Regina pulled up to the High School and headed to the reserved visitors parking spaces next to the principals. There, parked in HER spot, was the ugliest yellow eye sort she had ever seen.

She looked around and saw that all the other visitors' spots were also occupied. Her ears warmed with anger as she had to pull back out of the lot, and park on the street. Effectively making her late for the meeting with Emma and Mary Margret.

When she reached the principal's office, she heard laughter on the other side of the door. She knocked as she entered to see Mary Margret sitting at her desk, wiping her eyes with a tissue. Emma was sitting in a chair across from her, and turned to smile brightly at Regina.

"Regina!" Emma pointed at her watch, "Five minutes late. Tsk tsk."

Mary Margret failed at suppressing a laugh at the off-kilter angry look on the Mayor's face. "Regina, please come in. Sit down."

Regina had not expected the tightening in her chest at Emma's excitement to see her, and saying her name. She quickly iced her features and took a seat next to Emma.

"I was late because a hideous yellow metal tin box on four wheels, was in my spot."

Mary Margret looked at Emma's fallen smile turned hurt expression, and laughed out loud more.

"The bug?" Emma asked, and Regina nodded. "That would be my metal tin."

"It's my fault, Regina. I told Emma to park there. I thought there'd be more than enough spots when you got in." Mary Margret was still trying to laugh at her friend. "But you just insulted her baby."

Emma pouted in a way that Regina fought hard not to think was absolutely adorable.

"She's not just my baby. She's my chariot. My sidekick." Emma retorted before joining her friend in laughing.

Regina saw the easy banter between the two women and asked, "How exactly do you two know each other?"

"Me and Mighty Mouse?" Emma threw a teasing smile at her friend, who harrumphed.

"What it is it with both of you insisting on giving me a nickname?!" Mary Margret threw her hands up in exasperation. Pointing to Regina, "You with the M&M, and you [pointing to Emma] with the long list of names I will not repeat, and that don't even fit me."

"M&M? I like that one." Emma turned her smile to Regina, and she swore she saw the uptight politician blush. "We wouldn't have to make ones up if you had a shorter name. Why not just go by Mary?"

"How is Might Mouse shorter than Mary Margret? And there is nothing wrong with my name!" The short principal snapped playfully.

Regina even laughed at the young woman's childish pouting.

Emma leaned over towards Regina and whispered aloud, "You know what I call her and David when they're together and being grossly affectionate? Snow White and Prince Charming."

Regina bit her lip from laughing. Finding the description spot on for the couple. She had only seen Mary Margret and David together a hand full of times, their wedding being one. But Regina could plainly see they were made for one another. They doted on each other in a way Regina had never experienced herself.

Emma took a deep breath, "Anyway, I know Snow through David. He's my foster brother. We were in the same home for some time when we were about 14, 'til we graduated High School. He was how I survived."

"I think David could say the same, Emma." Mary Margret beamed at her.

"Yeah, well after we graduated and aged out of the system I headed to Boston. David headed here to Maine, to fish Tuna for a living. When I came out here to Storybrooke a couple of years ago for their wedding, I fell in love with this place. Took me this long to make the money to make the move and open my gym."

Mary Margret added. "David and I are so excited to have you here."

Regina was stuck thinking back to the Nolan's wedding day. Suddenly it struck her, "I remember you. You were David's best man, er, woman. Your hair was up and you were in a tux."

Emma's smile grew impossibly wider realizing the beautiful brunette had finally remembered her. Seeing her drive by the gym and later to pick up Henry, Emma had instantly recognized her.

"And you were in a stunning red dress and with black stilettos. Your hair half braided over your shoulder." Emma was looking at Regina with a content expression at recalling the dress and the wearer. "But you left right after the ceremony."

She had not wanted to admit the day before, that she remembered the regal woman from their friend's wedding. But finding that she had also stuck in Regina's head made her extremely happy.

Regina actually blushed. "I'm not one for parties."

"Shame." Emma teased, but sensed the Mayor's slight uncomfortableness, and helped move things back. "Anyway… Let's discuss Henry. What do we need to do?"

