A/N: This chapter picks up from where the last left one left off. It's written mostly from Emma's perspective as I had little interest in writing too much about some bloke hitting on one of our lovely ladies.

Does anyone else think that if OUAT wasn't a family show, Emma would drink excessively and swear profusely? Just me? Anyway WARNING for the use of profanity in this chapter if you are sensitive to such things. Also, there's a potentially triggery section towards to end of the chapter.

Thanks again for the support for the story, you don't know how much I appreciate it.

"Emma…Ems…Emma!" Paul said as he tried in vain to get the blonde's attention. Eventually, he resorted to waving his hands in front her face to snap her out of her drunken daze.

Blinking to bring herself back to reality Emma responded to her friend. "Huh, you say something?"

"I've been talking to you for like the last five minutes," Paul said with an eye roll and a raised eyebrow.

"Oh right, sorry." She returned to staring off to the other side of the room.

"What the hell's up with you?" The young man queried as he observed his friends dejected appearance. Her shoulders were slumped, face fallen and she was absentmindedly drinking the remnants from the glass in her hand. "I'm pretty sure I'm supposed to be the mopey one who's drowning their sorrows right now." He had no idea what had caused the swift change in the woman's mood. She had been happier and bubblier that night than any of the times he'd seen her since they had met again in New York. He guessed she must be one of those people who get sad and retrospective when drunk. Which was a shame, because when Paul had a few too many to drink he was overly friendly and the life and soul of the party.

"Nothing's up." The solemn women said as she swallowed the last dregs of alcohol. "I'm not moping- this is just my resting face." Slamming her empty glass on the table with unnecessary force, she picked up Paul's cocktail and proceeded to drink that too.

"Yeah right. You just keep wallowing while I get the next round in." Paul said to a non-responsive blonde. Shrugging, he left the woman alone to finish his poison apple martini.

xxxxxxx

Paul returned a few minutes later with a tray of drinks in hand. Emma was still staring vacantly into the distance, with a furrowed brow and clenched fist. The sound of her name being called registered and brought the blonde out of her trance.

"Huh?… Oh, thanks." Emma said as she realised her friend had returned with more Halloween cocktails. Paul just responded with a concerned smile as he retook his seat in the booth. After a few moments had passed, Emma asked, "Did you see Regina at the bar, she's been gone for a while now?" Trying her best to sound casual with her query.

"I didn't notice her. I was too busy checking out Jack Sparrow over there." Paul replied as he eyed the pirate leaning against the bar who was grinning in their direction.

"I'm pretty sure that's supposed to be Captain Hook," Emma said, bringing her friends attention back to herself. "Look at his hand, or lack of one."

Paul shrugged nonchalantly, "Pfft like I give a shit. He's still a hot pirate who can plunder my treasures any day."

"Such a way with words," Emma said with a smile, "Are you sure it's not a woman with a fake moustache. No guy wears that much blush and eyeliner."

"Huh, what now?" Paul did a double take. Looking from his friend to the pirate and then back again. "No fucking way, that's definitely a dude."

"Agree to disagree," Emma said although she knew full well that the pirate was a man. She just enjoyed provoking Paul for his over the top reactions.

After another reassuring look at his pirate, he returned to his previous line of questioning. "So, are you gonna tell me what's got up your ass, because you were fine until…" Paul said before his face lit up inspiration. He let out a hearty, knowing laugh "…that's it. Of course, that totally makes sense."

Emma was confused by the reaction, she was still unsure why Paul was so convinced she was acting out of character in the first place. "That's what? What makes sense?" Emma took another Martini glass and began sipping the apple cocktail.

"You have a thing for the Evil Queen!" Paul exclaimed with certainty.

Emma spat out the drink she had in her mouth, "Excuse me? I have no idea what you're talking about." She had no clue where this level of assurance could have come from. Sure, she thought that Regina was an attractive person, and she didn't like how that drunken oaf was leering at her as they spoke. But that was just a friendly thing- a totally plutonic feeling of anger that raged in the pit of her stomach as the pair laughed together.

