The next few days went by fairly slowly. Regina had managed to make a meal for Leopold the following evening but had chosen to eat hers in the living room.

Killian had received several more packages in the post, though at least this time they were delivered within the specified time scale. Emma had always wondered what these packages were and Killian had always said it was a small trade business he'd set up to earn a bit extra on the side. She directed the man – it was always the same man she knew only as Smee – to the garage. It seemed their garage was turning into a mini warehouse. Killian had organised all the items and boxes into neat sections. It appeared most of what he dealt with seemed to be high end liquors and cigars. Smee not only began to bring more items, but he also started taking some away too. Nothing about this seemed above board to Emma, but Killian would refuse to talk about his dealings other than to say it was his business, literally.

Emma had busied herself by decorating and trying to make her house more homely. Killian had allowed her to buy more furniture, so she'd tried to find things shabby chic in nature that she could add some of her own touches too. She was desperate to somehow remove the cold feeling of the current décor. It was Thursday evening now and the evenings were drawing out as the days grew longer and it was surprisingly warm.

Henry had joined her in putting the finishing touches to a large coffee table that was going to take pride of place in the lounge. They'd made it appear tastefully weathered in creams and greys. Next in line was the entertainment unit for Henry's bedroom. Killian had mostly installed the frame around this bed and this unit, shaped like a castle turret, was to angle around and house his computer and gaming systems.

"So, Henry, how do you want to decorate this?" As it stood it was cream and fairly band, but Henry was determined he didn't want it to look grey and 'boring' like an actual castle. He chose several pots of matt pastel colours and lined them all up.

"I've an idea!" He sprang in to action, very energetically. Before Emma could even fathom what his idea was, he picked up a paintbrush and ensured the bristles were nicely covered. Without thinking it through, he began forcefully flicking the paintbrush in the rough vicinity of the turret. Spray and splatter landed everywhere. The next thing he heard was a loud gasp which stopped him in his tracks. He'd not noticed that Regina had approached the fence a few moments ago to see what they were up too, and Emma had walked up to her. It turned out it was a collective gasp. As Henry looked to them, he realised, he'd not really thought this through. Not only was the turret covered in splatter, but so was the grass, the path, the fence, his mother and Regina. He froze; they all did. Emma eventually broke the silence.

"I am so sorry," she directed the apology towards Regina, it felt like all she wound up doing to this woman was apologising for something or other. Henry still stood there, unsure of what to do as his mother returned her attention to him. "Henry, what were you thinking?" As she tried to cajole Henry out of his trance, she'd not realised Regina had left. Before Henry even had a chance to respond he was met with a wave of splatter himself and was drawn from his trance by Regina who was now in a fit of giggles. A huge grin erupted on his face as he dunked his paintbrush back in the pot, stopping Regina from giggling by splattering her again. Emma stood aghast as they continue to hurtle paint at one another between their laughter. She was too taken aback to notice the subtle grin and nod they both exchanged. Next thing she knew they were ambushing her.

"Oh that is it – game on!" She retrieved a spare paintbrush and the three of them spent the next few minutes locked in a three-way battle. At one point, Henry had tackled his mother to the floor so he and Regina could continue with little hindrance. They made quite the team it seemed. After a while, Emma, in a moment of insane spontaneity, decided to tackle Regina to the ground so they could target her next. She squealed adorably as Emma practically close-lined her to the floor, but Emma slipped on the puddle of paint and fell forward, fortunately she managed to stop herself from completely landing on and crushing Regina, but she had managed to pin her to the ground. Regina looked up at her with the most adorable expression. She was panting slightly and still had a small grin on her face as their eyes locked. Henry watched on with secret delight. He was not a fool, nor was he blind to the connection he could see between these two women every time they met. He couldn't take his eyes off them as they became lost in the moment too. He honestly wondered if they were going to kiss or not, he was almost disappointed when his mother slowly pulled herself away and began to help Regina to her feet. No-one spoke, but no-one needed too. You didn't need to see physical sparks fly from their touch to know how they both felt, whether they realised that or not.

Emma had thought it was a good time to call an end to the madness and decided they needed some refreshments. She'd made a batch of homemade lemonade that afternoon and began decanting them all a glass.

"Mmm, this is delicious. Thank you," said Regina as she sat on the paint covered grass as though they were now just casually enjoying a picnic. "Emma, I'm so sorry, I don't know what came over me?" Regina looked around at the mess in horror; this was not going to be a quick and easy fix. "I will most definitely help you clean this." Emma just laughed.

"Yeah, but look how great my castle looks now." They had to admit it did look impressive, albeit in a very haphazard way. They were pulled from their admiration as they realised Killian was standing on the edge of the lawn, jaw dropped. He was not impressed in the slightest. Emma swallowed, really unsure of how this would be received. Regina looked to her and could see her unease. Henry, was still enthusiastic however.

"Hey Killian, what do you think of the castle? Isn't it great?" Killian took a moment to respond.