"Yes." Mary Margret snapped herself out of her fascination of the woman's exchange. "Emma gave me a rundown of what you two discussed, and I gotta say Regina, I think it's a brilliant idea. Along with Dr. Hopper, I think Emma is just what Henry might need to get through his troubles."

Mary Margret's expression told the Mayor that she trusted Emma completely. Her façade of emotional strength weakened immensely, and she felt a tear escape her eye.

"You really think so?" Regina felt a hand cover the one she had a death grip on the chair with. She met Emma's sincere eyes.

"Regina, your son is a good kid, and he's got a good heart, I can see it. I hope you don't mind, but Mary Margret's told me a little bit more about him, and what he's faced at school."

"No, I don't mind." Regina swooned a bit from the strong hand holding hers, and the woman's voice saying her name so gently. Her heart reminded her head that she was there for Henry, not herself.

"Miss Swan, if you're willing to try, then I will support this venture. Rather Henry can get credit for it or not, I'm willing to try anything to make him happy and keep him out of trouble."

Emma squeezed the brunette's soft hand, and lightly rubbed it with her thumb. She did not remove her hand when she turned to Mary Margret. "What do we need to do?"

Mary Margret took a deep breath. "Well, that's the hardest part of this plan. Since Storybrooke High School has never had alternatives to their courses, there's no rules lined up for this situation. Which means…"

Regina tensed again. "Which means we'll have to take it in front of the school board."

"Yup." Mary Margret confirmed.

"So what's wrong with that?" Emma asked, before remembering what Henry had told her. "Oh. Neal's father."

"Yes. The boy that's been tormenting my son and getting away with it for years, just so happens to be the son of School Board President, RMPL Gold. A man who also seems to have a personal vendetta against me."

"Seriously? Guy goes by four initials?" Emma said in disbelief. She caught the worried look on Regina's face, and returned to comforting. "It'll be ok, Regina. I'll be there with you guys and plead the kid's case to this… Rumple. It'll be alright."

Regina couldn't help but give the woman's hand a squeeze in turn, along with a genuine smile of appreciation through her teary eyes.

Mary Margret's gaze followed the direct line of sight between the two women before her. She had never seen Regina tear up, let alone smile, in front of others before. Unless it was her son, of course. A wide smile reached her ears at the energy she felt between the two women.

This looks promising. She thought. Hmmm… I wonder if Regina…

Regina released Emma's hand and reached for a tissue. "It won't be that easy, Emma. Gold is a big a bully as his kid. Even I haven't made a dent in the guy, and everyone in Storybrooke calls me the Evil Queen."

"He is a bit of an ass, Regina, but maybe he might be willing to play along just to avoid future conflict between Neal and Henry." Mary Margret said encouragingly.

"See. We have a plan." Emma reached across and patted the Mayor's shoulder. "When's the next board meeting? What do we do to ask permission?"

"Let's see it's Wednesday… the next meeting will be Friday night. I'll call city hall and see about being put on the docket." Mary Margret said firmly.

"Friday night?" Emma asked nervously.

"Yes, five o'clock. Is that a problem?" The pixie haired woman asked.

Emma looked at Regina, who was trying to wipe the tears from her eyes. She shook her head and smiled, "Not at all. I'll be there."


Emma was locking up the front doors to the gym when she heard the roar of motors approaching. She turned to see five motorcycles, two with a side cars, come to a stop in front of her building.

The bikes all looked to be custom made smaller than your average motorcycle. Tailor made for their riders that all also seemed to be smaller than average.

When the engines were cut, the two riders in front took off their helmets. Emma instantly recognized the men as Happy and Leroy.

"Hey guys!" Emma beamed at the group of bikers that were all taking off their helmets.

This wasn't your normal thug biker looking dudes. One guy had glasses and a bowtie, wearing Dockers and loafers. Another guy looked like he was running a cold, blowing a runny nose.

Emma chuckled as Leroy and Happy approached her. "Brothers?" She asked Happy, and the man just winked at her with his bright smile.

"What's going on here, blondie? You promised us free lessons." Leroy grumbled.

Happy interjected, "It was tonight, wasn't it Emma?"

"Yeah. Listen guys, I'm really sorry. I was planning on opening my doors for you tonight, but something's come up, and I didn't have a number to reach you directly. Only the sign company, and they wouldn't give me your information. I have to head to City Hall." Emma apologized sincerely.

