"What if I dressed up as a clown instead. Would that be acceptable?"

"No need to dress up, Emma. You're already a buffoon."

Emma scoffed, grabbing Regina around the middle and pulling her close.

"Is that any way to talk about your girlfriend?"

"When she's insisting I hire a clown for a quiet dinner just me, my girlfriend, and my son, yes. It is," Regina insisted, pulling away and moving back to the island.

"It's your birthday dinner."

"Precisely. My birthday dinner. No clowns."

"What about-"

"Finish that sentence, miss Swan, and you'll be on the receiving end of this wooden spoon," Regina threatened, waving it in the other woman's direction.

Emma bit her lip and turned to present her right butt cheek.

"Oh, right here, miss Mills. I've been a naughty girl."

Regina rolled her eyes and turned back to the cookies she was making, though she couldn't help the laugh that tumbled from her lips. Emma really was an idiot, but she loved her for it. No one had made her laugh this much in years. Regina smiled wider when she felt strong arms wrap around her waist, soft lips pressing against her cheek.

"You're beautiful when you laugh."

Regina turned in her arms and smiled, leaning forward so they could share a languid kiss. The sound of the doorbell interrupted their gentle kissing, Regina pulling back in confusion. No one ever rang her doorbell. Because no one ever visited her.

"Got it!" Henry yelled, running to the door. "Hi, Belle!"

"Hello, Henry. Is your mom home?"

"Yep, she's in the kitchen with Emma. Come in," he insisted, stepping back.

"Belle, hello," Regina greeted, wiping her hands on a tea towel as she approached. She was surprised to see the other woman, not having expected her company, but pleased nonetheless.

"Hi, Regina. You'll have to forgive my dropping by unannounced," Belle began, pulling off her boots and removing a bent folder from her pocket, toying with it nervously. "Can I speak to you, please?"

Seeing the woman's serious disposition instantly put Regina on edge.

"Yes, of course. Henry, you may return to the living room."

Henry was curious as to what Belle had in her hand since she kept playing with it. She looked nervous too. He tried to get a look, but he couldn't tell what it was. He thought about asking questions but ultimately shrugged and went back to his movie. A piece of paper wasn't that interesting after all.

"Should I go?" Emma asked, rocking on the balls of her feet, nervous at the tension in the air. "I can leave if it's private."

Belle looked over at Regina, hesitant.

"I don't know if you'd prefer privacy."

"Is this about me or about you?" Regina asked, indicating the folder in Belle's hand.

"You."

"Then if you don't want privacy for yourself (Belle shook her head), then no. Stay, Emma."

Regina led the way to her office, closing the door after the other two women followed.

"What's this about?" Regina asked.

"I-I just got this in the mail. When I got home after work, I opened my mailbox to this invitation. I came straight here because I can't imagine you would ever have agreed to it," Belle explained, nervously opening the folder and handing over the card she'd hidden inside. Belle then discarded the folder, twisting her hands anxiously. "Especially not after what you told me in the diner, about wanting something small."

Regina took the card, her eyes widening as she read the front.

Mr. Henry Mills Jr., along with Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mills, cordially invite you to celebrate the 35th birthday of Ms. Regina Mills.

Regina opened the card. Her stomach dropped even further. She immediately fell onto the chair behind her, her legs losing all strength as she read over the details. Her mother was throwing her a birthday party, at the mansion, and had sent out formal invitations to God knows how many people.

Emma watched, wondering what the hell had Regina so white as a ghost. She waited patiently, taking the card when Regina closed her eyes and swallowed hard, handing it over to her. She read it over, anger consuming her when she realised what she was reading.

"I'm so sorry, Regina," Belle said.

Regina swallowed against the nausea. Shaking her head, she clasped her fingers together when she realised they were trembling.

"It's not your fault," she responded, her voice shaking.

Emma looked between Belle and Regina, the looks they were exchanging heavy with meaning. Emma knew that Regina had wanted something small at home, just the three of them. She also knew that Cora Mills was psychotic, didn't give a damn about Regina, and had forced her to attend events such as this one, made her put on the 'perfect daughter' act for others, when she was a child. Emma wondered if it was for those reasons that Regina was having such a strong reaction or if there was something else that she was missing. Something just felt so off about her girlfriend's reaction. Belle's as well. Having your mother throw a party in your honour when you didn't want it would definitely cause a reaction, Emma thought, but she would have expected anger, especially from Regina. Not this. Regina looked terrified. Or like she was going to be sick.

