Author's Note:

I know that I don't always answer my reviews/messages. I try to but sometimes forget or don't know what to say. Recently, however, one message caught my attention and I feel that I should address it.

I am very aware that the word Gypsy is a slur. I am also aware that I have used it several times in this story. I am not Roma and do not use this word as part of my personal vocabulary. However, with the character of Esmeralda, it is something that has to be addressed. Victor Hugo and Disney did not shy away from the matter and neither have I. I have certain themes I have been trying to tie into this story. Racism, Colorism, Colonialism, White Privilege and some others. All the things that should have been in the show but were not. Am I, a white woman from the United States South, the best voice for these themes? Absolutely not. There are far more educated, experienced and appropriate writers who make better cases than I. I am forging ahead, though, with no intention of stopping until my story is complete. I will address the slur and its liberal use in dialogue in a later part of the story. It is a part of the plot, not something I plan to ignore or claim it was to make the character better or more believable. I've spent years on this story and, I am not bragging but there are precious few parts of it I haven't spent hours and hours going over, debating and weighing out the pros and cons.

If I have offended, I apologize.

That being said, I welcome all questions, comments, critiques, and messages and can be reached via this website's messenger, tumblr, twitter, discord and yahoo/gmail email. I am RebelByrdie at/on all these platforms. Discord is difficult for me because I am old and don't know how to use it, but I'll try!

Chapter XLVI

Normal

A bright Maine sunrise woke Emma up way too early. Whatever magic contractor put the master bedroom's windows facing east was the worst. That jerk was Storybrooke's new most wanted. What a way to wake up, though. She was snuggling with Regina.

Regina had an arm thrown over Emma's waist and a leg tucked between Emma's thighs. Her head was on Emma's chest, her nose and mouth pressed to Emma's breast. Dark, messy, curled hair covered Regina's face. Regina was gloriously nude. Emma ran her hand up and down Regina's back. Emma did not want to get up. She was too happy. Happier than she'd ever been. Happy in a way that she had never imagined being. Content, comfortable, downright cozy.

Emma peeked over Regina's shoulder and then let her head fall back onto the pillow. It was already 8:25. She told David and Snow that they'd meet at 8:30. She was late. She didn't want to go. She was sleepy, sated and had a beautiful woman in her arms. She'd be crazy to give this up. Even for pancakes.

Emma brushed Regina's hair away from her face and pressed a kiss to her cheek and neck. "Rise and shine, Baby."

Regina's face scrunched up, and she hid her face against Emma's neck.

"Too" The word buzzed against Emma's throat. "Early."

Then she made a sound. It wasn't a grunt, groan or even a moan. It was small, sweet, almost like a kitten's mew. It was the cutest thing Emma had ever heard.

"Oh my God." She chuckled a little. "Do it again."

Regina raised her head a little. She blinked, deep brown eyes were still unfocused. "What?"

Emma grinned. "Make that sound again."

Regina was half-asleep. She blinked at Emma, a little furrow between her brows. "I don't-"

Emma kissed her, quick and sweet. "Baby."

Regina shifted. She slid to the side and started to untangle their limbs. She wrinkled her nose and shook her head, amused.

"Make the kitten sound again."

Regina's eyes focused and her lips twitched. She was finally waking up.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." She stretched her arms and legs and arched her back. Emma smiled and shivered as warm bare skin slid against hers. Regina made that same little happy kitten sound.

Emma laughed, she couldn't help it. Sleepy Regina was adorable. "You." She couldn't stop smiling. "Are adorable."

Regina's cheeks tinged red. "I am not adorable. I am a queen, refined and-"

" Adorable." Emma finished for her.

Regina sighed and hid her face in Emma's shoulder. "You're an idiot."

Emma stretched and wrapped her arms around Regina. "I'm your idiot."

Regina threaded her fingers through Emma's hair. She massaged her scalp with her nails. It felt amazing.

"You're lucky that it is too early to smite you, Miss Swan."

Emma grinned. "We have to wake up." She kissed Regina's cheek again. Because Regina was her girlfriend and she could. "We have to meet David and Snow for breakfast."

Regina shook her head. "Before sunrise, they're your idiots. You go have breakfast with them. It is definitely too early for idiots." She scowled. "Your idiots. Not mine."

