Saturday morning found Emma rolling out of bed, wide grin on her face. She was excited for today, excited to see her two favourite people. But first things first, she should probably warn her roommate that she'd be gone for the day because she knew she wasn't coming home before dark.

Emma left her room and looked around, expecting to see Mary Margaret seated at the kitchen table like so many Saturdays before (Mary Margaret was an early riser, even on weekends), but she wasn't. Emma checked around the house, ultimately finding that it was empty. She frowned, making her way back to her room and grabbing her phone.

-Hey MM. Where are you? You okay?

Emma knew that Mary Margaret had met someone, though the woman was keeping exactly who under wraps. Emma hadn't been able to pry the information out of her, although to be fair, Emma hadn't really been home much to do any prying. She'd been with Regina a lot, and since Regina and Mary Margaret didn't get along, Emma hadn't seen her roommate much at all. Maybe she'd been there last night? Come to think of it, when was the last time she'd actually seen Mary Margaret outside of work?

Emma realised, she couldn't really remember. Days? A week, maybe even longer.

Guilt gnawed at her insides. Mary Margaret had been her first friend here. She really should be making an effort to connect with her, to reach out. They saw each other in passing at work, but with her being the principal and Emma having her own students to worry about, there really wasn't much time to talk.

-Maybe if you're free tomorrow, we could go for coffee and catch up. Feel like I haven't seen you much lately.

A response came in several minutes later, Emma swiping at her phone to read what the message said.

-Hey Em! I'm good. Sorry I didn't warn you that I was sleeping out last night. Kinda happened last minute. I'd love to have coffee some time. I have plans tomorrow, though. Rain check?

If the woman had slept over at her new beau's house last night, perhaps he was her plans for tomorrow as well. Emma shuddered and refused to dig any further into that thought, instead sending back a quick reply.

-Sure, no problem.

She made herself a quick breakfast and some coffee, curling up on the couch to eat leisurely and watch cartoons. She stayed there until Regina texted her at 11, asking if she would be heading over soon.

-Absolutely. Need anything along the way?

-No, I don't believe so. Although if you felt so inclined, you could stop along the way and bring Ava with you.

-I can definitely do that. Wanna call her and let her know I'm coming now? Emma didn't have the girl's number.

-I suppose I could do that for you.

Emma chuckled at the response. She then grabbed her coat and headed out, deciding it was a nice enough day out that the two could walk. She headed down the streets of Storybrooke, taking in the sight of the homes still decorated in Christmas lights, despite the fact that it was now nearly February. She liked the lights, though. And she was glad the people here kept them up all winter.

Emma strolled up to Ava's house, only to find the girl already waiting for her outside.

"Hi, Emma!"

"Hi, squirt. Ready to go?"

The girl grinned up at her happily.

"I am."

"Are you excited to build the biggest snowman ever?" Emma asked, as she resumed her walk with the girl in tow.

"Yep! Big enough that no one can stomp on it."

Emma nodded, her face growing serious.

"I heard about that. I'm sorry your brother did that, Ava. That wasn't very nice of him."

"No. And I yelled at him lots for it. He's mean sometimes."

"Is he mean to you?" Emma asked carefully, "At home, maybe, or when you guys are alone?"

"Not as much when we're alone. He's kinda nice actually. I just don't know why he's mean when we're around other people."

Emma was relieved to hear she wasn't being bullied by her brother at home. She had worried the boy was targeting her when she was alone with him.

"He's super mean to Henry though. I don't get it. I tried talking to him but he just says he hates him."

Emma stayed quiet for a moment, thinking.

"Has he always been mean to Henry?"

"No. He's just… he's been super mean since mom left. I know he's mad but it's not Henry's fault. I don't know why he's not nice to him now."

"You three used to be friends before?"

"Sort of. Nick has other friends, but he'd sometimes hang out with Henry and me. But now, we don't play with Nick because he's just mean to Henry."

"And you've tried asking him why?"

"Yeah. He said Henry and I spend lots of time together. But he's my friend. And Nick hangs out with his other friends all the time and I'm not mean to them."

"I wonder if maybe your brother wants to play with you and Henry. Maybe he feels left out."

"He didn't tell me that. But even still, he's only mean to Henry. I don't know why only Henry."

"Well, maybe he's mean to Henry because he thinks he's taking you away from him."

Ava stopped in her tracks. It was like a light bulb had gone off in her mind.

Their mom had left because she had gotten a boyfriend. Nick always blamed the boyfriend for stealing their mom away from them. Did Nick think she was going to leave because of Henry?

