Adrenalize Me

What a wicked game you played to make me feel this way

-Wicked Games

Swan. A text message from Lily read. You wanna hang today?

It was odd, having Lily back in town as a friend.

Odd to even think of her as a friend. For certainly, they had never been friends, just jumped straight into being bed partners before everything had collapsed around them.

Emma played with the nice watch on her wrist in uncertainty. She knew Lily was buying her compliance in this manner and she didn't know how to feel about it. Certainly, it was nice to get such gifts but it didn't mean Emma was going to comply to her orders.

And she certainly did not feel comfortable enough to hang out with her freely like this. There were some things time could not erase.

So, she sent back a text saying she was busy and left it at that, packing up her gear and going to the gym to get some exercise in. There her thoughts fled her mind as she focused on the burn in her muscles. When she finished she wiped the sweat off of her forehead and went to check her phone for any messages on it. She found one from Ursula, telling her a session had been canceled. That wasn't unusual. Sessions got canceled all the time. But what was unusual was who had done it.

Regina canceled their session this time. And that was how Emma knew that whatever was going on was super serious because Regina would never cancel on Emma. But the question was, what serious matter was going on? She wanted to ask, but honestly, it was none of her business. She was already tangled too deeply in the mayor's affairs and there was no point in exacerbating the issue. So she would coast on by, hoping everything could work out.

She swallowed down the feeling of disappointment at not being able to see Regina but there was nothing she could do about it. She would maintain doing her best at her other sessions while Ursula rescheduled with the mayor.

The month dragged on with Emma hearing radio silence on the mayor's end, and with Lily insistently insisting on meeting up. It was a bit annoying and she could tell her refusal was ticking Lily off but she couldn't really care. She had agreed to be kind to Lily, to try a new friendship with her, but it didn't mean she actually had to go through with it.

So Lily started following her around again, bumping into her in public places.

"Seriously Lily, following me again?" Emma had grunted out in annoyance.

"Well, you're not giving me much of an option," Lily had said, frustration glowing in her eyes.

"Generally when one refuses to meet with someone, that someone is supposed to give them space, not crowd it!"

"I thought we were supposed to be friends," Lily pointed out.

"And what, you expect us to just be buddy buddy in a second? Wounds don't heal that way. I said I'd try being your friend but it doesn't mean I'll jump at every offer you make for us to hang out," Emma explained and Lily's lips twisted up angrily before they relaxed. Whatever emotion she was feeling she had learned to hide well.

"You won't know until you let us hang out," Lily said evenly, smiling up at Emma.

"And why are you so stuck on us hanging out?" Emma grunted out as she began the walk home, groceries in her hands.

"I really need a friend in this town, Emma. And what better person than you?"

"Flattery won't get you anywhere," she responded with but the quip went right over Lily's head.

"I'll make a reservation for us at one of the better restaurants here. Stop being so stubborn and give us a chance."

Emma turned around to snap at Lily for even daring to presume there was an 'us' but the other woman was already walking away, on the phone with the restaurant.

"Ridiculous. And infuriating," Emma grumbled under her breath instead and rushed off.

True to her word, Lily insisted on taking Emma out for dinner at a fancy restaurant. Emma went reluctantly. Maybe if she went this once it would finally get Lily off of her case. Give Emma a chance to breath.

Dinner was an okay affair, if one didn't take into account Lily blatantly flirting with her. Emma in no way flirted back, just ignored the comments and tried too hard not to let them bother her. What the hell was Lily playing at? Did she really think she had a shot at being with Emma again? Emma had no intentions of making that same mistake with her again. Lily was getting frustrated by Emma's cold brush off and when dinner ended, Emma thanked Lily for the meal and hurried to leave but Lily was right after her, grabbing her by the upper arm to talk. "Where are you going?"

Emma shook free of her. "I know you don't only want to be friends with me. But I don't know why else you would be doing all this after we both know how it ended last time. So, what do you want from me?" Emma asked, tired and drained by all this.

"I want you to help spice up my life. My husband's a bit...too vanilla for me," Lily admitted. And the audacity of her to say this. To even suggest such a thing to Emma.

Emma snorted. How rich. "You're coming back crawling to me, after you did me dirty? No, I'm not going to do that. I'm going to stay far away from you, and you're going to leave me the fuck alone," Emma said, jabbing into the air to make her point. Lily did not flinch away from her violent actions. Instead, she only seemed emboldened by them.

