A/N: No long speeches today as I am busy...but know that my gratitude for everyone's continued support for this story is endless. THANK YOU ALL!

Much love,

R.


TAKE ME TO WONDERLAND

Chapter 41

She had been calm during the whole drive, but now that the car was parked Regina thought she might get sick.

The mere sight of the building caused the bile to rise in her throat, but she managed to swallow it back down, determined to do right by Emma.

It took her a couple of minutes to collect herself before she felt strong enough to face what was ahead. She dreaded the conversation, but there was no point in delaying the inevitable, so she got out of the car, took a deep breath and entered The Rabbit Hole on wobbly legs, praying that she would not faint.


The smell of expensive cigars, cold smoke and Whiskey hit her harder than she had anticipated, causing Regina to stagger for a moment beofre she found her footing again. She would have to be more careful, she could not afford an injury such as a sprained ankle, especially not on her first day back.

The Rabbit Hole was almost empty, except for two young blondes she had never seen before. Obviously new additions to Gold's ever growing crew of strippers. The girls were so caught up in their rehearsal that they did not even notice her and she was glad about it. She had no desire to have small talk with the competition or anyone else for that matter.

It had been months since Regina had last performed, but it felt like it had been another lifetime, and she was not sure if she could still do it, but then again she had to find a way.

For Emma.

She found Gold sitting in his office at last and he seemed genuinely surprised to see her, "Regina Mills, what a glorious sight in my humble establishment! To what do I owe the honour of your visit?"

"Don't play dumb, Gold. You know exactly why I'm here", Regina spat out through gritted teeth. God, she hated that man with every fibre of her being, "Your deal with Emma is off, I'm coming back."

He eyed her curiously, "So there won't be a party? Shame..."

His trademark maniacal giggle echoed through the office, causing Regina to wince.

Yes, she really, really despised that man!

"Happens when you give people impossible tasks, ones they can never fulfill", she snapped, "Then again that's how you make a living, isn't it?!"

"Now don't be so dramatic, Regina", he grabbed his cane and got up from behind his desk, "It's not my fault she didn't state more precise rules...or any rules to begin with."

"Only cause she doesn't know you like I do", Regina fired back, wondering where her confidence came from. She had never managed to stand her ground around that man, but now all of sudden she was speaking up and she was aware that it was Emma's doing. She had made her so much stronger, had made her see that she mattered, that she was valuable. She could do this.

He took a few steps towards her, "Be that as it may, dearie...Miss Swan and I had an agreement and as it seems she is unable to fulfill her end of the bargain, which means our deal is invalid and the Swan princess owes me."

"She owes you nothing!" Regina's eyes sparkled furiously, "You are not going to make her pay for my sins, you imp...or I swear to God I will find a way to have this little establishment of yours closed for good", Regina barked out. She knew Gold was involved in all kinds of illegal stuff, but unfortunately the man was smart and she could not prove it. At least not yet.

He came even closer, heavily leaning on his cane, "You wouldn't dare..."

Regina met his gaze, determination written all over her face, "Try me."

Gold seemed to weigh his options for a moment, aware that Regina had changed a lot ever since she had left The Rabbit Hole.

She was stronger, more confident and driven. More than anything she was trying to protect someone she loved.

She might have had nothing then, but she sure had a lot to lose now and people like that were not to be underestimated.

"So, what do you propose, Regina?" he tilted his head, "Do tell, dearie...my attention is all yours."

Regina took a deep breath, "I'll come back to work for you and you leave Emma and her family alone. You destroy the contract that you surely had Emma sign and you'll never talk about her or the Swans ever again. No spreading rumors, no blackmailing, none of your shenanigans. You forget that you ever met her, that she even exists. The same goes for her family."

She was aware that she was pokering high, but what other choice did she have?

Gold did not say a word for a while and it creeped Regina out, but she could do nothing, but wait, which was the worst, really.

"Tell you what, dearie", he giggled, "Why don't you do a test run tonight...I mean you've been gone for a while and I need to make sure that you still have it in you to drive the crowd wild. If it goes well we have a deal. It's up to you, Regina."

He held out his hand, ready for her to shake it and seal the deal. Regina took another deep breath before she did indeed take that hand that was offered to her, "Alright."

She wanted to pull away, but Gold tightend his grip on her hand, "And so we are clear...in case I allow yo to come back you'll do more lap dances and you're not to complain about it ever again."

Regina only nodded, aware that she would never win this argument. Gold was set on making the most profit possible, of course there would be conditions for her return, especially since he would lose a lot by losing the Swan connection. But for some reason he would rather have her back than have Emma throw that invent for him and Regina did not bother to ask why. At the end of the day it did not matter. Emma would be safe and that was what counted.

"Go then. I'm sure you remember where your dressing room is. I'll have someone bring your costumes."

With that Regina was dismissed and she rushed out of the office, glad to get away from Gold for the time being.


Meanwhile, completely unaware of Regina's plans, Emma and her mother were calculating and plotting for a plan to save Regina and it was not as bad as they had initially thought.

The MS Neverland was out of the question, but Christine Swan might have found a solution as close to it as it got.

Emma was not sure if she could get Gold to agree to it, but what worried her even more was the question how they would get her father to sign off on it to begin with.

Her mother seemed to be optimistic, but Emma was not so sure. Her father had made it pretty clear that he had no intention of helping her the other day and Emma honestly doubted that he would change his mind, especially since he did not like Regina.

And that was why she was even more surprised when her father entered her office a couple of minutes later.

"I called him", her mother whispered quickly before she stood to greet her husband, albeit distantly.

He glared at all the papers on the table, "What is going on?"

"Roger, I need you to sit down and hear us out", Christine Swan countered sternly, so he did.

They explained to him the offer they wanted to make to Gold and his eyes widened in disbelief, "Have you completely lost your mind? Absolutely not!"

"Roger, calm down. It's going to be fine. I already talked to Alfred and he doesn't mind", Christine tried, but he only shook his head, "The answer is NO. If Emma wants to ruin hre life by engaging with people like Gold, fine. But I'm not dragging my family name through the dirt by making business with that bastard. That you even suggest such a thing is a disgrace, Christine. I'm so disappointed in you."

Christine Swan could not contain her anger any longer, "I might be your wife, but I'm also Emma's mother!"

"ENOUGH!"

Emma got up, furious as well, "Dad is right. It's my problem, not yours. I shouldn't have asked. It's my battle to fight and I will. I'll find a way, don't worry. Thanks for your help though, Mom. It means a lot. But I don't want the two of you to fight over this. Neither does Regina for that matter. She already offered to go back to work for Gold to keep us and your precious family name out of trouble."

She glared at her father while she said the last part and the news seemed to take him by surprise, "I thought she hated that place?"

Emma laughed bitterely, "She does. You have no idea how much...but she loves me."

She felt a wave of pride wash over her, because yes, Regina Mills did indeed love her and even in all this madness that was all that mattered.

"Don't get any ideas though...as much as I would love to see your face if we would make headlines 'cause I'm dating a stripper. Not a former one, but an actual one. Because let me make on thing perfectly clear, dad... Regina and I will not break up, no matter what happens. We are a family and we'll deal with whatever life throws at us...we've overcome so many obstacles, we'll get through this as well. Even without your help."

It was the moment that Roger Swan realised that he basically knew nothing about his daughter's life.

"And what if Gold doesn't agree to your terms, what if he simply declines the offer altogether?"

Emma locked eyes with her father then, allowing him to see her determination, "I'll do whatever it takes. I won't let Regina go back to this hell. I'd rather go and work there myself. I'm sure Gold wouldn't mind me stripping at his club."

"Emma!" Christine Swan looked absolutely horrified by the mere thought, "Promise me..."

"I have to protect her, mom. She's everything to me. And when it comes down to it...I'd rather it be me than her...I can take it...she might not."

And with that Emma headed for the door, but her mother grabbed her arm and held her back. She looked at her husband for a moment, "I hate that I have to do this, Roger, but you leave me with no choice."

She looked back at Emma, "The Atlantis was my wedding gift from your father and grandfather. She is mine. So I can authorize this deal...go to Gold and make the offer."

"Christine!" Roger Swan jumped up, completely outraged.

Emma looked back and forth between her parents, but ultimately directed her questioning look at her mother, who only nodded and smiled, "Go."


Regina was sitting in her old dressing room and stared at her reflection in the mirror.

Her hands were shaking as she tried to apply her trademark Evil Queen make up, dropping the brush in frustration.

She had held herself together all day ever since she had heard the news, but now that everything had fully sunken in she was confronted by what it meant.

She would do anything for Emma, without a doubt. But it did not mean that it did not hurt to give up the job she loved to trade it for this nightmare.

