A/N: Thank you for all of the feedback for the last two chapters. All of your comments made my day, and I'm glad to hear that those who read the original like it just as much (or more than) the original. Thank you also to those who have favorited and followed this story. I appreciate that so many of you like the story premise!

A few things…

-I apologize I've taken a while to get this chapter up. I'm finishing up a few summer classes at the moment, so my writing time has been pretty limited. I will try to get the next chapter up sooner.

-There will be more Emma/Henry and Regina/Henry moments in this story (with the addition of Henry's POV here and there) with the most recent of these moments coming in the 1x03 rewrite that I have planned so far. We'll see Gold begin to meddle with Emma and Regina's relationship at the beginning of the 1x04 rewrite.

-To those who read the original, there are noticeable changes to this chapter, particularly in the sections with Regina's POV.


Chapter Two: To Have a Family

"Pilot" SQ Rewrite – Part 2

6:45am.

Someone was shaking her arm and yelling in her ear.

"Emma, wake up! Wake up!"

It took her a couple of minutes to register the voice. She opened her eyes to a frazzled Regina Mills, who was sitting up and holding the covers around her naked body. She smirked at her sudden modesty. "You don't have to hide from me, Regina." She reached her hand to take Regina's, but was greeted with an unexpected swat on her hand instead. Frowning, she asked, "What the hell?"

"We don't have the time. I have to walk Henry to school in an hour. And you're not supposed to be here. I need you to move your car."

She turned her head to her left and saw the sunlight creeping through the blinds. The slight movement irritated her, and she could feel a pounding begin to resonate in her head, threatening to become a headache later. "Ugh… Do I have to do it now?"

"Yes. Before Henry notices."

"Fine," she groaned. "Is he up yet?"

"You have ten minutes."

"Seriously?" Emma reached over the side of the bed, grabbing her undergarments and putting them on under the sheets. She then pushed herself off the bed a little too quickly, feeling a wave of dizziness wash over her. "You gave me like no time."

"Our little rendezvous messed up my sleeping pattern."

"More like you forgot to set an alarm." She picked up her tank top and jeans, struggling to put them on as the pounding in her head grew worse. Damn hangover. She steadied herself, finding herself standing before a mirror she had not noticed in the height of their sexual bliss the night before. She checked her appearance, figuring it was good enough for moving a car, and ran a hand through her hair before turning back to Regina. She still hadn't moved positions. Emma frowned. "Why the sudden modesty?"

"Oh. Um…" The brunette settled back against the headboard, letting her hands fall in her lap, and she shrugged. "I was just thinking."

Emma swallowed hard. She didn't like the sound of that sentence. Regina was thinking over what had happened last night. She was regretting having sex with her, she bet. Damn it. Maybe she had been too sure of herself. Overly confident that something about them, together, felt right. After moving her Bug, Regina would tell her to never come back. Leave both her and her son alone. She would be alone again.

She should have known.

It was only meant to be one night.

Why was she so stupid? Why had she let it go that far? Drunk or not, she should have known better.

Her shoulders slumped. "You're regretting what you did."

"What?"

"Having sex with me."

Regina's eyes widened, and she shook her head. "No, no. Please don't think that, Emma. I don't regret anything that happened last night." She glanced away, seemingly distracted by a memory from the night before, and a smile crept upon her lips. She looked back at her, her brown eyes now glowing with happiness. "Want to know what I was thinking about?"

Emma nodded, and she walked over to her bedside.

"Your words to me. When you said you wanted something with me?"

"I meant it."

"I know. And I did, too. I want something with you, Emma." Regina reached for her hands, taking hold of them and giving them a gentle shake. "And then when you said you wanted me? I haven't heard someone say that to me in a long time. And it really, really means a lot to me that you want me, Emma."

Emma leaned down to give her a kiss, and as Regina pressed her lips against hers, she could feel the power of the emotions behind her words, her appreciation about being wanted by her, her desire to let their first night together grow into something more. Regina hung on her lips for a few seconds before they backed away slightly, but the action meant so much more than wanting to kiss her again. She was telling her she didn't want to let go of them, of the chance for their instant connection to develop into a meaningful future together. And Emma didn't want to let go of that either.

"I'm sorry I even thought you regretted last night. I just got worried when you seemed reserved all of the sudden, and I jumped to conclusions… I was afraid you'd tell me to leave, and I didn't want that."