"Come on Ems, it's obvious." Paul began as he tried to justify his observation, "You've had a brilliant night, you've been happy and smiley and- very unlike yourself actually…"

"Rude," Emma huffed.

"Well, it's true- you've smiled more tonight than in like, well, ever." When he received an unimpressed look, the young man added. "You are more of the strong stoic type and there's nothing wrong with that." She figured that Paul was right, she wasn't exactly the definition of bubbly. Emma generally kept to herself and had learnt a long time ago how to keep her emotions in check.

"Hmm, that's fair I guess…and what's your point exactly?" Emma was still failing to grasp how Paul could have detected any feelings she may or may not have toward the other women.

"My point is, you have it bad for Regina. You go from smiles and goo-goo eyes to a moody bitch as soon as she leaves."

"I don't have a thing for Regina," Emma stated unconvincingly. "And I don't make goo-goo eyes!" She added just for clarification.

Paul grabbed Emma's hand and looked at her with a serious expression. The sort of expression that implied he was about to say something profound and thought-provoking, which she really needed to listen to. "Denial isn't just a river in England you know."

Maybe not too profound then. "No, because it's in Africa, you idiot."

"Whatever, fuck the geography!" He stated with exasperation as his arms flew out dramatically. Sitting closer to Emma, he looked at her as soberly as he could muster. Pointing at her directly in the chest, he jabbed his finger to punctuate each word he said. "You - are - in - denial, - Emma - Gertrude - Swan." He finished with a hiccup, which somewhat ruined to the impact of the statement.

This was a running joke between the two from when they were children. Since Emma had found out Paul's middle name, which he was still highly embarrassed about, he'd decided to give Emma a different middle name every time he addressed her wishing to make a point. "My middle name's not Gertrude." She tried to him distract from his current line of enquiry.

Paul let out a sigh, seeing straight through her attempt to deflect. "Don't change the subject!"

Emma relented knowing that he wouldn't give up until he got an answer. "Fine, I think she's hot, but anyone with eye's would think the same. That doesn't mean anything."

"Nope, not buying it, it's more than that. You may as well spill because I won't leave you alone until you do, and this conversation will be a lot more painful for you tomorrow when you're sober."

Emma sat and reflected for a while, he was right, there was more to it. But Emma wasn't really able to make sense of it herself. She hardly knew Regina, but somehow, deep down, she felt a connection to the woman. It wasn't something she couldn't easily explain- and not something she was used to feeling for another person. Emma Swan didn't do feelings; she had learnt a long time ago to close off that portion of herself.

"Ughh. It's stupid because I barely even know the woman." Emma said as she rested her head in arms on the table.

"Hey, sometimes it happens like that," Paul stated as he placed a reassuring hand on her back. "You know- love at first sight and all those other rom-com cliches." That made Emma sit up and listen.

"Whoah, I never said anything about love- nobodies talking about the L-word in this situation."

"You mean scissoring, right?" Paul joked with a mischievous grin and accompanying hand gestures.

"Paul, what are you, a teenager? Seriously?" Emma said, punching him in the arm a little harder than necessary.

Rubbing the sore spot, he winced and said, "Sorry, please continue your heartfelt declaration."

Shaking her head to try and show her annoyance, Emma continued trying to verbalise what she was feeling. It was difficult for her, and not something she was used to doing, "I dunno, I kinda feel like there's a connection or something. Like we are drawn to each other; like I need to protect her somehow. Does that make sense?" Paul reached for his cell phone and started tapping the screen before bringing it to his ear. Emma furrowed her brow at his actions. "Who are you calling?"

Paul held the phone on his shoulder as he spoke to the blonde with a smile, "U-haul. Would this week or next be good for you?" He let out a laugh at his own joke as he put his phone back in his pocket.

"She lives in the same building, so screw you." Paul laughed again. Emma realised what she'd just said and cringed. She sank down into her seat, mortified with airing the feelings she hadn't realised until moments ago she had for the woman in question. She decided then and there that she was never drinking alcohol again- well, not when Paul was involved.

