Sorry again about the delayed update. Although I haven't been doing too bad. I don't think you guys had to wait more than three days. So I regret nothing. Anyway here is the moment you guys have been waiting for. I really, really hope I didn't disappoint.

I don't own OUAT

Chapter 8. The invitation

Storybrooke Past. 5 years ago

"You'll never catch me alive captain!" Emma yelled as she dodged a large paper ball thrown her way barely missing her face. "You will have to do better than that captain Henry." Another ball was thrown her way, this time she ducked down to the floor rolling onto the couch cushions sprawled across the living room floor. There were paper balls –well canons according to Henry- in every corner of the room. A few of them even sitting inside the empty vase near the window. A blue blanket was spread along the floor with stuffed toy alligators and sharks, their version of the ocean. Little action figures were lined up along the couch, some standing straight while others were knocked over; apparently killed in battle. To a small child the living room was nothing short of a perfect island for a pirate adventure. But to the unimaginative eye it was just a complete mess.

Henry stood on top of the bare couch, the black fabric sinking down under his weight. An empty paper towel roll was clutched tightly in his hand. A pair of Mickey Mouse ears –his captain hat- sat atop his head. Brown thermal pajamas and rain boots was his pirate outfit of choice. Piles of balled up computer paper stood near his side. He stretched out the hand with the sword pointing it to his blonde mother. His small voice attempting to hold authority, "You will go down with your ship, if it is the last thing I do!" The blonde faked a look of fear, her white tank top covered chest was heaving from all the tussling around they were doing. Her blue plaid pajamas pants hung loosely around her hips. The two had spent the better of Saturday morning playing pirates.

Normally, Emma would take this time to sleep in; however the energetic five year old was not going to let that happen. He came running into their bedroom leaping onto the queen bed and landing indian style, successfully jolting the blonde from her slumber. Regina had already been awake after getting a sudden emergency call for a meeting. The brunette watched with amusement as Emma tried to go back to sleep only to have her son pull at her eye lids; threatening to not let them go until she woke up completely.

Now here they were deep inside their own imagination. Emma looked up at her son holding out her sword towards him as well, "do your worst captain." Henry seemed to think for a moment before screaming a loud 'arrghh' and leaping off of the couch diving directly onto his mother knocking her onto the cushioned floor and landing square on top of her. He then proceeded to tickle his victim, making the woman squirm underneath him. "That's cheating." She struggled with her words through fits of laughter.

"Do you give up!?" The five year old stopped momentarily looking down at his red faced mother.

She looked back at up at him with an impish smile coating fare features. "Nevar!" Quickly she pushed the small boy away and ran towards the couch –Henry's ship-, and grabbed a paper ball throwing it his way. He ducked down, the ball flying over him and smacking a certain brunette straight in the face.

"What on earth?" Regina looked down at the assaulting paper ball; then back up at her son who was still hiding behind a couch cushion and trailed to her wife who was standing on top of the naked couch mouth agape.

"Ooooo you're in trouble." Henry muttered from his corner of safety.

Emma smiled the same as a child who had just been caught doing something they were supposed to. Her shoulders were up to her ears in an adorable fashion. Might as well try and use the cute factor. "Hi honey." Regina didn't answer. Her brown eyes were still looking over the mess of the living room. The blonde followed her wife's eyes, "we were just-"

The brunette raised a hand. "I don't want to know. Just clean it up." She then picked up the mail that had been dropped from her hand after being pelted from the paper ball and stalked into the kitchen.

Emma looked down at her son. "Way to stay on my side kid." Playfully said as she hopped down from her place on the furniture.

Henry stood from his hiding spot carrying the pillow over to the couch and placing it in its proper place. "I didn't hit her, you did."

The blonde shook her head and continued to clean up the mess they made. Once everything was in order she walked into the kitchen to find her wife in the middle of preparing lunch. Motioning over to plant a sweet kiss on her lips. "How was your meeting?"

"The same as always," She answered while cutting a sandwich in half.

