Emma wrapped her freezing fingers around the steaming mug of hot chocolate as she sat nursing her close to frostbitten fingers in Granny's whilst watching her mother clearly debate something or other with Ruby. She was gesturing maniacally at the menu, trying to get whatever her point was across and failing miserably. It was freezing outside. Whilst the nights seemed to be colder in New York, the days definitely trumped it here in Storybrooke. She'd never work that one out.
They'd been back a full month now, after having their memories restored by a randy pirate who'd forced his way into her home in New York all whilst declaring his love for her. She'd been scared out of her wits listening to him ramble on about fairy tales, curses and memories. Unbeknownst to her; Henry was also listening after locking himself in the bathroom, and in turn cursing himself for doing so without his phone, his intention originally being to call the police. As he listened more and more to the ramblings of the supposed mad man, he began to realise a lot of what he was saying corresponded to what had plagued his dreams of late. He'd started listening more out of concern for his mother, but later he was just intrigued. It must have been around twenty minutes afterwards, when he'd burst into the living room declaring he believed the pirate and grabbing one of the vials before downing it unceremoniously. His mind instantly turned to fog and he paid little heed to his mother's panic. Then it all came back and he was eventually able to persuade his Ma to take the second vial.
Driving back to Storybrooke a few days later had been very bitter sweet. Emma had been attached to her life in New York. She'd felt settled and had a good job with the local law enforcement. Henry was obtaining good grades and even had a girlfriend. Young love being as it was however, he wasn't too distraught by the breakup, the overriding decision to leave being completely fuelled by the need to see his other mother. It was that need that swayed Emma too, the need to reunite mother and son, especially considering the sacrifice she had made to save them all. Whilst it hurt to leave, it was a no-brainer and she did also want to see the others, especially her parents, though it unnerved her as to whether or not they alone would have drawn her back.
Since returning, she'd learnt a lot about their missing year too. They'd been transported back to the enchanted forest. It was mostly abandoned and desolate. Fortunately, those who'd returned had both new and old knowledge and skills to use to their advantage, managing to set up camp in the old castle and live of the land for nearly ten months. It was then they became really restless, missing their lives in Storybrooke and modern amenities. It hadn't helped that ogres, trolls and chimera were plaguing their hunting parties, stealing their livestock and pilfering their food stores. It was then they went begging to Regina to find a way home. They had to admit that in the long term her curse had been more of a blessing. Eventually they managed to split Snow's heart and share it with David to bring them all back. When they returned, Hook had volunteered to go and find Emma and Henry.
The reunion had been very much as expected; everyone was excited and overly emotional. Tears had been shed and parties held, because of course they had. After finally being convinced Emma was not interested, Hook decided to sail to adventures new, not wanting to be locked by land. The only unexpected thing had been Robin Hood and his Merry Men. That was a new one. Apparently they were one of the few occupants to dwell in the enchanted forest, and supposedly the most savoury. Emma had to confess she really struggled with them though. Not so much the men, but Robin Hood. He was smarmy, over confident and seemingly Regina's soul mate. Emma did not buy that at all though and she certainly didn't like the way Regina merely seemed resigned to her lot, which included being ordered around by the forest dweller. He clearly saw himself as an over-puffed alpha male who was in charge of his pack and he had no qualms in displaying that quality either.
She'd never truly understood her family's obsession with true love, soul mates and other supposed binding ties, but this was the first time she truly dis-liked the concept. She'd not had much alone time with Regina though to discuss this or anything really. She desperately wanted to thank her for sharing her childhood memories with Henry too and taking the time to insert Emma. Although Emma couldn't say she truly felt whole as a person, it definitely helped massively. Her desperate need to belong and find favour in people was no longer so desperate and she now felt she had a true place in life and this still translated after her memories were restored. She really had to thank Regina for that. If only she could get some one on one time with her, without Henry (which was understandable) always being around, or that forester dweller (which was not).It was almost as though their lives had switched in a way, she now felt strong with a purpose and Regina was just tagging along for the ride. She really hoped Henry could help with that, though there was no way she was voicing any of her concerns to him, or placing any of that burden on his shoulders. He was still thrilled at the thought of just being near his mom again.
She was startled from her musings as her mother finally approached.
