Later that night when Emma got back to Granny's Lily was waiting for her in her room. She was still feeling sad about having to leave Regina, and all she really wanted to do was go to bed but she could tell by the way Lily was looking at her that she had something to say.
'Hey, how have the boys been?' She asked casually as she took a seat on the sofa and faced Lily who was sitting on the edge of her bed.
Lily eyed her carefully before she shook her head. 'What are you doing, Emma?' She questioned gently.
Emma broke eye contact as she turned her face to look out of the window on the other side of the room. 'I don't know what you mean?'
Lily let out small laugh. 'Right, so you haven't just come back from fucking a woman who has a kid with someone else and is engaged to be married?'
Emma's fists clenched at being reminded that Regina wasn't hers anymore. She was well aware of the circumstances; she didn't need be told and she certainly didn't need a lecture.
'What I do with Regina has nothing to do with you. You know nothing about our relationship,' she bit out as she kept her face turned away.
'No, I don't,' agreed Lily as she walked over to Emma and gripped her chin so she could face her. 'But neither does Regina and this isn't fair on her.' She let go of Emma and moved back to her seat.
She cared about the blonde, she always had done and she hated seeing her in this much pain, but it would only get worse if she continued to pursue the mayor while she was engaged.
Emma's eyes hardened as she stood up. 'None of this is fair,' she yelled as she slammed her hand into the wall. 'Nothing in my life has ever been fair, my parents threw me away, I was imprisoned for a crime I didn't commit, I missed the birth of my sons, and then missed the first ten years of their lives, I met a woman who I love with my entire soul and I was finally happy and then she was ripped away from me too, and now I have to watch some sleazy, arrogant prick put his hands all over her while he's raising the daughter that should have been mine.' Her voice broke on the last sentence and she sunk to floor as tears streamed down her face.
Lily rushed over and wrapped her in a hug. She had never seen Emma break down like this, they had been together for three years when they were younger and she had seen her cry once and that was because their dog died. Emma had always been the strong one so to see her like this was heart-breaking.
'But there's a part of Regina that nobody knows about, a part that she's only ever trusted me with and that she still trusts me with and I refuse to give that up, it's all I have left,' croaked Emma as she pulled away from Lily's body and wiped her eyes.
She hated people seeing her upset, it made her feel weak and pathetic. Regina and Henry were the only people she felt comfortable enough to be vulnerable in front of.
Lily nodded. She would just have to trust that Emma knew what she was doing. 'Just be careful Em please, we don't know anything about Rodney or who he is in the other world.'
Emma snorted. 'isn't it obvious? He's fucking Robin Hood, I mean I knew I had heard the name Robin Locksley before but I couldn't place it, and then tonight, Regina told me he was camping with her friends and it clicked, he's not with his friends at all he's with his merry bastard men,' she laughed at the fact this was her life. 'And you know what the most hilarious thing is? As of tomorrow, I'm the new town sheriff,' she laughed again at the irony of it all. 'He thought he hated Sheriffs before, well he hasn't seen anything yet.'
Lily opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted when her phone started ringing. She slipped it out of her pocket and looked at the caller ID before she shot Emma an apologetic smile. 'I have to take this, it's Neal,' she informed.
Emma gave her a small smile. 'I'll see you in the morning, and thank you for tonight. I'm glad we're friends again.'
'Me too,' Lily smiled back before she answered the phone and then left Emma's room.
Regina woke the next morning to the sounds of Zaynah babbling through the baby monitor. She smiled as her eyes fluttered open. She had had the best night sleep since Zaynah had been born, her daughter usually woke up at least once through the night but apparently, she hadn't felt the need to last night.
She got up and made her way to her daughter's room. 'Good morning, my little princess,' she cooed as she walked over to the crib.
'Momma,' said Zaynah as she clapped her hands while bouncing up and down.
Regina chuckled as she swooped down to pick her daughter up and hugged her close. 'You're such a happy baby, aren't you? And so beautiful too.'