"It's okay, dear. I just started thinking back to the good memories of last night, and that conversation we had really hit me." Regina brought her hand up to her face and caressed her cheek. "I want you, Emma. I could never tell you to leave. I'd hate myself for that. For not giving you a chance." She kissed her, and once again Emma could feel those emotions being transferred to her from the touch. When they backed away from the kiss this time, they rested their foreheads against each other's, and Emma glanced to her right to read the clock on the nightstand. She didn't want to let this moment end, but five minutes had already gone by, and she still had to move her car and come back without being seen by Henry.

"Regina?"

"Hm?"

"I should probably go move my car before Henry sees me walking out of your room?"

"Yeah. I don't think we want to start our morning trying to explain that one to him." She leaned away from her and let go of her hands. "Join me in the shower when you get back?"

"Will do."


Regina watched as the door closed quietly behind the blonde. She fell back against the headboard and closed her eyes, thinking of how her life had taken a drastic turn in the course of twenty four hours.

Yesterday morning, it had been her and Henry. She had taken him to school, just like any other day, only to find out hours later that he hadn't ever made it to the school. She remembered searching desperately for him, enlisting Graham for help to cover more ground, and the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach when he was nowhere to be found. She tried to have a little faith that he would return on his own, but once dinner came and there was still no sign or word from him, reality dawned on her that her son was truly missing. She had paced her foyer continuously, and with each glance she made out the window in which she didn't see her little boy coming down the path, her worry escalated, her mind becoming overwhelmed with dreadful, panicked thoughts of what could have happened to him.

But then she saw him. And he wasn't alone.

Relief had washed over her, and she immediately threw open the door, rushing to him and pulling him into the tightest embrace. She ignored the stranger standing behind him until he pointed her out, saying that he'd found his real mom, and ran inside the house. For a split second, she was angry that he hadn't bothered to apologize for his disappearance and causing her such distress. Then came the sadness for being rejected by him for his birth mother, a woman he barely knew anything about and who had never loved him the way she had. Yet when her brown eyes connected with this woman's green ones, that sadness faded away. And suddenly she was confused, because her heart began to pound, and she couldn't form the words to confirm with her that she was indeed Henry's birth mother. When she finally mumbled the question, the blonde just gave her a nervous "hi". Regina continued to stare at her, completely in awe by how beautiful she was. She allowed an awkward silence to persist too long between them because of her inability to find something to say, and when it seemed the discomfort was becoming too much for the both of them, she quickly cleared her throat and invited her inside for drinks, afraid the woman would dismiss herself otherwise. She accepted almost immediately, and slowly, the evening built up, one thing leading to another.

Regret.

That was what Regina should have been feeling about that whole evening. Because pursuing something with the woman who was supposed to be Henry's birth mother was problematic. Very problematic.

But could it really be her?

It was her birthday last night. If she had to take a bet, it was most likely her twenty eighth. What were the odds of a woman arriving in Storybrooke on her twenty eighth birthday if it wasn't her? It was exactly what he had prophesized.

Their first kiss. And the next. And the one after that.

The name Emma Swan meant nothing to her when the blonde first said it that evening. Once their lips met, all the memories associated with her name came back to her in quick flashes.

Nearly ten years ago. Boston adoption agency on Dartmin Street. Henry crying constantly, her not knowing what to do to make him stop. Taking him to Dr. Whale, afraid he might be sick. Needing the birth mother's medical records, just to be safe. Calling Sidney, having him pull a few strings, breaking the law to get the desired information for Henry's wellbeing. Those records being faxed to her by Sidney. Finding out she had appeared outside of Storybrooke eighteen years prior. Realizing who this Emma Swan really was. Confronting Gold, wanting to send Henry back to Boston the next day. Bringing him back to the adoption agency, then deciding on keeping him because he was her son. Constant worry afterward that the birth mother, Miss Emma Swan, would come back for him, regretting her decision to give him away. And then procuring an ancient potion to forget her name, to cease her worry.

But all of it returned. That worry. The fear of what it meant for Henry's birth mother to be Emma Swan.

Just those first three kisses.

That was all she needed to remember what she had forgotten years ago.

Temporarily, she was able to push those thoughts away, disregarding the past and the significance of who Emma was. She even indulged herself in the possibility of having a relationship with her, hoping she could convince her to stay in Storybrooke for a while, to give her and the town a chance. Because she really had enjoyed the time she spent with Emma, and she hadn't felt a connection with someone like this in such a long time.

