"So you are dating?"

Regina chuckled, glancing over at her son before looking back at the road.

"We're taking it slowly, Henry. But yes, Emma and I are going to attempt a relationship."

"Dating."

"Yes, Henry. Dating."

"Finally you said it. How come you didn't just say it right away? You've been so vague this whole time!"

Regina laughed at her son's exasperation. He wasn't wrong. She had been a little vague in her responses to him thus far, but things were very new with Emma. It'd only been a little over a week since their talk on the couch, and they hadn't gotten much time together, and Regina was feeling a little protective of her very new relationship with Emma.

Henry had been trying to get definitive answers to his questions, but the truth was, Regina wanted it to just be between her and Emma for now. He didn't need to know every detail. Those were for her and Emma.

Emma.

The thought of her brought a smile to Regina's face. Emma with her beautiful long, blonde hair. Infectious smile. Gentle touches and looks of unguarded affection. Emma, who she felt she'd barely seen this past week. They'd had stolen moments during the week at school, holding hands and sneaking innocent touches when they were (so rarely) alone. Emma had come over for dinner over the weekend, where they'd spent the evening cuddling on the couch and watching movies with Henry. There had been hugs and the exchanging of looks, a lot of smiles. Some whispered words of affection. But they'd not had a moment alone (that would come tonight), and Regina was very much looking forward to spending some quality time with Emma. She just needed to drop Henry off at his grandparents' house for his horse riding lessons first.

"Things become a little more complicated as you age, Henry," Regina answered, coming back to the conversation at hand. "The important thing is that Emma and I have established that we like each other and we are interested in trying. But, it's very new and we aren't ready to talk about it with anyone else. We've told you because a relationship between us will affect you. But it isn't anyone else's business. Understood?"

Henry nodded. Don't tell anyone, got it.

"Okay."

"Now, are you excited for your lessons?"

"Very! I love riding. It's fun."

Regina agreed. It had been one of the few activities forced upon her as a child that she'd actually enjoyed. She had tried not to let it show, however, lest her mother take that one joy away from her. Regina steeled herself to face that very woman as she turned down their long driveway, her anxiety rising as she got ever closer to their mansion.

It was her childhood home; however, she felt no attachment to it. In fact, the home stirred nothing but negative emotions in her. Objectively, it was a beautiful building. But what she'd suffered while in it had turned the house into anything but in Regina's eyes. This house held practically no good memories for her, save for the ones that included Henry as a baby (and there were quite a few from that time, admittedly). That had helped Regina tolerate attending the mansion over the years, but overall, this was a horrible place for Regina. Her mother had controlled everything in this house, and since Cora had seemed hell bent on making Regina's life a living hell, even as a little girl, there were no real warm memories of this place. Not for her, anyway.

"We're here!" Henry exclaimed, pulling Regina from her thoughts before they could stray too far into that dark place they always went to whenever she thought of her mother or her childhood.

"Yes, we are, dear. I'll catch up if you'd like to announce our arrival."

Henry raced up ahead. He loved the door knocker his grandparents had, taking great pleasure in getting to lift the golden ring from the lion head mouth and pound it down against the door. The boy beamed up at his grandmother when she opened the door, looking down and smiling at him. The only reason Regina did this, the only reason she forced herself to revisit this home, was because her son loved it here.

Henry was treated like royalty, the son her mother had always wanted but never had, and Regina knew they could provide him with opportunities that she never could. She had neither the financial means nor the social contacts her parents had. With their influence, Henry could be anything he wanted, have access to anything he wanted, needed. The best education, the best doctors, all the right people in any field he decided to pursue. Regina wasn't so naïve as to believe that she could provide her son with the same opportunities.

No. There were many doors opened to you when you had money and connections. Regina knew that well. And since Henry was always treated so well here, had never been looked at as lesser than, never treated that way either, she forced herself to get through these weekly interactions. For Henry.

The riding lessons were private, so they occurred whenever Cora wanted them to, and currently they were every Tuesday after school. Luckily, the woman tended to pause them in the summer because she was off travelling to distant countries, so Regina got a break in the summer months.