Emma rolled them over so she was on top of Regina. She held her weight on her arms and smiled down at her girlfriend. "Those idiots have our kid."

Regina looked amazing in the early morning light. She looked soft, sweet and content. It was a good look on her. Emma didn't want to make her happy morning anything but. She sighed and blew her messy blonde hair out of her face. "Fine. How about I go get our kid and we can all spend the day together."

Regina's smile was gorgeous. "Together? The three of us?"

It was the little things. The little things made Regina the happiest.

Emma got up on her knees then rolled off the bed. I will go make nice with my parents and bring back our kid and some coffee.

Regina rolled over and propped her chin on her hands. The sunbeams fell across her body and made a gorgeous silhouette, a full body golden halo. Emma hesitated. If their kid wasn't waiting on her, then she would back into bed and-

"Baby." Emma backed up a step to be further from temptation. "Don't look at me like that." Like Emma made her happier than she'd been in years. Like she could devour her. Like Emma belonged back in bed with her and nowhere else. "Baby, I gotta go get Henry and-"

Regina smiled, slow, sweet with a little wickedness shining through. "Of course, Dear." She held up a single finger and twirled it in a circle.

Regina magically dressed her. Emma was wearing her favorite pair of skinny jeans, and her blue henley shirt. Regina had even included socks and her blue leather jacket. No underwear, though. Not panties or a bra.

"Really!"

Regina's smile grew bigger. Her eyes shined with humor. She was evil.

Emma walked closer and kissed Regina's smiling lips. "If we didn't have a kid to entertain, you and I would not be leaving this room."

Regina's only reply was to cock a brow and purse her lips in an air kiss.

Emma shook her head and grinned. "I'm starting to see why they called you the Evil Queen."

Regina raised up on her forearms, which displayed her bare breasts. Her flexibility was both astounding and sexy. "Keep calling me Baby and you'll see how evil your queen can be."

Emma chuckled. Regina was naked, smiling and about as scary as a Care Bear at the moment. She leaned in for a quick kiss because she had to have one more. Regina opened her mouth and slid her tongue across Emma's lips. She enticing her, inviting her to stay longer and have more. Emma pulled herself away with a groan.

"I have to go."

Regina smirked, "Are you sure?"

No. No, she was not at all sure.

"I-"

Henry was waiting for them.

"Yeah. The Kid."

Regina mock pouted and waved her away, dismissing her like, well, a queen would.

Emma made it halfway to the stairs before Regina caved. She appeared less than a foot in front of Emma. She was dressed now, in a short silk robe. That was, somehow, more erotic than nudity.

She said nothing but pulled Emma by her jacket lapels and gave her a kiss. This wasn't a teasing kiss. It was a deep, soul-stirring, toe-curling kiss. Emma got lost in it. She could kiss her girlfriend forever. Regina broke their kiss with a quick nip on her bottom lip.

Emma wrapped her arms around Regina's waist. "Miss me already, Baby?" She stretched out the word to annoy the other woman. "Because at this rate, Henry will be in high school before I go get him."

Regina rolled her eyes but smiled. It was her real smile. The one that so very few people got to see. Because most people didn't see Regina. Not the real Regina. That Regina, the secret soft, funny and cuddly Regina, was the woman that Emma could not get enough of.

"Of course not, Miss Swan."

Oh, this was Sassy Madam Mayor.

"I wanted to remind you to not let Ashley make my coffee order. She scorches the milk every time."

Because Mayor Sassy Pants would never admit to wanting one more kiss. She needed her untouchable and frustrating attitude; she wore it like armor. Emma understood that all too well.

"Of course not, only the best for you, My Majesty. I'll even get you one of the double chocolate- chocolate chip muffins you swear you don't love. See you soon."

Emma untangled herself from her girlfriend (she would never get tired of that) and headed down the stairs. She could feel Regina's eyes on her the entire way. Emma paused at the bottom step and almost cursed. She didn't have her keys, her car or anything else. Her cellphone was still AWOL and her wallet was still over at Mary Mar-Snow's loft.

