Hello all. So not many people voted for whether Ingrid should be good or bad – well just one voted and that was my girlfriend lol. So, I'm making an executive decision, which you will see in this chapter. Also, just a note. I found out recently that I have a medical issue that requires me to have surgery to fix it. I go in on June 28th for that and will be on bed rest anywhere from 2-8 weeks after. That being said, I can't promise an update on any of my stories for July as I have to focus on my health first. As soon as I can be back to writing, I will be, I promise.

Read~Enjoy~Review

Chapter 6

Maleficent couldn't stay away from Emma, no matter what it was she had told her. She went into the woods and stopped when she sensed another person, a person she had sensed before. "Who's here?"

The tent opened and Ingrid came out, hands up as if in surrender. "I felt her pain and had to see her. She's sleeping now."

Maleficent narrowed her eyes. "You took care of her when she was young. Why did you ever let her leave you? Did you not know what she had been through? What she went through after you?"

Ingrid sighed. "Yes, I knew. I knew what she had been through and I wanted to keep her from being hurt again. I wanted to adopt her; I even had the papers. But she left, though that was my fault too."

Mal gestured to the chairs and they both sat. "Tell me."

"Obviously I'm not from this world. I'm from Arendelle, and came here after some bad things happened there. I wanted to form a new family after I lost my sisters, but it took a while. When Emma came along, I knew she had magic, but more than that, she had a heart. I could tell right away she was a hurt little thing who only wanted love. I could do that; give that to her. But, I let my stupidity get in the way. I wanted to see her magic, needed to feel it. I tried to force her and I lost her." Ingrid explained what happened and how horrible she felt afterwards. "I tried to get her back, but since she ran from me, the social services wouldn't tell me anything about her or where she was."

Maleficent nodded and sat as she listened to the woman. "I remember her telling me about you. You were the one person who ever actually took care of her. Can I ask why it took you so long to come find her?"

"I was scared." Ingrid answered honestly. "I was afraid she'd see me and want me to leave, and I would have. But tonight, I felt this overwhelming sadness and knew it belonged to Emma. I've felt it before and I had to come and see her."

"Did she talk to you about why she is sad?"

Ingrid shook her head. "I didn't push her. I asked if she wanted to talk or if she wanted me to sing to her and she wanted me to sing like I used to."

"I see. When she does tell you, please remember that Emma's wife loves her and is only human."

Ingrid looked at her. "Does she deserve to be forgiven? I mean, if you were Emma and you only knew what she knew, would you forgive her? I get that I don't know the situation, but I don't want to convince her to do something that maybe isn't right for her."

Maleficent thought about it. "I think if I knew only what she did, I'd be just as upset as her. However, knowing that she and Regina are each other's True Love, I'd want to at least talk to Regina and get the full story. Emma's hurt, and she has a right to be, I'm not taking that from her or saying her feelings aren't valid. But, Regina is sorry, and it wasn't all her fault. I just don't want to see them split over this, Ingrid. You said before that Emma was a sad, lonely girl and she was, but she's been so happy and so loved. She has a beautiful family and I'd hate to see her throw it away over something that's not as big as she thinks it is."

Ingrid gave a nod of understanding. "I understand what you're saying, and I appreciate it. I will be here for Emma, and I won't stop her from talking to Regina." She looked at the dying fire and then at Maleficent. "I am not good with fires, being I have ice power. Could you maybe build it up the fire, so it'll last the rest of the night?"

Maleficent chuckled. "Yes. To be honest, I'm glad you're here. She didn't want me to stay, probably because I have family, but I'm glad she's not out here alone. Don't get me wrong, she can protect herself, but…she's got a past where…well I worry about her."

Though Ingrid knew Emma before she started hurting herself, she understood what Maleficent meant and was glad she was there as well. "I'll bring her back in the morning, you can trust me."

Once Maleficent left, Ingrid went back into the tent and cuddled in with Emma. She held onto her as she slept and got a few hours of sleep herself. The next morning, Emma slowly opened her eyes as she heard birds chirping and could see the sunlight through her eyelids. It took her a bit to remember where she was and why, and when she did, she wanted to cry again. Then, she felt arms around her and she remembered Ingrid was with her.

