Alright, guys... a surprise character comes into play at the very beginning of this chapter. I do hope you like what I did here. :) There's a lot of SQ as I promised, which makes sense now because SQ will be endgame, no matter what happens further on in this story, just remember that. I wouldn't write a story in which our two favorite women won't be together. Ever. I'd like to make that clear lol so if you ship Regina with Daniel, I'm sorry to disappoint. I respect it tho. This was another fun chapter to write. I do hope you love it. Enjoy!

By morning, Father Gabriel had a surprising visitor. The man's smile was inevitable as he opened his front door, looking at an older pixie haired woman, their arms spread out as they both embraced each other in a long awaited hug.

"Mary Margaret!" the man shouted as laughter escaped from his chest.

Mary Margaret wore her hair short now, she was no longer the young woman who left James's ranch, leaving her baby behind. After James did what he wanted with her and Emma was born, he had threatened her to put her in jail, lying about her stealing from him if she came near Emma. She had been gone from Emma's life for far too long. Now that James was gone, she was back. Older and with a few gray hairs.

The small woman smiled, "Hi, father."

"It's really you! It's been years." replied the priest, unable to stop smiling.

The woman nodded, a sad tone in her voice at how long it's been, "Almost thirty years."

"Look at you. You certainly have aged, but still look as lovely." he complimented, as he pulled a chair for her to sit, "Sit down., child. You must be hungry."

"I'm fine." there was a small pause, until she asked for the one person she missed terribly all these years, "How is she?"

The priest smiled, "She's grown into a beautiful young woman. You'd be so proud of her."

Mary Margaret's smile only grew. Her last memory of Emma was when she was born, picturing the woman she now only imagined Emma turned out to be was only in her mind. Never once did she get a picture of her baby. All she managed to keep with her, thanks to Father Gabriel was her baby blanket.

"James was very hard on her." the man murmured, knowing well that was a tough subject for Mary Margaret, and he wasn't wrong. She grew sad with a hint of anger over the man's name. "But, he felt bad for everything in the end. He left her everything and recognized her as his only daughter. She didn't want to use his last name, so she kept her own. Swan."

"Emma Swan." the woman echod her daughter's name. It was the only thing she was ever allowed to give her baby girl. "It suits her. I like it."

"You'll love her. She's one of the kindest people you'll ever meet. Her and her wife both have a big heart." the man informed her.

The woman couldn't be more surprised but also happy to know that Emma wasn't alone after all, her smile reached from one ear to the other, "Emma's married?"

"Just recently. Her name is Regina. She's very lovely. Now, I can't say things between them are always good…" the man's tone dropped an octave, this made the pixie haired woman's smile disappear in worry.

"Is she not happy?"

"It's a little more complicated than that. And a long story."

"I have nothing but time, father."

The woman was ready to hear all about what had become of Emma since she left her. She wanted to know everything, every detail of the blonde's life. She was finally here and she wasn't planning on leaving her anymore.

Gabriel spent hours with Mary Margaret telling her everything that had happened with Emma. How James had treated her, how unfair he had been with her as a child and even as an adult. He filled her in on how Emma met Regina and everything involving their marriage. This brought tears to the woman's eyes. Undoubtedly, Emma had been in a desperate need of her mother.

She couldn't help to be angry at herself for leaving Emma, all because she too was afraid of James once upon a time ago.

Every detail of the blonde's life had gone into Mary Margaret's brain and stored for safekeeping. She didn't want to lose anything about Emma ever again. She wiped her tears before the priest, "But, if this woman tried to abandon Emma the day of their wedding. Then, she isn't as good as you say she is." the woman's tone entering mama bear mode over her daughter.

"Regina is a good woman. Don't make Emma out to be a total saint. She hasn't exactly been her sweet self with her either. They've both had it rough. It's been hard, but I know that Regina feels something for Emma. And Emma… well, her eyes light up when she enters the room."

And then he came up with yet another idea on the spot, "You know, I promised Regina I'd visit today. Why don't you come with me?"

The pixie haired woman's eyes grew wide at the man's idea. It was a crazy idea for one, she couldn't allow Emma to see her like this. With only the few clothes she had on her back.

"Oh, no. No father."

"Mary Margaret. It's been almost thirty years. It's about time you meet your daughter." the man spoke.

"This is crazy, no. What on earth am I going to say to her?" the woman asked, still freaking out.