But then she got too close to her, became too intimate, and that worry hit her again, forcing her to pull back for a few seconds before Emma brought her back to her, distracting her once more. It wasn't until they were in the bedroom, about to do their thing, when it came back to her, and Emma sensed it, voicing the concern playing through her mind about allowing herself to have an emotional bond with her.

Emma was also afraid of what a relationship with her might mean for the future, but at the same time, she seemed so sure that the two of them being together felt right. Then two sentences left her mouth, and that was when Regina knew everything would change.

I want something with you, Regina. I want you.

Emma wanted her. The last time anyone had ever wanted her was years ago, and that person held a special place in her heart, even to this day.

Regina reached for a blanket and wrapped it tightly around her. She made her way to the bathroom and turned on the shower, allowing it to warm up. She stood in front of the mirror, looking up at her reflection. She almost didn't recognize herself. The cold, hardened expression that she had become accustomed to seeing on her face wasn't staring back at her. Rather, she actually looked happy. Because that was how Emma Swan made her feel.

She smiled.

Something did feel right about being with her, and she was going to embrace that.


Emma took a quick right, driving a little way down the side street until she felt she was far enough away. She didn't know her way around town that well, but she knew the direction of the school, having passed it on the drive to Regina's house. She had made sure to go in the opposite direction. The last thing she needed was Henry to spot the car on his walk with Regina. She knew the kid was observant.

And a sneaky bastard. He'd left his storybook on the passenger seat. He obviously had intended on her returning even if she had decided to leave last night. He knew she would bring the book back. The book was his life. Which definitely worried her, but it wouldn't have stopped her from giving it to him.

She glanced at the street sign after locking the VW. Birch Street. She would have to remember that on her way back.

She had successfully made it out of the house (remembering to avoid the creaky step on her way down the stairs) without rousing Henry. She wasn't sure the time, but she knew it had to be past her ten minutes, especially after the passionate moment she'd shared with Regina before leaving the bedroom. She glanced around her, picking up her swift pace to a jog. It was early enough. She doubted the neighbors paid much attention. They had their own morning routines to worry about, work to get to, children to bring to school, goodbyes to say to family on the way out the door.

Emma wished she knew that life. All of the houses around her reminded her of that kind of life. The closest she ever came to having that life was through television and imagining it based on what was portrayed to her on the screen. It sucked, not knowing. As a child, she had wanted the welcome of, "Good morning, honey!" as she ate her breakfast, a mother to fuss over how she looked, and a father to kiss her on the cheek before leaving to work. Now, she wanted a significant other to greet her in the morning with coffee, a hug, and a kiss, a stable job that she enjoyed, and to be with her son. To mess up his hair, kiss him on the head, and smile as he yelled, "Mom!" at her ridiculous behavior. But every morning she would still do it because she loved him.

A home.

She wanted a home.

And she really wanted to get to know her son.

She stood in front of the door to Regina's house. Maybe this could be it? Her home? Would Regina want that? For the three of them to live together as a family?

She took a deep breath.

They both wanted a relationship with each other, but was the thought of having a home here in Storybrooke with Regina and Henry too much? Even if that thought just felt right to her?

One step at a time, Em. One step at a time.

Emma headed back inside the house and made her way up the stairs, focusing on one thought: Meet Regina in the shower.

She got to the bedroom without being seen by Henry and smiled at the sound of the running shower. She entered the bathroom, quickly undressing, and stepped inside the shower. She leaned against Regina's back, placing her hands in front of her eyes. "Surprise."

Regina turned around immediately, kissing her on the lips. "Hello, dear." They met for a second kiss. "Sorry for the rushing around."

"It's okay. I wouldn't change it for anything." Emma gave her another kiss, hanging on her lips for a brief moment.

"I'm sorry, but we're going to have to make this quick."

Emma eyed the bottle of shampoo behind her. "Well, let me help you then." She picked up the bottle and held it up for confirmation.

"Yes, I was just about to wash my hair."

She poured some of the shampoo into her palm. "Turn around."

Emma and Regina took turns rinsing their hair under the showerhead, laughing at each other a few times as they fought for the water. They were soon in front of the mirror, both wrapped in a towel, trying to get ready. After a few minutes, Emma slouched back against the wall, watching Regina's reflection as she blow-dried her hair. The brunette's reflection smiled back at her when she caught Emma looking.

"Having fun?"

"You're just so damn beautiful."

Regina glanced down, her smile so wide she could see her teeth. She looked back up. "You are, too." She suddenly turned the blow dryer on her.

