Emma stared at the kitchen counter, her chin in her hands, her elbows on the table. She had been feeling restless for a few days, ever since she had talked to Regina. Snow had called excitedly the night before, telling Emma and Killian that Regina had been going out every day with Sherlock. Emma had sat, baffled, for at least an hour. When she had seen Regina, she doubted her friend would ever be satisfied again. Maybe it actually did take a genius to get her out of her funk.

Emma heard Killian in the other room. "I'm glad Regina's doing better." She didn't know if he had heard her.

After a second, he stepped in, smiling. "As am I. It was about time, I think."

Emma nodded. It felt good that everyone was doing better. After such a tragedy, she wasn't sure the town would get over it. Henry had been doing okay, but he was less spunky, less excited than normal. "I can't imagine going through what she did."

Killian walked up and kissed her on the forehead. "Nor can I." Emma stood and drummed her fingers on the countertop. "You know what this means, don't you?" Emma looked at Killian expectantly. "It means you don't have any more excuses to keep this," he held her hand and placed a finger on her ring, "from everyone."

Emma rolled her eyes, looking at Killian's smirk. "Yeah, okay, whatever." She walked to the little breakfast nook in the kitchen that they had set up and picked up her leather jacket. "Maybe we can tell them all later this week. We should give Regina a few days to settle into her new role first, don't you think?"

Killian shrugged. "Emma, I really don't think it's going to matter much to her. It's not as if anything is really going to change in the town. She'll probably just be happy for us."

Emma swallowed. She stood straighter and put on a little smile. "I'm sure she will be, just give me the week, okay?"

She could tell that Killian realized this was more of an Emma thing than anything else. She had never really proclaimed her love in front of people before. This was a big deal to her. "That's fine, love." Killian smiled and wished her luck at work for the day, but Emma knew it was luck for when she decided to tell everyone.

Will sat up in bed, groggy. He wiped the sleep from his eyes and thought about what he might have for breakfast. Ever since Ana had been going to the library every day, he had taken to cooking for the two of them. Maybe he could get a job at Granny's as a chef. Then again, with Zelena starting work there, he quickly decided against it.

Ana lay next to him, asleep and peaceful. He moved his hand over and pushed the hair out of her face. She looked so lovely, he liked to remind himself how lucky he was to be next to her again, after so long of thinking he never would be.

Suddenly, though, Ana woke with a start, her body covering with sweat and her eyes filling with tears. "Ana?" He pulled her close, comforting her.

She quickly wrapped her arms around him, scared. He watched as her breathing slowed, calming down after a minute. "It was only a dream, it's alright, I'm here."

She swallowed and nodded. "I'm sorry."

Will shook his head. "No, don't be. Do you want to talk about it?" He let her go a little, so she could breathe.

She took a moment, but then relaxed and nodded. "I was… I'm not sure, actually. It wasn't Wonderland, I'm sure of that, and it wasn't here."

"What happened there?"

Ana laid back down, her chest rising and falling with her breaths. "This man brought me down with him, he wanted… I don't know really, but he needed me to come with him and stay there."

"Was it Moriarty? It would be normal to have nightmares about him, you have had them before."

Ana shook her head. "No, this was different. When it's about Moriarty, it's about magic, and power. This was about… well the absence of those things I suppose. I don't know, it's hard to explain."

Will stared at her quietly, trying to think of how he could comfort her, what he could say. She seemed to be coping with everything well, Belle had warned him of PTSD and depression, but she had seemed to be getting better, with normal hiccups of fear. "It was only a dream, Ana." He tried to sound comforting, but instead it came off dismissive. He reached down and held her hand, trying to be supportive.

"It didn't feel like one." She let go of his hand and rolled over, facing the other direction. He wished, desperately, that he knew what was going on in her mind. Ever since Belle had been letting her research Hades, she had seemed a bit more paranoid than normal. He doubted it was something to worry about, the whole Hades thing, but he could sense that Ana was keeping the worst from him. He couldn't even protect her from a normal man, let alone a Greek god. Hopefully Belle would come up with some simple solution in one of her books and neither of them would have to worry anymore.

"...But really, the key was in the fabric of his coat. He wanted everyone to believe it was cashmere wool, which would show off his wealth. However, it was actually… Regina, are you listening to me?"

Sherlock rolled his eyes as Regina blinked, clearly out of it. She smiled sheepishly.

"I'm sorry, what was that?"

He sighed. They were sitting in Granny's, a plate of French fries sitting between them. They'd come there every day since Regina decided to leave the apartment, and it had become a habit. They even had their preferred booth. Sherlock had been telling her about some of his previous cases, but he could tell her mind was elsewhere. It made him a bit sad, actually, because she normally expressed a great deal of interest.

"What's on your mind?" He felt a spike of panic. "Are you feeling alright? Do you want to go back to the apartment?"

"No," she said quickly. "I'm fine, don't worry." She bit her lip. "But I have been thinking."

"I should hope so."

She flicked a stray fry at him. "I'm serious. I'm thinking about going back home. To my house."

Sherlock had been in the process of taking a sip of water, but he paused, glass frozen halfway to his mouth. "Are you sure that's wise?"

She shrugged. "Honestly? No. But I haven't been there since… and I think if I really want to start to move on, that's the first step."

He set his glass down. "I just don't want you to start spiraling again. Going back there might bring up some memories you don't wish to face."

"But they won't disappear just because I refuse to face them," Regina pointed out. "It's going to happen whether I want it to or not. That's why I want you to come with me."

Sherlock nearly choked on his fry. Regina's expression was open, expectant, and - dare he think it - hopeful. It prompted an intense tugging sensation in his gut. He was still wary of her going back to the house she had shared with Robin, but if she was set on going, he couldn't do much. At least he would be able to support her.

"If you insist," he said. "I would happy to accompany you."

She smiled at him, and the tugging intensified. Her smiles hadn't reached the same vibrancy they had before Robin's death, but they were getting there.

And if Sherlock had anything to do with it, they wouldn't falter again.

Maybe I'll get a strapless one… Except those straps are gorgeous. That one is too ball gown for my taste… Though that would make Mom happy.

Emma let out a sigh as she perused a bridal magazine. Her feet swayed idly beneath her desk, some excitement escaping her as she thought about her upcoming nuptials.

"What's that?"

She shoved the magazine under a stack of papers and swiveled to face the door. Henry leaned against the frame, his eyebrows raised in a near-perfect imitation of his adopted mother.

"Nothing. What's up, kid?"

Emma tried to maintain her cool as Henry walked into her office. He slipped his hand under the papers and pulled out the magazine. She swallowed. He looked at her with wide eyes.

"Why are you looking at this?"

She considered brushing it off, telling him he'd know soon enough. But she'd seen how Robin's death had affected him. How he'd become more of an adult to watch over Roland while Regina grieved. How he threw himself into work for the sake of being on top of everything. Her little boy had grown several years in the span of two months. He needed something good.

"Killian and I are engaged," she said, relishing in how wonderful it felt to say those words. Henry's face split into a wide smile, and he threw his arms around her. She sighed happily and held him close.

"Congrats, Mom! I'm so happy for you. Both of you."

Emma said her thanks, beaming. For a moment, it was nice to forget all the sadness that had clung to them for so long. Killian was right, she realized. People need something like this to hold onto.

"When did he propose?" Henry asked, moving back so he could look at her properly. "How did he propose? Does everyone else know?"

"Whoa, slow down, kid," she said with a laugh. "One question at a time."

"When, then."

Emma's smile faded. "The day Robin died." Henry's expression became shuttered, and she instantly regretted her choice of words.

"That's two months," he said softly. "Have you told anyone else?"

"No," she admitted. "It didn't feel right."

Henry was quiet for a moment, staring at the floor. Emma could only imagine what was running through his head. After all, the last time one of his moms had gotten married, it had ended with him losing yet another father figure.

"Are you going to tell them now?" he asked, surprising her. She opened her mouth and closed it again.

"I don't… I'm not sure. We wanted to wait until Regina got a bit better."

"She's left the apartment," he reported. "She takes walks with Sherlock. She's doing well."

Emma fiddled with the edge of the magazine. "And I'm so glad to hear that, but…"

Henry grabbed her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I think you should tell everyone. Or at least Grandma and Grandpa. They'd want to know, and I think it'll be good for all of us."

Emma nodded. "I think you're right, kid." She fixed him with a nervous look. "How are you feeling about all this? You good?"

"I said I was happy for you, right?"

"Well, yeah, but-"

He laughed. "I'm fine with it, Mom. I just want you to be happy."

Emma's heart swelled, and she stood up so she could hug him properly. She kissed the side of his head.

"I am, Henry. I really am."

Will shuffled to the door of his apartment, eagerness getting to the better of him. "Hey, come in."

Belle nodded and entered, looking concerned.

"Is everything okay?" he asked. He brought her into the kitchen and poured a mug of tea. "I know you were supposed to be training Ana this morning, but I wanted to talk."

Belle nodded. "It's fine, I got her started on a few things. She even suggested I come over, too. I think she was shaken up."

Will bit his lip. "She had a nightmare. I think she has PTSD, actually. I didn't know if you've read up on that at all or not."

Belle took the mug and dipped her finger in, testing the warmth. She took a bit too long to answer, making Will think there was something wrong. "I have, yes."

He told himself it wasn't, but the issue felt pressing, like if they didn't figure this all out something terrible would happen. It frustrated him that Belle wasn't speaking her mind, he wanted to jump across the table and shake her until she did. Maybe he hadn't been getting enough sleep either. It wasn't like him to feel violent.

"And? Do you think she has it? That would explain the nightmares, right?"

Belle tapped her fingers on the counter and closed her eyes. "It would, yes."

"Belle, what's going on?"

Belle looked down, avoiding his eyes. He repeated, "Belle, tell me."

"She might have PTSD. I wouldn't be surprised. She was controlled by a terrible man for months and got drained of something she's had her whole life."

"But?"

Belle licked her lips and turned her head away. "She told me about her nightmare."

"Yeah, she was pretty freaked out. But that's a common thing, right? With trauma?"

Belle shook her head. "It's worse, Will."

"What are you talking about?"

"I read about it when I was doing research. Hades can inhabit people's dreams. Her other nightmares were about Moriarty, but last night's was different. I tried to brush it off, too, but this is bad, Will."

Will's head started to pound. Hades? How was he supposed to protect Ana from Hades? "So it's real then, what you read about?"

Belle nodded. "I think so."

"What does this mean?"

Belle shook her head. "I have no idea. There isn't a lot of documentation from the last time it happened. From what I've read, he acts like a normal person. Maybe, if this is what we think, we can reason with him. Maybe he'll go after Moriarty instead."

"Have you told Ana?"

Belle shook her head. "I wanted you to know first. I didn't know if it would be too much for her to handle."

"She's a strong person." Will rubbed his temples, overwhelmed. "I'll tell her tonight."

Belle put a hand on top of Will's, her eyes filled with regret. "I'm sorry, Will. We'll all be there for her, for you, too."

"None of this is her fault."

"I know."

Will hated to think that he had been naive enough to think their troubles were over. It seemed that there wasn't a real happy ending in his life. Maybe he really was better off pulling his heart out and living alone. No, he wouldn't give up on Ana that quickly. He would never really give up on her, even against a superpower like Hades, he would always be behind her.

Regina stood still on her doorstep. She hadn't even seen her home since the day everything happened. It looked the same, which was strange to her, she thought it would have looked different for some reason. She looked up, surveying the property as if it had been broken into, as if it might not be safe to go in yet.

"Regina? You don't have to go in if you don't want to." Sherlock stood beside her, his concerned eyes focused every second on her. She appreciated his concern, but she was worried all the same. Walking Storybrooke was one thing, seeing the places where she and Robin had gone out was difficult, but she had plenty of other memories in those places. She could focus on other times, conversations with Snow, running around with Henry. But here, she knew she had to face the truth.

"I want to go in." She nodded, decisively. It was time.

Sherlock took a step forward and opened the door. "Whenever you're ready."

Regina hesitated. The inside was dark, she would have to draw all the curtains. She stepped in, finally, taking a breath. After a moment she realized she had closed her eyes. She could feel the cold of the foyer, the heat hadn't been on in weeks. It smelled like home, but in a way that made her want to cry. She forced her eyes open and strolled inside, opening the curtains and letting the light in. It felt like a fresh breath of air, but it also blinded her eyes.

"Are you alright?"

Regina looked over at Sherlock. He was standing awkwardly, worried, next to the open door. "I think so."

She walked into the living room, pushing to see how far she could go inside, seeing what would push her over the edge. And then she saw it. Robin's jacket was laid over a chair, as if ready to be picked up at any moment. She pictured him, then, in front of her. She could see him in the room, on the couch, standing at the window telling her what a good day it was, putting his arms on her and telling her how much he loved her. For a second her balance wavered, and she had to grab a chair to keep from falling over. Her heart rate spiked, and her breath quickened.

She could hear Sherlock behind her, running in. She sat down and stared at the ground, trying to compose herself. "I'm sorry, it's fine."

Sherlock didn't waste a beat. "Don't apologize. And no, it isn't fine, this is a huge deal, Regina. What are you thinking?"

Regina shook her head. She could feel tears coming on, but she had to be strong. "Nothing, I'm okay."

Sherlock leaned down in front of her, his face at her level. "No, you aren't. You shouldn't be, you're completely human, Regina. Even the strongest person in the world would be emotional right now. It's healthy."

Regina clenched her jaw. The coat stared at her, begging her to cry. She could feel tears jumping to her eyes. She shook her head and placed her face in her hands.

