A/N: A much shorter chapter than the rest, but the next one I shall attempt for it to be long. I attempted to update both chapters, but I only have a short time to update this one. Once I am done with my day, I will update the next one to come. :) For now... Enjoy!

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Names were called one by one. Students went up stage and center, receiving their diplomas and stepping down as young adults that were ready to go and grab life by the throat. Emma sat alongside Regina, reaching for her hand and intertwining their fingers together. Both dressed in their matching blue cap and gowns.

"Smile," Emma whispers. "You should be happy. A new life for you is about to begin. You are practically free to live your life how you see fit."

Regina chuckled nervously, "Yeah, now that you mention it. It's a little scary."

Emma grins, clapping along as the next student steps up stage to retrieve their diploma.

"How many times does this make it that you've graduated High School, exactly?" Regina leaned in to whisper.

Emma chuckled, "Too many to count."

"Regina Mills!"

Everyone claps, and Henry is standing to his feet, clapping harder than anyone else, his eyes irritated from tears threatening their way out. Like any proud father to see his not-so-little-girl-anymore walk up to that stage to receive her diploma.

Lily, who had borrowed Regina's camera, snapped a picture of her as she held up her diploma.

"Regina…" Henry wrapped his daughter into the tightest hug after the ceremony and Zelena's speech. "I am so proud of you, sweetheart! I'm sure your mom would have loved to have been here."

"Thanks, dad, but please stop. Don't get all weepy on me." Regina smiles.

"Whose weepy?" Henry quickly rubs at his eyes, blinking a couple of times in the process.

Emma smiles.

"Emma," Henry nods curtly her way. "It seems congratulations are in order." His hand lands gently along her shoulder.

"Thank you, sir," Emma nods.

"Lily," Henry smiles. "Congratulations!"

"Thank you, Henry," Lily smiles.

"So…" Henry breathes. "Party tonight, huh?"

"That's the plan," Lily nods. "Which, reminds me… Regina," she turns to Regina. "I'll drive you to your house quickly before we head on over to my house. I got you something I think you'll love." She grinned.

Regina tried for a smile, but the truth was she feared whatever it was that Lily got for her. "Okay."

"Lily, I really don't need anything."

"Nonsense! You'll love this…" Lily pulled out a box from within Regina's closet and Regina wondered when Lily had been in here to hide it. It was a flat square shaped box, like the type you stored clothes in. "This is from Emma and myself." She grinned. "So, now you have to open it and promise that you'll wear it."

A small groan escaped Regina as she reached for the box and pulled the lid open. Her lips parted as she stared down at a brand new black dress, with spaghetti straps and a skirt that ended just above the knees.

"Don't worry, you'll be covered up," Lily promised, holding out another present before Regina. "It goes with this. This one's just from Emma."

Regina tears open the wrapping of another squared shaped flat box, and gasps as she sees a brand new leather jacket that resembles Emma's red one a little bit.

"Do you love it?" Lily grinned with anticipation.

Regina chuckled, shaking her head. "This is too much, Lily."

"It's not nearly enough, Gina!" Lily brushes a hand along the air. She eagerly pulls the dress out of the box and holds it before Regina's body, seeing the measurements. "This should fit you just right for tonight."

Regina's cheeks flush crimson. "It's nice but… isn't the skirt a little… short? Besides, I'm really more of a jeans kind of girl."

Lily snorts, "Please. That's Emma. This will definitely suit you tonight. Now come on, I'll give you a moment to get dressed and then we'll get started on your hair." he hopped on both feet, racing excitedly out the door. Regina chuckled at how human Lily almost looked.

Emma wore a pair of her black jeans and a silk light blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up to her forearms, and the first two buttons undone. Her hair settled loosely along her shoulders and back, curling at the ends. Her eyes lit up and if she so much as had a beating heart, she would swear it would have gone under cardiac arrest simply by watching Regina come through the front door with Lily.

"I'm gonna go see to our guests, you two have fun!" Lily beamed, rushing off with a little pep in her step.

Regina's brow lifts at the mesmerizing sight that was Emma Swan. "You know, sometimes I can forget that you aren't really seventeen."

Emma chuckled, reaching out for Regina's hand as she brought it up to her lips. "You are so beautiful," she said, pulling Regina in for a kiss that turned Regina's world upside down. Her head sprung in every possible direction. There was an edge, a difference to the way Emma kissed her tonight. She liked it. It made Regina wish that everyone would leave and that it was just her and Emma tonight. "Nervous?" Emma asked as she finally pulled away.

"A little," Regina breathed. That wasn't even a lie.

"You shouldn't be. You look perfect." Emma smiled, escorting Regina through the entrance. "But let me guess… the dress is too much, right?"

Regina feigns a dramatic gasp, "It's like you can read my mind!" She places a hand along her chest for dramatic effect.

Emma laughs a little.

"I'll admit, I do love the jacket, though," Regina smiled. "Is everyone here?" She asked, dreading the answer.

"Yes," Emma chuckled. "Not even Robin would miss a chance to be inside the Swan estate. It's a big deal for them, actually."

"Oh, brother," Regina muttered.

