Tuesday 9th January 2018
Today was the first official day of their Tuesday night meetings starting up again. This time though, it was Dr Archie Hopper that was the leader in charge of running the group. Regina had agreed to still come when she had the opportunity to, and tonight was one of those nights. Emma and Regina mingled together with the rest of the group and introduced Robin Locksley to the rest of them. Robin had overheard Emma and Ruby talking about the meeting with the morning handover and decided to come along too. (Ruby came to work early so Robin could leave on time. he was arriving early tomorrow to make up for it). The Sheriff was slightly annoyed, mainly because she had a feeling that Robin wanted to come so he could spend time with Regina. She had still yet to approach him that they were a couple. The conversations that ran between them never really approached onto that the Mayor was her girlfriend and she had thought that it'd be strange for him if his boss just blurted out her relationship details. She had tried to get Ruby and Graham to help her out, but they were useless and thought it was a great laugh to watch Emma struggle with Robin's infatuation.
Archie asked everyone to take their seats as it clicked over to 6 o'clock, so he could start the meeting. "Welcome back to Everyone and hello to the new faces. I am Dr Archibald Hopper, but it is okay to call my Archie. Everyone comes to these Tuesday meeting's for one cause that we all have in common, we have all lost a loved one.
Times can be tough, no matter how long it has been since your loved one has passed. So these meet ups are a great opportunity for you to speak about those hard times if you will.
We will have set assignments for every week for you to think about and help you guide through the loses.
I am available for one on one sessions also, if you don't wish to speak about certain things to the group. Just talk to me after we are all done here or come see me in office hours.
Now to start us all off, we'll go around introducing ourselves and saying what has brought us here. I will go first and then we'll go around the circle."
There was a slight shuffling of chairs as everyone got themselves comfortable and ready to begin the session. Emma smiled at Regina shyly before looking at Archie and then he began.
"I am Archie Hopper and I lost my wife to liver cancer 14 years ago"
"I am Marco Geppetto, my little boy August had bone cancer and lost his battle 9 years ago when he was 8"
"my name is Kathryn Midas, my husband passed 2 years ago with prostate cancer"
"I'm Emma Swan. My Mom died from brain cancer 3 years ago."
"Regina Mills. My husband had a tumour on his heart 6 years ago"
"I am Robin Locksley, 4 years ago my wife also died because of a tumour on her heart"
Emma watched as Regina and Robin both looked at each other remorsefully. Regina offered a comforting squeeze to Robins knee and he held her hand there as the circle continued. Emma's brow furrowed as a spike of jealously hit inside her gut. She shook herself out of the best she could. C'mon Em, you know she's just being comforting as they've both experienced the same thing. Doesn't mean he has to keep holding her hand though.
Emma tensed her jaw and decided it's best to wait until after the meeting to decide what she really thinks of it. she cleared her throat and payed attention to the circle once again.
"Eugene Lucas, as you all know. My dear husband died from lung cancer and it also took my darling daughter too"
"Robert Gold, my first wife died of breast cancer 8 years ago."
The door of the room was opening as Robert said his part, all eyes turned to the occupant who was now strolling himself into the meeting room.
"ai, my dear Milah" Killian Jones said and took a seat next to the older gentleman. "I apologise I am late, what did I miss?"
Emma eyed him suspiciously but could not sense any tells that he was drunk. He was neatly presented and seemed to be put together for once, despite the arrogance dripping off him.
Archie cleared his throat and straightened his glasses, "we were just introducing ourselves and stating why we are here"
Killian wriggled himself more comfortable into his chair and sat cockily to one side, "I am Killian Jones and am here for the same reason as . Milah was my lover and she died horribly from breast cancer."
Robert pursed his lips and looked straight ahead at the wall in front of him with a tight grip on his walking stick in front of him. he could feel the smug look on Killian's face and refused to give him the attention that he sought after.
The circle continued on with the other 3 patrons as Emma watched Killian from the opposite side of the room. he appeared to be sober, which was a good thing, but she had no idea on why he was in fact here. He may of lost his 'lover', but he seemed to be more smug towards Mr. Gold about it more than anything. The rest of the meeting went along as usual. Everyone spoke about their techniques for how they handle their sad days and Emma was happy to admit that she'd learnt a few more techniques that she could try. It was winding up to the end of the session and everyone was busy mingling with themselves about tonight. Emma reluctantly left Regina talking to Robin about the rare heart tumour that both their partners had had when she approached Archie, who was finally alone and packing up his note pads.
"got a moment Doc?" Emma said as she leant back on her heels with her hands stuffed into her back pockets.
Archie adjusted his glasses out of habit, "of course Sheriff. How may I help?" he said and smiled a beaming smile at her.
Emma scratched at the back of her neck and returned an awkward grin "I was wondering if it'd be possible to make an appointment to see you in private. Tonight was quite eye opening and I'd really like to clear some things up with you"
"of course. I should be able to Monday, if it's not urgent?"
"Great! That'd be perfect actually! I just want to make sure that my knocker is all up to scratch" Emma said as she knocked on her head. "seeing as I'm in a new relationship, got to make sure the wires aren't wonky, right?" Emma laughed off her nervousness.
Archie laughed lightly with her, "I think its quite admirable that you want to make sure you're really okay with the beginning of a new relationship. I am certain that yourself and Regina will continue to grow and make each other happy"
Emma blushed at the sincere words of the kind man, "thanks doc! I'll see you next week then"
He nod his head to her politely, "I'll see you then"
Emma gave him a small wave as she began to walk backwards before turning front and towards Regina. Regina was still chatting with Robin when she approached her, so she wrapped her arms around Regina from behind and rested her head on her shoulder after giving her a kiss on the cheek, "ready to go?" she asked and held her a little more tightly, and slightly possessively.
Regina smiled at her and interlaced her fingers around Emma's that were resting around her waist, "actually dear, Robin was only just inviting us out for a few drinks"
Robin stuttered and frowned as he attempted to correct her, "actually Regina, I was only asking you –"
"nonsense" Regina said cutting him off as she kept her eyes on Emma who was smirking at her, "I'm sure your boss would love nothing more than to share a drink with you too"
Emma shook her head at Regina as her smirk grew. she then turned her attention to Robin, who was looking at them with irritation and confusion, completely oblivious to them still being a couple "we'll have a few down at AESOP's TABLE. Pretty sure there's a two for one coupon in the SUV somewhere. I can be the designated driver if you both wish?"
Regina smiled triumphantly and kissed Emma quickly on the cheek before exiting her hold and making her way to the door, "come along dear, the night is still early and I wish to get my drink on"
Emma snorted in laughter at the non-Regina like comment and followed that beautifully swaying arse out the door.
Emma and Regina found themselves a booth while Robin went and bought the first round. He had insisted that he bought the first round since Emma was being the designated driver for them all that night. Emma was quick to take the seat next to Regina before a hopeful Robin would try to take it. Not that she'd let him, she'd tell him to move anyway. As she got herself comfortable she found herself becoming more at ease since the meeting. Emma hated to admit it, she got a pang of jealousy when Regina placed a comforting hand on Robin's knee. She knew that there was nothing more to it than Regina showing Robin that he wasn't alone, but the thought that Robin was able to receive that kind of gesture without Regina having to ask was what was upsetting her the most. Emma was upset for herself and also upset for Regina. It must not be easy for Regina to have to think about how to comfort Emma instead of just acting on pure instinct like she had tonight with Robin. She knew she was getting better with it all, but there were still days where it riddled her mind.
Regina could sense that something was upsetting Emma, so she bumped her knee against hers under the table to gain her attention, "you alright there? You look like you're thinking really hard"
Emma offered her a small smile, "I'll be fine"
Regina slowly placed a hand on Emma's bicep and squeezed softly when she didn't get shrugged away, "no, something is up. What is it? we can leave if you want."