Emma put her hands in front of her face, laughing. "What the hell?"

"I thought I'd share."

"Oh really?" She grabbed the blow dryer from Regina and twisted it in her direction, blowing the hot air on her face.

Regina's voice rose to a higher pitch as she yelled at her jokingly. It was cute. "Stop it!"

"Am I distracting you?"

Regina pushed the blow dryer down. "Yes, you are."

They stared each other down playfully, then leaned in for a kiss. Regina bit her lip gently, not wanting to let go. Emma chuckled. "Okay… You should probably get back to getting ready."

Regina reluctantly backed away and turned the blow dryer back to her hair. She finished quickly, running a hand through her hair and styling it in a few spots before handing the blow dryer, still on, to Emma. Anything to make it sound like there weren't two people currently getting ready in Regina's bathroom. "Your turn."

"Thank you."

Emma focused less on drying her hair and more on the woman standing beside her. She tried to be subtle, but she liked watching her. Sure, all Regina was doing was brushing her teeth and putting on her makeup, but it didn't matter. She did everything so delicately. Emma had to admit, it was nice to wake up with someone and be a part of their morning routine.

Regina was great at catching Emma off guard. The first time was after she spit out her toothpaste in the sink. She raised an eyebrow at her, and Emma moved the blow dryer. She'd had it pointed at the same spot for at least two minutes.

The next few times occurred when the brunette was putting on her makeup. She would stop, make a funny face at Emma, and cause a stir of laughter from the both of them. Emma's favorite was when she purposely messed up her eyeliner, faked an exasperated sigh, and then frowned.

When they were both finished, Regina reached into the top drawer and held out a toothbrush.

"Are you trying to tell me my breath stinks?"

Regina shook her head and laughed. "No, Emma. I figured you may want to brush your teeth. Like normal people do in the morning."

Emma brushed the back of her hand across her forehead. "Phew. I was worried there." She tentatively put her hand around the toothbrush.

"Well, don't be so afraid of it. I promise it's new."

"Again, another close call. I thought you may have given me your old toothbrush."

Regina swatted her shoulder lightly. "You're such a goof."

"You know you like it."

Regina placed the toothpaste on the counter, shaking her head as she left the bathroom. Emma brushed her teeth and got dressed, turning off the light in the bathroom before walking back into the bedroom. She saw Regina was fully dressed now, wearing a black dress and a gray blazer. She stood in front of the mirror, fixing her hair in a few places. Emma put her hands in her jean pockets, and her fingertips brushed along the top of her iPhone that now rested in her left pocket.

Should I?

She needed a way to reach Regina after their night together, yet the idea of asking for her number made her nervous.

"Regina?"

She turned away from the mirror. "Yes?"

"Do you think…? Could I…? Um…"

A slight grin appeared on her face, and it looked like she may laugh at her difficulty with phrasing her question, but she didn't lose composure and waited patiently for her to finish.

"Can I have your number?" Emma shifted uneasily. "In case either you or I need to get in contact with each other quickly because of Henry. Or, you know, just so we can talk."

Her smile grew wider. "Of course, Emma." She walked over to her, pulling out her own iPhone. "Talking would be nice."

They exchanged numbers. Regina Mills. It felt good to have a new contact in her phone. She couldn't remember the last time she had added a new contact to her list who was non-work related, especially someone she liked. Damn. She was really lonely.

"So…" Regina leaned to Emma, and they shared a single, passionate kiss. "I'll see you soon?"

"Mmhm."

Emma began to kiss her again, throwing her arms around Regina. They both took a few steps backward as they indulged in the moment.

"Emma…"

"Hm?"

Emma moved down to Regina's neck, pressing her lips against her soft skin.

"Emma!" Her voice was full of delight, and she let out a giggle. "Stop it!"

"Aw, but you like it."

She allowed Emma to continue, letting out a shaky breath. "The time…"

Emma came back to her lips, kissing her once more before backing away slightly. "I know. I never got the chance to say good morning to you."

Regina reached a hand up to her face and gazed longingly into her eyes. "Good morning, Emma."

She replied in a whisper, lost in the woman's brown eyes. "Good morning, Regina."

They leaned in for one more kiss. Regina then peered over Emma's shoulder. "7:35." She looked back at her. "Make yourself at home while we're gone."

"I think I already have."

"We'll leave around 7:50." Regina chuckled. "You can come out of hiding then."

