I watched as Emma gave Henry a piggy back ride to pick apples. Warmth radiated from the string and into my chest the longer I saw them together. Emma wanted something before they went outside. Did she want to kiss me? Do I want her to kiss me? There was something in her eyes and then she started to panic. I wonder what they're talking about. The whole apple picking idea was a ruse to get out of earshot. Feeling myself start to spiral, I took a steady breath. Emma said if anything was wrong, she would tell me. I trust her to keep her word. Feeling my eminent spiral caused Emma to glance back. I waved, letting them know to come back inside.

"Go get washed up for dinner. I'll put the apples in the fridge." Emma took Henry's coat and ruffled his hair. With a smile, he went to the guest bathroom. "Smells fantastic. Let me hang this and I'll wash up too."

"Okay." Taking the basket, our fingers brushed and there was a spark that passed between us. Meeting each other's gaze, we glanced down to the string. It was brighter than it had ever been before. What did they talk about?

"You felt that too, right?" Emma's voice shook.

"Yes." I watched as the taller woman took Henry's jacket and hung it in the closet. Without thinking, she did the same to her own coat.

"Alright, let me wash my hands and bring down plates."

It was hard to stay present during dinner and the movie Henry chose. I caught myself focusing most of my attention on Emma in one way or another. Do I want her to kiss me? If she kissed me the dark curse would be broken. Magic would return. My stomach lurched at the thought. If the town revolted, I could protect myself from them. But not from the pain of seeing Emma and Henry disappointed in me. She'd take him away and I would never see him again. "I'll be right back."

Entering the guest bathroom, I locked the door behind me. I need to keep it together. Grabbing the waste basket, I placed it in the sink and leaned over it. Heat washed over every inch of my skin as my mouth filled with saliva preparing for what could possibly come. Maybe if I sat down and explained everything to her. Would she understand? She seems Hell bent on believing I'm not a terrible person. Or that whatever I did, I did it to survive. By telling my mother about Daniel, Snow all but killed him. I was in pain and wanted revenge.

"Regina?" A light knock. "You okay?" There's no point in lying. She'd know. Putting the waste basket back, I opened the door. Emma spoke before I could. "You look horrible."

Smirking, I folded my arms. "Thank you for pointing out the obvious."

"I'm sorry. I mean you look sick. Are you feeling alright?"

"Not exactly."

"Let me clean up down here. You can go upstairs, wash your face, and get in bed. Henry can help shut everything down."

"Mom, you okay?" Henry peeked around the corner.

"I'll be fine. My stomach is just upset." Turning my attention to the blonde, I tried taking a settling breath. "You don't mind?"

"Not at all. I've got everything covered."

"Thank you." Checking my watch, I tried to give Henry a reassuring smile. "It's almost time for bed. Lights out by the time Emma's done with everything, okay?"

"Okay. I hope you feel better soon."

"Me too." Kissing the top of his head, I made my way upstairs.

Cracking my door, I gathered my night clothes and went into the bathroom. After removing my makeup, I washed my face and brushed my teeth. As I undressed, the cool air caused chill bumps to form. I still feel warm. Searching the medicine cabinet, I found a thermometer and a leftover pregnancy test. Sitting on the toilet, I waited for the thermometer to read my temperature. Hearing the three beeps, I frowned seeing a temp of 102 degrees. Lovely. Feeling another wave of nausea roll over me, I used the pregnancy test and waited. Why do I even have these things? It's not like I don't use protection.

Five minutes passed like five hours. Negative. Relief washed over me reading the results. If I do want to start a life with Emma, being pregnant with a man's baby would make things complicated. Tossing the test away, I drank a vitamin C packet and flipped off the lights.

Climbing into bed, I put on my reading glasses and tried to make it through a chapter before falling asleep. Maybe it's a fluke and I'm about to start my cycle. I normally have a low grade fever and feel nauseous. I just don't have the rest of my normal symptoms.

"Goodnight, Henry. Sleep well."

Hearing footsteps, I placed the bookmark and set the book beside me. "Come in." Pushing the door open, Emma kept a hand over her eyes. "Please uncover your eyes." Warmth filled my chest when I saw the water bottle in her hand.

"I wanted to make sure you were decent." Entering, the blonde set the water bottle on the nightstand. "I found NyQuill in the guest bathroom. I wanted to make sure you were set before I left. Everything is put away and cleaned up downstairs."

"Thank you, Emma. I appreciate it." Taking the capsules, I swallowed them with a sip of water. "I'm running a fever of 102. I hope I haven't caught something from a town meeting or via Henry from his school."

"It is flu season. I hope you're not coming down with anything but it sounds like you might be." Pausing, the younger woman clenched her jaw. "Could it be…"

"No. I already took a test. I didn't think that was even a possibility but I wanted to cover all of the bases."

"I better get a room at Granny's then. Stay there until I know if I'm sick or not. I don't want to get Mary Margaret sick and then all the kids."