"no, that's not it. you want to have a few drinks and I'm fine with that. Its just-" Emma ran her hand through her hair and rubbed the back of her neck, "… look, I'm going to be honest" she blurted out
"please do" Regina replied and slid her hand from Emma's bicep down to Emma's thigh.
"I got a little jealous earlier"
Regina furrowed her eyebrows, trying to think about what may of upset Emma.
"you were able to offer Robin comfort at the meeting. I know it sounds stupid and I know that you don't see him that way, but I couldn't help but think that he'd be easier and better for you. because with me, you have to ask to touch me most of the time. You can't just place a calming hand to my shoulder when I'm upset or hug me when I'm down. You'll always have to ask and I don't think that's very fair to you"
Regina rubbed up and down Emma's thigh comfortingly, "but darling, none of that matters to me. What we have is purely magical and I am so proud of how far we've come in such a short time" she said as she gestured to her hand movement on Emma's lap, emphasising on the action "I know it won't always be easy, but we love each other enough to make it work and we will learn how to cope with it better"
"but that's not fair to you"
"what's not fair to me?"
"to love me with those kind of conditions. i can't offer you unconditional love. As much as I wish I could, I just can't. I need those boundaries"
"I don't care Emma. the way you love me now is beautiful and you make me feel like the luckiest woman in the world" Regina said with so much passion in her eyes.
Emma couldn't help not to smile with the way Regina was looking at her, "really?" Emma asked curiously
"really, really." Regina stated, "now, can I have a kiss?" she said as she pursed her lips sillily at Emma.
Emma smirked like her usual idiot self and closed the gap between them in a quick but meaningful kiss.
"thank you" Regina said as her eyes fluttered open.
Emma smiled fully then. She loved this woman. She had no idea how she deserved someone like her but fuck she was ever thankful. Emma took the opportunity to lean more into Regina's side and cuddle up into her. she knew that Regina wouldn't move herself without letting Emma know, so she was able to relax and enjoy the atmosphere with her girlfriend.
Robin joined them shortly with their drinks. Emma and Robin both had a mid strength beer while Regina went a bit more fancy and ordered a dirty martini. He took his seat opposite Regina and they all clicked glasses before taking a swig of their drink.
"so how are you liking the job Robin?" Regina said to start off a conversation.
Robin took a mouthful of his drink before eyeing the two women respectfully, "as much as I do enjoy my job, I do think it would be safest not to talk about work with the boss and the boss' boss" he said with a sideway smile.
Regina hummed in agreement while Emma just leant against her admiring her beer. "How about something more neutral, you have a son, how old is he?"
"Roland" Robin said proudly, "my boy is turning 6 in April."
"so he's a year younger than Henry. He turns 7 in July."
Robin smiled fondly at her "he seems like a lovely young man, maybe the boys could get along and we could have a play date someday soon?" Robin asked hopefully.
Regina blinked a few times and looked at Emma for some help, but she wasn't any. Emma was too busy snickering into her beer, "I'm sure they'll see one another plenty at the station. We visit Emma enough after school anyway"
"yeah, you two seem close. Been friends for long?"
Emma piped up then, "she's my girlfriend" she said proudly with a cheeky ass grin.
Robin smiled and nod his head, "yeah I gathered that. You two are always together. Must be nice to have such a close friend to do everything with"
Emma tried to cover her laughter with her hand but her laughter was so hard that it didn't do any good. Regina just stared at her disbelievingly as Robin starred at her confused.
"I am afraid I must of missed the joke" he said to Regina with a look on his face that seemed like it hurt to think.
"it's fine Robin" Regina said as she poked Emma in the ribs, which only made her laugh more, "Emma is an idiot"
"I swear babe," Emma started, while still laughing, "I have tried so many times to tell him"
"tell me what?" Robin asked.
"Emma and I are girlfriends" Regina said with a serious look on her face.
"I know. Why do you keep saying that? I get that you two are friends."