"That good huh," the blonde walked over to the pile of mail sitting on top of the island. She searched through it, most of them being bills or junk mail. Her eyebrow rose as a small tanned envelope came into view. "Hmm…"

"What?" Regina wiped her hands on a dish cloth and walked to stand beside her wife.

"It's an invitation."

"From who?"

Emma noticed the address, "from… KJ," she opened the envelope, sliding her index finger through the seam. "It's for his engagement party."

The brunette looked confused. "I didn't know he was dating anyone."

"Me either." The blonde shrugged and continued to read the invitation. "You are cordially invited to celebrate the engagement of Killian 'KJ' Jones and Tamara Martin." She said the second name with an unsure inflection. Since when were they dating? And why didn't she know about it?

Regina visibly tensed. Her feelings towards the ebony haired woman were still fresh. It had been that way ever since she found out through Emma that Tamara was the one who ruined her painting that night. It stuck to her like an industrial adhesive, never forgiving that woman for the heartache she caused. The anger quickly rose again. "We're not going." She said lowly, walking back towards the other side of the island picking up the plates of sandwiches she made for everyone.

"Regina we have to go." The blonde followed behind her wife who was now setting the plates down in the dining room.

"You know how I feel about her Emma."

"I know, but we won't be going for her." She watched as the brunette went to grab their son. The small boy running quickly to sit in his designated seat the booster. He was still having difficulties reaching the table. "Come on, for KJ, he's my best friend."

The brunette didn't answer. Instead decided to start eating her lunch. Although KJ was the blonde's best friend from college, she still didn't want to be anywhere near that other woman. In her eyes Tamara was nothing but trouble. Something that she had always wanted to avoid at all costs.

"Gina," Emma started again. "We can't just not show up. He was there for us during our engagement party and the wedding. That wouldn't be right."

A sigh, "we won't have a babysitter in time."

"I haven't even told you when it is." The blonde stated seeing straight through her wife's actions. "Gina…"

Henry looked as if he was watching a tennis match. His dark green eyes following his mothers voices, swinging his dangling legs happily.

Emma poked out her bottom lip and gave her best puppy eyes.

Regina rolled her eyes playfully. "Why do I feel like I have two kids?" Henry chuckled making both his mothers smile at him. She sighed in defeat, "Fine baby, when is it?"

The blonde beamed, "Next Saturday. We can ask Mary Margaret to watch the kid." She nodded her head towards the small brunet; who sported a cute glare from being called 'the kid'. Emma reached over and ruffled his hair in response.

The brunette smiled at the display. "Ok, if she says its fine then we will go." She pointed an accusatory finger towards the blonde across the table. "But you owe me Miss Swan."

Emma sported a cocky grin, leaning her elbows onto the table. "Oh and I plan to make it up to you, tonight, Mrs. Swan." A blush tinted Regina's cheeks from the comprehensive innuendo. Tonight she would be in for quite a treat.


Next Saturday...

Emma stepped outside of her car door after dropping Henry off at Mary Margaret's. The pixie brunette was more than happy to take him in for the evening; stating that Ruby would also be there to help plan a fun night for her son. She was thankful for friends like Mary Margaret and Ruby. They had become the best things that have happened to her – excluding her wife and son-, proving themselves time and time again that they were worthy of her trust. She rounded off to the front door placing her keys into the lock and stepping inside. "Gina…" her voice traveled through the house looking for the woman in question.

"Upstairs," the familiar voice trailed. Emma then made her way towards the bedroom. When she opened the door she noticed her wife peeking out from the closet. Obviously still in process of getting ready. "Babe the party started an hour ago. Why aren't you dressed yet?"

The sound of hangers scrapping across wooden poles coated the silence of the bedroom. "I didn't like what I had on so I decided to change. Don't rush me." She retreated back into the large walk in closet.

Emma rolled her eyes and sat down on the edge of the bed. She never could understand why it would take six years for her wife to get ready. It only took the blonde about 45 minutes at most. Clad in black pants, a white button up and her red leather jacket. Simple yet appropriate. She never apprehended why Regina would go through her entire wardrobe. Didn't she already know what was there? An exasperated sigh, "Gina, baby, I'm sure what you have on is fine."

