The three of them had finished up their plates, and Emma and David both complimented Regina on her impeccable cooking skills. As if claiming to already know this, Regina flipped her hair back over her shoulders, flashing a smile and a thank you as she did. Regina collected the now dirty, empty dishes and placed them in the sink, while David and Emma stayed seated, sipping on their drinks. Regina returned to the table as well, sitting next to Emma facing David.

"So, David how did you find Emma?"

"It was not easy, and it took about a year. After I figured out everything about Mary Margaret, I talked to her friends. I finally got a hold of the birth certificate, which no one had signed, and the hospital where she was born was torn down. After 6 months of trying it on my own, I enlisted the help of a private investigator."

"And he told you how to find me?" Emma asked.

"More or less, he checked out local orphanages and asked a lot of questions, we found your first home and started the trail from there. Eventually we came across a man named Arthur, I don't know if you remember him, but he was quite fond of you."

Emma and Regina smiled, both remembered Arthur and what he had done for Emma.

"I remember him. How is he doing?"

"Great as far as I could tell. He told me to tell you he finally did get another job and a promotion, he and his wife are working on baby number three."

"That's great! I'm so happy for him."

"Yeah, he seemed pretty happy."

"So, from him I went to 10 other foster homes, eventually finding you here in Storybrooke, Maine. Only, it seems you don't live with the foster parents anymore."

"I don't." Emma replied, daring David to ask more about it.

"Well, it seems you have done well on your own if you ask me."

"Yes, I have, although I have to say, I wouldn't be where I am without Regina."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, a situation arose in the home I was in, Regina gave me everything I needed to get out and make a life for myself."

David turned to Regina, thankful someone was watching over his baby girl.

"Regina, I seriously cannot thank you enough for watching out for her."

"I couldn't stop if I tried, she's a remarkable young woman."

"I'm beginning to see that. Can I ask what situation abrupted this move?"

"No, not yet. First tell me about my mother; what happened? The whole story this time.

David shifted in his seat, both hands holding to his glass as if his life depended on it. "Very well Emma, I suppose it's time."

"Damn right it is," Emma replied which resulted in Regina's elbow making contact with Emma's arm. "I'm sorry, I just need to know."

"I know you do sweetheart. I won't keep it from you any longer. It was in 1997 when I first met your mother. I was a contractor for a business in Colorado, and she was in college to become an educator. Our company got an email saying that there was a project being done for a university, coincidently the same one your mother attended in Arizona. So we packed up, only intending to be there for a month, and headed that way."

"My mom was a teacher?"

"I know she was in school to become one, I don't know what become of her after I left, I didn't see her again."

"So you two met at the school I presume?" Regina asked, encouraging David to keep going with the story.

"Yes, we did. It was January, it was freezing colds winds and temperatures, and yet we still had a deadline. Your mother would bring me and all the other men coffee every day. She was sweet that way, she didn't care that she didn't know us. In fact, we were all strangers to her, but she was stubborn and had a heart of gold, telling us to drink it and keep warm so we wouldn't get sick and spread it to her during the first week of school."

"My my, bringing coffee every day, must be a family tradition." Regina added, smirking in Emma's direction.

"Emma, is that how you got Regina? You bribed her with coffee?"

"I did no such thing! I do not bribe, but I may have…enticed her with my coffee sharing capabilities."

Regina and David both broke out into fits of laughter, and the more Emma watching them, she felt her lips turn up into a smile as well. Emma gave a playful shove towards Regina, which made Regina laugh harder.

David stopped laughing and looked at the way the two women looked at each other. He could see in their eyes they were in love. He didn't know if they had said it yet to each other or really any other details about their relationship, but he knew they cared a great deal for one another.

"So how long have you two been dating?"

Both women looking at each other, questioning whether they should go in depth of how all of this started or save that part for later, when they know him a little better. They decided to go with the latter.

"A little over two months," Emma responded.

She took note of the surprised look David returned to her.

"Really? Geez, you two act like you have known each other forever."

