Disclaimer: I don't own Once upon a time or any of its characters.

Author Notes: Here it is, folks! Things are progressing nicely. On this chapter things are turning M. Nothing really happens, but naughty thoughts are had. We also get a bit of a backstory about Regan and Snow White's relationship.

Before we start, I want to clarify a few things. Things seem to be working smoothly between Regan and Emma and some people might think it's too fast. But let's remember that Regan and Regina have different circumstances. Regina was an adoptive parent, which a lot of people regard as less of a parent, as evidenced in the show. Plus she was competing with Emma, another woman, whom she didn't expect to ever meet, for the title of Henry's mother. This caused her to be challenged at every corner. Henry himself didn't help with his warped view of the world.

In contrast, Regan is Henry's biological father. His role in his son's life is cemented no matter what. Also, he's not competing with Emma for the same role, one he couldn't have even if he wanted to. Plus, Regan already knew Emma would go to Storybrooke and spoke about her to Henry so he wasn't blindsided by a complete stranger and Emma respects Regan's authority as Henry's only parent up to that point. Not to mention, that given the circumstances, they already care for each other deeply. So while they are essentially the same person, Regan and Regina have different stories, ergo, their relationship with Emma would develop in a different way.

With that said, on to the story!

Regan had met beautiful women in the past. As a nobleman, he grew up attending balls and gatherings with Ladies and Princesses of diverse courts, either hosted by his mother or as a guest.

Henry Sr. was never involved in his wife's lessons to their son, but he did teach him how to talk and behave with women, no matter her social standing. How to be charming and gentlemanly and to be respectful of boundaries. While Cora encouraged typical behaviors of entitled kings and princes, Henry did his best to dissuade them. Maybe he couldn't prevent his wife's plan of making him a king, but he could at least ensure he was a decent man.

As a result, Regan was very popular with girls. His exotic and stunning good looks coupled with his old-fashioned manners and silver tongue were a very dangerous combination. There wasn't a woman he couldn't charm.

Then he met Danielle. Stubborn, fiery and beautiful Danielle. Like many, she found him beautiful, but unlike them, she didn't just fall for his tricks. Which is, perhaps, why he fell in love with her. She challenged him, kept him grounded.

After losing her and being forced into a loveless marriage, he didn't think he would ever find a woman like her. He became detached. He was still enchanting, but his heart wasn't in it. He took lovers during his years after Queen Eva's death and his reign as the Evil King. Women that thought they could fix him, but never succeeded.

Then Emma Swan happened. He couldn't help but to care for the woman that gave him his son, that without meaning to, started to fix what was broken. While raising Henry, he wondered about her. About her life, her dreams, her strengths and her weaknesses. Was she ok? What did she look like? Did she think of him?

Did she loved him the way he loved her?

And now, face to face with the woman herself, he found that his imagination couldn't compare to the real thing. She was simply stunning. Long, wavy blonde hair, fair complexion and gorgeous green eyes. Her body was slim and toned and her skin was warm and soft. She was a vision of beauty and strength and he was smitten.

Now a new set of question was quickly growing. What did she think of him? What did her lips taste like? What did she sound like while she climaxed? Would she let him dominate her or try to top him? Did she wanted him as much as he wanted her?

Unknown to him, the answer was yes.

While Regan was busy getting the drinks and thinking about her, Emma was lost in her own musings. She had a general idea of what he looked like, based on his profile as a sperm donor, but she never could have imagined this reality.

She wasn't superficial. Neal was attractive in his own way, and she had been drawn to his wild side and quick wit. Then when they settled down, she had cherished the feeling of love and safety he provided her with. Feelings that were now tainted with his betrayal and overshadowed by the growing affection she had for the father of her child.

Regan Mills was on a league of his own. Tall frame, olive skin and deep, chocolate eyes. Dark, medium length hair perfectly styled in a messy windswept look, aristocratic nose and full lips. His sharp jawline and strong chin were covered with a light shadow of hair. His tailored clothes hugged his frame in all the right ways, highlighting his toned, muscled arms and legs. She couldn't be sure, but she could bet his chest and abs were sculpted too.

And his voice. Good god, it was just the right amount of deep and smooth and his smile was enough for any woman to throw her panties at him. All in all, the man was built like a South American tree, which was fitting, since she wanted to climb him like one.

Over the years, she had thought of him during the quiet moments. Wondering what kind of person he was, if he was a good father to their son. And even with her minimal understanding of love, she was sure that's what she felt for him. Not only because of what he did for her and their son, but also because said son wouldn't have been possible without him.

Now, confronted with his admittedly attractive visage, she could only wonder how such a man could exist. Her mind was taking her on a new line of questioning. Was he a good kisser? Was he a gentle lover or did he like it rough? Would he fill her like no one ever had before? Would he hold her afterwards, as they slept?

She hoped she got the chance to find out.

Regan walked back, drinks in hands, and gave one to her "Sip it slowly, it's stronger than it looks" he warned with a smirk.

"Thanks. I've never been much of a drinker. Mainly on the nights I went out with my friends from work" she confessed.

"What do you do?" he asked curiously. They were sitting on opposite ends of the couch, facing each other.

"I'm started as a manager for the firm, but I became a very successful bounty hunter, if I do say so myself" she boasted jokingly, though it was true.

"That's impressive" Regan was familiar with the concept of bounty hunting, mainly from reading old western literature. Like Emma, he loved the feeling of losing himself in a book.

"What about you?"

"Oh, I'm still the Mayor. Now, I know what you're thinking, but this is not a big town and there aren't many people around qualified for the job" He didn't exactly lie, those peasants couldn't run a chicken coup, much less a town.

There was a moment of silence, before it was broken by Emma "I can't believe how big he is already. I wanted to ask for a picture so many times, but I was afraid I would abandon my plans and come running for him" she said sadly.

"I did wonder why you waited this long" He said carefully, not wanting to upset the woman.

"I didn't want to be like the many foster parents I had in the system. Hell, I didn't want to be like my biological parents that saw fit to abandon me to my luck. I was disappointed so many times, that I stopped hoping for someone better. It was already bad that I was in prison and had to send him away. So, after I gave birth to him, I promised myself I would become someone he could be proud of, no matter how long it took. I worked and studied hard and then I met my mentor Larry. He took a chance on me and that was enough for my luck to turn around. I know nothing I do will make up for the years we lost, but now I can be the mother he deserves" she said, taking a breath after unloading all of that.

Regan reached forward and squeezed her shoulder gently "You already are, Emma. Being a parent is doing everything in your power to keep your child safe and loved. You were put in a bad situation and you did your best to protect him. You let him go to give him his best chance and then you worked hard to turn your life around for him because, like someone very wise told me once, a true parent is the one that sacrifices everything for their children, no matter the cost" he told her honestly.

She looked at him, gauging his face to see if he was just saying that, but she found the truth in his eyes and smiled "Thank you, Regan. You don't know what those words mean to me" she whispered.

They sat there, staring at each other when the doorbell rang. Regan sighed "That'll be the pizza. I'll be right back".

She watched him walk away before her attention was drawn to the little ball of energy racing into the room. He skidded to stop in front of her and shoved a stuffed horse at her "This is Buttercup, he's my favorite. Daddy got it for me when I was veeeery little" he giggled, illustrating his point by dragging out the word 'very'.

Emma beamed at him, taking the chance to truly take him, now that the initial shock has worn off somewhat. He was such a beautiful child. He looked a lot like Regan, which was a plus in her book. He did get her eyes and butt chin, plus, she was pretty sure they shared the same goofy smile.

"Wow, he's such a handsome horse. I bet you love horses like your daddy" At least that what she remembers reading.

She got an enthusiastic nod in return "I love horsies. Every weekend, daddy takes me to the stables, and we ride his horse. He's huge and his name is Shadow, because he's black. Then we come home, and we have pizza, but then daddy makes me take a nap" he babbled, barely taking a breath. His pout at the end was priceless.

"Mm, so that's why you're having pizza today" she murmured, having read that Regan loved to cook "And you know, you should enjoy naps while you still can, kiddo. Someday, when you're old like me, you're going to miss nap time" She gave an exaggerated sigh.

Henry gasped "You can't take naps as a grown up? But daddy naps with me all the time!" he exclaimed, offended at the very notion.

Emma chuckles "Well, not every adult can take naps, Henry. Your daddy probably does because he's the big boss" she teased. Henry pouted again "I wanna be the big boss too" he grumbled. She cheered him up by asking about his favorite games.

"Lunch is ready! Henry, take your mommy to the bathroom so you can both wash your hands" Regan called from the kitchen. Henry was more compliant if he thought he was in charge. He probably got that from him too.

By the time the mother-son duo walked to the table, Regan had everything served. They had a nice lunch, taking turns cleaning up their son when he got pizza sauce all over his face and laughing at his antics.

Afterwards, Emma offered to clean up while Regan carried Henry to his room, just in time for his afternoon nap. He only settled down when he was promised Emma would still be there when he woke up.

Emma and Regan went back to the living room, sipping another glass of cider while they talked.

"I really want to be a part of his life. Now that I've seen him and spend time with him, I would find it impossible to walk away" Emma said, biting her lip nervously.

Regan smiled "Relax, Emma. I wouldn't keep him away from you, even if I wanted to. However, we do need to discuss how things are going to work. You have your life back in Boston, but I'm not really comfortable with Henry being that far away from me" he sighed.

"I understand, and I wouldn't want him to be pulled back and forth either. His life is here, and I don't want to upset that" She said, understanding Regan's point "What would you think if I told you I want to move here? Not here here, like this house, more like here as in the town" she babbled nervously.

Regan was taken aback "You really want that? What about your job?" he asked, though secretly he was all for it.

"I love my job, I do. But Henry is more important to me" she said in a determined tone.

They talked about it for a while before agreeing that Emma would call Larry to discuss her plans first and then they would try to find a solution to Emma's living and working situation. Storybrooke was not really bursting with real estate opportunities. For the time being, Emma would stay at Granny's Inn.

Over the next several weeks things slowly fell into place. First, Emma's talk with Larry was a success. While he was sad to see her go, he understood her need to be in her son's life now that she met him. He would transfer her share for the last cases she worked before she left and as a personal favor, he would handle everything regarding her condo.

"Don't worry about the two weeks' notice, kid. I'll take care of everything and rest assured your fancy condo won't burn down in your absence. Whoever is interested in renting it will undergo one hell of a screening" He said in his usual gruff tone.

"Thanks for everything, Larry. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you" she sniffed, getting a bit emotional "If you ever need something, anything, just give me a call. Give those scumbags hell and say hi to the guys for me" she chuckled.

"You know it, kid. We will miss you around here. Take care" she heard him say in a softer tone before they hung up.

Then, Regan informed her that there was budget for a Deputy in the Sheriff's Department. She was qualified, hell she was overqualified, for the position and it was hers if she wanted it. She wouldn't make the big bucks like before, but it would be a nice change of pace and she would have time to spend with Henry.

So, she went to the station to sort out the details. There she found the Sheriff; Graham Humbert. He was a tall, attractive guy in a scruffy sort of way.

"Hello, I'm Emma Swan. I'm here to apply for the Deputy position"

He eyed her appreciatively, obviously pleased with what he saw "So, you're the one Mayor Mills recommended. High praise, coming from him. Name's Graham and I'm the Sheriff. There's no need for formalities. I've seen your resume and to be honest, your talents will be wasted here, but the job is yours" he flashed her his most charming smile.

She wasn't impressed in the least "Uh uh, whatever buddy. I'm not interested in running after criminals, I did that enough back in Boston. What would I need to do?" she asked impatiently.

He frowned, bummed that his charm fell flat "Mainly paperwork, the Mayor requires us to give detailed reports. Patrolling around town in the cruiser. Other than that, the job consists mostly of rescuing cats from trees, chasing Pongo around town and picking up Leroy when he's tanked. Maybe the odd domestic call or breaking up a fight at the Rabbit Hole." he shrugged.

"That sounds easy enough. Do I need to wear a uniform?"

"Not really. I don't recommend skirts, dresses or heels though, there's a lot of running in the woods involved. Your day starts at 8 and ends at 5, but you don't need to be here the whole time, provided your paperwork is up to date and you're done with your patrols. Just keep your cell on" Graham drones.

"What about night shifts?" Emma asks. Graham opened a safe, taking out a badge and service weapon, which he gave to the blonde "One of us needs to be on call, so we will alternate every other night. Again, keep your cell on at all times, do a few patrols and you're golden".

She nodded "Sounds fair. I guess I'll see you tomorrow, boss" she deadpanned, and he just snorted.

The final piece fell into place about six weeks after arriving in Storybrooke. By then, everyone knew about the newcomer. They were curious about her, especially once word got around that she was Henry's mother.

Graham's reaction was priceless. Since no one but Emma and Regan themselves knew about the insemination, everyone else assumed that she either was Regan's ex or there was something between them. Not that it stopped the Sheriff from flirting with Emma. He just did it more subtly.

On a seemingly ordinary day, while Regan was at work, Emma and Henry were at Granny's sharing a milkshake. The boy had whipped cream all over his cheeks "Mommy, how come you're staying at Granny's?" the boy asked.

"Well, I still haven't found a place of my own, kiddo. At this point, I'm considering just asking your daddy to let me move in with you" she half joked. Seriously, there wasn't one measly apartment available. She had looked for weeks and no dice.

Before Henry could tell her to do just that, they were interrupted by a new voice "Excuse me, but did I hear you're looking for a place to live?"

Both mother and son turned to the new person and Emma narrowed her eyes "Yes, what is it to you?" she asked warily.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to eavesdrop. My name is Mary Margaret Blanchard. I have a room available if you want" she offered with a smile.

Emma lifted an eyebrow "Oh, look at that. How much are you asking for it?"

"Oh, I don't require payment. Just help me out with bills and what not, and the room is yours" she chirped.

"What would you do that, Miss Blanchard? For all you know, I'm a serial killer" she asked incredulous.

"Oh, I don't think you are. I heard around town that you're Henry's mother and I know Mayor Mills would never let anyone untrustworthy near his son" she laughed.

She would know. For as long as she could remember, Mary Margaret Blanchard had been in love with Regan Mills. She knew nearly everything about him (or so the thought) and she found him absolutely fascinating. Plus, he was oh so handsome.

However, he never gave her the time of day. He was polite to her, but she always got the impression that he disliked her on a personal level, which was weird since they never exchanged more than just pleasantries. She never interacted with Henry and the only people she noticed receiving the same treatment as her, were Mr. Gold and oddly enough, Mother Superior.

When she heard about Henry's mother and saw the woman for the first time, she knew that her already abysmal chances with the man were up in smoke. The girl was young and beautiful, and the Mayor seemed to be very fond of her. Perhaps they were still involved. Obviously, they had a past or Henry wouldn't exist.

"Oh, that's very nice of you, Miss Blanchard" Emma said, still wary but not feeling sinister vibes from the cheery woman.

"Please, call me Mary Margaret"

"You know what, I'll call you M&M" she rolled her eyes, making Henry giggle as he was reminded of his favorite candies "Thanks for the generous offer. Just give me a couple of days to discuss it with Regan and I'll get back to you"

"Sure, take all the time you need. Have a nice day. You too, Henry" she waved at them and went back to work.

That night, Emma was having dinner with her two favorite guys. In the time the blonde had been in town, they had developed a routine of sorts.

In the morning, Regan went to work, Henry did half a day at Pre-K and Emma did her paperwork and her morning patrol. At lunch, either Regan or Emma picked up Henry and they all had lunch together, unless one of them was busy. Graham did the afternoon patrols so his Deputy could spend time with her son. If she was needed at the station, she dropped Henry off at the Mayor's office.

Then they would have dinner together in the evenings and then took turns giving Henry his bath before bed while the other cleaned up after dinner. Finally, they would tuck Henry in together before retiring to the Regan's study to share a glass of wine or cider. On the nights when Regan was really stressed after dealing with morons, they would drink scotch.

There was a comfortable silence, which was broken by Emma "I met Mary Margaret Blanchard today. She offered me a room in her apartment, and in return, she just wants my help with the bills. I didn't get a bad vibe from her, but you've known her longer. What do you think?"

Regan's grip on his glass tightened imperceptibly, his eyes meeting those of his blonde counterpart. She patiently waited for him to speak, but he was torn.

On one hand Emma wouldn't need to pay for a room at the inn any longer. While he was tempted to offer his own home, he knew it wasn't prudent. Not only because they were still getting to know each other and learning to share Henry, but also because if they were to get involved later on, living together would be too much pressure.

On the other hand, was his disdain for the pixie haired demon that ruined his life. How he loathed that woman. Every time he saw her, he was reminded of the sickening sweet smile she gave him the morning of his wedding to her mother, Queen Eva, not even a week after losing Danielle.

She broke her promise, babbling to Cora about his intentions of running away with the stable girl. Her excuse was that she didn't want him to lose his mother, aware of the pain that came with losing a parent. And while a part of her might meant that, he could see the real reason.

Like any other teenager, she was prone to crushes. And he had been her target ever since her saved her life. It amused him at first, to see the girl so smitten with a man 6 years her senior. By the time she was of age to marry, he would probably be married himself. But she wanted him so badly, that she convinced her mother to take him as husband.

Eva was sick, she wasn't at death's door just yet, but it was just a matter of time, that's why she was looking to get married before her end. She wanted Snow to be protected and cared for. As per tradition, once Queen Eva passed away, Princess Snow would be a ward of the new King, being too old to be considered his stepdaughter. At 18 and as the only heir of the previous monarchs, she would marry him and be his new Queen, thus the Royal bloodline would be continued.

It was a perfect plan. Eva was already impressed with Regan's bravery and charisma after saving her precious Snow White, qualities she felt most royal men lacked, so she proposed their union. All the Princess had to do was wait. She would be sad to lose her mother, but eventually she would have a happy life with Regan.

What Snow didn't count on, was Regan hating her so much that he would rather die that marry her. When she was 17, two years after Eva's passing, everything changed. Regan had been training under Rumplestiskin that whole time and his hatred for her had only grown.

He orchestrated her demise. During one of her outings in the woods, she would suffer an untimely death at the hands of her 'knight', which was really the Huntsman. But the bothersome girl was no damsel in distress and managed to escape. From then on, he made it his life mission to hunt her down and destroy her.

As a rule, his dark knights never harmed women or children in their pursuit of the runaway princess. Snow White would be the only exception to his gentleman nature. His father would understand, he was sure.

He was brought back to the present by Emma's voice "Regan, are you still with me?" she joked.

He chuckled "My apologies, Emma. I was just thinking. I don't have anything against her. She's a bit too nosey and cheerful to my tastes, but she's mostly harmless. I think that it's a good compromise for the time being. We will work on something more permanent later on" he suggested. Of course, he hoped that the permanent solution would be her living in the mansion, when the time was right of course.

"I was thinking the same thing. There's no harm in trying. Worst case scenario is back to the Inn for me" she shrugged.

That same weekend, he helped her move in with her new roommate. For Emma he would be civil and hide his disgust. It was just temporary anyway. That's what he told himself over and over.

Across the street, Mr. Gold watched them with barely hidden amusement "The Evil King helping the Savior move in with her mother, Snow White. That's the opening of a very good joke, I'm sure" he giggled to himself.

He did wonder where his former apprentice met the Savior. That kid of them was proof that they were more than mere acquaintances. That would make for fine entertainment later on and he couldn't wait.

Things were going well. Soon, the curse would be broken, and he would be free to find his son.

"Not long now, Baelfire. I'll find you and I'll never let you go again"

To be continued.

So, yay or nay? Next chapter will be up sometime next week and it will focus on Regan and Emma's growing attraction and maybe we will get some M rated scenes *wink wink*

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