"So they are getting married?" Neal asked as he navigated the narrow lane through the hospital parking lot. He had barely had a chance to speak to Emma and Killian at the wedding, hanging back and keeping his distance as he sat with his stepmother and fiancé near the rear of the church. He had not even gone to the reception, as he knew that Mary Margaret's invitation was probably just a courtesy.

"Yeah," Henry said, sinking lower into the seat. He and Killian had driven back to the house earlier to get a few items for him, including his school uniform since school would be starting the next day. "I think everyone is."

Neal said nothing, only giving a soft grunt as he maneuvered the sedan into the light traffic. When he'd seen Henry on Friday night there had been an effortlessness to the conversation. It would have been easy to blame it on Emma's engagement, but even Neal wasn't that naïve.

"Granny's going to be alright, isn't she?" Henry asked, hoping that his father offered more hope than his mother's concerned positivity on the subject.

"I don't know," Neal answered honestly. "But I'm sure that the doctor and staff will do everything they can do. Plus you know that Ruby won't let anything bad happen if she has a say." Neal slowed the car in front of the diner, craning his neck to look inside the building. The lights were on and most of the parking spots were still filled. "We could get you something to eat? Have you had dinner? I mean not something from a vending machine."

Henry's head jerked at the question. "Not there, okay? I don't want to go in there and see that place without Granny. It's just too…"

"Yeah," Neal said slowly. "Maybe Tamara could make us something. It's about time for bed for you, right? School's early in the morning."

That earned a face, Henry scrunching up his nose distastefully. "Do you think Killian will be there tomorrow? Or will he still be at the hospital?" He sort of knew the answer, as while he had packed a few items, Killian had packed an overnight bag for him and Emma. "He said he would be there."

"Then I'm sure he will be," Neal offered. "He doesn't strike me as the kind of guy to not keep his word."

Henry pressed a few of the buttons on the radio, sighing heavily when he didn't find what he was wanting. "I feel like I need to do something."

"For Killian?" Neal asked, distracted by the tricky left turn that took most of his attention. "Why?"

"For Granny."

"Oh. Yeah. Okay." Neal turned his car onto the road and made it about 200 feet before he spoke again. "You know that you're just a kid, right. And I don't say that to be mean. Granny has a lot of people looking out for her and doing for her, including your mother."

Slumping more into the passenger seat, Henry frowned deeply. "And shouldn't I do something if I can? Shouldn't I be trying to say thank you for all the times she took care of me. Remember when I had the flu. Mom was out of town. You were working. So Granny took care of me for a whole week. She was working and put me in a room on the first floor. Every time I woke up she was checking on me."

Neal breathed in through his mouth as he swung the car into position to park. "So what are you thinking? Flowers? Candy? A card?"

His 12 year old nose again wrinkled at the pedestrian ideas. "I was thinking something more special."

"Well, why don't we think on it over dinner? I'm starving and you've got to be too. Let's see what we can find in the kitchen." He slammed the car door behind him, grabbing his son's bag and dodging the overfilled rain puddles in the still drizzling weather as he hurried to the front door. Henry and his backpack were not too far behind, his mind already running through ideas of something that would make Granny feel better.

***AAA***

Killian tried to move the chairs into position so they could rest, the rubber of their feet squeaking on the linoleum floors. He'd slept in quite a few uncomfortable positions in his life, each time vowing that it would be the last. However, he had seen the near panic in Emma's expression when it was suggested earlier that they return home. While there was still no prognosis on Granny, the woman he loved was refusing to leave until the tests were done and results back.

"You need to get some sleep," she told him, glancing at the flickering television screen in the corner that showed a four shot of political pundits arguing angrily in front of a digital American flag. "We both need to sleep."

"Aye, it'll be a bit tight, but I was thinking we could rest here." Toeing out of his boots, he situated himself almost sideways in the chair, crossing his legs at the ankles. "Come here, my love."

"I know you aren't trying to get romantic in a hospital waiting room," she teased, sliding into the chair next to him at an angle so that their bodies were facing each other.

His laugh was loud from the quiet confines of the area and she had to place her hand over his quivering lips to attempt to silence him. He turned the laugh into a kiss to her fingers. "While I rather fancy you in a variety of positions and locations, my love, I know when we need our rest." With her hand removed, his kissed her forehead. "Now sleep. We've both got full days tomorrow and the Widow Lucas won't hesitate to tell us of the bags under our eyes from lack of rest."