After a few more sounds of shuffling fell from the closet. The brunette finally stepped out wearing a form fitting red dress. The top slipped down into V-neck that seemed to be bunched up, and then pulled taught down into a diamond brooch that settled at the beginning of the valley between her breasts. Black stockings coated her accented legs from the mid-thigh dress. Black pumps completed her outfit. "What do you think?" She smiled as Emma slowly stood up from the bed, lust evident in her twinkling eyes as she motioned forward.

"I think…we are going to be even more late." The blonde leaned in for a kiss, but her lips were met with a tanned finger. She pouted from the denial.

"Ah ah…you'll smudge my lipstick." She smiled as Emma tried to direct her lips to the exposed tanned skin. The brunette placed her hands on the taller woman's shoulders stopping her from advancing. "Emma…we're late, remember?"

The blonde sighed and backed up. "Fine…but you are in a lot of trouble later." She leaned forward to steal a chaste kiss from red lips. "Let's go." Fare hands reached onto the nightstand to grab her car keys.

"Oh no you don't." Regina objected. "I am not wearing this dress in your car."

"There's nothing wrong with my car." She stated innocently.

"It's ugly."

"It's a classic."

"Yes, classically hideous."

Emma rolled her eyes. "Fine, we'll take your car then." An appeasement.

The brunette grabbed her keys and handed them to her wife as they simultaneously headed downstairs. Reaching the car the blonde quickly motioned to the passenger seat to open the door. "For you, Mrs. Swan." She gestured with her hand palm facing up as she bowed downward.

"Why thank you Miss Swan." She chuckled as she got into the car. The blonde then gently closed the door before rounding off to the driver's side to head towards the party.

...

The atmosphere was warm and inviting. It wasn't at all what the two thought it would be. Especially Regina; she was sure it would be a lot less classy, full of ill-mannered pedestrians. A bunch of barnyard animals. It was sad to say that this is what she thought of her wife's friends, but with Emma you never were quite sure what you're going to get. The couple made their way inside, stopping at a small window off in the corner to check their coats. The blonde placed a possessive arm around the brunette's waist as they strolled through the large white doors.

The room simulated one of where a typical wedding reception would be held. Off in the far side of the room was a large buffet style table filled with food for everyone; from vegetarian to meat lover. White lights decorated the room shining off the golden dance floor, its reflection giving the place a warm golden backsplash. "See it's not that bad." Emma whispered in her wife's ear.

"I suppose you're right. But the night is young." Her answer was full of doubt. There was a strong feeling in the pit of her stomach that they just should not be there. Something was bound to happen. As for what, she didn't know. However, with every fiber in her being, she was sure she didn't want to find out.

Before the blonde had a chance to respond KJ appeared not too far in front of them, grinning ear to ear. His cream beige pants clung to his thighs, the white button up and grey vest swayed lightly during his stride over. After getting a look at everyone else, Emma began to feel like she was a bit underdressed. Hopefully there would be lots of alcohol distributed to all the party's guest so no one would remember, or care, about her fashion disaster.

KJ stuck out his hand towards the blonde in greeting. "You made it. Glad to see the wife has let you off the ball and chain." He smiled towards Regina who gave a polite smirk.

"Just this time," the brunette spoke in jest, causing a laugh from both populaces.

Emma interrupted the merriment, "I think you're laughing a little too hard KJ. I'm sure Tamara is already having one made just for you."

The name made Regina fight back an eye roll.

"And what makes you think I don't like being chained?" He asked, his dark eyes twinkled with double meaning.

"I really didn't need to know that," the blonde faked a look of disgust, "on that note where's the bar?"

KJ quickly pointed towards the open bar telling them to 'help themselves'. The couple than separated briefly. Regina to go find a table and Emma to retrieve the drinks. Once the blonde reached the table her wife had chosen, she slipped a small cup of sprite towards the brunette, keeping a beer for herself. "You don't mind being the designated driver tonight do you?"