She had no idea where her golden blonde hair had come from because she had dark brown, Robin had light brown hair and Roland had brown hair. There were no blonde-haired people in her or Robins families that she was aware of.
Zaynah babbled away as Regina carried her down the stairs and into the kitchen. She had to make breakfast and drop her daughter off with her nanny before she went to work and she had a new sheriff she would have to meet with.
Her thoughts drifted to Emma and she felt a wide smile tug at her lips as she remembered the night before. Emma had been so sweet, kind and caring, she had looked after Regina in every way possible. She had made her feel warm, cherished, cared for and so safe, Regina had never felt that safe with another person before.
She had let her be her true self and had never judged her but instead encouraged her and it had been the first time Regina hadn't been scared about letting her little side out and she had to admit that she loved it, it felt so freeing to give up control and let someone else be the adult, to let them look after you and care for you and bring you pleasure.
She blushed as she remembered the three mind blowing orgasms the beautiful blonde had given her, Emma had a very talented tongue and she definitely knew how to use it. she was rough and dominant but she was also soft and gentle, and she knew exactly what Regina needed and when she needed it.
It was incredible how in tune she was with the brunette's body after such a short time. Emma had her a panting, withering mess in less two hours of being in her house, and her cock was one of the sexiest things she had ever seen, she hadn't played with it yet but even just the thought of it made her panties wet.
She put Zaynah in her high chair and took a deep breath as she felt her body start to heat up. God, this was so inappropriate, she needed to focus on something other than how much she wanted Emma's hands all over her body.
She moved to the coffee machine and busied herself with making a cup as she tried to push all thoughts of Emma Swan and her irresistibleness out of her mind, there had to be something wrong with the woman, there was no way on this earth that anyone could be that perfect.
She jumped a little as she heard her daughter's voice. 'Momma,' shouted Zaynah as she pointed to the fridge.
Regina turned around and smiled. 'Are you hungry little princess? Do you want Momma to make some breakfast?'
'Yes, Momma, breaky' said Zaynah with a toothy grin as she pointed at the fridge again.
Regina's eyes went wide as her daughter spoke another two new words. 'well done sweetheart,' she praised as she walked over and stroked Zaynah's hair and kissed her on the head. 'You're such a clever girl and Momma loves you so much.'
She made breakfast for them both before she cleaned up and then took them upstairs to get ready for the day. She wouldn't admit it to anyone but she was rather giddy to know she would be seeing Emma again.
'What time do you start?' asked Kingsley from where he was sitting in a booth in Granny's, Henry was sitting beside him while Emma and Lily sat across from them.
'I'm not sure,' she answered sheepishly. They hadn't really gotten that far into the conversation all she knew was that she had the job and she started today.
'Mom will be walking through that door in about seven minutes so you can ask her,' said Henry as he looked at the clock.
Kingsley snorted. What? Are you like psychic or something?'
Henry rolled his eyes. 'No, but I know my mom and she's very punctual, she likes routine and ever since I was little, we've always come to the diner at exactly half past eight so she can get her morning coffee before she goes to work.'
Sure, enough about six minutes later the diner bell dinged and in walked Regina pushing Zaynah in her stroller.
'Whoa,' said Kingsley as he looked at Henry curiously. 'Are you sure you're not psychic? Because that was a bit weird bro.'
Henry let out a laugh 'I wish, I never got any cool powers, all Ma gave me was her inability to be able to do maths,' he teased as he smirked at Emma.
The sound of Henry's laughter drew Regina's attention as she snapped her eyes over to the booth the Swans were occupying. Her eyes instantly locking with deep green ones that were already watching her. She felt her pulse race as a warm tingly feeling spread through her entire body and a dazzling smile planted itself on her lips.
'Regina,' breathed Emma as her own lips spread into a wide smile. She looked breath-taking like she always did, and Emma had to grip the table to stop herself from rushing over, pulling her into her arms and kissing her senseless.