Without a second thought, I spoke. "You can stay here." Emma's brow rose. "I have a guest room. You can have Ms. Blanchard pack you a bag and set it outside the apartment or here on the porch. I have face masks if we have to go around anyone."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. If I did get you sick, the least I can do is offer you a place to stay." Flipping the covers back, I went to the dresser and rummaged for a set of lounge clothes. "Here," I held out a t-shirt and pants. "Or do you need a long sleeved shirt?"

"T-shirt is fine. Thank you." Taking the offered clothes, Emma hung them over her arm. "Can I get you anything before I turn in?"

"I don't believe so. I appreciate the water and medicine." Getting back in bed, I settled against the headboard.

"Alright. Goodnight, Regina."

"Goodnight, Emma." Sliding down onto my pillow, I listened as Emma walked down the hallway and into the guest room. What have I done? I'm trying to keep her at arm's length. Not have her staying under the same roof.

Xxx

The next morning, I woke up feeling like death. Sitting, I winced at the pain in my head and pressure in my sinuses. Definitely the flu. Swiping open my phone, I saw a text group notification from Henry.

9:35 Pretty sure it's the flu….. -H

9:40 Why? Are you sick? -E

9:41 Yup. Achy and sore throat. How was mom last night? -H

9:42 Sick. Why did you create this group chat? -E

9:44 In case one of us was sick and the others not. How are you feeling? - H

9:45 Stuffy and achy but okay. Are you awake or do you want to sleep longer? -E

9:47 Sleeeeeeeppppppp -H

9:48 Okay. Text when you're awake. I'll call Mary Margaret and see if she'll get some supplies for us. -E

10:50 I'm awake. Meet downstairs. I can make it to the couch. -H

10:52 Okay. -E

11:26 Morning. -R

Laughing, I put on my housecoat. Slipping my phone into a pocket, I grabbed the water bottle from the nightstand. Making my way down the stairs, I heard Emma and Henry in the kitchen.

"Mary Margaret said she'd bring the stuff by and let me know when it's on the porch."

"Cool. Mom froze some homemade chicken noodle soup a few weeks ago. We could thaw that for a few meals."

"Sounds good to me."

Making myself known, I cleared drainage from my throat. "I'm sorry you're both sick. I saw the group chat."

"Morning, Regina."

"Morning, mom." He paused. "You don't look so good."

"I don't feel so good." Taking a seat beside Henry, I rubbed my temples.

"I'm currently the least sick, so I'll do as much as I can. I'll put the soup container in the sink with warm water to thaw, Mary Margaret is on her way with extra clothes and supplies. I'll figure out other things to do in case I get sicker. Would you like some coffee?"

"Yes, please." I watched Emma move seamlessly around the kitchen getting my coffee and doing everything else. I like seeing her in my clothes. Or at least my lounge clothes.

"Here you go." Emma placed the mug before me. "Just how you like it."

"You're a saint." Taking the warm mug in my hands, I breathed in the steam as much as my clogged sinuses would allow. I could feel the warm liquid make its way to my stomach. "Mmm."

"Do you want to go back to bed or chill on the couch?" Emma leaned against one of the farther counters and sipped her coffee. "Henry's doing the couch for at least a little bit."

"Couch for now." Leaning over, I placed the inside of my wrist to Henry's forehead. "Definitely warm. Can you eat anything?" Henry's nose scrunched with disapproval. "I'll take that as a no."

Hearing Emma's phone ring, she answered. "Hey, Mary Margaret. Thanks again for doing this. I didn't want to get you sick and pass it onto the kids at school or anyone at the hospital." She paused. "Alright I'll wait about five minutes before getting it. We will. Bye." Ending the call, the blonde yawned. "Can I get either of you anything?"

Henry and I shook our heads. I instantly regretted it. "Is there still DayQuil in the guest bathroom?" I can't believe I'll be using something that Snow brought over. But I don't have enough DayQuill and NyQuill for the three of us.

"Yes. Henry took some NyQuill right before you came down."

"Speaking of, time for the couch." Taking his orange juice, Henry made his way to the living room.

"I'll get you the meds and then grab the bags from the porch." I finished my coffee and allowed the caffeine to liven me up. "Alright." Placing a few paper bags on the counter, Emma began to unload them. Opening a Gatorade, she placed two capsules beside the bottle. "Here you go."

"Thank you." Taking the medicine, I stretched. "How did you know I liked the orange Gatorade?"

"Henry told me. I got both your favorite and his."

I watched as Emma unloaded Gatorade, ginger ale, Saltine crackers, DayQuill, NyQuill, and a few other items. "You have to let me pay you back for all of this."

"Not a chance." She smiled. "I'm staying here and eating your food instead of a hotel and ordering in for a few days. I appreciate it though."

"I'm too tired and you are far too stubborn, so I won't argue."

"Ha. I win." Emma grinned triumphantly.

Smirking only made her laugh.

"If you don't mind, I'm going to join Henry."

"Go ahead. I'll put everything away and be in there shortly."

Entering the living room, I noticed Henry sound asleep in the large arm chair. Getting comfortable on the couch, I propped up my feet and settled into the cushions. I may feel terrible but it's nice to have someone else taking care of everything for once. I know I shouldn't let her get close but I want her here with us. I want to wake up and have lazy days. Pulling out my phone, I sent Emma a text.