"You should have these feelings, Regina. Just don't have them alone. I'm here for you."

Regina lifted her head. She hated asking for help. But it seemed as though she didn't even need to ask. "I haven't talked about him, you know. Since…"

Sherlock nodded and pulled up another chair, sitting close to her. It felt nice, having someone to lean on like this. "Do you want to?"

Regina nodded. She didn't want it to be a terrible thing anymore, for anyone around her to say his name. She wanted to hear it and smile, not hear it and cry, at least not forever. "That's his coat." She pointed to the chair across the room that she had been staring at. Sherlock turned around and nodded. "He wore it a lot. He wore it when he proposed to me."

Sherlock gave her a half smile, and she realized that she was smiling, too. "I haven't heard that story."

Regina closed her eyes, remembering the day. "It was on Christmas, actually."

"Oh, really?" Sherlock leaned forward, engaged.

She nodded. "I was getting ready in the morning to go to the Charmings' with Henry for a bit. He came, too, of course. But anyway, I was picking some earrings out of my jewelry box upstairs." Regina smiled again, she could feel herself blushing. "I found an old diamond pair that my father had gotten me a long time ago. He complimented them, and then said maybe I would need something to match. I laughed and brushed it off, and he dropped it. But then when we got to Snow and Charming's, he wanted to make a toast. Everyone had just finished opening presents, and everyone was so happy." She smiled again, remembering the day. It was snowing outside, but the inside was so warm, so full of joy. She pictured everyone lounging around, Emma and Hook curled up on the couch, Snow and Charming in each other's arms, Henry and Roland laughing on the floor in the pile of wrapping paper.

"Robin told everyone how happy he was to be spending the holiday with them, and then he stopped and looked at me. He gave me a smile and said that he wanted to spend every single Christmas with me for the rest of my life. He kneeled down and said he had one last gift for me, and pulled out the ring." Everyone in the room had gasped, and she had stared like an idiot at him for far too many seconds, but she didn't include that in her story. "It was the happiest day of my life. I spent it with my family, and with him."

When she looked back at Sherlock, he was smiling, but with a pang of pain in his eyes. "What is it?" she asked.

"I'm sorry he's gone, Regina. If I could bring him back I would."

The smile faded from her face. It felt as though that Christmas Day had suddenly faded from view, and she was stuck alone in the cold room staring at an empty coat. But she wasn't alone, and she knew that. "I think I've accepted that he's gone. I just need to figure out how to cope with it now."

Sherlock nodded. "You're exceedingly bright, Regina. I think that's what you need too."

Regina sighed. "Maybe in a few weeks I can plan on moving back in. I can take small steps, maybe bring the boys in sometime soon. We can do it together."

Sherlock nodded again. "Yes, together."

Emma stepped into Granny's, hoping for some coffee before she went to her parents'. Her stomach was turning over and over, and her eyes fluttered. She hadn't thought that her nerves would kick in so much for such a happy announcement. After all, she had been with Killian a while now, it wouldn't be too much of a surprise to anyone. She walked up to the counter and asked for a cup. The little ding of the door rang behind her and she turned to see who it was.

"Dad?"

David smiled. "Emma! It's good to see you. What are you up to?"

"Just grabbing some coffee." She nodded towards him. "What about you?"

"I just came to pick up Snow's favorite pastry. You have to keep your partner happy, Emma, something I've learned from years of marriage. I try to do something kind for her every day."

Emma laughed. "Okay, Dad."

David ordered and turned to his daughter. "So what's going on?"

Emma took a breath. "I was just going to come over, actually, I have some news." She spoke fast, trying to get it out.

David tilted his head. "News? What news?"

"Well, let's just say that tip of yours might come in handy soon."

David furrowed his brow, questioningly. Emma rolled her eyes, giving in. She held up her left hand. It took him a moment, but she saw the wheels turning in his head. "Oh my God! Emma!" He pulled her into a hug and she laughed.

"Yeah, pretty crazy, huh?"

"When did this happen?"

Emma took a step back. "Umm, a little while ago. We decided to keep it to ourselves after the whole Robin thing happened." A pang of guilt hit her again.

David only smiled. "This is amazing! Let me call everyone, I'll have them meet at the apartment. I'm so proud of you, honey!" He hugged her again, excited.

Emma smiled. "Thanks, Dad." Now to tell everyone else.

Regina let out a long sigh as she and Sherlock approached the apartment. Going to her house had been both cathartic and draining. Every part of her hurt a bit more than it had that morning, but it hurt less than it had a week ago. She supposed that was good. She was getting better. She missed Robin with every fiber of her being, but that didn't change the reality of the situation. It was time she accepted that reality and moved forward.

