Queen of the Underworld

by 02_ladyrazeli

Chapter 15: Chapter Fifteen

Notes:

Triggers: Talk of rape, talk of child loss

Chapter Fifteen

 

            “Okay, so America and Argentina are breathing down our necks to decide, so the trial will be held this Friday, after the garden party with Robin, I guess. Shouldn’t ruin a perfectly good brunch they’re serving,” Regina told Emma.

            “Oh um…what does that mean for me; will the Queen kick me off the island or try to kill me for helping them steal?” Emma asked, worried. She only had two days to get out of dodge if so, but no one the Queen had ever wanted dead had managed to survive.

            “No, I mean death is on the table, but you can ask for leniency,” Regina told her. “The key to the system is honesty and sincerity. You will be expected to get up and testify to Lily’s abuse if you want to stay here with your family. If you do not or hide, I can’t guarantee the outcome.” Emma nodded as she began to fidget with the end of her shirt. She turned to stare off at the floor for a while and she looked far away as Regina plated her grilled cheese, today had sun dried in both sandwiches as Emma had taken an extreme liking to them to everyone’s surprise including Emma.

            “So, the island Queen and the criminal Queen are the same?” Emma asked, trying to get off the fact that she’d have to see Lily again in court.

            “That Queen has a lot of influence here and a lot of money, but the Queen that looks after this island is different.”

            “So, do you know who the Queen is on both accounts actually?”

            “Yes, the Queen is around and as for the other well that Queen is everyone,” Regina replied.

            “That’s what everyone says when I ask who the Queen is,” Emma huffed.

            “When you know your Queen dear, you never need ask,” Regina told her as she gave her, her plate. “Or do you want to have lunch on the balcony?”

            “Balcony, Red wakes up as early as you, and Mal stays up as late, I never get time with you there anymore,” Emma lightly complained. Regina chuckled.

            “You’re more than welcome to join us,” Regina pointed out.

            “It’s not the same,” Emma murmured. They sat on the balcony, and Emma talked about working with the officers so far, and how it was a stark contrast to working at the Argentinian office. It was also different from Paris where she was the inexperienced one learning everything by doing, when normally people take years of education and training to be able to even apply to Interpol.

            “Have you given any thought to the position of Sheriff?” Regina asked.

            “Thought, they shove it in my face every time, even the current Sheriff, and he’s just blatantly like bowing at my feet practically.”  Regina chuckled.

            “They need the change for the onslaught of tourists that will now be able to afford the tickets,” Regina pointed out.

            “I know, I know, more people, more problems as they say,” Emma murmured. “I don’t know, how can I lead them when I’m freaking out about just seeing Lily.”

            “What you’re experiencing is natural, and anyone of them would tell you that seeing their attacker again would make them feel just as scared and helpless. Not everyone is like Rodriguez or McCoy, they’re like you in the sense that their attacker is still alive and still capable. At the moment Lily is subdued, but people make mistakes or turn a blind eye and people like Lily go free.”

            “So, there’s a chance she’ll go free even with my testimony?” Emma asked. “Shouldn’t I be talking to a lawyer, and not the judge on the island.” Regina chuckled.

            “First off, no one knows the law like me, secondly this isn’t a state where your innocent until proven guilty when we have proof that is not ambiguous.”

            “What does that mean?” Emma asked.

            “It means that for serious convictions we need proof that cannot be denied. So, in this case, we have your testimony, we have your physical conditions, we followed every lead you gave us and caught everyone involved in the physical heist of the drugs, but we also rescued a few women being trafficked for their babies.”

            “Really?” Emma asked. Regina nodded. 

            “Yeah, you saved more than just Mal’s grandchild, you also prevented some couples from being scammed even further. I couldn’t really do anything about the past scams, but the latest ones got their money back.”

            “Huh, they didn’t demand the babies instead?” Emma asked. “In my experience they’re usually desperate.”

            “One or two did, but I personally video called them, and asked them if they wanted to take a child whose mother wanted them. I directed them to go through proper channels because all they were doing was making sure that vulnerable women and children were harmed.”