"The truth. You have to tell Emma the truth about why you left her. You have to tell her that you're her mother and you are here to form a part of her life." replied Gabriel.

Mary Margaret wasn't convinced, "No, I can't. Emma is somebody now. She's very well brought up, thanks to you, I can't shame her by telling her that a simple woman like me is who gave her life. No."

Gabriel wasn't backing down, "Emma doesn't care about class. You tell her this, she'll love you. She's missed you. And God knows she could use your guidance right now. She may even cool down around Regina."

The older woman quickly broke into tears, shaking her head, "I would love nothing more, than to hold her in my arms, and hug her, and kiss her." her voice soon broke with emotion, "Makeup for all the lost time. But I can't. Not now. So, I'm going to need you to promise me that you won't say anything to Emma about who I am."

Gabriel shook his head, feeling upset with her, "She's been without her mother for twenty seven years, and you want to continue to keep her in the dark about it. It's wrong!"

"Promise me, father! Under any circumstances can Emma know that I am her mother. Not yet." the woman fought to which the man sighed defeated.

"Alright. I won't say a word. But sooner or later, you are going to have to tell her."

The pixie haired woman smiled warmly at the man, "Let's go see my daughter."

Regina and Emma had avoided each other early morning, the blonde figured she just needed to leave her alone for a while. The brunette only grew more aggravated when she had discovered that Lily now was eating breakfast at the table with Emma.

Graham decided to surprise his friend and pay her a visit, deciding to help her out with picking a replacement for Robert's position. The blonde couldn't wait to get rid of that man.

Graham and Emma embraced each other in a welcoming hug. Having her best friend here definitely made her feel better.

"It's good to see you, Em." said Graham.

"It's good to see you too, Graham. You'll be staying, I hope?" the blonde asked, hopeful that he would spend a few days with her.

He smiled, "Of course. If I'm invited."

"You're always invited." Emma patted his shoulder.

Regina was walking into the living room area when she spotted Graham, along with Emma. The brunette then grew angry, remembering that because of him Emma had caught her trying to run away. She turned back the other direction to walk away.

"Regina." Emma's voice sounded, as the brunette rolled her eyes in annoyance that she would have to even talk to this man, she turned to look back at them.

"You remember Graham, don't you?" asked the blonde.

Graham practically saw daggers being shot at him with Regina's cold stare towards him. It made him bow his head down in shame, but smiled anyway, trying to move past what had happened, "It's good to see you again, Regina."

Regina only chuckled, "I wish I could say the same." she shot coldly causing his smile to instantly fade.

The blonde could practically feel the tension, so she cleared her throat, "Well, he's going to be staying with us for a few days. He's helping me wi-"

"You know, I honestly don't care about what it is you do here, so don't even bother explaining it to me. As for him staying here, well - this is your house, Emma. I don't exactly have a say in what goes on in here, do I? If I did, your little... friend Lily sure as hell wouldn't be eating at the table with us." and before turning away, the brunette shot Graham another cold stare, "Excuse me."

Emma shot glares at the woman but decided to let it go. Graham couldn't help but be in shock at how bad things still were between the two women.

"Wow." he said to himself, which Emma heard as she stared back at her friend. "Things are still bad, huh?" he asked.

Emma couldn't do anything but shrug before him, "It's been an interesting marriage. Come on, let's talk in the office."

As they both entered Emma's study, Graham quickly shut the door, and took a seat across from the blonde, "She hates me, doesn't she?" he asked in shame.

Emma chuckled as she sat back in her chair, "No, she hates me. You, she just recents for telling me all about her little escape plan."

"I'm so sorry, Em." he said sincerely.

"No marriage is perfect. You did the right thing in telling me, Graham." Emma assured him.

"Was it me though, or did she seem a little jealous of Lily?" Graham asked.

Another chuckle escaped the blonde, "Don't I wish. She just does it to bother me. I'm the one who is constantly jealous. It's driving me insane half the time. Which reminds me, I have a favor to ask of you."

"Name it." said Graham.

"On the day of our wedding, you took a picture of this guy with Regina." Emma recalled, earning a questioning glare from Graham.

"Yeah?"

"I want you to help me find out what this guy looks like. I need to put a face to the name."

It was crazy and Emma knew it. Daniel was history for all she knew, but her jealousy was killing her. The love Regina had for this guy was enough to kill her where she stood. She needed to know what he looked like. Who he was. What was so special about him. Everything.

