A/N: So... many of you-MANY of you-have asked whether or not I had forgotten that Emma was engaged. No, my darlings. I have not forgotten. In the last two chapters, our ladies may have momentarily forgotten though, in the same way you forget reason and logic when you kiss someone for the first time and begin to wonder how you ever lived a day without their lips against you. I hope and pray sincerely if you haven't yet felt that kind of kiss that you will. Be still my heart.

And on with the story! I hope you enjoy this little chapter. It will answer some issues and open some new ones and also have some sweetness as well. I confess I had a story all outlined and then simmering happened and I am just letting the story tell itself now. Outline is out the window. ;)

As always, if you like this little story, please let me know. And if you hate it... well, I am happy to hear that too. Thanks again for sharing this story on social media. I am super excited by the response it has received. You guys no how to make a girl happy... I mean... obviously. ;)

"So," Henry began as his mother poured herself a cup of coffee. "Ma's been spending a lot of time with us lately."

Regina smiled at the mention of the blonde, but slid her mask of indifference in place as she took her seat at the island. "Yes. She has been."

"And… how are things going with that?" Henry questioned with a sly grin.

"We really need to work on your subtlety, son. If you are referring to my personal interest in your mother, there isn't really anything to report." The brunette took a sip of the scalding hot drink and set the cup down.

Regina didn't want to keep anything from Henry, but neither did she want to get his hopes us just to be let down later. While things had been progressing nicely with Emma, particularly in the past couple of days, Regina still did not feel comfortable sharing it with their son.

The fact was that while they had shared some spine tingling kisses, they had not shared what really mattered. They hadn't discussed what the kisses might mean. And even though Regina knew she was in love with Emma, Emma didn't know it. And there was still the little matter of the pirate.

And the wedding.

"Nothing to report? Mom, I'm not blind. There is definitely something going on worth reporting." The glare he leveled at his mother made her proud. Nature was powerful but clearly nurture did its part too.

"I suppose if you are interested in hearing about what a great kisser she—"

Regina's voice was drowned out by Henry's yelling nonsense words and sticking his fingers in his ears. "I don't need details. I just want to know what's happening."

Smiling at her son, Regina tugged on one arm, dislodging his finger from his ear. "Henry, I know you care. I know you just want to help us both be happy. And knowing that you do makes me happy. But, please, just trust me that if and when I feel like there is something that you need to know, I will tell you. Ok?"

Henry examined his mother like a scientist with a microscope. Just before his probing became uncomfortable for her, he shrugged. "I trust you. And I know things are going to work out."

"Thank you. I hope you are right." Regina picked up her coffee and took another sip. "Well, I should get going. I have a long day ahead. I'll see you around five."

She stood and placed her coffee cup in the sink, switching off the pot.

"So, how do you know what kind of kisser she is?" Henry asked with a cheeky grin as his mother headed out of the kitchen.

"Goodbye Henry," Regina called over her shoulder, ignoring his question. "Don't be late for school because—"

"A leader is never late. We have to set a good example. I know, Mom. Have a good day!" Henry slipped from his stool and put his breakfast dishes in the sink.

"You too, dear." And with that, the Mayor of Storybrooke stepped onto her porch and shut the door behind her. This town wasn't going to run itself.

~ (SQ) ~

Sheriff Emma Swan always considered herself a reasonable and grounded sort of person. She liked to keep both feet on the ground, firmly planted in reality. She didn't get caught up in romanticized ideals and pipe dreams. She was a realist and liked to see in order to believe.

Truly, that tendency was the main reason it had taken her so long to believe Henry about the curse when she moved to Storybrooke years ago. Her commitment to concrete ideas prevented her from believing in magic and fairytales and even to some extent, love. But the Emma floating into the station today was unrecognizable in comparison to the other Emma.

"Good morning, dad." Emma kissed her sleepy father on the cheek and headed into her office.