            “I hope that scared them enough,” Emma said. Regina nodded.

            “I’m pretty sure from this one couple, the woman not, but it sobered the man up a bit on the matter. She’s clearly gone through a lot and the desperation must feel like a lot,” Regina replied. She felt her mind starting to drift to more unpleasant memories. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply through the rising panic. Emma looked startled as Regina curled in on herself and tears came to her eyes.

            “I need to go,” Regina said. She quickly stood up and ran off the balcony, thankfully just upstairs. When Emma followed, she could hear Regina sobbing and sometimes crying out in pain.

            “Regina, why don’t you try the sensory trick like you do for me,” Emma said. She sat with her back to the door listening to Regina. “Like what do you hear, let’s listen?” Regina didn’t really and there was still some crying but more quietly now. “I hear the AC, what do you hear?”

            “Pods,” Regina replied quietly, she was closer to the door now than Emma realized.

            “Good, and what do you see, can you spot anything um…green in your room?”

            “I don’t have anything green in view,” Regina replied quietly even as she hissed at the pain between her legs.

            “Oh well what colors do you see?” Emma asked.

            “Blue,” Regina muttered. “Brown, black, and um…yellow,” Regina answered.

            “What do you smell?” Emma asked. Regina took a deep breath trying hard not to smell him, but instead she smelled lavender, she smell Mal’s perfume, but also a hint of wolves from Red. Finally, the reminders of that man started to pull away from the present, as she smelled Emma’s vanilla body wash, and there was a distinct smell she couldn’t liken to anything except Henry. The thought of Henry pulled her back further to the present as her tears began to slow.

            “See that’s good,” Emma told her soothingly. “What are you touching?”

            “My weighted blanket,” Regina replied.

            “Good, how does it feel?” Emma asked. They stayed like that through most of lunch until Regina even let Emma hug her.

             “Thank you for staying,” Regina told her when they eventually went downstairs again.

            “I’ve only done what you have always done for me,” Emma reminded as she gave her another hug and even ventured to kiss her on the cheek. Regina smiled at her because Emma wasn’t typically free with affection.

 

 

 

 

            “Regina, what the hell, you haven’t returned any of my calls,” Tink said as she sat down uninvited at their table. They were at Robin’s brunch, there were two seats free at their table, which Regina could only assume meant that Robin and Roland would be sitting with them.

            “Yeah, I’ve been busy, we have court today remember,” Regina replied.

            “Yeah, I remember, but you were also supposed to come over and never showed, what gives?” Tink asked.

            “I’m sorry, I was not feeling well, and I forgot to call and cancel,” Regina replied.

            “Yeah, I waited up all night,” Tink replied. Red and Maleficent looked at each other and rolled their eyes.

            “Anyway, my mother is visiting, why don’t you and Henry come by for dinner tonight?”

            “No, tonight is our date night, so we won’t be spending it with anyone, but each other,” Regina replied. Henry and she had no set date night, and thankfully he had the good sense not to comment on that and managed to hide his surprise. They hadn’t actually gone out in ages for various reasons, and now Regina was remembering that she was definitely taking her baby boy out that night if Emma wasn’t too bad mentally.

            “Tomorrow then?” She asked.

            “That would be Saturday, so no,” Regina said. Tink was about to get upset, but then the music started, and they all turned towards the little stage. Emma meanwhile was frowning as she tried not to glare at Tink. Regina and she had turned a bit of a corner since she had stayed when Regina was the one experiencing the apparent flashback. Emma hadn’t even realized that whatever Regina had gone through, it truly had been traumatic and was still traumatic to her. She understood now more and more the anger that must have been inside her when she killed her grandfather. Regina was also being a bit more affectionate with the hugs and occasionally the cheek kisses, usually in greeting. When the nightmares were bad for her, she often crawled into bed with Emma bringing cider or tea which ever was going to help sooth her and she’d stroke her head if she needed the touch or hold her even. But she realized now that all that was on the back burner, because of Robin and his idiotic way of pursuing Regina.

