"You know, Regina, wasn't exactly wrong. Whilst the Rabbit Hole isn't quite a dive, it's not the best, but it's by far the most convenient." Emma led Olivia through the door and hoped she'd prepared her for the worst, but it surprised even her. In the earlier hours on a Monday evening, without the hustle and rowdiness of the masses, it actually seemed far more pleasant, almost elegant even.

"It's not that bad. It's surprisingly old fashioned in fact, almost like something you'd pluck from a fantasy novel. It looks nothing like the exterior… I'm guessing your Mayor has pretty high standards then?" Olivia noted and Emma cringed at her description of the place as they took a seat at the bar to await the others. It's not as though they'd need to scavenge for a booth that eve.

"Oh yes, our Mayor has very high standards, that's for sure, but yeah, it's actually not as bad at this time of the day. I guess I'm just used to 'Sheriffing' the late night crowd. What can I say, it must be the clientele that let the place down. Hopefully there will be few of them tonight. So tell me, how's Elliot?" Olivia sighed and cast her gaze down.

"Things… got a bit messy on a case, it's another part of the reason I am taking some downtime. Elliot's taken his family to Italy, permanently."

"Italy? Wow… I'm so sorry. I know you two cared deeply for one another."

"Yeah, I guess that was part of the problem…"

"You didn't..?"

"What! No! Wow, I see how that sounded now." She added with an awkward chuckle. "No, we were just emotionally too close, best friends, even sibling close if you will. Realistically it was getting too hard to work with one another, worrying about the other person in certain situations was beginning to cloud judgment and… I fancy a red, if I buy a bottle would you like some?" Emma contemplated this for a moment and understood her wish not to continue down that road. Her new dilemma was that she was more of a beer drinker, but for some reason, she really didn't want to feel like the odd one out tonight, knowing all of the others would likely be on the wine.

"You know what? Yes. I tell you what, why don't we buy one each as I know, Snow and Regina will join us. I also know Regina will only drink the expensive Claret they serve here, so I'll buy that one. Feel free to choose your own though." Emma added with a smile as she noticed the detective offering her a questioning, yet knowing look. "What?"

"Nothing, it's nothing, honestly… it's just you seem to really know this woman well, care for her even." Emma chuckled, not quite understanding the full weight behind Olivia's meaning.

"Well, she's a complicated past and a very hard women to get to know, but no-one really tries either. There's a lot of history with everyone in the town too, but I've seen glimpses of her few people have and I know some of what's beneath the shell and it's nowhere near as thick as people like to think and she's nowhere near as hard. It's tough though, trying to get her to crawl out of it and it doesn't take much for someone to send her scuttling back in. I'm not totally defending her mind; she's some great defences when it comes to pushing people away and isolating herself." Emma was cut off by the barman approaching with their requested bottles. He even poured them a small amount to taste first before he bought the extra glasses.

"Just so you are aware," Emma began before taking a quick sip. "Snow and Regina have the most complicated history of all. They've literally been at each other's throats in the past and neither one trusts the other. This new 'friendship' phase is still pretty fresh, so tonight could prove interesting. I'm not really sure what you can do with that information, it's just a head up." Olivia joined her by taking a sip of the Merlot she had picked.

"You really have thrown me in the deep end haven't you? I've heard that in small town's everyone knows everyone, but this sounds next level." Emma snorted into her glass as she took another sip.

"You have no idea."

"Go easy on that." Olivia pointed to Emma's glass. "I saw the price tag."

"Don't worry, Regina will buy the next bottle, I honestly don't understand where she gets all her money from." Olivia quirked a brow.

"Are we talking possible embezzlement here?" She half jest. Emma almost lost her last swig.

"Hell no, she's the most meticulous person when it comes to books and… stuff. She'd probably make a fantastic president truth be told; very no-nonsense and one with a decent dose of integrity." It was then that Mary Margaret arrived. Emma glanced at the clock. It was nearly seven.

"Hellooo!" Snow sang in greeting, offering Olivia a half-hug and pulling her daughter, not-daughter into a tight embrace – a too tight embrace. Even going on a night out Mary Margaret looked as though she'd not be out of place at a summer garden party. Emma and Olivia had both donned a tight fitting pair of dark jeans, and shirts under their leather jackets.

"Don't tell me I beat Regina? Sooo, what are you two drinking?"

"Well," Emma stated "knowing you like wine we decided to buy a bottle each, "would you like to share mine or Liv's?" Emma asked, knowing exactly what the answer would be. Mary Margaret took a quick glance at the labels.

"Oh, well, I think I will share yours if that's alright Detective. I only have a teacher's wage."

"And I'm only a Sheriff." Emma was quick to point out as she took another swig.

