Live as Regina

by Mac NorthSea

On the way to Neverland,Emma is troubled by the moments in the mines she and Regina had at moment of Regina's self-sacrifice that changed everything,even Emma herself.With understanding her upbringing gave her,the Savior decides to save not only Henry but his mother as well. Doing so will take her and her family through harrowing challenges of love,duty,conflict,and magic.

20. Chapter 20

After a two month wait, another chapter is finally here. Although, I tried to hurry as much as I could, it did demand much more time than I had foreseen. Hope it is reaching the expectations... As always, thank you for the reviews, favorites and follows, I very much appreciate it. Happy Easter to all those who celebrate it!

Enjoy!

Chapter 20.

The first thing that she felt was someone's hand on her back. As she lifted her head, her puffy eyes met the concerned and saddened blue ones, gazing down at her with a rare look of worrying affection. The hand was still on her back, now gliding over to her shoulder, offering her the silent comfort as the man was sitting beside her on the mattress. She used one of her hands to wipe her face from the tears but the endeavor was futile from the beginning as fresh tears leaked from her eyes the moment she finished. Not bothering again with such undignified task, Regina swallowed and shifted her body, turning it just a little bit more to David, accepting the quiet acceptance he gave her.

Since Emma's and Snow's adventure in the Enchanted Forest, the antagonistic relationship between the former Queen and the Prince had changed, not visibly at first, but it had been apparent in the small gestures of kindness the Royal had offered to the deposed Queen. But, the rescue mission to Neverland furthered the evolving respect they had for each other, and ever since Regina had been found to be his daughter's True Love, he had been downright benevolent and supportive.

Seeing her inquisitive eyes the blonde man quirked his lips into a small gentle smile, taking his hand of the shoulder in front of him - covering one of her hands instead, as he took in a settling breath. "We are here," he said softly. When Regina rolled her eyes at his inane statement, he chuckled a bit before trying again. "I meant, Storybrooke."

Regina only nodded, her sigh heavy as she looked away from the Prince, really not comfortable with the fact that he was seeing her this way, but she knew that there was nothing she could do to change it, and honesty she had no strength to bother. "Children?" she asked softly, her voice breaking under the strain on her suffering throat. It would seem that her screams and crying had taken more out of the Queen than she guessed.

David noticed the slight hitch in the single word the brunette had spoken, but he chose to ignore it, thinking he had already witnessed too much of Regina's disconcerted manner, and answered right away, hiding his worried glance turning his head away. "With Snow and Neal." He saw the slight scrunching of her eyebrows at the man's name, but oddly enough she didn't comment on his presence around her boys. When she made a move to get up, David quickly rose and offered a hand, his face neutral. He knew that if he showed any emotion, be it compassion or pity, excitement or sorrow, she would have refused him outright. After a judging glance in his direction the brunette accepted his hand, her other going for his shoulder as the room swirled around her. Clamping down his initial reaction, to steady the woman by holding her waist, or even shoulders, he waited for her to get her bearings, not moving.

Regina breathed in deeply, as she held on to Charming, of all people. But, she couldn't keep her cold and indifferent mask up, not anymore, not around people who knew what was going on. With a soft squeeze on his shoulder, she lifted her head up and pulled her shoulders back. With a soft whispered "Thank you," she walked out of the cabin, her hand reaching out to the corridor wall as she needed another moment to steady herself.

David shook his head at the strange situation. He had a feeling that his former nemesis had not thanked him for helping, or being there but for not making a fuss about it, letting her deal with it in her own way. And, indeed, he understood that, as he had with Emma. The blonde would accept help, if ever, on her own terms, in her own time, mostly preferring to do things herself, prolonging the idea of a stubborn self-reliant woman. However, the Prince did not think that Regina would accept help from him, not yet anyways, because their past, their war and treachery had wounded them both too deeply to simply ignore it. With time, the blonde man hoped that the gap between them could be surmounted, as they were family now, more than ever. He was willing to try, not only for his daughter, and she was a great motivation for it, but because in the moments he had seen the former Queen around Emma, he had seen a woman Snow once had known and loved. He had seen a person he would like to know, and be proud of calling her friend. But, for that, he, both of them, along with Snow, needed time. So he shrugged, glanced around the cabin and took the duffel bags beside the bed, knowing that in a few short minutes, they would dock.

The moment Regina stepped on the deck, a large mass of flesh barreled into her middle, making her step back with the force of a slam. Letting out a grunt of pain, she recognized instantly her son in her arms and held him tight to her body, the piercing pain in her heart dulling a bit. "Henry," she whispered his name, as she kissed his forehead, her hand feeling the wetness of tears on his face. There was no need to ask why he was crying, only the wish to be able to console him, but how could she when her own insides felt like they were gouged out with a dull blade. Again, she felt a hand on her back, silently guiding her toward the lowered railing, as she held her boy. Snow joined them, Kyle in her arms as she watched the woman before her, her eyes glittering with unshed tears. No one spoke as they walked on the wharf, their steps sounding hollow on the wood of the dock. As soon as they reached Charming's truck at the marina, Regina looked around, a bit lost as she let Henry pull slightly away from her.

"Mom," he spoke tremulously, looking into her face. "Can I go home?"

The words he managed to say went straight to her heart, making it stop for a moment as the pain engulfed her, but she would never deny her son's wishes, and if he wanted to go to Snow's apartment, then she would not stand in his way. And honestly, she would want that too, as it was filled with Emma's knick knacks, and her scent. Unable to speak, she swallowed and nodded, caressing his cheek gently, as she tried to smile.

But, Henry had learned a lot about his mother's reactions and seeing pain in her glimmering eyes, instead of spark of happiness he expected, he understood the problem almost instantly. "No, mom," he said, his voice getting a slight rebuking note. He placed his palm over hers on his face, and took the other one. Seeing confusion in the face above him, he smiled gently. "Can I come home, mom? Home?" He enunciated his last word, hoping she would get it from his inflection, as he didn't want to go into a particular explanation. And, there it was, deep inside the darkness of her eyes a light appeared. His heart clenched at the sight of such fearful hope, regretting all the times he had denied her and pushed her away.

"I…" Regina started, glancing toward Snow, her eyes filling with tears once more. She saw the woman nodding, smile coming onto her face as she watched the mother and her son together. The former Queen then found her son's eyes gazing into her face, waiting, and she couldn't not be reminded of another who was just as able to make her happy. "Of course," she murmured, dropping down into a crouch, as she left her hand on his face. "It will always be your home, and you don't have to ask to come back," she spoke, ignoring the times her voice broke as she wanted to tell her son that he would always be welcome.

When the boy nodded, Snow came to them and waited for Regina to rise up, before she gave her the other boy, transferring him into her arms gently. The small toddler was asleep, but when he was in Regina's arms, he snuggled into her, his face taking on a brilliant smile, as he unconsciously reached for the dark hair. Snow couldn't help herself, so she smiled, pleased that the beautiful toddler recognized Regina as his caretaker even in his sleep. "Go," she whispered softly, her hand on the former Queen's elbow. "Go, take them home," she murmured, patting Henry's back, "and we will come by later and bring some of their things, okay?" Regina nodded, lost for words as she felt Henry melt into her side, careful not to dislodge Kyle out of her hands.

"Snow," she called after the woman who had turned away as Charming had started the car, already aware of the situation. When the pixie haired woman glanced back, having opened the door of the truck, Regina stood there, not able to speak, the words she wanted to say stuck in her throat.

"Go home, Regina," Snow said with a smile, her eyes telling her that it was all right, and that she had understood the gratitude. Then, she climbed into the truck waving to them. In that moment, Regina let the magic free and teleported them into the mansion on the Miffin street. Suddenly she felt tired, and without hesitation, she placed the young babe into her bed, having turned down the comforter. Without prompting, Henry took off his clothes, staying only in his t-shirt and underwear dove right in, leaving the spot in the middle for his mother. Chuckling at his inviting gesture, as he patted the mattress, she magically changed into one of her silk pajamas and lied down, holding her boys close to her heart.

As Henry nuzzled into her shoulder and Kyle melted into her side, holding tight to her pajama's top, Regina kissed both of her boy's foreheads and lied down, allowing the exhaustion and emotional rollercoaster to pull her under into the sweet unconsciousness, feeling the warmth of the children thaw the piercing icicles around her insides that had been created the moment she had left her True Love on the dock worlds away.

A while later the woman gasped, startling herself awake, startled by the dark space and with an electric light coming from the outside, as it apparently was night. Instantly recognizing her room in the mansion, she relaxed, before her hands found empty spaces beside her. But before she let her fear run rampant, she focused on the sounds of the house, and with a relieved breath she closed her eyes, having recognized Henry's excited chatter from the entrance hall as he talked to his grandparents. It must have been the sound of the knocking that had her shaken awake, she concluded rolling of the bed, deciding to go for a shower before meeting the Charmings. She noticed with a disbelieving but pleased smile that her initial reaction for having Snow and David in her home was not rage and irritation but a strange sense of acceptance and resignation. It must be Emma's fault, Regina thought when she entered the shower, the already streaming water almost boiling hot. The thoughts of her True Love, in the shower of all places, caused her to feel the ache in her soul much more acutely than only seconds before. On top of that, the images of their lovemaking flashed in front of her eyes, her body reacting with a different kind of ache. Not willing to endure such torture, in front of Emma's parents no less, she turned the knob sharply, stifling the yelp with her fist as the water grew cold immediately.

Dressing into her trademark dress pants and a white silk shirt, Regina forwent the heels as she was not in the mood in them, and with a few flicks of her hand she coiffed her hair and with a pleased smirk in front of her mirror she nodded to herself, pulling the sleeves of the shirt up in an elegant roll on her forearms. Following the voices, she directed herself to the kitchen, stopping at the bottom of the stairs as she heard her son talk to his grandmother.

"And what did Granny say? I don't want anyone hurting my mom." Regina blinked at the clearly protective tone in her son's voice. She could just imagine his frown on the young face, his green eyes flashing, just like Emma's often do.

"Don't worry, Henry. We made sure of it." David's reassuring tone came from the kitchen, with a light pat, Regina supposed, on Henry's back. "And, even if we hadn't, Mother Superior made it very clear that Regina is off limits, as one of the town protectors. Tamara and Gregg business have everyone scared of the outsiders, and if we are perfectly honest, your mother is the only one in the whole town who knows the law of the land inside and out, along with our own laws."

"You see, sweetie," the comforting voice of Snow came as well as a light clunking sound could be heard as the woman moved around. "And, even if someone showed their displeasure, they wouldn't dare attack. They are still afraid of her, see?"

"Are they, now?" Regina couldn't wait any longer, stepping into the kitchen her eyes narrowing instantly when she saw the mess over her perfect counters. "What have you done to my kitchen?" the annoyance in the reinstated Mayor was apparent, as she came to her son, eyeing the various paper bags strewn around.

"We…" Mary Margaret started, palling a bit, having completely forgotten the woman's penchant toward obsessive neatness and untouched personal space. "We brought food." But then she saw the light pass over the dark eyes, briefly but enough to clue Snow that the brunette was teasing her, regardless of the scowl on her face and crossed arms. "Regina," Snow spoke with a slight whine in her voice as her shoulders slumped in relief, making Henry laugh and a little man in David's hands join with his variant. Dropping her pretense, the former Queen kissed Henry on his brow and took the younger boy from the Prince, her eyes thanking him, for she wasn't able to speak the words too often just yet. Nuzzling the youngling in her arms she sat at the counter beside her son, watching as Snow commenced putting the things away, directed by Henry's helpful directions.

"Just how long are you up?" Regina asked the talkative boy as she understood that he had watched the movie with Kyle before his grandparents had come.

"Couple hours." Henry answered with a shrug as he accepted a hot chocolate from his grandmother, the brunette beside him accepting the coffee with a surprised but grateful look toward Snow. "Kyle became fussy and you needed sleep," he answered with a matter of fact tone, ignoring her watering eyes as he blew into his cup. Regina smiled at him and kissed his temple, enjoying his semi-annoyed huff as she moved his hair of his forehead gently. To her great pleasure, he didn't move away, but rather leaned into the touch, careful not to spill the warm beverage over his mother and the younger boy, who was asleep at the moment, his nose buried in Regina's elbow as he was sitting in her lap.

As she sipped the hot chocolate, hiding her face behind the mug, Snow watched the tired brunette in front of her. The gentle loving regard and shining happiness to have her boy in her home again were obvious in Regina's dark eyes, but those emotions were not powerful enough to diminish the sharp searing pain hiding in the depths of the swirling dark chocolate. Surprised that she could even see it and recognize it for what it was, the younger brunette realized that the regal woman before her eyes had not bothered raising most of her usual and expected defensive walls, and the thought warmed Snow's heart, knowing it was yet another sure sign that they all were starting to heal. Not that she would speak of it just yet. Regardless of the various derogatory nicknames the former Evil Queen had used to bestow on her and her husband, she was neither insane nor stupid to mention the lack of defensiveness to her former stepmother.

Giving a meaningful look to her husband, she glanced to Henry, silently communicating to David that she needed time and space to talk to the woman, and that she didn't want an audience. Obediently, the Prince rose from his seat, drinking up his coffee, and placing down his mug, the sound of china meeting the marble counter loud in the silence of the kitchen. "Come, Henry, you need to show me where you want the things we brought." He reached for the boy, his hand offered in invitation as his blue eyes focused on the still tired green ones on his grandson's face.

Henry glanced up at Regina, askance clear in his eyes and when he saw his mother nod with an encouraging smile, he leapt off his chair and rushed out of the kitchen, the heavy steps echoing in the hallway.

"No running in the house," the former Queen spoke automatically, just loud enough to be heard in the other room, more out of the habit than the real reprimand.

"Sorry, Mom," came the contrite reply as the thunderous steps slowed down. Seeing the boy's sheepish look as Henry stood in the entry hall beside the stairs, David chuckled, leaving the kitchen and closing the door behind him, his only parting shot a smirk on his lips as he looked back at the women beside the counter.

As the door stopped moving after David, Regina turned to the other woman with a galling smirk as she readjusted the toddler in her arms. "You've trained him well," the haughty tone slipped out of the Queen's mouth.

Aware that the former Queen was only teasing, yet another thing that was unexpected from the woman, Snow chuckled silently. She didn't know why she was so surprised though, the young Regina used to do it often in the beginning. "Oh, he has his moments," the pixie haired woman replied lovingly.

Regina knew that Snow wanted to say something, but probably of the last several times they had talked, the pixie haired woman was hesitating, fiddling with the ear of her empty mug. And the longer she waited, the more nervous the former Queen was getting, the silence rattling her already diminished patience. Snow's propensity to avoid hard topics, especially the ones that may result in a total blow-up was something not many people knew, seeing the perfect royal and the kind leader in the young woman. But, Regina was one of the few, Emma included, and her mind was conjuring many scenarios and problems that her former nemesis might speak of. Unable to contain her irritation and fear, she rose from her chair and carrying Kyle in her arms, left the kitchen, leaving the startled woman behind. The child in her arms was waking up and reacting to her agitation and after everything she would not place even more stress on the innocent she was taking care of. "David?" her voice carried throughout the halls even though she did not raise it much. As the man appeared on the stairs, seemingly coming out of Henry's room, she waited for him to come down before she placed the child into his ready hands. "After you are done setting things with Henry, ask him to show you where his old clothes are stored in the basement, and pick a few things for Kyle." She spoke quietly, her tone not much of an order but a request, while she caressed the boy's soft blonde hair. Then she glanced up into the kind blue eyes focused onto her face with questions clear in them. "It seems that your wife and I are due another of our talks," she said, the humor apparent in her sarcastic smirk.

"Don't hurt her," David said trying to seem stern and demanding, but the wink he received in reply made him smile. The camaraderie between them was a new and a fragile thing but he could see Regina's playful side emerging only because of the weird sort of trust between them, one that had been born in realization that they would do everything possible, and the impossible for the certain blonde they had in common. Yes, Emma had told him that Regina was much capable of a good humored fun if given the opportunity, but only now did he believe the words his daughter had sworn by. When he saw his wife joining them, hesitating by the entrance into the space, unsure expression on her face, he smiled to the woman, almost unconsciously and Regina smirked at the apparent show of love in the room. She knew that if Emma was nearby, her eyes would shine with the vast amount of happiness, but she would not be caught dead with that ridiculously silly smile on her face. No, she still had some dignity.

"I make no promises," the brunette witch whispered turning away from him and the boy, as she guided Snow into her study, her face hidden beneath the haughty mask of the Queen, the warmth of her eyes cooling instantly. Wait, no, it wasn't the Queen; it was Madam Mayor, the politician and master negotiator, not the dark and deadly empress that walked in the room with his wife. As he heard Henry calling for him from upstairs, David shook his head in the resignation over the rapid change in Regina's attitude and joined his grandson in his room.

"Drink, Snow?" Regina asked cordially, her nerves hidden beneath her role of the Mayor and the perfect hostess. She reached for her cider, the crystal decanter filled to the brim with her own brand and poured into two glasses not waiting for the other woman's response. Offering the glass to the woman, she was briefly reminded of a night, almost two years before, when she had done the same with Miss Swan – Emma. The pixie haired woman was even sitting in the same place that Emma had used then. Shaking her head, she forced the memory away, as the image of the blonde threatened to destroy her already shaky composure. Walking toward the opposite wall from Snow, with the large bookcase filled with books covering the entire side of the room, she waited for the younger woman to start, as she enjoyed the scent of her drink, the familiar apple aroma soothing her somewhat. After a while, the regal woman scowled at the indecisive guest and sighed. "Whatever you think my reaction to your news would be, I promise you I will not endanger anyone who does not pose a direct threat to me or mine," Regina spoke clearly, deciding to break their stalemate as she was mentally drained, emotionally overwrought and tired beyond any measure and she wanted to get it over with. "Tell me." No, it was not a plea. The Mayor of Storybrooke did not beg, nor did the Queen, and least of all did she beg Snow of all people. Regina grimaced at her own tone, hiding her expression behind the still full glass of the golden liquid.

"The entire town already knows we are here, and that the Sheriff was left behind with Ruby and Belle," Snow said and ignored the brunette's eye-roll as she pushed on. "The news caused some rumbles but they were quickly settled down."

As if this town could ever just settle down, without complaining about something. Regina thought sarcastically as she took a sip from the glass, waiting for the rest of it.

"Blue will come to you tomorrow to explain the protection spell and all the things related to it," Snow added, unaware of Regina's internal comment.

"Fine," the Mayor spoke, already aware that her restitution would be followed by spending time with the annoying fairy, but she would take it, if it meant that she would stay in the town relatively safe, and with her children beside her. Then, she narrowed her eyes as she did not believe that was the reason of Snow's reluctance to speak, Regina's well known detest of the Mother Superior aside.

"I saw Doctor Whale at Granny's," the pixie haired royal spoke after a several seconds of a tense silence. "Told him to brush up upon his pediatric skills as you would most likely call him in the morning." After she stopped talking, Snow closed her eyes, tensing, ready for an explosion about meddling into Regina's personal affairs, but she opened her eyes in surprise when she heard Regina chuckling softly into her drink.

"You should've seen your face…" The brunette commented lightly. Yes, Snow did overstep her boundaries but in this instant she would go over it, as Mary Margaret was well aware she had transgressed, and she had done it in Henry's and Kyle's interest and no matter how she hated other people, especially the goody-two-shoes Snow, meddling – she could not ignore that. And, she was going to see Victor in the morning anyways so he might as well be prepared. "I appreciate it," she murmured, enjoying the widening of the familiar green eyes.

They fell silent as they sipped the cider, Snow drinking it for the first time. She had complimented Regina on it after the first sip but the older woman only hummed in response as she watched the various volumes on the shelves beside her, thinking about Emma's quest, and what had been left to be done.

"Tomorrow is the twenty second," Snow spoke after a while, her voice timid and sad. The pixie haired woman was watching the crystal in her hands, not looking toward Regina, as the apparent anguish in her tone denoted for what exact reason she had mentioned the date.

"I know," Regina said with a heavy sigh. She did know, perhaps even better than Snow. The day she had enacted the curse. The day of her hollow victory. The day Emma had been born. As usual, with the specific prompt the memories of the date Emma had had surged forward, depicting each birthday the Savior had remembered – each one a picture of desolation and broken hopes, sometimes even filled with pain and hunger. But one memory quickly stood out. Emma had been standing over a white counter, a simple cupcake with a blue star candle on top of it and a sadly whispered "happy birthday to me". Regina knew that had been the night Henry had found her. The Savior had told her about her birthday wish she had made on that day. "It certainly doesn't help that she is spending it alone again," the former Queen spoke, anger seeping into her voice, along with the sadness and fear she felt tearing her heart. Her sharp tone drew Snow's eyes to her. Leaning against the shelved books, Regina looked to her former nemesis and sighed, letting the last of her defenses fall, not able to keep up the pretenses that everything was alright – when the whole situation made her want to raze and lay devastation to the world, as well as to curl up and cry in anguish for her missing True Love. All the pain, the worry, the sadness and love flowed into her eyes, breaking the damn that had already weathered so much. The tears spilled onto the exhausted face of the Queen, frozen in the grimace of torment.

Without hesitation, Snow jumped to her feet, rushing to the woman crumbling before her eyes and enveloping her into her welcoming arms, not even considering the oddness of the situation where Regina allowed her to touch and hug the shaking woman. No words were spoken, for any attempt to verbally soothe the Queen in her arms would do nothing but annoy the proud woman. And, any spoken consolation would sound much like false platitudes and meaningless promises, and given their history, snow would not dare do or say anything of the sort.

"I am afraid, Snow," Regina spoke after a while, her walls reassembling and control over her emotions reestablished but she did not step away from her once-upon-a-time stepdaughter. The soft murmur of the older woman's husky voice could be barely heard in the quiet room. "She has been through so much," she whispered to the pixie haired woman next to her. "And with all that has happened, I am not sure she…" she stopped, her throat closing up as she glanced toward Snow helplessly.

