Granny's was fairly empty when Regina stepped through the door so she had no trouble in sitting at the very back, in a booth that gave some shelter from prying eyes. She laughed lighting at Emma as she sat down, who was trailing after them, still grumbling at Regina's teasing.
Emma slid into the seat opposite Henry and Regina, not for the first time, wondering how Regina made sitting down at on of the booths look so graceful.
Glancing around she caught Ruby's eye, who winked at her, causing Emma to blush bright red. Something that did not go unnoticed by Regina.
"What is it Emma?" She asked curiously.
Still bright red, Emma nodded reluctantly at Ruby who grinned at Regina when her eyes followed Emma's nod.
Sighing, Regina turned back to Emma, "I suppose I'm right in assuming that Miss Lucas has been your partner in crime this week?"
Her exasperated tone caused Emma to giggle, "Yeah well, I needed someone to tell me to get my act together and step up my game."
At Henry's rather undignified snort, Regina smiled fondly at him, "With Red and Snow being best friends, I suppose your mother knows why you're out."
At that it was Emma's turn to snort with laughter, "Please, if my mom knew then so would the entire town."
Sharing a laugh they waved over Ruby to take their order. "Emma, Henry. Your Majesty." Emma laughed nervously at Ruby's over exaggerated bow, watching Regina's reaction carefully.
She was relieved when Regina chuckled gently, "Now, now Ruby, if you're so hell bent on meddling with my life you might as well use my first name."
Ruby was taken aback for a moment but recovered quickly, smiling brightly at her, "Ok then, Regina."
Looking around at the other two on the table, she pulled out a notepad and a pen, "So what can I get you guys?"
Henry quickly ordered a burger, fries and a milkshake. Emma happily ordered the same, but when they looked at Regina she just shook her head in mock exasperation and ordered a chicken salad and a coffee. Ruby grinned and practically skipped away, promising to return soon with their meals.
"I do hope Emma, that you at least attempt to keep Henry on a healthy diet." She arched an eyebrow and smirked in satisfaction as Emma squirmed.
"Well, I try but-"She started but was cut off by Henry laughing.
"Come on mom, you're not meant to torture your date." Joining Henry, Regina started laughing and Emma soon followed. Before long Ruby had brought over their food and the three had completely relaxed. Talking and laughing about anything and everything.
Watching Regina listen intently to Henry as he described a project he was doing for school, Emma felt a flash of something akin to jealousy. When she bouncing around in the foster system she would have given anything for what Henry had.
But, her overriding feeling was happiness, she was getting a clear view of how Henry had been raised, Emma was finally sure that giving Henry up had given him his best possible chance.
In what seemed like a blink of an eye, three hours had passed. Henry looked between the two women in wonder, without all the fighting, this felt like family.
As they headed out of the diner, Regina subtly passed Ruby a substantial tip, as a thank you for causing a night of true happiness.
The drive back to Regina's house passed in a comfortable silence, but internally Emma and Regina's minds were racing, wondering what they could possibly say to end the wonderful night on a perfect positive note.
As they pulled up, Emma jumped out and ran around to open Regina's door, causing her to laugh, "How gallant of your Princess Emma."
Emma just grinned, "Well your are a Queen."
"Was dear, I was a Queen."
Emma shook her head knowingly, "I don't think so, you may no longer have a kingdom but you will always be a Queen."
Regina laughed and took a step back suddenly realising how close to Emma she was standing. Emma silently mourned the loss of the physical closeness but smiled as she walked to the trunk of her car.
"I'm picking Henry up Sunday night." She said, tossing Henry's backpack to Regina.
"You what?" Regina mumbled as tears started to fill her eyes.
"Well, with Henry staying at Snow's with me, I figured you probably missed him at your place so...yeah." Emma explained, suddenly nervous about springing this on her without any warning.
Regina turned around to gauge Henry's reaction but saw him already sitting on her doorstep.
"Thank you." Regina whispered, turning back to Emma she laughed gently, "How would you like to come to dinner on Sunday night before you pick him up."
"I'd love to." Emma smiled, stepping closer, "Goodnight Regina." She leant in quickly and kissed Regina's cheek before climbing into her car.
Regina felt Henry's arms wrap around her waist as Emma drove away and she allowed him to pull her back to the house, wondering why the walls she had built up seemed to disappear when Emma was around.