Once Regina arrived at home, she quickly greeted her mother and laid a kiss on her son's sleepy face before rushing towards the bathroom for a much needed shower. She had barely let the water heat up before she dashed in and out, almost forgetting to rinse the conditioner out of her hair. Finishing her shower, she ran over her bedroom to choose her dress for the special night. As she flicked franticly through her wardrobe she cursed herself that she hadn't picked the dress out that morning after Emma told her; panic dress choosing always left her self-conscious all night. She was still a bit worried since Emma hadn't call yet to tell her the good news but her excitement for the night celebrating made it a little more bearable. She pulled out a black dress and judged herself in the mirror; sexy but maybe a little somber? She should go bright, right? It was a celebration after all. She pulled out a red dress. Bright but too much boob? "…said nobody ever." Emma's voice rang in her head and she smiled but she put it back; she didn't know how respectable this new place was. Blue? Sexy, sophisticated, and Emma did make those kinky eyes when she wore it. Yes! After drying her hair and putting her make up on; grey smoky eyes and her signature red lipstick that she knew her wife loved; she slipped into her royal blue dress and black killer heels. Checking her attire one more time in the full-length mirror she grabbed her favourite purse and her cell phone before joining her mother and her three sons in the living room.

''Someone's looking good tonight!'' her mother exclaimed and both Colin and Henry averted their eyes from the TV to look at their mother.

''Wow! Mom you look stunning,'' commented Henry and he gave his best impression at a whistle which emanated a low chuckle from the brunette who bowed her head as she blushed.

''Why thank you Henry. Hey, weren't you supposed to leave for that sleepover of yours?'' she asked Henry as she graciously sat next to Colin ruffling his already unruly hair.

''Nick's father is gonna pick me up in an hour or so. And before asking," he rolled his eyes, "Yes I've already done ALL my homework and even helped Colin with his!'' He flashed a grin to finish and Regina couldn't help but grin back at him as she turned to look at her mother who was cradling sleepy Ezra.

''And how was your day mother?'' Regina inquired.

''Well that little one was a little handful today but after lunch he dropped dead asleep. I woke him an hour ago to feed him but he refused and I let him get back to his nap." She smiled looking down at the sleepy boy in her lap, before her head snapped back up "Oh! Has Emma called you?''

''No, not yet." Regina shook her head pursing her lips in concern. "I text her before leaving the clinic but she didn't reply and no calls. She must have been having a meeting with her new partners or something and couldn't reply.'' Regina tried to ease her worries but her mother saw past through her.

''You're worried aren't you?'' She softly asked as she slipped Ezra off her lap and gently placed the sleeping boy on the couch and approached her daughter.

''You know that Gold can become quite a dic….fficult man.'' she turned to look if the boys caught anything but they were too engrossed in their game again to listen to Regina's almost swearing and hasty attempt at covering it. He mother chuckled and patted Regina's knee. She knew Gold all to well herself to deny the statement.

''Well, dear is anything I can do before leaving?''

''Can you please help me pack the boys' overnight bag and I'd be really grateful if you could drive them over my mother's in-law house on your way home?''

''Why didn't you tell me you needed them away overnight? I could have taken them with me. Now that Zelena's away the house is too empty for me and Henry. We could use a bit of our grandsons' laughter around the place.'' she said smiling brightly.

''And spoiling them to the rot.'' Regina smirked back, and Cora just shrugged. "What else are grandmothers for?" She loved her grandkids and wouldn't deny doing all sorts of favors whenever they were around.

''Emma had already made plans with her parents. Plus her mother is always complaining about not seeing much of the kids.''

Cora scoffed, "she sees them much more that I do!"

"And you give me the same trouble about it mother." Regina teased.

''Okay then let me help you and of course I'll give them a ride, don't worry.'' And with that both Mills women stood up and climbed the stairs.

It was way past seven and Emma hadn't return home yet. Regina was laying on the couch one hand holding a glass of red wine while the other holding the remote flicked through the channels absentmindedly. She had opted to open a bottle when Emma announced the big news but seeing that her wife was going to be late she opened it alone. She left the glass on the coffee table to check her phone one more time. Still none calls from Emma. She sighed as she returned to toying with her wine glass between her fingers and staring hazily at whatever trash was on the TV.

