A/N: Thank you everyone for your continued support. Hope you enjoy the latest chapter and I am working on the next so will hopefully have that up for you soon. A big thank you again to x-Lady-Rouge-x for her help with this chapter and the idea of this story.

Enjoy x

As Henry kept his arms around his sleeping mother, he was completely unaware of the fact that his Mama, Emma, had ventured through the woods and stumbled into the dark forest. It was the only other route out of town other than crossing the town line, however it was far from safe. It had come across with Regina's curse and some very unpleasant beings resided within. Emma had no idea what she was dealing with and with her current state wouldn't handle anything very well.

Regina was still lost in the past. Remembering the horrible ordeal when her mother had come back for round two and what had almost happened to her lover again. Emma really hadn't been the same after that. Out of it completely for a few weeks and was only just beginning to pull herself together when disaster had struck again, but right now Regina didn't want to focus on that, she wanted to remember a few happy days she and Emma had experienced in between.

They had dropped Henry off at school and it was a rare day when they had managed to both sneak off early from work and meet one another back at the house. No one needed to know that Sheriff and Mayor were not out of town on business as they had both suggested to their colleagues. Regina's PA had given her an expression of knowing as she had left the office at the town hall with a smirk and deputy David had given his daughter a knowing grin also.

For the first time in weeks he actually saw the blonde smile. He and his wife had both been made aware of their daughter's recent misfortunes and they had done everything to support her. Mary Margaret however, unable to put the past behind them still and fully accept that Emma loved Regina, struggled to come to terms with the scars Emma now bare. She also blamed Regina, force of habit she supposed but it was just so hard not too. Emma had only been attacked because she had been saving the Evil Queen from harm. She had sworn she would never forgive Regina for what had happened and gracefully Regina had accepted such a fact.

Emma had raced home and still not managed to beat Regina. On the path she had pouted and sulked, scuffing her shoe over the concrete to mark the frustration before heading inside. Every time they had this little bet and even when she had left the office five minutes earlier than she had said she would she still lost the race home. It shouldn't have mattered but Emma liked to win.

As she stepped inside she had called out Regina's name. Car in the drive but no sign of the Mayor meant that the brunette had definitely been up to something. Removing her coat, boots and shoes Emma put them away and slowly padded through the lower floor of the mansion in search of her Queen. There was no sign of Regina downstairs anywhere, so climbing the stairs quickly Emma had gone to search upstairs. She had wandered straight into their bedroom to hear the sound of running water and headed to the bathroom as she called out Regina's name.

Amongst the rising steam from the hot bath she had just made out the figure of her lover. A wide smile had plastered itself across Regina's lips as she had then crossed the tiles and gone over to Emma. The blonde had been fixated, unable to take her eyes off of Regina in all her glory, tanned toned skin had glistened lightly and dark eyes had sparkled as she had slipped her hands up and around Emma's neck and pouted.

"You aren't going to make me bath alone are you?" she had playfully whined.

Then daring to be brave Regina had kissed Emma gently before bringing her hands around and down the sides of the blonde's neck. Her soft palm had travelled delicately over the scar that ran the length of it until it had transferred to running over the material of Emma's top. The Saviour had just stood there Regina remembered, letting her hands run over her body and clothing until she had pushed her hands up under the tank top and felt Emma's abdomen tense. Lightly she stroked over it, she didn't want Emma to be afraid.

It had been terrible that day after her mother had fallen back through the portal and Henry had seen the full extent of the damage to Emma's body. That had been so hard for them both and for him also. It is never nice to explain sexual assault to anyone, let alone a child. Henry had taken the news like a grown up, cried for a little while but accepted that his Mama would have to live with the scarring. After that as a couple they had bitten the bullet and told Emma's parents and finally after a few sessions with Dr Hopper, Emma had finally excepted them. Only thing was she had still been vary wary of them being touched, but Regina pushed, she wanted Emma content and comfortable in her skin, especially when they were together.

Slowly she had forced Emma's top up and off over her head. She had then pulled Emma closer and kissed her lips gently as her skilled fingers had removed the band keeping Emma's hair swept back in a full and luscious ponytail. Blonde curls had tumbled down and framed Emma's face, covered part of her scarred back and the one on her neck and chest. Stroking down her arms she had then held Emma's hands lightly and kissed her once more before pulling away to stop the bath water from running.

Standing there Emma had felt very vulnerable and exposed but with Regina of course safe. She only flinched when Regina had snuck up behind her and wrapped her arms around her waist unexpectedly. Kissing through blonde locks and onto Emma's shoulder Regina had gently encouraged her to relax before brushing her hands down over scarred abs to unbutton skin tight jeans. Emma had relaxed back against her as she had hooked into them and slowly but firmly pushed the denim down. It was then underwear that floated down her legs as Regina removed those from her blonde too and lastly as Emma had straightened up to step out of her jeans and undergarments, her lover had brushed up, unclipped and removed the blonde's bra.

Usually when bathing Emma got in first but Regina decided that today their bath needed to be Emma's treat, so she took her hand and lead her to the tub. The brunette stepped in first and gently lowered herself after Emma had stepped in after her. Slowly the blonde had then lowered and sat between her legs but she hadn't leant back against Regina. Pushing herself up and away from the porcelain wall of the tub Regina cuddled herself into Emma.

"Baby its just you and me...please relax" she whispered.

Emma had been trying to but it was harder than it looked, Regina meant her no harm and she knew that but just being exposed was hell for her. She felt Regina push her chest into her back and pull her backwards with her as she relaxed and settled back down herself. The blonde then watched as manicured nails that tipped soft fingers brushed down her torso, over the ridges from the scarring and sank lower as they disappeared behind a screen of white, light and fluffy bubbles. Emma felt Regina reaching lower and her breathing increased. Behind her Regina smiled gently and with a little sympathy. She knew her lover was ok, this happened every time now until Emma had calmed.

Eventually just that had happened and in that bath tub they had enjoyed a very pleasant soak. Regina had worked her magic on Emma, until the blonde had relaxed within an inch of her life and been too exhausted to even talk. Unfortunately as worth it as it had been to have Emma back to her normal self for a while it was a nightmare the mess she was going to have to clean up from the spillages on the bathroom floor. Still she had smiled though keeping Emma in a close cuddle a while longer before insisting they get out.

Revitalised and a little more like her old self Emma had been lying a top their bed with Regina all cuddled in against her when her phone had rung. Grabbing it from the side of the bed she had answered quickly afraid it was Sheriff's business. It had been in fact only Tink and Blue who wished to request her help with a celebration they were planning; the annual town festival for miners day. Emma had been hesitant to commit, looking to Regina for an excuse and a way out of helping but Regina had insisted she go. So Emma had braved the outside world with just a top and jeans on and without even a second thought regarding her scars. At that Regina had been proud. Emma had finally been making progress and she was sure she'd have her back fully, very soon.

As Emma had walked downtown and to the town hall to meet with the fairies she had actually been smiling. She was so calm and relaxed she felt just like normal and that feeling actually managed to remain with her for the rest of the day. She had helped Tink and Blue hang banners and sort candles for selling without a word about her injuries from anybody present. She had then gone out for a walk with her mother to the diner, selling candles door to door on the way and relaxed over a cinnamon cocoa with an extremely happy and excited Ruby. The werewolf and teacher who were best friends had shared the gossip as Emma had simply listened and observed.

After drinks she had headed straight home, excited to tell Henry that she had gotten them an invite to the miners festival and to watch the fireworks this weekend. Blue had told her how wondrous and beautiful it was and that it would be a perfect family evening out for her, Henry and Regina. Tink had then suggested Henry bring his camera. She had seen him around town since Christmas day snapping pictures of everything and anything he could find. That had earned her a giggle from the blonde, of which her and Blue had both later agreed been most pleasant to hear again.

Henry had then blown up at the news, excitedly going on about it for hours until he eventually flaked just before bed time. It had gone from a family outing, to inviting his grandparents and even getting his mothers to agree to dinner at the diner before. With a beaming smile he had thanked them and then he had even made the call to present David and Mary Margaret with his kind invitation as Emma had smiled at Regina across the dining table and her lover had smiled back.

It had been good to have her Emma back.

The buzz from Emma had lasted the rest of the week and with meetings in between work hours with Regina of a similar nature to bath day, Emma was feeling much more like her old self again. So when Saturday morning had arrived and Henry had come bursting into their room she had giggled and gotten up just as excited. Regina had been so thrilled to see Emma interacting properly with their son, not hiding herself away and being shy and reserved and ecstatic that Emma was like a child at Christmas over the fact they were attending the festival that evening.

It had all gone so well, until one rather gobby member of the community had managed to just scratch the surface of one of Emma's insecurities. They had headed out early in order to help Blue and Tink with some last minute preparations and when they had arrived, the blonde had been high in spirit and more than happy to help. Blue had asked her to organise the candles to hand out later to all visitors and Regina had gone over to help her. They had exchanged smiles and gotten on with their work until drunk Leroy had turned up in an attempt to help Astrid like he had many a time in the past.

Emma had sprung straight into Sheriff mode at hearing the distressed cries of a few intimidated members of the committee and dashed over to restrain the smaller man. She retrieved her cuffs and went to slap them on him after delivering a warning that he had best simmer down and sober up or she would have no choice but to arrest him. Vile when drunk he had simply wrestled out of her grip skilfully and turned to face her with a most malicious grin on his face.

"What are you going to do about it Sister, you can't even fight off a pirate" he chuckled out as he wobbled trying to stand still.

Emma's cheeks had reddened as she glanced up and saw everyone staring at her. They reddened further when she felt all eyes staying upon her as the little drunken dwarf continued to attack. He stank of booze and had clearly consumed much more than was good for him. Emma tried not to let him get under her skin, but it had been too late, he had already successfully managed to. His poisoned words sank deep and as soon as he had mentioned the ugliness of Emma's scars she had dropped the cuffs she had loosely been holding and ran from the main hall.

Her parents who had just arrived, Mary Margaret a volunteer of course had been most in shock just like her husband when their blonde daughter had squeezed past them in the door way. The teacher had stuttered to call out after Emma but been outdone by the shouting of the Mayor as she had burst from the hall in quick stride after her fiancée, and as she passed the charming couple she made it clear and firm to the deputy that she wanted Leroy arrested and locked up until he calmed down.

Henry had stayed to help and in the care of his grandparents. Going after his mothers wouldn't have been the brightest of ideas, he knew they were struggling and time together was important for it all to be fixed. Unfortunately it had been his grandparents he had ended up staying with all afternoon and for the festival. They had even managed to still fit in dinner at Granny's diner and it had been an amazing experience for Henry but he also had also had news for his mothers.

It was a shame though Regina thought in her slumber that it had been so destructive. In fact it might be one of those key events she should pick apart. Maybe it would provide her with more reason and incite into why Emma had suddenly bolted now. Her eyelids twitched and she wriggled a little as Henry pulled away. He wasn't sure if she was waking, so sitting up he observed closely and waited, letting her have time to awaken properly.

Regina was just remembering the arrival of her son coming home that evening. He had been full of sugar and energy as he had come thundering up the stairs to tell them both about the wonderful time he had had with Mary Margaret and his grandpa. Having burst into the room though, the brunette had instantly hushed him as she gestured with her head to where his Mama was all cuddled up at her side. She remembered how that smile had instantly dropped from his face but he had lifted his camera and taken a snap of them both.

"Henry!" she had whined but with a smile to show him that it was meant playfully.

"What its cute" he had stated with a smile turning the camera around to show her the picture on the little display screen.

It had been that moment Mary Margaret had walked in on and she had a sudden change of demeanour seeing her daughter all cuddled up beside Regina. She had had to ask and had done, wanting reassurance that Emma was alright after Leroy's little outburst. Regina had confirmed just that for her and they had actually been civil as the blonde slept.

It would have been a perfect moment if Emma hadn't stirred just as Henry had been getting to his news.

"Dad's back!" he declared excitedly to his mom.

Regina had felt a shiver run down her own spine at hearing the mention of the dark ones son and then she hadn't been prepared for Emma suddenly springing up out of her arms.

"What the Hell?" The blonde screamed.

The brunette begged for her lover to calm down and Henry had apologised profusely not understanding what was so bad about his dad's return to town. Both his mothers however knew the reasons, again they had been kept from Henry and Emma had made sure to banish Neal so had been outraged at learning he had disobeyed her and come back. After her anger had finally subsided it had just been panic that had consumed her.

The uncertainty of Neal and his intentions had her scared.

Mary Margaret had kindly removed Henry from the room and helped him into bed with all the reassurance in the world that she had been able to give, to assure him that Emma wasn't upset with him and none of this was his fault. He had believed her and eventually, with a story of course drifted off.

It had been after tucking her grandson up tight and about to head off home that Mary Margaret had stopped upon hearing conversation from within the master bedroom. She hovered just outside not meaning to eaves drop but having heard the distress in Emma's voice she had felt compelled to just check all was ok within. It had been that very moment that her opinion of Regina had slowly changed. Hearing the distress in the Evil Queen's own voice, Mary Margaret realised that the woman was fighting one hell of a battle with Emma; her daughter just wasn't the same.

With that last sad thought and a newer sense of respect for what Regina was having to deal with, Mary Margaret had made her way home.

Regina stirred properly, unable to stay resting with the vivid and most realistic sound of Emma crying and screaming in her head as she had thrown herself back into her Queen's arms that day and sobbed against her chest until she had eventually drifted back to sleep. It pained Regina to wake hearing the familiarity of Emma voice when it wasn't now in her reality.

Her son's gentle smile greeted her as her eyes fluttered open and she saw him quickly reach behind himself to take the water he had brought her from the night stand. Turning back he passed her the glass as she pushed herself up and tried to focus on the here and now. Taking it she sipped gently and thought; she thought about Emma; Emma and Neal.