Sorry for keeping you guys waiting! My beta never got back to me so I decided to update :) This is short but necessary for the next chapters :) Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time. This is for entertainment purposes only :)

V: The Plan Thickens

Regina Mills let out a dejected sigh as she worked through the paperwork, knowing that she needed to get this done in order for the contracts for the demolishment of the retirement home to be completed. But no matter how hard she tried to concentrate, she couldn't forget the angry, frustrated look her son gave her. Regina shut her eyes as this morning's events came back.

She had packed his lunch and his jacket in his backpack before he left for the bus stop. As usual, Regina had lent down to her son's level and placed a kiss on his forehead, whilst she whispered 'I love you.' And as usual, Henry gave her an ice cold, irritated look before he left, without saying a word. The look that slowly mutilated Regina's heart and tore at her insides.

David's words drifted back to her, his belief that this was a 'phase' and that Henry, the young boy who loved her would return. But Regina knew better.

He had been acting like this for a few years now and nothing had changed, and lately it seemed like nothing would change. Regina was indeed starting to fear that this tense relationship of love and hate would become permanent. She dropped her pen on the desk as her hand sought comfort from her ring: she enclosed her fingers around it. Usually soothing memories of Daniel would flood her mind, but this time yesterday's events flashed through her head. When David saved her from the lake, but more importantly when he had retrieved her ring.

Regina shook her head, erasing the image. She tried to squash the butterflies that seemed to be fluttering and the warm feeling that rushed to her cheeks. She knew that David was only an object, a pawn in her act of revenge, but no matter how hard she tried she couldn't destroy the feelings she had for him.

Suddenly the door crashed open, alerting Regina. She looked up and was greeted by Emma who stormed into the room and slammed a pile of photos down on the mahogany desk. Regina shouldn't be surprised, Emma was never one to politely knock and her spontaneous visits had become a weekly thing.

Regina raised an eyebrow, refusing to acknowledge the photographs.

" Ms. Swan, why are you wasting my time again with this?"

Emma gestured towards the photos, her hands clasped against the desk as aggravation rushed to her cheeks. " Why don't you take a look for yourself, Madam Mayor."

Regina sighed as she took of her crimson glasses and picked up the photos, her eyes widening. She had to remember to congratulate Sidney, she thought, mentally admiring his superb work. There were three photos of her and David at the forest: when Regina had popped the strawberry into his mouth, when David had performed C.P.R on her and when she had embraced him in a hug. In fact, the photos were so convincing that anyone would assume the photographs were of old lovers. No wonder Emma was furious.

Regina took a deep breath before exhaling, her eyes wide in what she assumed was a shocked expression. " Ms. Swan, where did you get these?"

" What does it matter? I can't believe you broke your promise, wait no, actually I can believe that."

Emma's eyes saddened as her thoughts drifted off to her friend. " Mary Margaret was in tears, she's completely heart broken over this. Don't you have a shred of compassion within you?"

Regina placed the photos down as she folded her hands together. " Ms. Swan, let me assure you that nothing happened. So before you lecture me, let me explain."

Emma folded her arms and raised her eyebrows, with a 'go on then' expression.

" David suggested that we should go on a picnic together, as I had already planned the outing for me and Henry, until it was cancelled when he wanted to go out for lunch with you."

Emma raised an eyebrow but remained silent.

" On that evening I dropped my ring in the lake and went to retrieve it, unfortunately my ankle was caught between the rocks and David had to rescue me before I drowned. I was unconscious so he performed C.P.R to save me."

Emma's eyebrows were still raised when the Mayor finished. " And you seriously expect me to believe that?"

Regina shrugged as she put her glasses back on, returning to her paperwork. " It's the truth Ms. Swan, and whether you want to believe it or not is entirely up to you. It's not my problem if you're so blinded by your hatred for me that you would look pass the truth," she paused, looking back up at Emma from her glasses. " And might I remind you, Ms. Blanchard is not innocent in this whole matter. David is still married to Kathryn-"

" Actually Madam Mayor, they're not together anymore, at least for now. David told Mary Margaret last night, Kathryn needs some time alone for awhile."

Regina's eyes widened at Emma's response. Regina pretended not to care about the news as she returned to her paperwork. " Even so Ms. Swan, it's really none of my business. Now please leave, I have a lot of work to get to."

But Emma didn't move, she still wasn't convinced. Her eyes flickered back to the photos. The flawless, glossy pictures were perfect. They really did look like a young couple out on a date, and Emma knew that this was no accident. Regina had somehow planned this, and she wouldn't rest until she found out. But in the mean time, she had no evidence.

" Fine," she finally said. " But Mary's severely distressed and upset. So if you're not going to apologize to her-"

" I have nothing to apologize for," Regina interrupted.

Emma gritted her teeth. " Then at least go over to her house and explain, she needs to hear it."

Regina raised her head when the door slammed shut, her eyebrows knitted in a frown as she thought. An idea was slowly forming in her head, a cruel, yet amusing idea. Regina stood up and made her way to the kitchen, her high heels echoing against the polished flooring.