'Miss Swan,' replied Regina trying to sound professional as she made her way over to the booth. 'I hope you're ready for your first day on duty?'
Emma let out a chuckle. 'As I'll ever be, however I forgot to ask what time I started?' She answered sheepishly.
Regina nodded distractedly while a small blush crept up her neck as she remembered exactly why Emma had forgotten to ask. She looked up and noticed the smirk on the blonde's face and the way her eyes had darkened just a bit which told her that she had also been remembering last night, and she blushed even harder.
'Your shift usually starts at nine but this morning it will start at half past. I'll accompany you just to make sure everything is in order,' replied Regina with a slight husk not once taking her eyes off Emma.
Emma licked her lips as she gazed intensely into Regina's eyes. Her mind couldn't help but conjure up images of what happened the last time they were alone in the station together. Regina didn't remember obviously but Emma could bet that she was thinking about what could happen.
'Sounds good, I'm excited to start working again.' Zaynah took that moment to throw her toy onto the floor, making everyone snap their eyes to her. 'Hey, pretty girl,' smiled Emma softly as she picked up the teething toy and handed it back to Zaynah. Have you been good for Momma?'
Zaynah pushed the toy away as she reached for Emma and made a grabby motion with her little fists. 'Mama wan,' she squealed as she dived forward trying to get into Emma's arms.
Kingsley and Henry both sniggered. 'I think she really likes you Ma,' commented Henry as he watched the baby struggling to get to Emma.
'Mama, up,' cried Zaynah as she looked at Emma with watery brown eyes that melted her heart. Emma looked at Regina who sighed and nodded at the clear question in the blonde's eyes before she got up, unstrapped the baby who now had tears running down her face and picked her up.
Zaynah instantly snuggled into Emma's arms as she grabbed on tight to Emma's shirt and lay her head on her shoulder.
'Shh, its okay little one,' soothed Emma as she kissed Zaynah on the head and rubbed her back while bouncing her gently.
Regina watched with an adoring smile as Emma comforted her daughter like she was her own child. 'Robin has never been that good with her,' she thought.
She tried to remember a time when Robin had soothed her but she couldn't think of one, he would always pass her to Regina when she cried, or when she needed changing, or bathed, in fact, she had done everything, and she was almost sure he had never fed her either or put her to bed.
He had held her but it was only for about ten minutes at a time though to be fair Zaynah would usually only tolerate that amount of time before she started crying for Regina and he would gladly pass her back.
'Would you like to join us, Miss Mills?' Asked Henry politely as he gestured to the seat next to him. It felt weird to call his mom that and it made his heart hurt but he pushed it down as he gave her a smile.
Regina smiled back at him and nodded. 'I guess I might as well since I doubt, I'm getting my daughter back anytime soon,' she chuckled as she watched Emma making funny faces at Zaynah as her daughter giggled happily in her arms.
'Hey, Ma, maybe you should become a nanny instead? I bet babies are much easier to catch than bad guys and also they can't shoot guns,' joked Kingsley as he leant over and tickled Zaynah's belly.
Henry turned to Regina. 'Can she walk?' he asked curiously. 'I don't know much about babies; yesterday was the first time I held one and I can't remember myself being that age.'
Regina smiled at him softly. 'She can crawl very well so sometimes I have to chase her, because babies like to touch everything,' she let out a light laugh and Henry chuckled along.
'But no, she can't walk yet, twelve months is the average age but all babies are different so some will start earlier and some will start later, it's just whenever they're ready, though I don't think it will be too long for Zaynah, she's already trying to pull herself up.'
Henry nodded along. 'She's good at talking though, isn't she? I heard her yesterday.'
'I taught her some new words,' chimed in Kingsley, the pride clear in his voice.
Lily looked at him with an amused smirk. 'You never took this much of an interest in Bella. You refused to even acknowledge she existed until she was about two.'
Kingsley scowled at her. 'She's was annoying, all she did was cry.'