"Are you okay?" Ingrid asked quietly.

"No." Emma answered, still not moving.

Ingrid kissed the back of her head. "I'm right here. If you want to go back to sleep, go back to sleep, but if you want to get up and talk, I'm here."

Emma thought for a bit. "What if I want to eat?"

Ingrid couldn't stop her chuckle. "Then we eat."

Emma could suddenly smell food and her stomach started grumbling. She sat up and looked at the platters of food around her. There was everything she could want; eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes, ham, French toast, oatmeal, toast, milk, orange juice, and even things Emma had no idea what they were. "Wow. Thanks." She said, loading a plate. Even though she was upset, she also had not eaten much the night before.

After they both ate, Ingrid cleared it all away and looked at Emma. "So, are we going to talk about what happened?"

Emma sighed and lay back down, holding a pillow close to her. "It's had to know where to start."

"Start from the beginning." Ingrid stated, making herself more comfortable.

So, she did. Emma told Ingrid everything starting from the day she got out of prison. As she talked about her life, she felt such sadness at where her life was currently. She loved Regina so much and, until a few weeks ago, had no doubts of Regina loving her. Maybe she was being over dramatic, but she was hurt. Emma tried to hold back the tears as she talked about the night before, including what Mal had told her.

"Oh, Emma." Ingrid said, reaching over and taking Emma's hands. "Can I be honest?"

"Please."

"I wanted to hate Regina. After seeing how upset you were last night, I wanted to hate her."

"But…" Emma asked, biting her lip, wondering if Ingrid was going to tell her she was stupid.

"But, I can't. Emma, you have every right to your feelings. You are allowed to be upset, hurt, and anything else you're feeling. I am not going to tell you that your feelings are wrong or invalid. I am going to say that I do think you should talk to her, I think you should listen to her. Gods Emma, you have gotten so far in your life and you get all the credit, but she helped you. Emma, maybe she's not lying. Maybe he kissed her, and you left before you could see her push him away and reject him."

"Maybe, but Ingrid, I didn't make up the part where she said nothing to defend me to him, where she hasn't wanted to be intimate with me, and I'm sorry if this is too much information, but that's just not us, Ingrid. I mean, we have four kids for crying out loud. Four kids…four kids who love us and need us." Emma said quietly as she realized she did need to work this out with Regina.

"Four kids who you owe it to, to try." Ingrid said softly. "If you think it would help to have a mediator…"

"Ingrid, no offense, but I don't think Regina would be open or honest with you there being that she doesn't know you."

"I was going to say that if you think it would help to have a mediator, I met Maleficent last night, and I think she'd be a good one. She obviously loves you both and wants what's best for both of you. She doesn't take sides, you know?"

Emma smiled softly. "I know. She's amazing. I call her Mama Mal."

"Oh? And how does your mother feel about that?"

Emma looked confused. "What do you mean? I haven't actually talked to her about this, but she seems happy that I have people who love and care about me."

"Well then that's all that matters. Forget I asked, I'm sorry."

Emma looked at her. "No, I mean do you think she's upset?"

"I think you'd know if she was and I'm talking about things I don't know about." Ingrid patted Emma's hands. "One day, if you'll allow me, Emma, I'd love to meet your kids properly."

Emma smiled softly. "I'd like that too. Soon, okay? I'll talk to Regina about…well everything, and you and I'll call you, okay?"

"That sounds perfect. Now, don't you think it's time you go talk to your wife?"

Meanwhile, Regina had been up early and pacing downstairs. She had already cleaned the kitchen and living room and couldn't stop looking out the window in the direction she knew Emma would be, but the blonde hair never showed. When Eva came down, Regina tried to put a smile on her face. "What would you like for breakfast, sweetie?"

Eva froze and raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You never call me sweetie, that's Malory. You call me Bumble Bee or sometimes honey, but never sweetie."

Regina shrugged. "Sorry. I guess I wasn't thinking. Anyway, what can I make you?"

"I'm just going to have some toast, I'm not very hungry." She said, putting the bread in the toaster. She crossed her arms and turned around, looking at her mother. "So, are you going to tell me what's going on with you and Ma?"

Regina froze. "What do you mean?"

Eva sighed. "Mom, I'm not stupid. I know ma was pissed when she left last night, and she never came back. I can tell you're worried, and I just want to know if you're going to get a divorce." She asked, trying to hide the quiver in her voice at her question. "Because I really wouldn't like that."

"Oh honey." Regina said, moving over to Eva and wrapping her arms around her. "I'm so sorry I worried you, baby girl. Yes, your mother and I had a misunderstanding, but it's one that I am going to do my best to fix. I messed up, I won't deny that, but please don't upset yourself with it." Regina cupped Eva's face. "You look so much like your ma."

Eva blinked some tears away. "Mom, it takes two to fight, but please try to make it better. You're both happier when you get along."

The toaster popped up the toast and Eva turned to load it with butter and peanut butter.

"I will, Eva." Regina said, fighting the urge to stop her daughter from clogging her arteries.

"Do you want me and Ry to take Ollie out today? Ry's awake, I can tell her to get ready."

Regina looked outside. "Maybe. Let me see what your grandmother is up to today, I'll see if she can just peak out now and then."

"Mom, we're not going to do anything bad."

"I know honey, I just worry. I'm a mother, that's what we do."

Malory and Oliver came down and Regina got busy making them breakfast. Once they were eating, she went to her office and called over to Snow. "Hey, sorry to bother you so early."

"It's okay. I'm sorry, I haven't seen Emma yet."

"Oh, okay. But that's not why I was calling. I was wondering if…well if Emma does come home today, if the kids go out to play while we talk, can you just kind of keep your eyes on them? You don't have to go out, just peak out every now and then."

"Of course, I will, Regina. And don't worry, Emma will come home."

"How can you be so sure?"

"I can see her walking towards your house now. Regina? It'll be fine."

"Thanks, Snow." Regina said, swallowing and hanging up the phone. She could hear the kids greet their blonde mother and her heart started pounding in her chest. She swallowed hard as she made her way back to the kitchen. The minute she walked in, she locked eyes with Emma and had to fight her tears as she saw the hurt still in Emma's face.

Emma blinked a few times and then looked back at Eva. "I'm sorry, honey. I just needed to clear my head. Of course, I came back. I'd never leave you and I'm sorry if I made any of you think that." She said, looking at Malory as well. "Do you think you three can be good while your mom and I talk?"

Eva looked at Regina and back at Emma and nodded. "We can." She then looked at Ry and Ollie. "Let's go play outside. Maybe make a fort or something."

"Something simple. Nothing with real tools." Emma warned, surprised Regina hadn't said it first.

"Okay, fine." Eva said and the three of them went outside.

Emma swallowed before busying herself by cleaning up the dishes.

"Did you eat?" Regina asked softly.

"Yeah, did you?"

"I had some coffee. I'm not really hungry." Regina said quietly. "Emma, I…"

Emma looked at her. "Let's go in the living room or something. I don't really want to do this in here."

Regina nodded and let Emma lead the way. She sat down on one of the chairs as Emma took the other.

"Emma, are you okay? I mean I know you're mad and all that, but you didn't um…" She blushed and looked down. "Please tell me I didn't make you hurt yourself."

"I didn't hurt myself. I had thoughts, I won't lie, but I didn't do it. I had someone come see me and she helped me calm down a bit, actually."

"Oh? Was it Mal?"

"No. It was Ingrid, Elsa's aunt. Turns out she was one that was in this world during the curse and was Sarah, the one foster mother who was actually nice to me."

"Wait, the one who pushed you in front of a car? The one who talked to Eva?"

"Well, yes, but before that, she was amazing. I told you that before. Turns out she suspected I had magic and thought she could make me use it. Yes, I know it's twisted, but she apologized for that and said she tried to find me later but wasn't given enough information to do so. She did talk to Eva because apparently her magic feels a lot like mine."

"I'm glad she was there for you, Emma. I'm just really sorry you needed someone there for you." Regina said, taking a breath. "Emma, can I please talk first?" Emma sat back and nodded, so Regina licked her lips. "I had a whole speech planned, but I seemed to have forgot. I just…Emma I'm so sorry. I'm sorry for everything. I know I've been working more and that's no excuse because I could have tried harder to make the time we did have together count. I think I took for granted that you would always be here, but that wasn't fair for you. Emma, I love you so much and I hate myself for what I've done. I know I've fallen asleep when you've tried to have sexy times and that's so not us." Regina then took a deep breath, knowing the next subject would be harder to talk about. "I am also so very sorry for Robin. Emma, you were right about everything with him, and I didn't even try to listen. He was so wrong to criticize your parenting, but I was wrong to allow him to do that without saying anything. I can't tell you how sorry I am for not standing up to him for you. I don't want to make it sound like I'm not taking responsibility for every single stupid thing that I've done, but Emma, please believe me when I say I didn't kiss him. I swear I didn't, and I didn't want him to kiss me. I pushed him away and fired him and I know I messed up, but I didn't want that, Emma." Regina had tears in her eyes and her throat felt incredibly tight. Her heart was thundering because she knew what she had to say next, but Emma's possible answer terrified her. "I know I fucked up, Emma. I understand if you want to leave me. I will hate it, I will be devastated, but I won't stop you because you deserve so much better than me. However, if you do stay, I promise you I will be so much better."

Emma listened to Regina and felt her heart break not only at Regina's words but at how emotional she was. She cleared her throat as she wiped her own tears away. "Regina, you think I would leave you? Just leave you with out trying? I'd never do that. You have stuck by me through so much and damnit, I love you with all that I am. Yes, I'm mad and hurt and honestly, a bit betrayed, but I'm not going to just leave you." The relief on Regina's face made Emma feel a bit guilty that she was even scared to begin with. "As far as the you being busy, I understand that to a point. I don't want to come off as needy, but I guess sometimes I am. I just know that I miss you and I miss the kids and hell, I was even willing to work with you if it meant we were doing something together." Emma swallowed as she knew her next point would be harder. "I understand that you were busy and therefore tired and maybe that's why we didn't have…sexy times. Even though I understand, it doesn't change the fact that it hurt and that I felt rejected. And then there's the whole Robin thing." Emma said, pulling her knees up to her chest.

Regina swallowed, knowing this would be the worst part. "Say anything you want to say Emma. I did wrong and you deserve to let out your feelings."

Emma pushed her hair back from her face and ran her fingers through her locks. "Regina, I get and believe you when you say he kissed you. It's just everything up to that point is what hurts. I told you how he acted towards you, but you wouldn't even consider it. He often would undermine my parenting right in front of you and you wouldn't say anything. Even that night, you stood there and said nothing. That was betrayal beyond what I ever expected." Emma looked at Regina. "I could have been imagining it, but sometimes, I even thought I say you nod in agreement or smirk at things he said to me. It gave him more power to keep doing it." Emma hated it, but tears were starting to pool in her eyes and she couldn't stop them from falling as she blinked. Out of everything, the worst was that betrayal Regina. I get that I don't know much about how relationships work because this is really the only one I've had, but I just feel like that was really not okay. However, both Mal and Ingrid said that our love seems to be so strong that it's worth fixing, and I do agree. But I'll be honest, it's going to take more than you saying you're sorry for me to get over it. It's going to take time, and I hope you understand that."

Regina wiped at her own tears, her heart breaking as she realized how right Emma was and how lucky she was that Emma would be willing to go past this. "I get it, Emma. What I did was so beyond wrong that you would have every right to take the kids and leave me. I couldn't even be mad at you if you did. I'm so grateful that you're willing to work through this, and I swear I will give you as much time as you want, Emma. Hell, if you want me to stay somewhere else for a bit, I'll do that."

Emma swallowed the lump in her throat. "I don't want that. I'll be honest, it may be hard, but nothing will be solved if we're not here together." She let out a breath. "I'm not trying to be mean or a bitch or anything, Regina. I'm just being honest with you. It's hard because it hurt so much and I'm not saying that to make you feel worse."

"Emma, my love." Regina said, getting up from her chair and kneeling in front of Emma, taking her hands into her own. "I know you're not trying to be mean. I hurt you. I did things that I feel so much regret for, things that you have every right to be angry at me for. I am so sorry I never stood up for you, that I never told him off for what he was saying to you. Emma you're a great mother and I'm sorry I didn't say that when he put you down. I know it's going to take time and I'll give you that time, but you need to know that I am sorry, and I want to start over, in a way."

"I get it, and I agree." Emma stated. "Regina, I believe you and I forgive you and I'll do my best not to bring things up that we've already discussed. If we're going to move on, we can't keep looking back, but as long as you really do get that things aren't going to go back to perfection as soon as this talk is over, then we can do this."

Regina nodded and kissed Emma's hand. "I get that, and I agree. Emma, I promise I'm going to make this all up to you. I hate…I really hate to say this, but I will be busy yet for another few weeks, but I promise I'll make time where I can – for you and the kids."

Emma nodded. "I understand. Regina just don't bring Robin back here again. I honestly don't think I'll be able to keep my mouth shut and my fists to myself." Emma said as she pulled Regina up and into her lap.

Regina smiled a bit as she let out a breath. "I fired him, Emma. He's gone, and I hired Zelena in his place. I may get some people upset and claim that I hired family, but I really don't care. I don't ever want to see him again. I promise you, you have nothing to worry about and…I know I promised you that before, but this time, my eyes are open, and I swear you have nothing to worry about."

Emma nodded and wrapped her arms around her wife. "I do love you, Regina. Even when I'm mad, I love you."

Regina let out a sigh of relief as she hugged Emma back, tears of relief falling from her eyes. "I love you, Emma. I love you and I'm so sorry for everything."

Emma wiped at Regina's tears and then softly kissed her lips, feeling the tingle that always came with kissing her. "I forgive you and I'm sorry too."

Regina's eyebrows knitted as she pulled back and looked into those blue-green eyes. "What in the world are you sorry for?"

Emma shrugged a bit. "For leaving last night. For being impatient with some things."

Regina shook her head slowly. "Emma Swan-Mills, you have nothing to be sorry for. I can honestly say that in this situation, you did nothing wrong. I totally understand why you left last night, and you were by no means impatient. This was all my fault and it's my mess to clean up."

Emma looked at Regina and even if less than an hour ago, she was so hurt and angry, all she could think of doing right now was kissing her wife. So, she did. She cupped Regina's cheeks and pulled her to her, kissing her lips. After half a second, Regina kissed her back and felt her heart healing in the process.

After a few moments, Regina pulled back and offered a small smile. "I think we need to make sure the kids know we're okay. Eva was pretty worried that we were going to get a divorce."

Emma gave a nod. "I assured her we'd work it out."

Reluctantly, the separated enough to stand, but the held hands as they walked out back. Unexpectantly, they saw their three playing with Emma's brothers while all the adults were sat on the shared patio talking. Maleficent looked over and smiled as she saw them holding hands. Snow followed her gaze and smiled as well. Before they could go over to them, Eva ran up to them and hugged them both.

"You guys are better now?" She asked, her big brown eyes so full of hope.

Emma laughed and picked her up, twirling her around. "Yes, we're better now."

"Ma! I'm too big for this." Eva said, but laughed anyway. When she was put down, she smiled at Emma. "I'm glad you guys are better. Are you sleeping at home tonight?"

"Yes, Bumble Bee, I'm staying here tonight." Emma then remembered something. "Hey, remember that woman you met when you were in the woods and upset?"

Eva nodded. "Yeah."

"Well, she wants to officially meet you and your siblings. You see, she was one of my foster mothers and has been scared to come see me, but she did last night. I'd like her to be a member of our little group one day. Oh, and she's Elsa and Anna's aunt."

Ry, who had been standing near by stepped over. "Ma? Was she one of the bad foster moms you had?"

Emma shook her head, holding their hands as they walked towards the patio. They didn't know the details that Henry did, but they knew that both their moms had rough childhoods. "She was a good one – the best one actually."

"Okay good. Then we want to meet her." With that, the two ran back out to play and Emma and Regina sat down.

"So, you guys made up?" David asked as he stood up. "Great. I mean I knew you would, but I'm still glad to hear it." He came over and kissed Emma's cheek while squeezing Regina's shoulder. "I'm off to the store, everyone else is up for a grill out tonight; how about you two?"

"Sure, that sounds great." Regina said as she used her magic to make drinks appear for her and Emma. "Just tell me what we can bring."

"How about that amazing pasta salad you make, Gina?" Maleficent suggested. "Oh, and Emma, bring that beer you like so much. I love that stuff."

Emma chuckled but nodded, looking at her mom. She stopped and knitted her brows as she saw her mom frowning and looking down at the table. "Mom? Are you okay?"

Snow blinked and looked up. "What? Oh yeah, I'm okay." She looked around. "Oh, did David go?"

"Yeah mom, he just left. What's wrong? It's like you were in another world."

"Nothing's wrong, sweetie." Snow said as she gave a smile. "I'm so glad you two worked things out."

"Well I'm just glad Emma is so forgiving." Regina stated.

"Okay, yes, we're working things out. Let's not just focus on that though, okay?"

Zelena raised her wine glass. "Here, here! Geez, not every day has to be about the sickingly perfect couple."

Emma rolled her eyes and looked at Anslie, noticing she was drinking water. She raised a brow, but didn't say anything about it, instead, looking at Zelena. "Zelena, you have a beautiful wife, stop being so jealous of me and Regina." She joked.

Zelena rolled her own eyes. "I'm so not jealous. My wife is hotter and younger than my sister's wife." She teased.

Emma faked hurt and then gave a pout. Regina rolled her eyes, but joined in. "My wife may not be as young as yours, but she is way more experienced where it counts."

Maleficent stood up. "Okay, enough. Even if the kids are out there playing, they're still around and this is not appropriate for them to hear.

"I don't think it's appropriate for me to hear." Snow said as she took a drink. She then looked at Emma. "So, who is this Ingrid Maleficent told me was allowed to comfort you last night?"

And there it was – the thing that was bothering Snow was finally out and Emma felt a stab of guilt hit her with her words. "Mom, I…it's not that she was allowed, it's that she came and I…"

"You let her come and you let her in. You didn't even answer my call. You didn't let Maleficent stay. You didn't let me comfort you and support you or sing to you."

Emma looked at Mal, almost feeling betrayed that she would have told Snow about that but knowing that wasn't the issue. She looked back at her mom. "Mom, it wasn't like that. She just showed up and…"

"Oh, but if I'd have just shown up, you'd have pushed me away." Snow tried to keep her voice level, but her emotion was getting to her. "Look, I know your father and I made the wrong choice with you when we sent you here, Emma. I know that, and I've apologized to you over and over for it. But, I mean, I already take a second seat to 'Mama Mal' and now there's another woman in your life who you seem to be more comfortable with than me."

Emma felt terrible and she hated seeing how hurt her mother was. "Mom no. It's not like that."

"Except it is." Snow said, there was no anger in her voice, only hurt. "And that's fine if that's what it is, but just be honest, Emma. If you'd rather have Maleficent or this Ingrid be the mother to you that you never had, just tell me."

Emma's own heart hurt at those words. "Mom no. I don't want that."

Maleficent hated seeing this – hated seeing the hurt in both the women. "Snow, I never meant to take your place. It's just that Emma and I got close before the curse ended. But you're her mother, Snow and I've never once tried to take that from you."

"I know that, Maleficent. You haven't." Snow said, looking back at Emma. "But maybe that's what Emma would prefer." She said before getting up and going into her house.

Emma felt her tears falling as she watched in stunned silence. When she felt Regina touching her hand, she let out a sob. "I never meant to hurt her."

*Note

Please don't hate Snow right now. She's kept a lot in and is having a hard time sharing her daughter. I personally think it's understandable.