"Everything ok?" Happy asked.

"Yeah, I'm just going to talk on this kid's behalf to see if he can train with me instead of his regular PE class. He's been having a hard time with some other students, and I wanted to help him out." Emma tried explaining without going into detail.

"Would that happen to be a Young Mister Mills?" The grey haired older gentlemen sporting the bowtie called from behind them.

"Yeah." Emma nodded. "You know Henry?"

"Yes, I'm his doctor, Dr. Fredrick. Nice to meet you." The man stepped forward to shake her hand. "I've been treating Henry since he was a toddler. I've seen what those other boys have done to him over the last couple of years. Anything you can do to help him out would be wonderful."

"Thank you for understanding." Emma squeezed his shoulder.

"I don't care about the Evil Queen's kid. You promised us a free lesson. You can't back out now, sister." Leroy said in a huff.

"I'm really sorry, Leroy." Emma turned to the frowning bearded man. "Listen, how about I up it to two free lessons each, and I'll by you and your brothers a round of beer after our second class?"

Leroy's seriousness instantly faded at the mention of free beer. "OK." He said simply and walked back to his bike.

Emma shared a laugh with Happy and Dr. Fredrick. "I really am sorry guys. Tomorrow night?"

"It's alright, Emma. We'll see you tomorrow night. Good luck." Happy patted her shoulder, and joined his brothers.

Dr. Fredrick stayed behind. "Would you mind if I went along? To the meeting tonight? I'd very much like to support Henry. Maybe I could be of some assistance."

Emma smiled at the man. "Let's go."


Emma and the doctor entered City Hall and headed to the auditorium. Standing outside the entrance was Regina, Mary Margret, David, and Henry.

Henry was shuffling his feet nervously, and staring at his shoes. Regina's hand was at the nape of his neck, like she had an overwhelming need to keep protective physical contact with her son.

David spotted Emma first and turned with a bright smile, meeting Emma in a big brother hug. When they turn to walk toward the others, his strong arm wrapped around her head and into a headlock.

"Hey little Sis." David began to walk back to the others, Emma's head still pinned under his arm.

"David. We both know I could lay you out in two moves. Try and act like an adult." Emma laughed lightly as David released her and left an arm draped over her shoulders.

"Doc?" Henry said, spotting his doctor.

"Hi Henry. Mayor Mills." The small doctor greeted them.

"Dr. Fredrick? What are you doing here?" Regina asked, confused by the man's random appearance.

"I had an appointment tonight with Miss Swan, here. She told me she had to cancel to be here for young Mister Mills. So I asked if I could come along. Lend my support." Doc smiled kindly, patting the side of Henry's shoulder.

Regina looked briefly to Emma, wondering about the appointment she had canceled. Emma avoided her eyes, not wanting to make a thing of it.

"As did I." The group turned and saw Dr. Hopper approach.

"That's very kind of you both." Mary Margret beamed at them.

Before anyone could speak further, a woman appeared to tell the group it was their turn to come in. The group followed. Henry, Regina, and Mary Margret headed for the front, while the others took seats.

In front of them was a half circle desk seating 5 board members, Gold in the middle.

An elderly woman with spectacles hanging on the tip of her nose, spoke. "Next on the docket is Principal Mary Margret Nolan from Storybrooke High School. She is speaking on behalf of Regina and Henry Mills. The Mills' would like to ask the boards permission for Henry Mills to receive his High School Physical Education credits, by working for The Savior's Gym."

Regina saw Gold's attention instantly peak, and his eyes turned to Regina with and unreadable glare.

"The owner of the gym, Emma Swan, also present, has agreed to participate in this proposition if the council allows-."

"You must be mad if you think I will allow this Madame Mayor." Gold interrupted the proposition. "You honestly think I'm going to allow your son, a boy who has proven violent tendencies, train to be more lethal?"

Regina's face was red with anger. Everyone in the vicinity of the city limits knew the quickest way to set the Mayor off, was to go after her son. They had witnessed it in this very room when the board was going to expel Henry.

