AUTHOR NOTE: Thank you again for our new followers and reviewers! We're so glad you're enjoying the story. This chapter is back to our leading ladies =)

And as always - We are neither A&E nor ABC; we do not own OUAT. We just play in a certain town in Maine and its fairytale land counterpart…

Chapter Four

Regina had to admit that choosing to come to the park was a far better choice than sulking in her vault like she would have in the past. She sat on a bench near where Henry and she had walked, and she reminisced on that afternoon and the strange conversation with her son who didn't even know her.

Of course, thinking too long about Henry led Regina back to thinking about Emma. She was curious - and also dreading knowing anything more - about her life with this Walsh. What had he been like? What had been appealing about him to Emma? If not for Hook's interference, what might have happened between them?

Regina sighed. None of this matters. Quit thinking about it. Focus on this damned wicked witch and how to defeat her. Forget love. Forget pixie dust. Stop the witch.

Frowning at the ducks and the swans who moved across the pond blissfully unaware of Storybrooke's latest threat, her brown-eyed gaze shifted as she saw a different Swan arrive in her yellow Bug ...

Emma put the Bug in park, hands remaining still as she replayed what happened just an hour ago - Neal dying in her arms and giving his blessing to do whatever was necessary to have a happy life together with their son.

I didn't trust his motives and all along he really wanted what was best for me. And now he's dead. She was still emotionally torn over his decisions that impacted her life, but there was no denying that Neal died a hero so that Storybrooke could have a chance against Zelena.

Emma had left Gold with him, knowing that father needed time alone with the son that he had crossed realms for. Storybrooke existed solely on the fact that Gold wanted to be reunited with Baelfire. He orchestrated everything - pulling strings to create pivotal catastrophes so that Regina Mills would cast the curse and bring them to this land. Before she left, Gold had also informed the savior that Zelena was afraid of her power and wanted Emma out of the way. The savior's powers were the key to stopping her.

So no pressure. Again. Least I know why Zelena wanted to keep tabs on us in New York.

"Mom?" Henry looked upon her with concern because Emma was never this quiet.

"Sorry, kid. Just ... " she shook her head and gave him a forced smile. "Lot on my mind."

He looked dubious at her because, as of late, that confession didn't mean Henry was about to get any answers as to why Emma was under a lot of pressure and stress lately. Jobs were jobs for his mother, but this one was close to her, and he wanted to know why.

"Come on." She took the keys out of the ignition and unlocked the car. "Let's go for a walk and I'll explain."

Immediately, her son's mood shift from cautious optimism to relief, Henry smiled genuinely at her for the first time since coming to Storybrooke.

Across the small pond, and apparently unnoticed thus far, Regina watched Emma and Henry leave the dented and mildly battered yellow car and walk to a park bench. Ignorant to what had happened in the forest, of course, she could only wonder at the heavy tread to Emma's steps, and the look of hope on Henry's face.

What has happened? Regina wondered.

After all, why else would Emma drive over here to talk with her - their - son? What needed to be set in seclusion rather than at the bed and breakfast, diner, or Mary Margaret's apartment? She debated whether to stay put, retreat and go home, or approach them. Regina decided to give them a moment, and then slowly rose and circled the pond, headed in their direction.

"This is where you and Re-...Mayor Mills hung out right?" she began, keeping things light between them

This is such a pain in the ass - being all formal about Regina. I haven't called her Mayor Mills this much since I first came to town. And not in such nice context either.

She wrapped an arm around his neck and pulled him closer, wanting a tangible good presence to give her the strength she needed. Henry was her reason to fight for what was right. Neal was her reason to fight for vengeance.

Zelena's going pay for what she's done, she thought darkly.

"You got that look about you." Henry smirked knowingly, not answering the question his mother already knew the answer to about the mayor. "The one where you're about to bring in the guy you've been looking for."

She chuckled. "Not quite, kid. But definitely in the ballpark as to what's been going on."

"Does that mean we're finally going to talk? A real talk?" he asked, hopeful.

"Yep." Nodding, she pointed to an unoccupied bench. "Have a seat, because there's lots to talk about."

Regina hesitated, more than halfway around the pond. In trying to be "good," she felt it prudent to assess the situation. Was she going over there because of Henry? Because of Emma? For her own reasons, related to everything that had been on her mind since interacting with Robin? Deciding that it was out of genuine care for Emma and their son, she continued to pick her way around the park.

They both took a seat on the bench, Henry regarding his mom with care despite being so eager to finally learn what was really going on in town. Ever since he felt things were off and watched his mother's stress levels rise, he wanted to help. It was always just the two of them, together - doing what was necessary to make sure they were happy. He watched as Emma tried to relax, stretching out her legs as her eyes trailed the ducks and swans padding through the pond.

"I'm sorry for not being honest with you when we came here. I know you. Soon as we arrived you were scratching your head, wondering how on earth did my mom find her way here? Why was she back? Who was she looking for? And most importantly, why did it have to be a secret since I've never shut you out before?" Her lips turned upwards, glancing at Henry out of the corner of her eye. "About right?"

He chuckled and looked down at his hands. "Yes. It was hard being patient with you, Mom. But, I kept believing it was for a good reason. You never do anything without one."

Regina could see the look of intense concentration on both their faces. She knew both well. She was still too far away to hear what they were talking about, but she could see it was serious. Whether insecurity driving her or respecting their need for privacy, Regina stayed where she was amidst the pine trees and waited.

"I appreciate your patience and how I didn't lose your respect, kiddo." Her lips strained together, still focusing on the blissful ignorance of life swimming around in the pond. "The guy I was tracking down for the Mayor is a piece of work, Henry. A real bad person."

He looked up, knowing how serious Emma was because of not only the use of his name, but the tone in which it was spoken.

"I've already failed too. Not being able to get to them first before permanent damage was done." She took a hard breath through her nose, eyes blinking back the tears of rage threatening to appear.

"I didn't lie to you, Henry. This place was home for a short time. It was ... " She closed her eyes before finally turning her head towards her son. "... it was your father's home too."

Henry shifted to face his mother on the bench, surprise aching into his features. Scooting closer, he looked hopeful as he grabbed her arm. "My father's here?"

"He was, Henry…" she said, trailing off. "... I … I'm so sorry. I wasn't able to protect him. I failed him and you in the process."

Regina could see the pain on Emma's face and, while she wasn't sure if her friendship would be welcome - since she didn't know what was happening - she decided she had to act. She couldn't just stand there, obscured by the trees, and watch. The mayor stepped out, hands in her coat pockets, moving steadily toward them now.

"Miss Swan? Henry? I'm sorry to intrude," she said politely. "I was sitting across the pond and noticed you'd come here too. Is… everything alright?"

Emma freaked, but did it all internally. She was smooth enough to not allow any visible indication cross her features besides the acute narrowing gaze that turned towards the mayor. She had been hoping for a private moment with her son to discuss the death of his father, and Regina Mills just shows up?

Honestly? It could be worse. It could've been my parents staring awkwardly at us. If karma wanted to abuse me, it could've been Hook.

The tension rolling off of Emma was palpable, trying to reign in her grief and disappointment that she had just admitted to Henry. He was her son and feeling vulnerable in front of him was one thing, but Regina? The savior didn't even know how to fully classify her once rival. Allies? Civil allies? Civil allies with a barest touch of friendship thrown in because of what happened with the trigger, and then Regina giving them a happy ending considering the circumstances?

"Mom was telling me what she was doing for you," Henry said, bless him, stepping in to start the conversation. He didn't try to say anything else because this was personal to Emma. Not knowing his father had distanced Henry from immediate grief. Feeling the pained loss of never getting to meet or know him had long since reconciled, just this opportunity that had surfaced had dredged up those feelings within Henry to a lesser degree.

"Yeah," she agreed softly, looking everywhere but near Regina. "The person I'm tracking for you?"

How else was she to say it? Emma was never one to mince words, but she couldn't go on about some woman named Zelena running around town. A name meant more information and Henry would run with that little tidbit, asking a ton more questions. Regina just nodded, hands curling into fists in her pockets. Without spelling her out by name, she knew Emma referred to Zelena.

"They murdered his father." Her face twisted in a brief display of anguish before passing. "I was just about to promise Henry that I'd find the one responsible and make them pay."

Neal. Oh, no, Regina thought.

No one had seen him. No one had known where he was… if he'd come back with the curse, or if he'd been turned into one of Zelena's flying monkeys. Regina swallowed hard, gaze flickering from Henry to Emma and back, looking aggrieved.

"I am sorry to hear this, Miss Swan... Henry. I know that-" She caught herself then before saying anything that would confuse him. "-that this has to be hard to hear."

What happened?! she wanted to demand.

"Is there anything I can do?"

Henry shook his head no but did look upon the mayor with kindness. "No. But thank you for offering, Mayor Mills."

"Well there is one thing," Emma murmured quietly. "Funeral arrangements? I could use help with that." There was a lot that Storybrooke had to offer during its cursed stasis, but a mortician wasn't on the need list. Not when everyone was stuck in a ageless loop.

Regina frowned, then looked sympathetic as she considered the situation. Then, she nodded decisively. "I'll take care of everything. If that is permissible?"

"Wow, Mayor Mills. That's really nice of you," was Henry's immediate response, hoping that this would take some of the pressure off of his mother.

"Yeah." Emma agreed quietly, some of the anger she was harboring tempered by the thoughtful gesture. "Thanks, Regina." She had let the formalities slip, but it could easily be attributed from the toll of the entire day.

"Did you happen to know my father?" he asked somewhat hesitantly to the mayor. "Mom said he lived here for a short time too."

Regina gave a gentle nod, deciding to tell the truth from a certain point of view. She couldn't lie to Henry. "It's a small town, as you've noticed. Yes. Our paths did cross a time or two."

"He died a hero, Henry," she sighed, getting up. "All you really need to know right now, but … I get it if you want to talk to the mayor more about him."

Henry watched his mother walk off towards the pond, some of the ducks quickly waddling away and quacking at her aggressively for making them move. He wished he could do more to comfort her, but his mother just walled up her emotions. It hadn't happened too often in the past but when she did, Emma was just there. She just went through the motions and put on a good front, but Henry knew better.

"How long did they live here?" he asked, tearing his gaze away from Emma tossing stones into the pond towards Regina. "My parents."

Now, this gets complicated… or, maybe not! Regina thought. Keep it simple because he's smarter than you!

"For only a couple years, Henry. When you were very little still. It's why you don't remember… having lived here," she explained.

He thought on that, wondering what the real wedge was back then that Emma up and left Storybrooke and his father. "But she wasn't happy being here," he said, but then added, "Because I can tell she's not happy being back. I … guess it had to do with my father."

Regina closed her eyes against the pain of knowing that - from Henry's point of view - Emma was unhappy at being back in Storybrooke. She reopened them quickly enough, hiding what she was feeling expertly.

"It was a difficult situation. I hope we have the matter resolved soon, so that you and your mother are free to live your lives..."

That's not a lie, at least. If we defeat Zelena, Henry, she thought, then you'll finally remember the town. And me.

Regina sighed and rested a hand briefly on her son's shoulder. "Let your mother know I'll contact her about the arrangements. I am truly sorry for your loss, Henry."

"I will," he put on tempered smile, wondering how he could help his mom move past this and open up about what had happened in this small town. "Thank you again. For talking to me about my dad. And for helping mom too."

He sighed, watching his mother slowly turn around and looking no less haunted.

"As much as she acts like she won't need it, she does need it. Help. Don't give up on her," he said so candidly, believing that there was a lot more to the relationship between Emma and Mayor Mills than what had been said around him.

Regina swallowed hard as she stared at her now-teenaged son. It was as if he was reading her mind and her feelings. That was unnerving and heart-warming, given the fear she felt given the circumstances.

"Yes. I know, Henry," Regina replied quietly, watching Emma at the pond's edge. She wanted to go to her, but she didn't dare. She cleared her throat and stepped away from Henry. "I'll be in touch."

What Henry didn't see as Emma turned around was her pocketing her phone, just finishing a conversation with David. What had been perceived as bad luck in Regina arriving had been reevaluated by the savior into something more positive. The Mayor helping with all of the funeral arrangements was more than she could have asked for. She was looking for guidance, and Regina went beyond that, believing the brunette's motivations were to honor Neal because he was Henry's father. If she only knew that were just half of Regina's motivations for being so kind.

Why we have to talk. Neal was right despite being a prick about it. I can't hide wanting to leave without letting Regina know. It was why she called David to pick up Henry so they could have this time alone.

And I'd rather Henry be far away from here when Regina starts throwing fireballs at me. Least the pond's close by. I can jump in that when shit hits the fan, she thought with bemusement, walking back up to the two of them. "I was just on the phone with David. Sheriff's going to stop by to pick you up, kiddo."