"You are mistaken, Emma. When I want something, I get it. And I want you," she hissed between her teeth, making her threat very clear before she span on her heel and stormed off.

Emma's heart beat wildly in her chest. Shit. This could go very wrong. Lily was a politician now. And she had immense power. Power to bring down Emma. And if she dug deep enough, it could bring down Regina as well.

Emma couldn't have that. She couldn't have the NDA with Regina ruined. She needed to tell her what was going on.

Since she didn't have Regina's phone number, out of client consideration, she had no choice but to pull up to Regina's mansion where Robin pulled open the door and smiled that mega watt smile which only made Emma feel sicker with the knowledge of what she had to tell Regina.

"Hey there. You're Regina's friend, Emma. What can I do for you today?" He was wearing his gym sweats and he looked like he'd finished a couple sets of reps. Emma knew it was late, but she was sort of hoping that Regina would still be up.

"I actually need to talk to Regina about something important."

"Oh. Well she's not here."

"Not here?" Emma echoed. Where the hell could she be at this hour? The inexplicable thought that she was with some other Dom gripped Emma with hard jealous fingers and she swallowed heavily to get them loose. But they held onto her, constricting her heart and stomach.

"She's at the office working late on something. She should still be there."

"Right," Emma nodded her head. "Thanks." And she spun on her heel, hurrying to her Bug. The drive over was nerve wracking and she rehearsed all sorts of reactions Regina might have to this. In every scenario, she didn't react well. Which did not bond well for Emma's confidence.

She parked the Bug outside. The mayor's window had a light on, and she ascended the stairs to Regina's office. The secretary was not there and the door was open a crack. "Regina?" Emma questioned as she went in, pushing it open all the way.

She found the mayor's cheek glued to the sheets, pen in hand as the table lamp softly shone on her. Emma was filled with overwhelming affection at the sight, taking in Regina's soft expression. She truly looked peaceful. It was almost a shame to wake her with such bad news. She wanted to delay it, if only by a little bit more.

She circled around Regina's desk until she was right behind her. She whispered into her ear.

"Mayor, the secretary says you should pay her more."

"Not...enough in the budget," was the mumbled reply.

"Mayor, the school district needs better busing routes."

"Get August on the job...he'll make new ones," she sleepily murmured.

Emma bit back a grin. This was just too cute.

"Mayor, I think you think Emma's butt is cute."

"It's very cute." She even gave a little nod of confirmation at this.

Emma couldn't hold back her snort of amusement which blew air right into Regina's ear, waking her up. She sat up so fast, she nearly collided her head with Emma's chin if the blonde hadn't moved fast enough.

"Miss Swan," she gasped out, slapping away the few papers sticking to her face. "What are you doing sneaking about in my office?"

"Is this how the tax payers dollars are going to use?" she arched a brow playfully.

Regina huffed but her face was flushed belying her mortification on getting caught sleeping. "I don't question how the dollars you make are being put to use." But her retort was weak because she was discreetly trying to wipe some drool from the corner of her mouth.

"Insults aside, I actually came here for a reason. A bad reason."

Regina was instantly looking more alert and awake. "Why? What's happened?"

Emma didn't know how to start the whole story. Because it was a whole story and a half on what was happening. She bit her bottom lip before sighing out and leaned against the windowsill behind her while Regina turned her chair to face her.

"Look, I know this is going to piss you off. I already know it will, but I need to tell you this, because it could potentially affect you too."

"Get on with it," Regina snapped impatiently though it looked like she was hiding her worry with anger.

"Back in the day I used to have this client and her name was Lily." Emma could see a spark of recognition on Regina's face at the name but the mayor stayed silent. "We ended up...getting involved outside of work which long story short was a bad idea. She left town to become a politician and I went back to my job, vowing to myself that I would never again do such a thing as dumb as try to have a proper relationship with a client from work. And all was fine and dandy for a couple of years. Except now she's back." Here Emma took a pause, clasping her hands together. "And she wants me back."

"And?" Regina goaded, her jaw beginning to tick.

That couldn't be a good sign.

"I said no. And then she threatened me. Said she wouldn't stop at anything to get to me. And it's not me I'm worried about because I can handle myself. It's you." When Regina didn't say anything to this, Emma felt the silence close in. So she added more. "She might do some digging and discover our arrangement. And I don't want to lead it to trouble for you."