Regina gathered her courage and finally made her way up the steps towards her mother, following her inside as the older woman gushed over her grandson. Regina closed the door, looking around for her father, hoping the man would be nearby so she could stick close to him. He usually greeted her as soon as she arrived. When he didn't immediately make an appearance, she could feel the apprehension and disappointment settle deep in her belly.

"Where's daddy?"

"Your father had an errand to run," she said dismissively. "Remove your boots, Regina. I've dinner waiting."

Regina frowned.

"I'm not staying, mother. I've just come to drop off Henry and then I need to head home."

"Henry, why don't you go see what's waiting for you in the gallery? I bought you a present."

"Oh! Thanks, grandma!"

Henry raced off, Regina's dread rising even more. Being alone with her mother was never a good thing. She swallowed hard, facing the woman who was currently glaring at her.

"Have you more important plans this evening?"

"Well, I do have plans, mother. You didn't tell me you wanted me to stay for dinner."

"I shouldn't have to. I'm your mother. Of course I want you to stay for dinner." Cora sighed dramatically before continuing. "You know, you never wish to spend any time here. Are you too good for us, Regina?"

Regina rolled her eyes inwardly.

"You know that isn't true."

"Then what? What are your plans anyway? Perhaps a fitness class? You used to attend those on Tuesdays, did you not?"

Years ago, Regina thought, but she wasn't about to say it.

"I have plans with a friend."

Cora looked her daughter up and down.

"Is it a date?" Seeing her daughter tense at the question confirmed Cora's suspicions. "A date is hardly 'plans with a friend'. Is he successful? You know, I know many single gentlemen who would be perfect for you."

Regina bristled. She never wanted her mother to set her up with anyone, any man, ever. Especially not after-

Regina shook her head. She wasn't going to go there.

"Regina? You do still speak English, do you not?"

Regina bit her tongue.

"Yes, mother," she ground out.

"Then?"

Regina stayed quiet. She would not tell her mother who her date was with. She was not going to engage in this type of discussion. Besides, the less she knew, the better. Her mother was a hateful woman, and if she found out her date was with Emma, a woman, she'd surely find a way to punish Regina. Or worse, go after Emma. And there was no way in hell Regina would allow that to happen. Not to Emma.

"Settling for the man you've chosen then?" Cora said, when Regina stayed quiet. "A pity. You always had poor taste. I've no doubt he will also be a mistake. I don't understand you, Regina. You always disappoint me. It's almost as though it was a goal for you, disappointing me. The one goal you could achieve.

"Let us hope your date doesn't have an eye for fashion," Cora said, changing the subject, her tone shifting as she eyed her daughter's dress. "You'll need time to change before your date, I expect? That dress is dirty."

"It isn't," Regina argued, finally finding her voice. She looked down at the spot her mother had indicated, where the blues of the dress crossed into some of the beige. "It's part of the pattern."

Cora recoiled as though she'd been slapped.

"Your dress looks cheap, Regina," she spat, disgusted. "I don't know where we went wrong with you. I don't know when you lost your sense of style, but it is shameful. And the way you apply your make up as well, it isn't flattering. What's happened to you? Have you lost all sense of dignity?"

Regina could feel her belly turning, self-doubt creeping in. She had thought she looked nice, but her mother's words were cutting at her, making her second guess herself. She refused to allow her mother to make her doubt herself, so Regina shifted to something familiar: anger. Anger would get her through this.

"School your features, Regina. It's unbecoming. You've already enough blemishes, no need to mar your face with even more of them. Speaking of which, have you been out in the sun, dear? You're looking tanned."

"Enough," Regina finally ground out. "Stop putting me down or else-"

"Do not threaten me, Regina," Cora snapped icily, "You will not like the consequences."

Regina refused to be frightened by her mother's tone, or the implications of her words, but she stopped talking all the same.

"Now, your date this evening. Who is he?" Cora asked again, continuing without allowing Regina to speak. "At least you seem to have come to your senses and have outgrown the mistakes of your youth. I'll tell you, that phase was absolutely mortifying. My daughter belongs with a man. It was utterly shameful when you and that girl-"

"Enough!" Regina shouted, this time her fear replaced with rage. "You will not speak of her."

"Mom?" Henry asked, carefully rejoining his mother and grandmother in the entrance, his voice filled with concern.

Regina immediately softened her features, smiling at him, though it was a tight smile.

