Author's Note – Thank you all our new followers and the favorites! I know we may have lost some readers due to the rating being bumped up, but we felt that the intimacy portrayed wasn't just physical but emotionally significant.

This chapter is an interlude before the big fight! Why it's a tad shorter =)

And as always - We are neither A&E nor ABC; we do not own OUAT. We just play in a certain town in Maine and its fairytale land counterpart…

Chapter Eight

What Archie noticed first about Henry was how much he'd grown into being a young man in the last year. Much taller and his voice had changed; it fluctuated a little as all teen boys did, but it was much deeper than Archie remembered. He even carried himself with more confidence than before. Clearly, life in New York had been good for him.

I won't analyze how a life without fairy tales and magic seemed to make him a better young man, Archie thought. I learned all about the price of magic in my own youth…

"Seems Pongo walks with you like he's known you for a long time," Archie remarked, a smile in his voice as they crossed the street and passed by Storybrooke Bakery. He gave a wave to the baker who always gave Pongo end of day breadsticks as treats. She waved back.

"Yeah it seems that way. I really don't have to do much. Pongo's doing it all." Henry was quite taken with the affectionate dalmatian. Pongo trotted along happily with a wagging tail, often looking back to make sure that both of his walking companions were enjoying themselves too.

"He's a good dog. Smart, too!" Archie said with a grin. "And… it's probably more comfortable to be out letting him walk us than hanging around the diner, huh?"

The young man smiled in agreement. "Yes it is. I'm glad my mom agreed to this." It also reminded him of the time he went for a stroll with Mayor Mills - talking and having ice cream, trying to make sense of this town and his mother's purpose here. He had felt comfortable with her and now with Dr. Hopper. "I'll admit it's hard being in a room full of people that my mom really knows well. Who also knew my father but …" His voice grew grim. "... I know nothing about them ... or him."

Archie was fortunate that he'd learned so much about Henry through his sessions years ago, and had pieced more together from conversations with Emma after she'd come to Storybrooke. It made this so much easier where he felt his conscience wouldn't eat him for lying to his young friend.

"Well… your mother already told you some about their past. For instance, why you grew up with her rather than both parents." He referred to Emma's stint in jail, of course. "Your parents were young when they met… and sometimes, that can make a relationship tough to deal with. Your father was the 'odd jobs' sort of guy, you could say. And, your mother… well, she's always been the type to pull herself up by the bootstraps and survive. But, you know that about her, don't you?"

Henry smirked quite knowingly. "Yes. She's done whatever was necessary to make sure we had a good life. Nothing gets her down."

But then he sighed, casting his gaze down at their shadows as they walked. "But being here gets her down. And not just because of my father. I know she didn't want to come here but that Killian guy convinced her to. A guy dressed like that of all things. It really makes no sense."

Archie couldn't help but smirk at Henry's assessment. But, his expression sobered. "Sometimes, it's hard to come back home after you've been away. Not that… not that Emma necessarily calls Storybrooke home. I mean… well, it's just that there's a lot of history for her. As you've probably noticed, Henry." He paused. "Do you like it here?"

"Yeah. I definitely get there's a lot that happened around here with my mom. Stuff she hasn't told me about yet. And everyone acts all weird around me, but they're nice too. It's just…" he shrugged, tugging on Pongo's leash accidentally. The spotted pooch glanced back, ears up with a curious look as Henry glanced off into the distance. "I don't know. It's just weird. Being here. It's nice and all but it's not home."

Archie nodded and actually smiled at that. "Storybrooke is a little weird, isn't it? I mean… I can't imagine living anywhere else now, but it has its small-town quirks for sure."

Their path turned, taking them in the direction of Mifflin Street and he made no move to change course. It was clear that Henry didn't remember the town anyway, so there was no harm walking past his old home with Regina. It was strange to interact with a Henry Mills who had no obvious sense of imagination or wonder for magic. Archie knew they were keeping him deliberately in the dark since he had no memories, but still. It was peculiar to experience first hand.

"I've never been to a city as big as New York myself. Is it as busy as they say?"

"Busier. I think no one really thinks it's going to be that busy until they visit. There's always people walking around. Seriously. Always! And the traffic. Can't escape it. But just like all big cities, you can always find awesome things to do and eat." He smiled wistfully. "I really miss the hot dogs there. Even if mom doesn't let me have them as often as I want."

Thinking of how strict Regina had been about Henry's diet, his interests, and everything else, the fact that Emma gave him limits too made Archie smile. But, he wondered what was going to happen when this threat from the Wicked Witch was settled. Would Henry remember Storybrooke and his life here? Or, would they go back to New York since the mayor's magic had clearly given them such a good life away from Henry's hometown? Would Regina allow that?!

"It sounds nice," Archie said, meaning it. "Busier than I think I could handle… but I'm a small-town kind of guy."

"Obviously," Henry said, looking rather impish - much like Regina. "You live here after all."

He tipped an imaginary hat and laughed. "Absolutely right. So, besides hot dogs, what do you most look forward to when you go back home?"

That coaxed a chuckled out of him before Henry took on a pensive look. "Getting back to our routine. I miss it. Having breakfast together, walking me to my bus stop, coming home and talking about what happened all day. Just …"

He found it difficult to articulate his feelings just then because it wasn't something that he had ever shared with Emma. As perfect as their life was together, Henry couldn't shake the feeling something was missing. Perhaps that void could have been Walsh, but if his mother was sure about him, she would have given him an answer to his proposal before leaving New York. That was just how his mom worked.

Archie filled the silence with the obvious prompt. "Just…?"

"... just everything is awesome but something's missing. It's great being us but sometimes I wonder if it's enough for mom." He casually looked around, eyes glancing towards the mansion they walked past without any indication that he actually had a room waiting inside there for him. "She says I am, but even I know that can't always be enough."

He narrowed his focus back onto Archie. "Was my mom ever happy here? I mean, from what I can piece together, she was here for awhile. So there had to be something good to make her stay before my father entered the picture. But then I can also tell mom's unhappy now. She's so ...distant when we talk. I think she feels that's partially to blame because she couldn't be upfront as to why we were really here. That's true to a point and I get it, but I'm also worried about her too. She's just … really off."

There's the Henry I know… always able to see into the hearts of others. What did they call him in Neverland? The truest believer.

Archie tried to figure out how best to answer Henry's questions about Emma and her relationship with Storybrooke. This wasn't going to be easy, but he resolved to tell the truth as best he could.

"I think she was, Henry. She'd made good friends with Mary Margaret and David She had a good relationship with a lot of people in town," he replied. "At first, she and the mayor didn't get along too well… I'm sure you can see that their personalities are a bit different. But, it seemed like they had become friends when your mom left town."

Honestly, it seemed like they were more than friends, Archie mused, remembering being at the town line with everyone, and all the better if they were. For them as well as for Henry.

Folding his lips inward, Henry digested this information. He could see that his mom was once close to Mary Margaret and the Sheriff by the way they interacted. The familiarity was there between them in the way they talked and how the couple were always looking out for Emma in little ways - especially David. He would always offer to accompanying his mother everywhere, even when she insisted it was unnecessary. He was always apt to ask 'Are you sure?' after every request of his. The Sheriff was very doting, but Henry didn't feel the same warmth towards Mary Margaret. There was some tension there with her and his mom and he had no idea what it could stem from, since the school teacher had quite the friendly and honest attitude. Just he noticed Emma's quick, precise matter of fact tone when speaking to her compared to the reluctant patience towards David.

Which then brought his thoughts to his mother and Mayor Mills. There was definite tension there too, but was it a current issue because of the job or a by-product of the past? Despite Dr. Hopper's assurances of their friendship, it was hard to say. His mother was not an easy person to befriend or earn her trust. He got a feeling that Regina had a similar personality despite how warm she was towards him. It made him think back on their conversation at the park. Specifically one part of it that had stuck out which made him question the friendship Dr. Hopper proposed the mayor had with Emma. He dismissed it at the time, but Henry could've sworn that it wasn't just surprise he heard in the mayor's voice when he explained Emma's boyfriend had proposed. He thought there had been a trace of anger there as well. Why would she be upset that Emma's relationship with Walsh was that serious? He filed that thought away for the time being.