            “She’s a lady,” Robin sang. “Whoa, whoa, whoa she’s a lady.” 

            “Oh, look at Rol, he’s so adorable,” Regina said as she clapped along, she didn’t even have eyes for Robin even if he had eyes for her.

            “Well, she’s never in the way, always something nice to say, oh what a blessing,” Roland sang.

            “So cute,” Henry said.

            “His little bow tie, I can’t,” Graham said. “I helped him pick it out at the store, I’m going to have to get all the pictures.”

            “Guys, we’re the center table,” Emma said. Red looked and groaned.

            “He’s trying to impress her,” she grumbled. Emma and Red rolled their eyes this time as Regina was clearly enthralled with Roland and not at all aware of how hard Robin was trying to impress her. The song ended with Roland doing a little solo dance.

            “Oh, I gotta get that kid in competitions,” Regina muttered seeing he was clearly skilled. They bowed as everyone clapped and cheered for Roland.

            “As you all must have guessed, Roland and I were talking about a very special lady in our lives,” Robin announced to the crowd. Regina’s smile suddenly got smaller, and she paused mid-clap.

            “He’s not about to do, what I think he’s about to do, right?” Regina asked the table.

            “No, it must be someone else, dude must have multiple women he’s trying to impress,” Tink muttered. They all nodded in agreement that, that seemed more of Robin’s modus operandi.

            “While that may be true, he’s really stupid or just willfully ignorant, I cannot decide,” Maleficent pointed out. Regina gave a groan behind her smile.

            “That’s true, I thought he had been friend zoned properly, but…” Red trailed off.

            “You know he never low key stops trying, but I thought it was pretty clear, that we should not be here,” Regina replied as Roland was giving her a big smile and approaching her with a small box while Robin was singing her praises really. For Roland’s sake only was she not frowning hardcore.

            “Will you be my new mommy?” Roland asked as he took a knee. He glanced back at Robin to see if he had done it all correctly. He motioned for him to continue and open the box. “Oh, and marry my daddy.” There was a sharp intake of breath from the people around them really. These were her usual circle, and a lot of people knew that she was a lesbian. Regina thought of Robin as a world class asshole for sending Roland out to ask her, because she never gave him an outright no, and found it hard to say no to him. She knew it was likely that he had convinced Roland she would say yes and couldn’t fathom why she wouldn’t want to be his mommy. He’d certainly thrown his fair share of tantrums according to Robin if he didn’t get to come say goodnight and go so far as to bring a book a couple of times pleading with her to read him a story. She hadn’t always given in because it was creating a situation she didn’t want to happen, especially because she would never marry Robin. She had even spoken to Robin about making sure Roland knew that she was not his mother. The box she noted held a new necklace similar to the one she shared with Henry and Emma, but it was part of a puzzle piece, there were actually three pieces in the box. In all his stupidity, Robin hadn’t sought to erase Emma in the same way that Tink wished she would.

            “Oh Roland, that was a very sweet and really nice proposal, but…” Roland looked worried that he wasn’t getting a yes right away. She didn’t have the heart to tell him no with so many people looking on. She was so going to punch Robin for doing this to her. “Can I just have the whole day to think about what the marriage means, yeah?” He looked back at Robin, who nodded.

            “But you can still be my brother,” Henry said. “The necklace is so cute!” He scooped Roland up who laughed, and they went down to the beach. As soon as both children were out of sight, she turned on Robin as people were sneaking over to buffet to mind their own business but stay close enough to have gossip. Regina was honestly glad her mother was not here to see this spectacle. Although she’d certainly commend her on her poker face and remind her that a lady didn’t make a scene.

            “What, too public, right?” Robin asked coming over as she stood up. He nodded. “I can redo in private. I thought I might be going over the top. My dad did say not too here.”

            “Really, that’s what you think is wrong, right now?” Regina asked. She just refrained from punching him right in that second since at his grandfather’s pleading because he was so old, she had approved Robin to stay with them. That made him a citizen, and that meant she could only fight him once a year, and fortunately for him fight week was still a few months off. Also, she was the Queen, damn it would she not let Robin make her lose her composure in public as her mother always said a lady didn’t make a scene for non-life-threatening situations.

