AN: Sorry for the wait, but it seems life won't let me update more than once every month or so. Thank you for hanging on!
As sunlight filtered through the gauzy curtains of their bedroom windows Emma groaned. She rolled off of Regina's still sleeping form and rubbed at her eyes. She grinned, thinking of the activities that led to her being so deliciously sore. She knew she couldn't bask forever though and gently woke her fiance.
"Gina baby?" she asked. "We need to wake up. I have to get the bug from the Charming's place, and we really should make sure that they're going to leave town."
Sighing, Regina sat up in bed. "Yes dear, you're right. But I'm not letting you go alone, and I'm not bringing Henry with us. He's seen enough of his grandparents deceit."
"Uh, you want me to call Neal?"
"No, dear. As much as he loves our son, I want someone who could actually protect him in a fight to stay here. I'll call Granny and Red."
"Okay, whatever you think is best. But one day you're going to explain your connection to those two to me."
It didn't take long for the wolfy women to appear at their house. Emma explained the situation to their friends, eliciting matching growls from Ruby and Granny.
"Snow was my best friend for a long time. I hate to believe that she's capable of this kind of manipulation. But she has changed a lot in this world. And David just follows her like a kicked puppy," Ruby sighed in defeat.
"Thanks for believing us Rubes. Regina wouldn't leave Henry with anyone else while we go and deal with the fall out from this."
"Don't worry about Henry, Granny is making him breakfast right now. Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?"
"No Tink, Neal and Hook are meeting us there. Plenty of witnesses that way, and since Blue was going to help them with Snow's whole twisted scheme I wanted to make sure we had a fairy on our side."
"Alright, be safe. And come home quickly," said the wolf.
"Don't worry we will. I want the truth about you and Granny's relationship with my fiance when we get home," smiled the savior.
"Fiance?!" exclaimed Ruby.
"Yep," Emma said, pooping her lips on the 'p'.
By the time Regina poofed them to the street outside Snow's apartment, their make shift posse was already waiting for them. The old yellow bug was still parked along the curb. As a single unit, then began the march up to the Charming's small apartment.
When banging on the door garnered no response, Regina blew it off it's hinges. Inside stood Snow, Charming, Blue, and the dwarfs. Apparently they were only able to muster up eight people willing to stand with them against the Evil Queen and the Savior.
"What are you still doing in Storybrook?" demanded Regina.
"This is our home. You have no right to force us in to exile!" screamed Snow.
"Actually, this is my home. My family's home! I created Storybrook when I created the curse. As it's creator it is within my rights to exile anyone from within it's bounds," hissed the witch.
The White Queen's face became alight with rage, she clenched her fists nails digging into her palms until copper could be smelt in the air.
"We are not leaving without recompense! How are we supposed to make out way in the world? Exile is no better than death!" screeched the now fallen queen.
"You sent me into that world that day of my birth, and I survived it. I suspect that you can draw on your lives as Mary Margaret and David to get your through. I was never any one but Emma Swan, orphan.
"It's ironic really, if you hadn't put me in that fucking tree in the Enchanted Forest you wouldn't be sent into exile in this world. I think it's time you were on your way. You can empty your bank accounts, and bring any possessions you wish to keep. I wouldn't want to leave that baby in your belly out on the street like you left me." Emma managed to deliver her speech without breaking down, and was proud of that fact. Taking one last look at her parents she turned and left the apartment.
Regina followed her lover out to the street, jogging to catch up with her. "Emma, darling, wait!"
She saw her savior pause mid step, shoulders tense, waiting for her lover. Regina hurried forward and stood in front of the blonde, wiping tears from her beautiful face.
"Hook, Tink and Neal will make sure that they leave town. The dwarfs and Blue are going with them. Not by choice, but by necessity. You and I are going home. Granny will make us all lunch. The boys are coming by to pick Henry up for a sleep over once they've made sure that everyone has made it across the town line. And then, I'm sure Ruby will delight in telling you about our shared childhood," she hurried to get all the information out.
"Just take us home. And no magic, we have to drive the bug," Emma spoke through her tears.
The mayor held out an open palm, which was quickly filled with the sheriffs keys.
When they arrived home it was to the combined smells of cookies and coffee. It made both women smile. Strolling in to the kitchen, they found Red pouring them steaming mugs of coffe while Granny was pulling cookies from the oven. Henry was sitting on a stool by the kitchen island, happily munching away at a still warm chocolate chip cookie.
"Her ya go, ladies!" smiled Red as she handed coffee mugs, made to the specifications of each woman's usual order at the diner, off to each of them.
"Thank you Ruby," Emma sighed around the lip of her mug.
"Hi Mom, Ma!" squealed their suddenly childish seeming son. "We made cookies for you."
"While I doubt the cookies were really for us, thank you for being so thoughtful Granny." smirked Regina.
"Henry, you need to go upstairs and pack an over night bag. Your father and Hook will be here shortly to pick you up."
"Can I bring some cookies?" he asked innocently.
"Yeah pal, you can bring some cookies," Emma said tenderly.
He took off like a shot, the four women in the kitchen could hear him thundering up the stairs.
"So Rubes, I hear you're going to tell me some tales about you and Regina's shared childhood?"
"Uh... as long as Regina is giving me permission, then yeah I can do that," the wolf smiled at the formerly evil queen.
"Just wait until our son has departed, then both you and Granny may educate Emma as to why I look at you both so fondly," muttered the mayor.
They were interrupted from their thoughts by the sound of the door bell ringing followed by Henry speeding down the steps. Emma and Regina escorted the boy to the door. When they opened it they found Neal holding Hook's hand. Both women raised their eyebrows, but said nothing.
"Um, everything is as it should be at the town line," spoke Neal.
"Thank you Neal. For everything. Please enjoy your time with the kid." Emma said sincerely. "That goes for you too Hook."
With that the men took Henry back to their car, still holding hands.
"Gina, are you seeing what I'm seeing here?" asked the sheriff.
"Yes dear, I do believe I am," laughed the brunette.
They closed the door on the picture of domesticity before them, and returned to the kitchen where Granny was putting the finishing touches on lunch and Ruby was washing the dishes.
"So, how 'bout a story then?" Emma asked.
AN: I know, I'm leaving you hanging. But the story of Regina, Granny and Red deserves it's own chapter.