"Sounds good."

Regina stepped away from her and headed to the door, opening it slightly and putting a finger to her lips. Emma mirrored the action, which earned her a grin from Regina as she walked out of the room and closed the door behind her. She glanced around the room, her eyes landing on the bed. It didn't take her long to decide what she would do in the meantime. The pounding in her head had returned.

"Sleep, here I come."

She fell face first on the bed and closed her eyes.


Regina walked down the hallway, stopping just before the kitchen and leaning against the wall for a minute to recover. She was reminded of the slight hangover, the pain in her head now returning after her exhilarating moment with Emma. She let out a breath and then glanced into the kitchen, seeing Henry eating a bowl of cereal at the table and reading the front page of the Storybrooke Daily Mirror, the town's local newspaper. She studied him, taking in any signs of unusual behavior. She was a bit worried that maybe he did hear something last night. He didn't seem perturbed by anything, though, and she figured he was sound asleep last night.

She entered the room, walking past Henry to the coffee maker. He dropped his spoon, which clacked loudly against the bowl, and exclaimed, "There you are!"

She cringed at the volume of his voice. "Good morning, Henry." She stared down at the coffee maker, deliberating if she wanted to make any. "Ready for school, dear?"

"Sure."

"Thank you for getting the newspaper."

"Yep."

She decided against making coffee and settled on buying it from Granny's diner on the way back from the school. She'd buy one for Emma, too. "Anything fun planned in class today?"

"I think Miss Blanchard is going to have us build birdhouses."

Right. Birdhouses. She lowered her voice, disgruntled. "Of course she is." She turned around and leaned against the counter, forcing a smile and sweet tone. "That sounds nice."

Mary Margaret Blanchard. She was Henry's fourth grade teacher. The woman absolutely annoyed her. She was too nice, too thoughtful. She meddled in other people's business because she misconstrued it as doing them a favor. She held on to hope as her precious good luck charm, that things would always work themselves out in the right way. She was in a dream. A dream that Regina had destroyed.

Regina.

Should you really be thinking that way given who Emma is?

She distracted herself from her conflicting thoughts by glancing at the stove clock and reading the time. "It's 7:42, Henry. Finish up quickly and brush your teeth."

"Okay." He took a few more spoonfuls of his cereal, drank the last of his orange juice, and stood up from his chair. He glanced at the dishes with hesitation. Regina walked over to the table and picked them up.

"I've got it. Go on and finish getting ready."

Henry nodded and ran out of the kitchen.

As Regina washed the dishes, she thought about the day ahead of her. What could she do with Emma before going off to work? They could walk to Town Hall together, hand in hand, sipping their coffees. She smiled at the idea, but reality dawned on her soon afterward. She knew they couldn't make their relationship public right away, especially with Emma having just arrived in Storybrooke the night before. Still, she was excited for that time to come and the many other moments she would spend with the blonde in the future. She couldn't remember feeling this way since the first glance she'd shared with…

Daniel.

She quickly turned away from the sink and headed out of the kitchen before she could dwell on the painful memories for too long. When she walked into the foyer, Henry was running down the stairs, and she smiled at him. "All set?"

Henry threw his backpack over his shoulder and nodded.

Regina grabbed her purse and took one last glance at Henry before opening the door. She put her hand on his back, guiding him through the door, and they were on their way to the bus stop. Henry wasn't particularly in a talkative mood that morning, which Regina figured had to do with last night's events.

What would he think?

Would he be accepting of my relationship with Emma?

Would he maybe not think I was so evil then?

"I hope you don't send her away."

They were now standing on Main Street, a little down the road from Granny's diner. The school bus was nearly on its way. The four children around them kept their distance, clearly intimidated by her presence. She was used to this. Their parents warned them of her, no doubt.

"What's that, dear?"

The bus stopped in front of them and opened its door. The kids ahead of Henry started to file inside. Henry turned around to face her. "Emma. Don't send her away."

"What makes you think I would do that?"

"Because of who you are." He turned away and ran to the bus, hurrying up the stairs before she could scold him.

She let out a breath, composing herself. "Have a good day, Henry."

Henry glanced over his shoulder at the top step, but said nothing. He turned away and walked further inside the bus, the doors closing then. She watched as the bus drove away, frowning.

I hope you don't send her away.

Because of who you are.