David had worked all night, opting to sleep a few hours on the couch. While there was nothing interesting going on in the town most of the time, Emma insisted that someone be at the station or on call all the time, just in case. The two cannery workers sat on the cots in each cell, talking like friends again. They would likely be released today and their altercation forgotten. That was the way most things went here.

David stretched his back and eyed his unusually cheery daughter who was tinkering with the fancy coffee machine Regina had brought them. "You sure are happy today. I'd ask if it was because you spent some time with your fiancé last night but I know that can't be it. Hook was here last night looking for you."

Killian.

Emma had been riding high on her time with Regina last night. She had awoken this morning feeling like Mercury with wings on her feet. The reminder that she had a fiancé brought her back to earth.

"Oh, he came by? I thought I told him I was going to watch my baby brother." Emma tried to ignore the enormous feeling of guilt that was wrapping around her. She had mostly told Hook the truth. She was watching Neal. She just forgot to mention it would be at Regina's.

"Yeah, well he did mention that. In fact, he went to the loft with take out from Granny's to babysit with you and you weren't there. That's why he came here. I told him you went to Regina's and… sweetheart, I've gotta be honest with you. He didn't seem too happy about it." David walked over to the kitchen area and pulled a pastry from the box. "Is anything wrong? You know you can tell me."

That was the official end of her pleasant feelings. The guilt blanket on her shoulders seemed to be made of lead now. While she was off kissing someone else in a dimly lit kitchen, her fiancé had been trying to surprise her. Emma closed her eyes and willed the guilt away.

"No. Nothing is wrong, dad. I am just sorting through some stuff right now and, well, Regina invited me and the munchkin to dinner. I didn't know Killian was coming. I certainly wouldn't have hurt him on purpose." Emma picked up her cocoa and pastry and headed to her office.

She wouldn't deliberately hurt Killian, but she would deliberately make-out with her best friend like a couple of hormonal teenagers. Emma felt ashamed. Was she cheating? How had she become that person while she wasn't looking?

"I see." David said, leaning his body against the door jamb. "Well, whatever you are sorting out, now is the time to do it. You don't want to carry a bunch of unresolved issues to the altar with you."

The apple pastry Emma was biting seemed to turn to wallpaper paste at his words. She definitely had some unresolved issues to work out. Should she even be getting married? She wasn't sure what she felt exactly about Regina. Everything was evolving so quickly. And what did Regina feel? She had really been coming on to Emma aggressively since the day of the shower. Was this just about sex?

"Yeah. I guess." Emma smiled weakly at her father.

Glancing back at their prisoners, David gave his daughter another patented David Nolan lopsided grin. "You want me to stay until those two clear out?"

"No. I can handle it. You go on. And thanks for taking the night shift so much lately. I've got a couple of interviews later this week. Hopefully we can get another person in here soon to take on some of the load." David nodded his agreement and picked up his coat.

"I'll see you later. I love you. Be careful today."

"Thanks dad. You too."

For the first time in days, Emma pulled her engagement ring from her pocket and slipped it on. She held her hand out in front of her and examined the diamond. It was nice. Big but not huge. But this morning it felt like it weighed two tons on her finger.

How is it possible to forget you are engaged?

Emma nervously twisted the ring around and around. It was easy to forget a lot of things with Regina in the room. The blonde felt like an idiot for never having noticed it before. Maybe all the flirting and gazing and time together over the years meant more than she had originally believed.

The diamond slipped from Emma's finger and she began spinning it like a top on the desk. She needed time to think. She needed someone to talk to.

"Hey Rubes. Yes, I know what time it is. Yes, I know you are in the middle of the breakfast rush. If you will shut up, I will be off the line in two seconds." Emma smiled at the huff her friend gave her. She was finally listening. "I think I will stop by tonight if you don't mind. I really need some advice."

Emma hung up the phone. She had a busy day ahead before she could meet Ruby. The blonde was glad for paperwork maybe for the first time ever. It would occupy her mind and make the time go faster. The last thing she wanted to do today was sit and think about Regina and Hook and the wedding.

