Chapter 36

An Unexpected Run-in

Henry jogged ahead of his moms to open the door to the diner for them. Emma placed her hand at the small of Regina's back, allowing the brunette to go first before slipping in next to her. She felt Regina tense and quickly removed her hand from her back, grabbing her hand instead and giving it a light squeeze. "You okay?"

Regina looked down at their hands, then her gaze rose to meet Emma's, the tenseness she felt slowly ebbing away. I'm fine, dear." A soft, small smile came upon her lips.

There were only a few in the diner that morning, just the Charmings, Granny, and Leroy. "What is she doing here?" Leroy grunted his disapproval of Regina's presence as he looked over his shoulder toward the entrance way. That snapped the brunette out of her moment of calm Emma had brought to her. But before they could say anything or answer back they watched as Granny slapped the dwarf on the head with the towel she had in her hands. "Hey! What was that for?"

"Your lack of manners for one." The elder woman shot him a challenging look then motioned toward his food indicating for him to eat and mind his business.

Leroy just scoffed. "You don't like her either. It's not my problem I just say what everyone else is thinking, sister." He went back to drinking his coffee. Granny filled his cup then went to greet the new arrivals, who had since gone and found their seats with Snow and David.

"Now I know you're not going to just come in here and not give me a hug," Granny stated as she got to the table and looked to Emma. The blonde grinned and got up, Granny bringing her in for a huge hug. "We're so glad you're back and alright, Emma."

"Thank you," the younger woman beamed when they stepped apart. "And thank you for stopping that with Leroy." She made a gesture with her hand in his direction.

Granny just brushed it off. "He's always running his mouth. He's not the unofficial town crier for nothing."

"All the same, thank you." It was Regina that time who spoke her gratitude, catching the older woman by surprise. They locked eyes a brief moment, Granny trying to read Regina before giving a gentle nod in acceptance.

"While I have never been a fan of yours, you're important to Henry, and I think of that boy as one of my own grandchildren. So…" she trailed off and nodded as though that explained everything, then turned her attention back to Emma. "And by what your mother tells me… our former Evil Queen has become quite the important one to you as well."

Emma's cheeks flushed and her brow shot up as she stared at the older woman, then turned to look at her mother.

Snow ducked her head a little and shrugged. "I may have told her about you two."

"Why does that not surprise me?" Regina asked rhetorically, rolling her eyes. Snow gave her a sheepish look.

Granny watched the exchange before speaking again. "So it's true? You and… you're together?"

Emma glanced over her shoulder and smiled at Regina who matched it in return, then faced Granny once more. "We're not just together, we're married. And after everything that has happened in my life, I didn't think I'd ever have this… be this happy."

"Oh Emma." Granny touched her cheek before bringing her in for another hug. "I am so happy for you." Snow sat there with tears as David wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Granny gave Emma one last squeeze then stepped back. Grabbing her pen and pad, she took everyone's orders then set off toward the back, leaving the family to their reunion.

Snow took her napkin and dabbed at her eyes at the remaining tears. "It's a good thing you arrived when you did, Emma. We were beginning to think we'd been stood up by our own daughter." She gave the younger woman a knowing look. "But then I thought maybe you two just got caught up in a long 'discussion'."

Emma's face turned a bright red as she tried to look anywhere but at her mother. Can one be embarrassed to actual death? She thought to herself, because she was pretty sure she was headed there at that moment. "I'm just going to go use the ladies room, I'll be right back." She made up the excuse as she got up from the table and headed to the back, she just needed to splash some water on her face and everything would be fine.

Snow and David then fixed their attentions on Regina, the brunette raising her brow. "What?"

"Well," Snow began before taking a quick conspiring glance at David, "you said you were married. We were just wondering… please tell us you have pictures." She gave a pleading look. "We've missed so much of her life, we got her back and then… now we've even missed this."

Regina let out a sigh and an almost chuckle of relief as she moved to pull her phone from her purse. She brought up the few dozen photos she had of the wedding that Erin sent her. "It's not much but…" she handed the phone over to an enthusiastic Snow. "I had wanted to surprise her with it that day."

Tears welled up in Snow's eyes before spilling forth like a waterfall over her lashes as she looked through the photos. "She looks so happy," Snow sniffled before flicking to the next photo. "You both do," she added, wanting to show she truly meant what she had said back at the apartment the day before. Regina looked down and played with the ring on her finger as Snow and David continued to look through them. The last photo was the same picture Regina had as her wallpaper on her phone. It was a picture taken just after the wedding with her, Henry, and Emma. Henry stood on her right side, the biggest proud smile on his face; Emma stood on her left, leaning in and planting a kiss on her cheek.

Snow handed the phone back to Regina then wiped her eyes with her napkin before fiddling with it. "Would it be okay if…" She stopped and looked up at Regina. "We'd really like to throw a reception for you two. Well, I'd like to do another wedding for you two but David thinks that is going a bit overboard."

Regina thought it over briefly. "I guess I don't see the harm in that. Though once people find out it's me, I doubt many will show up anyway."

Snow's face brightened at the acceptance of her idea from the other woman, while brushing off the doubt. "Thank you so much for letting us do this, Regina. I just hope Emma is okay with it as well."

"It's honestly not like I could stop you anyway, dear Snow. Once you have your mind set..." There was a slight upturn at the corner of Regina's mouth when she replied. It felt nice to spar with the Charmings without the added animosity.

"Isn't that the truth," David commented, earning a swift jab of his wife's elbow and causing Henry to laugh. He quickly held up his hands in defense while he twisted and leaned away from her. "I just meant you're very determined when you put your mind to something, my love."

Snow looked at all of them chuckling. "Now you're just having a laugh at my expense." She tried to act hurt but a small smile played on her lips.

Emma was returning from the bathroom. Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter coming from their table, she stopped a moment to soak it all in. Her family was whole and happy. She heard the chime of the bell over the door but it wasn't until her name was called that she acknowledged the new presence in the room.

"Swan?" Killian said again, blinking a few times in disbelief before starting to walk towards her. The name drew the others attentions to him.

When he approached her, his disbelief turned into a smile, realizing she was real. "Swan," he stated again in a whisper and brought his hand up to her cheek leaning in to kiss her.

Emma shoved him in the chest and stepped out of his reach before he could make good on his intentions. "What the hell?!"

Killian's face fell as confusion and hurt set in. Henry glanced at his mom and noticed fire licking at her fingers as she gripped the table. Regina rolled her neck slightly as a fireball formed in the other hand and she was in motion to get up from the table. Henry placed his hand on her arm, getting her attention and shook his head. Regina took a deep breath and let the fire subside.

"Trust mom. She's got this." He waited until Regina nodded that he was right, before he removed his hand and they both turned their attention back on Emma.

"You're back. I just…" Killian paused as he was trying to make sense of it. "Do you not have your memory back?"

"No, my memory is fully intact, thank you," she snapped and folded her arms, feeling the need to close herself off.

Killian took a step toward Emma once again and reached out to place a hand on her arm. Regina felt she had given plenty of time and couldn't stand it any longer, getting up to go to Emma. She completely ignored Killian at first and instead moved between them to face Emma. "Are you alright?"

The look of concern on her wife's face, melted Emma's anger at the situation. She gave her a soft smile as she unfolded her arms and dropped them to her side. "I'm fine, I got this."

"Funny, that's what our son said." Regina stated softly.

"We're kind of having a moment, your Majesty, if you don't mind," Kilian chimed in, causing Regina to remember his annoying presence.

Emma saw the flash of fire in Regina's eyes before the brunette swiveled around to stare down the pirate nuisance. "Actually I quite mind, when it is my wife you are trying to have a moment with!"

Killian went to counter her when her words finally registered to him. He closed his mouth then looked back and forth at the two women in front of him in confusion. "When you left, I… I thought we had something, Swan. I thought I was pretty clear in what I wanted."

