In roughly seven hours, Henry was due back home from school and Emma would have to explain why the dog was gone. Of course, that was a double-edged sword in itself, because telling him the truth meant antagonizing Regina. She did nearly scare the dog to death; it was just a protective act, not a malicious one.

Making a lost and found poster wasn't a fail proof idea either, considering that the dog's real owner could come around asking for answers.

"Leave the porch light on."

Emma's brows furrowed as she turned her head to face the other woman, waiting for her to elaborate.

"When it gets really dark, we all search for a light."

Where did that come from? Little moments like these made her remember why they could never stay platonic. The mayor would just go and say things like that...

"Just do it, Miss Swan," Regina nearly snapped, her foul mood possibly tied to sexual frustration. At least, that's the only thing that Emma could think of. Unless the other woman was using someone else.

No, that made her frown profoundly.

"I think we both need a drink."

Of course they did. And that's how they ended up at one of the local bars, trying to be discreet about how closely they were sitting together without ripping each other's throats out. It was progress at best, to the wandering eye.

Emma hadn't said a word since they sat down, causing Regina to look for attention elsewhere. The savior didn't notice until there was a tall, dark, and handsome male talking the other woman up. She wasn't buying any of that, was she?

Emma started mouthing all the typical responses to the questions that she overheard Regina asking, making him out to be a total doorknob in her mind.

Idiot.

That was the only word that came to mind when madame mayor noticed the blonde's lips moving and her over exaggerations.

Idiot, yes, but that was her idiot.

And Regina was not going to waste an opportunity to see the green eyed monster in action, so she stepped a little closer to the unsuspecting stranger, tugging lightly on his mismatched tie. "Let us dance," she whispered into his ear, as sensually as she knew it would appear to the untrained eye from a distance.

His hands were too large, his palms rough and calloused as they slipped into hers on the way to the dance floor.

Not even the steady thuds coming from the local band's bass drum was enough to drown out the way that Emma's heart beat loudly in her own ears. First she lost the dog and now this? Maybe it was the drunk haze talking as it clouded her vision, but her limbs sprung into action before she could think about it twice.

His hands were not on a proper place on her body, which was a lose-lose situation: nowhere on the expanse of her skin would be proper.

"The song is over. Like I said, you can step away from me now..."

A few gasps were heard as Emma's fist collided with his cheekbone, causing the stranger's head to snap to the side as his hands fell from his dance partner's waist unexpectantly. "Maybe that will fix your hearing. She said she's done with you." Even as she said it, the sheriff felt a pang of sympathy for the rejected expression on his face. She knew, all too well, what it was like to be used by Regina Mills.

"Get in the car."

Emma had retired herself from the bar shortly after the altercation, a little bit thankful that the authorities hadn't been called. Then again, she was the authority. The thought alone made her chuckle to herself, unaware what it might look like on the outside.

"I'm glad that you're able to find some humor in this situation, because I can't."

Emma rolled her eyes and continued walking, although she could hardly manage to stay in a straight line. Ha, straight... what a joke that was!

"You'll ruin your boots."

That gave Emma pause, glancing down at her footwear and the gravel that was sure to wear out the heel. "What do you care?" she practically yelled, huffing a few stray pieces of blonde tresses from her face.

"I care... about having an adequately dressed public official in my town."

No, that wasn't enough. Not this time. Emma shook her head to herself in resolve as she moved forward, practically dragging her feet along. She was so tired. Not just of walking or being hungover, but of this constant battle with no favorable outcome.

"I care about you."

Wait, why did that sound so close?

Turning around, Emma found herself practically nose to nose with Regina. It was probably the closest that they had allowed themselves to be, out in public. The urge to move forward another inch or two, to claim those lips without regard for who or what could see them? God, it was...

"I was right."

Emma blinked at her words, unable to place them as she chose to follow Regina's gaze instead. Lying there on the porch was the dog, still nameless as ever. Henry should be just about done with his drama practice. Regina was still inches away. It was like the end of a really ironic day.

"Let us dance."

Regina's eyes narrowed at the way that her words earlier were regurgitated, although it also made her grin smugly. So Emma had been listening. Either that, or lip reading really well. Either way, she sauntered right passed the savior and moved over to the dog. "I don't think that's advisable, considering that only one of you can stand upright for an extended period of time, Miss Swan."

Oh, so they were going to play that game, hmm?

"After I'm done with you tonight, you two can compare notes."

Regina practically scoffed at the implication, although she was proud that some of her sass had rubbed off on the mother of her son. Also, that was very promising, for someone that would be falling asleep in the car. So little self restraint.

There was always tomorrow.