It did not mean that the bare thought of all those needy men staring at her, watching her undress and giving away her privacy and part of her dignity, did not kill her inside.

It did not stop her from emptying the contents of her stomach all over the floor only a few seconds later either.

At the end of the day she would still have a home though, she would still have Emma.

And that was worth the sacrifice.


Emma rushed through the location in search of Regina, because she wanted to talk to her about the offer she was about to make to Gold, hoping Regina would have some suggestions on how to sell it to the shaddy businessman.

Unfortunately Regina was nowhere to be seen, but she found Killian instead.

Killian, who was holding hands with none other than Neal Cassidy.

As soon as they caught sight of her they sprung apart as if they would have been burned. Emma made a mental note to talk to Killian about this later.

Now was not that time for this converation.

"Have you seen Regina?" she asked instead.

"She isn't here, love. She called in the morning and said she needed some days off 'cause she had to take care of an important private matter. I thought she was with you", Killian answered in confusion and watched all color draining from Emma's face, "Is everything alright, Em?"

"I don't know."

She pulled her cell phone out of her pocket and dialed Regina's number nervously. The call went straight to voicemail.

"Shit!"

Killian's expression went from confused to worried, "Did something happen? Did you fight?"

"If only", Emma buried her face in her hands, "I think Regina went back to Gold."

"WHAT?! Why on earth would she do that?"

Emma looked up, desperation and defeat sparkling in her eyes, "To protect me."


Regina was trying to tie her corset by herself, but failed miserably. She definitely was out of practice on that one.

It had taken her forever to get her make up done properly because she had started to cry while she had been in the middle of applying eyeliner and once the tears had started flowing she had not been able to stop them anymore. Something had broken inside of her like a dam.

She felt so hopeless and defeated.

Emma would be mad that she had gone behind her back, that she had not kept the promise to wait, but she had to protect Emma this time.

And Henry.

God, she did not even want to think about her son. What would she tell him? He would be so disappointed.

"Do you need help?"

The voice behind her, though familiar, made Regina jump.

She had not even realised that someone had entered the room. Regina turned around and a mixture of guilt and relief washed over her, "Ashley."


Emma's heart was racing faster than her car, her hands clawing at the steering wheel as if it would be her lifeline.

She wanted to be mad at Regina, but she was too worried about her for that. And besides that she understood what Regina was trying to do and why. Regina simply wanted to protect her as much as Emma wanted to protect her, no matter the cost.

The difference was that being back at The Rabbit Hole would destroy Regina.


Ashley had helped her to get dressed and Regina felt lightheaded, not used to the constricting corset anymore.

"I'm so sorry I never called", Regina wheezed out and dropped her eyes to the floor.

"I'm sorry you are back here", Ashley answered with a sad smile, "It has to be so hard considering what you have achieved ever since you left."

Regina nodded, "It's my choice though. If that's the only way to keep Emma out of trouble and safe, so be it."

Ashley eyed her curiously, "So...the two of you...are you like...exclusive?"

"We are a family."

A smile appeared on Regina's face at the mere thought of Emma, "I love her. God, Ashley...you have no idea how amazing she is. I never thought I'd ever fall in love again...even less that it would be a woman, but she's THE ONE. I just know. Emma is everything."

Ashley smiled as well, "I'm happy for you, Regina. I always have been. It just sucked that..."

"I know. And I'm so sorry", she finally looked at Ashley, but it was hard because she felt so ashamed, "I feel horrible for abandoning you."

"It's okay", Ashley shrugged, "There's no telling what I would have done if I would have been in your position. Probably the same."

"Still."

The blonde shook her head, "It's in the past. Just don't do it again."

As miserable as Regina currently was, and she knew it would only get worse once she sat foot on that stage, she was so glad to see Ashley, because her blonde colleague and friend was the only one who fully understood this part of her life and the horror that came with it at times.


Emma stormed into Gold's office without so much as knocking, almost bumping into him in the process.

"Miss Swan, what a lovely surprise! I take it you are here to see Regina's performance?" he giggled and Emma fought the urge to punch him in the face.

God, she hated that man!

"You're not getting her back!" she hissed and he eyed her in surprise, "Did your father secure me that little ship of his then?"

"No", Emma took a deep breath, "But I'm here to make another offer."

Gold limped over to his desk and took a seat, gesturing for Emma to do the same, which she did, albeit reluctantly.