Ruby would help her. She always seemed to know what was going on in town. Maybe she would know if this thing with Regina was even a thing at all.

~ (SQ) ~

"Oh, wow." Ruby said, clearly not expecting the story Emma had just shared. "I always thought there was something just under the surface with you two but I honestly did not expect you to say you've been making out with her."

Emma had given her the light version of the story, not really wanting to share the details. The blonde was never one to be shy about telling stories of old lovers, but this was different. Something in the time she had spent with Regina felt special, almost sacred in a way. It was hot, no doubt about it. But it was also… special.

When Emma continued to be silent, Ruby leaned back on her elbows on her bed. The two women had gone up to Ruby's room at the bed and breakfast for privacy. Emma was sitting with her legs criss-cross on the end of the bed.

"So, you said you needed advice. How can I help?" Ruby was suddenly aware that this was more than Emma telling a tale about the sexy Mayor. Her friend was struggling and she could practically feel the stress coming from her in waves.

"I don't know. I honestly don't know, Rubes. I mean, Regina is my best friend. And I have… these feelings that I didn't know I had about her. And I don't know what to do about it. I'm engaged. I am literally getting married in little more than three weeks. How can I get married when I've been…" Emma's voice trailed off.

"When you've been what?" Ruby encouraged her to go on.

"Well," Emma began hesitantly. "It just feels like I've been cheating. I swear there have been whole days lately where I forgot Killian existed. How can I marry someone when I forget they exist because of someone else? I love him. I do. But with Regina, just these two nights I've felt things I have never felt with him. Or anyone."

"I'm not gonna lie, Em. It does feel like cheating to me. But let's focus in on what makes that relevant, ok? You said you love Hook, but honey you talk about Regina like she hung the moon. And for a werewolf, there is literally no higher compliment." Ruby winked then, trying to coax a smile from her tormented friend.

It worked for a moment, and Emma grinned. "Well, she is pretty amazing. And oh my god, her voice… I don't even know what to say. It just does things to me."

The brunette arched a brow and gave her best Regina-esque smirk. "Trust me. I know about her voice. Wolf ears hear everything." Ruby tapped her ears lightly. "And that isn't as awesome as it sounds when you live in a hotel."

Emma laughed then at Ruby's grimacing face. She suddenly felt very thankful for this shape-shifting girl in her life. She had done the right thing confiding in her. She was sure of it.

"Ok, so I have to ask. Do you think you are falling in love with Regina or what? Because, Emma, honey… if you are then you owe it to her—you owe it to Killian—hell, you owe it to yourself to at least put this wedding on hold until you sort through that. What if you marry him and then realize you want to be with Regina?" Ruby shimmied around on the mattress until she was laying across the bed, her long legs curled up and her head propped on her elbow.

Emma mirrored her friend's posture and laid down across the bed as well. She rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling a moment in thought. "I honestly don't know, Ruby. I love her. I definitely do love her. And I want her. It scares me how quickly I would… well, you know. I mean, I wouldn't even think about what it meant to my marriage or my life. She has me so on edge with all her attention and affection lately. I can't stop thinking about her. But, why now? Why is this just suddenly coming up? Is she just doing this because she's afraid of losing me? Or… I dunno."

Emma huffed and drummed out a little beat on her stomach with her fingers. Ruby remained quiet, allowing Emma to sort out her thoughts.

"Like, I know she hates him. I know she does. She may think I don't notice, but I hear her call him insulting names instead of Hook or Killian. And I get it. I do. He has pulled a lot of shit on her in the past. That situation with Greg and Tamara alone is worth her trying to kill him. But she hasn't done that. As much as her stealing me from him would be a sweet sort of revenge, I don't think she'd actually use me to get back at him. It isn't like that. I don't think it is." Emma turned her face toward Ruby, asking with her sad green eyes for some input.

