Emma looked up from her paper work when she heard hesitant footsteps in the hall. Then she was met with a comforting chocolate brown. "Mr. Mills, what can I do for you young man?" She couldn't help the way this kid made her face light up. Henry crossed the room and threw himself into the chair opposite Emma. "So bad news?" The sheriff pulled her phone from her pocket and started dialing. "Yeah, hey Rubes, two hot chocolates with extra whip cream and cinnamon, stat." Not even a smile. Emma was actually beginning to worry. "Kid, what's got you so down?""Mum. She's... different. I don't know, something is different. It's not bad, she seems happier." The blonde was trying her hardest to conceal her smile, but her brows furrowed, completely confused. Shouldn't it be a good thing if Regina is happy? "So... You've got to fill me in kid, shouldn't you be happy about that?" He just gave her this 'duh' look, like she should know exactly why he isn't happy. He was definitely Regina's kid.
"Whatever has her so happy can't last forever, right? So eventually she is just going to be sad again." Henry was crazy inquisitive for a seven year old. The sheriff couldn't help but wonder if that's how the mayor saw things. Emma had never looked at it as temporary, maybe that was naive, but she couldn't see it any other way. "Kid, maybe talk to your mum, you might be surprised by what it is." Henry gave her a sad smile that broke her heart. "Two hot chocolates with extra whipped cream and cinnamon." Ruby announced. "On the house guys, I can't have two of my favorite people having a bad day. Speaking of bad days," She put a spot of cream on Henry's nose, and the trio smiled, "The diner is nuts, so I have to get back. Cheer up guys!" She finished.
"So, kid, do you want me to give you a lift home?" The boy nodded and smile.

"Aren't you coming in?" Henry asked, still sitting in the passenger seat.
"Nah, I... I've got stuff to do." Emma ran her hand through her hair, she wanted to go in, but she just felt so out of place, like in the harsh light of reality how would her and Regina ever work out. They were two completely different people. The mayor was perfect, she was perfection, and Emma was just Emma.
"Please! Please Emma come in, at least for a little while, I have some new games. I'm sure mum wouldn't mind. She doesn't hate you, you know." She couldn't help but smile, and could never ignore his puppy dog eyes. "Fine," she sighed, "but I get to be player one." His face scrunched up the way it did when he was thinking. "Deal."

"Hey mum!" Henry announced cheerfully. "Emma is here, I hope that's ok." They stood silent, waiting to hear anything that would indicate the Regina was home. "Hmm, she doesn't usually leave the door unlocked. I'll check her room."
"No!" Henry's brow furrowed and Emma became flushed. "I mean you set up the game, I don't know how to, I will look for your mum." She sighed in relief when the kid shrugged and headed for the lounge. She removed her shoes, sure Regina would have something to say about it if she didn't, and headed up the stairs. She had to swallow the lump in her throat, she was unbelievably nervous. Perhaps it was the realization that this would be the first time she has ever been in the brunette's bedroom. She knocked lightly, "Regina?" No answer. The door was ajar, so Emma opened it a little farther so she could pop her head in. "Regina?" Her eyes softened and a genuine smile was painted across her face. Regina Mills was fast asleep. Curled up into a ball on top on the sheets. Emma placed a kiss on her forehead and pulled a blanket over her. She couldn't help but look on in awe; no make up, hair tousled, vulnerable, she looked perfect. "Has anyone ever told you it's impolite to stare? Or that it's creepy when the person is sleeping." The mayor's voice was still hoarse with sleep. She stretched and sat up, taking the blanket with her. "S-Sorry, we were just... We didn't know where..." Emma sighed, "You're beautiful." The brunette chuckled, she positioned herself on her knees so she was almost at eye-level with the blonde, "Nice save, sheriff." She pulled her by the collar into a light, easy kiss, as if they had been doing it every day of their lives. How could Emma not hope that this would last?

"No way! You cheated!" Emma accused Henry. "That's three in a row, you never beat me!" Regina watched on as both Emma and Henry sat only inches from the TV, legs crossed and tongues out in identical expressions of concentration. "Would you like to stay for dinner, Miss Swan? I'm making lasagne." Momentarily distracted, Emma lost to Henry again. "Woo-hoo! Yes, you can give up anytime, Emma." he teased. Though the blonde hadn't payed any attention, her eyes were locked on the mayor and enjoying the domesticity she couldn't help but feel. "Miss Swan?" Henry spun around to interject himself into the one-sided conversation, "Please stay, lasagne is my favorite and mum's is the best! And mum, you know you can call her Emma, right?"
"Emma, would you like to stay for dinner?" The way it rolled off her tongue. Emma. A warmth spread through her.
"I'd love to." The sheriff's eyes were glued to the Mayor as she disappeared into the kitchen.

Dinner went smoothly. Not an awkward moment or pause in conversation. They all spoke about their day; Henry deeming the adults' days to be boring, went on animatedly about school, and bird houses, and a camp he is going on in two weeks. Each with a smile permanently on their face.
Regina stood and began clearing the table. "Henry, you go and get ready for bed. I will come up when I've finished with the dishes." He look sullen but didn't protest. "Can Emma come up too?" His young face lit up, and Emma wasn't sure if she should. "If she would like to say a little longer, I don't see why not." Henry didn't wait another second, he flew up the stairs, leaving the two of them alone. Emma cleared her throat and started helping with the dishes. Regina filled the sink so Emma grabbed the tea towel, there were a million butterflies in her stomach and each one flying in a different direction. "You don't have to stay if it makes you uncomfortable, Henry will understand."
"No. I mean I'll stay. He's a good kid." She relaxed a little and began to smile the way only Henry could make her. "You did a really good job with him, Regina. I don't think I've ever told you that." The blonde sighed, letting go of all the butterflies that made themselves know whenever she was around Regina. Placing the tea towel on the counter she moved behind the older woman, hesitantly wrapping pale arms around her waist. Regina, completely ignoring the dishes, leaned back into the embrace. "...Emma." It was a soft sigh. A plea. The blond placed one feather light kiss on the mayor's exposed shoulder, leaving goose bumps in its wake. "Look, Regina I-"
"Stay." Emma was cut short.
"What?"
"Emma, stay. Please." The brunette turned in the embrace to capture pink lips, in a soft, desperate kiss. Regina pulled back to add, "I don't mean anything has to happen. Just stay with me." They jumped apart when they heard small foot steps descending the stairs. Henry came into the kitchen wearing an Iron Man onesie. "Time for bed, kid." He yawned and put his arms up, Emma looked to Regina for some help, but she just smirked and stood back. Emma hoisted Henry up into her arms, his little legs wrapping around her waist and his arms around her neck. Regina led the way up the stairs, holding open his bedroom door. The blonde bent over to place the boy that had stolen her heart on his bed, ruffled his hair and said goodnight. Regina stepped forward to pull his covers up, she kissed him on the forehead and whispered, "Goodnight, my little prince." Not that Emma thought she was supposed to hear.

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