The next morning, rolling out of bed, Regina felt like she had just lain down. The nightmares, and the events of the evening, and the general lack of sleep, and the emotions and the confusion over her and her mother, her and Henry, her and Emma… None of it had boded well for her catching up on the hours she lost in the Enchanted Forest.

On mornings like these, she so desperately wanted to revert to her childhood tendencies to cling to sleep, but they had been drilled out of her (laziness is not befitting a young lady, Regina), and her sleep had never been very restful anyway. At least this morning she could look forward to seeing Henry. Even if it also meant she had to deal with the Charmings again. That was all together less appealing.

She went through her morning routine as usual, picking a suit of armor, specifically a nice tailored pair of pants and boots with a much sturdier heel—she wasn't planning on going through any portals today, but then again, she hadn't been planning to yesterday either.

Once again, she walked down the hall to Emma's room, intending to wake the Sheriff, but the blonde was already up and partway through getting ready. Emma's sleep hadn't been any more peaceful than Regina's, and by the time the sun came through the windows, she had realized there wasn't any use trying to go back to sleep. That didn't mean she didn't lie on Regina's impossibly comfy guest bed long after she was awake, trying to will the tired from her muscles.

Too surprised by the blonde to properly remember she was still a little miffed, Regina greeted her. "I'll put on some coffee."

"Thanks." Emma smiled. Maybe this friends thing would be easier than she thought. "I am gonna need it," she confirmed. "Maybe with a little Bailey's."

Off Regina's look, she cracked a grin. "What, too early?"

Regina marveled at how Emma managed to keep her humor even with everything they had to deal with. Even though she was appreciating it more and more, realizing how capable the blonde was of seriousness when she needed to be, with everything Emma had to learn, Regina thought it best to start their lessons now.

"It may surprise you, Miss Swan, but alcohol and magic do not mix well."

She turned to leave, but at the last moment, oddly energized by sharing her morning with someone again, even with someone she typically found infuriating, she tacked on, "Even if Bailey's and coffee does."

Emma, who had been properly cowed by her magic lesson chastisement, was now stifling a chuckle at Regina's sneaky aside. These moments where the woman shone through the Evil Queen were becoming more and more valuable to her.

Regina tried to cut off her pleased response to Emma's reaction by heading in a different direction. "Perhaps I can interest you in some food instead. I feel we may have cleaned out your parent's pantry last night."

This time, Emma made no effort to hide her enthusiasm.

"I get another one of your meals? Okay, maybe this magic training won't be so bad after all."

Regina smirked. Of course food would cure all.

"I thought the phrase was 'the way to a man's heart is through his stomach?'"

Maybe it was the sleeplessness or reveling in their newfound détente, but the women found themselves goofier by the moment, Emma responding to Regina's teasing by striking he-man poses.

"What, I'm not man enough for you?"

Regina was laughing, softly but genuinely, when she instantly sassed, "More than enough."

Suddenly, they stopped. Not because it had been sincere or romantic, but because yet again Emma found herself wondering what it would be like to be in a real relationship with the Queen. And Regina had found the fault in her words as soon as they had fallen out of her mouth. She hurried to cover them up.

"…You're crude, brash, you walk like you're a new rider fresh off a galloping horse…"

Emma was glad for the recovery herself. They had too much to deal with to think about what might be hiding underneath that harmless comment. She could have done without the insults, though.

"Alright, alright, you've made your point."

After an elaborate breakfast the likes of which Emma had only ever had at restaurants, the pair headed back to Mary Margaret's apartment. Things had stayed a little awkward, but eventually they had settled into a comfortable silence between food and thinking about what lay ahead.

As soon as they opened the door, Henry bolted at them, greeting them both with hugs, happy that they had kept their promise to return but more that they had made it through the night unharmed.

Regina once again had to force her arms to loosen from Henry, knowing if she held too tight he'd recognize what he was doing and pull away, but feeling spoiled by the affection.

Emma watched her closely as she hugged her son, realizing once again how Regina just needed to be loved. How it was all about love.

"So, no news?" David had joined them at the door and clapped Emma on the shoulder, just as glad she made it through the night unharmed by the Evil Queen or her mother, but knowing she's be less amenable to a bear hug from him.

"Actually…" She paused, looking to Regina to continue. This was her story to tell.

"My mother came to me last night."

Emma was surprised by how quickly Regina had told their little crowd and without any resistance, but the people receiving the news were considerably more surprised by the content.

