Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday's to you all! :)

A new Routine

-3 Months Ago- San Diego

"Okay, um…uhhh…I have your lunch here. Your uh…your back pack. Um…I threw in some extra pencils."

"Mum?" Luca watched Regina curiously as she moved about, her features overly concentrated for the simple task.

"There's some pens in there, but I don't know what they prefer." She had her brow seemingly permanently knit as she paced around the kitchen.

"Mum-"

"You know I should give you some money as well. I don't know how they do lunch, you should have both in case. You never know."

"I'm sure it'll be okay."

"I wonder…I don't know how many notebooks you'll need. I added one for each class."

"That sounds like more than enough."

"I've got folders in there, extra paper…do you think you'll need markers? I didn't think about markers."

"I don't think so. Not on the first day."

"I should have gotten some markers."

"I'm sure I don't need them."

"Maybe we should wait until we have markers, you don't want to be unprepared."

"Mum!" Luca stepped in front of her quick pacing and she was forced to stop.

"What?"

"It's just school." He said lightly with a small grin. Regina took a big breath and let it out slowly.

"I know, I just…I'm not used to this. I'm used to you with me, all the time." She smiled as she put her hands on his shoulders and stepped closer to him.

"I know. It'll be fine." He spoke so surely, Regina tilted her head as she regarded him.

"How did you get so brave about this?" She asked and his smile grew warmer.

"I've been with you, all the time."

"Oh you." She sucked in a breath, but she was unable to contain a smile. "You know, we can still just skip all this if you want."

"Mum, I'm fine. We can do this." He encouraged. Regina just hugged him closer.

"I love you, you know."

"I do." He said happily and she laughed.

"Alright." She pulled back and lifted the overly packed bag. "This will get easier. We'll be fine." She said more to herself. Luca shook his head at her and took his bag.

This was far easier than his first first day. For him at least. His mother was far more frantic this time, much to his amusement. She was an organized, routine kind of mother though. She would get a routine and they would be fine. He knew that.

-Present Day-

Regina couldn't deny she was rather happy with herself at the moment. She had such a set, constant morning routine with Luca, that she had been wondering exactly how well they would manage with a new family member. It should throw things off or at least complicate them.

Any worries she had were vanishing quickly though as Luca and Lilly sat in front of her, dressed and ready for school, eating breakfast together like there was nothing more normal. She found it hard not to have a beaming smile constantly. As overwhelming as things were, this was a special moment she would not take for granted.

She had a family. Regardless of what the newcomers meant for them, right now, Regina knew that she had them. She had Luca, forever and always. He was hers and not only was she unwilling to ever part with him, he was equally unwilling. Luca loved her and that was something Regina never had to question.

And Lilly was here now. Regina didn't know the future and couldn't predict the complications or problems that could arise, but she knew now, as she watched the young girl smile and stuff as many scrambled eggs into her mouth as possible, that she would fight to keep her here. To keep her in the family she needed and deserved. Regina felt a peace and contentment that could only be caused my the comfort of family.

But with the thought of family, Emma and Henry were always in Regina's mind. And not because they were here now. That was certainly why there were at the forefront of her mind almost constantly, but before their arrival, whenever even the word 'family' entered her mind, they were quick to follow.

They were still her family. No matter how she thought of it. Henry couldn't really stop being her son. He could say he wasn't. He could say she wasn't his mother. But that didn't change it for her. Henry was, is, and always will be, her son.

Emma was also a permanent fixture in her mind. One she had tried to force away, just to spare herself the pain. Emma had not only meant more to her than the savior knew, but more than Regina had even known. It was so unfortunate, that it was when their fragile connection was threatened to break, that Regina understood the extent of her feelings.

The past could not be changed. That was a fact and there was no use dwelling on it. But the future was unwritten for any of them. Regina knew her future involved the two children in front of her. She was curious though, if it should involve the other members of her delicate family.

The new morning routine continued right on course, much to Regina's delight. From the drive from the house to Susan's to pick up Damian, and to school, went just as normal, with just the addition of a car seat and the little girl occupying it. They arrived right on time and Regina was grinning from the small victory.

"Bye, Mum." Luca said quickly as he jumped out of the car.

"Bye, sweetie, have a good day. You too, Damian."

"Thanks, Regina!" The other boy jumped out of the car and just as Regina was glancing back, to her surprise-

"Lunch!" Lilly yelled out, holding up the bag the boy had left behind. He turned and ran back, grinning shyly and thanking the little girl. Regina was not expecting that, but smiled regardless. She gave the girl an approving nod that was answered with a proud smile. She turned back around and put the car in gear before her foot froze on the break

She first thought she was imaging the sight, as it was most certainly out of place. But unmistakably, Emma Swan was standing on the curb on the other side of the parking lot. Craning her neck slightly, she could see Emma talking to Henry. She just stared for another moment, trying to make sense of the scene.

It was a honk from a car wanting to move up that made her shake out of it. She gave a small glare into the rearview mirror before pulling away. She kept glancing over to the curb where Emma and Henry were conversing. Part of her wanted to stop and question them on their presence at the school, but a glance at the clock showed she needed to get to the preschool before Lilly was late. Day one of being a foster mom had to be perfect.

She decided there was just nothing she could do about it right now and so there was no reason to worry. They were at school, and that was very peculiar, but she didn't have time to figure it out right now. She was seeing Emma later today anyway, she would ask her then. No worries.

She couldn't get it out of her head though. She pushed it aside when she walked Lilly into the preschool. She wanted to enjoy the moment of dropping her off like all the other moms. Lilly was used to coming here, but Regina had never had the pleasure of being the one to take her. She carried her in proudly and enjoyed yet another special moment with her family.

She got through her morning routine, but was still thinking about them. Why were they there? Was Emma seriously enrolling Henry in school not twenty-four hours since arriving? Was she that serious about whatever it is her intentions were? It seemed like a big step to make and Regina's curiosity over what it meant for them was unbearable.

"Whoa, are you alright there?" Susan's voice interrupted Regina's ongoing, whirling thoughts and the deep concentrated look broke slightly.

"I am. I was just thinking." Regina shook her head and used her hand to indicate the seat opposite her. Susan sat across from her and casually perused the menu.

"So how is it going with Lilly?" Susan had a million questions of her own, but knew to start somewhere neutral. Regina would get to the other events when she was ready.

"Very well. Smooth, like I had hoped."

"Good. I imagined after all the time you've spent with her, that it might not be too hard a transition. I'm glad it's going well." She said genuinely.

"Thank you."

They stayed quiet for a few moments as they made their selections. The next sound didn't come until the waiter took their orders. Regina had thought a lot since last night on how she would approach this. Susan wasn't judgmental and she was very open minded. Regina knew she had a better change getting through this extremely edited story with her, than anyone else.

"A long time ago, I adopted a baby boy named Henry…"

Regina managed to tell the story more smoothly than she would have thought. She adopted a baby. She loved him at first sight. He was her hope. He was her everything. She had never loved anything like she loved her son. She would have given him the world. She raised him until he was ten.

When he discovered he was adopted, he no longer trusted her. He found out about some mistakes she had made before she had him. He pulled away completely. He found his biological mother, Emma, and convinced her to stay.

They fought like crazy. Regina hated Henry's birth mother, but she refused to leave. Regina tried to make up with Henry. She tried to be a better mother. But Henry was so upset with her, he insisted on living with Emma. She allowed it, though it broke her heart.

In the meantime, after hating Emma so severely, their relationship started subtly changing. She started getting along with her better. She was still struggling with Henry when she met a small, homeless boy named Luca.

Luca needed a home and a mother. Regina fell for him instantly. Rather than making him find a new family, she took him in and he became her son instantly, with all the love and care between them as any other family.

While she got closer with Luca, she continued getting even closer with Emma. Much to her surprise, Emma was becoming a very welcome person in her life. They learned to understand each other and from that, developed a friendship. The friendship built and transitioned into something more, almost unnoticeably, until that first step was finally taken.

-Over 2 Years Ago-

"It wasn't as ridiculous as it sounds." Emma argued with an embarrassed smile.

"It sounds pretty ridiculous."

"Hey!" She shoved her elbow into Regina's side playfully, earning a few light chuckles from the mayor.

"You chased a woman onto an ice skating rink and managed to catch her, only because when you fell and slid, your body took hers out as well." She rose an eyebrow as she took a slow sip from her cider.

"The point it, I caught my girl. No matter what, I always get my girl." She laughed a little. "Or guy…you know, whatever." She shrugged with a smile, but as her words came out, she made eye contact with Regina.

It was happening more and more recently. Since their growing friendship moved from casual lunches together at the diner, to more private meetings, to tonight, the night Emma had clumsily, but officially asked Regina out for.

Still just a private get together. Both knew the wouldn't being going out on a date in town. That was simply a bad idea and they both knew it. But Emma managed to get Regina to agree to let her cook for her, in Regina's kitchen of course. It had gone better than either expected and now they were chatting easily away together on the couch, their proximity lessening the later it got.

This look they shared in the moment though, was not a first. They had been catching each other's eyes a lot recently, but it was beyond just friendly flirting. They looked into each other and shared a connection neither understood.

They had had a few drinks and there's a good chance that was why Regina was feeling bolder. She had put her glass down without loosing eye contact. It wasn't until Emma licked her lips that Regina looked down. Subconsciously, she mimicked the action and that gained Emma's attention.

She was never sure who exactly initiated the first kiss. She had moved closer and then Emma had as well, but both were also extremely hesitant.