She couldn't argue with that logic, but she was loathe to not have the final say. "You do realize I told you to sleep first, right."

"As you wish."

The armrest between them was a hindrance, but she managed to bury her face into the spot where his neck and shoulder met. Perhaps it was just habit, but that spot had become a favorite of hers. It was where she naturally gravitated towards when she needed a pick me up after a long day or if she was relishing his praise over something. It was the comfortable area where she found herself watching television or listening to him read a story from the newspaper. And most every night that would be where she landed before succumbing to slumber.

"I talked to Henry," she said, clearly not going to sleep yet. She half expected to be chastised. "He's facing a lot, you know? Both parents getting married. Not knowing where he fits."

"Aye, it isn't the easiest thing in the world when people seem to be making plans around you and not including you in them. Would it help that I have a talk with the lad, reassure him that he is just as much a part of your life and I…"

"I think we just need to show him," she said, interrupting. "He's heard all this before. Now we need to make sure he understands. Maybe it is time that you, Neal, Tamara and I have that talk about expectations though. He's about to go from one parent to two to four. It's a big transition." She ran her hand over his shirt, the buttons rubbing against her palm.

"I'll follow you lead on this one."

***AAA***

"You're going to be a server?" Liam asked, rubbing his hand over his face and unsettling the mess of curls of his hair. "Have you ever done this?"

"Not exactly," Elsa said, glancing at the menu. "But I want to help and so…Maybe I could run the cash register? That would not require so much practice, right?"

Bleary eyed and yet proud of his girlfriend, he wrapped her in a one armed hug and pointed her in that direction. "Ruby gave me some instructions on how to do it," he said. They are there next to the menus. Pretty simple. You don't have to ring the items individually. Just take the total written on each cheque and input that into the machine. Then choose cash or card."

Her blonde head bobbed in semi-understanding. While her usual pastel and soft appearance beguiled the steely interior of her demeanor, she had opted to fit in with the other employees of the diner. A red skirt hit her legs a few inches above her knees and her white top was stark against it. She folded over the apron she had found in back like Ruby usually did, tying it around her waist to serve more as a pocket for pens and a pad that she might need at a moment's notice. Smiling warmly at the men at the counter, she was assaulted with requests of refills and to go orders. There were a few complaints about the quality that wasn't the same. Try as she might, she could not keep the smile on her face and felt the façade of her outward demeanor cracking.

She had just explained to a particularly brash man that the to go cups and mugs were not the same thing. Mugs stayed at the restaurant, she told him at least a dozen times. He angrily chided that Granny allowed exceptions to the rules, ignoring the snide remarks from two servers that he was forever trying to break the rules and Granny never let him. As he huffed and hurried out of the door, he nearly slammed into Zelena's fashionable form. The bright blue eyes of the woman seemed to size up the appearance of Elsa in a slow glance downwards.

"Darling," she said as if the two women were old friends. "Look at you. It's so cute that you are trying to do Granny's job. Adorable, really." She shimmied and slithered out of the fitted jacket she was wearing and draped it over the stool next to where she stood. "I know you're busy, but do you mind grabbing Liam for me? I have a couple of questions about that nasty little issue with the inventory. I just know he can settle it all for us in a snap."

Elsa's mouth felt dry as she backed away, not acknowledging the woman and not ignoring her either. To her relief Liam was just inside the kitchen door, expediting as best he could. If she wasn't thrown by Zelena's presence, she would not wish for anyone to see it, especially as she could feel Liam's warmth radiating from him with a simple stare and touch of his hands to her torso. She quickly said that Zelena was there and wanted to see him, trying not to sound too relieved when he rolled his eyes at the information. She even counted to 30 before emerging back into the chaotic normalcy of the morning shift.

"Liam's a nice guy and he wants his boss to be happy with his work," Emma had said the afternoon before when she admitted that it worried her. "It is not at all a reflection on how he feels about you." The words had soothed Elsa a bit, but jealousy still gnawed at her as Zelena managed to lean over Liam, brushing her bosom across his arm as she gave him an eyeful with the first few buttons of her top undone. To his credit, he yanked back his arm, but she was not to be dissuaded.

"Zelena," Liam said a tad too firmly as he took an extra step back. "I've already shown you that the inventory is not only accurate, but we are ahead on our supplies. We could probably wait another week on an order should that be necessary."

Still bent forward with one arm under her chest to push it up and forward, she smiled. "You were such the right choice for this, darling," she practically cooed, leaving Elsa to feel concern for any of the nearby patrons who might lose their appetites. "You're so good at these matters. It was such a godsend for you to end up working with me."

