Waking the next morning, I was still angry. Angry with myself, with Regina, with Graham, and with the whole situation. I have no right to be angry with them. They're just living their lives. For all I know, it could have started long before I came along. It's not like Regina and I are together. Rolling over, I curled into a ball. Doesn't make it hurt any less.

"Emma," Mary Margaret knocked lightly on the closed door.

"Yeah?"

"Do you want breakfast? I was going to make French Toast, eggs, and sausage."

"Sounds great. Be out in a few." Tossing the covers off, I stretched and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. Glancing at my wrist, I was comforted and torn. It's not broken. Apparently even after we know about each other, sleeping with someone else doesn't break the connection. Smirking, I thought about Graham. Poor guy. No matter how hard he tries, he won't make Regina happy. Am I a terrible person for finding comfort in that? I laughed. Probably a little bit.

Exiting my room, I tried acting like nothing was bothering me. Sadly, I forgot that school teachers are very good at noticing mood changes. Pouring myself a cup of coffee, I could feel the woman's eyes on me. "You want to ask something." I glanced up with a half playful smirk.

"I was going to let you drink at least one cup of coffee before asking about last night." Mary Margaret paused as she beat the eggs. "Is everything alright? You stormed in here last night like you and Regina fought or something."

"We didn't fight." Should I tell her about Graham and Regina? That's a private matter that doesn't need to go around town like gossip. Better play it safe. "I found something out that I wasn't expecting."

Without missing a beat, the shorter woman spoke. "That Regina and Graham are sleeping together?" I choked. "Mostly everyone knows. We're just smart enough to ignore it."

"I guess I was the last to find out." I don't like it. I was just starting to let myself think of having a family and it's ripped away again.

"Can I ask a personal question?" Mary Margaret asked cautiously.

Biting the inside of my cheek, I debated my answer. This is probably not going to go well. "Sure…"

"Do you have feelings for Regina?"

Yup. Not well. "I…" My voice trailed. "I don't know." Pouring syrup over the toast, the shorter woman pouted. "What?"

"Nothing. How much sausage?" Clicking tongs together, she waited.

"Four links." My brow furrowed. "What do you know? You know something. What is it?"

"Many, myself included, have noticed the changes in Regina since you decided to stay. She and Henry seem happier."

Warmth filled my chest. "I'm glad." I want to believe that I can have a life with them but Regina keeps pushing me away.

"Are you happier?" Before I could answer, there was a knock on the door. "I'll get it." My heart started to race. It's Regina. I can feel it. "Oh, Madam Mayor. Good morning. How can I help you?"

Meeting my gaze over Mary Margaret's shoulder, Regina let her Mayoral guard slip. "I need to speak with Emma."

Personal names? "Morning." I smiled, trying to defuse the tension.

"Come in. We were about to sit down for breakfast. Would you like to join us?"

"Thank you but I've already eaten."

Coming into full view, I saw my jacket draped over one arm and a Tupperware in her hand. "My jacket…" I totally forgot about it and the food.

"You left it last night. I thought I'd bring it by on my way to the office ."

"Thank you," I paused. Seeing a quick nod, I smiled sheepishly. "Regina." Taking the jacket and Tupperware, I tossed my jacket into my room and put the turkey in the fridge. "Thanks."

"You're welcome."

Rounding the kitchen island, I stood before the brunette. "Let me walk you out."

"Your food will get cold."

"I'll put it in the microwave to keep it warm." Mary Margaret chimed in. The schoolteacher stayed strong under the Mayor's stern gaze.

"Thanks." I smiled over my shoulder.

Silence followed us to the parking lot. Stopping at the driver's door, I broke the tension. Regina,"

"May I?" I nodded. "I hate that you found out that way. It was never my intention to hurt you." She paused, trying to read me. "I was worried about you. Especially when I never got a response to the voicemail I left." The older woman's voice trembled.

"I stopped at the end of your neighborhood to calm down and gather myself before driving here." My brow creased. "I never saw a voicemail. I actually haven't picked up my phone since last night."

"I'm glad you waited. I don't want you to get in another wreck."

It took every ounce of self control I had to not make a joke. She's being serious. "I don't want that either."

Clearing her throat, Regina swept hair from her face. "Well, I'll let you get back to your breakfast."

"Oh, right." Glancing towards the apartment, I shrugged. "I forgot." Turning my attention back, I bit my lip. "What are we? What are we doing?"

"I wish I knew." Opening her door, Regina settled in her seat. Starting the engine, dark eyes met mine. "Enjoy your breakfast and the leftovers."

"I will." Stepping back, I watched my soulmate drive off.

Entering the apartment, worried eyes lingered from the living room. "Is everything okay?"

"Not…not really." Heating my food, I waited. Pulling out my phone, I saw the voicemail from Regina. Putting the phone to my ear, I listened.

"Emma," there was a long pause. "I'm sorry you found out that way. Graham and I have been…a while. Long before I knew about you and this red string. I hope you got home safely. I really enjoyed tonight."