Graham also thought it was a crazy idea, "Em, as your friend - a brother. If I may, I'd advise you to just put this guy behind you. Let it go. You married Regina either way."

"I can't. I can't just put this guy behind me. She constantly talks about him. She thinks of him all the time. You know what she told me the other day? She said, she knows Daniel will come for her." she chuckled at the thought, "And that when he does, she will gladly go with him."

"Jesus, Em." the man murmured.

Emma missed Graham. Even though Father Gabriel was around to hear every worry the blonde had going on, it was different with Graham. As the man said, they were like siblings and she needed to vent to him. It always made her feel better.

"She's very difficult, Graham. Sometimes I get the impression that she's into me. But as soon as I start getting close, her mood just drastically changes." Emma's voice went sad at the memory of their wedding night, "Even our wedding night wasn't exactly a honeymoon. I practically had to force her at first."

Graham's eyes grew wide, he never imagined Emma could behave that way, "You forced her? Emma…"

The blonde let out a sigh and hid her face in her hands, "I know." her eyes looked back at Graham in full shame, "I was angry. It's like she enjoys making me angry. I kissed her, one thing lead to another… only, when we were… I was careful. And I swear, she responded to everything that happened that night."

Graham now sounded hopeful for his friend, "Well, if she responded then it must mean something."

Emma shook her head, "No Graham. It was a heat of the moment type of situation. Truth is, she doesn't love me, and never will."

Graham could practically hear the pain in the blonde's voice. Like the brother that he was, he let her know he had his support a hundred percent.

Emma then felt his hand being placed over hers, "I'm so sorry, Em."

"Does this mean you'll help me?" asked Emma.

Graham nodded, "And once you know what he looks like. Then, what?" he asked.

"Then…" the blonde sighed, hating the idea of her next spoken words, "Then I meet him."

Emma and Graham soon got to work on finding that new replacement for Robert. She needed him away from here and quick. Her friend showed her many names on resumes of recommended workers he had been given. Emma soon decided on one, whom she would contact later on during the day to set up an interview.

Minutes later, there was a knock at the door of Emma's office, Lily peeked in with a smile as the blonde greeted her with a smile of her own, "I'm sorry to bother you, Em, but Father Gabriel is here. He's outside with Regina."

"Thanks, Lily." replied Emma as she quickly stood up from her chair along with Graham, who was excited to see him again as they headed outside.

Meanwhile, Gabriel had already been introducing Mary Margaret to Regina. The two took a liking to each other immediately. It was sure to say the pixie haired woman felt so out of place in Regina's presence. She was so classy and well brought up. She could see why Emma married her. The brunette woman was something out of a magazine cover.

"Regina, this is Mary. She's a long time friend of mine who just got back into town."

Mary Margaret had decided not to give her full name, she didn't want Emma having any clue whatsoever about her maybe being her biological mother just yet. It was too scary for the older woman to even think about.

"Mary. It's a pleasure to meet you." Regina smiled as she shook the woman's hand in greeting.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am." said the older woman.

"Just call me Regina." said the brunette.

"I brought her with me today in hopes that maybe Emma could give her a job. She can do anything you have her do." the priest assured. He wasn't happy about the idea of the woman working as another servant in the house of her own daughter, but Mary Margaret fought him on this idea she had come up with. She wanted to be close to Emma, see her everyday as much as possible. This was the only plan she could think of. And she was more than willing to follow it through.

Regina smiled at the idea of having someone likable in the house for a change, "Well, I certainly could use the company."

"Father, it's always good to see you here."

Mary Margaret's eyes shined bright with happiness at the sight of Emma. Her daughter. Before her now was no longer a baby she had been forced to abandoned but a beautiful young woman. She couldn't hide her smile.

"Emma, this is Mary. She's an old friend."

Emma looked over at Mary Margaret, giving her a warm smile as she shook her hand, "Hi, Mary."

Mary Margaret felt so nervous, but shook Emma's hand anyway as she stared into her daughter's eyes, "It's nice to meet you. Ma'am."

"I was actually speaking to Regina that maybe you could provide Mary with a job." the man told her.

Emma's eyes shifted between the older man and older woman.

"I wouldn't be a bother. I can do anything you have me do. I can cook or clean, if you'd wish." Mary Margaret suggested with hope in her eyes.

"I actually already have someone that does all that." Emma replied.

And then, the blonde was taken fully by surprise once Regina took an interest, "Oh, come on Emma. I'm sure you can find something for her to do."