"Of course you can share with me." Olivia handed Snow a glass and poured.

"Some of us don't get the inheritance's we were due you see." Snow snidely pointed out to the ever intrigued detective.

"Oh!"

"Hmm, but the less said about that the better. Though it may surprise one, I have learnt my lesson on divulging secrets."

"M… Snow, can you behave, please, just for one night. You agreed to this, therefore you need to try, okay? Anyway I thought you and Regina were trying to get along?" Snow sighed.

"We are, we are… and we do, mostly, speaking of Regina where is she? It's ten past now?" Emma turned to the clock again, as though she didn't believe her.

"It's fairly normal for people not to arrive dead on time, right?" Emma and Snow exchanged a glance.

"Not Regina, she was probably born on her exact due date at exactly midnight, or more likely three am – the witching hour."

"Snoow!" Emma began to reprimand, just as Regina pulled up to the group.

"Sorry I'm late." Regina apologised sheepishly whilst tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Emma and Snow simply stared at her. Not only was she late but she was wearing a classy, black turtle neck with long sleeves and skirt with long boots and her black trench coat. Elegant as ever, but missing her usual cleavage.

"What! Is that not what people say when they are late?"

"No… I mean yes, it is, but its fine, it's not as though we are at a wedding." Emma tried to lighten the mood as Snow snorted.

"Oh she makes a great late entrance to a wedding." Emma rolled her eyes, quickly realising her mistake. She was deeply regretting setting up this little get together. "Where's the evil cleavage?" Snow added, not being able to help herself.

"I'm sorry; do you want to talk clothing Snow?" Sassed Regina, giving Snow the once over. This time Emma snorted. At this rate there was going to be more wine on the bar and floor than in stomachs. Regina walked up to the bar and eyed the two bottles on the table. Emma quickly composed herself and grabbed a glass, gesturing towards her bottle. Regina nodded appreciatively as Emma poured. Olivia merely marvelled at the spectacle. The chemistry between Emma and Regina had film noir feels and she had no idea what to make of the interaction between Snow and Regina. She quickly realised that bemused was probably going to be her main expression for the night. At least this was entertaining and did wonders in removing her from her own problems.

"Let's move to a booth shall we." Said Emma grabbing her glass and bottle, hoping it would allow for a small amount of cool off time. They all followed with their drinks like baby ducks and slotted into the booth, Emma next to Regina and Snow next to Olivia, there was no way Emma would allow Regina and Snow to sit near one another. They would most likely wind up with linked hands, each attempting to break the others.

They awkwardly sat for a moment, until Regina broke the ice, as only a politician could. "So detective, what is it you do exactly, you don't seem the type to be chasing puppies and locking up the one local drunk incessantly." Emma avoided rolling her eyes, as much as she wanted too. She had created this situation after all.

"No, actually I don't and it's Olivia, please." She noted Regina nod a small acquiesce as she nervously pulled on her turtle neck. "I work for the special victims unit."

"Oh, and what constitutes a special victim?" This had peaked Regina's interest. Seen as she'd thrown herself into the political world, she had become more and more interested in how the 'real world' worked.

"Oh, I guess you could say I deal with the more vulnerable in society. Young children who are abused by their parents and people with disabilities who are being abused, but primarily I wind up dealing with victims of sexual assault…" Olivia paused to gage the reactions of all at the table, it was merely a habit she had. Regina had flinched slightly, but remained ram rod straight, Snow was looking shocked, but also mildly disgusted. Emma was taking it in her stride, but also watching the other two women with curiosity. Emma had not known, and still didn't know, how such things had been dealt with in their land and where lines were drawn, if they were at all. "Usually rape or victims of aggravated sexual assault." Olivia concluded. The air was thin for a while.

"That's hideous; I can't imagine doing anything like that." Snow eventually said. Emma and Olivia both took a deep breath whilst Regina just looked at her aghast.

"And pray tell why that is Snow?" Regina dared as Snow swallowed a lump.

"I…I just mean, it sounds very horrible. I couldn't imagine doing anything like that for a living."

"Snow, I couldn't imagine you doing anything that didn't involve making birdhouses and singing to their poor lodgers." Regina turned her attention back to Olivia. "I think it's very admirable, almost like being a voice for the voiceless." That little bit of insight intrigued both Emma and Olivia.

"That is exactly why I do it. Too many people walk this earth shackled by fear and circumstance. I do what I can, nothing more."

"That is the only thing one can do...when one actually cares..." Regina replied before Snow interjected.

"I think it's admirable too, I really do, I just… it must be very hard."

"It can be, but the rewards are worth it to me. I wouldn't have done it for so long otherwise."

"But, surely… I mean, isn't it very risky, I mean… you must come across some very unsavoury characters." Regina couldn't help a very pointed eye roll at that one.