She was worried about me after I left. Even with Graham there. She looked tired. Like she hadn't slept. My thumb hovered over Regina's contact photo. My stomach flopped and I hit "message" instead of "call."

I got your voicemail. Thank you for caring. I had fun last night too. Minus seeing my leather clad boss. Gross. -E

Snorting, I could only imagine the mortified look on Regina's face. Glancing up, I smirked. "It's not nice to stare. Turning, I smirked. "What?" I popped a lukewarm sausage link into my mouth.

"I don't care what you say, you have feelings for Regina." Mary Margaret continued before I could argue. "It shows. It shows on her too. You're changing each other for the better." Feeling my phone buzz, I laughed. "You only smile like that for one reason."

Miss. Swan, don't be a child. It's not gross. -R

There was so much chest hair! I never wanted to see my boss like that. -E

"Seriously? Give me a break. Even if I did like her, she keeps pushing me away."

"You're a fighter. You'll figure it out. Regina clearly likes you to some extent. If she didn't, she wouldn't have you over for dinner, bake pies for events, or bring over a jacket and leftovers that you forgot."

Chewing my cheek, I felt my stomach flutter. "You think so?" My phone buzzed twice.

I figured you liked leather. You own at least three leather jackets. -R

What was that? A warm flutter. -R

Shit! I keep forgetting she can feel my emotions. Damn it. I don't know what I'm doing. Taking a steady breath, I replied.

I do like leather. Just not on him. This ribbon makes it so hard to have feelings. -E

It does but it can be helpful when our words fail us. Have a good afternoon. -R

You too. -E

When our words fail us. Maybe she does feel the same way. Placing my phone on the kitchen island, I finished my now chilly brunch.

Xxx

Hearing my alarm, I groaned. Part of me dreaded going to work. I was going to see Graham and it was going to be awkward. Packing my lunch, I grinned while making a turkey and cheese sandwich. Sliding into my coat, I grabbed my lunch and left.

Entering the diner, Ruby's brow rose. "Someone's happy for a Monday morning. You're…humming?" She grinned. "Is LG no longer going to just be a nickname?"

Smirking, I leaned against the counter. "No, nothing happened. Can I get a coffee and bear claw?"

"Ugh!" She stomped her foot. "Will you hurry it up already?" Hearing the bell on the front door ring, both of us looked to see who it was. "Sheriff! Good morning!"

"Good morning, Ruby." His eyes fell on me. "Emma."

"Graham." I nodded. I know more now but I still want to egg his car.

Turning his attention to Ruby, he cleared his throat. "My normal, please."

"Sure." Ruby's voice trailed, clearly noticing the tension.

"May I speak with you outside?" He tried to keep up normal appearances but his voice faltered.

I followed Graham outside and tried not to notice the smell of Regina's perfume as it wafted from my boss. Annoyance and the lack of a caffeinated filter took hold before I could stop. "It's nice to see you fully clothed this time." Biting my tongue, I mumbled an apology. "I'm sorry."

"That's pretty intense before breakfast."

Running a hand through my hair, I shrugged. "I didn't mean for that to come out."

"Right…" His voice trailed.

"Can we just forget that happened? Or try to. I never wanted to see you, or my boss in general, like that."

"We really have to stop having awkward encounters with one another." The tips of Graham's ears turned pink.

"Definitely." I laughed. Feeling warmth in my chest, I looked up as Regina's car drove by.

"If you don't mind me asking, why were you there so late anyway?"

"I came by to get leftovers and ended up staying for dinner. Then Henry showed me some video games. After he went to bed, Regina and I hung out."

Pain flashed over the Sheriff's face. "Oh…"

"Hey," Ruby called from the door. "Orders are ready."

"Great." We spoke in unison. Both stepping towards the door and knocking into one another. "Sorry."

"You first." Graham motioned towards the door.

"Thanks." I entered quickly.

Grabbing his order, Graham placed a ten dollar bill on the counter. "I'll see you at the station." With that, he sprinted outside.

"What's gotten into him?" Granny asked, putting the money in the register. "He's never acted like that before."

"He's got competition now." Ruby grinned.

Granny's brow creased. "In what way?"

"Not a word." I spoke before Ruby could. Taking my order, I left for the station.

The morning was filled with awkward tension. By lunchtime, I had to get away from it. Clocking out, I took my lunch and went to sit in my car. Scrolling through emails and texts, I took a picture of the turkey sandwich.

Thanks for lunch! It tastes awesome! -E

I wasn't able to take another bite before my phone buzzed with a reply. I laughed seeing an almost identical picture.

Funny how that works. -R

Want company? -E

My heart raced seeing the three dots start and disappear. Did I just overstep? Regina knows I'm falling for her. She's tried to shut me down multiple times. Before I could start typing, Regina's response came through.

