Emma just stood there. What the hell had just happened. Had that really happened?
"Everything okay Swan?" Of course the pirate just had to show up right now. She spun around facing him.
"Yep everything's just fine." She wanted to get as far away from him as possible. But where does she go? She originally was headed to Granny's to meet Ruby she had texted her earlier to talk about her feelings about Regina, but now, that was probably as close as she was to getting Regina to admit that she had feelings for her. Should she follow her? Give her space? Ugh why did she have to have feelings for the most complicated woman in Storybrooke.
"If that were true you probably wouldn't look like someone just stabbed you in the gut love."
Granny's, it was right there and Ruby was off now probably waiting. Hook was grinning that devilish grin at her.
"Swan? You look like you need someone to sweep you off your feet." True, but not him. He stepped forward. "I've heard I'm quite good at it. Perhaps I can offer my services."
"Not today Hook. And if you don't mind please just drop this, it's not going to work out between us." He was standing between her and Regina's so Granny's was looking better by the second.
"Swan, I always get what I want. You'll see."
"Quite the charmer"
"Indeed I am"
She rolled her eyes and headed toward Granny's.
Regina just sat there. What the hell had just happened. How in the hell had she been so stupid. It was because of Robin. It wasn't but there was no one else to blame and he had thrown her off by showing up at her office. Her breath was unsteady she was on the verge of a panic attack.
She'd been sitting in her driveway for 5 minutes. Replaying what she'd basically screamed at Emma. It was that damn dream. It's not like you'll ever love me? Had she really said that. She got out of her car and went inside. Yet again closing her eyes and leaning on the door. This was becoming a very common motion lately. Her breathing was finally calming down. When she suddenly heard a shuffle upstairs. A fireball quickly appeared in her hand.
"Mom?"
Henry. Of course. The fireball dissipated. He never took no for an answer.
The footsteps moved closer "Mom? Is that you?" He was coming down the stairs. She could easily escape. Just open the door and slip out. But she just stood there leaning on the door, eyes closed. It had already taken all her will to get inside. The footsteps reached the bottom of the stairs he wasn't far from her.
"Mom." His voice sounded stern. " I'm not giving up on you. You can't make me leave. This is my house too you can't push me away" He paused. She finally opened her eyes. He was maybe ten feet away from her. She closed the gap and engulfed him in a hug.
"Mom?" He sounded worried now. "Is everything alright?"
"I don't know Henry." Tears reached her eyes yet again. "I really don't know."
"I love you mom, we will figure this out. Okay?"
"I love you too Henry. I will always love you, my little prince."
Emma walked inside leaving the pirate behind her. She saw Ruby flirting with some man at the bar but when Ruby saw Emma she completely forgot the man and walked over a concerned look in her eye grabbing Emma's arm and pulling her to a booth.
"You still look like you've seen a ghost."
"She said she loves me. Well not exactly but.."
"So then why are you here?" She paused taking in Emma's full expression. The blonde looked both defeated and broken.
"Well I… I stopped her, well more like we crashed into each other. She was being her usual snarky self and then I told her I'd get her happiness back even if it was Robin and then she just yelled at me about ripping apart Robin's happiness I think? And then she said why should you care so much it's not like you'll ever love me."
"And then what? Did you tell her?" Ruby was at the edge of her seat. Ruby looked so confused, it was like she was felt like this should have a happy ending but here was Emma looking defeated in front of her.
"She drove away."
"You let her drive away? She basically confessed she could have feelings for you and you let her just drive away."
"I-I was more shocked than anything she didn't exactly give me a chance to say anything. Plus she looked like she was going to murder me, and then probably bring me back to life to murder me again."
Ruby leaned back in her seat. "So do you?"
"Do I what?"
"Love her?"
"I don't know? Maybe?"
"Emma, could you quit lying."
"I am not!"
"Go get her Emma. Quit lying to me and to yourself. You are smitten. Go tell your queen that you love her." A grin was spreading across her face. She was most likely imagining Emma and Regina holding hands.
Emma sat there for a moment, the bell chimed as the door opened and in walked her mother. Oh god. Her mom. Here Emma is having feelings for her mother's ex enemy. She quickly glanced to Ruby. "You breath a word of this to my mother before I get it all sorted out this will be the last you hear of what's going on."
"It's not like the savior to threaten people"
"Yeah well desperate times call for desperate measures."
"You're going to go after her right?"
"Of course. Just keep my mom occupied alright?"
Regina and Henry were sitting in the living room. She was tired but she'd finally completely pulled herself together. So much had happened emotionally in a short time frame it had tired her out. She'd explained most of the day to Henry, minus the parts with Emma. That was something she still had to figure out.