Regina got up at this, raking her hands through her hair and pacing wordlessly in front of her desk. Emma watched, growing more and more worried with each loop. She had never seen Regina this worked up before. This stressed. Usually she was great at hiding such things, only relegating them to tensed shoulders and a need for punishment.

"What are we going to do?" Emma breathed out, needing to know what would happen now.

"You do nothing. I'm going to handle things," Regina determined at last. "Like I always do."

Those ominous words did nothing to lighten Emma's dread. "Like what?"

Regina shook her head. "Do not worry about it. Just stay low for now." And Emma was ushered out of the office. And as she got into her Bug, she realized Regina had been upset, but not upset at Emma like Emma had predicted she would be, just at Lily. She wondered why.

A week idled by in this manner. Lily tried to call Emma but Emma blocked her number and didn't bother to leave her apartment unless it was for work. And when she did, it was always in a disguise so that no one would recognize her.

She watched the news all week long too, just to see if there were any political scandals breaking out or anything of that sort. She was paranoid. But nothing big happened. Some guy escaped jail, a cat went missing in town, and the school district was making a bake sale. Nothing political at all.

But Emma's worry was leaking every where and her boss had to sit her down one evening to confront her about it. "Emma, you good?" he sucked in a puff of violent colored smoke.

"Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?" she scoffed, trying to play it off.

"Something's up. Something's bothering you. It's Lily."

Emma's lips twisted up and she tried to refute this but couldn't. "She's...she wants me to top her again. And I won't. I refuse to. But she refuses to listen to me. She promised to not stop at anything until I was hers."

Ursula looked disgusted. "What a sick woman. We need to tell the cops right away if you're in danger."

"But what can they do? She's a politician. She can just buy them out. No one would believe a sex worker who says the woman's corrupt."

They didn't talk for a while, Emma sitting with her shoulders hunched over, half dressed as she got ready for a session and Ursula in his dress and high wig, letting his cigarette burn between his fingers as he turned something over in his mind.

Through the door the sound of workers was heard as they talked and laughed, getting dressed. What if Lily harmed them? Harmed Emma's friends? She couldn't have that happen.

"I have an idea. But I don't know if you'll like it," Ursula admitted at last. He leaned in to whisper it to her and Emma leaned in to listen to it, eyes going wide as she heard the plan.

She tossed and turned later that night, uncertain of what to do. What Ursula had offered was risky but could Emma pull it off? Should Emma pull it off? She didn't have much of a choice and if she did it, it would finally get rid of the Lily issue once and for all.

Still undecided she managed to drift off somewhere around the early morning and when she woke up at around 12, she flicked on the TV to have as a background noise while she started making some breakfast ready.

Whipping eggs up, she heard a couple of catchphrase here and there. "An attack...happened last night...the mayor is alright..."

That peaked her interest.

Emma popped her head out of the kitchen and her jaw dropped open when she saw what was going on. The eggs went forgotten as she approached the TV, using the remote to make it louder. "The aggressor, Killian Jones, has been arrested and is in police custody. It's not yet clear how he managed to escape prison last week but sources say he will be going into Federal prison now for making an attempt against the mayor's being."

Emma felt a lump constrict in her throat. Fuck. What had happened? Was Regina okay? Without turning off her TV, Emma grabbed a light jacket and rushed outside, needing to see the mayor and not caring how she got in. Predictably there were police officers guarding the section of the hospital she was in. And when she tried to get closer, they pushed her back. "No visitors allowed," they grumbled out, two giant meat heads blocking her way.

"But I'm her friend," Emma said, out of breath how fast she had driven here. Her heart was racing and she felt like it was going to burst from her chest.

"No visitors," they repeated, louder.

"But-but," Emma floundered, feeling hopeless and useless and like a lost little girl in a store. She couldn't stand it if Regina was hurt because of her. Emma knew that Lily had done this. It was a crazy idea but she somehow knew Lily had caused Killian to escape jail. Why he had agreed to hurt Regina was beyond her. He must be crazy to try and make an attempt.

"It's alright. She can come in." Robin appeared from inside the room. He was wearing a rumpled t-shirt and sweats and he looked like he hadn't slept in a while. The police stepped aside and let Emma pass, though their scrutiny was still on her, warning her that if she did anything wrong she would be punished swiftly.

"Thank you," she told Robin who nodded his head.