After what it felt ages, Regina finally heard keys and the front door opening. She glanced at the wine bottle which it was way less than half full; oops. She smoothed the imaginary wrinkles off her dress, straightened her hair the best she could with her fingers and stood up to welcome her recently promoted wife.

Emma hadn't been looking forward to that moment at all. She had been procrastinating her return home by stopping at Granny's for a drink or two. It was more than two but she has been practicing the lie in her head to be believable for her wife. When she finally allowed herself to arrive at home she waited longer still, sat in her car for a few moments. Was Regina going to be mad for her arrogance all these days ago? Was she going to be disappointed? She sighed as she opened the car's door and went out. She grabbed her briefcase from the passenger seat and locked the car. She was taking baby steps towards the door. For fuck's sakes grow some balls. Regina loves you and she will understand. She thought. After taking a big breath she opened the door. No one was waiting for her in the foyer and she sighed relieved. When she walked towards the living room though she saw her. Her beautiful wife dressed elegantly and wearing Emma's favorite lipstick. Her dazzling face was glowing even more in the soft light and Emma would have sworn that her fucked up day would become better by simply looking at the woman she loved. But it didn't. Instead rage started boiling up through her body. She was so angry. Angry at Gold who chose his niece over her. Angry at her father for not standing up for her. And finally at herself for being so cocky and sure about the promotion that she hadn't even made a plan in case of a miscalculation, you know, like right now.

Regina, from the moment Emma walked in, could see that something was wrong. Her face quickly went from joyous at her wife's appearance to confusion. Emma was lost in thought so she cleared her throat, snapping Emma from her haze

''Emma. What happened?'' she tentatively asked.

''Do you really want to know what happened?'' Emma questioned with a low voice.

''Well you haven't called all day and neither did you answer my calls nor my texts. So yes, I really want to know what happened.'' She felt nervous and embraced herself for comfort waiting for whatever was to come. She had seen that expression on Emma's face a few times and it wasn't one of her favorites. She raised her chin authoritatively trying to gain some control and looked at Emma.

''Fucking Gold is what happened!'' Emma snapped. ''That piece of shit made his fucking niece partner! And DAD. DID. NOTHING! Something about favouritism. Absolute bullshit! He made her partner because his wife has him wrapped around her little finger! God this is so crazy'' She laughed but it wasn't happy, it was maniacal, and Regina was more than a little unnerved.

''Emma why don't you calm down and-'' but she was cut off by Emma's yelling.

''I don't want to calm down Regina! I want to go back at the firm to punch his face. And the hers.''

''Emma please.'' Regina implored, reaching out to her, not wanting to unleash any more of the Swan wrath.

''God Regina," she shrugged off her touch and stepped away, "Can you please be supportive for just one second?'' It was Emma's time to plead and Regina's to get angry

''Haven't I been supportive all these years?'' Regina asked in menacing voice. ''I have endured all that charade that you call promotion since day one Emma. I have been waiting for you to get that damn partnership in order to live like a family again. The boys miss you." She paused out of breath, "I miss you.'' She whispered the last part. But Emma kept going and completely ignored Regina's words.

''No Regina you haven't been supportive. Even your mother was more supportive than you! And I know all this time you've been waiting for this to happen so you can rub it to my face.'' Emma spat and instantly regretted it when she saw her wife's eyes widen with shock. "Shit, Regina I…" she started but Regina didn't let her finish.

''We have been married for TEN years and that's how you thought I'd react? So much for knowing me Miss Swan. I'll sleep in the guestroom. Goodnight.'' She turned on her heels without another word and climbed the stairs, tilting her head to allow her hair to fall forward in an attempt to hide the tears starting to escape.