'I think it's a sibling thing, Zaynah's brother is nine and he isn't a fan of her either,' commented Regina with hint of sadness that only Emma and Henry picked up on.
'That's his loss,' said Henry as he made a face at Zaynah who was now lying snuggled in Emma's arms. 'If she was my sister, I'd play with her all the time and read to her.'
Emma and Regina both looked at him with matching soft smiles. 'She is your sister,' thought Emma but she knew that Henry didn't want to get too close in case for some reason Regina never remembered.
'I'm sure she would love that, she adores bedtime story's, her favourite is Snow White.' Regina rolled her eyes. Snow had bought it as soon as they'd gotten here. The curse had given them a little book shop and she was so excited when she spotted it unfortunately Zaynah loved it and it was the only book that would knock her to sleep.
Henry smirked in amusement thinking about how ironic that was, but one look at Emma and the dark look that crossed her face and he could tell that she didn't share his amusement.
'I never got that story, I always thought the queen was a lot prettier than Snow White and also who takes an apple from someone they've only just met, haven't they ever heard of stranger danger?' said Kingsley hoping to lighten the mood after noticing the change in his Ma.
It had the desired effect and everyone let out a laugh as Emma agreed with her son. 'Mmm, yeah I much rather kiss the Queen than Snow White,' she smirked as she looked towards Regina, her eyes glittering with mirth.
Regina looked back at her, their gazes instantly locking as the brunette's heart rate picked up and her thoughts started racing. 'Why did Emma look at her as soon as she said that? Did she know something?' She searched Emma's eyes for any more indication that she knew exactly who Regina was but she found nothing apart from a mixture of amusement, lust and warmth.
The bell on the diner door rattled pulling their gazes towards the door to see who had entered. Regina cringed as she saw Robin standing inside the doorway with Roland right beside him.
She took another quick look at Emma and noticed that her arms had tightened around Zaynah who was asleep on her chest, almost protectively and her expression was now cold and calculating.
Emma looked towards Kingsley and Henry who were scowling in Robin's direction. 'Behave or I won't think twice about throwing you both in a cell,' she warned sternly but only loud enough for their booth to hear.
Regina cringed as Robins eyes met her own and he realised who she was with. 'Regina,' he growled as he came stomping towards the booth. 'Did you not listen to anything I said last night?' He then turned to Emma and sneered at her. 'Give me my daughter,' he demanded as he reached for Zaynah.
Regina smelled the alcohol on his breath as soon as he opened his mouth and she rose from her seat and pushed him backwards. 'You're not going anywhere near my daughter when you've been drinking' she hissed dangerously.
'She's my daughter too,' he snarled as he swayed a little on his feet after Regina had knocked him off balance. 'And I'm your soulmate, you should listen to what I say and I told you I didn't want these people around my daughter. We don't know who they are Regina, you only met them a few days ago and she's already proved that she's raised two aggressive hooligans.'
He turned back to Emma with his lip curled into a snarl. 'I don't know what your aim is but I want you to keep away from my family or I'll make you,' he threatened though Regina caught the shake in his voice.
Emma let out a dark chuckle as she stood from the booth and passed Zaynah gently over to Regina without once taking her eyes off the man in front of her. 'Listen Randall, how about we play a game of fuck off? I'll even let you go first,' she suggested in a low voice that made Regina shiver.
'Um Ma, I think his name is Russell,' piped up Kingsley to which Henry also cut in with 'His name's Rupert.'
Huh,' said Lily as she looked at her sons. 'I thought his name was Rodney.'
Regina looked at the three people in the booth. 'His name is Richard, I mean Robin,' she murmured distractedly as she struggled to tear her eyes away from Emma who was exceptionally hot when she was angry.
Her eyes were blazing andit seemed as though she was towering over Robin and the dominance was rolling off her in waves. Regina could see the fear in her fiancée's eyes, and it gave her a sick sense of satisfaction that should have told her all she needed to know.