"You know her better than anyone and you know that she is a survivor," Snow spoke softly, trying to convince herself as well as Regina.

"I do know her," the former Queen said before she drained her glass in resignation. She did not want to give voice to her thoughts and doubts, and after all Emma had promised that she would come back to her. "But, until the beans are ready, there is nothing I can do to help her." Leaving her glass on the coffee table, Regina moved away, wiping her face from the remaining tears and changed the subject. "Have you eaten?"

Even if she was surprised by the sudden change in Regina's demeanor Snow didn't show it, only shaking her head in the response to the question. "I was wondering if we could eat together."

Regina stopped in her place at the door of the study, surprised by the question, asked in the timid fashion of Mary Margaret. "I", Regina started but quickly she gathered her wits and nodded curtly as she opened the door. "Organize the boys, I will set the dining room."

"Regina?" Snow reached for the Queen's elbow, stopping her exit. "It's late, and it has been a long day. We can ear in the kitchen, just this once."

Searching the green eyes obscured by the shadows of the hallway, Regina considered the suggestion and decided that it had merit. Indeed, it was late and she was barely standing on her feet. The idea of cleaning after all of them was not an attractive one. "Fine."

The supper passed quickly, in quiet conversation shared over the counter as they ate the meals from Granny's. While they ate, they made plans for the next several days. David softly mentioned to Regina that he would commence his role as acting sheriff in the morning, and that he would see the state the things were in. Snow spoke of going back to her teacher's position, telling Henry that she would see to his homework and the lessons he had missed. As previously agreed, the boy would have a free week, mostly to readjust to being back in Storybrooke. In all honestly, Regina wanted Henry to have time to talk with Doctor Hopper before doing anything school-wise, her mind picturing Emma's breakdown all too clearly for her comfort, loath to let it happen to her precious son.

After softly spoken goodbyes and promises to talk the next day, Regina closed the door behind the Charmings, allowing the hush of the night to fall over her. Turning the lights off as she went through the house, she placed various protection spells around the manor, the purple mist immediately dissipating in the air around her, as she was not willing to take any chances, not when she had Henry and Kyle with her. Satisfied with her work, she climbed the stairs and followed the soft murmur of Henry's voice to her own bedroom. She had sent the boys to prepare for the night as she had been seeing the guests out. She peered into the room, stopping right outside the door, her heart warming at the picture before her.

"Come on, Kyle, you can do it," Henry spoke, as he was sitting on his mother's bed, his legs bent in the indian style with his elbows on his knees, as he watched the tyke sitting across of him, leaning on the bunched pillows, position so remarkably similar to Henry's. "Hen-ry" the older boy enunciated clearly, gesturing at himself. "I am Henry."

The youngest person in the room looked up at the dark haired boy, the face scrunched in adorable concentration before he babbled something unrecognizable and laughed with glee. Henry chuckled at the enthusiasm and tried again, not noticing Regina leaning on the doorway, watching them with such overwhelming adoration shining from her eyes.

"Eh-wy" the toddler managed, showing at Henry, making the older boy clap his hands happily. "Ehwy," again spoke the little one, clapping his hands as well.

"Good boy!" Henry spoke with satisfaction. "Who am I?" he asked, showing again to himself.

"Ehwy."

"Yes, you are such a smart boy, we are going to show Mommy how smart you are, Kyle. Yes, we are." Henry tickled the baby, making him erupt in delighted chuckle, he himself joining in. "Where is Mommy?" he asked after a while, wanting to try to teach Kyle another word. Earlier, when he had been downstairs with Kyle, the toddler had managed to garble out something similar to 'Mommy' but Henry wanted to try again.

The baby scrunched his face again, looking around before noticing a shadow at the door. After a moment of consideration an outrageous smile appeared on his face and he showed toward the door, clapping his chubby hands with excitement. Again, he managed to babble something representing Mommy with a giggle, making Henry turn so fast he almost fell of the bed, his face showing the pinkish tingle of embarrassment as he realized that his mother had been watching him play with his, well, brother, for a while.

Regina pushed of the doorframe, ignoring the happy tear gliding down her face and swooped down onto the boy, engulfing him in the heartfelt hug. "I love you so much," she whispered into his ear, then she kissed his forehead, before she turned to the tyke who was already reaching for her, still gurgling happily. "Mommy loves you too, Kyle," she said to the youngling, happy with the twinge of sweet ache passing through her, as she looked at the baby in her arms, realizing that the boy was already much of her son as Henry was. Without much fuss she directed them under the covers, and in time she managed to finish her ablutions the boys were already asleep, leaving her a spot on one side of the bed, with Kyle in the middle. Tenderly smiling as she watched the children sleep she set the alarm for the morning, before tuning the bedside lamp off and making her way under the covers, careful not to jostle the boys.

As her head touched the pillow, the last thought in her mind before she surrendered to the slumbering oblivion was of the blonde Savior, hoping that the woman was keeping herself safe, the love that enveloped her at the image of her True Love easing her into the sleep.

In the morning, Regina woke when a small warm hand touched her cheek. Slowly blinking herself to awareness she saw Kyle sitting next to her, as the soft snores emanating from the other side of the bed where Henry had buried his head under the pillow. Smiling at the antics of the older boy, Regina picked the baby and deftly maneuvering into her housecoat, she walked down toward the kitchen. Preparing everything for the coffee and breakfast, she was pleased to note that David had brought up the child seat from the basement along with the clothes for Kyle. Placing the toddler in it, she started on the breakfast, making Henry's favorite pancake mix along with some of the puréed apples for the youngling. It wasn't long before the half asleep twelve year old walked into the kitchen, still in his pajamas, his knuckles rubbing his eyes as he yawned.

"Good morning, sweetie," Regina said softly as he lifted himself up in the chair beside the counter, right aside from Kyle. "Did you sleep well?" the woman asked as she flipped the pancake in the pan, glancing toward the boy.

The boy only murmured in the affirmative as he reached for the juice that Regina had already poured into his glass. After a long sip, he looked at her slightly more awakened, and narrowed his eyes. "Kyle kicks, though," Henry said, his serious tone almost making Regina chuckle. Instead, her eyes crinkled as she placed the food onto his plate.

"So did you," she added with a soft edge, the one that clearly suggested that she was gently ribbing him, the one that in the past years he had heard only a handful of times.

"Mom?" he spoke after swallowing his bite, the proper eating etiquette that had been thoroughly ingrained in him from his early childhood resurfaced as he was aware that some things his mother would not tolerate no matter the situation. When the brown eyes met his, a quick flicker of something passing through them, he again felt ashamed for the pain he had caused. "Is Emma going to live here, when she comes back?"

Regina lowered her utensils as she directed her full attention toward her son. That wasn't the question she expected so soon, but it did not matter anyways. "Would you mind?"

"No, that would be awesome!" Henry swallowed another bite and smiled at his mother. "I will finally have my family," he murmured, almost too soft for Regina to hear. Well, almost. And, she did hear. Not outwardly reacting to his words, she felt such a multitude of emotions engulf her, not able to discern one from the other. She ate methodically, trying to diffuse the torrent in her. After Henry finished with his breakfast, she asked him to bring her the phone, and to go get ready for the day. As soon as she was left alone with Kyle, she sighed and wiped an errant tear that dared to leave its confines. Dialing a number from her memory, she thought back to Henry's words. Indeed, a family.

"Your Majesty, I have been expecting your call," the voice filled the line as soon as it was answered. Doctor Whale, in his faux pleasant tone, greeted Regina, recognizing her house number immediately. After all he had been warned by the Royals to behave and prepare to offer his services.

"Doctor," Regina acknowledged him, her Mayor's cold veneer slipping effortlessly in place. "Can you see the children this morning?" she trudged on, not willing to waste any more time on the man that would never be her friend.

"Yes, I have a fairly free morning. Whenever you are ready."

"Well. Thank you," she spoke through her clenched jaw, breaking off the line, as she pressed the button. Then, after a little thought, she dialed another number, feeling slightly unnerved by the tension she felt. Again, the line connected almost immediately, but the person answering did not know who was calling, most likely because of the commotion heard on the other side.

"Hel-lo? Pongo, down! What's gotten into you, boy?"

Regina had to smile at the slightly out of breath tone of the man, especially at the mention of dog which would often greet her happily on the street, regardless of her attitude. The Dalmatian was probably a lot smarter that anyone gave him credit, and he was willing to show it from time to time. Even now, when it was obvious that the man and the dog were wrestling for the phone, the smile only grew bigger.

"Yes, hello?" Finally, Archie managed to ascertain the control of the situation.

"Doctor Hopper," Regina spoke at last, stopping herself from uttering the more favored nickname for the man, considering it would not be conductive to what she had in mind. She went over the hastily spoken 'Your Majesty' and continued on. "As you are probably aware, Henry and I have returned from our… journey and as it was rather… difficult experience, I would like you to talk with Henry about it."

Even though Archie could hear her mincing her words, keeping it carefully polite and aloof, he could read the underlying request and emotions. She was worried. So without any comment to her behavior and word picking, he gracefully agreed to see Henry, if he was willing of course, in the afternoon, and afterwards, he would be glad to check upon the new addition to the Mills family.

Not a second after she lowered the phone on to the counter it rang, the sudden shrill tone of it startling the toddler. Luckily, Regina interfered quickly, answering it at once, and going to the boy to soothe him. "Yes?" her voice dripped with coldness and venom, as she tenderly passed her hand through the whisps of the blonde hair.

"It's me," came the very familiar tone of the former teacher. "Are we still on for lunch today, at Granny's?"

"Yes," Regina answered, this time her voice losing much of its previous icy manner. "Noon?"

"OK, see you there," Mary Margaret spoke quickly, managing to utter a goodbye before Regina hung up.

When Henry came down, the brunette left him in charge of the toddler, who was already changed and dressed in some of Henry's old things, while she rushed through her own preparations. Not willing to compromise much, she took one of her standard business suits, the dark grey of it contrasting the ivory silk shirt nicely. Coiffing her hair in her usual do, even though it had grown a bit during their adventure, she looked herself over in the mirror in her bathroom. The Mayor was back, Regina thought mirthlessly, not really wanting to deal with the town just yet.

Her first surprise of the day was when she opened the garage, having noticed the slightly ajar door. Her black Mercedes, in perfectly preserved condition was parked inside, even though Regina clearly remembered leaving it in front of the Town Hall the last time she had driven it. With caution, she opened the driver's side door and took the envelope addressed to her in clear block letters. Nothing suspicious was in the car, nor was anything missing, so Regina judged it relatively safe to open the note. With a startled gasp, she read the familiar barely legible scrawl of the young waitress/deputy, the words pulling a tentative smile out of her.

Mayor Mills,

As I assumed you would want this back, I managed to steal it away from the Town Hall parking place (if you have keys, is it stealing?) and park it here. Granny and Archie didn't want to leave it out for too long as it was attracting some attention of some more disgruntled citizens. Tank is full. Keys are in the ignition.

Ruby

Chuckling at the notion of the young werewolf saving her Mercedes from the lynching mob of Storybrooke, Regina took the note and placed it in the pocket of her suit. Turning the key, she smiled again at the welcoming rumble of the trusty car. Pulling out of the garage, she parked it in front, before she went in the house to pick the boys up and her briefcase as she was sure that for a couple of days at least she would have to bring the work home to catch up. And, so, off they went to the Storybrooke General, for the checkup.

The main nurse at the reception only waved her over to the elevators, nodding slightly in greeting. The atmosphere was somewhat stilted as people stopped in their tracks as she walked by with the children, but only after a moment or so of silence, the ordinary murmur of the place resumed, as the tension drained from the air.

Henry looked up at his mother, noticing the rigid set of her shoulders and the emotionless mask on her face he had come to associate with her defensive posture, and he pushed his hand into hers, squeezing it gently, careful not to take it away from Kyle, as Regina was using it to keep the younger boy steady on her hip. The soothing gesture startled the Mayor out of her unease and she smiled down at her boy, her eyes thanking him for his consideration. His gentle green eyes twinkled in the harsh light of the Hospital but it did not detract from the kindness showing in them as he returned her timid smile, adding a light smirk. He came close to her as they went into the elevator and climbing up on his toes, his nose nuzzled his mother's cheek as he whispered into her ear. "Be the Queen, I don't mind." At the shocked look of the dark orbs, he shrugged, still keeping his hand in hers. "You are afraid of none because you are Emma's equal, the Queen and the Mayor of this town."

Finally understanding her son, Regina drew in the strength of the Queen character, presenting the façade of the unaffected monarch, her countenance demanding respect and fear. She almost chuckled when she saw Henry straighten out, pushing his chest out in the Royal fashion, the influence and teachings of his grandparents obvious. So, when the door opened, she strolled out, cutting through the crowd, seemingly not even noticing the people scurrying out of her way. But, she did notice that the tension in her shoulders eased somewhat, reassured with the presence of the children.

She entered the familiar examination room, Doctor Whale already there, waiting for her as he must have had been informed of the moment she entered the hospital. Regina felt his eyes fly over her and the boys, the hostility she expected in them absent. He rose from the chair and inclined his head almost respectfully. "Your Majesty, Your Highness," the doctor spoke softly, as he gestured toward the examination pallet.

"Victor," Regina replied, as she lowered Kyle on one side of the bed. Henry climbed on the other end, and without invitation he started taking off his clothes, folding them beside him.

Following the young Mills' example, the doctor did not speak during the examination as he went through the steps of checking the boy's health. At the last, he drew some of the blood into the testing vial for the blood work, and noting his findings into the charts he had been delivered in the meantime, he cleared Henry completely, telling the Mayor that if nothing worrying came in the blood work her son was in prime health. With the same silent consideration, Whale moved onto Kyle not even commenting on his sudden appearance in the town and the apparent attachment to the former Queen.

Regina held Henry to her body while they waited for Whale's declaration. Not that Henry needed to be held but he had sensed that his mother needed him. Well, perhaps not him exactly, but in the absence of his other mother, he had decided to pick up the mantle of the endless support he knew the blonde Savior was to the Queen, at least while she was gone. He did know that it wasn't his place, and Regina had lightly rebuked him for it, reminding him that she was the parent in their relationship and that support and unconditional love was her job, but his impish smirk, so much like his blonde mother's, had told her that she was fighting a losing battle. So she accepted, albeit grudgingly, his silent hug, if only to keep herself from worrying her hands, as they watched the doctor examine the boy.

"You have a reasonably healthy nine month old kid, Your Majesty," Doctor Whale spoke, as he tickled the still bare foot of the toddler. He turned to look at the anxious Mayor and offered one of his rare smiles. "The only concern I have is that he is not trying to stand up on his own and his lack of discernible words, but all of his other reactions are well within normal range, even exciding it."

"Can it be…?" Regina started, but mercifully the doctor interrupted before she was forced to pick words to finish her question.

"With proper stimulation, he will catch up just fine, Regina," the man said kindly, aware that he needed to soften his usually brusque manner for he recognized the trouble the woman was having with the situation. It would not do to discount the legitimate fears and worries, but he was absolute sure that with Regina's tenacity and Henry's helpfulness, baby Kyle would bloom into a quite chatty boy who would not be able to sit still for a moment. "Even more, I would bet my life on the fact that in six months you would be lamenting for the peaceful days of him being still and quiet."

"Careful, Victor, I might take you upon that bet," Regina said dressing the boy up, the sharpness evident only in her eyes as she did not want to add to Kyle's already shortening temper. Sweeping toddler into her arms, she motioned for Henry to open the door for them. "The moment you get the results, call me," the Mayor ordered, her tone brooking no complaints from the man, as he only nodded in compliance. Seeing his reply, she strolled out, imperiously, the fact that the baby was in her arms not diminishing the effect in the least, followed by the proud strut of the young prince.

Not long after the hospital, they ended up at Granny's as it would soon be the time for lunch and Regina was unwilling to just spend time walking around, especially not in the windy day that was only getting worse. Claiming a booth in a corner, away from most of the crowds, the former Queen nodded in greeting to the old woman behind the counter who smiled at them, before she continued with her work. "Mom," Henry spoke as he noticed the glances the people were directing at them, but when he saw her light smirk, he relaxed into the seat opposite to hers. "Mom?" he asked this time. His mother only raised her eyebrow, waiting for him to continue. "Can I see Dad for a bit after Archie?" Henry spoke as his eyes pleaded, as he watched his mother carefully for any sign if he should back off, but apart from narrowing of the dark eyes, she didn't react to his question. "Please?"

But before Regina could answer to her son's entreaty a young waitress came to take their order. If the former Queen was surprised to see a princess, a young mother at that, helping out in Ruby's absence, she did not show it, and as she looked up at the young blonde, she smiled her Mayoral smile to the woman, knowing Ashley was Emma's friend. But, she did not speak as she did not what kind of reception to expect from the young Royal.

"Hey, Ella!" On the other hand, Henry had no such qualms.

"Hello, Henry, Madam Mayor," Cinderella spoke with a wide smile, the light dimming just a little bit as she encompassed the former Queen in her look. "How have you been?" the girl asked, turning back to Henry. Regina directed her eyes down, playing with Kyle, but she perked her ears, wanting to hear his answer as well.

"We miss Emma," he spoke quietly, however his green eyes pinned the waitress in her place, the look of protective fierceness obvious to the blonde, giving her the clear message that the Mayor was firmly included in the family, and just like his mother, he had a way of making a stand for people he loved, showing the entire crowd in the diner his position. "Other than that, we are fine," he added, his eyes easing up, as he took up the menu, before he looked at his mother, a light heartwarming smile pulling on his lips.

"Right," Ashley murmured, as she was reminded that the boy had inherited her friend's eyes and their expressiveness, along with her protective streak. "Are you ready to order?"

"In a minute," Regina spoke as she saw the Charmings entering the diner. Catching David's eyes, she watched them walk over, for a moment regretting that Henry had chosen to sit across of her, which meant that one of them would come to sit beside her.

So, while Snow spoke with Cinderella inquiring after Alexandra and Thomas, David greeted his grandson and lowered himself beside the dark haired woman, his face coming close to the youngling as he made a face, causing Kyle to giggle. From his lowered position, his blue eyes caught Regina's and recognizing the question in them, the brunette nodded, transferring the young boy into the lap of the man beside her. "You OK?" David asked softly, whispering into Kyle's blonde hair, knowing that only the brunette would hear him. Honestly he didn't expect her to answer him apart from a scorching look reminding him to mind his own business, but when he saw an almost imperceptible shrug of her shoulders the unforeseen reply left him with a strange soft feeling in his chest, the one he, years, even months before would never attribute to the Evil Queen, but now he only smiled in support, his shoulder brushing lightly Regina's, their relationship still too fragile for something more overt. "When will you go to the office?" he asked, in the normal tone this time, wanting to dispel the sudden uncomfortable silent tension that enveloped them. He might have felt some affection for the True Love of his daughter, but it did not mean that the ages of bad blood disappeared without a lingering trace marring their relationship.

"Sometime today, possibly in the evening." The answer came immediately, while they watched Snow sit down and talk with Henry, but not paying attention to the words they exchanged. Then, Regina turned to David. "Is something wrong?"

"No, no…" David said quickly, somewhat defensively, immediately causing the former Queen to narrow her eyes. The Prince saw this and sighed in resignation. "I have taken Neal in as my Deputy."

Regina's eyes hardened at the mention of Henry's father, but she knew that it was out of her hands. Emma had asked her to try to let him in, and Henry was obviously willing to spend time with her wayward half-brother. Why not David, too? "You are the Sheriff, David."

"Acting Sheriff," the man remarked, not willing the assume the mantle completely because there was only one person to whom it belonged, and in the time of her being away, he would only do the duty of the Sheriff, never becoming one.

"Even so," Regina acknowledged his intent with the interruption with a gentle smile, "it is your department and how you manage it is on you." She leaned back, turning slightly toward him. "You only have to make sure that your employees do their job and that you stay within your budget."

With those words, Regina closed the subject, and in that moment Ashley came again to take their orders. The light conversation flowed over the light meal, as they talked about Emma and the various funny things the blonde Savior had done in the town and beyond, sharing anecdotes and light hearted stories, the laughter often coming from them.

Once or twice, Granny herself joined in the merriment, with a story of her own of the then newly appointed Sheriff, recognizing the occasion for what it was, having been there when Snow had gone to labor. Her sharp hearing, the remainder from the cursed bite, allowed her to follow the various adventures of the Savior, the daughter of the woman she often considered her own granddaughter. And now, as the old matron of the diner watched the former White Princess share a soft smile with the woman that had been her bitter enemy for the most of her adult life, Granny understood that something big had happened to them on their journey, something so profoundly life-changing, something that Snow had omitted from her storytelling the day before. As she listened on, and watched, the grey haired woman saw that of all of the people at the table, the most changed one was the one that all once feared. And, Granny knew only one thing that could make such an impact on a person. Good for her, the old woman thought as she prepared the one-layer cake to bring it out for the celebrating party. It was about time.

As the lunch party was winding down, David felt his phone vibrate. Taking it out, he recognized the number, answering it immediately, and the others knew that it was the work interrupting. As he stood up from the table, he placed the young boy on his seat gently, passing lightly through his hair. With hurried goodbyes to the people around the table, he rushed out, leaving them still in the booth.

"Well, I guess I should leave as well," Snow spoke lightly, as she patted Henry's shoulder. "I'll bring the assignments, or send them somehow later today, alright?" she said to her grandson and receiving a nod, she then turned to her former grandmother. "I heard you tell David you'd go to the office later." When Regina only raised her eyebrow, gesturing her to go on, Snow shrugged. "As I am finished for today, if you need a babysitter, I am offering my services."