"It can be risky, but I've a good team behind me…" she just about avoided saying, 'or did' "…and we undergo extensive training. All police work can be risky, but it's a choice we all make." Snow looked to Emma as though she was suddenly realising the position her daughter was really in, albeit her cases were far different. At least they were here, she began to fret over what they could have been like in New York. Weirdly, it was as though Regina could read her mind.

"Fear not Snow, the most irritating blemish on Emma's record here in Storybrooke is her penchant for over indulging in tetanus shots… I can't imagine why?" That definitely helped to lighten the mood. That was, until the door creaked open and more regular's appeared, though one stood out above the rest. Robin had entered with two of his merry men. Emma believed they were called Will and John. They sat in a booth at the other end of the bar. Will and John began to talk amongst themselves whilst Robin just stared at them. It wasn't even subtle.

Regina sat back, clearly trying to hide from view. On instinct, Emma moved forward, helping conceal her without overly realising.

"Does he usually come here?" Emma asked.

"I have no idea? As far as I know he spends his time either at mine or in the woods." Olivia's brow knitted at this.

"In the woods?" Regina sighed at Olivia's query not really able to come up with a quick response that didn't sound ridiculous, such as, 'oh yes, he and his merry men love to build fires and squat under the stars'. Finally, inspiration hit.

"They like to hunt." That was an American thing right, hunting. At least that was consistent with his previous occupation, not that he really had one now.

"Oh, okay. What does he do, I mean, does he work?"

"At the moment he just does odd jobs for people, building fences, maintaining gardens, that sort of thing. I don't think he likes being confined to four walls." Regina merely stared at and played with her glass during the whole exchange, she was clearly on edge. "If you'll excuse me for a moment." She quickly rose and Emma allowed her space to depart. They all watched on as she headed to Robin's table before Emma turned to Snow.

"You seriously like this guy?" Snow looked surprised by the sudden question.

"Well, he's okay. He seems to really like Regina and I certainly think that's good for her, don't you?" Emma was beginning to lose her patience with her mother.

"Snow, he literally orders her around and pushes her into doing things I know she ordinarily wouldn't. Just the other day I was with Henry and he managed to somehow persuade her to clip our meeting short, very short - with Henry! And he wasn't pleasant about it. He speaks for her and insists she does things for him and that's just what we see and you know what they say…"

"No, what do they say?"

"Well you know about things being magnified behind closed doors… that type of thing. Who knows what he's like when they are alone?" Emma was finding herself getting quite worked up. Snow smiled and placed her hand over Emma's.

"Emma, this is Regina. REGINA! There's no way she'd do anything she doesn't want too, you know that?" The smile on Snow's face that was attempting to placate Emma, only served to irritate her further. Olivia saw the tension building.

"Actually, depending on the circumstance, there are many reasons why someone may stay with someone who may otherwise not be good for them." Olivia couldn't remember the last time she'd pranced around a subject so much, but there was too much of the unknown at the moment and she didn't want to wrongly insinuate anything either and Mary Margaret's excruciating ignorance, or potentially innocence, unnerved her.

"Well, I for one think anyone willing to be in a relationship with Regina has to be a good thing for her, it's not like she has many options." Olivia's draw dropped, she wondered if the pixie haired brunette had heard anything Emma had said. Emma's eyes began to fill. She could not believe her mother had just said that, but she had to believe it was coming from a place of pure ignorance and innocence, and that she genuinely believed their relationship was relatively healthy.

Before anyone could say anything, their attention was stolen by raised voices from across the room.

"I am your soul mate!"Was heard distinctly followed by something unintelligible as Robin had stood to address Regina. Emma did not like the way he attempted to lean over her, but she also didn't like the way Regina's fist clenched. There was no way she could explain a potential fireball to Olivia. All three women quickly made way to her side.

"Robin, I don't want to see you again. You are no longer welcome at my house." Regina stood tall and proud as Emma and Olivia flanked her, her voice calm, collected and controlled. Robin smirked and moved his face until it was practically touching Regina's.

"Don't be a fool, you need me. Without me you literally have no-one." Regina didn't even flinch, remaining tall.

"That's preferable," was all she could manage as she turned to walk away. Robin moved as though to grab her, but Emma and Olivia moved to touch shoulders, both flashing their guns on their hips.

"Robin, leave now and I will be around tomorrow for a friendly chat. Refuse and I will be taking you down to the station".

"What for? Having an argument with my girlfriend?" Emma cringed he was kind of right, he hadn't really done anything to warrant arrest.

"Right now, public display of aggression, push me and the charge will increase." Emma knew she was bullshitting but she also knew he had no clue as to the law here. Olivia was confused, but followed Emma's lead, hoping that this wasn't going to land them into trouble. Robin gritted his teeth.

