She woke up to her anxiety levels on high. There was a tightness in her chest that slowly slid down into the pit of her stomach like dripping honey. With one hand she gripped the sheets while the other clutched her abdomen. One, two, three breathe, she thought to herself. One, two, three breathe. Each breath was shaky, which made it easier for the tears to pool. It's not real, you're in your bed, and you're safe. Nothing bad is going to happen. It was only a figment of your imagination. A memory manipulated. She did her best to appease her troubled mind. It was racing with what if's and the pain of the past.

In her therapy sessions, Archie reminded her that she wasn't always going to be able to control the anxiety and the panic. She was seeing him twice a week to help with her anxiety and occasional panic attacks. She thought she had had a hold on them, but they found a way to slip from her grip. Being able to suppress the anxious feelings was progress, but she wasn't going to be able to do it every time. He told her, sometimes you have to lose a battle to win the war. She had actually been to war before, and appreciated the association. Sometimes she was just going to have to let it take over and ride it out. Therapy wasn't a for sure fix. It was all mental.

They had discussed her nightmares on multiple occasions. The majority were memories, or ghosts from her past entering her present life. What frustrated her the most was that these events, that happened more than thirty years ago, still had a hold over her. It was like the devil had a tight grip on her leg, and was constantly pulling her to the brink of darkness. It was like the universe wanted her to stay submersed in her past oppression.

Tonight was going to be one of the battles she had to lose. Choking on the sob that was being held in her throat caused all of her strength to become undone. Her grip on both the sheets and her stomach tightened. The tears that generously flowed down the sides of her face slid down to the rims of her ears. The tightness that was in her chest was now fully in the pit of her stomach. It tingled and burned in an almost nauseating way. She was aware that her crying was no longer silent, and the ivory hand that slid up her arm confirmed her volume. She hadn't meant to wake her up, hated to burden her with her attacks, but it was always comforting when she was there. She never asked what had her upset. She knew. They didn't have to talk about it, there was no need. The only thing that was important was calming her down.

Maleficent gently scooped Regina into her strong, warm arms. Regina never resisted. Her head rested on Maleficent's ample chest, and her hands always either found their way to the fabric of her top, or to one of her arms. She held on for dear life waiting to once again feel grounded.

Zeroing in on the feeling of long fingers running through her hair, and the even tone of being hushed, helped bring the panic down another level. She knew she was safe and in control, she now just had to convince her sub-conscience of that.

One, two, three breathe.

…

The morning after a tear-full night was always silent. Regina was usually the first one up anyway due to work, but she cherished this alone time. She wasn't ready to face her lover, even though there would be no confrontation. Regina required her mayoral mask before facing her demons. She had her morning routine which began with a shower. Depending on her mood the water would either be steaming, or ice cold. Today required a bit of steam to relax her muscles, and to wash away the tears that still stained her cheeks. She only had an hour to get ready, so there was no time to linger under the water that felt oh-so good.

Once she was wrapped in a fluffy, white towel, her feet would venture forward having to face the cold tiles. Rubbing away the steam on a section of the mirror, she grabbed a comb and ran it through her hair. Once the tangles were gone, she used her magic to dry and style it. Her magic was easy, and saved so much time. Every night Regina picked out her outfit to not wake Mal by rummaging in the closet. It hung on the back of the bathroom door awaiting her touch. A cream blouse that fit in the chest and flowed down the sleeves. Black dress pants, heels, and a mat red lipstick to top it all off. She only ever used her magic to do her makeup if she was in an absolute hurry. Regina enjoyed sitting at her vanity, or bathroom counter with her makeup on display before her. Makeup was an art whether it was simple or lavish. Her mayoral look was somewhere in-between. Most definitely no where near her Evil Queen drag.

When she was finished she headed downstairs to grab her coat, keys, and purse. Her lunch was already packed, and she'd quickly swing by Granny's for coffee and a pastry. One of the only sweet things she allowed herself to eat. Once she was at the office and behind her desk, any and all personal feelings were cut off. This was a professional setting where focus was pertinent. Regina pulled an orange prescription bottle from her purse. She popped one pill in her mouth, and downed it with coffee. It was her anxiety medication. Once in the morning, and once at night before bed. It was suppose to help suppress her anxiety through out the day, and while she slept.

Her anxiety was made up an assortment of personal struggles. Her mother and marriage to the king was a pain she'd dealt with for a long time, but the memories still stung. There was also her need for control, and her fear that those around her were faking their feelings towards her. It was a mix of OCD and paranoia. Her nightmares had lessened thankfully, but a few still managed to manifest. All she needed was for this work day to go smoothly.

