Chapter 22

It was Saturday morning and Regina could chew thru leather. The damn clock was ticking, her son kept running off to Emma and apparently she meant to stick around. They had had plenty of words with each other, but Emma seemed convinced Regina had a secret life of ruining people's lives. She didn't seem to care that Regina had fixed nearly all the wrongs in town that she had assisted in making. She didn't seem to think about the effect that their fighting was having on Henry. Henry refused to see Archie anymore, convinced that Emma was going to break the curse. Of course Regina held firm that there was no such thing as magic and curses and evil queens.

Rory seemed to be walking on eggshells and spending more time at the bar to avoid the two women entirely. The whole town could see the way Emma and Regina hated each other, even if it hadn't come to actual fighting yet.

The biggest problem Emma had was apparently with Regina's past. The present was all nice and good, but the woman couldn't get over how Regina got to where she is now.

Regina finished cleaning the house by noon, which had become the pattern since Henry came along. Rory was at the bar already, helping Lacy clean the bar and get it ready for the evening events. Regina was nervous this time to go to the bar, she didn't know how much the pattern would be changed now that the curse had loosened enough to allow for time. She could hope that Sunday would bring the familiar loop, but she couldn't know for sure.

All she could do was try to keep her world together. So, she decided to take a nap before getting ready to go to the bar. She planned to be there by 445 to catch Ruby at the door. She didn't want to let Ruby thru the door with Emma running around.

…..

Rory was organizing the kegs in the backroom when Regina took her seat at the bar. She showed Lacy the white roses and as usual, she was very excited about them.

Rory came out of the back room and showed Regina just how happy she was about the flowers by holding her tightly around the waist and kissing her very passionately.

"Wow, just all about the PDA today huh?"

Regina jumped slightly at the sound of Emma's voice. She clenched her jaw as she saw that Ruby was specifically not looking at them, right behind Emma. She checked her watch quickly, it was only 459. Regina swore under her breath but tried to cover her surprise with a polite smile. "Miss Swan, Miss Lucas, I'm glad you two could swing in tonight."

Emma cocked a brow, very unconvinced Regina was happy to see either of them. "Yeah, Ruby said this was the place to be on a Saturday. Don't worry," Emma held her hands up in surrender with a smile, "Ruby explained the rules of this place to me. I won't be starting any trouble."

Regina shrugged and wrapped her arms around Rory's neck. She did not approve of PDA usually… But she had decided to make Ruby as uncomfortable as possible tonight. "What song are you singing tonight?" She asked Rory in a silky voice.

Swallowing thickly, Rory was enjoying all this passion lately. "Uh… it's a surprise, as usual. No spoilers babe."

Regina kissed her soundly, catching Ruby walking away towards a booth in the back of the bar. She grinned in triumph and released the woman, enjoying the slightly off balance jump over the bar top she made. The flowers were put in a vase on the end of the bar so everyone would always see them.

Regina happily sipped her special drink and checked her phone to make sure Mary Margaret hadn't texted her. She was taking it easy tonight, not wanting to let her guard down too much.

She rolled her eyes when she watched Emma sit next to her. "Really Miss Swan, can you find no one else to bother? Saturday night is the only time I can relax and let some stress go, I'd appreciate you not being anywhere near me."

Emma just smiled at her, "you know, at first I was a bit concerned that you spend every Saturday at the bar, but I can see for myself now that it isn't really a problem."

"Well, I am so very happy that you approve of my lifestyle Miss Swan. You do realize that just because my Sheriff was stupid enough to make you a deputy, it does not mean you can parade into my business when ever you wish it."

Emma laughed a little and was about to respond but she looked up to find Rory staring at her. "uh… hi, Rory."

Rory crossed her arms on her chest and glanced at Regina, "everything good babe?"

Regina smiled sweetly at her and nodded, "oh yes dear. Miss Swan was just telling me that she approves of me having a night at the bar."

Emma had the grace to blush before finishing her beer and handing the empty bottle to Rory, "can I have another, please?"

Rory got her a new one and before she handed it to her she said, "maybe you should take one to Ruby too?" When Emma nodded Rory got another one for Ruby and watched as she walked away from the bar. Then she leaned down to get a kiss from Regina. "I got you babygirl."

Regina giggled and gave her a second kiss, "please don't call me that. Thank you, but I had it handled dear."