"no, Robin" Regina said and rubbed her forehead, "she's my girlfriend, as in we're dating"
Robin looked at them sideways and contemplated what they were saying. A wide smile broaded on his face when he thought he'd clicked, "so you two like to share a date? I've heard of that before bu-"
Regina slapped her hand from her forehead to on the table her gain his full attention, "no!" she said sternly, "Emma and I are in a relationship! We aren't dating men, we're dating each other!"
It then dawned on him and his face fell bright red, "I apologise, I did not mean to offend you" he said really quickly as his hands shot up in innocence. The look on his face was priceless. He looked quite frightened from the outburst of the Mayor.
Regina scoffed at Emma as she continued to laugh before her attention was back to Robin, "it is fine, Robin. I understand how it's not something that a man like yourself would even consider"
Robin smiled at the all clear of the misunderstanding but it faltered for a second as he wondered if that was an insult or not. He shook his head out of that thought and raised his beer, "another drink?" he said, wanting to get away and recollect himself.
"please" Regina said and watched him leave to the bar. Once he was safely away, Regina slapped Emma on the shoulder that was leaning up against her, "must you be such a child?"
Emma shrugged her shoulders at her and smiled like the big goofy idiot she was, "well at least he now knows"
"yeah, and no thanks to you! I seriously wonder how I ever ended up with someone as childish as you sometimes"
Emma leant over and kissed Regina on the cheek sweetly, "because you love me and I am adorable" Emma said and put on the puppy eyes.
Regina scoffed half-heartedly before looking into those beautiful green eyes that she'd fallen in love with, "lucky me" she said sarcastically and took the kiss that Emma offered her.
Emma took a hold of Regina's hand and placed it in her lap and began to play with her fingers until Robin returned. Robin retook his seat without anyway and slid Regina's drink over to her.
Regina thanked him for the new drink and thought it best to keep the conversation on the children "so Robin, where will your son be staying when you start your nightshifts? Wouldn't be easy doing this job as a single parent"
"He stays home with my housemates. We live in a very large share house that's out in the woods. Roland love the nature, so do I, so it's a great way of living for us both. Its as simple as pulling a swag out and not even walking 100 metres and we're camping."
"that must be lovely for you both. Henry and my version of camping would be staying at the Sheriff's cabin"
Emma scoffed at her then "hey! It's not that bad!"
"no, it's not dear" Regina said reassuringly, "but as you know, we live in a mansion and I don't exactly go exploring in the forest for some fun. So staying at your cabin with the fire and the stars is the type of camping I like, because it also contains a heated bed."
Emma couldn't argue with that. She had been in the city most of her life, so her cabin was like camping for her too until she got use to it.
"so what about Henry? Where does he stay for the meetings?" Robin said to bring himself back into the conversation.
"my sister stays at my house every Tuesday night. I ran the meetings for the past few years and I thought it was time to hand the reins over once I became the Mayor."
"do you miss it?"
"well seeing as this was the first meeting back, I can't really say if I do or not. It was nice to be able to relax a bit more and not have to worry about writing everything down. It feels like I might get more out of it by being on the other side for once"
"well that is excellent to hear" he said. He finished the rest of his drink and held it up, "another?" he asked.
Regina shook her head, "maybe just a water, thanks"
Emma pipped up, "water for me too, please"
"no worries, I'll be back in a moment" and he left.
Emma stood up from the booth and let Regina out to allow her to go to the bathroom. She sat back in the corner that Regina was in and pulled out her phone to kill the time while she waited for her company to return. She wasn't paying attention when an occupant returned to the opposite side of her. "that was quick" she said as she still looked at her phone.
"hi Emma"
"what the fuck!" Emma said and looked at who it was, "what are you doing here Elsa?"
"I just finished a meeting and was about to head back to the B&B" Elsa said. She was holding her computer bag to her side, so Emma presumed she was using the free wifi. (Grannie's wifi was really fucking slow!)
"I meant what are you doing in Storybrooke. I thought you'd left?"
