A/N- Takes place in season 2 ep. 10 Based on a prompt to have Emma give Regina another chance to start over.

She walks out of the diner, not even understanding why she came in the first place. Emma had invited her, possibly feeling like she owes her for saving their lives at the well, but she isn't really welcome to the party. She is halfway down the walk when she hears Emma speaking to her. She turns to interrupt whatever the blonde is saying.

Interrupting, she says, "Emma…I, thank you for inviting me, but it's best if I go now."

"You should stay…for cake."

She smiles a tentative and weak smile. "No, that's…thank you but no. I don't eat cake."

Emma offers a small smile and nods, turning to go back into the diner.

"Emma," she hears the brunette say. Her body twists again and her green eyes look into sorrowful and sad brown eyes, more expressive than she had ever seen them before.

"Regina."

"I miss Henry. Could I see him more? I…I want to be better, for Henry and I suppose for myself. Being alone all of the time though…it's hard and being inside of my mind constantly…it's dark and I need light." She hesitates. "Henry is my light."

Emma's resolve weakens and she knows what Regina is saying is true and far more honest than the other woman had even been with her.

"Ok."

"Ok?"

"Yes, but I think that in order for that to work…I think that we need to fix whatever this is between us. Henry isn't going to enjoy us being at each other's throats all the time. And I think you deserve the chance to redeem yourself…I couldn't have if I wasn't given one."

"Thank you."

"Yeah." Regina smiles and turns to leave, but Emma calls out for her one more time. "Wait…"

Swinging her body around, she stares expectantly at the young blonde. Raising one eyebrow, she tilts her head in a slow and quizzical nod.

"I'm Emma…Emma Swan. It's nice to meet you."

"What?"

"You're Regina…right? I mean…I've met Mayor Mills, but I haven't really met Regina, so…it's nice to meet you." Emma sticks her hand out, and looking at her with wonderment in her chocolate eyes, Regina does the same. Curious, whatever it was that Emma was doing, but it couldn't hurt anything.

"Nice to meet you, too."

"Great. So, would you like to have breakfast with Henry and me tomorrow morning? Here? At Granny's."

"Sure. I'll see you at 9?"

"Great. That's…great."