"She could use a friend right now. I have to run out and settle some things. But can you watch over her for a bit? Just until I get back?" he asked, so much concern in his eyes that Emma felt sick. He was so caring. And yet here she and Regina were, going behind his back and doing all this. Why couldn't the mayor just let him go? Make the pain less than if he had to find out she was sleeping with a dominatrix.

"Robin, I'll be fine. No one's going to hurt me anymore," came Regina's voice and Emma turned the corner of the very spacious hospital room- perks of being the mayor- and saw Regina propped up on the bed, in silk pjs and flipping through the TV out of boredom. She still looked perfect. Hair styled, light make up on her face and unflappable demeanor. Robin looked worse for the wear. Like he had been the one hurt.

"Hey, Regina," Emma said softly, digging her hands into her back pockets. Robin took this chance to go rush off and handle some last minute affairs. Regina jerked her head in shock, not expecting this new guest. "Emma. What are you doing here?"

"I came to check on you. How are you?"

"I'm fine," Regina said gruffly. "The bastard fired, but he missed me the first time and got my guard. The second bullet only scraped my arm and I should be good to go. I don't see why they need me to stay here."

Emma couldn't even see the bandages but with the way Regina fidgeted her left arm, it made Emma think the wrappings could be there and providing a bit of discomfort. But it was a relief to know that nothing had happened. Nothing worse.

"What even happened?"

Regina shook her head. "I don't know. He came from nowhere. It took me by surprise."

Emma swallowed deeply, but she had to say this. "Regina, I...this might be dumb. But I think him attacking you had something to do with Lily."

The woman didn't laugh at this, just let her head roll back on the propped up pillows. "I wouldn't be surprised. Honestly, she's been doing as much as she can to get me into hot water with my colleagues."

Emma's eyes went wide. "She has?"

Regina nodded her head. She seemed reluctant on what she wanted to say next but did so anyways, with halting speech like each second she considered not saying more. But she did, finishing all she had to impart. "Honestly, and I shouldn't really be telling you this because it doesn't concern you, but she's been trying to sweep my political power away from me. I know she is because she's working with my mother."

Emma knew Lily was a scumbag. But to lower herself to such a point? To use violence against someone else? And then Regina's mother was involved in this too? "Why would your mother work with Lily?"

"Because my mother wants me out of office because I'm not listening to her demands and won't let her use me as a puppet head ruler."

Shit. Talk about fucked up family politics. "Now what? We can't let Lily do that. We can't let her kick you out of office."

Regina sighed. "There's nothing you can do. And this isn't the first time I've fought against one of my mother's schemes. I'll be fine."

"What if next time you won't be?" Emma blurted out. She couldn't help her concern for Regina from spilling over. This relationship that had started out so simple- just sex between the sheets- was growing into something bigger. Unstoppable.

Regina gave a hard look. "I will be."

Emma approached Regina's bed and held onto her hand. Her hold was tight. "I won't let you fight this alone. Lily is my demon and I don't want her hurting you."

Emma was sincere and she stared into Regina's brown orbs to let her know how serious she was. The heart monitor started beeping louder and Emma looked at it, wondering why Regina's heart rate was suddenly sky rocketing. Regina noticed it too, flushed, and jerked her hand away. Nurses came rushing in, thinking the mayor was having heart troubles.

"I'm fine. I'm fine," she grumbled as she was swamped and Emma was kicked out of the room. She walked out of the hospital, hands in the pockets of her blazer. A small smile lit up her lips, thinking on how cute the mayor's reaction to holding her hand had been. It made her believe, that the mayor cared for her even just a sliver.

And then she popped the collar of her blazer up as her smile faded with the weight of what she needed to do to protect the mayor and her NDA. She wouldn't let Lily sink her hooks into yet another woman and bring her down.

"Alright. I'll do it," Emma announces when Lily comes to meet her in person outside the small town cafe. Emma's been waiting at the table for her, a coffee she hasn't been able to drink because her stomach is nervous and she can't eat anything right now.

Lily's eyes go wide, like she wasn't expecting this. But a pleased smirk takes place there a second later. "And you had to meet me in person to say this?"

"It's better not to leave digital traces. Now, do we have an agreement?" Emma is business like and one hand is fisted under the table, nails biting into his skin to cover her nerves. To stop her from lunging at Lily and punching her in her fucking face.

"Of course."

"What days work for you?"