She opened her mouth to curse. Before she could say anything, a sudden swirl of smoke caught her attention. In the decorative bowl that Regina dropped her keys in, a single key had appeared. A key attached to a yellow tag with four black embroidered letters. Emma. It was a house key, a key to Regina's house. Emma smiled so fast and wide that it hurt her face a little.

Tallahassee had nothing on Mifflin Lane.

She couldn't wait to put all her keys on this little ring. She wrapped her fingers around it and squeezed before she slid it into her criminally small pocket.

It was probably a good thing she hadn't replaced her phone yet. She might do something embarrassing. Like post a dumb gushy picture of her with the key on Facebook, and Twitter, and Instagram. Oh shit, she was turning into one of those people. The annoying happy couple people that she usually mocked.

Emma shook her head and slid her aviator sunglasses, which had also appeared in the bowl, over her eyes. Morning After Sex Brain was turning her into a sap.

She opened the door and picked up Regina's paper, dropped it on the table, locked the door behind her with her new key. Emma headed out. She raised her arm to greet Regina's closest neighbor. She couldn't help smiling when the neighbor waved back. Like it happened every day. Like it could easily become routine. Like this was home, after all.

Maybe she was turning into one of those people. Maybe, Emma shrugged, it wasn't such a bad thing.

Snow White had a lot on her mind. No. That was a gross underestimate. She was overwhelmed. Everything that had happened over the last two days had her at her wits' end!

Disaster had destroyed their dance. Their Unity Ball! As much as she wanted to blame Regina, and that was a lot, she couldn't.

Regina had saved them all. So they said.

Snow doubted Belle. The woman had questionable taste in companions. What sane person would choose to serve The Dark One? Now she was cavorting with The Evil Queen too? Regina, the woman who had locked her up for years? It did not make sense. None of it made sense!

Belle was not the only witness, though. That made even less sense. Snow had no reason to doubt Mulan or Aurora. Ruby would never lie to her either.

There was only one explanation that made sense. Regina had them all under a spell. That explained everything. It just had to be true.

She had to ask Blue about which spell it could be. More importantly, how could they break it. Regina had cast the Dark Curse. She was capable of anything and would relish the chance to use magic against them again. Yes, there had to be a spell. Regina had cast a spell on Emma and who knew who else.

The last thing Snow, or anyone, needed was The Evil Queen corrupting The Savior. Snow had lived through that nightmare once and couldn't do it again. She had, foolishly, brought Regina into their family, and now she had to get her out. Get her out before she hurt or killed anyone else. Snow would not let The Evil Queen hurt her daughter or grandson. Regina had hurt her and killed her father. She wouldn't let her dole out anymore damage or death. She couldn't. She wouldn't. Never again.

"Hey look!" Henry was bouncing up and down beside her, "There's Ma!"

The bell over the door chimed a moment later and Emma breezed in.

She looked, Snow blinked once-twice-thrice, happy. She was smiling and had an extra bounce in her step. She hadn't seemed so light and carefree since the curse.

"Ma!" Henry scrambled out of the booth and lunged at Emma. He grabbed her in as close to a bear-hug as an eleven-year-old could come. "Where's Mom? Is she okay? What happened? Grandpa said it was a Wraith! Was it? Just like last time? How did you beat it? Did it hurt Mom? Is that why you had to walk her home? Is that why she's not here? Is she okay?"

"Woah!" Emma hugged him back and lifted him up a little so his feet left the floor. "Woah Kid, take a breath!"

She let ruffled his hair. Emma seemed unaffected by her son's wild worries. Regina's spell was powerful.

Henry lead her back to the table but did not pause for a breath. "It was so crazy, Ma! Grownups at the school had swords and axes and bows and stuff! Two guys even had guns like on TV!"

Snow had seen that. She had also noticed that not all the armed men and women had been trustworthy. Who had thought arming Regina's supporters and turncoat soldiers was a good idea? She had not liked it, not one bit. She and Charming needed to speak to their people. Their knights, allies, and supporters sooner rather than later. She needed a new bow too.

"Some High School boys had swords too. They're squires! Grandpa said he'd teach me how to sword fight. He can teach you too! He is the best at sword fighting. I mean he's Prince Charming!"

David was so good with Henry. He was such a good father-figure. Snow felt a pang in her heart when she watched him with their grandson.

