A/N: Sorry it's been a minute :) I had some work that needed doing, and it was my birthday this week so I had visitors to mark the fact that I'm growing progressively ancient -_-. I'll try and upload again this weekend, but I've also promised to add a little smut tag-on to one of my old fics (TRUTH OR DARE) to cover a requested word prompt. Either way, more SQ is headed your way! Enjoy, and please review!

"It's me."

Emma shouts as she lets herself into the Mayor's mansion, kicking the door closed behind her as her hands are otherwise engaged in clutching a bag of groceries against her stomach.

"Regina?"

She calls out when she receives no response, and she makes her way over to the darker woman's home office and gains entry with a hard shove of her hip.

"Hey, I-"

But she trails off, obeying the brunette's request as the latter shoots her a perturbed glance and raises her finger to her lips in a bid for silence as she holds her phone to her ear and agrees with something the person on the other end of the line says.

"Yes, I know... No, that's fine... Understood... Mm... Alright. Thank you. Goodbye."

Placing the phone back in its cradle, Regina shakes her head as she demands irritably

"Honestly, dear, do you possess any basic manners at all? Who raised you?"

"I can give you a list if you let me think for a minute?"

Emma replies smartly, and the brunette sighs as she thins her lips but she says nothing more on the matter. Shrugging as best as she can with her arms full, the Sheriff reasons amiably enough

"If you don't want people barging in, you shouldn't leave your front door unlocked. Which, you know, might be best practice for the once Evil Queen either way."

"How so? My reputation should suggest that I'd be the last person anyone might dare to cross."

"Not now that people know you're actually super nice."

"Who knows that? Whoever might find themselves so sorely mistaken is a fool."

"Well... You've called me much worse."

The blonde grins, earning herself a long-suffering sigh she knows lacks any veracity at all.

"I have... Did they have everything on my list?"

"Yeah. Do you want me to go put this stuff away?"

"No, thank you. I'd like for it to be done properly."

Regina shakes her head, pushing herself up from behind her desk while revelling in the younger woman's bemusement.

"Who was on the phone?"

Emma asks, tiring of glowering at her companion and leading them through into the kitchen."

"Rumple. I felt it might be wise to ask for his perspective on things before broaching our plan over dinner."

"We have an actual plan?"

"Not exactly, but once we get Charming on board, that will be the next point of order, don't you think?"

"Sure. Though Hyde's locked in a cell and we have magic. I'm not sure much planning will be necessary."

"It never hurts to be cautious."

"Actually, recent events suggest that it sometimes does."

"Really? At what point in our little game were you cautious, Miss Swan?"

The Queen frowns, and Emma shrugs as she points out

"I was cautious before that. We both were. Else we'd have figured things out sooner."

"Mm. Perhaps."

Regina allows, taking the bag of groceries from the Sheriff and placing it on the counter so that she can put fresh ingredients away.

"Everything happens for a reason."

She muses as she rearranges the bottom shelf of the fridge, and Emma chuckles derisively and shakes her head.

"That's a bit poetic for you. Bad poetry at that... Or is the reason everything happens because you want it to?"

"Usually, yes."

The darker woman nods, offering the blonde a sly smirk over her shoulder, before closing the fridge door with a sigh as she elaborates a little less smugly

"To say that I wish we had accepted the tension between us for what it really was sooner would mean wishing away what I had with Robin, and that's not how I feel."

Considering this reply, Emma bites her lip, before agreeing pensively

"I get that. I feel similarly. You asked me- the Queen asked me- why I was so intent on pretending to be happy, but it wasn't all an act. Of course it wasn't. There were plenty of good days these past few months where I didn't spare you any real thought and enjoyed being with Hook fully and truly. It may be a little too soon to expect anything from him, but in all honesty, I really hope we can remain friends, or at the very least remain cordial. I wouldn't wish away what we had any more than you would, but I am relieved that everything's out in the open now. Between us, and just for myself, too. I'm relieved that I've finally clued up on what was bothering me beneath the surface."

"Took you long enough."

The darker woman purrs, and Emma rolls her eyes as she switches on the coffee machine, countering silkily

"It took you longer, Madame Mayor."