Lily and Emma work out a schedule and by the time Emma's coffee is cold, they part ways, a planned meeting formulated between the two of them. It's going to be on Saturday, which will give Emma some time to gather the things she needs. She wishes she wouldn't be so nervous but she can't help it. She has no desire to touch Lily. It makes her angry. Makes her want to flinch. To punch her. Regina's recovered just fine but the fact that Lily had the audacity to pull something like this pisses Emma right off.

If Lily's gonna act dirty than so can Emma.

Saturday arrives sooner than Emma thought it could. It's like the days rushed past her despite her wanting time to crawl by in a snail's pace. She supposed it was good this way; it wouldn't give her time to back out of doing this.

She had Lily waiting for her in the dark playroom at Unfortunate Souls. She took time to prep herself, making sure her makeup was proper and that her suit was tight and sexy. She needed it especially now to act as her armor to get her through this.

Sucking in a huge breath, she saw Ursula reflected in the mirror.

"You're going to do great kid," he said and then walked away. Emma took some more steadying breaths and then walked into the room where Lily was waiting for her.

The dark haired woman had unbuttoned the front of her shirt low to reveal the start of her breasts and was sitting in a chair, drink in one hand. Her eyes hungrily raked over Emma. "I like that outfit on you."

"You better," Emma haughtily threw back, losing herself to her dom personality. To her facade that would guide her through this even as her insides clenched in disgust at having to touch Lily intimately.

"I always appreciate you mistress," Lily promised.

"Good. Because I have other pets I can easily play with." She picked up a crop, smacked it hard against her hand. The snapping sound made Lily's eyes sparkle with excitement. Emma leaned in, almost nose to nose with Lily. "We're going to play a game, pet."

"What kind of game," Lily licked her lips in excitement.

"Tell me all the naughty things you've done. And I'll punish you or reward you accordingly for them."

Lily arched a brow. "That's an interesting game."

Emma jerked her chin up harshly with her gloved hand. At least she had put gloves on so she wouldn't have to directly touch her. "You don't get to choose what we do. If you complain, I will not touch you at all. Am I clear?"

"Yes."

Emma slapped Lily hard. The smack was satisfying and she had to hold back from hitting her again so that she wouldn't give anything away. "I think you forgot how to respect me."

"I'm sorry mistress," Lily said, licking back some blood from her split lip. Emma jerked her head to face her, grabbing her by the back of her head painfully. "That's better. Now, tell me what I want to know. And make it good or all this," she indicated to her body, encased in tight sinful black leather, "isn't yours."

Lily nodded her head obediently. "I sometimes prank call people just to piss them off."

That wasn't good enough. Emma slapped Lily again. "You're not taking me seriously." She squished the older woman's cheeks together. "Give me something dirty. Something so filthy that it'll make me want to punish you."

Lily seemed to contemplate this. "I'm sabotaging the mayor."

Yes. That was more like it.

Not good that the mayor was under attack, but good that this information was out.

"That's better," Emma purred. "Now get up, grip the back of the chair hard, and roll down your trousers."

Lily didn't have to be told twice. She did this quickly and Emma delivered a swift slap to her buttocks. Lily yelped with the pain but she was smiling through it. She loved this.

"What else?" Emma goaded, pacing behind Lily.

"I've been turning her colleagues against her by bribing them or spreading rumors and false evidence. This will make it hard for her to get any support on bills."

Two smacks for this.

"I've been digging into her past. And I found Killian. She had the man arrested and I wondered why. I talked to him and he told me the truth. About him, and you. And about how why he was locked up was because he'd gotten too close to you and the mayor didn't like her favorite toy getting taken."

Three slaps for this. Did Lily believe him?

"And? Did you think what he said true?" Emma put enough derision into her words that it would make Lily feel foolish for saying she did believe him.

"No. Of course not. He was crazy. But I told him if he would off the mayor I could get you for him. Not that I ever would," Lily scoffed and received another smack.

"There is no way a tight ass like Regina would ever come here," Emma commented. "If she did it would only be to shut us down."

"I know," Lily panted. She was getting worked up. Emma span her around, eyes dark on her face. She was boiling with fury and she had to be careful not to push Lily too hard during their session just because of it. "Get by the wall on your knees. I'm going to hang you up by your wrists and flog you sore. You've been a naughty girl indeed."

Lily hurriedly did as asked and Emma followed after her.

The session was over and Emma was exhausted. She had gotten all she needed out of Lily, but, would the evidence be there?

Emma took her wig off, tossing it on the counter. "So," she turned to Ursula whose face belied nothing. "Did we get everything?"

