A/N: Thank you to all who have reviewed! This chapter took on a life of its own, so it's been split into two parts. The second piece is coming soon. Happy Festivus!

xxxxx

After cleaning up from her run, Regina headed down to the Sheriff's office. She ignored the nervous scattering of the townspeople or the seething glares from a brave few as she walked down the sidewalk, her mask of indifference firmly in place. These people would never see her as anything besides The Evil Queen, and far be it from her to disappoint her subjects.

She nodded brusquely to Elinor in the reception area as she continued to David's office. She was certain that Elinor—and everyone else—would assume she had shown up to take the mayor's office back, but she would just have to demonstrate that her presence in the building was non-confrontational.

Regina knocked on David's open door and was horrified to see him appear to rise out of a fortress of paper stacked on his desk.

"My goodness, David," she said in a shocked, yet compassionate tone. "This is worse than I imagined—even after Henry's comments last night about all the visitors to your apartment."

David looked around the office, shrugging his shoulders helplessly. "I just can't seem to make any headway."

"Well," she said. "I stopped by to see if you had a moment or two for some magical diagnostics, I guess you could call them, but this is clearly a bad time."

"Seems like a great time to me," David replied, only half kidding. "I would love to get out from behind all of this paper."

She smiled in understanding, but not in concession. "Magic is always dangerous. But with a novice who is stressed out and tired," she paused for emphasis, "it could be downright suicidal."

"Hmm," David hummed in mock-contemplation. "So you're saying that now isn't a good time?"

"Yes," she hissed in teasing exasperation. "That is what I'm saying."

"Fine," he sat down, suddenly defeated.

Unfortunately, he had forgotten that Regina couldn't see him behind the paper when we was seated, so he stood back up.

Despite how amusing she found the Prince's frazzled state, she couldn't help feeling sorry for the overwhelmed man.

"How can I help?" she asked him.

Surprise registered on David's face. She was the first person who had offered to help him since the curse broke. Every other person had demanded or expected something from him. Who would have thought The Evil Queen would turn out to be the person he could count on?

"As much as I would love to pawn this fire hazard off on you, I don't think the town would react very well to their legal disputes and enforcement matters being handled by you," he looked at her apologetically.

"Of course," she replied dismissively. It wasn't his fault the entire town hated her.

"But," David continued, "If you could check on the animals, that would be great."

Regina's face lit up with excitement, "Work at the animal shelter?" Kicking herself for her childish display, she immediately schooled her features back into an expression of mild interest.

David grinned at her unintended display of excitement. She may have recovered, but he was not going to let her off the hook that easily.

"You, the woman who cursed us all, like animals?" he said. Then he started laughing. "Well, why not? It's been a completely bizarre week. Why shouldn't the Evil Queen love kittens and rabbits?"

"I actually prefer horses and dogs, thank you very much," Regina deadpanned with an eyebrow arched in challenge.

"Of course," David replied with another smile. "My mistake."

She couldn't help but return his smile. What was it about this man that disarmed her defenses?

"I could pick up Henry after school and take him with me," Regina offered. "That would give you more time to catch up on your backlog."

His surprise at her offer was clearly displayed on her face. Picking up Henry would benefit her as well, but it didn't change the fact that this was only the second offer of help he'd received since his life was turned upside down.

"I know I'm 'evil,' and you aren't supposed to leave him alone with me—" Regina had continued during David's brief reverie.

Before she could finish her deflection, his hand reached out and turned her face toward his. "Don't even joke about that, Regina. Let the rest of the town think what they will, but we both know that things are never as simple as they appear. You are so much more than 'evil,' and I am so much more—or less—than 'charming'."

"More," she breathed, her voice acting without her brain's permission. What was it about this man that caused words to just spill out of her mouth? She cleared her throat, attempting to regain some composure after the unexpected declaration of –whatever it was—from the Prince. "You are most certainly more than a trite hero from a storybook," she stated with more confidence. "I think the stack of paperwork proves it," she teased to diffuse the tension.

"Ha! Yes, I believe you're right." He allowed himself a smile, before it fell off his face as the magnitude of the neglected sheriff's duties sank in again. Did Emma ever file anything? He had half a mind to jump through a dimensional portal and drag her butt back to Storybrooke just so he didn't have to clean up this mess alone. He couldn't help but chuckle at that.

"If you're beginning to find the paperwork funny, then the stress is getting to you more than I realized, David," Regina said.