            “She’s my girlfriend, how could you think you could just propose,” Tink grumbled as she got between Regina and Robin. Regina took a deep breath.

            “All right, a couple of things need to be said here, and both of you need to hear me,” Regina said glaring at Tink and Robin. “Tink, you first, because I actually find you more pressing. Stop telling people you’re my girlfriend; you are not my girlfriend. So therefore, you cannot tell Robin, he can’t propose on that basis.”  She turned on Robin. “And you what the hell, I am literally sleeping with these three, why on earth would you think that I would marry you?”

            “Because I’m a catch,” Robin said. “I’m rich, handsome, adorable son, you have a son that I get along with quite well, we hang out as a family…”

            “Friends, we hang out as friends, I’m so very, very gay,” Regina told him. “I’ve never once kissed you or said I liked your advances or flirting.”

            “Well yeah, but that’s because you’re a lady, I chose the song for a reason. While I do love the chase, you’re also a catch, I would be stupid to let you get away.”

            “I wanna be offended for you, but he’s not wrong about you being a catch,” Graham said with a laugh, this was a better brunch than he was anticipating.

            “Graham, not helping,” Regina said glaring at him. He gave her a grin before she turned back to Robin. “The answer is a definite no, and thanks to you, I need to go break Roland’s little heart.” Robin huffed.

            “Fine, I’ve obviously got more work to do, but don’t worry about Roland, I told him you might say no to me, he honestly just loves you and Henry, I’m hopeful but I do care about my son’s mental wellbeing.” Regina nodded.

            “All the same,” she said and walked off to talk to Roland on the beach.

            “Well don’t not help yourselves the brunch wasn’t a ruse,” Robin said ushering her family to eat, but Tink had stomped off now that Regina hadn’t given her a second glance or a chance to interject about being her girlfriend. When she approached both boys smiled at her.

            “It’s okay, mommy, Daddy has a big imagination,” he told her as if that explained everything. Regina couldn’t help but chuckle.

            “I think I quite agree,” Regina said bending down to his level. He let out a breath.

            “Can I still call you mommy, and eat at your house, Daddy’s food really sucks on his night to cook.” Regina had to outright laugh.

            “Told you, food is made by God,” Henry said from nearby.

            “Yes, you’re still welcome to come over for dinner and play with Henry,” Regina told him. “But Roland, I don’t want you to get the wrong idea that I will marry your Daddy.”

            “I know, Grandpa said you wouldn’t, but I still want you as my mommy too. I don’t have one and it’s nice when I come over.”

            “How about we compromise, I do some mommy stuff like bake with you and play with you, and you call me Regi, just in case your daddy finds a woman who really does want to be your mommy.” Roland looked thoughtful.

            “Okay, Regi, but I likes mommy better.”

            “I know, but just so we don’t hurt anyone’s feelings, now come on, I don’t know about you but I’m ready to try the food.” Roland nodded and ran back up. Henry and Regina followed and when they got back Roland was comforting Robin at another table with his grandfathers.

            “Hey you, all right?” Regina asked Emma after she had a plate full of food. Emma gave her a small smile and nodded before she ate, Robin really had, had the best catering.

            “Yeah, I will be fine, just nervous, Robin got me out of my thoughts for a bit you know.” Regina nodded in understanding and patted her thigh. Emma looked back down at her plate, she would never admit to Regina that somehow, she had convinced herself that Regina loved her and was only still with Maleficent or Red until she was ready. It was only so that she could heal without pressure, and she loved Regina for not making demands on her or pushing her recovery. But it had all been in her head, Regina was not in this relationship she had built. After brunch it was time for court, so they sent Henry home with the babysitter.

            “I can’t believe those two,” Regina grumbled in the pod. “I may have to hire someone to look after me, I have no time to look over my shoulder for people who get messy with their feelings. Although Tink is my fault, she was already kinda messy, and I knew better. But God why is Robin so fucking delusional, I mean am I giving off straight vibes or something. Like why couldn’t, he just say something so definitive that I could have tried again to set him straight?” She looked at Emma now directly.