Emma bit her lip, unsure of what to do. She didn't know what to say. She watched as Belle moved to where Regina was seated, squatting before her.

"We can get you out of it, Regina. She can't keep doing things like this. You're a grown woman now; you're not a child. You don't have to attend."

Regina gave an empty laugh.

"You know I have to, Belle. How many of these do you believe she's sent out?" Regina asked, holding up the invitation. "Probably to everyone in town and to all of her friends, business associates. If I refuse, she'll retaliate." Regina looked over at Emma, then back at Belle. "She'll go after her, too."

Belle reached out and grabbed Regina's hands, holding them in her own.

"We aren't children anymore, Regina. I'm not frightened of her like I once was. I don't believe you are, either, not like before. You aren't alone. If she tried, it wouldn't end like last time. She can't, anyway. You're an adult now. We all are."

Regina looked away, then looked up at Emma. God, she wished she could hide Emma somewhere, anywhere.

"It won't be like last time," Belle insisted, knowing exactly what Regina was thinking as she looked at Emma. "The circumstances are entirely different. We are different. And Emma wouldn't allow it."

Regina bit hard at her bottom lip. Damn her mother for this. Damn her for meddling in her life. Damn her for all of this. All Regina wanted was to be left alone.

Belle's heart broke for her friend, moving down to her knees and pulling her into her arms. She pulled her tighter when Regina shook, a sob catching in her throat.

"I'm so sorry, love. I know."

Emma was confused. She was definitely missing something. She knew that Regina had been assaulted at one of her mother's parties in the past. Maybe that was why she was so upset, but Emma wasn't sure. Regina looked on the verge of hyperventilating, and Emma was trying hard to understand everything that was being said. But, she'd only followed part of their conversation. She was afraid to intrude, afraid to speak up just yet. She knew eventually Regina would talk to her, and right now, it looked like she just needed to be comforted. It seemed like Belle understood what Regina was going through, and she was supporting her girlfriend, so Emma stayed quietly to the side, waiting.

Regina fought for control over her emotions. She was angry, but she was also scared. She didn't know what to do. She hadn't expected this, and her thoughts were racing, making it difficult to keep control of her feelings. When Belle reached out and pulled her into her arms, Regina didn't even hesitate. She welcomed the embrace. Knowing that Belle knew exactly what she was afraid of, what she was worried about, it was comforting. It was comforting to know that Belle understood, and she felt safe knowing that Emma would support her through this – if just from a distance (Regina had no intention of bringing Emma to her mother's home, or anywhere in the vicinity of her mother for that matter). She wasn't alone, and that was such a welcome, if not slightly foreign feeling.

It took several moments to work through her emotions, but Regina eventually calmed down enough to think more clearly. She pulled back and wiped at her eyes, taking a deep breath to centre herself. She looked at Belle, who held her gaze, a look of determination on her face.

"We don't have to do this, Regina," Belle said firmly, holding her wrists.

"We do," Regina argued, softly. "But you're right that things are different now."

"They are," Belle agreed. "And you will not be alone. I regret that I wasn't there for you before, last time. It won't happen again."

The conviction in Belle's voice gave Regina strength.

"Thank you." Regina stayed quiet for a minute before speaking again. "We can't bring her. I won't risk what happened last time. Not to her."

Belle glanced over, and Emma realised Regina meant her.

"The hell you aren't bringing me, Regina. I'm going with you."

"No, Emma," Regina said firmly. "You are staying far away from my mother. I won't let her touch you."

"She doesn't scare me, Regina."

"She should!" Regina snapped, turning away and meeting Belle's eyes. "We can't."

"I know you're worried, Regina. But Emma isn't her. She isn't a child. None of us are. It won't be the same."

"I can't lose her," Regina implored, eyes filling with tears. This was all too close. Way too close. The last party she'd attended that was thrown by her mother, her birthday party, it had cost her everything.

"You won't," Belle said. "You won't let it happen. I won't let it happen. Emma won't let it happen."

Regina buried her face in her hands, tears falling yet again. She stayed quiet, breathing deeply as she fought for control. She didn't want to start sobbing because she wasn't sure she'd be able to stop. This was all too much.

Emma finally broke. She approached her girlfriend, kneeling by her chair and looking at her imploringly.

