Much to Emma and Snow's surprise, Regina had approached their table with another bottle of wine and sat back down. Unbeknownst to them, Olivia had really unnerved Regina with her suggestion that Robin may continue to persist, even though she had now made her wishes abundantly clear, and in front of witnesses. Going home alone to her large, cold mansion, as it felt right now, was one thing. Feeling on edge, not knowing where Robin may be was worse, and possibly having him show up again at random, was now far more of a frightening thought, especially as she was no longer prepared to pander to his whims.

"Everything okay? Where's Liv?" Emma cautiously asked as Regina made herself comfortable, pouring herself another glass.

"Fine." Regina tried to be nonchalant in her approach. "She's in a booth around the back, I'm sure she'll be along in a moment." Emma nodded, she very much wanted to go and check on her friend, but could she leave Regina and Snow alone together for any length of time? Her curiosity won out, they were adults after all, she couldn't baby them forever.

"Okay, I'll be back in a sec." Emma quickly vacated the booth.

Emma spied Olivia still sitting in a booth, wrapped in deep thought as she gently tapped the table with her finger.

"Hey," the blonde softly spoke as she slipped quietly in, opposite her friend.

"Did Regina leave?" Olivia suddenly asked as though her senses had returned.

"No, actually she returned to us, which honestly surprised me."

"Me too, especially considering the way she stormed off, but I'm glad she hasn't left yet. I take it she lives alone?"

"Yes she does, unless our son is staying with her, but he's only done that a few times since we've returned, he didn't think Robin liked him very much. He was probably right."

"I'm sorry, your son?" Emma winced.

"Ah, right. I should probably explain. I never told anyone in New York, but I gave birth to Henry in prison as a juvenile. Regina adopted him and years later he sought me out. It's actually how I initially came to Storybrooke."

"And she was happy with you merely appearing in his life."

"Oh hell no, she was vile and extremely hard work, but I couldn't just leave Henry. Over the years though, we grew to understand each other better and I'd like to think we even appreciate one another. We co-parent fairly effectively now and she is absolutely fantastic with Henry. I couldn't imagine him ever having a better mom, as surprising as that may sound." Olivia sat back, taking time to digest all of this information.

"Wow, just as I think I'm starting to unravel a few strings, the ball just keeps getting larger doesn't it." Emma bit her lip.

"Sorry, I honestly forgot I hadn't told you that before."

"No it's fine and it's your right. Actually, it sheds some light onto something in the explanation you were using to try and convince Snow that Robin may not be ideal for Regina, the part about him limiting her time with Henry. It makes far more sense now."

"Yeah, I guess it does. So tell me, prior to her storming off, how did it go? " Olivia puffed out a breath.

"Could have gone better I suppose, but she did open up a bit. Apparently, she's been trying to end things for a while but he's being rather insistent. One of my biggest concerns was that she mentioned he constantly brought his friends around, as though they were for back up or something. It all sounds a bit odd, I mean, who are they?"

"That's a good question, it's like he has a small band of followers and he's the ring leader and the majority of them live in the woods. I think they've a camp or something."

"Emma, you are making him sound quite cultish, you realise that?" Emma really hadn't thought of that. Of course she knew he was the roguish head of a band of thieving outlaws, but how would that actually translate in this world? They lived in what could be seen as a commune in the woods, followed Robin around as though he were some sought of mini deity and hung on his every word. She still couldn't fathom why though, he had none of the charisma or false charm of an evangelical type.

"I honestly don't know enough about them to confirm whether that's true or not, but I guess it does scream certain hallmarks." Now she was wondering if they were going to actually be a threat to the town as a whole. She was definitely glad Olivia was here right now, but it was opening a lot of potentially disturbing realisations about their little town. She needed to regain her focus. "So what happened that made her storm out?"

"Ah, I was about to escalate my questions and she's pretty intuitive isn't she? I'd just explained the possibility that he may be a bit persistent, even though she'd told him to stay away and then all I said was, 'Tell me, does he… and that was it. Whatever question she feared was coming, she didn't want to hear, shut the conversation down and left." Emma couldn't help a little ironic chuckle.