Henry couldn't hide his confusion and was taken aback. "Why? This isn't a good time to send me away. You shouldn't be alone."

"Don't worry. Mayor Mills is going to stick around. We need to talk strategy on finding your father's murderer. I'll be by later." She squeezed his arm, giving him a thankful smile. "I appreciate you looking out for me, but I'll be fine."

Behind Henry where he didn't see her reaction, she lifted both eyebrows at Emma as if to say, Oh, I am sticking around now, am I? They had been working well together so Regina was heartened that Emma wanted to interact further. But unless there'd been a break in the case since Neal's death, Regina didn't know what they had to talk about.

"I'll see her back home safely, Henry," she said. Home? "To the apartment. Or the bed and breakfast."

The savior chuckled, finding the wordsmith fumbling over the right thing to say. "To the bed and breakfast. David's going to drop you off there, and I promise you that we'll chat more on what the plan is. Alright?"

He nodded, knowing the truth of his mother's words and hugged her tightly. "Alright."

Closing her eyes, Emma returned the embrace with a sigh, dreading what was to happen next.

Regina waited with a pinched expression as, of course, Henry hugged Emma but not her. She knew - intellectually - that he had no reason to hug her. Just the same, it hurt.

David arrived quickly enough in one of the Storybrooke squad cars. She made a mental note to deal with the issue of reinstating Emma as sheriff just as soon as Henry had his memories back. To try and make that happen now would be too jarring to her son; he wouldn't understand how or why Emma was the rightful law enforcement in town.

David approached the group, cautiously looking over at Emma and Henry. "Lucky I was close by," he said somberly, wanting to hug his daughter so badly to comfort her. He gave his grandson a sorrowful expression. "I'm sorry for what happened to your father. Your mother told me over the phone what happened."

Henry nodded, "Thank you."

"Thanks for doing this. I really appreciate it." Emma kissed into her son's hair and gave him a calm smile, nodding to go with the Sheriff. "Soon as the Mayor and I compare notes, we'll be back to chat."

"Are you sure you don't want me in on this right now?" David was concerned for the safety of his family after all.

Regina stuffed her hands back into her pocket, barely resisting the tremendous urge she had to scowl at Charming.

"Keeping Henry safe right now is doing a lot," Emma said, pleading with her eyes so David could get the hint. "Seriously."

David seemed to catch on after a very serious nod, which did leave Regina rolling her eyes. Subtlety did not seem to come in Charming or Snow's repertoires, no matter what. Watching the two of them finally go, Emma really could feel her gut churning with intensity, nerves starting to get the better of her.

Regina sat down on the bench, giving Emma ample space to join her. She lofted a brunette eyebrow at her, letting silence stretch between them rather than immediately pepper her with open invitation wasn't ignored - it just took the savior a few moments to mentally prepare herself for the verbal sparring that was to unfold after she ended up coming clean with Regina. Just this time, the brunette's anger wouldn't be entirely unfounded.

Emma took a deep breath and finally sat down on the bench with the mayor. "Look … we do need to talk about Zelena, but that's not what this is about," she explained, looking distraught, trying to find the right way to initially discuss New York without Regina jumping on the defensive and unwilling to hear her reasons.

The mayor's heart leapt into her throat, but then she swallowed because she knew that what she was thinking was utterly ridiculous. Regina cleared her mind of that hope and narrowed her eyes at Emma. "What is this about then?"

She couldn't look Regina in the eye at all - not until she set some ground work here. "What you did for me and Henry … I could never thank you enough. I mean, it probably sounds crazy in your head that anyone would want to thank you. But I do. Thank you, Regina. Seriously. Despite being all doom and gloom with you about coming back here, I forgot what you sacrificed was far more important to acknowledge than me having a pity party in the squad car."

Regina inclined her head, reliving the moment she knew the yellow Bug crossed the town line. Her focus had been on the scroll and the curse that was supposed to send them back to the Enchanted Forest. Sacrificing those she loved the most, the terms of the curse, was heart-breaking.

"It was my pleasure to know you both would be happy and successful together," Regina said quietly.

"It was the only time someone had to give me up that I didn't feel … unwanted," she admitted just as quietly.