"That's what it feels like, if we're being honest. I never knew I could have so little in common with someone, and yet feel completed all at the same time," Regina admitted.

"That's what Mary and I had. It was short lived, but the love we had for one another went further than we both expected."

"How did you know," Emma asked, "How did you know you loved her?"

"I'd assume the same way you knew you loved Regina." David replied. Upon seeing Emma's face suddenly flush with a shade of pink, he continued, "She captivated my every thought. I don't think I really ever truly understood that love that went on in movies and books, until I met Mary. I would work and literally count down the minutes until she would show up with coffee in her hands. I couldn't wait to hear her voice or see her face. It was like nothing I had ever felt in my whole life. Given, I was only 23 at the time, but still, she made my world turn upside down."

"Like you weren't living before you met her, only existed?"

"Yes, exactly like that. Her life gave meaning to mine; even when I wasn't expecting it to. I just wanted to stay and keep her in my arms forever."

"Why didn't you," Regina asked, eyes watering.

"I was scared. Like I said, I had never felt like this before in my life; therefore, I wasn't sure how to handle it or even how to respond to it. I never meant to hurt her or you Emma."

Emma nodded, understanding as she did. She herself had been in that boat with Regina. She contemplated leaving several times, just because she was sure this was going to end badly or Regina would leave her. She taught herself survival, leaving before getting left. That feeling popped up from time to time, but when she was now in Regina's arms, the thought of leaving her, never being in her arms again, terrified her. She couldn't breathe without her. As cliché as that sounds, Regina had given her a new life; full of love, hope and happiness. She definitely understood where David was coming from, and that terrified her too.

They boarded the airplane, Regina still following closely behind Emma. The flight attendant greeted them and explained where to place their bags and the speeches about safety she would be giving later. Emma stopped at their row, extended an arm to let Regina slide in first, giving her the seat next to the window. Emma placed their carry-ons above their seats, after asking Regina if she needed anything out of hers, to which she shook her head.

Emma sat down in the seat next to Regina and took a deep breath. Just a hour and a half. No big deal, she could get through this. Regina was occupied by looking out the window, seeming nervous.

"Have you ridden on a plane before?" Emma asked, turning to face Regina who once again shook her head.

"No, is it that obvious?"

"No, I just, I know you."

Regina smiled, "Yes, I supposed you do."

Emma was about to say something back when her phone started ringing. While Emma was digging through her bag, slightly cursing at it, Regina just smiled to herself, finding amusement that the blonde hadn't changed. Finally locating the device, Emma answered and held it up to her ear.

"Hello?"

"Hey baby girl how are you?"

"I'm great. I'm on a plane right now. What about you?"

"On a plane, where are you going? I'm good too by the way."

"Atlantic City."

"Ohhh, sounds like a party, I'm a bit offended I wasn't invited."

"No, it's not a party, it's a teacher's conference."

"Oh, so you got the job?"

"Oh yeah, I did. Wow, has it really been that long since we've talked?"

"I guess so, strange it doesn't feel like that long! I guess that's what happens when your daughter is always going places."

"Just went back, I don't know if that counts as 'places' sir."

"Maybe not, but I hope you found your place."

Emma glanced over at Regina, who was looking out the window again, trying to give the blonde some privacy.

"Yeah, I hope so too."

"So this teacher's conference, are you being accompanied by anyone or are you just going solo?"

"No, not solo, I uh, well, Regina is going with me."

Regina looked over at Emma, suddenly curious as to who she was talking with. David paused before finally saying, "Regina…as in…"

"Yes," Emma replied.

"OH MY GOD! I'm officially out of the loop! When did you two get back together? This is awesome!"

No, stop. We're not together; she's just escorting me around."

"Yeah, I bet she is."

"STOP! Don't make this dirty." Emma tried to whisper, not to let the brunette hear her. She failed.

Regina was already giving her this questioning look. Part out of curiosity, part out of embarrassment.

"Emma who is that?" Regina asked.

"Was that her?"

"Yes, it was."

"She's right next to you?"

"Yes she is"

"Let me talk to her!"

"No! You're just going to make things awkward!"

Gasping as if he was truly offended, David replied with, "Let me talk to her or I'll sing Celine Dion for the next 20 minutes."

"You wouldn't…"

"NEAR…FAR…WHEREVER YOU ARE."

Emma slapped her forehead as she held out her phone away from her ear. She finally gave in after the chorus was over, putting the phone back to her ear.

"Okay! Okay! I give just stop the singing for the love of God please!"

David immediately stopped and Emma could feel the smirk on his face as she reluctantly handed Regina the phone. Regina looked at her with that confused stare again, but taking the phone anyway; she put it up to her ear.

"Hello?"

"Regina Mills as I live and breathe."

Regina recognized the voice instantly and immediately her lips sprung into a smile.

"David Nolan, you son of a bitch how are you?"

"Hell of a lot better now! I can't believe it's really you! What are you doing?"

"Uh, just on a plane with…your daughter."

"Oh yes, she mentioned that. So are you two sharing a hotel room when you get there or?"

Regina's face blushed and Emma's face was planted into her hands; she didn't even want to know what her father was saying.

"I uh am not sure, I didn't make the sleeping arrangements."

Emma looked over at Regina and started waving her arms around. Emma tried to signal to her to hand her back the phone, but she didn't listen; she never did.

"Of course you didn't. Well, before you decide anything, keep in mind things like this only happen once in a lifetime, don't waste it."

"Things like what?"

"Second chances, dear, I know how you both left things 20 years ago wasn't exactly your picture of a happy ending."

"Indeed, it wasn't, but I doubt there is anything I can do about that now."

Emma finally gave in, and signaled to Regina she was going to the bathroom.

"Don't be so sure, Emma forgave me after almost 20 years of not being around."

"Yes, true, but you didn't know there is a difference."

"Honey, you protected my daughter, that's more than I could've asked for from you. I know it wasn't easy, it devastated you both. Emma is hurt, but I know you wouldn't put her through that if you thought there was another way out. I'm not blind to the fact you loved my daughter."

"David, I think I still do."

"Then don't waste another minute. Get her talking, get to know her all over again. Learn each other again; find out what has went on and who you both are as a person now. And once you do that, and you both stop being stubborn and commit to each other, come see me, I miss you love."

"I've missed you too David, and thank you."

"For what?"

"For not hating me, I'm sure it wasn't easy when I broke your daughter's heart."

"Actually it was, because I knew your heart was broken as well. Don't forget I've also been in a similar situation."

"Yes, I suppose you were."

"Emma is more like her mother than she realizes, more than I realized."

"Meaning what?"

"That she's a lover and a fighter, she's going to fight this hand, foot, and teeth. It's only because she doesn't understand. She doesn't understand how you could hurt her, and her still love you. And you know her more than anyone, when she doesn't understand or know what to feel, she'll shut everyone out and put her walls up again."

"Her walls are already up with me. I hate it. I know I deserve it after everything I put her through. I didn't expect her to welcome me back with open arms now that I got my shit together, but I just… I don't know what I expected."

"Come on Gina, you expected this, you just hoped for something different."

"Yeah, I suppose I did."

"You know good things take time though. You can't just win her over with your smile again, all the memories are tainted."

"I know, I just don't know what to do."

"You do what you always do with Emma. Be yourself. It's not going to happen over night, it's going to take time, but if you love her like I think you do, you won't give up."

"David I love her so much, I would do anything for her, but how do I know she feels the same?"

"You won't. Not at first at least, she her walls and she's going to hide behind them very well. You can't change her, it wouldn't be love if you wanted to, but you can hold her hand and reassure her you aren't going anywhere this time."

"I don't exactly think she would believe me dear, after all I have said that before."

"But you kept your word didn't you? You never left."

"I don't think she sees it that way, because in her mind, I left her."

Emma returned from the restroom, going on about the line, and then realizing Regina was still on the phone with David and rolled her eyes. It always astounded her that no matter their history, David loved Regina. Everytime Emma would go on a date, he would hold them to the "Regina standard" to which, she had to admit, many failed to meet.

"You're probably right, but you're not going to get anything done if you spend this whole time talking to me."

"Did you or did you not ask to speak with ME?"

"…Semantics."

"You're impossible, just like your daughter," Regina teased, earning a tongue sticking out from Emma.

"Well at least she gets something from me," David teased back.

"Oh yes, I assure you she does."

Emma looked curiously over at Regina, not liking not knowing what they're talking about.

"Well, you two have fun, don't do anything I wouldn't do! But if you decide to, add whip cream, it's always better with whip cream."

"DAVID! Oh my god!"

"I'm just saying!"

"BYE DAVID" Regina practically screamed while handing the phone back to Emma who was curious as to why Regina's cheeks looked like cherry tomatoes.

"Dad? What did you say?"

"Nothing, just two friends catching up," David reasoned.

"Dad…her face looks like one big cherry."

Regina looked up at her, almost insulted, but agreed reluctantly.

"Hey, you know what goes great with cherries?"

"What?"

"Whip cream."

And with that Emma's face suddenly matched Regina's and David hung up before Emma could say another word. Her eyes grew wider as she just put the phone in the pocket of her leather jacket.

"I am so sorry," Emma finally told Regina.

"Don't be," Regina chuckled, "I've missed him."

"He's missed you too, I feel like I should give him your number, after all he called me and just wanted to talk to you."

"Ah, that's just because he hasn't heard from me in a while, you're still his favorite."

"I should hope so, but he cares about you."

"I care for him too Emma, and you."

"I know that."

"You do?"

"Yeah."

They both wanted to say more. They both wanted to do and say more, but they couldn't find the words or actions. It went back to being awkward and uncomfortable, but neither one knew how to break the silence. Luckily, the flight attendant suddenly did, going over the safety protocol like she had promised.

Barely listening, Regina's eyes flew back out the window and Emma sulked in her chair, beginning to realize it was going to be a very bumpy ride.

"So how did it go from her bringing you coffee, to here, where we are now?" Emma asked.

"Honestly, I don't even know that I'm sure of that. But, I promised to share what I know, so I will do my best."

"Thank you."

"It was late in January, it was cold and it was rainy. Mary hadn't been there with coffee that day. I was surprised and worried. When my shift was over, I wanted to look for her, even though I had no idea where to start. I actually started at the coffee cart, the one she always went to purchase coffee for me and the boys. The cart owner recognized her instantly, saying he was quite shocked himself to know she hadn't been by yet, but gave me the location of her dorm."

"Stalker much?"

"Hey, he helped me find her."

"Touché"

"Anyway, I did the most embarrassing thing ever."

"You knocked on every single door didn't you?" Regina asked, seemingly to already know.

"Why yes, yes I did."

"That's adorable"

"It was pathetic and creepy to put it in Mary's words."

"You found her?"

"I did. Turns out she was sick. She had tissues stuck in her hair and her nose made her resemble Rudolph."

They all three laughed together at this description; laughing not at Mary, but with her because they had all been there.

"I remember looking at her and just smiling, because even with tissue hair and a red nose, I thought she looked breathtaking."

Regina placed her arm around Emma, which grabbed the blonde's attention, and just smiled at her. Emma touched the hand draped around her with her own and intertwined their fingers.

"And that was what I liked to call our first date. She invited me in, I fixed her coffee this time, and made her some chicken noodle soup. It was like we were an old married couple, bickering about going to the doctor and someone being too stubborn."

"Boy, does that sound familiar," Regina teased.

"Right, because you're never stubborn right?" Emma replied.

"Nope, never."

"Uh huh."

"I'm sorry, but you two are so cute. I'm really happy you found someone to make you happy Emma."

"Me too." Emma replied back, looking lovingly into Regina's eyes.

"So, the night you were conceived, I'm going to skip over any details that may scar you or your girlfriend, I'm guessing you know how babies are made."

"No Dad, are you saying the storks don't bring them?" Emma asked teasingly

"You just called me Dad." Was all David could say back.

"Yeah well, it'll probably happen again."

"I'd be perfectly fine with that."

"So, my conception?"

He began to tell his daughter all about that night. It was their first date. He took her to a magical restaurant that was beyond good. Home-style food, the biggest cheeseburgers you can imagine, and so delicious they should be illegal, milkshakes. They had talked nonstop; feeling each other with their own dreams and aspirations. Sharing who they hoped to become one day, they quested to know each other more. It was magical and mysterious all in one. They kissed in the rain, all the up the stairs to Mary's dorm. It was empty except for the two of them, and they found themselves giving into temptation. Emma could guess the rest.

"The next day, I had an email saying they were going with a cheaper company to finish the rest of the project, and we were to return home. I didn't see Mary again, but I left her a note explaining it all with my number attached. She never called."

They were all silent and hopeful gazes turned into sorrowful ones. Neither one of them felt the need to speak, they just basked in the silence.

"Seventeen years passed before I made my way back to Arizona, trying to find her and fix what I broke. I thought it was the best thing, leaving her. She was driven and on her way to being something before I came along, I didn't think she cared the way she did. I was going to explain everything when I found her. Only, when I did, I wasn't talking to Mary, I was talking to her tombstone. Not soon after that, I found out about you. I knew I had to find you and try to make up for lost time; almost like I planned to do with your mother, but never got the chance."

All three had tears in their eyes. They were crying not because the death of Emma's mother, but also because life was cruel. We usually realize our mistakes after they happen, and while sometimes the damage is done and there's no fixing it, we like to believe it's never too late. Only in this case, David would never get the chance to find out if it was; that opportunity was lost to him forever.

"I'm so sorry David," Regina finally said, breaking the silence.

"Thank you, that means a lot."

"I'm sorry you never got to make up with mom, but I'm happy you chose to make it up with me." Emma said.

"Thank you for allowing me too. I don't know what I'd do if I lost both of you."

"Yes well, I am pretty amazing." Emma teased back, gaining another elbow from Regina.

"I'm sure you are Emma, I can't wait to find out more about you and Regina. You both have made me very welcome, I cannot repay that."

"Don't leave her again." Regina finally said.

"Never."

The brunette and David made their way to the living room as Emma put leftovers away. They made their way to the door, and as David grabbed his coat, he stretched out his hand towards Regina.

As she shook it with her own he said, "Thank you for watching out for her when I couldn't. When I wasn't the person she needed me to be, you were there and I will never forget that."

"Thank you for stepping up and being the person I could never be to her; her Father."

As soon as the plane had landed, Emma woke up. She found herself with her head on Regina's shoulder while Regina was reading a book. She slowly raised her head up, getting the brunette's attention.

"Good morning sleepy head." Regina teased.

"Hey, sorry about that, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"Don't worry about it, it was nice. Your head makes a nice pillow as well."

"Oh, well thanks," Emma said, blushing.

They waited for the other passengers to exit before Emma stood up empting the contents of their over-head storage. They both grabbed their bags, waved goodbye to the flight attendant, and exited the plane.

They quickly made their way to baggage claim, and Emma grabbed both suitcases again. Regina just smiled up at her, watching the toned muscles of the blonde. After double checking that they had everything, the two of them exited the airport, wailing a cab outside.

"Do we have time to go to the hotel first?"

"I think we have to, where else would we put our bags."

"Oh, that's right. I'm sorry, blonde moment."

"Oh now, don't blame the hair."

"Oh ha freaking ha Regina."

Once a cab had pulled over, Emma opened the door for Regina to slide in first, Regina thanked her and when Emma slid in next to her, they both began buckling.

"Where to misses?" The cabbie asked.

"The Holiday Inn, next to the boardwalk I do believe."

"Can do," the cabbie said, as he changed the gear shift into drive and headed into traffic, "The name is Merlin, and you can take this if either of you need to go somewhere," Merlin finished as he handed them both his card.

