The next few weeks, Emma avoided Regina as much as possible. There were so many things that had to be sorted out what with the adoption. The town had found it logical that Regina would assume responsibility for Roland. It wasn't right to leave him with the merry men, especially now that they were planning their next move to get back to the forest. After the current events in the town, everyone was feeling homesick and longed for their simpler lives. Snow had resumed mayorial duties whilst Regina was in mourning. Nobody expected the Mayor to have to deal with any mundane tasks right now. She really had won the hearts of the town and all it took was her losing her soul mate.

Emma was at the sheriff's office. She had gone straight back to work at the protest of Snow and David but she needed to take her mind off the recent traumas. Leroy had been perving on the fairies and Blue had asked for a restraining order. Emma had to laugh at the absurdity of it and was relieved for the distraction, even if it meant more paperwork. She'd lost quite a bit of weight in those weeks. Somehow a bear claw didn't have the same appeal. She had eaten a few meals with her parents but her appetite was non existent.
David and Snow were worried that she wasn't dealing with her emotions. They wanted her to cry, for them to comfort her. She was pretending like nothing had happened from what they could see. They didn't know she had already cried and hyperventilated in Regina's arms on the night of the funeral.

Roland didn't truly understand what was going on. His idea of death was that of hope, after all, his mother had come back hadn't she? He didn't really understand who Zelena was or why she kept referring to the baby girl as his sister, Robin. He loved Regina though and she made him feel like a Prince. One day his Daddy would come back and see how big and strong he was getting. Roland looked up to Henry too. He was always writing in his book and telling stories to him about the enchanted forest and the castles and horses. Roland had never been inside a castle and he still wasn't quite used to sleeping in a bed in a warm room without the sound of owls and crickets screeching in the night. It was comfortable though. Even if he didn't understand why he had to take a bath every single day.

Regina doted on the young boy. It had been so long since Henry was small and needy, she had missed having a child. Of course, she loved Henry dearly but he was almost a man now and didn't require her to tuck him in or read him bedtime stories. She smiled to herself nochalantly remembering the last few days. Henry really had taken to Roland and she was so glad of that. It warmed her heart knowing that he would grow up with a male role model who loved him. Henry had turned into a fine young man even without a father figure in his life and was reading stories to his brother and answering all his questions about this strange, new world he was inhabiting.

The adoption was still being finalised but there was no question from anyone as to whether or not she should be his guardian. There was a town meeting and a vote on how to proceed. It had been unanimous that Regina would take Roland. The issue was one of paperwork. Obviously the child was from a magical kingdom and had no birth certificate. Regina wanted to do things properly so that in the future, should they ever need to leave Storybook, there would be no questions asked.

Zelena had moved in with Regina temporarily so the mansion was abuzz with babies gurgles. She had never felt such a sense of belonging and loved that her home was full of children and love. That would be enough for her from now on. She didn't need a man to make her happy. Her and Zelena would be just fine given time to heal. Regina's thoughts turned to Emma. She hadn't been to see Henry for almost three weeks. She understood that Emma needed time and that she was also respecting her by giving her new family room to settle in. They hadn't spoken of it, but Regina knew the saviour well enough. She was about to call her but thought it better to make a face to face visit. She needed a walk anyway.

"Zelena, would you mind watching Roland for an hour or so?" She asked.

"Not at all Regina. I think he's playing video games with Henry anyway and quite occupied. Where are you going?" Zelena asked bouncing baby Robin on her lap.

"I think I'd like to take a walk and check up on the sheriff. She hasn't made arrangements with Henry for the weekend and he is missing her."

Zelena nodded and smiled as Regina made her way out of the house. She couldn't believe that her sister had changed into such a caring person. If the evil queen could change, maybe she could too.

Emma didn't hear anyone coming into the station. She was giggling at the report in front of her. How the hell had Leroy managed to hide in the convent's communal showers for 2 days and not be discovered? He was finally found when Blue had dumped her dirty towel in the basket and noticed two holes in the side of the container. Peep holes actually. She had screamed and Leroy jumped out the basket with a carnal look of desire on his face, wearing nothing but his y-pants.

"Glad to see you smiling again Miss Swan." Regina smirked seductively. Emma jumped out of her chair slightly flustered. It had been such a long time since Regina had been in the sheriff's station and even longer since she had called her Miss Swan. It was familiar territory and warming. Emma was flustered because she might have, at some point, had a dirty dream where Regina had uttered those same exact words however, the context was much different.