Emma saw a vein appear at Regina's temple, and stood to intervene abruptly. "I can assure you, Mr. Gold. None of my students have been caught fighting outside of my care." Emma huffed a laugh at the last part at Gold's accusation. "For Chris's sake, Henry isn't lethal. That's just ridiculous. He will be learning discipline and structure, and avoiding conflict."

"Forgive me if I don't take the word from a newcomer to our town that has just opened up a business whose sole purpose is to train others to fight." Gold snipped at Emma.

"Well, MISTER Gold. I don't teach kids to fight, I teach them how to defend themselves." Emma shot back. "Especially against kids that are too afraid to take him on by themselves, and need to get their friends involved." Emma knew she was playing with fire when she saw the man's jaw clench.

Henry and his mother's eyes shot up quick in surprise, at the straight accusation. You could hear a pin drop as everyone waited for Gold to react.

"Pardon me, council members." Doc stood up quickly to distract from Emma. "I'm Dr. Stuart Fredrick, Henry's Primary Physician for the past thirteen years. Up until four years ago this young man was the very picture of perfect health and strength. Not one broken bone in his body or a busted lip."

Emma sat down to give the slight man a better audience.

"This has changed drastically over the past four years while Henry attended middle school, then high school. He has been in altercations which total damages has consisted of; four broken noses, six fractured ribs, and twice a deviated septum." In a more serious tone, he added, "He also received a broken arm when, as Henry said, he 'accidentally' fell leaving school."

Emma watched Regina's grip on Henry tighten, and the kid subconsciously rubbed his left arm.

Mr. Gold shifted uncomfortably in his chair, but kept a stern tight glare on his face. He knew his own son was responsible for the broken arm. But as it could not be proven, and Henry did not say anything, the incident went unreported against Neal.

"I believe that along with the training disciplines that Miss Swan is offering, the physical therapy would be beneficial to Henry's ongoing physical health." Doc smiled at Henry as he sat down.

Mary Margret stood, "The school has detailed reports of each injury mentioned by Dr. Fredrick. Each occurrence coincides with that of altercations between Henry and the same group of six boys. What we are purposing to the board, is simply in an effort to avoid further conflict, and so Henry can concentrate on his schooling. I believe this situation would benefit ALL parties involved," she said pointedly at Gold.

Dr. Hopper stood, raising his hand briefly. "Hi, I'm Dr. Archie Hopper, Henry's board appointed counselor. After the last appearance, this board ordered Henry into my care for anger management. He has come to every session this council ordered of him, and then some. I support what this group is purposing, and believe it is well within reason for Henry's continued care. I also volunteer to continue sessions with him throughout this process."

Henry's strong face looked through the group of people speaking on his behalf. Silently trying to relay his gratitude.

Regina would not take her eyes off of Gold. You could tell by her breathing, that the woman was trying hard to contain all the anger running through her veins.

Mary Margret turned an exaggerated cheerful smile and high pitched voice toward the president. She knew her optimism annoyed the man to no end. "Mister Gold, we are prepared to offer a deal of sorts."

Gold rolled his eyes to look at the irritating rosy cheeked principal. This made Mary Margret lay on the cheer more.

"In exchange for the council's approval, Henry will sign a contract stating that he will not engage in any fighting or altercations for the remainder of his term in High School."

"Provided that any fight or incident couldn't be proved as self-defense." Emma added the stipulation. "One fight and the kids' out."

Gold contemplated for a moment. Twirling the gavel he held between his hands.

"What says the board?" Gold asked the other member beside him. When four 'ayes were spoken, Gold released a heavy breath. Ultimately it was still his decision.

"I'll allow it." There was a hum of excited energy through the room. "HOWEVER. Part of the term shall be, as Miss Swan so eloquently put it, one fight and the kid is out… as in out of the school. Expelled completely."

Regina actually laughed slightly. "Alright, Rumple."

Emma smiled at Regina using her nickname for the man. Gold looked pissed.

Gaining his complete attention, Regina countered, "But if a fight does occur, AND it is proven to be in self-defense at the hands of ANY of the boys listed in previous altercations. The punishment for those boys will be voted on by the School Board AND the City Council."

The older woman with the spectacles said, "All those in favor?"

Again, four members said, 'Aye.'

Gold simply said, "Agreed." Before hitting a post with his gavel. "Meeting adjourned."