Regina cocked her head to a side, considering the offer. She did have a lot to do, and she wanted to start the research for Emma's 'little project', and the mausoleum was not a place for Kyle. But, on the other hand she did not want to part from him just yet. Not when the goodbyes she had spoken the day before were so fresh in her mind, but holding on to her children was not healthy and fair to the boys either. Then, she looked at her former nemesis and saw a deep sadness shining out of the green eyes. With understanding, Regina sighed in acceptance. The woman across of her was suffering as well, perhaps not to the levels she did, but the separation from her daughter must have been very difficult on Snow, especially after the choice she had made just before the curse, sending the freshly born child into the unknown. So, the decision was already made, Regina realized. She would take the offer, and she would arrange for Henry's wish as well, for they all needed comfort to soothe the pain that the missing blonde had left behind. Not that she blamed Emma for it, far from it, but it didn't make the separation easier, and it was only the second day. She honestly didn't know how to cope with the next two months. But, then, she did know, didn't she? She thought to herself as she looked into the two pairs of green eyes looking at her from the other side of the table. With their support.

"Henry," Regina spoke softly, as she looked down at her watch, noticing that the time to the boy's appointment with Doctor Hopper was coming closer. "I will drop you off to Archie's, and then your father will collect you afterwards." She saw his eyes glimmering with somewhat subdued happiness and she realized that he had controlled his reaction in deference to her feelings toward the man. Loving her boy for the gesture even more, she sighed self-deprecatingly. She really had to let go of her anger toward the man, if only for her son. "I will let him know. You can spend your time with him, but I want you in the house before dark." As she saw the quick calculation pass over Henry's face, judging that the hour was not enough, she nodded, continuing further. "You can invite him over, but you must be inside before dark."

"Yes, mom," the boy spoke happily, as he smiled at her widely, the thanks clearly apparent in his face.

Then, Regina turned to Snow. "I will take you upon your offer. I have some of Kyle's things in the car, and you can join them," Regina gestured toward Henry with her hand, "when they come to the house." With another sweeping look she watched her son as he finished the soda she had allowed him to order. "I will try to get home before you go to bed."

"I'll stay with them until you do," Snow added, noticing the uneasy look in Regina's eyes and the obvious battle between spending her time with the children and the work of a mayor and also working on solutions for Emma's mission. Regina only nodded in gratitude. Snow almost chuckled at the thought of the former Evil Queen thanking her out loud in the full diner of people, here for their lunch. The imagined startled and shocked faces would be priceless to be seen, but it was too early for it, despite its entertaining value. The Mayor was not ready for that, and honestly, neither was she. All the cordiality between them was still feeling more than a little weird and stilted, but they both pushed forward, stubbornly, for Emma.

At that moment, a dark haired man entered the diner, going straight to the bar. As the Mayor was turned toward the door, she was the only one who noticed his entrance, and she almost rolled her eyes. Almost. It was like some higher power had an interesting sense of humor today. When their similar eyes connected, she moved her hand, hidden by the table and Kyle, gesturing to the man to stay where he was. When he picked up his coffee and nodded, turning to the counter once more, Regina picked the youngest member of their party and rising from the table, she waited for Snow and Henry to do so as well.

Giving Kyle to Snow, Regina straightened up, reaching for her purse, pressing down her slacks with her free hand. Every inch the imposing Mayor she was, she smiled to her son. "Go, wait for me by the car. I am going to take care of the bill." Her sharpened look stopped any complaints from Snow, and with a surprise she watched as the pixie haired woman nodded and smiled, as she took the boys out. Then, Regina walked to the counter, pulling out several bills from her purse, catching Granny's eyes. "If I could have the rest of the cake for take away, that would be great," the woman spoke softly as she waited for the old diner keeper to open the register. Granny only nodded in acknowledgement, rushing off to pack it up. Regina moved to the man who watched her with weariness in his dark eyes, but with no animosity in them. "Mister Cassidy."

"Regina," Neal said in reply, waiting for the reason the woman asked him to stay behind. He had seen them in the booth but not wanting to provoke his half-sister in the wake of Emma's absence, he had not approached.

"Mister Cassidy, Henry asked for you to spend some time with him this afternoon." Pleased that she was not interrupted or that the man in front of her showed none of the gloating reaction to the news, she continued. "He will be waiting for you in front of Doctor Hopper's office at four, perhaps several minutes earlier. The only thing I ask is to escort him to the house before the dark."

"Understood." Neal sipped his coffee before he lowered the cup down. "Will you be at home at that time?" he asked, somewhat formally, understanding Regina's need for distance.

"In all likelihood, no, but Snow might be. You are free to stay with him for a while, but I would ask you to respect my privacy."

"Of course."

When Granny placed the clear plastic box on the counter next to Regina, the Mayor pushed it toward Neal. "You can partake this with Henry, but don't let him eat more than a slice." After that, she moved away and left him look after her with confusion, before he looked down at the cake.

"What was that about?" he gave voice to his confusion, not really expecting an answer, but the diner keeper chuckled at his muddled expression.

"A peace offering, I suppose," the woman spoke as she brought out the plates for Ashley to take them. "It was for Emma's birthday," Granny said before going to the kitchen, leaving the man to his thoughts.

Regina unlocked the Mercedes and took out the bag she had packed that morning and slung it over Snow's shoulder. "I have my phone on me, if anything happens – call me." With short greetings, they parted ways, Regina driving to Henry's appointment, and Snow walking to her loft. After a short drive, Henry rushed out of the car and with an exuberant shout of love to Regina he went into the building, leaving her outside. She had asked him in the car if he wanted her inside with him, but he timidly had asked her to let him talk with Archie first. She had granted him that, recognizing his need to settle his thoughts first, before sharing them with her. So, with a heavy heart she drove to the Town Hall.

After working on various documents and project propositions, glancing through most of them to perceive the amount of work she had in front of her, Regina picked up the most pressing ones, packing them into her briefcase. When she had entered, she had spent several minutes remembering the last moments she had spent in her office before then, also seeing Emma's memories tinged with worry and fear, and it had taken her more than several moments to settle down enough to be able to work through the papers on her desk. Now, gotten used to being there again, she left the office, turning off the lights, as well as placing the magical seal on her door, along with activating the alarm. It was only a precaution but she had decided not to take any chances, and she sincerely hoped Emma was following her example. As she walked down the steps, she remembered the fire and how the Savior had brought her out. A soft smile showed on her face as she remembered the flex of strong muscles holding her up. Even then Emma had been her knight in shining armor, hidden beneath that much despised (but secretly loved) red leather jacket.

As she walked toward her black car she considered the idea that had appeared in her head earlier in the office while she had been looking around, immersed in the memories of the troubled past, the thought of her mother and father sharp in her mind. With an aggravated sigh she changed her direction, leaving the car in its parking spot as she started walking to the town's cemetery, slinging the leather strap of her briefcase over her shoulder. It was more of a compulsion than a desire for her, created out of habit and need for something familiar, even in its pain, to ground her in her new situation. She needed something certain and unchanged – and the fact that the both of her parents were dead, both killed by her own hand, was an ultimate truth that remained the same despite all the changes she had gone through.

Her heels clicked on the cemented pathway leading to the parcel of ground where her family mausoleum stood, the lone structure standing out among the spare trees, and Regina sighed at her need to ground herself in this particular way, thinking herself morbid and somewhat insane, but she pushed on, stepping of the path on to the well maintained grass as she walked to the metal door of the mausoleum. Closing her eyes, she took a deep gathering breath and in her hand appeared three separate bouquets, two of fresh white tulips and one of dark red, almost black, roses, still enveloped in the swirling colors of her magic. The flowers were part of the ritual after all. She reached for the door but the trace of a strange, bubbly sweet magic made her stop. Recognizing it, Regina frowned at the presence of the fairy magic at her own refuge, but as it was only a sensor spell, she disregarded it and pushed the door open, entering inside.

The last time she had been there had been when she had found the love spell among her mother's things. The following days had been too troublesome for her to visit, and while she had been away, first to Neverland, then to the Enchanted Forest, no one breached the door of her sanctuary, and the absence of care was obvious in the soft tendrils of spider web and dust inside. Not even moving a finger, Regina wished the dust and the mud away and the crypt was swept with the pulse of her magic, cleaning the dirt away.

"Hello, Daddy," Regina whispered softly as she placed her hand onto the coffin, keeping it there for a silent moment, before opening the pass to the lower level. Following the stairs down, she separated the dark bouquet from the rest and placed it on to the sarcophagus standing in the center of the room.

"Mother," the greeting murmur escaped the former Queen's lips, no more holding the timid edge that it had used to whenever Regina would address the witch. Again, she placed her hand on the top of the polished wood, lowering her head in the quiet rumination. She did not offer a prayer for her mother, nor did she direct her thoughts toward the deceased woman, as if having conversation with her, as she often had done with her father. No, she stood there in silence, thinking about Emma and the blonde's acceptance of Regina's feelings toward her parents, her love and need to grieve for them, even though one and perhaps both were undeserving of it. And, of course, the very words Emma had defeated Cora with those months before.

Love is strength.

And, indeed it was, Regina considered, thinking about all the dangers they had surpassed on their journey, and she knew that only with the power of that bond they had survived. Putting someone first, to one's possible and, in their case likely probable detriment, to help them, to save them… The three of them, Henry included proved Emma's words true in so many ways, time and time again.

After a while Regina stepped away and entered the nook where Cora's possessions resided, going straight to the chest filled with the magical books. After a quick contemplation, she picked two volumes promising enough and placed them into her briefcase, turning to leave the crypt, not sparing the last look to the elevated casket, not wishing to dwell there a second longer than necessary.

When she climbed up, one swipe of her hand returned the marble sarcophagus in place, and Regina lowered one of the tulip bunches on the plaque of her father's name. "Bye, Daddy," Regina murmured softly before she left the mausoleum, closing the heavy door behind her.

In the darkness, she noticed a person standing slightly away, remaining in the shadows of the evening, and the brunette sighed in irritation, her teeth gritting together, as her magic supplied the identity of the intruder. However, the former Queen made no move to acknowledge them, as she moved toward the specific tomb stone. She focused onto the letters carved in the polished marble as she lowered the last bouquet of tulips on the ground in front of it. Reaching to the cold stone, she traced the indentation with the gentle regard, feeling the guilt and remorse for this one person much more acutely than for the rest.

It was still fresh in her mind, and Emma's side of the events compounded to the emotions swirling in her as she read the letters engraved into the lifeless stone. Sheriff Graham Humbert

Paying silent respect to the man, and quietly asking for forgiveness, she felt a lone tear slip through her firm grip of her composure. Regina wiped it away, straightening up, and started walking toward the path, knowing that her visitor would join her even without the invitation. Soon enough, the short woman dressed in dark blue matched Regina's steps as they walked toward the town.

"Blue," the Mayor all but spat at the woman, perversely enjoying the fact that the fairy godmother had a trouble keeping up with Regina's purposefully quick strut. Not only that she did not wish to talk to the little meddler, Regina also wanted to get home to her children, escaping the morose thoughts that threatened to grip her too tightly.

"Your Majesty," the Mother Superior spoke sharply, but not managing to imitate Regina's iciness, even though she heartily tried. She loathed the idea that she had to cooperate with the Evil Queen, reformed of not, even if it was her own idea to involve the Mayor in such way. But, the past events, the dangers that the outsiders brought was posing more threat to the town than the vengeful sorceress. And, there was the Savior, planted firmly in the Queen's corner, and with the blonde's insistence, even the White Queen could be swayed to accept Regina as a reformed member of community. Anticipating such event, Blue had concocted the plan, counting on the True Love bond between the Queen and the Savior to keep the brunette mostly on the side of the good. "We need to talk."

"That is the reason you haunt me?" Regina scoffed, not even sparing a glance toward the short woman. "Tomorrow," she added firmly.

"Your Majesty, you need to be familiarized with the…" Blue started almost reaching for the taller brunette, her voice taking on the preaching lilt, but Regina stopped in her tracks, her dark eyes piercing the fairy with cold ferocity.

"I will, tomorrow." The sharp pronunciation tinged with the edge of command and promise of magical backlash made the smaller woman nod in acquiescence, as it would do no good to push the angry Queen even more, for it would only result in an outright showdown of power. They walked in silence for a bit before Regina stopped again, fixing the position of the strap on her shoulder. "Did you know?"

Blue just waited for clarification, as the soft, almost unsure voice from the former Evil Queen surprised her. And, that question could be answered in too many ways in regards to Regina's past.

"That he is my father?" Regina added, avoiding looking at the other woman, not willing to expose herself even more to the fairy. There was no need for further elucidation.

"Yes."

Regina had expected such answer but it did not mean that the confirmation did not shake her. "Is that why you never helped me?" she asked, even though a little voice in her mind kept screaming at her to disengage from the conversation and that it did not matter either way, that Blue had seen too much of her and that further openness would lead only to her downfall.

"You weren't ready to be helped then," Blue spoke softly, a pleased smirk unconsciously passing her lips, as the slightly high pitched voice took on pompously pious edge, as she ignored the enraged scoff from the Mayor.

"I was a child!"

"Of two most destructive parents set to reach their goals no matter the cost. Nothing we could have done would have changed your destiny – their grip over you was too strong."

"You could've at least tried," the former Queen spit through her clenched teeth as she turned away, walking down the main street toward her car, too angry to even consider waiting for the fairy's reply. Mercifully, the woman had not followed her for she wouldn't have been responsible for her actions if that insipid self-righteous meddler sprouted any more of the justifying patronizing platitudes. Stewing in her anger and indignation, all the while she kept the control over her magic, she let her mind shout the most crude curses toward the small woman. Destiny, Regina scoffed again, fully understanding Emma's rage at the concept and people's blind belief in it.

Busy despising the fairy, she almost barreled over a man in a tweed vest. Not even stopping to look at the person, she murmured an apology, and moved away wishing to already be at her home with the boys, and missing Emma fiercely.

"Regina!" the man called after her, pulling the leashed dog with him, as the dog barked along. "Regina, wait!" Archie spoke loudly, hurrying after the woman, his voice piercing the furious swirl of thoughts in the brunette's mind, drawing her to the present. When she heard the happy bark of the Dalmatian, she turned to the pursuing man and stopped her brusque walk.

"Doctor Hopper," Regina addressed the man neutrally, but her irritation bleeding through.

"Regina, is everything all right?" the kind man asked softly, as he drew near, his head bowed deferentially toward her.

"Yes, everything is fine," the Mayor answered curtly, preparing to start walking again, as her car were only a block away, but the soft whisper of the man stopped her once more.

"Would you like to join me up for a cup of tea?" Archie gestured toward his office, his eyes imploring. "We have just finished our evening walk, and it is a chilly evening," he offered unassumingly. He saw that the woman was on the fence with the idea, her desire to hear of his opinion of Henry warring with her wariness of him. And, he smiled when he saw her nod sharply at him, gesturing him to lead the way.

They climbed the stairs to the office, and as he let Pongo of the leash, he welcomed the woman inside. As she was already familiar with the outlay of the room, he left her to settle down by herself as he placed a water filled kettle on the burner and prepared the pot along with the china cups. Pretending to be busy with the tea he surreptitiously watched the woman as she sat down on the couch, patting the seat next to her lightly, knowing that Pongo would obey immediately and place his snout into her lap, as he had used to do during her therapy, providing a distraction and a calming influence for the former Queen. The mild tempered man could not see her face, but he noticed the ramrod straight back and tense shoulders, knowing that all the precarious trust they had built had been destroyed the moment he had shared information with the Sheriff.

He brought the pot and the cups on the platter and lowered it to the small coffee table in front of Regina, as he took his usual seat in the armchair. Noticing that the woman was watching his every move, not volunteering anything, he knew that he was to try to fix the broken confidence between them.

"First, allow me to apologize for the breach of your trust. I know it is not an excuse but I had only the best intentions in my mind. I still do."

"You shared personal information to my then rival and enemy," Regina spoke scathingly, as she pinned the man with her gaze. He had known how hard for her it had been to open up.

"I understand that you don't feel comfortable here anymore, Regina, and I am deeply sorry for my part in it." He leaned forward to pour the tea, and to bring the cup to the woman. "However," he continued earnestly, "I promise you that this will be a safe place from now on." As she took a sip of his special blend, he waited for her to lower the cup before continuing. "Whatever is spoken here, it will not go beyond these walls unless I have your explicit permission," he added, and with that he closed that subject, knowing that Regina would not ever consider opening up to him this soon. So, he leaned back, taking his tea with him, letting the silence fall over them, remembering that sometimes, the quiet could be quite healing, sometimes even more than any words he could say.

Regina could feel his eyes watching her as she sipped the cooling tea. She had seen in Emma's memories that he had indeed tried to help her, albeit in his somewhat misguided way. And, no matter what, throughout the ages he had always tried to find the best way of dealing with the Evil Queen, pleading with Snow and Charming to be lenient to her, even being the one to warn the Savior of the lynching mob when the Curse had broken. So, the Mayor decided to honor Emma and to offer acceptance of his apology, however reticent. She lowered her tea cup and locked eyes with him, and when she had his full attention, she nodded, making the meaning of her look clear as she clasped her hands in her lap. "Well," she spoke, before she placed her hand on Pongo's head, scratching him lightly behind his ears.

"I offer to be there for you, as a friend," Archie said gently, happy with the taciturn forgiveness.

"Are you?"

"A friend?" Receiving the clarifying nod, he went on, leaning lightly forward. "Perhaps not in the traditional sense of the world, as you still see me as your enemy. But, yes, I consider myself your friend."

"I see," the woman spoke, not really comfortable with the idea, but Archie was Emma's and Henry's friend, and surely she could count on him to help her with the problems that might arise in the future. However, for her, it was too soon to accept the offer, the sense of betrayal still strong. In need of changing the subject, she cleared her throat. "You have talked with Henry," she said simply, letting him answer it as he saw fit, for she would not press him to ignore her son's privacy, even though it did cause a slight pang in her heart that her boy did not confide in her immediately, as he had used to do in his childhood.

"Yes, we have covered many subjects, albeit only on the surface. He did share some information with me that he felt it was important for our future talks, but I am assuring you that, whatever secrets he shares with me, they will stay secret on my part."

Such worded notification made clear that the doctor had been informed of Emma and hers connection, making him the only person in Storybrooke, apart from the ones who had come two days before, who definitely knew the status of the former Evil Queen and the Savior. And, the kind smile in the doctor's eyes spoke of his approval and well wishing. "Do you think this is too much for him?"

"You have a very resilient boy, Madam Mayor. But, I am certain that if we all contribute, he will come out of this safely and healthy."

After that reassurance, Regina only spent several more minutes in Hopper's presence, making the schedule for Henry, and inquiring for advice with Kyle, before she left the good doctor in his office. Quickly, she got home, pleased that she had reached the mansion before Henry's bedtime. She opened the door, listening for the sounds in the house, trying to ascertain where her boys were. She didn't want to call out in case Kyle was already asleep, so she took off her heels and her coat, leaving them at the entrance, along with her briefcase and car keys, before she walked toward the light hearted laughter in the living room. She recognized Kyle's giggle as she felt her lips curve into unbidden smile. She leaned into the room and stopping beside the door she saw Henry playing with his old toys, animating Kyle with intricate role play, as Neal sat beside them serving as an effect sounds player, grumbling and clucking, imitating the sounds of machines and horses, while Henry spoke. Snow was sitting on the sofa, watching them as she drank something out of a cup.

Just in that moment, Kyle giggled again and clapped his hands. "Ehwy, Mommy," the boy garbled happily and clapped his hands again as he tried to reach Henry. Regina felt her heart melt at the words the blonde boy managed to pronounce, and she waited by the door to see if he was going to say anything else. But, not a second passed when the toddler started pointing toward her, yelling Mommy and Ehwy once more, and drawing attention to her. As soon as Henry noticed her watching them, his face spread into a blinding smile as he placed down the rubber toys he had in his hands and sat back on his haunches.

"Hey, Mom," he said with unrestrained glee as he motioned her over.

Ignoring the adults in the room for the time being she walked further into the living room and as she reached the children Regina lowered herself down in a crouch, still managing to look elegant and imposing. She kissed Henry's forehead in greeting, pushing the hair of it gently before she moved to Kyle. Kissing the youngest boy's temple, she sat down beside him, pulling the toddler in between her legs, causing the baby to chortle a laugh, tickled by her grasp. "Hello sweetie," she said gently, addressing both of the children beside her. "How was your afternoon?" she then asked Henry, trying to remember the last time she had been in this room, just playing with her son.

The seemingly innocent question made the atmosphere in the room change immediately, achieving somewhat tense feeling to it. The boy she shared with the Savior suddenly had a guilty, but yet defiant expression on his face, looking adorable to his mother. His eyes failed to connect with Regina's; instead they were darting between Snow and Neal with insecurity as his hands absentmindedly played with the nearby rubber rabbit's ears. As seconds passed, the boy finally lifted his eyes to the dark ones of his mother, light blush brought on by discomfort showing on his cheeks. Henry opened his mouth to say something, but it looked like he had changed his mind and closing them, once again lowering his eyes, focusing onto the rabbit in his hands.

"Henry?" Regina said softly, her voice gentle but with the firm edge of authority underneath. The tone she had used in his early childhood, offering him security and love no matter what happened and whatever he might have done, but also telling him that the truth was far better choice than a lie said in an attempt to cover up the wrong doing on his part. "What is it?" she asked, as the boy kept his silence in front of her, acknowledging finally the man across of her and Snow on the couch. She did not think that it was something necessarily bad, but Henry was still unsure of how she would react to some things, as their communication had been downright hostile before he had gone to live with the Charmings. The only way for the boy to lose his fear would be only with time as he went on rebuilding his relationship with Regina.

"He wanted to help you," Snow started, her unsure and timid tone reminiscent of the cursed school teacher that it made Regina blink in surprise. She hadn't heard that tone from Snow in quite a while. "The two of them," Snow gestured toward Henry and Neal, who also held sheepish expression on his face, much like some overgrown child, keeping his silence – letting "the adults" deal with the situation. Regina put every ounce of her restraint to keep her face from showing the much needed sneer when she looked at the man that turned out to be her half-brother. "They put together the crib from the basement and placed it in the guestroom upstairs."

Regina looked back at her son and waited for him to meet her eyes before she winked at him as she smiled, easing his anxiety. "The one Emma wanted for Kyle?" she asked, remembering their talk in front of the fireplace in the village hall two-three days before.