            “Because he is straight?” Emma answered shrugging her shoulders. She had thought Robin had got the memo too despite his particular ways, but it was clearly not.

            “Note to self, make Henry way more aware than that douche, I mean I think I have so far, but Robin’s honestly got me worried.”

            “Don’t worry too much, you know I will help with that,” Emma murmured staring off.

            “Hey, what’s wrong, talk to me, you’ve been very silent, and I know today is a big day, and you must be nervous, but you won’t say.” Emma frowned and tears fell.

            “I... I…I…I don’t know…” Regina rubbed her circles on her back comforting. “I’m just so scared to see her; I don’t know if I can face her. I had half a hope you wouldn’t even find her, but you tracked her down, I suppose if not for Mazhar we never would have made it out of Uruguay.” Regina let out a breath and she looked away from Emma for a moment and hated herself for what she was about to do, but Emma’s life was literally on the line.

            “Are you fucking kidding me, right now?” Regina asked her. For the first time she sounded really upset with Emma. Emma looked up at her startled by her tone.

            “No, I’m afraid…”

            “Of that bitch?” Regina asked. “You’re more afraid of that bitch than you are of losing your life, losing your son?”  Emma started to speak, but Regina stopped her. “No, don’t say you’re not, because you are. If you weren’t you wouldn’t have said you couldn’t face her, and that will never change. You will keep waking up in the middle of the night wondering if she’s going to burst into your room any second and beat you again, break your jaw, starve you, push you into doing things you don’t want to do until you don’t even know yourself anymore.”  Emma started sobbing. “I just want to remind you that those men are going to die, but because Henry is your son, you have a chance at life, and if they don’t take it from you, they will exile you off this island. Do you not think of this as home?”

            “I do, I do,” Emma cried. “I don’t want to leave here, this is the first place, I’ve felt truly safe since I was in school or living with Ingrid.” Regina nodded.

            “Good, then for your son, your life, and your home, you need to stand up today and tell her and tell the court what she did to you. Speak your truth, Emma.” Regina didn’t say more as the pod stopped in front of the council building. “I’ll be by your side the entire time.”

            “I’ll do it, I’ll do it for Henry,” Emma told her and followed Regina out of the pod. Regina gave her a hug.

            “I know it’s so soon, but the faster we do this trial, the sooner we only need to wait for her to give birth and then it’s off to the Americans or the Argentinians. We never have to worry about her again. She will be locked up.” Emma nodded and hugged Regina back, before she wiped Emma’s tears and led her inside.

            The court was packed with as many people as possible. The rumor mill had been going full force, and everyone now knew that Lily had been a part of the theft from the Turkish warehouse. Regina put on her judge’s robes and took her seat in the middle. Emma was given an extra chair near her, and definitely below her. Maleficent, Red, and Graham also had places on the same level as Regina, but Scarlett, Liam, George, and Brian were lower, lower than Emma even at this point, which didn’t go unnoticed by Scarlett.

            “Please forgive that Emma is up here with the council, this is an uncomfortable situation for her, and I have been a steady source of comfort for her, and I don’t want to throw her out on her own when she must be brave. But please don’t take this as a sign of where I stand. This trial will be determined by a jury,” Regina spoke from her place. The place fell quiet as she spoke. “The accused will now enter.” A door opened and Mazhar marched in at the head of the pack. Then there was the guy who had let them into the hotel, and the man who had stood outside the car while they were in the restaurant. The other men, she didn’t recognize right away, but she presumed they were the ones they had met up with. There were a few others that Emma didn’t recognize, but it didn’t matter, Lily was the last in and her body tensed as she gripped the chair. As soon as Lily saw her, she gulped. She could see how angry Lily was and knew that Emma was the reason she was nearly six months pregnant and in jail on Underworld of all places. Aside from the hotel guy, they were all in chains. Each person accused was named and their charges brought against them.