I have a better idea. Let's surprise Henry. His lunch is about to start. -R

Sounds great! Meet you there. -E

Pulling up to Henry's school, my stomach fluttered. I was always jealous of kids who had their parents eat lunch with them. I hope he's okay with both of us here.

"Calm whatever nerves you're having." Regina spoke softly.

Turning, I was greeted by a playful smirk. "It's hard to keep things from you."

"String or not, I'm learning to read you." Regina purred. Her dark eyes moved over me as she walked by. She's flirting with me. Right before we head into Henry's school. Seriously? "Coming, Miss. Swan?"

"Mom? Emma?" Henry saw us before we entered the room. The chatter of children talking quieted as we stood in the doorway. Mary Margaret looked concerned.

"We came for Lunch." I offered, holding up my lunch bag. "I hope that's okay…"

"Of course." Mary Margaret clapped her hands together. "Take a seat."

Lunch was enjoyable. The thirty minutes went by quickly. It was nice seeing all of the artwork and projects Henry and his classmates had done. As a kid, time seemed to drag by. Now as an adult, it passes so quickly. Cleaning up, we hugged Henry and left.

Walking Regina to her car, I paused at the driver's side door. "Thank you for letting me join you."

"You're welcome. I knew you and Henry would enjoy it."

"I did." I wonder if she enjoyed it too. I mean, she'd have to enjoy me being around, right? She's invited me over a lot lately.

"Have a good rest of your day." Regina placed her bag into the passenger seat before turning on the engine. "Saturday is movie night. Can I expect to cook for three?"

"That sounds great." I paused, my stomach dropping. What if she's seeing Graham Friday night and having me over Saturday?

"Breathe, Emma." Taking the string in her fingers the older woman inspected it. "It's not like that. I'm not sure exactly what came to mind but I'm fairly certain I can guess."

Meeting Regina's gaze, I nodded. "Okay…"

"I don't want to get into it here. I need to get back to the office and you to the station."

"R-right." Clearing my throat, I took a step back. "I'm sure I'll see you before Saturday."

A soft chuckle bubbled up the woman's throat. "Storybrooke is a small town. You'll definitely see me before then."

Xxx

Movie night came and I played video games with Henry while Regina cooked. Leaning closer, Henry kept his voice at a whisper. "Have you thought of how to break the dark curse yet?"

As if on cue, my player got blown up. Starting over, I thought for a moment. "No, not really." Honestly, I forgot about the curse. I was focusing more on if I could love someone who ripped me away from my parents. If it was true. Nothing more than a fleeting thought.

"Do you think the book and pages would help?"

"Yeah, possibly. I'm just not sure how I could get the book without your mom knowing."

"Leave that up to me."

Glancing over, my stomach dropped. "Okay…" Please don't let this be foreshadowing of his teen years. "Everything alright?"

"I just…" peeking behind him, Henry chose his words.

It broke my heart seeing Henry struggle for words. Pausing the game, I stood. "Let's see if your mom is okay with us getting some fresh apples." It took a moment for Henry to pick up on why I wanted to go outside.

"Hey, mom?" Henry leaned against the counter.

"Yes, Henry?"

"Can Emma and I pick some apples for our lunches?"

Regina's attention moved from her son to me and back. "Sure. Put a coat on and don't stay out too long. Dinner is almost ready. A basket is in the closet."

"Crap!" All eyes were on me. "I still have your basket." Grinning, I ran my fingers through my hair. "Sorry about that. I'll have to put it in the bug and bring it by or something."

Regina waited until Henry was out of earshot to speak. "Is everything alright?" She kept her voice low.

"I think so. If not, I'll let you know."

Dark eyes studied me. "Thank you, Emma."

My entire body tensed and stopped itself from stepping forward and potentially kissing the woman in front of me. "Of course…" Both of us looked down at the string.

"Let's go!" Henry broke the silence. "Here."

"Thanks." Taking my coat, I slid into it.

Once outside, the crisp winter air cleared my senses. I can't believe I wanted to kiss her that badly. She looks gorgeous tonight and seeing her guards lowered… Damn it. I think I have fallen for her. Great.

"Emma?"

Snapping out of my thoughts, I gave Henry my attention. "Yeah? Sorry." Kneeling, I smiled. "Get on."

"Nice!"

"Hang on." I paused. "Ready?"

"Yup."

Standing, I got a better grip on Henry's legs and walked towards the tree. "So, what did you want to say earlier?"

"I really enjoy you being here and mom really enjoys it too. I see the way both of you look at each other. Do you think one day we could be a family?"

Warmth filled my chest. She enjoys me being here too. Leave it to Henry to ask the big questions. "I really enjoy spending time with you and your mom too."

"I wonder if we're wrong about the final battle. Maybe it's just breaking the curse, not actually a battle. The book says once the curse is broken, happy endings will return."

"Hopefully. I know things will be messy when it comes to your mom." If everything is true, they'll be out for blood. I swallowed hard thinking about Regina in danger.

"You'll still protect her, right?"

"Of course I will." I love her.