A/N: I'm sorry, this is taking so long at the moment. I'm grateful if you're still reading and hope you will like this one. It's for you.

"I really don't have time for this," Regina said opening her jacket as she waited on the back parking lot of the diner. It was empty, as it usually was, and the best place to meet people you didn't want to get seen with. Only, the person Regina was waiting for hadn't shown up yet and it was already 20 minutes late.

Regina worked her gloves in her hands. It was too warm for them but she had worn them earlier today to retrieve the box from Gold's shop. She had looked at it more closely and it was indeed very similar to 'Pandora's Box.' The coloring was different, though, and Regina was almost sure that it had held whatever was in it longer than just a few weeks. But what it was - or maybe even who - was as elusive as the imp who put it in. While in the shop, she had called for him, tried to converse by making him push things around but he hadn't shown. Maybe he hadn't expected her back this early, maybe he wasn't even able to come back.

She heard footsteps behind her and turned to look at Hook. He was wearing jeans and a tight fitting shirt, a light jacket.

"You almost look like a regular person," she said, forgetting his unpunctuality over his strange - for him, not for any other person - garb.

"Except for this, you mean," he said and held up his hook.

"Except for the beard and the boots," Regina corrected.

"Yeah, I can't really walk in those sneaker-things. Feels like I'm walking barefoot and I never liked the sensation," he told her.

"So why the... new you? Have you finally watched 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and didn't like the association?"

"I think that guy is hilarious, actually. No, it's just... summer's not so far away and the leather and the sweating... this realm makes nice, cool fabrics," Hook said and hopped around a little. "It feels good, light. I like it."

"Hm," Regina simply made not quiet believing him but not caring enough to keep this line of questioning up. "Whatever floats your boat, so to speak." She gave him a small sarcastic grin and he had time to roll his eyes before she came to the point: "I asked you here because I want you to get rid of something."

"Let me guess, it's the little man who's constantly complaining about you," he gave back.

"Henry isn't complaining about me, wherever did you hear that?"

"I didn't mean Henry but find it interesting that you were immediately thinking of him. I was referring to Leroy. That's what he's called here, right?"

Regina squinted her eyes at Hook and he grinned.

"It's not someone I want to get rid of - or it might be Leroy - it's something. It's... made Emma sick and I think it might be dangerous to have around," she said putting on her right glove. She reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out the box. She held it up for Hook's inspection.

"It's dangerous and you want me to get rid of it. I'm not sure if I should feel insulted or... no, wait, I do feel insulted. Is... is the sheriff alright?" he slipped in the question as if not caring but Regina knew that he did. She was also wondering about his lack of clever remarks as to their relationship, for surely he must have heard about it by now.

"Emma's fine - now. But this thing affects her and I want it out of town. I don't care if you bury it in the woods or drop it into the ocean, just get rid of it," Regina instructed.

Killian reached out for the box but Regina pulled it back.

"And don't touch it. If it affects Emma, it could affect anyone, even you."

"But not you," Hook stated.

"There's evil inside, that much I know. And I've handled my share of evil. I think it might have clashed with Emma's... goodness." It felt strange to her how that last word tasted on her tongue, the texture of it. Emma's goodness wasn't just something to make fun of anymore, it was something Regina had come to rely on, to appreciate and love about the woman and now she was smiling because of it.

Hook noticed and raised an eyebrow.

"So how is that even working?" he asked her and she looked at him. "You and Emma?"

"What exactly are you referring to?" Regina asked because she still wasn't sure he knew about their relationship.

"When I met the fair maiden she could hardly stand to say your name and I think you weren't too fond of her, either. Neverland changed some of that, I'm sure, but you still had your... little lady-scrambles. And now... you just work side by side in a small room with lots of magic... sounds like someone should be close by with a fire hose in case of a cat-fight, yes?"

The sexual insinutation in this little speech was so thick Regina felt dazed by it and she blinked at him. Then, to his surprise, she grinned.

"Don't worry, I can handle her just fine by myself," she told him.

For a moment, he looked unsure but then he grinned.

"Now you're just teasing," he said and showed his teeth in a wide grin. "Still, the visual is somewhat... inspiring. Now, about that box. You gonna give it to me?"

"I don't want you to touch it, it's dangerous," she told him again.

"Well, then tie a bow around it and hang in on my hook, 'cause I forgot my gloves at home today, luv."