"So, what are we gonna do about this then?" Paul queried; Emma could tell from the look on his face that there were a hundred thoughts and scenarios circulating through his mind.

"We? There's no we, Paul. There's nothing to do." Paul was shaken from his reverie and pouted at his friend as she continued to speak. "I may have a bit of a girl crush or whatever, but that's it. I'll get over it." Emma shrugged and then quietly added. "It's not like she'd be interested, anyway."

"I wouldn't be so sure," Paul replied with a knowing smirk. Emma wasn't sure why Paul would think differently. She hadn't had any indications from the other woman that any feelings may be reciprocated.

Emma shrugged and looked on nonplussed. "Come on babes, you can't be that dense? Earlier in the kitchen?" Emma's confusion was written all over her face. She had no idea why this was relevant. "The way she eyed you up and down like she was gonna bang you right then and there? I was like, bitches get a room- you are corrupting my delicate disposition with all your sapphic sexual tension."

Emma's head was starting to hurt. She wasn't sure whether it was the onslaught of emotions she was dealing with or the excessive levels of alcohol she'd been consuming that was causing it. It was probably some combination of both. "I thought that was just a character thing, you know Snow White and the Evil Queen. You really think she was flirting, or checking me out or something?" Paul nodded with a smirk. She thought back to earlier that evening and contemplated; Regina certainly had got unnecessarily close to her face when she spoke, and the low husky tone she used was could definitely be described as seductive. Maybe Paul had a point. Getting back to her conversation before she got too lost in her thoughts, Emma said."Well, she's over there smiling and talking to some guy now. So what am I supposed to do about it?"

"Go over there and stake you claim! Put your hat in the ring! Mark her with your scent!" Paul said animatedly.

Emma nudged him in his ribs for the remark, but couldn't hold back her smile, "That's disgusting."

"Well, you catch my drift. If you don't get your ass over there and do something, it might be too late. What if she decides that guy is the love of her life or some shit? How would you feel then?" Emma rolled her eyes; she remembered that even as a child Paul had a tendency towards exaggeration and the overly dramatic.

"She's just met the man. I'll have plenty of time to stake my claim, or whatever it was you said." Dismissing the younger man's concerns, she once again looked over at the happily laughing woman. She had her hand placed on the bearded man's forearm as he spoke into her ear; she certainly seemed quite cosy with him. Maybe Paul wasn't getting too carried away this time.

Seeing her face drop, Paul followed Emma's gaze to where Regina stood and his face soured. "Hell no! That'd better not be who I think it is. Hold on a sec Ems, I need to get a closer look at that asshole."

Paul made his way through the crowd, making sure to wink at the hot pirate as he passed. He was pretty sure he knew who the drunken parasite was, but he needed to be certain before he told Emma. Approaching the happily chatting pair, he had no hesitation in interrupting their conversation. "Hey Regina, just wanted to check everything was okay here? We were a bit worried when you didn't come back."

"Mr Peters, I apologise. I lost track of the time whilst speaking with Charles," Regina said with beaming smile still on her face. She then gestured between the two men as she made introductions, "Charles this is Paul Peters. Paul, Charles is an architect in the City." The blonde haired man gave a sheepish smile in Paul's direction.

"Yes, we're already acquainted," Paul said with a smirk and folded arms, unable to hide his disdain. "Small world, huh?"

The other man scratched his beard and let out an uncomfortable laugh. Regina was oblivious to the awkwardness of the exchange between the two men as she stood. "Well, in that case, Mr Peters, perhaps you can keep Charles company while I excuse myself for a moment?"

"Sure, I'd be happy too."

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Emma watched on anxiously as her friend exchanged terse words with the other man, after a couple of minutes he was making his way back across the room towards Emma with a furious look on his face. Upon retaking his seat in the booth, Emma couldn't hold back from her questioning.

"So what was all that about? Who is he?"