"Yes, well, part of me wasn't around for our nude feud of one-upmanship. If anything was going to put things into perspective, it was the choices made during that fiasco."

"I love how you call it a fiasco as though you weren't the one that instigated the whole thing."

"That's not the only thing you love about me."

Regina smirks, before clearing her throat as the insinuation behind her words sits heavily between them for a moment, and each studies the other pensively.

"No... It's not."

Emma agrees quietly, and the brunette offers her a small smile before turning around to fetch them both a mug from the cupboard.

"It's not all out in the open, anyway."

She muses in a bid to relieve some of the tension between them.

"Huh?"

"Your parents know nothing of what's come to pass between us as I understand it? Neither does Henry... Tonight should be fun."

The Queen pulls a face, although her tone suggests that there's some sincerity to her otherwise sarcastic comment.

"It should be sufficiently uncomfortable, yeah."

The blonde grins, accepting the coffee Regina holds out to her gratefully and confirming the darker woman's suspicions.

"They don't know anything. I messaged Hook once I got done cleaning this morning. It felt a bit weird hitting him up after our conversation yesterday, but I guess it's a start. After Mary Margaret called this morning, I wanted to know what Killian had told David just to get a better handle on what might crop up tonight."

"And? Did he reply?"

"Bluntly, but yeah."

"You tend to favour bluntness."

The Mayor shrugs.

"I do, but it's one of the first messages I've ever received from Hook like that, and I have to admit that it stung just a little... I mean, I get it, I just feel bad. But, he informed me that 'my decisions are my business', which, steaming hot helping of passive-aggressiveness aside, I appreciated, and told him so."

"Hmm. It might be a little soon to hope to make nice, dear."

"Yeah. He told me that too, but I meant what I said, and it seemed courteous to make it known, even if it wasn't appreciated."

"Yes, that's you all over; unwaveringly courteous."

Regina teases, earning herself a decidedly discourteous gesture and she laughs richly.

"Bite me, Madame Mayor."

Emma sighs, and the brunette flashes her teeth as she promises

"Later. If you're good."

"Oh? And what if I'm not?"

"Hopefully, we won't have to find out... Now help me prep some vegetables so that I can get started with dinner. I trust you're capable of that part at least?"

"Bitch."

"Half-bitch."

Regina corrects, holding out a knife.

"Something smells good!"

Mary Margaret greets as she takes off her shoes, smiling up at the Mayor as the darker woman walks past with a stack of plates while Henry shuts the door behind his grandparents and ushers them into the dining room.

"Thank you, I hope it tastes good, too."

Regina replies, gesturing to two of the empty seats with a private sigh when she recalls the seething rage that had filled the Queen's chest at the very notion of Snow White entering her home.

"Can we help at all?"

David asks before taking a seat, and the brunette shakes her head as she hands Henry a box of matches so that the boy can light the candles lining the mantlepiece.

"No, you're here as guests, and I'd appreciate it if you would act accordingly."

Regina replies sternly, but not without a hint of a smirk, and she nods towards the door as she neatens one of the serviettes.

"Emma's sorting the last bits out, anyway."

"Ah, so she isn't a guest."

Mary Margaret chuckles, and the darker woman shrugs slim shoulders as she agrees tersely

"No, she's a nuisance."

"Who is?"

Emma asks as she carries a pot of gravy through and places it on one of the serving mats centring the table.

"Who do you think?"

Regina sighs, slipping from the room to check that nothing remains in the kitchen.

"Well, I know she wasn't talking about me."

The blonde muses with false innocence, and Henry shakes his head as he helps himself to a seat at the table, informing his mother pleasantly

"No, she was talking about you."

"Ah."

Emma chuckles, pulling a face at the kid before addressing her parents.

"What do you want to drink?"

She asks, and Snow and Charming exchange a glance as they consider the younger woman's unlikely role as hostess in the Queen's home.

"Wine. Whatever's open."

Snow replies, before furrowing her brow further as she considers the uncharacteristic cerise of the Sheriff's shirt.

"Is that... Is that Regina's top?"

She asks, prompting Charming to fix his daughter with a similarly perplexed frown.

"Oh... Yeah... I spilt some of the coulis for dessert on my sweater when I put it in the fridge."