Robin squared his shoulders and lifted his chin, he wouldn't let this nobody think that she could take away his family, he was Robin Hood and Regina belonged to him, he was the one that had changed her into a good person, he had rid her of the Evil that she was infected with before and he deserved recognition for that.
'You don't know who you're dealing with,' he sneered as he moved into Emma's space and jabbed a finger in her chest. 'My name means something in this town and the people don't take kindly to intruders so how about you pack your things and move on, there's nothing here for you.'
Emma laughed in his face before she grabbed his hand and bent it awkwardly in-between them making him let out a hiss of pain. 'You know Ruben, one day soon you're going to look back on this moment and your going to kick yourself for how stupid you've been because you might think I don't know who you are but I know for a fact that you have no clue who I am,' she growled into his ear before she let go of his arm and took a step back.
'Now if you don't mind, I was busy having breakfast with my family because I start my first shift of my new job- '.
'You gave her a job?' barked Robin to Regina as he whipped his head around face her.
Regina didn't get a chance to reply as a sinister smile planted itself on Emma face. 'Oh, haven't you heard?' She asked innocently, she was really going to enjoy this next bit. 'I'm the towns new sheriff.'
Robins face instantly grew red as rage coursed through his veins. He looked like he was about to pop a blood vessel and Emma briefly wondered if she should call 911.
'Y-you,' he spluttered as she looked from Emma to his soulmate the former who looked smug and the latter who was glaring at him coldly.
'Well, if he didn't hate you before, he definitely does now,' snickered Kingsley making Henry and Lily chuckle.
'You're going to be the law? But you're a woman and that is a man's job, and you've just assaulted me,' continued Robin outraged at the notion that a woman could be suitable for a man's job, especially a woman that was clearly after his soulmate.
Lily snorted. 'She has bigger balls than you, buddy' she muttered
'That's extremely sexist,' pointed out Henry, just after Lily.
'Dude, it's the twenty first century get with the times,' yelled Kingsley.
'Seriously Regina this guy?' asked Emma in disgust as she shook her head. She didn't understand what Regina saw in him.
He had come in here reeking of booze while he had his kid with him, he was controlling, and apparently a sexist pig. He was the last person that Emma thought Regina would find attractive but apparently, she was wrong.
Regina looked around to notice that everyone had stopped eating and was now just staring at them waiting to see what would happen next. She felt a blush of embarrassment rise on her cheeks. She hated being gawped at and she hated her business being aired in public. She was the mayor and she had a reputation to maintain.
'Robin go home and clean yourself up, you're embarrassing yourself and me,' she hissed at him before she turned to see Henry gently rocking Zaynah's stroller as she began to stir.
'No, we are going to sit down and have breakfast as a family, me, you, Roland and Zaynah. That's what I came here for. I had a talk with him and he's agreed to have breakfast with us,' he informed her as he sat down at the booth behind the Swans. 'Roland, come and sit down.'
Roland who looked like he would rather be walking bare foot over hot coals then anywhere near his sister, grumpily threw himself into the booth next to his father.
Regina honestly didn't know what to do and she looked between her soulmate and Emma who was watching her carefully. She looked back towards Henry to see that he was talking to a now wide awake Zaynah before she let out a deep sigh. 'Very well, but me and Zaynah have already had breakfast so I'll just have a coffee.'
She walked over to Henry and gave him a smile. 'Thank you for keeping her occupied,' she said gratefully before she unstrapped her daughter and moved towards the booth that contained Robin and Roland.
She looked over her shoulder before her eyes connected with Emma's and she was a little startled at what she saw. There was hurt mixed with betrayal but also a hint of understanding, and it only confused her more so she forced herself to look away.
What happened between them last night was amazing but it couldn't happen again, she had a family and if Roland had agreed to have breakfast with them then maybe things would get better. Robin was her soulmate after all.
'Maybe if I keep telling myself that, I'll actually start believing it,' she thought miserably as she took a seat across from Robin and Roland with Zaynah on her lap.