Emma's eyes were full of surprise as she stared at her wife who was now next to her.

Regina simply looked over at Mary Margaret and provided the older woman with the most warm smile, "I like her, she seems very trustworthy to me."

Emma raised a brow, questioning Regina's interest, "Does she now?"

Regina's eyes turned to Emma, "Just give her a job. What harm could she possibly cause? She can be under my orders."

Emma had to wonder why Regina was taking such an interest now, "You want to have a personal servant now?" the blonde asked, to which Regina rolled her eyes at her wife.

"It's not slavery, Emma. More like a friend."

Mary Margaret smiled at the sound of that word. She liked Regina even more now. She was ready for anything if it meant being close to Emma.

Regina soon spoke again, "May I remind you that you have your friend here. Don't think I don't see how she tends to you hand and foot." those last words were said in a sudden angry tone towards the blonde, "Don't I deserve a friend too?" the brunette asked, as to Emma's surprise Regina's hand then found her way towards the blonde's arm, as brown eyes stared into her own green ones sweetly this time. And if that didn't surprise Emma enough, Regina's next words sure did. "Please? As your wife. Grand me this small request?"

This was the first time Regina had ever referred to herself as Emma's wife in front of the blonde, not only that but that look in Regina's eyes was different from any other look she had seen. Emma thought, maybe she was doing it to try to get her to say yes. But really, how could Emma refuse? She'd give this woman the moon and the stars if she asked for them.

So, the blonde simply nodded in agreement, giving in to Regina's request, "Alright."

There was that smile from Regina that Emma loved so much. Her smile alone did things to Emma. The blonde quickly developed butterflies in her stomach from it.

Green eyes looked back at Mary Margaret, "Alright, you can work here. You will attend to my wife at all times." she instructed.

What could it hurt for Regina to have a friend, really?

As for Mary Margaret, she couldn't be any happier. She quickly nodded in agreement to Emma's instructions, "Thank you. I promise you, you won't regret it, ma'am. I'll do as she asks at all times."

Emma nodded giving Mary Margaret another smile.

"Why don't I show her to her bedroom?" asked Regina as she looked over to Gabriel, "I want to get her settled into the house before my confession with you, father."

The priest gave the brunette a warm smile, "Of course, you two go on."

As Regina was walking away, she quickly walked back towards the blonde, placing a quick kiss on her cheek, "Thank you." she said as she headed inside with Mary Margaret.

That small kiss alone made the blonde's toes curl where she stood. She had made Regina happy for a while.

"Thank you so much, ma'am." Mary Margaret thanked Regina as they were walking towards the big house.

Regina shook her head, "Call me Regina." she corrected.

The pixie haired woman shrunk in place, "I can't do that, ma'am. You're head of the house."

Regina smiled, "I'll tell you what. Around everyone, including Emma, you can call me as you wish. But when it's just you and I, you call me by my name; nothing more. Deal?"

Mary Margaret simply smiled and nodded, feeling joyful that her and her now daughter in law hit it off better than she had expected.

As Emma and Gabriel along with Graham were walking a few feet behind Regina and Mary Margaret, the priest had a bone to pick with the blonde.

"What's this I hear about Lily now eating with you every day at the table?" he asked, not liking the idea.

The blonde spoke, "Well Regina hasn't exactly been fitting her role as my wife. Lily offers to join me, I for one can't say no."

The older man's brow then raised, "You can't, or won't? Emma, I understand that you and Lily grew up together. But, keep in mind, Lily has… other intentions towards you. There's feelings involved." he warned.

"I know." the blonde murmured.

"As well, you should know then, that if you let her get too close, you may be tempted to break one of the laws of marriage."

The blonde then said something that made the man angry, "Would that really be so bad, father?"

Of course, Emma would never cheat on Regina. She loved her so much it hurt her to do so, but even if she wasn't corresponded to her feelings. She was better than that. She was simply speaking out of anger again.

"Emma Swan!" The man exploded at the blonde.

Emma also exploded, "Sometimes we are pushed beyond our limits, father! And, Regina has been pushing me way beyond mine since day one. You want to talk infidelity? You should talk to her about it. We are married, yet she can't stop thinking about someone else. She's just waiting for the chance to leave with him. I had to practically force her to be with me, but was it me she was seeing? Was it really? So, I ask you: Who's been unfaithful here?" a sigh escaped the blonde's chest as she reminded herself whom she was speaking to, "I apologize for my expression, but, we are only human, father. And, if my wife can't even stand to be around me, who am I to say no to someone who wants what I want from the person I can't have? And, relax, I don't mean sex. I just mean… a little bit of attention."