"We need to learn to fight to protect our family. No one will mess with Mom if she has two knights protecting her!"

Henry was just like David, ready to jump in and protect his family. He would make a wonderful Knight, Prince and King one day. They had to keep him away from the Evil Queen.

Emma seemed to take Henry's words with a grain of salt. She pushed her sunglasses to the top of her head. Her eyes were bright and twinkling, full of humor and not a concern. That damn spell.

She elbowed David as she sat down beside him.

"Deputy Nolan, what did you feed the prisoner? Pepsi and Pixie Stix?"

"Of course not!" David slung his arm over the back of the booth and Emma's shoulders. "Henry had Pop Rocks and Coke, like any good growing boy."

Emma acted faux-scared, "Uh-Oh, Mikie."

Henry was a little too young to understand the joke. He looked at his Mother and Grandfather with a confused and furrowed brow.

David and Emma both grinned (an identical grin) and Snow's heart melted. They were all ridiculous, and she loved them. For a moment she forgot her worries and suspicions. Her baby looked like her husband, and she could see traces of all three of them in Henry. This was her family, and she loved them with all her heart.

The waitress, Andreza, hopped over to their table. She was, as always, all smiles. Good Morning, Sheriff! Don't you look chipper today?"

Emma shrugged off her leather jacket and rolled her shoulders. "It is a beautiful day. I have a great kid and I'm about to destroy a stack of pancakes. What's not to love?"

Snow had a wriggling and niggling feeling in her gut there was more to it than pancakes. It was a terrible spell.

"Coffee too, Emma?"

Andreza, always sweet and smiled, winked at her as if she already knew the answer.

If possible. Emma's smile grew even bigger. "Ooh! Gimme gimme!" She even held out her hands and made grabbing motions. She was an overgrown child. Henry had better manners.

"Nice example" Granny snorted from the counter. "You're setting for your boy there."

Emma cocked her head to the side. 'Regina handles manners and math homework. I'm in charge of being cool, impressing girls and breaking rules." She winked at Henry.

Granny shook her head. "It is a good thing that there is someone with a lick of sense watching over you all."

"Why thank you, Granny." Snow preened. It was a good thing she was here. She loved Emma but sometimes she doubted her ability to parent.

Granny chuckled as she came around the counter "I meant Esmeralda." She thwapped Emma with a towel. "She will keep you kids in line." She chuckled when Emma tried to use David as a shield from further towel attacks. "Between you two girls and Henry, she's got her work cut out for her." She shook her head, "And I thought Ruby was a handful."

Snow frowned and picked at her food. The food that had arrived long before Emma had because she'd been late.

Snow understood that Granny knew Esmeralda from years before. She had not known that she liked Esmeralda so much. Did she approve of her? How many people did Regina and Esmeralda have bewitched?

"Hey!" Emma protested, "I'm totally more mature than Ruby." She pointed at Henry. "I made him, didn't I?"

It wasn't exactly a ringing endorsement. Snow knew that the circumstances meant nothing in the modern world. In their world, though, things were different. A lady would never brag about a base-born child. Not that Snow didn't love Henry, she did! He was the only good thing that had come from The Evil Queen's curse. In their world, though, Emma would have been married first. Marriage then a child. It was how things were done.

"Speaking of Esmeralda." Emma reached out for the coffee Andreza was bringing her when she was still steps away. "Did you guys have a good night after all the fun at City Hall?"

"Granny rolled her eyes at Emma's snarky remark. "We had a fine time. She's running the kitchen right now. My staff is half-in-love with and half-terrified of her.

Andreza handed Emma a clean mug and filled it with fresh coffee from her carafe. "Esmeralda sure is something. She helped Ashley with Alex so much! That baby thinks she hung the moon." She topped off David and Snow's coffee cups. "Even Grouchy Old Mike in the kitchen likes her. Says she knows how to handle a knife."

Well, there was something that did nothing at all to ease Snow's mind.

Henry was fidgeting in his seat. "Hey, Ma, can I go say hi to Esmeralda?"

Emma answered him with a shoo-ing motion and gave her order for pancakes and bacon to Andreza. She didn't seem to mind at all. Regina's spell had her all but deaf dumb and blind to what was going on around her.

Snow minded. She didn't like Esmeralda. She wasn't just a Gypsy; she was The Evil Queen's Gypsy. Snow was not comfortable with her around. Snow didn't want Esmeralda around her family. She especially didn't want her around her food. Father had always said that those people knew too much about poisons and too little about flavor.

Granny, Andreza and even Ashley didn't seem to share her concern. They seemed happy for her help and company. They went to go tend to other customers and Snow swallowed a sigh. Now that they were alone, Snow knew she had to say something.

"Emma? About last night?"

Emma's happy smile faltered. She rolled her eyes. "Do we have to? This is the weekend. I want to have a nice breakfast with you guys. Then I will hang out with Regina and Henry. Normal stuff, family outings and all that. After last night we could all use a little normal." Emma stretched, "Besides, I'm still figuring out what all happened. I don't even have words yet. I have a whole stupid speech or something I have to give."

What was there to figure out? Regina had, somehow, cast a spell again. She was manipulating them all. It was so obvious, why didn't Emma see it?

"Well, it sounds like you're booked for today." David said. "What about tomorrow morning? We're taking Henry to the Stable for riding lessons. We can get you up on a horse too. I can show you the front from the back of a horse before I go on-duty. It can be our own family outing."

Their family. Away from Regina. Snow wanted to forbid Emma to go near The Evil Queen. She'd watched that play out with Henry and Emma though. If she forbade her, Emma would run right to Regina. Emma was like Henry, stubborn. Snow couldn't help but smile. Emma looked like David, but Emma got her stubbornness directly from her. From their family.

"The stables? Horses?" Emma shrugged one shoulder. "I never was a My Little Pony kind of girl."

Snow took a quick sip of coffee. Her father had given her a pony on her fifth birthday. She'd named it Ferdinand, Ferdy. She would have done the same for Emma. Emma would have loved ponies and horses, riding. She should have been a happy little princess.

"I'm sure you'll catch on, Sweetheart. You come from a long line of accomplished equestrians. I won several awards. Father, your grandfather, rode as a knight into countless battles. Riding is in your DNA."

"Mine too!" Henry flopped back into his seat. "And Esmeralda told us all about Mom. She is great with horses! In the book, she rescued you on horseback, right Grandma?"

Snow tightened her grip on the coffee cup and grit her teeth. Yes, Regina had been an excellent rider, a natural with horses. Even Evil Queens had hobbies.

"Yes. I think Charming will help Henry mount up while I teach you the basics, Sweetheart. It will be great!"

Henry looked so excited like he could burst. Emma didn't look half-as-enthused.

"It'll be fun, Ma. You're a princess and I'm a prince. We're supposed to ride horses and stuff. First horses, then swords!"

Snow smiled. "Something like that, yes."

Emma choked on her coffee.

"Easy there, Kid. I don't think we're going full-on Medieval Times yet.''

David shook Emma's shoulder and smiled. "'Don' t worry, Boss. It's all in good fun. Swordplay in Storybrooke is just a hobby."

Andreza brought Emma's plate over and laid them out neatly. She was very good at her job. She must have served in a castle before the curse. Before.

Before. If the curse hadn't destroyed their lives, things would be different. Emma wouldn't be a Sheriff and Andreza would work for Ashley, not alongside her. Alexandra and Emma would have been playmates and friends. Emma would still be a child, a happy little princess.

Everything would have been different. Things would change soon though. The curse was broken and things had to change. A good place to start would be access to their familial fortunes. She and Ashley needed their money to take care of their families. They needed their families to be back in their rightful places.

Everyone dug into their food again, but Snow was having problems enjoying it. The curse as broke, Emma had saved them all. They were all together, finally a family. It was not Happily Ever After yet.

"So what are we doing today, Ma?"

"Don't" Emma jabbed her fork at Henry. "Talk with your mouth full, Kid"

Henry's reply was to open his mouth to show his disgusting half-chewed food. David, the world's most mature man, burst out laughing.

Emma was trying not to laugh and failing. "Well, you screwed yourself out of the Captain America-Iron Man double matinee." Emma folded her arms and smirked at him. "You little snot."

David laughed into his pancakes when Henry's went wide-eyed and let out a squeaky groan.

Snow shook her head. Emma's triumphant grin was too much. Snow let out a giggle. "I am the only adult at this table."

Emma, her beautiful child, opened her mouth to show off her food too.

"Oh! I'm so telling Mom. She won't let you have popcorn now. No candy either."

Emma swallowed and scowled, "Traitor!"

"Oh." Snow tried to keep her face under control. It was like teaching. She had to maintain a calm face and keep control of the room. "Regina is coming to the movies too?''

Emma pushed her now empty plate away. Her smile faded and her eyes narrowed. "Yes. It is a family outing and she is Henry's mother.'' Her lips quirked a little. "Movies, the park, then I'm going to throw some steaks and ribs on the grill. Then I will destroy them both at Monopoly. It will be a nice normal Saturday. No monsters. No magic. No mysteries.

It wasn't what Emma was saying, that all sounded nice. It was the way she said it. It was the way her eyes sparkled and her dimples popped out. It was the way she perked up when she mentioned grilling steaks like it was her backyard and her food.

This was not good, not at all. That damn spell.

"Sweet! We gotta go home, though. I have to change. I need my Captain America shirt. He tugged at the flannel he was wearing. "I can't go to the movies like this! Everyone will think I'm lame." He was grinning. "Everyone will be there. They're showing these so everyone is pumped to see Thor next weekend. It has been out forever but we're finally getting in Storybrooke!"

Henry paused and his face shifted a little. Snow recognized that look. It was the same look he'd had on his face the day that her VISA had disappeared.

"Hey Ma, you know we have to go see Thor, right? He's Mom's favorite."

"Really?" Emma slid her sunglasses back over her eyes. "I like Iron Man better."

She dropped a fifty-dollar bill, far more than the tab, on the table. "This one is on me, guys." She stood up, "C'mon Kid. Let's go so you can change into your Captain Lame-O shirt."

Henry gave her a half-hug before hopping up. "He's not lame! Captain America is a hero, even Mom says so. She still likes Thor better. It is because he's got long blonde hair and big muscly arms."

Oh no. This could not be happening. Henry was a child. He was just talking, right? It couldn't be what it sounded like. It couldn't.

It was all a spell, a horrible spell. The worst.

"Really?" Emma smirked and her dimples popped out again. She ruffled Henry's hair again. "Well, that is good to know."

No. It was not good to know. Snow wanted to scream.

"Well, Kid. We got to get your Mom a coffee, a muffin and then my car. It's still over at the school."

She turned back to them and lowered her glasses. "We'll see you guys tomorrow, and-" She focused on David, "Call me if anything goes sideways. Ruby is off duty today and I'm your backup."

David, so handsome in his uniform, gave her a cheeky salute.

"Mom, let's go! Granny said she already has Mom's coffee!"

David brushed the crumbs off of his black polo. "And I should head out too, Honey. It's already a little late to start my first patrol. I don't want my boss to think I'm slacking off."

He and Emma laughed, Henry rolled his eyes and Snow smiled. She didn't feel like smiling, but she did so anyway. She had things to do too. Snow had to speak to Blue. There was no time to waste! Her family, Storybrooke, was in danger and Snow White had to save them. She had to defeat The Evil Queen, for good this time. She'd lost too much to Regina over the years. She had her family back and would die before letting Regina take them away again.

Henry rode home with his Ma and chewed the inside of his cheek. He'd been so patient, all last night and all morning. His grandparents wouldn't tell him anything. Esmeralda wouldn't tell him anything. Even his Ma hadn't answered his questions. He hated not knowing! Why did everyone keep everything from him? The not telling was as bad as lying.

So as soon as Ma parked the car he got out and sprinted to the front door. He yanked the door open and ran inside. "Mom!"

"Henry?" His Mom came out of the kitchen. "Are you o-"

He ran at her and threw his arms around her. He hugged her and held on tight. She was okay. His Mom was okay. He'd been so scared. Magic, adventures, swords and being a prince seemed cool, but not without his Mom.

"Sweetheart?" She held him close. "Are you okay?"

He was now. Now that he knew his Mom was okay, he was okay too. He could see her, she was barefoot and wearing casual clothes, just tan slacks, and a tee-shirt. He could feel her arms around him and her chin on his head. Henry could hear her voice. She was okay.

"You're-" He spoke into her shoulder. "-okay." He pulled away from her a bit. "No one would tell me anything. You went off to fight off a monster and no one would tell me what happened. I didn't know if you were-"

She hugged him again. "I'm fine, My Little Prince."

He relaxed, closed his eyes and let himself soak her in. Mom always made him feel safe and loved. Even when he'd been mad at her about being the Evil Queen.

"It was frightening but worth it. Aurora and Mulan got to say goodbye to Phillip. It was important for me to help them." She knelt down, so they were eye-to-eye. "I did terrible things as the Evil Queen. To return to the Balanced Path, to be good again, I need to do good things." She smiled. "I want to be a better person. For you, for Emma, for me. Besides." She smiled, "Emma came running in to keep me safe."

"Don't listen to that crap, Kid. Your Mom was a total badass. She had that Wraith begging for a ticket out of town. Ruby, Mulan and I ran in and could have gotten our as-butts handed to us. Your Mom saved us, the town too."

She had one hand on his back and the other on Mom's shoulder. She was close, and it was like they were a real family. His Mom ran her fingers through his hair. They both did that all the time. "I laid out your Captain America shirt, Henry. We'll tell you all about it on the way to the theatre."

Emma offered Mom a hand and helped her stand up.

He headed to his room but saw how close they were standing to each other from the stairs. Emma smiled and gave Mom her coffee and a muffin. She seemed so happy. It was just coffee, though. Wait, maybe it was more? Operation SwanQueen was working!

He ran up the stairs so he could change his shirt. He also grabbed his Hulk socks, because he was actually the best Avenger in the comics. He grabbed his frisbee too. Ma had said they would hang out at the park. Maybe Mom would let them have ice cream. Oh! He grabbed his camera. They needed more family pictures. His Moms needed pictures together. All movie and TV couples had bunches of pictures. This would be the best day ever!

When they came out of the movie theatre Henry hid his eyes. It was so bright!

"That was so cool!" It had been great. Mom had let him have popcorn and soda and Ma had not-so-secretly shared her milk duds with him.

"You're like Captain America, Mom. He made a great sacrifice to save New York, and you made a great sacrifice to save Storybrooke!"

It was true, his Mom knew it. She blushed and told him he was silly, but Ma kept going with it.

"Does that make me Iron Man? Because I am cool with that."

He grinned. He had got his Moms to sit together at the movies. He'd told them he had to have the aisle seat because it had the best view. He got to watch them together. Ma had gotten Mom to eat popcorn and had made her laugh several times with dumb jokes.

"You got the tickets for Thor, right?"

Ma nodded and unlocked the Bug. "Sure did Kid. Well, I got ours. Get an advance on your allowance to get yours."

His Mom chuckled and rolled her eyes. "Take us to the park, Miss Swan."

Emma started the car. "See Kid. I am Tony Stark. I've even got my own Pepper Pots to keep me in line.

Henry rolled his eyes. Because it was more like Ma was Captain America and Mom was Peggy Carter. Peggy Carter was way cooler than Pepper Pots and she had brown hair like his Mom. Duh.

When they got to the park, he was definitely ready to move around a little. Two movies in a row was hard to sit through. He was ready to play. He felt twitchy. Like he'd been sitting in class forever and it was finally recess.

"Trust me, Kid." Ma had his frisbee. "I used to live by Florida State University. If there is anything college kids are good at, it's throwing these things" She spun the frisbee on her finger. "around."

They played together, tossing the frisbee between the three of them. His Mom was actually good at it too. They were laughing, having fun, and he kind of forgot about Operation Swan Queen. Everything was great. Well, it was until his frisbee throw went sideways and went through the trees.

"Nice one, Kid!"

He sighed, "I'll go get it."

He wanted to make Ma go get it, but she had his camera and was trying to get Mom to take a picture with her. Okay, he hadn't totally forgotten about the operation.

He pushed through the bushes and trees. His frisbee was bright red and blue like Cap's shield. It would not be hard to find. He broke through to the soccer fields and couldn't believe his eyes.

"Woah!"