A/N: You can thank the Italian siesta for this chapter. I wasn't going to have the time to write it on holiday but since my friend went to nap, I went to write!

"What?"

"Move in with me," Regina repeated even though she knew perfectly well that Emma had heard her the first time.

Without saying anything more, Emma dumped the plates she had been carrying onto the nearest table, grabbed Regina by the hand and led her back into the kitchen. August and Kathryn both watched them go before turning back to one another, eyes wide.

"Emma, where are we going?" Regina asked as she followed the blonde through the deserted kitchen and out into a back corridor.

"Somewhere we can talk without being stared at," Emma said, opening the door to her office and gesturing for Regina to walk inside. She did so, turning around just as Emma stepped in and closed the door behind her. The blonde was suddenly reminded why she never had her door closed; the space was tiny. "Well, I guess this will have to do."

"Do for what?"

"For me to ask you what's going on. I mean, where did that come from?"

"I … I thought you'd want to move in," Regina said, heart now hammering against her chest as she realised she might have made a terrible mistake. "I mean, we'd talked about it, sort of. And then you said that you were going to have to find a new place. Kat said you wanted me to ask you."

"Kat said that?"

"She said she could tell you wanted me to offer. I guess she was wrong."

Emma rubbed a hand over her face and sighed deeply. "No, she wasn't wrong."

This time it was Regina's turn to pause before speaking. If Kathryn wasn't wrong and if Emma did want to move in with her, then why were they standing in the cupboard which she could only assume was Emma's office? "So you did want me to ask?"

"I thought it was a topic that may come up in conversation over the next few weeks," Emma replied. "I figured you'd offer and I suppose I wanted you to offer. I do want you to offer. I just wasn't expecting it to happen in front of your best friend and my colleague."

"So, right question, wrong time?"

"Yeah, I guess you could put it like that."

Regina felt herself relax just a little. It wasn't that the idea of living with Regina and Henry horrified Emma but that the offer had not been made at quite the right time.

"It wasn't planned."

Emma chuckled. "I figured."

"I haven't even talked to Henry about it."

"What do you think he'd say?"

"I have no idea," Regina admitted. The moment the words were out of her mouth back in the restaurant her mind had flitted to Henry. She had no idea how he would react to the suggestion that Emma might come to live with them. He liked Emma but inviting a new person into their home was entirely different. "It's obvious he needs to be involved in this decision. We all need to talk about it. It's not a yes or no answer. It's more complicated than that."

"But if it wasn't complicated, if Henry wasn't involved, and I understand that he is," Emma said quickly. "If it was just you and me, I'd say yes. It is a simple answer as far as I'm concerned. If we talk about it and it makes sense. If Henry is ok with it. Then it's a yes."

"Yes?"

"Yes," Emma said, stepping closer to Regina and pulling her into her arms. "I would love to move in with you. You're right, it is fast. And if I wasn't faced with having to find a new place, then it wouldn't be talked about for a while. But it's where we're heading, right?"

"Right," Regina said, hands snaking up and curling around Emma's neck.

"So let's start talking about it. I've still got six weeks before I have to move out. By then we'll have been together for two months. I'm not suggesting I move in any earlier than after my contract ends on my apartment. And before anything more happens, you need to talk to Henry."

"Yes," Regina nodded. "And I think it might be a good idea for us all to talk to Doctor Hopper if we're going to do this. He might be able to help us make this as easy as possible for Henry."

"Sounds like a plan," Emma nodded. "But nothing more happens before you talk to Henry. You were only saying a few minutes ago that there were some concerns with his behaviour towards food in relation to me. I don't want to complicate things further. And if now isn't the right time, then I'll get my own place and maybe we can reassess further down the road."

Regina nodded her agreement to that and leaned in to kiss Emma. "Thank you."

"For what?" Emma asked.

"For being so understanding. I know the kids are always a big factor when you're dating a single parent but I think there's an extra dimension when it comes to Henry. You've been amazing at dealing with him and with his issues with food."

"I know what he's going through," Emma shrugged. "And I'll do whatever is needed to help him and to help you. If that means moving in, then great. If it means waiting six months or a year or five years, then I'll do that too. I just want to be in both your lives, in whichever way I can be."

"I want you in our lives too," Regina said, craning her neck for another kiss. "And you will be, I'm sure. Henry loves you and I don't think the issue will be about whether he wants to see more of you but whether or not it is going to be good for him. He needs stability and certainty so this move … we have to be sure it's going to be a good fit for all three of us."