"If you think that was aggressive, you have no idea." That really caused Emma's hackles to rise, but before she could respond, he stepped back, grabbed his coat and marched outside; his men following. Emma slowly released a breath.

"Public display of aggression?" Olivia queried. Emma turned her face to the ceiling and rubbed her hands over her face.

"I know, I know… I just, had to come up with… something." Olivia placed a hand to her shoulder in support.

"Hey, I get it, I really do, just be careful." Emma wasn't used to this level of work or law abiding. Storybrooke tended to be a law unto itself. At least she had her real world police training now, but it made it even harder when lines could normally be so easily blurred. She turned to find Regina, finding only Snow instead.

"Where did she go?" Emma asked the bemused woman who clearly had little idea what was going on.

"I think she went to the bathroom." Emma made to follow her, but felt an arm on her shoulder instead.

"Will you let me?" Olivia looked pleadingly to Emma, knowing both that Emma had a deeper tie to this than even she realised, but also that she was more likely to get have an effective conversation as a more impartial third party, especially one with her level of experience. Emma slowly nodded, realising just how much she trusted this woman.

When Olivia entered the bathroom, she found Regina diligently adjusting her make-up.

"Hey…" Olivia tried her more, casual approach first. This flummoxed Regina, she really didn't know what to say to a casual hey. Instead she looked down to the toilet paper that she was now rolling between her fingers. She shuddered to think she was actually reduced to using toilet paper to touch up her make-up in a bathroom where people regularly barfed and had probably fornicated over… everything. She was certainly not used to anyone caring about her wellbeing. Was that even what she was doing? She had no idea anymore, she'd never been good at reading people, lauding it over them, sure, but her interpersonal skills were definitely lacking and it was beginning to catch up with her. Mayor mode; perhaps that would work? She straightened her posture and took a determined breath.

"Can I help you detective?" She asked as she finally turned to face the woman. Olivia took a tentative step forward, locking her eyes with the mayor's and narrowing them in concern, taking her time to properly study the other woman.

"How about we find a booth to talk in for a moment, toilets aren't really my thing." It was a lie really, well not really, but in reality Olivia had sat in many a toilet talking to a victim, on scummy sheets, rat infested streets, but she hazard a guess this really wasn't Regina's thing. The corner of Regina's mouth turned up in small recognition of the request, but she didn't say anything, merely led the way to a quiet booth in a small back area where no-one could see them.

"Tell me," Olivia began. "Did he tell you why he came?" Regina scoffed.

"I think it was pretty obvious why he came." She spat out, but it didn't phase Olivia at all, she merely narrowed her eyes, unnerving Regina to the point she sat back, almost relaxing, Olivia allowed herself to ease slightly too, following her lead.

"He… he just wanted to make sure I was here, I suppose. Here and not with anyone I hadn't said I was going to be with, that's all." Olivia nodded her understanding, and offered a look inviting her to say more, but when nothing else came, she probed a bit more.

"Did he think you'd possibly meet up with someone else?" Regina shrugged in a way she was unaccustomed too.

"He… he didn't like the outfit I'd originally chosen to wear. It's why I was late. I changed to save hassle and time. I have no Idea why he came though; the truth is I don't know him that well. I've been trying to get out of the relationship for a while, but it's proving rather difficult. He just shows up with his men and pretty much insists we are together, it doesn't seem to matter what I say. I took the opportunity when he appeared to end it tonight when others were around if you must know. I mean, now he knows, right?" Olivia pursed her lips and nodded in understanding.

"I think that was a very brave move, and I don't know him or you very well, but the little I have seen of him, he seems to be very controlling. It may be possible he remains a bit persistent." Regina's head snapped up, her mouth agape. Out of habit, Olivia went to place her hand on Regina's, but she flinched upon contact. Olivia kept her cool, slowly pulling away, offering a small smile, praying silently that this situation wasn't much worse.

"Tell me, does he.." Regina, slammed her palms onto the table and stood, trying to loom threateningly over the detective. She wasn't stupid, she'd worked out where this conversation was going, but such things were not discussed, they just weren't.

"Don't you dare finish that sentence or so help me God I will strangle you right here and now." Regina kept eye contact, trying to intimidate her, but there was no way it was going to work. Olivia slowly raised her hands and spoke softly back.

"Okay, it's okay and I'm sorry…"

"Good." Was all Regina said as she abruptly turned and marched away. Olivia threw her head back and closed her eyes for a moment. Whilst that reaction wasn't unheard of, it was rare and it unnerved her how little she knew about all of this. One thing she did know was that there was far more going on here than initially appeared.