"Yeah, sounds like Regina, I bet she threatened you too." Olivia also chuckled, but more at Emma's insight and clear understanding of the difficult woman.

"Oh yeah, strangulation." Emma rubbed her hands down her face, eventually resting her chin on them.

"It's a classic." Was all she could bring herself to say, but then concern overtook and Olivia instantly recognised that look.

"What?" Olivia sat to attention again.

"It just bothers me as to the what she may have been frightened of you asking, that's all. From the little I know of Regina's history she's potentially even liable to believe she should or is obliged to do something out of duty or obligation… I don't really know though," Emma was now fiddling with her shirt sleeve, "… I don't know enough and all of this really bothers me right now."

"Then I think you and I have a similar quandary."

"Yeah," Emma said, suddenly standing up and assertively pulling her sleeves down. "Let's go back in, I don't want to leave them alone for two long, we don't need the potential crime list increasing."

"So, you really just broke up with Robin?" Snow asked, as tactlessly as ever.

"I did. Let's face it; it was never going to work." Regina took an unusually large gulp of her wine as Snow had a sneaky look around.

"But he's your soul-mate, it has to work?" Regina bit her lip, willing herself not to lose it, especially now the effects of a few glasses of wine were beginning to take a hold.

"Does it? If I'm honest Snow, I don't even like the man; I can't possibly see how he can be my soul-mate."

"But, the pixie-dust? Tink said…"

"Well, have you ever considered that mistakes can be made or that times and/or people change? I've been good, evil, ambiguous, changed realms and have lived double the life I should have. Even if it was accurate then, it may not be now." Snow clicked her tongue against her teeth.

"I guess… it would just be nice for you to settle with someone, and he did seem lovely, certainly at first." That little display of theirs earlier had at least turned some of the cogs in her head.

"Yes, but even that was a different time and place. Perhaps he just doesn't translate well here. If there weren't other factors in our lives, such as jobs and Henry, maybe it would be different. Let's face it, there was little else to do in the forest save us all work together and he liked acting the hero; saving us all from the ogres and helping us set up camp, controlling the hunting parties. He had a good purpose there and some responsibility. Here he just doesn't know what to do with himself. I thought that was all it was at first, but now, now I'm not so sure. Rather than him just finding his place, he still wants to orchestrate everyone else. His men maybe his minions, but I am not." Snow was hinged to every word, surprising Regina by merely listening for once.

"Maybe we could try again; I mean, find him a more meaningful purpose in the town." Maybe not.

"Snow! Drop it!" And that was the exact moment Emma and Olivia returned. Regina quickly busied herself, pouring them both another drink, to which they accepted gratefully as they returned to their seats.

"I would like to apologise." Regina began before anyone else could say anything. It was specifically directed towards Olivia. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap, or threaten you." Regina fumbled with her fingers below the table, yet again feeling as though she were sailing uncharted waters.

"Hey, you've nothing to apologise for, honestly." The detective offered a very warm smile.

"Still, I shouldn't have said what I did."

"Apology accepted." Olivia surmised she wasn't overly used to doing this. Snow's look of astonishment alone pretty much gave that away.

The night continued with far less heavy chatter and even turned out to be quite pleasant. By eleven O'clock, everyone was airing on the side of weariness and decided to call it a night.

Outside, Emma pulled Olivia to one side. "Listen, Mary Margaret lives directly opposite the diner, are you okay to walk or catch a cab together?"

"Hmm, only if that means you are going to see Regina home?" Olivia knew her two well.

"That's the plan, if she'll let me that is?" One glance over to the brunette who was nervously chewing her lip whilst crossing one arm over her waist and playing with the material on her elbow suggested that wasn't going to be a problem.

