I don't own these characters. I also don't own Supernatural, which gets a mention here.

12: The Details

With Emma and Henry gone, back in Storybrooke, Regina had decided to see the city. Neal insisted on showing her around. She allowed him to do so. It would give them both a chance to learn each other's tastes and get to know each other a little better.

"So, you wanna go to a tourist spot or just hang out somewhere?" Neal asked as they exited the apartment.

"I will concede to you," Regina replied. She felt like she was dressed for almost any situation, provided they did not find themselves at a formal dinner. The pantsuit and vest was one of her favorite outfits and made her feel a little more like herself, whoever "herself" was. It drowned out the little rumble in her stomach that she was certain was anxiety. What if being out in a world without magic did not work, after all?

"Okay. Do you eat sweets by any chance?" he inquired with a bit of a twinkle in his eye, like hope. He was dressed for anything casual, or dumpster diving. She was not sure which, but promised herself she would not judge.

"I eat them on occasion."

"There's a great bakery down the street. I also know an ice cream/frozen yogurt spot. And, since this is New York, we could get some cheesecake. Instead of you cooking, tonight we can go to this Italian place I liked. Or there's a good Greek place, too." As he spoke, a smile never felt his face and his eyes shined bright, reminding her a little of Henry.

Regina smiled. He was trying so hard and he had this boyish charm. Before, she thought she could understand how he was Rumple's son, but now, it seemed like a distant memory. He did not seem like the type of person to abandon seventeen-year-old Emma.

"You like books? I mean, more than your spell books and stuff. Like regular books. Anyway, there's a bookstore right down there." Neal pointed down the street as soon as they hit outside.

"A bookstore might be nice," Regina replied. She had been to bookstores before, but he was eager, so she would oblige. Besides, there might be something there she liked.

The bookstore actually turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It was quaint, nothing like the massive stores she had been to in Boston while waiting for approval to take Henry home a lifetime ago. There were plenty of books, some new and others secondhand. She flipped through many and Neal just stood back quietly, watching her.

"Do you want anything? My treat," he eventually said, flashing his teeth briefly in a smile.

She smiled back. "That's kind of you." It was especially kind since she knew he did not have money to burn like she did.

He gave her a nonchalant shrug, like it was no big deal. "You've been feeding me. I'm obligated to be kind to you."

She chuckled a bit and picked up a few books. Neal insisted on paying and she glanced at his wallet. He would not be able to splurge for long, but she would let him for now. Eventually, she hoped he would let her return the favor.

They wandered the city for a while. The buildings were amazing, but the noise was a headache. The air seemed a little thick from the smell, but somehow the awful din added to it. She could not believe how many people were out and about, tourists, businessmen, joggers, mothers, students, dog walkers, and everything in between while vendors sold food on every corner. Manhattan might have had more people than the entire world she was from. It was a lot to process, but Neal stayed close and explained what he could to her. He showed her Central Park, which was no substitute for actual greenery. Neal agreed.

"This was one of the hardest things to get used to when I left the old world. Where Wendy and her brothers lived, it was even worse. The sky was almost black and the smell… I always felt like I was choking," Neal said.

"It had to be quite a shock to go from the Enchanted Forest to that," Regina said. Hell, going from Maine to New York was a shock and she had been to big cities before. This was beyond, though.

"It was for a while, but then I got too busy to notice. Trying to save Wendy and her brothers got me all tangled up with Pan and Hook. After that, life went too fast to really be in shock over anything."

She made a low noise as they continued through the park. As much as it lacked in the ways of a real forest, she imagined she would enjoy watching Henry run around, trying to do all that the park offered. He would ride his bike or try to skateboard like so many other people around them and she would worry, but he would be happy.

"Why were you so scared about returning to the Enchanted Forest?" she asked.

"I just didn't want to go back my dad. I knew I was becoming a possession to him and he hurt people for me, like really hurt people. I didn't want to be responsible for any more deaths." He shrugged a little, but a frown marred his features for the first time today. She disliked this.

Giving Neal a sidelong glance, Regina took a chance and just brushed her fingers against his hand. She was surprised how familiar it felt. "You know you weren't responsible for his actions."

Taking a deep breath, he sighed. "I know, but it still scared the hell out of me, which was why when August came up to me and told me he knew who I was, I panicked. I couldn't go back there. I couldn't risk my father finding me. I couldn't risk more lives."

She nodded. "Noble to a fault. No wonder Emma fell for you. But, not completely noble, as you did put her out of your mind and move on eventually." This might be the hardest thing for her to get over with Neal. He seemed like a good person, but there was this one thing. How could he claim to love someone and just never think of her again? To this day, Daniel was never far from her thoughts.

He let loose a nervous laugh and pulled his mouth up to one side of his face briefly. "Just trying to live my life. I figured she'd move on, break the Curse, and be a hero or whatever. I didn't think she'd think about me ever again. I mean, you know how heroes are in our world."

She shook her head. "Noble to a fault." It was a little amazing how he could justify everything, but someone like him probably had to do that or he would lose his mind to realize he was not as noble as he wished he was. Of course, she somewhat understood, as she used to justify every wrong she ever did as well, unable to accept she was actually evil, even if she tried to revel in the title.

He shrugged. "Yeah, feels like it's done nothing but kick me in the ass all my life. It costs me the person who was probably the one." A brief scowl settled on his face, but he shook it away quickly.

She frowned a little, but kept her emotions in check. Emma would not give him the time of day. Emma might tolerate him for Henry's sake, but nothing more. Oh, she should probably tell him that she and Emma agreed he could be Henry's father if he was serious about the matter. Before she got to that, though, a man walked over to her.

"Excuse me, I don't mean to interrupt, but you look like someone I know," the man said. He was well dressed with an expensive watch dangling from his wrist and a stylish tie around his neck.

"I doubt it," Regina replied.

"Perhaps, but perhaps not. If you feel like you might need to get to know me…" He pulled out a card and handed it to her.

"Hey, pal, excuse you." Neal huffed and glared the man down.

The man's eyes went wide, as if he just noticed Neal. "Calm down. I'm just giving her a chance to upgrade if she wants to." He then smiled at Regina and walked away.

"That was odd," Regina commented. She was not used to men hitting on her. They had been too terrified to do so in the Enchanted Forest, both when she was just the queen and then the Evil Queen, and too… brainwashed to do it in Storybrooke.

Neal scowled. "You've got to watch yourself out here. New York is full of con artists."

"Like the one next to me?" she teased.

Neal snorted, but his eyes twinkled a little, and they continued on their way. They came out of the park and Neal showed her to cafe, or that was what he called it. It seemed like a cross between a cafe and a bar. They sat at a small table for two and ordered drinks. For a moment, they just people-watched out of the window.

"So, Emma and I were talking," Regina said.

"About?" Neal asked. He leaned back in his chair, like he was trying to be cool.

Regina absently tapped the table. "You being a father to Henry. You seem interested in doing so, but I need you to understand I am his mother and Emma is his mother. You can't come into his life and stir up what we already have."

Neal nodded and swallowed so hard she heard it. "Wow…" His lip quivered and he rested his elbows on the table as he put his chin in his hands. "I didn't… I didn't expect you to make this decision so soon. Wow…" He rubbed his forehead.

"If you do not wish this…" She trailed off, not wanting to say it aloud. Henry was too hopeful for this to turn sour and she would not wish that on him.

"No, no, no!" Neal waved his hands in front of her. "I do wish this. Gods, I do! I'm just… gobsmacked by this. I mean, I get a sister, I get a kid, and now you're telling me it's okay for me to be his dad. I want to do so right by him. I hate that so many parts of me turned out like my dad anyway. I don't want that to happen to Henry. I'll be there for him." His voice was strong, making his statement believable.

Regina smiled. "That's good."

Before they could talk about anything else, a waitress placed a drink in front of Regina, who eyed it as if it was something foul. "I didn't order this."

The waitress shook her head. "The guy at the bar insisted." She pointed over to the gentleman and he raised his glass to her.

"Are you kidding me?" Neal groaned and then turned to Regina. "Don't drink it or you'll encourage him."

Regina took Neal's word for it and waved the drink away. The man at the bar pouted, but did not do anything. The attention was flattering from him and the man in the park. This might be something worth exploring one day. Her heart sped up a little, which she figured was due to anticipation. It was nice to be wanted, to be attractive.

"So, Henry's been telling me about his childhood. He makes you sound like some kind of domestic goddess," Neal remarked.

Regina blinked in surprise. "Henry said that?" This was a far cry from the monster of a mother he made her out to be to Emma.

"Oh, he doesn't stop talking about you. I wish I had a mom like you."

She shook her head. "No, you don't. I made him think he was crazy."

"Yeah, he mentioned that, but he doesn't stop talking about before that time. He really appreciated all of the time you spent with him and the things you did for him. I wish my mother spent time with me."

And this one wish got them spending the rest of the night talking about their mothers. Neal had not had a great one, more interested in drinking and gallivanting around with men who were not her husband than raising her son. He was very neglected and felt like his mother had grown to hate him and his father for reasons he could not figure out. She opened up somewhat about her abuse, but focused more on her mother's attempt to use her. He had been a possession to his father and she had been one to her mother.

"I guess we hit the parenting lottery, huh?" Neal said, holding up his beer. She just tilted her glass of wine to him.

-8-8-8-8-

Regina met Emma at the rental car place to pick Emma up. Emma had already dropped off Henry and all of their things. It was a good thing they had rented the SUV, though. Henry had practically brought back his whole room and Emma had seriously packed up the whole crypt, except for the secret room. But, Regina probably would never need her Evil Queen garments again.

Emma moaned as she settled into the passenger seat of the Benz. "I never thought I'd be so happy to see New York again."

"Things in Storybrooke tough?" Regina asked.

"I think Gold threatened me. He met me at your house and was just really pissed."

Regina glanced at her. "Over what?"

"He made it sound like I smuggled Neal out of Storybrooke. He'll probably keep trying to get to Neal."

"Neal won't let him, but we'll keep an eye out for him. How were things beyond Gold being Gold?"

"Annoying, especially my parents. They seem to think I'm the same age as Henry, or maybe younger."

Regina sighed. "I suppose you can give them time. Things turned around with me and Henry." Henry described her in glowing terms now, so it was possible for anyone to turn it around.

"You both want things to work and you're willing to compromise. I don't think they are." Emma paused for a moment, as if trying to put it all out of her mind. "Anyway, let's not talk about them. How were the last couple of days with Neal?"

Regina could not help the small smile that settled on her face. "Fine. He helped me start a search for an apartment, recognizing and understanding we cannot all fit in his place for an extended period of time."

Emma frowned a bit and her body tensed briefly. "He's so reasonable with you."

"Well, I am his younger sister. You, on the other hand, he admits is the one who got away."

Rolling her eyes, Emma folded her arms across her chest in a huff. "The one he let go away is more like it."

Regina glanced at Emma. "Is this really bothering you? It's not fair to you if you're truly uncomfortable with him." Emma had been more than accommodating for her and she refused to allow Emma to put up with something that bothered her.

Emma waved it all off. "No, no, no. I'm fine, just bitter. I'll get over it. You and Henry like him, will probably grow to love him. I'll work it out."

"You shouldn't have to be uncomfortable."

"I'll be fine, but thanks for the thought."

Regina sighed. She wished there was someway to make this better for Emma. Hopefully, Neal would make things right with Emma. It was not fair for Emma, who was so helpful and chivalrous, to go through this mess with her parents and also have to deal with Neal while trying to help Regina with the impossible.

"You know, you can stay with me," Regina said in a low voice.

Emma gasped like a fish out of water, with big, bug eyes to match. "I could?"

"So, you won't be alone or with Neal. Henry will, of course, adore it. Plus, we can continue to research together. The books here might actually be helpful. I found a gem in a bookstore on the corner."

Emma smiled for the first time that night. "Okay." With luck, this would keep Emma's spirits up for a while.

-8-8-8-8-

They had been in New York for over a month now. Emma bounced back between Regina's apartment and Neal's place. She spent most of her time in Regina's place, though. Neal seemed to be under the impression that he could win her back and she did not like encouraging him, especially considering both she and Regina had already talked to him about making her uncomfortable. Plus, Regina needed the company when Henry was out with Neal.

Staying with Regina was not as weird as she thought it would be. Regina was, as always, an excellent hostess. She had even gotten a three-bedroom apartment, so Emma had her own room. It choked her up a little because it was the first time in her life at having her own room in a place that was not her own. Regina just always made time and space for her in her life now.

She and Regina still researched, but Regina took breaks more often now. Sometimes, they went walking in Central Park. It was nice, even though Regina was not a real fan of the park. Regina attracted the attention of pets, small children, some women, and tons of men. Emma stood back, arms folded across her chest and frowning, as some bozo in a nice suit tried to sweet talk Regina, just like the million other fools had tried. Regina smiled and flirted back and then walked away when he handed her a card.

"You have, like, a douchebag magnet in your purse when we come out," Emma huffed. Frowning even more, she kept her arms across her chest. It burned her up whenever she saw this idiots approach Regina, like they thought they were entitled to her time.

Regina laughed. "He was fine, as are most of the men who approach me. It's a good distraction. The women who approach me are also fine, now that I think about it."

Emma sucked her teeth. "You're not even gay."

Regina gave her a side eyed glance. "One, I can be flattered by anyone's attention. Two, you have no idea what I am."

Emma snorted as they continued on their way. "Anyway." She did not want to get into that conversation right now.

"If this bothers you, you should see what happens when I go to the library to continue research while you're working."

Emma scowled. She had taken a few jobs, not wanting to just mooch on Regina. It cut into her research time, but they had already gone through most of Regina's books anyway. Regina was now making use of the New York City public library, as well as the libraries of many of the universities around the city and the many bookstores. Regina actually seemed happy when she was in any library. Emma thought it was weird, but did not mention that.

They had not gotten much so far from their research. It was a good thing Regina did not seem to be bothered by her magic out here. Still, she had promised to help and get Regina home. So far, she had not been able to keep that vow.

"I'm surprised at how hard this is. I mean, Supernatural makes it look so easy to stop demons," Emma remarked.

Regina rolled her eyes. "You mean kill demons. It's not that hard in the Enchanted Forest either. They're rarer than dragons, but slain just the same or banished."

Emma grinned. "I love that Henry and I have corrupted you enough that you know what Supernatural is."

A short scoff escaped Regina. "You think you've corrupted me? I'm the one with the demonic power inside of me."

"We'll figure it out. I'm going to actually take a trip back to Storybrooke. Maybe for the weekend or something. Just visit with my parents." Emma wanted to make the effort, as Regina always encouraged her. Things could turn around. They had not yet, but Regina always pointed out things took time and patience. As long as Regina pushed her, she supposed she would keep trying. Hopefully, they would turn that corner.

Beyond that, she wanted to find out if Gold had anything cooking. She had spoken to Ruby a couple of times and Ruby did not have much to report on Gold, but he was a sneaky bastard.

Regina nodded. "That sounds fine. You should see if Henry wants to go."

"Why, so you get go on a date with one of your stalkers?" Emma tossed Regina a teasing grin.

Regina rolled her eyes once more. It would not surprise Emma if Regina started dating. She seemed to have adjusted to city life, more or less. She liked trying things and she had more than enough phone numbers to find someone to show her new things.

"You should see if Henry wants to go as you deserve some time with him as much as the rest of us," Regina pointed out.

Emma nodded and was silently shocked by how generous Regina was being. What if out here the demonic powers actually just made Regina act weird? Of course, she knew that was not the case and she did not even joke about. Maybe just being out in the city, away from everything, allowed Regina to grow a little and this growth made her rather kind to Emma.

Later in the day, Emma threw the idea out to Henry about going to Storybrooke and, of course, Henry was all hyped up to go. So, they were on a road trip again to Storybrooke. Regina rented a car for them again, not wanting to rely on Emma's "death trap" to deliver them to Maine and back. Emma rolled her eyes at this while Henry tittered over it.

"Traitor," Emma grumbled and playfully shoved him.

"You should be setting the table," Regina said as she stepped out of the kitchen with salad in her arms. Neal stood behind her with a platter of buttered red potatoes.

They were in Regina's apartment, which had elegant arches throughout the living room. French doors opened to a small balcony and lit up the dining room during daylight hours. A small glass table with just enough room for the four of them sat in the center of the room. Emma and Henry had been in the middle of setting it. They had gotten as far as putting out plates.

"You got us in trouble," Henry snickered, cutting his eyes to Emma.

Shaking her head, Emma playfully pushed him again. "You're such a traitor." He giggled and they got back to setting the table to eat.

-8-8-8-8-

Emma liked traveling with Henry and having this alone time with him. Henry was great to ride with and he was excited about so many things, not many of them had to do with going back home, though. Then, she remembered how he did not have any real friends there and how out of the three grandparents he had, only two of them were actually worth spending any time with and those two wasted a lot of his time trying to convince him his mother was worthless.

"Do you think Mom will ever actually want to come back here? She seems like she's enjoying New York," Henry said.

Emma shook her head. "I think she's fine with New York for now. You're there and Neal's there."

"And you're there," he chimed in with a grin.

Emma just smiled. Deep down, she knew she meant something to Regina, but it was nice to have it acknowledged. It was also nice that someone else saw it, so she was not being delusional or anything.

"She seemed really interested in a book when we left. It had a lot of symbols and stuff in it," Henry said.

"It did. She said it was some old book about summoning demons and casting out demons and stuff like that." She had read through some of it. It was full of symbols and spells, but she was not sure if they could trust a spell book from this realm. After all, there was no magic here. So, what did anyone here know about magic? Regina seemed to think otherwise.

"Maybe it has an answer and we can move back soon."

"Do you want to move back?" Emma asked. He seemed rather focused on this.

Henry shrugged. "I dunno. I like New York right now. Yeah, Storybrooke is home and everything, but I'm the happiest I've ever been right now."

Emma did not even need to think about it. "Me, too."

Henry just smiled at her. Emma called her parents when they were in town. Over the past month, Emma had called them about once a week. They never called and she never asked why, more scared of the answer than curious. Out of sight, out of mind? Possibly.

"Hey, I'm going to go get ice cream or something," Henry said as soon as Emma parked the car by the loft.

Emma just nodded and handed him money. He was trying to give her some time alone with her parents, which was cool. Of course, without someone to push her, she might not go in. Mary Margaret and David seemed to forget about her much of the time and she hated to see the surprise on their faces when they opened the door, as if they did not know who she was. No, no, no. It's like Regina always tells me. It just takes time. A month might not be enough. It took Regina a year and some trauma.

Taking a deep breath, she went to the loft and knocked on the door. When the door swung open, Emma found herself in engulfed in a hug by Mary Margaret. She was yanked into the apartment and then pulled into another hug by David. There was a lot of love in the embraces and for a moment, Emma was able to breathe easy. They loved her. Things could get better and would as long as she worked on it.

As David released her, she looked around the loft. She blinked to make sure she was not seeing things. Okay, something was going on here and her stomach dropped before she even figured out what.

"What's with the boxes? You guys moving?" Emma inquired, pointing around the apartment. Almost everything was boxed up.

"Oh, yeah!" Mary Margaret grinned and actually clapped. She practically bubbled over with excitement. "We just bought a new house. We just need more space and this loft is Mary Margaret and I'm not her."

Emma winced. She was Mary Margaret to her. Mary Margaret was the first real friend she had who she could truly trust. But, she had to admit to herself much of Mary Margaret vanished when the Curse broke. It broke her heart, especially to find out her mother did not want to be Mary Margaret. Her mother did not want to be her friend.

"We're used to more space anyway," David said, which seemed completely unnecessary to Emma.

"Okay. I guess that's cool," Emma replied, feeling a little dazed. Her stomach twisted a bit more. She wished they mentioned this on the phone. "So… how come you guys didn't tell me you were moving?" This seemed pretty big. This had been her home with them and they were just going to shed it like extra skin.

Mary Margaret waved her off. "We're telling you now."

Emma blinked. "But, that's not the same." Why were they so nonchalant about this?

Her parents looked at her, like she was being strange. Maybe she was. She wished Regina was here to help her through this. Instead, she decided to just go down a different discussion path.

"So, what have you been up to?" Emma asked. Of course, on the phone, all her parents really talked about their exploits and try to convince her to come back. Maybe letting them ramble on about themselves, she would be able to adjust to this idea that they were moving and had not thought to tell her. "Caught any villains lately?"

"Yes, some even from the Enchanted Forest. People have actually been asking the Council when Regina was coming back so they could jail her for what she did," Mary Margaret said.

Emma blinked, feeling lost already. "The Council? Jail Regina?" What the hell was going on?

"Well, we don't have a mayor anymore. So, we put together a council to rule."

Emma squinted. "Rule? Put together? The people didn't vote on it? Lemme guess, it's full of royals from your realm." Maybe this was why Regina thrived outside of Storybrooke. She just was not meant for that realm. That makes two of us.

"Well, we do have ruling experience," Mary Margaret replied lightly, as if that counted for anything.

"Do you guys sit on thrones during council meetings?" Emma asked, actually serious.

"Emma." Mary Margaret gave her a stern look, like she was crazy for inquiring. "Someone needs to be in charge and we have experience."

"From the medieval times!" Emma pointed out.

"Yes, and all of the people here are from the same place. They need us," David replied. Emma did not follow the logic.

"One of the good things about democracy is that you can be in charge without experience. What the hell? If you guys can't get back to the Enchanted Forest you'll recreate it here? It wasn't that awesome," Emma huffed.

Her parents scowled. "Well, maybe not to you, but it's home for us and one day we'll get back there. Until then, we're stuck here and we'll run it the way we think works," David stated.

"By taking away the rights people have from living here, in this realm, in this country? Is the jail a dungeon now? The little tiny courthouse has an execution block, too? What the hell?" Emma demanded. Did they ever think there might be some people who liked some things from this realm?

"Whatever it takes to make our citizens feel safe," David said.

"That's not going to make them feel safe. You're just giving them something familiar in the guise of home, but really flipping their lives upside down," Emma argued. Why had Ruby not mentioned this? Mentally, she groaned. This is what happens when you share a friend with your mother.

"You're only saying that because you don't know anything about the Enchanted Forest's culture," Mary Margaret said. She almost sounded accusing, like it was Emma's fault that she did not know anything about their land and its customs.

Scoffing, Emma threw her hands out. "I know enough. I've seen the way things are done and I think we've got that beat here. Why are you trying to go backwards? I understand being homesick, but are you going to have all of the plumbing removed, too? Are peasants going to be kicked out of their nice homes so some noble could live there? Is someone building a moat?"

"Don't be ridiculous. Besides, you're not here. We're just meeting the needs of the people here," Mary Margaret argued.

"You keep telling yourself that," Emma said. They were just trying to justify a power grab.

"Look, let's not talk about this. Snow shouldn't get upset, after all," David said.

Emma blinked again, her mind jumbled. That was a weird thing to say and she narrowed her gaze on her father. "What the hell are you talking about now?"

David put his arms around Mary Margaret and they both grinned. "We're waiting to tell people, but you should know, we're pregnant!" Mary Margaret practically chirped.

Emma's body jumped and she felt like she had been shot. She gasped and clutched her chest. She had been gone a month and they had already replaced her. This is why they never ask about you. She had been gone trying to help someone and while she did that, they moved out of the first place that felt like home to her without talking to her and they had replaced her. They replaced her. And why not?

They had already abandoned her once and planned to abandon her at least twice since reuniting. They had not been able to raise her, but they could raise this one. This one could be the child they wanted, their little prince or princess, not a juvenile delinquent who had a child out of wedlock.

Suddenly, Emma could not breathe. There just was not enough air. Everything felt heavy, pressing, like it would crush her. The only thing she could do was escape or she was certain she would die. She turned and fled, hopping in the car and meeting Henry on the corner.

"Henry, we're leaving," Emma stated.

He stopped, mid-lick of his cookies and cream ice cream cone. "Huh? Already?"

"Yeah. Come on." She leaned over and opened his door. She was done with this. She was done with all of this.

-8-8-8-8-

Regina stumbled into the apartment, wanting to be quiet. Henry was not home, staying with Neal for the night. She and Emma were supposed to research, but Emma had gone out for food and never made her way back. Regina decided to call a… friend… she was not sure that was the proper term. She had gone on a date. She might have to do it more often, especially since she felt so good. For the past few days, there had been this burn of anxiety in her system, but now it was gone, replaced by a delightful high. She felt empowered and chipper, but the feeling did not last long.

Her attention snapped to the living room as she heard a groan. Flipping on the light, she saw Emma passed out on the sofa. There was an empty bottle in front of her. Regina picked up the bottle and shook her head.

"Her taste in liquor needs to improve," she sighed. This was the fourth time she found Emma unconscious on her couch thanks to alcohol. It was always when Henry was out with Neal, so he did not have to see that, which Regina appreciated. This was no way for Emma to cope, though.

Emma had gotten drunk the first night her return from Storybrooke, after basically begging Henry to stay with Neal for the night. In her despair and drunkenness, she slipped all that ailed her without Regina even needing to ask. Regina had felt a flare inside of her and, for a long moment, something clawed at her skin. She wanted to go tear into the Charmings, but then Emma got sick and she had to take care of her. Once she had been certain Emma was fine, she had gone out on her first date, but it was becoming clear that Emma required more of her attention.

"Perhaps if I give her something to hold onto, it will help a little," Regina considered. She had recently come across something in a book that might keep her power at bay. This could refocus Emma on the mission rather than her drinking so much.

Her discovery would wait until morning, when Emma woke. Well, afternoon. For now, she wanted to take a shower and wash her date off. Yes, it had been satisfying, but she did not need it to linger.

Once she was settled, she returned to the living room with a blanket and a proper pillow. Emma barely made a sound as Regina slid the pillow under her head and covered her the blanket. Sighing, she brushed Emma's hair out of her face.

"I know Snow can be oblivious, but I had no idea she was actually stupid enough to throw her child away," Regina sighed. She was also a little surprised she had this faith in Snow and, of course, Snow would disappoint her. Shaking that away, she went to bed.

In the morning, almost noon, Emma and Regina sat at the table after Emma showered. Emma still had alcohol coming from her pores, but Regina ignored that. Over oatmeal with nuts and fruits, Regina showed Emma a symbol in a book. Emma studied it and, from the way her face scrunched up, it was clear she had no idea what it meant.

"This is an ancient symbol used to contain dark power. I've seen it in books here and in the Enchanted Forest. I think this might be the thing I need," Regina said.

Emma grunted. "And then we go back to Storybrooke?"

Regina had not thought of that. "Well, I'm not sure if it will work. I might have to… tattoo it onto myself and then try to summon my magic."

"In a world without magic," Emma deadpanned.

"Emma, I think we both know this world is not completely without magic. We can try this and if it does not work, we might be able to try something else. This world has so much knowledge," Regina pointed out with a smile. She wanted to read so much more, and not just magic, theology, and mysticism books. She wanted to experience more of this world in general.

Emma did not look convinced or even eager to try this plan. She did not want to go back to Storybrooke and watch her parents be the perfect family with a child who was not her, which seemed to be the point. She could stall, though.

"Beyond a tattoo, I also believe I need special ink. The book describes it, but it might take time to get all of the ingredients." This was not exactly a lie, but she would take her time and give Emma a chance to heal.

Emma nodded. "As soon as I'm not hung over, I'll help."

Regina smiled and reached across the table, taking Emma's hand. "It's going to be all right." She meant that for both of them. Somehow, this would turn out all right.

Emma did not respond. Regina just held Emma's hand. Emma had held onto such faith for her and kept her together. She would have faith for them now. How can you have faith when you know it's still there? It hasn't gone away, no matter how you try to pretend. Tell her that. Tell her that and let her crawl into a new bottle. Regina swallowed. No, she would hold together. Besides, this might actually work.

-8-8-8-8-

Next time: Emma, Regina, Neal, and Henry do their best to hold together.