"I err..." She stammered with a blush creeping over her cheeks. "As much as I'd like to tell you about it, I don't think that would be all too professional Madam Mayor."

Regina arched her eyebrow at the use of her official title. She sauntered over to the desk and glanced down at the report hautily saying, "Well, as you just observed, I am the Mayor and nothing gets by me in this... eww!" Regina made a disgusted face and snatched the report up to inspect it more thoroughly.

Emma giggled harder as she watched Regina's eyebrows rise higher into her hairline and the grimaces and gagging experssions on her face. Even when she was disgusted at something, she really was stunning. Regina put down the paper and closed her eyes dramatically as if trying to erase the images from her mind.

"Well, Miss Swan. I had intended to take you for lunch at Granny's so we could talk but after reading that, I very much doubt I could stomach it." Regina deadpanned the last line in her true fashion but Emma could see the slight curl at the corner of her lips which she was trying to supress.

"Yeah, I could actually eat. I kinda hadn't thought about it but now you mention it, I'm pretty hungry." It wasn't a lie. Her stomach had rumbled so loudly at the mere thought of food that she was sure half of Storybrook had heard it. She followed Regina outside and went to get in the bug.

"Perhaps we could walk, Miss Swan. I'd really prefer not to risk my life again before the weekend." Regina gave her a half cocked smile and winked. Emma had never seen Regina wink, ever. Her stomach flipped over a thousand times and did backward somersaults. Damn it! If she wasn't so hungry she might have mistaken that for something else.

The two women sat at the booth at the far end of the cafe. Everybody gave them a wide berth but smiled politely. Granny came over to take their order beaming visibly at Regina. There was an unspoken admiration for the strength of this woman, a truce had definitely been reached and any hatred she had felt prior to all of this had completely vanished.
"What can I get you ladies today?"

Regina ordered a plate of fries and two large coffees. Emma raised a questioning eyebrow and said before she could think "Comfort eating are we Madam Mayor?"

Regina just stared blankly at the sheriff but directed her order to Granny,
"and a bear claw and grilled cheese for the sheriff."

Emma was kicking herself inside. How could she be so insensitive. Of course the woman should be comfort eating after the tragedy she suffered. Granny returned a few minutes later with the food and scuttered away quickly as the two women were obviously in the middle of some awkwardness. Regina pushed the fries towards Emma and dryly stated,
"As I said, after reading that report, I've lost my appetite. You, on the other hand, need to eat and although I don't usually condone refined carbs and junk food, on this occasion I'll happily overlook it if it means I get to see you eat something."

Emma was truly shocked at Regina's concern for her and despite the obvious snarkiness, there was real worry in her eyes. Emma tucked into the grilled cheese in front of her but struggled to take more than a few bites. It pained Regina to see this woman so hurt and broken, unable to live up to her reputation as a gannet. Before thinking about what she was doing, Regina grabbed a handful of fries and stuffed them into her mouth, allowing the salt and grease to dribble down her chin. "Is there a problem, Miss Swan?" She giggled with her mouth full, suddenly not caring about etiquette or refined carbs.

Emma laughed long and hard grabbing her phone off the table and quickly snapped a photo of the mayor in such an out of character display.
"This is evidence!" She giggled to which Regina feigned shock.

"If that picture is ever released to the public, I will destroy you!"

Emma felt lighter than she had done in quite some time and began tucking into the fries. Regina was pleased with herself. She had used a similar manipulative tactic on Henry when he was a little boy and was refusing to eat. She saw the similarities in both him and Emma and her chance had paid off. Neither him nor his birth mother could stand being beaten to the punch over food. If they thought someone else was going to steal it, their natural defensive reaction was to shovel it in their mouthes.

After finishing the plate of fries together, Regina snatching a couple every now and then just to keep Emma motivated, they both relaxed into the back of the booth and rubbed their bellies. Emma feeling satisfied for the first time in ages and Regina feeling bloated and uncomfortable already regretting her decision.

"Thanks." Emma said shyly.

Regina arched an eyebrow and rolled her eyes.
"So do you think that you could find it in yourself to take our son for the weekend?"

Emma nodded. She'd been waiting for Regina to make the first move not wanting to get under her toes and make demands on her at such a delicate time.
"I'd be happy to Regina, any time it's good for you."

Henry bounced

over to his Ma and gave her a bone bruising hug.