Rory went about tending to the bar and Regina watched the room flow. It was different, but not extremely. Instead of flirting with some guy, Ruby was sitting and chatting happily with Emma at a booth in the back. Of course, Mary Margaret hadn't been around on a Saturday since Henry came around.

Regina jumped a little when Rory slapped the bar with her hands and announced loudly that it was time for karaoke. Everyone cheered and howled in response. The list was by the microphone and the first singer took the stage. After three of the usual singers singing the same songs, Regina mentally sighed when the pattern changed. Ruby took to the stage after a lot of prodding from Emma. Halfway thru the song, Emma joined her on stage.

The crowd loved the improvised duet. Regina rolled her eyes as they went back to their booth. The night drug on as Regina waited for her favorite surprise. Rory looked to be getting irritated with the local singers. She was getting ready to sing.

Finally, after a wretched rendition of the titanic theme song, Rory whistled loudly and everyone looked at her in anticipation. When she hopped over the bar, everyone was cheering her on. Regina cocked a brow at Emma who had looked towards her. She was very proud of Rory, and she was about to flaunt her girlfriends talents to the blonde.

As the music started, everyone started clapping to the beat. Rory grabbed the microphone and did not disappoint.

Some like beautiful, perfect and pretty

I see the good in the bad and the ugly

I need the volume one louder than ten

Put the pedal to the metal, needle into the red

If the windows ain't shaking making my heart race

If I can't feel it in my chest I'm in the wrong damn place

Got a demon in my soul and a voice in my head

Saying go go go I can sleep when I'm dead

There's a sonic revelation bringing me to my knees

And there's a man down below the needs my sympathies

I got a ringin in my ears getting ready to burst

Screaming hallelujah mother fucker

Take me to church

Even Regina was on her feet now, everyone was yelling and jumping around, only fueling Rory's fire as she belted out the lyrics the way she always did. Regina was beaming proudly as she watched Emma's face. The woman was absolutely stunned.

I like it louder than the boom of a big bass drum

I need it harder than the sound of guitar grunge

I like to crank it up

Make it thump

And lead on to the chord

Head bangin in the pit and throwin my horns

And just like old school sabbath,

Zeppelin and Lemmy

I need to drop it down low and make it heavy

I like it heavy

Regina screamed along with everyone else while Rory sang herself red in the face. By the time the song ended, everyone was hyped up and begging for another shot or beer. Lacy and Rory made short work of the stage and were quick to get back behind the bar. Of course, Regina gave her a massive congratulatory kiss before she was allowed to tend the bar again.

Emma waited until the bar was cleared up again before coming over and standing near Regina to get Rory's attention. Once the siren came over, Emma smiled at her brightly, "oh my god Rory that was fucking amazing!"

Rory puffed up a bit, and leaned on the bar towards her, she gave her best grin, "you know, Henry says I'm a siren. Maybe he's on to something?"

Emma scoffed at her and looked at Regina, "is her ego always this massive?"

Regina finished her third drink and nodded happily, "oh yes dear. In fact, usually her ego is so enlarged after a Saturday performance, she has to sleep in the yard because her head won't fit thru the damn door."

They laughed together and Emma sat on the stool next to her. Regina wasn't sure how it happened, but halfway thru her fourth drink, the two women were chatting happily and laughing together. Rory watched them as she worked, but it seemed they were getting along for the first time since Emma showed up in town.

The night was going smoothly. By 915, Mary Margaret texted Rory and Regina telling them Henry was in bed. Regina decided one more drink wouldn't hurt. She had actually forgotten about Ruby until the woman stumbled up on the other side of Emma.

"Wow Regina, you take all the best women don't you?" Ruby leaned past Emma to look at Regina.

Regina sighed, too much to hope she could skip this part of the Saturday. "Ruby, maybe you have had a bit much to drink?"

Emma was frowning at Ruby, she did look pretty drunk. "Ruby, you good?"

Giggling, Ruby finished her drink and nodded, "yeah Em, I'm good. I'm just sayin, first she stole my girlfriend, now she's stolen my new friend." She shrugged and smiled at Emma. "I'm pretty used to it."

Emma tried to turn Ruby towards the door, intending to take her home, "okay, Ruby. No one stole me, alright? I came over to get another drink and you went off to talk to that guy. You are drunk, and I think we're going home. I'll get our jackets from the booth and then we're out."