Gabriel understood the pain Emma was going through, but he didn't like where she was headed. This wasn't Emma. It was her anger talking.

"I'm starting not to recognize you myself, Emma. Regina told me about your behavior towards her, and I didn't believe it. I couldn't bring myself to believe that you - of all people, would behave in such a way. I think I taught you better than that. But, you keep this up, and you'll turn into the person you hate most in this world. You think about that."

Emma was left standing there alone with her thoughts. She knew the man was talking about James when he said she would turn into the person she hated the most. And if there is anything Emma never wanted happening to her, was exactly that. She was nowhere near like that man.

Inside the house, Regina was now upstairs walking along the the hallway with Mary Margaret, who was all smiles with the younger brunette.

"This house is amazing. It sure has a different vibe now that Emma runs it." the pixie haired woman spoke too soon, considering she had worked there before and knew every corner of the house. But she had to keep up appearances.

But it was too late, for Regina took notice of the woman's words, "You've been here before?"

Mary Margaret grew a bit nervous, "Oh, years ago. I hardly remember." she smiled at Regina, hoping the brunette wouldn't ask anymore questions.

Which Regina only smiled and moved on with showing her the upstairs part, "Well this door here is my bedroom." she motioned towards the doors, "Emma's is just down the hall."

The older woman looked at Regina questioningly, "Oh. So… you two… you don't share a room?"

"No." Regina simply said, a serious expression on her face. "It's complicated."

"I'm sorry, ma'am, I don't mean to butt in, but I think you should give her chance." Mary Margaret smiled, "I see how she looks at you, and if you don't mind my saying, she really loves you."

Regina chuckled, "So I keep hearing."

"You know, your eyes light up too." that smile never leaving Mary Margaret's lips, earning a surprised look from the brunette who wasn't expecting for that to be noticed.

"Mine?" asked Regina.

The pixie haired woman nodded, "I don't mean to pry, I just tell you what I see. And Emma doesn't seem to be indifferent to you."

But before Regina could reply to that, Lily walked her up the stairs and towards them, eyeing Mary Margaret, no doubt not happy that someone else was in the house, "Emma said we had new help."

Regina instantly grew annoyed by her presence, "Mary, this is Lily." she cleared her throat as she murmured to the smaller woman, "Emma's favorite."

Lily of course heard that remark to which she smiled, challenging the brunette, "I wouldn't say favorite. But, she does love me."

Regina smiled back sarcastically, "Just not like you'd hope, dear."

Yes, there was a more noticeable hint of jealousy in Regina's words now.

Lily looked over at Mary, already giving orders, "Eugenia could use some extra help in the kitchen. So, why don't you-"

"Mary is to be with me at all times." Regina corrected her.

Lily scoffed, "Under who's orders?"

"Mine. And, Emma's. You can ask her, if you wish. So, I suggest you go and help in the kitchen." Regina gave another sarcastic smile.

Mary Margaret's eyes were shifting between the two brunette's now. Oh boy, was this going to be interesting, she thought, because with the way the brunette kept challenging Lily over Emma; she knew that even when she tried to hide it, she was starting to develop some feelings for the blonde.

And then, Lily challenged back, "Gee, I'd love too, but you know… Emma asked me to go riding with her."

Regina's smile was gone. There was anger… jealousy even. Her eyebrow raised, "Is that so?"

Now it was Lily who smiled, feeling she had won this round, "You can ask her. One's loss is another one's gain. Ma'am." she shrugged.

Regina's eyes then grew dark, "Are you done here?" she had enough of this woman for today. God, did she want to punch her teeth out right then and there.

Lily walked away without another word as Regina's eyes followed her down the stairs, hoping she could push her down. Those thoughts soon left the brunette as Mary Margaret called to her attention, "Ma'am."

As soon as the brunette turned to look at the older woman who was still beside her, she heard her say one last word, "Breathe."

Regina hadn't realized it but she had stopped breathing. Out of anger. Out of jealousy, she wasn't sure but she was definitely holding in her breath, which she immediately exhaled, "Thank you."