"No, I'm actually not in a drinking mood tonight." The feeling in her stomach seemed to turn her off completely. She didn't even feel much like eating. Whatever was nagging her caused lots of anxiety, settling like a stone deep in her abdomen. Regina really just wanted to go home, but after seeing how much her wife wanted to help celebrate the engagement of her best friend –to that retched woman-, it would just seem selfish to hold the blonde back. So, in the end, it just made more sense to take one for the team. Hopefully this night will go smoothly and all she was feeling was indigestion.

...

A couple hours have passed and everything was still intact. Emma and Regina had even found the time to dance together. The brunette couldn't remember the last time they danced. Perhaps it was the year before Henry was born. Come to think of it, aside from sex, the couple hasn't really been able to do much of anything after their son was born. There were no regrets though. He filled their lives even more than when it was just the two of them.

Brown eyes looked across the table to her wife who had just finished her sixth beer. The blonde's eyes were slightly dilated. A sign of slight intoxication. Not so much drunk, just, tipsy.

"Perhaps it's time for water dear," Regina suggested, grabbing a hold of her wife's hand.

"I'm not drunk," she answered a little defensively.

"I didn't say that, I just, want you to be sober enough for tonight." A hint of flirtation.

"What's tonight?" Emma looked confused. The brunette then leaned over the table seductively, her red lips brushed against the other woman's ear as she whispered, causing the latter's eyebrows to rise. "Can you actually do that?"

A nod.

The blonde seemed to spring to life, "well," she started rather comically, "I think we have celebrated enough. I'm going to head to the bathroom and we can go, ok?"

A laugh, "ok."

Emma smiled at her wife before getting up and heading to the bathroom. Six beers were definitely something to go right through you. She exited the room turning the corner towards a white door with the restroom sign followed by the universal female stick figure.

The blonde stood in front of the marble sink washing her hands after fulfilling her call of nature. Small creeks of hinges were heard signaling someone entering the restroom. Heels rung against the white stone floor. "You couldn't wait until we got home?" Emma stated cockily.

"You're willing to take me home already? My persuasion is stronger than I thought."

Emma paused, that was not the sexy voice of her wife. In fact it was quite the opposite, making her cringe. She knew it was impossible to get through the entire night without coming into contact with this woman. But they were so close. At this point the blonde really wished she had contained the willpower earlier to hold her urine until she reached home.

The russet skinned woman took a step closer. Her misleading heels announcing their existence. "Long time no see Swan."

"Not long enough Tamara." She moved passed the woman grabbing a paper towel for her hands.

"Oh and here I thought you would be happy to see me." Her tone held playful spite, "maybe even enough to rekindle an old flame."

A scoff, "you can't be serious. And aren't you marrying my best friend?" Disgust.

Tamara invaded the blonde's personal space, slowly dragging a manicured finger down the length of a toned white sleeve clad arm. "That doesn't have to stop us from having a little…fun."

Emma grabbed the violating wrist firmly yanking it away from here. This woman was absolutely nuts. A psycho. Two cards short of the deck. The blonde was starting to wonder if this engagement was only a ploy to get close to her. A sick and twisted unfathomable endeavor. She had seen things like this before in movies. A short love affair turning into an unhealthy obsession. It was scary and it needed to come to an end. Now. "Tamara you have to stop. Nothing will ever be between us. Never again."

The latter seemed to be unphased. "It's the wife isn't it? Don't want her to know?"

The protective nature of the blonde started to flare. Her wife was not to be discussed. Especially not with her.

The ebony haired woman spoke again, "she looked absolutely ravishing tonight. But you have nothing to fear, my lips will be sealed." She leaned forward quickly to crush her lips against the blonde. Only to be stopped by strong hands pushing her back. A deranged laugh escaped her lips from the movement.

Emma's face went pale with fear. This bitch is crazy.

Tamara stalked towards her slowly, menacingly, like a lion on prey, "or maybe it's your son. Henry…right?"

The blonde's eyes grew wide. She had never mentioned her son before to this woman and the fact that she even knew his name sent a red alarm within her. "How do you know my son?"

An evil laugh, "oh I don't know him personally. But let's just say, I have my resources."

"You stay away from my family." Her voice was hard and protective, casing over the fear that consumed her.