Her parents were a source of conflict when saying goodbye - knowing that they had already given her up in favor of a new chance to raise a child. They wanted to give Emma her best chance, again. And Henry's too. It was difficult to reconcile the hurt she felt towards them since Neverland, not having a chance to come to terms with what she was feeling and explain that to her parents. Then there was Neal and Hook - still quietly posturing over her - but Neal was more devastated in losing his son once again after just rescuing him. Emma could sympathize with that, but her heart went out to the mayor - the one who had given them good memories and a chance at a happy ending. She had to give up Henry because he was the sole person in this world that the former evil queen loved the most - the only bright part of her existence that had given her meaning since coming to this world. Emma, on the other hand, was just the savior. Automatically able to escape the curse because Gold had written her into the magic years prior, and she could protect their son that had to be left behind. Still, Emma wasn't entirely sure it was just Henry that Regina was saddened to see go. It was probably a delusional thought, one brought on by the emotional storm of grief that occurred that day at the town line, but the savior could've sworn that something more tangible passed between them - and not just reluctant respect either.

"Well, of course. Everyone in town loves you, Emma," she said diplomatically. "It's only natural that you had that few moments to feel loved. And then, be reset into a reality where you had Henry's love all to yourself."

Emma snorted, "Seriously doubt Leroy loves me. Not with arresting him all the time. Curse or no curse." She chuckled, but her tone grew serious again. "You're missing the point Regina."

Is this the moment? Do I dare to tell her how I feel? Why I wanted to guarantee them both a good life together? Regina asked herself. That seemed to be the only "point" she could come to, given what Emma had just said. But no - it can't be that. Can it? Emma Swan could not possibly feel that way for me, not after all I've done…

"And which point is that?" she asked, eyebrows aloft again.

Taking a deep breath, Emma steeled herself and finally found the strength to look into Regina's expectant face. "Regina, I …" but she faltered there, vulnerability plain across her face as Emma struggled on how to broach the subject of New York.

She turned toward her, the hope she dared to feel clear in her brown eyes. "Emma…?"

"Oh, isn't this just such an adorable moment! Regina, I don't think the body is even cold yet, and here you are!" Zelena sing-songed as she sashayed out of the wooded area adjacent to the park. "My, my."

Regina went pale with anger as she stood and faced the tall, snarky red-head. "You have no idea what you're even talking about, Greenie. Why don't you funnel your way back to Oz?"

Emma moved to her feet and immediately trained her gun on the witch, keeping her confusion towards Zelena's remarks at bay for now. "You're going to pay for what happened to Neal and what you did to this town, Monkey Witch." She kept the tidbit that Gold told her about Zelena's fears towards the savior to herself. Information like that was a powerful weapon that they could use against the wicked witch.

Zelena only laughed, clearly unimpressed with Regina's quick retort and ignoring Emma's. "Oh, the sibling rivalry we missed out on, sis! Truly. Can you imagine going at it like this over the years?"

The brunette's scowl only darkened. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"Cora really never told you?" Zelena asked in a mocking tone.

Regina flinched at the mention of Cora. While a year had technically passed, it didn't feel that way to her. To the former evil queen, her mother had only died weeks ago. "My mother never told me what?!"

"That we're sisters, of course! But, how silly of me. We've already had this conversation. You just don't remember," she taunted.

Green eyes widened in surprise as Emma looked back and forth at the bantering … sisters?

Regina's eyes widened at that and she shot a look to Emma. "During the lost year?"

"Of course! In the Enchanted Forest, sis." Zelena's clear eyes narrowed at Regina, ignoring Emma and her gun completely.

"So you antagonized both me and Regina this past year? Why? What the hell do you want, lady?" the blonde demanded.

"What everyone who comes to Storybrooke wants, of course," she chuckled dismissively. Zelena's expression darkened dangerously. "My damned happy ending. And I will have it. But, for now, know that this is personal, sis. Mother may not have chosen me for her great schemes, but I will have the fruits of her efforts in the end."

Regina looked incredulous. If any of this was true, Zelena had to know what her past had been like. What was she thinking?

"This is nonsense. We are not sisters."

"Oh, but we are. Why don't you dig into the past a little, sis, rather than denounce me out of hand?" she smirked.

Zelena waggled her fingers in a mocking farewell, then poofed into a cloud of green smoke.

"NO!" Emma cried out in frustration, watching as their adversary disappeared, leaving them with more questions than ever.