nosy son, we have a beautiful house, we have wonderful sex- Oh no, we don't. What a pity.'

Regina breathed a laugh. 'You know this cannot exist out of this room, right? No looking at me like how you usually do, no holding my back like I'm your girlfriend and the most important thing, no kissing me on the cheek. Am I making myself clear?'

The blonde eyebrows just wagged. 'You know when you say 'Am I making myself clear?', it makes me think of you as a teacher and that image makes me so wet-Oh.' Emma actually blushed because of being too forward. Contrary to what Regina might believe, she had a limit and discussing her bodily functions is it. 'I meant, really hot.'

'Oh, does it?' She asked. There was no way Regina was gonna let Emma off for this, especially since this was the first time the Sheriff was ever truly embarrassed around her. A little teasing maybe be necessary but it was too good to miss. Her hands went up the blonde's neck and thumbed the sharp jaw softly. The throat noticeably swallowed and it thrilled her. 'Do you want to put on black rimmed eye glass, dear?'

Emma swallowed.

'Sit on my desk... hold a pointer stick?' Regina gripped Emma close and turned until the blonde's butt made contact with her vanity. 'Put my hair up in a bun perhaps?'

Emma's mouth opened and closed a couple times, wanting to say something but nothing getting out.

'Do you want to call me Miss Mills, Emma? Are you gonna be a pain in my ass so that I'd have to spank yours?' She bit her lip and tipped her head forward, whispering. 'Does that fulfill all your fantasies of me, Emma?'

'Oh god.' She said shakily. Her legs have turned to jelly and everything inside her felt like a thick soup being swirled slowly. 'Regina, I...'

'It's almost seven. We should go.' Regina backed away from the trembling saviour and took the clutch in front of her. Emma doubled over, holding her stomach and for a second, she felt bad about teasing her. 'Are you okay, sweetie?' But really, she could not help herself.

'Okay now I can see why people call you evil. I have raging blue balls.' Emma straightened her back and shook off her arousal.

'That was fun. Let's go.'

The whole ride to the Charming's little abode, Emma was quiet and brooding. What Regina did to her was cruel not only in the moment but for the days to come. Everything that the brunette temptress told her formed in her brain and she couldn't think of anything else. Regina in the desk as promised, Regina on a couch, Regina on a bed spread eagle. All kind of positions has been ticked off and more are rolling in. The being wet she talked about came in hundred folds and now even standing straight hurts.

Henry noticed this and tapped her mother on the shoulder, causing her the jerk quite harshly. 'Jesus, Henry! What the hell?'

Regina chuckled silently.

'I just touched you. Are you okay?'

Emma tried to uncoil herself with a couple deep breaths before she answered. 'I'm okay.. Just a little on edge.' An angry glance was thrown to Regina. 'What is it?'

'I saw that you were a little nervous but I didn't know that you're this nervous... Are you sure you wanna do this?'

'Henry, we're almost there.' Regina interjected. 'It's a little late to back out. Your mother is fine. Right, Emma?'

'Yeah, yeah, yeah.' She growled.

'Oh, dear, please remember, no talk about us being... Well, you know and no talk about what you have named 'Swan Mills Family'. When asked about the dust, refer to me. Is that clear?'

Emma groaned.

'Yes, Mom. Clear. You don't want to freak out the Charmings about the both of you being tied for life blah blah blah. Got it, got it. I'm pretty sure Grams will take over the conversation anyway or probably Neal cause he cries a lot even when he has a bottle on his mouth. I heard Gramps once that he had the strongest lungs, probably from him because he would cry all the time when he was a kid supposedly, I'm not sure. Obviously, I'm not alive then. But that's-'

'Or maybe you will take over the conversation?' Emma retorted. 'Damn, you can talk. Are you sure you're not nervous?'

Henry adorably frowned. 'Well, it wouldn't be bad if I directed it.'

They reached the little house and Regina parked perfectly. She agreed that it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world but it would be easier if Snow did dominate the dinner discussion. Just like her mother, Henry had a tendency to trip over his own words. 'Henry, just let your Grandmother do the talking. Are we all ready?'

They all agreed, albeit Emma less enthusiastically and got out of the car. Henry lead the pack, always there to soften the blow and knocked.

'Hey guys! Come on in.' Snow opened the door and welcomed them. Compared to what she looked like the past few days, right now she looked normal. Back to the chirpy, smiley Snow they all know. The distinct lack of wailing clued everyone in on why that is.

'Hey Grams...' Henry kissed Snow on the cheek then proceeded to the living room, firing up the TV.

'Regina, you look stunning. Really beautiful...'

The compliment sounded sincere so Regina received it with a smile. 'Thank you, Snow. You look nice as well.'

'Thanks! Emma, you look... normal. Jacket and jeans.'