Emma nodded. She understood. She had always known what it meant for Henry to know who she was, what she was to his mother. If she was going to be in his life, then she was going to have to be there for him; to never leave. She couldn't be another Mal. He couldn't have another parent figure disappear on him. Emma knew what it felt like to have an unstable family unit; had struggled through the foster system, moving from house to house until she landed at the Nolans. Henry deserved more than that. And she wanted to give it to him.

"I love you both, Regina," the blonde said seriously. "And I need you to know that I'm not going anywhere. If we do this, then that's it for me. I want you and Henry to be it for me."

"I want us to be your it. And I love you too," Regina replied with a gentle smile, fingers caressing the back of Emma's neck.

"Good," Emma grinned before she pressed her lips against Regina's. This kiss was a longer, deeper, more passionate affair and Regina willingly melted into the contact. She felt Emma pull her closer, their bodies pressed tightly together. Opening her mouth willingly, she accepted the teasing of the tip of Emma's tongue against her top lip. It had been four days since she had tasted the blonde and she missed her terribly. She wasn't sure how she could ever go so long without seeing, touching, being with the woman in her arms.

"God, I hope Henry is ok with you moving in with us," she murmured when they broke apart.

"Me too," Emma said, placing a final kiss to Regina's lips. "Come on, we'd better get back out there. You do realise we've left Kat and Ruby alone to gossip about us."

"Good point," Regina laughed. She had no doubt at all the pair were talking, probably with August, about what had been said before the two women disappeared. "But perhaps wipe my lipstick off your face first."

Emma smirked and used the back of her hand and the tip of a finger to remove the incriminating evidence. Once she was deemed presentable by Regina, they left Emma's office and headed back into the restaurant, the chef pointing out a few of her favourite gadgets as they walked through the still empty kitchen. Just before they reached the wide double doors, Regina's fingers curled into Emma's and pulled her to a halt. Turning to see what was wrong, Emma let out a little gasp of surprise as she found herself pressed up against the service counter, a hungry mouth against hers. Teeth nipped her bottom lip before a hot tongue soothed her flesh. Emma whimpered.

"I've always wanted to do that," Regina said when the kiss ended.

"Do what?"

"Kiss a chef in a kitchen," Regina replied.

"Your bucket list items are really specific," Emma chuckled. "What else is on there?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" the brunette teased as she led the way out into the restaurant.

The laughter which bubbled up in Emma's throat died as soon as she took in the trio of faces which greeted them. As predicted, Kathryn, Ruby and August had indeed been talking about the couple the whole time rather than doing their work.

"Finished, are we?" Regina asked, switching into company director at once.

"Are you?" Kathryn shot back.

"We're finished discussion our private relationship, yes," Regina said. "What dish are we on? Did the scallops come out ok against the white porcelain?"

"You're kidding me, right?" Kathryn said slowly. "Come on, guys, what happened?"

"What happened was Emma and I had a private conversation following my foolish question which was unfortunately broadcast in a public space when it was clearly a private matter," Regina replied. "But if you're asking if Emma and I are still together and happy, then yes, we are. Now, shall we get back to the task in hand? Emma, I guess we'll be needing the next dish since Kat and August have been working so diligently in our absence."

"Sure, I'll go and get it," Emma grinned, loving her girlfriend's sass. Forcing herself not to burst out laughing at the identical, incredulous expressions which gawped at her, she turned around and headed back into the kitchen. Seconds later, she heard August and Ruby follow her, desperate for gossip.

In the kitchen, she busied herself with her tasks, ignoring the two figures hovering beside her.

"Ems," Ruby said impatiently.

"Hello," Emma said over her shoulder as she carefully plated up their next dish using ingredients August had already prepared. "Can I help you?"

"Um, yeah, you can give us answers!" Ruby exclaimed. "Did Regina really ask you to move in with her just like that?"

"August can answer that question. He was standing right there."

"It's true. I was. And she did," August said.

"Well, what did you say?" Ruby prompted.

"I said a lot of things." Emma had to keep her back to her friends so they didn't see the broad smile on her face. This was just too much fun. Plus, she had to concentrate on placing the garnish perfectly on top of the seared piece of fish.

"And?"

"And what?" Emma asked.

"Are you moving in with Regina?"

"We're talking about it," Emma said. "Nothing has been decided for certain."

Ruby squealed in excitement and August slapped his friend on the back. "I'm so happy for you," the lanky brunette exclaimed, August echoing similar sentiments.