"You poor thing," a velvet insane voice, "I want nothing with your little family. Just…you." She moved in closer, backing the blonde against the wall. Never before has Emma felt terrified enough to be frozen. "Let's just make things easier...shall we?" Her tone was barely a whisper as maroon lips tilted to connect with soft pink ones.

The blonde seemed to find herself again before their lips met, pushing the woman away. "You're crazy."

"I love you." Those words lacked the usual warmth that should follow. In fact they were hollow, cold, zany and illusory. This woman needed to be in a large room with cushioned white walls. "Don't you love me, Emma?"

The latter quickly made her way towards the exit. She needed to get out of there, grab her wife and run like hell. Her escape was short lived as she felt hands pushing her forward knocking her to the ground.

"Don't run away from me Emma. I love you."

The blonde scrambled to get up, Tamara closely approaching.

...

Regina sat at the table tapping her fingers against the white cloth covered wood. It has been at least 10 minutes and Emma still hasn't come back to the bathroom. The feeling in her stomach grew as worry started to consume her. At first she presumed that her wife was simply just running her mouth to her old friends. But after seeing that the room still contained most of the people she knew, she decided to get up and check to make sure everything was ok.

The brunette made her way out of the room and headed towards the bathroom. As her figure drew near the sound of tussling and small grunts could be heard. Her heart raced as the sound grew louder. Quickly she pushed the door open just in time to see her wife cock her arm back and punch Tamara square in the face.

The woman's body twisted as she fell to floor holding her jaw.

"EMMA WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!? STOP!" Regina screamed.

Her plea fell on deaf ears as Tamara quickly stood and lunged towards the blonde knocking her down. The two struggled against each other.

"STOP!" Regina tried to reach for wife but couldn't find the moment to grab her due the two rolling around. Deciding to just take a leap of faith she dived down pulling at the white shirt of her wife to break them apart, but was stopped by a hard smack across her face from the dark skinned woman. The force of the blow caused her to stumble back. Emma catching wind of what happened quickly reached on top of the sink counter grabbing the metal tissue container bashing Tamara across the head knocking her out instantly. The woman fell with a slump; a large bloody knot accented the corner of her head.

The blonde's features were coated with incredulousness of her actions. She looked at the blood still evident on the metal container. "…I…" Her mouth moved to form words but there was no sound.

"Emma we need to go." Regina stated pulling her wife off the floor and scrambling out of the bathroom. The duo walked with great speed, trying their best not to look guilty. Regina headed back towards the table to grab their coats she had acquired earlier from when the blonde first went to the bathroom. Emma headed outside to bring the car around.

The brunette was shaking. What the hell happened? Will that woman tell the police? Could Emma get arrested? "I knew we shouldn't have come." She said to no one in particular as she waited outside for her wife to bring the car around. Upon seeing the blue Mercedes she quickly made her way to the driver side opening the door. "Get out." Every bit of an authoritive tone being used.

"What?" The blonde asked in confusion. Was she going to leave her here? To be caught by the police?

"You've been drinking…the last thing we need is to be pulled over."

Relieved that she wasn't being left behind, Emma quickly scooted over to the passenger seat allowing her wife to take the wheel. They quickly sped off.

Tanned skinned hands gripped the steering wheel taught, her knuckles white with pressure. "What the hell happened?" Anger.

"I…I don't know…"

"You don't know! The fuck do you mean you don't know!?" Fury. How could she not know? Obviously something had to happen for that situation to come to blows. Why didn't the blonde just listen to her? She knew they shouldn't have gone, every fiber in her being told her so.

Emma winced at the tone, "one minute she was talking…trying to force herself on me and next thing I knew we were fighting."

"Force herself?" A part of Regina felt slightly satisfied with the fact that the woman was knocked out for coming on to her wife. Another part of her was furious with the stupidity of the situation. All Emma had to do was leave. Leave the bathroom the moment things went sour. But no, her stupid, arrogant, prideful wife was never one to back down. To seem cowardly. A trait she knew one day would get them into trouble.

"Yes," Emma gestured with her hands in front of her. Fingers sprawled out, eyes wide "she's obsessed with me Gina. She started talking about you and…and Henry. I didn't know what to do I panicked."