As it was almost getting dark, hours later, Gabriel had left, Graham had gone to sleep in one of the guest rooms, which meant that Emma would be leaving to ride soon. Regina quickly came into the living room area where Emma was already waiting for Lily, no doubt.

"What's this I hear you taking Lily riding at this hour into the night?" Regina spat out those words.

Emma grew confused at her sudden mood change, but whatever problem the brunette had going on now towards Lily, that was hers alone, "What is your problem, Regina? You don't love me, you can't stand to have me near you, so, what's it to you who I go riding with?" she asked bluntly.

"Emma, we may not like each other, but we are married and I find it disrespectful that instead of your wife, you are seen around with… her."

This was the second time Regina had referred herself as Emma's wife. It took the blonde completely by surprise, but she wasn't about to give in to whatever was wrong with the woman.

The blonde chuckled, "Oh, I see. So, you are only my wife when it is convenient for you."

Regina crossed her arms, feeling bothered by the idea of Emma riding with Lily, "That's not what I meant."

"Then, what did you mean? Because I nearly am looking for some company with someone who really does want and enjoys being with me. Fortunately for you, Lily has no problem whatsoever satisfying me in that matter." the blonde said bluntly.

The brunette quirked an eyebrow, "Satisfying you?" she scoffed, "So, now she sleeps in your bed?"

What the hell is wrong with me? Thought Regina. She didn't understand why ask that question, this wasn't even about that. They are just going riding. Not even the brunette knew what was going on with her in that moment.

Emma took a few steps towards Regina as her eyes soon found hers, "If you don't want that happening, Regina, then I expect you to take your place in my bed." the blonde said again bluntly.

Brown eyes now looked into green ones, "That's all you want, isn't it? Well you can forget it. You will never touch me again." she shot back, only making the blonde stand inches apart from her face again. She could practically feel her breathe on her lips.

"We'll see about that." Emma challenged. The blonde couldn't tell if it was just anger in the brunette or if she too had a bit of desire in her eyes in that moment.

"You lay a hand on me again and so help me-" Regina warned, which only caused a smirk on Emma's lips as she spoke.

"What? You'll punish me?"

Regina scoffed, "You're sick." she wouldn't admit it, but as she turned her back to the blonde as she headed up the stairs, for the first time ever, Regina had a small smirk on her lips as well. She didn't understand what was so amusing about what had just happened between them, because they had yet had another argument. But something was different about Emma to her all of a sudden. Something.

Emma was surprised to see Mary Margaret standing in the living room now as she looked over to her, "Mary. I didn't see you there."

The older woman smiled at her daughter, "I just came from the kitchen. I was about to ask your wife if she wanted anything to eat."

Emma smiled, "That's kind of you. May I ask for a favor?"

The pixie haired woman nodded, "Anything."

"She seems to really like you. I wish to ask you, keep her as much company as you can. Make sure she eats? She hasn't been eating so well, I wouldn't want her getting sick." Emma's eyes were pleading for this favor. Because it wasn't a demand.

The woman gave her another nod, "Of course, ma'am. May speak freely?" she asked, to which Emma simply nodded, "I think she's starting to develop some feelings for you."

Emma's eyes grew hopeful, "Did she say that?"

"She doesn't have to. I've lived a long life, I've been around people long enough to know when someone is interested. And she just may be." said Mary Margaret.

This made Emma smile, the thought of Regina growing to love her would be a dream come true for her by now. She wished for it more than anything, in fact.

Her hand rested on the older woman's shoulder, "Thank you, Mary."

Mary Margaret was left beaming with happiness as Emma left the house that night, the older woman soon heading up the stairs into Regina's room for the night with a tray of food.

Hours had passed into the night as Mary Margaret had stepped out of the room and came right back again as she knocked, Regina rolled her eyes as she heard a knock at the door, "Leave me alone, Emma!"

The older woman spoke behind a closed door, "It's Mary, ma'am."

Regina's angry features relaxed, "Oh. Come in, Mary."

The woman gave her a warm smile, "I brought you some food." she sat the tray aside.

"Did Emma and her little friend already eat?" Regina asked.

"Emma isn't back yet." said the older woman.

Regina scoffed, "Of course not. She's in such good company."

Mary Margaret couldn't help to notice her jealousy as she smiled down at the younger brunette, Regina's eyes looked over at a smirking set of teeth from the older woman.

"What?" Regina asked with an annoyed tone.

"You like her, don't you?" asked a smirking Mary Margaret.

