AN: It's a short chapter but I'm still battle this damn flu.

If nine months ago someone would have told Belle that her closest companion inside The Heart would have been Regina Mills she would have thought you insane. Yet her she sat in Regina's own office eating lunch and chatting away like old friends. Everyday from noon to three they would meet up to eat and talk.

It all started the day after Belle had give Bae back to Regina. That next day Belle had been going to get lunch for her and Gaston when Regina hand found her and asked, or rather demanded, that Belle have lunch with her instead. The first lunch had been awkward and stilted but as time went on both became more and more comfortable. Their conversations never were deep or meaningful but still pleasant. Rarely did they talk about work but every once in a while Regina would bemoan about Bae and something he did. Those were the moments that Belle craved.

It had been almost two months since Belle had been forced to abandon Bae and she craved any information about his well being. "How's the brat treating you?"

Regina heaved a sigh, tossing her head back in frustration. "Being a right pain in the ass. We don't treat him that bad you know, the least he could do is behave. Instead he's been a snarky little SOB. He even tried refusing to eat last week, only lasted about a day before almost begging for food. Today he threw a damn book at me before I left. I'm getting real sick of the little brat."

If she was so tired of Bae, Belle could only imagine how he must feel. She had promised to save him but two months later she still wasn't any closer. She needed to find a way to let him know that she hadn't forgotten him, that she still planned on setting him and his father free. She would not go back on her word. "I wish I could help Regina. Seems like you've got it rough."

"You can say that. I never get any personal time. It's always spent with that brat. Do you know how long it's been since I've had a night to myself or went on a date? I'm still a woman! I have needs you know."

This could be her opening. If Regina was so desperate for a night off then she might just be open to letting Belle step in. "I could take him off your hands tonight. You could relax, go out for some drinks, or whatever you wanted."

Regina eyed her for a moment and Belle forced her to remain stoic and not to waiver under her piercing gaze. She could let Regina intimidate her. "Why would you do that?"

"Because the heat is out in my apartment and it's either this or I have to stay at Gaston's place. You get a night off and I don't have to deal with Gaston's complaining about how he never sees me. Seemed like a win win situation to me."

Regina kept watching her looking for chinks in her armor, gaps in her reasoning, but after a moment she nodded. "Alright. Sounds good to me. You can come but his room and have the brat tonight."

Perfect.

Hope you enjoyed it. Please tell me what you think.