Tomorrow would be the annual Storybrook Christmas ball. An event where the Storybrook citizens put aside their distaste for Regina and gathered in her formal room to dance, dine and revel in the Christmas spirit. Yes, Regina loathed the event, but now she had something to look forward to. This ball would be the perfect opportunity to put her plan back into action. She was so close to breaking Snow White and Prince Charming's relationship, and she knew that if they attended this ball together they would surely fall in love again. But if a little accident was to happen to Snow…

Regina put on her apron as she took out a bowl of fresh, ruby red apples and began to slice. Regina distantly remembered when Snow was a little girl and had tried a strawberry, pecan tart one night. She was immediately covered with great, gooey boils that caused her to itch and ache all over. The Doctors said her illness would have been more severe if she hadn't received immediate medical care, and Regina had deliciously wondered that night what would have happened if she hadn't. A vindictive smile spread across Regina's lips as she chopped up the peanuts before she poured them into the bowl, mixing them into the apple mixture. She would deliver Mary Margaret an apology, and while she was at it, give her a little surprise of her own.

...

Regina knocked on the door and paused, the container clutched in her hands. Mary Margaret opened the door, her eyes widening at Regina's presence.

" What do you want?" she asked bitterly, not bothering to hide her hatred.

" May I come in?"

Mary Margaret opened her mouth to refuse before Regina quickly interrupted.

"Ms. Swan came by to my house and told me about the photos. I believe I owe you an explanation."

Mary sighed and closed her eyes before she nodded. " Okay then, come on in."

Regina's eyes roamed the room, trying to hide her distaste at the dirty clothes that draped over the couch and the mountain of dishes. She was never fond of her apartment-with the peeling paint on the brick walls and the tarnished wooden flooring-but she had to admit, the fluffy carpet and ivory furniture did bring a sense of warmness to the apartment.

" I'm sorry about the mess, I wasn't expecting anyone," Mary said, making her way to the kitchen.

Regina's lips spread into a strained smile. " No, that's alright dear."

She took a seat on her creamy dining chair, folding her leg over the other as she placed the container on the table. Mary returned, taking a sip from her glass of water as she sat down.

" So, what is it?"

Regina took a deep breath before she explained.

" And I assure you, David and I are just friends. I have no intention of pursuing some intimate relationship with him, because I know he loves you," she finished, a suggestive smile gracing her lips.

Mary's eyes widened as her cheeks reddened at Regina's last comment. " David mentioned me?"

Regina let out a light laugh. " Of course dear, he's very fond of you."

Mary's eyes travelled to the distant as the thoughts of David crept into her head. She desperately wanted to believe Regina's story and to believe that nothing was going on between them. She turned back to Regina, still not convinced.

" But why are you telling me this? Excuse me for my bluntness, but you've never really cared about me before. So why should you now?"

Regina took a deep breath before exhaling. " Ms. Blanchard, I know we haven't always been on good terms, but I do believe we should start being cordial. After all, my son adores you as his teacher, and I know he'd want that."

Mary frowned, she could barely believe what she was hearing. Regina was being so…nice to her and she sounded sincere. She folded her arms.

" And you really want that?"

Regina nodded, radiating a wide smile. Mary couldn't believe it, but who was she to object? Being on good terms with the Mayor could only be good, and maybe now she'll stop pestering her about her teaching methods with Henry. She smiled slightly; maybe her friendship with David was changing her for the better.

" Okay then, I would love to be friends with you Regina."

" And Ms. Blanchard-"

But Mary Margaret held up her hand. " Please, call me Mary."

Regina smiled, bowing her head slightly. " Very well then, Mary. I made one of my famous apple turnovers this morning. Think of it as a symbol for the beginning of our friendship."

She passed the container over and watched as Mary opened it, sighing as she breathed in the heavenly smell.

" It looks delicious. Thank you."

Regina smiled as she stood up. " The pleasures all mine dear. Now I must be off, I have to speak to the decorators for the Christmas ball. I assume you and David will be attending? Now that he and Kathryn are not together?"

Mary frowned as she pondered the thought. " Actually, to be honest I haven't thought about it. I mean, I'm not even sure if their separation is permanent."

Regina paused, knowing that the girl's answer was obviously yes. " Well, I'm sure you'll have a splendid night nonetheless. And please, get started on the desert, it's best to eat it while it's still warm."

Mary Margaret watched Regina leave, shaking her head in disbelief. She couldn't believe that she had a lovely, civilized conversation with the Mayor, and that they would soon be friends. She really was changing. Mary looked back down, her eyes feasting on the desert. Without wasting another second she took a bite.

Oh no Regina, what are you getting up to! Sorry for such a short update guys but i needed to write this in order for the plot etc to develop :) I promise, I have some awesome evil charming stuff prepared for the next chapter in the ball, i shan't say more than that ;) thanks for reading and reviews are the fuel for my writing! :)