It was solid advice--not all that different from infiltration, planning a kill through some servant or low ranking royal in need of friendship. That was flat out manipulation, but with a softer touch, like Regina was talking about--not pushing her towards an action, just coaxing her into talking. About nothing in particular, the more she talked the more he would know, and if he heard something in that he had to do something about...

It was solid advice--advice he knew how to implement. The relief that came with it, along with Regina's praise and the way she crowded in for a kiss made him smile.

"I'm tellin' you shit you already know, Beautiful." he chuckled, turning into the press of her lips to kiss her neck in return with a hum of contentment. "But you're welcome--and thank you. For helpin' me figure out how not to fuck up an awesome kid. Great sex is one thing, but that..."

It feels like you really care. It makes me want to crawl inside your head as well as your heart and your body. You're giving me more than just peace of mind, you're helping me find the first family I've ever had, and I think I could love you for that.

Instead of saying that out loud, he just drew back to look into her eyes, reaching up to caress her cheek with the backs of his fingers.

"...just proves that you're awesome."