Henry's out cold. I wanted to let you know. -R

Thanks. I'll be quiet when I come in there. Do you need anything? -E

No, thank you. I'm fine. -R

Reaching for the remote, I flipped through the channels and decided on a Downton Abbey rerun. Leaning my head back, I started to drift off.

Emma and I were standing in the kitchen. Her nose was red and her eyes were puffy, she had been crying. "Regina, please, choose. Even if it's not me. I need an answer."

"Emma," I cupped the woman's cheek. "I chose him because I love you. It's the only way to keep you safe. Now go. Leave Storybrooke and never look back."

"I can't leave you…"

"You have to." Closing the gap between us, I kissed Emma tenderly. Like I had done it a thousand times before. "Now go!" Glass broke in the living room. Turning, I created a fireball ready to attack anyone who dared enter our home.

Startling awake, I felt a weight on my lap. Rubbing sleep from my eyes, I looked down to see blonde locks spread across my legs. My hand rested on her side over the blanket. How long have I been asleep for? Carefully, I reached for my phone to check the time. It's four already? We must have needed sleep. I like Emma sleeping on me. I think I've fallen for her. I didn't think it was possible. I know she has feelings for me. Eventually, I'll have to tell her the truth. It's better if she hears it from me versus the curse getting broken then she finds out what I've done. Leaning my head back, I sighed. I'm going to enjoy this for as long as I can.

Grumbling, I stirred at the smell of warm broth, chicken, potatoes, and other spices. Opening an eye, I saw Henry fanning a hand over a bowl of soup. "Waking me with food?"

"I figured it would be a safe bet." He smiled, taking a seat back in the chair. Carefully, he placed the bowl on a black TV tray table.

"I was worried about waking you." Emma placed her bowl on a tray table on the opposite end of the couch. "Do you think you can keep down some soup? Or at least broth?"

"Possibly a small bowl." Getting to my feet, I stretched as I made my way to the bathroom. Splashing cool water over my face woke me enough to hold a conversation. I've slept most of the day. I definitely need to eat something and drink fluids before I go back to sleep.

Rejoining everyone in the living room, I noticed a small bowl, spoon, another round of medicine, and a drink on my table. Taking a seat, I smiled softly. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. How are you feeling?"

"I'm a little better for the moment. I probably won't be going to work for a few days." My attention turned to Henry. "I'll tell Ms. Blanchard and let her know you'll be out for a few days as well. Maybe a student can bring your work by and leave it outside." The boy nodded as he drank some broth. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm still achy and drained. Slight fever. I got my flu shot right before Thanksgiving eo I think that's why my symptoms aren't as bad."

"We got ours in October." Thankfully modern medicine has come a long way from the Enchanted Forest.

"I'll text Graham and tell him I've got the flu and will be out for a few days." Emma paused, pushing some of the potatoes around with her spoon. "I guess you'll be stuck with me for a few days."

"It'll be awesome. Better than before Thanksgiving." Henry smiled sheepishly. "Minus the sick part."

A nervous laugh escaped the younger woman. "You and Regina will be sick of me by then."

"Nah!" Starting to cough, Henry took another sip of broth.

"This tastes fantastic, by the way." Emma motioned towards her nearly empty bowl. "I'm glad there's still plenty left for tomorrow."

"I do my best to make extra of certain meals so I can freeze them in case something comes up."

"Smart woman."

The rest of the night was filled with off and on naps and marathons of TV shows. Emma straightened up while I tucked Henry into bed. We stayed up watching TV for a bit longer and it was comfortable. There was a small part of me that wanted to tell Emma the truth but it was overshadowed by wanting her to fall asleep on me again. Neither happened.

Leaning against the doorframe, Emma yawned. "I messaged Graham and told him I'd be out for a few days. Luckily, Storybrooke has a pretty low crime rate so he can handle everything."

"That is one benefit of small towns." Pulling up the covers, I settled against the headboard. "You want to talk about something. I can see and feel it." I tugged at the red string with a smirk.

Glancing towards Henry's room, Emma pushed herself off the frame and sat at the end of my bed. "I feel weird. Like I'm the other woman or something. I know I shouldn't because we're not together." She paused, looking down at the string. "Why are you still with him? Does he really make you happy or are you settling?" When I didn't answer, Emma started to panic. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have… It's the fever talking."

Before she stood, I answered. "I don't know. To either of those questions." Guilt churned my stomach. "I'm sorry you feel that way. It was never my intention." I paused, choosing my words. "I don't see you as the other woman. I enjoy having you here. I want you here. I'm worried that if you see who I really am that you'll leave." The fever. The fever has to be the reason I'm being this delusionally honest.

"Regina," moving up the bed, Emma placed her hand on mine. We ignored the spark this time. "I doubt there's anything that will make me leave. I don't know what you've done. Most likely what will happen is I'll be upset or mad for a bit but eventually I'll come around."

"I'm not so sure about that." I murmured, looking away. Feeling a wave of nausea, I reached for the Gatorade. Sipping it, I prayed the feeling would pass.

"We'll talk more later. Both of us are beat." Getting to her feet, Emma started for the door. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight."