A/N- For this A/U plot please try to ignore what you know about the town line (except that it takes people's memories) before it was destroyed. I've made adjustments to that plot/time line and in general about Gold's journey out of darkness. In this fic the town line was destroyed two years ago and under different circumstances/terms. It'll make sense at the end of this chapter.

Lots more little Emma to come and something else is hinted at I'm curious to see if you figure out what it means in the conversation with Gold. J

Thanks as always for your reviews, PMs, and those that voted on the poll. Results are in and Ruby will seek Regina's and Emma's support to come out of the closet and tell Granny. I appreciate you all. Before you enjoy chapter 10, check out the story's new write up and there is a teaser from a future chapter at the very end of this one for you…

New write up: When the author of The Do Over spell makes himself known as a threat Emma and Regina's relationship is pushed to the ultimate limits; lines are drawn, trust tested, love questioned and all caused by a twisted game of words, a proposed deal, and a promise made by the author. Will a unique bond forged in another life and in their real one be enough to see them through?

::::::::::Start of Chapter 10:::::::::

It was supposed to be magic in her mouth. That's what the box said. Supposed to bring a smile to her face like the stupid bird and the poster child in the picture, but the bobbing chocolate orbs forming sweet milk in Emma's favorite yellow bowl was not bringing the smile it normally would. She scowled into her cereal, taking the last bite and stirring what was left of the milk with a little finger complete with band-aid, eyeing the brunette for a reaction. She didn't want to be in trouble, but she also didn't want those eyes off of her.

Regina didn't disappoint. "Emma." She pulled the bowl away, reaching for a small hand to remove the soaked band-aid. "You are still healing. Do you want an infection?"

Eyes rolled dramatically. "If it means you'll stay with me this morning, then bring on Gangrene." Grumbling under her breath as she was lifted off the stool and instructed to wash her hands. She half expected a swat for her less than agreeable attitude all morning up until this point, but none was given. Emma sighed a minute later as a new band-aid with Neosporin was put on after her hands were dried. The sweet milk she tainted was poured down the drain as she hopped back up on her stool.

Epic loss.

"I don't need a sitter. Just take me with you. Please?" Emma begged, little hands clasped over the plate of cut up banana still in her place. Pout returned full force as it had at hearing the agenda for the day upon waking. Deep down she knew Regina would take her with if it was possible and she wondered at the nature of the appointment her Keeper had that made it so she could not go.

"Baby, I told you I cannot take you with me this morning. I know you do not like that idea and quite frankly I do not either, but sometimes this will be unavoidable." It pained her to see the glare that followed her words on that little face. "I will be one hour, tops and I trust Ruby and Granny with you or would you rather I ask David?"

"I'm not ready for that yet." Sulking even as she eyed the box of chocolate cereal still on the counter, now she understood had been a gesture meant to ease their conversation over being left that morning.

"I thought as much." Finishing her coffee, and eyeing the blonde's lack of enthusiasm. "When I pick you up at the diner later we will go to the park. How does that sound?"

A little nose twitched. "Like a bribe."

"Did it work?"

"Kinda…" Small smile before the scowl returned, remembering she was supposed to be annoyed with her Keeper. "But Mama… I still want to go with you. Why can't I?"

"There is something I am working on, a surprise, I want to keep a surprise for a bit longer and the main reason is personal, which I will share with you once I know more about it and I am certain of some things." The first would take but minutes, the latter needed her complete focus without having to worry about the child's safety.

Two appointments then. Emma vaguely remembered Regina saying such before she'd fallen asleep last night. "Ugh! That doesn't tell me anything and I hate not knowing stuff." She pushed her plate away and dropped her head on the counter.

Wrapping an arm around those little shoulders, the Queen gently turned Emma's face toward her. "Do you remember when you asked me the first time about the price I paid for the spell in our other life and how upset you were with me until I explained why I couldn't tell you yet?"

Emma fidgeted, but didn't sit up. "Yeah, you said that it was too soon for me to know."

"I did and also that it was my right as your parent in that life to not give you all the information at one time, but always the truth. This situation is like that and with you being small right now, it is my choice. I need you to trust me to make these types of decisions on your behalf when that is the case and if you do not then we need to stop right now and talk about why." She hadn't expected the child to shoot upright suddenly, grabbing for her hands.

"I trust you! That's not it, at all." Emma assured, moving eyes to their joined hands. "I'm just being stubborn and I want you with me, so I'm a little cranky about it." Leaning her head on a strong shoulder.

"I want you with me too and I respect your feelings." A grateful kiss that trust wasn't the issue, though she hadn't really suspected it was, but had to be sure. "I will go as quickly as I can and then we will go to the park together. Try and have some patience for me until then my little swan." A hand trailed through loose curls with a nod to the fruit. "Finish up please."

Regina allowed the continued pouting to go unchecked as she cleaned up the other breakfast dishes, knowing it was anxiety from the last time they were apart when Emma had been small creeping in. Since returning home she'd been finding it much harder to say no when Emma put up fight and to correct when she normally would for misbehavior. Her girl was having such a hard time of it and her heart hurt to see Emma struggling to accept their current reality. If her plans came together as she thought they would, then that wouldn't be a problem in a few weeks.

"Go up and get your shoes on baby and anything you want to take with to do at the diner."

Huffing and mumbling under her breath Emma slipped off the stool, stomped upstairs and back down a few minutes later in purple converse, black wool leggings with a long green sweater and empty hands.

A dark brow rose. "No Stitchy or Wonder Woman today?"

Emma shifted from foot to foot. "Don't need them." Arms crossed.

"Perhaps a book to read?"

Lower lip stuck out like a shelf. "No… thank you."

"You may work on some math comprehension sheets then and maybe do some coloring after if you like."

Taking the decision away at the stubborn face looking up because Emma needed her to. She was entirely understanding of the reluctance staring at her, but also knew that the longer they didn't address the elephant in the room, the harder it would be for the child to accept that there would be times when they could not be together. It was a hard but necessary decision and one she hadn't made easily or without great consideration to Emma's comfort. Regina summoned the worksheets with a coloring book and crayons. Those and the special pencil with grip were bundled into a small red tote, offering it to the child who stared at it like it was poison. Another subtle flick of her wrist summoned the beloved action figure into the bottom of the bag, thinking Emma may want it later.

"Please get your coat on."

Emma snatched the tote and shuffled to the foyer, response to direction from that voice a soothing balm to her discomfort even when she didn't want to obey. She fumbled with the zipper. A groan of frustration escaped, but she gladly accepted the Queen's help a minute later and they were soon on their way. As the Benz rolled to a stop in front of the diner a while later little eyes shot daggers into dark ones as they met in the rear view mirror.

Regina sighed and turned around in the seat after killing the engine. "Are you alright to stay with Ruby and Granny or is there someone else you would prefer?"

"I want you Maammaaa. There's no one else." Bitter over the fact, knowing that out of everyone in town, her Keeper had chosen well, if she had to be left with anyone at all.

"I know you do." Wanting to validate when those eyes pulled at her heart. "I don't like leaving you when you are upset about that idea. We cannot avoid it forever, but I can attempt to reschedule my appointments for later today…" She paused to think through the possibility of her next words. "Or tomorrow if you need more time to wrap your head around it."

Timing had to be right for the discussion with Gold. She had a small window of opportunity to later test her theory on Emma's shifts if he gave her the information and a promise she needed to do so today. Every day counted on the timeline she set herself to complete the tasks she had in mind. It was inevitable that at some point Emma would be small and need someone to watch her if Regina couldn't during that time frame.

Emma's face relaxed at that offer, but she shook her head. Better to get it over with now, but she didn't have to like that fact. She was six and unhappy, so kicking the seat in front of her seemed like a good response. A quick hand caught her foot from making a second attempt and she shook it off easily with a huff.

"No… Gooo, I'll deal."

Considerate eyes. "I don't want you to 'deal' Emma. I need you to try to be a big girl for a moment and tell me if you are really okay with this idea."

Green flashed upwards, little temper getting the better of her. "That's impossible right NOW, thanks for reminding meee!"

"Emma Swan." Quiet and firm.

A clear line, their code, before her and one she wisely stepped back from. A deep breath. "I don't like it, but I'll be okaaay." Accompanied with little hurt when the third part of her name she had become used to from their other life was left unsaid. She was skating on thin ice with her tone, even now, but if it kept them together in the car a bit longer then it was worth it.

"Let's get this done then baby." Regina knew what Emma was doing and she would not feed the budding tantrum, but also sensed something deeper was off with her girl.

Emma unbuckled herself and stepped out of the car, shutting the door and leaning against it, eyes on her shoes. Heels soon came into view and her eyes misted at them before she was picked up. The Queen held her close and it took only a few heart beats for the tension to leave her little body. Sighs and ache came next as small arms tightened around a neck. A minute passed then two and Emma knew there was still no avoiding the inevitable, but the hug greatly helped, so she wiggled to get down after a kiss was planted on her cheek, a promise to return.

Taking the child's hand, Regina led the way into the diner, settling Emma in a booth with the red tote as Ruby came over to greet them. "Thank you for keeping her company. I should be back in an hour at most." Careful to avoid the word babysit as Emma seemed to have an aversion for it.

"No prob-lem-o." Ruby assured and waved. "Hey Swan. Why the long face?"

Emma glared at the redhead, but said hello at the look she received from her Keeper and began to pull out the practice sheets she knew she was expected to attempt. Her hand froze on the Wonder Woman action figure at the bottom of the bag. She didn't pull it out, but a small smile tugged at her mouth. Instead her fingers traced the yellow W with some gratitude at how well Regina knew her.

Ruby lost her smile, following the Mayor to the counter where Granny was. "Who stole her bear claw?" Another quick look at the little sour face. "And ate it in front of her?" Tossing a thumb over her shoulder at the unhappy Savior as the diner door chimed.

A regal sigh. "That would be me. She's upset at waking up small and not being able to be stay with me, which is not an option either of us likes right now, but a necessary one." Catching the frown deepening on Ruby's pretty face.

"We'll perk her up for you." Eugenia stepped in and nodded towards the somber Savior. "I've got a batch of cookies that need baking and I don't think she will be able to resist my offer of taste testing if she helps."

"She will like that." The Queen relented to the treat she wouldn't normally allow after the one she'd given this morning, but if it meant a happier little swan in her absence she was all for it.

"Excuse me a sec." Ruby caught the new pair of eyes in the diner staring her way and moved to the far side to clear a table that didn't need bussing.

Regina's eyes narrowed at the wolf's sudden excuse as the new diner customer approached them. She was very observant on a good day and even more since her and Emma had gotten so close. Her theory, the one regarding the Imp, just gained another piece of the puzzle she'd been working out as a memory from years ago whispered through her mind. "Good day Ms. Gold."

Belle smiled. "Madame Mayor, Granny. I called in a to go order. Is it ready yet?"

Glasses slid down a nose as Granny's eyes followed Ruby's disappearing act in question, but she nodded to an empty counter chair. "Have a seat, I'll check in a minute for you."

Regina regarded the French girl for a moment through veiled lashes. They were friends, but something had changed between them in the last few years and in her focus on her relationship with Emma and the do over spell she had missed what caused it. Belle had been distant, though not unpleasant to both her and Emma for… a few years now... Another piece of the puzzle moved into place in her mind. That speculation would be confirmed soon enough. She shook her head to clear the thought and gave her attention back to Granny.

"I need to ask you both for another favor soon, depending on how today goes." The Queen gave a quick nod at Ruby passing them. The waitress had a pained look hidden by a tight smile as she breezed past Belle. "I will get back to you on the details when I know a little more, but it involves helping Emma."

"Anything for her." Granny smiled, tilting her head. "She's the reason we were able to put the past behind us and be friends. Just let us know what you need."

Grateful came first, then some awe at how far they had come. "That means a lot to me and to Emma. I need to go, but thank you. Please call me if anything comes up."

Turning, the Queen went back toward the booth and knelt to be eye level with the little blonde who ignored her presence. She rested a patient hand on Emma's head, trailing it softly down to a shoulder. "Listen to Ruby and Granny, alright?"

Emma didn't take her gaze off of the page of math problems, trying to ignore the eyes she knew were on her and gave a nod. Words impossible. Regina would understand that.

"I love you baby. I'll be back soon."

Green eyes blurred when she felt a lingering kiss on the top of her braid and a hand squeeze her shoulder gently before both were gone.

::::::::::::::::::::

Brown eyes took in the red and yellow paint job on the two wheel bike. It wasn't exactly like Emma's other one, but it was close enough. The size of the spelled trunk didn't allow for the bike the child loved to return with them and she had been on a mission to replace it as a surprise. A text yesterday evening confirmed it was ready for pick up and she was looking forward to gifting it today when she and Emma went to the park later.

"This is fine. Did the helmet I ordered arrive?"

"Sure did Madame Mayor." The shop attendant held up the box containing a replica of the Wonder Woman helmet from their other life.

A grin flowed and Regina tucked the box under arm after paying. She packed both into the trunk of the Benz before heading to her main stop walking the half block instead of driving. She paused several feet from her next destination and took a moment to bring forth a touch of her inner Evil Queen. Unlatching a dark door in a far corner of her mind, just a crack, to allow the former mask needed for the next conversation to slip over her face. She had gotten skilled enough over the years to take it on and off at will. It was a part of her she accepted would always be there at some level, though not one she drew on frequently. There was a time and place for everything; today for a reckoning of scales tipped too far left with Gold.

The chime announcing her presence in the Imp's shop a minute later usually gave her a chill, but it did not today. She was hunting, determined to protect. When her eyes met his across the glass counter filled with ancient bobbles they flashed back in challenge, one he'd initiated in the diner last week when their gaze over Emma had locked.

"Time for a chat dear." Regina paused at the door, flipping the open sign over to closed.

Gold lifted his chin sharply in greeting recognizing just who and what was looking through him and he returned the favor, own mask of the past in place. "Your Majesty, I have not seen you in a quite awhile. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Rumple." A raspy drawl and there was no pleasure in her tone. "You know why I am here."

"Ahhhh, yes. My spell. Tell me dearie, feeling a little more vulnerable without all your mag-ic?" He snapped his head to the side with the sharp sound of the 'c', eyes glittering with more than mischief.

"I suspected you had it stashed somewhere for a rainy day." She carefully assessed his every move and sound, eyes piercing.

"Indeed, but that's not the case for your prrrrecious memorrrries." Purring maliciously.

The mask she wore almost slipped a hair, but didn't when his eyes were truthful in that moment. She had become talented at reading him over the years and any hope she had of recovering those memories slid away with his slick smile. An expert at schooling her emotions she continued smoothly without losing ground.

"I still have something you want, a few things actually." Deciding now was the time to reveal a card or two she had up her sleeve.

"I don't think you do, dearie." Dismissive.

Regina's jaw yearned to tense at his doubtful tone, but she smiled back menacingly as she followed his slow pace to another counter. He was an experienced and skilled predator, but so was she. And the female kind, especially ones with young, were always much more ruthless in their pursuit and much less forgiving upon the catch. "Not many know about your power to foresee the future, fragments of it anyway, but I do. You knew I would cast that spell for Emma and pay just about any price to do so."

"Course I did. It's what I do." His oily voice was met with flashing eyes. "Tell me something I don't know. Or. Get. Out."

"Patience Rumple." Tsking as she chided. "It took me a while, but I figured out why you set the price you did."

The Dark One leaned his elbows against the counter, the faintest hint of curiosity getting the better of him. "Oh you did, did you? Well then, do enlighten me." A gold toothed snarl.

Regina took her time pacing the main room before stalking up to him. "There is one thing you and I have in common and that is we will do anything to protect the ones who are capable of loving us in spite of ourselves or what we have done. We tend to hold them close, sometimes too close. Mutually, if they desire the same, is one thing, but when the line between consent and non-consent is crossed there is a price to be paid and I am here to collect on behalf of a friend who can not from you." She was and so much more. Her tone took an evil edge from a much darker time. "Ring a Belle?" And she did, finger tapping the one on the counter between them. The eerie pitch pulled forth from him what she knew would appear.

A flash of the monster he still was in the shell of a man eclipsed across narrowed eyes as his hand slapped glass cracking it. The room turned frigid. "You leave my Belle out of this."

Feigning sympathy as Regina carefully oh so carefully drew him into her web. "Oh, but I can't dear. I have this pesky little thing called a conscience now. You should get one, or should I ask Belle to be yours?" Fingering a priceless artifact before sparking eyes bore into him.

Now she had his undivided attention.

He snarled. "So what if I knew you'd cast the spell. You'd do it again even knowing the price."

"Yes, I would. However, my memories of true love and my magic were not meant to be for you to use for your own twisted games." Lips parted revealing perfect white teeth, ready to grab a throat if needed. "It is no secret she was going to leave you a few years ago. She had her bags packed and ticket purchased for her grand world adventure."

"Take caution dearie…" His teeth flashed, but he paused for a moment when he recognized the difference between the Evil Queen at the height of her reign from Enchanted Forest past to the mask in front of him that had learned to love again. Ice crystals formed on the glass between them not of his doing. So cold it burned his hand and he jerked it back, further validating the level of wrath he toyed with.

Brown eyes glanced briefly at the ice crystals, not expecting them. Even without her full powers it seemed she had retained some of her natural affinity for elemental magic. Anger was a very rare stew she let herself sit in now a days and she wondered if it somehow fueled the ice appearing. She'd figure that out later.

Their eyes met in the middle again.

"Your Belle, Rumple… Really? She came to me of her own free will, asking to be sure that if she left Storybrooke over the town line that her memories would remain intact. I assured her they would with certain precautions, a certain potion of mine and talisman to keep her safe." She let her teeth sink in, and took another step forward. "Curious how she decided to remain at your side, now your sweet little wife once again and ssooo suddenly. I wonder if memories of true love had anything to do with the decision she made… When was it? Oh yes, almost two years ago when mine were absorbed in your spell."

Standing ridged, the Imp unfolded his hands appearing indifferent, but for his growl in return. "Give me one reason not to blast you across the room." Two years ago had been hell for him and he did not like being reminded of the fact or what he had done.

A red smile. "One; the price I collected from Belle in exchange for my knowledge about the town line… You taught me to take payment up front whenever possible and I did, or have you forgotten that she confronted you with her idea of leaving and how much she wanted to get away from you." Those words were a small gamble in a complicated game and when the truth of them flashed in his eyes her smile grew. She had been right, the morning at the diner and of a memory past further confirmed it. Her price was nothing that had hurt the bookworm, but a certain courtesy she'd asked for in return at the time two years ago for her helpful efforts.

His twitching fingers stilled, vanishing a palmed ball of dark fire. The Queen was smart, too smart and he spiraled around it. He had not forgotten Belle's words, her talk of leaving him, and of needing time away to explore something. Rage had filled him along with despair and after learning how the beauty was going to accomplish leaving town with her memories intact he had taken out his anger as vengeance on the Queen while securing his happiness. He hadn't hesitated to add an additional price to a spell he'd written long ago, one he'd seen flashes of the Queen casting for the Savior. It had been so easy to change the original words of the spell to include the price of the caster's memories of true love. Memories belonging to the Queen to give to his Belle. Afterwards he had destroyed the town line keeping the members of Storybrooke captive so that if ever tempted to cross that line again, Belle wouldn't lose what he had stolen to get for her.

Stalemate, unless…

Gold shined. "I destroyed the line keeping Paige and Henry from having their own grand world adventure, as you put it, the ability to have their own true love memories together. I took something from you, but your boy, the whole town actually, got something back out of it. I'd say that makes us even and so perhaps we can make a deal instead of fighting with each other." Assessing the Queen and nipping back when a red lip curled. "Tell me, how is little Emma getting on with the side effect and all? I imagine she's a wee bit of a handful." He rubbed his nails that didn't need buffing against his expensive suit. A broken tether in the Savior's heart, a purposeful addition on his part upon their return ensured the Queen would be focused on the little Savior and not in his shop having this talk. He'd expected a talk of some kind between them, but not the rabbit hole this one had gone down.

Regina shook her head in disgust, though her face didn't show it, at the depths the Imp had gone to hurt Emma, break a piece of the heart she loved. And their friend was trapped in his hands on top of it all. Time to move her plan forward. "I am not making any deals with you today, Imp. We each want something the other has, but I am not ready to trade, especially if you threaten me and mine as you just did."

"That doesn't have to be the case dearie, and I could throw in a sweetener on my end. What if there was a way back to the life you created with Emma? So much easier there, wasn't it?"

"Our life is here and will remain so." Invisibly swallowing that desire, one she knew Emma shared. She was waiting for something else…

"A pity." Not so easily bought, he saw. "Then how about we trade for a potion for your precious little swan? One that would give her control over her size she so desperately wants."

Almost there, but not quite. "That and my magic for my silence about Belle?" Wanting to be sure of what he was offering to trade.

"And whatever price my Belle paid for your help when she was going to leave. I want not a word breathed to Belle or anyone, including Emma, about what you know or the deal is off the table."

There it was, now for the counter offer. "Include our assured safety; deal or no deal and I'll think about it." Regina would think, but wouldn't even consider making that deal, not if it meant keeping Belle, another friend of theirs after many years of work to get there, lost in memories that did not belong in that French head. Emma wouldn't want that, promised potion or not. Regina could craft words as well as him and she suspected a bit better at the moment. Her revealed knowledge had put him off kilter and that's exactly where she wanted him.

Not expecting that additional condition from the Queen, Rumple's jaw twitched. He relented none the less with Belle's face in his mind's eye, but not before countering once more with one of his own. "You do that, but tell Emma or Belle, anyone, the details of the deal I'm offering and you forfeit this promise of safety I am making now."

Regina held up a hand. "I want a blood oath. A promise you can not twist."

Promises and deals with the Imp were two very different things. A promise she would make. The more important one of the two had to do with honor and the Imp would hold onto his until his last breath. Oh she knew him well, his fear of being seen as a coward, to go back on his sworn word and be seen as such. She'd been counting on that when she'd stepped into the shop this morning. Emma would be safe and so would she as she quietly carried out the next part of her plans.

"Fine." Eyes sparkled as he called in his dagger, slicing his hand with the tip and a crimson line flowed. Blood dripped and sizzled on the ice still lining his countertop. "I, the Dark One, agree to not cause you or Emma physical harm unless you fail to think on my words or reveal them to the ears we have discussed. I will even give you a deposit of good faith in the form of answers to the other questions I know you want to ask me. Do you accept my promise and in return..." Dagger whipped with a flourish into the air. "Vow no physical harm to me by your hand or Emma's?"

Regina conjured her own ceremonial knife from the crypt, a much smaller curved blade with a jeweled handle. The knife nicked the palm of her hand, less dramatic than his long one and she placed it to drip over his red mark on the ice. When hers connected it glowed.

Promise sealed, he spoke.

"The tether keeping your swan in her adult form broke on your return, hence the shrinking in this life. There is no way to mend it." He grinned. "I made sure of that, but a potion I know of, my version of it anyway, will give her more control than she has at present to switch back and forth at will. And yes, the little body she is in will continue to age as time goes on though slower, and not just exactly how you are thinking. There's a few fun little back and forth," he spun around, voice edging on a nasally tune, "twists to that I'll let you discover, your Majesty. One being heartache or should I say someone, that wasn't mended is coming sooooonnn." He giggled, tapping his fingers together as the darkness rolled through him, watching heels storm out of his shop. The Imp he was wondered if he had, indeed, underestimated his greatest student.

As the Evil Queen mask slid away, back behind the door in her mind, in the light of the cold bright day Regina smiled to herself knowing that he had. She gained what she had come for at the moment. Now armed with knowledge and a promise that Emma would be safe from his hand, it was time for the next steps in the two plans she was working. His last words swirled around her victory; of heartache or someone having it coming soon… She could help Emma with that, they did that well together. She suspected he meant the little girl in Emma and he had no idea of the bond they had forged in their other life, how deep their trust went in that world and in this one. As she walked back to the Benz she let her mind drift to the memory that had reminded her of the piece of the puzzle she'd been missing until that morning in the diner.

:::::::::Flashback – About two years ago before the Do Over Spell and before Emma moved in:::::::::

The doorbell interrupted Regina's train of thought and she rolled her eyes at the invasion with a sigh. That bell had been rung more times in the last week than it had ever been and she was strongly considering putting a ward on the house and barbecuing the next person who happened to wake Emma up from the sleep the Savior so desperately needed. With a glance to Emma's slumbering form she shut the door to the guestroom quietly and went downstairs into the foyer to answer the ring. Framed against the dark of night, a hooded figure stood on her porch.

It spoke. "Are you alone?"

A dark brow rose, relaxing her wrist on the hidden fireball she palmed when she recognized the voice under the hood. "Creepy. I've heard of the French being blunt, but excuse me?"

"Sorry I didn't mean that how it sounds." Belle removed her covering, letting go of the tension in her voice and smiled. "I just need to ask you something private and I don't want… I'm in a bit of a hurry."

Curious now, Regina stepped aside allowing entrance. "In that case, please come in. Emma is upstairs resting as I was, so you may have my attention but for a few minutes." She tightened the sash on her grey robe and led the way to the living room, gesturing for the brunette to sit across from her on the couch. "What may I do for you my friend?"

Hands twisted. "I heard that you have been working on a spell."

Regina stilled. "How in Hades name do you know about that?" Thoughts spun. They had been careful to keep their work on the do over spell quiet. No one should be the wiser, she was sure of it. Emma would be devastated. How had…

"Uh… It's kind of obvious…" Belle swallowed at the heat filling the room. "I mean Paige leaving Storybrooke to go to Boston, to finish college with Henry, is kind of a big deal with the town line and all." Just as quickly as the heat came it left with an alarming speed. "I wondered if you were planning on sharing how you did it with the rest of us?"

"I see." And now that she did breathing was easier. "I am working on another batch of that potion, a bigger one that will allow everyone the opportunity to travel outside of Storybrooke freely, memories intact. However, I've been a bit distracted lately caring for Emma since the accident as you and the whole town knows, so that spell or potion rather will have to wait until Emma is fully recovered from her injuries." Pain lined her voice.

A sympathetic nod at the reminder of the accident. "How is Emma doing?"

"She is healing. Quicker than expected, with the help of magic." Mouth tight. "And she needs my full attention, so if you don't mind getting to your point."

"Sorry. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important. I know your hands are full, but I was wondering if you happened to have any of the potion left you used for Paige to be able to leave town with her memories? I need to figure out a few things for myself and I can't do it in this town. Not with… I just can't."

"Some, but it is not nearly enough for everyone…" Head cocked. "Is there trouble in paradise?" Wondering if the Imp and his leading lady were having issues. Belle was their friend and she would help if she could, especially if the Imp was a threat. He hadn't been for years and she wondered if something had changed.

"Hopefully not for long." Blue met brown pleading to be understood and leave well enough alone.

Hint taken. "You need to be discreet as I will be least ears get wind of our exchange that shouldn't… be careful with that, but I will help you. Come by the house tomorrow and I'll have it ready." She waited for the response she expected and when it was not forthcoming she added. "There will be a price, and I prefer payment in advance—"

Bubbling excitement interrupted. "How much for two potions?"

The Queen narrowed her eyes as the beauty missed her implied meaning entirely. "For you and…?"

"You can't tell anyone or my plan won't work, but…" A dimpled half smile. "Let's just say all that glitters is not Gold, its Ruby. Now about your price. What do you want for the potions?"

Regina smiled knowingly, brow arched. "Two words will do."

Belle blushed at how she'd forgotten herself and smiled back. "Thank you." Price paid in full.

:::::::::::End of flashback & Ch. 10:::::::::::::::

…TEASER FROM A FUTURE CHAPTER below…

"Leaving so soon?" The oily man cut in. "Because I think little Emma wants to ask you for something."

Regina ignored him, gesturing to the door. "Emma—"

"But he has the potion and he's willing to make a deal." She pushed back.

There was a new game of his afoot and Regina realized then with a sick stomach as sweat pooled at her brow that Emma was the dice he was using to play it. His words from before in the diner, a warning to them both, flashed through her brain; 'sentiment is consequential so use yours to your advantage.'

What he hadn't said was that if they didn't he would.

The Queen swallowed hard, trying to focus. Words he twisted had trapped Emma and her in a ring of fire he lit and they both would burn if she was not careful with hers or if her girl lost words completely...

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A/N - What do you think?