"So, here's the deal", her voice was trembling, but she continued anyway "I'm sure you've heard of the MS Atlantis. Basically the same as the Neverland, but more luxurious since the Atlantis was built a couple of years later. We can secure you the ship for the whole weekend, which means a full three day cruise. You said you are expecting around 1500 guests...well, as it happens the son of a family friend wants to throw a massive bachelor party that weekend. That would make for another 400 to 500 guests. He'd be willing to join your festivites, which means a lot more profit for you 'cause his guests are insanely wealthy. In case everything is kept discreet and what happens on the cruise stays on the cruise of course. What do you say?"

Gold stared at her for a while before he finally spoke, "I'm impressed to which lengths you went, Miss Swan, but I'm afraid I have to decline...as tempting as the offer is. I requested the Neverland and that's what I want and I'll stick with it. So either you give me the ship I asked for or no deal."

Emma wanted to tell him to go hell when the door flew open and in walked Neal Cassidy, a breathless Killian in tow.

"What are you doing here?" Emma asked in confusion, but was ignored as Neal kept staring at Gold, "You better take that deal, dad. I'm sure it's a good and fair one...I know that's a foreign concept for you. Surely it's way more than what you deserve."

"Wait", Emma looked back and forth between Gold and the wedding planner, "He is your son?!"

"Sadly", Neal commented, "We haven't seen each other in years 'cause I don't want anything to do with what he calls business."

He turned to face his father again, "Graham Hunter was my friend, dad and you know how much these people meant to him as he was part of the initial deal. That makes them my friends too. I swear to God, if you don't stop this madness right now I will sell you and your criminal ass out to the cops...and you'll never see me again."

Gold started at his son in disbelief, not because he tried to threaten him, but because he had, in fact, thought that he would never see him again anyway, "Neal...will you have dinner with me?"

Neal, albeit mad, knew that he could win this battle. He was the only one who could get his father to give in to something and it was about time the old man did something to prove that he really loved him, "That depends...will you leave my friends alone?"

Gold nodded, "Regina is free to go...and as for Miss Swan...I'm sure she'll throw me a spectacular party on the MS Atlantis. I accept her offer and her conditions", Gold caved to everyone's surprise.

"No tricks or so help me God..." Neal glared at his father, "Do you understand?!"

"Perfectly."

To prove his intentions Gold limped over to his safe, retrieved the contract Emma had signed back in the day and ripped it into pieces.

Killian, relieved beyond words, kissed Neal in gratitude, "You are the best!"

Only then did he realize that Emma was in the room as well and he gulped, but she simply went over and hugged her friend, "I love you, Killian. And I'm happy for you. I'm sure Graham would be too."

Killian pulled her even closer, "Thank you."

Once Emma got out of the embrace she turned towards Neal, "I don't know what to say...but THANK YOU! If you ever need anything..."

The wedding planner smiled at her, "It's fine, Emma. When Killian told me what was going on I knew I had to come and help...just go and get your girl."

Emma smiled and him, nodded and rushed out of the office only seconds later.


Regina stalked out of her dressing room, shaking like a leaf. She might look like an evil queen, but she surely did not feel like one. She felt more like she was on the way to her execution. Only then the nightmare would end soon while hers only began.

She turned around the corner, headed for the stage, when she saw her.

Emma.

The blonde was running down the corridor, straight in her direction.

"You stubborn fool!", Emma rasped out breathlessly, "What do you think we are doing?!"

"Emma, you can't be here. Please, go home", Regina begged. She could not do this with Emma present. Not this time.

"I will. And you are coming with me", Emma stated with a smile and reached for Regina's hand, but she backed away, "I can't."

"And that's where you are wrong, Regina...or should I call you Your Majesty?"

Emma winked at Regina, hoping that her girlfriend would realize it was a joke, "You are free to go. Actually, we both are."

Regina eyed her suspiciously, "Emma, what did you do?"

The blonde shrugged, "Made an offer Gold couldn't resist...Neal made sure of that."

Confusion spread on Regina's face, "What does Neal have to do with this?"

Emma shrugged and chuckled, "Well, turns out he is Gold's son."

Regina was rendered speechless for a moment as she stared at Emma in disbelief, "We are really going home?"

Emma nodded and held out her hand once more, "Yes, it's time."

This time Regina did not hestitate to take it.

The nightmare was finally over.

The Rabbit Hole Chapter was closed at last.