In regards to a few messages about progression, specifically referencing SQ, I'm just going to say to take note of time jumps. There is one at the beginning of this chapter. Their relationship is evolving more behind the scenes, but I try to give looks into it every so often.

When the Roof Caved in and the Truth Came Out

-5 Weeks Later-

Emma arched her back as she stretched her arms as far out as she could. She gave a long yawn, wishing she didn't have work to be done and could just lay back in bed and enjoy the warmth a bit longer. It was Sunday, Henry was out camping, yet again, with her father. She really shouldn't have to get up…but she did.

So instead of falling back asleep like she wanted, she stood and knelt down to lift her jeans, slipping one leg in at a time. She walked over to the chair in the corner and took her shirt, pulling it down over her head. Grabbing her boots, she sat back down on the bed and started working the laces, one shoe at a time. Just as she was finishing up, a soft hand brushed her hair away from one shoulder.

"Stay for breakfast?" Regina asked, her own voice thick from sleep.

"I can't, too much work I gotta go. Trust me, I'd much rather stay in bed with you." She turned and smiled, meeting Regina's lips briefly.

"Well grab a bagel or something from the kitchen on your way out."

"Will do." She smiled, finishing up with her boots and turning more fully to face her. "So have you decided?" She asked and Regina sighed, looking away for a second.

"I suppose…we can try. Though I make no promises I won't magic myself and Luca away if need be." She said seriously.

"Understood." She grinned. "I'm just excited Henry agreed to this too." She didn't mention how reluctant he had been.

"I'm really not sure how I'll like camping, but I guess I can try anything once."

"That's the attitude." Emma praised with a grin. Regina looked less than amused.

"At least I know Luca will love it."

"I hope Henry does too." Her tone changed a bit and Regina smiled sympathetically. "At the very least it'll get him away from my parents for a weekend." Again, she left out that she barely got him on the weekends ever, now that her parents were always so willing to take him out.

"Lunch tomorrow?" Regina questioned.

"You're on." Emma leaned in for another soft kiss before finally getting up and leaving the room.

Regina fell back into her bed, looking up at the ceiling. She was tired and after an eventful night, she really could use the extra rest. But then she was distracted by thoughts of the upcoming weekend and sleep didn't return.

As predicted, Luca was more than excited. Regina had to keep giving him jobs to do to prepare to keep him busy until Emma and Henry arrived to pick them up. Regina had just dropped their bags by the door when she heard a car pull up.

"Luca, they're here." She called and he ran around the corner seconds later, ball in hand. "Sweetie, we're gonna be in the woods, you won't be needing that." She laughed.

"But we might play." He said innocently, but Regina shook her head. Her resistance to his pouts was getting stronger.

"The ball stays here." She said with finality, pointing up stairs. "Put it away."

"Okay." He said reluctantly before running back up the steps. She shook her head again, but she was smiling as she turned and opened the door.

"Hey." Emma grinned as she stepped up into the house.

"Hello, Miss Swan. Henry, how are you?" She asked as Henry popped up next to his blonde mother.

"I'm good."

"Good. Well I believe we're just about ready."

"We'll help with the bags." Emma nudged Henry and the two of them leaned down to pick them up.

Five minutes later they were all set in the car, Emma driving, Regina in the passenger seat and the boys behind them. Regina suddenly was rethinking their plan. Emma had been adamant for awhile that they try something together and with Henry spending nearly every weekend out camping, Emma had thought this would be the best way to get her son actually happy about the bonding time.

Regina also knew Emma didn't want to keep their relationship a secret forever. If Regina was being completely honest, neither did she. She was happy in few stolen hours they spent together each week and dreamed of possibilities of living out of secrecy. But while she had learned to live without letting Henry's feelings of her dictate her life, she still wasn't ready for the fallout of that reveal.

Henry had made some progress recently. He spent a bit more time with Emma, and in the last few weeks, had had two separate meals with her, Regina and Luca without any altercation. That was what had finally convinced Regina to give in to Emma's desire for an outing. It was only one day and night, in a place Henry loved, so they figured they had a chance at a fun time. Now though, the car was so awkwardly silent and Regina didn't know what to say or do to fill it. She was surprised at who did.

"So have any of you even been camping?" Henry asked, breaking the long silence.

"Uh…well…sorta. Not really for fun before." Emma shrugged.

"I spent a few days in the woods with your grandmother once. Though also, not for fun." Regina managed to recall the time without dwelling on the extremely negative outcome.

"I lived on the island for a long time. Is that camping?" Luca looked at Henry and the older boy glanced his way.

"I guess…kind of."

With that, the car went back to silence until they reached the area where Henry liked to camp with his grandfather. It was close to the path leading to the well, but Emma had only been there once when David's car had broken down. This was her first time staying the night.

"Alright, Henry, what do we do?" Emma asked, wanting to let him lead to feel more comfortable.