"Please tell me what else happened, Regina," Emma said softly. "I'm still missing a big piece of this story."

Regina sniffled, digging her palms into her eyes. She took a few deep breaths, pulling her hands away and looking at Belle, who smiled encouragingly, before looking back at Emma.

"My mother always threw these types of parties. We had them for every occasion: Christmas, New Year's, a particularly successful business transaction, her birthday, my birthday, acquiring a new business partner. Anything. If there was an event she wanted to celebrate, she always hosted a fantastic party. Everyone knew about them. Her parties were well attended and everyone wanted to be invited. The last party she threw me was for my seventeenth birthday. I've never seen so many people at one event." Regina stopped, looking over at Belle. Her voice caught in her throat. She was already sitting on her hands, but they continued to tremble.

Belle nodded, taking over where she left off.

"I was there as well. All of our friends were there. A lot of Cora's friends. Business people I didn't know were there. And," Belle looked from Emma over to Regina, who nodded. "And Danielle was there, too. The party was huge, extravagant. Cora's parties were always over the top, but this was one beyond anything we'd seen before. There was even an ice sculpture that was a fountain, simply for juice."

"My mother was very clear about how I was to behave," Regina added, drawing strength from Belle's support. "It was my birthday but I was so on edge, I couldn't enjoy it. Like any party she threw, really. I could never enjoy them because I was too busy trying to make sure she was pleased with my behaviour. I was very frightened of her at the time."

"We all were," Belle stated. "She was very scary."

She and Regina shared a small smile.

"Belle, Danielle, and I managed to have somewhat of a nice time at first. We tried staying away from the party as much as possible. My mother, of course, noticed that I was missing, so she eventually came to find me. I was pulled away from Belle and Danielle and was introduced to a few of my father's junior partners, some clients. I kept trying to leave but my mother wouldn't let me. And then… and then-"

Belle exchanged a look with Regina, who couldn't get the rest of the story out.

"The closet. Is that when…?" Emma asked softly.

Regina hesitated, Belle squeezing her hand in encouragement. Regina nodded.

"It just all went wrong. Everything. The party came to an end. And then- then I lost Danielle," she finally said softly. "I was removed from school, kept locked here at the mansion. My mother kept demanding that I marry him. I refused, and when I finally managed to escape, there was no turning back. That was the last of my mother's parties that I attended. But now…"

Emma was both angry and horrified. The more Regina shared about her mother, the more of a monster that Cora became. Emma knew there was still more to this story, but the fractions that Regina had shared spoke volumes, as did the exchanges between Belle and Regina.

Emma desperately wanted to ask more questions. But she was grateful to Regina for sharing even that much, because she could tell by how much Regina's voice caught, by the way her shoulder shook, her hands trembling, that it had taken a lot out of her to share even just this much. And if the way Belle winced, closed her eyes, and looked away was any indication, Regina wasn't the only one who was still affected by this particular event.

"I don't know if I'll survive another party," Regina admitted in a whisper, turning to Belle. "I don't want to do this again."

Belle squeezed her hand again in support.

"I know. I wouldn't want to either. We're going to be there with you, Regina. Every moment."

"I don't want this. She's not your mess, Belle. You don't deserve this-"

"Neither do you!" Belle said vehemently. "You've dealt with her, alone, your whole life. You never deserved any of this either! I couldn't stand up to her then because I was a child, but you can be certain I will now. I'll be with you through this, Regina. As will Emma."

The passion in Belle's eyes, in her voice, touched a deep, wounded part of Regina. It felt healing to know that her friend cared so deeply. She looked at her carefully for a few moments before speaking, her voice taking on a bit of lightness.

"It's now a little easier to believe that you tell Rumple what to do, and not the other way around."

Belle smiled at her, a small chuckle falling from her lips.

"I told you I could be strong-willed when the occasion calls for it." Belle's expression shifted, turning more serious. "I won't let her, Regina. I'll go with you to support you. I'll follow your lead. Or, I'll take lead, if that's what you need. I'll even play nice, for your sake, if that's what you want. But I won't let her ruin your life or go after Emma the way-" Belle cut herself off. "It'll be different this time."

Regina held her breath for a moment before slowly releasing it. She looked over at Emma, eyes wide.

"We need to keep our relationship quiet until after the party, Emma. My mother can't know."