"Do you think maybe he thinks I'm like mom?"

"What do you mean?" Emma asked softly, seeing the girl's distraught expression.

"Like he thinks I'm gonna leave too? Because of Henry?"

Emma crouched down in front of the girl, meeting her eyes.

"It's possible, honey. You won't know 'til you ask him. It's also possible he just feels hurt you're out having fun and not inviting him to join you. It's hard to know without talking to him."

"If he wasn't mean to Henry, we would invite him."

Emma nodded, squeezing the girl's shoulder.

"I know, honey. Why don't you talk to Henry and maybe then you can talk to Nick? Maybe we can do an activity together one day and see how it goes? If you and Henry think it's a good idea. It would be nice if we could find a way for this to stop."

Ava bit her lip, thinking about it. She agreed, but she wasn't convinced. She'd have to talk to Henry.

"Maybe."

Ava didn't like leaving her brother out, but it was true that he was the one who was always mean to Henry. Henry never did anything back, but she knew it hurt her friend to be mistreated like that. It just never made sense because Nick was usually nice. Except when she spent a lot of time with Henry and not as much with him. Then he did seem to be mad at her too…

"This is a lot to think about."

Emma laughed.

"Yes, it is. But you're not alone. Do you want a hug? You did a really good job talking to me just now. And if you need a hug, I would love to give you one."

Ava hesitated for a minute before nodding.

"Come here, honey," Emma opened her arms and pulled the girl in tight, holding her close. "I'm proud of you for opening up. It's important to talk about how you feel."

"Okay," the girl responded, unsure of what she should say.

Emma continued to hold her until Ava finally pulled away. Emma then slowly stood, wincing at the ache in her knees. Damn, she was getting old.

"Come on. You can talk to Henry when we arrive."

Ava nodded in response, taking her teacher's hand as they resumed their walk. They made it to the house a few minutes later, the two heading into the house immediately.

"Regina?" Emma called out, smiling up at Henry when he poked his head out of his room. "Hi, Hen!"

"Hi!" the boy replied enthusiastically, rushing down the steps to Ava. "You wanna go outside right away? I can't wait to build our snowman."

"Okay. Sure."

"You two will let me know if you need anything?" Emma spoke to them both, but her eyes hovered mostly over Ava. "Anything, okay?"

The girl nodded.

"Thank you."

"Where's your mom, Hen?"

"In the kitchen."

"I'll be in there if you guys need me."

"I'm sure you will," Henry whispered conspiratorially to his friend, who giggled in response. Emma, however, missed the interaction as she was already headed down the hallway.

"Hey, Regi-holy shit."

"What?"

"You look…" Emma had no words, her eyes raking over every inch of cleavage currently on display.

Emma had stopped dead in her tracks, her brain short-circuiting at the view before her. Regina wore tight black slacks and a teal blouse, but it was the fact that the top was unbuttoned to a point that it was practically entirely undone that was causing Emma's brain to stop working. Okay, so there was a tank top underneath, so it wasn't like Regina was topless, but the flimsy material did nothing to hide Regina's perfect assets encased it what was (Emma squinted) a lacy bra. She couldn't tell the colour, but it was probably also equally enticing.

"Damn," Emma gawked.

Regina frowned, still wiping at her front. She'd unbuttoned her blouse just seconds ago as she'd dropped a noodle down her shirt, and she had had to practically remove it in order to wipe at the sauce (served her right for trying to sneak a snack). Emma had caught her in the middle of wiping herself down, but it wasn't like she was naked. She was wearing another layer underneath. Regina, suddenly realising what was happening, ultimately rolled her eyes.

"Do try to keep the drool in your mouth, miss Swan."

Emma grinned at Regina's teasing tone, taking a few strides across the kitchen before stopping directly in front of the other woman.

"Can I help?"

Regina chuckled and gently pushed her a step back.

"No," she said pointedly. "I can just imagine where your help would lead."

Emma waggled her eyebrows, boo-ing at the other woman when she began buttoning her shirt back up. Choosing to ignore the reaction, Regina instead asked where Ava was.

"Outside with Henry. They wanted to get a head start on the snowman. We should probably give them a few minutes alone anyway."

"Why?"

"Ava and I had an interesting chat on our way here. I think maybe her brother is feeling jealous or threatened by Henry and that's why he's picking on him. Ava said Nick is fine with her at home. It's when Henry's mixed in that he becomes a problem."

