**Trigger warning for homophobia**
Chapter 5
Emma was glad Zelena had pulled over and was giving her time to compose herself. If anyone were to ask her how she felt, the only honest answer was that she felt numb. Yes, she was glad Killian was so easily dissuaded from taking this further, but between what he said to her and the fact that her father was behind it, she was finding it hard to be happy. For her part, Zelena was fine in just giving Emma some time. She knew the woman was going through a lot and didn't want her daughter to see her like this – though of course, this was better than if they were coming back and having to tell Ryleigh about her father. Emma sighed and looked at Zelena. "You can take us home now. I'm keeping you from your mother when that was the whole reason you even came."
"Emma, it's fine. I thought your case would take longer so my partner picked up other cases for me. Regina and I agreed to stay at least another week. My point is, I have time."
"I'm happy to hear that, but I think we should get back. They are expecting us."
Zelena didn't want to argue, so she started the car and headed back to Cora's. "Emma, we're here for you."
"I know. Thank you." Emma said, though her voice was flat. "Can I just have a couple minutes? I appreciate everything, Zelena, but I need to get myself into the right frame of mind."
"Of course, Emma. Take as much time as you need." Zelena stated before going inside.
Emma sat on the porch swing and rubbed her temples. 'This was good. Killian wasn't getting Ryleigh, Cora was cancer free, Regina liked her…this is all good. Just ignore the bad feelings he brought up.' Emma told herself, trying hard to get out of the funk Killian put her in. She wasn't surprised when she felt someone sit next to her, but she was surprised at the tears that came when Regina put her arm around her. "I'm sorry. I'm being so stupid. Today was good and I'm acting like it wasn't."
"Honey, he verbally abused you. Everything from back then came back to you; it's natural for you to feel this way. However, I'm not going to let it get you too far down, Emma. We're having a celebration tonight and Ryleigh is so excited. She thinks it's just to celebrate 'Nana not being sick' but it's also to celebrate Killian's major loss."
"I appreciate all of this, I really do. I just need a moment. I'm sorry. I'm really trying so hard to focus on the good, but seeing him, hearing him not only call me nasty names but also talk about what my father did to me so…casually really just threw me for a loop."
Regina took Emma's hand and laced their fingers. "That's why Zelena is having a 'nap sleep over' with Ryleigh on the pull-out sofa while you and I, or just you if you prefer, take some time."
"I don't even know what to say." Emma turned to face Regina. "Don't take this the wrong way, but when Cora said she'd called you both and that you two were coming, I was worried about drama. Only because…"
Regina chuckled. "I get it. Zelena and I can be dramatic."
"But I just never thought it would be my drama. I feel like this is giving you and Zelena such a wrong picture of me."
Regina shook her head. "Not at all. It's all just happening at once, but we don't at all have a negative picture of you. Emma, we're here for you."
"I know and I appreciate it so much." Emma kissed Regina's hand. "I'll be okay; I just need to get his voice out of my head."
"Emma, it's okay. I know the past few years you've had to take care of Ryleigh, my mother, and yourself, but let Zee and I worry about mom and even Ryleigh to a point, and you take care of yourself. From what I've heard, you have every damned right to be upset right now."
"But I also have every reason to be happy. I'm just…" Emma took some deep breaths. "I'm trying to focus on those. I really am not trying to be dramatic."
"I know you're not Emma." Regina reassured her. "What can I do to help? I don't want to leave you out here alone, but if that's what you prefer, just tell me."
Emma shook her head. "I like having you out here." She looked down and bit her lip. "Can I ask you something?"
"Anything."
"Why do you like me?"
Regina's mouth opened and closed a few times, surprised at the question. She could see the vulnerability in Emma's eyes and knew so much was hanging on her answer. "I admit that we don't know each other very well, but Emma, there's just…when I first saw you with my mother and how you took care of her, I could just tell what a kind soul you are. When I heard what you told me of your story, I knew what a strong person you are. Of course, you're beautiful, but you know that…"
"I don't." Emma said softly, still looking down. "It means a lot that you think that I am."
"You are, Emma, and the more I get to know you, the more beautiful you are. I like you because of all of that and more that I have no words to define." Regina turned more to face Emma. "I know that pretty much everyone before my mother made you believe such terrible things about yourself, but even if you didn't like me back, I'd make it my mission to be sure you knew how wrong those people were."
