Well a new week and another update.

Slowly getting there, sorry I am struggling, but am grateful to everyone who is following, making a favourite or reviewing.

Enjoy!

Regina woke up in her bed, her head hurt and her mouth was dry. She moved her arm to shield her eyes, the sunlight was streaming through the window as the curtains hadn't been closed the night before, her eyes were sensitive to the light and turning away from the brightness was causing her head to pound every time she moved it. Her throat was parched and her body ached. She poked her tongue out to wet her lips, tasting the muskiness on them. She remembered then why her body ached and the taste was her own from the lingering kiss she had shared with Emma after she had gone down on her last night. Regina immediately put a hand out to see if the other side of the bed was occupied.

No Emma, her hand came back empty.

Regina didn't know if she was angry, disappointed or glad. She was no-where near as fragile as she had been last night, she had been able to sleep soundly and the sex had made her feel wanted and had driven the cold and unbearably sad feelings away. Would she really have wanted an awkward morning after with Henry's other mother? There were bound to have been more questions and Regina might have been pressed into giving more of herself away. She had to admit she was a bit surprised Emma had left, she had thought the sex bordered on something more significant to them both, but she might have been that tired she just imagined it.

Never being one to dwell on things, Regina swung her legs out of the bed and gingerly ran her hand through her tussled hair. Coffee, that was what she needed, and a glass of water and some pain killers. She'd get up, shower, eat something, take some medicine and then make a decision about what to do.

When she stood up and stretched, she knew she had a problem. Her eyes were sore from crying, and yes she was hung over, but her body hummed in a satisfied , warm way that she found comforting and her tongue licked out over her lips again, savouring the taste Emma had left behind. She felt guilt somewhere inside her she hadn't finished the other woman off. Maybe that was why she had disappeared without a trace. But Regina knew she shouldn't feel guilty about her actions, that would imply she cared about someone else. That wasn't the way she operated, the only person who mattered to her was Henry, it was his opinion of her and how he perceived that her actions affected others that she cared for. She didn't bond with other people, she didn't share feelings or need comfort, that was dangerous and allowing them close meant they could hurt you.

And Emma obviously didn't care, otherwise she would have stayed. Regina felt anger spike within her and with it came the anger for the Imp. She had been too shell shocked last night for it to register, but he had tried to poison her, maybe even kill her. And she was powerless to challenge him without magic, but that didn't stop her being furious at his deception and the anger bubbled inside her, making her head hurt more than it had before.

Despite Regina's flawed assessment of the situation, Emma hadn't for once in her life run away because she wanted to. She had been unbelievably torn about leaving the other woman, but she knew how tired the brunette was and decided it would be best if she was left alone to sleep.

It had been 9am before Emma had left the mansion, it was the latest she could leave and still pop back to see and check on Henry, reassure her parents who were kid sitting Henry that she was alive and alright after a night spent out, quickly shower and then get to work. At least it was a weekend and a short shift, they were usually quiet and she hoped today would be no different. She had a visit she wanted to make to a certain pawn shop owner, and she wanted the time to speak to him without interruption.

She had been careful and stealthy and managed to get out of Regina's room and then her house without waking the other woman. She had found some paper and jotted a note, leaving it on top of the decorative nest of tables in the hallway.

Left you to sleep, hope that was the right thing to do. Will swing by later to discuss Gold's present. Please don't go near it. Call me if you need anything.

She had also written Last night was but then stopped as she didn't know how to finish that. Amazing? Regina suffering and crying uncontrollably wasn't amazing. It had been oddly satisfying that Regina opened up to the blonde but she didn't think she could convey that in a note and then the sex had been something new and different to them both. Shaking her head she tore the bottom of the note off and stuffed it into her pocket.

"How can I help you Dearie?"

Emma walked into the dust and gloom of the shop and fixed her gaze on the proprietor.

"I have something that I need you to understand."

"And what would that be?"

"You need to leave Regina alone. We found the vial you placed in her house, I saw the sick side effects it had on her."

"She is obviously still alive then, more is the pity."

"Shut up, she is the mother of my son, do you think of nothing else but your own twisted gains? What if she had died, had taken her own life? What do you think that would do to Henry?"

"The boy would be better off without her influence. Although I do have to give her credit, she must have great strength to have lasted so long against the potion. I did mix it to be quite strong. I readily admit I had expected her to succumb to it."

"You really are a conceited bastard!"

"Now Sheriff, there is no need to get abusive. You know you would both be better off without her influence."