Emma gasped at the slight shade from her own mother. 'Seriously? I feel like it's pick on Emma, day. I'll go help Dad.' Hunched back, she lugged like a caveman to the kitchen and set the table.

Regina and Snow where left in the middle, looking awkwardly at each other. The former Queen opened her mouth to say something but nothing really came to her mind, appearance was already noticed. Plus, the house was too cutesy for her.

Snow saved them both from spontaneously combusting by clearing her throat. 'Regina, Charming tells me that you're keeping the effects of the dust under control. Thank you for doing that for her. You haven't found a cure still, I presume? Should we go to Blue again?'

'If I haven't found it, what makes you think Blue will?'

They shared a genuine laugh before smiling at each other. 'Well, Emma assures me that it's not life threatening and since she seems fine living with you, I guess I have nothing to worry about.'

'I'm the one who should be worried. Especially about my pantry since Emma eats like a construction worker. I had to double my groceries because I now have two growing children in my household.'

Snow touched Regina's arm to lean in. 'Oh, that is so true. I thought Charming ate a lot but phew, Emma's a bottomless pit.'

A plate was dropped rather harshly on the head position. 'I can hear you both, you know...'

'Honey, we're just speaking the truth. You do eat a lot.' Snow consoled but cringed at the Mayor when she saw that Emma didn't buy it. 'Maybe we should start dinner before my daughter throws a full pledge tantrum.'

Regina called on Henry and the three joined the rest on the dining room. More kitchenware were passed before they all sat down, Emma and Regina beside each other, Henry on the other.

Snow took her usual seat at the head and hollered for Charming to finally emerge from the kitchen. 'Charming? Are you quite done?'

'Just transferring the meat, honey... Okay, done.' The strong aroma of mixed spices and cured meat accompanied the man as he walked out, placing the meal on the middle of the table to a couple appreciative nods. 'Enjoy, everyone.'

Henry was the first to dig in, not even waiting for his grand father to be seated. 'I love it when you cook Gramps, you're really good.'

'Thanks, Henry. Now leave some for Regina. I want to get her opinion on my cooking.'

This made Regina puff herself up in pride as she scooped a good portion. She waited for everyone to have something on their plates before she dug in, taking in a small bite at first just in case it tasted bad. Regina chewed slowly, letting the flavor melt and to her surprise, it was actually very good. 'Charming, you can cook.' She said simply after she swallowed.

'Told you, Mom.'

Snow smiled. 'He should really cook more. I don't know why he hates it so much.'

'I do not hate it, Snow.' He pointed. 'I just like your cooking more. Do you like it, Emma?'

Emma was mid chew and decided to just give a thumbs up, already fed up with the digs at her manners. After the blonde continued chewing, everyone started laughing. 'Really? You guys are gonna pick on me all night?'

Regina turned to Snow. 'Dear, how do you deal with Emma's snoring?'

'I'm gonna go now.'

She threatened with a show of standing up but Charming stopped her before the blonde was able to do good on it. 'Alright, alright, alright. Everyone stop picking on Emma and let's have a nice dinner. Okay?'

He got all nods and they continued. They stayed in neutral topics, meaning Henry, and genuinely had a nice time. As predicted, Snow took over the conversation but it was the frantic, wide eyed Snow they encountered a couple days ago. She was being clever, funny and entertaining. It was appreciated by everyone, even Regina who for the first time in years enjoyed her presence. The Mayor would often get in a crack or two and everyone laughed not out of obligation but because they found the humor appealing.

Just before the main course was over, Snow turned to her daughter. 'Emma, since you're no longer with Hook, are you dating anyone?'

The serenity that she enjoyed for a good half hour halted with a screech. Good thing she has already swallowed or it would probably come back. 'I'm not dating anyone, Mom. I'm single.' She chanced a glance to Regina but she was currently busy talking to Henry.

'Well you're not getting any younger, Emma. You should find a nice gentleman... We could set you up if you want.'

Emma scoffed. 'If it's with one of your dwarves, Mom, no thanks.'

'It is not with the dwarves! Charming!' She hollered. 'Do you know anyone that we can set up with Emma? She's single again.'

Charming leaned back on his chair. 'No hon, I don't know anyone.' He also looked at Regina but she was still in a deep conversation with his grandson. 'The bartender Kass was pretty good looking. Do you like shaggy haired guys or mid length brunettes?'

That made the two women look up, thankful Snow didn't notice.

'Charming, we are not coming to that phase in your life again.'

'Okay, first, I looked cool.'

'Not really, gramps.' Henry added.

'Instead of focusing on your hair, let's focus on Emma. She needs to get a man in her life. She needs someone who will be there for her and support her, make her happy... You agree right, Regina?'

Regina took a couple seconds before she answered. 'I think Emma's happy with her life right now. She has Henry.'

'Exactly. I have Henry. I don't need a man to complete me, Mom.'

'Well of course not, Em. I'm just saying, having someone to love is fun and is an essential part of life.'