Regina bristled at the words.

"Yes, well. Henry's always been kind to him so he's not-"

"Hey," Emma said gently, in light of Regina's defensive tone. "I'm not blaming Henry and neither is Ava. I'm just saying, if we know why Nick is acting out, it'll make it easier to come up with a solution, if we can come up with one. Especially since it sounds like this is relatively new behaviour. She said he wasn't like this before (which Regina had to admit, yes, Nick and Henry had been on friendly terms at one point). I asked Ava if they ever invite Nick out with them and she said no, so maybe that's the issue."

"He isn't invited because he bullies Henry."

"Yeah. But I asked Ava if she explained to Nick that Henry was her friend and could be his too, if only he changed his attitude. Look, they never invite him to play with them. So I think the kid is probably feeling left out and so he's lashing out at Henry. Ava thinks Nick might be feeling like Henry is taking her away from him, and, you know, given what's happened with their mom... I feel like it makes sense he's acting this way."

Regina let the words settle, realisation suddenly dawning on her. She had attributed the boy's bullying to his mother's abandonment. It had been clear to anyone who was paying attention that Nick was lashing out because of the fact that she'd left. It made perfect sense, especially given that the boy had been closer to his mother than his father. However, she'd never really thought about why it was Henry in particular who was the target as she'd been more focused on simply keeping Henry away from the bullying. Beyond that, she hadn't looked at it more closely. She'd only been interested in keeping Henry safe and away from Nick.

"I think Nick is equating Henry to mom's boyfriend. Maybe. Ava spends a lot of time with Henry, away from Nick. I know he took their mom's leaving hard. He obviously wouldn't react well thinking his sister is going to leave too. Which is why I think he looks at Henry as a threat. Maybe. Or maybe he's just jealous he's being left out. Or maybe he's just a dick, but the way Ava talked about how he behaves when they're alone makes me think it's more about feeling jealous or threatened."

Regina sighed.

"I still don't like the idea of him being around Henry. He's hurt him quite a lot."

"I know. But if we're there to supervise…" Emma trailed off. "We can take him home if he starts acting up. If we take all three of them out for an activity, like sledding or bowling or something, I think it'll help take the pressure off."

Regina regarded her for a minute, before Emma finally asked what she was looking at.

"You. You like helping people."

Emma shrugged.

"I don't like when people are hurting. If I can help, I like to. I like helping others. Kind of make it my mission in life to help people. You know, it's been nice being here for you too."

Regina's expression changed.

"Is that why you became my friend? I was another project for you?"

Emma frowned. Regina's tone seemed a little angry, but there was obviously something else there. Maybe in addition to anger? Was she even angry? Emma was torn, because Regina's expression wasn't angry, but her tone kind of seemed it. Edgy, at least. But this wasn't Regina's angry face. However, Emma couldn't identify with any real certainty what it was that Regina was feeling. This was new.

"I'm not sure what you're asking here."

Regina sighed.

"I'm just wondering… why me, Emma? There are so many women to choose from. Why are you interested in me? Is it because I'm a project for you?" There were so many other, kinder, less complicated women out there. It didn't make sense. Regina had spent a lot of time thinking about it the last couple of days. Why her?

Emma's eyebrows shot up to her hairline. Talk about your left field.

"Where is this coming from?" Emma asked softly. The sudden insecurity surprised her.

Regina didn't answer, so Emma approached her, placing gentle hands on the woman's biceps.

"I've been drawn to you from the beginning, Regina," Emma answered honestly. "When I saw you stalking down hallways, before I even knew if you were real or imaginary, there was something about you. I was drawn to Henry, too, from the beginning. There's just something about you both. And the more I get to know you, the more I like you, and the more I wanna be with you. I don't see you as a 'project' though. You're not something I'm looking to fix, Regina. I'm drawn to you because I like who you are, not because I think you're something I can fix or make better."

"Good. I've had enough of people trying to fix me."

Ah.

Regina's mother had spent her entire life trying to 'fix' her. This was definitely part of it.

"Hey," Emma murmured, taking a half-step forward and pulling Regina into her arms. "I like you, Regina. I like you a lot, just the way you are. I'm not trying to fix you or change you. I wasn't trying before, either. I just wanted to be your friend.

"I can't pretend like I don't see that you're sometimes really sad, and that's maybe something I'd like to see change, but that's not why I feel this pull towards you. It's not why I'm interested in you."

"Then why?"

Emma squeezed her gently.