Emma watched Regina sit down with a heavy heart before she followed suit and took a seat directly behind her in her own booth. Henry, Kingsley and Lily, all gave her identical looks of understanding as she sat glowering at the menu in front of her avoiding eye contact.
She should have known that Regina would choose her family over her but for a second there she really thought that maybe Regina would choose her. It was stupid, she knew that, because this Regina wasn't in love with her, even if she was attracted to her and what they shared last night didn't mean the same as what it did to Emma because this Regina had a soulmate, whatever that meant.
She would have to ask Henry because if a soulmate was anything like a true love, then she probably had very little chance of getting Regina back even if the curse broke, there was no way Regina would choose her over her soulmate.
'Are you okay, Ma?' asked Henry gently as he took hold of her hand and squeezed. He understood what she was going through, he felt the same.
It hurt so much to see his mom sitting with a new family even if he knew deep down that she didn't want to be there. It felt like she had replaced them, and he guessed she kind of had which really sucked.
Emma lifted her head and smiled at him sadly. 'I'll be fine kid; I just miss her you know? It so hard to... Never mind, it's just frustrating.'
'I miss her too, but I have hope that we'll get her back, she loves us and love is the most powerful magic of all,' whispered Henry confidently.
Regina tried not to listen but she couldn't exactly help it since she was sitting right behind them both so she heard every word that had been said, and it made her wonder who they were talking about.
Was it the person that Emma had spoken about last night? It sure sounded like it and it sounded like she was very important to both Henry and Emma. It also sounded like they had came here looking for her which was the strangest part because everyone here was from the Enchanted Forest and she was almost positive that Emma knew nothing about that or who they all were but then why was she here, and why was she pursuing Regina? Did she think she has some information? Emma had said that she was a Sheriff before, did she think Regina was involved in the mysterious woman's disappearance?
She shook her head to rid herself of the thoughts as she tried to concentrate on what Robin was saying but it was no use, her mind was racing with questions, questions she was determined to get the answer to, so she could go back to living her life the way she had been before Emma Swan and her adorable sons came and turned it upside down.
Absolutely nothing about their arrival or what had happened since made any sense and the more she tried to piece it together the more confused she got. She knew that Emma came from Boston, she knew that Lily was her ex and apparently had a husband and daughter at home. She knew that Henry and Kingsley were twins but they didn't grow up together, Lily raised Kingsley but not Henry and Emma didn't raise either of them so Henry must have been adopted so there's another parent or parents somewhere who could possibly be who they're looking for.
That still didn't explain last night though, and to be honest that was all that Regina could think about but now she was wondering if she was just being used as a substitute for the person Emma really wanted to be with.
The next time Regina looked at the clock it was twenty-five past nine which meant she had to get ready to leave. Breakfast had been okay though Roland hadn't said much and he hadn't even looked at Zaynah. Conversation between her and Robin was still stilted but she assumed that was the best she was going to get until they managed to talk properly later.
She heard shuffling behind her and turned to see the Swans and Lily also getting ready to leave, Henry and Kingsley both smiled but Emma avoided her eyes which actually hurt.
'So, me and the boys are going to look for a house today, I asked Ruby and she told me where to go, do you want to meet up on your lunch break?' asked Lily as she gathered her things.
Ruby had told her that there was a pawn shop that was run by two woman who also dealt in real estate, it seemed odd but then again, the whole damn town was odd so she didn't question it.
Emma nodded. 'Yeah sure, though I don't know what time that would be- '.
'Your lunch break is between half past twelve and half past one,' cut in Regina as she strapped Zaynah back into her stroller.
'Right, thanks,' said Emma without looking at her. 'Henry, Kingsley be good for your mom and pick a nice house, don't worry about the price and also make sure there's room for guests.' She ruffled their hair and then kissed both of there foreheads.
'We will. Love you,' they said simultaneously before they high-fived each other.
'Weirdos,' teased Lily with a chuckle.
'Is my little one ready?' asked a tiny old woman with a strong British accent. She had a kind face, with curly grey hair and warm blue eyes behind thick rimmed glasses and she was smiling softly at Regina and Zaynah.
Regina smiled warmly back at her and Emma knew that this was someone that Regina loved and cherished. 'She is. I hope you enjoyed your day off yesterday?'
The woman chuckled softly. 'Yes child, I enjoyed the day that you forced me to take off. Eugenia and I spent most of it knitting and drinking sherry but I missed my grandchild so pass her here,' replied the woman as she reached for the stroller.
Regina let out a beautiful laugh that instantly warmed Emma's heart. 'I'm sure Zaynah has missed her nana too,' she replied softly as she handed the stroller over. 'She had to spend an hour with Zee yesterday but she did learn some new words.'
Emma was stood watching the conversation with rapt attention trying to figure out who the woman was, she very much doubted it was Cora especially not after their history, she supposed it could be Robin's mother.
'Zelena taught her new words?' asked the woman aghast as she put her hand on her chest.
Regina rolled her eyes. 'She isn't that bad, and she actually keeps her language to a minimum around Zaynah but no.' She turned and smiled at Kingsley. 'It was this young man that taught her the words.'
Kingsley smiled charmingly and held out his hand. 'Its a pleasure to meet you ma'am, my names Kingsley Swan.' He introduced himself politely.
The woman eyed him curiously before she raised her eyebrow. 'You're the boy that stomped on his toes?' She asked as she pointed to Robin who was whispering with his son.
A small blush covered Kingsley' face but he straightened his back and lifted his chin. 'Yes, but I'm not sorry, he grabbed Miss Mills by the arm and he upset my brother, he deserved it,' he replied defiantly.
The woman's face didn't change as she snapped her eyes to Henry who was standing beside Kingsley, looking extremely embarrassed and ashamed. 'You're the boy that threw him into the table?'
Henry lifted his head and looked her in the eyes. 'Yes, ma'am, I thought he was hurting her,' he answered quietly as he dropped his head again.
Emma then watched in slight shock as the woman pulled both boys into her arms and hugged them fiercely. 'You're good lads and you'll make even better men,' she assured loud enough for Emma, Lily and Regina to hear.
She then took Henry's chin and raised it so she could meet his eyes. 'Never be embarrassed about defending someone, even if that defence is misplaced. If you believe in your heart that it was the right thing to do then you stick by that,' she said firmly before she let go and patted him on the shoulder.
Henry nodded. 'Yes, ma'am,' he replied with a smile. He liked this woman and he hoped he got to spend more time with her especially since it seemed like she cared a lot about his mom.
'Has Ruby been gossiping again?' asked Regina with a raised eyebrow towards the woman.
The woman put her hands on her hips and gave Regina a stern glare. 'Well, how else would I have found out? You don't tell me anything.'
Regina rolled her eyes playfully. 'I do tell you things, just not about Robin because you don't need any more reasons to hate him,' she whispered the last bit but everyone in their circle heard it.
'Well definitely not Ricardo's mom,' chuckled Emma internally, happy that someone else also hated Ralph just as much as she did.
'No need to whisper my child, seagull is well aware of how much I dislike him,' said the woman loudly as she threw Robin a dirty look. 'He's not good enough for you Regina, and,' she paused as she looked towards Henry and Kingsley. 'Cover your ears lads,' she instructed.
Henry and Kingsley looked at each other with a smirk before they did what they were told to which the woman continued. 'I've seen the way he looks at the young lasses around here, man of honour my arse, he's a fuck boy!' she exclaimed, causing Emma and Lily to snort loudly and Regina to gape at her in shock.
'Alma!' gasped Regina as she struggled to keep in her own giggle. 'Who on earth taught you that?'
Alma smirked proudly. 'I've been watching the moving picture box with Ruby, Oriel and Zelena. The girls on those shows will teach you a thing or two about how to tell if your man is a flake and I'm telling you now, Regina, you are a boss ass bitch and you don't need no little boy messing with your hype, no cap...,' she paused as her eyebrows furrowed. 'I'm not sure I said that right but you get my point. Pigeon is not the one for you,' she finished confidently.