"So, I finally decided on trying the 'Fat Cat Special;' apparently it's new and thought fondly of." Emma merely raised an eyebrow.
"Was that all that was about, at the counter? I mean, you were squabbling over a sundae?" Snow swatted at her hand with an accompanying 'tut'.
"Don't be silly, I was merely pointing out that quite a few of the items on the menu are close to carbon copies of the original." Emma's mind first had to process the fact her mother had just said carbon copy. Then she remembered that they had technically been stuck in the 1980's up until very recently. She was not going to drag this conversation out though.
"Well it makes sense, I mean, some of the items haven't changed at all, because they were very popular, other items merely spruced up and they have one or two new ones. It's normal in a café or restaurant to do that sort of thing, you know, when time actually progresses." She held up the menu smiling fondly and pointing to the words, 'grilled cheese', she was very happy that was still there. "See, some things never change."
"I suppose… it's easy for you to say though, your favourite is still on here. The plum pudding has completely vanished." Snow huffed as she took a sip of her drink. "So, tell me, who is it we are meeting again?" She moved the conversation on, not wanting to listen to Emma's, more than likely valid, reasoning as to why the plum pudding had been removed.
"I'm meeting a friend from New York. Detective Olivia Benson, apparently there's a cold/semi-on-going case she's working on that she thinks I may be able to help with. She's taking some vacations days as there's been an unusual lead, though apparently she's not officially allowed to work the case?"
"Why?"
"Something about it being dead in the water for too long and the usual funding crisis; unless she finds something concrete, they can't re-open the case."
"Why is she bothering though? I mean, if it's closed."
"Something about it has always plagued her mind and she's not convinced the perp has truly finished, she thinks he was looking for something and won't stop until he finds it. A few, lesser crimes have been committed over the last year and DNA at one of them matched him and she thinks I can help, that's all I know." Snow hummed, uncommitted in response.
"How do you know her?"
"She works in the Manhattan Special Victims Unit. They mainly deal with sexual assault, and heinous crimes against children, trafficking, that sort of thing. In New York I worked with the missing persons unit, we often had to liaise and work with one another. We became friendly though, a few drinks here and there, nothing more really, but we hit it off and I guess I now class her as a friend."
"And I most definitely consider you one Emma." Emma and Snow's heads snapped around at the unexpected voice.
"Liv!" Emma stood and the women instantly embraced one another. Olivia chuckled into Emma's embrace.
"It's so good to see you Emma; I was mortified when I heard you'd moved back here. Missing persons is not the same without you, that's for sure." Snow's heart warmed at their shared care for one another. It thrilled her heart to see her daughter socially thriving. It was a far cry from who she was when she first came to Storybrooke. It wasn't long before Emma spun around and invited Olivia to join them.
"Mom, this is the detective friend I was telling you about, Olivia Benson. Olivia, this is Mary Margaret Blanchard, or Snow as everyone calls her." Olivia looked between them curiously.
"Not mom then?" Emma's breath hitched, oh God that wasn't going to work was it, and there was no way Olivia could be privy to that information, then there was the rest of town. She really hadn't thought this through in her desperate longing to see her friend again.
"That would just be Emma's little dig at me, don't worry. She's constantly referring to me as the mom she never had, something about me gives mom vibes I guess." Snow did not miss Olivia's little glance over and smirk when eying her Mary Margaret, knitted cardigan. She wasn't sure whether she was offended by that or not, for Emma's sake though, she chose not to be.
"Well, that must mean you are a good friend. One who has her back and that is something I am very glad to hear." Olivia noted instead. There was something very twee about Emma's friend Snow; she could very much imagine her being the mothering type.
'Okay, maybe she's redeemed herself', thought Snow. "Emma tells me you are here unofficially to utilise her seeking skills." Olivia chuckled again.
"Seeking skills, hmmm, I seriously think that needs to be incorporated into the missing persons department somehow, but yes, I am here partly to use Emma's secret abilities, but it's also a bit of an excuse to see her. New York certainly feels different without you in it and not in a good way." The detective added whilst turning back to face Emma.
'Aww', that was it, Snow had decided she liked her.
