I don't own these characters; Disney/ABC does.
A/N: more physical loving between these ladies. Enjoy.
14: Shelter
Emma thought sex would consume her after she and Regina started up. Like she would want to do it all the time, on every surface, in every place in the house, but that was not the case. Sure, they had lots of sex, but she still wanted to do simple things with Regina, like watch movies on the couch.
"Are you paying attention to the movie?" Regina asked, curled up at Emma's side, and dressed in a skimpy black nightie.
Emma shoved a mini-cinnamon roll in her mouth. "Uh-huh…" She had no idea what the hell was going on in the movie. Eating a gooey cinnamon roll in one bite was way more fascinating and she had five more to make it through.
Regina pushed her bare shoulder. "No, you're not. You didn't cheer when there was a shootout."
Emma gasped, choked, and coughed as she managed to swallow down the roll. "Shootout?" How had she missed that? She turned to the television. This was a suspense thriller. When and where did a shootout fit in?
Regina chuckled and kissed Emma. Emma was pretty sure she had just been tricked, but she could not care less if it got her kissed. Regina lingered and then licked the corner of Emma's mouth. Emma shuddered as pleasure zipped right between her legs.
"You're getting icing everywhere," Regina said.
Emma groaned. "If it gets you to do that, I'm gonna paint my lips with the damn icing."
Regina scoffed. "It'll get me to wash your face."
That got a laugh out of Emma. "I bet it would. I'm gonna have to take up running or something thanks to these." Emma ate a couple more pastries. She had to stay in shape considering what her body did to Regina, but it might be damn hard considering Regina's favorite pastime beyond taking care of Emma.
"If you want, we can set up a gym for you in the basement. I have a space where I used to do yoga."
"You don't do it anymore?" Emma knew the answer to that.
Regina sighed, as if she missed the activity. "I don't have the time. It might be possible in the future, once the business settles."
Emma nodded. "If you need someone to do it with you, I'm free."
"I am aware, but I'm more interested in you building muscle. I fantasize about you carrying me up the stairs." With a smirk, she glanced at the stairs.
Emma grunted. "You do know how to motivate me." Definitely time to take up weight training. Gotta fulfill that fantasy sometime next year. Would it be possible to bulk up enough to do it by Regina's birthday? Probably not, but she would try.
"Trust me, you're not hard." Regina ticked up an eyebrow. A simple move that almost guaranteed Emma would be sitting in a puddle.
She's right. Emma's new goal was to build enough muscle to be able to carry Regina upstairs. Maybe it was unrealistic, but it was something.
For now, though, she was able to carry Regina to the stairs. She had done such several times, and once they safely made it up there, she was able to carry Regina down the hall. Regina rewarded her with kisses immediately and orgasms down the line. A very fair exchange in her mind.
"I could be hard," Emma remarked before popping another cinnamon roll in her mouth. She wiggled her eyebrows.
Regina turned to look at her more directly. "Are you trying to tell me something?"
Emma shrugged. "You did say you were gonna order me a tail and some other toys. I mean, yeah, my mouth and fingers have been getting the job done, but we'd be able to have some real fun."
"It's noted." Regina rubbed Emma's thigh.
"Your mouth and fingers are okay, too." Emma smirked, if only to be annoying.
"Oh, believe me, I know my abilities are much better than okay."
Emma laughed. "I love your confidence. I wonder if other pets like having confident owners."
"Dogs, I'm sure, and you're practically a lapdog, so it makes sense."
"Hey!" Emma held up a finger. "Stray cat."
"I'm sure." Regina kissed the corner of her mouth again, making it impossible to stay upset.
"I do like being in your lap, though."
"It's not a secret."
"I'd never let it be." Emma popped another cinnamon roll in her mouth.
Regina rolled her eyes. Emma finished her treats and tried to focus on the movie, but she missed too much of it now to follow. She tried asking questions, but Regina shushed her. She should have seen that coming. Well, she had a backup plan. They would just have to continue this movie tomorrow.
Emma had been testing this ability to kiss and touch Regina anytime she wanted. It proved true, which she expected, but she still got nervous whenever she initiated contact. The nerves lessened each time she did it. Still, she paused before leaning in, capturing Regina's mouth in a sweet kiss.
Regina kissed her back, losing interest in the movie instantly. Emma smiled against Regina's lips. She wants me. This thought filled Emma with confidence as well as lust, as it always did. She picked Regina up from the couch and carried her to the stairs without breaking the kiss. They paused to go upstairs safely. They continued as they hit the landing. Emma picked Regina up again.