"Thank you that's very sweet of you," Regina responded.

Merlin went on his usual cabbie monologue, explaining how he came into the business. The ladies weren't really paying attention, but they nodded and spared a few 'Ah's here and there to make it sound like they were. It wasn't his fault, he was really sweet, but Atlantic City was much different than the town they were used to, and their attention was mostly set on that.

When the speech stopped and the taxi came to a halt, Merlin proudly stated, "Here we are ladies!"

Regina reached into her purse and placed two twenties into Merlin's reach, "Thank you so much. I believe this should cover our expenses."

"Yes ma'am," Merlin took the money humbly, "thank you."

"Not a problem."

Merlin exited his door and popped the trunk, grabbing the ladies bags and setting them on the sidewalk.

"Do you need any help with those?"

"No dude, we got it, thanks though," Emma said.

Merlin tipped his hat and bid his farewells as he entered the taxi once again, and drove off.

"Thanks for paying for the ride, you didn't have to."

"You didn't have to carry my bags this whole time, but you are."

"Yeah well, can't have you breaking any nails now could I?"

"Oh very funny Swan, I can handle my own bags thank you."

"Ha! Doubtful Mills, it feels like you packed your entire wardrobe in here."

"Don't be preposterous," She said while the girls both walked inside the hotel's doors, "There's no way all my clothes would fit in that suitcase."

"True, you have a point."

They walked up to the receptionist desk, both slightly nervous as they did not make the reservations and hoped someone had. They both realized they didn't know what name was put down or how long they were staying here, they didn't even pay for it so they weren't sure what to say.

"Uh, hi. We're Emma Swan and Regina Mills, we're here for the-"

"Oh yes of course! Congratulations by the way!"

Emma being the naïve gal she was, said thank you, even though she was confused what she had done to deserve such greeting.

"It is magical isn't it?"

Emma and Regina both stared at each other, wondering what this woman was going on about.

"Uh, yeah, it sure is."

"Marriage is beautiful; just like your honeymoon suite!"

"Our…what?"

"Oh don't worry! It's all been taken care of darling! Come follow me!"

Emma grabbed the bags and followed the woman who had their keys, and kept trying to convince her there had been a mistake. Regina shook her head while following the both of them, laughing at how freaked out Emma was.

"Here we are ladies," the woman said, opening the door to the honeymoon suite.

It was beautiful. It was of course a one bedroom, open living/kitchen concept, and a balcony which over looked the docks; it was spectacular. There was only one bathroom, his and her sinks of course, with a large Jacuzzi tub and a stand up glass shower. Both women were speechless with how lovely it was.

Emma finally came to her sense once she saw there was only one bed.

"Miss, wait I really think there's been a misunderstanding, we need two beds."

"Oh dear, I know I may look it, but I am not under the impression that two attractive women like you sleep separately, especially on your honeymoon! I insist, enjoy yourselves!"

Regina knew this was never going to end, so she nonchalantly walked up to Emma, put her arm around her shoulders, and said, "Yes wifey, let's go enjoy ourselves."

Emma's face turned blood red and with a quick smirk, the receptionist exited the room, shutting the door. As soon as she heard the door close, Regina removed her arm and the blonde said, "What the hell was that?"

"Ten shades of red Emma! I counted!"

"Are you kidding me right now?"

"Well, I mean…"

"Just remember payback is a bitch dear"

"Ahh, that was funny and you know it. She thinks we're married!"

"I know! How did that even happen? We're here for a teacher's conference, not a honeymoon!"

"Well, I'm aware of that, but it didn't seem like she was."

"But how-" Emma stopped as her eyes made contact with a bottle of wine and a bowl of strawberries on the counter. She saw there was a piece of paper in front of them, and made her way over there to read it.

Hey hooker! Hope you enjoyed your surprise, I'm sure you turned what 8 shades of red? The greatest part of all this is you can't kill me when you're in a different state! Bought some wine and strawberries to help set the mood, enjoy your honeymoon!

-Red

"I'm going to kill her."