Emma was at her office, perusing one of her latest cases when the door opened revealing her younger brother grinning at her. Despite everything that had happened between them the past month, Nate was quick to forgive her, just like her mother had done before him. They had even managed to talk it out and set any other difference they had between them. At this point of her life, when her family was falling apart, she was glad that Nate decided to be the bigger person and leave everything behind. Her father, however, was still mad at her and was keeping the interaction between them to a minimum, something that was hurting the blonde more that she would like to admit. Shaking her head to clear her mind from the raging thoughts, she smiled as her brother plopped himself at the couch opposite to Emma's desk.

''I can see you're busy.'' Emma teased as she removed her reading glasses, giving an once over to her brother's appearance. He looked very tired, something that confused and worried the blonde. Standing up from her chair, she approached the other blonde plopping at the couch beside him.

''What's up baby brother?'' Emma asked, ruffling his hair and earning a scowl from the younger man.

''I haven't slept all night'' Nate groaned, closing his eyes to relieve some of the headache due to the lack of sleep.

''Do I wanna know what happened?'' she questioned as he was loosing his tie a bit to help him breathe easier.

''I was on a date'' He admitted, giving her a cheeky grin.

''Shut up!'' She exclaimed ,giving him a pat on the shoulder ''Do tell more!''

''Her name is Elsa and she's a damn blonde bomb!'' Nate exclaimed making his sister chuckle.

''How did you guys met?''

''She's an intern in our firm actually and she was signed at one of my cases. So we kinda came close these past few weeks, when she was working with me, and a couple days ago I asked her on a date. She said yes and last night we went to a cool restaurant, you know that kind of place with seven forks and knives. Anyway, at first it was super awkward, I mean I was sure that she'd just never wanted to see me again but when I drove her to her apartment she kissed me and one thing led to another and well...let me tell you the sex was mind-blowing''

''Okay, I didn't want to know that.'' Emma said half seriously half joking, making at the same time a disgust look.

''It was a payback for that time we've been on a vacation and my room was next to your and Regina's'' Nate replied and then burst into laughing at Emma's widen eyes.

''Anyway, how's the thing between you and Gina?'' Nate asked, changing the topic.

''I haven't seen her since Ezra's party. We were supposed to have an appointment with Hopper last Thursday but Regina said she was feeling under the weather so she called it off. And when I went to pick up the kids last weekend she wasn't there. And with that I was completely sure that she's been avoiding me. Again.'' Emma sighed as she let herself fall to the back of the couch.''

''Why would she do that?'' Nate asked confused.

''At Ezra's party, when you guys left, I stayed behind to help her tidy the house. She was kinda tipsy from the cocktails you've been giving her...'' She paused to give her brother a glare at which he shrugged and continued ''and well we made out. She wanted more but I stopped her. She was upset and maybe embarrassed and she kicked me out. We haven't talked ever since.''

''Why did you stop her?''

''Because she was drunk and she probably wouldn't remember any of it in the morning and she'd blame me for taking advantage of her. I also wanted this to mean something to her, to us, I didn't want it to be just drunk sex. But you should have seen her. She looked so hurt when I stopped her. I kind of wanted to take it back and continue but I know that wouldn't be helpful in the long run.'' Emma explained and Nate nodded.

''I know what you mean and you did the right thing. And I don't think her not talking to you has anything to do with her being mad or hurt rather than embarrassed for acting like that. Do you have another appointment tomorrow.?''

''Yes and she hasn't cancelled it yet so I guess she wants to see me again.''

''Well if she does call it off again, just visit her at home or at the clinic. Drop by unexpectedly. She won't have an escape plan so she will have to talk to you.''

''Or she will use her patients or the kids as an excuse and she'll avoid me again.'' Emma countered.

''Nah, Regina's not like that. If you go there, determined to talk she will listen to you. Anyway, I have a meeting in a few. Wanna grab some lunch later?'' Nate asked, making Emma smile in surprise.

''Don't you have an intern to woo?'' She teased

''She won't be here today so I guess you're stuck with me!.'' At which Emma laughed.

''Okay, I'll see you later'' Emma said as she shoved her brother out of her office watching him stopping in front of Ariel kissing her hand and giving her a flower, which he had picked from Emma's office, shaking her head at her brother's antics.

Another Thursday has arrived and, as every other Thursday, Regina was getting ready for her and Emma's appointment with Dr. Hopper. It had become some sort of routine by now and even if she wasn't feeling like going or she thought that there was no point in doing it, she would still return home from the clinic and get ready for it. Though, she was a bit sceptical about meeting Emma again after what had happened the last time she saw her. However, she knew that she couldn't take another raincheck, like the last time, and she should face Emma at some point. Putting her black pumps, she looked at her wrist watch and seeing that she had at least half an hour before Emma comes to pick her up, she decided to do the laundry. Taking the laundry basket, she climbed the stairs and she started entering each boy's bedroom picking the dirty clothes. Much to her displeasure, the boys had a lot of their clothes laying haphazardly on their bedroom's floor. She needed to have a talk with them about cleaning their rooms and how important it was to use the damn hamper. Sighing in frustration, she picked the last dirty t-shirt from Henry's room and moved towards the laundry room. Before though she could arrive there, a knock on the door stopped her in her tracks. Frowning in confusion, Regina, with the laundry basket still in her hands, changed her root and walked towards the door. Her eyes, as she opened the door, were met with green ones looking back at her and then at the basket.