They made it down the hall and to Regina's bedroom, exchanging kisses all the way there. Emma laid Regina down on the middle of the bed and Regina did not stop kissing her. The kiss only broke for them to undress each other.
"God, you're so fucking sexy," Emma whispered as she drank in Regina's body. How was this meant for her? What had she done so right to be allowed this sight?
Regina smirked. "I have not doubted you think so, not once. I can see it in your eyes."
Emma licked her lips. "That's good to know. You better tell me if you ever stop seeing it in my eyes. I'll need to have my head examined if that happens." She made herself busy kissing Regina's neck and settled between Regina's beautiful, bare legs. Her hands stroked Regina's soft sides, hips, and then settled on her breasts.
"Damn, these are great," Emma muttered as she kneaded Regina's perfect breasts. They filled her hands, so more than enough. She dragged her tongue across Regina's throat as she pinched both nipples.
Regina made little sounds with each touch of Emma's lips or squeeze from her hands. Emma would never tire of these sounds. The most wonderful music to her ears. She wanted more, more sounds, more touch, more taste. More everything. Her kisses floated down to Regina's breasts and wrapped her lips around a puckered nipple. Regina arched into her mouth. Fuck, she wants me.
Emma's brain had a hard time processing the thought of Regina wanting her. Yes, it was obvious, but what had she done to earn this amazing gift? What had she done to convince this remarkable woman to love her, to care about her, to want her? It was so insane. She was a throwaway person. No, you're worthy of Regina, so you are someone and you're someone that's going to show her she made the right decision in keeping you.
Emma slid a hand between Regina's legs and found her dripping. Fuck. This is for me. I make her feel this way. She wants me as much as I want her. And, Emma really wanted Regina.
Emma stroked Regina, earning louder moans, and Regina's hips moved against Emma's hand. This all made Emma's blood buzz with desire and her mind focused on a single thought: make her feel amazing. She was unable to wait, so definitely could not tease. Emma pulled her mouth from Regina's chest and dived right between her legs.
"Emma!" Regina's hips shot up to meet Emma's lips.
Emma smiled to herself as she licked Regina, gathering Regina all over her tongue. She loved Regina's taste, and might already be addicted to it. She would spend the night eating Regina out if Regina let her, but so far that had not been an option. For now, she would enjoy it.
Regina's hands ran through Emma's hair, making sure Emma's mouth stayed on her. Emma never wanted to move. The perfect tang on her tongue kept Emma happy, but she wanted to make Regina to climax as soon as possible. She slid a finger into Regina and Regina fisted strands of Emma's locks. She pumped her finger a few times before adding another and then curled them. Regina's body shook against her and pulsed around her fingers. Fuck. This was incredible.
"Emma!" Regina repeated as she trembled against Emma's tongue.
Emma continued to move her tongue as Regina moaned to the ceiling. Emma stopped when Regina fell against the pillows. She sat up to admire her handiwork. Regina glowed, so satisfied and sated. Emma squared her shoulders, pride straightening her spine.
"You feel good?" Emma asked, even though she knew.
A smile curled onto Regina's face and she beckoned Emma to her with a crooked finger. "Come, Duckling."
The name sent a shiver across Emma's skin and made her insides melt. She fell next to Regina, wanting to lie next to her, wanting to curl up next to her. She pressed herself to Regina's side and Regina turned to face her, easing a hand onto Emma's thigh.
"You are such a good girl," Regina said and then gave Emma a soft kiss on her lips. Jolts shot down Emma's spine and made her brain swim with delight.
Emma hummed against Regina's lips. Regina moved closer, making sure they touched more. The press of skin was heaven as always and made her tingle in the best of ways. Emma was certain she was addicted to everything about Regina.
Regina kept up the kissing as her hand eased between Emma's legs. Emma whined into Regina's mouth as Regina's fingers glided against her clit. Her body was at Regina's whim and Regina would never fail her. Regina would take care of her.
Regina barely slipped inside of her and Emma saw stars. She cooed as pleasure flooded her.
"You sound so pretty, Emma. My good girl. My beautiful girl," Regina whispered against her lips, finger still inside of Emma.
"Regina," Emma whined. Her body was under Regina's full control, buzzing with excitement at every word, at every move.
"Yes, my good girl. You're so good, so beautiful." Regina kissed her more and added another finger.