"Thank you for coming with me," she said to Sherlock, pausing outside the apartment. "It means a lot."

Sherlock looked uncomfortable for a brief moment, and Regina suspected he didn't get thanked a lot for kind gestures. Then again, she didn't think he did many of them to begin with.

"You're welcome," he said. "I meant what I said that day at your office. I want to help you get better."

Regina swallowed the lump that had developed at the mention of that day. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything to you. I know you meant well, and-"

Sherlock shook his head. "There's no need. You have nothing to be sorry for, it was a difficult time."

She smiled, feeling a burst of warmth when he returned it with one of his own. She nodded towards the door, a hand on the knob. "Would you like some coffee, or something?"

"Sure," he said, his answer coming faster than she had anticipated. He coughed and nodded towards the door. "After you."

Regina unlocked the door and led him inside. She froze just over the threshold, however, causing Sherlock to walk right into her. The apartment was filled with her family: Snow, Charming, Henry, Roland, Emma, and Hook. They turned to look at her, and she felt a strong urge to flee.

"Please tell me this isn't an intervention," she said. Roland frowned.

"What's a 'terventen?" Henry laughed and patted his little brother's head.

"Seriously, what's going on?" Regina asked, picking Roland up. He snuggled against her side, and she pressed a kiss to his head. Sherlock lingered by the doorway, clearly unwilling to leave but not wanting to impose.

Charming smiled, and Regina could've sworn he was tearing up a bit. "Emma and Hook have some news."

Emma looked to Hook, who smiled at her like she was the most beautiful thing in the universe. She turned to her family and held up her left hand, where a diamond glittered in the kitchen light.

"We're engaged!"

All shouts of congratulations turned into a dull roar. Regina's throat constricted, and Roland felt very heavy in her arms. She set him down, willing herself not to shatter completely.

Engaged. The word echoed in her mind like a tolling bell. The scene felt too similar to another one that had taken place only months ago.

(Months? Had it really been that long?)

Regina's left hand felt too light, too empty. Her side was too cold without a warm body pressed against it. The memory was still fresh in her mind from when she had told Sherlock about her and Robin's engagement, and now it rested there like a hundred pound weight, unwilling to dislodge itself. She hardly even realized she'd begun walking to the stairs when Emma stepped in her way.

"Hey." Emma looked nervous. "Are you okay with this?"

Regina forced herself to maintain her composure. "Why wouldn't I be? It's not my life." She plastered a smile on her face, aware that it didn't look as genuine as it should. "I'm happy for you two. Honestly. You deserve this."

Emma bit her lip. "Regina…"

"I'm serious. Congratulations, Emma." She reached out and squeezed Emma's arm before moving around her and heading upstairs. Thankfully, Emma didn't follow, and she was free to sink onto the bed and let herself break.

Visions of her and Robin flashed through her mind, like bullets tearing through her defenses. Her shoulders shook with the intensity of her sobs, and she prayed that no one downstairs could hear her.

"Regina?"

She stiffened at the sound of Sherlock's voice. She curled inwards toward herself, hugging her stomach. The floorboards creaked as Sherlock reached the top step.

"I'm fine," she choked out. "I'm - I'm-"

A cautious hand came down on her shoulder, and she fell apart. Without much thought, she turned and launched herself at Sherlock. It was awkward for a moment, as he was still standing and hadn't been anticipating her movement, but then he joined her on the bed and drew her close. She pressed her face to the crook of his neck and cried. She cried for Robin, for her sons, for herself. Sherlock rocked her back and forth, murmuring words into her hair.

"It's alright. You'll be alright."

In the park that evening, a large swath of crows fled frantically from the area. A large hole was forming in the center of the grass, causing dirt to cave in and, finally, let up two figures. One was a tall and pale looking man in gray robes, the other a young woman in Grecian dress.

Hades cracked his neck and looked around the empty park. "Meg?"

The woman beside him turned. "I'm here," she responded in annoyance.

Hades nodded and continued surveying the area. His main thought was that he hoped there would be good food at the very least while they were in the town. He so hated leaving the Underworld.

The hole filled itself back in as Hades and Megara stepped out. "Come now, Nutmeg, we've people to see."

A/N: This was a short one, but don't worry, things will be picking back up soon. After all, we have some new players entering the game! (To be completely honest, we came up with the idea to use Hades before the show announced it. Seriously)

As always, a huge thanks to everyone for reading and supporting this story! We really appreciate it. If you enjoyed this chapter, please let us know! Until next time!