The car soon pulled itself into their garage. Regina quickly shut off the engine making her way inside the house, the blonde in tow.

They were pacing, neither one knowing where to go from here. Emma held her hands crossed at the fingers in her hair. Regina's heels seem to almost make a dent into the floor from the force. She sighed, "We need to call August."

"August?" Emma stopped pacing. Was it really that serious to call her lawyer friend?

"Yes August," she said irritated, "do you know what you just did?"

No answer.

"Emma," she placed her hands in front of her face as if beginning to pray, tilting them towards the woman in front of her, "you're looking at assault with a deadly weapon. You can go to prison for that!" The brunette resumed her pacing.

The taller woman's heart pounded against her sternum. Jail? No, she can't. Jail is for criminals, murderers and that wasn't her. What has she done? "Fuck…I…Damnit!" Green orbs looked over to her wife noticing the small red bruise on the side of her face. "Gina…" her voice trailed as she motioned over, "are you ok?" A fare skinned hand gingerly grazed against the bruise, making the brunette wince.

Regina quickly moved from the touch, "this no time to worry about me! Emma what are we going to do when someone calls the police?"

"Maybe…they won't." An ignorant hopeful statement.

Regina looked ready to smack her wife across the face, "OF COURSE THEY WILL CALL THE POLICE!" a breath, "Tamara is knocked out cold with a bruise on the side of her head. It will be obvious that someone attacked her."

Another hand ran through blonde tresses, "that doesn't mean it was me. It could have been anyone." She thought for a moment. Maybe that was possible. No one saw her do it aside from her wife and she was one hundred percent sure she wouldn't say anything. So maybe luck could be in her favor this time. Just this once. Hopefully.


The next day.

Emma and Henry sat across the couch watching The Lion King for the millionth time. Yet the small boy would always watch it as if it was his first. Regina soon joined them after doing some straightening up. The blonde wrapping an arm around her shoulder, kissing her on the cheek.

The doorbell rang suddenly, knocking them out of their family moment. The couple shared a glance. Each one dreading the possibility of who could be behind the door. "I'll get it," Regina stated before getting up and answering the door.

A copper toned woman stood with almond shaped eyes and long black hair. Beside her stood a red headed woman, pale in her features.

"May I help you?" The brunette started.

"Are you Emma Swan?"

"Uh, no I'm her wife. What can I help you with?"

"I'm detective Mulan and this is my partner Aurora. We have a warrant for the arrest of your wife." Aurora held the court paper up close for proof.

Regina kept her face neutral, "on what grounds?"

"Assault. We found her fingerprints along with blood of the victim on the metal container in the bathroom of the Renaissance Plaza. The place in both you and your wife were present for."

The brunette remained quiet. She had completely forgotten the factor of Emma's fingerprints being found. Why didn't they take it with them? She suddenly felt extremely stupid for not taking the moment to think and missing out on such an important detail.

"Ma'am if you are hiding your wife I am afraid we will have to take you in as well."

Regina started to speak but was stopped by a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Emma with a sorrow filled look.

The detective looked at the blonde who came to the door, "Are you Emma Swan?"

The former mentioned nodded. There was no use in trying to hide it. She was caught and there was nothing she could do about it. Cold metal handcuffs snapped around her wrists, "Emma Swan you are under arrest for the assault of Chief of police Tamara Martin. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law…"

The detective's words faded from existence. Emma looked back at her wife still standing by the door. Brown eyes glassed with the buildup of tears. Her son soon came into view, peeking out from behind her legs. "Where's Mama going Mommy? Why are they taking her away?"

The blonde felt a firm hand press down on her head indicating for her to duck down as she entered the back seat of the police car. Green orbs stared out the window, watching as Regina nudged Henry back inside, closing the door behind her. The beginning of hardship.


Really hope I didn't disappoint with this. However my next question is, do you guys want angsty happiness next chapter or would you guys rather find out why Regina stopped the letters? I am really confused on which to do first. So the first 5 reviews of whichever choice is what I will do next. So please please please let me know. Again I really hope I didn't disappoint. Until next time you marvelous people.

")