"Lots of reasons. Your spark. Your confidence. I like that you know what you want and you're unapologetic about it. You're one of the smartest people I know and I love how much I learn off of you. I like how you parent. I think you're an amazing mom and that is really, really attractive. I love how independent you are. I love your cooking and the way you move around. I like that you're not one dimensional and you're always keeping me on my toes. I love that every time I'm around you, I learn something new about you. Sometimes it's something totally unexpected too. But I love that you also are vulnerable, too.

"One of the best things about you though is your personality. You're snarky and cranky and funny as hell," and because she felt like Regina could use a little humour just now, she added, "and your ass looks killer in a pair of jeans. That's a wicked bonus."

Regina bit her lip to keep from laughing, smacking Emma's shoulder instead.

"I mostly just like who you are and the more I get to know you, the more I like you," Emma said sincerely, nuzzling the woman's neck. "And I like how you make me feel when I'm around you, too."

And that, well. That melted Regina's heart.

Emma and Regina joined the children a little later in the afternoon, having provided the two friends ample time to talk. By the time they'd gone outside, the duo were working on the snowman's second ball, Emma jumping right in and helping them push it around the yard. Regina watched along in amusement for a few minutes before starting on the head, taking a step back and allowing Ava to take over when the second ball was ready to go on the base. She walked over to Emma, who was sizing up exactly how to get the medium sized ball onto the base.

"You are not doing that alone, Emma. I'll grab one side and you can grab the other."

Emma gave her a look.

"Like your skinny little arms are going to help me."

Regina balked, not having expected the woman's teasing words.

"Excuse me!"

Emma laughed, poking her bicep.

"Just like your son, this is where your muscles would be, if you had any. I'll do this myse- oof!"

Regina wasted no time in tackling Emma to the ground, pinning her in place.

"What say you now?"

Emma laughed loudly when she realised what had happened, quickly flipping them so that Regina was on her back.

"I say I have you pinned. Now what do you have to say?"

Henry and Ava looked at each other in amusement before looking back at the two adults.

"Definitely flirting," Ava whispered to him.

Regina pulled off her gloves and buried her fingers in the snow, Emma looking down at her in confusion. She glanced back up and met Regina's gaze questioningly, before her eyes widened and she shrieked in surprise as Regina plunged her icy digits beneath Emma's jacket and up her back.

"Regina!" Emma yelled, quickly scrambling away from the laughing woman. "You cheat."

"Ah, that is not cheating. There were no rules to begin with."

Emma mock glared at her as she stood.

"Sneaky."

Regina grinned wickedly.

"That I am."

Emma held her gaze for a few seconds before turning back to the ball they'd been eyeing earlier.

"Grab a side, Emma."

Emma sighed, ultimately doing as Regina dictated. The two women struggled for a few minutes, before finally realising the snowball was far too heavy to lift.

"Mom? Can I go see if Mr. Nolan can come and help?"

Regina frowned. She didn't want to disturb her neighbour for something so silly.

"No, Henry. It's the weekend. Let Mr. Nolan rest."

Emma hesitated before turning to Regina. She didn't want to seem like she was challenging her in front of her son, but she knew David would be happy to help.

"Actually, I really don't think he'd mind. But, if you still say no, that's cool."

Emma had spent a lot of time with David, given that he was one of the other gym teachers. She knew him fairly well. He liked playing outside, knew that he enjoyed building igloos for fun. He'd probably get a kick out of building a giant snowman with them.

"He might actually even join us," Emma added.

Regina relented when both Henry and Emma looked at her, eyes wide and hopeful. Ava's eager smile didn't help.

"Alright. You may ask him, but if he says no, you respect his answer."

"Okay!"

Regina turned away from Emma when the two children left, muttering.

"Everything okay?"

"Yes," Regina responded. "But my life was much easier before I had two sets of eyes I couldn't say no to."

Emma, realising what Regina meant, grinned widely and walked up to her, engulfing her in a hug. She looked into Regina's eyes, seeing the mirth so evident in them.

"Really? You couldn't say no to me just then?"

"No," Regina muttered. "You and your cursed doe eyes. I've entirely too much affection for you and it's going to be my downfall."

Emma squeezed the other woman tight, holding her gaze, a strong urge to kiss her suddenly overcoming her. She glanced down at Regina's lips, but then quickly looked back up, finding that Regina was looking at her just as intently.

"The feeling is mutual, you know," Emma finally whispered.