"Hello, darling."

"Are you okay?"

"I am, my love."

"Grandma?"

"All is well, Henry. We were just having a discussion and your mother became a little upset. Sometimes even adults forget not to shout in other people's homes."

Henry looked at his mother, still unsure.

"We're fine, mijo. I do need to get going now, however. Would you like to come home?"

Henry looked back at his grandmother, who smiled widely at him.

"You may go if you'd like, Henry. However, I would very much like it if you stayed. It is your choice, of course."

"I can stay?" Henry asked, turning to his mother.

"If you'd like, of course you may stay. I'll be back in a few hours to pick you up. You may call sooner if you'd like to come home earlier than usual, okay?"

Henry nodded, walking over and hugging his mom.

"Sure you're okay?" Henry whispered, causing Regina's heart to sink. She hated when he was worried.

"Estoy bien, mijo. Todo está bien. Te quiero mucho," she whispered back, kissing his temple. "Si me necesitas, llámame. Vengo enseguida."

Henry nodded against her. Regina looked up at her mother, who was staring daggers at her. She despised when Regina spoke Spanish, which was the entire reason she did it. It was petty, but it was the only way Regina had to get back at her mother.

"Goodbye, mother."

With that, Regina turned on her heels and left.

When Regina arrived home, Emma could immediately tell something was wrong.

"What happened?"

"Nothing, Emma. Are you ready to go?"

"Regina," Emma stopped her, grabbing her arms loosely and looking her in the eyes. "You're shaking. What happened? Was it your mom?"

It was the only thing that made sense. Only Cora could rile Regina up like this, and she'd just come from there.

"I don't want her to ruin our evening, Emma. Please. Let's go on our date."

"No one is going to ruin our evening, or our date. I promise. But I really want to know what has you so upset."

Regina bit her bottom lip, shaking her head.

"I'll become emotional if I discuss it."

"Then become emotional. I've cried all over you so many times, Regina. It's okay."

Regina looked into Emma's big green eyes, her own already beginning to water.

"I hate her so much," she confessed, a sob hitching in her throat.

"I know, baby," Emma responded, pulling Regina into her arms and holding her close. "She's a horrible, horrible woman."

Regina nodded against her throat as tears streamed down her cheeks, no doubt ruining the make up her mother said looked ghastly anyway. Perhaps it was for the best.

Regina's heart lurched.

"I don't understand, Emma. How is she so hateful?"

"Some people are like that. They're miserable human beings, which just fuels their hate. She's an ugly person, and I don't just mean physically."

Regina tightened her hold on Emma, who responded in turn. She stayed quiet as the tears flowed, taking comfort in Emma's warm embrace.

"She hated my dress," Regina finally confessed. "She made a comment about my appearance, my make-up. She always does, so I should be used to it. I am used to it. But I liked this dress. Now I can't stop thinking about her damn words.

"I shouldn't have worn it there. I knew I should have changed before going, but I wanted to drop off Henry and then meet you here and be ready to go. She knew I was going on a date based on my appearance, but she assumed it was with a man. I didn't correct her. I don't want her to-" Regina's voice broke. "I wanted to protect you. So I didn't correct her. And then she made a comment about… about my sexuality. About it being a phase and that I belong with a man. And then she went on about how I'm a disappointment.

"I don't give a fuck about what she thinks, but then she started talking about you and then she began talking about Danielle-" Regina abruptly stopped again. She was shaking with rage, the words tumbled out of her mouth accidentally. She'd never mentioned Danielle to Emma.

Emma, of course, immediately noticed the name, as well as Regina's reaction. When Regina pulled back, Emma loosened her grip and gently cupped the woman's face, wiping away her tears.

"Who's Danielle?" she asked softly.

Fresh tears flowed down Regina's face, and she shook her head.

"Okay," Emma said gently, "It's okay."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be," and Emma meant that sincerely. "It's okay."

She knew that in time the stories would come out. Eventually, she'd hear it all. But for now, what mattered was Regina.

"I'm sorry this happened, baby. I am. You look so fucking beautiful. So beautiful. And that dress fits you like it was made just for you."

"It was."

"Well, then that makes sense because God damn, Regina. I know I didn't say it when I first saw you. But when I saw your expression, I knew something was wrong and I got distracted. But when you first stepped in the house and I got a look at you in this dress? I swear to you, I stopped breathing."