"This isn't about him, Emma. Regina has hated everybody at some point. Did you ever think she sasses him because she is jealous? Maybe all this time she has been crazy about you but too afraid to say it? And now—you announce you are engaged and she knows her chance to love you is disappearing so she switches on the charm. Is that even remotely possible?" Ruby knew it was more than a remote possibility. Heightened senses had made Ruby an observer. She watched and noticed and remembered. She was certain this was about Regina loving Emma, not about Regina hating Hook.

"Well, I guess anything is possible with her." Emma grinned at her friend. "But what on earth would she be jealous over me for? I'm nothing special."

Ruby punched Emma in the arm, hard. "You shut up. You are special! You are wonderful. So, let's just drop that nothing special bull shit. I've seen her Emma, looking at you in the diner when you have lunch. And I'm telling you, she isn't looking at 'nothing special.' She looks at you like she's memorizing your face. I think she's in love with you."

Emma rubbed the tender place Ruby had punched her. "That's what Killian said."

"What? What'd he say?" Ruby cocked her head in question.

"He said that I'm basically an idiot and that he knows she's in love with me." Emma rolled on to her side now, facing Ruby. "But I just have my doubts. She's been so… aggressive in the last few days—"

"Aggressive how?" Ruby interrupted.

"Aggressive. Like, sexually forward. I mean, she sucked my finger, Ruby. That's pretty clear. And she initiates sexy talk and kisses and makes jokes that—like about the hot pie the other day. Come on. Hot cherry pie? That is about sex. What if she just wants… sex? I can't risk my heart, cancel my wedding… not just for sex. It'd probably be amazing, but still." Emma blushed a bit at the idea of it.

Ruby frowned, and seemed to be thinking for a long moment. "Emma, listen to me, ok?"

"Ok, sure." Emma waited patiently for the wisdom of the wolf.

"I don't have to tell you about all the shit Regina lived through in our world. I honestly didn't know a lot of it at the time, but I did know her mother was a bitch. And I know in hindsight that her being so young and married off to the king was not probably fun for her. Something had to make her go all Evil Queen, right? But the Regina I knew back there, she was sexual. She wore these outfits that just… well, she knew what she had to work with and she put it to good use. But it was for a purpose. She wasn't a slut. She wasn't trying to pick up guys. She was using her sexuality because that was what she had. She was—is—beautiful and people noticed that. No matter how smart she was or what a great leader she could be or how much strategy was running around in that pretty little head… it was always just a pretty little head. So, she used what she had. She put her power on display and it worked. People feared her. But a good many of them envied her, wanted her and hated themselves for it because she was so horrible."

Emma tried to defend the former queen but Ruby just shook her head. "I know, Em. That isn't her. I know. I like her. I appreciate her humor better than most. I get it. But then, she was horrible. And aside from using magic to get her way, she used the fact that she was sensual and beautiful to her advantage."

"Ok, but I don't know how that relates to this not being about sex. You're gonna have to spell it out, Rubes." Emma wanted to see but it wasn't coming together.

"I don't think her aggressive behavior now is about her wanting to sex you up. Back in our world, the power she felt in displaying her body was a safe haven. It was what she knew. And it worked. What if she is just falling back on what she knows now? Emotions are not her strong point. She has them, clearly. We wouldn't be living in Maine if she didn't. But she isn't very good at expressing them unless you are under ten years old or her son." Ruby smiled then and Emma remembered the freedom in Regina when she played with Neal. She obviously adored him and let it show. "Maybe she is using her sexuality to get your attention because she doesn't know how to just tell you that she loves you."

Ruby stopped talking then, letting the idea hang in the air between them.