"We should start setting up the tents in the camp area first, then the fire and then we make dinner." He said confidently.

"Sounds good." Emma smiled, relieved that so far, things were going smoothly.

They all helped retrieve the supplies from the car and laid them out as Henry instructed. Henry just fell into the leader roll and it seemed to change him. This was an area he had gotten to know quite well and so he instructed confidently. Without the small glares and immature pouts, he suddenly looked a bit more mature. Sounded more so. It was something that surprised both his mothers, but they went right along with it, very much excited to see that light shining in his eyes again.

After they had camp set up, Henry sent everyone to start retrieving wood while he began setting up the fire pit. Emma was the first one back and dropped her pile where Henry pointed.

"You're really good at all this kid." She said as Henry immediately started making the fire.

"Thanks."

"Are you having fun?" She started handing him the small logs.

"Yeah I guess." He said as he remained focused on the task at hand.

"You guess? I thought this was your favorite thing to do." She tilted her head as she studied him.

"It is." He said and Emma was trying not to get irritated.

"Well then can you act like it?" She asked and he met her eyes.

"What?"

"Henry, we all came out here because it's what you like to do. It would be nice if it felt like you cared at all." She watched him work through his own emotions for a second. Catering to his feelings constantly was starting to be tiresome, but then she saw him sigh and straighten up.

"Okay. I'm sorry." He said and Emma blinked in surprise.

"Thank you." She smiled. "Okay, I'm gonna go grab some more wood." She turned away feeling relieved and jogged back into the woods.

"You got it?" Regina chucked as Luca wobbled again with the load in his arms.

"Oh yeah, I got this." He said confidently.

"Alright, we're almost back." She smiled and readjusted the sticks she was carrying herself. She was really not a fan of any of this, but if her sons enjoyed it, she could get through it.

"Mother?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Do you think we could do this again sometime?" He looked over to her and she smiled.

"You're having fun?"

"Yes, I like it out here a lot. There's no scary people here, we can just have fun." He grinned and Regina felt relieved.

She had a few worries, but they had all been eased so far. She had worried about Henry's treatment and while he wasn't necessarily thrilled, he was being civil and no angry glares or remarks had been made. She had also wondered just how thrilled Luca would be to stay out in the forest. Neverland was not a pleasant place and though he loved being out in the trees and being able to run free, she had been concerned the area would remind him of the island and scare him. So far, he, as well as both the others, had only enjoyed himself.

Well, that was until the rain started rather unexpectedly an hour later.

"Okay Luca, that's enough, you're going to get a cold." Regina called out from her dry spot under the tent. While she did love watching him have so much fun running around in the rain, it was getting too cold and healing a sickness wasn't like healing an injury. She did better just with a broken bone than a head cold.

"But Mother-"

"No buts, except yours, right here, now." She gave him the more serious look, and he knew it was past time for bargaining. He jogged over and whipped his wet hair around a few times before stepping into the tent and taking the spot next to Regina, opposite Emma and Henry. "You're freezing." She ran her hands down his arms and he was shivering. It always amazed her that things like that wouldn't stop him, or even slow him down. He could endure anything without complaining and would just choose to have fun.

"Come here, sweetheart." She pulled him into her side and wrapped her arms around him. Luca fell easily into the embrace, snuggling in as she rubbed the warmth back into him.

"You're crazy, kid." Emma shook her head and Luca chuckled.

"I like the rain. It's fun."

"I like the sun." Regina mused.

"Well you picked a heck of a place to set up." Emma laughed. "Not a ton of sun here."

"Well I didn't exactly pick this place. It just kind of happened. I wouldn't mind going somewhere a little brighter and warmer." She looked off for a moment.

"We should. We should go somewhere on an adventure." Luca perked up and Regina laughed.

"Well it's not that easy, darling."

"Yeah, since no one can leave." Henry added quietly. Luca glanced at Regina but Emma ended up stepping in.

"Actually, all of us can." She added lightly. They fell into silence for a moment, Henry just looking down at his hands.

He had agreed to this at Emma's insistence. He was trying to be more open with her, but then just kept getting frustrated. She didn't seem bothered by any of this. She should be looking for her happy ending, but instead, was focusing all her energy on bringing him and Regina closer. He just wanted them to have their proper ending and couldn't see why it was of no importance Emma.

He didn't care for the idea of all them camping together. He did this with his grandfather. It was their special thing and wasn't thrilled about having Regina and Luca there. Luca didn't care about anything. He just wanted to run around and play. Henry wanted to be with his family.

"Alright well, it looks like it's over now." Regina broke the lengthening silence, reaching a hand out to confirm it wasn't raining any more. Emma stepped out and walked over to their fire again.

The storm had come out of nowhere. The weekend was supposed to be clear and relatively warm, but just after getting the fire up and going, storm clouds had rolled in and rain fell around them. They were all relieved Henry had had them set up the tents first.

