Hello everyone! I'm so sorry it's been so long. I could give you a list of excuses, but it won't change anything. I'm posting this, and I have the next chapter almost all written out, so it will be posted this weekend. Please don't give up on me. Also, while I love having new followers/favorites each day, reviews fuel me. Faster updates? Leave reviews.

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Ch 10

The following few days went in a blur for the Swan-Mills family. Emma had taken Oliver and Eva to Henry's game and watched him make the winning touchdown. Neal threw a celebration dinner at Granny's; however, Emma had to leave early since Malory was pretty sick and wanted her blonde mother. Henry didn't argue as he hugged his mother and siblings as it was the weekend, so he was staying with his father.

Come Wednesday, Malory still was not feeling well and Emma was utterly exhausted. The downside of being the 'favorite' mom in this case was being the only one Malory wanted when she was up sick – which was at least four hours a night. It got to the point where Emma and Malory would sleep in the guest room and Eva would sleep with Regina.

Eva had gone to school but her normal pep was gone. She was lost without her sister. For now, Lacey was watching DJ, as having Oliver along with a sick Malory was harder than Emma thought it would be now that Regina was back at work. Emma was thankful that Regina was able to take time off work on Wednesday and come to the doctor with them to discuss things.

"Nothing is working." Emma said, her patience was thin. "She gets so sick that she can't keep anything down and she's already lost three pounds. She's not big enough to lose weight, Kathryn. Is there anything we haven't tried?" Emma was usually the calm one, but lack of sleep and almost six days of dealing with a sick child – all while knowing it would start all over again on Friday – was putting the blonde on edge.

Kathryn, understanding the frustration, looked at the charts. "There is one we haven't tried yet, but it's not recommended for kids under twelve, due to the side effects."

"So we just let the chemo and radiation make her waste away to nothing?"

Regina put her hand on Emma's to calm her down. Emma took a deep breath and counted to ten in her head as Regina took over.

"Kathryn, please know that we appreciate all you're doing. We're just frustrated, and to be honest, scared. Obviously we don't want to watch the cancer take her, but watching this is not much easier."

"I do understand, I really do." Kathryn looked over the charts again. "Let me ask you something because the first medication we gave her has a 95% rate of working for children. How soon after you gave it to her was she sick? Less than an hour? Less than thirty minutes?"

"The first medicine?" Emma thought for a bit. "I'd say with in fifteen to thirty minutes at the most. I remember wondering if she got any of it in her system, but I didn't want to chance giving her more for fear of giving her too much."

Kathryn made a note and then put the folder down. "The truth is, it probably didn't get into her system. That being said, she may just be one of those patients that those medicines don't help. I'm not trying to be insensitive, I swear I'm not, I can't imagine how horrible it is to see your child so sick. However, we have to focus on killing the cancer first. She's not dehydrated, so she's keeping enough liquids down. Today and tomorrow should be better days, so get her to eat as much as you can. What we'll do this time is give her a shot of the medication after she finishes her chemo so we know it gets into her system. If that works, I can teach one of you to give it to her once in the morning and once at night. Now, even with this, she will still feel tired and weak as we discussed, just hopefully not as sick to her stomach."

Ry, who had been playing on the floor with Oliver, looked over. "It's okay, moms. I gotta get sick to beat it. I'll be better now that I know how it feels and I won't bother you anymore at night."

Emma shook her head. "You don't bother us, Princess, don't you dare think that. I just hate seeing you sick all the time."

"I know Mama, but you gotta remember that I have to get sick before I can get better. I'll try harder to not cry out so you don't have to wake up."

Regina sighed. "No, baby girl. We want to know when you're sick. This has nothing to do with us, honey, it's all about you."

Dr. Nolan smiled at the little blonde. "You're so sweet and strong. Brave too. Your moms just don't want to see you sick. I know for a fact that you're not bothering them. Do not think of yourself as a burden."

"She's right, Butter Bean. We simply don't want to see you suffer so much." Emma said softly.

"I feel better today. I actually think I can eat."

