The two adversaries stare each other down outside of Granny's Diner. The sheriff had followed the mayor as she tried to make an escape from the awkward reunion Emma and Snow were sharing with their family and friends. Emma had invited Regina to join. She could have assumed prior to being seated in the corner by herself that this would end in little appreciation for what she had done that day.
Now that Emma and Snow had been secured back within the borders of Storybrooke and she had time to see life here was going to move forward again, she knew it was time to bring up her son's living conditions. Emma had followed her outside, so she had set herself up for this conversation.
"His room is just waiting for him." Regina told Emma, hoping to appeal to her.
"I don't know if that's such a good idea," she responded in a low tone.
"And you know so well because of the five minutes you've spent being his mother!"
There's a weighted pause as Emma decides to turn and go back into the diner. She hadn't come outside to drudge up this tension between them.
"No, wait, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gotten angry," Regina pleads. She doesn't want to beg for this woman's forgiveness, but she knows Emma holds her world in her hands. Her stomach turns as she does it. Until Emma stops and shows Regina her eyes once more.
"No, I shouldn't be so hard on you. I know you've been seeing Archie."
Regina cringes, "He told you that?"
"Yea but just to try to help me see the effort you're putting forth," Emma responds quickly.
Regina files the betrayal of trust for a later discussion with the cricket. "I know you're trying to be different. To be good. I just told Snow to give you a chance. I guess I can't expect her or anyone else to do that if I don't do it either..."
Regina is surprised at the young woman's admission. She's even more relieved to see the sincerity in Emma's eyes. Those sea green eyes glisten in the moonlight. In the briefest of moments Regina takes in each feature of Emma's face. She traces from her eyes up to the arch of her brow, to the top of her cheek and down to her lips. It's small moments like this where she feels a strange pull of magic reaching to the other woman. They may never be best friends, but they may be able to work together. For Henry of course, she thinks quickly shaking away the thoughts.
"Well I'm glad you can finally drop the hero act long enough to realize that. You play the part quite well for someone who doesn't like the title Savior," Regina says through her tight smile.
Emma tries to break some of the tension, "Look, let me walk you home."
"Do what you must to ease your conscience." Regina will never allow an easy moment between them if she can help it. She turns quickly and begins her short journey home. Emma skips a few steps to catch up to her.
They walk side by side towards Mifflin street, Emma inching closer than arch-enemies tend to be, or so Regina thinks as she notices the drifting blonde. Emma must not be aware of how she always does that. She always seems to gravitate towards the brunette without any thought.
The walk is quick and they reach the mansion without another word. "Well, I believe this is far enough Ms. Swan. You may return to our son and your family. I'm sure they'll soon wonder where you got off to." Regina cursed herself internally for the our slip up. Always giving, but never receiving enough in return from Emma Swan. The only acknowledgement on Emma's part is that of a smirk.
"I'm sure they'll be just fine with that keg. Besides I need to make sure you get inside safely."
"I'm more than capable of taking care of myself."
"Oh I have no doubt," Emma says playfully with a wagle of her brow. The possible implication only hits Emma once it's said, affecting both women simultaneously. The two stare for a moment before Regina regains her composure, cheeks aflame.
"If you wish to impose, I suppose you could come in for a quick look around. One can never be too cautious, even in a small town." Regina says as she turns, leaving the door open. Emma follows without question shutting the door on the way.
About four steps in Regina stops suddenly, Emma running into the back of her. It's sets her off balance so she grabs Regina's waist to steady herself.
Regina turns, now angry and throws her arm across her body breaking all contact the blonde had inadvertently initiated. "No," Regina speaks, "You know what. I don't want you in my house."
Emma looks at her confused at the sudden change in the atmosphere. Regina had become icey in mere seconds. "Huh," is all she can squeak out as Regina begins to advance on Emma who begins backpedaling in short, uncoordinated steps.
"I said I don't want you here!" Emma's back finally hit the door, Regina standing in all of her regal glory mere inches from her. "Thank you for walking me home, but I'm tired and I'm not playing this game with you tonight." The whiplash of confusion is evident on Emma's face as Regina continues. "I had to beg you to see my son. I understand that you walking me home should be seen as a sign of good faith, but I think it's just a rouse. A trick to keep me docile. I don't need you toying with me!"
Emma's brain catches up and her defenses immediately go back up. "Seriously? I tried to admit I was wrong and be nice and you turn on me?" She says it as she begins to stand at her full height again and takes a step closer to Regina. "This is exactly why I second guessed myself outside the diner. I never know what to expect from you."
"Oh that's just grand coming from the woman who has run from everything in her life. How long is the stay this time Ms. Sawn, hmm? I know we've been graced with your presence for a while now, but will it last?" Regina doesn't budge a bit. Emma's temper begins to flare even more.
How could this woman send her into a blinding rage moments after enjoying a quiet, content walk through an otherwise beautiful night?
Regina senses Emma's defiance and shoves her backwards until her back digs into the door, palms on either of Emma's shoulders. "Oh great, now I can't even be honest without pissing you off? What's your fucking problem?" Emma asks incredulously as she tries to push forward again.
"I'm not the offender here Ms. Swan, you are. Why do you always assume the worst of me?" Regina grinds out the words as she stares into Emma's eyes and her fingernails begin to dig into the flesh around Emma's tank top.
Emma has enough of this and dips one of her shoulder, unbalancing the mayor just long enough to switch their positions and throw her against the door, her forearm coming across Regina's collar bone. "What the fuck is wrong with you!"
Regina begins to grab at anything she can to hurt Emma or get the upper hand. Months of frustration and fighting coming to a head it would seem. She grabs her sides trying to push the immovable blonde away, then she strikes her upper arms a few times, trying to break her stance. "I'm not letting go of you until you calm down, Regina. Damn it!"
"Don't curse at me!" Regina yells, reaching for blonde curls. With a jerk of her fist she sees the sheriff's head fall back exposing her long pale neck to the faint light of the foyer. Emma's eyes close as her lips part from the discomfort of the action. The almost sensual gasp that escapes from her sends a shock through Regina's very being. She loosens her grip on Emma's locks slightly allowing her to look her in the eye once again.
Emma sees the anger that was in Regina's eyes moments ago has once again been entirely replaced by blown pupils of interest. Like a sailor lured by a siren Emma doesn't even realize she's dropping her arm and leaning forward until her lips reach the ones before her. Regina is slow to respond, but soon enough she is pulling the blonde into her with more force than she had been pushing her away. Emma's hands drop to the brunettes waist appreciating how their bodies melt into one another. Soon Emma's hand begins to trace up Regina's side as the other gently cups the base of her neck behind her ear.
A small moan escapes Regina's lips breaking the trance Emma has found herself in. She pulls back slightly. The small hesitation gives Regina enough time to consider their position as she pushes Emma back with some force.
A smack rings out across the small entryway. Regina had slapped Emma across her left cheek. "Get the fuck out of my house Ms. Swan!"
Emma ducks, holding her stinging cheek as she bolts out the front door.
Note: Been a reader of SwanQueen for a long time now. This is a first attempt at writing so reviews are welcomed.