"I won't bore you with that though, I will settle in tonight and perhaps we can get together tomorrow when you have time to go over the files?" Olivia specifically spoke to Emma, who chuckled.
"Welcome to Storybrooke Liv, the sleepiest town in 'Sherrifdom'. I am sure I can make some time, more than likely all day."
They continued to chatter for a good few minutes before the door to the diner chimed. It wasn't overly busy at present, seen as it was only nearly five in the afternoon, the evening and post-work clientele hadn't arrived yet. Emma's attention instantly flickered to the new arrivals though. Regina walked through with the forest dweller glued to her hip. In fact, he pushed her through the door with his hand on her lower back before moving it around her waist when he levelled with her. Emma did not like how stiff Regina carried herself and how flat her expression seemed. It was almost the same guarded Regina she'd first met two years ago, the hostile and extremely protective mother of her son. This Regina though, there was no fight, nothing, just motions.
Olivia had seen Emma's attention snap away and knew that look on her friends face all too well, she was extremely suspicious of… something. She followed her gaze to the counter as a man and woman were perusing a menu together; she saw nothing overly suspicious as the woman appeared to be explaining something to the man. Olivia longed to know what was going through Emma's mind. The thought was lost however as Emma called across the Diner.
"Hey, Regina!" That name meant something to Olivia, though it could merely be a coincidence, though it wasn't overly common anymore. Detective Benson watched on as the woman from the counter turned and made her way over.
"Emma! I'd say this was a pleasant surprise, but you sitting here with a hot chocolate during work hours isn't really THAT much of a surprise." Emma cleared her throat as dang! She was right.
"You could argue this is work, I'm meeting a friend, a Detective friend as it happens." She said gesturing over to Olivia. None of the three seated women missed the straightening of Regina's back or change in demeanour to official and business-like.
"A detective, from outside of Storybrooke? Is there something going on I should know about Sheriff?" And yikes, hello her royal Mayorness. Regina suddenly relaxed realising how brisk she more than likely came across for no apparent reason, at least no apparent reason to an outsider; one who was not privy to their secrets. She tried to lighten the mood. "Or have three dogs suddenly broken loose that your team cannot possibly handle on their own and you required backup?" Snow literally barfed at that, almost choking on her now not so hot chocolate.
"Funny Regina; no, this is a friend, Detective Olivia Benson she's from New York and is staying in town for a few days. Fear not, nothing of any great note is occurring amongst the criminal underbelly of your town." Regina relaxed again at that admission and Emma turned to Olivia.
"Olivia, meet the Mayor, Regina Mills." Regina extended her hand for Olivia to shake. She was impressed with the other woman's handshake, good length and strength. It was the sort of thing that mattered a lot to Regina. After a little size-up, Regina had decided this woman was worth a chance.
"Welcome to Storybrooke Detective. If there's anything beyond Emma's capabilities you need help with, I'm not hard to find." Emma just about avoided rolling her eyes.
"It's a pleasure to meet you madam Mayor and please call me Olivia."
"Regina." She merely replied in response with a small nod of acceptance. The brunette did let out a small glare as she noted Snow studying her with fondness. She was still not used to their new found truce and, loathed to consider, burgeoning friendship, as tentative as it still could be.
"What's going on here?" Robin had arrived and instantly placed his hand around Regina's waist again, pulling her close. No-one at the table missed the way Regina instantly tensed and glazed.
"Chatting Robin, what does it look like?" Emma couldn't help herself as she silently bristled, she'd almost seen the old Regina again, but here they were.
"Hmm," he merely responded, not at all interested at the newcomer at the table, but in all fairness, he was still fairly new in town himself. He dismissively turned to Regina. "Our food is ready, let's go." Even his voice was lifeless and stern; Emma really didn't get the appeal, was there even one? Not wanting to end the meeting like this, Emma shot out of her seat.
"Actually, Mary Margaret, Olivia and I are going out for drinks tonight and we wanted Regina to come." Emma locked eyes with Robin, before realising it may possibly be deemed by him that she was asking his permission, which was the last thing she wanted. She softened and quickly turned to Regina. "So, how about it, drinks tonight?" Emma was bouncing now, actually looking forward to her improvised night out. Though her stomach dropped as she noticed Robin quickly squeeze Regina's side. She wondered if the others had noticed. A quick glance behind showed her that Olivia probably had, but Snow was sat beaming like the Chesire cat, both responses made sense she figured.
