When Regina woke up the next morning, Emma was still sleeping soundly on the sofa where she'd left her the night before. Talk about an interesting night! She hadn't seen Emma drink so much since their college days.
Regina had a restless sleep that night. Feeling bad for what happened to Killian involving her mother, Regina had decided to rise early and pay a visit to the hospital. It also wouldn't be a bad idea to get to the detective before anyone else had the chance to question him.
Sitting next to him now beside his bed, Regina patiently waited for him to wake up. But as minutes waiting turned into hours, she found herself checking her watch on the regular.
Mmmnnn 8:45.. it's getting late.
She thought to herself, blowing her breath out.
As time passed, she watched the custodian mop up the hall, nurses wizzing by neighboring rooms to attend to patients, and the cafeteria workers as they collected breakfast leftovers from nearby rooms.
Although Emma wouldn't be awake for a little while, she still wanted to be at the house when she did eventually wake. There was a lot they needed to discuss.
As the arm of the clock passed 9am, Regina stood. Glancing at Killian, she took out a piece of paper and scribbled her information down. Completing the note with 'Please call me' Regina tucked the small paper into Killian's hand and left the room.

Regina entertained the company of the thoughts running through her head on the drive home. She knew there would be no way to sugar coat the events of the night before to Emma. That said, she figured she try her best to lighten the blow when she revealed everything to Emma that had happened.
That said, Regina stopped at a local farmer's market on her way home to purchase some fresh fruit. She remembered how much Emma enjoyed her home made apple pies with coffee in the morning. Before their untimely breakup during Regina's first year of college, she would often bake a pie for her when Emma came to visit at her dorm... those pies were her golden ticket when Regina had to let Emma down about going out because she had finals to study for. Gripping the steering wheel tighter, She smiled at the memory of Emma reading over Regina's detailed notes; a pie fork protruding from her mouth as she quizzed Regina on her knowledge.

When Regina stepped out of her car, she grabbed the basket of apples from her back seat and headed up to the front steps. But Before she was able to get her key in the door, Emma opened it, coffee cup in hand.
Startling Regina, Emma asked "Hey, where have you been all morning?? When I woke up you were gone.. no note or text.."
"Oh! Um, Good morning Emma.." Regina replied with a forced smile, "I Uh.. I stepped out earlier to run a few errands.. I didn't want to wake you."
Looking down at the basket in Regina's arms, Emma's expression changed to a look of worry, "...so you bought apples?"
"Yes.. I thought I would make my home made apple pie.. I know how you used to like it so much.."
Moving out of the doorway,  Emma gave her a sideways glance, "Apple pie? You only make that when you're about to deliver bad news Regina.. what's going on??"
Blowing her breath out slowly, Regina followed Emma into the house closing the door behind her.

Regina placed the apples onto the kitchen counter by the coffee maker, grabbing a mug to pour herself a fresh cup.
With her back against the counter, Regina sipped the hot liquid steaming from the mug.
"So, what is it then? What's wrong?"
"Well, Remember last night when you came over and you had a strong hunch that my mother had something to do with Henry's kidnapping?"
"Yes."
"...and, do you also remember how you were worried about Killian because you hadn't heard from him all day?"
"Yea, I'm still worried honestly."
"Well, first of all," Regina explained, "I think you're right about my mother."
"Ok.." Emma replied confused, "What does that have to do with Killian?"
Regina put her coffee down and drew closer to Emma. Placing a hand on Emma's shoulder she continued, "I know where Killian is. I went to see him in the hospital after my mother called the police last night."

Emma paused, looking down into her mug, "Heh, funny. Good one Regina." Emma snorted into her coffee.

Confused, Regina knitted her brow together. She could see Emma was in denial, and it pained Regina to see her this way. "Emma.. I'm serious. Killian is in the hospital and my mother put him there."

Emma peered up from her cup glancing at Regina, who was convincingly staring back at her. "I uh, I went by the office late last night after you fell asleep. There was some sort of emergency, my mother called me frantic on the phone. When I got there..." Regina took Emma's hand, guiding her to the kitchen table so they could both sit.
"When I got there, EMTs were taking Killian out if my mother's office on a stretcher. I spoke with his doctor and they said he was pretty banged up, but he would be fine."
It was evident that Emma was holding back. Her face became contorted with emotion, and Regina wasn't sure if she was going to bite her head off or burst into tears. Maybe both!