Elsa huffed and reached over the table, taking hold of Emma's hand tightly and not letting her go as she tried to pull away, "I've been waiting for you to call me. I've been giving you space until you were ready to talk"
"no. we are not doing this here Elsa" Emma said as she tried to reef back her hand. She could feel anger as well as other nasty feelings boiling up inside of her.
"Emma just listen to what I have to say"
"no! now let me go" she tried again but failed. It was moments like these when Emma really regretted training her ex-girlfriend how to restrain and detain a person. Elsa had the weak spot in a normal wrist hold cover by her other hand, so she was unable to get herself free.
Elsa pulled her arm so she was facing towards her more so she could gain Emma's attention, "Emma, look at me. Tell me how I can make this better"
"by letting her go, for starters" Regina said to her sternly as she re-approached the table. Her eyes were pitch black and her sported a feral snarl as she stared down the woman.
Elsa let go and sat back in the booth, her demeanour was more relaxed than necessary, "Hello Regina" she said sweetly.
"don't start. Just leave before I forcefully remove you"
Emma was taken back by that statement. She would never imagine Regina saying something like that, but by the look on her face right now, she meant it. Regina's pose was very authoritative as she stood there at the end of the booth. If looks could kill, Elsa's heart would be out of her chest and beating heavily in Regina's palm. Emma observed both the women staring each other down and then noticed that Robin had done the smart thing and stayed at the bar while it all happened.
"Get. Out." Regina growled.
"you may be the Mayor and run this town, but you don't run this bar. You have no right to kick me out"
Emma cleared her throat and began to get herself out of the booth and stand next to Regina, "however, I am the Sheriff. And I have that authority, not a problem." Emma placed a calming hand on Regina's forearm, she leant close to her ear "we should just go" Emma said softly to her.
"No" Regina said with all seriousness.
"no?" Emma repeated, confused.
"no! we were here first and she's interrupted us. She should leave" Regina finalised with a glare at Elsa.
Emma considered for the moment that Regina sounded a little like her when she was having a 'tantrum', as others so politely put it. Regina was serious though. Despite the few martini's, one after another, Regina was holding herself together quite well and standing her ground. Emma couldn't help but think she loved his protective side of her girlfriend.
Elsa slid out of the opposite side of the booth and stood face to face to Regina, them both now ignoring the presence of Emma. "you know, Madame Mayor, you think that you are all mighty and untouchable, but you're wrong. I can destroy you quicker than an avalanche."
Regina snarled at her "bring it! you have no idea what I am capable of"
Emma took a step between the two women, trying to create some distance between them both, "c'mon ladies, let's not do this here. There are people watching"
"I don't care" Regina growled out as she looked past Emma and at Elsa. Regina knew that she would falter if she looked at Emma in the eyes, but right now she needed to prove some point to this arse of a woman.
Elsa took the opportunity of Emma having her back to her and smirked deviously at Regina. This earnt her another snarl and Regina trying to get past Emma's hands that were holding her back. Elsa then grabbed Emma by the shoulder and it made Emma recoil and flitch out of the way.
Regina watched as Emma's face lit up in fear as she was grabbed on the shoulder from behind. The movement was quick and obviously well practice, seeing as Emma didn't attempt to defend herself, which in turn boiled Regina even more. It was clear as day that that was a common move from Elsa from the times they were together. Regina completely faltered as she kept her eyes on Emma. she had no idea on what to do "are you alright?" Regina asked.
Emma shuddered her shoulders and rubbed at the back of her neck, "yeah, I'm fine. Can we just go?" she said without even looking at her ex.
"Emma wait" Elsa said and turned Emma by the shoulders again to face her, but Emma shrugged her off and moved away from her.
Regina closed the distance between them then, there faces once again very close "Don't you dare lay another hand on her again" Regina spat.
Elsa stood up to her and spat back "don't make it sound like I'm abusing her, Regina. I am simply trying to gain her attention and get her to face me. You need to butt the hell out of it"
"you need to not touch her!" Regina growled, "Emma does not like to be touched!"
"stay out of it! it's not your business!"