"Act…" Began Robin, but he was quickly intercepted by the brunette on his arm.
"I'd love too!" Regina beamed a smile Emma rarely saw. One that made Regina appear younger and care free. She really wanted that for this woman. She didn't even want to know what was about to fly from Robin's lips.
"Fantastic, shall we say seven at the Rabbit Hole?" Emma added. Regina huffed and turned to Olivia.
"Apologies, I can promise you this town has far more to offer than the Rabbit Hole Olivia…" she turned her attention back to the blonde with a smirk "…but if you insist Emma."
"Oh I do." Emma grinned back and with that, Robin led Regina out of the Diner. Emma sat down releasing a breath she hadn't realised she'd been holding.
"Ooo, a night out, it's been sooo long." Snow declared whilst clapping her hands. Emma sighed again.
"Liv, I apologise for just throwing you under the bus there, you really don't have to come; I can make an excuse and just take my 'mother' here." She added with an eye roll, trying to make light of the last few minutes.
"No, it's fine and sounds like fun." When Emma turned to offer her thanks, Liv's expression changed to one of contemplation. "And I think I understand exactly WHY you did that." Liv cleared her throat and took a quick glance around before lowering her voice. "Tell me though, is she okay to go back with him?"
That was it; Emma had little interaction with that man and didn't like him. Olivia had merely been in his presence for five minutes and her alarm bells were pinging. This was not a good sign.
"Honestly, I don't know. I haven't been able to get her alone in the month I've been back." Olivia nodded her understanding to that inference, pursing her lips in concerned thought.
"What are you guys talking about?" Snow finally added; feeling a bit left out.
"Snow, you've known Robin for what, nearly a year now?"
"More like seven months?" Snow finally added after a quick 'hmm'.
"Okay…" She really wasn't making this easy.
"So when did they become an item?"
"Oh, not long after we met. Tink…" Snow coughed realising what she was about to say. "Tink, introduced them and suggested they date, I suppose. Robin has a group of friends and they kind of saved our necks out in the woods. He really took to Regina, you can see why right?" Emma crinkled her brow, still not getting it.
"I mean, I can see why he's taken with her, let's face it she's beautiful and resourceful and underneath the icy exterior she does love fiercely, but him?" Snow shrugged at Emma's line of thought.
"It was different in the beginning." Emma knew this was Snow's way of trying to say, in the Enchanted Forest. "I guess he was more beguiling and free. After moving here I suppose he's struggling a bit, maybe clinging onto what he knows. He's not bad looking either though, don't you think?." Snow eventually shared. Emma's lip curled
"I guess; if you squint and look past the stubble and overly controlling way he handles her."
"Oh Emma, no-one controls Regina, you should know that by now." Emma cocked her head to the side in deep thought for a moment.
"Really? No-one?" Now Snow looked puzzled. Emma rolled her eyes and elaborated. "I'm thinking her mother and ex-husband." Emma added, hoping she wasn't crossing any lines here. Snow only sat in silent contemplation, knowing she couldn't say much about the husband here, but understanding what she meant by her mother.
"Did he mistreat her, her ex-husband?" Olivia finally added, not quite understanding the silent conversation that took place in the intonation. Mary Margaret was quick to pipe up to that.
"Oh no, he was a lovely man." Olivia quickly looked to Emma for confirmation, who merely shook her head subtly and sharply, indicating there was a lot more to this and Snow was probably not aware. Olivia pursed her lips in understanding, before choosing to rise.
"Right, seen as we are now going out tonight I will leave you two ladies to it. I think I need to unpack and shower first, it was quite a long drive."
"Of course." Emma stood to bid farewell to her friend. "Shall I call for you at 6:45, it's not a long walk to the Rabbit Hole; nothing is around here?" Emma added with a giggle.
"Sounds great. It was lovely to meet you Mary Margaret."
"Yes, you too, I'll see you later."
The moment Emma sat back down her hand was stolen by her mother.
"Oh Emma, she is lovely. I'm so glad you were able to make friends in New York." Emma grinned, she was too.
"Yeah. I am really lucky to have met her."