"Oh, god." Emma clutched some part of Regina, she was not sure what, but she moved her hips with Regina's fingers. Regina increased her pace and Emma chased her fingers, going right along.
"That's right, Duckling. Come on my fingers," Regina said.
Well, how the hell could Emma ignore that? Impossible. She cried out as she rippled around Regina's fingers. The sweet kisses kept coming and Regina did not still her fingers, but slowed down. It was so damn amazing. Emma's toes curled as pleasure exploded through her. Emma was not sure if she had another orgasm or if it was the same one, but it was awesome. Pleasure was all around her, Regina against her, and everything was right in her world.
Emma purred as she came down from her high. She put her arms around Regina, getting more little kisses. Her eyes drifted shut, impossible to open again. This was the best way to fall asleep. How did I manage to sleep before this? It did not matter. She slept like someone with no cares in the world now.
-8-8-8-8-
Regina smiled to herself as she watched Emma's sleeping face. For whatever reason, it was amusing to see the look of utter peace that overcame Emma after a decent orgasm, a few kisses, and a whispered "good girl." Would I be the same if the shoe was on the other foot? She suspected she would. She might need to try that out.
For now, she busied herself with stroking Emma's hair. She waited until she was certain Emma was deep in her sleep before she got up and checked the house to make sure everything was locked up. When she returned to the room, she plugged in their phones and then moved the covers to get them properly settled in bed. She eased close to Emma, who curled up next to her as if they were puzzle pieces that fit together.
Regina picked up her phone for a second, just wanting to check on a cart with things she had not ordered yet. She would run the items passed Emma first. She was inspired to add something, then she put the phone down, and wrapped her arms around Emma. Sleep came easy.
Regina woke up first, as always. This new sleeping arrangement between them made it almost moot, though. She found it impossible to remove herself from Emma without waking Emma. Emma was clingy in her sleep. Always at some point during the night, Emma threw an arm and a leg over Regina as well as held her with at least one hand.
Regina tried to ease away, but Emma whined and held her tight. Regina stroked Emma's bicep, hoping it would make her loosen her grip. No such luck.
"Duckling, I need to get up," Regina whispered, giving Emma a lingering peck on the lips.
Emma groaned and burrowed closer, as she tended to do. With a disheartened sigh, Regina wiggled away, but Emma yanked her back. Guess I'll have to wake her up. Of course, that might have been the point. Emma would never be left behind for the morning baking if she held Regina like this every night.
Regina tore herself away from Emma and Emma sat up, whining, eyes still closed. Regina kissed Emma, if only to set her at ease and help her stay asleep. Emma put out one arm. Regina grabbed her hand and clutched it.
"I need a shower," Regina said.
Emma groaned. "Me, too."
"Then, come on."
That was enough to open Emma's eyes and she flung the blankets from her body. They shared a shower, nothing sexy at all. Emma was barely awake and Regina scrubbed her clean, which she was almost used to as it was becoming a little more routine for them. This was similar to her making sure Emma was properly moisturized.
After the shower, Emma was more awake, so she managed to dress herself, with a lot of grunting and cursing as she pulled her jeans on. Regina dressed and made coffee for herself. Emma drank coffee once they got to the shop. Then, they were off for Two Witches as usual. Emma stayed awake for the short, dark car ride, but offered no conversation. They met Maleficent there and Emma dropped into a booth, falling right back asleep.
"She doesn't have work?" Maleficent asked.
"She didn't say, but she's rather out of it this morning," Regina replied.
Maleficent snickered and wiggled her eyebrows. "You're wearing your little Duckling out?"
Regina rolled her eyes. "I hate that you can tell we've been intimate."
"Well, this isn't hard to miss." Maleficent motioned to Emma's prone form. "Besides, you'd think you'd appreciate my attention to detail."
"Not if you're going to make a thing about it." Regina moved to the kitchen, ready to work. She was more energized since settling things with Emma.
"Oh, I have to make a thing about it." Maleficent followed behind her and they got to work. "After all, I have to assume you're back to having exceptional sex, not like when you were with Robin." She frowned and shook her head.
Regina pursed her lips. "You'll never know."
Maleficent scoffed. "I know you, so I'm very aware of how excellent things are. You have several tells. So, is she still your pet or what?"
Regina shrugged. "We're working it out. Partners who are into playful pet-play, I assume."