"We might need to edit some things, but yes, we got it all on tape." He held the hidden camera and wire that had been in the room. It was a violation of their privacy clause to film a customer. But in this case, it was needed.

Emma smiled widely. They had all the proof of Lily's misdeeds on tape. Now, it was just a matter of releasing it to the public.

The days after the aftermath of Lily's scandal were chaotic. A whirlwind of malice. Emma was having journalists knocking on her door, asking her for her side of the story. Judges and police officers too asked for her input and it was all disorienting. She just wanted it to stop. She didn't know it would blow up to be this big when she had first done this. All she had wanted was to get Lily away from her, away from Regina, and out of this damned town.

And it worked, in a way. Lily lost her job and was facing serious charges for all the manipulation she had done in the political offices. Regina's mother, to cover her ass, had dropped all connections with Lily, leaving her floundering. Not only that, but Lily was linked to freeing Killian Jones from prison in order to get him to kill Regina.

He had admitted to it in order to get a reduced sentence.

Everything was just piling up against Lily and will all this digging into her past, other things, other unsavory things were coming up, like doctored SAT scores, fraudulence at her past jobs and more. Emma was happy to see Lily get her due and even happier she could be the one to cause it.

And Lily looked so betrayed and heartbroken by this. When she had come face to face with Emma, she didn't spit venom like expected. She only looked like a lost child, afraid of the world around her.

"Why? Why did you do it?"

"Because I had no choice. I told you many times I did not want you in my life and you kept pushing. So I pushed back. This has nothing to do with clearing the mayor's name." Because even now Emma can't afford Lily to make the connection between her and Regina. "But it was the easiest way to trap you."

And Emma doesn't allow herself to feel bad for doing this. It's the least Lily deserves for the fucked up shit she's done. This isn't even about Lily leaving her all those years ago. It's not. It's about protecting Regina.

But throughout all this Emma had no way of contacting Regina. The mayor was swamped by press and by questions about this 'sting' operation that she needed to field and it was taking a toll on her. Robin stood by her side the whole time, supporting her, and Emma decided she would simply wait on the mayor to get back to her on this instead of trying to contact her and make things worse. She just couldn't wait to see Regina smile in relief at all Emma had done for her.

But, she hadn't expected the mayor to react so harshly to all the help Emma had given her.

Tiredly, Emma dropped her keys into the bowl by her door as she came back from yet another press conference. She had just closed it behind her when Regina popped out, scaring her.

"Don't do that," Emma huffed out, holding her beating heart. But Regina was storming past that. She had a mean expression on her face. Emma felt dread settle into her stomach.

"Why the fuck did you do that?" Regina hissed out, jaw twitching as she tried and failed to contain her fury.

"Do what? Expose Lily? Save your ass?" Emma pointed out, drawing herself up. She didn't like this. Why the hell was Regina pissed off at her?

"I told you I would handle it on my own. But you didn't fucken listen to me and now I have big problems thanks to you!" she exclaimed.

"Yea, you would have just waited around until you got hurt again, knowing you," Emma spat out.

"I wouldn't have. This isn't my first political circus. I know how to get rid of people who try to bring me down. But now what you pulled has the office questioning my connection to you. You could expose our whole relationship to the world!" Regina cried out, breathing hard.

Emma wasn't going to let her help go unappreciated. "Oh boo fucking hoo. So the world might have some questions about our relationship. But what about me? I kept my sex worker job as a secret from everyone. My friends. And my family. And I threw that all away so I could help you. They all fucking know what I do now. You don't know how it feels to walk around town and be judged for my job!"

"No one told you to do that."

"Well fuck you too! I was only trying to do something good for you. Like a friend would. But now I can see why you don't have any friends. Because you are an ungrateful bitch. Maybe I should have let Lily ruin your career. Too bad I cared," Emma cried out, feeling tears prick in the back of her eyes. No. She wouldn't cry. Not in front of the mayor who looked at her with still no understanding in her eyes.

"Emma-"

"No, get the fuck out of my house. Get OUT!" she screamed and Regina looked taken aback by this, by the wild jerking motions of Emma as she pointed at the door.

Regina swallowed nervously, realizing she had crossed a line in their uncertain relationship. "Emma," she tried more delicately but Emma wasn't having any of that.

"Get out," she repeated, this time in a tired voice. "Please."

Regina nodded her head and stepped out, closing the door softly behind her without looking back at Emma.

Emma stood in the empty apartment, feeling defeated and alone.