Emma darted off to get the jackets and Ruby stumbled in close to Regina, nearly growling, "what is with you and my leftovers? Like a bitch, scrounging for scraps…"

Regina didn't even think twice before swinging. She connected with the taller woman's jaw and watched her hit the floor. She jumped up and Regina waited for Rory to jump in. Except this time, Rory didn't save her, a whirl of blonde hair whipped in front of her and grabbed Ruby before the woman could pull her hand back to hit Regina.

Rory stepped in front of Regina a second later. The siren would've saved her, but this time, Emma did it first. "Okay, fun times. Now I know to cut her off sooner, good lesson. Let's go Rubes."

Regina watched Emma half shove half support Ruby out the door. Rory turned to face her and Regina told her what had happened. Rory hugged her and examined her hand, then hopped over the bar to get her an ice pack. The rest of the night, Rory stayed close with an eye on the door.

Regina wanted to leave shortly after the incident, but Rory didn't want her to walk home alone. Lacy didn't want to close on a Saturday alone either. Regina was about to leave anyway when Emma walked back in the bar. Rory tensed up, not sure what the blonde was all about.

Emma waved shyly, walking up to Regina, "hey, uhm… aside from the whole fight scene, I had a great night. I didn't want to leave it hanging there. I was also wondering if I could meet you all for breakfast tomorrow? I was told you guys always eat at the diner Sunday morning."

Regina was about to accept on the grounds that Henry would appreciate it, but Rory cut in, "you can join us, and I'll buy yours, but only if you walk Regina home."

Regina's mouth dropped open in shock at Rory's bartering, but Emma interrupted quickly, "yeah! Absolutely! Ruby's in her bed passed out, but I get it. It's late, you want to get home to Henry but Rory is still working."

Rory nodded and kissed Regina quickly before shoving them out the door. Regina huffed in indignation before gesturing for Emma to hurry up. "If you're escorting me home then I would appreciate a brisk pace."

Emma kept up just fine. "Wow, so, as soon as you walk out those doors you turn into an ass again?"

Regina stumbled a bit but recovered quickly, "I am not trying to be an ass Miss Swan, I just do not need a bodyguard in my own town."

Emma laughed lightly, "hell no you don't. You knocked Ruby on her ass! I'm sure you have nothing to fear out in this town at night. But… your girl seems to think you are a fragile little thing that needs watching. So, let's make her happy and let me walk you home?"

Regina sighed and relented. They didn't talk the rest of the way, Regina was too deep in thought. What Emma said made her think. Rory had let Emma walk her home… Rory didn't trust anybody as far as Regina was concerned. Not here in Storybrooke, and not in the enchanted forest. The only one she ever asked to protect her instead was Red. Of course, the siren couldn't remember, but that hadn't ended well. But, she trusted Emma to walk her home, half drunk in the middle of the night.

Once they reached the front walk, Emma said good night and Regina asked her to wait just a moment. She opened the door and when Mary Margaret was ready to go, she introduced the pair. She found it amusing to introduce Emma to her mother, but more than that, she decided Emma needed a different friend.

"Emma, would you be kind enough to walk Miss Blanchard home? You did such a good job delivering me, I know you could get her there also." Regina said with a smile.

Mary Margaret laughed lightly, "Regina, I hardly need a body guard."

Emma laughed and waved good bye to Regina, turning MM towards the sidewalk, "hey, if the mayor is important enough for a deputy body guard, so are you."

MM smiled and shrugged, gesturing down the road towards her home. "Well fine then, but I insist you come in for a cup of tea."

They laughed and chatted until they came to the loft. Just by chance, Emma mentioned staying at the inn. Just by chance, Mary Margaret needed a room mate.

….

Regina fell asleep before Rory made it home, but that was typical. She woke up and sat up slowly, waiting to hear the shower start. Instead, she jumped and fell out of bed onto the floor when a hand touched her back.

"Woah!" Rory shouted as she watched Regina hit the floor. She quickly jumped out of bed and was kneeling beside the shaky looking woman. "Hey, what's wrong? I didn't mean to scare you!"

Regina was shaking. She was terrified. The loop was gone. The pattern was destroyed. Her curse was weakening. Her hand hurt like hell… "my hand is killing me."

Rory huffed a laugh as she helped her back to sit on the bed. "Well, yeah. That'll happen when you slam your knuckles against someone's face babe."