As Emma saw retreating figure she got even more angry. Instead of letting her wife ease her anger she unleashed all right at her. She let out an animalistic groan and with all the force she had she punched the nearby wall. She cried out in pain and saw her fist rapidly becoming bruised. She then remembered that she was still wearing her coat. She left it and her briefcase in the closet and went to the kitchen to retrieve some ice for her bruised hand. As she made her way back into the hall she spotted the almost empty wine bottle; but she convinced herself to leave it there. She climbed the stairs and made her way towards their bedroom. She felt really bad for snapping at Regina but she knew it was better to let Regina cool off first. After getting ready for bed she made a trip to the guest room. She opened the door soundlessly and watched her wife's sleeping figure. She slowly approached her without making any sound and wiped the tears from the brunette's face. She kissed her temple and went back to their bedroom for a sleepless night.

The next morning Regina woke up much earlier than she used to. Truth to be told she had barely slept last night. She gathered Emma's night had been the same as she could hear her from the master room tossing and turning all night. Last nights' events had escalated quickly. From a promise of a romantic evening to a huge fight Regina couldn't help but laugh. So much for a romantic evening, she thought. Emma's words had hurt her more than she'd like to admit. She got up from the bed and walked to the guest bathroom. After having finished her morning routine Regina had been thinking of what to do. Should she go to their room and change or should she wear her last night's dress. Well it was too much for work. So she opted for the former. Surely Emma wouldn't wake up so early. She opened the door and went in. Emma was sleeping peacefully, sprawled all over the bed. She rolled her eyes and changed quickly into dark blue jeans, red sweater and flats. She pulled her hair into a ponytail unwilling to make any more effort and threw on her black-trimmed glasses to help her eyes deal with the lack of sleep. When she was ready she went to the kitchen to start breakfast. Since the boys were out of the house and with not wanting to face Emma she grabbed the cereal box and poured some along with milk into a bowl she sat at the bar stool and started eating her breakfast when a male voice startled her.

''Good morning mom.'' Henry said as he approached Regina and pecked her cheek.

''Henry?!" Regina started shock with her mouth full before forcing it down to continue, "What are you doing here? I thought you were at Nick's house?'' She asked very confused.

''No, I didn't go.'' He admitted, walking round the island to pull a bowl out of the cupboard for himself.

''So you were here all of last night?''

''Yep'' he replied, pouring some cereal into his bowl.

''Oh.''

''I heard everything.'' He gave her a sympathetic smile..

''Henry I'm so sorry. Had we known you were here we never would've….'' She apologised to her son.

''Hey it's okay." He shrugged, pushing his cereal bowl away from him. He wasn't really hungry now. "It's not your fault. She was mad, she couldn't quite lash out at her boss so she did at an easy target. I'll talk to her when she wakes up.'' He offered.

''It's alright dear, you don't have to. We are both adults, married ones and we will sort things out.'' She smiled at him and stood up and move round to pull him into a hug. It lasted a little longer than Henry was comfortable with, being a teenager now and all, but he could tell she needed it so gave her an extra squeeze back. When Regina had composed herself she let go of him and grabbed her purse and her coat from where she'd hung it over the dining chair.

''Anyway I should get going. I have to pick up the boys from your grandparents and drive Colin t to school. Do you want me to drive you too?'' She offered but she knew his answer. Henry was ''too cool'' to be seen with his mothers.

''Nah it's okay I'll take the bus.''

''Okay, I'll see you at dinner.'' She kissed his cheek and walked out of the door.

One hour later Emma had woken up. She looked at the clock and sighed. Regina would have definitely left by now so her chances of finding her and apologising were gone. She got up and went to the bathroom for her daily routine. Hearing her stomach grumble she headed down to the kitchen. She found Henry stirring his spoon through his cereal but not really eating it and playing on his phone.

''Pass me those?'' She half asked-half demanded and Henry obediently passed the box without averting his eyes from the phone. Pouring some on a bowl full of milk she sat next to her son eating in a comfortable silence.

''Why did you lash out on mom last night?'' He asked bluntly. Emma closed her eyes and breathed in heavily.

''How much have you heard?''

''All of it.'' He admitted.

''I was angry and she was an easy target.'' she shrugged not wanting to admit that she had totally screwed up. But Henry was having none of it.

''Are you listening to yourself?'' He yelled making Emma jump.

''Watch your tone kid.'' She warned mostly because she didn't want to deal with the upcoming reprimanding, especially from her son!