''Hey'' Emma said cheerly.

''You're early!'' Regina gave as a response and opened the door wider for the other woman to enter. Thank god Emma hadn't make it awkward from the beginning.

''Yeah, it was court day and I finished earlier than I thought, so..'' Emma trailed off as she followed her wife towards the laundry room.

''What's up with the clothes?'' Emma asked once they were in the room.

''I thought you'd be late so I tried to kill some time. And what better way to do that than washing some dirty clothes and socks?'' Regina joked, making Emma laugh.

''Sounds like fun!Do you want some help?'' Emma offered, not wanting to just stand there and watch Regina.

''As a matter of fact I do. Help me separate the colored from the white ones?''

''Sure'' Emma said as she removed her jacket and rolled her sleeves up.

They were working in silence, both casting small glances at each other when the other wasn't looking. The silence wasn't awkward and Regina was thankful for Emma not mentioning their last encounter when Emma decided to break that silence.

''So.. I found an apartment'' She stated hesitantly.

''You did?'' Regina asked surprised and a bit hurt. Now with Emma's new home their separation seemed more real than ever. She knew that Emma would have to find a house at some point but she didn't think it would happen so quickly. Emma picked on Regina's hurt tone and rushed to ask.

''Isn't this something you want? I figured it'd be better for the boys to have their own rooms when they visit me and well I can't afford staying at the hotel any more.'' Emma reasoned.

''No, it's okay. In fact, it was very thoughtful of you. The boys need as much stability as we can provide them, given the situation.''

''That's what I thought. And it was a good offer so I didn't want to let the opportunity go wasted.'' Emma shrugged and Regina nodded.

''Where is it exaclty?'' Regina questioned.

''Not far from here. Ten minutes by car and twenty on foot. It's a three bedroom apartment on a new premise. Ruby will help me buy some new furniture and I thought of letting the boys help me to paint it. Since it's theirs too,I want them to feel it like that.'' Emma explained.

''You can come and pack some of your things if you want. And we do also have a spare couch on the basement.'' Regina offered still not used to the idea of Emma having a place of her own.

''Thanks Regina that would be really cool. Anyway, I think we should get going.'' Emma said as she saw what time it was on her watch.

Shaking her head from her raging thoughts Regina replied ''Yes let me start the washing machine and then we can go.''

With ten minutes to spare Emma and Regina arrived at Dr. Hopper's office. His assistant after noticing them, escort them to the small waiting room, both women opting to sit on the couch next to the office's door. After doing so, Regina grabbed a book from her purse, along with her reading glasses while Emma was tapping her foot anxiously on the carpet. Regina had noticed her wife's uneasiness but she chose not to comment on it. She hadn't even opened the book, when the door opened revealing the red-haired doctor.

''Emma, Regina it's so nice to see you! Come in!'' The doctor greeted his two patients before stepping to the side, allowing the two women to enter the room. Leaving their jackets on the rack, the couple sat on the couch opposite to Hopper's chair and beside each other something that didn't go unnoticed by Dr. Hopper. In all of their previous appointments Emma and Regina would have sat at each end of the couch or even one of them on the couch and the other on the armchair, leaving as much space between them as possible. Smiling at himself, he picked his notepad and pen and addressed the two spouses.

''So how things have been between you these past two weeks?'' the man asked quietly but neither woman answered. After a few minutes of silence however Emma blurt out.

''Regina and I made out at our son's birthday. Not in front of anyone of course but when everybody had left. Regina wanted more but I stopped her because I didn't want this to be just drunk sex and I'm sorry Regina if I made you feel unwanted'' Emma rambled not even taking a breath between the sentences.

''Emma'' Regina growled, hiding her red-from embarrassment- face with her hands.

''I'm sorry Regina but you've been avoiding me since then and I didn't have the chance to explain.'' Emma apologised looking at Regina and ignoring completely doctor Hopper.

''So you chose right this moment!Well done Emma!'' Regina hissed as she stood up and walked towards the window.

''I'm with Emma on this one.'' Dr. Hopper intervened and at Regina's death glare he elaborated ''You should have talked about that earlier and not leaving it hanging between you two. Also I'm glad that Emma chose to tell about this now as we have the opportunity to talk about your actions and ease the tension. So Emma let's start with you. It was you or Regina that made the first move?''

Emma looked at Regina and when the other just sighed and looked back at the window Emma spoke.

''It was Regina.''

''I see. And how did you feel when this happened?''

''Honestly?Aroused.'' Emma admitted, her cheeks going a bit red from embarrassment but continued ''I mean she was at a bikini and so carefree, I hadn't seen her like that in a while and I liked it. However, when I realised she wanted more I stopped her.''

''Why's that?''