Regina smirked evilly at her then as she took a step back and towards Emma, "you see, that's where you are wrong, dear. It is my business, because she is MY girlfriend"
"for now" Elsa smirked back.
"oh you have the wrong idea in your head if you think you have any chance with Emma. she wouldn't waste another moment with someone like you"
"oh yeah? And what makes you think that she's going to stick it out with you?"
"there is one very important piece of information that you've yet to even consider."
"and what's that?"
"she does not love you" Regina said darkly, "she is in love with me" Regina finished with a triumphant smirk and evil laugh.
Elsa breathed in deeply through her nose and back out through her mouth, trying very hard to hold back her rising temper. Thoughts kept running through her mind as Regina continued to laugh at her getting riled up. She couldn't take it anymore. She closed her hand up into a fist and swung in right into the woman's laughing mouth, her mother's large engagement ring collecting Regina's top lip and splitting it.
Emma rushed to Regina in an instant and pulled her into my embrace as she looked over the damage that was inflicted. There was a fair amount of blood and Emma was certain it was coming from her lip more than her mouth. She turned to Elsa with crazed angry eyes, "back the fuck off Elsa! I will have your job for this! You're fucking done!" Emma didn't look back at her but knew that she'd left as she took Regina out the back of bar and used their bathroom to clean Regina up.
There really was a lot of blood coming out. Emma knew that she needed to get the bleeding to stop, so she applied the pressure she needed, wincing at the pain that showed on Regina's face because of it. Once that was done, she cleaned the wound and assessed the damage.
"you may need stitches babe" Emma said in a small voice. Regina just shook her head at her so she did the best she could do with what she had.
A few butterfly stiches later and a healthy serving of ice to reduce any swelling, and they were on their way home. The car ride was quite as Emma dropped Robin off first before making their way back to the mansion.
Nothing was said as they both walked up the stairs and into Regina's room. they both showered together in silence and Emma redressed the wound properly with Regina's more well equipped first aid box.
"you are going to get a nasty scar because of this" Emma said as she traced the cut with some numbing cream.
Regina smiled the best she could, "do you think it'll make me look more terrifying?" she asked a smug cocked eyebrow.
"I think your evil queen glare that I saw tonight is the real danger out of this" Emma chuckled.
Regina bowed her head in shame as she recalled how this all happened, "I'm sorry I let that get out of hand. She was being so thoughtless towards you and it was enraging me so much. I knew that what I was saying would piss her off, but I'd never expected her to actually hit me." Regina thought for a moment and before she asked, "She's never hit you, right?"
"no, of course not." Emma shook her head, "I didn't expect that either. And you don't need to apologise for anything. Shit happened tonight, it could have been avoided, yes, but you two seem to want to have that discussion anyway. Nothing can be done about it now" Emma thought for a moment then, "unless you want to, that is? She did assault you. you've got every right to charge her if you wish."
"no, it's fine. I just want her gone" Regina confessed in a small voice
"me too baby, me too"
"why is she even still here?" Regina asked as they both began to hop into bed.
"I have no idea. She keeps saying that she wants to talk to me, but I have a feeling that there is more to it"
"well, hopefully after tonight, that'll be the last we see of her"
Emma crossed her fingers and closed her eyes tightly like a child making a wish "we can only wish"
Regina smiled and nudged her lightly at her antics, "you're an idiot Emma Swan."
Emma smiled way to proudly, "yes, I am" and leant over and kissed Regina on her cheek, being weary of her cut lip "I love you Regina"
"I love you too Emma." Regina said and turned off the lamp light.
they both settled into their own sides and closed their eyes to sleep. Emma let out a breath that she was holding as she tried to ease her darkening thoughts. It was times like these that she hated sharing a bed with some body. she wanted nothing more than to be able to hold Regina against her body and hold her tight but the stupid anxieties were rattling her brain. But the one thing that she did love, was the fact that she knew that she could trust Regina to stay on her side of the bed throughout the night. Regina was truly so understanding and patient, even while she slept. Emma knew that she really does love that woman. And with that as her last though, she fell into a blissful sleep.