A/N: Good lord its been a long time. Real life just keeps happening.

7 more chapters to this story. We got a lot of ground to cover in those 7 chapters :D

Also I don't know the names of buildings in Manhattan near Central Park….so bear with me as to how vague the location is.

Regina's crossed her hands in her lap to prevent the shaking from being noticeable. As Benjamin navigated through the Monday morning traffic of New York, she stared out the window and attempted to control her breathing. Why was she doing this? She valued her privacy above all else, and here she was breaking all of her own rules.

"What do you think Benjamin?" she asked as the blonde walked her son into the school. "Am I handling this correctly?"

"You want my honest opinion ma'am?"

"Yes."

"I believe the fact you are asking me this question means you've already made up your mind."

It was true, she knew before she'd even asked the old man what she was going to do. But here she was getting closer and closer to her home, her sanctuary, and with each block her heart was pounding. Yes she'd known the blond for a few months, but she had never invited the woman to her home. In fact, she hadn't allowed anyone she'd been intimate with to her home, not in the last 10 years.

"Ma'am, we have arrived." Regina was startled by how quickly they made it to her building. The doorman smiled in the direction of her vehicle, having come to know the sedan over the years. He opened the door and the brunette gave him a tight smile as she stepped out.

"Ms. Mills," the jolly doorman said.

"Richard," she nodded stepping aside for Emma. The young woman kept her eyes downcast as they walked to the highrise. Regina slipped her hand behind the blonde's shoulder as they moved into the building, navigating her in the direction of the elevators, swiping her keyfob, giving her access to her home. She waved at the concierge who called her name just before the elevator doors closed. The blonde let out a shaky breath as Regina pressed the button to the penthouse.

"Emma?" she asked as the blonde kept her head down. "Are you okay?"

"No. I don't know why you are doing this."

"Doing...?"

"This! All of this! Taking me by your place to get cleaned up and then taking me to see your lawyer. I can just move...figure something out." Regina didn't respond as the elevator stopped at the top floor.

"Moving would be a temporary fix at best," she said unlocking her door. "If he found Henry once, he can do it again. If he really is invested in meeting his son…."

"Henry is not his son!" Emma screamed as they entered the lush living space. Regina simply arched an eyebrow. "Well...not really. Henry doesn't even know Neal exists. He's never asked about his father."

"That doesn't matter in the eyes of the law," Regina said calmly, hanging up her winter coat. "This is why you need a lawyer. Is Neal on the birth certificate?"

"No," Emma said sitting on the sofa, which probably cost more than her yearly income. "At the time Henry was born, i was determined to make life better for him, so I didn't put Neal's name down. Didn't want any link to that part of my past"

"Well that at least gives us more time to prepare for your defense, if you choose."

"Huh?"

"Paternity needs to be established first. That means the court has to conduct a DNA test, and make sure Neal is the father before they proceed to determining the amount of contact he will have with the boy."

"Us...us...us." Emma ran her hands up and down her face. "Do you not understand that this is not your problem? I'm not gonna owe you anything!" Regina raised an eyebrow as she laid her suit jacket over a chair, leaning against one of the columns in her home. The brunette knew she had this issue, her therapist had told her she was always looking for ways to help, fix or protect others, and so for the last 10 years, she focused on herself. She put down any urge she had to come to the aid of another. So much so that she was known as an ice cold bitch at work.

"Emma, I'm not doing this because I want you to owe me," she gritted out. "I thought we went through this the other day."

"Regina, there is a giant difference between buying me clothes and inviting me into your life. Your home, your lawyer, your life. Even you know this isn't a good idea."

"Let me worry about that. I know what it is to have a bad parent in your life, and if this man is a bad as you say he is, then Henry doesn't need that influence. Even with one good parent, having a...negative influence in your life leaves lasting scars," Regina walked over to the blonde, crouching to be face level. "Just let me help okay. If you feel like something is too much, I can step back. But please...for Henry."

"Fine. For Henry." Regina gave a soft smile before standing and walking towards the hallway.

"You coming? There is no way I am letting you meet Robert like this," Regina waved the young woman on as they headed down the hallway. "Luckily we are about the same size, since someone failed to pack herself some clothing."

Emma shuffled off the couch, finally taking a moment to look around the executive's apartment. Well, apartment certainly wasn't the right term. It was huge. Floor length windows overlooking central park, and everything was...expensive. She watched her step as there seemed to be seamless transition from the carpet in the living room to the hardwood that extended down the hallway. As they walked she glanced at the kitchen. All white with dark counters and new appliances that looked as if they had never been used.

She followed Regina down to a large bedroom with high ceilings, the woman disappearing into what was probably a closet.

"So we don't want anything that isn't really you, but you have to be presentable or else Robert wont even think about taking your case," she mumbled as Emma could hear her shuffling through clothing. "I think this would look nice." She came out with a white button up, black sweater and gray slacks that were too long for her.

"He's a good lawyer?" Emma asked. Not that she had a choice, but she wanted to know. "He will protect Henry?"

"Robert Gold? Of Gold and Associates?"
"Wait...i know that name. I heard about him. Didn't he get some banker charged with money laundering off...something about Colombian drug money…."

"That would be him. I keep him on retainer," she sighed. "Lucky for us, his firm also handles custody and divorce cases for the wealthy of New York."

"I heard he was a…a...," Emma didn't know how to refer to man Regina had on her payroll.

"A snake?" the brunette grinned. "Yes, he is the scum of the earth in my opinion. No conscience at all. But he knows the law." Emma nodded and decided against further questioning. She didn't want to know more.

"I'm going to go get changed."

[SQ]

The office of Gold and Associates was everything Emma thought a big wig lawyer's office was supposed to be. She and Regina were sitting in a waiting room that had several bottles of water, coffee and some cucumber and strawberry water mix in a large container. Regina seemed to be annoyed about having to wait, but Emma wouldn't have expected any less. She glanced around at the flat screens showing the news on several walls and the waterfall opening on the other. She wondered how the water got in there.

"Regina dear," a voice called out. "What a pleasant surprise."

"Quite. As was the wait, although your receptionist was quite hospitable."

"My apologies dear. It took a bit of work to get an open for you this morning." he turned his smiles, which could only be described as slimy, toward Emma. "And who do we have here?"

"This here is an associate of mine. Let's take this into your office, Robert." He nodded, walking with a slight limp behind a set of double doors. It was the first time the blonde had noticed the gold tipped cane that he leaned on as they made their way down the hall. Despite the man's reputation as a crocodile, he didn't seem as imposing in person.

"So tell me Regina, what can I do for you," Robert said as soon as they entered what was probably his private office.

"My associate here needs your best family law attorney."

"You know I focus on corporate law Ms. Mills."

"Cut the crap Robert. I know damn well that your firm represented Sean Herman during his custody case against Ashley Boyd. I also know that Sean retained full custody of the child Alexandra Herman despite Ms. Boyd being completely fit to be a parent."

"Well that was done as a favor to Mitchell…"

"And I am requesting one also," Regina sat down in one of the leather chairs inside the large corner office, opposite the graying man. "The MIlls family has been doing business with Gold and Associates for quite some time. I'd like to continue that relationship. To do so, I have to know that I can rely on you Robert." He crossed his arms and exhaled as he leaned back into his seat.

"And who are you expecting to handle this…case."

"Isabelle French."

"Ms. French? That's an odd choice."

"Not at all. She appears non-threatening and any judge that lays eyes on her views her as a "sweet young lady". She also knows the law like no-ones business and I know that she was your direct protege for many years. She's as cut throat as they come."

The graying man gave a small laugh as he stroked his chin. "I am quite proud of her record, if I do say so myself, though I may be a bit biased."

"I would like her to handle Ms. Emma Swan's case."

"Very well," "Rene, could you please have Ms French come to my office immediately." he said pressing a button on his phone. After getting an affirmative, Gold turned his attention to the young blonde standing like a statue just inside his door. "Dearie, I am not going to harm you, please have a seat. I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you, Emma Swan."

"No we haven't," she stuttered. "I want to thank you for agreeing to hear about my case Mr. Gold."

"Call me Robert."

"Yes sir, Robert."

"Tell me, how do you my friend Regina Mills here. I don't believe I've ever met the 'Swan' family."

"That's not up for discussion Robert. All you need to know is that Emma here has an ex, of a questionable past, who has recently shown up out of the blue with the desire to see their son, a boy he has never met. Anything else will be discussed once a contract including a non-disclosure agreement is signed."

"Very well Regina." The three sat in what Emma could only describe as a loud silence until a small knock at his door preceded the entrance of a woman who looked no older than Emma herself. It was hard to believe she was the cut-throat attorney Regina has spoke of. She wore a modest length salmon skirt with a red and blue blouse. It was an odd match, but somehow fit the auburn woman well. Her face was just as Regina had said, a sweet young lady, with blue eyes that looked trustworthy.

"You asked to see me Robert?" her accent made her even more innocent. Emma couldn't place it, but this woman was as innocent as they came.

"Yes, you remember Regina Mills don't you."

"Of course," She reached out a hand with a smile. "Its great to see you again Regina."

"Likewise Belle."

"And this here, is Emma Swan, an associate of Ms. Mills," Emma didn't like the way he said associate. "She has a custody case coming up, and Ms. Mills requested that we take a look at it, and help in any way we can. Once an NDA is signed, of course."

"Of course," Belle nodded. Emma wasn't sure what just happened, but she was sure more was conveyed than she knew. "How about I take them into my office and we can go over what Ms Swan is thinking while Rene gets some client paperwork started."
After a brief exchange of goodbyes, they followed the petite women down the hallway to another office, not as lavish as Robert Gold's, but it was nothing to scoff at. While Robert's office exuded luxury and wealth, Belle's office screamed scholar. The walls were lined with law journals and the walls were littered with plaques, degrees and awards. Emma read the exclamations as she slowly made her way to the desk. The woman was most certainly a legal genius, despite her apparent demeanor.

"Ms Swan, I'd like you to take a look at this contract," Emma quickly turned her attention to Regina and Belle, who were reviewing some documents. "This is a non-disclosure agreement. In addition to having attorney-client privilege as your lawyer, this contract here states that I cannot divulge anything we discuss in this room to anyone, even after the case is over. If I do, you may sue me, along with Gold & Associates for all we are worth."

"Why are we signing this?"

"I like my privacy Emma. When dealing with your lawyer, you need to be as truthful as possible. This allows Ms French here to prepare for anything the other side may throw at her. She needs to know anything they may use against you. And since you know me...I'd like make sure than anything Ms French, and more importantly, by extension Robert Gold, learn cannot leave this office."

"Oh," Emma didn't read the document before signing, trusting that Regina would have done her due diligence.

"So Ms. Swan," Belle said after signing the agreement and making copies. "Tell me all about your ex, such as how and where you met."

[SQ]

"I'm screwed Regina." Emma said as the left the office building. "How am I supposed to present myself as a upstanding citizen? Belle French is out of her mind. Neal may be an ex-con, but I am barely better."

"I doubt Neal knows anything about you, let alone the resource to find out anything. I believe Ms French has the right idea. A believable reputable job, stability, and with Neals background, you will no problem retaining sole physical and legal custody of Henry."

"And just where the hell am I going to find a new job. I can't quit the club Regina. The coffee shop does not bring in enough to support the two of us."

"Let me handle that dear," Regina had pulled out her cell phone once they were in the car., heading to pick up some clothes for Emma. "Jefferson," the executive said, putting on what Emma called her 'fake voice'. It unnerved the blonde how Regina's persona could switch at the drop of a hat. When they were alone, she was so warm and caring. In the office upstairs, she came across and powerful and controlling, and now she sounded like the upper class snobs who thought they could by anyone and anything.

She listened as Regina slowly changed the subject to some favor the man owed her for getting his daughter into some prestigious school. Within minutes, Regina had secured an "interview" for a bartending position at an upscale Michelin 3-star restaurant. She felt bad that the interview was basically a farce and this man, Jefferson, was being forced to hire her.

"I don't feel good about this Regina. He shouldn't be forced to hire me."

"Do you want to share custody of Henry with Neal?"

"No."

"Then you need a new job," she said in a way that brooked no questions. She then sighed, placing her hand on the blonde's thigh. "Don't worry Emma, I know you are an excellent bartender. And Jefferson needs a new one. I am doing nothing more than giving you the opportunity. Think of me as someone opening the door, and you are going to walk in yourself." Emma nodded, not believing that for a moment. She turned her head to the window, watching the scenery change from the luxury of downtown Manhattan, getting seedier and seedier by the mile until she could recognize the landmarks that made up her current neighborhood. How could she raise her son in a place like this? She had to do better. Yeah, she'd take this job, save up and move Henry somewhere better. Somewhere where bars on the windows weren't mandated.

Benjamin idled outside the housing projects as she and Regina quickly made their way inside the building, taking the stairs quickly. The blonde was able to move quickly up the flights, the brunette struggling to keep up with her 4-inch heels.

"Oh my God Emma!" Ruby ran up the blonde as soon as she hit the fourth floor. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine…"

"Oh my God," the lanky brunette threw her arms around Emma, hugging her as tight as possible. "Your apartment was a mess, and you took Henry so suddenly last night, and then this guy shows up…."

"What guy?" Emma said pulling out of Ruby's arms quickly," Someone was here?"

"Yeah. He was banging on almost every door on the floor, screaming your name, I thought something had happened, especially with how upset you were when you picked up Henry. What happened?"

"What'd this guy look like?" the blonde asked, ignoring the question.

"Eh, nothing special. Average white guy, scruffy beard, kept sniffing though. It was so annoying."

"Neal," Emma said turning to Regina. It was barely 11 in the morning. "That's him. He wasn't supposed to show up till this afternoon. I knew I couldn't trust him to keep his word."

"Oh," Ruby said as if just noticing the other woman. "Hi, I'm Ruby. Emma's friend."

"Regina." she said not taking the outstretched hand until Emma nudged her. "Emma's...other... friend."

"Nice to meet you," the young woman said. The stripper looked the executive up and down, a questioning grin on her face. "I didn't know Emma hung out with such well dressed people."

"Yeah, I met Regina at the coffee shop." Emma said quickly. "So what was Neal asking about?"

"Nothing really. He was screaming about if anyone had seen you, where did you work, when were you going to be back. That kind of stuff. Pissed everyone off really. Who is he?"

"No one." Emma pushed pass Ruby and headed to her door. This was exactly what she was afraid of. It was why she had left last night. Neal was going to follow her around until he saw Henry. There was no way she could stay here again with her son. Not until she got a judge to ban him.

She moved quickly into the bedroom, grabbing a few plastic grocery bags on the way and quickly throwing her clothes in them.

"Emma what are you doing?"

"What's it look like I'm doing Regina, I am packing."

"In plastic bags?"

"Well not all of us have Burberry luggage." Regina ignored the jibe and watched the blonde frantically open and close drawers. Oddly enough, the woman didn't have much. Outside of the new clothes that Regina had brought her for the trip, it seemed as if the woman only had 5 outfits total. Most of what she was putting the back seemed to be socks and undergarments. Regina turned around, finding the unpacked luggage in the living room.

"Here, put the other clothes in this," she said tossing the duffle bag at the young mother. "I believe it will be easier to carry this bag instead of three plastic ones." Emma didn't respond, just moving her frantic packing to the black duffle.

"I can get you a keyfob to the penthouse, that way you don't have to wait for me to get home to let you…"

"What? I'm not staying with you!"

"Why not?"

"Because I'm not."

"Emma, you're not staying here obviously. Are you going to go stay with your friend? Red?"

"It's Ruby, and no. I'm not going to be anywhere near this building. I can't bring Henry where with Neal knowing where we live."

"Then when are you planning to go?"
"Back to the motel. Instead of paying rent here, I can pay there. The state will have someone to occupy this apartment as soon as i let it go. I dont mind living at the motel, I've done it before. They give discounts to people who pay by the month."

"Emma that is ridiculous, dangerous, and not to mention a waste of money. I can put you up in a better hotel room if you don't want to stay at my place."

"No," the blonde said not looking at Regina. "Look, you are already helping me by giving me a lawyer, I can't have you paying for a place to live too. I can't do that."

"What about Henry?"

"That motel is no worse than this place. Hell the motel has someone to clean it everyday. He'll be fine." Regina resisted the urge to throw her hands up at the blonde who was obviously set in her decision. The leaned against the doorway, watching the woman move to the single bathroom and gather a few bathing products, stuffing them in the side of the duffle.

"If I can't change your mind…"

"You can't," Emma cut her off before she could even get her thought out. Regina rolled her eyes from behind the young woman as they headed outside. Stubborn. Just, stubborn.