Regina just stared around in a numb sort of shock. It was unraveling. Rory remembered Saturday, her hand hurt. She was going to lose everything. Henry was going to run off and live with Emma and mommy and daddy Charming. Rory… Lorelei, was probably going to abandon her on account of being theoretically raped for 28 years. No way the siren could forgive this one. She inhaled sharply as two hands cupped her face and tilted her head up to look into pale grey eyes.

"Hey, what's going on? You don't look too well, are you sick? Let me go get some ibuprofen for your hand then I'll take your temperature." Rory darted out the door and then back in long enough to grab a robe. She occasionally forget clothing. Then she was running downstairs.

Regina stood and put a robe on herself, looking out the window at her town. Everything was going to change now. The curse wasn't fully broken though, she still had time. She had to get rid of Emma. She tried waiting her out and being civil, now the gloves were coming off.

….

Regina pulled herself together and insisted she was fine. The three of them finally made their way to Grannys for Sunday breakfast. They found Emma already seated and joined her. Emma grabbed Henry and pulled him in next to her, but Rory pulled him out of the seat and pushed him in next to Regina. Emma groaned and rubbed her temples as Rory knocked her closer to the wall.

Regina laughed lightly as she made Henry switch her seats so he sat by the wall. "We like to sit across from one another, Miss Swan."

Ruby popped up and stared at her notepad. "What'll it be?"

Everyone said the usual except Emma who ordered the special. Regina was about to ask for coffee, but Ruby was already pouring it. She hadn't forgotten the pot. This was a new Sunday. Regina looked up at the woman and saw the mass of purple and yellow on her jaw. She considered apologizing, but decided not to mention it. Ruby rushed off to get their food.

Granny came over and crossed her arms on her chest. Regina waited for a good talking to. Granny had nearly raised her after all, she was still to be respected. That's why she got a whole diner and inn to her name in the curse. "Regina, I heard that nasty mess on Ruby's face is your work?"

Regina blushed slightly, "it is."

"Was she running her mouth again? Too much booze?"

Regina nodded, "yes… but I shouldn't have hit her, I'm sorry."

Granny huffed a laugh, "don't be. She knows better than to get liquored up like that. Makes her mouth run faster than her brain. But don't let it happen in my diner."

Regina nodded and Granny headed off again. Reaching for her coffee cup and finding only air, Regina glared at Rory who was finishing the cup. "Why? Why can't you just get your own coffee?"

Henry was giggling, "she said it tastes better when it's stolen."

Emma was trying not to laugh, but failed. Rory handed the empty cup back and smiled at her, "it's true."

Regina shook her head and allowed a tiny smile, "do not steal my coffee again today."

After they had finished eating, Emma and Henry asked to run off to Mary Margarets loft. Regina frowned, "why would you want to go there?"

Emma sat straighter and said quietly, "I've moved in with her. She needed a room mate, I needed a longer term place."

Regina blinked rapidly and nodded instead of stabbing. "Yeah, I suppose. Maybe you can hang out with her today? Just be home by dinner?"

Henry bounced excitedly and hugged Regina tightly before dragging Emma out the door happily.

Rory grabbed Regina's hand and looked at her suspiciously, "you're letting him chill with her all day? You're sick. I'm taking you home."

Shaking her head quickly, Regina tugged Rory towards the bench by the bay. "No, you have things to do, and so do I. I am fine, I promise."

Rory wrapped her arm around the woman as they watched the ships moving around the harbor. "Okay. But you have to call me if you start feeling not fine. I need to go help Lacy put the monthly liquor order away, then I'll be home. Probably around dinner time. You feel like cooking or you want me to?"

Regina laughed and snuggled in to her side, "no, I'd like dinner to be good. But I will make dessert."

"Ooh, what's for dessert?"

Regina grinned, "apple turnovers."

….

Emma was sneaking around behind the buildings with Ruby, making their way to the rabbit hole. Henry had been bribed by cookies to hang out with Mary Margaret until dinner. "Ruby, why are we creeping thru the alleys?"

Ruby rolled her eyes, "you wanted proof that Rory wasn't banging Lacy right? Well, if Regina catches us creepin on Rory, she'll snatch us up."

"You're actually mental Rubes."

They stopped beside a building, peeking around the side. Emma watched Rory walking towards the bar with her arm around Lacy's shoulders. They were smiling and practically skipping. Once at the door, Rory let Lacy go in first and followed closely behind her.