Emma wiped at a tear and smiled softly. "You're amazing, Regina. I was so nervous to meet you, you know." She chuckled. "But you're nothing like I thought you'd be."
"I can only imagine what you'd have thought of me with only hearing mother's side, but I was horrible in my teenage years, so I get it. I'm just glad I've grown enough to change your mind about me."
"I mean, at first…" Emma laughed when Regina playfully hit her arm.
"Don't remind me." Regina said, smiling at the blonde. "I love hearing you laugh."
"It seems like it's been a long time since I laughed with a grown up…I mean, other than with your mom."
"You're beautiful when you laugh. Your eyes sparkle."
Emma made eye contact with the woman and licked her lips. "Can…can I kiss you?"
"I wish you would." Regina said with a smirk.
Emma leaned over and softly kissed Regina, letting the rest of the world melt away. She had never even found women attractive before Regina, so kissing her was such a privilege.
"Emma Nolan! You are not a fucking dyke so stop what you're doing right now!"
Emma's blood ran cold as ice at that voice, and she gripped onto Regina, her eyes wide. Regina could tell something bad was happening and she gave Emma what she hoped was a reassuring look. She looked at the man and instinctively knew this was Emma's poor excuse for a father. She put her phone in her pocket and looked at him. "First of all, her last name is not Nolan, second, she's not a child, and third, you are not welcome here. Please leave before we call the police."
"Unfortunately, she is my child." David said with a sneer. "You think you can run away and have a bastard child and not tell me? Seriously, Emma, why are you so fucking stupid?"
"I'm not stupid." Emma said, gritting her teeth. "Getting away from you was the smartest thing I ever did."
David laughed. "If you call being with an idiot like Killian smart, then you're dumber than I thought."
Emma stood, shaking, but holding strong. "I did do some stupid things, David, you're right about that. I stupidly went with the first man who showed me any kind of positive attention because I craved that. He said all the right things and I fell for it. But you know what my biggest regret is? The most stupid thing I did? Let you get away with beating and raping me. I have no idea what you're trying to do with my daughter, but it will not work."
David's smirk never left his face. "You're still trying to tell everyone you're a victim? Emma, it's time to face reality. None of those things happened."
Regina gave Emma's hand a squeeze, hoping it was reassuring to her. "Go away. I don't want to ever see you again." The blonde stated. "I know what the truth is."
David took a step closer. "Maybe, but you have no proof." He whispered with a chuckle. "One day very soon, that adorable little one will be mine, Emma. She will take your place and will learn not to complain. Remember the pain you went through? She'll get it even worse."
If it weren't for Regina, Emma would have punched David right there. "Come on, Emma. Let's go inside and call the police."
David stood chuckling as Regina took Emma to the door and basically pushed her in before turning to him. "You are disgusting. You will never get your hands on Emma's daughter or Emma ever again. Stay away from here and from them."
"Disgusting? Me? No, you have that wrong. You and Emma are disgusting. Kissing in public like that." He shook his head. "I will not have my granddaughter being raised by dykes."
Regina smirked. "Good luck, Mr. Nolan, because you will never have your granddaughter at all."
"Everything okay out here?" Came Cora's voice. "I'd like to know why my caretaker is so upset."
"Your caretaker; don't make me laugh. I know it's all for show and she doesn't really have a job."
"She gets a paycheck and pays taxes; it's a job. However, I'm not going to stand here and explain anything to you since it is none of your business. You are not invited or welcomed here, so leave."
David glared at her. "This isn't over. Tell Emma that I…"
"I'm not telling her a thing. Get off my property now."
"Mrs. Mills, I came as soon as Zelena called. Is this the man causing problems?" A police officer asked, already calling for back up.
"Problems? I've done nothing but try to see my daughter."
"Actually, you did more than that." Regina said, slipping her phone out of her pocket. "Would you like the police officer to hear just what you said? I believe 'hate crime' would be the charge."
David glared at Regina as Regina showed the officer the recording. "You bitch! You lesbian bitch!"
"That's enough." The officer stated and looked at Regina. "Would you like to press charges?"
Regina looked towards the door where Zelena stood, giving a nod and she looked back at the officer. "Yes, I do."
David laughed. "Press charges for what?"
"They asked you to leave multiple times and you didn't. You used sexual lifestyle slurs which is hate speech, you also threatened to take and harm your granddaughter."
"I want that on the report." Regina stated.
"Yes, ma'am." The officer agreed before gesturing to his back up. "I'm going to have them take him and then I'll need some statements."