"Em, Killian will be alright." Regina assured her, "We just need to speak with him before anyone else does. I want to know what happened in there. He may know where Henry is."
Emma took in her breath. Regina watched as Emma's chest puffed with air.
"Regina.. I'm gonna need you to understand something."
"Yea, sure. Anything Em, what is it?"
"Killian Jones is my family. I've known him for many, many years and he has stuck by me like a rock."
Emma paused, then looked her in the eye, "Cora hurt him. She hurt my family. I can't promise that I will use caution the next time I see that woman."
Taking a moment to reflect on Emma's confession, Regina met her gaze and replied "If my mother hurt my son... Then I can't promise that either."

*****

"Robin!" Cora called out across the street to her daughter's estranged husband.

Looking up from his cell phone, Robin saw her crossing the street toward his direction. Brisk, mid morning air blew around him, crisp leaves breezed by his feet as he greeted her.
"Cora.."
"Hello Robin." Cora greeted him, "How are you these days, my son?"
Robin tucked away his phone and replied, "Hanging in there I suppose.." Robin paused, "actually to be honest Cora, I feel like shit. My son is missing, my wife left me, and I'm quite depressed."
"Yes, I see." She replied. Eyeing him up and down. Cora straightened the shirt under his leather jacket and continued, "I think my daughter will come around dear, have some faith."
"Faith?" Robin questioned her, pulling away. The sound of frustration was growing in his voice, "Cora, it seems my wife never really wanted to marry me in the first place. I wasn't able to make her happy... someone else has." He glanced at Cora as he continued, "But it's alright. It's for the better anyway. I love Regina."
"I know you do-"
"No. You don't understand," Robin cut her off, "I love Regina. She makes my heart pound in my chest.. she lifts my spirits when no one else can.. I've never felt happier than I have when I'm with her.. but, the truth is Cora, she doesn't feel the same. Not with me, and that's ok. I don't have to like it, but, because I love her I want her to be able to feel these things.. to understand them. and if she can with another person well, then so be it."
The pair stared at eachother in silence for a minute before Robin spoke again, "Anyway Cora, how are you? Word has it your were attacked last night?? Are you hurt?"
Looking away she replied, "oh, heavens no! I mean, I did get into a small scuffle with one of the detectives working my grandsons case.. but, all is well."
Robin swallowed hard nodding his head, "Alright. That's good I suppose."
"Yes well, it would be better if the detectives would find my grandson now, wouldn't it?"
"Yes, of course.."
"Well then dear, if you hear any news, do be sure to let me know. As for Regina, well, I wouldn't give up. Not just yet."
Smiling, Cora walked away.

Robin, Feeling More confused than calm, continued his walk down the street. His thoughts ran wild.
Why on earth does Cora want Regina and I to work things out so badly?
At first, he had thought Cora genuinely cared about them and their relationship, and just wanted what was best for them both.. but lately it seemed more like Cora wanted them together because it suited her for some reason..
As he approached the end of the street, Robin decided to walk through the park. It was a rather quiet day he thought. Only a few people out and about, not much traffic. It being the middle of the afternoon on a weekday, he realized that oddly, there were no kids playing in the park either. After a few steps, Robin stopped in front of a bench along the path. Deciding to take a break, he sat down on the cool wood of the bench, his body pressed snuggly against the back of it. Outstretching his arms, Robin rested them on the back of the bench also, and took time to relax a little. His thoughts continued as he watched a couple of grey squirrels chase eachother across the field.
I know she wants the best for her daughter.. but, what if the best just isn't me?? If I've been able to figure it out, why hasn't Cora?"