Paul let out a harsh breath before starting his rant. "You know Sheila from work?" Emma nodded, she didn't actually know the woman but had heard Paul mention her in conversation. She was the lady who'd worked in the family jewellery store for years, despite being terrible at her job. She had started working there before Paul was even part of the family, so he'd felt obliged to keep her on when he took over the business. "Well, that piece of shit is her son-in-law." Emma could feel herself getting angry as she listened to her friend. "He's cheated on Sheila's daughter Maria a bunch of times- she's the sweetest person too, Ems. She was devastated when she found out about it, but the dick promised that he loved her and wouldn't do it again so she took him back." Paul shook his head and let out a long frustrated sigh.

"Doesn't that asshole know that you know Maria? He's still there with Regina."

"Ah, that's the best part," he stated as he let out a snort of laughter in disbelief. "He asked me not to say anything to her or Regina, as it would only hurt them both. Like it would be my fault, and he's the honourable one is the situation- fuck that shit."

"So you told Regina?" Emma queried.

"Oh no my friend, that's where you come in." She looked back confused as Paul continued to divulge his plan, "You need to swoop in there and save her Majesty from that awful wretch. She'll be so grateful that she will instantly fall in love with you."

Emma didn't particularly like this idea or agree with its outcome being a possibility. It could quite easily backfire for her. "I dunno, Paul. Maybe I shouldn't get involved."

"Emma jokes aside, Regina doesn't deserve to get hurt by that bastard. Plus, she'll be even more hurt if she finds out we knew about him and didn't tell her until it was too late. As a fellow female of the species, the least you can do is go over there and tell her what an ass he is." Emma nodded her agreement, she knew if it were her she would want someone to intervene. "Good, now you go get your girl and I'm going get my Pirate. If I get my way, he'll be shivering my timber tonight." Paul said with a suggestive wink and a brazen laugh as he left the booth. Emma couldn't hold in the chuckle that escaped her lips, despite her sour mood.

"I won't expect you back then," Emma called after her friend, who waved and blew a kiss at her in response.

Emma sat for a while as she finished their drinks and pondered the turn of events. She knew telling Regina the truth about the asshole was the right thing to do, but as she watched the pair across the room look at each other so happily she was beginning to doubt herself. What if this guy was perfect for Regina? Maybe he was actually decent, minus all the cheating. Maybe if they were together, he'd leave his poor wife and never even consider being with anyone else again. Why would he? Emma sat alone and downed the last remnants of alcohol while she tried to weigh up her options. Running away from the whole thing, that was a good one, she liked that idea. She noticed Paul leaving the bar with his pirate in tow- her friend gave her a pointed look before departing. Paul was right, she should go say something. That's what a friend would do; any other potential feelings she may or may not have for the women were irrelevant.

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"So Regina, you want to head back to your place? We could continue this there." Charles whispered into Regina's ear as he held onto her waist possessively.

She may not be from this land, but she knew what the man was implying. Regina was royalty and had her standards no matter which realm she was in, so she declined. "It has been wonderful speaking with you Charles, but I think it is time for me to leave. There's someone waiting for me to go home with them." She had noticed that Paul had left a short while earlier and Emma was sat alone, the other woman must have been waiting to accompany her home.

The taller man stepped closer, which Regina didn't find particularly pleasant anymore given the look he now possessed, "Don't worry about your friend. Let's get out of here." The blonde haired man began kissing her the neck, his beard scratching against her skin uncomfortably. She tried pushing his chest to remove him, but his entire weight was on her as he held her against a pillar.

"Get off me, Charles." She snarled as she tried to remove him from her. He leant back slightly, but still had her pinned, unable to escape his clutches.

"Come on, Regina. Don't start acting coy now, you want this." He said as he leant in to kiss her, she could feel his alcohol drenched breath on her face. Before his lips had the chance to meet hers he was dragged away.

"She said to get off her, asshole. So step the fuck away." An infuriated Emma Swan spat out as she stepped between Regina and the shell-shocked man. She stood with her fists clenched, chest heaving in rage and her eyes wide with intent. Even in her ridiculous costume, the woman looked like a threat.