"I kind of got the impression my mom left town because of my dad." His gaze was thoughtful because he had believed the conversation would have steered towards Neal Cassidy at some point. But they hadn't touched the topic at all either out of respect of Henry's feelings, wanting him to bring it up, or perhaps, and more likely, he was missing another part of the story. "But you haven't mentioned him yet."

Again, Henry's insightful nature made Archie smile. Even if time felt like they'd only been separated for a few weeks, given the lost year, he realized how much he missed talking with Henry Mills.

"Well… I didn't know your father as well. I had more interaction with your mom," he replied because that was the absolute truth. "From what I do know… your dad did love your mom a lot. But, I think your dad hadn't been back in town for too long before the situation that brought you and Emma back."

Forgive me! Archie thought. But it is sort of true! We all just came back to Storybrooke ourselves. I think?!

That made sense. It sounded like the situation here progressed exponentially fast with how quickly Emma packed up and brought them here. "The situation? You mean the person that killed my father," he said bluntly.

"Yes." Archie nodded, his expression truly sad. "Yes, that situation."

"Mom will find them. She always does," Henry said confidently. "Then we can go home." With a sigh, he glanced up at Dr. Hopper, looking for reassurances. "I think it'll be the best thing for mom and me - when we can get back to our lives after everything's done."

Archie reached out and rested a hand on Henry's shoulder. Thinking of the hope he held onto that defeating the Wicked Witch was key to everyone regaining their memories of the last year, including Henry's memories, he nodded.

He was thinking of Storybrooke as Henry's home and everything here settling down as he replied.

"I think so too, Henry. We all need time to heal and feel like we're home," he said as Henry gave him an appreciative smile.

"Yeah. We really do," said the young man, recollecting a lot of places that were home before settling in New York. He really hope that would continue to be the case once Emma was done here, but Henry couldn't shake the feeling that it wouldn't be so simple. Pongo sensed his discomfort and stopped walking, waiting for Henry to catch up to nuzzle against the young man's leg.

Archie paused beside them, thinking furiously about how to cheer Henry up. A smile crossed the therapist's lips when an idea struck him. "Henry, I noticed you have a handheld video game… any interest in visiting the arcade for some 'old fashioned' games? I promise they're almost as fun because they're simple and corny."

He patted Pongo absently on the head and really gave the older man's suggestion serious thought. Truthfully, what else was there to do besides go back to the diner and be bored and uncomfortable? Going to the arcade could end up being a fun distraction. "Maybe simple and corny's just what I need." He nodded, looking down at Pongo. "All right, but what about him? I don't want to leave him outside tied up. That's not fair."

"What do you think, Pongo?" Archie asked.

The dalmatian barked emphatically.

"That's Pongo-speak for a trip back home for him followed by our going to the arcade sounds like a plan. If that's alright with you," he said to Henry.

"Well, if you're sure," he said, addressing their four legged companion who barked once more, even louder this time! "Okay! I guess we're going!" Henry laughed, his mood clearly uplifted from this small act of normalcy he had been craving.

Clapping him on the back with a laugh, the duo plus dog set off toward Archie's modest house. He knew that Henry would blow him away at the "classic" games since they were still strange to him, truly, but that was alright. He was just glad to lift Henry's spirits.

Unlike her mother, Regina had never gone without her heart for any prolonged time. This was a strange new sensation to still feel but also feel a little removed from the strongest of her emotions. Regina realized that while she'd have the surprise factor to her favor, she would have to draw on how she knew she felt normally in order to pull this off. Having Emma at her side as she prepared for the night's battle helped immensely. So did knowing her end goal of having Henry regain his memories.

She faced the bedroom mirror, applying lipstick, and watching Emma behind her in the reflection. She arched an eyebrow and smirked. "You think I'm out of my mind by primping, don't you?"