Regina smiled softly at her, her fingers coming up to brush a few stray strands out of Emma's face. She loved the woman's eyes, loved how expressive they were, but she wasn't lying about being unable to resist them. It was becoming evident to Regina that she was going to be unable to resist far more of Emma if things continued the way that they were, especially after the woman's earlier words.

They stood there smiling at one another, Regina's fingers grazing Emma's cheek, Emma's arms wrapped around her lower back, until they were interrupted by the sound of the children returning.

"Mom!" Henry called out, stopping in surprise when he saw his mom and Emma standing so closely. He exchanged a quick glance with Ava, who had obviously noticed as well, before coming back into the yard.

"Yes, mijo?" Regina asked, stepping away from Emma.

"Mr. Nolan said he would come out and help us in a second. He just needs to get some boots on."

"Principal Blanchard was there too," Ava supplied helpfully.

Regina paled. Mary Margaret was with David? She glanced over at Emma, noting that the woman looked equally surprised. There would be only one reason for the woman to be there on a weekend.

"This is news to you, too?"

Emma nodded.

"I knew she was seeing someone, I just didn't know who."

Regina quickly shook her head.

"Well, I've no desire to entertain the woman. I'll go make us some hot chocolate."

With that, Regina turned on her heels and headed into the house, leaving Emma to stare after her. She wanted to go after her, but she couldn't leave David to do all of the heavy lifting alone. After all, it was her who pushed for him to be invited.

Emma looked over and smiled when she saw David heading over, giving a short wave as the man approached.

"Hey."

"Hey, yourself," he replied. "Nice snowman."

"Well, he's a bit in pieces right now. But he'll be impressive once we're done with him. Thanks for the help."

"Couldn't say no to two of my favourite students," David replied, grinning at the children who watched on eagerly. "Alright. Let's do this."

Emma followed David over to the snowball currently waiting to be moved, the two adults grunting with the effort of lifting it onto the base, while the children cheered them on. Emma fought the laugh in the back of her throat at their enthusiasm, knowing that if she did, she'd lose all of her strength. She managed to hold back until they hoisted the middle ball onto the larger one, finally collapsing against the snowman as she panted out a laugh. She caught David's eyes and the man laughed along with her, before Ava called him over to grab the snowman's head.

David did as he was asked, grabbing the head and plopping it onto the rest of the body.

"There. Now you guys can make him even bigger by adding more snow to his body."

The two friends looked at each other like they hadn't considered the possibility, the adults laughing at their twin expressions of excitement. David took a few steps back, away from where the two children began collecting snow. Emma walked over and joined him, nodding towards his driveway where they could talk more privately. David followed her, stopping only when she finally did. They could still see Ava and Henry from here, but they wouldn't be overheard.

"So, you and Mary Margaret, huh?"

David sighed.

"Yeah. Look, we haven't really told anyone…"

Emma nodded.

"I figured."

David stayed quiet for a minute before responding.

"And you and Regina?"

"Just friends," she replied.

"You sure?"

Emma glanced over at him.

"Well, it's all it used to be."

"And now?"

Emma shrugged.

"Not really sure. Not anything, yet. Don't tell Mary Margaret I said anything about this though. I don't think Regina would like it."

David nodded.

"Probably not." He paused. "Has Regina told you about what happened between-"

"No."

"Okay."

"I think she will, but she needs time."

David bobbed his head in agreement.

"There's a lot of history in this town, Emma."

"I know. And I'm missing a lot of it."

"You are," David agreed. "Regina's… She's been hurt. A lot. But she's a good person. She just, her defenses are strong. And high."

"I know."

"Kinda like you."

Emma side-eyed him.

"Stop playing shrink," she responded, but her tone was gentle.

David chuckled.

"I think you guys would be good for each other."

Emma smiled softly.

"Yeah, I think so too." Emma looked out at the children, jutting her chin in their direction. "Thanks, by the way. For helping."

"Any time. I love all those damn kids, even though they all drive me insane."

Emma laughed.

"Ditto."

"You're good with him," David said after a beat. "Henry. Regina's a good mom, but she's a bit… serious. They both need to lighten up a little, and I think you're the perfect person for them."

"You saying I'm immature?"

"I'm saying there's a reason you and I are friends. We're both overgrown children."

"Regina tells me I'm an idiot pretty regularly," Emma admitted with a smile.

"Yeah, but I'd bet my paycheque she says it with so much affection it seems like a compliment." David nudged her arm. "And I think you like it."

Emma couldn't deny it, so she didn't say anything at all.

"I should head back inside."

