Regina magicked away the remnants of her alcohol fueled tantrum and set about sobering herself up. Luckily she'd only managed a few swigs from the bottle before Emma had sent the messages. Her head was pounding more from crying than anything else.
Emma Swan to the rescue again! She mused.
Regina knew it was stupid of her to get excited about spending time alone with Emma. She knew that it would probably involve wedding planning and getting excited about dresses and stupid things she couldn't care less for, but Emma was trying to include her and keep their friendship strong. She knew her chance with Emma would never come to be but couldn't resist helping her friend when she asked. Regina started to imagine how their future would be now Hook was back. They would revert to their once in a while chats between saving the world and she would continue hiding her feelings and trying to be happy for Emma. Henry was growing up and soon enough, he would move away to college and they would have even less of a reason to keep in touch. Their bond would slowly break until it was just empty promises of 'We'll have to meet up soon,' and 'I'd love to but..'
The thought broke her heart. She was determined to make sure that didn't happen. Emma Swan would have the friend she deserved for as long as she needed her. She wouldn't be responsible for another person's unhappiness ever again.
Looking at the clock, she had 3 hours to get herself together and put on a brave face. She capped the whisky bottle and decided a shower was in order. She'd be damned if she let Emma see her looking anything other than her polished and refined self.
#########
Regina opened the door of the mansion with the most dazzling smile she could muster. Emma returned the smile taking in her friend's poised appearance. She could tell Regina had been day drinking and had gone to some extreme lengths to cover it up. Emma recognised the faint scent of scotch mingled with toothpaste and could see the dark circles under her eyes that she had almost completely covered with make up. Regina looked tired but Emma decided not to comment and instead went in for one of their awkward half hugs.
"Hey Regina. I really appreciate your help with this. You're a great friend."
Regina accepted the unexpected hug, not really sure what to do with her hands. She patted Emma lightly on the back and broke away, straightening her shirt. "It's fine Emma. I'm here for anything you need." She signalled for Emma to follow her into the mansion and led her down into the lounge. "So what can I help you with?"
Emma studied the woman perched on the edge of sofa and took a seat right next to her. She paused for a moment as if contemplating her words and then patted the space beside her. Regina rolled her eyes and reluctantly sat beside her, turning her body half towards the blonde.
Emma smiled and relaxed back into the cushions. "I have no idea what I'm doing, Regina."
Regina felt her heart pounding trying to anticipate what Emma was going to say.
"I mean, look at me! I'm a far cry from a Princess and that is what everyone in this town is going to expect from me. Some massive fairytale wedding and their savior full of grace dressed in white, tottering down the aisle like a delicate flower."
Regina couldn't help but giggle. Emma shot her a wiggly eyebrowed glare.
"You forget I've seen that version of you and trust me, you've got this! I think you could give Snow a run for her money!"
Emma cringed at the memory of the day Regina found her in the enchanted forest dream world. "Hey! That is not who I am and you know it! I was thinking more, black leather and eyeliner. Maybe a ring on each finger instead of the traditional one ring, you know, I think.."
Regina cut in with a her hands up in defeat. "Okay, okay. I take it back! You obviously have zero taste whatsoever and I would be doing the people of this town a disservice if I let you plan your own wedding!"
Emma laughed and said, "Hey, come on! I have some taste. I mean, my best friend is the queen and a bit more refined. That's gotta count for something."
Regina pursed her lips and raised an eyebrow. "That is very true. I wouldn't be seen dead with if you didn't have a certain level of taste. And at least you recognise my level of superiority in these matters." She couldn't stop herself from adding, "shame about your choices of suitor."
Taking the opportunity, Emma asked the question. "Why do you hate him so much?"
Regina composed herself. "I don't." And looked at the wall.
"Really?"
"Really." She forced a weak smile and made eye contact. "If you love him then, I'll get over it. You gave me a chance when everyone else in town despised me. You saw the good in me so, it's only fair that I give him the benefit of the doubt and try to look past his sordid history."
Emma gave her a thank you smile. She could tell Regina really meant what she was saying. There was no malice in her words when she said it, just brutal honesty. He did have a sordid past, more than Emma was ever comfortable with. Worse than Regina's in a way. Hook had done things out of cold blood. He killed her grandfather. But Regina had tried to kill her mother. It was complicated and a world away from the reality they were in now. They had both proven themselves on more than one occasion that they were capable of being better.
"Look. I'm sorry if asking you to be my maid of honor made you feel uncomfortable. I know that if it was the other way around and Robin had come back and you two had married then.."
Regina cut in shaking her head. "Emma. I'm honored that you asked me. Robin has gone and honestly, I've been over him for quite a while. I do not resent you for finding love. I want you to be happy. I just wish," she stopped and sighed.
"You wish what, Regina?"
"I just wish that things didn't have to be so hard. For either of us."
######
Somewhere in Storybrook, a fairies ears pricked up.
"I hear your wish, Regina."