Emma was too caught up inside her own head to have really noticed Regina talking to her, even if it by appearances she seemed to be watching the other woman intently. She was still acutely aware of the danger her lover was soon to face, but this was a period of adjustment for the blonde as well. The heart she had sworn to protect was still beating in harmony with her own, a curious fact that Emma had learned when resting a hand atop her chest while dressing. She hadn't brought it up to Regina, not believing it important just yet.

How can two hearts beating together be a bad thing anyway? It's just has to be a sign that what we have is right. That I've really begun accepting all of this with her. Especially feeling Regina's love for me.

But underneath that love was the brutal essence of the woman once known as the evil queen. Those emotions still churned; the potent rage and mistrust towards the savior's love was present and waiting for the inevitable heartbreak that could only come of this. That was all this heart had known, despite the one that beat with fierce determination to ensure that not only would Regina's heart would be safe from Zelena, but it would always love this woman for as long as she lived.

"Well, I need to feel prepared," Regina went on when Emma didn't comment. "This is my armor in the same sense as soldiers going into battle."

She eyed herself critically in the mirror. Black heels with dress pants. A black knit shirt. Very nearly the evil queen, minus the cleavage? Regina asked herself. Hmm. She moved back to the closet and selected a multi-colored silk scarf, situating it around her neck to make the distinction between past and present.

She went back to the mirror and touched up her hair one more time. With a long black coat downstairs, Regina nodded to herself and looked to Emma. "I'm ready, dear."

Emma finally looked at the former evil queen, wondering when she had finished getting ready! She kept that confusion out of her voice and nodded grimly. "Right."

Regina took both of Emma's hands in hers. "You should get going. Make sure Henry is okay and safe. Promise me that you won't engage my damned sister, Emma. Please?"

Henry had been texted long ago by Emma, ensuring her son that she was all right. That prompted an immediate phone call from him, wanting to talk about how much fun he had with Dr. Hopper and if he could do it again sometime. Of course neither parent had issues with that! It also gave ample enough reason to keep Hook at bay since Archie and her parents would now be the ones monopolizing Henry's time. This was much better than having to wonder about a jealous Regina towards Hok and how that would affect Emma's own emotional state. She had briefly wondered if the mayor's emotions were dulled because she carried her heart, would that mean Emma might feel the full brunt of them during peak emotional states? As good of a question as that was, there really wasn't enough time to ask it. Regina needed to remain focus on the upcoming battle and not worry how Emma was feeling.

"I promise," she said with great reluctance. "You know I will to protect our son. But … I'm honestly not sure how I can just… just stand there if you get hurt. I know I have to, but … hell Regina." She pulled her closer, looking desperate. "I don't know how to just watch the woman I love fight for her life because of the god damn greater good and just be fine with it…"

Regina smiled, eyes shining with tears to hear such earnest honesty from Emma. She looped her arms around her and kissed the corner of her mouth.

"I'll be fine. Because you're keeping my heart safe and sound. The battle with her is important, but its also theater. Zelena thinks she can call the shots here. But, we're going to turn the tables on her. Just remember that."

Frowning despite the reassurances, Emma managed to find a silver lining. "I guess with my reactions being legit, we won't have to worry about her thinking I'm faking it. Being theater and all," she said with disdain.

Regina hugged her hard and whispered to her. "I love you. And I know promises make you uncomfortable, but I promise to come through this. I may not be victorious, but I will come through whatever Zelena throws at me. Now, you'd best be going, my dear. We can't show up there together."

She didn't want Regina leaving her embrace. Being hugged so fiercely made it feel possible for the savior to believe every word the woman in her arms said and clung back just as fiercely. "I know. Just … give me a minute?" she asked in a small voice that Regina would be hard pressed in remembering having heard.

The mayor made a soft noise in her throat and held Emma tight, still marveling over the fact that she was holding the savior like this. That this was real. And it was that passion in which Regina fully embraced that imbued the savior with profound confidence that Emma pulled them apart, green eyes steeled with a zeal that had crossed the mayor's face numerous times.

"You're right. You will. You always find a way to win," she stated, her composure returned as she cupped Regina's face with both hands. "I love you too."

She smiled back at Emma, feeling confidence settle on her shoulders like a shawl. The brunette kissed her gently and briefly, then pulled back. "Let's go."