Introduction

Emma swallows timidly and opens her eyes, still recovering from the daze of their shared kisses. Killian flashes her a light smile.

"We should probably head inside," she whispers reluctantly, though she'd much rather continue their business on the patio.

"Of course," he agrees, taking her hand as they rise slowly from the table.

Emma debates whether or not to let go of him as they enter the diner. Luckily Hook seems to sense her unease, giving her hand one last squeeze before releasing it. "Fancy a drink?" he asks, holding the door for her to go inside.

"Love one," Emma responds with a shy smile.

As Hook heads toward the counter to fetch them a refreshment, Emma meanders over to her family. After a brief exchange with Henry and her parents, she rejoins Killian who places a mug in her hand.

"Hot chocolate?" she asks, both surprised and amused.

"Your favorite," he admits knowingly, holding his own glass in the air.

"To- the future," Emma toasts.

"To the future," Killian repeats, clinking his glass against hers.

They find a place to sit and as they talk, Emma gradually and unknowingly opens herself up to Hook. All is well. That is, until Regina arrives at Granny's.

"The evil Queen!" Marian cries uneasily.

"It's okay, she's different now," Emma assures her. "She's not the same person anymore. You'll see. I'll- just stay here."

"Regina, there's something you should know," Emma explains. "I brought someone back from the past. This woman- and she still thinks of you as..."

"Evil," Regina finishes.

"I'm gonna bring her over. I already told her that it's okay, but it's a little delicate and I feel like if she met you she'll see-"

"I understand."

Calmly, Emma brings her new friend over.

"Regina, I would like you to meet-"

"Marian?" Robin interrupts. "Marian?"

"Robin?!"

"I thought you were dead. I thought I'd never see you again!"

"And I you," she cries as they embrace. Regina's expression falls as she realizes what is unfolding before her very eyes.

"Mama?" their son asks in disbelief.

"Roland. My baby!"

Emma looks on, touched by the reunion and simultaneously repulsed by the unforeseen complications it has caused.

"You. You did this?" Regina asks accusingly.

"I just wanted to save her life," Emma replies with a look of guilt on her face.

"You're just like your mother- never thinking of consequences," Regina scolds.

"I didn't know."

"Yeah, of course you didn't. Well you just better hope to hell you didn't bring anything else back." And with that, the former queen storms out of Granny's.

Emma stands lifelessly in the middle of the room until Killian approaches her. Without a word, he drapes and arm over her shoulder and leads her back to where they had previously been sitting.

"Forget about it love," he instructs. "What's done cannot be undone. Enjoy the celebration and worry about it tomorrow. It's been a long day."

Emma nods, taking a sip of her cocoa.

"Hello lad," Hook greets enthusiastically upon seeing Henry approach.

"Hey kid, what's up?" Emma asks in as cheerful a voice as possible.

"Nothing much. Mary Marg- er, grandma and grandpa," he corrects, "are taking Neal back to their place soon. I was just wondering how long you were planning on staying because I'm getting tired and I might go back with them."

"Oh," Emma replies. "Actually, I was thinking it might be nice if you stayed with Regina tonight. You guys haven't spent much time together since you got your memories back."

"Fair enough," Henry agrees.

"She just left," Emma adds, "If you run you might be able to catch up with her."

"Okay. I'll see you tomorrow then. Goodnight mom."

"G'night," Emma responds, ruffling his hair playfully as he dashes away.

"Well played Swan," Killian interjects. "But Regina will see right through that gesture of kindness."

"I know," Emma laments, "but still, it's worth a shot. God, I should have listened to you and not interfered. Look what I get for trying to be a good person."

"You are a good person Swan. And you did the right thing. Leaving that woman in the enchanted forest could have altered all our destinies. We had no other choice but to bring her here. This misunderstanding with Regina will pass."

"Yeah, but at what cost?" Emma retorts doubtfully.

"Don't stress about it love. It won't get you anywhere."

Emma looks down, "You're right."

"I need some air," she declares. "You up for a walk?"

"Lead the way," Hook agrees, rising from his seat and following Emma out the door. Neither of them speak right away. Instead, they fall into a steady pace, side by side.