"What's going on? Let me back out there." Emma said, trying to push Zelena away from the door.
"Stay inside, Emma. I have to insist." Zelena stated, standing her ground.
Emma was livid, none of this was supposed to be happening. "Mama? Mama where is everyone?" Ryleigh called from the sofa in the living room.
Emma went in there and sat next to her daughter. "I'm sorry honey. We're here."
"You're back." Ryleigh said, scootching over and sitting on Emma's lap. "I missed you."
"I missed you too, sweetheart." Emma replied, kissing her head.
"You still seem stressed. I thought you'd be better after the meeting today." Ryleigh said, cuddling in with her mama.
"I'm sorry baby girl. I'm trying to be better, but stressful things are happening."
"It's okay, Mommy. I'm here for you."
Emma felt her tears but kept them back. "Thank you, baby girl."
Cora, Regina, Zelena and the officer all came in and Emma closed her eyes. She wanted to have Ryleigh go play, but it wasn't that simple with her cast. Cora seemed to have read her mind and looked at the officer. "Can we please go to the kitchen? I'll make my statement and watch over Ryleigh so Emma can make hers."
"Yes, of course." Emma watched them go and sighed as Regina came in.
"So, is he gone?"
"Yes, and we're pressing charges."
"Regina, he's rich. He'll lie and his fancy lawyer will get him out of it."
"Maybe, but I have the whole thing recorded; including the threat to…" Regina's eyes went to Ryleigh and back to Emma.
"I just don't understand what he wants or how he found me."
"Probably through Killian." Zelena stated. "I don't think it's going to be as easy to get rid of him as it was Killian, however, he has no rights whatsoever."
After everyone gave their statements, the group still decided to go out for dinner. Fun was had by all and by the end of it, Emma was feeling much better than earlier. Though, the words from her 'father' were still ringing through her mind. Once home, showered, and changed, Regina, Emma, and Zelena made a pillow fort in the living room where they joined Ryleigh in a 'sleep over'.
"I'm taking the sofa sleeper with Ryleigh. My back can't take the floor." Zelena announced and smirked as she plopped next to the girl. "That okay, sweetheart?"
"Will you cuddle?"
Emma smirked but Zelena smiled. "I'd love to cuddle."
"She's going to end up on top of you."
Zelena smirked and whispered something to Ryleigh who giggled. "Why would mommy go on top of Regina?"
Emma's mouth opened in shock. "Zelena! What are you teaching my daughter?"
Zelena chuckled. "Nothing at all. Mom said she may have an air mattress in the closet."
"She does. I'll get it." Emma replied and went to get it.
"Emma? Let me get it. Mom wanted to talk to you." Regina said, taking the mattress from Emma.
"She's firing me, isn't she? She can't take all this added drama."
"You're catastrophizing, Emma. She is not going to fire you." Regina put a comforting hand on Emma's arm. "I promise."
"You're right. Sorry." Emma said and then made her way up to Cora's room, softly knocking on the door. "Everything okay?"
Cora smiled at her from her bed. "I wanted to ask you the same thing. I haven't gotten any one-on-one time with you today and I know it was a rough one." She patted the bed next to her.
Emma sat down with a sigh. "I'm…okay. I'm so happy for your news and I'm glad Killian is no longer a threat. I feel terrible that my…that he said those things to Regina."
Cora took Emma's hand and rubbed her thumb over Emma's knuckles. "From what I heard, you're the one who got the brunt of his insults. Emma, I've known you almost 4 years now and I know that any help I may have given you for your self confidence is gone after today and that breaks my heart. What can I do to help you?"
Emma took a breath. "It's not all gone, Cora. Maybe it was momentarily, and maybe it's taken a hit, but it's not all gone. I guess, just give me time?"
Cora cupped Emma's cheek. "Time you shall have. Lots of it in fact, as we are going to Storybrooke next week so I can spend the week at Regina's. You don't have to, but I think it would be a good break for you if you came along."
"Is Regina okay with that?"
Cora chuckled. "She pretty much required it. She said she's not going home unless we all agree to come stay with her for at least a week. Emma, you know I would never force you to do anything, but I really think this would do you good."
"So do I, but what about David? If he's going to fight the charges, all I can see is court dates ahead of us."
"Zelena is going to look into that tomorrow. Honey, he has no rights over Ryleigh and we now have a restraining order. I know this is all scary and I'm not downplaying that, but Emma, don't let him take you back to that place. I would honestly hate to see you go back to that darkness you've worked so hard to overcome."
