"This is the most awesome movie ever!"

Henry and Neal were bonding , chomping on popcorn, their feet propped up on the table.

The two children.

Emma had more than once rebuked her saying her view of Neal was skewed and unfair. Regina had replied by asking what was wrong with that? The subject had dropped.

"No, it's not." Regina heard Emma respond to Neal. "The plot and characters are anachronistic, he has a horrible accent and a mullet!"

Regina came in with more popcorn, "What are you watching?"

"Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," Henry answered.

"The dumbest movie ever!" Emma said. "Hey, are you going to hand over the popcorn or pose for your portrait a little longer?"

Regina shook her head. "Yes. Of course." And she slammed the bowl down.

"Geez, Regina, what'd the table do to you?" Neal asked.

"Emma's right," Regina spat. "The movie is stupid. No, it's not just stupid. It's ridiculous and I think my son shouldn't be exposed to it!"

"C'mon," Neal drawled. "You gotta admit it's pretty sweet when he says to Marian 'I'd die for you.'"

"No, I really don't think it is."

Then the idiot the started to sing! Henry joined in.

Yea, I'd fight for you,

I'd lie for you,

Walk the ….

The TV exploded.

Neal froze.

Henry shot to his feet. "Mom! You blew up the TV!"

"I'll buy another one," Regina muttered and stomped off to the kitchen.

"Ok," she heard Neal say. "Actually, your Mom is kinda right. It's not like the real Robin Hood, but neither are any of the movie versions of you all. It's kinda sad, Marian died and Robin was left with only his son to …"

Regina turned on the sink to drown out the conversation. She felt tears coming, and breathed deep, trying to make them stop.

But then, of course, Emma had followed her. "So. Robin Hood, huh?"

"Yes. Awful movie."

"I wasn't talking about the movie."

Regina didn't have the energy. "I noticed." A few tears spilled out.

"And I've noticed you are about the most miserable woman I've ever seen lately."

"Says the pot to the kettle." Regina turned away from the sink, "If you want the damned pirate, go get him!"

"I don't want..."

"Get him." She took a step forward, "Do you really want to be like me? No chance ever again? Not even being able to see him? With nothing but the empty hole in your heart? Really? Really?"

"Regina, I don't know what …"

"Get your damned pirate! Just get him. Now I have to take Henry to the stables."

For she went with him now.

And she also rode with Henry. She rode every day.

Just last week she had met with an architect to design more stalls.

In Daniel's name.

And life went on, one day into another. The days were the best. It was the nights she couldn't stand.

Sometimes Tinkerbell came over. She was after all the closest thing Regina had to a friend, and she had to admit she was rather fond of her. In more charitable moments, she even forgave her for the little stunt with Robin. Tink was just trying to make her happy.

And then Henry caught the flu.

That was quite the distraction as she nursed him through his forty-eight hours of misery. When he was up to it, Regina and Emma took him to where his "castle" used to be. His favorite place.

Then . . . Damn. She was getting it.

"Emma, do you mind staying with Henry? I'm going home. I think I'm coming down with what Henry had."

"Ugh, sorry."

So Regina didn't see Henry spot the Jolly Rodger as it sailed in. Didn't see Emma walking up the plank a little too fast . . .

And then hear Hook calling out, "Hello, beautiful! You won't guess the catch I've brought in!"