Emma nodded.

"Listen, I know things between Regina and M&M are… strained. But I hope that doesn't come between us. You're a good friend, David. And Mary Margaret's been really good to me too."

David smiled. He had always had hope that with enough time, things would resolve between Regina and Mary Margaret. If not fully then at least enough to call a truce between the two. After he'd heard about the way Emma had mended things between Belle and Regina, his hope had increased. And then he'd heard about Ruby getting a little closer to Regina as well, also because of Emma. Now, he was sure that if there was anyone who could mend things between them, it was Emma.

Granted, there was a lot more history between Regina and Mary Margaret, so the road would be longer and rockier, but he had seen how Regina had started to change with Emma around. She'd become less guarded, more open. Before Emma came into the picture, he had rarely heard Regina laugh. Wasn't even sure if he had actually heard it. But now? Now he heard it fairly regularly, drifting over their shared fence. It was nice. He was happy for Regina.

"If you ever need anything…" David finally said.

"You too. I'll see you on Monday."

David grinned at her.

"Yes, you will. Goodnight, Emma."

"Night, David."

Emma walked back into the yard, bypassing the two children currently working on making their snowman as big as possible, and headed to the kitchen where she knew she'd find Regina.

Emma found Regina staring at the counter top, clearly deep in thought.

"Regina, can we talk?"

"About?"

"You're upset and I want to talk about it."

"I'm not upset with you."

"Good. I didn't think you were, but it helps to hear you say it," Emma admitted. "But regardless, you are upset and I wanna hear about it."

"You want to hear about why I'm upset," Regina repeated skeptically.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because I care about you and I care about your feelings. Is that so hard to believe?"

Regina sighed.

No. It really wasn't, especially not after what Emma had said earlier. And so Regina told her as much. Emma had proven to her that she cared, but it didn't mean it was easy to share. Regina had been doing a lot of sharing lately, and she wasn't used to it. Especially when it came to the topic of her feelings.

The truth was, Regina's brain was a jumbled mess. Thoughts overlapping and emotions confusing her. She wasn't sure she could get anything out that would make any kind of sense, not enough for Emma to follow anyway.

Regina had been thinking. She'd been thinking ever since she'd entered the kitchen. And she'd come to one very obvious conclusion: it was none of her business.

It was none of her business what David did. It didn't matter what Mary Margaret did. It didn't matter who they dated. They were together and it was none of her business. She had no right to be upset.

But she was. She was upset. And she'd become upset as soon as she'd realised that they were seeing each other. And she had immediately wanted to yell at him for not informing her. She'd wanted to lash out at him and then to write off their friendship.

But that wasn't fair. Because he'd done nothing wrong by not telling her he was dating Mary Margaret. Because, it was none of her business. He didn't have to tell her who he was dating. It was his life, not hers.

So, she was upset, and she was thinking. And she realised that something was bothering her about her desire to lash out at David upon finding out he was dating Mary Margaret: it had been her first reaction. She hadn't even considered talking to him. Had he been there, she'd have yelled at him. She wouldn't have even tried to talk to him. She'd have yelled. And that realisation bothered her.

It bothered her, because of something Emma had said to her before, during one of their previous discussions. You attack them first. You lash out. You don't give people the chance to like you.

The words were playing over and over in her mind, and they made her sick. Because they were true.

Regina abandoned the hot chocolate ingredients and began scrubbing her stove top. She'd needed a more vigorous activity as Emma's words rang in her ears. She scrubbed at the stove furiously as she thought, feeling more and more sickened as her thoughts overwhelmed her.

She was sickened because… maybe Emma was right. Maybe Regina had been the problem, had been the cause for a lot of the tension between her and the other residents of this town when she'd first come home. The strain between Regina and Belle had dissolved significantly since the night they'd had dinner together. Things had also been improving between Regina and Ruby, the woman popping by earlier and earlier to her classroom to just… chat. It was like there'd never been any distance between them at all. And then her relationship with Granny had been mended, also thanks to Emma.

As Regina scrubbed at her stove, she was starting to come to the uncomfortable conclusion that maybe the reason the tension had existed in the first place between her and Belle, and also between her and Ruby, was because Regina had put it there. Not because it had been a mutual dislike of the other. But because she'd lashed out at them from the beginning.

And she had. Regina… she knew she had. She could try to pretend like the two women had been nasty to her as well. But, they hadn't. Regina knew they hadn't. And she wasn't going to lie to herself and pretend like they had. They'd talked about her, she knew that much, and that had bothered her. But rather than discuss it with them. She'd. Well. She'd lashed out. And pushed them away.