"Emma, imagine if you rejected a confession of love. That would destroy her. And probably all of us." Ruby winked and Emma frowned. She didn't like the teasing. "But if you turn her down on sex, so what. Sex is sex. Everybody gets turned down once in a while, even a sexy wolf like me." Ruby smiled a predatory grin and stretched her long body. "My point is, I do not think for one second that this is about sex. She's more than capable of getting her itch scratched if she needs that. Just this week I saw that guy, Roger somebody, staring at her like he could spread her on a cracker and have her for lunch—"

"Hey! Ok. I get it. No need to bring that guy into this. Bastard. He better keep his hands to himself if he knows what's good for him." Emma was seething with a rage so sudden it shocked her.

"Mmhmmm, interesting." Ruby raised both eyebrows and studied her friend.

"Ok, so it isn't about sex. I'll concede that. But that doesn't help me know what to do. I'm so confused about this. I don't want to hurt Killian. And my mother—and Regina—have worked so hard and spent so much money on this wedding. I don't want to let mom down. But at the same time, I feel all these feelings for Regina. I don't know what that means. I need time." Emma rolled onto her tummy and pulled her blonde locks over her shoulder. She studied the ends intently, her brow creased with deep thoughts.

"Time. Hmmm. Well, what if you just ask for some time?" Ruby rolled onto her tummy too.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, tell Regina that you are confused about how you feel and you need some time to sort through it. Don't blow her off and hurt her, but just be honest. Put it out there. Tell her you care and you are feeling things but all the gifts and kisses are making it hard for you to know what to do. She will give you some space. If she really loves you, she will be patient. And hey, just to be fair… tell Killian. I don't know if I would tell him about making-out with Mayor McSexy, but at least tell him you need a few days to think and ask him for space too. Then you, my dear sweet friend, do some soul searching. Figure this thing out. And if you can't, then you need to call off the wedding either way. You can't marry him if you aren't one hundred percent sure. And trust me, Snow will get over it." Ruby patted her friend on the back in support. "It won't be fun or easy, but Emma, this is too important to just ignore."

"No. I know. You are right. I need to think and the best way to do that is without either of them trying to get my attention. How'd you get so smart?" Emma smiled at the brunette.

"I am a wolf, Emma. We have all the wisdom of the ages in our very blood. And also, I really like Dr. Phil." The werewolf waitress smiled and poked the sheriff in the side.

Emma said her good-byes and left. Sitting in the bug for a few minutes to consider what she was about to do, she started the engine and headed toward Mifflin Street. It was time for a talk.

~ (SQ) ~

"Emma?" Regina was surprised to see the blonde standing on her porch. It wasn't late, but she hadn't been expecting her.

"Hi." The blonde knew this was going to be hard, but just seeing Regina, still in her suit from work only now in her bare feet and considerably shorter than Emma, made her want to forget the talk and just pull the woman into her arms. "Can I come in?"

"Of course. Come in. Is everything alright?" Regina stepped aside and let Emma in. She barely had the door closed before she felt Emma's arms encircle her waist and turn her to face the blonde.

Emma had come here to talk about needing space. She had come here to try and settle some of her confusion and to confess her fears. Instead, she found herself holding Regina tight, burying her nose into silken black hair and breathing her in.

Regina didn't say anything about Emma's sudden embrace. Instead she slipped her arms around the other woman and pulled her close. It was wonderful to be in her arms and Regina wasn't about to do or say anything to end the moment.

Emma leaned back but didn't release the brunette. She studied Regina's face a moment and kissed her gently. The kiss was short and chaste, but it was tender and full of emotion nonetheless. Breaking the kiss, Emma took in the smile on Regina's face, sparkling in her eyes.

The savior was on a mission. She had to say what she had come to say and not allow herself to fall into Regina and forget. Yet, here she was, staring into midnight eyes and wishing for nothing more than another kiss. "Hi," she whispered again.

"Hi." Regina whispered back.

They stood there another moment, still holding each other without talking. Finally Emma steeled herself and stepped back. "Regina, we need to talk… about this—whatever this is between us."

Emma watched as the sweet look of love in Regina's eyes morphed into fear. Definite and overwhelming fear. "A-alright. We can do that. Shall we go into the study? Would you like a drink? Cider, perhaps? It is still the best you've ever tasted."

