Roni

Chapter Twenty Three

Emma's worn out tires slowly roll up in front of the neon sign that illuminates the name, Roni. Zelena laughs lightly to herself provoking the blonde to shoot her a questionable look.

"A bar? Are those arrows in honor of her beloved Robin Hood?" Zelena scoffs while shaking her head in disbelief.

"I believe so," Emma shrugs noncommittally while popping open her squeaky door.

The redhead follows Emma's lead as they step out of the tiny vehicle. They both stretch out their sore limbs from the long car ride and cramped space. Emma pushes her seat forward to grab her bag as well as Ella's.

"Get your bag," she motions to Zelena.

Bright blue eyes roll for dramatic purpose. "What, no bell hop service?" She stoically quips, pushing her seat forward as well and yanking her luggage out of the tiny car.

Emma hesitates just below the sign and glances up. A warm rush of tingles washes through her body from head to toe. She's beyond happy to be back and knowing that everything is now taken care of at home, she sighs in relief and heads inside with Zelena right on her heels.

As the traveling companions walk inside Regina is just stepping out from the back with a rack of glasses in her arms. Her head is down with her thick black curls covering her face like a shield to protect her from the outside world. Emma's heart skips a beat that very second, it feels like it's been an eternity since she's seen the brunette. She beams, waiting patiently for Regina to notice their presence.

"What the hell happened to you?" Zelena's sarcastic tone echoes through the empty bar since its just after one thirty in the morning and Regina is about to close up for the night.

"Zelena?" Regina questions in shock as she looks up from the clattering glasses.

The former queen gently places the rack onto the counter and slides it forward with her torso. Regina wipes her hands dry on the sides of her jeans and rushes toward her sister.

She engulfs the former witch into her arms and holds on tight, soaking up this moment of reunion. Emma never thought in a million years she'd ever see Regina appear so vulnerable when it comes to her sister.

"A bar owner, huh? You must've really pissed off the person who cast this curse," the mischievous blue-eyed woman taunts just for a simple rise out of her sister like she always does.

Regina pulls back from their hug and laughs lightly at the wicked grin peering down upon her.

"Tell me about it, it's barbaric. Don't even get me started on my wardrobe. It makes Emma's clothes look sensible," the brunette huffs while folding her arms defiantly across her chest.

"Hey," Emma lamely retorts to defend herself with a big pout.

Regina ignores her though and remains focused on her older sister, which only causes the blonde to pout even further, wondering if Regina's mad at her or just trying to keep up with their friend charade.

"What are you doing here?"

"I didn't want to be left out on all the action," Zelena informs her little sister.

"I thought it was because you missed your sister," Emma states with conviction, completely throwing the feisty woman under the bus. Zelena groans in return producing a conceited smirk to Regina's face.

"Come on sis, I'll show you upstairs to my apartment. You must be exhausted. Emma watch the bar," Regina coldly instructs over her shoulder before strolling away.

Emma salutes the former queen in a mocking way and rolls her eyes. Luckily, Regina's back is already turned and can't see Emma's immature actions.

Emma sighs heavily and begins stocking the glasses that Regina was carrying out earlier. After she finishes that job, she moves on to wiping down the tables and counter. Once she's completed that task, she locks the front door and begins closing out the drawer for the evening. She quickly finishes counting out the money, twice, preps the drawer for tomorrow and bags the rest of the extra cash for the bank. She makes her way around the bar, flicking off all the lights just as a very distinct sound of footsteps echo in the stairwell.