That was the expectation. Because of her past, she should have sent Emma away. And maybe she would have, if it hadn't been for the time they spent together the night before. But to tell her to leave? She was honest in telling Emma that she would hate herself for that. Because the woman she had gotten to know in the hours she had spent with her? She not only made her feel happy, but she reminded her of the person Regina used to be. Before the years of vengeful horror she had caused. Back when she was just a girl trying to make sense of her place in the world. When she was simply just Regina. And that thought was welcoming to her.

She walked over to Granny's and entered the diner. She came to counter, and Ruby took her order. She realized instantly that having Ruby take her order was a mistake, as the girl's curiosity piqued as soon as she pointed out a change in her usual order. Her facial expression and the tone of surprise in her response during their conversation gained attention of some of the customers. She could tell they were listening in and most likely picked up that she had seen someone the night before, which was exactly the last thing she wanted them to suspect when she was trying to keep her relationship with Emma a secret at the moment.

"The usual, Madam Mayor?"

"Yes, except make it two."

"Oh, so one coffee with…"

"No. Two of the same of what I order for myself."

"Oh. Coming right up then."

This wasn't the first time she'd ordered two coffees. She would order one for Graham when he would spend the night, which happened more frequently than she cared to admit, and his order wasn't the same as hers. The surprise came from the fact that this was the first time she had ordered two of the same.

"Hope you enjoy both of your coffees."

She regretted the words as soon as they left her lips. "They're not both for me." Shit. Why the hell did you say that?

"Oh."

Again with the "oh". Ruby already knew they weren't both for her. She was trying to arouse her. Regina practically threw the money at her and gripped the coffees tightly in her hands. "Thank you, Miss Lucas." She leaned over the counter and lowered her voice to a threatening whisper. "My business is my business. You got that, dear?"

Ruby shrank back a little, fear flashing in her eyes. "Yes, Madam Mayor."

Regina backed away with a wicked grin on her face. "Have a good day, Miss Lucas." She glared at everyone in the diner and made her way out.

As she walked back to the house, she stared guiltily at the two coffees in her hands. She had been defensive. Overreacted. She had given away that someone had spent the night with her. Someone who was not Graham. She hoped Ruby kept her mouth shut.

She also had another problem. She needed to break away from Graham, which wouldn't really be an issue, she figured. Their so called relationship had never meant anything, neither of them really ever feeling anything with each other. It was more of an on and off fling, which had all started because of her. She should have broken off the whole thing years ago, allowed Graham to move on and find someone that made him feel the way Emma made her feel.

And there was more. As much as she truly embraced having a relationship with Emma, she knew there was a long, long list of things she needed to fix and attempt to make up for if she wanted to stay with her. She would have to earn trust back from everyone in town, and at some point, she would have to get approval from the two people who would most likely be the least accepting of her relationship with the blonde. After everything she had done, it seemed like a near impossible task, but for Emma, she was going to try.

One step at a time. Just one step at a time, Regina.


Storybrooke's Annual Pumpkin Weekend!

After a short nap to regain some of the energy she had lost from the little sleep she had the previous night (although she didn't regret it!), Emma had made her way down to the kitchen. She found the newspaper lying on the table and decided to read it. Storybrooke Daily Mirror.

It had a ring to it.

She heard the sound of the front door opening and high heels clanking against the floor. She smiled, waiting for Regina's arrival.

"Hey."

Emma peered up from the paper. "Hey, Regina." She saw the two coffees Regina was holding, and she held one out to her.

"I got you some coffee."

She put the paper down and took the coffee. "Thanks."

Regina took a seat in front of her. "How's the hangover?"

Ugh. She didn't need the reminder. The nap had helped, but the resonating headache was still there. "Bearable. I've had worse. You?"

"Same." She pointed to the paper. "Anything interesting?"

"Well, apparently Storybrooke's annual Pumpkin Weekend is coming up soon."

"Ha, yeah, that's right. It's this weekend."

Emma grinned at her. "Want to go pick out a pumpkin together?"

"So we can carve some artwork into it?"

She tried to put on a serious composure, but it was hard to keep her trembling lips from forming into a grin. "No, of course not. I was thinking we could just come back to your place and smash the shit out of it."

Regina slapped her shoulder lightly. "Seriously? Are you still drunk?"

"I don't think so!"

"Anything else besides Pumpkin Weekend?"

"Nah. That's about it. Rest of it was kind of boring." She frowned, realizing that she may have insulted Regina. She's the mayor of Storybrooke, Emma. You should be careful of what you say about the town. You don't want to make her mad on your first day here. Or worse. Give her a reason to make you leave. "Sorry…"

Regina didn't seem the slightest bothered by the comment. "Don't apologize. Much doesn't happen here. Pumpkin Weekend is one of the highlights of the entire year."

Emma laughed. "Sure isn't Boston."

"No, definitely not."

They sipped at their coffees for a brief moment before either of them said anything.

"I'm going to have to head to work pretty soon." Regina frowned. "Sorry."

Emma was somewhat disappointed, but she tried not to let it show. She could wait for Regina, go explore the town while she was at work. "I understand. You have a town to run, after all."

"I'm going to walk there. Take advantage of the nice weather while I can. Would you like to join me? I can give you a quick tour of the town on my way."

She held the coffee close to her lips, smiling against the Styrofoam. "Yeah. I'd like that."

"Great." Regina took another sip of her coffee, lost in a sudden thought it appeared. She spoke up a minute later. "I've got to clean up the study. Almost forgot how we left it last night." She stood up.

Emma followed suit. "Let me help you."

"It's okay. I've got it."

"I made the mess, too. Besides. I left some of my things in there."

Regina smiled. "Okay."

The two made their way to the study and began to pick up their things. Emma threw on her jacket, zipping it halfway, and pulled her boots back on. She was about to go for her necklace, but she hesitated, looking at Regina's necklace. That ring… Something was pulling her toward it. The feeling of connectedness, the puzzle pieces fitting together, came back to her. The ring was certainly memorable.

She caught Regina's eyes as she bent down to pick up the empty glasses. The brunette smiled at her and disregarded the glasses, taking a few steps towards her. She picked up Emma's necklace and came behind her, pushing her hair aside gently to place the chain around her neck. Emma shivered at movement.

"There."

Emma put her hand on the pendant and looked down at the ring again. Regina walked around her and picked up her own necklace, holding it up to her. Emma's eyes shifted from the ring to Regina. She wanted her to do the same for her. She took the necklace and Regina turned around for her. She clipped the clasp and stepped away.

Regina turned around again, smiling her thanks at Emma before going back to pick up the glasses and the bottle of cider. They headed back to the kitchen, having restored the elegant atmosphere to the study. Regina immediately went over to the sink, turning on the faucet to wash the two glasses. Emma glanced around the room and saw a towel hanging from the stove handle. She grabbed it and leaned against the counter next to Regina, waiting for her to finish.

"Emma, you don't have to dry them."

"I want to."

"It's two glasses. They can air dry."

She shrugged. "I like drying dishes."

"Thanks."

"No problem." Emma's eyes fell to the dish washer, which was not too far away from them. "I see you have a dish washer."

Regina handed her one of the glasses. "Yeah, I do. Barely use it, though. I guess I just find washing dishes relaxing."

Emma dried the glass. "Don't worry. I'm the same way."

"You can just let your mind drift, you know?"

She placed the glass on the counter. "Exactly. It's peaceful."

"It is." Regina gave her the next glass and chuckled. "Except on the holidays."

"Sure." She fidgeted with the glass before drying it. "I mean, I can only imagine. I usually spend the holidays alone."

Regina turned off the faucet. "Yeah. Me too."

"My childhood… I never knew my parents. I was in and out of foster homes numerous times. I never really had a family to call my own."

Emma noticed Regina's eyes glisten a bit. "I'm sorry, Emma."

She shrugged. "It wasn't all bad. Others had it much worse than me. I do remember that there were a couple of holiday dinners when us foster kids helped out with the dishes. But I wasn't in homes too much during those times of the year." She placed the last glass on the counter, reflecting on the brunette's statement about being alone on the holidays. She hadn't expected that. She had to have family. They probably lived here. Or near town. If not, maybe they were far out. Perhaps too far out to come visit often? "You spend the holidays alone?"

Regina turned around and leaned against the sink, folding her arms across her chest. She seemed somewhat upset. Emma frowned. Family… It wasn't something Regina had stability with either. She was surprised by how much she shared in common with this woman.

"Yeah. I, um… I'm not really close to my family. At least not anymore."

"I'm sorry."

Regina shrugged. "I just feel bad for Henry. I wish he could get to know them…" The brunette turned away then, whispering something that Emma swore was, "Or not." She decided not to comment on it and instead settled on a hopeful note.

"Well, you've got me now."

Regina looked back to her. "I do. You're always welcome to spend the holidays with us. Henry would love that."

"I'm sure I could make some room in my schedule."

The holidays with Regina and Henry? Of course she could make room for it. More than anything she had wanted to have a real holiday experience. She was tired of sitting in front of her TV, gazing out the window, imagining a life where she had people to spend the holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas with. The idea of a home resonated with her. She had a home to go to on the holidays. She had that option.

Regina was blushing. She wanted it, too.

Emma smiled and picked up the glasses. "Where do these go?"

Regina pointed to the cabinet behind her. "Right behind you." She tentatively opened the cabinet door and raised the glasses to a shelf with similar ones, waiting for confirmation. "Yep, that's right." She put the glasses on the shelf and closed the cabinet door. She watched the brunette put the cider away when she suddenly remembered the towel. She hung it back over the stove handle. Regina called to her over her shoulder. "Ready to go?"

"Yep."

They picked up their coffees at the table and headed to the foyer. Regina stopped her at the front door, holding out her hand. Emma looked at it questioningly. She really wanted to hold hands on her walk? She didn't think Regina wanted to make it public yet. Why hide her from Henry this morning…?

Well, that was a different story.

Yeah, I never actually left your house last night. Your mom and I had sex after getting drunk. We're a thing now. Hope you're okay with it. Your two moms together.

She shook her head at the stupid thought. She realized instantly that Regina thought this meant she didn't want to hold hands, seeing the disappointment flash in her brown eyes. She quickly spoke up. "You want to hold hands in public?"

"Well… At least until we get into town. There won't be a lot of onlookers in the neighborhood."

Emma smiled and took Regina's outstretched hand with confidence. She saw her eyes soften, and the brunette gave her hand a gentle squeeze. Emma nodded towards the door. "Let's go."

They exited the house and walked down the pathway. They trekked on in silence, enjoying each other's company. Both eventually finished their coffees, discarding them on the way. Emma glanced at Regina as she threw her coffee out, earning herself a small grin.

Regina. Henry's adoptive mother.

Me. His birth mother.

It made so much sense. Both of his mothers. Together. That was what the kid needed. A true family.

It's what I need. It's what Regina needs.

Regina stopped before turning on to Main Street. "Well, this is it." She hesitated for a few seconds. Emma knew she didn't want to let go of her hand, but she did so anyway. "Sorry."

"It's okay." She peered around the corner, looking down Main Street. "So. This is where all the action happens."

"Yep. The busiest street in Storybrooke." The brunette nodded forward. "Come on. I'll tell you a little bit about the shops."

They took a couple of steps when Regina's phone suddenly rang. They stopped.

"Hold on. Let me take this." Regina pulled out her phone and answered it. "Hello?" Emma watched her face turn serious, then annoyed. Her tone reflected her expression as she continued. "Great. Thanks for letting me know." She hung up, sighing.

"Mayor troubles?"

"I wish. It's about Henry. He's not at school."

"I thought you dropped him off this morning."

Regina put a hand to her forehead, clearly distressed. "I did! He must have run away…"

The kid was at it again. He was still mad at his mother. She didn't understand. He couldn't keep running away just because he was trying to prove a point to her. Regina was not evil. She put a hand on her arm. "Hey. Don't worry. He couldn't have gone too far now that I'm here."

"Yeah."

"I'll help you find him."

"Emma, you don't…"

"No, I will."

The brunette turned to look at her, gratitude reflected in her expression. "Thanks, Emma. Let me make a quick call to work."

"Sure."

Emma watched her as she dialed the number and stepped aside. She put her hands in her jean pockets and waited. "Yes, this is Regina Mills…"

Henry, why are you doing this to her? Would you be doing the same thing to me?

Of course not. He didn't think she was evil. Rather, she was the solution to this whole "curse" problem. She was something of a hero, she guessed. But she was no hero. Just a real person trying to get through the shitty reality that life could be. She looked up and saw Regina approaching her. Well, maybe life wasn't all terrible… Now that she'd met Regina…

"Okay. Everything's settled now. So… Where to begin?"

"Did you try his friends?"

"He doesn't really have any. He's kind of a loner."

Oh no. That wasn't good. The kid sounded like herself. She tried to stay positive. "Every kid has friends. Did you check his computer? If he was close to someone, he'd be emailing them."

"And you know this how?"

"Finding people's what I do. So…" She brushed Regina's hand. "We'll have to head back to your house."

Regina took a quick look around her and then entwined her fingers with Emma's. "I don't mind one bit."


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