"And clearly that was one sided," Regina snapped back at him. She felt her magic wanting to unleash an unholy fury on the pirate but with Emma by her side she managed to keep it just under control, but her patience was quite another.

Emma looked at her wife as Regina continued to glare at the pirate. She could see the fight raging in the brunette to sustain control. Emma reached up and placed her hand on Regina's cheek, coaxing her to turn and look at her. When Regina finally gave in, Emma smiled gently. "Just give me a minute, okay? I'll be back at the table in a few minutes. I promise." She ended softly and caressed her cheek once more as she leaned in to place a chaste kiss up on her lips.

Regina nodded but before she walked off she stepped directly into Killian's personal space, staring him dead in the eyes. "If you touch my wife again, you're going to need more than guyliner to fix that face of yours." With those parting words she made her way back to the table with the rest of their family.

"Swan, I don't understand. You say you have your memory back but you're with Regina now? What's going on?"

"I'm sorry you thought there was something between us before I left," Emma stated calmly. While she had no feelings toward the man, she didn't exactly want to hurt his feelings either.

"She must have put you under some type of spell or something, love. It's the only thing that makes any sense." Killian went on but Emma had stopped listening.

"And why would you say that?" She asked in irritation. "Because that must be the only reason why I'm not into you? Is that what this entire town thinks when something doesn't go the way they thought? It must be some curse, some spell?" She began to raise her voice.

"Swan, we had something before all of this, or we were headed there. You can't tell me you didn't feel it too, even a little?" Killian looked at her pleadingly. "She stole you from me," he muttered with indignation as he took a step toward her while she stepped back simultaneously.

Emma's jaw actually dropped at the pirate's accusation and irritation quickly turned into rage. "First off, I'm sorry your ego is so bruised because God forbid someone you fancy doesn't fawn over you. And secondly, she didn't steal me away from you, because I am no one's property, and I certainly was never yours."

David had seen enough and got up, walking over to put himself between his daughter and Killian. "I think Emma has explained more than enough. I think you need to leave."

"You're going to stand here and defend her marrying a woman who has tried to kill your family for years?" Killian asked, standing there baffled.

Emma stepped around her father to get in Killian's face. "And you're honestly going to stand here acting innocent? You were ready to let us all die while you sailed off and the town was imploding on itself, while she was sacrificing herself for everyone. She just wanted to be Regina, all of you made her the Evil Queen. So don't you dare stand there self righteous."

"Swan, I didn't mean… look I'm sor…"

Emma simply cut him off and continued; she knew she was taking all her anger out on him, some not even of his doing but the town's in general. She couldn't help it. She had started and couldn't stop now. "You're nothing but a cowardice thief and a liar. And I know all about what you did to Regina. She told me how you helped Greg and Tamara, how you stood by while they tortured her."

Killian shot a glare toward the brunette in question, then smirked as he turned back. "Oh? And did her Majesty tell you how she left me behind, down in the caverns, to die? I'm sure she left that small detail out when she was trying to make herself look like the innocent victim."

Killian heard the growl before she struck, lunging to punch him in the face. She got one good jab before David grabbed her, holding her back. Killian stumbled back a bit, holding his jaw and rubbing it. When he dared look at Emma, the fear in the his eyes didn't even phase her at first. She didn't care, rage was in control at that moment. "You talk about my wife again like that, so help me…"

"Emma, he's not worth it," David said calmly to his daughter, still holding her back.

Emma shrugged out from his hold and straightened her jacket, knowing he was right. "To answer your question, yes, she did tell me all about that. And clearly she had the better judgment on that call. Unlike you, she doesn't lie to me to talk herself up, like you. She knows what she's done in her past and she's told me stories that were unimaginable to me before all of this. But she trusted me with that; she trusted me with her heart. That's what love is, not pursuing me repeatedly till I 'give in', not glorifying yourself to make you sound better than you clearly are."