''No, you watch your temper. Mom was really happy for you and she made such an effort for yesterday. She was one hour upstairs looking for the perfect outfit. I haven't seen her so eager before for a date night and you had to fuck this up because of what happened at the firm.''

She sighed again and rest her head on the kitchen island, completely ignoring Henry's swearing, this one time, he was absolutely right after all.

''I screwed up, didn't I?''

''Big time. Mom seemed a bit better this morning so I suggest you apologise as soon as you can.'' He twisted and leaned over to hug her awkwardly before continuing.

''Sorry for yelling and swearing but it's the only way to get through that thick Swan head of yours.'' He teased tapping her head, trying to lighten the mood a little.

''It's okay kiddo, you were right. Thank you and sorry for last night.'' She smiled apologetically at him and he waved it off.

''No problem, unless it becomes a permanent situation.'' He joked but he found himself unable to keep a frown from finding its way to his face, giving away his concern.

''Not a chance!" Emma responded instantly, "It was one time thing I promise.''

''Good. Anyway I should go. See you later ma!'' He waved at her.

''Bye kiddo.''

Regina arrived at her in-laws house twenty minutes after she'd left home. She unbuckled her belt and walked out of the car. When she reached the front door she took a deep breath before knocking. Not a few seconds had passed and a very cheerful Mary Margaret welcomed her in.

''Regina sweetheart good morning how are you?'' She said in one breath.

''I am fine dear, what about you?'' she replied as she entered the house. She quickly found her boys in front of the TV playing video games with David. She waved a hello to David, bent down to scoop up Ezra and kissed Colin's head who didn't even flinch. Rolling her eyes at her son's antics she sat next to him while Mary Margaret opted for the armchair.

''Oh you know same old, same old.'' She grinned.

''I hope they went easy on you?'' She asked her mother in-law.

''Oh they were angels. We baked a cake, played with David a bit and they were in bed right on time'' She said proudly.

''I'm glad. Hey Bubbah! Did you have fun with grandpa and grandma?'' She addressed her youngest son who was sitting at her lap playing with his car toy. The boy looked at his mother and nodded enthusiastically before returning to his game.

''What about you little prince. Did you like it here?'' She now asked her middle son.

''Yeah I beat grandpa in every game we played and we made a cake with grandma'' The boy gave her the signature Swan smile and Regina chuckled.

''Give your grandpa some slack baby he's too old for that'' she said teasingly.

''Hey, I'm better than you!'' David commented without taking his gaze off the game and Mary Margaret rolled her eyes.

''Anyway how's Emma?'' The older brunette asked concerned.

''She's good.'' Regina lied but she quickly elaborated, ''She was a tad angry but nothing much. Classical Emma Swan.''

''She was pretty pissed off when she left the office.'' David admitted.

''She had time to cool off probably. Anyway we better go.'' Regina said hastingly trying to avoid more questions from her mother in-law. ''Thank you for taking care of the boys.''

''Nonsense Regina we are family, they're welcome anytime. I meant that.'' At that Regina smiled and hugged her mother in-law with one arms never releasing Ezra. She quickly grabbed the boys' bags, helped Ezra with his shoes and the trio walked out of the Swan's house.

It was a little after nine when Regina and Ezra arrived at the clinic. Jefferson raised his gaze to meet with his boss's and his smile grew even bigger when he saw the young boy.

''Good morning Regina and good morning to that handsome lil'man!'' The boy hid behind his mothers leg and after a little nudging from Regina and goofy faces from Jefferson he ran over his favorite ''uncle''.

''Good morning Jeff. Is Kathryn here already?'' She asked him while getting her coat and Ezra's and putting them on the hook.

''Yep she's in her office.'' He replied while tickling the younger brunette.

''Do you mind playing with him for a little while?''

''Nope it's okay. Go ahead. If he needs anything I'll buzz you.''

''You're a sweetheart'' she said and sent him a kiss.

Regina opened the blonde's door who was currently checking some x-rays. She lifted her eyes and met with the brunette's

''Good morning shorty'' She greeted her best friend and kissed her on her cheeks.''

''Good morning Kat. Why are you here so early?''

