Look How Far We've Come

Four

*Flashback*

Emma had decided that what she needed was a night with her girlfriend and friends. Regina had always declined when Emma invited her to have drinks with her, Ruby and Mary Margaret. Regina claimed it wasn't her scene but Emma was determined to show off her girlfriend. Of course the others didn't know that Regina was Emma's girlfriend, but still.

"Emma, I really don't feel comfortable hanging out with Henry's teacher and the waitress from Granny's." Regina had said.

"But you're all important to me. I want them to like you and I want you to like them. Just one drink and then I promise if you're miserable we can go and I'll never ask you again." Emma pouts her lip and Regina knows she's lost this argument.

The Rabbit Hole was always busy on Friday nights. It seemed like every adult in Storybrooke felt the need to get mind blowingly drunk at the end of each work week. This was not where Regina wanted to be, but she couldn't disappoint Emma. She can feel the judging stares from Ruby and Mary Margaret the moment she and Emma enter the bar. So much for them liking her. Not that the mayor cared, but she didn't want Emma's hopes to get crushed.

"C'mon." Emma smiles pulling Regina to the table where her friends are sitting. Ruby and Mary Margaret stop talking the moment the two sit. Regina was sure she'd been the subject of whatever conversation they'd just ended. The waitress comes up and asks for their orders. Emma asks for a beer and instinctively orders Regina a glass of red wine.

"So, Emma, how are things with Graham?" Ruby asks. Regina tenses. Before Emma and her had gotten together they had gotten in a full blown fist fight over the man. It wasn't until he stepped down as sheriff that he and Regina stopped sleeping together and Regina realized it wasn't Emma she'd been jealous of. She'd been green with envy at the thought of Graham kissing her Emma. But then Emma admitted that she didn't like Graham. She too was more interested in the woman Graham had been romancing with.

"Oh, uh fine." Emma lies. "We're just friends. I realized he's not really my type."

"But he's so cute!" Mary Margaret exclaims. "And he's single now that..." She trails off suddenly remembering that Regina is there. Emma squeezes Regina's hand under the table.

"I...actually like someone else." Emma admits. "But we're-" Ruby cuts the blonde off.

"Who!?" Ruby asks in excitement. "Is August? Or Archie? He doesn't strike me as your type but I mean whatever floats your boat."

"They aren't ready to be open with a relationship." Emma answers. Regina feels extremly uncomfortable. It was only a matter of time before they figure it out.

"Oh Emma get out now!" Mary Margaret advises. "This person must be playing games with you. Not wanting people to know means they aren't serious."

"I think that's for Emma to decide." Regina pipes up. Ruby and Mary Margaret gape at her.

"You've been her friend for a whole five seconds and you think you get a say?" Ruby demands. Regina flares.

"Emma shouldn't have to hide her relationship. She's been through enough as it is. If you were really her friend you'd be saying the same thing." Mary Margaret adds.

"This was stupid. Emma, I'm leaving." Regina says grabbing her jacket and rising. "Are you coming or staying?"

"She's staying." Ruby states.