"Yeah," Henry finally spoke, relieved that his mother was not angry with him. Even though he hadn't done anything that would break any rules she had for him, he had brought together the crib without asking her first. However, as she seemed pleased with him, he relaxed and came closer to her sliding on his knees until he was close enough to lean into her side. "But, we didn't move the rest of the things." Henry shrugged lightly when she silently asked him why not by raising her eyebrow and inclining her head. "I thought you would want to talk to Marco first."

"Clever boy," Regina spoke praising him, instantly remembering the time when Mary Margaret Blanchard had spoken those same words, two years before. How much have their lives changed since then? But, Regina couldn't deny the fact that, despite that Emma was away, her life had turned for the better. "We'll see to it during the week."

Ruffling his hear gently, as she had seen Emma do often, she smiled lovingly at him. "Thank you." He smiled back, but he was not able to cover the yawn that distorted his grin. Regina looked at the clock on the mantle and saw that it was somewhat late in the evening, right about Henry's bedtime. However before she could mention anything to the still yawning boy, Henry rose by himself and offering his good night kisses to Snow and a hug to Neal before he went upstairs to get ready for bed. Regina knew that he had skipped her on purpose because he would wait for her to tuck him in later.

And, as she watched the boy climb the stairs, she accepted Neal's silent offer of help to get to her feet. The toddler in her arms was already sleeping, seemingly having waited for her to settle down, his head on her shoulder bone and his small hand holding one of the lapels of her shirt. Softly murmuring to Snow and Neal to wait for her, Regina went upstairs herself and, with quick and practiced ministrations learned all those years ago when she had done the same with Henry, she put Kyle to sleep, smiling at him as he slipped off into dreamland without much fuss.

Covering him with blanket that Henry or Snow probably set aside for the toddler, Regina saw the pair of baby monitors beside the crib. Pleased by Henry's forethought, for he was the only one who knew where she had kept the small two way radios, she set one in the corner of the crib turning it on, and the other she placed in her pocket, before she kissed the sleeping child once more and walked out turning off the light, leaving the door ajar, the hallway light enough to keep the dark away.

As it had taken her quite a while to change the drowsy baby, she knew that Henry was done with his preparation. Knocking on his door, she waited for his murmur of permission before she went in. The brunette found her son already in bed, the bedside lamp turned on, as he covered himself with the quilt. Regina walked to him and sat in the spot he made for her, moving slightly aside. She smiled at his ruddy, freshly showered face, and the slightly wet hair on his neck.

"How was your day?" Regina asked again, aware that she had not gotten the answer before.

"Fine. I don't know…" Henry shrugged as he looked up at his mother, sadness filling his eyes. "I talked to Archie about what happened since Greg and Tamara had taken me. And, I told him about you and Emma."

Not willing to allow the unsure expression on his face a second longer, Regina took Henry's hands into her own and willed him to listen. "Henry, if you think that talking about it with Archie will help, you can tell him anything you want."

"But, I thought you didn't want people knowing about the True Love stuff…" the boy said softly.

"Archie is obligated to keep the secret. But, let me worry about that." Regina smiled at him gently, and squeezed his hands. "You just need to worry about getting caught up with school and dealing with the kidnapping."

"And Emma…" Henry added, yawning again.

"And Emma," Regina said with loving smile, knowing that telling Henry not to worry about his birthmother, when she herself was uneasy with the separation, would only bring a frown on his sleepy face. "Thank you for thinking of Kyle today," she added softly, as she lifted the quilt to let the boy slide down into the proper position in bed.

"S'ok," Henry mumbled, turning to side, as Regina covered him. "He is my brother, right?" he said, his eyes already closing. The brunette only kissed him, overwhelmed by his blatant acceptance and support of adopting the youngling. "G'night."

"Good night, sweetheart." Kissing the visible part of his forehead, Regina enjoyed the image of her boy in his bed once more, right where he belonged. Quietly she walked out, closing the door behind her, leaving his night light on, just in case. Once more she checked upon Kyle and satisfied that everything was in order, she came down.

She heard Snow moving around in kitchen, humming the familiar tune, the one she herself had introduced to the young girl she had been in charge of once upon a time in a different life. Passing by the living room, she saw Neal putting away the toys, and without much deliberation Regina continued on to the kitchen, knowing that her wayward brother would join her soon enough.

"Have you eaten?" Snow asked her the moment the older brunette walked in, glancing up at her. When Regina only shook her head tiredly, the pixie haired woman only picked up a plate she had placed in the fridge earlier and reheating it in the microwave, she made another cup of tea, placing it in front of her once enemy.

"Make yourself at home, Snow," Regina said softly, the harsh edge obvious in her sarcastic tone, but she accepted the tea nonetheless. The younger brunette smiled easily knowing that testy greeting from the older woman was brought on more by Regina's tiredness and anxiety than the real resentment over her presence. Placing the plate of remaining casserole in front of Regina, Snow sat across of her and leaned her head onto her hands, her elbows resting on the clean marble. "How were they?" the eating woman asked between the bites, uneasy with the silence enveloping them.

In soft tones, while Regina ate, Snow told her of the afternoon, soon joined by Neal and his side of the story. It didn't take long for both of them to tell the worried mother that her children had been well behaved and good the entire time they were with their respective keepers. Then, Regina outlined her working week, and agreed to let the other two pitch in whenever she needed someone watching the children. After that, the deputy bid them good night, leaving them and seeing himself out. Snow saw Regina watch him from the corner of her eyes but she mentioned nothing knowing that both of them were trying in their own ways to establish some trust. Neal was doing by being dependable and obeying Regina's rules, and Regina in turn was letting the man spend time with his son and was actively curbing her need to disparage her kin, which was sometimes downright hard as she had her own resentment and animosity compounded with Emma's feelings of uneasiness and betrayal.

"Can you reach out to Anton tomorrow morning and tell him I would like to meet him?" the Mayor said, the question lacking the proper intonation, making it more of a suggestion and order than the inquiry, as she cleared her plate and utensils, putting them away in the proper places. "You can give him my phone number, it would make arrangements easier."

"Of course," Snow spoke, rising from her place. "I'll leave you to your rest, then," she said softly as she turned away to leave but the quiet disagreeing murmur stopped her.

"No rest for the wicked just yet."

"Regina?" Snow turned back, looking at the woman with concern, just in time to see the Mayor close her eyes in tired exasperation, regretting she had spoken anything. When she opened her eyes, the regal brunette waved her off, the tiredness visible only in the shadowed dark eyes, the mask Regina had hidden under for so many years as the Mayor slamming over her features.

"You are leaving," the woman reminded with some coldness, albeit the perfect welcoming smile showed up on Regina's lips, making it clear to Snow that they were not good enough of friends, or whatever they were now for the younger brunette to stay and witness Regina's vulnerability. "I'll talk to you tomorrow," she added as she passed the younger woman, leading her to the door. "Good night, Snow," she said opening the door and seeing the woman out.

"Good night, Regina," Snow said softly, before she turned away contemplating the strange twists of the fate that had brought them to this day, when exactly thirty years before they were bitter enemies. She did not begrudge Regina her brusque and harsh moments, Gods know she was used to it from Emma, and over the time spent in Neverland and the Enchanted Forest, Snow had come to an understanding that the woman she once called her savior and her daughter were more alike than she had thought at first. Shaped by pain and loss, they both had become the prominent forces – one for Light and the other for the Dark, the affiliation only determined by an outsider influence. Snow recognized the fact that her daughter could have turned much worse that the woman she once had called the Evil Queen, and also that Regina – without all the damning meddling of powerful beings in her life would have been the shining paragon of good, the kind and loving adventurous woman, willing to help and risk her life for others, even strangers. It was only fitting for Regina to find her own personal Savior in Emma, after a lifetime of pain and tormenting fury. And for her brave and aloof daughter only the person who could understand the miseries of the world, who endured the pain and betrayal from the people closest to her, would do, because only such person would be able to understand Emma's need to hide from emotions and the stifling confines of intimacy.

As she walked home in the cold evening, her chin tucked into her coat, Snow realized that she fully supported the union between her former enemy and her child. Yes, they were each other's True Loves and nothing she could do about it, but she had expected some remaining resentment for Regina having another way of taking away her daughter from her. And, the sting of dejection as Emma would trust her greatest enemy before her own mother. However, with the startling insight, Snow found that there was nothing of such feelings in her for her former stepmother or for Emma. No, she had seen the glimpses of the young woman who had saved her life more and more often, and she could not find it in herself to dislike the cause of it, or the way it had come about.

What she did feel bitter about was the absence of her daughter that she did feel profoundly, and no doubt the woman she had just left did as well. She understood the underlying motives and reasoning for Emma's heroic act, but, in a bout of pure selfishness, she admitted that it felt wrong, and she could not help but feel aggrieved with the fates that had decided that one more separation was in order…

As Snow entered the place she lived in with David, she greeted the acting sheriff with a gentle hug and murmured hello, allowing the soothing touch of her husband to allay her worries and grievances, at least for the night. With a passing thought she considered the woman on the other side of the town who had no such luxury, before she surrendered to sleep.

As she closed the door, Regina enacted the protective wards on the place and taking her briefcase, she entered her study, getting ready for an arduous evening, one of many she would need to endure in order to catch up with the enormous demand at work, along with her research for the operation Gate, as her son lovingly had dubbed it.

Dealing with the documents from her office first, Regina sat behind her desk, carefully reading and filling out the forms she needed, approving and signing where necessary, conscientiously working through files she had brought home, falling with ease into the rhythm of administrative work, but aware of the passing hours. Often she would check the baby monitor for any movements in Kyle's room, but as the child slept peacefully through the night, Regina did not feel the need to interrupt her work. Only when the lightening of the sky heralded another day, she rose from her desk, rolling her shoulders wincing in discomfort when stiffened muscles would twinge with the movement. As she walked into the kitchen, ready to start another day, she considered the fact that she had not yet been able to check the books she had brought over from the vault, the amount of the pressing documents taking all her time.

After a jaw cracking yawn, she decided to take a nap, just until the time when the children would rise. Those two hours would tide her over the next day, and perhaps the exhaustion would keep the dreams away. Barely managing to set the alarm on her phone beside her bed, she divested herself of her clothes and slipped into her pajamas, asleep before her head even touched the pillows.

Deeply asleep, she did not even register the door of her room opening and a young dark head peaking in an hour later, nor did she wake when the young boy slowly walked in, reaching her phone on the bedside table and rushing out without making a sound. Satisfied that his mother was not awake, Henry closed the door carefully, before he tiptoed slowly to the closest former guestroom, and pushed the door open gently, careful not to make the barely used door hinges squeak. Making sure that the baby was still asleep, the youngest Charming sneaked out of the room and climbed down the stairs, checking periodically for movement behind him. In the years he had spent living in the house he had learned that Regina was very light sleeper, most of the time up before him and staying up way after his bedtime. It was really a rare occurrence that he would be awake before her, but judging the fact that she had gone to bed only an hour before, Henry concluded that it wasn't that strange. Wanting to make good on the promise he had made to Emma, he walked into the kitchen and started readying everything for breakfast, wanting to give his mother another hour of sleep.

Remembering the steps Emma had taught him in making coffee, he set the machine to be finished on time, while he considered what to make for eating. In theory he knew how to make pancakes, considering that he had watched Regina and Snow make them countless times, but he did not want to try it and make a huge mess out of it, that inevitably Regina would end up cleaning – thus negating all the helping part. Cereals for him - that was a no-brainer, but the prim and health oriented brunette would not go for it, he thought to himself as he looked into the fridge. Kyle would eat fruit paste as usual, and he would make one when later, after the baby would already be awake, for the noise of the blender was sure to wake everyone up. So, the only problem remained his mother. Deliberating the options he spent more than the half hour, as he ate his Fruit Loops.

So immersed into the choices that the full fridge offered, he didn't notice the brunette in question leaning against the kitchen entrance watching her son with affectionate amusement. She had woken from a dream and when she had realized that her phone had mysteriously gone missing Regina rushed up, immediately checking the rooms where the children slept. Finding Henry's room empty gave her a start but when Kyle still was undisturbed in his crib, she rushed down to see if perhaps her son was watching television or playing games in the living room. But, as the room was unoccupied, the panic starting from deep within her, enhanced by the frightening remains of her nightmare, she almost yelled out for him. However, when she walked to the kitchen she saw him shaking his head to himself, talking softly to himself as he scrutinized the fruit selection in the open fridge.

"I know," she heard him say softly. "Apple porridge." But then the boy shook his head again, mumbling to himself, "but I don't know how to make one…"

"I could teach you," she spoke gently, an apologizing smile on her face when she saw him jump and turn toward her, slamming the fridge door behind him.

"Mom! I was just…"

"I know, sweetie," Regina walked close to him and kissed his forehead in appreciation. "Thank you."

"I thought you would sleep longer," Henry spoke, watching her carefully, and Regina felt the kind scrutiny of the young but wise eyes, no doubt seeing that whatever sleep she had had apparently was not enough to diminish the traces of tired lines and bruised pallid skin.

"So did I." Having taken out the cup out of the cupboard, Regina poured the coffee in it before she turned to her son still watching her with unhidden interest. "You were talking about apple porridge?"

Henry quickly nodded, using the opportunity to learn how to make it, and to give his mother a light reprieve from the subject. But, when she finished with cutting up the apple slices into the bowl filled with porridge, he leaned onto the marble counter with his elbows, kneeling on the chair with his chin in his hands. "Was it a nightmare?" he suddenly asked, his voice soft.

Regina lowered the spoon down and looked up at the boy, somewhat startled with the question. "Why do you ask?"

Henry shrugged, uncomfortable with the topic but determined to see it through. It wasn't often that he would get the opportunity to prove that he wasn't just a kid, but that he could contribute as well. Only now, he understood that perhaps he wasn't the right person for the job he wanted to do, but as the blonde Savior was not there… "Just, when Emma wouldn't sleep well, she would say that she just couldn't sleep, but I always knew she had nightmares." He was looking at his hands as he spoke, but he heard the metallic click of the spoon touching the bowl, meaning he had his mother's full attention. "Sometimes, she would sleep downstairs so she wouldn't wake me, telling me that the TV helps her sleep, but I know it was because she didn't want to wake me in the middle of the night."

"If she hid them from you, how did you find out?"

"I heard them talking…" he mumbled into his chin. Then he felt a hand on his shoulder and lifting his head up he saw the soft look in the gentle brown eyes watching him. "I don't understand why she would hide it from me." Even though he sounded like he was only wondering about it, Regina heard the question in his statement, the need for explanation and the confirmation that he would not be ignored as well.

"You know that she did that to protect you." Her hand sliding over Henry's cheek, Regina traced the chin with her thumb. "Sometimes, parents do everything to keep their children away from the world that would blacken their innocence, even if they had to keep quiet about some things."

"Like you lied to me?" There was nothing in the question but the earnest interest. Expecting resentful and spiteful tone, Regina stumbled over the absence of those feelings in Henry's inquiry, her hand almost slipping away from his face. Henry noticed the pause and holding her palm with his own, he looked at her with gentle regard, waiting for the answer, but willing to give her time to recover.

It was an unusual sight for Regina, one that she thanked every God in existence for it. Her son, after all she had and hadn't done, still loved her and forgave her, his compassion and consideration shining out from his gentle green eyes. In that moment, the prepubescent almost twelve years old boy seemed much older than his age, his understanding and kind eyes taking on the weight of turbulent and adventurous life, showing the brunette that the boy in front of her would one day grow up to be a very wise and gentle man. And, for such blatant ruin of the childhood innocence in her adopted son, Regina was sorry.

"Yes, like that. But, what I did was much worse." Even though she felt the need to say these things and to share with Henry her thoughts, it did not make it easier for her to explain herself, nor did it make much sense to her more hardened part of self to give the boy more munitions to use against her. "I did try to prevent you from sharing my secret and that perhaps was main motivation for my lies, but I did not want you to suffer the knowledge that I was this monster the stories told about. However, I did make you think if only for a moment that you were crazy and that was very wrong of me. But, Emma did nothing of the sort. She just did not want to expose you to her fears and ugly memories."

"Why?" Henry asked. "Why not? Why not tell me? I am not a baby."

"Henry, it has nothing to do with you." Regina took a bite out of her already cold breakfast, washing it with lukewarm coffee, giving herself time to formulate her answer. "Some things should not happen, in this world or in any other. Sometimes, the terrible deeds are done for various reasons and it is shameful that they are. The simple idea of them should be non-existent. The fact that they still happen is only a testament to the wickedness of the people. And, a young child is very easily convinced of monsters and dangers already; there is no need for us to damage that innocence with any unnecessary darkness."

"But," Henry started to say something, but Regina stopped him with a look telling him that she had enough of the subject.

"Henry," she said softly, but firmness of her conviction heard nonetheless. "Let me make something absolutely clear. As long as I live and breathe, I will do anything to protect you in any way that I can, even if it means to sometimes keep you in the dark about something then so be it. I am sure Emma would do the same. Ask any parent around here and I bet you will mostly get the same answer from them as well."

The boy mumbled his unenthusiastic acceptance of the fact, not pleased that he could see Regina's point even though he still insisted that he wasn't a child anymore and that he could handle what ever they tell him. However, he chose to drop the subject, knowing that it was a sensitive one.

After the brunette had got the reluctant nod from her son, she went on with her breakfast, and started preparation for Kyle's fruit concoction. In the rhythm she had established when Henry had been little, she went around the kitchen in the economy of motion, precise and purposeful, as she directed Henry to get changed for the day. Not wasting any time, she went upstairs and changed herself, after a lukewarm shower to chase away the sluggishness of her mind, before she took care of Kyle's preparation. Quickly, the all members of the little family gathered in the entrance hall, ready to leave the house, and start their day.

Soon, they all were at the Town Hall, in Regina's office. Kyle was placed on the blanket on the floor, surrounded by the toys his caretaker had sent there in advance with magic, right in the sight of Regina's working desk, offering the woman the perfect view of his activities. Henry took a chair at the meeting table, spreading out his notebooks and books, doing his homework and reading list. They spent several hours this way, each engrossed in their own world, interrupted only by a ringing phone or some questions that Henry had for Regina regarding his assignments. Or, Kyle would crawl over to Regina, demanding her attention, garbling Mommy happily and chuckling when it brought a wide smile on the woman's face. She would then pick him up in her lap and talk to him softly while she would continue arranging the paperwork. By noon, Regina noticed that a sizable dent had been done to the overdue work, but still too much of it remained for her taste.

However, she was interrupted by a soft knock on the glass of her office door. "Madam Mayor," the man on the door spoke cordially with an earnest smile, drawing the attention of the children. Henry looked up and a wide grin showed on his face.

"Gramps!" the boy said loudly, pushing away from the table, watching the man enter in.

"I hope I am not interrupting?" David spoke as he walked toward the Mayor's desk, patting Henry's shoulder on the way.

"I think we needed a break anyways," Regina spoke gently, leaning back in her chair, holding Kyle safely close to her. When the man sat in one of the chairs in front of her, she searched his face to see if there was a problem and if she needed to send the children out, but the relaxed set of light blue eyes gave her no cause to worry. "Is there something you need?" she asked somewhat uncertain, for she never dreamed she would have Prince Charming in her office so relaxed and friendly.

"I brought lunch," David said showing the paper take out bag she hadn't noticed before, as well with a plastic bag filled with books and papers. "As well as more work for you, Henry. Snow asked me to drop this off." The blonde man reached back and gave the boy the bag, chuckling softly at the scowl Henry managed. Turning back to Regina, he started unpacking the lunch bag, careful not to touch any of the perfectly organized documents on the desk, before he moved to the small desk beside the sofa and chairs, his gesture obvious to other two that they should join him. "Granny gave me your regular, I hope that's OK?"

"It's fine," Regina said softly, honestly surprised by the man's move. This is something she would expect from Emma, the meal offered without anything in return, as if it was previously arranged. Something she would find so charming in the blonde's behavior – but so unsettling in the very Prince Charming, as it only served to remind her of the pang of pain and bittersweet memories she would feel whenever she would think about the Savior, which was to say - too often. But, she couldn't fault David for bringing food. It was lunch time anyways, and as he was already bringing school work for Henry, it only made sense for him to bring food as well.

"How are you finding things?" the blonde man asked, in between his bites, the silence eating on his nerves. When Regina hummed noncommittally, eating her salad, he shrugged and continued eating.

"I am getting rather caught up. I need you to come over with your department's papers tomorrow after office hours, so we could go over it, and then, on Monday, it would be business as usual."

"Sure," the man said. "Do I need to pay attention to something specific?"

"Just bring everything over, and we'll see."

"All right," David said, finished with his burger. "The Council wanted to meet on Sunday, Snow wanted me to ask you about it." Having risen from his chair he paused over his container, slightly worried over Regina's reaction to the request. She had never gotten anything good, from her point of view, from the Council and in the temporary situation at the moment, it did seem like the Council wanted to exert some control over the former Evil Queen, as insurance that the Mayor was not evil anymore. But, Snow had been firmly against it for she knew how Regina would hate any idea of leash, especially by them. In the White Queen's opinion, and he tended to agree with it wholeheartedly, the Mayor was on their side now, bound firmly with her love for Emma, and the only influence she would ever allow would be the presence of the third member of the protecting triad – the Mother Superior. But, it would not do to outright ignore the Council as well…

"Fine, we'll meet downstairs at ten." Regina saw that she had surprised the Prince, now interim Sheriff. Glad that she was not as obvious to everyone as Emma had made it seem, she smirked internally, the only outward sign of her acknowledgement was her raised eyebrow daring David to ask her anything. "If that is all?" The dismissal was clear in her tone, however cordial it was. David nodded, picking up the trash and saying a quick goodbye he left them, nonplused about the reaction. Suddenly, he was very worried about the next day and the Sunday meeting.

"You didn't have to throw him out," Henry said after he had finished eating his fries. He had rolled his eyes at his grandfather's announcement, knowing that the brunette would definitely use some tactics to establish her superiority. And, just as he had predicted, his mother had succeeded in her power play, managing to throw David of his game.