"Well, don't pop the champagne just yet," Emma said, turning around with the completed plate in her hand. "We need to talk to Henry first."

"The kid?" August asked.

"The kid," Emma nodded.

She wondered how Regina planned to speak about the change in their living arrangements with her son. It would be important for Henry to be introduced to the idea gently. Would they do it together? Or would Regina do it herself? And what was Archie Hopper going to say about their plans? There were so many unknowns that, for now, Emma decided, all she could do was concentrate on her work and leave the future up to fate.

"What the fuck did you do that for?" Kathryn exclaimed as soon as Emma and her friends had disappeared.

"What? You told me to ask her," Regina pointed out. "It was your idea."

"Yes, but not here. Not surrounded by your friends. Jeez, Regina. Talk about putting the poor girl on the spot. No wonder she dragged you out of here. What did she say?"

"A lot of things," Regina shrugged.

"Yeah, I can imagine. But what did she say to the question? Does she want to move in with you guys?"

"She does," Regina nodded, unable to stop the smile spreading over her face. "But it's not confirmed. We need to see what Henry thinks about it first."

"He's a kid, what does his opinion matter?"

"It matters," Regina said.

"If you say so. But she said yes? She wants to move in with you guys?"

"Yes," Regina said, almost shyly, as if she couldn't quite believe that Emma really had agreed to talk about their co-habiting.

Arms wrapped around her, at which point Regina realised she was crying. Kathryn held her close, not asking why the woman was so emotional. She knew the step was significant for her friend in many more ways than just a progressing relationship. It was about healing. It was about moving on from Mal. It was a sign that the door had finally closed on that part on her life; the part during which she and Henry had been abandoned. Emma would never do that, would never walk out like that. Regina trusted Emma to keep her and Henry safe from any more emotional harm. And that was momentous.

"Regina?"

Emma's worried tone broke the two women apart. Regina wiped her face and offered the concerned woman a watery smile. "I'm ok, I promise."

"Are you sure?" Emma asked, snaking an arm around Regina's shoulders as she handed the next plate to be photographed to Kathryn.

"Yes, I'm fine," Regina said, kissing Emma lightly on the cheek. "What's next?"

Emma looked like she was about to ask another question but could tell that Regina wanted the conversation to move along so she acquiesced. "Seared Bluefin tuna with spring vegetables, baby potatoes with lemon butter and Mediterranean herbs and a lobster jus."

"It looks delicious," the brunette remarked, mouth almost watering at the sight of the beautiful plate.

"It's cold," Emma said. "But I'll make it for you some time."

"I'll hold you to that," Regina smiled, kissing Emma lightly before stepping out of her girlfriend's embrace and moving towards Kathryn's laptop screen which was set up so she could view the images as soon as they'd been taken. Emma followed, the two of them perusing the pictures until Kathryn announced she was ready for the next plate.

"I'm going to have to start my prep for the evening after this dish. See you tonight?" Emma murmured to Regina who was still looking at the photos.

"You're coming over?"

"If you'll have me," Emma nodded. "I … yeah, I want to hold you tight tonight."

"I can't wait," Regina smiled.

After the photo shoot was finished, Kathryn dropped her friend and boss back at the office to collect her car. As it was almost five, Regina opted not to go inside, knowing she'd be sucked into the myriad emails which had pinged on her cell during the time she had been at Hook, Line and Sinker. They could wait until Monday, she decided. In that moment, she just wanted to collect her son from Ursula's and enjoy their usual Friday night movie tradition.

"Mom, can Emma come and watch with us tonight?" Henry asked as they sat down to their evening meal. It was Henry's request for pasta with tomato sauce but now that simple dish included onions, carrots and capsicum. Regina still couldn't believe the progress her son had made as he reached over to grab a handful of grated cheese to sprinkle on top of his plate.

"Emma's working, my little prince," Regina replied. "But she's going to come over when she's finished work so she'll be here in the morning."

"Can I help her make pancakes for breakfast tomorrow?"

Regina smiled. "Of course! Do you like cooking with Emma?"

An enthusiastic nod acted in place of an answer, Henry's cheeks bulging with his dinner. It seemed that her son and girlfriend had found something which connected them. While she had always tried to get Henry involved in the cooking process, he had never been particularly engaged. There was something about working alongside Emma, however, which inspired him. Regina didn't know what, although she had to admit that she herself was drawn to the blonde, and she didn't really care what was making Henry develop his interest. All that mattered was that he was starting to eat a more varied diet and trying new food more readily.

