Regina shivered as soothing fingertips painted a pattern on her bare back. The moonlight shone through the windows, illuminating the bedroom and casting shadows across the room.

Emma scootched over and snuggled against Regina, their bodies fitting together perfectly.

"Well, Ms. Swan, this is new," Regina said formally, bringing attention to the shift in positions. The hot puffs on the back of Regina's neck were quite pleasant, but smelled strongly like alcohol.

"Hmm?" Emma buzzed against the brunette's neck. She wrapped her arm around Regina's waist, not going unnoticed by the mayor.

"Normally, we don't really... cuddle, or even touch, for that matter, after sex," Regina said bluntly. Emma looked down at her arm and realized what she was doing.

"Oh, sorry. Didn't even occur to me," Emma laughed awkwardly, appreciating the dark that masked her blushing. She pulled her arm away, but Regina grabbed it and wrapped it back around her torso.

"I never said I didn't want it," she whispered, enjoying the warmth and security Emma's body was producing, "I was just wondering, why the change?"

"I... I don't know. It just seemed kinda natural," Emma replied, "Anyway, I'm going to sleep, my head is like... pounding. Good night, Madame Mayor." Regina noted another change. Emma never said good night.

"Call me Regina," the brunette whispered, but Emma had already fallen asleep.

"Emma! You're home!" Mary Margaret exclaimed, looking up from her teacup. Emma smiled and closed the door behind her, dropping her keys onto the side table.

"I haven't been gone that long, have I?" the blonde joked, sliding on the seat next to the teacher.

"Well, after you didn't come to the apartment last night, I was worried that maybe you had a little too much to drink at the party," Mary Margaret said in a motherly tone.

"Ah, so you were there, too, huh?" Emma smirked, "Have fun?"

"Not the best night of my life, but, not the worst either," Mary Margaret replied, "So, um. Where were you... last night?" She had a sheepish grin on, as if she knew more than she was letting on. Emma shifted uncomfortably.

"I was out," she managed.

"Yes, I noticed. You seem to be out every night, Emma," Mary Margaret pressed.

"Psh, no," Emma said, but Mary Margaret raised an eyebrow, "Okay, maybe I have been out every night. Just clearing my head. So?" The teacher shrugged nonchalantly.

"Okay. So there's... no one," Mary Margaret stated, but it sounded more like a question. Suddenly, she thought of an idea. It was a cheap shot, but, Emma can't always hide from her problems.

"So... have you noticed Regina lately?" Mary Margaret asked, sipping her tea and noticing Emma's frozen posture at the mention of the mayor. She smirked to herself.

"W-what about her?" Emma stammered.

"She just so much more... relaxed recently."

"You're calling Mayor Mills relaxed?"

"I'm just saying, she seems to be loosening the leash," Mary Margaret took the pause to glance thoughtfully at Emma, "Why do you think that is?" She watched as Emma gulped.

"Mary Margaret..."

"Oh for god's sake, Emma! Just spill it!" Mary Margaret cried excitedly. Emma sat, mouth agape.

"I-I..."

"Emma, I'm an adult, too. It's okay if you're in a relationship with Regina," Mary Margaret said softly.

"We're not in a relationship!" Emma said, "Well, not really. It's more like sex, but... I don't know. It's not a relationship." The teacher sipped her tea.

"So, you're telling me you don't feel anything when you're with her?" Mary Margaret questioned kindly.

"I thought I don't. But, I'm not so sure anymore. Every time I think we're getting closer to... I don't know, something, it feels like we're right back to square one. Maybe, sometimes I just pretend I don't feel," Emma mumbled and looked to the teacher, "I can't believe I just told you that." The blonde glanced at the clock.

"Hey, it's okay. You just..."

"I don't wanna talk about this. Not now, not ever," Emma said.

"Emma..."

"I gotta go to work. I'll... I'll see you tonight," Emma said and left, leaving Mary Margaret on her stool.

"Oh, Emma," the teacher sighed, tasting her tea once again.

"Hey, you," Ruby greeted as Emma plopped down on the barstool.

"Hey, yourself. Have fun yesterday?" Emma asked, reaching for the warm mug of hot chocolate. Ruby smiled.

"I'm still trying to figure out which room in town hall I left my panties in," she laughed.

"Ruby! Please don't tell me you got laid at a public party," Emma quipped as Ruby rolled her eyes, "Your grandmother was there!"

"Oh please. Grams, and everyone else there was drunk. No one saw," Ruby said. Emma raised an eyebrow.

"Or heard," Ruby added. Emma rubbed her temples.

"Anyway, found out who your mystery Valentine was," Ruby grinned devilishly, waggling her eyebrows, "How'd you like dancing with Mayor Mills last night?" Emma's face was priceless, the model picture of shock. Mary Margaret was fine, but Ruby? Whole other story.

"C'mon, Emma. I wasn't that drunk. Plus, I saw you two making out in the hallway. Way to keep it discreet, Romeo," Ruby said, "Or... are you Juliet? 'Cause I could so see Mayor Mills as the feisty one. Oh, I'm getting fantasies... damn, Emma, you are one lucky bitch." Emma sat there, foam mustache, jaw slackened and eyes burning through Ruby.

"Ruby..." Emma warned, lowering her voice, "I have no idea what the fuck you're talking about."

"Save it, Emma. It's not that hard to put it all together. You two are so hooking up, I can tell. There's still fire, believe me. I'm just not convinced it's as intense as it used to be. Don't worry, though. Your secret's safe with me. My lips are sealed," Ruby said, pretending to zip her lips closed just to prove her point.

"As much as I would appreciate it, Ruby," Emma started, throwing money on the counter and standing to leave. "There's nothing going on between me and Mayor Mills. And I don't know about her, but the whole arguing thing is getting old. I like seeing Henry, and I don't wanna piss the mayor off. I'm not screwing up my relationship with my son over her. She's not worth it," Emma blurted, "See ya, Ruby." And with that, Emma strolled out the door.

Regina leaned against the wall, and bit back the sobs. She had just entered through the back entrance and made her way through the halls when she heard Emma's voice. Deciding to eavesdrop, Regina slinked into the shadows and listened. She's not worth it... Emma seemed so harsh when she said it, and it stung. Regina should've cared less. After all, when did she care about anyone's happiness, besides her own. And Henry. She only wanted Henry to be happy. But hearing the words come from the blonde's mouth struck a chord.

She should've lowered her expectations. In fact, when had she raised them? That wasn't right. Especially for Emma Swan, the woman who brought Henry into this world. This was all definitely getting too complicated. Still, the words echoed in her mind. She's not worth it...

Regina felt numb as she stormed her way to the front entrance. "Mayor Mills!" Ruby grinned widely, showing off her brilliant white teeth, "What can I get y-oh my god, are you crying?" Ruby's smile faded as she saw watery eyes. Regina stopped cold and composed herself with lightning speed before turning to face the waitress.

"Does it look like I'm crying to you?" Regina snapped. Ruby's eyes went wide. Regina's eyes weren't even red.

"I-I'm sorry, I thought... it... it was a mistake. S-sorry," she quivered. Regina gave her a curt nod before resuming her walk.

"Crying... as if," Regina snorted for effect and looked around. Seeing no one, she slipped into an alley. Only then did she allow herself several tears.