Emma shrugs, before realising that while her explanation might be perfectly innocent, her solution to her clumsiness is rather out of character. Unsure what else to say on the matter, she clears her throat and turns to David with a light blush colouring her cheeks.

"Wine for you, too?"

"Sure. That sounds good."

He nods, and she offers her parents a strained smile and disappears swiftly from view.

"Wonders never cease..."

Mary Margaret conspires beneath her breath, and Charming nods; astounded that the Queen should have offered up an item from her wardrobe to her once sworn enemy, regardless of the reason.

"Regina was probably worried Emma might make a further mess if she didn't change."

He muses with a chuckle, although he finds himself inwardly confused that the blonde hadn't simply helped herself to something of Henry's as she has on numerous previous occasions. Pushing the matter aside with one last pensive glance at his daughter as she reappears with a bottle of merlot and Regina at her heels, he smiles appreciatively as the Sheriff pours them each a glass while the darker woman serves up roast chicken and an impressive medley of vegetables.

"This looks as good as it smells."

Snow compliments the Mayor, who simply nods as though she'd expect nothing less and instigates idle chatter she would never have believed possible when she'd held the throne.

"If you're done, take some of these plates into the kitchen and then you can finish your cartoon."

Regina instructs Henry once the last helpings of food have been demolished.

"It's not a cartoon, it's a show."

The boy grumbles, informing his mother that cartoons are for babies when she asks him curiously what the difference might be.

"I see, my apologies. In that case, being so grown up, you can take the pans through too and empty them into the garbage disposal."

"Mom!"

Henry growls, simmering beneath the Mayor's amused gaze, before turning to his other mother for help.

"Make sure you watch your fingers."

Emma offers sweetly, and the boy groans loudly as he stacks as many plates as he dares carry through to be dealt with.

"Here, Henry, I'll give you a hand."

Mary Margaret smiles, rolling her eyes when Regina murmurs that she should watch her fingers too as Henry continues his loud lament at being tasked with chores as he leads them down the hall.

"I don't know what you're laughing about. That was a pretty spot-on impression of your response to being asked for help."

Charming smirks at his daughter, and Emma narrows her eyes at him as she sips her wine, before pointing out

"I reckon I help out plenty, thanks."

"Perhaps... Speaking of, what was it you wanted to discuss?"

David asks, glancing pointedly up at Henry as he reenters the room to fetch what remains of his glass of apple juice, and the boy bristles as he understands that he has been dismissed so that the others can converse without him.

I knew they were up to something!

He sighs as he makes himself scarce, resolving to figure out what the others are up to via his own methods.

Waiting for Henry to leave the room, Regina tops up their glasses and settles back in her chair.

"Hyde. Or, more specifically, what we do about Mr Hyde."

"Why should we do anything?"

Charming asks, and Emma raises a brow as she makes the brunette's previous point for her.

"That's sort of what we're wondering."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, why should we be responsible for the man? We've each decided that he's not to be trusted, so what are we waiting for? For proof of the fact? To what end?"

Regina asks, and Mary Margaret nods as she repeats their previous thoughts on the subject.

"We have no obligation towards him. Regina received his help, but perhaps she doesn't feel that it was appreciated-"

"-it's complicated."

The Mayor interrupts, and Snow shrugs as she continues

"That's for you to decide your feelings about. As for the rest of us, I believe we've each met our quota when it comes to lending a hand to those in need. We don't know whether Hyde meets that criterion, and given that he's hardly been forthcoming when asked what he's doing here, perhaps we should take note and leave him to his thoughts... There's no reason those thoughts need to be had here in Storybrooke. Regina's of the opinion that we should send him home."

"Well, hold on a second-"

Charming frowns, but his bride cuts him off as she continues simply

"-I agree with her."

"Me too."

Emma chips in, and when David frowns over at her, she raises her palms helplessly and reasons

"When has it ever worked in our favour to expend all of our energy on the unknown? You guys have a kid you should be focusing on, and Regina and I have... Well, we have better things to do than worry about yet another threat looming over this town! Things were finally starting to slow down a little before that ship showed up. I'm not saying that we cast everyone new out of town, but maybe we draw the line at the guy responsible for bringing them here and call it a day. I'm tired, and I know you guys are too. Can't we just have a couple of months without a magical adversary hanging over us?"