Maleficent arched an eyebrow. "Is that what you've agreed to?"
"In different words, but yes. She likes being a pet and I like her being a pet, but things have clearly evolved into something more."
"Wonderful that it's not just sex for you, even though you deserve amazing sex."
Regina sucked her teeth. "Stop fishing for details."
Maleficent chuckled, but turned her attention to her work. Regina focused on her tasks, only taken from it when Emma poked her head in. Regina glanced at the clock above the door. Much too early. Regina stepped over to her.
"What's going on? Why are you up?" Regina asked.
Emma held up her phone. "Granny called me. She's got a job for me, but I gotta get there fast. She needs it fixed before people show up for breakfast."
"Well, let me make you some breakfast." Regina turned to the eggs. She should be able to make a breakfast sandwich fast enough and it would hold Emma over for a little while.
Emma took her hand to pull her back. "Nah, I'll come back for something when I'm done. If it's as pressing as she made it sound, I'll be back in a couple of hours because she'll breathe down my back to make sure I get it done."
Regina nodded. "All right. I'll make you something and leave it back here with Mal."
"Cool." Emma kissed her on the mouth without hesitation. Regina kissed her back, despite the fact that Maleficent would not shut up about this as soon as Emma was gone. She just had to prepare for that nonsense.
Maleficent laughed as soon as Emma was out of the door. "Oh, no. You two are going to be one of those sweet, lovey-dovey couples."
Regina rolled her eyes. "Shut up. I'm happy and she's happy."
"And that's why I'm just going to mercilessly tease the hell out of you. Enjoy it and enjoy her, especially since you'll be out of office soon enough and don't have to bother with other people's opinions anymore."
Regina blew out a breath. "So glad for that." She looked forward to it really, especially since she would be able to spend time with Emma and so much more time in the cafe. It would be amazing.
-8-8-8-8-
Emma worked up a decent appetite having to take care of an unbelievably gross plumbing issue for Granny. She was not sure how she managed to fix it before the place opened at 6:30, but she did. Probably the fear of letting Granny down or the fear she'd eat me if I messed things up. She had to go back home and shower again before anything. Now, she needed food, so back to Two Witches.
It was a busy morning. Beyond the pastries, people were really into the homemade biscuits, which came on their own or were used for breakfast sandwiches. Emma was ready for one of those and whatever Regina might have left behind for her. Knowing her, she left me a bowl of cinnamon oatmeal with apples or something. She would throw a tantrum about that later, but it did not sound bad considering how hungry she was.
"Emma!" Tink waved her up to the counter, despite the line.
"What's up? You need help?" Emma gave a teasing grin.
Tinker Bell glared at her. "Shut up!" She ran that register like a machine. "I've got your breakfast, though." She held up a bag for Emma.
"Thanks! I could eat my own arm at this point. Been working like crazy all morning," Emma said and she accepted the bag.
Tink scoffed. "You count your pennies as work?"
"Shut up!" Emma laughed as she shoved a five in the tip jar. She was making pennies helping Granny out, though. But, it was honest money and she was pleased with herself about it now. There was something to be said of an honest living when all she wanted was a normal life.
"I should probably tip you," Tink replied, but her attention was already on the proper person in line.
Emma took that as her cue to leave and turned, running right into Mulan. Mulan grunted, but barely moved. Emma winced in embarrassment. Mulan's a lot more solid than she looks.
"Oh, sorry!" Emma apologized.
"No, that was my fault. I was coming behind you," Mulan replied.
Emma scratched her eyebrow. "Why? Jumping the line?" Mulan would never.
Mulan's brow furrowed as she frowned for a moment. "Of course not. I wanted to catch you before you left. I remember a little over a month ago, everyone here was all happy because you passed your GED."
Emma nodded. "Yeah, everyone was so supportive."
"Yes, and you said you wanted a job. I know you're doing odd jobs for Granny. I was hoping you'd want to try something with a more steady paycheck."
Emma nodded. "Tell me more. Well, no, get your food first, and then tell me more."
Mulan went back to her place in line. Emma laughed and shook her head. Mulan was too awesome to be true. Emma found a seat to start in on her food. There was a bowl of oatmeal, a wrapped breakfast sandwich, and a bottle of apple juice. She grabbed the sandwich first. How did she know I'd definitely want one of these?
The breakfast sandwich was a homemade biscuit with a sausage patty and a cheese and pepper omelet. It was gone in three bites. The sandwiches were not that big, but still worth it. She then took a swig of apple juice and checked the line to see if she should start her oatmeal. Mulan had a couple of people ahead of her.