Killian couldn't look her in the eyes any longer and dropped his gaze down to his hook, taking the tip of it between his index finger and thumb of his other hand. "Swan, I…" but his words seemed to fail him. He had been so caught up in the pursuit of the game, seeing a treasure he wanted and going after it, that he lost sight of everything else.

Emma turned to David and gave him a nod indicating she was alright. The anger had subsided some, pity coming to the forefront instead. David gave her a squeeze on the shoulder then as he walked past Hook, he stopped and gave him a pat on the shoulder as well, feeling bad for him. Emma took a deep breath and let it out slowly, calming down. "Look, I honestly didn't want to hurt you, Killian. But you really left me with no choice," she commented softly.

Killian regarded her a few moments, trying to figure out if he could some how salvage the situation and at least retain a friendship. "I… I'm sorry, Swan. I guess I was so focused on the treasure before me that I wanted, that I," he paused, not knowing what he could say that wouldn't make things worse. "I just thought you were my happy ending."

Emma's heart hurt for him. While she may have never returned his feelings toward her, it didn't make her heartless. She brought her hand up to cup his cheek, the pirate flinching at first but soon relaxing at the soft touch. Emma stroked her thumb where she hit him. "You'll find your happy ending one day, just not with me." She leaned in and placed a chaste kiss on his cheek.

"You are a treasure, Swan. I hope she knows that," he commented as she stepped back and let go.

Emma glanced over at her wife who was keeping a watchful eye over her and she couldn't help but smile as she brought her attention back to him. "She does, and I love her with everything I am. I do truly hope you find that someday." She reached out and squeezed his arm lightly before walking off back to the table.

Killian stood there debating on staying or leaving a moment, then turned and headed over to take a seat at the counter next to Leroy. "I don't get it either, man," the dwarf commented then took another bite of his breakfast as he slid the coffee pot over toward the pirate.

"I'm definitely going to need something stronger than coffee, mate." Killian flipped over the coffee cup then reached for his flask. Just as he was unscrewing the cap, Granny walked out and fixed him with a look.

She had heard the whole commotion before and didn't want any of that in her diner. "There will be no more trouble for those two in here, is that clear?" Granny warned Killian who simply raised his hand in understanding before grabbing his cup and taking a swig of his drink.

"Leave him alone, Granny, he just had his heart trampled. Let the man have his drink." Leroy defended the pirate before setting his money down on the table and getting up to leave. Granny ignored the dwarf, instead heading over to make sure things were alright with the others as she set their food in front of them.

"If you want him to go, you just give me the word and I'll haul him out myself if I have to," Granny offered.

Regina looked to Emma to gauge what perhaps the blonde wanted to do. Emma simply moved her hand under the table to take Regina's in hers and giving it a soft squeeze. The brunette nodded in agreement, though no words had been spoken, then looked up at the older woman standing there waiting. "While that is indeed an intriguing option, I think I speak for Emma and myself that we'd rather not cause any more trouble than has already occurred. I believe the pirate got the message."

Granny nodded. "Alright, well if you need anything just say the word." With that, the older woman walked off back to the counter.

"Are you alright, Emma?" Snow asked, concerned about her daughter as she kept a watchful eye on the pirate at the counter.

"Yes, I'm fine. No harm done." She flexed the fingers of the hand she had hit Killian with, she could still feel the punch she had given him. Regina moved her hand under her's and laced their fingers together, then brought her hand up to kiss it, making Emma smile.

"So Grandma and grandpa are want to have a reception for you guys," Henry interrupted the moment before shoveling in a mouthful of pancakes. Emma quirked her brow in interest as she looked to Regina for confirmation.

"I told them it was alright by me, if that's what you want."

"Technically, I wanted to put together a wedding but this was the compromise," Snow threw the offer out there again to see if Emma would be on her side.

"I think a reception would be perfect." Emma's smile returned.

David returned his daughter's smile. "Then it's settled. Your mother, myself, and Henry will get the town together and throw you a royal reception fit for a princess… and a queen."

Emma groaned, already having second thoughts on her acceptance of the idea. "Please don't go overboard."