Regina went home that night at ease knowing that Emma wouldn't be there. It was comforting to think she was safe. It also saddened her that the blonde wouldn't be in her shower, eating her food, and wearing her clothes. She knew she was falling for her, but she also knew nothing would come of it. Regina realized it was a long shot, but she thought that if someone could get Emma a shorter sentence, it was her oldest and dearest friend, Mal. Her real name is Malory, but since taking the job as public defender, her nickname became Maleficent. A nickname she loved so much that she refuses to go by Malory. If anyone did call her that, would regret it shortly after.

"Mal, I need you to do me a favor," Regina didn't even greet her, too wrapped up in what she was going to say to convince her to do it.

"What do you need? And you do realize that it's well past midnight, right?" If it were anyone else, Mal wouldn't have answered, but she knew her best friend wouldn't call her this late without good reason.

There was complete silence before Regina spoke. What she was asking was something she had never asked before. She wasn't sure how well it would go over between them. Mal took on impossible cases, ones no one in their right mind would take, and she had a damn good success rate. "I need you to defend someone that was just put into custody."

"Of course I'll take-"

It's for a serial killer," Regina cut her off, then waited for the wrath. She knew this wasn't going to be pretty.

Mal sighed loudly, making a point to prove her displeasure at this particular request. "Isn't this the same serial killer that you've been hunting down for the past 2 weeks? Why the hell do you want me to defend her? You know how well I do."

"I know your success rate, that's why I'm coming to you. Don't put that much thought behind it. Please, just take the case. Please, Mal?"

Regina sounded desperate, and Mal couldn't turn her down. Try as she might, her best friend had a way to get her to do things that she wouldn't do for anyone else. That's exactly how Regina got her to go skinny dip in the ocean in high school. There was also the time they egged Regina's ex boyfriend's house after she caught him cheating on her with the biggest slut in school. "Fine Regina, but only for you, and you have to be my plus one to Lily's wedding."

"I would've gone anyway. I am invited, you know?"

"Fine, then after this case is over, you owe me an explanation."

"Deal." Regina hung up the phone, and felt triumphant. She didn't think it would be that easy. On anyone else, it would've taken at least 2 hours of convincing, not that she was complaining. She was just curious, really. She decided to take a nice long hot shower, and go over everything that's happened between her and Emma over the last 2 weeks, in agonizing detail. There was nothing she could do now anyway.

Regina went to work bright and early. She wanted to let Emma know what was going to happen over the next couple days, plus she had a lot of paperwork to catch up on. She made her round, checking on all the people that were locked up all night. Mostly people that needed sobering up, and were being released today. She stopped at Emma's cell. "Hello." She tried to use a disinterested tone to convey she had no feelings for her. If someone looked in her eyes though, they would know she was faking.

"What do you want? I'm already locked up. What more could you want from me?" Emma was smart. She knew what Regina was doing, and quickly caught on.

"You're public defender will be here in 2 hours to go over the arraignment with you," And with that, she walked to her desk, decidedly working on her paperwork.

Emma was brought to the interrogation room, and of course it was Regina who brought her there. She was always so gentle with her, even though she tried her hardest to be an asshole to her. Emma knew what her fate would be, so why did Regina seem so hopeful? Emma was once again chained to the table. When she was secured, she heard Regina greet the pubic defender.

"Good morning, Mal," Regina exclaimed, while pulling her in for a hug. Regina whispered, something that Emma couldn't quite make out, into the blonde's ear. She thought it was something along the lines of thank you, although Emma couldn't figure out why. Regina left after that, and she saw her public defender's face harden.

"Okay, I'm not here to be your friend. You tell me honest answers when I ask for them, otherwise, you don't say anything, and let me do my damn job. Got it?" This bitchiness sparked a thought in Emma's mind, but she wasn't sure she should ask it. "I'm taking your silence as an agreement, and that you understand what I'm telling you. You can ask me questions, and I will be truthful. I should should start this off by introducing myself. My name is Mal, and I'm as Maleficent by many. I have the best success rate in the state of Maine. That means that I'm damn good at my job, and you need to trust me."

That cleared up Emma's question, but sparked another one she felt compelled to ask. "How do you know Reg-" she caught herself. There was no way she was going to drag Regina into this, "that cop? Mills, I think it is. The one that caught me?" She tried to add as much venom in her voice as she could muster.

Mal raised an eyebrow. Oh yeah, Regina had a lot of explaining to do. "That's really none of your business, but I did say that I would be truthful. Regina and I have been friends our entire lives. That's the last time we need to discuss the matter, alright? Now about the proceedings for tomorrow. Your hearing is at 10 am. I assume that you don't have any clothes that you can wear for it." Emma shook her head. "Very well, I know someone who is about your size. I'm sure she'll be okay with lending the clothes."

Emma couldn't help but scoff at that. "Who would willingly help clothe a serial killer?"

"Alleged serial killer," Mal corrected. "You haven't been convicted of any crime, so until then, please use the word 'alleged.'"

Emma couldn't stop her eyes from rolling at that. "So, what else do I need to know abut tomorrow? I mean, besides wearing a strangers clothes?"

Mal sighed. This is going to be difficult. "We'll basically put in a plea for not guilty, have a bail set, and you'll most likely have to wait in jail until your trial date."

"What if I plead guilty?"

"That's not going to happen. I don't believe you're guilty, and I'm going to prove that. It's my job. The county hired me to do it, and I will give nothing less than 100 percent to your case. Now, if that's all you need, I will conclude our meeting for the day. I'll have the clothes here in the morning for you. Until then Emma, please don't talk to anyone about why you're in here, to anyone. Certainly not without me present. Goodbye, and I'll see you at the courthouse tomorrow." Mal left the room, and sought out Regina.

There she was, with her head in an impressive pile of paperwork. "Regina, I believe my client would rather not sit chained to that table all day." Mal knew that would perk her up.

"I was getting to that Mal. I'm not that cruel."

"Also, I will need to borrow some clothes for tomorrow."

"I've seen your closet. I think you've got plenty to choose from." Regina was always quick with her with when her best friend was around.

"You know precisely what I'm talking about, you idiot. It's for my client. I trust in your taste, of clothing, just bring it with you to work." Mal left, and Regina decided it was probably best to bring Emma back to her cell.

She opened the door, and was greeted with, "finally! I've been waiting for a solid 5 minutes for you." Regina's breath hitched at that phrase. She's always wanted to hear from, well anyone, really, that she was needed. Something that didn't really occur in her life. She refocused at the task at hand. She unlocked Emma from the table, and pulled her gently up by the arm.

"I hope you like the color navy blue."

"Why?"

"Because that is the color most flattering with your eyes, and will soften your features."

"What are you talking about?"

"You'll be wearing my clothes at court." She decided to whisper the next thing. "Enjoy them because this will be the last time you're able to get into my pants." Regina swore she heard a very quiet moan from Emma. Before she disappeared ad went back to her desk, she decided to say one more thing in a hushed tone. "What I wouldn't give to hear you moan louder Em-ma." She made sure to enunciate her name. She wanted to rile her up a bit. It's not like they would ever have the chance again, like the night they met.