Emma and Lily were just out right laughing now while Regina was attempting to silence them with a glare which wasn't very effective since her own amusement was written clearly all over her face. Henry and Kingsley still had their ears covered but had heard everything and were trying to stifle their own giggles. Robin was standing a little bit away from them but going by the thunderous look on his face he had also heard every word.
'Those three are bad influences on you.' was all Regina replied before she turned to Emma with a smirk. 'Miss Swan, you're officially late for your first day of work, I don't pay you to stand around listening to gossip.'
Emma's laugher instantly died as she spluttered her reply. 'W-what? I was waiting for you, you said you wanted to escort me there to make sure everything is in order.'
Regina's smirk only widened as she replied in a teasing tone. 'Oh? I wasn't aware that you required me to hold your hand, I was under the impression you were an adult who made her own choices.'
Emma smirked back at her. 'I am and I'm choosing to stand here and wait for you to escort me to the sheriff's station like you said you would.'
Alma watched them bantering back and forth her blue eyes twinkling knowingly. She had seen Robin try and square up to the blonde woman and she had seen how she defended herself, and she had seen how happy and carefree Regina was when she was with them compared to how miserable she looked when she had been sitting with Robin and Roland. She also had noticed the looks between the two woman and whether they were aware of it or not, it was obvious to her that there was a certain chemistry between them.
She watched as Regina tried to hide her scowl as the brunette woman who had been sitting with the blonde woman and the two young lads, kissed the new sheriff on the cheek before she left, and chuckled to herself. 'Yes,' she thought internally. 'There's definitely something there.'
Once Lily has left, Emma came to stand next to Regina. 'Are you ready to leave Regina? I wouldn't want my boss to dock any more of my wages,' she joked.
Regina nudged her lightly on the arm. 'I'm sure you could find a way to make it up to her,' she murmured before she blushed as she realised how that sounded.
Emma smirked. 'Mmm yes, I'm sure I could. I'm extremely good with my hands, you know?' she replied with a wink.
Regina's body immediately reacted to Emma's insinuation and the wink as she felt heat pool in her stomach. She cleared her throat, hoping her arousal didn't show in her voice as she answered. 'I'll be right back.' She walked over to Alma and Zaynah and bent down to give her daughter a kiss on the head before she moved to Alma and kissed her cheek. 'I will be home by six,' she told the woman who nodded as she gave her a warm smile.
She then walked back over to Emma and gestured towards the door. 'Ready?' She asked. Emma nodded and started walking with Regina right behind her. She was almost at the door when she stopped at the sound of Robins voice and looked over her shoulder.
Robin had grabbed a hold of Regina's hand effectively halting her exit from the diner. 'I will see you at home tonight,' he said as he leaned in a kissed her on the lips. 'I love you and I hope we can work things out.'
Regina felt her skin crawl as his lips touched her own and she shot a quick look towards Emma who was staring right at them. The same emotions as earlier were clear in her eyes, hurt, betrayal, understanding but this time there was also a hint of disgust.
She felt Robin pull back and she snapped her eyes to his face before she felt her stomach sink at his declaration of love. Usually, she wouldn't think twice about telling him she loved him too, because she did unfortunately it just wasn't in the way he wanted her to, however this time instead of words rising in her throat she felt bile. The thought of actually returning his words made her feel sick but she didn't want to make another scene so she forced them out.
'I love you too, and yes we'll talk tonight, but I really have to go,' she rushed out as she looked towards the door and noticed Emma had already left. She didn't wait for Robin to answer as she hurried to pull it open and stepped out onto main street.
Regina looked around but she couldn't spot Emma anywhere so she made her way to the station. She understood why Emma had ran, seeing her kissing Robin and telling him she loved him must have been quite the reality check after what they had done last night.