"The man came to us for help..."

Charming rubs at his jaw uneasily, and Regina sighs as she points out irritably

"So he claims, yet we have no clue what it might be he wants. Not really. The man speaks in riddles and seems not to know his own mind. We have Rumple for that."

"But-"

"-I don't want to deal with another disaster, Charming... Not when Neal's so young and we've finally gotten around to redecorating. They're right. We should be enjoying this time with our son, not taking shifts preparing for potential problems we could just as well avoid."

Snow appeases David before he can disagree, and she casts an apologetic glance over at Emma who merely nods and agrees simply

"You guys should take a step back and enjoy the parent thing. Seriously."

"It's not that we don't feel-"

"-I know. I know how it is. It's okay."

The blonde smiles, and David thins his lips uneasily as he looks at each of the others in turn and asks what it is they plan to do about their unfortunate situation.

"We send him home, simple as that."

Regina replies, and when she's met with a predictably confused frown, she repeats her earlier explanation to Snow, divulging how they might do so with relative ease and minimal risk.

She's unsurprised when the latter causes Charming's brow to furrow deeper; the odds stacking in their favour a rarity, to say the least.

"Alright... but are you positive he won't come to any harm?"

"Yes."

Emma replies, before glancing at the Mayor when she disagrees

"No... No, we can't be positive as he has yet to explain his purpose or his background sufficiently. What we can be sure about is that our hand in things won't cause harm or pain. What waits on the other side of the portal, none of us knows, but it isn't our duty to account for events outside of our control. We know that sending Hyde home is safe and painless, that's all, but I would say that it's enough..."

"So would I."

Snow agrees quietly, and David sighs as he looks at the Queen - both Queens; dark and fair - before addressing his daughter.

"And you?"

"I think it's time we buck the norm and go for what makes us happy."

Emma replies firmly, cordially ignoring the weighted look Regina throws her in response to this proposition.

"Well... It seems you've all made up your minds."

"Indeed, but you do have a say. Else, next thing we know, the adverse threat we'll be forced to deal with is your mood."

The Mayor scoffs, and David glares at her before breaking into a smile.

"Not really my style."

"No, I suppose that's true. That's more the other side of the family."

Regina nods, gesturing towards Emma who rolls her eyes and growls

"I mean, hardly!"

"No? Did you think we all enjoyed your little stint of darkness, dear?"

The Mayor muses silkily, hiding a sultry smirk as she shares a fiery look with the blonde who knows full well that she enjoys her darker side deliciously, and allowing a sly flicker of her tongue as Snow calls hastily for a truce.

"Enough, Regina. Don't forget why Emma was acting that way in the first place."

"Low blood sugar and PMS?"

"Regina..."

David interjects, clearing his throat awkwardly, and Emma takes a drink of her wine in order to hide her grin from her parents.

"Apologies... So?"

The brunette demands, turning her attention back to Charming, and he nods reluctantly and agrees that he's onboard.

"Marvelous... Now, who wants dessert?"

"Hey..."

Snow broaches as she enters the kitchen where the Sheriff rinses their plates in the sink.

"Hey?"

Emma replies curiously, noting the unusually cautious quality of her mother's tone.

"Are you alright?"

Mary Margaret asks, and the blonde frowns as she glances down at the dishwater stained purple with blueberry coulis, before looking back up at the schoolteacher uncertainly.

"Yeah? I mean, I'm a bit full, but it's my own fault for having seconds."

"You never learn."

Snow muses affectionately, leaning against the counter and addressing the younger woman gently

"I meant because of what happened between you and Hook."

"Oh... Yeah. I'm okay. I told you I was."

"You did, but I'm still a little surprised. I thought you really liked him."

"I did. I do."

"Then-"

"-But it isn't what I want."

"Oh... Is it because you don't want to live together? Because I know that's a big step, and I know you like your space, but-"

"-Mom. Stop. It isn't that. It's just... Not what I want anymore."

"Alright... I just hope you know you can talk to me if you need to."

"I do."

"I mean, I know I'm your mother, but we used to talk all the time, and it's not like I'm naive and don't understand the more delicate aspects of relationships."