"Missed you too, kiddo." Emma whined awkwardly. She really had missed him and had been desperate to hug him ever since Hook's death. She wanted to take him and never let him go but felt guilty about Robin's death and knew Regina needed him more than she did at that time. Henry broke the hug and looked deep into her eyes.
"It's gonna be ok Ma. I'm here for you anytime you need me." He said with such confidence and love. How had her son gotten so responsible and wise? He was still only 13 yet he acted like a man.

"I'm a trooper, kid. It's your Mom I'm worried about. How's she doing? How are things at home?"

Henry sighed. He shouldn't have expected her to open up to him. She was a survivor and had been through worse than this. When his dad had died, his Ma hadn't ever really opened her heart again. Dad was her true love and Hook had just been a distraction. Of course he felt terrible for his Ma. Everyone she ever got close to ended up dead or a turning into a creature.

"She's holding it together. She's got Zelena, baby Robin, Roland and me keeping her occupied. She actually seems happy, you know."

This information surprised Emma. She had been imagining Regina crying herself to sleep each night clutching the crumpled page of her and Robin Hood in their alternative happy ending picture from the story book. Henry was suprised at both his parents' behaviour. He'd expected Regina to be even more needy and clingy with him and for Emma to freeze up entirely and run away. Neither had happened. Well at least not the running away part. Maybe the two of them had just experienced too much tragedy over the last few years to even let this last episode phase them.

They spent the weekend watching cartoons, playing video games and eating junk food just like old times and he noticed his Ma gaining back some of the colour in her cheeks and her sweat pants weren't as baggy as they had been on Friday night. Sunday afternoon they had dinner with his Grandparents and his baby Uncle. Still weird. Snow and David couldn't help but smile at the transformation of their daughter thanks to their Grandson. He really was a great healer to her.

Emma and Henry piled out of the bug in front of Regina's mansion. Emma walked him to the door with the intention of thanking Regina for letting her spend some well needed time with their son. As soon as Henry turned the key in the door, Regina was in the hallway ready to receive him.

"There's my boy! How was your weekend?" She asked hugging her son but looking straight at Emma.

"Awesome Mom. How was yours?" Henry asked.
"Just fine, Henry. Emma, I've just made pie if you'd like to join us?"
Regina asked expectantly. She noted the return to her normal filling out of her skinny jeans and felt a surge of relief that her son had managed to lighten Emma's mood and pull her a little further back to the present.
"Yeah, that'd be nice Regina, thanks." Emma wasn't expecting the invitation and she felt such admiration at this marvellous and kind woman that she nearly cried again.

Regina, Henry, Roland, Emma and Zelena sat around the kitchen island laughing and chatting about how Henry had kicked Emma's ass repeatedly in some zombie apocalypse game. Zelena really didn't understand much but was happy to be a part of something that resembled a family. Something she'd never had. Regina smiled fondly at Emma and Roland showed her a picture he had drawn of Henry and him playing computer games. Henry didn't really want to leave but he could tell that Roland had missed him, so he offered to take him to bed and read him his bedtime story. Baby Robin began crying and Zelena excused herself to feed her leaving Emma and Regina alone in the kitchen.

Emma grabbed up the plates and began washing up without being asked. Emma hated doing dishes any other time but for some reason, maybe still from the guilt, she wanted to start operation clean up.

"I had no idea you were so domesticated Miss Swan." Regina snarked and picked up the tea towel to dry the dishes as Emma washed.

"I'm really not so if I break anything in the process, consider this my sincere apology."
There were underlying depths to that statement and Regina felt her heart break slightly at the implied guilt Emma was still feeling.
"Well now the kids have gone to bed what say you to shots? I don't know about you but I could use a drink or two."

Regina wanted Emma to stay for some reason. They'd both been through the mill and as much as Henry had lifted her spirits, she knew Emma needed some adult company that wouldn't fuss over her and pressure her in to talking about her feelings like, she imagined, the Charmings were doing.

Emma blinked in surprise and accepted the offer. She really hadn't expected the night to take this turn at all. After the last dish was safely placed back in the cupboard unbroken, the two women made their way to Regina's study. There was a large couch at one end next to an open fire. Emma slumped down on it. Regina turned on the radio to some classical music and opened a hidden cupboard taking out a bottle of tequila and two shot glasses.

"Wow Gina, I didn't peg you for a tequila girl." Emma snorted.

"Oh please, I had a lot of time to learn about all the different delights of this world." She shoved a CD into the player and smiled quirkily as the lyrics filled the room.

Tequila. It makes me happy. Oh tequila..