Ruby grinned like a maniac, "there you go. Now, go walking up in there in about ten minutes."

"Ten minutes?"

Ruby nodded, leaning against the wall, "yep. If you go too soon, how will you know they were getting it on?"

Emma rolled her eyes and leaned against the wall too. "Ruby, I have no idea what you're playing but that is a good point."

…

Emma waited about ten minutes and then made her way into the bar. The first thing that hit her was the smoke. Someone was definitely smoking pot. She crept slowly towards the bar. She heard giggling coming from behind it. She was suddenly mildly disgusted. Of all the places to get it on, behind the bar was one of the most unsanitary places. She took a deep breath before clearing her throat. The giggling stopped and after a moment of silence she heard voices.

"What was that?"

"Did you hear something?"

"Maybe we're haunted."

"By what? A drunk ghost?"

Emma rolled her eyes as the giggles commenced and another roll of smoke billowed out from behind the bar. She understood now. "Alright guys, come out here."

Lacy poked her head up first, her eyes barely above the bar top. She whispered loudly, "oh my god. Rory… it's the law."

Rory slowly lifted her head over the bar top, smoke still trailing out of her mouth as she whispered back, also loudly, "that's Henry's other mother, Miss Goose."

Lacy frowned hard and squinted at Emma, "Henry's other mother is the law goose?"

Rory nodded, knocking her head on the bar top, "yeah. Deputy mother goose."

They erupted in another fit of giggles and fell back down behind the bar. "I cannot believe I thought you two were bangin."

Rory stood upright then, looking nearly serious, "the fuck Goose?!"

Lacy fell down twice, but eventually stood up beside her, both leaning on the bar for support, "you thought me an Rory were sleeping together? That's horrible. Regina would kick my ass."

Emma nodded, "yeah, I thought you guys snuck off here to hook up. But no, you're just pot heads."

Rory laughed loudly, "you're an idiot, mother goose. There is an entire apartment upstairs, if I wanted to bang somebody, I would take them up there. But I only want to bang Regina. She's ridiculously attractive."

Lacy nodded enthusiastically, "yeah, Regina is stupid hot. Like, if I had to choose between Regina and me, I'd pick Regina. Well, I mean if those were my only options."

Emma took a seat on a stool and took the smoke from Rory's hand while she was distracted, taking a good hit before putting it back in the womans fingers. "What if you had every option Lacy? Anybody at all, who would you pick?"

Lacy giggled and shook her head then slapped Rorys arm, gesturing for her to tell. Rory winked at her and leaned towards Emma, grinning widely, "she wants to shake Ruby's sugar tree."

Emma was shocked, "seriously? You got a thing for Ruby?"

Lacy nodded, snagging the smoke from Rory, "yes I do. I got a lot of things for Ruby, actually."

Emma felt the giggle come out of herself, apparently they had some strong stuff. "I can see why, she's pretty easy on the eyes."

Rory nodded, "yeah she's not bad to look at." She slid over the bar and sat next to Emma as they all passed the smoke around again. "Now, you, Emma, you're not too bad yourself. Who you got your eye on?"

Emma wasn't new to smoking and still had some of her wits about her. She decided to see if Rory was really as loyal as Ruby claimed. She eyed Rory up and down again. Then she stood and leaned over her, pushing Rory's back against the bar top. She got real close to her face and licked her lips before saying, "what if I said you were my type?"

Rory grinned and cocked a brow at the blonde woman leaning over her, "I would say you aren't even close to being enough woman for me."

Lacy started laughing so hard she fell over again. Emma pulled back with her brows high, "you serious?"

Rory laughed at her and put a hand on Emma's shoulder, pushing her back to her stool. "I assure you, Swan, you can't possibly imagine how loyal I am to Regina Mills. You have no idea the lengths I would go to, just to love her."

Emma nodded and took another hit, "good. Just checking. You're not really my type." She watched Lacy stand herself back up with a bottle of bourbon in her hand, pouring three shots.

Lacy poured the drinks and as she pushed them towards the women she said, "you have no idea how many chicks I have watched throw themselves at my friend here. Only two ever made it, and honestly, if Regina had tried first, Ruby wouldn't have had a chance in hell."

They all laughed and smoked and compared men and women in town. Emma was actually thoroughly enjoying her time today. Good thing the kid had wanted to chill with Mary Margaret at the loft. She was gonna need to shake off her high before getting back to take him home for dinner.

….