Emma smiled, remembering when they first met. "Cider sounds good, but hey." Emma stopped Regina and pulled her back into a hug. This time, the brunette didn't respond to it. She was already preparing for the worst. "Hey. Look at me."

Regina turned frightened brown eyes up to look at Emma. "This isn't a bad talk. So don't go shutting me out, ok? I just think we need to talk about this before we go any further." The blonde smiled and hoped it would ease the sudden tension she felt in Regina's body.

The mayor nodded and stepped from Emma's embrace and toward the study. This wasn't going to be easy. But it needed to happen.

The women settled on two separate couches and neither said anything. Emma took a sip of her cider and sighed appreciatively. "It really is the best I've ever had. You should sell it."

"While I admit most people have accepted my redemption and status as hero, I am not sure very many of them would buy apple-anything with my name on it." They both laughed awkwardly and Regina sat her tumbler aside. "So, you wanted to talk."

Emma was amazed that, despite her obvious fear of what the blonde would say, Regina was never afraid to take the bull by the horns and plow forward. If they were going to talk, then they may as well get on with it. How could I not love this woman?

"Right. Talk. Yeah." Emma sat her tumbler down. Nervous was too small a word for how she was feeling. Her palms were sweating and her heart beating oddly in her chest. She hoped Regina would understand.

"Well, I can't start. So, what is it?" Regina's voice was tight, tense, like a coil ready to snap.

"Ok, so here's the thing. The last few weeks have really opened my eyes to some things that I hadn't thought of before. And the last few days even more so." Emma paused, watching Regina's face for any sign. The mayor had her stoic mask in place. She was giving nothing away.

"You are my best friend. And you mean more to me than just about anything in this world. You and the kid are… well, you are precious to me. You're my family." Emma took a big gulp of air. She wasn't exactly sure what to say next.

"I see." Regina said, taking another sip of her cider.

"No, you don't see. Because I'm not doing a very good job of saying what I am thinking. And I guess that is because I am confused about what I am trying to tell you. Dammit this was a lot easier when I rehearsed it on the way over here." Emma raked a hand across her face.

"Emma, if you want to tell me that you are not interested in pursuing something more with me, then just say it. I'm a big girl. I can handle it. Stop torturing yourself to spare my feelings." Regina was ready to attack. It was just her way of dealing. Hurt them before they hurt you. But something held her back. She wouldn't hurt Emma. But she would give Emma permission to hurt her.

"Spare your… no, Regina. That isn't what I want to say at all. I just… ugh." The blonde growled in frustration. "Ok. Look. I have feelings for you. Feelings that I can't figure out yet. When we kissed at mom's—dammit when we just kissed at the front door—everything else just started to disappear. It's like the whole world fades out and there is only you. And I don't know what that means. I'm supposed to be getting married in less than a month and I couldn't even remember his name for a minute today. Jesus. This is not how I wanted this talk to go. I'm sorry. I'm just no good at this." Emma stood and stalked over to the fireplace, examining the pictures there as if she had never seen them.

In a moment, she felt a hand on the small of her back. She turned to find Regina there, close to her with her eyes full of hope. "You… have feelings for me?"

"Yeah. I do. But I don't know what they mean. And I feel guilty because I feel like every moment with you is magic and yet my fiancé is waiting for me to come home. Isn't that fucked up? I want to be here with you and kiss you and hold you and… I can't. Because I'm getting married. And I love Killian. But I think I love you. And I just feel so confused. I don't know what to do." The blonde's rant began to descend into tears. Regina pulled her to her.

"Shhh. Hush now. It's alright, Emma. Don't cry. I'm sorry. Shhhh." Regina whispered soothingly into blonde hair, kissing her on her temple. "Let's go sit and talk. It's alright. Just calm down." Regina linked their fingers and squeezed, leading Emma back to the sofa.

The brunette held Emma against her, her head on her breast, just as they often did in her office in times past. She stroked golden curls and soothed with quiet sounds until Emma began to relax.

"I think I'm falling in love with you." Emma's voice was like a feather, drifting on an autumn breeze, tickling along Regina's skin and settling in her heart.

"I know I'm in love with you, Emma."

They sat quietly, each letting the other consider the confessions of love.

"So, what do you want to do about it?" Regina finally spoke.

Emma sat up, her eyes wet with tears and looked at the woman before her. She remembered Ruby's words… she owed it to them all to take some time to think until she was certain.

"I want to ask you for something and I hope you will understand. I'm not throwing you away. I'm not rejecting you. I just need something until I know what to do."

"Alright. What is it?" Regina felt the sting of tears but resisted them. She didn't want to cry.

"I need some space. No more gifts or extra attention. Let's just be normal. And no more kisses. I can't think straight when you kiss me."

"No pun intended," Regina smirked.

Emma chuckled. "No. No pun. I'm just asking for a few days and some space so I can sort through what I am feeling. I obviously love Killian. I wouldn't have agreed to marry him if I didn't. But Regina, I feel things with you that I've never felt before. It sounds so stupid but, the other night when we were cooking and we kissed and mom stepped between us—"

"It was like she cut a cord that was linking us." Regina supplied. "I felt it too."

Emma fell silent, thinking about what that could mean. This was why she needed time and space.

"Emma, listen to me. I understand what you are asking me for. And I am more than willing to give it to you. I wasn't given options. I wasn't allowed to express how I felt or what I wanted when I was to be married. I will never do that to you. I won't send anymore gifts, although you will probably get a really lovely wild flower bouquet in the morning. I already ordered it. But after that, I won't do anything else. I have known about my feelings for you for a long time and you deserve a chance to figure yours out without my interference."

"A long time? Why are you just telling me now?" There was no accusation in Emma's voice, just genuine curiosity.

"Well, I guess I didn't think you would return my… affection. And there was no need to rush. But then, when you got engaged I realized I was going to lose you. I thought I could just be happy being friends and I was ready to just stand by and support your marriage. But Emma, I had to speak up. I had to tell you. Maybe I am selfish but that wasn't my intention. I just wanted you to know… to have something I never had. A choice. Options. To know that if you want the pirate, fine. But if you want me… I want you." There was a tender tremor in Regina's voice that sent Emma's heart dancing.

Without much thought, Emma launched forward and kissed Regina again. It was gentle and sweet and full of love. Emma laid her forehead against Regina's and the two women sat still, just being together.

"So much for no kissing." Emma smiled and leaned back. "No more kisses after this one."

Once more, she kissed the brunette and tangled her fingers through dark locks. They broke apart and sat in silence, fingers intertwined, thinking about what was next.

"May I ask…" Regina began.

"Anything."

"Are you going to tell the pirate about us?"

Emma felt color in her cheeks. Us sounded wonderful spilling from Regina's lips.

"I suppose I should. It is only fair. He will probably be very mad thought, so watch out. He will probably say something to you if he gets a chance."

"I'm not afraid of Guyliner. Don't worry about me. I told you. I'm pretty much a bad ass." Regina smiled, laying her head on Emma's shoulder.

"Still, he's not going to like this very much but I hope he will give me some time to think too. And then, whatever happens…" Emma drifted off.

"Whatever happens…" Regina pushed her.

"No matter what happens, you know I love you. You are my best friend and nothing will change that. We have been through too much. So, just be patient with me and…"

"And, everything will work out as it is meant to." Regina lifted her head and kissed the blonde on the cheek. "Are cheek kisses banned too?"

Emma laughed. "I'm afraid so, ma'am. I know it will be hard, but I must insist you resist the urge."

Regina laughed too. "Idiot. I think I can practice a little self-control. I am, after all, a queen."

"And refined. I know. I've heard it all before." Emma stood and pulled Regina up with her and into a tight embrace. "I'm sorry but, I really need to go now and talk to Killian."

Green eyes settled on brown and understanding passed between them.

"Ok, Emma. I'll be right here when you are ready."

~ (SQ) ~

"Killian! Please calm down." Emma backed away from the pirate as he shoved everything off the table in his quarters below deck.

"Calm down!? Bloody hell, Swan. After you just told me that you've been cuckolding me with that damn bitch? What did you think I would do? Just smile and say, 'that's fine dear. Why don't you just fuck her to your hearts content until the wedding?' Jesus, Emma." Hook was much angrier than the blonde had anticipated.

"Hey! You didn't seem to mind the idea of me fucking her if you could watch." Emma felt the darkness in her calling out. She wanted to throttle him for talking about Regina this way.

"That was different and you know it. I wasn't serious." Hook frowned at Emma, but felt ashamed to have given her the ammunition she needed for this fight.

"Yes, you were serious." Emma tried to calm herself. She didn't want to fight. "I'm trying to be honest with you, Killian. I'm trying to tell you how I feel and I need you to at least pretend to understand."

"Understand?! Understand, she says. You want me to listen to you say that maybe you don't want to marry me because you have undefined feelings that damn witch—"

"Don't call her—"

"Oh, shut up! I'll call her whatever I please. She is a witch. She's probably cast some spell on you now and that's why you are doing this." The pirate slammed his fist against the table. He wanted to hit something but he didn't want it to be Emma.

"You can't use magic to make someone fall in love with—"

"Fall in love!? Are you telling me you are in love with her? God dammit, Emma! This can't be happening. After everything I have done to win you, and that woman just waltzes in and decides to have you and you fall for it? That god damn cunt."

Emma didn't think about what she did next. She only acted. Her fist connected with Hook's jaw and he staggered back, stunned. "I said, stop calling her names, you son of a bitch. Now I came here, wanting to talk and wanting to make things right. I came here, hoping for a little care and understanding from the man who claims to love me so damn much. I thought you would want me to tell you the truth. I want to marry you. I want this to work. But I also have feelings for her that I cannot ignore. It wouldn't be right. It wouldn't be fair to either of you and certainly not to me. Now, I am going home. You have really made my decision a lot easier by this ridiculous display tonight. Good night."

Emma turned toward the stairs and marched out into the night air. She was shaking all over with rage. How dare he call Regina a name like that? He was lucky she didn't use her magic. Suddenly Emma heard the sound of steps coming quickly behind her as she approached to stairs to the dock. A rough hand closed around her wrist and jerked her back.

"Let go! You are hurting me!" Emma cried out in pain.

"No. You are going to listen to what I have to say." Killian pulled her toward him. He had already begun to bruise where her fist had struck him.

Emma twisted and pulled trying to free herself. "Dammit. I said, let me go."

"No. Listen to me. I love you, Emma. And maybe you think I am overreacting but you just told me that you might be in love with someone else. You just asked me, less than four weeks outside our wedding day to give you time and space to figure out what you want. Well, ok. So my first reaction was to rage about it. So what? I'm angry. But…" His grip on her wrist loosened and his voice softened. "But, because I do love you, I owe you the chance to think. I realize that no matter how you feel about Regina, I know you love me and we are meant to be together. So, take all the time you need. I won't interfere. But just know, you will choose me. Because in the end, I am the one you truly want."

Emma pulled her arm free of him and stepped back. "Well, I'm not as sure as you are at the moment. But I appreciate that you are willing to give me some time. Now, I'm leaving. Please just leave me alone so I can think."

The pirate stepped forward and tried to kiss her, but Emma turned her face and the kiss landed on her cheek. Little more than an hour ago, Regina had kissed her there too. How different her kiss had felt.

"Good night, love. I'll talk to you soon." With that, the pirate disappeared below deck.

Emma walked along the dock toward shore and wondered if she needed time to think at all.