Emma wasn't afraid of Cora. She didn't give a shit about her, and she would gladly take her on – in a heartbeat. But Emma knew that right now, it wasn't about her. It was about Regina and she would do whatever Regina asked of her. And if that meant taking a step back, if that meant pretending to strictly be her friend and not her girlfriend, Emma would do it. Regina was so strong, and she was incredibly brave, but right now, Regina was terrified and Emma was desperate to do anything to soothe that fear.

"Okay," she agreed easily.

Emma stood up then, her knees aching, but she stayed close to Regina.

"Who else knows?" Belle asked her.

"Ruby. Granny. Henry. David." Emma hesitated now, before finally admitting, "Mary Margaret too, I'm pretty sure." She didn't miss the way Regina's and Belle's gazes immediately met, a look passing between them.

"It'll be different," Belle insisted. "Even if she knows. She regretted telling, Regina. She still does."

"I don't want to hear it," Regina said lowly.

"Okay. But I'm just saying. She won't say anything, I'm sure of it."

Emma tried very hard to only let Regina's story build in her mind based on the things Regina herself had told her. She knew that Mary Margaret had played a very important role in the events that occurred twenty years ago, not only because Mary Margaret herself had said she was to blame for what happened, but also because of what she'd heard of the rumours that surrounded Regina (though she did try not to listen to them or pay them any mind). But the interaction just now, between Regina and Belle, only further served as confirmation that Mary Margaret was a key part of the story. And if what she'd heard before (and what she'd just heard now) was to be believed, Mary Margaret had said something or given something away that she shouldn't have.

Emma shook her head. She was drawing conclusions. That was something she'd promised Regina she wouldn't do. It was hard though, when she didn't have the whole story and only heard bits and pieces of information that were new, or didn't fit into the parts of the story that she did know. It was hard not to wonder about them. But Emma forced herself to be patient; she knew a hell of a lot more than even just a few weeks ago. And she really did want to hear the rest of the story from Regina herself, and only when she was ready.

"So, we're going to do this?" Belle asked, pulling Emma from her thoughts.

"Yes," Regina confirmed, though she desperately didn't want to. "We've no choice. I still don't want Emma coming though."

"I know," Belle replied. She glanced over at Emma, who was looking like she desperately wanted to argue. Belle stayed quiet. This was a discussion for Regina and Emma to have.

The room went quiet then, Belle and Regina occasionally sharing a look, their fingers intertwined. Emma didn't say anything either, waiting. The room was heavy with what had just transpired, and she wanted to give the other women time to digest the conversation (as she herself was digesting it).

"Thank you for coming here, Belle," Regina eventually said. "For telling me about this so quickly."

Belle nodded, finally moving off the floor and shifting to sit at the chair next to Regina. Their hands stayed connected.

"I knew you couldn't have known," Belle stated, voice filled with disgust. "This is exactly something Cora would do. And to drag Henry into it…"

"She's a horrific human being. But I suppose I understand now why he wanted to spend so much time with his grandparents. She must have made it sound like something she was doing for me, that I'd 'love' this party. She must have regaled him with the stories of the parties I attended when I was a child. This had to have been her idea." Regina shook her head. "I should have spoken to him. When he stopped mentioning the party, I thought he'd changed his mind." Especially since the whole point of the party, originally, had been to bring Emma around. And when Emma had simply come back into their lives organically, Regina figured Henry had let go of the idea.

"She's despicable, Regina."

Regina nodded, pulling her fingers from Belle's so she could bury her face in her hands.

"Perhaps I was deluding myself into believing she'd treat him differently. Did I miss it? Has she been manipulating him all this time?"

"I don't believe for a second you'd have allowed Henry around her if you thought she was treating him the way she treats you."

Belle was right, of course. But Regina still felt like a fool.

"She's clearly manipulated him now, though."

Belle nodded.

"You'll need to speak to him," Belle replied, her stomach sinking for Regina. She didn't deserve any of this.

"Okay," Emma interrupted. "But I don't get it. Clearly you were going to find out about the party. Why wouldn't she talk to you about this?"

Regina sighed before dropping her hands and looking up at Emma.

"My mother enjoys catching me off guard. Do you recall that I told you she likes head games? (Emma nodded) This is another example. She knew this would upset me. She didn't want me to have any bit of warning. If she could have figured out a way to throw the party behind my back and have me attend without my knowing anything at all, she absolutely would have. But she's done this before, tricked me enough times that I'd have realised what was happening. It wouldn't have worked. So, this was the next best thing. Invite the entire town, the whole state even, and then I can't possibly refuse."

"She's a fucking piece of work," Emma replied, furious.

"The difference is," Belle started, looking over at Regina, "you're significantly older now. Wiser. You're not afraid of her the way you once were. None of us are. We know how she is, Regina, and you won't be going into this alone. We'll come up with a plan. We won't be unprepared. She can't attack you if none of us leave you alone with her, for example. She wouldn't berate you in front of other people; that wouldn't be good for appearances. So perhaps we make it a point to never leave you alone at the party, and we stay far away from her. We socialise with everyone who attends, make small talk with all the guests. And we eat all the food there."

Regina gave a soft smile.

"Cora is a horrible human being, but she's always got really good food at her parties," Belle explained to Emma before turning back to Regina. "You should definitely make sure to always have a plate with you, since you won't be alone with your mother. She can't say anything."

Emma's eyes darkened. Yet another reference to Cora commenting on Regina's weight.

"She made a comment when you ate at her parties." It wasn't a question.

"No," Regina hesitated, knowing the truth would make Emma angrier. She wasn't afraid of Emma, not in the least. But she hated upsetting her. However, she also wanted to be honest. "She didn't comment when I ate because she simply didn't allow me to eat. Eating at this party would infuriate her."

Emma swallowed against her anger, looking away. Belle sent Regina an apologetic smile, mouthing a sorry. Regina shook her head.

They had done this type of thing when they were children: trying to exact any type of petty revenge they could against Cora, without actually incurring her wrath. There had only been small victories when they were younger, but they'd given Regina the modicum of power she'd needed to survive the gatherings.

"I should go," Belle finally said, standing. "I know you'll need time to digest. And perhaps you and Emma will need more time to talk."

Regina nodded. That, they certainly did.

"Thank you, Belle, for coming. For telling me about this," Regina repeated, holding up the invitation as she stood.

"I'm your friend, Regina. There was no way I wasn't going to tell you."

Regina took a step forward and pulled the other woman into a hug.

"Thank you."

"I'm sorry again, Regina. No one deserves this type of treatment. Whatever you need, I'm here. And I'd be happy to talk about this again before the party. The way we used to."

They used to debrief before any party that Belle was expected to attend. They'd come up with game plans when they were younger about how they'd react in any number of scenarios, all with the goal of minimising Cora's wrath against Regina later.

"Thank you," Regina repeated, giving one final squeeze before pulling away.

Emma followed Regina and Belle to the front door, the women saying a final goodbye to the librarian before closing the door behind her. When they were alone, Regina sighed heavily, eagerly going into Emma's arms when she was pulled into them.

"That was a lot."

Regina nodded in Emma's arms, taking comfort in her strong embrace. She allowed herself to be held, snuggling into Emma's neck and closing her eyes as the woman swayed her from side to side.

"Let's go cuddle on the couch," Emma murmured against her ear.

Regina sighed.

"I want to, but we need to talk to Henry. I want to collect myself first, however. I need a moment to digest."

"Of course." Emma tightened her hold on Regina. "I'm sorry, baby. I wish I could whisk you away from here."

Regina gave an empty laugh.

"I wish for the same of you. I don't want you anywhere near her."

"I've already met her."

"Yes, but you were of no interest to her then. Just another lowly Storybrooke resident. You'll become very interesting to her if she ever realises what you mean to me."

Emma kissed Regina's throat.

"She's fucked, Regina. That is just so fucked up."

Regina nodded against her. This was part of the reason she had hidden her friendships growing up. Cora ruined anything and everything Regina loved. Or brought her happiness.

"I know."

Regina took a deep breath before stepping away from Emma.

"Do I look okay?"

Emma reached up and swiped her bangs out of her eyes, cupping her cheek.

"You look beautiful, Regina."

A genuine smile formed on Regina's lips. Emma's words were so sincere that she couldn't help it.

"Thank you."

Emma leaned forward and kissed her softly. It was brief, only meant to offer comfort, but it revitalised Regina. She squeezed Emma's bicep before pulling away, a grateful look on her face.

"Shall we join Henry?"

"Yeah. Let's go."

It was time for a talk.