"Well I guess the castle looks good, can't say the same for the rest of the garden mind." Regina slowly rose and walked slightly closer to address him.

"Sheriff, I'm afraid this is my fault entirely. Emma had nothing to do with it. I already promised her I would help her clean it up and I will certainly pay for anything that needs to be done too. It will look better than new, I promise." Killian merely nodded slowly at her as Henry bound over.

"It wasn't her fault, it was mine. It was my idea to paint my castle like this and I accidentally splattered Regina and Ma."

"Yes, but Henry it was I who decided to retaliate and start fighting." As they began to debate the matter amongst themselves Killian stopped them abruptly.

"I trust that you will clear up this 'little' mess." He addressed Emma curtly and specifically with the following order. "Do not get any of this on or in the house."

"No, of course we won't Killian." With that he took a wide birth and, luckily, managed to find a clear route to the house. He closed the door behind him. Regina looked at Emma with a hint of concern. Even Henry realised they'd probably gone a bit far this time.

"Look, come to the edge of the grass. Let's take our shoes off and roll our trousers up, then we are all going to mine, we've a washroom I use as a dirt room to change in and shower when I've been to the stables. We can clean up in there. Emma you can have some of my clothes and then come and get some for Henry, we are probably better off disposing of these," she said as she pulled her sodden and paint laden blouse away from her skin. I will then get my pressure washer going, see what we can get rid of quickly.

Regina had a shower first so she could leave the other two to de-robe and shower in peace. She collected some clothing she thought Emma would appreciate and returned. She opted for an old pair of skinny jeans and a vest top. She knocked on the door before Henry opened it. He was wrapped in a big, fluffy towel and had clearly just showered.

"Do you have horses then?" He asked as they sat waiting for Emma to finish.

"I have one, his name is Rocinante. I try to go riding most weekends and the odd evening if I've time. He's liveried at the stables and, though I try and tend to him myself on the weekends, I don't have as much time as I used too... Have you ever ridden a horse before?" He shook his head. "Would you want too some time." Henry could barely contain his excitement – again.

"Really? Could you teach me to ride?" She loved his eagerness.

"I can certainly give you a few lessons, you can see if you want to continue afterwards. Maybe we could take your mother on a hack sometime. Several of the horses at the stable are available to loan or ride, they'd appreciate it too as it means the horse doesn't have to be exercised that day."

"That would be amazing. Thank you." She bumped his shoulder by way of saying thankyou just as their attention was stolen by Emma climbing out of the shower, totally butt naked. Regina's breath caught in her chest as she gazed at the porcelain skin that shimmered with water droplets, some of which cascaded down her lean frame. For the first time she felt herself beginning to throb as she lowered her gaze, retaining the image of her glistening muscles and toned flesh as she did so. By the time she reached her feet she'd just about managed to pull herself together and quickly snatched a towel from the side. As she did so, she noticed Henry and couldn't help but let out a little snigger. He'd clearly thrown his hands over his eyes the second his mother emerged; she could see his protruding cheeks had a rosy hue too. She handed the towel to Emma who slowly took it off her whilst offering a surprisingly sultry gaze. Regina couldn't help but nibble her lip in response.

They soon sobered up when the door swung open. Emma quickly ensured her towel was fastened securely as Leopold stepped through the door, a look of surprise on his face.

"What's going on here?" He looked between all three occupants.

"You could have knocked!" Cried Regina a little harsher than she intended, probably due to being startled, all three were.

"This is my house!" He snapped back, causing them all to huddle a bit before he realised how harsh he must have sounded, especially to his wife who was still very much nervous around him. He sighed.

"I'm sorry, you scared me that was all, I just heard noises and we aren't overly used to having visitors in the house."

"It's okay Leopold." Regina tried to placate, realising what had probably happened. "We didn't mean to frighten you."

"We are getting that alarm, I've ordered it already." She just nodded understanding completely where he was coming from."What are you doing anyway?" It still all seemed very odd to him.

"I'm sure you saw the mess in our garden," Emma began.

"Ay, can't exactly miss it can you."

"It was my fault," offered Regina.

"No, it was mine," piped Henry.

"Oh not this again," threw in Emma. "It doesn't matter whose fault it was, we are all guilty and we will ensure it gets cleaned up." She stated as a matter of fact to the Mayor. Whilst she didn't really know the man, she couldn't help but be repulsed by what she knew he'd placed his wife through, though she also noted the care he weirdly seemed to have for her wellbeing.

"Yes. On that note I am going to see what I can remove now. I suggest we leave to allow these two to dress." Regina indicated to the clothing she'd bought down and Emma smiled gratefully.

"Very well, I'm just glad you're well," threw out Leopold as he left them to it.

Emma had returned to her house and obtained clothes for Henry. They'd both returned together not long after.

"Henry, why don't you go and see if you can help Regina clean up some of the mess. I'll get started on tea." He nodded and went to find Regina as Emma began peeling some potatoes. She could see Henry. Regina had him spraying sections of the path ahead with something and she was then following with the jet washer.