Emma smiled softly. "I won't. I have you."
"Always. And now you also have my girls, and before you say anything, yes, you do deserve us." Cora softly placed her hand on Emma's. "You're one of us now, Emma."
Emma smiled softly and kissed Cora's hand. "I appreciate that more than you know."
The blonde made her way back to the living room and smiled when she saw Ryleigh and Zelena already curled up together and sleeping on the sofa pull out. Regina was on the air mattress and was watching TV. "Is there room for me?" Emma asked softly.
Regina nodded and shifted a bit, patting the spot in front of her. When Emma crawled in, Regina wrapped the blanket and her arm around the blonde. "Are you okay?"
Emma cuddled back into Regina and nodded. "I'm great. Your mom was talking to me about your invitation next week."
"I can take another week off, I just thought maybe you, mom, and Ryleigh would like to get out for a while."
"I would, so long as this crap with David is over. I just…" Emma bit at her lip, almost glad she couldn't see Regina. "What are we, Regina?"
Regina smiled softly, her chin resting on Emma's shoulder. "Can I ask what you think we are?"
"I…I don't know." At this, Emma did shift to face Regina, her arm going around Regina's waist. "I like this…whatever it is, but Regina, I've only ever been with Killian. I have no idea how any of this works."
Regina moved her hand to Emma's cheek, hating the small flinch that wasn't there before Killian and David came back into the picture. She caressed Emma's cheek, gazing into her eyes. "Emma, the first thing is to just relax. What we have going isn't normal and that's okay. We met under unusual circumstances and we're still getting to know each other. If you're looking to me to label this, I'd say, we're dating – just not in the conventional sense. We're getting to know each other, it seems we like each other, so we see where it goes. Now, if you want more formal, I can do that. I can take you out on dates, I can court you, and I will do so happily, but I kind of like where we are now. I like us and I enjoy how we're getting to know each other."
Emma smiled softly into those chocolate eyes. "I do too. I really like you, Regina, and I love spending time with you." Tentatively, Emma leaned forward and let their lips meet. She then blushed and looked down. "I like being able to kiss you. I hope that was okay; I should have asked first."
Regina, sensing Emma getting worked up, simply leaned in and kissed the blonde. "Emma, you can kiss me anytime. I try to ask you first simply because of everything you've gone through. I never want to be like those before me who took complete advantage of you."
Emma swallowed and cuddled into Regina. "You could never be like them, Regina." She said softly. "You can kiss me any time too. I love kissing you."
"Mama and Gina, sitting in a tree." Ryleigh sang out softly and then giggled.
"K-I-S-S-I-N-G" Zelena continued, causing Emma and Regina to roll their eyes.
"Good night, children." Regina said with a smirk as she and Emma cuddled in more.
"Don't pop the air mattress." Zelena said with a chuckle.
"Don't think I won't come after you just because you have a child in the bed." Regina replied.
"I don't doubt it, but Gina, relax. I think you two are made for each other."
"Yeah, Gina, you make my mommy so happy. I can see it in her eyes and her smile. Mommy, you smile like you mean it now."
That statement both made Emma's heart swell and break. Her daughter had known she wasn't happy, and she apparently didn't hide it as well as she thought she did. "Everyone in this house makes me happy, Ryleigh. I love everyone here in different ways."
"Me too, Mommy. I never want Auntie Zee or Gina to leave."
"Well, sweetheart, I do have to leave on Sunday." Regina said, glancing over at her. "But I'm pretty sure you, your mom, and Nana Cora are coming with."
"Are we mommy? And Auntie Zee, do you live with Gina?"
"I live a very short drive away, sweetheart." Zelena stated.
"As of now, the answer is yes, but something did happen that may mean we have to wait a little bit first." Emma answered honestly. "But…I mean, I guess you could go with them if I have to stay."
"No. I only go if you go. But maybe I can stay the night at Auntie Zee's if we go?"
"If it's okay with her, you sure can."
"It's more than okay with me, and Emma, we will know tomorrow if anything more happens."
"Then that settles it. Sounds like it's time to go to sleep." Emma said softly. "I love you, Ryleigh Bug."
"I love you, Mama Bug." Rylee said with a smile. "See you in the morning."
Emma cuddled back in with Regina. "See you in the morning." She said softly before she let herself fall asleep.