Chapter 2: The Stranger

While Zelena had gone to the rest room, Emma asked their waiter to bring them a soufflé. After placing the order, Emma's phone rang, signaling to her that she had an incoming call. Emma looked at the caller ID and saw it was her boss. She rolled her eyes. This was supposed to be her night off. Emma hit ignore and set the contact to do not disturb. The moment Emma put down the phone, she was startled by a man. The man was tall with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. He had pierced ears and wore leather. A lot of leather. Emma supposed that he was handsome. If you were into that sort of thing. He sat across from her at the table. Immediately, Emma grabbed hold of the table knife. Prepared to use it, if need be. This was not the first time Emma had encountered this man. That very morning, the man had shown up on her doorstep and had kissed Emma. The kiss had been unwanted on Emma's behalf, so she pushed him off of her and slammed the door in his face. Emma glared at the man in front of her.

"Who are you? What do you want?"

The man spoke with an accent.

"My name is Killian Jones. I'm here to help you remember, love."

Emma's eyes narrowed and her glare hardened.

"I'm not your love," she said through clenched teeth. "And help me remember what?"

"Your family," the man named Killian said. "They're in trouble."

Emma looked at him with suspicion.

"My family is all right here."

"Your parents need you, Swan."

"I don't have parents," Emma said. "And how the hell do you know my name?"

"You do have parents. You just don't remember them," Killian said. "And this isn't the first time we've met."

Emma nodded her head.

"Yes, I know."

Killian blinked.

"You know? You mean you remember?"

"Of course I remember you."

A smile begin to form on Killian's lips.

"How could I forget the man who forcibly invaded my private space and kissed me against my will," Emma continued.

Killian's face fell into the palm of his hand.

"I thought that true loves kiss would restore your memories."

Emma's eyes widened.

"True loves kiss!?" Emma said. "What the hell... you know what? No... I don't want to know."

She looked Killian straight in the eye.

"Get out."

Killian was starting to get frustrated with the stubborn blonde.

"Swan, you have to believe me," he pressed on. "Your family..."

"I don't have to do anything," Emma sneered. "And I said get out."

Killian knew that he wasn't going to convince Emma. He would have to try again at some other time. He got up from the table and stormed out of the restaurant. After he left, Emma let out a breath she didn't know she had been holding. Not long after Killian was gone, the waiter returned with the soufflé. Emma thanked him, but she was a bit annoyed. She had had a hectic work day and she had been looking forward to her dinner date with Zelena. The night had been going great, but then the crazy man showed up and now Emma was on edge. She took a few deep breaths to calm her frazzled nervous. Emma cared about Zelena and she wasn't about to let some stranger ruin their date. A moment later, Zelena returned from the ladies room. They sat across from each other and shared the chocolate soufflé. While they ate, Emma couldn't help but admire the woman in front of her. Zelena was absolutely stunning. Emma could easily get lost in her hypnotizing blue eyes. Zelena and Emma filled up the rest of their date with pleasant conversation and laughter. Emma had not been this happy with anyone in a really long time. The soufflé was divine and it wasn't long before every morsel had been eaten. The bill came and Emma insisted on paying for dinner. Emma helped Zelena put her coat and escorted the redhead out of the restaurant. When they were outside, Emma faced Zelena.

"You know Zelena," Emma said. "Henry is spending the night at one of his friend's house. You could come over." Emma stepped forward and wrapped one arm around Zelena's waist. The blonde's other hand moved to the back of Zelena's neck. Emma smiled suggestively.

"We would be alone."

Zelena returned the smile. Her hands reached up to take hold of the collar of Emma's coat. She moved closer to the blonde.

"I'd love to darling," Zelena said. "But I'm afraid that I have some personal matters to attend to attend to."

Emma frowned.

"Oh," Emma was admittedly disappointed. "I understand."

Zelena leaned forward and kissed away Emma's frown.

"Don't look so disappointed. It won't take long and I can come by afterwards. If you'd like?"

Emma kissed the redhead with fervor. Zelena allowed herself to melt into the kiss. They pulled apart a few moments later.

"Does that answer your question?"

Zelena smiled warmly at Emma.

"I'll see you in a couple of hours."

The two women parted ways. Emma went home to her apartment. When she was out of sight, Zelena walked in the opposite direction. Zelena walked in to a dark alleyway. Normally, this would be a dangerous thing for a woman in New York to do, but Zelena was the Wicked Witch of the West. Anyone who tried to attack her would be a bloody damn fool. From out of her purse, Zelena pulled out her magical silver slippers. She put them on and clicked her heels together three times. On the third and final click of her heels, Zelena vanished in a cloud of green smoke.