Chapt 5-

Author's note- On a personal note, I truly am sorry this has taken me so long. Enjoy.

Regina left the Mad Hatter and went on a long, cold walk. Somehow, she found herself at Henry's playground. It was empty and perfect for her thoughts. She needed a space to fill them. She sat down on a park bench and inhaled the crisp main breeze. She was glad she had a warm coat on.

Her phone buzzed. It was Robin Hood, wanting to know what she was doing later. She thought back to the pile of paper work on her desk. Of course it was work for tomorrow, but lately she had been using work to escape thoughts of...her. And the town and its inhabitants were benefiting from all Regina's hard work. With increased funding from the state and federal government, Regina was able to secure permanent housing for the newcomers. Of course that meant more Robin Hood, whom she was still confused about.

She heard a throat clear behind her and glanced around her shoulder. It was the Sheriff, shifting anxiously from foot to foot. Regina quickly stood up.

"Emma" she began

"Hey," said Emma lamely

"What are you doing here?" asked Regina, without an ounce of malice. What was the Sheriff doing here?

"I was just walking around…needed to think" replied Emma nervously.

"Oh" said Regina. She sat down again as Emma sat beside her.

"How have you been?" the blonde asked.

Regina shrugged. "Good, busy. You know"

"Yeah," said Emma. "Regina, I'm sorry I haven't replied to your texts"

"That's ok," Regina said.

"No, it's not" replied Emma just as quickly

Regina, out of nowhere, laughed. "Ok, Emma, it's not ok. Why haven't you replied to my texts?"

Emma, surprised, glanced at the laughing Regina. "I just.. Why are you laughing?"

Regina chuckled. "I don't even know, would you rather me cry?"

Emma frowned. "No, I'd never wanna cause you pain,"

Regina smiled sadly, "Too late,"

Emma sighed. "Regina, I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you. If I could take it back I would,"

"It's fine Emma. Maybe we can just move past it? All the messiness? The town is better when we can work together."

Emma smiled. "You're right,"

"Ok," said Regina. "Come to dinner? I know Henry would love it,"

Emma looked into Regina's eyes, so big and brown and vulnerable. Regina didn't know it, but it was so hard for Emma to say no to her. Which was why it was easier to avoid her. She knew Regina had been getting closer to Robin, and didn't wanna get in the way. But also it killed her to see Regina with anyone else. She actually wanted to smash things when she saw that man around her. But now everything was so confusing.

"Yea, I'd love to come dinner,".