…

6:00 pm

Dark clouds began to roll in over the bay. Once the sun was no longer able to shine through, the temperature dropped a few degrees. It wasn't much, but it still managed to send chills down her spine. Regina sat on one of the benches by the docks, silently staring out at the choppy water. A storm was positioning itself over the town, and Regina patiently waited for the first clap of thunder. She anticipated the echoed rumble that would be captured in her chest. She felt intense tranquility when the rolls of thunder synced with the beat of her heart. It was in these moments she felt one with her surroundings. She imagined that was what inner peace felt like. If she could take that in a pill she'd be set for life.

To her a storm was like a beautiful seductress. The calm before the storm was so peaceful, yet deceiving. The temperatures leveled out, the air smelled sweet, and the sky was a mixture of beautiful colors. It lured people outside to stare in wonder at the enchanting darkness. A storm was the only darkness people admired and called beautiful. They knew the danger and destruction that could potentially follow, but they didn't care as long as they got a glimpse of what she was liked before it all went to hell. She'd tease them with lightning to grab hold of their attention for just a bit longer, but to also warn them. She was a force to be reckon with, and once the rain started you'd better be indoors.

Regina felt that she had once that seductive storm. Her beauty and charm would blind the foolish before striking their hearts. Sometimes when she'd come and sit before the beginning of a storm her heart would long for home. Home being the Enchanted Forest. Oh how she remembered the storms that passed through their land. She looked even father back to when her father would take her out on the balcony of her childhood home. They'd sit and watch the rain come closer and closer.

Feeling herself slip into her past, she immediately snapped back. She couldn't risk getting homesick right now. There was too much going on for her to handle that.

The first streak of lighting struck the ocean's horizon. Once it faded, in its all too fleeting second, Regina counted aloud in a whisper. One, two, three… breathe. She inhaled the sweetened air and smiled at hearing thunder. The storm was about three miles out. It was close, but just far enough away to allow her safe passage home.

The rain began almost as soon as she got into her car. It started off with a few drops, but very quickly started pouring. When she pulled into the neighborhood she realized she hadn't planned dinner, but tried not to worry. It was something she could easily figure out once in the kitchen. She unfortunately didn't have an umbrella in her car, so she ran from the driveway to the front door as fast as she could.

Once inside she felt a warm sensation of relaxation. Home was a safe place for her. She was about to remove her rain soaked coat when she heard arguing coming from the other room. Climbing the four stairs that lead to the foyer, she peered into the living room and saw Henry on the couch. He was still dressed in his soccer uniform, and his head was thrown back with a look of irritation on his face. Mal and Lily were in the kitchen arguing… again. The sweet sense of relaxation went straight out the door. Her day had actually gone well… until now. She honestly didn't have the patience to break up another one of their fights.

Sighing deeply, she snapped her fingers to get Henry's attention. His head shot up in an instant, and was about to speak when he saw her with a finger over her lips. She waved him over and lead him into her study. "Hey," he whispered.

"Hello sweetheart," she greeted with a soft smile. "Have you eaten?"

"No. We were waiting for you to get home, and then they got into it."

She nodded. "Want to go to Granny's?" She asked raising both her eye brows and shoulders. He smiled and nodded. "Ok. I don't want to drive in the rain so hold on." She pulled him forward into a gentle hug, and used her magic to transport them. They appeared in the back hallway to not scare any customers. Henry chose one of the back booths for what little privacy it offered. Regina took off her coat and folded it on the empty half of her seat. Neither of them needed to look at the menu. They were here so often Regina was sure Henry could recite it word for word.

While they waited for their food Henry told her about his day, and that soccer practice should have just been canceled. He was excited to share with her that he would be playing goalie in their next game. Being the goalie was a position he had been fighting for since the beginning. He hadn't been very good at the sport, but with Regina's support and hours of practice he'd finally made it. She was proud of him, and couldn't wait to see him in action.

"Did Lily have any trouble picking you up?"

"Nope, apparently she played when she was a kid, and said she'd help me practice before the game."

"Oh wonderful, I had no idea."

"Yeah, I don't know why she hadn't said anything before. I was going to ask, but I could tell she wasn't in the greatest mood."

Regina was about to respond, but she was cut off by the waitress placing their plates down. "So," she started as she picked up her napkin and placed it in her lap. "What were they arguing about this time?"

"Same old same old," he shrugged. "Mal was home waiting for us, well waiting for Lily. Evidently Lily walked out on their lesson earlier this morning. She was frustrated because she couldn't do whatever it was they were doing, and Mal was frustrated because she wasn't trying hard enough." Henry just shook his head as he ate his fries.

"I'm sorry," Regina apologized.