Regina's delighted chuckle drew a smile on his face, as she directed him a pleased smile while she walked back to her desk. "Indeed…" she said, picking up her pen. Then her laughing dark eyes locked with his, and he saw the humor in them. "But, it was fun, was it not?"

"Yeah!" Henry agreed, not only because he loved to see the smile back on her face, but because he also knew that it was just the way his mother was. She would always rebel against anyone trying to make her do something, but at least she was not all mean and hurtful about it. And, it was funny to see David so worried as he had walked out the door, after he had absently gone through Henry's dark locks.

But before he could add anything, Regina's phone rang, interrupting their locked gaze. Seeing that it was the hospital, Regina immediately picked up, trying to battle the sudden anxiety that made her skin crawl. "Yes?" she asked curtly, as her eyes found Kyle playing with his toys, having finished with the bottled juice.

"Mayor Mills, it's me," the voice of Doctor Whale did nothing to settle Regina's nerves. "I am calling to tell you that I have just gotten the blood work results and everything is within normal parameters." The doctor continued on without prompting, knowing that if he didn't get to the point, she might just burn him to cinders where he stood, regardless that she was in the different part of the town.

"They are fine?"

"In perfect health, yes."

"Thank you, doctor," she said before hanging up. Wasting no time she walked to Kyle and lifted him up before she went to the other boy and sat next to him. "You are both very healthy." Regina saw Henry roll his eyes exasperatedly in such Regina gesture, that she had to laugh, the anxiety giving way to happiness. "Don't you roll your eyes at me, young man," she rebuked, her laughter tapering off into happy chuckle. "I did worry."

"Well, now you can stop," he said with smile, aware that she never would, and opened a book, looking into the reading list Snow had sent over. But, then his smile disappeared as he looked back into his mother's face. She noticed his change and she reached for his cheek, knowing what, or rather who was on his mind. "Do you think Emma is OK over there?"

"I do. She is Emma Swan, the survivor and the Savior." The firm and confident tone eased some worry of the boy's face, but a trace of it still remained. "And, I am sure Emma misses us as much as we miss her, perhaps even more." Henry nodded and turned back to his homework not wanting to talk about it anymore and running off was not an option. Regina left him to it, understanding the need to avoid the subject, as it was painful for both of them.

Not long after, two women entered the office, one of them going straight to Regina's desk, while the other one hang back, unsure. When Regina saw who the intruder was, her face darkened and she rose from her chair, placing Kyle on his play blanket. "Henry," she said clearly, not looking away from the diminutive woman in front of her. "I am going to step out for a bit. Can you watch over Kyle for me?" Finally she directed her eyes to her son and seeing him look speculatively between her and the guest with some trepidation in his expression, she softened her gaze. "It is alright, sweetie. We are just going to talk, aren't we?" The sharp edge of reprimand was obvious in her tone, but it was directed toward the woman in front of her.

Blue turned to the boy and smiled, with awkwardness, as she had not anticipated the boy to be afraid of her. "Young prince Henry, Her Majesty and I are going to discuss some things. There is nothing to worry about."

The boy narrowed her eyes at the woman, rising from the chair. Crossing his arms on his chest, he glanced toward his mother, his eyes shining fiercely with defiance. "I am going to be fine," Regina added softly, recognizing the guarding position of her son, having seen it too many times in Charming, and later in Emma.

The green eyes searched her own and satisfied with the answer he had gotten in them, Henry stepped away and sat beside Kyle, engaging him in play, having said not a word to the fairy godmother. With taciturn silent agreement she walked out of her office, followed closely by the woman dressed in blue. At the door, she stopped to talk to the young nun who Blue had brought over to be a babysitter during their talk. "Henry is in charge," Regina said to Astrid, having shown her none of the animosity reserved for Blue. "There is some juice, help yourself." And, then she turned away, walking out of the Town Hall into the back yard where her prized apple orchard was.

"Well, then," she said coldly, as she came to the bench. "You wanted to talk."

"I am not the enemy here, Your Majesty."

"That is the matter of opinion. But, this is not the reason you have hounded me for days. The cloaking spell." Regina turned away, looking up at the tree that once Emma had violently damaged, and the stump oddly gave her strength to remain calm. Such powerful remainder of Emma's influence in her life grounded her, and the brash and savage move of the enraged blonde now brought a light smile to her lips, as her face was hidden from scrutiny. "Explain away," the Mayor said, turning back, gesturing to Blue to speak.

Wary of the sudden mood change, the fairy godmother hastily jumped into the explanation, telling of Rumplestiltskin's original spell, then about her own additions, all the while Regina listened carefully, not willing to repeat the experience again, just because she wasn't clear on something. And, as the fairy described the exact effects of the magic around the town, she asked many clarifying questions.

"So, anyone can leave?"

"Yes, and they can return, unless one of us expressly forbids it, and then the town would be unreachable as it is for everyone else. All you need to do is to delete the name of the list."

"That is under protection in the library?"

"Yes, and there are only three people who can change the list – the protectors."

"What happens if we disagree?"

"That is why there are three of us, so there would be a majority, in any case. But, if there is a deadlock for some reason, it stands to reason that the Town itself should vote for the resolution."

"Convenient…" Regina remarked, knowing that if she disagreed with Blue while Emma was away, the town would stand beside the fairy on the matter, regardless of Snow's public support. "What prevents you from deleting my name on the list?"

"It's not on the list." Blue sighed at the blink of confusion she had gotten in return. For past half an hour she explained every tenet of the spell, forgetting to mention this particular bit. "The protectors' names are woven in the spell itself, they cannot be erased. The only way to change it is in the event when one of the protectors is dead, and then another magical being would take their place, by repeating the ritual."

"I see." That tidbit of information told Regina that Blue had anticipated the need of finding a new protector, and that thought did not comfort her at all, as it opened too many questions she did not want to deal with at the moment. "So, if that is everything, consider me up to date." She lifted herself from the bench and pressed down her suit, picking out the lint that she found on the black fabric.

"Regina," Blue started, but the Mayor raised her hand in stopping motion.

"I don't want to hear it. If it is pertained to the town, you can bring it up on Sunday. The rest is not up for discussion. I believe you can find your way out. Good afternoon." Regina stalked into the Town Hall, leaving the woman watching after her, frowning. It was strange how the former Evil Queen could be so calm and cooperative one minute and cold and dismissive the other. But, at least she was not the hurricane of destruction the Queen had used to be. Accepting her defeat, the Mother Superior walked the path that led to the street, and meeting Sister Astrid in front of the Town Hall, they went to the convent in silence, the young fairy not brave enough to break the peace.

Henry noticed that Regina was lost to her own thoughts since she had returned from her meeting with the fairy godmother, absently going over the papers on her desk. The moment she had entered the office the young woman, Nova, had left, making a hurried excuse, not even noticing that the brunette hadn't even registered her presence and subsequent leave. But, he had seen the entire conversation and it had seemed rather peaceful if somewhat tense from his point of view, as he had watched from the window. Not one display of magic or a threatening move had been shown - that was a feat in itself.

"When are you due at Doctor Hopper's?" Regina asked him softly, drawing his wandering attention to herself. With a quick glance to the clock he noticed that it was almost three in the afternoon.

"Well, now," he said, jumping up from his chair, but as Regina failed to move from her chair he turned toward her. "Mom?"

"Do you think you could go by yourself this time?" the woman spoke, almost avoiding his eyes, but still looking at him. Seeing him nod, she then only waved him over, and kissing his forehead, she tucked an errant lock behind his ear. "Have a good time with Archie, then. Be careful on the street." And with a light pat on his shoulder she sent him away. She knew that he would ask questions later, but for the moment, she needed him out of her office, as the talk with Blue had made her consider something she had forgotten about.

Unlocking the lowest drawer of her desk, she pulled it out of its place, turning it over and taking a large manila envelope stuck to the bottom of it, and returned the drawer to its previous place. Then she walked to the filing cabinet and pulled out several blank forms, placing them in front of her, as she took back her seat. Steeling her nerves, she told herself that this was way overdue anyways and that it changed nothing. Nothing that mattered, anyway.

So, with shaking hands she opened the envelope and took out the adoption papers and birth records of her son, caressing the well preserved paper with her reverent touch. Pushing herself to go on, she drafted a custody document, detailing that Emma and her had the shared custody of Henry, and that in the event of her and Emma's death, Henry was to go to Snow and David, named Mary Margaret Blanchard and David Nolan in the papers, listed as aunt and uncle from Emma's side, for the sake of posterity if they ever ventured into the realm that Emma so lovingly called "the real world". Additionally, she dissolved the marriage between David and Kathryn, and issued the marriage certificate for Mary Margaret and David, putting it into the system as well. For the outside world, Snow was Emma's younger sister and chosen substitute caretaker if something happened, all the papers officially approved and filed. Her reinstating as the Mayor did serve her to do something for herself, not that anyone would know – unless there was a necessity for it. But, for now, she would keep it a secret, not willing to endure the knowing smirk on David's or the petulant pout for making her younger then Emma on Snow's face. Additionally with the custody papers, she had added a small addendum, detailing Neal's rights to visit his son, but not to raise him. The overgrown boy was barely capable of taking care of himself, she would not allow him in any case to be the caregiver for her son, blood related or not.

Having finished with those pesky details, she made copies of the filed documents and placed them into the manila envelope, along with the adoption papers. Then, she magicked the folder away, placing it into the safe that was in her home office, not willing to leave it in the Town Hall, where anyone persistent enough would be able to unearth it.

Then she picked up Kyle and sat him in her lap, looking over another set of documents. "Let's, Kyle, what would you like for your middle name?" Regina asked the toddler, nuzzling his cheek with her nose, not noticing a ruffled head peeking in behind the opened door. "What would Emma like?" she spoke, thinking out loud, trying to see in the memories the blonde had shared with her if there was a name that stood out.

"How about James?" Henry asked as he entered loudly enough to announce his presence.

"No, he was such a spoilt prince. And I am not naming him David, either." Regina glanced toward the clock and saw that it was past five. Smiling at the boy that came to her side of the desk, pulling up the chair, she opened the web browser searching for the meaning of the name Kyle already had. Victorious, it said, if considered the Yiddish origin, or channel if one looked for the Gaelic one. As Henry hummed in confirmation that he had read the page, she turned to the form in front of her. "So, what do you think?" the brunette asked the green eyed boy, somewhat wishing that he would be able to channel his birthmother and tell her the name.

"She never talks about her past…" Henry noted sadly, his remark only serving to remind Regina that the blonde had not had many friends in her life, always running from any meaningful connection. "I don't know," he shrugged as he looked at the boy in his mother's arms. "Maybe Emmett? Or, something that represents Emma. I mean, you gave me the names of the people you loved the most. Emma loves you, me and her parents. Maybe you should name him something that would connect both you and Emma?"

"You do have a good point," Regina inclined her head toward the boy. "But, Emmett? I don't know…"

She turned to the screen again and thought of Emma, of what the blonde represented to her. She remembered the time she had first heard of the Savior. It had been before she had casted the curse.

She knew that to enter the tunnel where Rumplestiltskin was being kept she would have to appear as something inconspicuous, so using the trick she had learned from the very man she was going to visit Regina made herself into a rat, sneaking in past the guards, scurrying the dark corridor, her disgust for the space obvious even in her animal form, as she rushed to skip over the puddles of gods know what.

Suddenly she heard a voice. "It's just us, dearie," Rumplestiltskin spoke, moving in his cot, his voice getting more of the singing quality as he leaned toward the bars. "You can show yourself."

The rat froze in his step and in his space, a dark magical mist swirled upwards shaping up into a person, before Regina materialized, dressed in full Evil Queen garb, her black clothes making her pale face almost an apparition in the darkness of the dungeon. Cracking her neck with a soft sigh she looked toward the cell, to the man she had come to ask.

"Ahh," Rumplestiltskin said knowingly, as if he could guess what was on her mind. Knowing the imp, that probably was the case. But, he did not have to sound so happy about it, either, Regina thought to herself.

"That curse you gave me," Regina spoke in mildly interested tone, as if she was chatting about the weather. She had learned long ago not engage emotionally in her dealings with her former teacher. "It's not working." She allowed her tone to gain the touch of irk she was feeling.

"Oh, so worried. So, so worried…" Rumple murmured to himself, as always testing the Evil Queen's patience. Then, he said something that would definitely ruffle the Queen's feathers. "Like Snow and her lovely new husband." And, as predicted, Regina froze in surprise, stopping her pout and lifting her eyes.

"What?" He had her full attention.

"They paid me a visit as well," he said as he skipped to the charmed bars of his prison. "They were very anxious," Rumple spoke, adding the prolonged s to his last word, making him sound more like the snake he was, "about you and the curse." The almost conspiratorial smirk on his glittering face in the light of the torches brought Regina closer to the bars.

She looked up at him, his face only inches away and softly spoke, anxious to hear the answer. "What'd you tell them?"

"The truth," the imp answered indignantly, his voice raised, scowling at her for even suggesting that he would say nothing less. "That nothing can stop the darkness…" He couldn't resist but wait for her pleased smile to add, "Except, of course, their unborn child," his face twisting into the mocking grimace of concern. Again, his tone leveled and sounding almost like a father teaching something to his daughter, he went on, "You see, no matter how powerful, all curses can be broken." The trademark lilt adorned his words, before he whispered "Their child is the key." Then, when Regina rolled her eyes at him, he smirked, teasingly pointing finger in her direction. "Of course, the curse has to be enacted first."

"Tell me what I did wrong," Regina spoke coming close to the bars that she could smell the metal in the air, amidst all the other odors of the damp dungeon.

"For that, there is a price," Rumple said gently.

Expecting such answer, Regina arrogantly pushed on. "What do you want?"

Still whispering, the imp rebuked the Queen with his cautioning tone in the first word, but then he continued. "Simple. In this new land I want comfort. I want a good life." He spoke, disgust evident as he looked around his prison.

"Fine! You'll have an estate, be rich." She had tried to intervene at the point she was willing to concede, but the Dark One knew better, outrage briefly tingeing his voice.

"I wasn't finished!" Having pushed away from the bars, he pulled himself back, his tone going high once more. "There is more."

"There always is with you," Regina said exasperatedly.

Chuckling at her repartee, he agreed. "Yeah. In this new land, should I ever come to you for any reason, you must heed my every request." Adding some flourish in his gestures, he pointed toward the woman and went on. "You must do whatever I say, so long as I say…" After a dramatic pause he added with twisted joy, "Please," his amazed chuckle almost heard in the middle of the word.

Annoyed with his theatrics, Regina felt the need to point out an obvious misstep in his plan. "You do realize that should I succeed, you won't remember any of this?"

"Oh, well then… What's the harm?" he replied in very "duh" voice. He knew his student well, and he knew that she wouldn't even bother to read the fine script of the curse, but that was her problem then, right? He had not lied.

"Deal," Regina said pleased with the seemingly easy victory, ignoring Rumplestiltskin's happy snort, as she watched him step away from the bars. "What must I do to enact this curse?"

"You need to sacrifice a heart," he said scholarly, showing at his chest as if she was unable to comprehend where the specific organ would be held.

"I sacrificed my prized steed," Regina said with the trace of petulance in her soft tone. She did not even blink when Rumplestiltskin threw himself on the bars and grabbed her around the neck, the dull thud of his body reverberating in the empty hall. He drew her face to his, making her look up, as he pushed his own head through the bars.

"A horse?" Incredulity showed on his face. "This is the curse to end all curses. You think a horse is gonna do?" His voice vibrated with angry disbelief. Now holding her chin, he leaned in, their noses almost touching as he whispered to her, "Great power requires great sacrifice." Inching his face closer, he smirked at her, teasingly pressing his nose against hers. "The heart you need must come from something far more precious."

"Tell me what will suffice," Regina asked, not at all showing that she was perturbed by his continuous hold of her face.

"The heart of the thing you love most," he said softly, his smile cold in the flickering light.

Grabbing his hand, she pushed it away from her skin, anger bleeding into her words. "What I love most died because of Snow White!"

"Oh," Rumplestiltskin reached for her cheek, grazing it gently with his thumb and knuckles, his voice getting mockingly soft as he cooed to her. "Is there no one else you twuly love?" He shook his head minutely and leaned against the bars, his tone losing the mocking tone but remaining hushed. "This curse isn't going to be easy. Vengeance never is, dearie." He warned. With another of his flourished gestures he leaned into her and spoke once more. "You have to ask yourself a simple question… How far are you willing to go?"

"As far as it takes!" Regina replied firmly and with conviction, looking into his eyes, as she leaned toward him, her face touching the bars.

"Then please stop wasting everyone's time and just do it." His mocking lilt was fully back, as he jiggled his head. "You know what you love," he whispered softly. Then he leaned through the bars and ordered, "Now go kill it."

Having gotten her answer she directed a daring look to her old teacher and turned away, disappearing from the dungeon in the swirl of mist.

That day, the day that she had killed the man she had known as her father, twisted with her wrath and need to punish, she had not even considered the still unborn child a threat, much less someone who would have so much sway over her life. To think that she was only minutes away from keeping Emma in the curse… The results would have been unimaginable. No Henry, no adult Emma, and her life would have been empty and her victory meaningless. How was she to honor the chance and the gift that Emma had given her with just one word? How was she to acknowledge the tremendous amount of history in such way?

"Mom?" Henry said, seeing her distant look. "Did you think of something?" he spoke when he saw the dark eyes focus on him.

"Just remembering, dear," she said softly, kissing his head and holding him close. "Why don't we leave the name part for when Emma joins us, hmm?" Regina said, suddenly more alert. "We could fill out the rest now. Let's see, the date of birth…"

"Whale said nine months," Henry said helpfully. "That would make him born in February?" Then he saw her smirk. "Yes, I know that he is much older than that and that it is impossible to see when his real birthday is, but if he is a nine month old…" he said, his voice going somewhat snobbish.

"Yes, early February…" Regina whispered, after nodding at Henry's diatribe, trying to choose a proper date for the small boy in her arms.

"Like a birthday present to you!" suddenly Henry exclaimed. "I mean, since your birthday is on the first…" he added demurely, after the scolding look he had received for his raised tone.

"We are not going to share a birthday. That wouldn't be fair to either of us."

"That's OK, you can put some other day, but I will always tell him he was a present for you."

"Henry," Regina started but the boy only defiantly looked at her, before smiling at her.

"Can you say that he is not a gift?" He said with a smirk, teasing her gently, as he touched the toddler's soft hair, making the boy giggle in response and murmur his pronunciation of Henry's name.

"And so are you, my dear," Regina answered, aware that her twelve year old son had bested her in her own game. Cheers to the nurture over nature, she smirked internally. "So, February 5th?"

"You mean the anniversary of the first Peter Pan movie?" Henry supplied helpfully, having researched everything Disney related when the curse had been broken.

"Oh, right… Fourth, then?"

"Snow White…"

"Fine, fifth it is. After all, we did find him in Neverland." Regina said, writing down the date in her fountain pen, her penmanship immaculate and elegant. "Name of parents…" With her script she added fiction names, having them died at the same date as the boy was born. Before she could explain to her son why she had done so, Henry only pushed on asking her about the administrative part of the certificate. With realization that the preteen understood perfectly her reasoning behind such blatant lie, she continued on, finishing the document and starting filling out the adoption papers, placing one Kyle Mills into joint custody of Emma Swan and Regina Mills.

"I thought he would be just yours?" Henry asked noting the additional name on the form.

"I asked, and Emma agreed to do this together…" Regina expected another question, this one concerning his own status, but mercifully the boy passed over the opportunity.

"Oh, okay then."

When she finished with all the records and affidavits, she took the boys home, stopping by for some pizza on the way. That day she had almost finished the huge amount of backlogs, and the rest of it she could do the next day. Henry, also, had done the majority of his school assignments and it seemed that the both of them would be free for the weekend. And, happy with that Regina settled down for the evening, watching the latest Marvel film Henry had found for them, enjoying the pizza in the living room, for the first time ever. Regina was interrupted only once, when Anton had called her to inform her of the progress and to touch base with her, arranging a meet for the next afternoon. All in all, it was a good day, Regina thought as she held the sleeping child to her chest and the chuckling boy to her side, relishing the closeness and affection she felt.

A knock sounded in the empty Sheriff's station. David turned in the closet he was at the moment, kicking the side of his head to the overhanging box on the shelf. Grumbling in pain, he managed to exit, closing the door behind him, deciding to find the particular stack of regulations later. "I'll be right with you," he said loudly as he went to the bathroom, his goal the mirror. Checking the injured temple he was satisfied that there would be only a light bruise, hidden by his hair. "Sorry for waiting, how can I help…" the blonde man started, entering the main room, his eyes having been glued to the shirt he was trying to tuck in. But then he lifted his head and saw his wife standing there. Or better said, David Nolan's wife. "You," he stumbled over the word, surprised by her presence. He had not seen her in a long time.

"Hello, David," Kathryn said, leaning against one of the table, her arms crossed. She smiled at her cursed husband and a longtime friend. "You look good," she noted, reaching out for his upper arm, but he moved in, taking her shoulders in a surprisingly fast gesture.

"Kathryn," he spoke softly, before he pulled the blonde woman into a warm hug. "Abby, it's been more than a year."

"I know, I am sorry," Princess Abigail answered patting the strong man's back, as she relaxed into the friendly hug. She did miss the man, but she wasn't blind. The strife they had endured while cursed would transfer on to their real lives, if she had not stepped back and allowed him time to reunite with his real life in peace. However, that had not happened, the infamous journey to their land happening almost immediately after the curse had been broken. She had heard about it later, when one of the dwarves had come for Frederick for help to manage the crowd. Not wanting to be a distraction, she had stood aside while the Prince had learned how to manage the Town and search for his wife and daughter. Then, the arrival of the witch and subsequent Henry's kidnaping… There simply was no time for her to reach out to her friend. Until now.

"Where were you?"