"Oh, no, I know. I shared a house with you and dad, remember?! And listened to your retelling of what are now some fairly traumatising escapades up in the rooms at Granny's before we knew any better."

"Oh god... Sorry."

"Don't sweat it, but let's not revisit our previous conversations about what underwear you should wear for a steamy evening. I haven't budgeted for sessions with Archie, and I don't think he likes me very much after the whole dagger thing."

"Agreed!... But I still worry about you."

"I wish you wouldn't."

"I know, but that's just what happens when you land yourself with parents... Will you at least talk to Lily if you need to get things off your chest? Or Regina?"

"... I've talked to Regina. She knows where I'm at with things."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"Well, good! Sorry, that probably sounds incredibly patronising, but I know how you can be sometimes, and... I'm glad you guys are able to talk to each other."

"Yeah."

"Still. Who would have thought back in the day that you and the Mayor would have such a good relationship with each other?!"

Snow marvels with a grin.

"It's certainly different."

The blonde concedes.

"It is, but it's good... She's good for you."

"Yeah. She is."

Emma agrees, finishing up sorting their dinner things and following her mother back through into the dining room where David finishes off his glass.

"Are you ready to head home? I just texted Ella to let her know we were leaving."

"I'm ready when you are."

Snow agrees, smiling at the Mayor as she pushes herself up and ushers them out into the hall.

"Do you want a lift? I've only had one glass. You can pick up your car tomorrow."

Mary Margaret turns to Emma.

"I'm fine."

"No, you're not, you're over the limit."

"Relax, mom, I'll walk."

"Are you sure?"

Snow frowns, and the blonde nods as she stands her ground. Imagining her daughter needs to clear her head following recent events, Mary Margaret folds and offers the younger woman a smile as she accepts her decision before turning to her host.

"Thank you for dinner, it was lovely."

"You're welcome. I'll give further thought to what we discussed this evening and devise a plan of sorts with Miss Swan now that I have your blessing."

"Keep us in the loop... We can help."

David chips in, tacking on this last part to placate the frown that furrows the Mayor's brow.

"Of course."

She agrees, seeing the Charmings to the door.

"And say goodnight to Henry for me, I didn't catch him when he went up."

Snow smiles as she dons her coat.

"I will."

Regina assures.

"Same goes for Ashley. Tell her I haven't forgotten about getting coffee, I just need to check when works."

Emma bids her parents goodnight, and Charming nods and promises he'll pass the message along when they get home.

"See you later."

Mary Margeret waves, quickening her pace as she and David make their way to their car through the cold night air.

"... You're not really going to walk home, are you dear?"

Regina asks as she closes the front door.

"I don't know. That's sort of up to you."

Emma shrugs, and the brunette applies a slow smile as she beckons for the blonde to follow her through into the kitchen.

"I can think of things I'd rather you do."

"Mm. The washing up."

The younger woman sighs, and the Mayor chuckles as she hands the Sheriff a dishcloth with a shake of her head.

"No. I'd rather you dry. I'd like things to be cleaned properly, Miss Swan."

"Oh, you are just-"

"-Mm? What am I? Careful now. Most of this can go in the dishwasher, and then I plan on heading upstairs... What happens next may depend on how you choose to finish that sentence..."

"... Beautiful."

Emma allows after a moment's heavy silence, and the darker woman smiles wickedly as she accepts the compliment.

"I know. Shame the same can't be said for yourself in that shirt. I would have thought that my superior wardrobe would be a blessing, but pink really isn't your colour."

"You told me to just grab something and hurry up!"

"I did."

"Well, then... If it offends you, I could not wear the shirt?"

"It does offend me."

The Queen agrees pointedly, earning herself a grin as the blonde teases huskily

"Yeah? What would you prefer? That I take it off? I-"

But she falls silent as the brunette makes a small movement with her hand, switching the Sheriff's outfit for the one she'd favoured in the Enchanted Forest.

"Or, this. This is an option..."

Emma smiles, running her hand pensively over the tight leather covering her hip.

"Give me that."

Regina plucks the forgotten dishtowel from the blonde's hand, before ordering her sternly

"Go on. Go wait upstairs."