''Because Regina would have regretted it in the morning and she would have blamed me. And before you say anything, that's exactly what would you do.'' Emma said, looking pointedly at Regina who was ready to protest but then just shrugged.

''Alright, a good thought. And what about you Regina? How did you feel?'' Archie asked, now facing the brunette

''I was drunk, I wasn't supposed to feel anything.'' Regina replied, partly evading the question.

''I wasn't talking about the moment that Emma stopped you.'' Archie clarified.

''I was...hurt.'' Regina admitted, not looking at the two other people in the room ''With everything that had happened between me and Emma these past few months, stopping me from that made me feel like I felt when I found about her and Jane. It made me feel unwanted.'' Regina said as she wiped a tear from her cheek.

''I'm sorry'' Emma whispered.

''It's okay'' Regina said ''I mean, I couldn't understand then why you stopped me but in the morning, when I was sober I was thankful and I wanted to text you and thank you for not taking advantage of me but I was embarrassed.''

''Why would you be embarrassed?'' Emma asked perplexed.

''Because what should I have written on that text Emma?Thanks for not having sex with me when I was a drunk mess?"

''No. Emma made an excellent question.'' the red-haired man pointed ''Regina, did you feel embarrassed for acting like that,for remembering it or for wanting to have sex with Emma and eventually not having?'' He asked, raising his eyebrow at the last part. As a response Regina just huffed and went to sit in her seat, noticing in the corner of her eye the smirk on her wife's face.

''Maybe it was a bit of all of these things, so what?'' Regina spat, not meeting Archie's eyes.

''When was the last time that you two had sex?'' Archie questioned

''Two months ago, give or take.'' Emma replied after a long time of silence.

''Okay ,so Regina would you like to describe to me the first time you felt connected to Emma's son, Henry? Since he played a major role in your relationship, I would like to know when you felt like you wouldn't imagine your life without him in it.'' Archie said making the two women opposite to him tilt their heads in confusion due to the sudden change of topic.

''Uhm, okay?'' Regina said, still confused with this change.

''Whenever you're ready'' Archie eased at which Regina nodded

''Well, it was...''

Regina was outside of Emma's apartment, waiting for her blonde girlfriend to open the door. They were dating for almost half a year and Regina was positive that they could do this. Emma, had decided to start college again and follow her father's footsteps and becoming a lawyer. It was the period of exams and Emma couldn't be distracted by Henry so she had asked Regina to babysit him for the weekend and Emma would go to Regina's apartment to study without any disruption .Regina was a bit nervous as this would be the first time that she'd spent two days alone with the boy that stole her heart; Henry. The two and a half year old had been ecstatic when he'd heard that he'd spend time with Regina. Taking a deep breath Regina was ready to knock the door again when the door opened revealing a very tired-looking blonde with baby Henry in her arms.

''Regina, oh thank god!'' Emma said as she leaned to kiss her girlfriend/savior.

''Hello to you too dear.'' Regina replied, smirking when Emma glared at her.

''How are you?'' Regina asked as she entered the household leaving her overnight bag next to the door, along with her shoes and peacoat.

''So, so tired. I was studying all night and when I tried to take some sleep, Henry decided to wake up.'' Emma replied, leaving Henry in his playpen before sitting on the couch next to her girlfriend.

''I know it looks bad because it's your first exams but you'll get the hang of it, don't worry.'' Regina said kissing Emma's forehead.

''I hope so'' Emma groaned, before sitting straighter.

''Okay so, Henry is fed for the night so you won't probably have to feed him again. If so, you'll just have to make him some noodles or milk, he loves these too. Not together though! What else?Yes!I have also changed him but you'll have to change him once more before bedtime, which is at 8, don't let him stay later than that or it will be hell to pay trust me. He doesn't usually like bedtime stories but because it's you he may ask for one. Don't let him watch too much TV and you'll be a sweetheart if you bathe him tomorrow, before I get home.'' Emma said in one breath making Regina chuckle.

''Emma it's not the first time I have babysat a toddler .Don't worry, everything's gonna be fine. And if not I'll call you.'' Regina soothed and Emma nodded. She stood up, approached the playpen, raising Henry and looking him in the eyes.

''So kiddo ,I want you to be really really good for Gina, okay?Mama has to study and I'll see you tomorrow hmm?'' At which the boy nodded. Emma passed Henry to Regina who took him gracefully.

''Okay, say bye to mama Henry'' Regina said at the boy.

''Bye mama!'' The boy said happily as he earned a kiss from his mother, who left shortly after.

''Now it's just the two of us.''

''We played and did so many things these two days. Actually this was one of my most favorite weekends. When Emma returned I didn't want to leave him.'' Regina said, wiping her eyes clean from tears. Looking at Emma she noticed that the blonde had tears to her eyes too, listening to her wife talking about her bond with Henry.

''That was very sweet Regina, thank you for sharing this with us.'' Archie commented and Regina nodded.

''Alright I think that's all for today.'' Archie said before looking at his watch. ''But before you leave I want to give you an assignment, let's just say, before your next appointment.''

''What do you want us to do?'' Regina asked curiously both wanting and not wanting to listen to Hopper's suggestion.

''How about going on a date?''