"What does that mean?"

"Been spending quite a lot of time with our fallen Queen, haven't we? And now coming in here like her own personal White Knight, what am I meant to think?"

"I am charged with keeping law and order in this town, protecting its citizens. All of them. Regina is as much a part of this town as anyone. This was a threat on her life, I should lock you up."

Gold just hummed, not believing a word. He continued, "But you won't, because you know my magic won't be caged."

"That doesn't mean you are above the law or can behave as you wish. Stop this vendetta against Regina now."

"Or what? Your positioning for bargaining is weak Sheriff. You hold no cards in this game. And you still owe me a favour. However I will give you this advice for free. The Queen is dangerous. She is selfish and very damaged, more so after the curse broke. Like any wounded animal getting too close can be hazardous, she will hurt and break you and likely your son too. Let me do everyone a favour and finish her off."

"No."

"Quite protective, Sheriff. Has she got her claws that far into you?"

"Shut up. She is doing her best to change and be better. She deserves a chance to make amends. At least she is trying, unlike you."

"Why should I change, I am quite happy. Are you happy Sheriff Swan? Do you think the Queen is happy? Is she satisfied?"

Emma knew she flushed, she shouldn't have but she was tired and memories of last night were still fresh in her mind. She usually had a better control on her emotions and her reactions. Gold just smirked at her discomfort.

"How will Mommy dearest take the news you have been intimate with the Queen?"

"That is none of your concern."

"You haven't denied it my Dear. Probably wise, I had seen the looks between you, growing in intensity for months since you first set foot in town. It was only a matter of time before the smouldering glances ignited, the standing just a little too close became a welcome invasion into each other's space. With The Huntsman out of the picture I'm not surprised the Queen looked for new blood, fresh meat, another bed warmer. Then there was the display at The Rabbit Hole last night which really was the icing on the cake. You should really be more discrete, people won't like the Saviour bedding the Evil Queen."

"I don't give a damn whether people approve." I care for her she wanted to add, but knew such arguments were useless in this shop against this man. It would just give him information to use against her, so she stopped herself from the admission.

"Even if they are your own parents?" His eyes glinted malevolently.

"Is that a threat?"

"Merely an opportunity for me to benefit from your…. Stupidity? Lack of control? Poor judgement?"

"I suppose you want another favour to keep quiet?" Emma was clenching her jaw, he was making her angry, getting under her skin. She was spitting her words at him.

"That might be a nice gesture on your part."

"Well get stuffed. You can't make your way through life blackmailing people and profiting from their misery."

"I seem to have done very well doing just that, Saviour."

Emma twitched, she hated the name and the smugness radiating from the man stood before her. A man who was still standing leaning on his cane, not intimidated by her stance, her words, her title of Sheriff or Saviour. He knew his magic could trump everything she had and he refused to back down. Emma knew it had been a vain hope, that trying to appeal to the man's better nature was a slim chance, he had so little goodness in him.

The bell over the doorway to the shop jingled as Belle walked in and immediately the stance of the man softened and a smile caught at the corner of his lips.

Emma jumped on the opportunity. "You have Belle back, she was cared for and returned to you."

"Yes." Gold grudgingly admitted.

"Then don't you think murder and cold blooded killing is a little extreme for your revenge?" Emma pressed, knowing Belle would be hearing every word.

"Rumple, what is she talking about?" Confusion clouded the pretty features of the woman.

"My revenge on the Queen for taking you away from me. For locking you up and making you suffer for years." The man pulled his shoulders back and meet his love's gaze. "I planted something in her house to make her suffer equally in return."

"But Rumple," And Emma heard the reproachful tone she used, "Regina has hardly been seen since the curse broke. She was beaten and broken in the attack, you knew that. I thought you'd decided that was punishment enough?"

"She took you from me, she told me you were dead! I only did it for you My Love."

Emma wanted to shiver, the words made her skin crawl. Belle could do so much better than this flawed creature. She might be conflicted about Regina, but she had voiced the truth earlier, at least she was trying to be better. This man only did things for his own personal gain and Belle was a sweet young girl, whatever hold The Imp had Emma failed to see it or understand.

"Then for me please stop. I don't want you to continue to victimise Regina. She did lock me up, because she hated you. And I know what you did to her, how you manipulated her and why she hates you. I understand her actions, twisted as they were. Back in the Enchanted Forest you were forever trying to score points off each other, to hurt and harm the other. And you both suffered, and so did your loved ones. We can't continue this here, you have me back and Regina has people she cares for."