"Or I could just put it in your pocket," she said and stepped to his side. She put the box in his jacket. "Make sure to wear a glove when you retrieve it."

"If you want me to reach it at all, you should put it in my other pocket," he told her, holding up his hook.

"Right," she breathed, retrieved the box and was about to put it where he could reach it with his hand when he said:

"And if you want to make me happy, you might want to put it in my trouser pocket." He waggled his eyebrows suggestively at her.

"Believe me, you don't want this," and she held up the box, "anywhere near your... jewels collection. The same goes for my hand, by the way." She put the box in his jacket and caught him grinning again. She sighed.

"Why me?" he asked her.

"Pardon?"

"Why did you call me to get rid of this? I mean... why not do it yourself if it's so dangerous? Or why not keep it? It might come in handy at some point," he said.

"I have a son, someone who has inherited his mother's... disposition of being a nice person. I don't want him near this and I kind of figured that you might need something to do... something that borders on dangerous? You seem bored," she told him.

"I'm not, actually, though I think it's nice that you worry so about me. I'll get it out of town, don't worry. Might take the Jolly out for a little spin, might be nice," he said. "Say, how close are you to discovering what I need to get away from here?"

"I think I'm a lot closer than I was before we found that but... I can only go to the shop on weekends, so..."

"That would give me almost a week for a nice sailing trip down the coast," he finished her thoughts and she inclined her head.

Hook nodded.

"I'll see you when I get back then," he said and tipped an invisible hat. "Your Majesty."

"Safe trip," she murmured as he walked away with his usual swag - which wasn't nearly as impressive now that he looked like any other guy in Storybrooke.

"Are you comfortable?" Regina asked sitting down at the end of the couch Emma was reclining on.

"I'm okay, love. Only, you've been away most of the day and I haven't gotten nearly enough love from you today," Emma said opening her arms for the other woman to cuddle into her.

Regina got up and sat back down next to Emma instead of following the invitation. She leaned over her and kissed her, however, and Emma wasn't shy to take advantage of that fact. Regina had to struggle into an upright position and looked slightly disapproving at Emma as she sat up again.

"You've just been released from the hospital," she said.

"With a clean bill of health, Regina. I'm fine," Emma said smiling. "But I figure you're never too healthy for some tlc, so..." Emma pulled Regina close again and this time the other woman didn't resist. They kissed, slowly, letting the burn between them build, linger, cool and kindle again.

"Mhm," Regina sighed as they parted. Her hands were lying against Emma's chest, her head against her shoulder. "You know, I thought a little more about what you said about another deputy and I hired that Jim-guy from the car shop."

"His name is Jack and you... you actually hired him?"

"Yes, I figured your dad was probably not going to want that job at the moment but you and Tinkerbell need help so..." But that wasn't the only reason and Emma could tell.

"Did you do that because I fainted?" Emma asked.

"I... yes... I... I want you to take a couple of days off. Just to make sure that you're really okay," she came out with the real reason, her chocolaty brown eyes pleading with the blonde.

"Regina, I am fine. It was just... that box. And it won't be there next weekend, will it?"

"No, I've gotten rid of it already," Regina told Emma who looked surprised.

"Really? Where did you... 'get rid of it,' exactly? Does Storybrooke have a toxic and magical dump site I don't know about?"

"I gave it to Hook," Regina said and made Emma look even more surprised.

"Hook? You gave a potentially dangerous magical box with a potentially dangerous magical creature inside to Hook? Explain," she asked of her lover looking puzzled.

"I told him it made you sick, so I figured he would get it as far away from Storybrooke as he could," Regina said smiling.

Emma had to laugh.

"That was kinda mean, you know?"

"I thought it was rather clever of me," Regina argued looking pleased with herself. "Have you told him about us, by the way?"

"Ah, no, I haven't seen him around lately."

"He's been a little bit more elusive than usual. And I don't think he knows about us yet... though, he didn't seem opposed to imagine us in a cat-fight. Maybe he won't mind so much," Regina mused.

"Do I wanna know?" Emma asked about the cat-fight comment and Regina shook her head.

"He's acting a little strange. When I saw him today he was wearing jeans," the mayor said.

"Really?" Emma asked wide-eyed.

"You sound like you would like to check that out."

"I would like to see it, not check it out. There's a difference, love," Emma told Regina. "No need to get jealous."

