A/N: It just so happens the last few updates in this have been in real time (meaning the dates of the chapters are the posting dates). This wasn't necessarily intentional, but I like that it turned out that way. That said, that won't always be the case, because we have a lot of ground to cover and I don't want this to take forever :) Also, yikes, it's been exactly a month since my last update. Hopefully the next one won't take that long!

But for now, enjoy the musical episode shenanigans! It's not a super long update, but it covers the ground I wanted it to.

Sunday, February 11, 4pm.

Regina was pissed. They were seven days into filming the Frozen Mirror musical episode, and as expected, Robert Gold had been making her life a living hell now that Regina's girlfriend was on set as a featured dancer for the episode. But, Regina was taking everything he threw at her, grinning and bearing it, because that meant he left Emma alone. While Gold knew he couldn't really go after the blonde anyway, lest it look suspicious that the showrunner demonstrate such animosity toward a mere guest on the show, he still needed to direct his anger toward someone. Thus, he had focused his hatred of the couple on Regina, deliberately keeping her working for the maximum number of hours her contract would allow and purposely keeping her away from the stage and location shots where Emma would be. There were paparazzi and fans everywhere, not to mention more than 75 dancers and extras being brought in for the large musical numbers, who were themselves fans of the show. He couldn't risk a scandal.

So, Regina was pissed. Emma hadn't been able to come up to Halifax early, so the first time Regina had seen Emma in more than a month was on the first day of filming, and both of their schedules meant they had little free time. Emma was also stuck in a hotel room with three other dancers, so she couldn't sneak out to see Regina after hours. They had barely been able to say two words to each other on set, and Gold had made them both so paranoid that even when they did have a corresponding break between scenes, they were too afraid to be seen together at craft services. They ate their lunches on opposite sides of the studio, trying not to look at one another.

And, Regina was sexually frustrated, which wasn't helping her rage. She watched as the blonde walked around the soundstage in tight black leather leggings and one of the show's trademark corsets that made it impossible for Regina not to focus on her girlfriend's remarkable cleavage. They had four more days scheduled for filming, at which point Emma would no longer be employed by the show, no longer be required to stay in the little dancer hostel setup, and could instead go back to Regina's small apartment to spend 36 hours before Regina had to be back on set for the next episode. Regina couldn't wait. But until then, Regina had to take deep breaths and try to focus on anything other than her hot girlfriend who she wasn't allowed to talk to.

"What are you doing?" Zelena asked as she walked up to Regina, noticing the brunette sitting in her chair with her eyes closed and exhaling loudly.

"Meditating," Regina huffed. "Or, I was trying to until you came over."

"Why?" Zelena crunched her face in confusion. "Since when do you meditate?"

"Since always. It helps me get in the headspace to film. So shhhhh."

The redhead shrugged and walked away, leaving the brunette to sigh when she couldn't regain her focus. She gave up and opened her eyes, deciding that she may as well enjoy the sight before her, and if anyone caught her staring, she could just say she's studying the scene and preparing to make her grand entrance. It was one of their two scenes together, no doubt a demand from Gold that they have as little on-screen time together as possible. Mary-Margaret's character had been attacked by Regina, putting the petite brunette into a coma, during which the woman would have an elaborate dream ballet sequence. It required Regina to be even more villainous than her usual demonic character was, which also meant she was in an extra-seductive black leather costume, with hints of red throughout. At least that meant that Emma was probably feeling just as frustrated as Regina, and that made the brunette feel a little bit better — at least she wasn't alone in her suffering. While she sat and watched the first part of the scene film, she couldn't help but think for a show that allegedly touts family values to the extent that they're forbidden from having same-sex relationships on screen (and off-screen), there were a lot of underworld demons and scandalous outfits. The irony was not lost on her.

Regina sighed as the director called "Cut! Take 10," and the cast walked off the soundstage as they reset for the next scene. She watched Emma walk by her, their eyes connecting briefly before Emma was pulled into conversation by Mary-Margaret as they walked to get coffee in the back of the room. "You, know," a voice startled her, "you are allowed to talk to her."

"Hey, Lily," Regina said, seeing her girlfriend's friend walk up to her. Lily had been one of the first people to know the truth about Regina and Emma's relationship, as she figured it out almost immediately after seeing the two women together back when Emma had been vacationing in Montréal before joining the company. Since then, she had been extremely supportive and done her best to help cover them when they all went out together. And as assistant director of the dance company, Lily had managed to set up a private livestream of their first performance of the season two weekends ago, after Gold had forced Regina to miss it in order to finish filming the previous episode. Regina had been livid then, too, because she had only been needed for less than 10 minutes of on-screen time, which equated to a lot of sitting around in her trailer waiting to be called to set. At least she had been able to watch the show thanks to Lily's livestream, and she was even able to Facetime with Emma during intermission. Regina was glad Lily had been cast in the musical episode, too. It was nice to have another familiar dancer on set…one she was actually allowed to speak to.

