Disclaimer: I don't own Once Upon a Time or its characters.

Author Notes: Well folks, here were are again. I have to say even I'm impressed with myself at this point. The inspiration I have for this story is off the charts. Thank God work is slow and I have more time to write, lol.

Storybrooke, Maine- 4 years Later

The warm, morning light filtered through the window on the second floor of the always impressive mayoral mansion. A man, bare chested and only wearing a pair of flannel pajama pants, lay spread out over the spacious bed, still asleep. Should someone witness that scene, they would probably be in disbelief that the always prim and proper Mayor Mills sleeps in such an undignified way.

The reason? Being a single dad was not a job for the faint of heart. On top of his mayoral duties, he had parenting duties which, in his opinion, were far more important and exhausting than the rest. He wouldn't change it for the world though. Henry was his sun, moon and stars, a beacon of light in the perpetual darkness that had permeated pretty much his entire life.

He was roused from his deep sleep by the subtle sound of his bedroom door being opened and there could only be one culprit. A small head with a mop of messy brown hair popped in, green eyes fixed upon the figure on the bed. He silently made his way in and walked over, wearing a puppy themed pair of pajamas while he dragged his favorite stuffed horse.

With a grunt he climbed onto the bed and crawled closer to his seemingly sleeping father, snuggling into his side. He huffed impatiently when there was no movement and poked a tanned cheek "Daddy, wake up. It's morning alreadyyyyy" he whined, dragging the word out.

Regan's lips twitched as he fought off a smile. It seems his son had inherited his short patience. Still, he kept perfectly still and feigned sleep, waiting to see what his boy would do next.

He didn't disappoint. With a frown, he climbed on his father's tummy and bounced a few times "Daddy, wake up! You promised me we would see the horsies today!" he snapped, no longer concerned with being subtle.

He shrieked when two strong arms wrapped around him and pushed him down, dexterous fingers dancing over his ribs and tummy as he squealed with laughter "Stop, daddy! Stop, please!" he shrilled, trying to escape his dad's clutches to no avail.

Finally, when it seems he would pee himself laughing, the torture stopped and he gasped, trying to regain his breath "Daddy, that was mean" he scowled, red faced.

Regan just grinned and pulled him up, kissing his forehead "That'll teach you not to jump on daddy's tummy first thing in the morning, papito" he teased.

Henry pouted and rested his head on top of his chest "Sorry" he murmured, hugging him around the neck. Regan chuckled and smoothing his hair back playfully "No worries, Hen. What do you say we get ready for the day and get some breakfast, uh?" He enthused, bouncing him lightly.

Green eyes lighted up and pouty lips mirrored his grin "Yay! Can we have pancakes?" he asked excitedly.

"Sure, we can have pancakes. But you have to behave for the rest of the day, ok?" He asked in a serious tone, getting several enthusiastic nods in response "You're the best, daddy. I love you!" Henry shouted happily.

"I love you too, papito. Now come on, let's get cleaned up first" he said while carrying his excited son to the bathroom. After a nice shower filled with games and laughter, they got out and Regan brushed his teeth, helping his son do the same. Then after selecting their outfits, they got dressed.

Lately, Henry had been on a habit of dressing similar to Regan. While getting the hang of raising a baby, the mayor had relaxed a bit on his dressing code, at least around the house or during weekend activities with his son. Having an infant and eventually a toddler in the house was a mayor hazard to his pristine suits. Nowadays, he favored dark jeans. Designer, obviously. No need to go to extremes.

So, dressed in the aforementioned jeans, dress shirts and matching vests, the two Mills made their way downstairs. Regan started on the pancakes while Henry sat on his high chair, talking about everything that came to mind.

"Daddy, you think mommy likes pancakes?" Henry inquired all the sudden. Regan paused for a second, caught off guard, but not entirely surprised. True to his word, once Henry was old enough to understand, he broached the subject of his other parent. He knew he looked a lot like his daddy but that things like his lighter hair or his eyes were from his mother and that she couldn't care for him as a baby, but she loved him very much.

"I'm sure she does, papito. I'm positive you get your love of food from her" he joked, getting a giggle in return. Regan himself enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes, but that boy could eat like a champ.

Once the pancakes were done, he served two for Henry and four for himself, topped with maple syrup and cut up fruit to make it a bit healthier. He also got a cup of coffee for himself and orange juice for Henry.

The boy was not done with the subject though "Daddy, do you love mommy? I saw on tv that when a mommy and a daddy love each other they have a baby" He asked, giving his father a penetrating stare. Regan swallowed his bite and sipped his coffee, trying to find a way to answer that would satisfy his son. Finally, he got it.

"There are different kinds of love, papito. Your mommy and I were never together in the way other mommies and daddies are in tv shows, but I do care about her a lot. You know why?" He asked, getting a head shake in response.

He smiled and ruffled honey colored locks "Because she gave me you, Hen, and you are the most precious gift I've ever gotten. You are a part of her, and I love you more than anything in the world, so in a way, I love her too. Ok?"

Henry nodded, seemingly satisfied and resumed his breakfast. Regan exhaled heavily, glad that he was able to navigate such a charged question. Emma Swan was a complicated subject at the best of times, but he was glad he didn't have to lie to his son.

After breakfast, Regan did a quick clean up and finally, they left the house to go to the stables. Henry loved horses as much as Regan did, something that made the former king happy beyond belief. This was their very special time together and both of them always looked forward to it. Unknown to Henry, it was also a way for Regan to feel closer to his own father, to honor the man he sacrificed for his curse.

He couldn't regret everything that brought him to this moment, but he missed his father very much. He thought back to one of their own trips to the stables, one of the few things his mother allowed him.

"Do you think we will still do this if someday I become king?" 17-year-old Regan asked, gently petting his horse Rocinante.

His father, Henry, smiled at him gently "Of course, papito. Even kings can make time to spend time with their old men, yes?" he chuckled.

The teen grinned and nodded "You're right, papi. And even if other kings don't do it, I will" he promised.

Henry squeezed his son gently "I know you will, papito. And who knows, maybe you will do this with your own son someday, eh?" he beamed, silently hoping for his son to find that joy, despite his wife's best efforts to poison his mind with power lust.

Regan was brought back by the sound of Henry's joyful laughter while they rode together, smiling down at his pride and joy, wishing his father could see them now.

He knew he could never take back what he did, never give back the time he stole or the lives he took, but he could be better now.

For this Henry.

'I did it, papi. Just like you said. Thank you and I'm sorry. Wherever you are, I'm so sorry' He thought, blinking away the sting in his eyes and focusing back on his son.

They rode for a while, practicing a few jumps and getting their hair ruffled wildly by the wind, before they unmounted and took the horse back to his stall. Together, took care of him, feeding him and brushing his wild mane.

Henry was reluctant to go but knew they couldn't stay there all day. They said their goodbyes to their four-legged friend and went back home, just in time for lunch.

While Henry went straight to the living room to watch tv, Regan went to the phone to order pizza. He rarely let them indulge in fast food, preferring to cook, but this was their favorite after riding treat. After placing their order, he joined Henry in the living room, feeling the boy move closer so he could snuggle up comfortably against his side.

Just a few minutes later the doorbell rang, and Regan frowned. There's no way that was the pizza "Wait here, Hen" he instructed, barely getting a nod from the engrossed boy.

He walked to the front door and swung it open, ready to rip some unfortunate soul a new one for daring to interrupt them when his eyes fell upon his visitor and he froze.

He didn't know who the woman standing before him was, and he knew every single person in this town. She was not a royal or a peasant. Still, there was something familiar about her.

She was incredibly beautiful. Her figure was slim and toned, with ivory skin and long blonde hair that fell down down her shoulders in waves. However, it was her eyes that really caught his attention. Luscious green, peering into his own chocolate brown.

Unique, breathtaking…

Familiar.

He gazed into those eyes every day, had seen them alight with joy and darkened with annoyance. He had seen them wet with tears and droopy with sleep and just a few hours ago, crinkled in happiness.

"You" was all he said, feeling his heart race as he finally realized who she was. The woman gave him a shy smile, looking up at him with hope.

"Um, Mr. Mills? I'm Emma Swan. You told me to come find you when I was ready and well…" she trailed off, rubbing her neck awkwardly "Surprise?" she offered with a sheepish smile.

As if the situation couldn't get any more tense, Henry decided to make his presence known "Daddy?" He asked, his eyes turning to the woman standing on the porch.

The stranger's breath caught in her throat and she looked him adoringly, like he was all her dreams come true. He became shy and hid behind his father's leg, switching to Spanish as was his go to response when he didn't know how to handle a situation "Quien es ella, papi?"

Regan swallowed and look down at his son. His kind, beautiful son. He knew, once again, everything would change. He just hoped it was for the better.

He kneeled in front of the boy and calmly spoke, ignoring his own messy emotions "Ella es tu mami, Henry" he revealed. His son gasped and his eyes widened as they met his own. Regan smiled and kissed his temple "Dale un abrazo, si? Ha esperado mucho tiempo para verte" he coaxed gently.

Henry nodded and smiled back. The former King watched proudly as the boy hesitantly but bravely stepped forward and looked up at the woman he had wanted to meet ever since his father told him about her.

"Mommy?" he whispered, watching as her eyes, identical to his, filling with tears, though she seemed very happy to see him. Like his dad had done, she kneeled before him and nodded.

"Hello, baby. I missed you so much" she cried, and he couldn't wait anymore. He ran and crashed into her full force, feeling her arms surround him and hold him close, like she was afraid he would disappear.

He closed his eyes and inhaled her scent, feeling something deep inside him finally fall into place. Now he had his daddy and his mommy with him, and he couldn't think of anything that made him happier.

"I missed you too, mommy"

On Main Street, a man wearing an elegant suit and a cane, looked up to the old clock tower, where for the first time in history, the hour was accurate. It had started working the night before, when at exactly 8:15, a yellow Volkswagen bug had rolled into town.

The man grinned with malicious glee, glad that things were finally moving along according to plan.

"Just a bit more, Bae. Soon, we will finally be reunited" he muttered to himself and went back to his shop.

To be continued.

I know Spanish can get very confusing. "Papi" has a lot of meanings. For the purposes of this story, it will work as a translation of "Daddy", which both Henry and Regan called their respective fathers. "Papito" on the other hand works as a term of endearment which a lot of latino mothers and fathers call their sons. In case you were wondering, I'm Honduran.

I really hope you guys liked this chapter. The next one will reveal what Emma was up to during those four years after she gave up Henry. Then things will move in real time, no more parallels.

As always, don't forget to review. It makes me very happy.

Translations

"Quien es ella, papi?" - "Who is she, daddy?"

"Ella es tu mami, Henry"- "She's your mommy, Henry"

"Dale un abrazo, si? Ha esperado mucho tiempo para verte" - "Give her a hug, ok? She has waited a long time to see you".