*****

With Regina riding shotgun in Emma's car, the two women pulled into the parking garage of the hospital. In continued silence, they both walked into the building, checking in at the counter.
Regina struggled to keep up with the speed of Emma's strut as they made their way down the halls towards Killian's room. 
"Emma.." Killian said when he saw her familiar wavy blonde hair push through  his door.
"Oh my god, Killian! Are you alright?!" She exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him. "I've been so worried.."
"I'm alright, love. You needn't fret over little ol' me."
"Mr. Jones." Regina exclaimed walking into the room after Emma, "Glad to see you're alright."
Killian paused when he heard Regina's voice, giving her a slight stare.
"Pardon my French Regina, but your mother is a murderous bitch!"
"Killian!" Emma scolded.
"No," Regina said calmly, "Killian's right. My mother is definitely involved in all of this."
"Well, yes but.."
"No, no.." Regina continued cutting Emma off, "She has crossed the line Emma. If she truly did take my son, if she hurt him...."
Emma placed her hand on Regina's arm. Taking a breath, Regina continued, "on top of that.. I know my mother hurt you Killian. For God's sake, she tried to kill you!"
"Come now, love" Killian joked in his British accent, trying to lighten the mood, "I'd like to think I'm a bit more resilient than that!"
Emma offered a tight smile, "Either way Jones, you're in here, and Cora is out there."
Regina glanced at the detective, "Aye." Was all he said in return.
At that moment, Dr Whale walked into the room. "Ah! Glad to see you're awake detective Jones." He exclaimed.
"Yes, thank you Doc." Killian smiled.
"How are you feeling then?
"Pretty good Doc." Killian answered, "My head hurts just a bit, but nothing more than a bit of soreness and mild headache I think."
"Yes," Whale began, "You will be a bit sore there for some time. We had to put a few stitches in just below the crown of your head. You suffered quite a blow. I will say though, other than some mild bleeding, and a few bruises, I did not find anything to be too concerned about. Honestly, you should heal up quite nicely."
"Oh, that's great news!" Emma softly exclaimed, Regina smiled.
The doctor spoke again as he took Killian's blood pressure and heart rate, "Your vitals all seem to be normal.. it looks like we can have you on your way today detective." Whale pulled his stethoscope from his ears, "I'll have your nurse write up a script for any pain you may experience and gather your discharge papers right away."
"Thank you so much Doctor." Regina smiled. "Yes, thank you." Emma added, "...I don't know what I'd do without my partner in crime."
"Ppfftt.. pish posh!" Killian laughed.
"Alright then," The doctor replied, "Take care of yourself, Mr Jones, don't you be coming back here." With a quick wink of his eye and a grin, Dr Whale left the room.
"Alright Killian," Emma began. Her warm smile faded to a look of concern and worry, "Spill it. What happened?"
Putting down a cup he had sipped water from, Killian explained, "It's all a bit confusing really.. I had turned up to the law firm to ask Cora a few questions for the case, at the time we'd agreed upon." Pausing for a moment he continued, knitting his brow together, "...actually, I turned up a few minutes early-"
"Ha! Early?!" Regina laughed, cutting him off.
"What the hell is wrong with that?"
"Because Emma, my mother hates when people are early to appointments. You remember that, dont you?"
With a roll of her eyes, Emma beckoned Killian to continue.
"Well, after I arrived, Cora took me to her office to chat... things started fine. But, as I began to delve deeper into some details pertaining to the questions, Cora seemed to grow more and more frustrated and a bit angry. One thing led to another, and a full on argument ensued."
"Typical." Regina smirked, shifting her weight from one leg to the other as she stood beside Emma, "How'd you end up on the floor?"
"That's the interesting part," he explained, "I don't really know. Cora and I were facing eachother, and my back was to the door so I couldn't see anyone come in. Suddenly, I felt a quick, hard smack against the back of my head. The pain was intense.. so much so, I lost my balance and fell over. My eyes were closed and I remember holding my head in pain.. that's when I looked up and saw Cora's smiling face. She held a piece of pottery over her head with both hands she was bringing it down on my head. After that, it was lights out for me."
Emma watched Regina look away in disgust. "She has Henry." Emma said, "She has him... or she at least knows where he is. I'm sure of it."
Regina looked back at Emma, "As much as I don't want to believe it, I'm starting to think you're right about that."
After a quick moment of silence passed between them, the three of them were suddenly startled at the ringtone of Regina's cell.
"Hello?" Regina answered, "Robin? Yes what is it."
Killian and Emma watched Regina's face turn an expression of inquiry into horror as the conversation continued.
"What?!" Regina asked into the phone. A tinge of fright echoed in her voice, "Robin, listen to me. Do not approach my mother. She is extremely dangerous right now.. I'm not sure how far she's willing to go, but she did in fact put a detective in the hospital... Yes. Alright, meet me back at the house then.. tomorrow? Tomorrow is best. Ok, bye."
As Regina tucked her phone away, Emma eagerly asked, "What happened? What did Robin say?"
"Cora approached Robin in the street today. He said she.. was acting very strange."
"Strange..? How so?" Emma asked.
"I'm um.. I'm not quite sure." Regina replied seemingly confused, "He said she seemed as though she was on a mission of sorts.. that it was clear to him that my mother showed absolutely no concern about my feelings or about Henry really. He said that it seemed to him her main focus was.. making sure our marriage was back on track."
Regina could see that Emma was holding back a good amount of anger. It was evident in her face.
"Ok." Emma said, "So.. you mentioned something about.. tomorrow?"
"Oh, yes. We're going to meet up tomorrow to discuss some things."
"I see." Emma replied. "I take it you're gonna give it another shot then?"
"What??" Regina replied, "God no. I'm one hundred percent positive that Robin and I both agree that our marriage is over. We're going to meet up to discuss things pertaining to Henry's case and more details about his conversion with my mother."
Emma let out an involuntary sigh of relief that she hoped no one noticed.
"I can come with you if-"
"No. No that won't be nessecary." Regina replied softly. "I don't want things to be anymore tense than they already are. I'll be fine, thank you."
Emma offered a tight smile, "Alright then."