"Everyone knows you guys are friends. I think it's actually more weird that you're purposely avoiding each other. It makes it look like you have something to hide, you know?" Lily pointed out.

Regina's eyes widened. "Wait, are people talking?"

The younger brunette shrugged. "Not to the point of spreading rumors, but a few people have said things. Mainly," she said, nodding her head toward the corner where Emma and Mary-Margaret were chatting, "people think it's strange that you and Emma know each other, yet she's been hanging out with Mary-Margaret, David, and Graham. Most of the dancers and extras are afraid to talk to any of the cast, which I get because you guys are the stars and we're random extra bodies for a few days, but Emma seems to fit right in with everyone. Except you, the woman who she allegedly helped prepare for this entire episode and has been seen hanging out for the past seven months. You're either hiding something, or in an epic fight that seems a bit extreme for someone claiming to be casual friends and dance coach/dance student. Neither of those options would look good…"

"Shit," Regina sighed. "I never thought of that. Thanks, Lily."

"No problem. And if either of you need me to run interference with anything, let me know. I know Emma is dying to get some alone time with you, and I imagine you probably are, too," she winked.

"Oh, you have no idea," Regina laughed. "And thanks, I appreciate that offer, but she and I both know nothing can happen this week."

"Well, my offer stands. Good luck," Lily replied before heading off to get dressed and ready for her next scene.

Regina realized that Lily was right. There were plenty of dancers and extras around in this particular scene, so it was a good time to talk with Emma and help dispel any rumors that might have been forming. She got up from her chair and walked over to the corner of the room, greeting Mary-Margaret and Emma. "The scene looks great so far," she commented. "I caught part of it on the monitor and it looks incredible."

"Thanks, Regina," Mary-Margaret replied. "I was just telling Emma how impressed I am with her work. I hadn't seen her dance before this week, and today is especially impressive. I'd love to see her perform with her company sometime."

The blonde smiled graciously. "Thank you, Mary-Margaret. Everyone here is amazing."

Regina bit back a smile. Mary-Margaret was right — Emma had been amazing all week, as she always was, but the scene they were currently shooting required an extreme amount of athleticism. Regina had even had to turn away a few times, as they had been filming with aerial apparatuses earlier and while mesmerizing, it was also horrifying. Emma had assured her she was well-trained and nothing she was doing was particularly dangerous, but watching her girlfriend climb and drop from silk fabric 40 feet up in the air was terrifying.

"Oh, excuse me for a second," Mary-Margaret said before flitting off to talk with her husband, who just appeared on set.

"Hey," Regina said when they were finally alone. "We need to talk."

"What's going on?" Emma asked, clearly concerned.

Regina lowered her voice. "We can't keep avoiding each other. Lily said people are starting to comment that it's weird."

"Oh," Emma frowned. "I figured it would be better."

"Me, too, but apparently people think it's weird that you and I are supposedly friends, and yet you're hanging out with everyone in the cast except me."

"Ah," Emma nodded. "I didn't think of that."

"Neither did I."

"Okay, so we'll make sure people see us talking together a few times. That should help, right?"

"Right," Regina said, trying her best to make sure her eyes stayed on Emma's and didn't drift down her body.

"Okay. But you can't stare at me like that if you don't want people to know about us," the blonde scolded half-heartedly.

"Have you seen you? I don't think there's anyone here who hasn't noticed you…gay or straight, man or woman. You look hot," she whispered before grabbing a coffee off the table. "I can't wait until this week is over…four more days," she mumbled as she walked away, leaving the blonde to laugh and shake her head.

Monday, February 12, 7pm

"Regina, what are you—" Emma's words were cut off when the brunette pulled the door to her trailer shut and slammed Emma against it. Regina had Emma pinned between her own body and the door, quickly slipping a thigh between the blonde's and pressing into her as she kissed her. "Not that I'm complaining, but isn't this a little risky?" Emma breathily asked when Regina moved her attention from her lips to the column of her neck.

"Couldn't wait three more days," she said between kisses. "It's been too long. And watching you parade around in that costume the last two days has been killing me."

"Oh, well in that case," the blonde smirked down at her girlfriend and pushed her up the three stairs leading into the main area of the trailer, toward the small sofa along the wall. As the brunette's knees hit the cushions and she fell into the seat, Emma quickly straddled her. "Carry on."

Regina didn't need to be told twice, and she quickly resumed her work on the blonde's neck. Emma had already changed back into her street clothes to head out for the night and had been walking past Regina's trailer when the brunette spotted her. Regina still had one more scene to shoot in two hours, so she had been hanging out in her trailer to kill time before she had to go back into hair and makeup. But, costume or not, she missed her girlfriend and couldn't wait any longer. She hastily removed Emma's leather jacket and sweater, leaving the blonde in nothing but her navy blue lace bralette and her jeans. Regina wrapped her hands around her girlfriend's ass, pulling her closer as she kissed her way down the blonde's collarbone.