Somehow, without spilling, Emma's glass managed to make it's way to the table. Regina's hand made it to Emma's thigh. Emma's hand made it to Regina's face. They stopped again and stared into each other's eyes, both trying to gauge the other's response.

Before Regina knew it, they had leaned in the rest of the way and closed the distance. It wasn't like it had been her first kiss in her life. Not by any means. But there was something special in this one. As nervous and hesitant as they had been up until that point, all of that just dissipated.

Emma's hand moved behind her neck. Her own slid a little further up Emma's leg and squeezed. They molded into each other as their bodies pressed into each other's on the couch.

It didn't take long before tongues had joined and that passion they had been building since the day they met, seemed to boil over.

It was Regina that stopped them in the end. Emma's hand had started trailing down dangerously and Regina knew if she didn't stop it then, she wouldn't be able to later. There was something special happening and Regina worried about taking it too far so soon and ruining it.

When she had pulled away, she had been greeted instantly with an almost pouting expression. She smiled and gave a soft kiss to Emma's lips. One that expressed her already changing feelings and judging by the returning kiss from Emma, she felt the same.

-Present Day-

She told Susan just how close she and Emma were. That she didn't realize just how much at the time. How it happened so quickly.

She told Susan about Henry keeping his distance. He barley spoke to her and when he did, often he had an attitude and showed his negative feelings. So she gave him space. She was polite. She was kind. She tried to be welcoming to him always. He just wouldn't respond.

Meanwhile, her feelings for Emma were growing. They were stealing time together whenever they could. Despite the relationship being a secret, she was happy and content. She loved the connection and companionship she had with Emma, and that overpowered the need for the public to know. Then she told Susan about the day everything changed.

She had to be creative, but she told how Henry's biological father showed up in town because he wanted to be with Emma and Henry. How Henry was over the moon, finally having the family he always wanted.

Regina gave them space to sort that out, but then decided to go talk to Emma and reveal her feelings. Seeing what little she had being taken away had opened her own eyes and she had to tell Emma before it was too late.

So she told Emma she wanted to be together. She wanted Emma to chose her. She kissed Emma, because she knew that was the best way to show how she felt and for a second, she thought the feelings would be returned. But then her son had witnessed the scene taking place and that ended up being the moment Regina knew she couldn't have what she wanted. She wanted her son and she wanted Emma. She didn't get either.

She gave everyone what they wanted. Everyone could live in peace without her presence complicating their lives. Henry got the picture perfect family. Emma got an easy decision.

Regina took Luca and they started traveling, seeing a world both were unfamiliar with. They loved it and had an exciting time exploring, but then they found a place both fell in love with.

"Then you know our story from there." Regina took a sip of her water as Susan stayed respectfully silent across from her. She definitely looked surprised, but kept her features schooled.

"The boy that saved Luca…" She started and Regina nodded.

"That was Henry."

"You had no idea he was here?"

"Not a clue." She said honestly. "I haven't seen or heard from him or Emma in two years. Apparently…" She took another pause. "Apparently they were looking for us. Since the day we left." She finished and Susan's eyebrows rose.

"Really? How does that make you feel?" She watched Regina's face closely as a few emotions passed.

"Overwhelmed." She answered truthfully and Susan could tell it was a loaded answer.

"I bet. Have they said why they are here now? What it is exactly they want?"

"Well, Henry has expressed great remorse for how things went between us. He apologized and he meant it. He seems to truly desire mending our relationship."

"I imagine he didn't known what he had until it was gone. That's wonderful that he was this desperate to apologize."

"It is, it…it really is." She nodded and picked at the barley touched food on her plate. Susan smiled softly.

"Been waiting a long time, huh?" She said gently. Regina looked up and offered a small smile.

"Yes. It feels like I could actually have my son back and that is wonderful, but also…"

"Overwhelming."

"Right." Regina let out a breath. Susan tried to ignore the multitude of questions rattling around in her skull and focus on what was important right now.

"And that's not all. Emma has shown up now as well. I'm sure that has brought back an onslaught of emotions." She made eye contact with Regina, who was definitely grateful once again, for this relationship they had.

"Like you wouldn't believe." She shook her head. "I have been pushing my thoughts of her aside for a long time. I was…unprepared to face this all."

"I'm sure. I think you're doing incredibly well considering. That's quite a lot to handle all at once."

"Thank you." Regina gave a small half smile. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you any of this before. I have always been a really private person. I'm not used to sharing." She finished and Susan was giving her a comforting smile.

"I completely understand. I'm glad you're sharing it all now." She took a sip of her drink and placed the glass back down. "Alright, so tell me, how did that go with her?"

"Well, we didn't talk for very long. There is so much to go over. But I don't even know what she wants." Regina was looking off again, lost in her thoughts. Susan reached across the table for her hand.

"What do you want?"