Regina sighed, putting the scrubber away and washing her hands. She was getting a headache. She then went back to the hot chocolate, still thinking.

So it had been all her. And the proof was in how easy everything had fallen back into place, how easily she'd fallen back into comfortable conversation with Belle and with Ruby, once Regina had let her guard down.

And that realisation hit her hard. It hurt. And it bothered her. Well and truly bothered her.

And if that wasn't enough, there was David and Mary Margaret now. Which was another issue to think about.

Regina didn't want to put a wall between her and David. She didn't want to push him away. She was just starting to get some of her old friendships back. She wanted to make and keep friends, not lose them.

David was her friend. Her closest friend, in fact (besides Emma). But she'd instantly recoiled when she'd found out he was seeing Mary Margaret (the only logical conclusion as to why the woman was at his place over the weekend. They had to be together.). And she wasn't sure if she even could be his friend if they were together. But she had no right to interfere.

"Regina?"

Regina startled, having forgotten that Emma had joined her in the kitchen.

"I don't know, Emma," she finally said, moving back to the stove with her pot. "I don't know what exactly I'm feeling. I'm thinking so many things that it's overwhelming."

It truly wasn't Regina's business who David decided to bed. It wasn't, but she couldn't help feeling upset. Betrayed. Because she trusted David. Had trusted him. He'd been a safe person for her. Had supported her during some of her most vulnerable times. He knew things about her, things she hadn't talked about with anyone else. He understood her. He made her feel safe.

And now, now he was with someone who invoked the exact opposite feelings in her.

And there was the crux of the issue with David, wasn't it?

Regina trusted David, but she didn't trust Mary Margaret. She would never trust her. She wanted nothing to do with her and wanted the woman to know nothing about her. And now David was with her. And the idea that David was close to Mary Margaret, that he might be sharing some of Regina's most vulnerable moments with the woman who had been the very reason Regina had lost everything so long ago…

It was a lot. Too much. And Regina was scared. Confused.

"Damn it," Regina cursed, ripping the now bubbling milk from the stove and hovering the overflowing pot over the sink.

Emma had been watching Regina closely, watching the way the woman's brows furrowed and the way she bit her lower lip. She had watched Regina drift off into her own world and shake her head and pace. Regina was clearly deep in thought, was upset, and Emma had stood by, waiting patiently for her to open up.

She waited.

And waited. But Regina kept quiet. Thinking. So, Emma decided to make herself useful while she waited. She made her way to the cupboard when Regina moved to the sink, pulling out four mugs and setting them on the counter, content to simply share the space with the other woman.

"Thank you," Regina finally spoke. "It's all ready now. Will you call in Henry and Ava?"

"Sure."

Regina focused on pouring the mugs of hot chocolate before grabbing some marshmallows and dropping a few in each one. She carried two to the living room, turning on the television and leaving the remote for Henry and Ava to choose something to watch. She pulled the knitted blanket from the back of the couch and smiled at Henry and Ava when they came rushing into the room, gesturing for them to sit on the couch.

The two children did as they were told, Regina covering their laps with the blanket and pointing at their mugs.

"Your hot chocolates are there. You may watch what you'd like. Emma and I will be in the kitchen if you need anything."

"Thanks, mom!"

"Thank you!"

She smiled at both of the children and made her way back to the kitchen, where Emma was wiping down Regina's mess on the stove.

"You don't have to do that, Emma. I can take care of it."

Emma sent her such a sincere smile that it tugged at Regina's heart.

"You could, or I could do it for you so that you don't have to."

Regina stood in the kitchen for a moment, watching Emma, before walking over to the woman and wrapping her arms around her. Emma, surprised, quickly tossed the dishcloth she'd been holding and tugged Regina close.

"What's wrong, baby?"

Regina's heart fluttered.

It was the first time Emma called her a pet name and it hit her hard in the stomach. Regina burrowed deeper in Emma's arms, basking in her calm strength for a few minutes. Breathing in her scent, listening to the way Emma's heart beat against her ear. It felt so nice to be held like this, to be held close by Emma. She let her energy wash over her for a little longer before she finally found the courage to speak.

"I'm sorry, Emma. My head's a bit of a mess."

"I know, honey. I can see that. I just want to try to understand. You're not alone, you know."

Regina sighed, nodding.

"Remember when you told me that perhaps the reason everyone is so distant from me is because I pushed them away first?"