Curling up on the couch together after dinner, Regina and Henry settled down to watch a Thomas the Tank Engine film. Well, Henry watched it while Regina gave in and checked her work email, only half watching the children's entertainment. By the time it had finished, Henry was fast asleep. Gathering her son in her arms, she carried him through to his bedroom, tenderly changed him into his pyjamas and tucked him into bed. When she returned to the couch, she resumed her work, passing the time until Emma arrived.

The next thing Regina knew the sound of the doorbell was rousing her from sleep. She looked around in confusion, trying to work out what time it was. As she stood up, she glanced at her cell and noticed three missed calls and several texts from Emma, as well as taking in the time as after eleven thirty.

The blonde woman smiled apologetically at her from the porch as soon as Regina opened the door, rubbing her eyes in a childish manner. "I woke you, didn't I?"

"Yes but it's fine," Regina said, stepping back so Emma could enter. "I didn't mean to fall asleep. It's been a long week."

"Now I feel bad asking if I could come over," Emma said, dropping a tender kiss onto Regina's cheek. "Next time, just tell me to go back to mine. I know my working hours suck."

"Not at all," Regina said. "And anyway, sooner or later this is going to be your home too."

"Hopefully," Emma pointed out. She didn't want to get ahead of herself. In truth, the idea of living with Regina and Henry filled her with warmth and love and excitement. But they weren't there yet. Henry needed to be consulted. There was still a lot to work out. She didn't want that dream to run away from her and then be dashed. She didn't think she could handle that disappointment.

"Well, in the meantime," Regina said, turning to slide the top drawer in the side table open, "take this."

The cool sliver of metal landed in Emma's palm. She stared down at the key for a brief moment before looking up at her girlfriend. "Are you sure?"

"One step at a time, right?"

Emma grinned and nodded her agreement, stepping closer to Regina and kissing her soundly. "One step at a time. And right now, I'd like those steps to be heading in the direction of your bedroom. I've been thinking about getting you alone since that kiss in my kitchen this afternoon."

Brown eyes darkened at the suggestive tone. Switching off the lights as she moved through the house, Emma's fingers entangled in her own, Regina led the way through to the bedroom. They undressed each other silently, falling onto the bed as Regina reached for the bedside lamp.

"You don't like having sex in the light, do you?" Emma commented as plump lips suckled the tender skin of her neck.

"Not really," Regina admitted, breaking the contact and peering through the gloom into Emma's face. "Why? Do you?"

"I don't mind," Emma said, hands running up and down Regina's naked sides. "But I like seeing you. You're beautiful and the sight of your body turns me on. I mean, it's still amazing whether it's dark or light but sometimes I … I get the feeling you're trying to hide."

She felt the shift in the mattress as Regina sat up straight, still straddling her hips, before moving to one side and laying down beside Emma, staring at the ceiling. The blonde, however, rolled onto her side, taking in the profile of her girlfriend against the dim streetlight squeezing through the gaps in the curtains.

"Regina? Did I say something wrong?"

"No," Regina replied. "You said something right. Too right, I guess. It fascinated me how well you know me after such a short time, actually."

"Is that a good fascination or a bad one?"

"Good, I think," Regina said, her head turning towards Emma's now, eyes finding one another through the darkness. "I love that you know me so well but it also means I can't hide anything from me."

At that, Emma frowned. "You want to hide things from me?"

"No," Regina said softly. "Not at all. But there are some … body hang-ups which no one, and by no one I mean Mal, has ever acknowledged and now you're asking me about them."

"If you're not comfortable talking about this," Emma began, knowing that a woman's perception of her own body was a sensitive and complex matter, "you don't have to tell me anything you don't want to, Gina."

"I like it when you call me Gina," came the reply, the woman herself rolling onto her side and throwing her leg across Emma's hip.

Emma, sensing that she had provided Regina with an out, followed the brunette's lead and shifted herself closer, chest pressed against Regina's, the woman's leg wrapped around her upper thigh. "Oh yeah, Gina?" she husked, placing a kiss to the upturned lips, as a hand slipped between Regina's parted thighs. "And what else do I do that you like?"

Whether the question needed a reply, Regina wasn't sure. But if Emma was expecting words, she couldn't hardly be disappointed by the breathless moan which escaped Regina's mouth as two of Emma's fingers entered her wet, waiting core.

A/N: next up, chats with Henry … how will they go? Also, I finally got a kitchen kiss!