Chapter 7

Emma Swan finally decided to bite the bullet and finish up the day's paperwork. Thankfully, David returned from his patrol and the father-daughter duo finished the paperwork quickly. The sheriff let her deputy leave the station early. The Nolan family had finally moved out of that tiny loft and into a ranch house. Emma began locking up for the day and head on home. Home. That was still a weird concept to Emma. After being alone for over thirty years, having a family would take some getting used to. At least that's what Emma told herself. Truth be told, she was used to it. Most of it. Emma had accepted that her parents were Snow White and Prince Charming. She and her parents had a strong relationship now and she loved them. She also loved her bouncing baby brother, Neal. Emma had even been reunited with her son and she loved Henry with all her heart. Yes, after three decades Emma had a family. Hell, she even managed to be Henry's adoptive mother. When the two mothers in Henry's life had met, they were constantly at each other's throats. Now, Emma considered Regina to be her best friend. These five people; her parents, her son, her brother, and her friend, were her family. When Emma thought of family, they were the people she thought of. Driving home in her yellow Volkswagen bug, Emma frowned to herself. There should be a sixth person. A sixth person she thought of when she of family. Her fiancée, Killian. Emma loved Killian, he should be family to her. However, there was a part of Emma that was holding her back. Something inside her, in her heart, told Emma that she and Killian were not meant to be. At least, not as lovers. Emma pulled into the driveway. and killed the engine. She looked at the engagement ring on her finger. and gulped. 'Could she really do this?' Could Emma spend the rest of her life with someone when her heart wasn't in it?' Emma stopped her thoughts from continuing on their path. She was too tired for this. She left her car and entered into the two story house. Once inside, Emma saw Henry playing one of his videogames. From the smell of food, Emma guessed Killian was preparing dinner.

"I'm home," Emma said.

"In the kitchen, love."

"Hey Killian," she greeted him with a small smile. "What are you making?"

"Just a simple salmon dinner," the pirate replied.

"Great," Emma said with a tight lip smile. It wasn't really great. She hated seafood. "Well, I'm going to go wash up before dinner." Killian leaned towards Emma to kiss her lips, but Emma turned her head so that his lips fell on her cheek. "I'll be back shortly." Emma left the kitchen in awkward silence. On her way up the stairs, Emma asked Henry to set the table. Emma washed her hands and face. She tried to clear her mind of the worries that sprouted. Killian smelled of rum, more so than usual. Emma was starting to worry was an alcoholic. She had been down that road before with an ex-boyfriend. It did not end well for Emma. She didn't think she could go through the heartache again. Emma went back down the stairs to join Henry and Killian at the dinner table. She forced down the fish while wearing an equally forced smile. Fortunately, Henry filled the silence with stories of his day at school. Emma was glad that Henry was getting back into a normal routine. Unfortunately, Henry would not be here tomorrow night because he went back to Regina's tomorrow. Leaving Emma and Killian with blaring silence. 'No,' Emma thought to herself. 'I don't think I can do this.'

(The Next Day; The Mills Manor)

The next morning, Regina awoke to Danielle snuggled against her. Regina ran her fingers through the girl's curly hair. She smiled at the girl curled up against her as she remembered a time when Henry was younger and he would snuggle with her. Regina's mind wondered it would be like if Danielle were to stay. She missed having a child to love and care for. Yes, Regina had her niece that she adored, but Robin was Zelena's daughter. Regina missed having a young child of her own. Danielle could have a happy life here. She would have an older brother in Henry and a little cousin in Robin. And she would have quite the extended family. Most of all she would have Regina. She would have a mother. Regina's eyes filled with tears. She had come so far when it came to having hope, but it was still hard sometimes. Sometimes, Regina was afraid to hope.

Regina made a promise that she would find Danielle's birth mother. When she did, she would have to say goodbye to the girl and her heart would break. Regina took a deep breath to stop her tears from falling. She would not dwell on the future. For now, she will her enjoy her time with Danielle. Regina had one week with Danielle and she would make everyday count. She carefully removed herself from Danielle's hold. She left her bedroom and made her way downstairs to the kitchen. It was quiet in the Mills household. The other occupants were still fast asleep. Regina decided to make these peaceful moments useful and prepare breakfast. It would be nice for the Mills' to enjoy a morning meal together. Regina spent the next couple of hours preparing a breakfast buffet. Ever since she cast the first curse, Regina enjoyed spending time in the kitchen. Cooking was methodic and comforting to Regina and she was pleased when others enjoyed her food.

As the cooked food sat cooling on the kitchen counters and Regina set the table, she could hear the front door opening.

"Mom? I'm home."

"I'm in the kitchen Henry."

The fourteen year old, lanky teen followed the sound of his mother's voice. He was quite impressed by the mountain of food he found.

"Wow Mom," Henry said. "What's the occasion?"

Regina smiled at her son. "No special occasion. I just thought it would be nice if we had breakfast together."

"Cool," the young man said, as he reached for a muffin. His brunette mother smacked his hand away.

"Hey! What was that for?"

"Wait for your aunt and cousin."

"Uh mom?" Henry said. "Robin can't eat solid food yet." A sly and cheeky smile formed on the teen's lips. Regina rolled her eyes at Henry's antics, but gave an amused smirk.

"You know what I mean."

"Okay, okay," Henry put his hands up in mock surrender. "Anyway, what's new?"

"I'm glad you asked," Regina said. "We have a house guest." Once again, Regina told the story of the events that had transpired the previous day.

"So now, Danielle will be staying with us for a week, or until I find her mother."

"How do you even know that she's even here in Storybrooke?"

"Danielle seems sure that she is. Although she hasn't given any indicators as to who this woman might be," Regina answered. "Henry, are you okay with Danielle staying here? I realize that I didn't ask you before I made this decision."

Henry stopped her before she continued. "Mom it's fine. Really. Danielle's cool."

"You know her?"

"Yeah," he said. "I help her at school sometimes with her homework. I had no idea that she was getting bullied so badly."

"It's not your fault Henry," Regina said. "And I'm sure Danielle was happy to have a friend at school."

The mother and son continued on with light conversation. A few minutes later, they heard the sound of Robin's cries. Not long after, Zelena was seen coming down the stairs. Robin was tucked away in one of Zelena's arms. Her other hand held Danielle's, who was trailing behind her.

"Morning everyone," the red head greeted.

"Morning Aunt Zelena," Henry said in response. "How'd you sleep?"

Zelena smiled at her nephew. She was still getting used to being called, "Aunt." Especially by the boy she had threatened.

"I slept well," Zelena answered. "Robin is finally starting to sleep through the night."

During Zelena's and Henry's exchange, Danielle had gone up to Regina to greet her with a warm good morning. Regina gladly returned the greeting. The brunette woman then motioned for Henry to come her way.

"Henry," Regina said. "I believe you already know Danielle."

"Sure do," Henry replied. "How's it going Danni?"

Danielle's eyes went wide with surprise.

"Wait," she said and faced Regina. "When you told me that you had a son named Henry, this is who you were talking about?"

Danielle addressed Henry with her next question. "Why weren't you here yesterday?"

"I was with my other mom, Emma."

"How'd you end up with two moms?"

Henry chuckled. "It's a long story. How about I tell it to you while we eat breakfast?"

The group of five sat together at the table. Plates piled high with food. Henry told Danielle that Emma was his birth mother and she had given him up when he was a baby. She had given him up to give him his best chance. And he had gotten it, because he had gotten adopted by Regina Henry continued his story. Telling how he had found Emma and brought her to Storybrooke. Of course, in the beginning it wasn't all unicorns and rainbow stickers, but overtime Henry's mothers had learn to get along. Now, Henry had a large, blended family.

After finishing their meals, the Mills and Danielle left the table to get dressed. Henry offered to help Regina clear the table and wash the dishes. When that was done and all were dressed, Regina told Danielle that today they were going to go out and purchase some necessities for Danielle. Henry volunteered to go with the brunette girls. The three of them had a wonderful time together in the stores, picking out clothes and furniture for Danielle's room. When they returned, they set to work putting the furniture together organizing the room. With the help of Regina's magic they finished very quickly. They all were pleased with final results. Especially Danielle.

The top of the bedroom walls were painted a light blue and the bottom half was painted a pretty pastel green. To the imagination of a little girl, the walls resembled an open meadow under a clear blue sky. The bed frame was white with openings on the bottom sides, like drawers. The brown painted wooden headboard was cut to resemble that of a Quarter Horse. An American breed of horses. In the open drawers under the bed were several different types of stuffed horses. Hanging on the wall next to the window was a picture of horses galloping in a pasture. Beside the bed was a white nightstand. On the nightstand stood a bright pink lamp with horses painted on the sides of the lamp shade. At the bottom of the night stand were even more stuffed animals, toys, and books. The carpeted floor was chocolate brown and matched the color of the headboard. The bedding was exquisite. The comforter was colored in patches of pinks, pastel greens, and light blues. Inside the patches of pink were more horses. This room was truly a horse lovers dream! The trio spent the rest of the day in that room and showing Danielle around the rest of the manor.

Meanwhile, Zelena and Robin took a trip to the sheriff's station. Regina had asked Zelena to go see Emma and pick up some paperwork. Ever since the Final Battle against the Black Fairy, Zelena had truly started down the path of redemption. To truly earn her place at the heroes table. Part of that new path was a job. Zelena had recently taken up a job as Regina's personal assistant. Normally, such a job would be beneath Zelena. However, Zelena was working on pushing past her pride and being a better person. Besides, it wasn't like the people in this bloody town were lining up to give her a job. Plus, it gave her and Regina a chance to spend extra time together. Zelena strapped Robin into her car seat and she herself sat in the driver's seat. She had finally mastered the strange carriages of this realm, or as Regina called them "cars". Of course, they weren't as fun to drive when there were no evil fairies to crash into.

Zelena pulled into the station's parking lot and cut off the engine. She got out of the car and removed her daughter from the vehicle, as well. Luckily, the car seat doubled as a carrier. Robin was a calm baby. She very rarely ever fussed and always stared at the world with curious eyes. Regina was right, the baby girl did have her father's eyes. The red headed woman strolled through the hallway of the station towards her destination, the bullpen. When she reached her destination, Zelena found Emma speaking on the phone.

"Yes," Emma spoke in annoyance. "I understand." Her words were followed by an eye roll. This was the moment that Emma spotted Zelena entering the bullpen. The blonde smiled at the two red heads and motioned for Zelena to come forth. Emma then held up one finger to single to Zelena to give her a moment to complete the phone call.

"I'm sorry that Pongo has destroyed your flower bed, Mrs. Tweed. I promise that I will speak with Dr. Hopper about keeping a better eye on his dog." Emma's promise seemed to placate the woman on the other end of the line. The Savior ended the phone call and slumped in her chair, sighing dramatically. Zelena was very amused by Emma's antics.

"Everything alright, darling?"

"Pongo got out," Emma answered. "Again."

Zelena couldn't stop herself from laughing at Emma's annoyance. Emma gave the former wicked witch an amused smirk. "Glad to see that my suffering entertains you, Zelena." The tall red head shrugged her shoulders. "What can I say? There must be some wickedness left." The two woman laughed together. They had lately struck up a friendship, bonding over their similar pasts.

"So what brings you here Zelena? Did we have plans to have lunch together today?"

"No, not today," Zelena answered. "The Queen has sent me. Her majesty has sent me to collect paperwork."

"Of course." Emma stood up from her desk and retrieved the desired paperwork from the filing cabinet. "Here you are," Emma said, handing Zelena the file. "Everything should be in order." Zelena thanked Emma and the two of them sat down in chairs across from one another. Robin started making babbling noises and grapping at the air above her. The women smiled warmly at the baby.

"She's getting so big," Emma commented. "She's already starting to look like you, Zelena."

"Yes, she is," Zelena smile grew wider as she gazed at her daughter. "Except for the eyes. Regina says that she has Robin Hood's eyes."

"I guess Regina would know Hood's eyes best."

Zelena hummed in agreement. "So who's this Mrs. Tweed woman you were speaking with?"

"She's an elderly widow that lives in town. Pongo got out again and chased her pet fox, Todd. Apparently, the animals destroyed her garden."

"Wait a minute," Zelena interrupted. "This woman has a pet fox?"

"She found the fox in the woods as a young pup. He had been abandon so she took him in."

Zelena snickered. "Strange pet, but it's not the oddest thing in this town."

The two budding friends continued on with pleasant conversations. Zelena found that she enjoyed the blonde woman's company. They were more alike than she initially realized. It was wonderful to have a friend who understood her. Zelena was in the middle of telling Emma a story about her adoptive mother, one of her fonder memories of her childhood, when Killian walked in.

"What's goin' on here, Swan?"

The pirate's words were slurred and his footsteps were uncoordinated. Emma stood up from her chair and faced the one handed man.

"Killian? Are you drunk?" Emma was astounded. "It's the middle of the day!"

Zelena stood up as well and stood behind Emma. She didn't like the pirate's threatening demeanor.

"Aye, but never mind that Swan." Hook pointed at the blonde. "I know what you've been up to. This ridiculous friendship with the Wicked Witch."

Zelena was offended and she didn't try to hide it. "I beg your pardon?" Emma held up her hands between the two. "Everyone just settle down," Emma said.

"Killian, what are talking about?"

"The witch has you under some manner of spell."

Emma could see the alcohol clouding his judgment."You're being paranoid. Zelena hasn't cast a spell on anyone."

"Damn right I haven't. I don't even have my magic, or did you forget about the sacrifice I made for all of you?"

"You can't fool me, witch!""Killian," Emma interrupted. "You're drunk. Go home."

"Fine, but your coming with me." Killian grabbed Emma's arm and started dragging the blonde away.

"Hey! Let go of me!" Emma yanked her arm away. "What the hell is wrong with you!?"

Killian tackled Emma and the two of them crashed into a table. Atop the table sat a glass vase with flowers. The vase fell to the floor and shattered, pieces of glass scattered everywhere. Emma kicked Hook off of her and hit him on the head, knocking him unconscious. She waved her hand and teleported him back to her place. She would deal with him later. A sharp wail pierced her ears. Emma stood up from the rubble and moved towards where the sound was coming from, Robin.

"Robin!" Zelena shrieked in panic and fell to her knees in panic. "He hurt her!"

Emma looked at the baby and saw that Zelena was right. A piece of glass had cut across Robin's cheek. Thankfully, the cut didn't look very deep. Emma kneeled beside Zelena, who was now holding Robin in her arms. "Here," Emma said. "Let me help." She gently waved her hand over Robin's cheek. Her glowed with light magic and the cut on the baby girl's cheek vanished. "There she'll be alright." Emma placed her left hand on top of Robin's head on the other hand on Zelena's arm and helped her stand.

"Thank you, Emma."

"Of course," said Emma with a concerned grin. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm..." Zelena cut herself off.

"Zelena? What is it?"

"Your arm," Zelena said. "It's bleeding."

Emma stepped back and held her right arm out in front of her. Across the bicep was a long, red gash. Emma thought back over the most recent moments. It had happened so fast, she hadn't even noticed that when Killian grabbed her arm, he had done so with his hooked hand. The wound must have happened when Emma pulled her arm away.

"Oh," was all that Emma could say. Her left hand hovered above the gash and she used her magic to heal herself. Or at least she tried. When she moved her hand away the bleeding wound was still there.

"What the hell?" Zelena said. "Why didn't your magic work."

"I... I don't know"

"Come on, I'll drive you to the hospital."

"No," Emma said insistently. "It's fine."

"Emma..."

"It's not that deep. There's a first aid kit in my desk."

Zelena placed Robin back in her carrier and she retrieved the first aid kit. Emma removed her leather jacket so that Zelena could bandage the wound.

"What the bloody hell is wrong with that pirate of yours?"

"I don't know, Zelena. I know that he's been drinking more than usual, but I had no idea that it was this bad."

Zelena finished cleaning the gash and wrapping the gauze around Emma's bicep.

"Emma," Zelena said softly. "You should tell someone about this. Get some help for Killian before he seriously hurts you or someone else."

"I can handle this Zelena, just don't tell anyone about this."

"Emma.."

"Zelena. Please, promise me. No one must know what is happening."

Intense green eyes met piercing blue. "Alright. I promise."