"It's not your fault." He knew she felt guilty, as if she was responsible somehow. She had been a wreck when Maleficent moved in with them. She was constantly making sure he was ok with it. Lily didn't live with them, but she was over all the time. Regina always made sure she gave both her children equal attention, fearing the other would feel unappreciated. He finally sat her down one night to tell her to stop worrying. He was glad she had finally found her happy ending. Yeah it was a little crazy at times, but what would their lives be without a little drama? He assured her that if he ever had a problem with something he'd tell her. Both Maleficent and Lily were really cool, and always nice to him. "I totally understand how Lily feels though."

"You do?"

He nodded taking a sip of water. "Even though she's been here for over a year it's still awkward. Like how it took Ma a long time to really see Gram and Gramps as her parents. She always liked them, but it was weird, especially with the age thing. It's also kind of like when the curse broke and I found out that you really were the Evil Queen. Took me a while to readjust." He didn't mean to bring up that painful memory for his mom. He just thought it might help her understand what he was trying to say. "You know what I mean?"

"Yes, I understand. She's only had her parents in her life for one year. It's still a lot to take in, and I know Mal has been getting tougher. When it comes to magic, and teaching it, she is very serious. I should know," she smiled.

"Maybe you could join them occasionally to keep the peace."

"Well I wouldn't be very helpful when it came to her dragon lessons, but you're right. Mal's been teaching her about both the dragon and her other magic. I suppose I could take over her magic lessons. That is if your mother hasn't already convinced her otherwise," she somewhat joked. Her and Emma's magic lessons had significantly lessened in the past year. Emma did still come to her with questions and needed demonstrations, but very rarely. She was no where near done being mentored, but Regina didn't need the stress of dealing with Emma Swan's magic. "She was very fortunate to have me as a teacher," she pointed out.

"I know," he smiled. "Do you think she could handle Gold teaching her?" He wasn't making fun of Emma. It was just a known fact that she needed a more patient and kind instructor.

Regina nearly choked on her drink at his question. "Absolutely not…well… Maybe Gold now. He's better then he used to be, but she wouldn't last a day with Rumplestiltskin. He was cruel, and allowed no room for error."

"Is that why you asked Maleficent to be your mentor instead?"

"Oh she didn't replace him. He was there till the end. She was my mentor on the side, and I tried to keep her teachings a secret from him. She mainly helped me refine the powers I already had. She was strict, but she was ok with me messing up from time to time. She had patience, and was never hateful if I couldn't master a spell as quickly as intended."

"That's because she liked you," he teased.

Regina couldn't believe what her son was concluding, but couldn't keep herself from blushing. "Yes… that's true, but she is just overall a better person than him." Henry couldn't hide his smirk. He sometimes liked to catch her off guard like that. Regina had loosened up tremendously over the years; however, she still didn't talk about her relationships, or show that many public displays of affection. Of course he had seen them holding hands, and kissing before. He'd even, on multiple occasions, seen them curled up on the couch together, but that was it. It was different at home compared to being out in public. If the whole family was together, or just at Granny's, they barely touched. He didn't see anything wrong with it. They were very private people, and respected them for it. Henry just knew that under Regina and Mal's hard, and sometimes emotionless exteriors, were soft hearts full of love. Love they saved for only each other's eyes and ears.

When he established operation mongoose, he hadn't had any particular people in mind to set her up with. Of course, he read through the story book over and over to see if he could find 'the one that got away', but had no luck. Two months later Maleficent was resurrected. It wasn't until she asked both his moms for help in finding her daughter that he knew something was up. They way they looked at each other spoke louder than words. He hadn't been the only one to notice the potential history either. Regina and Maleficent's backstory wasn't even in the storybook. He didn't know why, but wished it was. He wanted to know so much more than what they had told him.

"Do you think they'll be upset we ate without them?" he asked not wanting another argument.

"Oh well if they are. Maybe it will help teach them to not fight in the house, or at all for that matter."

"Yeah we'll see about that."

…

Regina transported them back to the mansion once they had finished their meals. They appeared in the foyer right in front of the stairs, and Regina sent Henry up to finish his homework. Mal was sitting in the living room by the fire patiently waiting for them to return from wherever they had disappeared to. She stood the instant she saw them appear. She waited for Henry to leave before speaking. Unfortunately before she could get one word out Regina gave her a disappointed look, and too went upstairs. "Regina," she called after. She followed Regina to their bedroom hoping this too wouldn't turn into a fight. Maleficent was fully aware of what Regina was mad about. Once she noticed Henry was gone, and her car was in the drive way, Mal understood that they had left. Regina was getting just as tired of hearing her and Lily fighting as much she was having them.

When Mal entered, Regina was already sitting at her vanity taking off her jewelry. "Regina I'm sorry," she said slowly approaching from behind.

"Maybe on a different day I would have had a more tolerant attitude, but that's just not what I wanted to come home to tonight," she sighed turning around. Maleficent looked at her apologetically. "The two of you need to figure something out," she stressed. "Because both Henry and I are tired of being around it."