He shook his head. "No, I was just having the oddest parental urge to tan Emma's hide for the state of this office." He looked at her in amusement.

Regina surveyed the mess critically, but the mirth in her eyes gave her away. "I can't say that I blame you. It's a shame that I shouldn't help you, what with the townspeople preferring that the deposed mayor not rummage through city documents." She raised an eyebrow. "They, no doubt, would assume that I was up to something nefarious, and would either blame you or assume I had brainwashed you in some way."

David sighed. Somehow it seemed that their laughter could never last long. Reality had a cruel way of intruding. "Well," he responded. "I appreciate the offer. And if you could check in at the shelter, I would really appreciate it. Since the curse broke, Mowgli has been less reliable. He's been spending more time with Ruby. I think he's trying to find his friends from the jungle, which is made unusually tricky given that the curse performed some animal transformations, what with Archie no longer being a cricket and all."

Regina looked down in shame. How had she been so enraged that she punished people and animals that she didn't even know? She shook her head to clear her thoughts. Now was not the time for self-flagellation (the time for that was between eleven at night and two in the morning); now was the time for action, for showing her son that she could do something right—something good.

David was still rambling about the probable species of former jaguars and bears when he finally snapped back to the task at hand. "What were we talking about? Oh, right. How I'm going to get out from this mountain of paperwork and how you can help with that."

He must be exhausted to be rambling like that, she thought. She was going to have to help him learn to triage all of his political and enforcement duties if he was going to get through this without collapsing from exhaustion. He was kind of cute, though, all flustered and discombobulated. Cute? Where had that thought come from? She would also push that out of her mind to deal with later. Not now, while he was still being cute. Shoot! I mean, still talking, she mentally corrected herself.

"You're probably right about the town having a field day if I give you unsupervised time with Henry, but if I don't sort out some of these more pressing legal claims and custody issues, we're going to have even bigger problems on our hands. You're his mother. You aren't going to hurt him. Anyone who disagrees with that can deal with me," he stated firmly.

The Prince had backbone. That was hot. Hot? Damnit! Must stop noticing the Prince's good traits. Focus.

"Not that I don't know you can handle any challengers," he addressed her. "But you and I both know it's best if you keep a low profile and not defend yourself unless it's absolutely necessary." At her nod of agreement, he continued, "I'll call the school and let them know you're picking him up. Hopefully that will smooth some things over for you. Oh, and my code word with Henry is 'Excalibur,'." At her raised eyebrow, he said, "I know, I know. I told him that The Round Table was not nearly as noble and glamorous as his stories made it out to be, but he still wanted to use that as our code word."

She smiled to herself at this evidence of Henry's trademark stubbornness. It was nice to hear it directed toward someone else for a change.

"I keep a checklist in the office at the shelter of the chores that need to be done each day," he briefed her. "Here's the key. I'm afraid a lot of the items on the list aren't terribly glamorous . . ." His voice trailed off as he looked over Regina's tailored pantsuit.

She quirked an eyebrow. "Think I can't handle a little muck because I don't wear flannel? I'm insulted, Charming."

He was relieved by her teasing. Maybe she could help take care of the animals after all.

"I'll go home, change," the eyebrow quirk was back, "and head to the shelter to get a head start before picking up Henry. I'll call if I have any questions."

He nodded as she turned to leave. He was amazed at her ability to be in charge even when following orders. The woman was a born leader.

When she reached the door, however, she turned back. "Look, I'm not trying to tell you how to do your job, but I've spent most of my life settling disputes. I recommend three piles. Pile One is for urgent and important disputes, and disputes involving vocal or obnoxious community members. Pile Two is for important, but not time-sensitive disputes, and Pile Three is for everything else. Then, start with Piles Two and Three and tell everyone in that pile that you've received their requests, and that they are important to you. Let them know that you will give them an update on the status of their requests no earlier than next week. Giving them a timeframe and confirming receipt of their communication will buy you some time while most of them leave you alone. That will give you a chance to start going through Pile One uninterrupted."

She was surprised to notice the look of complete absorption on his face. It had been a long time since anyone had listened to her that carefully.

"Oh, and you might want to see if Archie can recommend someone to help you. I'd suggest asking him to help, but I'm guessing he has more counseling business than he knows what to do with these days," she said. "Because of that, though, he may be able to suggest someone trustworthy that isn't associated with me," she paused as David jotted some notes onto a post-it. "That's just my two cents," she disclaimed as she headed out the door.