Belle smiled shyly at Emma who flushed and tried to look away. The long haired brunette continued, "It is too much to risk and lose. It was me she wronged and I have forgiven her. Please let go of the grudge and the past, concentrate on our future together." And she reached over and wrapped her hands over his so they rested on the cane together.

"Put the groceries away Belle, I will conclude my business with the Sheriff and join you for tea shortly."

Once the woman who had captured his heart and was trying to turn him from the darkness was safely out of earshot he continued,

"Well played Sheriff, and I will honour Belle's wishes, but remember you still owe me a favour and be careful with The Queen, it would be a serious error in judgement to let you guard down around her."

"I can look after myself, thanks."

"Can you? You shun your parents to cavort with the woman who made their lives hell. And she did that because she couldn't stand their happiness. She doesn't understand love, that is why she had empty sexual encounters with people. From your reactions here you seem a little more invested than an empty sexual encounter. Be careful Emma, I know her better than anyone, she is incapable of what you want from her."

"I don't want anything from her, I want her to be allowed to live and be left alone, to love Henry. It isn't for me."

"Don't lie to yourself Dearie, she means something to you, and I promise you that never ends well. Her Stable Boy and her Father both paid the price for loving her."

"It isn't love, it is just circumstance, Henry ties us together."

"If you say so." His whole demeanour said he didn't believe her, and Emma turned and stalked from the shop, hating the man almost as much as before, she was just grateful she had managed to get him to agree to leave Regina alone.

Regina had been getting worse as the minutes turned into hours during the day. She was furious at herself for the way she had behaved, she hated herself for showing any kind of weakness and the unstoppable crying had been embarrassing. She had sought comfort in the arms and soothing voice of someone else, her façade had cracked and her insecurities had leaked out to be seen and analysed.

She also didn't want to go into her kitchen, so there was no coffee. She could drink water from the bathroom and make do, but if she wanted to eat something and take care of her hungover body she needed to go into the kitchen or out to Granny's. She didn't know which was worse, fighting the sickening feelings from her kitchen, or going outside to be scorned at and having to be pleasant to the townsfolk. She decided she wasn't that hungry and went back to the bathroom to get fresh water and painkillers.

Her anger grew all day and having no-one to scheme against, no-one to vent her wrath at, meant that the first person to cross her path received the whole maelstrom thrown at them. Emma came by after work, her night of fitful sleep and the argument with Gold had reminded her that late nights of drinking and staying up mostly until dawn were for young people, and pushing thirty wasn't old, but it meant she didn't have the stamina she once did. She was tired, Gold had played his word games and she had spent too much energy concentrating to make sure she didn't fall foul of one of his devious and crafty schemes that only benefited him.

After leaving his shop she had also had too many thoughts floating around in her head, questions she didn't want there. The strangely observant and obnoxious little man was good at reading people, it was made him so good at his deal making, and Emma shuddered at what he had told her. Truths she was trying to keep buried and deny to herself, he had seen and been blunt enough to ask her about. She was only certain of one thing, love was too strong a word. She might be losing herself to her emotions, might be struggling with how she felt, but it wasn't love. It had just been a long few days and she needed to have some alone time, space to rest and relax.

She didn't need to be attacked the minute she walked through the front door of the mansion. However Regina had spent the day stewing and didn't seem to care about Emma's bad day. She didn't notice the slump in the shoulders or the tired smile, attack was all she could think of.

She didn't even wait until they were sat down, she turned to the blonde when they reached the doorway to the Den.

"Last night was a mistake. I should have never let you come home with me. You took advantage of me."

"What!? I took advantage of you? You told me not to stop!"

"I was ill from the potion, you knew that. I wasn't thinking straight and you followed me to bed and knew I wasn't strong enough to fight you off."

"Are you alleging rape here?" Emma was indignant, she had expected Regina to have got control of her emotions and be in a much better place than last night, she hadn't expected this.

"It wouldn't hold up in a court of law, I invited you home, there are no bruises to indicate you forced me, rape is a strong word Emma. No, it wasn't rape."

Regina looked away, she was at war with herself, she knew what rape was, and she had experience. What had happened with Emma had scared her. It had been tender, she had wanted it as much as the blonde, it certainly wasn't rape. It had been consensual and very much what Regina had needed, to feel wanted and human again.

So she shut the insecure little voice away and concentrated on the cold voice she often heard, Love is Weakness. With love came comfort and care, the things Emma had shown last night. All of it was weakness, to be stamped on so it didn't flower and grow. It needed to be contained and condemned.

Where Emma ran when things got too much for her, Regina regressed to the Evil Queen, she felt strong and commanding with the mask in place. And with the Evil Queen came anger, came the strength to be alone. Emma needed to understand Regina didn't need love, that this wasn't the beginnings of a relationship, so Regina was pushing the other woman away before she got any crazy or stupid ideas this was more than it should be. They co-parented Henry, they had in the past engaged in angry sex, horrific experiences tied them together despite both of them wishing they didn't, but they were not close.

Last night had been more than a mistake for the brunette, she had opened up, allowed the blonde to see the intimate parts of herself she kept hidden away and she was partly ashamed, but mostly angry. She couldn't get to the Imp and make him suffer for reducing her to that needy and clingy person, but she could take it out on Emma and make her see that that weak person was gone.

And shortly after the raised voices ceased as the blonde was gone too. Slamming the door and walking down the sidewalk with her head held high, despite a nagging feeling that she had just done exactly what Regina wanted. The words she had thrown back in anger were already sinking in and she was feeling the beginning of regret.

"Well don't worry, I understand how terribly hard it must have been to have me hold you all night so you could sleep feeling safe."

Emma had felt her self-control slip. She was the Sheriff, she diffused arguments and dealt with drunks and spent her day holding her temper and setting the example. Why when it came to this woman could she not remain objective? Why did they immediately raise their voices and start attacking each other?

"I was exhausted Miss Swan, I'd have slept anywhere. Don't think you being there made any difference at all."

"Well don't worry, it won't happen again. I have no intention of warming your bed or being anywhere closer to you than I have to be for Henry's sake."

"I think that is for the best Miss Swan, as I said, it was a mistake."

"Fine." Emma spat it out, the brunette had managed to make her feel dirty and used and heavily insinuated she had been the sexual aggressor in the events. Emma was livid, she had only held the woman and reassured her, how dare she imply Emma had done it for her own gain and needs?

As she walked away she felt a heavy weight settle in her chest. The blonde didn't know what she had expected to happen, maybe small awkward steps round each other, possibly Regina even ignoring what had happened last night and them discussing the vial and making plans to get rid of the offending object as friends. To be dismissed so thoroughly and without dealing with the vial made Emma uneasy. So did telling the older woman their sexual history was just that. History, the past. Emma was already thinking she should have held her tongue, taken the backlash from the brunette and tried to work out what was causing the distress in the other woman.

She was the Sheriff, a detective of sorts, and yet she couldn't work out Regina, couldn't piece together why the woman reacted like she did, all passion and fire. All Emma knew was that every time they came together it was hot and intense and seemed to turn her on. Even when they argued, Emma felt the tension buzz through her veins, it made her feel alive. It of course tended to turn off her analytical side, she stopped being rational around the woman, instead going with gut feelings and raw emotions.

Right now she was being pushed away and it seemed unfair, but then most of Regina's actions towards her were unfair. Stamping down the pavement Emma's anger was dissipating and her logic was creeping back. Regina didn't like the new dynamic of their relationship, one where she wasn't in control. She had panicked and lashed out. And Emma had let her, had reared up and been as hostile and aggressive as the other woman. She shook her head and blew out a breath, knowing she had behaved exactly as the brunette had wanted. Emma had helped Regina push her away, had helped create the distance between them the brunette felt she needed.

"Damn." she muttered, pulling her leather jacket closer round her. She was going to go home, grab the kid and drown her sorrows and push the nagging thoughts away with a greasy cheese burger, fries, a thick shake and a bear claw or two for dessert at Granny's. She was certain the kid wouldn't complain, he had never turned his nose up at her cooking, but Emma was well aware it wasn't her strongest suit. He loved Granny's, from the customers who idolised him to the unhealthy, fatty and fried food that Regina had always limited his intake of. She knew there would always be a booth for them at the Diner, despite how busy it was on a Saturday night.

Regina hadn't thought this through, she hadn't eaten anything as she was concerned about going into her kitchen. She was concerned which was a sensible and understandable emotion, she was not scared. It was just that the kitchen was where the vial was, and she didn't want to go near it. She felt the pull at her emotions just standing in the doorway.

It was also where the food was and the coffee and everything she needed to function like a human being and she had just sent the only person willing to help her away. Emma who hadn't judged her for her breakdown, Emma who knew all about the poisonous potion, Emma who could help her and was the only person likely to come visiting. She was now left with no choice, she had to go outside and to the diner.

She kicked herself as she grabbed her coat and clutch, this was unnecessary. She'd get a salad and coffee to take away and once she had eaten maybe she could think more clearly about how to remove the vial from the house.

Emma looked at her burger and smiled. She had been too tired to cook, that was why they were here. It wasn't comfort food, she was nearly thirty and past such juvenile things. She had had a falling out with Regina but a row with the brunette was no reason to binge eat. It smelled delicious and Henry's smile settled her and made her feel better about everything. She was sure Regina would calm down, she just needed time.

Emma cursed her own luck when Henry suddenly stood and called out, "Mom!"

What were the odds? Emma couldn't remember the last time Regina had come out of her house, let alone somewhere public like the Diner. Unfortunately Henry didn't see her face fall and rushed over to his brunette mother.

"Come and join us, it's busy, you won't get a seat." He beamed at the woman and she smiled back down at him and then flicked her eyes in Emma's direction. She just shrugged, a non-committal gesture leaving the choice with the brunette.

"I was going to order to take away Henry."

"Well now you don't need to! Come on, there's loads of space, we've got a booth."

Regina looked down at her son, who seemed genuinely to want to be with her and nodded pensively. It was going to be awkward but with Henry between them as a distraction she was sure they could sit together.

She allowed herself to be dragged over to the window seat and when Ruby came over to pour her a coffee and take her order she didn't feel quite so out of place with Henry at her side. She blew on the coffee and sipped tentatively at the hot liquid, the burn feeling good as it went down her throat. The smell that hung in the air of brewing coffee and frying food hit her and she realised how hungry she was, her empty stomach spasmed and she heard it rumble unbecomingly.

She felt the flush rise on her cheeks and Henry grinned.

"You sound hungry. You should have ordered more than a salad! Have one of my fries until yours arrives." Henry was waving the piece of potato in front of her face and she took it gently from his fingers.

"Thank you Henry."

"Have you not eaten today?" Henry was watching her as she ate the French fry, his head tipped quizzically to the side so his long hair got into his eyes and he sat blinking before he run his hand through the hair and sat up straight.

"You need a haircut." Regina changed the topic of conversation, and Henry shrugged but Emma noticed the evasive nature of it.

She felt bad, she knew why Regina hadn't eaten anything, her kitchen was a no-go area, and Emma hadn't thought about it before she had left in the morning. Admittedly she had expected to go back in the afternoon and remove the object, and it wasn't her fault that the brunette had blown up and the object remained in the kitchen, but still, Emma felt guilty about it.

"Hey" Emma tried to catch Regina's eye, but the brunette was steadfastly looking at either Henry or out of the window.

"Do you want a lift home after we've eaten?" The blonde continued to try and engage the older woman.

"Yeah Mom, it's getting cold and dark, let us take you home."

"It's very generous of Miss Swan to offer Henry, but the fresh air will help. I've been cooped up in my house for too long, the exercise will be refreshing too."

Emma wanted to cringe at the way even when referring to her in the third person Regina could make her name sound disdainful. Even Henry noticed.

"Miss Swan? I thought you called her Emma now? Has something happened between you guys? And why haven't you eaten today?" The questions came thick and fast as he thought things through and they fell out of his mouth without censor.

"Henry" Emma tried to calm him down and slow the rapid fire questions, "Your Mom just came out for a bite to eat, she doesn't need the Spanish Inquisition."

"What is going on? You stayed the other night, I thought you were getting along?" He looked at Regina who looked like she wanted the ground to swallow her up. She was tired and drawn and Emma could see she had cleverly made herself up with makeup but her eyes were still lacking sparkle and that under careful scrutiny it was obvious she had been through a rough night.

"We are getting along Henry." Emma lied.

"And I have eaten." Regina also lied.

Henry saw through them both. He stood up and grabbed his plate of food. "I'm going to sit over there and eat, you two can sort it out and come and get me when you are ready to tell the truth. You have until I've eaten, then I'm walking home."

Regina sunk back into the upholstery of the cushion, she should have stayed at home and gone hungry.

Emma just sat looking at the table, hunched over and watching her hands that she had laced together.

"We need to tell him something." Regina eventually spoke. She had been watching Henry and the food on his plate was slowly disappearing. She had no doubt he'd hold them to his time line, he was as stubborn as she was and she had learnt the hard way he followed through when he thought he was in the right.

"Ok. We had a disagreement, we can agree on that?" Emma suggested.

"Yes, but he will want to know about what. What do we say?" Regina wanted to suggest they co-parent as she had been parented, strictly, aggressively, they should stamp down on Henry's demanding nature and not bow down to him. He was after all a child and they should be seen and not heard. They should not ask impertinent questions, they should obey their parents and not dictate. However she was well aware how she felt about her own parents, she didn't respect them, she feared her mother and had a warped love for her father. She had long since stopped using their parenting techniques, it would be a little late to start now, just because she didn't want to make amends with Emma or answer the difficult questions it posed. She wanted an honest and loving relationship with her boy, she had previously nurtured his inquisitive side and now had to suffer when he used it against her.

"We sail as close to the truth as we can I guess. How about you misunderstood something I did and got angry?"

"It was not my fault. I had a legitimate reason for getting angry, you took advantage of me!" Regina's eyes sparked with silent indignation, her voice was low and Emma knew she had tried for threatening. Had she not been trying to be so quiet in a crowded room she might have succeeded.

"I did no such thing, I left your bed this morning frustrated and horny. If it had been about dominance and taking advantage don't you think I might have left satisfied?" Emma was losing her temper and her voice was beginning to rise.

Regina looked panicked that people might overhear the conversation. Whatever else she might be, Regina was a politician and knew how she needed to play this to save the mood of the conversation. If she didn't she was aware that things would escalate and she might be left with a diner full of people who were well aware how she and the Sheriff had spent last night.

"Emma, please lower your voice. I only mean I was vulnerable last night, I wasn't myself." Regina would never have had this conversation with the blonde, let alone in a crowded diner, but if she walked out then Henry would only have more questions and lose faith in her. She was stuck in this uncomfortable position trying to iron out her differences with the blonde.

"I know, it was nice to see a softer side to you." Emma went with heartfelt honesty, she wanted to reach out and clasp her hand with the one opposite her, but she refrained, they were in public and any display of affection would be taken badly by the woman opposite.

"I should never have let you stay and see me like that, it was a mistake."

"Your mistake then?" Emma pushed and Regina wanted to cringe.

"Fine, my mistake." She hated the words, hated being forced to say them and admit she had made a mistake. She waited for the mocking or punishment to start, mistakes in her life were always followed up with corrective coaching or some kind of painful reminder.

"Have you really not eaten all day?" Emma changed the topic, like she hadn't heard the words. The only thing that gave Regina any insight that they had been said out loud was the small smile that played at Emma's pale lips.

"I couldn't even go into the kitchen to make coffee this morning. I don't know if I'm strong enough to risk being near it."

"I'm sorry I should have thought about that and taken it with me. We tell Henry in a way he'll understand, that it is like Superman and Kryptonite? And I left it in your kitchen this morning and it needs to be removed and kept somewhere safe away from you. You can blame me for that."

"How very adult of you Miss Swan."

"Hey I'm trying here, it means we can drive you home and then I'll take the vial home with me. What do you suggest doing with it, pouring it down the sink? Taking it outside of town so it loses its magic?"

"I think it needs to stay in the bottle, if you smash it or open it I think the liquid in it will be drawn to me. I shudder to think what will happen if it touches my bare skin. I doubt you will be able to take it past the town line, Gold will have enchanted it and like all Storybrooke objects, they can't leave just like their owners. I think we bury it far away on the edge of the town line, hopefully no-one will ever find it or dig it up and I will be safe from it. Would you please do that for me?"

Regina didn't look at the blonde when she made her request, it clearly made here uncomfortable and she was again looking out of the window, studying nothing in the semi darkness.

"Yes I will do that for you, now we had better call the Kid back and explain as best we can. Are you ready?"

"No, but I'll do it anyway. Then I'll take my aggression out on Ruby, my salad should have been here five minutes ago!"

Emma looked up and locked eyes with her werewolf friend who was leaning on the counter and had been watching the exchange. Emma suspected the salad had been ready at least five minutes ago, but seeing the two women locked in a heated conversation had kept the waitress away. She flashed her friend a grin, held up her hand with the two fore fingers raised as a signal to let the woman give them another two minutes with Henry and mouthed "Sorry" to her. Ruby nodded and shrugged back at her, she had worse run ins with the Mayor, now she was just a rude and hungry woman who wanted her food, Ruby would take her a fresh coffee refill and let her vent. She could see something was developing between her friend and the older brunette and if allowing Regina to shout at Ruby helped Emma out she could live with it. She was still unsure Emma knew what she was doing, but with friendly support she hoped to limit the damage it did to everyone involved.