"Just try to enjoy yourself tonight, Gina." Emma reminded.

As they entered the family room, Regina was immediately overwhelmed by how crowded it actually was. Everyone was here! Maybe not the entire school, but close. Zelena, Robin, Mulan, and Ella's faces stood out instantly as they all met up with Regina.

"Gina!" Ella beamed, grinning from ear to ear. "Some house, huh?"

"Yeah, it's really something," Regina smiled.

"I guess we all can't be as lucky as you, Gina," Said Zelena, putting on her best smile. "What's next, Emma is going to ask for your hand in marriage fresh out of High School?"

Regina chuckled nervously as everyone around her shared a good laugh. She looked over, seeing Emma exchanging a few words with Lily, while Lily held up a couple of music selections.

"What do you think, Em? Should we keep it modern or show these kids what good music is all about?" Lily held up a classic CD, grinning from ear to ear.

Emma chuckled, "Keep it modern. For Regina's sake."

"Please," Lily rolls her eyes, "Regina loves anything you love. But, fine. Modern it is."

Both Emma and Lily scrunched up their noses as they exhaled sharply through their nostrils. Their heads quickly turned in the direction of the front door.

"Who invited the werewolf?" Lily asked, frowning.

Emma's frown grimed, the corner of her lip curling at the sight of Ruby. "Take care of the music. I'll be right back."

"Excuse me a minute, guys," Regina frowned as she caught up with Ruby before she could walk further into the room. It didn't help that she didn't come alone either, but with Quil and Embry at her sides.

"Hey, Gina," Ruby nodded. "Congratulations." She allows her eyes to wander for a minute, taking in Regina's outfit. "Nice."

"What are you doing here, Ruby?" Regina asked.

"You invited me, remember?"

Regina scoffs, "Was my right hook lost in translation for you? That was me uninviting you."

Ruby's eye looked over Regina's shoulder, seeing Emma standing behind Regina protectively and with claim, wrapping an arm along her waist. "Look…" she looks back at Regina, "I'm really sorry about my behavior that day, okay? I feel really bad about it. I shouldn't have kissed you like that. I would blame it on the whole wolf thing, but it was all me."

"You should be sorry," Said Regina.

"I am." Ruby's eyes glare in Emma's direction before reaching into her pocket, "Look… I got you a little graduation present." She held out a small box in front of Regina. "I made it myself. It took me all day."

Regina looked at Emma, who flashed her a little smile before she reached for Ruby's gift. She undid the small ribbon and opened the top, revealing a silver charm bracelet with a carved out, wooden wolf charm dangling from one of the ends. "Ruby…" she breathed, feeling a small smile pull at the corners of her lips. "You really made this?"

Ruby smiled as she nodded. "Yeah, Granny showed me how. She's better at them than I am, though."

"It's very pretty. Thank you, Ruby."

"Emma," Emma's eyes turn to Jefferson, who is standing across the room and nods as soon as she looks his way after hearing her name in his thoughts. "Excuse me a moment, it seems Lily needs my help. Gina," Emma presses her lips along Regina's temple before walking away.

"So, do you really like it?" Ruby asks.

"I do," Regina nods, handing it back to Ruby. "Here, why don't you help me put it on?"

Ruby's eyes turn bright, "You'd wear it?"

"Of course. I feel bad for what happened, too. I don't want to fight with you, Ruby. That's the last thing I want." Said Regina.

Ruby grinned, happily placing her bracelet along Regina's left wrist.

Regina looks over the crowd, seeing Emma and Jefferson standing on each side of Lily; Lily looking zoned out, still as a statue. "Excuse me a moment," she mutters, walking past Ruby and her friends.

Ruby's instincts heighten as she nods to Quil and Embry before they follow behind Regina.

"Emma," Regina calls out. "What's going on?" She turns to Lily, "Lily, what did you see?"

Lily blinks, "A decision has been made." There's fear in her voice.

A fear that sends chills up Regina's spine. "So, what does that mean? You aren't going to Seattle?"

"What's going on?" Ruby asks, standing behind Regina.

"The newborns aren't going to Seattle. They're coming here." Said Lily, her eyes turning to Emma.

"Who was it, Lily?" Emma asks, her jaw tightening.

Lily shook her head, "I don't know. It wasn't anyone I recognized."

"A decision's been made, Lily?" Mal showed up, along with August and Kathryn.

"Yes," Lily nods. "One of them had Regina's shirt. They were passing it around, picking up on her scent."

Jefferson's expression was disapproving. Regina could tell he didn't like discussing what he desperately had to say in front of werewolves, but he needed to. "We can't let them come that far. There aren't enough of us to protect the town."

"I know," said Lily, "But it doesn't matter where we stop them. There still won't be enough of us, and some of them will come here to search."

Regina gasped. It chilled her blood to see her friends having a good time, eating and laughing among each other, while everyone's life that she cared about was in danger simply because of her. "Then, I'll meet them. I won't risk putting you all in danger just to save me."

"Hold on a minute," Ruby spoke up. "Will somebody please explain to us what the hell is going on here?"

Lily's icy gaze turned on Ruby, "Newborns. Our kind. Lots of them."

"Why?"

"For Regina. That's all we know."

"We have a few advantages," Jefferson spoke up next, his eyes glaring in Ruby's direction. "It'll be an even fight."

"No," Ruby shook her head, her eyes falling on Emma. "Look, you and I both know that it won't be even."

"I hate to say this, but she's right," Lily speaks up. "We can stop a few newborns, but Emma, you'll need to stay with Regina at all times. She can't be unprotected."

Ruby shared a glance with Quil and Embry, who nodded her way. "Well, then we're in, too." She volunteered.

"No," Regina shook her head, her eyes shining with fear.

"Gina-"

"I won't let you get yourself hurt or worse killed because of me."

Ruby snorts, crossing her arms over her chest. "I have yet to see the day a vampire can take us down."

"Ruby," Mal calls out, her voice calm and collected as ever. "Do you think Graham will agree to come to an understanding?"

"I don't see why not. As long as we get to kill some vampires."

"Jefferson? What do you think?" Mal asked.

"They'll give us more numbers. Newborns won't anticipate dogs showing up to a fight. It's an edge for us." Said Jefferson, looking at Ruby. "Of course, we'll need to coordinate. And train, no matter how good you think you and your mutts are- I promise you- newborns can crush both you and me if we aren't careful and don't anticipate their moves first. If you're going to fight with us you'll need some instruction."

Quil and Embry snort to Jefferson's words, but go ignored.

"Jefferson was talking about having a strategic meeting," Mal said. "You're welcome to join us."

"When and where?" Ruby asks.

"Tomorrow at three. We'll be out North, in the forest, ten miles out from the ranger's station."

"We'll be there," Ruby nods. "All of us." Quil and Embry nodded in agreement.

"Ruby," Regina pleaded. "Please, don't get involved in this. It's not fair."

"Saving your life is all that's fair to me, Gina," said Ruby, her eyes glaring over at Emma's own glare. "I think your girlfriend here can agree with me on that." When she turns back to Regina, her eyes soften. "Besides… this is what we do. It's our job to protect you and everyone in this town."

Regina jerked in her bed that night, gasping awake from a bad dream. She could repeatedly see Ruby getting hurt, or worse- Emma and her family.

"Gina…" Emma moved along Regina's bed, wrapping her up in her embrace. "Another nightmare?"

Regina nods, brushing back fallen strands of her hair. "Ruby getting involved is a mistake," she looks at Emma. "She could get hurt."

"We all could. Especially you." Said Emma.

"When are they due to arrive?"

"Lily said in four days, but we'll be ready."

Regina cradled alongside Emma, resting her head along her chest. Her brows furrowed as she reached for one of her books that laid along her nightstand. "What's this?"

"Call it light reading." Emma chuckled.

Regina searches for Emma's eyes, a tiny smile lifting at the corner of her lip. "But you hate Wuthering Heights, Emma."

"And that hasn't changed. Besides, after reading it, I think I can identify with Heathcliff a little more," Emma smirked. "Mind you, it's still not a favorite. I honestly can't see how you can re-read it. You probably know it by memory at this point."

Regina smiles, putting the book aside so that her hand can lay along Emma's chest, her fingers continuously playing with one of her fallen curls. Her hair was always so soft to touch. "When the time comes to fight…" she pauses. "I want to be with you."

Emma shakes her head, "Out of the question."

"Emma," Regina lifts up her stare in search of Emma's eyes. "I can't just let you all put your lives at risk while I do nothing."

"You will be doing plenty with staying alive, Gina. Besides with the wolves in this, it's an easy win."

Regina stares deeply into Emma's eyes, "If we are apart, we both become more vulnerable, Emma. I'll be worried, you'll be worried. How many more times do we have to prove that? Besides, you heard what Lily said, to keep me safe I should be with you at all times."

Emma breathes calmly, her chest puffing out and back in, "Alright, you're right. We'll work out a plan with Jefferson tomorrow after training, he'll come up with something."

Regina nestled closer to Emma's side as she felt her pull her in. "Emma?" She doesn't wait for Emma to reply, "What if who's behind this is Victoria?"

"For her sake, it better not be."

"But it could be," Regina blinked. "When you hunted her, didn't you follow her all the way to Texas?"

Emma chuckled, "Yes, but I did a horrible job at it. A mistake I won't be doing again."

"She could have gotten the idea to create an army there, or anywhere, really. Lily once said she can't see past Ruby and anyone that's a wolf. What if Victoria learned how to go through Lily's blind spots?"

Emma's eyes stare widely, "You may have a point… Lily has been frustrated recently with her not being able to see much. Victoria is no tracker like Hyde, but she can be very strategic."

"So, there's a chance it can be her."

"If it is, she's as good as dead. I won't let her come near you. I promise you that." Emma's icy lips press at the top of Regina's head, her other hand caressing a trail along Regina's hair. "Sleep now, my love," she whispers.

"You won't go anywhere, right? You'll be here until the morning?" Regina whispers.

Emma smiled, "I give you my word, I'll be the first thing you see when your eyes open to new light."

Regina's eyes closed and it doesn't take her but a minute to drift off into a peaceful sleep.