"Guys, the fire's almost out now." She called over.

"We have to get more fire wood or it'll be too cold during the night." Henry said and Emma thought on it for a second.

"How about you two go round up some more?" She suggested casually, looking towards the boys. Regina looked up, but remained quiet.

"Okay." Luca shrugged.

"Um…okay, here, take your sweatshirt." Regina made sure he was dry before holding the sweatshirt for him to step into.

"Thank you." He smiled and started to walk back into the woods. Henry waited an extra second, but then followed, his hands stuffed into his pants pockets. Once they were out of sight, Regina turned to Emma.

"You sure that was a good idea?" She asked and Emma shrugged.

"I have to trust him. He's a good kid." She said confidently. "And we'll check on them in a few minutes." She added.

The boys walked for a bit in silence as they looked for a dryer area. Luca grabbed for a few sticks, but they still weren't good and they continued. He saw an area in the distance and started jogging closer. Henry was a little stuck in his own world as they walked and wasn't paying that much attention until it was almost too late.

"Stop!" He yelled and Luca halted, turning to face him.

"What?" He looked confused at Henry.

"That area's not safe. The mines go under here, and the ground isn't stable." He took a few steps towards Luca, but stayed at a small distance.

"Mines?"

"There's tunnels under the ground, but parts of it are really old and they haven't worked here. We're not supposed to be over here." He said and Luca glanced behind him again.

"But it's all dry here." He started and took a small, cautionary step.

"You're gonna get hurt." Henry crossed his arms, but Luca kept on.

"I just want to get a couple." He finished and Henry rolled his eyes.

He was quick and he was being careful. Luca just took what was within reach, picking up as much as his arms would carry. It was when he stood back up and took a step, that they discovered the ground could no longer handle the weight.

Luca was stepping towards Henry when the ground gave way. He dropped the pile and grabbed for the edge, but he couldn't get a grip. Henry reacted without thinking and surged towards him. Luca reached out and Henry did manage to take his hand, but it was too late and they both fell through.

"Regina-"

"Emma, there is no way this will end well." Regina was quick to shoot down Emma's idea, though the blonde wasn't quick to give in.

"It's not going well now." She started and Regina sighed. "I mean, how much worse could it possibly get?" She said seriously.

"A lot worse, Emma. You need to trust me on this. You have never had your own child hate you. It's one thing for him to pull away, but if he feels betrayed by you…you don't want the fallout from that." She spoke honestly and Emma couldn't deny that. But again, she couldn't just give up.

"Regina, I really like you. I like spending time with you. I like being with you. Like a lot." She said seriously and Regina gave her a small smile.

"And I like being with you too, dear."

"Well…do you really want to like me in secret forever?" She plopped down next to Regina and the brunette took her hand.

"No, Emma, I don't." She looked into her eyes and Emma smiled. "But I truly believe that if Henry found out now, long before he's ready, the repercussions would be detrimental for our relationship, your relationship with Henry, and any possible relationship I could have with him again. And I have to tell you, I'd much rather be together in secret, than not at all." In regards to the two of them, this was one of her more rare displays of honestly and tenderness and Emma did feel touched by it.

"Me too." She leaned forward and gave Regina a soft kiss. "How long do you think we have till they get back?" She grinned and leaned in again, attacking Regina's neck with her lips.

"Emma, stop." She tried, but accidentally let out an uncharacteristically immature giggle and quickly lost her ground.

When the dust settled and both boys laid side by side. Luca lifted his head, eyes taking in his new surroundings. Henry waved a hand in front of himself to clear the dirty air and did the same. Neither were actually hurt, but they were each a little stunned. Luca shook it off first, standing up and reaching his hand down to help Henry. Henry though, glared up at him, before lifting himself up off the ground.

"I told you! I told you it wasn't safe." He turned away from Luca and looked up towards the opening. He reached for part of the siding, but the wall just crumbled again, bits of rock and piles of dirt coming back down on him.

"I'm sorry." Luca said honestly, trying to wave the dust away with his own hands now.

"Why couldn't you listen? Now we're stuck down here until they find us." He turned his angry expression on Luca again and the younger child looked truly guilt stricken.

"I'm sorry, Henry." He repeated. "Can we follow the tunnels? Maybe we could climb out?" He suggested hopefully. Henry looked up one more time, trying to determine if there would be a safe way out that direction, before turning and starting his way down the mine.

Luca followed, choosing not to dwell on it any longer. He apologized and meant it. His mother taught him that that is what you do after making a mistake. Henry though, looked a little irritated still. After a moment of silence, he couldn't take it any longer.

"Does anything bother you?" He asked, seemingly out of nowhere and Luca looked over and tilted his head.

"What do you mean?"

"Why do you always act so happy?" He said and Luca still looked confused.