"What the hell was that Swan?" Killian was clearly still reeling as he joined her in the kitchen.

"Oh come on, granted we got a bit carried away, but we were just having some fun. Got loads done today as well, three new units in total." She tried to sound proud and hoped her enthusiasm would catch.

"I don't care. Emma, I've worked damn hard to get us this house and lifestyle and you will respect that!" She was unnerved by his aggressive manner. Sure he'd been rude before, but his tone and mannerisms held a new level of aggression. She held her hands up as if to surrender slightly.

"Okay Killian, I get that and I appreciate it, but we said we would have it looking as good as new if not better than, and we will. Look Henry and Regina are already on it."

"What is it with that woman anyway? We've been here less than a week and you are practically inseparable."

"She's a good friend, we seem to get along really well, that's all and I'm glad. I don't want to be lonely in this new life Killian."

"Lonely! You have Henry and I. How can you say you are lonely?"

"Oh stop it! You know what I mean, I need friends too."

"Friends and being joined at the hip are very different; I want you to see less of her." Emma stood incredulous. There was no way he was going to dictate that to her. So far Henry and Regina were the only things making this move bearable.

"You cannot tell me who I chose to have as friends and how I spend my time with them. That is not happening Killian, ever!" They were now staring one another down and didn't notice Henry approach.

"Hey what's going on you guys? I can hear you shouting from outside." After observing them for a few seconds, he did not like the way his Step Father was staring at his mother. "Ma!" She could now hear the concern in his voice.

"Henry, it's okay. Go back outside; it's just a little misunderstanding that's all." She surreptitiously winked at him and he nodded that he trusted her, though he still wasn't happy, he did as she asked.

"I'm not talking about this anymore Killian. There is no way you are going to micromanage my life. It's my life." He said nothing else, but she could see his jaw clenching and wondered what was going through his brain until he about turned and left, leaving Emma shaking slightly as she returned to peeling her potatoes whilst trying to fight back the tears.

Regina had noticed the change in Henry's disposition when he returned; of course she heard nothing of their argument. She placed her arm around Henry's shoulder, not liking how unhappy he seemed.

"Hey, what's wrong Henry?" She took him to the curb so they could sit without ruining anymore clothes.

"They are arguing. It's nothing I'm sure it'll be fine." It didn't take a genius to figure out what they could have been arguing about.

"I'm sorry Henry, this is my fault. I should never have started that stupid paint fight." He placed his hand on the one that wasn't around his shoulder.

"No, don't say that. That was the most fun we've had in this house since we moved."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I mean… It's been odd. Killian isn't the same here. He's no fun. All he seems to do is create rules. I don't think Ma is very happy either, the only time she's ever happy is when she's with you." He gave her a crooked smile and she couldn't help but take what he said to heart. "You like her don't you, Ma?" She now furrowed her brow.

"Like her? Yes, of course I like her Henry, we are growing to be good friends. At least I hope we are anyway." Henry couldn't help but let out a little smirk.

"Sure you are?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing." Before he could say anything else, Emma approached. Regina stood to address her and made a point of stroking her arm.

"Everything okay? Henry said you guys had an argument?"

"It's fine, I'm sure he'll cool down before dinner. He certainly will if he wants to get fed anyway." Regina merely nodded, but it wasn't overly convincing. "Do you want to stay by the way? For dinner I mean?"

"No, I best not, that's very kind though. I think I'll just finish the path and then head home. I've my own dinner to prepare." Emma nodded, though slightly disappointed she had to agree it was wise, especially considering that for whatever reason Killian did not seemed to be impressed about her friendship with Regina.

"Okay... Henry, Dinner will be ready in thirty minutes."

"We should have finished by then. The path is coming up lovely; the grass will just need a few summer cuts. I will re-paint the fence though, just pick a colour." Regina stood admiring their handiwork and was thankful it hadn't been a nightmare to remove.

"No, no-way I will do that as my penance." Emma placed her hands on Regina's shoulders as she spoke.

"At least let me help you. I am by far the most culpable in this."

"Fine, but only because I enjoy spending time with you." They had another quiet moment of staring at one another. Henry rolled his eyes.

"You do?"

"Yes Regina, I do. Honestly, you and Henry are the only things keeping me sane right now."

"Okay then, sure. I certainly don't want a lunatic lose with paint again."

Later that night, Emma was lying in bed again. Killian still wasn't happy and dinner had been an awkward and quiet affair. He'd simply left afterwards, she assumed to the Rabbit Hole. Henry was out like a light, it seemed the day's events had really taken its toll on him, but Emma was restless. She took out her phone in need of a distraction, doing the only thing that bought her any comfort at these times.

Emma: Hey, how did your dinner go this evening? Mine was quiet. Killian has gone out, it appears he is still in a mood – E

…

…

Regina: I'm sorry he's taken this so badly. I had dinner for the first time with Leopold. It was also very quiet; can't wait for tomorrow night (put the rolling eye face thing here). At least you will be there."- R

Emma: The fact you will be there is the only reason I am looking forward to it.- E