"Okay, call me if you need." Olivia and Emma separated as Mary Margaret pulled the detective close, linking their arms. The twee feeling the taller woman initially felt about Snow had returned. She really was that person. It was quite nice in a way. She wasn't used to being around such a seemingly carefree person. She wondered how accurate that observation truly was. Perhaps she was merely optimistic or constantly chose to look on the bright side of life, regardless.

"My Queen?" Emma, encouraged by the nearly two hundred dollars worth of wine circulating her system, offered up her arm to Regina. Regina, turned from her troubling thoughts towards Emma. Caught off guard, she suddenly beamed the most beautiful smile Emma had ever seen. It went right to her honey, chocolate coloured eyes. Emma really hoped she wasn't drooling right now, because what was that about, but she did know that there was that glimpse of a carefree, happy Regina again. The brunette quickly pinched her lips before gladly taking her up on the offer and linking her arm through.

"Would you like the fresh air, or I could call a cab?" Offered the blonde. To her utter astonishment, in lieu of an immediate answer, the brunette rested her head on Emma's shoulder instead. Emma stopped breathing, until she was compelled too.

"I think we could probably do with the fresh air." Regina eventually added to the gesture. They walked for a good few minutes in comfortable silence. This was completely new territory for Emma. Was it just the alcohol that made Regina seem so relaxed, or was it something else?

"So, um, I was thinking…" Emma began after clearing her throat and now making a more serene situation awkward. "… can I stay at yours tonight? I mean, I really don't fancy walking aaalll way back now." Regina snorted into her shoulder.

"It's a ten minute walk, but you are more than welcome to stay, of course." Another surprise to Emma's ears.

"Of course? Had I known a stay at yours was so easy I'd have bought a spare toothbrush long ago." She grinned loving the more relaxed nature of her … friend? Yeah, why not, of all the people in Storybrooke, she weirdly felt more at home around Regina.

"Don't worry, I have spare."

As they neared the house, Emma gently pulled Regina to face her and placed her hands on her shoulders. "Listen, before we go in, is Robin likely to be there or show up?" Emma was expecting the usual stiffening and standoffish attitude. Her heart broke when she witnessed the brunettes lip quiver instead. Not even considering the ramifications, or giving any thought at all really, she pulled the smaller woman into her arms and gently stroked her hair. The shoulder shuddering was all she needed to feel to know that Regina was sobbing, though she could hear no sound. It was clear she was used to dealing with things in silence, possibly complete isolation. Then her thoughts turned to Cora and the extremely harsh expectations that she forced upon her daughter. Moving forward, her attention turned to the king. She knew far too little about that scenario, except that according to the book she'd practically been sold off as a teenager. It mentioned little else, but Emma wasn't stupid, and wondering how Regina had learnt to cry silent tears was really not helping. Thank God Regina moved away.

"Come on." Regina took Emma's hand and led her to the door, letting them both in. She headed straight to the kitchen, pouring them both a glass of water.

"Whose idea was it to go out on a Monday night?" Regina asked, clearly trying to lighten the mood. Emma played along, offering as an authentic giggle as she could, given the circumstances.

"Hmm, I am sorry about that." She had a quick glance to the clock, it wasn't too late, only eleven thirty, but they had drunk a surprising amount.

Regina placed her glass down, led the way out of the kitchen and began to ascend the stairs. Emma stood rather awkwardly at the bottom. Regina turned around after realising she wasn't following.

"Are you coming?" Emma crinkled her face. Was it the alcohol, or did that sound far more suggestive than it should? Nevertheless, more out of curiosity than anything else, she dutifully followed the brunette.

When she reached the top of the stairs, Regina was standing in the doorway, to what Emma presumed was her bedroom. She beckoned the blonde to follow very suggestively by curling her index finger. Emma couldn't deny that she was an extremely attractive woman, whether she was merely clip clopping in her heels towards her desk or… whatever the hell this was. Yet again, out of pure curiosity, Emma followed her lead.

