Chapter Three: Out in the open
Following the departure to the Enchanted Forest things began to become 'normal' again around Storybrooke. The jobs that were left vacant were filled and everyone went on with their lives as they had before.
Emma moved permanently into the mansion and the couple decided that it was time to make their relationship public. So, one morning they decided to go for breakfast at the diner as a family.
Henry walked in with his mother's following him. Regina had her arm linked with the Saviors, smiling as Emma held the door for her. As they walked towards an empty booth the other occupants of the dinner grew quiet and stared at them. Emma, noticing that her girlfriend had tightened on her arm leant in and asked, "Hey, you okay?"
"I will be when they stop staring." Regina whispered.
"Why worry? I know for a fact they are staring at the fairest in all the lands and are wondering how I got so lucky to be with her." Emma declared loud enough for those in the dinner to hear.
Regina blushed as they sat down. All those who had been staring quickly resumed what they had been doing, some requiring a quick glare from the Sheriff before doing so.
Ruby walked over to the group with menus and tried to act like nothing was different. "Can I get you any drinks?" She asked smiling at Emma.
"Yes, I will have my regular coffee and they will have hot chocolates with cinnamon." Regina glanced receiving a nod of confirmation from the boy sitting across from her.
"What she said Rubes." Emma said as she placed her arm around Regina's shoulders.
Ruby blinked twice at the gesture before nodding and turning to get the drinks. Regina relaxed into Emma's hold and looked across at Henry.
"Henry, do you want to walk to school or do you want a ride?" She asked looking up from her menu.
"A ride, please, Mom."
"Of course, my little prince."
"Can I get a ride to work babe." Emma interrupts
"No, you can walk." Seeing a pout form on her girlfriends lips Regina laughs and adds "Em, its less than a minute away."
"Fine" Emma pouts however there is a sparkle in her eye. Henry and Regina start laughing at her antics.
Ruby walks over with a tray of drinks, surprised by the relaxed and happy interactions between the family members. She places the drinks on the table and takes the orders of those at the table. She leaves and they continue in a friendly banter for the rest of the morning while eating their breakfast.
Once they finished Emma got up to pay and then returned to the table offering her arm for Regina to take. Regina takes it willingly and they walk out of the diner. Outside Regina turns and kisses Emma good-bye before turning and sitting in the car with Henry.
"Have a good day, dear" She says as Emma closes the door.
"You too babe, see ya kid".
"Bye Ma"
Emma turns and walks towards the station with a grin on her face. She and Regina were out in the open and now she didn't have to hide her feelings for the brunette anymore.