"Good. Then we'll go to Granny's this afternoon." Emma looked at Kathryn. "I'm sorry I got upset; I know you're trying to help. I know we're lucky that you are able to help us." Emma started bouncing her leg as she tried to keep her eyes from filling with tears. This wasn't the time to break down, not with everyone looking at her. She cleared her throat and took a breath. "Just know that I do appreciate all you and your staff are doing. I just get frustrated. This is a lot harder than I thought it would be." She blinked tears as she looked away.

Kathryn gave a soft smile. "I understand, Emma. No offense taken. I do want to remind both of you to take time for yourselves. See Archie if you need to. You both are being strong for Malory, but you need your own outlets."

"I'm fine." Emma said as she crossed her arms and got up walking to the window.

Regina sighed as she looked at her wife. She knew Emma had only broken down once while she had broken down a few times. Each time it was Emma that was there for her, Emma who was strong for her. "Thank you, Kathryn. We'll think about it."

Kathryn nodded to Regina and stood. "Alright, we'll see you on Friday and I'll make sure she gets the medicine as a shot. If there's anything else that comes up before then, just let me know."

"We will, Kathryn. thank you for everything."

Once Kathryn left, Emma turned to get Oliver ready as Regina got Malory ready. "Emma, honey?" Regina asked softly. "We have about an hour before lunch. Why don't you let me take the kids home and you go for a jog like you used to do. Take some time for yourself."

Emma thought about it and nodded. "Okay. But I need to go home and change my shoes first."

Once home, Emma changed into jogging gear and headed out. It had been a while since she had done this and was glad Regina suggested it. The blonde let her feet guide her, and soon, she found herself deep in the woods near the pond she had found years before - the pond she had broken down by and cut herself. She sat on a tree stump as she caught her breath. In a matter of minutes, she was crying silent tears, but that wasn't enough. She picked up one of the sharp, jagged rocks and closed her eyes. All her anger, frustration, and pain could all flow out of her with just a few cuts. No one had to know, she could hide it with magic. With her eyes closed, she held the rock to her arm.

"Emma? Emma don't!"

Emma opened her eyes and looked up to see Maleficent. She looked at her arm and the rock and started crying again. "It's too much, Mal. It's just too much."

Mal came over and sat next to Emma, putting a hand on her arm and then sliding it down to take the rock and toss it aside. Emma fell into Mal's arms as she sobbed. Mal held her tight, rubbing her back. "I...I need to let the pain out, Mal. I need...I need release."

Mal held Emma out to look at her. "And then what? You cut yourself and then what? You feel better? Maybe for a while, but then it's easier to do it again. Is that what you want? Do you want to have to leave again, Emma?"

Emma sniffed and shook her head, curling into herself. "I didn't think of that." She said quietly. "Regina deserves better. They all do. Maybe this is all my fault. It's pay back for thinking I could be happy."

Mal scoffed and pulled Emma back into her arms. "Now don't you start that, Princess. Seriously. What would you say if Regina said that this was her fault because she was the Evil Queen?"

"I'd tell her to not be ridiculous and that this was medical and not based on her past."

"Exactly, love. This isn't your fault either. you have every right to be upset, to be sad or mad or frustrated or all of the above, but you cannot feel guilty."

Emma nodded and rest her now heavy head on Mal's shoulder. "I don't know what to do, Mal. I can't just fix this and that drives me crazy. The chemo makes her so sick and then she fells guilty because we're helping her. It's not fair! It's not fair and I don't know how to help!" Emma stood and paced as she got angry. "I hate being helpless! I hate not being able to help my own damn daughter!" Magic crackled around Emma's hands as she felt so upset.

Mal stood behind Emma and put her hands on the blondes hips. "That tree. Focus your anger on the tree."

Emma blinked the tears from her eyes and held her hands out, focusing on the tree. Magic coursed through Emma as the tree in front of her was obliterated to nothing. Tree after tree became piles of dust as Emma blindly let out her anger. Mal held her tight, knowing that once Emma was spent, she'd be exhausted. When the blonde's body began to shake, Mal tried whispering to her. "Easy Princess. Deep breaths. Don't push it."

Emma wasn't listening. She kept letting it out, even as her vision blurred. when she finally did stop, she knew it was too late. "I'm sorry..." She said quietly before passing out in Maleficent's arms.

Mal kissed Emma's temple softly. "It's okay, Princess."

Maleficent used her magic to transport both herself and Emma to the Swan-Mills home. Not knowing where Malory would be, and not wanting her to see her mother like this, she appeared in Regina and Emma's room. Regina happened to be feeding Oliver while Malory had laid down in her and Emma's bed. Luckily the girl was sleeping, but Regina jumped at the sound.

"Mal? What are you...Emma? Is she okay?" Regina put Oliver in the crib that was in their room and went to the bed to help Mal lay Emma down.

"She's fine. She's just worn out."

After Regina covered Emma, she picked Oliver back up and she and Mal went to the nursery. "What happened? She went to go for a jog."

Mal sighed and sat on the rocking chair, motioning for Regina to give Oliver to her. Regina did and waited for Mal to settle as she fed the bottle to Ollie. "Well? Are you going to tell me why you brought my wife home all passed out? Did you finally have your way with her?"

Mal couldn't help but laugh at her friend. "Maybe if I weren't completely in love with my own wife, I'd give it a try. No. I was in the woods and found her."

Regina turned white and had to sit down. The last time Mal found Emma in the woods, she had cut herself badly.

"Did she...I didn't notice any blood."

Mal shook her head. "No, but I'm pretty sure she was going to. She had a sharp rock like last time. I don't think it's something we have to worry too much about, Gina. I think she just needs to let out her emotions more. That's why she's passed out. I had her channel her emotions through magic. She obliviated some trees by doing so."

Regina sighed, running her fingers through her hair. "I've tried, Mal, I've tried to make her talk to me, to unload, but she wont. In turn, I try not to unload on her, but I find the most comfort from her. I had no idea it would cause her to want to self harm." Regina sighed again, a bit of anger filling her. "What was she thinking? Not only do we now have four kids, butone is an infant and another is sick! I can't do this by myself and I have no doubt that Ri would blame herself. Maybe it's selfish and wrong, but I can't send her away for help right now. I need her here. I need her to not...not be so...so careless!"

Regina brushed some tears away, she didn't know how to deal with this on top of everything else. "I'm sorry. I don't want it to seem like I don't care about her. I do, you know I do. I just...I just don't know what to do, Mal. I feel like everything is falling apart." She looked at her friend as she broke down. "Why does this always happen? Why can't I be happy? If this is pay back from who I used to be, why do Malory and Emma have to suffer? Sometimes I wish I never would have fallen for Emma only because I would suffer my punishment alone, and she could be happy."

Mal laid Oliver down and wrapped her arms around Regina, letting her friend cry. "Oh love. Don't think like that. You love Emma and your kids and you know that this has nothing to do with your past. Emma is happy, Regina, she is just not sure how to let out her emotions. She's always been like that and now it's a bit harder. She wants to be your rock so she thinks that means she can't break down to you." Mal sighed and wiped the tears from Regina's cheek. "Regina? Have you guys thought about maybe talking to Archie? You've tried to talk to Emma, but we both know she can be stubborn. Maybe if you have a third part there, it will go over better."

Regina sniffed and shrugged. "I've thought about it, but I don't want to upset her."

"I think that after today, you have every right to suggest it. Even if she refuses, I don't think it would be a bad idea for you, or even the other kids, to see him. You all are going through a lot and it's only been a week." Regina nodded and wiped her face just as Malory came in.

"Mommy? Im hungry and I can't wake up Mama."

Regina smiled softly, it was the first time in a week that Malory said she was hungry.

Mal pulled the girl into her lap. "Mama will be sleeping for a while, honey. Tell you what, I'll stay here with Ollie and Mama while you and Mommy go to Granny's."

"Wait, Mal, why aren't you at the office?" Regina looked at Mal. "Not that I'm not happy and grateful you found Emma, but still."

Mal gave Regina a look. "First of all, don't worry. Second, I took a vacation day, well a half day. There were no meetings and I got all the important work done this morning. Don't you trust me, Madam Mayor?"

Regina rolled her eyes. "Of course I do. Okay then, if you're sure, Ry and I will go to Granny's. Oliver should be good for a few hours and you're in charge of Emma...which is probably good for both her and I right now."

Malory looked up at Regina. "Are you mad at Mama?"

Regina sighed and shook her head. "I'm not mad, I'm disappointed, but don't you worry about it, baby girl. You go get dressed, okay?"

"Disappointed is worse than mad. Mama's in trouble."

"Go get dressed, little one." Regina chuckled and sent her off before going to her own room to get ready. After changing, she sat on the bed by Emma. "I wish you'd talk to me. I wish you'd let me hold you up. You used to. You used to trust me to keep you safe." She ran her fingers through blonde hair. "I'm still here, baby. I've still got you. Even if we're both falling, we can also hold each other up. Just let me in."

Regina sighed and kissed her wife before getting up and going to take Ry to eat. Before they left, however, Regina came up with a plan. She was not willing to wait and see if Emma would do this again. Em may get mad at her, but she couldn't worry that next time, no one would be there to stop her. They got to Granny's and Regina had Malory sit and color while she went to talk to Ruby.

"I need your help. Emma had a set back today, but Mal got to her in time to stop her from...well, from cutting."

Ruby was shocked. "Oh no, Regina. I'm so sorry. You don't need that on top of everything else. Neither does Emma. What can I do?"

Regina explained that she wanted an intervention for Emma. She wanted people there who cared and who she and Em could go to should they need it. Ruby nodded with a smile. "I'll call everyone. You enjoy lunch with your daughter." She took their orders and after giving it to the cook, started making calls. Invited were her, Neal, Granny, Lacey, Mal, David, Snow, and Cora. They made it for six so their kids would be able to play and be home in time for bed.

Regina and Ry enjoyed their lunch and then went to the bus stop to meet Henry and Eva. Once home, Henry went to do his homework while the girls played. Maleficent and Oliver were in the living room and Emma was sitting out back on the deck talking with someone that Regina couldn't see from where she was.

"Who is out with Emma?" Regina asked as she kissed Oliver's cheek.

"Your sister." Cora answered as she came in the room. "I heard what happened and Zelena wanted to come with. If you don't want her here, she understands and will leave. Oh and don't worry, she's not telling Emma about the intervention. She'd like to stay, but that's up to you and she won't be upset at your answer."

Regina took it all in and gave a nod. "Fine. You're in charge of the kids while I go have a long overdue chat with my sister." She said as she handed Oliver to Cora, who was promptly taken back by Mal.

"Okay, but if you need me, find me."

Regina nodded and went to the kitchen. She took some deep breaths as she gathered her thoughts. Watching her wife, she couldn't help but think of how she looked so small again. Even the way she curled herself in her chair, talking but not really there, made Regina remember when Emma first came. They had come so far and couldn't go back, they just couldn't go back.

Emma looked over as Regina came out and then looked down. She knew Mal told her what happened and figured Regina would be mad at her.

"Emma? Can I have a moment with my sister, please?"

"Sure." Emma stood and walked passed her wife. Regina grabbed her wrist and pulled her back to her.

"Hey, look at me." She waited until green eyes met hers. Her heart sank as she saw the fear and uncertainty in them. "I love you, you know. For ever and always."

Emma's eyes filled with tears as she nodded. "I love you, too." She whispered, her voice not working well.

Regina kissed Emma's hand and then let go. Emma went inside to catch up with the kids as Regina turned to her now standing sister.

"Regina, I was with mom when Mal called and we came right here. If you want me to leave, I will."

Regina put a hand up to stop her. "Please sit. I've been meaning to talk to you anyways, but life has become busy."

Zelena waited for Regina to sit before she sat back down. "I understand. You've been through a lot recently. I know I told Emma and Cora, but I am very sorry for what I did. I guess I always assumed you knew about me and..well no excuses, I'm sorry."