"I'm not jealous," Regina gave back a little too quickly and Emma smirked at her. Regina closed her eyes to keep from rolling her eyes at herself. "I'm a little jealous... generally, not especially of Hook," she admitted.

"Still no need for it, though," Emma said sitting up. She kissed Regina on the nose and swung her legs off the couch. "And I think I'm gonna take you up on a couple of vacation days. Two, to be exact," she then said.

"Really? Are you feeling okay?"

"Regina, I'm fine," Emma reassured her lover. "Really. I'd like to... I don't know, have a little time, go over to my parents', maybe talk to my dad again, spend some time with the kid... which reminds me. Where's Henry?"

"He's spending the night at the juvenile delinquents' house," Regina said.

"You do know they have names, right?"

"I'm aware."

They smiled at each other then Emma noticed something.

"Tomorrow's Monday. Since when is Henry allowed to stay at a friend's house on a school night?"

"Since we have to talk about something," Regina answered as she got up from the couch. She held her hand out to Emma and the blonde took it.

"Talk?" she asked.

"Yes. There was something you wanted to talk about, remember?"

For a moment, Emma looked puzzled but then the confusion in her eyes cleared and she started smiling.

"I remember," she said. "You wanted to explain to me where babies come from."

Regina laughed.

"Something like that," she agreed as she took Emma's hand and led the way out of the living room.

They entered Emma's bedroom, their hands still losely entangled, and Regina switched the light on. She was about to let go of Emma's hand when the blonde pulled her to her by their combined hands and wrapped her arms around her.

"I love you, you know?" she murmured into the dark recessess of Regina's hair before she pushed it away with one hand and started kissing her lover's neck.

For a moment, Regina pulled her close relishing in the feelings Emma's attentions always ignited in her, of being wanted, cherished, loved - among other things. But for now, these feelings would have to wait as Regina pushed against Emma's chest to look at her.

"We wanted to talk," she reminded the blonde.

"With our mouths," Emma agreed and pressed her lips against Regina's, smothering any further words and even most of the thoughts Regina had wanted to utter.

But even though Regina's knees felt close to buckling at the passionate assault on her body, she managed to free herself from Emma and walk to the window. She opened it.

Emma follwoed her, laying her arms around her slim waist and attached her lips once again to Regina's neck.

"We really do need to talk about this, you know. If we want more kids..."

"Oh," Emma made as her love-fogged mind registered Regina's words. "You really do want to tell me where babies come from? You do know that I've already had one kid and... well, I know the... mechanics of how to make them, too. So I just thought..."

Regina turned in her embrace.

"We go ahead and... just do it?" she asked wide-eyed.

Emma nodded.

"Well, yeah."

For a moment, Regina simply stood. Her mouth opened but there were no words coming out. She closed it again, swallowed, tried again:

"Tonight? You just want to... make a baby tonight?"

"I wouldn't say 'just' but, yes. I want us to make a baby. Tonight."

Regina blinked a couple of times and disentangled herself from Emma. She went over to the bed and sat down. Emma followed but didn't sit until Regina reached for her hand and pulled her down next to her. She took both of Emma's hands in her own.

"That's not what you want, though, is it?"

"Emma..."

"I just thought..."

"Listen to me, please?" Regina pleaded and for a long moment they just looked at each other. There was hurt in Emma's eyes, there was confusion and need. She had obviously felt sure that they were on the same page about this and now realized that they weren't. But how could she have just assumed when they had never even talked about it?

"I'm listening," she said after a long pause, trying not to look too defeated in the light of imminent hopes crushed.

"I know we've done magic together before and... it always worked so far. But making an eclipse or absorbing destructive magic isn't... like making a baby, Emma. I've never done it before and I've only read about it once... in one of Rumple's books. I actually hoped that I would find the book in the shop but so far... I haven't. I remember what it said. I've... I've read it at a time when... it had been very important to me to know about it... but..."

Emma looked at Regina as her voice faltered. She was breathing easier again, realizing that they were really talking about this and not just acknowledging what they both wanted and then having to make a compromise - the way these kind of adult conversations usually went.

"Tell me," she said as she lay one of her hands on Regina's cheek, caressing it.

"It was after the doctor told me I couldn't have children. I thought... my life would be better if I could give Leopold what he so desperately wanted - a male heir. But there was no way. What's dead is dead, no magic can change that," Regina said sadly.

"I'm so sorry, love."