Emma took a slow deep breath. 'Yes it is but I'm not actively looking. If they come, they come.'

'They, huh?' Charming asked knowingly. 'Well, what are you looking for in someone?'

It was obvious her father knew something was up between them and it made Emma nervous. 'I'm not picky. Just someone who will love me.'

'No physical preferences?'

Henry's mouth opened at his grandfather's line of questioning. Regina kept quiet and finished whatever is left on her plate.

'Dad, I'm not that shallow. Just... whoever makes me happy.'

Snow eyes sparkled when she remembered something. 'Do you know Alex? The English teacher? He's perfect for you!'

Emma did know who she was talking about but perfect is so far from what he is for her. 'I know Alex, talked to him once but I think he's into another gender. He's gay, mom.'

Henry chuckled slightly. 'Grams, he and Niro has been together for years now. How did you not know he's gay?'

'You can know people for a long time and not notice they're gay, Hen.'

'No matter, I can find someone else for you, Emma. I'll be on the hunt tomorrow.'

Charming stood up and took his plate. Emma tracked her eyes on her father's movement and remembered all the non subtle hints he's been dropping about her and Regina. Was everything interaction before that fake? Emma wanted to ask but asking would confirm that something was indeed going on. Maybe he's just baiting her. If he is however, it didn't seem like something her father would do.

Snow stood up next and it started a chain reaction, ending with her and Regina. Now that everyone was gone, they indulged in the formerly sly looks they've been giving each other. Regina picked up on it as well and Emma could see that they needed to talk about this. With a nod, they both stood up and went to the sink, Emma taking the Mayor's plate.

'Leave it, Emma. It's fine. Charming's buying ice cream. Do you both want to stay for dessert?'

'Uh no, Mom. We need to get back. Rain check.'

[x]

Henry was given one last kiss on the cheek before Regina stood up and went out of his room.

The rest of the night with the Charmings was cut short because Emma passed on the dessert. Her father looked like he was still bursting at the seems and if he indeed did, the blonde didn't want to be there for the fall out. The quiet continued until they all came home. The ride was full of questions that no one was ready to air out or had answers to and Henry had the good sense to keep her mouth shut even if he knew something happened. Movie night was also cancelled, this time by Henry since he had a ton of homeworks to attend to. Regina went to her office and did some work while Emma stayed on her room and played the events back in her mind.

The brunette only went out when Henry texted her and told her he needed to be tucked in. Henry didn't need to be tucked in for years now, Regina knew he needed reassurance that the perfect family he's had for weeks now won't fall apart. They traipsed over the words, the teenager not really wanted to verbalize it either but Regina knew what to say and it resulted in a deep sleep.

'Regina...'

Her shoulder jumped. 'Emma...'

'C'mon.' She held out her hand and Regina took it without thought. They walked to the master bedroom and went inside, continuing to the bed and sitting down on the edge. 'So... that dinner...'

'Your father suspects pretty hard that something is happening between us.'

Emma cringed. 'Yeah...The funny thing is nothing is even happening. Well, technically. We're just holding hands... hugging... and the one time I kissed you we get caught. Can you imagine if we walked in on us you know, having...' She then opened her fingers and slotted the two hands.

Regina slapped the Sheriff's shoulder. 'Emma, you're too much sometimes.'

'But you like that, right?'

The brown eyes looked up when Regina leaned her body to the blonde's. 'Unfortunately...' She smirked. 'Should we talk to your father? I think he's more upset that we're lying to him.'

'We're lying to everyone.' Emma sought Regina's hands to calm her down a bit. 'Don't get me wrong, like I said I am not embarrassed of you but I just want to keep this between us for the moment. I want to know what we are before telling everyone what we are.'

Regina nodded once. 'I support whatever you want to do, dear.'

'Thank you.' Emma kissed Regina's forehead again. One gesture that she's come to love doing. 'Do you want to talk about what we are?'

'I think tonight has been heavy enough. Can we just... sleep together and let future Regina and Emma figure this out?'

Emma laughed. 'Sounds great, babe... wait-sleep together? You mean?' Comically large green eyes turned to the Mayor. 'No... Are you saying? Why, Madame Mayor, you are if not direct.'

'Your mind is always in the gutter, dear. I just find sleeping with you relaxing, okay? Don't gloat.'

'Alright, alright, I won't.'

'I am only allowing this if you keep your hands to yourself. Now get ready for bed.'

Emma winked. 'No promises. Plus, you might like it.'


Author's notes: This will be the last posting for a little while. Just getting my ducks in a row for the next ten chapters so I can post regularly. Much less vegetables next, I promise.

Some of the things that will appear next:

Day at the beach

Very intense massage

Emma and Regina clothes swap + office shenanigans

First ever Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas in Storybrooke

Rating change

Thank you for the reviews. I love reading your take on this (and how much the Charmings annoy you ;])