"So, you and Robin. Are no longer together?" He was clarifying.
"Yes. We are no longer together."
"And you're really okay with that?"
"Yes Henry. He has a family. It wasn't meant to be. I have a family of my own." She looked down at Henry who was curled up next to her, "and I wouldn't give you up for anything."
"So does this mean you forgive Emma?" He said looking up at his mom hope in his eyes.
"I.." She paused, "that's complicated. Miss Swan and I had another squabble. It's not just about Marian anymore."
Henry sat up. "I don't know what she did but she's part of this family as well. You two need to find a way to work it out. And if you're truly okay with Robin moving on shouldn't you forgive her for bringing back Marian." The mention of Marian still hurt. Yes she was okay with Robin moving on but that wound was still fresh.
"It's a lot more complicated than that now, I'm afraid you wouldn't understand."
"So explain it to me. What happened between you two? Mom. We are family. She's my mom too. You can't make me choose between you two. So you're going to have to work it out."
He was right but he had no idea she had feelings for his other mother. And she was pretty sure Emma wasn't going to reciprocate those feelings. She had captain guy liner chasing after her. The dirty pirate. Okay maybe these feelings had been around for awhile. Maybe she'd just gone with Robin because that's what fate had foretold. She'd been feeling increasing amounts of anger toward the one handed wonder every time he tried to take one step closer to Emma. And that's been since Neverland.
There was a knock at the door.
"I'll go get that Henry. Stay here."
"Are you expecting anyone? It's almost 9pm."
"No. But I have a sinking feeling I know who it is."
Emma had managed to fake her way past her mother. Claiming some sheriff duty. Ruby quickly had invited Snow over. Her mother had given her that same worried look she'd given her this morning but let her go. She hopped into the yellow bug and drove to 108 Mifflin St.
7:03. She breathed. She could do this. Henry was supposed to be with David for the night. Her mind was buzzing. Maybe just a quick drive around the block to clear her mind.
7:36. Her mind was still racing. Still sitting in her bug in front of the mansion. Regina hadn't said it flat out. It wasn't an I love you. It was a "you'll never love me" there's a difference right? But there was only one reason you'd want another person to love you.
8:10 The walk around the street was just making her even more anxious, but at least she was out of the bug now. She should just walk up there and knock on the door. But what if she was in bed. That was ridiculous Regina wouldn't be in bed yet.
8:34 A buzz from her phone brought her back to reality. A text from Ruby. She was leaning against her car.
Hey how's it going? I got away from your mom for a moment. I haven't told her anything I swear. You and Regina are going to make quite the couple.
Ugh. Ruby could wait.
8:46 She finally convinced herself to walk to the door. But now she was just pacing like a moron. Just do it. Just knock.
8:52 No longer pacing she was just standing in front of the door her arm reached up. Here goes nothing. Her fist made contact.
8:53 The door opened. "Miss Swan. Who else would be knocking at my door this late of an hour. I'd have thought your mother would have taught you better manners but she also sent you in a box to Maine so-"
"-What did you mean I'll never love you?"
The bluntness took Regina by surprise. But it only lasted a second. "And what exactly did you mean by you'd find my happiness even if it was with Robin?"
"You first Regina."
"No."
"No?"
"Did I stutter Miss Swan?"
Ugh this woman was so infuriating. "Would you drop the Miss Swan already?"
"Em-ma. Is that better?"
"You're infuriating you know that?"
"Thank you dear."
They stared each other down for what felt like minutes. Emma's eyes kept wandering towards Regina's mouth. A fact Regina most likely didn't miss since she was staring into Emma deep green eyes as hard as she possibly could. Regina also looked confused at Emma eye motions.
"What did you mean, Emma."
"I asked you first."
"And we are standing in my doorway."
"Fine… I, I just want you to be happy, okay?"
"That doesn't answer the question."
"So then what's the question?" They were getting nowhere fast.
"Even if it's with Robin. That implies things."
"And the fact that you think I won't love you does not?"
Regina scoffed under her breath and rolled her eyes. Emma was getting increasingly annoyed and yet she couldn't stop looking at Regina's lips.
8:55 The tension was intense. They were getting nowhere. Frustration won out, Emma grabbed Regina's waist pulling her forward, placing her lips onto the other woman's. Regina's body froze in shock almost like she was being attacked. But this isn't an attack, and seconds later her body relaxed into Emma's hands, and suddenly she was kissing Emma back just as hard. They were both lost to the kiss oblivious to the world around them. That is until they heard a thunk and a shuffle coming from inside the house. They broke apart faster than they had crashed together. Regina whirling around. Henry…
"Henry" Regina had finally remembered how to speak. "I thought I told you to wait in the living room."