"With Jim, hiding away, you could say." She disengaged from the embrace and stepped away. "With all that has been going on, I decided that I could wait for a better moment. And, when Jim told me that Snow was back in school and that you have returned, but that Emma remained behind…" Kathryn looked at him, worrying her hands. "I know how much you love her, and to be kept away from her again… It must be really hard on you."

"You were always a good friend."

"But, such a lousy wife, right," she added self-deprecatingly, with a light scoff, but then she smiled at him, with it telling him that she was alright with it.

"We were cursed, and we weren't meant for each other," David spoke soothingly, as he took one of her hands. "And, you are with Frederick now. How are things?"

Abigail smiled her demure smile, almost hiding it with her hair. "I am pregnant." Her reply was quiet but happiness shone out of her eyes, and it made David immeasurably glad to see his friend finally having everything that she wanted – her True Love, and now a child. "But, it's not fair, our children were supposed to grow up together," she said with a teasing smile, jokingly hitting David with her palm over his upper arm. "But, you and Snow were always overachievers…" She smiled at him, glowing.

"There is Henry," David added with a chuckle.

"But he is twelve! He'll be a teenager by the time this one grows enough to be able to play, and no teenager wants to hang out around a baby." Taking a seat down, Kathryn placed her hands over her belly, even though she still was not showing.

"Henry has a sibling now," the Prince said, as he watched Abigail's eyebrows rise to her forehead in surprise. "Yeah, Regina adopted another one. Well, she hadn't yet, but I think that she will," he added after a thought. Kathryn watched him with a strange glint in her eyes, noticing all the changes in his demeanor.

"I never thought I would ever see you speak her name with a smile on your face," she said softly with amazement in her voice. "And to speak of her so casually…" Then she leaned toward him when he took his seat in front of her. "What changed?"

"We all did. She did." David sighed and ran his hand through his hair, placing his foot over his knee, as he leaned back, knowing that he would spend some time explaining things to his friend. "And, she is really important to Emma and Snow."

"Snow?"

"Yes, they have a truce now. It's amazing, really. They are downright civil to each other. The other day, Snow spent most of the afternoon in her house and came home undamaged…"

"You know, I never blamed her for the curse, for what she did to us. I did mind all that kidnapping business, but she could have killed me and she didn't." The blonde leaned back into the uncomfortable chair. "My father is not here," she said simply.

"Are you sure?" David asked, remembering that he had not seen Midas as well in Storybrooke.

"I looked everywhere." And, he believed her, for she would need to know if the man would suddenly appear and demand from her to give up her life just because he thought she could have done better. "And, even though she had her own goals in her mind, she tried to be my friend at the time when I had no one."

"Kathryn," David started, but the blonde raised her hand interrupting him.

"No, it's alright, I understand now. But, then all I could see was my husband distancing himself from me and the town full of people who didn't give a damn about me… Only Regina was firmly in my corner, for whatever reason she had."

"She is different now," he said after a minute of heavy silence. "Well, not so different as much less blood thirsty. Still condescending and sarcastic as ever."

"To live in the world she had… One wonders if she was as bad as she could have been." The blonde turned her head toward the wedding band she had on her hand, twisting it with her fingers. "Once I heard King Midas say that she was only pussyfooting around you and Snow. That, if he was in her place he would have had your heads on pikes a long time ago."

"Emma said something similarly to us several weeks ago. It seems that she loved Snow, despite everything and that she couldn't just kill her, excusing herself with the need to cause pain and suffering." David noticed the band and smiled, glad that his friend was finally wed to her long time fiancé. The only regret was that he wasn't at the wedding. "But, I guess that it was all meant to be, for if she had not casted the curse, Emma would not be the Savior, Henry would not exist and the Evil Queen would still be evil, if not dead. Snow would never reach truce with her former stepmother, and I would have had a little princess for a daughter."

"I doubt that a daughter of Prince Charming and Snow White would be anything but a hero," Kathryn said with a smile. "But, Regina – she told me something once. That she knew how was it to lose a love because of not doing enough to stop it."

"Ah, yes," David said with a not, not willing to elaborate on it, afraid that doing so would breach Regina's trust and he had worked hard on getting it, and still he sometimes thought that she was only seconds away from blasting him away.

"If she has changed, perhaps I should go and see her?"

"If you want to. I cannot tell you how she will react, but I can tell you that she will not kill you. That is the only insurance I can offer you. And, that if you mention that I know you are visiting her, that might stop her from even hurting her." He smiled at her, but Kathryn did not know if he was serious or only teasing. Deciding to take him upon his word, she rose from the chair and nodded to him.

"Thank you for the advice," she said softly, leaning over him and kissing his cheek gently and squeezing his shoulder, before she straightened out and walked out of the station. Abigail had always been such way. Coming and going without as much as hello or a goodbye. He did know that since she had made the contact this time, if he called her she would come to him, to help or do whatever he needed her to do. And, the same went for him, for she had helped him much during the war he had led against his faux father and the Evil Queen. She had been there on his wedding and she had been his friend and confidant ever since he had saved Frederick from his ailment. They were friends and they did stuff for each other. Snow had her dwarfs, he had Abigail…

With a shrug of his shoulders, he adjusted his harness and went back to the closet, trying to unearth the binder with the rules and regulations of the Sheriff's office, careful not to hit his head again. Leroy had told him that he had put away all the unnecessary "junk" into the closet, which now was filled with vast amount of things, making his search difficult. Then, he was supposed to meet the Mayor in less than three hours, which would give him less than two to prepare for the extremely thorough scrutiny, and his knowledge of the woman did not help him at all.

Finally, his fingers found the binder and he pulled it out, causing a small avalanche of things. But, he didn't care about the mess as he had gotten what he had spent buried deep in the "junk" for hours for. Not wasting any time, he perused the rule book and gathered the reports and documents that he needed, quickly checking them and jutting down in his barely legible handwriting all the necessary information he would need.

"Hey, man, what are you still doing here?" Neal asked, as he saw his "boss" in the office. He gestured at the clock as he sat down at his desk, taking off his jacket. David lifted his head and seeing the time, he jumped up, quickly gathering the papers, and putting on his coat, he yelled out for his deputy that he was off and begging Neal to wish him luck. Rushing out, David climbed into his pick up and gunned it down the main street, the short ride too short for him to settle his nerves. Yes, he was unnerved. Officially, Regina was his boss and as such had a full privilege of dressing him down for any of his wrongdoings.

Jumping two stairs at the time, he managed to knock on the closed door of the office just when his watch was showing five in the afternoon. Hearing the permission to enter, he opened the door and entered into the Mayor's office, seeing the woman in question standing by the window as she watched down toward her orchard. Her hands were clasped on her back and her gray pinstriped suit jacket thrown over the chair.

"You are late," Regina murmured softly not moving from the window. David was about to say something but then he realized that she hadn't rebuked him but only said it as an observation. "Just a few minutes, so someone a less," Regina paused as if she searched the word she needed, and then turned with a melancholy smile to David, "stuck –up, I suppose, would overlook." The Sheriff recognized the particular phrase. And, with recognition came the understanding that he had unwittingly done something Emma had used to do, thus putting Regina in this strange mood. But, the woman quickly shook it off, the cordial but empty mask of the Mayor slamming over her face as she gestured to him to sit down at the meeting table and to lower his burden.

"Have a seat, Sheriff and let's get on with the business." Taking the forms in front of her, Regina quickly explained the needs Sheriff's office had to see to in regards of the Mayor's office. With passing mention of the regulations and filing systems Regina covered the management of the budget and all the requisition filings, along with proper report writing. Then, she started with checking the previous paperwork, her mouth twisting into pursing pout, growing into full disapproving scowl as she scanned over the reports previous acting sheriffs filed, finding it somewhat humorous that Leroy had written more crassly worded accounts, not minding that it was an official document. David and Ruby at least had understood the fact that they had needed to use the curse names for this part, but the dwarf probably had had a problem deciding which name to pick, sometimes forgoing it completely – addressing someone as "the dark skinned well bosomed fairy" and "that wannabe boy".

Chuckling at someone's, possibly Ruby's handwritten additions on the side, and sometimes over some of the more inventive descriptions, noting the actual name of the person, Regina was relieved to notice that David's reports were the least bad of the bunch. Occasionally she would show him the mistake and guide him how to do it in the future, keeping her tone soft and cordial at all times. They finished relatively quickly.

"I will need a monthly performance review for your employees, if you have volunteers, and of course, Mister Cassidy's." Regina added, as she collected her things from her desk, their work done.

"Can't you just call him Neal?" David spoke, waiting for the woman to walk her out.

"We may be related, but I don't know that man," Regina replied curtly, locking the door behind her and turning off the lights as she looked at David. "It is enough that I allow him near my son." She nearly expected the blonde prince to roll his eyes at her, the same way his daughter had once done, just before she had saved her from the fire.

David said nothing else on the subject, walking the Mayor to her car and sending her off with a respectful incline of his head as she closed the door of the Mercedes. But, before he could step away from the black car, the window rolled down. "I'll see you at the meeting, if not before that," Regina said by the way of goodbye, starting the car and releasing the brake. David smiled and nodded, opening his driver's side door and climbing in his pick-up.

Regina opened the door of her home, calling out to Henry as she took off her coat and placed the keys on the small table, along with her briefcase.

"In the living room," the young voice answered, followed by a murmur of other people, making Regina wary suddenly, because neither Snow nor Neal asked for permission to be at her home that day, and David would mention something anyways. Letting her magic rise within her, she rushed to the living room, the heels clacking on the hard wood floor. But when she entered the cozy room, she stopped, a welcoming smile coming onto her lips summoned by sheer will, as she kicked herself internally for forgetting the appointment she had made with the town wood worker.

"Marco, August, good afternoon. I apologize if I am late." Regina entered the room and offered her hand to the old wood carver, seeing his eyes glint with fear. But she was pleased that he accepted her hand, bowing his head in supplication, his cap in his other hand.

"Your Majesty, we did come a bit early ourselves. If we overstepped…" The old man spoke with lingering accent, suddenly unsure of his place.

"No, no, it's quite all right." Regina allayed the man's fears and placed her arm on Henry's shoulder, greeting the boy silently, only with her touch, and kissing down the baby in Henry's arms. "Henry explained the situation, I believe?"

"Yes, master Henry told me that you would need a full set child's room. We were waiting you to lead us up to see the space." Marco spoke with respect, glancing toward the boys, twisting his cap in his hands, still nervous for being in the former Evil Queen's house. Though, the woman in front of him was nothing like the destructive power he once had known.

"Right," Regina nodded. "Do you mind?" she asked softly the boy in front of her, her eyes glancing down to Kyle and August. When the preteen only smiled with a light nod, the brunette caressed his cheek, letting him lead the red haired boy to the gaming console he had sat up in the living room. "If you would follow me," Regina then turned to the old man, and graciously led him to the upper floor, swallowing her uncomfortable feeling about letting anyone deeper into her home. It was for Kyle, she said to herself, keeping her emotions hidden behind the mask. And, perhaps this cooperation with Marco would help her get a better standing with the town, as people still watched her with fear and suspicion, regardless of being accepting of her position as the Mayor and one of the Protectors. And, even though there was no open animosity or hostility, the hushed whisperings and eyes following her everywhere as the people would still themselves as if she was a dangerous animal grated on her nerves. Once, not so long before, she would have relished the feeling she had instilled in the town, but now, when she wanted to move on with her life with her family, it annoyed her. But, slowly as it was, she felt that the people were adapting to her change, and with time perhaps they would see her as one of them, just Regina, without all the titles that carried awed fear in them. I want you to live as Regina, Emma had told her more than once. That one short sentence held so much promise and meaning, and she knew why Emma had used that particular wording. That moment in the mines, as they had been walking toward the trigger, led by the feeling of vanishing magic, had changed everything for them. And, yet, it had seemed that it had been inevitable, fated, that in the moment when Regina had finally learned to offer herself for others, acting in purely self-sacrificing manner, she would have gotten another chance.

As it was now becoming a custom, whenever she would think about the Savior, a soft smile would pass over her lips, unconsciously softening her face for a moment, but the gentle quirk of her mouth would happen often as the blonde Sheriff was never far from her mind. Marco witnessed it, and with curious wonder he thought how the simple presence of unassuming smile changed the Mayor's countenance completely, if only for a moment in time. A hopeless romantic, he knew that someone had taken the Queen's heart, but at the moment he thought that it had everything to do with the little blonde tyke in the living room.

"Here," Regina offered, ushering the carver in the former guest room. As Marco had been the one to do Henry's room as well, she didn't need to spend much on the explanation of her wishes for the little boy, the man writing down her directions on the small pad he always had with him. With a small meter, he took in the dimensions, already doing some sketches of the future furniture for the room. With some detailing questions, he understood the theme and the outlook the Mayor wanted for the room, his mind already working on particulars.

"There is one more thing," Regina said, taking him downstairs, deeper into the house, after a brief checking of the kids. With curious look Marco looked up at the imposing woman, seeing her hesitate over the closed door. She seemed almost shy, he noted, as she twisted the knob, opening the door, leading him into an empty room with no clear purpose. The room had no windows as it was in the center of the house, and the space was small, not imposing as all the room in the mansion he had seen. "I want to make this into a something like a den, with a small working area over there." Seeing the potential in the room, he started doing the measurements without much comment. Soon he was done, and declining Regina's offer to stay for dinner, he and his boy were on their way, his head still reeling with the fact that he had spent an hour in the presence of the former Evil Queen and that he had lived, and that he had seen another side to the dangerous woman. He had seen a loving mother, the kind tender emotions shining out of her eyes, where he had only seen fury and destruction before.

Regina closed the door behind the man, aware of his mildly confused face. With a gentle wave, she said good bye to August, telling the boy that he was welcome any time, having seen the quick friendship that her son had forged with the former puppet. She remembered her anger and worry when August first had rolled into the town, not recognizing the dark man on the bike as Pinocchio, seeing him only as a danger to her town and her son. Even though she had been right, the stranger being another staunch supporter of Henry's Operation Cobra, she held nothing but the surprising affection for the boy, even after knowing the whole story of him abandoning Emma. The reason for it was astoundingly simple. He had died, sacrificing his life to protect Emma, and incidentally the town from the threat Tamara, then only known as 'Her'. And, that was evidently enough for Regina.

Walking into the kitchen, closely followed by the children, Henry carrying Kyle with him, she started making her famous lasagna with red pepper flakes, it being a simple meal for her to make, and one of Henry's favorites. The brunettes shared an easy conversation about the time Henry had spent alone with Kyle for the hour she had been going over the papers with David, the blonde joining in occasionally with baby gibberish, making both of the brunettes smile with affection. The sparkling blue eyes followed their movements with obvious intelligence behind them, soaking up the obvious fondness that kitchen was full of.

"Mom?" Henry spoke up timidly, as Regina placed the dish in the oven, setting the timer. The woman's only response was to turn to him, her eyes watching his face gently waiting for him to continue as she took off her apron. "I was wondering…" he started unsure, losing some of his barely scrounged confidence under his mother's persistent gaze. Understanding the problem, Regina smiled to him with ease, gesturing him toward the living room as she took up Kyle in her arms. As they walked, the boy seemed to find his assurance and the moment Regina took her seat at the couch, letting Kyle play with toys on the floor, taking off her shoes and placing her legs underneath her, he sat on the other side of the couch and spoke. "Do you still have some of the surveillance photos of me and Emma?" he fired quickly, trying to get it out as fast as possible, his words almost running together.

Somewhat used to Henry's penchant on dropping conversational bombs about her previous behavior, Regina did not freeze in her place, although it did shock her that he wanted to talk about that specific topic. "I think so," she said finally, narrowing her eyes at him. "May I ask why?"

"Well," Henry started, lighter that his mother had not closed up at the mention of her controlling behavior in the past. "Emma doesn't like to be in the pictures, and I…"

"You want something real," Regina said when the boy paused. She could certainly understand the sentiment, she herself keeping Emma's things still packed up in the corner, the visual of them in itself soothing and reminding that the connection she had experienced was something much more than a wishful dream. "They should be in the study," Regina said rising of the couch, motioning to the boy to stay put as she quickly donned her shoes and went into the afore mentioned room. She would never deny her son a tangible memory of his mother, especially when she was literally in the different world, regardless of her pride or shame. Easily finding the folder with the collection of pictures, she sighed with melancholy.

Walking back into the living room she saw that Henry had picked Kyle up on the couch leaving a corner where she had sat only moments before free, placing a setting for the picture viewing Regina knew she was in for. The position Henry had arranged himself, the blonde toddler in his arms, brought on a warm suffusing feeling, making Regina smile affectionately, loving that her wise boy saw fit to include the newest member of their family into this impromptu family time. Sitting down beside the children she chuckled when Henry excitedly leaned against her side, his head on her shoulder, with Kyle spread over both of them. Opening the folder, they went through the pictures, which in truly Regina fashion were ordered by the time of the shots. In the clear photos the relationship between the boy and his blonde mother was depicted, each shot showing the growing affection they showed for each other. After some time of watching them, Henry picked out several that were nice and seemed less like surveillance photos and more like candid shots, choosing them for the framing, declaring loudly which one would go where. But, the thing that brought Regina almost to tears was the fact that the last picked photo, the captured moment in time showing the blonde Sheriff and the young boy laughing, as the woman held Henry closely with her arm around his shoulders, they both seeming to look in the direction of the camera, making it seem like they had known they had been caught. Two years ago that picture had driven Regina mad with anger as she had seen it as open defiance of the Sheriff, but now, Regina liked it for the happy faces of the people she loved most than anything in the worlds.

"This one goes to your bedroom," Henry said proudly, "right beside your bed, to see it every morning as you wake up." He looked up into his mother's tearing eyes and hugged her, knowing that he had done a very good thing that day.

They ate the dinner, Regina putting the rest of it in the fridge for the next day, and sent the children to bed, telling each of them a good night story, even though Henry was probably too old for it and Kyle too young, but the preteen loved the soft caressing lilt his mother's voice would take on when she would tell wondrous tales about other places and times, and it seemed that Kyle shared the love for the soothing tones of the stories, dropping to sleep easily.

Taking the baby monitor with her, Regina walked into her study, forgoing the cider, afraid that it would develop a habit she didn't care for, and sat down at her desk, for the first time since reaching Storybrooke actually having time to look through the books she had brought over from the vault, as well as through the ones she already had in the house. Although the research did not yield results she was looking for it made feel her useful at least to the some degree, as she hated the passive waiting for the beans.

But, as she had worked deep into the night, she decided to stop there for the moment, feeling tired and knowing that as the next day was Saturday, and she would need her energy entertaining her children. Sitting in her chair, she was looking at the fire she had lit at the beginning of her working evening, lost in the memories of her blonde lover, feeling the double-natured edge of the emotions the vivid pictures in her mind brought to her – the sharp pain of absence and unquenched need for a touch, scent, or even a word spoken in that gruff and crass tone, and the soothing balm of love, truth and tingling flesh memories of every expression of their love. It was a curious sensation, to feel the polar opposites in the emotional spectrum at the same time, but one that she was getting used to, knowing that she had seven weeks of it to get through, at least.

With the last check of the house, and her sleeping children, she went to her room, smiling at the picture that Henry had placed on the bedside table himself, leaning it against a lamp there. "I hope you are keeping safe," she murmured as she had finished her ablutions, looking at the picture. Feeling too foolish to speak the next words out loud, she continued on silently – Good night, darling. Sinking into her mattress, she closed her eyes and allowed the unconsciousness to claim her, hoping for a quiet night.

But, unfortunately, it wasn't. However, without much lingering on the terrors hiding in her sub-consciousness, Regina prepared for the in house morning with the children, working off the residual shakiness while preparing the various types of pancakes, not able to decide the flavor. Just after she finished clearing the dirty dishes, having done the meal that waited for Henry to come down, she heard her doorbell ring out through the house. Startled with the noise she frowned, trying to remember the last time she had heard that particular sound, as since the breaking of the curse, the only people who had come to the house were Charmings, not counting her mother and Hook, of course, and one ought not to forget the mob after the curse had been broken, and the particular Royals would have always pounded on her door rather than ring a bell.

With a glance to the clock on the wall, she tucked her hair behind her ear and directed herself toward the door, wary of the visitor who would come to her house on Saturday morning, especially when she knew that anyone who came to the house, namely Charmings and Neal would call in advance just so she wouldn't fry them on the spot. So, ready for any sudden attack, she peered out through the glass beside the door, catching a glimpse of a blonde woman. Frowning, she pressed down her shirt and checked herself in the mirror before she took the handle and pulled open the white door. And, stood in the doorway, staring at the blonde in front of her, not really knowing what to expect.

"Hello, Regina," the blonde spoke evenly, her hands clasped in front of her, as she watched the brunette narrow her eyes, darting rapidly over the front lawn. "I am alone," she added, raising her palms a bit.

"Princess," the Mayor said, her tone even as she remained by the door.

"Kathryn is fine. May we talk?"

"I suppose. Come in." Stepping away and opening the door wider, Regina lifted her palm in the inviting gesture, ushering the blonde into the house. "I was making breakfast," she added as she led them toward the kitchen, gesturing toward one of the chairs behind the counter, as she took out another cup and poured coffee, replenishing her own. "To what do I owe this… pleasure?"

The somewhat cold tone of the Mayor made Kathryn realize that what she wanted to do probably wasn't a good idea, but now that she was there, she would continue, convinced that no matter the consequences they would not be highly dangerous, keeping in mind David's comforting words. "I wanted to talk with you."

"You said that already," Regina said, bringing the cup to her face. Soon, Henry would be up, if he wasn't already, waken by the bell. And, Kyle, well, Regina didn't hear anything from the baby monitor so… "What about?"

"The curse."

"Ah," Regina sighed, lowering her cup. "If you came for an apology, you are not going to get one."

"No, no, you misunderstand. I am not here to place blame or whatever. I just wanted to talk." Knowing that she would have to be the one to start and lead this particular conversation, as Regina was currently staring at her with her eyebrow risen in question, incredulity written all over her face. "After the curse was broken, the memories came back and with them I had a proper context for everything. I know that I was only a collateral damage in your war against Snow, and I understand that, and now that things are changed, I can forgive that. Of course, you kidnaping and drugging me was not OK, but at least you didn't kill me. And, this may sound weird, but even though it was for your own nefarious reasons and that you were most likely pretended, you were my friend. My only friend at that time."

Regina remained motionless, but Kathryn could see some of emotions pierce the façade through the brown eyes, and that told her that the Mayor was truly listening, not just indulging her.

"You gave me your support and shared something of you with me, and regardless of the reasons for it, I wanted to thank you for it." Then, Kathryn rose from her stool and walked around the counter, getting closer to the former Queen, slowly – watching Regina's face for any sign of discomfort. "And, I want to offer you my friendship, if you want it."

"What?"

"I mean it, Regina. You may not realize this, but this curse helped me in a manner of speaking. Set me free in the ways you could never imagine." Seeing that the bristling posture eased somewhat, Kathryn continued. "What do you know of my father?"

"Not much."

"He was not an easy man to live with," the blonde said somewhat stiffly, her words pointed. "And, you have unwittingly given me twenty eight years of my life without him, without his stifling influence. And, even though I now remember him, I also remember a time when I knew nothing about him. It gives me comfort, Regina, to have such memories. And, he is not here, which is an added benefit of the curse."

With a reluctant understanding, Regina nodded once. But, not willing to continue on the subject she turned around to the covered plates. "Would you like some breakfast?" she offered softly.

"Yeah, that would be great."

"I want it, too," a voice from the entrance to the kitchen spoke, as Henry padded in, going straight to his mother. "Hello, Mrs. Nolan" he added belatedly, his eyes narrowing at the presence of the blonde. "Is something wrong?" he asked, turning to Regina.

"No, no, everything is fine," the brunette spoke, placing two plates in front of the others, and then brought out the third one, larger, and filled with stacks of pancakes. Then, she went with her hand's knuckles over Henry's cheek, moving his uncombed hair of his face. She had noticed that he was still in his pajamas, but it seemed like he had rushed down the moment he had woken up, in hurry not even washing his face. He must've heard their voices from the kitchen and came immediately down to investigate. And of course she had not missed his protective posturing. Her son was portraying his other mother perfectly in these moments, telling her that she had another Charming under her roof. But, he did show some of her own characteristics, the shrewdness and intelligence, and sometimes even her caustic sarcasm and exasperation with others' foolishness. "Kathryn's here just to talk, as a friend."

"That true?" Henry looked up at the blonde.

"Yes," Kathryn said with a gentle smile as she looked into the eyes that were passed on for two generations now. She had never noticed it before but both Emma and Henry had Snow's eyes. But, the suspicious glare she was receiving from this pair was pure Regina. "If she wants me, that is," she added, her gaze switching up to the other woman. When Regina inclined her head slowly, Henry relaxed, starting to eat. And, that was that on the subject.

They ate, soon joined by the babe and spending the morning in awkward conversation, as Henry retold some of the stories from his adventures, careful not to give out important details. Kathryn left with a promise to see Regina again, and that she was available for babysitting if need be, as she was not on the town's War Council or with the Town officials, which meant that in case of any emergency she was most likely to be free.

Then, the Mills family enjoyed the rest of their day, discussing the color combinations for Kyle's room, and finally getting to unpacking the boxes Snow and Charming had brought over with Emma's things. With the benefit of Emma's memories, Regina knew what to keep in the boxes, and what she was free to put in her closet, she had previously rearranged to allow for the additions. And, in the afternoon they had a marathon of Disney movies, both Regina and Henry laughing at the some misconceptions the 'real world' had about the Enchanted Forest. Regina would often explain something she knew about the cartoon portrayed histories, chuckling at the various array of expressions on her boy's face, ranging from disgusted to hilarious disbelief. Kyle would often join them in their laughter, making them start over with their giggling and gently teasing the toddler. Emma was the most frequent topic of their conversation, the older Mills' using the technique of telling stories and discussing adventures as a way of quenching the sweet pain of absence the blonde woman had created in their hearts.

Sunday morning came too quickly, and with it the nervous anticipation of the meeting. "Are you sure that you will be fine with Kyle for that long?" Regina asked her son as she searched for something appropriate to wear, glancing toward the boys lounging on her bed.

Rolling his eyes at her, because he had answered that question three times since the time he had gotten up, he nodded. "You should wear the black one," he spoke after his mother picked up a gray dress. "The one you wore last time."

"Henry," Regina rebuked with a smile, remembering that time.

She magicked the door open, stunning the frightened crowd who had been waiting for their Prince into a scared silence, and as she entered the room, strutting down the walkway, the power and might oozed of her, announcing very clearly that the Evil Queen was back, and she would not stop until she got what she wanted. "My… What a nice turnout," she said before going in, her assured sneer affixed on her face.

"No need for a fuss," she spoke loudly, each click of her heels only more stressing her words. "It's just little old me." First Bug tried to reason with her, and when she blew him away, then the dwarf tried to rush at her, meeting the same fate as Archie. And, lastly Granny tried to get her with a bolt but Regina caught it and transformed it into a flame, sending it circling around the hall before it hit the town seal behind her, the effect freezing everyone in their place. The Wolf girl, whether bravely, or stupidly enough stood in front of her demanding to know what Regina wanted, but Regina was spared of answering as the object of her rampaging quest straightened out and yelled out. Henry came to his adoptive mother and bargaining with her, secured the safety of the people in the Hall, surrendering himself to the Queen. "That is my boy," she spoke with a proud and pleased smile, leading him out of the room, closing the door behind her with magic.

"You really think I should wear it after that?" she asked, pulling the mentioned dress out and checking it against her body in the mirror.

"Yeah, it gives you more authority." He then smiled, remembering something. "Emma calls it 'Shock and Awe approach'. You are one of the Protectors, you don't owe them anything."

"But, still, Henry, I think something less related to the Evil Queen would do better."

"Mom, you are the Evil Queen," Henry replied with gently convincing tone, his eyes telling her that he did not believe in the title anymore. "Whatever you wear is going to be 'Evil Queen-ish'."

Regina walked to her bed and sat beside the boy, looking at him with awed affection. "You may have a point."

"I know I do."

"Don't gloat."

"I earned it," he said triumphantly, crossing his arms over his puffed out chest and raising his head high.

"You did, didn't you?" Regina jumped on him, careful not to kick Kyle as she started tickling the older boy, laughing at his exhilarated screams, and giggling when the toddler, not wanting to miss out, joined in, his clumsy hands touching Henry's face.

"Mercy, mercy," Henry screamed through his laughter, trying to escape the hands assailing him. "I surrender."

"Hmm, that easily?" Regina commented before she chuckled at his scowl, initiating a threesome hug kissing the faces of both her boys. "You are growing up," the woman spoke after a while, enjoying the light snuggle, her voice getting distant.

"I'll always be your son, Mom."

"Always, sweetie." Rising up, she took the dress of the hanger and walked into the en suit to change, not willing to kick the boys out of her bed just yet. Doing her make-up and hair, she talked through the ajar door with Henry, taking in his opinion on the people in the Council, laughing when she heard the ways he had been milking his ancestry in. "And, Emma let you do that?"

"She never was interested in the matter. Emma would leave it to Grandma, and they would never say anything to Snow White."

"That's my boy. But, your powers for good be sure to use, young Padawan." She smiled at Henry's delighted chuckle and kissed him again. "I am going. There is food in the fridge, but he should not be hungry until I get back. Diapers changed, he is dressed."

"Mo-om," the boy spoke, as he pushed his mother lightly. "We'll be fine. Go."

"Call me if you need anything."

"Yes. Bye."

"Bye, sweetie." She knew that she was overreacting but with the Council she never knew. Turning to the toddler, she kissed him as well, murmuring encouragement to be good for Henry in his ear. With the final look at the children, she left the room, and subsequently the house, casting a protection spell over it, making it send out the warning should anyone dare to disturb the wards. Deciding to walk in order to settle down, she walked on the street, and continued on to the Town Hall.

She walked in, seeing that the most, if not all members were there. Passing them by with indifferent expression to her face she took a seat at the head table, noting that Snow had left her a chair in the middle, announcing Regina's importance to the town and her support for the woman. With a short nod and almost whispered murmur she greeted the Charmings, before she lifted her eyes to scan the room. Intermittently, she would catch someone's eyes and she could see their reaction to her presence. As she surmised, Snow, Charming and Archie were in favor of her, their posture clear on that. Blue seemed indifferent but her proclamation of Regina being one of the Protectors was enough. Granny also seemed indifferent, but her wink under the glasses told a different story. Marco was still on the fence with her, his newest experience threatening to change his mind in Regina's favor. The only real problem was the knights and the dwarves, namely Grumpy.

"Look, Sister, I don't know what you did to convince everyone that you are good now, but I don't buy it," Leroy spoke, after rounds and rounds of proclamations and posturing, each one defused by Snow or Archie. Regina had left them deal with it, knowing that the moment she chose to engage she would be pushed and pushed by the idiocy of the present people, intent on proving her wrong, or bad. And, with her current souring mood, she was sure to do something… evil in her need to establish the control. But, it seemed that the tactic didn't work anymore, the dwarf addressing her personally, pointing finger at her, as he stood up in the threatening position, ignoring Snow's reprimanding tone.

She lifted her head, looked at him and smiled coldly, her eyes taking on the wicked gleam Snow was so familiar with. "What I did, or did not do, is no concern of yours."

"How do we know she is actually changed, and not just biding her time to strike?" one of the knights joined in, rising as well, his angry and cautious glare fixed on Regina's face, but still somehow avoiding her eyes.

"I trust her!" Snow said adamantly, leaning onto the table.

"Does the words poisoned apple mean anything to you?" Grumpy said with a sneer. "She cursed you, twice! Tried to kill the Sheriff, almost killed Henry!"

"Enough!" Regina used magic to make her voice penetrate the every corner of the vast room of the Town Hall, making it reverberate as it silenced everyone. "I do not care if you trust me or not. I do not concern myself with the opinions of dwarves and peasants who think they are something more than they actually are." Her sneer filled with contempt and derision ringed out in the room, as her expression of haughty supremacy caused the room temperature to drop suddenly. "Your Royals have found me changed. Your embodiment of Good has chosen me for the Protector. Your Savior entrusted me with her life and her son. Who. Are. You…" Having risen from her chair, she circled the room, making sure to come close to each and every one who opposed her. "To defy your elders, your monarchs and your moral compass, all people much smarter than you, and to yet stand here and accuse me of wrongdoing?"

"Are you calling me stupid?" Leroy asked, as he jumped toward the Mayor, but the woman was ready for his outburst.

"Do you really need me to answer that question?" Having subdued him with her magic, she slammed him down in his chair, shutting him up by locking his jaw and lips. She was honestly surprised that no one of the others interfered, not even Doctor Hopper who had always been firmly against any kind of violence. Turning toward the man, she saw something that really astounded her. The man was watching her with a gentle but pleased smile and when he saw her glance, he inclined his head in respect. Never would she assume such action from the man, but, as he was familiar with the whole story, she supposed he was giving her some leeway. "Let me make something clear." The sharp clack of the heels underlined her every word. "I do not need to be the Mayor. I have other ways to fill my time. But, as it has been pointed out many times over the course of this discussion and many others, I am the only one with the administrative and legislative knowledge of the position. The only one who can ensure that this town is conforming to the laws and demands of this world. And, as such, I am indispensable. You, on the other hand, are not." Reaching Grumpy she tapped his forehead while wearing her haughty smirk. "If you don't like the arrangement, no one is stopping you from leaving."

"If you think that we will allow you to push us out, you have another thing coming, witch!" one of the knights said, making Regina scoff at the imbecilic soldier who only proved her point that she should not waste her time with stupid, idiotic people.

Twirling her finger she did to him the same as she had done to Grumpy. "Oh, no, dears, I do not suppose you will allow me anything. But, I need only to push in, rather than out in order to control this merry bunch of fools." Reaching teasingly toward the knight's chest, she caressed the shirt right over his heart with an evil smirk on her face, magic tendrils of purple mist making the move all the more terrifying.

"Regina!" Snow's reprimand came quickly. At the warning glare of the green eyes, the woman stopped, managing to make her pause seem like a planned and thought out move.

"You spoil my fun, dear Snow," Regina spoke with faux sweet tone. "I am in no mood to stay here and listen to this drivel anymore." And, letting her magic envelop her, she decided it was time to go.

"Regina, wait," David shouted but it was already too late, as the woman was gone. Then he turned his angry glare at the troublemaking soldier. "Gavin, I'll deal with you later. This meeting is over." With a passing kiss to Snow's cheek, he rushed out, too fast to see that his wife had immediately proceeded to dress down her faithful friend and ally, making the dwarf blush with impotent anger and shame.

Regina appeared in her hallway, angrily throwing her keys away, almost growling. Startled by the noise, Henry rushed out of the living room and when he saw his mother surrounded by the swirling tendrils of her magic, he paused before slowly walking toward her, careful not to make sudden moves.

"Bad day?" he asked softly.

"Indeed," Regina said, just as softly, pushing her magic down, her anger already ebbing away as she was in the comfort of her home, with her son looking at her. "I lost my temper," she explained. It was enough for Henry who knew his mother well enough to know that she had been pushed to react, and that she had, probably using some magical spectacle.

"Oh."

"Yeah. Oh."

Then, the pounding on the door startled both of them. "Regina, open up," David's voice came through the wood making Regina roll her eyes. With a flick of her hand she let the white wood of the door move, letting the Prince in.

"Is this going to be a developing pattern, Charming?" Regina asked exasperated. "You, pounding on my door…"

"Regina, about today…"

"Let me stop you right there, David. I came as a courtesy to you and Snow, only to be attacked and judged. I may deserve it, but I will not suffer it, especially with them talking about the ones I love. Now, I understand the need for secrecy, most than anyone in this town, but I will not be pressed this way, particularly not by the idiotic alcoholic of a dwarf and the knight who needs a map to find his own breeches!"

"Regina, I am not here to reprimand you, or anything of the sort." The blonde man said gently, as he walked up the stairs leading to the main part of the house, joining his grandson and the woman who was such a vital part of their lives. "I wanted to see if you were alright."

"Yes, I am fine," Regina spoke after a moment of just watching the man in front of her. It seemed that from time to time his blundering self of Prince Charming knew how to manage not to aggravate her. And, he did it in a typical move she associated with her True Love, but with his own twist on it. And, she thanked the gods for it, because if he had done it just as Emma had used to, it would spoil the future success of the move for Emma, and she didn't want that. "Nothing a few fireballs won't cure."

David did not miss the softening of her posture and the teasing lilt in her voice. Chuckling with Henry at her wit, he threw his arm around his shoulder and smiled at her. "But, since that is not on the menu, how about lunch? At our place?"

"Does your wife know about this?"

"She will, and she won't mind."

"Come on Mom, it'll be fun." Henry added his two cents.

"Fine."

With a quick call to Snow, they arranged to meet at the loft after a half an hour, giving Regina enough to change and organize the boys. David left on the last minute grocery shopping, making Henry laugh with his harried repetition of the list Snow was giving him.

They all spent a languid afternoon, enjoying Snow's cooking, the unspoken consensus that they should keep away from heavy topics, talking mostly about the children, and their jobs, keeping to the lighter stories. Henry expressed his joy to be going back to school, mostly because he would see all his friends there.

And, with that end to the weekend, the new working week began. And, day after they, the Mills family fell into a practiced rhythm. In the mornings Henry would go to school and Regina would take Kyle to her work, often interacting with him while she did the papers. When she was in the meetings or on sites, she would take him with her, occasionally leaving him with David or rarely, Kathryn. Then in the afternoons, Henry would go to the station, doing his homework, often going to the stables with his grandfather, and sometimes his father, until the time Regina got of her work. And, by agreement in the morning they would spend their evenings in the various ways, some more fun than the others.

The Halloween came and went, and the first snow covered the ground, announcing the winter. Regina still looked for relics or something else she would be able to bring to Emma to use as the guides for the portals, but unsuccessful, rejecting idea after idea, after learning something more about the each object that she would think of. She had found a place for the gate itself, close to the wishing well, but still far enough not to be directly in the line of sight of it. Regularly, she would meet with Anton, the human sized giant updating her on the progress of the beans, as she would walk up the fields, inspecting the growth by herself. It wasn't that she didn't trust the benevolent giant, after all he had never done her anything wrong. And, it seemed that the kind hearted hulk had a soft spot for the Savior, doing everything in his power to make sure that she would get home. That, the same as with August, earned the man trust and friendly connection. No, she needed to often reassure herself that the fields were intact, still there.

Only one thing caused some concern for the Mayor. Doctor Whale had called her one morning, telling her that Sidney Glass was missing. Soon, she found out that during their time in Neverland and beyond, the interim rulers of Storybrooke had decided to let him out of the asylum, but making sure to impart to him that he was to come to checkups with the doctor each week. It came as a surprise to Regina as she had not seen the former Genie anywhere in the town, and she had been to every corner of it. Victor told her that he had missed his appointment and that no one had seen him for more than a week. After a moment of consideration, Regina relegated the matter to the Sheriff's office, calling David directly to inform him. But, as days passed, the mysterious disappearance was attributed to the man deciding to leave the town, as it was now possible to do so.

Regina noticed that even though people were still wary of her, they mellowed out, no longer openly hating her. She did her job without any major problems, enjoyed her time with the children uninterrupted, even if she was in the middle of Granny's diner in the rush hour. She was aware that most of the changed attitude was because she took care of the Savior's son, and that the boy took a huge offence if anyone even looked at Regina crossly. No one wanted to get on the bad side of the Prince with such powerful bloodlines. And, he, having learned from the Mayor more that she would've guessed, used the situation to change the tide into his mother's favor.

In time, rather quickly, they furnished Kyle's bedroom, using blue yellow wallpapers, bringing out Kyle's eyes, just like she had done with Henry's, using the green beige ones. It was actually the boy's idea, which the brunette supported wholeheartedly. In one afternoon, with help of a bit of the magic, they were done, waiting only for Marco to deliver some of the last pieces of the furniture. Henry would help with the chores of the house, having understood why Regina did not use her magic for such menial tasks. You never know what is coming, she had said. And, if you use the easy way with these simple things, what is from stopping you to use the easy way with more important ones?

Together, they would watch Kyle crawl over the floor, supporting him with loud encouragement whenever he would rise up by holding on to someone's leg or a chair. It wasn't long before he would make his first steps, joyously happy when he would reach Henry or Regina by himself. Even his vocabulary improved, having more words in it, but the most surprising of all was one he spoke one morning, their established lazy Sunday morning when they would lounge in Regina's bed before breakfast, as Henry was looking into the picture that had been standing beside his mother's bed, holding it gently in his hands, the new frame shining in the morning light.

"Ma," the blonde boy said, his small hand touching the photo as he climbed on Henry's lap, leaning against the brunette in the extraordinary feat of throwing himself over the both of them.

"What, sweetie?" Regina asked absently, as she caressed the boy's head.

"Ma!"

"Did he just…?" Henry looked at his mother and incredulous grin showed on his face.

"That is Emma, dear. Emma and Henry." Regina spoke patiently, wanting to confirm that he had indeed used that word.

"Ma and Ehwy," the boy exclaimed proudly, tapping the picture.

"Yes, Kyle, Emma and me. Who is a smart boy?" Henry spoke happily, tickling the baby tenderly, as he glanced toward his mother, seeing her gentle brown eyes simmering with the sheen of tears of pride.

"Mee," the boy supplied giggling as he tried to move out of the hands, crawling further into Regina's arms, seeking safety as he laughed at the older boy.

"Ma… I like it." Henry then spoke seriously, his laughing eyes still present. "Mom and Ma. Yes, I definitely like it."

"Should we call you Ehwy as well?" Regina joked, nodding at Henry's conclusion. It did make sense for the boy to call his mother something else than her name, and it seemed that its particular abbreviation was good enough for the job.

So, the days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into a month.

At the month mark of their time in Storybrooke, Henry suggested a family dinner for the Thanksgiving that year. Finally the dining room could be properly used and he would have around table most of the people he called his family. His pleading eyes and repetition of pleases while he vibrated in front of her, his hands clasped before him made it impossible for Regina to say no. She even agreed with the choice of most of the people Henry wanted at dinner. The Charmings, of course. Doctor Hopper, with Marco and Pinocchio, as well. And, Neal. But, she did know that the man had somewhat of the right to be there, as he was indeed the blood relative of both her and Henry. The only guest who she did not thing would be able to attend was Granny, and not because of any animosity, but because the woman had a diner to take care of, and holidays were the busiest times of the year.

Arranging everything and having gotten the answers to her invitation, she sat down with the boys, thinking up the menu. She already had known what choices she would use as she would prepare her traditional Thanksgiving dinner, only in larger quantity to accommodate for the number of people. After much deliberation, and with favored insight from Henry, she decided to use her apple pie as well. It was her trademark, after all.

So, when the call came that Friday evening, after she had put the children to sleep, and was in the middle of her night ablutions, she considered letting it go to the voicemail, as it was way past the working hours. But, then, when she saw that it was the Sheriff's number she jumped for the phone, knowing that he wouldn't have called if it wasn't important.

"David?" she said instead of greeting, as she walked toward her window, the nagging feeling that this would be a long night appearing in her gut. "What is it?"

"We've got a problem," the grave voice of the Prince came of the phone, almost unheard over the loud noises of the sirens and people shouting. "There has been a murder south of the docks. We need you here."

"I can't, there…" Regina started, but the understanding and yet troubled tone of the Prince reached her, stopping her words from coming out.

"Snow is already on her way." And, just as he had spoken the words, the woman's caravan screeched in front of her mansion, haphazardly parked in the street, but luckily not disturbing the possible traffic. "It's Spencer," David added before hanging up.

Using magic to dress quickly, she also used it to open the door in front of Snow, letting her in the house, while she was still upstairs. Gathering her phone and her keys, she rushed down, meeting the pixie haired woman at the bottom of the stairs. "They are in beds," she spoke immediately going toward her coat closet, taking out her black long coat and putting the scarf around her neck. "Kyle is a bit fussy sometimes, humming usually soothes him before he wakes up," she said, putting on the gloves, as it was sure to be chilly in the November drizzle. She gave Snow the monitor, and showed her to the guest bedroom on the ground floor. "Do you know anything?"

"No, David got the call half an hour ago. Then he just called me to tell me that you would need a sitter, as he was about to call you."

"Fine. I have my phone with me."

Snow nodded and watched as the woman disappeared in front of her. Checking up on the kids, she noticed the new look of Kyle's room and smiled at Regina's impeccable yet warm taste. With a worried frown she walked downstairs, deciding to spend her time in the living room as it was the space she was most familiar with in the huge mansion, preparing for a long night.

Regina appeared in front of the police line and ignoring the surprised squeak of a volunteer, she ducked beneath it, searching for the Sheriff. As she walked down onto the shore, she was glad that she had decided to wear sensible footwear, following the lights to the murder sight. But, instead of the Sheriff, she found her half-brother investigating. "Where is David?" she asked without preamble, as she neared the man.

"By the car," Neal answered as he was crouching over the body of the former King George, not touching it but his attentive eyes taking in every detail. Then he glanced up and seeing her narrowed eyes, he rose up to her. "He was the enemy, and thus the main suspect." But, before Regina could say a word, he continued on, moving aside to let the hospital workers to lift the body to the gurney. "I know he didn't do it. But, for the sake of posterity… And, I am the only one who had experience with this side of the law."

"You're right. I would much rather have Emma on this than him, but I guess you would do."

"Such a high praise," Neal commented with a mumble, but disregarding Regina's scoff, he gestured to the ambulance car driving away their body. "I've called Whale, he agreed to assist."

"Tell me what happened." Regina walked beside Neal, as they climbed up to the police cruiser where David was waiting for them with his arms crossed, the sullen and angry face greeting them.

"What did you find?" David asked before Neal could say anything making him roll his eyes. Although it had been Neal who suggested that the Prince should not be on the scene as the relative and the enemy of the victim, it had been the Sheriff that had accepted that and stayed behind. But, it did not mean that he wasn't irritated by the rules or that he was considered a suspect.

"I was just about to share," Neal replied bitingly. But, at the disproving clack of Regina's tongue, he recognized that if he didn't speak soon, she would use other means of extracting information. "He was shot in the chest. I would say a small caliber, but Whale will confirm." He looked at David and added. "The wound looks fresh." The men shared a look, the grim realization settling in.

"I don't understand."

Neal opened the passenger door of the cruiser and gestured the woman in, as he jumped into the back seat. He waited for David to join them by sitting in the driver's seat. The odd behavior of the Sheriff department only added to Regina's confusion.

"I got a call saying someone found a body on the shore and that it looked like it was washed up," David started speaking, looking at Regina, knowing that she would need to hear everything to make the same conclusion they had already reached.

"So?"

"First, I though it strange that someone was walking by the shore at one in the morning, but nevertheless I came to check it out, calling Neal as a backup, because it was middle of the night.

"The thing is, when we found him, he was dry."

"So he had time to dry up," Regina said, but something not making sense to her. It had been raining the whole day, even if he had been out of the surf he would have been wet either way. And what was more, George didn't look as drowning victims she had had the displeasure of seeing during her reign. And, then it was the matter of the wound. "But, if he was dry and the wound fresh, then it would mean that he was killed right before you came?"

"Yes, and the logic dictates that as the report was already false, that whoever called it in, was the one to kill him." Neal concluded grimly.

Regina turned to David, horror on her face. "This was planned? Someone called you, specifically to lure you out here?"

"Yes, and when I would call for backup, the people would see me over my pretend father's body and most would immediately conclude that I was the one to kill him. After all he did curse Snow, and killed my mother, and waged war against me. And, even framed Ruby to discredit me."

"The town already knows how he stopped at nothing to make his life difficult."

"But, if they thought I had killed him in cold blood, in the place where he told me that I should have killed him before, they would think I have grown dark."

"So, you should look for someone with a grudge against you. Well, that shouldn't be hard, you are the beloved Prince Charming!" Regina spoke, disdain for the title obvious, but David knew that she did not feel that much scorn toward him anymore. "Just look for someone who stands out."

"That is the problem. There is no one that does."

"Ah."

"We should get moving," Neal spoke after a moment of tense silence. "I need to get your statement, David, and to search Spencer's home."

David started the car, and waited for Neal to leave before driving off with Regina still inside. "Does Snow know it is George?" Regina asked softly, looking straight ahead.

"No."

The terse silence filled the car, and later, it followed them to the station as they waited for Neal to join them, as he had left behind to deal with the volunteers and to direct the next step of the investigation. In quietude Regina stood in front of the mirrored glass looking into the interrogation room, remembering the last time she had been in the vicinity of that place. The day the Charmings accused her of killing Archie.

Knowing that she couldn't sway the Prince, she focused her attempt on Emma, hoping that the Sheriff would be able to use her power and believe her when she said that she didn't do it. She saw a flicker of something in the green scrutinizing eyes as the blonde and her father left her alone in the room to talk with Snow. Unknowingly to them, she had heard the whole conversation, as they had left the door ajar. It was hard to pretend that she wasn't listening as she was aware that her fate was debated, once more without her choice. But the most surprising of all was the words she heard Emma utter, the warmth in her chest flaring up, as it often did when the blonde would do something to pleasantly surprise her.

"We can't lock her up because she didn't do it." Emma's voice reached her, the soft murmur of it easing some of her ruffled feathers. Regina ignored the voices of her enemies focusing only on the blonde. "I watched her when we told her Archie was dead. She didn't know." The firm conviction was apparent even in the whisper. "I know what I saw. Look at her in there. The old Regina would've reduced this building to ashes! That's the woman who wants to change. She just wants everyone else to see it. I know that look. I know her. I believe her." After that she just stopped listening, not able to handle more from the Savior. The trust that Emma had in her was doing strange things to her, enforcing the change she had already committed herself to.

"I never did apologize for that in there, and afterwards," the voice of the acting Sheriff broke the silence, as Regina focused on his reflection in the glass, showing him behind her, off to her left shoulder. "I am sorry," he added, offering her a cup of coffee.

She took it silently, as she stood in front of the glass. Then, after a moment, she looked at the Prince and shrugged, her move still ending up elegant and refined, as she gave of the regal poise of the Mayor. "Mother made a compelling case against me." She sipped the coffee and scowled at the terrible taste it left in her mouth, but choosing not to comment on it, she glanced back to the room. "I don't blame you for believing it. There were moments even I believed I did it."

"It doesn't make it OK. I, well both of us actually, were blinded with our fear and hatred to realize that it did not make sense. Emma did point it out that it wasn't in your nature."

"Not in my nature to kill?" Regina's voice gained a haughty tone.

"To be complacent and try to convince people of otherwise."

"Well, she did a knack of protecting me."

"That is what you do for people you love."

"I know." Regina stepped away, throwing away the coffee, as she walked to the couch beside the cells. Lowering herself down, she smiled when another memory jumped of her, this one depicting Emma pulling her up from the floor of the cell.

"When did you fall in love with her?" David's voice brought her back to reality as he sat down on one of the chairs close to her.

"Honestly?" Regina turned to him with a smile, still left over from her memories of the blonde. There was a voice inside her head telling her that she was ridiculous, sharing her feelings with Charming of all people, but it was late, she was beyond tired and he was one of the rare people she could talk about Emma. "The moment she looked at me and said that high pitched Hi, uncertain and intimidated by the house."

"Snow said that you always had this energy about you. That the air was fizzling around you when you were engaged in one of your fights." He chuckled when he remembered a wording his wife had used. "She was never as passionate about something as about you, whether it was because you pissed her off or because you were in danger."

Regina only smiled, already knowing that it wasn't the whole truth, as Emma was passionate about their son as well. It was after all Henry that was the main reason for her to stay behind and create the gateway to connect the worlds. And, Regina was the only one who shared the moments of fear and dread with the Savior when their boy had been in the hospital dying.

But, if she was going to reply, she did not get the chance as Neal walked in, taking of his jacket and shawl, quickly leading David into the interrogation room. Regina was present as the representative of the Town, seeing that the town's own district attorney was the victim. After going over David's statement, Neal informed them that someone had broken in into the man's house, possibly kidnaping him out of it, as there were signs of struggle. And, the safe had been opened, Neal remarked, showing them a clear bag for evidence, showing a casing for a gun, telling them that beside it was a box of .22 LR ammo. Explaining to Regina that the killer most likely used Spencer's own gun in killing him, he said that it would likely impede the investigation further. With no real leads, or with evidence pointing in any direction, their hands were tied, and the case would go cold and unsolved. Not that they felt sorry that the man was dead, but it meant that there was a killer on the loose in Storybrooke.

"How can I help?" Regina asked as she walked toward the window of the office, flexing her shoulders, hiding her yawn behind her hand. She saw that it was already light outside, and the Sun was due to come up any minute from then.

At the offered suggestions, mostly dealing with the suppression of the important information, Regina agreed to see what she could do to manage the situation. Then, she turned and offered the men a breakfast at her home, knowing that Snow would definitely still be up, waiting for them both. Ignoring Neal's raised eyebrow, lifted in surprise, she pulled out her phone dialing Snow's number. Letting the woman know that they were on their way back to the mansion, hungry and tired, inquired after the children. Satisfied that everything was well in her home, she waited for the Sheriff and his deputy to put their things to order, leaving a set of instructions for a volunteer that would open the office later in the morning, taking a much needed time off. Yes, the murder needed to be solved but it would happen if the investigating force was somewhat capable of seeing and connecting the clues.

After the freshening breakfast and good hot coffee, the Charmings and Neal went to their respective homes, the couple to their loft and the man to his apartment at Granny's. Lucky for Regina, Snow had cleared behind her food making, leaving the kitchen spotless and with a fresh pot of coffee waiting to be turned on. Debating whether she should catch a few hours of sleep or wait for the boys to rise, she missed her son entering the kitchen in search for her. "Mom?"

"Henry," Regina turned to the still sleepy boy, searching his face for the reason of his early rising.

"I heard voices when I went to the bathroom," he explained with a light shrug as he walked toward her. "You didn't sleep."

"No."

"What happened? Why was dad here?"

"Your grandfather and father caught a hard case, and I was needed on the scene. As we worked the whole night, I offered them coffee and breakfast here before they went to bed."

"Grandma watched us," he concluded as his mother offered him waffles covered with wild berries syrup, looking at the hearts on the plate. His mother made circular shapes or squares, if making them for company, but she would never use the heart shape for food.

"Yes, I couldn't leave you alone, even if you were asleep."

"Who died?"

"Mister Spencer."

"King George?!"

"Yes." Easily managing to dodge most of his questions, Regina made Henry eat his early breakfast, while she was preparing the day's meals for Kyle using the variety of foods, pureeing most of it. She put aside the meat and boiled vegetables for Henry and her to eat at lunch, before she packed it all up in the fridge, leaving only the morning feed as the baby would wake up soon enough. In agreement with Henry, it was decided that they would stay in the whole weekend, as a small vacation before the Thanksgiving madness, giving Regina enough time to catch up with her sleeping.

The beginning of the week passed quickly in work, helping the Sheriff's department, spending time with children and preparing for the huge dinner Regina planned for the holiday. And, in no time it was Thursday morning with Snow knocking on her door, having offered to help out, as everyone would be coming around noon with the lunch starting at one in the afternoon.

One by one, guests came, often bringing offerings of their own, like Archie who brought his famous cake. Playing a good hostess, Regina circulated among the people in her house, often dropping into the kitchen to check on the meals, and bringing out drinks. With a soft smile, she walked to the living room where the rest of the people were situated and watched them converse with each other. Henry and August were playing games on the console, while Snow held Kyle in her lap talking to Archie and Marco. David and Neal watched the boys' game, cheering on. It inordinately pleased her that those people were comfortable in her home. And, as usual the first one to notice her presence was the blonde toddler in Snow's arms, reaching for her exclaiming her title the whole time, making Snow chuckle at the boy's behavior, as she transferred him into the waiting arms of his newly adopting mother. With a few words, Regina invited her guests to the dining room, quietly asking Neal to bring out some of the food while she dealt with the turkey and the tyke in her arms. Leaving the blonde boy into his chair, right beside hers at the head of the table, she gave Henry a pointed look to watch over him until she sat down. Then, she smiled as she brought out the bird, enjoying the ecstatic exclamations from the table, everyone else having already taken their seats.

They feasted on the food, eating slowly, as they talked about everything and nothing, sometimes delving in some heavier topics but, luckily there weren't any full blown arguments, only friendly discussions. For the first time in her life, Regina experienced a true family dinner, loud and rambunctious but happy and interesting. Allowing herself to immerse in the feeling of strange completion, she laughed when Henry started the highly inappropriately timed Grace saying, not thanking anyone in particular, but mentioning his blonde mother quite often in his words, as he watched his other mother with gentle happiness shining out of his eyes. Following his example, the people around the table started saying Grace, even though they were almost finished with the most of the meals. Somehow, in all the mentions the Savior was highly prominent; each member of the group sharing the ways Emma had helped them in the past. At last, the turn came to Regina. Not knowing what really to say, she only raised her glass of wine and said that she was thankful to Emma for giving the Mayor her happy ending. As others heard this, as one, they raised their glasses and said 'to Emma', the Savior's name reverberating around the room.

As the afternoon wore off, people started leaving. First to go was Archie who excused himself with the need to walk Pongo, thanking Regina for the superb meal and wonderful afternoon. Immediately after, Marco and August followed, the red haired boy almost falling asleep on his feet. Charmings helped with clearing up, but soon even they said their goodbyes, kissing all members of Mills family as they were leaving.

"Would you like some coffee?" Regina asked Neal, when she realized he had stayed behind for a reason. The children were in the living room, slightly dozing at the Justice League marathon on the television. As the answer, Neal followed her to the kitchen, taking the stool across of the marble counter, leaning his head onto his hands, elbows on the clean surface. The posture was reminiscent of Henry, and it made Neal look more like a child than a man. Placing a cup in front of him, she looked into his tired eyes, surprised to see that he had become grayer than before. The wound ordeal and everything else must have been hard on him, Regina concluded. And his exhaustion as he looked for the clues for their unsolved murder did not help things at all.

But, the man visited Henry regularly, often accepting Kyle into the company as well, without any complaint, regardless of the hours he put into the case, missing their scheduled meet only one time, having been called away on the possible lead. It was that consistency and preparedness to follow any direction she would set for him, within reasonable frames, which allowed her to mellow toward him, now their communication somewhat friendly and less sneering was involved. But, it did not mean that she didn't get irritated with his sometimes childish behavior, or that she easily accepted him as the part of her closer family. With an amusing feeling, she realized that he was one of the in-laws for all she cared, important to Henry, but not much to her. However, as she worked closely with him the past few days, she realized that the man was growing on her, his boyish charm sometimes even easing the strain of the everyday demands.

"Doctor Whale finally finished the post mortem," Neal started, knowing that his half-sister would prefer him talk about the thing that made them work more closely together then share a small talk with him. "By his words there was no trace evidence, none that he could find. The gun shot was caused by the .22 caliber fired at the close range. The body showed signs of bindings, but it was a generic rope our fishermen use. There was nothing of any use."

"The tip you got the day before yesterday?" Regina asked, remembering him telling her that had been the reason of him being late to the meeting with Henry.

"A prank most likely…" Neal spoke shrugging before he drank from the cup, enjoying the quality coffee which made a nice change from the sludge he had in the office. "It's like we are chasing a damn ghost, Regina. Everyone I questioned was accounted for, having standing alibies. I have nothing to go on." Then, after he emptied the cup he looked at the woman across of him. "There are no ghosts in Storybrooke, right?"

"Don't be ridiculous."

"I don't know. I tried even tracing the tip call but it came back as a phone by Michael's shop. And, it wasn't him, as he was in hospital with Nick and Ava; the boy had a violent flu strain. The hospital security shows him in beside his son's bed the whole time." At that time, as Regina poured more coffee, he twiddled with the ear of the mug, thanking the woman quietly as he was thinking about something. "I met a guy hanging around the school a lot. Jefferson he said was his name. What is his deal?"

"Ah, he is an old friend." Regina smiled ruefully, cutting a piece of her apple pie, offering some to the man. As he accepted the plate, she took a bite of her own, and swallowing it, she considered her answer. "And, as all my old friends, he has a problem with me."

"Would he do this?"

"No, he would come directly at me." The firm tone and conviction told Neal that Regina was absolutely sure that Jefferson was not the guy they were looking for. However, he would still check it out, for he had not liked the mad hatter much, especially not his gleefully twisted laugh when the deputy had mentioned the murdered man. "But, I have come to believe that even if he could and wanted to, he wouldn't do anything. Not anymore." Pausing for another bite, she went on. "You see, his daughter Grace goes with Henry in the class and they are close friends." Seeing Neal nod at this information, Regina realized that it was possible that as he had often walked Henry out of the school had met with the girl in question. After all, Henry did talk about her often. "And if his precious Grace found out that he had anything to with something to hurt me - and this is a very small town, Neal, secrets are impossible to keep – she would be very, very angry with him, and he would do anything for her." Regina finished, taking a sip of her coffee.

"As we would for Henry," Neal quietly added, the unspoken threat directed at anyone daring to even think about harming the boy they had in common.

"Precisely."

"What did you do to him, to make him hate you?" the man asked with interest, as he ate his pie, not even pausing to swallow, crumbs dropping out of his open mouth, making Regina grimace at his lack of manners.

"You are such a baby sometimes," the Mayor rebuked him sharply, as she threw a paper napkin at his face, her scolding look bringing heat to Neal's cheeks.

"Hey, I am older than you!" came the ineffective defense, as the man wiped his chin from the food traces.

"And, yet you do not know the proper and basic etiquette of not talking with your mouth full, a skill Henry mastered at three." At that, Neal slumped down, quickly clearing his throat and eating his pie in silence, making sure to take small bites in order to do it by proper etiquette as Regina had said. "I made him take me to Wonderland to save my father, well - Henry Senior, from my mother, and in order to do that, I had to leave him there at the mercy of the Queen of Hearts." She did not explain who the woman had been, as Neal had met her firsthand when she had thrown him and Emma out of Gold's shop those months back. "She cut off his head, and forced him to try to make another one of his portal hats, the effort driving him mad…" Regina continued, pleased that Neal kept his mouth shut. "But, he did use me first."

"Now, who is a baby?" the man said with a light tease in his voice, finished with the dessert, pushing away his plate. He did gentle his smile, giving the woman clear indication that he was only joking, not willing to risk any kind of wrongful interpretation.

"I suppose it did sound somewhat childish, but he actively helped your father shape me into the monster the people knew me as. With his help, the Evil Queen was born."

"I am sorry." The murmuring apology surprised the former Queen, and she blinked at him. "It was because of me that he did all that."

"No, do not apologize for the sins of your father. He needs to do his own reckoning." Then, Regina cleared the dishes, and taking the last of her coffee. "Then, I would have to apologize for every wrong doing my mother ever did. And, that is a very long list, and I still have one of my own." Regina added with some dark humor.

After that, the silence fell on them, until he excused himself, leaving the house after he had said goodbye to the boys, promising Henry that he would see him the day after. At the door, he turned to Regina unsure how to continue, but forcing himself to go on. "I am glad to be part of this family, and it doesn't matter in what capacity," he spoke softly, his eyes finding Regina's. "I had a good time today. Thank you." Turning abruptly away, he left the stunned woman watching after him as he disappeared in the flurry of sleet.

The quiet and resting evening after an exhausting day passed quickly for the family, as they lounged in the living room watching the television. Later, they moved to Regina's bed as she told Henry of the Enchanted Forest types of celebrations and customs.

The sluggish delight of the successful dinner followed Regina until the evening the next day, when she suddenly got a call from Anton, the shrill tone of the phone interrupting her in her work, as she was catching up on some things in her study.

"Anton?" Regina asked in surprise as she had heard from him the day before as he had excused himself from the dinner, having decided to share this holiday with the dwarves, giving her a quick rundown of the advancement of beans under her magical dome that kept the plants warm and safe from the elements.

"Fire!" Anton yelled at the phone, sounds of scuffle loud in the background. "The field…" he managed to say before a loud crunching sound stopped him as he exclaimed in pain. She needed no more encouragement, yelling out for Henry, feeling her magic react to the panic the words the giant had spoken.

"Henry!" she repeated again, hearing the thundering footsteps on the stairs, before the boy rushed into her office. "I am leaving, Anton is in danger. I will protect the house but I need you to call David and Neal and to get someone to watch over you. Do you understand me?"

Seeing the panic and hurry in every move his mother made, quickly putting on her coat and gloves, he nodded quickly and in a blink of an eye, the woman before him was gone, startling him into action. He grabbed his phone pressing the speed dial for his grandfather, alerting him quickly to the situation, repeating Regina's words for words, before hanging up on the already moving man. Then, he called his father, telling him what had happened as well. Having quickly organized the help for his mother, he debated who to call for a babysitting duty, thinking that he was too old to be babysat, but Regina had specifically said that he needed to call someone. But, that decision was taken out of his hands when Snow entered the house, using the spare key Regina had showed her the location for only a few days before.

Regina appeared in the field of beans, taking herself to the usual spot of her magical transportation she used when visiting this place. The scene that welcomed her was something out of a nightmare. The blaze had engulfed the agrarian area, the protective dome not allowing the flames to extinguish in the sleet. As far as her eyes could see the scorching fire devoured the plant life. But, the lying body next to her drew her attention and she lowered herself down, making herself focus on Anton, checking his injuries. Assessing them she healed them quickly, wary of the apparent blow to the head the giant had suffered. After she had taken care of Anton, she dissolved the dome, the effect immediate as the weather slowed the flames somewhat. But before she could summon the rain or douse the fire in some other way, a shout behind her distracted her.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"