"To know what she wants." Regina replied immediately and Susan gave a small laugh.

"Forget what she wants for a minute. If you knew you would have whatever you wanted, what would that be?" Susan waited patiently for an answer as Regina thought it over.

"Well…I want my children…all of them." She looked up and Susan nodded.

"Good. Great start." She smiled. "Now what else?"

"I…I don't know…honestly, it truly hinders on what she wants. Why she's here, why they were at school this morning." She shrugged and rested her chin on her hand.

"So, if she's here for you? If she wants you back?" She asked and Regina took a few deeps breaths.

"…I don't know. It's confusing."

"I understand." She nodded. She could tell Regina was thinking more about it, so she didn't say anything more, only giving an encouraging smile when Regina looked up again. She had never seen her friend so…awkward before.

"Seeing her…it brought back feelings. Feelings I thought were finally past but…but I guess I had simply buried them. And not well enough, I might add." She sighed and Susan watched her silently. "I can't go through what I did last time, again. I can't just risk everything again. Not if there's a chance she isn't all in."

Regina took a few deep breaths as she leaned back in her chair. She was relieved again to have someone to talk to. She had never had a friend that could listen like Susan. It was at least a partial weight lifted when someone else could bare it with you. She knew it was quite a load to dump on her, but Susan remained calm and her words at least put Regina's thoughts in the right direction. What if Emma really did want her back? Did she want that as well? Could she handle it?

They had stayed casual and more lighthearted after that. Susan could sense that after Regina got the secrets off her chest and they talked, she needed to do some more soul searching. There was so much more going on than she had ever thought, but now was not the time for interrogations about her past.

They drove separately to the center today. Susan had to make a stop along the way, so by the time she got there, Regina was already inside. She was attempting to balance a few boxes as she walked, when the pile got wobbly and she almost lost the lot.

"Whoa, I got you." A hand came out to steady the boxes in her arms and Susan attempted to glance around them to smile at the stranger.

"Thank you so much." She said and got a smile in return.

"No problem. Need some help?"

"Yes, please." Susan said just as she felt the stack shift again. The top boxes were removed and she let out a breath in relief. "Thanks again."

"No problem. You work here?"

"Yes, I do." She replied as they started walking towards the building.

"Great. Would you mind telling me where I can find Regina Mills?" The question asked from a perfect stranger had Susan's interest and she glanced at the mystery woman.

"I probably can. I'm Susan. What's your name?"

"Oh I should have introduced myself. I'm Emma. Emma Swan." She smiled easily and Susan slowly returned it.

"Emma." She said quietly and held Emma's gaze just long enough for the blonde to narrow her eyes just slightly. "It's nice to meet you Emma." Susan recovered and Emma smiled again.

"You too."

"So you're here to see Regina?" She made her tone light again and though just slightly weary now, Emma responded.

"Yes, she told me I could meet her here. I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"No, it's pretty casual around here. Regina runs it that way." She said and Emma glanced at her curiously.

"Regina…casual? I find that hard to believe." She gave a small laugh but Susan held her gaze.

"Regina is very organized and dedicated to this place, but she doesn't run it like some business. She runs it with love."

"Right, of course. I just know her pretty well and it's hard to see her being able to be so relaxed." She shrugged, but still, Susan kept on.

"Well maybe not as well as you thought. You should really see the way she is now." Susan walked ahead leaving Emma pausing to blink a few times. She stared after the redhead for another few seconds as she replayed her words, before following after.

"Well that's part of why I'm here. I'd love to see how she is." Emma caught up to her and walked side by side with Susan.

"She's wonderful." Susan smiled brightly. "Very happy here."

"So you know her relatively well?" Emma gave a few sideways glances and Susan kept smiling.

"Very well. I'm very grateful to have her in my life." She said easily. "She should be upstairs, we just barely got back from lunch, so I'm sure she wanted to make sure everything is in order."

"Oh…you two…you were just…" Emma looked a little flustered and Susan gave her an innocent look.

"Are you alright?" Susan asked. Emma shook her head and then nodded it.

"Yeah, yeah of course." She smiled, but it was forced. Susan noticed.

"Well we can leave these here. I'll take you to Regina." Susan dropped the boxes and took Emma's as well.

"Thanks." Emma said, her tone a little quieter.

They walked through the building in silence now. Emma just followed Susan as they made their way up the stairs. Emma was thinking too much to really pay attention to their surroundings. She was actually focusing more on her feet and was surprised to hear Susan speak again.

"Regina, we found you."

Emma's head snapped up and she saw Regina standing there, caught in the sunlight from the open window beside her. She looked a little surprised as well, but Emma still smiled at the sight of her in this new, but somehow fitting environment. That was until a warm look was shared between the other two women and Emma's teeth came together tightly.

Sorry for the wait. Been working through my writer's block. Hope you enjoyed and please review :)