"Fuck, I've missed this," Emma said as she let her head fall back as Regina's tongue flicked across her chest, moving the delicate lace fabric out of the way.

"I've missed you," Regina hummed into her, sighing when Emma's fingers ran through her hair and pressed into her. She kept one hand on the woman's hips and snuck the other around to her abdomen, quickly unbuttoning and unzipping Emma's jeans to give her more access.

"Regina — oh my God!"

Emma and Regina paused and stared at each other in fear as they heard the voice behind them. Regina immediately let go of her hold on the blonde, and Emma readjusted her bra so she was fully covered, or as much as she could be given that her sweater and jacket were thrown halfway across the room.

"Mary-Margaret…" Regina started, looking between the startled woman standing in the doorway and her girlfriend still astride her lap. She tapped Emma's leg to remind the woman to dismount, which she promptly did as she rebuttoned her jeans.

"Holy shit! I knew it," Mary-Margaret shook her head, finally having the good sense to close the door of the trailer, which was still open behind her. "And don't even tell me that you're helping Emma prepare for some lesbian part in a friend's film. I'm not buying that excuse again," she said, referring back to the heated makeout session she caught the two women engaged in eight months before on a hotel balcony at Comic-Con.

"I won't," Regina said, looking sheepish. "Frankly, I'm surprised you bought it back then. You're so gullible."

Mary-Margaret rolled her eyes. "So this has been going on since then? Oh my God, is that why you and Robin split up?"

Regina shook her head. "No, Emma is not why we got divorced. Like I told you then, there's a lot about Robin and me that you don't know, and it's between us. But, no one cheated, we're all on good terms, et cetera et cetera," Regina replied. She had told this story to her friends so many times over the past few months as she and Emma gradually told more of the important people in their lives about their relationship. She had the tale down to a science.

"Well, I think it's great," Mary-Margaret smiled. "But, Regina, be careful. You know how Gold and the network are. If he finds out…"

"Oh, I know. And he knows, unfortunately, and has since August. That's a whole other story I'll tell you in a few years when I never have to talk to him again," Regina sighed. "Now, can I trust that you'll keep this quiet? Or, at least only tell your husband? I know you can't keep secrets from him."

"Fine, but Regina, if Gold knows, what's the harm in the rest of the cast knowing? You know everyone would support you. No one would have a problem with it…"

"Because you were so understanding that night on the balcony?" Regina bit back. Her costar had made some hurtful accusations that night.

Mary-Margaret winced. "Okay, yeah, I may not have handled that well. But I didn't freak out on you just now, did I? No. I just thought you were cheating on Robin back then. But you're not, so I don't care."

"I do believe you said something about me putting the entire cast's livelihoods at risk that night, thinking that me kissing Emma would lead to the entire show being cancelled…and I realize that the uptight network people might do something stupid, which is why I'm not saying anything and we're being careful until after the contracts go out and we know the show will be back for a ninth season," Regina explained. "And I will tell everyone else, eventually. I just figure the fewer people who know, the less likely it will be that rumors start spreading or something accidentally slips out in a con panel or press interview. You know if Zelena knew, she would be doing press for the musical episode and somehow manage to say something like, 'Oh, yes, and Regina's girlfriend is a dancer in this episode, too. Oh, oopsies!' " Regina mocked, nailing Zelena's British accent.

"Yeah, you're right about that, actually," Mary-Margaret nodded.

"So, that's why we're keeping this quiet for awhile. So, do I have your word that you won't say anything?"

"Of course, Regina…you can trust me."

"Thank you."

"But, you may want to find somewhere besides your trailer to have a quickie if you don't want people to know…or at least lock your door."

"Noted. Now, get out," Regina demanded.

"Yes, ma'am." The petite brunette bowed slightly, perhaps a reflex left over from her character often bowing to Regina's "Queen of the Damned," and backed out of the trailer.

As soon as the woman closed the door behind her, Regina ran over and locked it, heeding Mary-Margaret's advice. "Now," she said, turning back to her girlfriend and smirking, "where were we?"

A/N: Next up - Regina signs the divorce papers to finalize her split from Robin (yay!), and rumors start circulating in the public. (Hmm...can MM not keep a secret in this verse? We know her canonverse self isn't the most reliable in that regard. Or have they not been as stealthy as they think? So many possibilities.) Also, their official "coming out" will happen 2-3 chapters from now, so we're getting close! And I've had the way it will happen decided since about halfway through the first sequel, so I hope you'll like it!

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed :)