The Thing you Love Most
Regina read the book, the entire gilded book, and she found that there were several pages missing. What had happened after she left that godforsaken wedding? Ugh. She went up to her son who was getting ready for school and asked him for the pages.
"It's an old book, pages go missing, what do you care?" He asked.
"I care because you think I'm this evil queen," she answered, watching her bratty son walk away. "That hurts me, Henry, I'm your mother."
Henry remembered the talk he had with his other mom and he smiled. "I know, sorry, I guess I just really wanted to get to know Emma."
Regina's sharp gaze rested on her son, who had surprisingly shifted his attitude so quickly. She couldn't help but wonder if there was more to this change than met the eye. Then, the resonant chime of the clock tower reached her ears, causing her to pause in her thoughts.
As Regina walked towards the town center, her thoughts raced with a mixture of curiosity and concern. The fact that the clock tower was now working was a significant anomaly. For as long as she could remember, it had remained frozen, a symbol of the curse's grip on Storybrooke.
The sudden movement of the clock's hands raised many questions. Could it be a sign that the curse was weakening? Was there an external force at play? Or perhaps it was a message of some kind?
Regina knew she couldn't ignore this development. It was a potential game-changer in the ongoing battle to maintain her control over the town and keep her secrets hidden. She had to find out what had triggered the clock tower to start working again and whether it held any clues to the curse's undoing.
As she approached the clock tower, her determined expression masked the apprehension she felt deep down. Storybrooke had been a place of stasis for far too long, and any disruption to that equilibrium was cause for both excitement and fear. Regina was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead to protect her world and her son, even if it meant dealing with the enigmatic Emma Swan, the supposed Savior who had now arrived in town
Just then, the damn cricket strolled up behind Regina with his annoyingly chirpy voice. "How about that? Looks like those gears have straightened themselves out."
Regina couldn't help but roll her eyes as the ever-annoying Jiminy Cricket approached her with his cheerful demeanor and chirpy voice. She had more pressing matters on her mind than to engage in small talk with a fairy-tale character.
"Yes, it appears so," she replied curtly, her gaze fixed on the clock tower's now-moving hands. She was in no mood for idle chitchat, especially not with a talking cricket. Regina was determined to investigate this unexpected change and understand its implications for Storybrooke's cursed inhabitants.
Jiminy, undeterred by Regina's brusque response, continued to prattle on about the clock tower's mechanics and the significance of its repair. But Regina had already tuned him out, her mind racing with thoughts of what this newfound activity in the clock tower could mean for her carefully constructed world.
As Regina's eyes landed on the unmistakable yellow vintage VW, a mix of frustration and curiosity washed over her. She had explicitly told Emma Swan to leave Storybrooke, but here she was, still in town. Regina's mind raced, considering the implications of Emma's continued presence.
She recalled the conversation with her son that morning, Henry's sudden change of heart, and his desire to get to know his birth mother. Emma had managed to make him see that she loved him, and Henry's apology had stirred something in Regina.
Perhaps, just perhaps, there was a way to use this situation to her advantage. If Emma Swan truly was the Savior, maybe Regina could convince her that the Evil Queen was no longer a threat. This could be a chance to change the course of events in Storybrooke and ensure her son's happiness.
Regina turned her attention back to Jiminy Cricket, who was still rambling on about the clock tower. She needed to gather more information and formulate a plan. Emma Swan's continued presence in town had introduced a new variable into her carefully controlled life, and Regina was determined to make the most of it.
If Emma truly was the Savior, as Henry believed, then there might be a chance to change the course of events in Storybrooke. Regina knew she had a reputation as the Evil Queen, and convincing the townspeople to back down would be no easy feat. However, Emma's presence in town might offer an opportunity.
Staying on Emma's good side could be key to achieving her goal. Regina had seen a flicker of doubt in Emma's eyes, a hint that perhaps she wasn't as evil as she'd been portrayed. If Regina could appeal to Emma's sense of compassion and reason, they might find a way to break the curse together without resorting to violence.
Regina knew it wouldn't be easy. The townspeople were deeply entrenched in their beliefs, and her past actions as the Evil Queen had fueled their fear and hatred. But if Emma Swan could see the change in her, if she could understand that Regina wanted what was best for her son and the town, there might be hope for a different outcome.
She knew this was just the beginning of a delicate dance, a chance to build a bridge between them. The clock was ticking, and time was running out for Storybrooke. Regina was determined to do whatever it took to ensure a brighter future for her son and the town, even if it meant working alongside the very person she had once considered her enemy.
Regina had carefully orchestrated this visit to Emma's door, carrying a basket of apples as a symbolic message. If Emma had any inkling of who Regina really was, the apples would serve as a subtle alert that Regina knew her secret. However, when Emma opened the door, Regina's initial plan was derailed by the sight before her.
Emma stood there in a tank top without a bra, and Regina couldn't help but feel a visceral reaction. Her eyes involuntarily dropped, taking in the view of Emma's body. Regina found herself entranced, and her legs felt weak as she stood in her red panties, fully exposed. This unexpected sight left Regina momentarily flustered and at a loss for words.
Regina had intended to maintain her composed demeanor and deliver a message, but the unexpected attraction she felt for Emma had thrown her off balance. She was now facing a situation far more complex than she had anticipated, with emotions she hadn't bargained for.
Regina struggled to regain her composure, both mentally and physically, after the unexpected encounter at Emma's door. She tried to steer the conversation back to her original plan, despite the distractions.
Emma, however, had noticed the lingering look in Regina's eyes and the way the mayor had taken in her appearance. She decided to assert herself and make her intentions clear. With a touch of sass, she responded to Regina's comment about staying in town.
"Actually, I'm staying a while," Emma replied, her tone confident. She wanted to convey that she wouldn't be easily intimidated or chased away by Regina's attempts to push her out of Storybrooke.
Regina continued to probe, suggesting that Emma's presence might confuse Henry. Emma, ever protective of her son, retorted by addressing the mayor's previous actions.
"In fact, Madam Mayor, the fact that you have tried to kick me out of town twice in the past 24 hours makes me want to stay more," Emma declared firmly, her resolve clear. "For the kid's sake."
"Offering you apples is a threat?" Regina asked.
"I can read between the lines," Emma interrupted. "Sorry, I just want to make sure Henry is okay."
Regina's smile remained strained as she engaged in this tense conversation with Emma. She had her own reasons for wanting to keep Emma at a distance, but she also recognized the importance of Henry's happiness.
"Henry's fine," Regina repeated, her tone still somewhat defensive. "Any problems he has are being taken care of."
Emma, however, pressed further, seeking clarification about what Regina meant by "taken care of." Regina's admission that Henry was in therapy hinted at a deeper issue, one that Emma wanted to understand.
"It's all under control," Regina continued, though her tone was somewhat softer now. "But, to tell the truth, Ms. Swan, it wouldn't hurt for him to get to know you. So long as he knows who his mother is."
Emma appreciated the sentiment but wanted to make her own intentions clear. She nodded and spoke sincerely, recognizing Regina's role as Henry's mother. "Sure, that's who you will always be. I am not trying to take him from you. But he reached out to me for a reason. I gave him up because I loved him, not because he was an inconvenience. You were his best chance."
Regina nodded. "Don't underestimate me Ms. Swan. You hurt him and you have no idea of what I'm capable of." Regina's warning hung in the air as she took in the sight of Emma's exposed skin. Her words were a reminder of the power she held and the lengths she would go to protect her son. With a final lingering look, Regina turned and walked away, leaving Emma to contemplate the complicated situation they found themselves in.
As Emma watched Regina leave, she couldn't help but acknowledge the tension between them. The path ahead was uncertain, but Emma was determined to find a way to coexist with the woman who had raised her son and still harbored resentment from the past. She closed the door to her and turned toward the bathroom. Her mother opened the bathroom door, and a shiver ran down her spine. "It's so eerie to see her so young."
"You saw her?" Emma asked.
"Yes," Snow admitted. "I peeked. I'm sorry, but she was distracted, ogling your ass at the moment, so she didn't notice."
Emma smirked at her mother's comment. "Mom..."
Snow chuckled, trying to make light of the situation. "What, Emma? She always went both ways. It's just disconcerting that she's directing those thoughts at you."
Emma couldn't help but tease. "Well, I want to capitalize on that then," she stated with a mischievous grin. "I am going to make the Evil Queen love me, defuse things with diplomacy instead of us just fighting all the time."
Snow raised an eyebrow, her concern showing. "But..."
Emma cut her off with determination. "No, Mom. Once the curse is broken, we have to find a way to broker peace. More punishment and ire are not going to fix it. Regina is still Henry's mom."
Snow sighed, realizing the truth in her daughter's words. "Yeah," she said. "I suppose we can do that."
With their plan set, Emma offered to bring something back from the diner for her mother, who declined, choosing to search the hospital instead. As Emma prepared to face Regina, she knew that the path ahead was uncertain, but she was ready to take on the challenges that lay ahead in Storybrooke.
They parted ways as Emma put on her grey sweater and headed to the diner. She sat at the counter with her newspaper and the apple Regina had given her, contemplating whether she should eat it or not. She wasn't sure if she could trust Regina's word. Before she could take a bite, Ruby handed her a hot cocoa with cinnamon.
"Thank you, but I didn't order this," Emma said, a bit puzzled.
"I know," Ruby replied with a knowing smile and then glanced behind Emma. "You have an admirer."
Emma turned around and saw the Sheriff sitting at a table. She had noticed him eyeing her, but she wasn't interested in pursuing anything romantic with him. She approached the man with a straightforward demeanor.
"Look, the cocoa was a nice gesture, but I'm not here to flirt, so..." She placed the mug down on his table. "Thank you, but no thank you."
The Sheriff quickly clarified, "I didn't send it."
Emma was taken aback by his response, and then a small voice from the corner piped up. She smiled as she realized it was Henry.
"Don't you have school?" she asked.
"Duh, I'm ten," Henry stated matter-of-factly. "Walk me."
Emma agreed and walked the young boy outside. She wanted to get to know him better and understand his perspective on his mother.
"So, what's the deal with you and your mom?" she asked, trying to get to the heart of the matter.
"It's not about us," Henry replied. "It's about her curse. We have to break it. Luckily, I have a plan."
Emma decided to humor the kid for now. She had her own plans, but she was curious to hear what Henry had in mind. "Okay, tell me your plan."
"Step 1, identification," the boy proudly declared. "I call it Operation Cobra."
"Operation Cobra? That doesn't have anything to do with curses," Emma replied, a bit puzzled.
"Exactly! It's a code name to throw the queen off the trail," Henry explained excitedly. "Time was frozen here until you got here. No one knows what's going on; everyone is in a haze, ask them."
"So for decades, our people have been walking around stuck in a haze, not aging, without memories in this cursed town that kept them oblivious," Emma summarized, starting to grasp the gravity of the situation.
"You got it, and only you can help them. My mom doesn't know; I pulled off the pages with you in it." Henry handed Emma the missing pages of the book. "Whatever you do, don't let her see these pages."
"I got you, kid," Emma assured him as Henry rushed into the school. She looked at the building and wondered if they could use her services on the high school level. Determined to make a difference, she decided to go inside and speak with the Principal. Emma was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead in Storybrooke, especially if it meant breaking the curse and helping the town's residents regain their memories and freedom.
Regina wasn't sure that she could handle sharing her son. She waffled back and forth in thought. She had told Ms. Swan about Henry going to therapy. Maybe... maybe she could find a way to make this work. She called the cricket, Archie.
"Archie, if Henry's mother stops by, offer her to see his file. I would like for her to understand his little mind. If she is a concerned mother like I am, she will want to know."
"Sure, Madame Mayor. I will."
"Be sure to let me know if she does. I would like to talk with her about it as well," Regina said, formulating a plan that would make Emma appear as though she didn't have her son's best interest at heart.
Meanwhile, Emma did indeed go to see Archie. She wanted to understand what might be going on in Henry's mind and why he felt the way he did about his mother. Archie, somewhat surprised but willing to help, gave Emma Henry's file.
While Emma was engrossed in Henry's file, Graham arrived and abruptly took her to the precinct for booking. It seemed that Regina's plan was already in motion.
At the precinct, Henry and Snow arrived. Henry was puzzled, "Mom, what are you doing here?"
"Well Henry came to get me, because they had brought you here. For some fake charge. I couldn't let you stay the night in jail."
"Shit's about to get Real." With Henry's amused laughter in the background, Emma turned to Graham and asked him to remove the cuffs. She knew things were about to get serious.
As they walked out of the precinct, Emma's determination was evident. She borrowed a chainsaw from the tool shed behind City Hall and revved it up, ready to take action.
Her target was clear: that damn apple tree. Emma was determined to send a message to Regina, one way or another.
Racing out of City Hall the Mayor shouted. "What the hell are you doing?"
Regina watched in disbelief as Emma threw the chainsaw aside and calmly replied, "Picking apples." The unexpected turn of events left her momentarily speechless.
"You're out of your mind," Regina finally managed to say, her voice laced with frustration and a hint of something else.
"You are if you think a shoddy frame job is gonna scare me off," Emma retorted, her tone suggestive. "You're gonna have to do better than that."
Emma took a step closer, her gaze locked onto Regina's. The tension in the air was palpable, charged with an electrifying energy that neither of them could deny.
"Come after me one more time," Emma purred, her voice low and sultry, "and I am coming after the rest of this tree. Because, sister, you have no idea what I'm capable of."
Regina felt a shiver run down her spine, but it wasn't just fear that coursed through her veins. Her desire and frustration mingled in a dangerous dance, and she struggled to maintain her composure.
"Now we can do this in a civil way," Emma continued, her eyes locked onto Regina's lips, "or this can get worse... your move."
Regina's breath hitched as the sexual tension between them thickened. It was a pivotal moment, and she had to decide whether to continue the battle or explore a different path—one that might lead them down a more passionate and complicated journey.
Regina seethed with frustration, torn between her desire to maintain control and the realization that she might be hurting Henry in the process. Archie's words resonated with her, reminding her of the most important thing in her life: her son.
