"So… then what happened?" Emma breathed out as they ran through the park, around the pond.
Henry stopped them, and stretched his lean form. "Time out. I know we have to be two miles out already."
"Two and a Half." Emma looked at her watch. "You're making great progress."
"Sweet." Henry stretched out his legs. "OK, so after the arcade…"
Two Nights prior…
"I still can't believe you beat me at skee-ball. I'm pretty sure you cheated." Henry bumped Violet's shoulder with his.
"I did not! You take that back, sore-loser." Violet threw a piece of popcorn at him.
They were seated in the middle of the small theater. After playing in the arcade, they found they still had twenty minutes before the movie started. They had decided to grab their drinks and snacks, and wait inside.
"You know, when the first movie came out, parts of it really freaked me out." Henry was reading the movie facts on the screen.
"Oh my God, like that creepy fish that glowed or whatever. Hiding in the dark?" Violet agreed.
"The angler fish! Exactly! I remember even my mom jumping at that guy." Henry exclaimed.
"Aww… little Hen-Hen and his mommy were scared of a stupid little fish." A voice from behind them called. They turned to see Neal and other wrestlers taking seats a couple of rows back.
"Great." Henry groaned.
"Just ignore them." Violet took his hand.
"Ohhh… are you two, like on a date?" Neal called out. "Are you two going steady now? How precious."
The other guys began laughing along with Neal, as he made kissing noises at the couple.
Before Henry could even turn around, Violet stood and turned sharply toward them, "You know what, Neal! At least Henry's here with a girl! The same girl who turned you down when you asked her to a truck rally. And the girl, who by the way, would gladly kiss him! He's not the one coming to watch a kid's movie with the group of guys he rolls around on the floor with, in leotards!"
Henry looked at Violet then to Neal's pissed off face, and started laughing so hard he made her laugh along with him. Some of the other patrons in the theater began laughing too.
Neal rushed from the theater. The couple didn't bother sparing a glance at his friend's, who quickly followed.
Present time/ Park…
Emma was laughing hard. "She said that?!"
Henry was laughing at the memory. "Yup. I never thought I could see someone turn that red in a darkened theater."
"Oh man. That girl's a keeper, kid." Emma and he continued their jog at a slower pace, heading out of the park.
"How about you and Mom?" Henry asked, motioning them around the back of the high school. "I know you guys of had lunch a couple times this week. Are you going out on another actual date?"
Emma shook her head, "It still feels strange talking about her with you. You're my student, she's your mom, I'm her… To be determined."
"It's not like I want details, Emma." Henry laughed, "I can tell you that Mom has been in a great mood lately. I even got chocolate chip banana pancakes for breakfast the other day. WITH a side of bacon."
"Why the emphases on the pork?"
"One thing about my Mom you should know is she's a health nut about food. Especially when it comes to me. Bacon? Bacon's like contraband in our house unless it's her idea for a special treat. I got caught cooking some bacon for a midnight snack once. You'd of thought I was shooting up in the kitchen."
Emma laughed, "She can't be that bad."
"Dude, she spent twenty minutes lecturing me on eating greasy foods after six pm. But guess who snuck a couple of crispy pieces of the drying rack?"
"She does seem the mischievous type. Probably has a secret drawer of chocolates at home and in her office, huh?" Emma saw Henry's knowing grin. "That's what I thought."
"So…?" Henry asked without really paying attention. He stopped by the back gate of the high school as they passed.
"She's… amazing." Emma shrugged with a bashful smile. "Regina's a kick to my head. I've never met anyone like her."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah… She's amazing. Life altering. No details please."
Emma rolled her eyes and watched Henry look up toward the school building closest to them, and smiled. Emma followed his gaze up to a window, and saw Violet waving down at them. Henry gave a wave back. Emma wacked him upside his head to get his attention.
"Hey!" Henry turned to see Emma running backwards away from him with a mocking laugh, and he ran after her. "You're such an asshole."
"Oooohhh… I'm so telling your mother you said that." Emma mocked.
"Go ahead. I'll tell her I learned it from you." Henry shot back.
They both laughed and continued back toward the gym.
"So when are you and Violet going out again?" Emma asked.
"We're going out for dinner next weekend. Then the new art gallery opening at the Library Café."
"Sounds fancy. You're idea or hers?"
"Mine actually. We both love art. That's how we first met, in 8th grade art class."
"Aww… That's adorable." Emma joked.
Henry rolled his eyes and asked, "What about you and Mom? Are you guys going on another date?"
"Yes we are." Emma nearly sang as they reached the back of the gym, she went to open the door. "About that, you're mom mentioned she liked riding horses as a kid. Does she still ride?"
"She hasn't in ages. But she's always saying she wants to get back into it, just never has the time." Henry took out a couple of waters from the mini-fridge in the office. Throwing one at Emma, he joined her on the mats to stretch.
"I was thinking of taking her up to Miller's Ranch for our next date."
"That's a great idea. She'll love that. Maybe I can take Violet sometime too. She loves horses." Henry seemed to already be making plans in his head.
The sound of heels approaching from the back door drew their attention. They both stood to see Regina entering.
"Hey Mom, what are you doing here so early?" Henry said, surprised to see his mother.
"Henry. Emma. My last meeting for the day was canceled, so I thought I'd swing by and see if you guys would be interested in an early dinner at Gran's?" Regina's eyes never strayed far from Emma's.
"That sounds like a great idea." Emma returned her gaze with a happy smile. "But we're walking over. The kid's too sweaty and stinky to go in the Mercedes."
Henry threw his towel at Emma's face.
"Oh, that's it!" Emma moved to chase after him as he bolted out the back door, but let him go on ahead. Instead turning softly to Regina and holding out her hand, which she took gladly without question and let herself be pulled in close.
The muscled woman leaned and kissed Regina's lips, lingering for a moment.
"It's good to see you." Emma smiled.
"You too."
Emma gave her another kiss before she pulled back, "Let's go before he comes back in. I can't afford to extend his visits with Dr. Hopper."
Regina laughed and followed her out, keeping their hands linked.
The trio walked the short distance toward Gran's Diner. Henry walking next to Regina, who had an arm around his shoulder, the other holding Emma's hand.
It wasn't until they saw people walking toward them, that Emma suddenly released her grip on the soft hand, and took a step back to walk behind the mother and son, letting the group walk by.
When she rejoined them, she was met with inquisitive glares from both mother and son.
"Henry, why don't you go in and get us a table and some drinks." Regina directed the young man.
"No problem." Henry walked inside.
Once he was gone, Regina turned back to the blonde. "Why'd you let go of my hand just now?"
"To let that group of people by." Emma said, not picking up the reason for the change of attitude.
"Really?" Regina's eye brows arched. "There was no other reason?"
Smiling but still not understanding, she asked "What are you angling at, Mayor?"
Regina hung her head suddenly unsure, "I just thought, maybe…"
Ohh… Emma took both the insecure woman's hands in hers. "You were thinking I dropped it because people were around?"
"Maybe."
"Regina. I'm happy to hold your hands, wrap my arm around you, even kiss you…" She paused to place a gently kiss on plump lips. "Whenever you'll let me."
"Sorry. Old habit." Regina still avoided her eyes.
"No need to be sorry, but it does bring up an interesting question of, are you out?" Emma gave her a warm reassuring smile.
Regina took an amused breath, "I don't think I was ever in, honestly. I just haven't had a reason to say anything… I've never had anyone's hand to hold in public before."
"You mean, Dan-" Emma didn't finish. The pale look on Regina's face was answer enough.
"A discussion for another time, dear." Regina met her eyes with the promise.
"OK… Well then. If it's ok with you, I plan on keeping in constant physical contact with you whenever I can." Emma leaned in for another kiss, met with eager lips. "Is Saturday too soon for our next date?"
"On the contrary, I think it's too far away." They laughed together. "Come on, let's join Henry before my big Lesbian political scandal includes abandoning my son."
The three of them enjoyed a comfortable dinner together, joking around and recapping their day. Henry didn't bat an eye at the two women holding hands on the table. Only teasing them when maneuvering to eat proved troublesome.
"Are we training with the brothers tomorrow?" Henry asked Emma.
"Yup. All but Leroy if that, is anything to go by." Emma pointed to a stool at the counter where the bearded little man was nearly falling off. A beer held tightly in his hand.
Henry took out his phone with a disappointed sigh, "I'll text Jeffy to have his brother come pick him up."
"You talk to Jeffy outside of class?" Emma smiled at the kid's thoughtfulness.
"Yeah. He and I play words with friends with each other. He's got a surprisingly large vocabulary for someone who doesn't speak." Henry got a text. "They're on their way."
"That's really cool of you, Hen." Emma said.
Henry shrugged it off. "I like the guys. They always make class interesting. That reminds me, Mom. Would it be alright to go on a ride with them sometime? Bash said I could ride side-car."
"On a motorcycle? Oh I don't think so." Regina shook her head.
Emma squeezed her hand, "'Gina, it's completely safe. The boys take extra precautions when riding. Between Jeffy and Walter, they make sure the side-cars are super safe."
Henry shoot his mother a pleading smile, "Please Mom."
"I'll think about it." Regina replied, giving him a look that told him to drop it for now.
Maddie came to clear their dishes, and noticed the two women's joined hands, and shared a smile with the two.
She gave them a happy knowing wink, "Can I get you guys some deserts?"
"No dear. The check will be just fine." Regina gave her a sincere smile.
"You got it!" Maddie cheerfully left to get their bill.
"Come on, Mom. Emma and I totally deserve floats. We ran over four miles before you got to the gym." Henry gave his mother his signature charmed smile he gave when he wanted something.
Regina laughed at his grin. "I agree, which is why I thought maybe you and Emma would prefer to have my homemade floats instead."
Emma and Henry's eyes widened in identical child-like excitement.
"But I've forgotten myself. Do you have a class tonight, Emma?"
"Unfortunately no." Emma deflated. "As it stands, I have three classes a week, with barely enough students to fill them. My little flux in students, has gone flop."
"I'm sure you'll think of something, dear." Regina squeezed the hand still holding hers.
Emma reveled in the endearment. "You were saying something about floats?"
"Yes. I just so happened to have picked up the fixings at the store yesterday. But please, Emma, do me a favor if you'll be joining us, and walk Henry home. After picking him up last time, I'm going to have to get my car detailed and deodorized." Regina and Emma laughed at Henry's hurt face.
"I do not stink." He crossed his arms, and sniffed slightly under his arms.
"It's ok, kid. I'm not exactly fresh after that run either. I'm surprised Maddie didn't kick us out."
"I was tempted!" They heard from behind the bar.
The trio paid and made their way out of the diner to head back toward the back of the gym.
"Would it be ok if I go freshen up and meet you there?" Emma asked as they reached the back alley of the gym.
"Of course not. It'll give me time to get the ice cream ready. We'll see you in a little bit." Regina gave Emma a quick peck on her cheek, before her and Henry got in the car and drove away.
Emma made quick work of showering and dressing. Throwing on a pair of skinny jeans and a tank top, she stuffed her feet into her boots, grabbed her prized red leather jacket and was out the door.
Within thirty minutes she was knocking on the Mayor's mansion. Henry answered the door, equally showered, but in his PJs.
"Hey Em, come on in." Henry led them to the kitchen. "Cool jacket."
"Thanks. I've had it for years. Is my fav-"
Emma's heart squeezed in her chest at the sight of Regina, standing in the kitchen. She had changed out of her work clothes into loose bottom yoga pants and a tank top, her bare feet tucked into soft slippers. She was shuffling around the kitchen getting ready to prepare their deserts.
"The ice cream is ready. You're right on time." Regina retrieved three chilled glasses from the freezer and set them on the counter. Henry was right behind her, grabbing the fancy classic root beer out of the fridge.
Regina grabbed a small spoon, and scooped a bit of the fresh vanilla ice cream, handing it to Emma. Emma's eyes rolled to the back of her head as soon as she tasted the cool cream.
"Oh, my God. That's amazing."
"Told ya." Henry laughed at Emma's expression.
Regina then used a scoop to put ice cream into the chilled glasses, Henry pouring the root beer in after her. It was a synchronized effort that told Emma they had been doing it for years. She was being treated to a cherished Mother/Son routine.
"Straws and spoons." Regina said simply.
Henry jumped over to a drawer and pulled out three straws and three long-handled spoons. Coming back and placing them into each of the glasses.
"Living room?" Henry asked with a hopeful smile.
Regina shrugged, "Sure."
Emma helped grab the glasses and followed them to the other side of the foyer into the sunken living room. Henry automatically grabbing a giant pillow and sitting on the floor next to the coffee table. Regina motioning for Emma to join her on the couch.
Emma hummed loudly after her first sip of the drink mixed with sweet cream. "OK I'm never having a float at Gran's, or anyone else's, ever again."
"I'll take that as a compliment, dear." Regina laughed as she daintily drank her own.
"Can we watch a movie, Mom?" Henry asked as he was slurping down his drink.
Regina looked at the clock on the mantel over the fireplace, "It is still a bit early. How about an episode of Doctor Who?"
"Yeah!" Henry exclaimed and reached for the remote.
"Doctor Who?" Emma asked with a confused look.
"Oh, no. Don't tell me you don't know the Doctor, Emma." Henry threw her a surprised look. "Mom and I have been marathoning the Christmas episodes. They're the best ones."
Regina placed a soft hand on Emma's knee. "It's a British show that's been around for decades. I introduced Henry to them not too long ago." She smiled at her son.
"Well let's give it a go then. I'm game."
"Oh, Mom. Should we start her out with 'Blink'?" Henry's wicked smile set off alarm bells in Emma's head.
"What are you two getting me into?" Emma looked between the two.
An hour later, Emma was severely confused but extremely freaked out by the episode.
"OK I'm never going anywhere near statues again." Emma's eyes were set wide.
Henry and Regina were laughing.
"There's another episode with baby cherub statues inside a dark basement." Henry laughed harder as Emma visibly shook.
"OK now I'm never sleeping again."
Henry stood and grabbed their empty glasses to take to the kitchen. "I'm going to put these in the dishwasher and head up to bed." Hey pecked his mother on her cheek. "Goodnight, Mom. Night, Emma."
"Night, Kid."
"Goodnight, Henry. Don't forget to brush your teeth."
Emma and Regina sat in silence as the teenager went about doing what he said and heading up the stairs. Regina reached behind the couch for a blanket, and threw it over her legs.
"Cold?" Emma asked placing her arm along the back of the couch.
"Just a little. Oh, hang on." Regina reached over to the coffee table for a remote and turned on the fireplace. "Voilà."
"Why, Miss Mills. Trying to set a mood?" Emma grinned with an arched eyebrow.
"Please. I so have better game than that." Regina huffed.
"Oh, really?" Emma moved close enough to run her hand through soft brown hair. "And what, pray-tell, is your idea of game?"
Regina leaned a little closer, barely an inch from Emma, "You'll just have to wait and see, darling."
Emma shivered right down to her toes. "OK, I'm leaving." She pretended to get up, only to have Regina pull her back down with a laugh.
"No, stay."
"Alright, but I'm moving over here." She said as she moved across to the other side of the couch from Regina.
"You're no fun." The brunette pouted.
Emma lifted an eyebrow, "Oh, I'm a lot of fun, Madame Mayor. Thrills and Chills."
"Oh really?"
"Yes. And when it comes to game, Regina…" Emma slowly caressed Regina's body with her eyes, "YOU, have no idea what I'm capable of."
Regina swallowed the oversized lump in her throat. Neither breaking eye contact with each other from across the couch.