"Thank you for your confidence in me," Liam answered still very tersely. "I was planning to go in about 4 today and finish reconciling the payroll records. However, with all this…" He gestured to the diner. "I think perhaps that I might get a bit more rest before I arrive this evening."

Zelena's smile did not crack as she straightened up and closed the gap between them. "You're so dedicated. It is one of the things I like best about you."

***AAA***

Emma rarely had a dreamless sleep, but there in the cramped confines of hospital chairs she managed it for a couple of hours at least. Maybe that was why she felt so disoriented as the harsh glare of florescent lights assaulted her eyes juxtaposed with the tender brush of Killian's lips against her temple. "What time is it?" she asked, nestling herself into his side rather than pulling away to let him up from the uncomfortable position.

"Half past six," he answered, the stubble on his chin tickling her forehead. "No change as far as I know. She's sleeping."

It took just a moment for all the memories to come rushing back to Emma along with the pain of her muscles contorting to create some approximation of a comfortable spot in the chairs. "Ruby?"

One of the nurses took pity on her and showed her where the staff keeps the coffee. I think she's still back there waiting on Dr. Whale to make morning rounds." He glanced at his phone to check the time again. "Will you be alright if I head on to work? I would much rather stay here, but it would not do to miss the first day."

"There's not much you can do here," Emma excused, ignoring the pins and needles of her practically numb arm coming back to sensation as she pulled back out of his embrace. "I'm probably going to stay through rounds and then head into the office. Seems Regina's pissed that the band Mary Margaret and David chose for the reception wasn't on our list of house bands or signed acts. So I need to go be yelled at for a while."

He refolded her jacket to make a pillow for her, smiling almost paternally as she laid her cheek on the softly worn leather. "I hate how you reconcile yourself to that, love. It is not your fault."

"Someone has to take it on. Anyway, you're the one who has to deal with Mr. Gold." She wrinkled her nose and rubbed at it with the heel of her left hand. "Sure you don't want to do this new job thing? It's sounding better and better."

"You sound quick to get rid of me, love," he teased, blindly reaching for his own jacket. "Unless you're planning to go with me. If that's the case I suggest a warmer climate. Perhaps me, you, and the lad could sail away to some place like Tahiti." His fingers found the jacket's edge. Instead of placing it on himself, he covered her with it. Once done he grabbed his duffel and limped to the restroom to get ready for work. She giggled at his awkward gait. "No offense to the company, Swan, but the accommodations leave much to be desired."

Once he had disappeared into the industrial tiled room, she pulled out her own phone and sent a text to Henry. He'd be awake, she estimated, knowing that her son was usually eager on the first day of school and would have plenty to do to get ready. She was right, as he answered back with his own good morning and asked after Granny right away.

***AAA***

Elsa wiped the counter again, though the staff had told her that she needn't bother with doing their tasks. She had to do something to keep her hands busy. Giving a side eyed glance to the woman speaking to her boyfriend, she felt the knot in her stomach grow.

"I trust him," she said to herself. "I trust him."

Leroy, having obviously heard her mantra, scratched at his bearded chin with a sad glint in his eyes. "Coffee?"

"I'll get you another cup," she muttered, spinning in place to the rack of coffee. There were so many options, more than should be there by her estimation. She knew there was a pot of regular and one of decaf, but what were the other four.

"White cap," Leroy said with a gruff clearing of his throat. "It's uhhh flavored."

She reached for it and refilled the off white mug in front of him as he spread some of the eggs more on his plate. "Flavored?"

"Ruby got me started on it. It's a hazelnut blend." If his face was not mostly obscured by the coarse gray and black hairs of his beard, she might have seen the blush rising to his cheeks. "Damn stuff is addicting."

Her dealings with some of the miners and other laborers in Storybrooke was pretty slim. However, she knew from what she had experienced and what Ruby would often tell her that Leroy was a soft teddy bear on the inside. There was the hint of it as he pulled the knit hat he was wearing down a bit under her watchful and curious gaze. "I bet it is." She smiled back at him. "Your secret is safe with me."

Returning the coffee pot to its home, she faced the counter again with no customers wanting to pay yet. It was hard not to notice that Zelena's reflexes seemed to anticipate Liam's every move. She didn't say her mantra aloud, but she was repeating it in her head when she felt Mr. Clark's eyes on her. Without asking, she refilled his coffee and then chose to pretend not to hear the cackle that she assumes is supposed to be Zelena's flirtatious laugh. It is like nails on a chalkboard.

"Hey, Elsa!" Henry called out as he led the way for Neal and Tamera into the diner. His school uniform was a bit creased from travel, but otherwise he's bright and ready for the first day. Ignoring the signage dictating that he and other customers should not be behind the counter, he gave her a quick side hug. "Any word on Granny?"

"She's doing better. Sleeping now." Elsa said, pushing down a bit of cowlick with her hand. "Your mom is there still."

"Dad?" Henry called out to Neal, who was busily explaining to his fiancé that egg white omelets were not a standard at a diner. "Did you ask Elsa about the present?"

Neal blinked at his son, jaw still hanging open from his explanation. "You walked in here before us. Did you see me approach Elsa and ask her anything?"

Unfazed, the middle schooler turned back to his mother's friend and client. "So I was thinking that Granny is pretty picky about food. She probably hates hospital food." He wrinkled his nose at the fading memory of a lunch he had there following a bout of appendicitis and an emergency surgery. "And she's always cooking for everyone. So I was thinking that maybe we could send food over for her. I don't know her favorite things, but maybe you or Liam know."

"That sounds like a great idea," Elsa agreed, tapping him on the nose with the tip of her finger. "I will arrange it. But since it is your idea, why don't you write a note for her and sign it from you."

***AAA***

It was the first time that she had missed that first day of school send off, the picture outside the front door in the new outfit. She had prided herself on always taking part of the day off – going in late and getting off early so that she could be there and hear the stories about his teachers, friends, and whatever else he wanted to share.

However, Killian had promised to keep her abreast of the school situation and Neal was the one to feed him breakfast. To Neal's credit, he did remember the picture – outside the car at the school but it was remembered. He had even texted Emma a copy with a quick question about Granny. Killian had texted too, wanting an update and reminding her that things would be fine. She wasn't sure how he assumed that, but his determination was at least welcome.

"You're still here," Ruby said, her cup of coffee empty but still encircled by her fingers. "I thought you had a meeting with Regina."

"Postponed," Emma said, shifting her weight. The waiting room had chairs that truly discouraged napping. So she had pulled two of them together and facing. Killian had done the same and attempted to serve as her pillow until he had to leave for work himself. Now her long legs hung over the back of the opposite her and her jacket was under her head. "If you think Regina chewing my butt out about not negotiating a contract properly is more important than Granny…"

"She'll yell at you," Ruby said, sounding a bit wistful. "Granny will yell. She'll tell you that your career comes before her. You can't raise your son if you get fired. She'll remind you that and tell me that I should pick smarter friends. Then she'll sneak off in a corner and wipe away tears that she'll blame on allergies and dust. But we'll both know that she was touched that you wanted to stay for her." Ruby looked into the depths of the paper cup that only held coffee stains. "I can't lose her, Emma. I can't do this."

"She's going to be fine," Emma said, hoping she'd believe it herself eventually. "The doctors said that she did well through the night and she's got that monitor thing on so they know…"

"I'm going to do better," Ruby declared, the cup cracking along the seams as she squeezed it. "I'm going to be a better granddaughter. I'll work double shifts. I'll even learn how to do some of the cooking. And she's always been after me to do the books. I could take an accounting class or something."

Emma watched as her friend made a list of resolutions. She knew that half of them would never happen, but Ruby was in pain and not in need of a lecture about how to live her life. "I'll help too. We'll all help."

Ruby's breathing sounded shaky as she leaned forward, her elbows on the knees. "I sent Graham home. I couldn't…I can't do this with him staring at me. He expects me to be so strong and tough. I think you're the only person I've cried in front of about this."

Emma told her that she shouldn't worry about that. Everyone knew that she was crying, expected it, and understood it. "It was nice of him to stay. And I won't mention that you slept while holding his hand."

"You know I have dirt on you too. You tell. I tell."

The duo peeked in on Granny for a moment before heading down the hall toward where they were more likely to find him. She was sleeping, her silvery hair no longer in its usual twisted knot. Emma mentioned to Ruby that she had never seen the woman with her hair down and had assumed that it was always resting just above the collar. Her hands were clutching the starched sheet and her skin seemed to fade against it. It made Emma a bit sad to see her in such a state, but there were still signs that all way okay. Only a few machines were hooked up to the woman, normal ones to keep track of vitals. She had not been moved to one of the more specialized wards. So Emma tried to count those as blessings while she watched Ruby fuss with the woman's blanket and then lead them down the hall.