"What the hell?" A stunned Charles managed to spit out as he looked between the two women in confusion. "Regina, who's the lunatic Snow White?" He asked gesturing towards Emma, who remained unflinching in her fury. Regina didn't answer because she was too busy staring at the other woman, unsure how to react to her sudden presence.

Emma took a threatening step closer to the man and pushed his chest slightly. "Hey Douchebag, you don't get to speak to her," she spoke with assurance. Charles, on the other hand, scrunched up his face in confusion. "You should leave before I kick your ass out," Emma said pushing him again, this time, hard enough that he stumbled backwards. "So turn around, and get the fuck out of here."

"Miss Swan, I really think…" Regina began before being drowned out by the argument that broke out between the other two. A small crowd gathered around them as they took up intimidating stances. They hurled a series of insults and profanities at each other; Regina watched on trying to process what was happening. How had things escalated this quickly?

It all ended a few minutes later when Emma punched Charles squarely in the jaw. Shaking off the pain in her hand she spat out, "I don't give a flying fuck what you think you bastard. Now, it's about time you piss off home." She made her way back over to the raging man who was holding his face. "And if I ever see your slimy ass near her again, I will fucking neuter you. Do you understand me?" For his part, Charles just nodded, resigned to having been bested, and left without another word- except for the "Crazy bitch," he mumbled under his breath as he opened the exit door.

Emma watched him leave before turning around to face Regina, who had yet to move from her spot. "Hey, you alright?" Emma asked with a sympathetic look on her face. Regina didn't want sympathy. She didn't need anyone to fight her battles. She was capable of looking after herself.

"I'm perfectly fine, Miss Swan," Regina responded tersely; when she felt exposed and vulnerable, she had a tendency to lash out at the wrong people, "I think it's about time we leave before you can cause any more damage." Emma looked dejected as Regina made her way towards the exit.

"Wait, Regina. Please, I can explain," the blonde shouted after her, as she left the bar, stepping out into the cool night air.

Regina closed her eyes and took in a few calming breaths, moments later the door behind her opened again. When she open her eyelids again she saw Emma, who was now stood in front of her wide-eyed and confused. "Regina, please hear me out, I promise I was just trying to help. You have to believe me," she said looking back at the brunette with sincerity.

"I don't require your help, Miss Swan." Regina spat out, standing closer to Emma to ensure she got her point across. "I don't need you to be my Saviour." Regina could see you blonde studying her as they stood silently in the street; their faces inches apart. Neither one stepped away or spoke as they stared at one another, both women still heavily breathing following recent events. When the blonde spoke, it wasn't with the outrage, or hurt which Regina expected. Instead, the words were soft and said in barely more than a whisper.

"Well, maybe I want to be." Emma looked at Regina with uncertainty, as if trying to gauge her reaction to the statement. She leant in closer.

Regina gulped when she realised the proximately with which they stood and what it implied. "Miss Swan, you are aren't thinking clearly." However, she didn't pull away despite being given adequate opportunity to do so.

Emma's green eyes flitted rapidly from Regina's own down to her lips and back again. "I am thinking more clearly than I have in a long time," Emma responded as she closed the gap between them both. Their lips met for a soft chaste kiss before Emma pulled away with a panic-stricken face. "I-I-I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have done that to you after everything with that asshole... ugh. I'm such an idiot sometimes." Emma stepped backwards and away from Regina as she berated herself. The brunette remained silent, trying to pull her whirling thoughts and fluctuating emotions together. "I got caught up in the moment. I'm so sorry," Emma repeated as she stepped further away, stumbling over the edge of the kerb.

"Miss Swan, I-" Regina was cut off by the sound of tires squealing and the sickening thud of flesh and bones hitting metal. "Emma!"

A/N cont. Don't hate me for the cliffhanger *flinches, bracing herself*. We can't have a happy ending quite yet, where would the fun be in that?

If anyone feels inclined to do so, you can out a one shot I put up called 'Two Weeks and Six days'. Have I mentioned how much I love you for reading this (I hear flattery gets you everywhere).