"What do you mean she came to you? What happened?" Snow responded furiously, torn between checking Emma over for wounds of some kind and wanting to blame Regina for something.

"Nothing! Nothing happened. Relax, Mary Margaret."

In trying to tame her mother's energy, she just gave her the time to focus it.

"Emma, you know Cora doesn't just stop in for a chat! There has to be a reason she didn't try anything." Snow charged towards the brunette who had remained unmoving since her big reveal. "Regina, what did you do?"

Emma ran up to her mother, hoping to keep her more than a few inches away from the former Evil Queen whose rage, and what Emma was recognizing as hurt, was bubbling just beneath the surface. "Whoa, whoa, hold on there, Mary Margaret. Regina didn't do anything."

Snow was still staring down her stepmother with a force from their old days in the Enchanted Forest. The only thing stopping her from taking Regina apart was the presence of her grandson.

"Henry, maybe you should go read your new comic now," she managed to growl out between clenched teeth.

As uncomfortable as Henry had been with the tension, he wasn't about to leave as things were getting interesting.

"But I wanna know what happened!"

Seeing the looks between Regina and Snow, Emma was prone to believe this wasn't the best place for a boy who was already inclined to hate his mother.

"You know, Henry, maybe it's for the best…"

"No."

It had all the command of a Queen, but none of the harshness Emma supposed Regina's orders used to have.

"He should stay. It's best he be informed. Information is always an advantage."

Regina was unusually calm, all things considered. Emma wouldn't have guessed that she wanted Henry involved. Or that she could manage her temper so expertly around the one person who was guaranteed to rile it more than Emma was. But Regina knew what she was doing. Having Henry there would buffer Snow's attacks because as little as she cared for Regina's relationship with her son, she did care about Henry's exposure to ugliness. For the same reason, Henry's presence would allow for Regina to keep the details of her mother's visit less specific. But most importantly, having Henry around was a reminder.

She would stay true to him. She would not be swayed by her mother.

Temporarily assuaged by Regina's tone, Snow backed off a little as Henry settled in by Emma's side. Regina took it as her cue to continue.

"My mother came to me alone and told me she wanted us—including Henry—to be a family. That was it. She did not interact with Emma."

This time it was David's turn to react, or more appropriately, overreact.

"You're planning on going along with it aren't you? Destroying everything to have Henry back?"

Regina didn't even flinch at the attack, but Emma had had enough.

"David! Why would she tell us what Cora said if that were true? Why would she tell us about Cora at all?" She ran her hands through her hair as she tried to work through everyone's apparent lack of logic. "Look, I know you all have…history, and tensions are high…but the new Regina has proven herself to you time and again and I think above everything else, you know she would never hurt Henry. And hurting the people Henry cares about would be hurting Henry."

As hard as she had been trying to appear immune to the Charming's attacks, she was not prepared for their daughter's support. She didn't even deserve it considering what she had thought of her mother's proposition. But Regina had to admit that it was nice to have the Sheriff firmly on her side for once. Being defended was an entirely new feeling. And a good one. Still, she wouldn't let it soften her guard.

"If those are all the interruptions," She paused haughtily for a moment, waiting for the Charmings anger to return to a low simmer. "My mother will destroy everything if she doesn't get what she wants, but there is no guarantee this is in fact what she wants. I will have to play along to find out the truth."

Snow scoffed. "So you are planning on going along with it. You'll just be deceiving us so we won't stop you. Well, think again, Regina."

Had there been swords, Snow and David's certainly would have been drawn, but Emma stepped between her parents and Regina in a move she had done a good many times before.

"Mom. Dad," she started as calmly as she could. "I'm not all that happy about this plan either, but Regina isn't lying to us. And she's right. If Cora thinks she's lost out all together, there's no telling what kind of damage she would do. We need Regina to try and temper her until we can figure out a real plan."

Snow knew that Emma was playing her with the "mom," but she did trust her daughter. At least enough to back off—for now.

"Is she gonna kidnap me, Mom?"

Emma had entirely forgotten Henry was still in the room, and his quiet demand all but broke her heart. No kid should have to go through this. Regina had immediately sprung to address him, bending down to his level, though as he had grown quite a bit recently, Emma couldn't help but notice that she looked like she was lowering herself for his forgiveness, still tentative on how much affection she could show. But Regina had forgotten all of the adults in the room. This conversation was just for her and Henry.

"I don't know, Henry." The words were uncertain. Emma was mesmerized by how quickly Regina could drop her front when Henry was involved. Regina had dipped her head, pausing, determining how to continue in a way that would best protect Henry without overly worrying him.

"Henry, my mother is a very dangerous woman. Anything you thought I might do as the Evil Queen, she will do worse. But she doesn't want to hurt you right now because she knows she will never have me if anything happens to you. That doesn't mean she won't try to get you for me on her own. If she does try, Henry, you have to go along with it. Don't try to fight her. You have to play a part, like I am. If she thinks you are on her side, she will keep you safe." Her voice, already low and serious dropped another interval as she searched Henry's eyes for recognition. "I know it's not right to lie, but she's a very bad woman."

"But—"

"Henry, you must go with her if she comes for you. Please." Regina's desperation for Henry's safety was not lost on anyone. If anything could keep her out of her mother's grasp, it was her son's well-being.

"Okay, Mom. I will."

Emma had never been so glad for Henry's lack of pre-teen rebellion. He understood what was happening, and that Regina wasn't the only one counting on his answer.

Regina released the breath she didn't realize she had been holding, but kept her arms tight at her sides to prevent herself from reaching out to hold him and never letting go.

"Thank you, Henry." She rose to her full height in turning back to the Charmings, any uncertainty and fear once again hidden expertly beneath the surface. "Henry will remain with you. But the same rules apply. If she comes for him, you must let her."

Snow and Charming had been uncomfortable with the idea of letting Henry play along, but this was insane.

"You can't possibly think we'd let that happen!" Charming was again reaching for his non-existent sword.

Regina could barely contain her contempt at the idiots in front of her.

"Did you not just hear what my 12-year-old son understood perfectly? She would never hurt him. She knows what he means to me. But she would hurt you. Easily. In fact, she may even think it a bonus. If she shows up here, your only chance of survival is if you concede to her demands."

"Regina, you are crazier than I ever imagined if you think I would let Henry go without a fight," Snow spat as she stood staring Regina down.

"How very noble of you, Snow. It seems you have learned from your mistakes."

The poison in her tone was tangible. Snow couldn't help but look to her now grown daughter. Emma herself wasn't sure how to respond to Regina's remark. Typically she would have brushed it off as one of Regina's usual attacks on her mom, but this time, she seemed as if she were actually angry for what Emma had gone through, how she couldn't imagine Snow giving up her own child. At the very least, she was tired of playing ref, and not a huge fan of the "let the evil psycho bitch have Henry" plan, so it was best to take a more direct approach.

"Regina, can I talk to you over here for a second?"

With a final glare to Snow, Regina willingly followed Emma to a corner of the apartment.

"Can you tell me if this is going to happen? Do we really have to give Cora Henry?"

Unthreatened by Emma's questions, and not aggravated for once, Regina responded much better to her.

"It's very unlikely. Mother would want me to be there when she made her move so I could see her defending me and "rescuing" Henry firsthand. She also knows that I will never have Henry's love—or more appropriately, his acquiescence—If I, or she, by proxy, hurt the people he loves..." Regina was unusually distracted, but as Emma stared, hoping for another glimpse into the brunette's heart, Regina regained her focus.

"But she has never backed down from a challenge."

Emma couldn't argue. In this case, Regina did know best. And it was really only for a day. Or hopefully. They'd have to go with it. She spoke up to address the rest of the room.

"Okay. Regina's right. We're all going to follow this plan. Alright? Mom? Dad?"

Emma made sure she saw her parents slowly dip their heads in acknowledgement. She was on thin ice here, but her word could get them to go along with it for at least a little while.

"Okay then. So are you three good together here? At least for the rest of the day?"

"Wait, you're not letting us do anything?" It was hard to tell whether Charming or Henry was more upset, but the words had come from the former King.

"Regina and I are gonna do some recon. Find out what Cora's been up to when she's not dropping in in the middle of the night. But we need you two to stay with Henry and generally stay out of trouble, even at the Sheriff's Office, because Dad, you know if you're out looking for her she's going to threaten you. And if she threatens you, you're gonna respond, and we already covered how that would be a bad thing. Then Regina's going to help me learn—"

She found herself jolted from her momentum by the remembrance that magic was not exactly embraced by the others in the room.

"—Regina's going to teach me magic."