As she considered the situation, Regina couldn't help but acknowledge the satisfaction she had felt during her fiery confrontation with Emma. It had been a long time since she had engaged in such a passionate exchange, and it had awakened something within her.
"But do you want to stay alive?" she asked herself, recognizing the danger of pushing Emma too far.
Eventually, Regina decided to take a different approach. She called Emma to her office, feeling the need to clear the air and, perhaps, find some common ground.
"Miss Swan," Regina began, her tone noticeably softer than before, "I'd like to start by apologizing."
Emma was taken aback. "What?"
"I just have to accept the fact that you want to be here," Regina continued, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "And that you're here to take my son away from me."
Emma leaned forward, trying to convey her sincerity. "Okay, let's be clear," she stated firmly. "I have no intention of taking him from anyone."
Regina listened attentively, intrigued by Emma's sudden change in demeanor.
"I know I am not a mother," Emma admitted, "I think that's pretty self-evident. But I did have him, and I can't help that he got in my head, and I want to make sure he is okay."
The sincerity in Emma's voice began to tug at Regina's defenses.
"The more you try to push me out, the more I want to be in his life," Emma confessed. "Especially seeing how troubled he is."
Regina's brow furrowed. "You think he is troubled?"
Emma decided to lay it on thick, portraying herself as just a concerned mother, rather than the Savior who would ultimately break the curse.
"He thinks this town is full of fairytale characters," Emma revealed, her tone filled with empathy.
"And you don't?" Regina inquired, her voice carrying a touch of curiosity.
"How can I?" Emma responded honestly. "The poor kid can't tell the difference between fantasy and reality, and it's only getting worse. It's crazy."
Regina seized the opportunity to provoke Emma further, deliberately ensuring that Henry could hear their conversation from the next room. She wanted to prove a point before considering a more civil approach with this woman.
"You think I'm crazy?" Regina chimed in from behind Emma.
Emma sighed inwardly. She hadn't wanted Henry to hear that. She was about to approach him when Regina spoke again.
"How long was he there?"
Emma frowned. "Long enough," Regina replied with a clear smirk in her voice.
Regina then emphasized that she knew her son's habits and routines well, playing the role of the devoted mother.
Emma, feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, accused Regina of having no soul and questioned how she had become this way before storming out of the office.
Regina scolded herself for pushing Emma's buttons so aggressively. Deep down, she wanted to be a better person for her son, but old habits and defenses died hard.
Later, Emma sat with her mother in their room, grappling with the consequences of her actions. She felt guilty about how she had treated Henry.
"If we leave, if you don't talk to him anymore, who will he turn to?" Snow posed a thoughtful question.
Emma realized the truth in her mother's words. "I have to go talk to him," she said, rising from the bed. "I'll be right back."
Emma was determined to make things right with Henry and show him that she was fully committed to breaking the curse.
Emma ran all the way to Archie's office, her heart pounding with the need to mend her relationship with Henry. When she burst into the room, Henry was already there, and Archie looked concerned.
"Miss Swan!" Archie began, but Emma cut him off.
"I know, Archie, don't worry about it," she said with determination. She understood the complexities of the situation and couldn't let the mayor's actions deter her.
Henry, however, was still upset, and his words stung. "I don't wanna talk to you," he declared, his voice filled with frustration and hurt.
Archie tried to caution Emma about Regina's potential reaction, but she brushed it off. "To hell with her," she stated firmly. "Henry, there is one simple reason I stayed here. You. I wanted to get to know you."
Henry's skepticism was clear as he voiced his concerns. "You think I'm crazy," he accused, his eyes reflecting the doubts that had plagued him.
Emma shook her head, her expression softening with understanding. "No, I think the Curse is crazy. Always have," she assured him. "But that doesn't mean that it's not true. We believe in a lot of crazy things."
Henry hesitated, recalling the conversation between Emma and his mom. "But you told my mom-"
Emma interrupted him, her voice resolute. "What she needed to hear," she explained, her eyes conveying the depth of her commitment. "I can't have her figuring out who I am. Not until she can find common ground with me. She keeps fighting me. And I need to let her know that I am on her side. Isn't that what Operation Cobra is all about? To throw her off the trail?"
Henry's eyes lit up with understanding and admiration. "Brilliant!" he exclaimed, realizing the strategic nature of Emma's actions.
Emma and Henry decided to destroy the missing pages from the book to ensure Regina never saw them. She threw the pages into the fire, and they watched them turn to ashes.
Relief washed over Henry as he hugged his mother tightly, feeling her genuine support and love.
"That's right, kid. I am," Emma affirmed, looking deeply into his eyes. "And nothing, not even a curse, is going to stop that."
Afterward, Emma walked Henry home, determined to protect him and navigate the complexities of Storybrooke, all while strengthening their bond.