Even though she knew she should have run after Regina, Emma still went home. She figured she would give Regina a little time, plus Emma really wanted to take a shower. The last thing she needed was to go talk to her dressed in clothes from the night before and smelling like a bar. That, she was sure, would have been unappreciated by the always stylish mayor.

She had a towel wrapped around her still somewhat wet body as she wiped the condensation off of her mirror. She studied the reflection. This is not where she pictured her life as being in her 30s. It just seemed like nothing ever worked out for her until she came to Storybrooke. Being given up by her parents, regardless of the circumstances, going to prison because of Neal, giving Henry up, and while she thought she had shit together – it wasn't until Henry came to bring her to Storybrooke that she realized she was really just going through the motions of life.

She had known fairly early on that she was interested in men and women, although she had only had one steady girlfriend so far and that didn't even last a year. She hadn't immediately made that revelation to her parents, but when she had Snow wasn't entirely surprised. Apparently when she was still Mary Margaret to Emma, Emma had made a few remarks to her friend that made her consider the possibility.

Ironically, one of those remarks was about Regina.

But in her defense, Emma had found Regina attractive from the start – a real bitch as far as attitude went, but a sexy bitch.

It took her and Regina a while to get to a place where they were actually comfortable about each other, enjoyed each other's company even. Then a night about three months back when Emma was at Regina's place to watch Henry, while Regina was at some meeting, she and Henry got to talking. She thought about how intelligent their son really was.

"You've become like my official babysitter," Henry said.

"I suppose, although it's not like you need one. But it's nice to be able to spend additional time with you."

"You've been coming over here a lot lately."

Emma gave him a curious look. "Is that a problem?"

"No. I love it. Especially when we all get to sit down and have dinner together."

"Your mother is an amazing cook. She may have missed her calling with that whole Evil Queen thing."

It meant something that they were able to mention Regina's past in such a casual manner.

"What about your mother, has she said something about me being over here? Am I annoying her or anything?"

"I don't think so. I think she likes having the company. It's not like she every really had people over. I mean she'd maybe host a village party on occasion, but that seemed more like a duty or somewhat. She's more relaxed now. I like it."

"I like it too."

"How much do you like it?"

She gave him another look, "I like it a lot. For once in my life I feel connected to a place, to people – that includes Regina – and it means a lot to me."

Henry smiled at her. "So when are you going to ask her out on a proper date?"

Emma smiled back and plans for Operation Wolf began.

While Emma was reasonable sure Regina found her attractive, she was also reasonably sure Regina would never make the first move. But Emma couldn't figure out a way to even bring the matter of Regina's sexuality up in conversation. Regina was nothing if not intimidating, and Emma didn't want to handle it wrong and have Regina hate her. It was Henry's idea to plant the seed in Regina's mind through his family tree assignment.

Yes, she realized that having her son try to help hook her up with his other mother was probably not the most adult thing to do, but Henry wanted to help and Emma thought the idea was cute.

However, neither of them expected his teacher to call them both in to show them the project. Henry had planned on leaving it set out so Regina would see it and then hopefully that would open up a conversation between her and Emma. But the teacher calling them in clearly put Regina on the defensive and it made it all the more complicated.

Emma didn't help matters by storming out on Regina, but she was frustrated that Regina didn't see what she saw – that they were great together and could be even greater. Given her past, it was clear Regina made emotional decisions – not usually good ones. In talking to Regina one night, the other woman had admitted that she knew the mistakes she had made and was trying her best not to make any more. Emma thought it made her a little more reserved.

Ever since she had known Regina, she knew Regina tried to broadcast an appearance of always being in control, even when she wasn't. This was a woman who didn't want to concede an inch if she could get away with it. That was part of the reason Emma decided to try to make her jealous. She thought it would push Regina to challenge anyone else wanting to spend time with Emma. She thought Regina would make one of those emotional decisions – a right one this time and finally say to Emma that yes she was interested.

But now Emma had created another problem. This time she was going to take Ruby's advice and have an open, honest, adult conversation with the woman she loved.

She dressed, making herself as presentable as possible, and drove over to Regina's office.

"She's not in," her secretary, a woman named Susan who was one of those people who had served in Regina's court when she was queen. "She said she needed to take a few days off and had me clear her schedule. She also left this for you."

Susan handed her an envelope.

Emma returned to her car before opening it.

Emma,

I somehow knew you would end up at my office, which is why I left this letter here for you. I would appreciate it if you would watch Henry for a few days, a week at the most. You can stay at the mansion if you want, I only ask that you don't have any overnight guests. I need to get away for a bit so by the time you read this I will be across the Storybrooke border. I always retained my memories from before so the border has no affect on me.

I am sorry for putting this on you at such a last minute. Tell Henry I love him and I will be back soon.

Regina

Emma read the letter several times to make sure she was reading it right. "Fuck," she swore hitting the steering wheel. "What have I done?"