This day was just filled with lovely surprises for the Charmings. And by the look on Henry's face, he was just as pleased as Emma had expected by the thought of his mother and magic. She was determined to make this go as smoothly as possible, so she kept talking before Henry even had a chance to open his mouth.

"Henry, your mom's been incredible. She didn't even use it back in the Enchanted Forest until we absolutely had to—and I used it, too."

That was enough to distract Henry from his stubborn disdain of Regina's practicing after she had promised him she wouldn't. Emma using magic without any training made her a magical being. And maybe that meant he was, too?

"You have magic, too?"

The hint of excitement in his voice made Emma hopeful that he could be persuaded but also disappointed that it was so easily done. Suddenly she had magic and he was all for it? His being contrarian to Regina would have to end eventually. And she would much prefer sooner rather than later.

"Yeah, kid, I do. And your mom is helping me learn. 'Cause Cora's a very powerful witch, and sometimes you've got to fight fire with fire, you know? Using my magic is the only way I'll be able to keep me and your mom and you safe. Just like everything else, there's a good and a bad side to everything, and this magic, this can be good."

Now Henry was fully invested in Emma's powers. This made sense, the Savior waging a magical battle against the Dark practitioners. This was Harry Potter!

"Sure your magic is good Emma! You're— "

"Nope, stop right there. Don't even think it." Emma had had enough of her glorified role to begin with, but now that it only reinforced Regina as the Evil Queen, she was even less pleased. Henry needed to understand that they were all just people. Flawed, broken people, because if he was going to see Regina's faults he should see hers, too.

"Your mom's magic and my magic are capable of the same things. And either you're okay with both of us having it, and I really hope you are because it's a part of me the same way that your hair being brown is a part of you, or you're not." Henry wasn't quite used to Emma's seriousness, and her tone had him rethinking his Harry Potter daydreams. Emma saw the change and knowing that she had finally gotten through to him, brought herself down to his level.

"Henry, I get that you're worried. And your mom may have used it for some bad things in the past, but that's how she was taught. You know the good she can do with it. And she's teaching me well. We're gonna keep each other in line. But we also need it because it will help us keep you safe, and that's the most important thing."

Henry took a moment, mulling Emma's words over before turning to face Regina who had once again been unexpectedly moved by Emma's words, struck by how the blonde managed to say exactly what was needed.

"You'll only use it to help?"

Emma cringed at Henry's double standard, but Regina seemed positively floored by Henry's acquiescence and moved a step closer to answer.

"Of course, Henry. I promise."

Henry accepted her answer in the way that some children seem as wise as some mountaintop sage before turning back to Emma.

"And you'll be careful?"

"The most. I've got a great teacher. It'll be okay, Henry."

With a moment's more consideration, Henry made his decision.

"Okay, I guess."

"Thanks, kid." She gave him a hug. Emma was immediately relieved. So it hadn't gone perfectly, but it could have gone way worse. Besides, Regina was smiling, actually smiling, and Emma had found she liked that expression best of all.

Despite all the surprises of the day, Snow and Charming might have been most perturbed by their daughter's unwavering support for their enemy. Snow had seen Emma's powers first hand but she had hardly seemed ready to embrace them before. Now not only did she want to learn, she wanted to learn from Regina? Cora did call for desperate measures, but Emma didn't seem desperate. She seemed glad to learn—up to the challenge.

Not wanting to question Emma's motives lest she push her daughter further into Regina's camp, Snow quietly questioned on the subject of magic instead.

"You can control it, Emma?"

Emma looked to Regina with an expression that held more than a few shared stories.

"I'm working on it. That's what the training is for. I have a feeling I'm gonna need it." Trying not to let the impending doom of a magical battle with Cora sink in, Emma turned to her tried and true humor—and a way to escape this odd family gathering.

"Anyway, none of you can be around for that in case I accidentally start turning you into toads."

Regina made no effort to contain her eye roll. "Magic does not work like that, Miss Swan."

Sensing this magical training could be fun after all, Emma flashed Regina a grin.

"I guess we better get started then, 'cause I've got a lot to learn"

Moving towards the door together, both pleased by the prospect of leaving the apartment, the women were only stopped from saying their goodbyes by David asking a final question.

"Will you at least tell us where you are going to start?"

Emma glanced to Regina, as much in the dark as her father. Regina sighed.

"As much as I hate to consider it, I think we're going to have to start with the pirate."