"This is too complicated to understand?"
"I-" for once in her life Regina looked lost for words.
"Henry I thought you were supposed to be with David"
At least Emma was able to speak
"I convinced him to let me come see my mom. But I can see now that maybe I don't need to worry about her. How long have you two.." He froze, almost scrunching his face at the thought, "...been together?"
Emma glanced over at Regina, she didn't even know if they were together.
"Henry, this was the first time we've even kissed." Regina was composing herself "we aren't even sure what this is yet ourselves. Perhaps we could take you to David and Mary Margaret's? So that," she paused looking at Emma who looked almost as stunned and embarrassed as she felt. "We can figure out what this is."
Henry just simply nodded. Poor kid, he'd have the imagine of his supposed feuding mother making out like high schoolers in the front doorway for who knows how long. The two women moved out of the door leading the way to the driveway. Emma instinctively headed toward her car.
"We are taking my car Emma. I am not getting in that death trap to drop my son off at the Charmings."
Emma spun around Henry was kind of stopped somewhere between the two of them. She saw the look on Regina's face. She was not winning this fight. "Fine but it is not a death trap. It is perfectly safe."
"So are apples, but sometimes you'll find one is poisoned." Regina retorted opening her car door and sliding in the drivers seat. Henry was crawling in the back. Emma made her way around and in and then they were on their way.
It was silent most of their trip. Regina looked like she was about to die of shame, or murder Emma for putting her in such a position. Henry looked deep in thought in the back seat. They pulled up to the apartment. Emma had sent word ahead. Snow was done with her night out with Ruby. Who knows if Ruby had spilled the beans but it probably didn't matter at this point. Something was going to look suspicious, her and Regina needing to be alone a 9:30 at night. Her parents had to know something was up. Henry scooted toward the car door.
"You know, I kind of like the idea of my moms being together." He smiled and crawled out the passenger side. Emma rolled down her window "just maybe, don't kiss in front of me again any time soon." And with that he was inside headed upstairs. Emma had a smirk on her face and Regina just looked mortified.
"I should just kill you right here and now" Regina mumbled, she probably hadn't intended Emma hearing her.
"I don't think you will."
"And why would that be?"
"Because that kiss was something else and I know you felt it too"
And with that they were headed back to 108 Mifflin st.
They were both sitting on the couch. The space and silence between them was palpable.
Regina couldn't handle this any longer "So?"
Emma looked over at her sheepishly. Not a word had been spoken since they had left Henry.
"I- uh, that kiss was nice"
"Is that really all you can say at a time like this?"
"What? It was…"
Regina muttered under her breath "Just like a teenager."
"I heard that."
"Good, now can we get to the important business at hand?"
Emma sighed. "I guess I just wanted you happy, even if it wasn't with me. I think that's what I meant."
Regina sat there taking that in.
"So what did you mean? That I couldn't love you."
Regina gulped. She really didn't want to spill her guts. She wasn't even sure what she was feeling. Her head was reeling. "I-I'm not sure, probably just a slip up of words."
So she was deciding to lie. Probably not the best tactic and clearly Emma had some feelings for her. She stood up taking up slowly pacing. She could feel Emma's eyes on her every move.
"I don't know what's going on in my head right now. I spoke to Robin earlier. And as I said earlier, him and I are no longer together. And while I understand, it doesn't mean that it doesn't hurt. We had something and now it's nothing. And that's because of you." She saw Emma physically tense up. "I think maybe what happened in the doorway was just a mistake Miss Swan."
Oh but how she wanted it to repeat. But she needed space. She was so conflicted both wanting to push Emma as far from her as possible and pull her as tight as she could. Instead she decided on crossing her arms across her chest as tight as she could her feet freezing in place.
"You're lying Regina." Emma was now standing up moving to erase the space between them. "I would know out of everyone in this town when you are lying. That kiss wasn't nothing. And those words meant something. Maybe you want to push me away. I don't know but I know what I felt. If you need space then I'll give you space." She paused. They were inches apart. Regina was still guarded, body tense. "I care enough about you to tell you the truth and I'd hope you would do the same Regina but I can see that's not going to happen. I do have feelings for you but if you want to remain friends then fine, I'll back off."
Silence. Regina felt the pull in her throat, the water approaching her eyes. Damn it not again, she had cried one too many times today already. But looking at Emma who just looked so defeated and sorry she wanted to forgive her. But she couldn't move.
Emma finally moved past Regina headed to the door. She looked over her shoulder back at Regina who still had not moved an inch. "I can see you want space. When you're ready to talk about this. You can find me." And with that she was headed out the door.