"Yeah, I do."

"It's been playing in my mind that you… that you may be correct. And it's been upsetting me, because I don't want to admit that that might be exactly what happened when I returned to Storybrooke." Regina took half a step back. Not enough to break contact, just enough so that she could look up at Emma. "The dinner with Belle reinforced that idea. She was… she acted as though there was no anger between us. As though there was no animosity at all between us. She was kind to me."

Regina looked away as tears built in her eyes. There was definitely some animosity between her and certain residents of Storybrooke. She hadn't imagined the looks or the way conversations ended when she stepped in the room. She knew that there was still plenty of gossip floating around town. But it was eating at her that she had, perhaps, alienated some of the people who would have otherwise been kind to her had she just tried. People like Belle.

Emma pulled Regina back into her embrace, kissing her temple as she slowly rubbed her back.

"That's a lot to process."

Regina gave a watery chuckle.

"It is."

"This has been on your mind all this time? Ever since I said it?"

Regina nodded.

"But it came to a head tonight. And then with David and Mary Margaret on top of it all, it just overwhelmed me."

"I can just imagine," Emma replied, kissing her temple once more. "You were pretty deep in thought there for a while."

Regina nodded again.

"I was. I still am, but I think I just need time."

"I get that. I'm here if you need anything."

"Thank you, Emma. It feels nice to be held by you," Regina finally said softly.

"It feels really nice to hold you."

"I'm sorry for how I treated you earlier. I'm sorry for abandoning you with David and Mary Margaret."

"Mary Margaret didn't join us. It was just David."

"Oh."

"I know she makes you uncomfortable. Or like, you hate her maybe. And I know there's still a lot you need to think about. But," Emma paused for a second, "David's one of my good friends. I don't want to stop being his friend because he's dating Mary Margaret. She's also my roommate. I stay in her house…"

Regina pulled back, running a hand through her hair.

"I would never ask you to stop being his friend, Emma. I- I don't want that. I'm just… lost in thought."

"Okay. You wanna tell me a bit more about why you were so upset about them being together?"

"I'm still processing… But I believe much of it has to do with what he's telling her. Or what he might be telling her," Regina amended, hesitating as she worked through her thoughts. "David, he's been very good to me. I trust him. But, it makes me uncomfortable at the idea that perhaps he's sharing some personal things about me with her. He knows a lot about me, more than I've allowed others to see. Besides you, of course. I don't like that he may be telling her things I'd prefer she not know."

"I can understand that. For what it's worth though, I don't think he would share anything about you to her. He's a good guy, Regina. And he respects you. Frankly, they're probably too busy makin' it like rabbits to do much of anything else."

Regina shot her a disgusted look, causing Emma to laugh.

"What? New relationship. It's true."

Regina rolled her eyes, grateful for the turn to lighter conversation. She'd been happy to have time to think, and then to discuss a little with Emma. But she was exhausted and she just wanted to forget for a little while.

"Yes, well. If you believe that will happen to us, you will be sorely disappointed."

Emma smiled at her then.

"You don't wanna make it like rabbits? Why not? It's fun. We can just keep going and going…"

Regina pushed lightly on Emma's sternum.

"And going and going."

"Drink your hot chocolate."

Emma grabbed her hot chocolate from the counter and took a sip before setting it back down.

"And going and going…"

"Yes, well, now I'm going. Right now, from this kitchen."

Regina made a move to exit the kitchen but Emma reached out and grabbed her around the middle, pulling her back into her arms. Emma's stomach fluttered at Regina's soft giggle, wrapping her arms protectively around the woman.

"Thank you for telling me all of this tonight," she said sincerely, lips pressed to Regina's head.

"Thank you for listening."

"Always," Emma responded earnestly. "I'm sorry for upsetting you though… with what I said about you maybe pushing everyone away first."

"Don't be. It needed to be said. Thank you for being brave enough to confront me when I need it."

Emma smiled at her.

"I mean, you're kinda scary but also, I just want you to be happy. I know sometimes that means telling you things you might not wanna hear."

Regina nodded slowly.

"Yes, it does."

After a second, Regina asked, "Should we join the children in the living room?"

Emma sighed dramatically, grabbing her hot chocolate while Regina grabbed her own.

"Probably."

The two women made their way down the hallway to the living room, but before they entered it, Emma stopped and pulled Regina close. She kissed her gently on the forehead once, before pulling away and looking her in the eyes.

"Just because," she said softly, then lead the way to the couch.