Regina gave a nod. "They told me. Zelena, I do understand more than you probably think I do. It's just been hard for me. You see, I took a potion years ago making it so I could not have children. Emma, and the curse breaking, made the affects of the potion go away and after years of trying, I was finally pregnant."

She spoke calmly, even if she wanted to yell at her. Zelena looked down feeling more guilty.

"Your actions not only made me almost lose our baby, but the pregnancy I had so longed for was cut short. I've heard your story and I do understand your hurt and anger and feelings of abandonment, but what I don't understand is why you came after me. Why my unborn child? We did nothing to you, hell, I wasn't even born when Mother sent you away. I didn't know about you and instead of giving me a chance, you attacked me."

Zelena nodded and gathered her thoughts. "All I can tell you is that I wasn't thinking. I was jealous. You got Mother, while I got strangers who hated me. I did wrong and I'm sorry. Talking never worked for me, so I didn't think it would work with you. Regina, I am so sorry and I understand if you can't forgive me, but I promise it won't happen again. I swear that if you let me in, I'll make it up to you. If you can't, I understand and I'll find somewhere to go."

"Where are you staying now?" Regina asked.

"Mother found me an old farm ouse. We've fixed it up for now."

Reigna sighed. "You don't have to leave Storybrooke. You and Mother have obviously created a bond and it's not for me to cut that. I can understand going after the wrong person; I did that for most of my life. I'm not saying I'm going to automatically trust you and be best friends right away, however, I will forgive you. Trust will have to be earned. That being said, I'm not yet comfortable taking that cuff off."

Tears filled Zelena's eyes as she smiled at her sister. "I understand. It can stay on forever if that's what you want. Thank you, Regina. You won't regret this."

Regina could see her sister holding back from hugging her and she rolled her eyes as she opened her arms. Zelena practically jumped over the table and hugged Regina. The brunette had to admit that it felt good to forgive people and not hold a grudge. However, being that this woman put her and her family in danger, trust would not come easily. Regina did hug her back and then sat back as Zelena moved to the chair next to her sister.

Inside, Emma had checked on Henry who was busy in the kitchen with his homework before going to the living room and sat on the couch, pulling her feet up under her. Cora looked over from her chair as Mal moved to put Oliver in his playpen that was in the living room.

"You okay Princess?" Mal asked as Cora came and sat by Emma.

"Yeah, Mal. I'm okay. I'm just fine." The sarcasm in her voice was thick. "I had a moment of weakness and now, everyone knows." Emma wiped her tears as she looked away from them.

"Honey, I had to tell Regina. I brought you back unconscious, she was bound to ask why."

Emma pulled her sleeves over her hands and wiped her eyes again. "She has enough to deal with. We both do." She hated that she couldn't stop her tears. Before anyone could say anything, Emma got up and went to the kitchen, busying herself by making home made mac and cheese.

Henry finished his homework and joined the girls outside. Regina came in just as Emma put the dish in the oven and wiped her eyes again. She hated seeing Emma like this and hated that she didn't know how to help her.

"Come out to the patio with us. I'm going to get mom, Mal and Oliver. We can all eat out there."

Emma just shrugged. "Maybe in a bit. You guys go have fun." She turned and went upstairs, not wanting to be around anyone.

Regina sighed and asked Cora and Mal if they wanted to come outside.

"Zelena still here?" Cora asked as she stood. "Is Emma with her?"

"Zelena is still here, but Emma went upstairs." She replied sadly. "I don't know how to help her."

Cora put a hand on her shoulder. "Once she sees how much you and everyone else loves her, she'll feel better. Just be ready for her to be mad at first. Mostly at herself."

Regina nodded with a sigh. "Maybe I jumped the gun with this."

The three walked outside and Mal sat with Ollie in her lap. "No. I think it's good to do this right away. That way she can stop thinking she's alone, she can see that she can break down to any of us."

Regina sat back and watched the older three kids play. Ry tried to keep up with the other two, but soon came over to the table.

"Mommy, I can't breathe." The blonde said, fear in her eyes.

"It's okay baby. Just look at me and focus." Regina focused on Malory's eyes as she took deep breaths. Eva ran over and rubbed her sister's back. Soon, Ry was breathing normal again as she sat on Regina's lap, her head on her shoulder. Regina looked at Eva and gave a smile. "She's okay, honey. She just can't run around like before."

"Not until Luke is gone?"

"Luke?" Zelena asked, a bit confused.

Eva looked at her and nodded. "My sister's got Luke Mia. He makes her stick so she hasta have key-mo and radination to help her kick Luke's butt. We're Team Malory, cuz that's her name. Gramma calls her Ry, but her full name is Malory Rose Swan-Mills and I'm Eva Lynn Swan-Mills. We're twins! Our brothers are Henry Daniel Swan-Mills and Oliver Jack Swan-Mills. Who are you?"

The women chuckled as Eva finally finished talking. Zelena looked at Regina who gave a nod and then leaned forward. "My name is Zelena. I'm your mother's sister, which makes me your aunt."

Eva looked at the woman through narrow eyes. "How comes I never sawd you before?"

"I just came to town recently."

"So you're my auntie? A real auntie?"

Zelena knitted her brows, confused.

Mal cleared her throat. "Eva? Are you saying that I'm not your real Auntie Mal?"

Eva rolled her eyes. "You are my Auntie Maleficent, but you're not mommy or mama's sister. So if you think of it biologistically, Zelena here, is more realer of an Auntie."

Mal tried not to laugh. "Right. Biologistically, of course."

"Don't worry, Auntie Mal, I will still love you the same. I'm just try'na understand things." She then looked at Zelena. "So, Auntie Zee, I heard mommy talking about you. Are you a good witch or a bad witch?"

Everyone froze at this question, Regina blushing a little. When no one answered, Eva continued. "Mommy said you was a witch from Oz. I seen the movie, and you aint green, so I think you're a good witch. I was just asking to be sure."

Zelena cleared her throat, figuring out how to say the words to a child. "Well, most would say I'm wicked, but I don't believe people are fully good or fully bad."

Eva cracked a smile. "Good answer. Besides, I always told Gramma that if someone dropped a house on my sister, celebrated, and then took her shoes, I'd be wicked too."

They all laughed and Cora pulled Eva on her lap. "Remember love bug, the movie is different from real life."

Zelena nodded. "It is, but thank you for understanding."

Eva then looked over at her sister. "You feel better now?"

Ry nodded, keeping her head on Regina's chest. "I can breathe now." She said quietly.

Eva went over by her and gently touched her cheek. "Why are you crying?"

Malory turned her head and buried her face in Regina's chest. Regina rubbed her back and smiled softly at Eva. "She's just tired, honey. It's okay."

Eva nodded and looked around. "Where's Mama?"

"I'm right here. Who's hungry?" Emma came out with plates and silver wear. Cora and Zelena took them and set them out as Mal put Oliver in his playpen and then took Eva to wash her hands.

Ry jumped off Regina's lap and ran inside to Emma. "Mama! Mama! I'm tired."

Mal took the dish of Mac and cheese from Emma and took it outside as Emma picked up Malory. "Do you want to go to bed or come sit on my lap and eat?"

Ry yawned. "I'll eat first. I should eat while I can. In a couple days, I won't wanna eat."

Emma kissed Malory's temple and closed her eyes as she let it linger. "My brave, sweet girl." She whispered and kissed her again. "Let's go eat."

After everyone ate, Emma could sense the other adults getting nervous. She also wondered why everyone was sticking around. As Emma fed Oliver, Regina took the kids upstairs and told them they could play in the play room or their rooms when the adults would be downstairs. Emma was laying Oliver in his crib when Mal came in.

"Emma? Can you come with me downstairs please?"

Emma looked at Mal, fear in her eyes. "Is Regina leaving me? Is she sending me away?"

Mal put her hand on Emma's shoulder. "No and no. Don't worry, just come with me."