A soft smile formed through the tears, Regina latching desperately onto Emma's words as she continued.

"I love the colour. Love this turquoise-y blue and beige thing going on. Love the cut. Definitely loving the cleavage. I'm sorry I'm terrible at describing things but damn, Regina. I'm having trouble thinking because I can't decide if I want you to never take it off or if I wanna rip it off of you right this second."

"You know you want to rip it off," Regina said quietly, the tiniest hint of humour in her voice.

Emma focused on it immediately.

"Yes I do, okay," Emma said, feigning exasperation, unbelievably pleased when the small smile on Regina's lips grew. "But you can't tell a lady that you haven't even taken on a date yet, haven't even had the pleasure of kissing yet, that you wanna rip off her clothes. Especially if you agreed to take things slow. That's a little the opposite of slow," Emma teased.

Regina gave a real smile then, looking down. Emma however, was having none of that. She cupped Regina's chin and tilted her head until their gazes met.

"You look stunning, Regina," Emma said sincerely. "You have no idea how humbling it is to know you put this much effort into going on a date with me."

"My make-up must look a mess."

"Stop that," Emma chided softly. "You are beautiful, Regina. Make up or no make-up. All dressed up or in your most ratty, torn up clothes. No matter how your hair is done or if you haven't showered or if you're all sweaty and dirty from planting outside all day. Regina, you will always be beautiful to me. I've loved every version of how you've looked so far, and I look forward to seeing all the rest of 'em because I know I'm going to love every version of those, too. I love all these looks because they're all versions of you. And I really like you."

Regina, having no words to reply to that, simply took a step forward and wrapped her arms around Emma.

"It's hard to listen to you put yourself down, Regina, because I like you so much. I'd never tolerate anyone else speaking to you like that, or speaking about you like that, and I don't like it when you do it either."

Regina sighed.

"Her words get to me."

"I know they do. And I wish we didn't see her, ever."

Regina nodded.

"I have to tolerate her if I want to see my father. Normally, drop offs don't go this way, but my father wasn't there today. I'm not sure why he didn't warn me that he'd be away."

It bothered Regina that he hadn't told her that he wouldn't be present. He knew that she was coming; it was Tuesday. She always came by on Tuesdays to drop Henry off when he had his riding lessons. Usually, when her father had to be away, he would warn Regina and she'd be better mentally prepared to face her mother.

"She doesn't… she isn't like this with Henry, is she?" Emma asked, pulling Regina from her thoughts.

"No," Regina replied resolutely. "She knows that I'd immediately cease contact with her. She treats him like royalty. He is, after all, a boy. He has no 'inferior genes' as she puts it. Or at least, doesn't appear to. And he'll carry on the Mills name, so he can do no wrong in her eyes."

"You're literally carrying the name as well."

"Yes, well. That could change as I'm a woman."

"Yeah, but you have no plans to marry a man and take his name."

"But that is also a problem. I'm 'supposed to be with a man'. The fact that I am solely attracted to women is a problem," Regina said, rolling her eyes.

"Depends on who you ask. Me, for example, I'd say it's one of my favourite things about you," Emma said lightly, slipping her arm around Regina's lower back and pulling her close. She buried her face in Regina's neck before placing a soft kiss on her shoulder.

"Yes, well, we've already established that you're a strange adult."

Emma tensed in her arms, and Regina would have thought she'd misspoken if she didn't suddenly feel the woman grin against her skin. Arms quickly tightened around her, holding her firmly in place, and Regina started laughing even before Emma moved.

"I'm not strange," Emma replied, grinning. Oh, you so asked for it.

"You are."

"You should take it back."

"Make me."

"Okay."

Emma instantly dug her fingers into Regina's sides, revelling in the shriek that came from the other woman. She tickled her ribs, fighting to keep Regina in her hold as the other woman laughed and pushed against her shoulders, squirming to get away.

"Take it back."

"No!" Regina laughed. "You are strange!"

"Is this how you treat all your first dates?" Emma teased, easing off the tickling and going back to peppering Regina's shoulder with kisses.

Regina brought her hands up and ran them through Emma's hair, smiling against her.

"Maybe. And maybe that's why I haven't been laid in six years."

Emma threw her head back and laughed.

"Is everything okay between you and mom?" Henry asked tentatively, reaching for his grandmother's hand as they walked towards the living room.

"Of course, my dear Henry. Your mother and I argue sometimes, but she knows I just want what's best for her. At times your mother does things that you dislike too, doesn't she?"

Henry hesitated before nodding.

"But, you know that's because she loves you and she's usually correct in the end?"

Henry nodded again, begrudgingly. His mom wasn't always right, but he knew that she was usually right. Things like brushing his teeth, and getting enough sleep, and not eating too much candy weren't rules he liked, but he knew they were for his own good.

"Well, that doesn't change with age. Even though your mother is an adult, she still needs her mother to tell her the right thing to do. I love my daughter very much, but sometimes she's stubborn and she becomes emotional. She didn't like what I said to her tonight, even though it was in her best interest to hear it. Eventually, she'll come around."

Henry didn't like that his mother and grandmother had argued, but his grandma had a point. His mom was really stubborn and it was true that moms sometimes made you do things you didn't wanna do, but because it was good for you.

"Now," Cora said, as they entered the living room. "What did you think of your surprise?"

Henry instantly grinned as he made it way over to the massive Lego box that lay in the middle of the room. He had already opened it, too eager to wait.

"I love it!" he exclaimed, dropping down to examine the booklet. "We can make so many things! Like a rocket ship or a castle or a space ship. I really like the castle."

Cora beamed at him.

"Good. I'm pleased you like it. Your grandfather can help you."

"Cora, dear, I've searched all over and I've no idea where you've put-" Henry Sr. stopped speaking the moment he saw his grandson, unable to stop the smile that spread on his face. "Henry! You're here."

"Hi, grandpa!"

"Where's your mother?"

"She already left," the boy answered, turning back to the booklet in his hands and missing the look of concern on his grandfather's face.

Henry Sr. looked over to his wife, who was smiling at him. He'd been sent to retrieve her purse from their bedroom, under strict orders not to return without it as she'd had something to give Regina. He'd tried to hurry, knowing his daughter was due to arrive momentarily, but he'd been unable to find it anywhere.

"I'll retrieve it, dear. Help your grandson with his Lego set. He'd like to build the castle."

Cora made her way up the steps to the second floor and to down the hall to one of the guest quarters, bypassing her bedroom entirely. She headed to the closet and removed her purse, along with the bag of items she'd purchased for her grandson. She then returned to the living room, where grandfather and grandson were currently picking out pieces of Lego for Henry's castle.

"Henry, would you come here?" she asked, leading Henry into the adjacent dining room. "I've bought you some invitations for your mother's party. You recall I said I would purchase these for you?"

Henry looked up, grinning, his stomach clenching in excitement as he watched his grandmother pull invitations from her purse. Finally! They'd had that conversation ages ago (or so it felt).

"Really?"

"Yes, and I purchased a few more things as well. I was thinking it would be nice for you to come over this weekend and we could do the real shopping when you're here."

Henry's eyes lit up, nodding.

"I have been thinking about the party you said you wanted to throw for your mother. And I'd like to help you. I know your mother struggles to make friends, Henry," Cora said gently, "and I've been reflecting upon your words. You mentioned that you'd like to have a party for her and I believe that that might be a nice way for her to get to know some new people, to make some friends. I was thinking of decorating the main floor with flowers and streamers. Perhaps some balloons if you think that's a good idea? Everyone likes to celebrate their birthday, after all."

Henry, excited beyond belief, began looking through the invitations.

"Yeah!"

"These are just some options. You may choose the one you like and we can send them out this weekend."

"Okay!" Henry exclaimed. "She's going to be so excited."

"I believe so. Shall we make our way to the stables for now? Then when your lessons are finished, we can return to planning your mother's party."

Henry nodded eagerly, following his grandmother with a grin on his face. His mom was going to be so excited!

What Regina says to Henry:

"Estoy bien, mijo. Todo está bien. Te quiero mucho," she whispered back, kissing his temple. "Si me necesitas, llámame. Vengo enseguida."

"I'm fine, my son. Everything is fine. I love you very much. If you need me, call me. I'll come right away."