"Because I am." He said simply, not understanding the odd questions and so he answered the only way he knew how.

"You think you are." Henry muttered. Luca shook his head.

"What's the difference?" He watched Henry's face, trying to work out the heavy tension in the air.

"You're happy because you don't know any better. You don't know anything." He kept that tone and Luca felt just the slightest irritation rise in himself. He tempered it down though. He didn't generally get angry, and the one time he really had, it had gotten out of control.

"What don't I know?" He asked neutrally and Henry let out a small laugh.

"Never mind." He had a slightly patronizing tone and Luca regarded him for another moment before speaking.

"Are you talking about Mother?" His question was confirmed by a look from Henry.

"You don't know who she really is." He tried and again, Luca gathered himself. He stopped and thought through his response. He had an immediate retort, but wanted to be more mature about it.

"Who she really is, is our mother, though I am guessing you meant her being the Evil Queen." His words gave Henry pause again. He was definitely surprised, but didn't want to show it.

"So you're okay living with someone who killed? Who cursed everyone?" Henry asked, incredulously.

"Yes." Was all Luca said and Henry stared at him. Luca though, didn't feel the need to justify his feelings.

"Right, I forgot you were a Lost Boy." Henry looked forward again, paying attention for any ways out, searching for a familiar area.

"What does that mean?"

"The Lost Boys were bad. I guess it makes sense you think all that's okay." Henry shrugged.

"It's not that." Luca started. "I just know that just because you make bad choices, doesn't make you a bad person." He said, repeating words his mother had used on him when he was feeling bad about his past.

"Right." Henry said sarcastically. Luca felt his frustration rise again. Still, he didn't want to yell back. He was smart enough to know that fighting while trapped underground was not a smart idea.

"What's it like?" He asked casually, sounding only curious and Henry turned his now confused expression on Luca.

"What's what like?" He asked and Luca shrugged, casually.

"Being perfect." Luca said flatly. He looked forward as he continued through the mine. Henry's jaw fell open in astonishment and paused just for a second.

"I never said I was perfect." He retorted, catching up to Luca's side.

"You act like it."

"How?" Henry felt offended and hated how casual Luca sounded.

"I see how you look at me and Mum, and I hear what you whisper, Henry. You always judge everyone. You judge her because you think she's bad and I know you feel the same way about me." There was a hint of something else in his tome. If Henry let himself go there, he would have acknowledged the hurt in the sound.

"I am not judging. She was the Evil Queen and you were a Lost Boy. You both did bad things. You can't excuse that." He defended, almost petulantly.

"So you feel you're better than us because you have not done bad things before?" He asked, still in an innocent, curious tone, as if he truly wanted to understand.

"I am a good person because I have not done bad things before." He corrected and Luca stopped suddenly to face him. Henry startled slightly, but met his gaze.

"You are a good person because that is all you have ever known. What if you didn't grow up with a mother? What if she had not taken you and you lived without love? What if your heart had been broken? You have never suffered. You don't know what it's like, Henry." Luca turned back again and continued walking. Henry just stared for a moment.

He had looked at Luca as such a child the whole time he had been there. He was only two years younger, but Luca always acted so carefree that Henry saw him as far too young to take seriously. Now though, the smaller boy had sounded beyond his years.

Henry shook himself and turned to follow. He didn't like the way Luca's words were sitting with him. He was good because…he just was. He had a good heart. But then…maybe he hadn't really had to deal with too much before the curse breaking. He really didn't like where his thoughts were going. He sighed as he caught up with Luca.

"I'm…I'm sorry." He said quietly and very reluctantly.

"It's okay, Henry." Luca responded honestly. Henry stayed quiet for the next few moments until they came to a fork in the tunnel.

"This way." He pointed and Luca started in that direction. Henry was relieved to see them moving through the section of the mines he recognized now. It made him feel safer as they made their way towards an exit. However, they had only made it a few meters before the rock began to break.

Luca's reaction was quick. He heard the crumbling and whipped his head to the side. When the beam above Henry's head creaked, he was instantly in motion. His lunged forward, his body crashing into Henry's. He was smaller, but adrenalin increased his force and he was able to knock Henry out of the way fast.

Eventually, the sound died down and Henry coughed a few times. Luca had hit him hard and knocked the wind out of him and as he sucked in air, the dust filling each breath caused harsh coughs. Again, he was slightly stunned from the impact. He planted his hands down on the ground and started lifting his body. Once he was up, he brushed some of the dirt covering his body and looked to the side at the wall that had just caved in.

"Henry." Luca's voice was strained and when the Henry turned, his eyes widened at the sight. While the fearful and pained expression was something to take notice of, that wasn't that that had Henry legitimately concerned for Luca for the first time ever. No, in this case, it was the sight of the small boy's leg completely pinned down underneath the large, fallen beam.