"Regina," he called after her.

She turned, "Yes?".

"Thank you," he said with a grateful smile.

"You're welcome," her smile answered his.

xxxxx

"Mom!" Henry exclaimed, running up to her after school.

Regina smiled at his excitement.

Henry stopped just short of her. "Is David okay? Is something happening with Operation Boomerang?"

"David's fine, Henry," she assured him. "And there is nothing new with Operation Boomerang. David just needed a chance to catch up on some sheriff work, so he let me pick you up."

"Oh," Henry's shoulders slumped in disappointment. He had hoped that the break from routine meant that they were closer to getting Emma and Snow back.

Regina sensed her son's disappointment and hated that she couldn't instantly fix it for him. She squatted to his eye level, "I volunteered to do David another favor, though, Henry. To help him out while he acts as Sheriff. Do you want to help too?"

True knight-in-training that he was, Henry instantly straightened his posture, "Yes! Are we going to arrest someone?"

Regina laughed. "No, dear. We're going to leave the law enforcement to your grandfather. We are, however, going to fill his shoes at the animal shelter this afternoon."

"Awesome!" Henry said. "Let's go!" Before bolting to her car, though, he remembered, "First, what's the code word?"

Regina smiled, proud that her son remembered this safety precaution, even if he was using it with her. "Excalibur," she said.

Henry nodded in confirmation. "Good. Just checking. Now, let's go. I want to see the puppies!"

xxxxx

An exhausted Regina collapsed into a booth at Granny's across from a bouncing Henry. She was glad she'd called David about meeting at the diner rather than volunteering to cook again.

"That was so fun!" he exclaimed. "Can we do that every day, Mom?"

If Regina's entire body hadn't been numb, she expected that she would have been ecstatic that her son wanted to spend so much time with her. As it was, her reaction was more muted. "I don't think David would appreciate us taking his favorite pastime away from him."

Henry appeared briefly disappointed, but his exuberance was not to be stifled for long. "He can help us!"

Regina smiled tiredly. It had been a great afternoon. She hadn't been this tired, sore, or filthy in a long time, not since the few times she helped Daniel in the stables. Daniel. Her heart twisted briefly. But she loved the smile on her son's face. And spending time with animals was always fun.

"You can ask him when he gets here," she said. "But try not to put the man out of his actual job while he's filling in for Emma, okay?"

"Fine, Mom," Henry groaned.

"Two?" Ruby asked as she handed them each a menu.

"Actually, David is joining us," Regina said. "And could you please go ahead and bring three waters while we wait?"

"Sure," Ruby said. This was strange. Regina was unsupervised with Henry, and the typically immaculate queen was covered in grime with splotches on clothes and odd bits of unidentifiable material in her hair. And Ruby's wolf-nose was in overdrive from all the smells coming off the mother and son. Had they spent the day working on a farm in the jungle?

"May I have a soda too, Mom?" Henry asked.

"No, dear," Regina replied.

"But, Mom," Henry whined.

Regina was spared her usual explanation for denying him sugar this late in the day, when the bells above the diner's door jangled and David entered. She was ashamed of the sudden feeling of relief that bloomed in her chest. As much as she loved her son, it would be nice to have another adult to divide his attention.

Then, maybe she could take a quick nap on the table.

"Hey, Henry," David smiled and nodded to Regina as he slid into the booth next to his grandson.

"Hey, Gramps!" Henry replied cheerfully.

David started at the nickname and smiled confusedly at them. "Gramps?"

"Mom called you my grandfather, and it sounded right when she said it, so I thought I would try the whole 'Grandfather' thing again," Henry explained. "Is that okay?" he asked, suddenly concerned. The whole extended family concept was still very new—to all of them.

"Of course," David assured him. "Even though it does make me feel a hundred years old," he mock-glared at Regina.

She couldn't suppress a small laugh at that, which David quickly silenced. "Not so fast, dear mother-in-law," he smirked as he placed his hand on hers. "In a universe where I am Henry's one hundred year old grandfather, you are his—how old?—step-great-grandmother."

She glowered at him and briefly smacked the hand that had been on hers. "You may choose to be hyperbolic about your age, but I'm not participating in this hypothetical."

Ruby reappeared with their waters while David was still chuckling at Regina's expense.

"Are you ready to order?" she asked, unsure how to feel about this group. Nothing about their dynamic felt threatening or aggressive, but she'd spent all week reliving her life as Red in vivid detail. Each memory, each unintended fatality she committed, was fresh in her mind. Pain for her to process all over again.