Emma dived into her oatmeal. It had cinnamon and diced apples in it. Regina's predictable. She hummed to herself as she ate and enjoyed the hot cereal. She was halfway through when Mulan stood before her.
"Hungry, huh?" Mulan asked.
"Starving," Emma answered. She might have to order a pastry when things were done.
"Got anything else lined up? I need to move or I'll be late and I'm never late," Mulan said.
Emma shook her head. "Of course you're not." She packed up her little bowl and stood up. They started for the door.
"I already sort of understand your feelings toward the police, but I thought of you when the sheriff's station announced it would be hiring," Mulan said.
Emma blinked. "Hiring? The sheriff's station?" What did that have to do with her?
"Yes, several deputies are retiring, so we will have openings very soon. I thought of you immediately."
"Can I? I have a record." She also had no desire to be a police officer.
Police officers sucked. They always made her life harder, especially when she was a kid, escaping a terrible situation. They always brought her back. They never listened when she explained how bad things were. Even when they knew something was up, like during the arrest that sent her to prison, they were lazy assholes who did the easiest thing, arrest her even though there was evidence they were on the hunt for a male subject.
Mulan shook her head. "No, your records are sealed."
Emma pursed her lips. "You looked into that, huh?" She was not sure how she felt about that.
Mulan frowned a little. "During the mayor's burglary case. I wanted to see your known associates since you were aware of who did the crime. Of course, Killian Jones didn't come up, but nothing came up. You've been clean since you were released and your records are sealed. I have no idea what you might have done to have a record."
Emma swallowed. "And you still thought of me when you wanted someone to join the police force? Even though you know I did something to have a record?"
"That doesn't matter to me. You seem like you're trying to get your life together and this might be a good step for you. All you need is your GED to qualify for our department."
Emma scowled. "You think I could be a cop?" It was almost insulting, except Mulan did not mean it in a bad way. Mulan used her badge as a source of good, the way it should be.
Mulan looked her dead in the eye. "I honestly think it would be best for you to be a cop."
Emma's face scrunched up. "Why?"
"Because I remember how you looked at me when the Mayor's house was broken in. You didn't trust me. You've had bad experiences. You could be someone's positive experience, as I try to be with people. Well, most people. People like your ex-boyfriend who obviously bothered you and violated the Mayor's space didn't deserve a positive experience. But, you should be able to trust law enforcement to help you should he bother you again."
Emma nodded. "You're right about that."
"There are so many people who do deserve positive experiences. Hell, even the Mayor didn't have a positive experience at first and she didn't deserve the accusations the other deputies leveled at her."
"I can't believe they didn't take the damn Mayor seriously." Emma did not expect much of cops, but those jerks were worse than she ever thought the police would be to someone of Regina's status. So crazy.
"That's a different matter, but they do things like that more often than I like. I don't like that as it might make her hesitate to call if she's in trouble again, making a bad situation worse. Or we might need her help and she'll hesitate, like you did."
"Hey, I did help," Emma snapped.
"Yes, you did. You were conflicted. It was easy to see, but you did the right thing. You helped a lot because your care for the Mayor outweighed your mistrust of me."
"Well, and you seemed okay." Emma bumped Mulan with her shoulder.
Mulan blushed faintly in the chilled air. "You need to show up at places with people like you and like the Mayor, who a majority of the deputies will not treat properly for whatever reason."
Emma's frown returned, hating to remember the burglary incident. "Yeah, they accused her. Why the hell would they do that? They don't like her?" Emma was not sure she could stomach working with people who did not like Regina.
"Sheriff Humbert has a controversial relationship with her. I don't know the whole history because I'm not interested in gossip."
"Of course you're not." Emma tilted her head as she stared at Mulan. "One day I'm gonna figure out where you've hidden your halo."
Mulan scoffed. "Anyway. The sheriff is a decent man and does his best to do the right thing, but some of the deputies think it will bring them favor by carrying his grudges. There needs to be a balance to that. You could bring that balance."
"I dunno…" Emma was not sure she would be comfortable or happy being a deputy, especially if she was surrounded by people who disliked Regina. That was just bullshit.
"It'll pay better than your odd jobs at Granny's, but more than that, it'll give someone who needs a positive interaction with a police officer a chance to have that. I want you to think about what might have happened the night the Mayor was robbed and instead of me, another deputy was with you. What would have happened?" Mulan asked.