Emma laughed so hard as Regina sauntered over with the bottle and glasses clutched between her fingers. Was Regina dancing? And to a pop song no less! This really was too much for Emma. They clinked their glasses and downed the shots. Regina wasted no time in refilling both glasses and before long, they were both up dancing around like teenagers to the 90s CD.

"Miss Swan I would definately be posh spice, no question!" Regina had kicked off her heels at some point and her dishevelled impression of Victoria Beckham was hilarious.

"Who am I?" Emma asked through fits of giggles.

"You my dear, hmm definately sporty spice but with baby's cuteness."

Hold up. Did Regina just admit that she thought Emma was cute? They were both a bit tipsy but sober enough to appreciate the playful banter.
Regina collapsed on the sofa and patted the seat next to her. Emma sat down still replaying the words over in her mind wondering why it had stirred up her insides. Regina was so happy and carefree. She hadn't just let her guard down and acted like a teenager ever in her life. Emma brought out a playful streak she didn't even know she had.

"I'm glad you're here Emma. This has been fun and It's such a relief to see you smiling again."

Emma turned serious for a moment and asked hesitantly, "Are you really ok Regina? Do you really think we can be friends after everything?"

Regina turned her whole body and hitched her legs up under her taking their glasses and refilling them. "Emma, I don't know how to explain this, I..." She downed her shot and nodded for Emma to do the same. "Robin sacrificed himself for me. He threw himself in front of that crystal without batting an eyelid. He died so that I could live and live I shall. I owe him that."

Emma realised there and then that Regina had truly dealt with the trauma. She had accepted fate and was choosing to move forward and make a better life for herself.

Regina continued. "And you know who else has countlessly thrown themselves in harm's way to save me without any regard for their own safety? You my dear, so yes, I do believe we can be and are friends."

Emma's head spun. She'd never thought about it like that. She had indeed risked her life on many occasions to spare Regina's, and Regina had done the same for her. They had bonded gradually over the years going from sworn enemies, to rescue partners to friends. They sought each other out for comfort when their son was in danger or missing. They shared a son. They were family if she thought about it.

"Thanks for the shots Regina. Maybe we should do this on a regular basis. I'm going to make a move."

Emma stood up to leave, patting her jeans to find her car keys. Regina clicked her fingers and Emma's keys poofed into her hand.

"There is no way you are driving home in that metal coffin on wheels after half a bottle of tequila. You can take one of the guest rooms tonight. I'm sure we can magic up some pj's for you."

Regina laughed sweetly. Emma felt an urge to run into her arms and nuzzle her neck but she didn't. Where the hell did that come from?

The women had a few more shots and Regina taught Emma how to envisage the items of clothing she wanted to poof over. It was funny trying to practice magic drunk. Regina had years of experience and even in her inebriated state she was able to magic herself into her negligee and dressing gown. Emma gulped at the sight of a very sexy Regina in her night clothes. She closed her eyes and tried to do what the older woman had taught her. She envisoned her sweatpant shorts and t shirt that she sometimes slept in but mostly she slept naked. White smoke surrounded her and she opened her eyes to find Regina laughing hysterically with tears streaming down her face.

"Oh Emma, as beautiful as your body is dear, you can't walk around my home naked. I doubt Henry would ever recover."

Emma was horrified as she looked down over her body. She had poofed herself naked and was sat on Reginas couch shivering.

"Don't just sit there laughing. Help me you evil queen!"

Regina let Emma sit there naked a few minutes longer, laughing but observing the blonde's amazing figure. She licked her lips then flicked her wrist magicking Emma into a white silk negligee similar to her own with a matching robe. Emma was too relieved to complain about the choice of outfit but felt the urge to get Regina back for making her suffer. She closed her eyes and focused with all her strength imagining exactly the scene she had in her mind. Flicking her wrist, just as Regina taught her, white smoke poofed around the startled brunette and as it cleared, Emma inspected her handiwork rather proudly.

"I'm impressed Miss Swan! But if you really wanted to see me in the nude, you could have just asked,"

Regina giggled timidly. She wasn't exactly sure why but she didn't mind being exposed to Emma. She was kind of enjoying it. She was proud of her body and felt slightly turned on at the way she was obviously affecting the young blonde woman. Of course Emma had tried to hide it but Regina recognised the desire in her eyes instantly. It was a currency she had traded to her advantage for many years as the evil queen.

After a few minutes had passed of Emma laughing smugly and Regina acting as if it didn't bother her in the slightest, she waved her wrist and the purple smoke cleared to show that she was back in her night wear.