"She's…"

"Sleeping," Ruby finished for her. "I know. She always looks more her age when she sleeps. Awake she's kicking and fighting, but like this…" She cleared her throat. "Can you stay with her while I go track down Victor. I want a straight answer. If she's fine, why is she still here?"

"Of course." Emma moved to take the seat, hoping it would offer some comfort to her tense and hurting muscles. It wasn't much, but the blonde vowed not to moan louder than a patient with the pain. She was hardly one for prayer, having found herself not open to the idea very often. However, sitting there she found herself praying silently that Granny would be back on her feet. The prayer was not selfish, she told herself. It was for Granny and Ruby, as well as all the others who loved the woman.

Ruby didn't hear it, nor would she have even guessed that her friend was being a bit pious at the moment. Emma tended to avoid those things, as did Ruby. She made her way past the nurse's station, ignoring the woman in white who called after her that the doctor wasn't in yet. It had only been a few dates, but she already knew that Victor Whale was a creature of habit. He typically came in early or slept at the hospital, preferring evenings and nights off for his philandering.

She also knew that he liked to hide in the chemical storage room at the end of the hall. It had a large imposing computerized keypad on it to dissuade nosy visitors, but she knew it didn't work. Pushing her way into the space, she was not surprised to find him sitting on the floor with his back against one of the cabinets and head thrown back in mid snore.

"Victor," she said, as if he had just greeted her and she was responding. When he didn't respond she said his name again a little louder.

He coughed as he woke up, head dropping forward and his chin hitting his lab coat covered chest. "Ruby?"

"Good we remember each other's names. Now tell me. Why is my grandmother still here? You said last night that you didn't think it was cardiac related."

The heels of his hands dug into his eyes as he yawned and threw out his legs in a half-hearted stretch. "I still don't think it is," he confirmed, struggling to his feet. He wiped at a bit of the dust and debris on his white coat. "But her pain is still persisting. So I kept her overnight for observation."

"This is not news," Ruby said, her red lips paler without the added lipstick. "Sorry, but I need to understand. You said we didn't have to worry. But I just looked in on her and she's hooked to machines and sleeping. Looking…well, she's looking old."

"She's no spring chicken," Victor said, chuckling at his own joke before clearing his throat again. "Look, I haven't seen anything on the reports that indicate it is her heart. I would say it was acid reflux or perhaps gastritis, but her pain was quite severe for a while. I'm waiting on more of the bloodwork to come back and then she can probably go."

"That's it?" Ruby asked, a bit embarrassed at the display she had in front of Emma earlier. "You think it is just indigestion or an upset stomach? I'm in there mentally going through her wardrobe for a funeral outfit and she just ate too much."

Victor shrugged his shoulders and leaned in what he hoped was a casual way against a cart that rolled slightly and almost sent him off balance. "Reflux patients often can have esophageal spasms that are painful and mimic heart attack symptoms. And your grandmother is already prone to attacks of bursitis in that arm."

Ruby's lips pursed further as she spun to the door and then stopped. "I guess I owe you a thank you."

"I haven't diagnosed her yet, Ruby, but I wouldn't say no to maybe dinner tonight. We could break open that wine I've been saving."

Thankful that her eyes had settled after rolling, she cast him a pitying glance over her shoulder. "I'm seeing someone," she reminded him. "Graham. You know, tall guy, beard, carries a gun."

"How could I forget?"

***AAA***

"That doesn't sound too serious," Killian said into his phone between classes. Already the first day had resulted in two sets of tears over chair placement, one near fight when some lad's girlfriend dumped him after first period, and four lost students. He still had a planning period and three more classes to go. "I'm pleased she is on the mend."

"Me too," Emma said, her voice almost muffled by the wind as she rolled down her window to swipe her card to gain entry to the parking lot at work. "I've got some bad news though."

"Are we talking ending our engagement or you don't know where to hide the body?" he teased, knowing that she was not about to drop anything that earth shattering.

"Watch it, buddy. I can take this ring back off, you know. But the bad news is that Regina called to reschedule our meeting. She sort of let it drop that she's sending me on another scouting mission. My signings have been low the past few weeks and she wants me to bring in new talent."

"Oh so it is empty bed for me bad news and cheap hotels and take out for you?"

"Exactly," she confirmed. "I haven't talked to Neal yet, but I guess I need to check with him about taking Henry for a few days. I normally would get Granny, but after this…Anyway, I thought I'd give you a head's up before I get home tonight. Damn it. I was thinking after his birthday and Anna's wedding that we could actually have some quiet time. I don't want to wake up to scratchy sheets and pillows that don't smell like you. And I may have protested at first, but I will miss sharing a shower with you too. Even if one of us usually ends up outside the spray and feels cold."

He chuckled, not able to say what he wanted with students still wandering in an out of the classroom a few feet away. "Love, I will undoubtedly miss you. Why do you think I stayed at the hospital last night? I adore the Widow Lucas, but I couldn't bear the thought of not holding you in my arms. We'll make it work. Perhaps I can come visit on the weekends. You know I would love to see this part of the country and sleep in cheap hotels with you."

She sighed, the sound more evident as the rattling engine was silenced by her arrival at a spot. "I'm sure we'll figure out something. I just feel like the world's worst fiancé right now. Mary Margaret and Anna went into full bridal mode when they got engaged. We haven't even picked a date. I don't own a bridal magazine or book. And now I'm leaving you alone for a couple of weeks. This sucks."

"Aye, it's not ideal, but I promise you we'll find a way. And as for Henry, there is no need to uproot him. He can stay at the house with me. And Neal can have his visiting time too. The wedding will happen when it happens. I didn't propose to Anna or Mary Margaret. I love you."

She closed her eyes and leaned her head back on the seat. "Water," she said abruptly, making him chuckle. "I want a wedding by the water. You and I both love the water."

"Aye, that sounds like a lovely idea. I believe we just made our first wedding plan."

***AAA***

"Did she appreciate the breakfast?" Liam asked when Elsa re-entered the diner. The crowd was gone, save a few stragglers, and the staff had dispersed either to rest or to perform routine tasks. He was nursing his coffee with the morning newspaper at the counter. "I suppose I know the answer. She didn't fuss too much did she?"

"She said there was not enough salt on the potatoes and that the egg yolk wasn't runny enough," Elsa said with a wry grin as she slid onto the stool next to him. "But she ate it all and made sure to tell Ruby that Henry is supposed to eat free for a year at least for thinking of her."

She dropped her head to his shoulder and moaned inelegantly as he readjusted their position to wrap his arm around her and drop a kiss to the top of her tousled head. "Tired, darling?"

"Just glad to get off my feet. What about you? You must be exhausted and I know you have to work at the Rabbit Hole tonight."

"Aye, our replacement will be here momentarily. Kris said he'd cover the lunch shift while that sister of yours finalizes the seating chart again. I'll catch a short nap between." He turned the page of the paper and stifled a yawn. "Wouldn't object to you napping with me."

"As long as we just sleep," she said dourly. "I don't really want to get you all worked up and then send you to Zelena."

He sighed, folding the paper back into position before kissing her head again. "You don't care for her much, do you?"

It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him what she really thought. She had pulled her head back to stare into his eyes, analyze his reaction, and let loose the feelings of inadequacy and worry that had been plaguing her. "Not particularly."

"And you want me to quit?" His blue eyes were a little pained as he watched her struggle not to break down.

"No, it's not that. I just don't like…" Elsa gave the room a quick scan to see if the wrong people were there. It was a quiet group, none of them on her warning list. "I don't like how she flirts with you and tries to seduce you."

He laughed loudly. "You think she is trying to seduce me? Darling, if that is her idea of seduction, she is sorely lacking. I'm not even close to being seduced." His head reared back again in preparation of a big laugh, but he saw that she was not laughing. "I'm sorry. I should have realized that she bothered you so much. I suppose I've been so focused on doing a good job for her that I didn't notice that you were upset."

Elsa was not prone to snorting, but did so anyway. "You didn't notice that she finds ways to touch you all the time? You didn't notice that she laughs a little too much and too long at all your jokes? You haven't heard the way she coos about your business savvy and intelligence?"

"I'm going to ignore the fact that you might have just insulted my intelligence and tell you that you are the only one I have any interest in participating with in a seduction. Zelena is my boss. However, I can see that her style or behavior has you feeling a tad uncomfortable. So I will make it a point to ward off any of her advances, if you will, if you promise to be honest with me." His hand lifted up from her shoulder to the nape of her neck where he rubbed slow circles. "This has been bothering you a while?"

She nodded slowly. "I didn't want you to feel like you had to choose between your job and me."

"It was never a contest. I love you, Elsa. And nobody and nothing will change that."