As soon as she entered the bedroom, Regina grabbed her by her waist and pushed her towards the bed. The blonde collided with it falling awkwardly onto the edge of the bed. Her senses went into overdrive as Regina approached and began to pull the turtle neck over her head. Emma instantly reacted, by standing up, almost en guard.

"Wow!" She tried to keep it light and jovial; wanting nothing more than to understand what was going on right now. "Umm, Regina, what are you doing?" Regina froze after throwing her turtleneck to the floor. She stood in front of Emma in probably the most exquisite black lace bra Emma had ever seen and more of the evil cleavage than she ever thought she'd glimpse. There was no more denying this woman was gorgeous.

"Oh!" Regina finally added whilst walking to her walk in closet – because of course she had one. She took out a lavish, royal purple robe and wrapped it around herself. Emma watched with both a touch of bemusement and astonishment. There was no way she was allowing that as the only explanation though.

"Regina, what were you going to do then?" Emma refused to let her thoughts drift beyond that point, because this was way to important.

"What do you mean?" Regina asked casually, as though she were about to prepare toast or something.

"I mean…" Emma pinched the bridge of her nose for a moment. She needed to be clear in this. "Did you want to have sex with me?" There she said it. Felt kind of a fool, but still, it was out there now. Regina had a subtle, yet clear reaction to the word 'sex' when it was used.

"I thought that was what you wanted." Emma refused to stand aghast, but only just achieved that – she hoped.

"What, no! Why would you think that?"

"Why the hell would you want to come back here otherwise? It's not as though we're friends… or are we?" Regina sounded extremely small by the end of that sentence. That flummoxed Emma more than anything she was truly expecting. She walked up to the brunette, took her by the hands and walked her over to the bed, perching them both on the edge. She did so extremely slowly, trying to find some extra time in which to order her thoughts.

"Okay, firstly, yes, we are absolutely friends. Ironically, despite our history, you are the closest thing to a kindred spirit I have, probably anywhere. Hell, since we moved the moon together - the moon Regina – and developed an easy co-parenting system, I feel I could achieve anything with you". She had no idea where this was all coming from. "I… I wanted to thank you too, but haven't had a chance because that forest dwelling bastard has been glued to your hip... I wanted to thank you for the memories and the life you gave me. I know they weren't strictly my memories, but they were real, they were yours, and somehow you gave me a sense of something I never realised I was missing; a purpose and a sense of belonging. Until the curse broke I never really realised what you'd sacrificed for us. But now I do, I really do and thank you… and why the fuck were you trying to have sex with me?"

"I… I don't really know, I couldn't fathom why else you wanted to come home with me?" Emma took a deep breath, thankful her head wasn't at the spinning stage

"Okay, firstly, Regina… I offered to come home with you because that Robin dude scares the shit out of me and I don't want him anywhere near you. I wanted to make sure you were safe, that was all."

"Oh!" It was clear Regina was embarrassed by that admission, her cheeks flushed as she sank further into the bed.

"Hey, look at me… Weird scenario aside, would you even WANT to have sex with me?" Regina considered that for a moment.

"You're certainly appealing. It's not like having to lie with.."

"Woah, stop right there!" Emma gently cupped Regina's cheeks and locked in eye contact. "Regina, listen to me very carefully, okay. You never EVER have to lie with anyone you don't wish to. Do you understand?" The bemused look in response actually caused a whimper to escape Emma's lips as she closed her eyes and pressed her forehead against Regina's.

"Okay, let's not do this tonight. It's probably not wise. Just promise me one thing right now. You will absolutely NOT sleep with anyone until we have another, serious conversation about this. Okay!" Regina tilted her head in curiosity, but eventually nodded in acknowledgement.

"Great, I say never sleep with anyone, but right now, I can absolutely not be bothered to get up again." With that Emma crawled into the bed and settled down. Regina couldn't help it as her beaming smile returned upon watching Emma snuggle into her bed as she pulled the quilt up to her neck. She let out a small chuckle and joined the blonde by curling beside her and pulling the quilt around herself. They both drifted into one of the deepest sleeps they'd had in – probably years.