"I've known for a long time. And with you... it's different now. You can have children and... with our combined magic we should be able to... make a baby," Regina said and smiled. Emma smiled back.

"How?" she asked.

"You really do want to do this... now?" Regina asked, her eyes looking deeply into Emma's seemingly in search of an explanation.

"Is there anything holding us back, Regina? I mean... I'm 30 years old, I'm not getting any younger. I mean, I guess there are even ways to do that but... I'm not sure I want that and then there would be a downside, probably something like that Dorian Gray-feller went through...," she rambled.

"Emma," Regina interrupted. "Talk to me."

"Sorry, I... what I'm saying is, we already have Henry, we already have a family. I never thought I would have this. I never thought I would have a son and a... wife, a house, a regular job... these things used to scare me, I thought I'd feel tied down but... the truth is, they scared me because I didn't know if I'd... fit in, if I could find... or have people who know me and accept me the way I am. You do and Henry does. I never thought, I'd feel love like this. And I want more love, I want more of this family. And there's really no reason to wait, is there?" Emma was looking deeply into Regina's eyes, there was so much hope, so much love in the green depths Regina was staring into.

"We haven't been together for... very long, Emma. What if...?" But she couldn't even say it.

"What if things don't work out between us?" Emma asked and Regina nodded but just barely.

She didn't want to think about this possibility, she didn't want to contemplate a time where she might not be with Emma anymore.

"Then we'd still be our children's parents. We have Henry, Regina, and we somehow managed to become his parents, even before we had feelings for each other. For all I know and feel right now, I will love you forever. And our children will be part of that. And even if we're wrong and... we're not meant to be, we'll still love our kids. And that doesn't change, whether we have them now or in a year, two or five. I just want... I want to start now because... I don't want to delay our life together because convention says that... we need to know each other better, that we need to settle in and be sure of each other... that we need to go on so many dates, spend so much time with each other before we can be sure of anything. I am sure now, love. I want a family with you, I want to marry you and live with you... I want it to start now because I'm ready for it."

Regina had stopped breathing, Emma's words had simiply taken her breath away and as she now felt a burning in her lungs remiding her that she was holding her breath, she filled them again hungrily. It felt like the first breath she was taking after Daniel's death, the first breath that returned to her all the hopes and the love from that time. She never thought she'd have this, never thought she'd feel so utterly complete again. But Emma was that person, she was her happy ending. And though she had said it before, had believed it before, now her body felt it, too. Instinct had told her to hold back, to observe, to wait and see how things were working out. And it had been great and yet not... complete because they had both held back - until now.

"Are you ready?" Emma asked. "Do you want to wait?"

Regina shook her head.

"No, you are right... Henry's been right," she said and at Emma's questioning look: "We are True Love."

Emma smiled.

"Henry said that?"

"Yes, he... he said that he wasn't too worried about you when we went to the hospital yesterday because he knew if it was something serious I could always revive you with True Love's Kiss."

"Clever boy," Emma simply said and then laughed. She leaned forward and gave Regina the softest of kisses. "Let's make a baby," she breathed into the space between them. She reached out her arms and lay them around Regina's waist to pull her closer but Regina stopped her once again.

"It's not... working the way... you might think it works," she said with raised eyebrows.

"Please tell me we won't just be touching with our fingertips or something. That would be a real let-down," Emma said and Regina laughed.

"No, but... it's magic not... biology," the mayor said as a light blush covered her cheeks.

"Can we still be naked doing it?" Emma asked and now they were both laughing.

"Of course, we can. It's not like we're going to sit down in a circle of family members, chanting in the light of a full moon and sacrifice a goat."

"That's a relief." Emma said.

They looked at each other.

"It might not work the first time. I mean, neither of us has done it before. I might... have forgotten something or... we might get distracted," Regina stammered as Emma started to unbotton her blouse.

"We'll just keep trying until I'm good and pregnant. No matter how long it takes, how often we have to do it," Emma said grinning. "You really want this, right? This is not just you... indulging me?"

"Henry was... and is the greatest gift to me, Emma. You gave him to me but now that we share him... it's even better. To think that we can... add to this gift, have more love, more family... seems like a miracle. I want more, too. I know I don't deserve..."

"You deserve, Regina, believe me. You deserve all the love you can get," Emma interrupted her.

Regina smiled.

"Let's make a baby," she repeated Emma's earlier words.