Sorry for the delay in posting - unfortunately real life deadlines got in the way! I'm still amazed at the response this story has gotten, and so glad you've stuck with me. I'm sorry I haven't replied to as many reviews as I would have liked, but just to let you all know, they are very much appreciated!
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"Is Emma still outside?" was what Henry asked the moment Regina stepped into his room, her face now cleared of marred make-up.
Regina nodded. "Yes." She sat at the foot of his bed.
"Are you going to talk to her?" he asked, not quite sure which answer he was hoping to hear. As much as he loved his mothers', and loved them as a family, he felt protective towards his adoptive mother. He hadn't always felt that way, he knew, but since Regina had truly tried to change for his sake, and for Emma, she had shown herself to be more vulnerable than he could ever have imagined. The woman who sat at the foot of his bed now was not the Evil Queen, but the emotional equivalent of a hopeful child.
Regina took her time in answering. Part of her was so angry at the blonde for even thinking she could cheat, but the greater part of her was hurting, and she knew that only Emma was capable of taking that pain away. "Yes, I think I am."
Henry nodded. He expected as much. "Are you going to forgive her?"
Tears gathered once more in Regina's chocolate brown orbs. "I don't think I can do anything but."
The corners of his lips tugging up in a small smile, Henry moved to hug his mother tightly. As her arms wrapped around him, he felt her smile against his temple. "Don't go easy on her. I know how easy you give into her."
Regina pulled back, the small smile staying on her face. "You and Miss Lucas seem very concerned with how easily I forgive your mother."
"She hurt you bad mom, you shouldn't just forgive things like that," he said, his face the picture of childlike innocence.
The older brunette nodded. "I know sweetheart, but as much as she hurt me, she'll be punishing herself far more than I could."
Henry frowned, trying to understand. "She is sorry."
"I know," said Regina, in a quiet voice. "And she will be for a long time." Leaning forward and pressing a kiss to her son's forehead, she pushed herself to her feet. "You try and get some sleep." She leant down to place another kiss to his forehead. "I promise Emma and I shall still be here in the morning. What she did isn't going to be easy to forgive, but I've been forgiven for far worse crimes."
