A/N: hi everyone, once again thank you. This is just a short chapter to set the scence for a much bigger chapter 4. I hope you enjoy it.
Emma had been feeding Henry his evening bottle, whilst Regina had been cooking them a meal. She was just popping him back into his carrier when Regina came back into the living room. The brunette explained how dinner would only be a few minutes until it was served, and for Emma to make her way to the dining room when she was ready. The blonde nodded and glanced up with a small smile, before focusing her attention back on Henry. Regina watched just a second longer than it not being awkward, and then turned and returned to kitchen quickly.
Emma smiled, watching Henry as he snuggled and settled. She liked seeing him peaceful and asleep. It was a reminder for her that no matter how useless she felt she was with him, she couldn't be doing too bad a job if he was happy. Picking his fleece blanket up from the floor, she placed it over his little legs, tucked it in under his tiny feet and in neatly at his sides.
"Sweet dreams kid" she whispered as she stroked his cheek lightly with the backs of her fingers.
Regina appeared back at the living room door, staring once more at the blonde.
"I am about to serve," she stated gently.
Emma looked up and then slowly got up letting her eyes fall back upon Henry. She wondered if she should leave him there, or if she should take him with her. She didn't know this house, or this woman really. Anything could happen to her son if she let him out of her sight. She was about to step away from him when she changed her mind. Grabbing the carrier and the bag, she hurried over to where Regina was stood, then followed to the dining room.
Regina had pulled out all the stops in preparing a meal. The blonde wasn't used to a fully set place, with china plates, silverware and glasses. She was more the weak coffee in a plastic cup and greasy cheap burger type, and that was when she could afford to eat. Most of the time she had to scrounge off of what leftovers she could grab from plates as she snuck out of a diner or truck stop, or live on what she had managed to swipe without being noticed from a 24/7. Placing Henry down beside the chair she had been offered, Emma took a seat.
As Regina had disappeared suddenly back to the kitchen, Emma took in her surroundings. The dining room matched every other room she had seen so far. It had long heavy drapes at the windows, the big oak dining table she was currently sat at and matching sideboard. Upon it was placed a fruit bowl full of the richest red apples, and next to them was a cut glass bottle filled with what looked like apple juice on a silver tray and ice bucket. Waiting quietly, Emma began to twiddle her fingers, wondering what she would be given.
Regina returned a little while later carrying a lasagne dish and placed it on the mat in the middle of the big, round table. It smelt amazing as Emma breathed in the aroma it was giving off. Heading off quickly again without a word, the brunette returned to the kitchen and was back again within minutes carrying a plate and what was clearly a salad bowl. These were promptly placed by the lasagne and Regina stopped to ask the blonde what she would care to drink. With lasagne, Regina's personal preference was a nice red, but she didn't wish to assume Emma liked wine.
"Umm I'll just have whatever you are having" Emma muttered, not wanting to be an inconvenience.
Regina smiled disappearing and returning seconds later with a bottle. Emma was just about to state she didn't like red wine but stopped herself as her glass was already beginning to fill. Perhaps a sip or two wouldn't hurt she thought; especially as she had food to go with it. She smiled best she could at Regina as she took her own seat and poured out her own glass of wine.
"This smells amazing" Emma stated, her mouth beginning to water and her tummy already rumbling awkwardly.
Regina smiled appreciative of the comment and reached effortlessly to the lasagne. Cutting a square, she lifted it out and took the blonde's plate. Upon it she dropped the slab of mince, tomato and cheese. Presuming Emma would have salad, she placed the plate back in front of her guest and taking the tongs scraped out several servings of greenery.
"Help yourself to garlic bread" Regina stated as she served up her own portion.
Emma thanked her and helped herself to a few pieces. She was absolutely starving, even after the luxurious breakfast Ruby had served her. Grabbing her fork she dug in, taking a large piece of lasagne. Chewing quickly she let out an appreciative moan, which grabbed Regina's attention. She regarded the blonde closely as she devoured consecutively forkfuls of lasagne and leaving all her salad on the side. It was only after those few more that Emma suddenly looked up from her plate and coughed a little. Regina couldn't help a smirk. She hadn't had chance to warn the blonde about the secret ingredient.
Emma's mouth was on fire, her tongue tingling and she quickly reached for her drink. She took a big gulp of the wine and pulled a face at the slight bitterness of its sharp taste. But she needed it to wash away the heat in her mouth. As she swallowed she coughed a little and Regina quickly wiped off her smirk and changed it for a gentle smile as their eyes met.
"Red pepper flakes. Gives it some kick" Regina explained.
She then quickly offered apology, stating that she would have mentioned it, but that Emma digging in so quickly hadn't given her chance. Then she quickly challenged Emma on the fact she didn't like wine. The blonde responded with a shake of her head, and sheepishly looked back down at her plate. She had devoured most of the pasta, so she decided to stick with the garlic bread and just hoped it didn't have extra garlic for a kick.
"I do apologise" Regina reiterated.
Emma nodded and muttered that it was ok, just she hadn't expected it.
"Can i get you some water perhaps?" Regina suggested as she rose from her chair.
The blonde shyly agreed and peered down at her son checking on him the second they were alone. He was still fast asleep. Silence blanketed the room as Emma glanced around for a clock. She had the urge to leave again, and wished to know how late it was. From one of the other rooms, she suddenly heard the chimes of a grandfather clock as it struck nine. Shuffling on her seat she weighed up if she would be able to get out without being seen or saying goodbye. It was possible, she could see the front door, but Regina suddenly reappeared with her glass of water.
Sat in an awkward silence, Emma didn't know what to do with herself. She was waiting for the brunette to start quizzing her again, but the questions didn't come. Nervously she reached for another, almost cold, slice of garlic bread, and chewed on it just for something to do.
Eventually, Regina spoke.
"So, did you have far to travel to get to town?" She asked gently.
"Kinda" Emma muttered.
But she didn't elaborate any further. She was a like a locked box, keeping all her secrets and truths hidden away, and Regina didn't have the key. The brunette sighed, she was beginning to realise that if she wanted to know anything about the blonde stranger in front of her in depth, she was going to have gain her trust.
Sighing gently, Regina collected the plates as she got back up. She offered the blonde cocoa, which she refused politely. Regina took the plates away quietly and took a deep breath as she soon as she was alone in the kitchen. Her planned evening was not going accordingly at all. She took a minute to stop and evaluate. After all, the blonde did look exhausted, perhaps it was that making her shy and quiet.
Returning a short while later, Regina approached the blonde.
"You must be tired. Let me show you to the guest room" the brunette offered.
Emma nodded, rising from her seat and picking up Henry's carrier. Following Regina, they made their way back up to the first floor. Opening up a door from the landing, Regina stepped aside to allow Emma to enter the room. Inside there was a large double bed, a dresser and to her surprise, a crib. Emma didn't know how or why, but Regina was bidding her goodnight before she could even question it.
As Regina crossed the landing to her own room, and closed the door, Emma closed her own and returned to where she had placed Henry down. Perching on the edge of the bed she took a deep breath and thought about how surreal her first day in Storybrooke had been. However, she really did feel tired and the bed she was sat on felt ever so comfy and looked just as inviting. Without any further hesitation, she took Henry out, hoping he wouldn't stir and placed him carefully into the crib. When she was happy he was settled and safe, she took herself over to the bed, stripped off her jeans and tank top and pulled back the sheets. Crawling into the bed and snuggling up she made herself comfortable, and seconds later she was fast asleep.