As soon as she said it, the room became palpably tenser. It was almost as if the house itself was waiting, anxiously, utterly still in its apprehension.
For Regina's part, all she did in reply was to narrow her eyes ever so slightly. The drink in her hand vibrating in its glass as the hand the held it shook.
After a long beat of silence, the brunette spoke.
"And what makes you think that is any of your business, Miss Swan?" She asked it with a little more than a hint of venom; there was challenge in her voice.
"I just… I was just curious. I mean, I know how much you love Henry. And I've seen you with other children. You obviously like them. Why didn't you have your own?" Emma fidgeted nervously. She hadn't realized how sensitive Regina would be to the question.
The air was still tense, but Emma could see Regina's brain working rapidly. Concocting some response.
"I have every right to keep that to myself, Sheriff. I would appreciate it if you would stop inserting yourself into other people's private affairs." The brunette's legs, that had up until this point been crossed in a very pointed manner, came uncrossed and were planted very intentionally on the ground.
"Regina, it just doesn't make any sense. I mean, did you even try? Was there someone that…"
"Enough!" Emma wasn't sure whether or not Regina had intended to yell, but with one glance at the woman, she could see that she was quite shaken. "I said stop asking, Miss Swan. And I damn well meant it. You don't seem to understand what butt out means."
"I'm sorry." Her bright eyes drooped sadly. "I just care. That's all. You deserve more kids if you want them."
At this, Regina's drink nearly sloshed over the side of the glass as she hastily stood from her seat.
"Get out." Her words were seething, almost whispered.
"But we were-"
"Get. Out."
Emma finally, reluctantly, stood from her chair and walked to the door. She didn't expect the other woman to see her out, and she wasn't wrong in her expectation.
As soon as the brunette heard the door close, she collapsed back into her chair, her arms wrapped around her stomach almost protectively.
It's so easy to ask when you are biologically able to have children of your own.
She started to shake, her body consumed with her uncontrollable tears.
As Emma walked away from the house, she stole a glance back at the house. The curtains were drawn but she could still see Regina's sob-wracked body shaking in silhouette.
I'm sorry, Regina. I never wanted you to hurt.