Regina shook her head and scoffed, "No, dear. It's Lily I don't like." she assured her.

Mary Margaret nodded, not believing a word of it, "And you don't like her because she has an interest in Emma." she stated, earning another eye roll from Regina, who was sitting on the couch in her bedroom.

"Alright, I'll admit… Emma is... " the younger brunette motioned with her hands, trying to find the right word to describe her.

"Attractive?" said Mary Margaret with a raised eyebrow. She sat next to Regina as she noticed she had a hard time processing any words to describe the blonde, "May I speak as a friend to you?"

Regina let out a sharp breath, "Please."

"Why is it so hard for you to admit that you like her? It's starting to become pretty obvious." Mary Margaret informed her.

Regina's eyes went wide in surprise, "It is?"

The pixie haired woman nodded, "Now, I ask: Is Emma really that bad?"

Regina sighed, "I suppose not. But, she isn't a saint either. I mean she payed my mother to marry me, and she stopped me from leaving with the love of my life."

Another nod was given by the older woman, "I heard about that. I know it wasn't the right thing for her to do. But from what I know, as your friend. I ask you: Why didn't you just tell her about this guy when you had every chance to?"

Regina then tried thinking back as to why. Truth is, she was just as awestruck by Emma as the blonde had been by her that she had forgotten all about Daniel then and there. It may have seemed wrong given that she was dating Daniel, but love comes when you least expect it. Who's to say this wasn't it?

Mary Margaret spoke as no answer came from the brunette, she knew she had a point, "I don't know her all that well yet, but from what Father Gabriel told me, Emma can be hot headed and stubborn. But she means well. I looked into her eyes today, while she talked about you and I can honestly say that nothing would make her happier than to have just a bit of your love."

Regina's tears fell from her eyes as she spoke truthfully, "I'm fond of her, Mary. But we've already been through too much. We've hurt each other so much already. And I married her loving someone else."

Another nod came from Mary Margaret, " I'm sorry. I know it must be frustrating for her too. Having to share you. While you have Emma's whole heart. Now I'm not taking sides, especially when I don't know this man you speak of. But it seems to me that life hasn't been really fair with either you or Emma. Maybe it's bringing you together for a reason. You seem to bring out the best in Emma."

Regina chuckled as she wiped away her tears, "And, the worst, it seems. I try. I swear, I try to get along with her. But I constantly think about the deal she made with my own mother, and how because of that deal everything happened the way it did. Yet, no matter how upset I get, I can't hate her. And, she tries. She's so sweet sometimes, that I don't think I deserve it."

And there it was. No matter how angry the brunette could get with Emma, she didn't hate her. She did realize Emma would try her best to get Regina to like her, which she did - when the blonde wasn't angry.

The pixie haired woman smiled at Regina, "Who says you don't? If she's trying to be sweet to you, why not just let it happen? You never know. You could be surprised. Now, you don't have to tell me this, I can see that you like her. You wouldn't be bothered by this girl being around her at this time of night, if you didn't."

Regina just looked at her in utter silence, which confirmed it. She did like Emma. When did it start happening, she wasn't sure. She wasn't going to admit to loving her just yet, but she did like the sweet side of the blonde when she saw it.

Mary Margaret soon blushed and hated asking her next question, but she wanted them to get along. She hated seeing her daughter so sad about this whole thing.

"Tell me. I promise, I won't say a word to Emma. As a married couple, I can imagine… you two…?" she simply gestured with head movements, which Regina picked up on quickly as she nodded in confirmation.

"We did."

God, this felt a little uncomfortable, but this was the 21st century. Married couples had sex for God's sake.

"And?" asked the older woman.

Regina quickly thought back to that night. Sure, Emma was eager about it at first, but in the end… Regina wanted it too, "It was unexpected. Emma was, has been my first. Ever. Of course, she didn't believe that at the time. She was forceful at first. But then…" a smile formed on the brunette's lips without her even realizing it, "She was calm. Patient. Scared." a blush took over her cheeks, "Passionate. And very loving."

"And what did that make you feel?" Mary Margaret asked, earning a head shake from the brunette who obviously wanted to shake those thoughts off, because she couldn't admit to herself just yet that she was indeed developing feelings for Emma.

"It doesn't matter." Regina murmured, to which Mary Margaret only smiled, she knew better.

"I think it does. I think… the only person you are kidding here is yourself."

I hope you guys enjoyed a jealous Regina again. ;)