Nothing good would have happened. Emma would not have said what kind of car to look for. Regina would not have gotten her stuff back… at least not as easily as it happened. Maybe Regina would have done it her own way. Maybe Hook would have regretted things more so than he already did, but would Emma have been able to come back home if it had gone that way? Would Regina ever be the same if things went a different way?
"At least come in and fill out an application," Mulan said and she motioned to the door they stood in front of.
Emma stared at the glass door they were in front of. "Wow, I didn't realize this place was so close."
"That's why I can pick up breakfast every day as long as it's about five minutes before my shift starts. Was this talk worth at least the application?"
Emma sighed and scratched her head, eyes falling to the "now hiring" sign on the door and in the window. Then, she turned to Mulan, who gave her a weird smile. It was almost pleading. This was not just about the public getting to interact with a deputy and have a positive experience.
"It's a boy's club in there, isn't it?" Emma asked.
Mulan shrugged. "Not just that." She pulled the door open and stepped inside. Emma followed her in and got a face full of the other stuff it might have been. Yeah, Emma would not solve this problem, but the other deputies were not a very diverse group.
"You get a lot of Chinese restaurant jokes, don't you?" Emma asked. She imagined the dumb shit Mulan had to put up with and then being told "It's just a joke" when Mulan did not laugh.
Mulan groaned. "You don't know the half of it."
"I will personally punch anyone in the face if they say something like that in front of me," Emma promised and she went to fill out an application. She was not sure how Regina would take this, but she was also not sure she would be picked, so the only thing that really mattered right now was supporting Mulan. Mulan deserved all that and more, after all.
-8-8-8-8-
Regina wanted to check in on Emma, just to make sure she had eaten, but did not have the time. Besides, she would let Emma do her "feral cat" thing. She had other things to worry about. The newly elected mayor, Kathryn Midas, would be in to sit with her in a few minutes.
She had enough time to prepare for the meeting before Kathryn stepped in. They shook hands and then Kathryn sat down across from her. Kathryn pulled out a laptop and notebook.
"Thank you for taking the time to meet with me," Kathryn said.
"Thank you for winning the election because the other one would've been in someone's pocket, if not Rumple, then some other sleaze-bag. We don't need more corruption around here," Regina replied.
Kathryn nodded. "I completely agree. I have no reason to be in Mister Gold's pocket and no intention. I've lived through that sort of corruption."
Regina raised an eyebrow. "Have you now?" What sort of things was Kathryn privy to?
"It's a poorly kept secret around the DA's office about how deep Spencer is in Rumple's pocket."
Regina frowned. "Yes, discretion is not one of his finer traits."
"Definitely not. It's pleasing to see his popularity has waned to the point he couldn't even receive his party's nomination for mayor."
"Yes, but it wounded his pride. I imagine he's like an injured animal now. Enough about him, though, I'd like to get you up to speed on this office as soon as possible. You already seem to know the most important thing, which is no Rumple."
Kathryn nodded. "A given."
Regina wished it had been a given during her time. Of course, she was much more discrete than Spencer, so she was not worried about Kathryn coming across any of her dealings with the bastard. She would have preferred a cleaner historic term, though. She could have done better if she had only worked for herself, even if she did her own dirt. At least she was able to justify her own actions.
"I have heard Mister Gold has been up here several times," Kathryn said.
"He can't take no for an answer," Regina replied.
"I am aware. People from our circles rarely do."
"Quite right."
"Which also explains Spencer's attitude."
Regina nodded. "Are you worried over him?"
"I'm concerned about what he might do for his remaining time in the DA's office. Last I noticed, he was using the office resources to run private investigations. I didn't have a chance to question him about it, but I suppose that can change in January."
Regina hummed. "Something to add to your list." She jotted that down. What is Spencer up to? He was a proud man scorned.
"What do you have for my list?"
"I'm glad you asked." Regina would go over things she had wanted to do, but could not manage thanks to favors for Rumple. Kathryn might be able to use them and do some exceptional things. While Regina's legacy would not be tainted by Rumple, it had been hindered by it and this was the best way she could do more with the office. Maybe one day that would change. I want to do better.
Regina wanted this town to be better for Emma, and people like Emma — people who needed support and help and had no place to go. Look at what love has done to you. This was not weakness, though. This was freedom.
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: Emma shares her day with Regina.