*****

The sun has set on a long, emotional day. After grabbing some take out from Roni's Bar and Grill, Emma and Regina found themselves tangled in the silky white sheets of Regina's bed.
Regina's calf muscles tensed, and her toes spread out against the cool sheets as she screamed out in ecstasy. Emma straddled her as her body moved against hers, causing sweat to bead at the center of her back. She could feel it slowly roll down her spine as she moved. As Regina's screams intensified, and her back arched, Emma knew it was only a matter of time before she came.
"Emma! Oh god, Emmmmaaa!" Regina wailed, "Harder, Emma.. fuck me. Fuck me harder!"
Emma stopped what she was doing, turning Regina over so that she was on her stomach now. "On your knees Regina."
"...wha.. what?"
"I said: On. Your. KNEES!"
Regina had a sly smile on her face now, she knew what Emma wanted.
Without hesitation, Regina propped herself on all fours. She felt the plush of the king sized mattress against her knees and the palms of her hands.
Seconds later, she felt the warmth of Emma's body against her backside, behind her. Growing wet with anticipation, Regina licked her lips. Emma spread Regina's thighs a little wider, then, taking her middle finger, she pressed it against Regina's clit. The moment she felt Emma's touch, she jumped slightly, her body wanting nothing more than for Emma to slip inside her.
"My, my Regina.. you're wetter than you were five minutes ago..."
"You have no idea how bad I want you right now Em."
"Oh, I think I do.."
Emma positioned the thick strap-on from behind so that the tip softly pressed between Regina's wet lips.
"Mmm.. oh god.." Regina moaned.
Taking both hands, Emma grabbed Regina hips, and pulled her hard against her body. Regina screamed out as the thick erect strap-on slid inside of her. Emma held onto Regina's hips tightly. Her fingernails dug into Regina's skin as Emma pumped her hips causing the toy to slide deep into her.
The backside of the dildo continuously rubbed and pressed against Emma's clit as she thrusted faster and faster. She could feel her heart racing, the pounding against her chest becoming more and more intense.
Taking her hand, Emma paused. With the strap-on pressed deep into Regina, Emma grabbed a fistful of her dark chestnut hair, it's waves twisted through her fingers. Pulling her head back slightly by her hair, Emma whispered into her ear "I need you to come for me, Regina. Can you do that?"
Regina gasped as Emma bit down hard against the soft skin of her neck.
"Fuck! Fuck Emma... fuck!"
Emma released her grasp on Regina now. Slowly, she pumped her hips into Regina. Using her fingers tips, Emma touched Regina's clit and wet lips, as they were splayed around the thick base of the dildo. Regina buckled down, grabbing the edge of the headboard and screamed out in pleasure as she came. Emma could feel her wet lips and clit pulsate against her fingertips. Just seconds later, Emma's breath caught deep in her throat as she felt herself cum as well.
"Oh god, Regina!! Ffffuuckkk..."
Emma felt herself release, her clit throbbed as fast as her heart pounded.
Regina's body began to relax now, as did Emma's. Slowly, Emma pulled out of her, allowing the pleasureful liquid to slowly escape, rolling down the inside of Regina's thighs.
Emma rolled over onto her back, exhausted from her workout. Smiling, she pulled Regina in, and the brunette rested her head on Emma's chest.
After a few moments of silence, Regina spoke, "I want you to know Emma, that no one makes me feel the way you do. Sexually, emotionally.. all of it."