''Oh, a guy called me at six in the freaking morning telling me that his cat is making weird noises. I had to come here to check on her. He's still here by the way. I did an x-ray on the cat and from the look of it she needs a surgery.

''That bad?''

''Yeap''

''Well let me handle it. You look tired. Go grab a cup of coffee and play with your favorite nephew.''

''You're the best!'' She exclaimed and Regina laughed

''Oh how did go last night? Date night with Emma?'' Kathryn asked smirking, her eyes wide, ready for juicy details.

''Let me talk to the owner first and I'll tell you everything.'' Kathryn saw Regina's serious face and decided not to push any further.

Walking out of the office Regina noticed the poor guy with his cat in his arms. Beside him was a very familiar blonde playing with her son. Emma? Well that's a new one, she thought. She walked until she reached the patient. Her eyes drifted for a moment and caught Emma's. The blonde looked at her apologetically but Regina simply raised her eyebrow and return her gaze to her patients owner, addressing him.

''Mr. Jones, I'm Regina Mills, Kathryn's colleague. Unfortunately your cat has sustained inner damage and she is in need of a surgery. We are not able to perform such a serious surgery in this clinic. However a friend of mine specializes in such surgeries and we will send you there. Here is his details, give him my name, tell him I told you to call.'' She smiled at him.

''Thank you Mrs Mills.'' He smiled back and walked off.

Emma saw that Regina was now alone and let Kathryn take her son. She made small steps approaching her wife. Regina walked and guided them wordlessly towards her office. She sat in her chair while Emma stood resting on the edge of the desk.

''Sorry.'' It was all Emma managed to say.

''I'm sorry what dear?'' Regina pretended not to have heard her. Emma breathed and tried again.

''I'm sorry Regina. I shouldn't have snapped at you.'' She admitted.

''Emma,'' she sighed. ''I'm not mad at you for being angry. It's totally understandable. I'm not even mad at you for lashing out on me. Though if I were you I wouldn't have done it. I'm mad because you thought that I would rub it in your face or something. After all these years someone would think that you would know me better than that. And as for saying that I haven't been supportive'' Regina confessed trying to keep her tears at bay.

''Regina I'm deeply sorry for what I said. I wasn't thinking. I was so angry at Gold and at that boobs-for-brains that he hired, I didn't know what I was saying.''

''You made me look like I was someone not worth it in your life Emma. Someone who doesn't know you.''

''I know and I'm sorry. You know how grateful I am for having you in my life. You are the best thing that happened to me, apart from the boys" she added. "I will always thank my lucky starts for finding you.'' She grabbed her wife's hands and kissed her knuckles. Regina was quick to notice the bruises on Emma's fists.

''Emma'' she sighed.

''It's nothing. You should see the other guy" she joked, before glancing up to see her wife's slightly puffy and worried face. "I don't even feel it. Don't worry. Will you forgive your idiot wife for being a dick?''

''How eloquent my dear.'' Regina teased , cheering up a little and Emma grinned.

''I'll forgive you on one condition. You'll try to spend less time at work and more with the kids.''

''Deal.'' Emma said without missing a beat. ''I have one condition too, though.''

''Oh?'' Regina asked confused.

''Let's go to my parent's cabin next week. You me and the kids. I know I promised Disneyland but it's a start.''

''It's perfect dear.'' Regina said leaning forward to kiss her wife's lips, sinking into the touch in relief; the fight was over.

''Awesome. So I should go. I promised dad I'd go in to meet the blondie'' She said and Regina rolled her eyes.

''Blonde huh? Is she cute?'' Regina asked teasingly

''Regina!'' Emma whined.

''Come on Emma, it's not like you have a crush on her, tell me.'' Regina laughed.

''She's okay. So not my type though, I like 'em short, dark and the mother of my children." She winked. "But, ugh I don't know, I'm leaving.'' She stated, giving one last kiss to her wife.

''And Emma be good okay? No sarcasm and no snapping!''

''Yes mother'' Emma teased and Regina slapped her arm.

"And no punching!" Regina called after her as Emma headed out the door.

''I'm leaving. I love you babe!'' Emma yelled from the corridor

''Love you too Ems.''

So that was pretty much chapter 3. Hope you like it!