"I know, and I'm sorry. She left in the middle of our lesson because she got frustrated, again. That kind of behavior is not acceptable if she is to learn."

"I am very aware of that, but she's not the only one who needs to change their ways."

Mal was taken aback by what Regina was insinuating. She blinked a few times trying to process. "Are you saying that this is my fault?"

"No," she assured her before she got defensive. "I'm just saying you're teaching methods are a bit demanding." Mal was about to come back when she continued. "There's nothing wrong with that, but I think you need to take it down a few notches for her. She's still very new to this."

"So were you when I started teaching you," she argued.

"Yes, but I had already been with Rumple for four years. I had a little bit of a background, and I was used to a firmer hand. Your lessons were tough, but no where near what he put me through. I was also much more driven than she is. I felt that my life depended on learning magic."

"You may have thought that, but Lily's actually does," she strained trying to get her point across. "I don't care about the magic much as I do the dragon. It is crucial she learns the control it."

"Mal I understand that, and I think Lily does too; but it has only been a year. How long did it take you to master your powers?" she inquired hoping Mal would see her point.

"Decades," she signed running her fingers through her hair. "You're right. I'll try to tone it down a little bit."

"Good," she said reaching out. She grabbed hold of Mal's hand, and gave it a little squeeze. "Time, just give her more time. She'll get there eventually." She turned back around, and unclasped her necklace.

"Do you think you could speak with her as well?" Mal asked somewhat hesitantly.

Regina looked at her through the mirror with one eyebrow raised. Both her girlfriend and daughter were being childish, but with one look in those big, blue eyes she was swayed. "Yes I'll talk to her," she agreed shaking her head.

It was only seven, but she was ready to retire for the night. She was mentally exhausted, and it was only Tuesday. She still had three more work days to get through. Regina could never predict what she was going to dream about, but having a rough night more than once a week almost never happened anymore. She decided to get into bed early, and read until she fell asleep.

Mal stretched out onto the bed as well. She laid out on top of the covers, and propped her elbow up so she could rest her head. Her day too had been long, so sitting here in silence was relaxing. Her gaze locked onto Regina. She was only reading, but she loved to just watch. She wore reading glasses that slipped halfway down her nose. Her lips slightly wavered as she silently read aloud to herself, and her right index finger was always slipped under the next page ready to turn. She could stay like this for hours. Once Regina fell asleep she'd gently remove her glasses, and place them as well as the book on her side table.

In their earlier years Regina had been a bit weary feeling Mal stare at her for hours on end. It was mostly because she didn't understand, but Mal never explained for her to have figured it out. She initially matched it with a predator watching its prey. Not that Mal every saw her in a predatory since, but in a possessive way. The little queen was the dragon's. Mal also just enjoys looking at her. Constantly letting her eyes roam, so they could memorize every curve and color. Once Regina understood she never found the sensation of Mal watching her creepy, instead she found comfort in it. Just knowing that the dragon always had her eyes on her made her feel safe. If she were ever in danger, or distress, Maleficent would come to her rescue.

…

Dragons were usually heavy sleepers, and Maleficent could say she once was. Back in the Enchanted Forest there could be a battle taking place on her door step, and she not move a muscle. Unfortunately, she was no longer able to enjoy a deep sleep. She was never truly tired, and the sound of a pen dropping on the kitchen floor would wake her. Being trapped as a dragon for thirty years had taken a tole on her. All she ever did was sleep. She figured the curse would break faster if she wasn't pacing around the cavern all day. Maleficent had slept for thirty years, so now sleeping was quite unappealing. She mainly did it for Regina's sake. To lie in bed with her at night, and to keep her from worrying that she wasn't resting. The only days she was the slightest bit tired were on days were she and Lily had dragon lessons. Lily was very skilled in wearing her out.

Maleficent's ear quickly brought her out of her mindless rest. She heard the even tones of Regina's breathing become short, and labored. Reason number three she attempted sleep. Regina had been plagued with nightmares since the day she had met the young queen. They had gotten increasingly better since then, but were still here. Mal was an expert in knowing how to handle these type of situations. Regina was always embarrassed for showing this kind of weakness, so she never made her talk about it. She just assured her that she was safe, and waited for her to fall back asleep.

Mal waited to see if the fear would pass. After last night she hoped it would. It wasn't that Regina's outbursts annoyed her, they only caused her pain too. She hated the fact that Regina still had to deal with this pain. Thankfully Regina's breathing shifted form short and fast back to normal. She knew all the signs by heart. The only times she ever moved into action was if she knew Regina had woken, and was attempting to cry herself back to sleep; and if the Regina became trapped in her mind, which eventually caused her to become quite audible. She would pull the smaller woman into her arms, and do the only thing she could do. Hold her tight, and whisper words of reassurance in her ear.