"What about your husband? Surely he made you feel something.. you did marry him."
"Yes, of course.." Regina swallowed, "Robin always treated me well. He respected me. He loved me... Robin is a kind, good hearted man. Handsome, well off... but, it just wasn't enough."
"How so? He sounds perfect to me."
"Yes, and perhaps he IS the perfect man for the right woman but.." Regina paused, choosing her words carefully, "But.. have you ever had a job that seemed like a dream job? Great pay, benefits, perks, awesome schedule.. but you just weren't as happy as you knew you should be?"
Emma thought a moment, "yea.. just after college I managed a cafe. I was so excited about it... a few months in I just stopped showing up. I tried so hard.. but I Just couldn't do it anymore."
"Exactly." Regina explained. "Nothing ever compared to how I felt when we were together Emma. I tried to bury it, forget it.. but when I saw you at the bar that night.. everything came flooding back."
"Is that a bad thing?" Emma asked.
"No, of course not... to be honest Emma, I won't deny that this is all prett scary to me too. But.. I know it's the right choice. I know how you make me feel is the most amazing feeling I've ever experienced."
Emma smiled, "Good. I'm really glad to hear that... since we're on the subject of feelings, you should know that I feel the same way. Also.."
"...Also?" Regina asked.
Emma playfully kissed her head, "...also, it makes me absolutely crazy when you bring out your wild side Regina. Always has, always will."
Regina turned to her, "Well, I'm flattered Emma." Smiling, she continued, "You know.. it really does make me so happy that you feel that way. Robin..." She paused. Looking at Emma, Regina knew she had to continue, "Well, Robin... Robin didn't like it very much at all. In fact, it sortve bothered him. I was made to suppress it to a point."
"What?? Why?"
"I guess it just didn't do it for him... I think it was too much for him to handle."
"Too much to handle?? It's almost not enough for me! I can always handle more, you know..." Emma joked smiling.
"Be careful what you wish for, Swan.."
Emma playfully nuzzled into Regina's neck, practically consuming her scent, taking her to a place of euphoria.
"Honestly though, why would you suppress it??"
"Robin was good to me, Emma. And for that, I tried to do what I could to keep him happy."
Emma let out her breath through her mouth, the hair that hung in her face danced above her nose, "I guess I can see that."
Regina smiled, "Good. Besides, you don't have to worry about me suppressing anything.." She drew closer to the blonde, playfully tickling her as they laughed.
After a few minutes passed, the two women both reached the limits to their exhaustion levels. Through her yawn, Emma spoke, "Alright, I should get going. It's getting late."

"Oh no, Emma.. won't you stay this time?"
"I, uh.. I don't know Regina.. I only stayed last night because I passed out.. I don't think I-"
"Please, Em.. I, I need you."
Emma cringed inside. She always found it so much harder when Regina begged. She was doing so well keeping her emotions at bay, and not allowing herself to feel like she was falling in love or in a relationship certainly helped her stay under control. However, if she started falling into familiar steps with Regina... well, then she'd be setting herself up for heartbreak if things didn't pan out.
Sensing the desperation in her eyes, Emma smiled, "Alright, alright, just tonight.