Ruby was not about to forgive and forget. And the absence of an overt threat from Regina did not mean that Ruby did not consider her dangerous.

David turned his charming smile to Ruby. "I think so," he said as Henry and Regina nodded their agreement. "I'll have my usual."

"Burger and onion rings," Ruby confirmed and turned to Regina.

"I'll have the burger as well, please," she said. "With a side salad. Balsamic."

Ruby nodded, scribbling on the order pad. "Henry?"

"Chicken strips and curly fries please, Ruby," Henry said.

Ruby smiled. There was just something about that kid that made her feel lighter and brighter inside. He had a decent head for tracking too. How could someone so sweet have been raised by someone so evil? Nature over nurture, she supposed, as she took their menus and went to ring in the order.

David turned to Henry. "Were you able to keep your mom in line at the animal shelter today?"

Regina was too tired to glare.

Henry, unsure whether David was kidding, defended his and his mom's work, "We got through your whole list," he said proudly. "And Mom delivered kittens!"

David choked on his water at the last part, carefully looking Regina over for the first time since entering the diner. He had been trying not to pay her too much attention. And, for good reason. Now that he really looked at her, he couldn't look away. The woman was a mess. Pieces of hay were strewn through her hair, her make-up had sweated off, and he realized that she was wearing one of his flannel shirts. She had rolled the cuffs and tied it off at the waist, but it was definitely his. She was lovely.

She noticed him noticing and stated, "My shirt will have to be burnt. It is beyond salvaging."

"Yeah," Henry added enthusiastically. "Mom was awesome! But she got covered in all kinds of gunk. It went everywhere!"

"I think that's enough description for the dinner table, Henry," Regina gently interrupted. She couldn't help but feel pleased though. Her son said she was awesome.

She turned back to David, gesturing toward his shirt she was wearing, "I hope you don't mind. I saw this in your office earlier, and we didn't have time to finish the list and for me to go home and change before dinner. This seemed like the best option."

David nodded, "It looks good." He cleared his throat as the corner of her mouth turned upward. "I mean, of course I don't mind," he recovered clumsily. "Was it Duchess?"

Regina nodded. "And Tom was every bit the proud papa."

"There were five kittens!" Henry added. "And I helped!"

Regina smiled broadly at her son, exhaustion temporarily forgotten.

"You and Henry did the delivery by yourselves?" David asked. At Regina's nod, he asked, "What about the vet?"

"There wasn't time," she explained. "Henry called her office when Duchess went into labor, but she was in the middle of a surgery. By the time she was out, so were the kittens." The turn of phrase was a bit crass for her taste, but it was accurate.

Amazed, David asked, "So you delivered kittens?" How did this woman know how to deliver kittens? He didn't think he'd ever even seen her near an animal, other than astride her horse as The Evil Queen.

"I did," she confirmed. "But Henry was a great help, and the credit must go to Duchess," she said sincerely. "She's a pro."

"And it was a pretty simple and quick labor," she added as Ruby delivered their food. "No breech births or complications."

"How did you know what to do?" David asked, fascinated.

"I helped in the stables as a young girl," Regina said simply, stabbing a cherry tomato with unnecessary force.

Noting her violence toward the garnish, David allowed the subject to drop.

After happily polishing off a chicken finger, Henry exploited the silence between the grown-ups and asked, "What's next for Operation Boomerang? How are we going to get Emma and Snow back?"

David was about to chide Henry for pestering for an update a mere twenty-four hours after their last mission discussion, but Regina spoke first.

"Actually, David," she said. "I've been thinking about that." They both knew she was referring to the possibility that he would have to perform magic. They had agreed to avoid direct conversation about that eventuality in public and around Henry, who they didn't expect to be able to keep a secret. Until they were certain that David would have to perform the spell, they didn't want to worry the town with concerns that their dear Prince Charming was dabbling in the dark arts as the Evil Queen's apprentice. No need to cause a panic at this juncture.

"Do you have a new idea?" David asked hopefully. He still did not like the prospect of doing magic himself. He'd much rather Regina do it. Not only did the whole idea make him queasy, he was worried he wouldn't be able to do it right, and would bring back his family without their heads or something.

"Not really," she said, sorry to disappoint him. "My thought was more along the lines of information gathering."

xxxxx

A/N: Thank you to those who have made it this far with me, and, as always, I'd love to hear what you think!