            “Emre, stands accused of being an accessory to Theft against Underworld,” a woman announced. “Emre provided intel that allowed our operatives to capture the accused Thieves: Mazhar, Ahmet, Hamza, Collin, Lily, and Yusuf. Mazhar is also charged with sex trafficking against a family member of an Underworld citizen. By right, of Henry Daniel Mills, we are obligated to punish anyone who would commit criminal acts against innocent members of our families. Lily is also charged with losing money 4, sexual, verbal, emotional, and physical abuse of a partner.” Regina stood up. “The men not named are charged with participating and facilitating the sex trafficking. Emma Swan stands accused of Theft from Underworld; she gave intel that led us to Emre who was able to fill in the details that Emma Swan was not aware of pertaining to the theft.”

            “The penalties for theft Graham if you would please present the facts to the court so that when the jury is picked, they may make an informed decision.” Graham nodded as someone set up a microphone near him and he used a pointer. Everyone’s attention turned to the screen. Regina sat down as the lights went down, as well.

            “Last year, Lilith Page, entered our territory as a guest of Councilwoman Padovani and Mills, it was suspected that she was the long lost daughter of the councilwoman who had been taken from her when she herself was little more than a child. It was coincidence that she also happened to be the current partner of Emma Swan, the biological mother of our citizen Henry Mills. It was decided that with careful measures as Emma Swan was at the time an Interpol agent, we would allow them to vacation here and visit with family. Unbeknownst to us, Lily Page brought stolen diamonds to Underworld, which in itself were not bad, but she had brought them covered in a tracking dust. This information was unknown for twenty-four hours when we were invaded by the United States. Out of the hopes that she would sell her diamonds onto people stupid enough to risk it, we decided to extract payment from her in that manner and Councilwoman Padovani, who paid her portion of the debt. As well as councilwoman Mills who also paid her portion.” Someone stood up and Graham nodded to them.

            “Was she able to sell the diamonds?” he asked.

            “No, the diamonds were recovered in Brazil in the non-underworld safehouse, Councilwoman Padovani originally stashed her in. Which leads me to my next bit, she disappeared from the safe house. Investigation found that she had attempted to contact Emma Swan during her stay here as Councilwoman Mills’ guest. Her calls were however intercepted by at the time nine year old Henry Mills, who was desperate for her not to return and get in the way of his relationship with Emma Swan. Unaware, we were not in pursuit of her at this time. Eventually, Councilwoman Mills became aware of her text and hid it from Emma Swan but informed me of her potential sighting in Africa. As result an operative of ours saved her life in Africa, so that she could be held accountable here. She eventually gave him the slip and was lost again. Until six months ago when she showed up here.” They showed footage of her in front of Regina’s house and clearly being super angry with Emma. When they had gone away in the pod, they had been near the ferry, but it was clear as day as Emma was slapped several times.

            “I knew it,” Regina grumbled.

            “Later that night, she pulled a gun on three members of the council, Henry Mills, and a pregnant Zelena Pierce, our new citizen. She was subdued and would have been arrested, but Councilwoman Padovani pleaded with us for her to get a chance to help her change. We allowed it on the condition that she begin to pay back the money still lost. It was also agreed that Emma Swan would begin to send money as well, as she also pleaded for Lily Page’s life. She was removed to Argentina with Emma Swan to a basement unit. By now, the hunt was on from the U.S. and Emma Swan failed to report her to her superiors at Interpol.”

             “Is she a team player now?” Someone asked. Emma gulped when all eyes turned on her.

            “I’m a team player now,” Emma replied remembering what Rodriguez had said to her about being a team player.

            “Good,” they said, and she heard more than saw someone sit.

            “Time passed, and as you know there was an island wide alert for Henry Mills, we thought he had run off to find Emma. He did, but Councilwoman Mills arrived ahead of her son with the use of the F15, yes, she paid for the gas, Scarlett.” Scarlett, who was about ask, closed her mouth. “After this fiasco, Emma Swan decided that she was done with Lily who had recently pushed her into using her badge to obtain money from a bank as well as her life savings for some scheme. She also drove a rental car in Emma’s name. While Emma Swan was retrieving her things she was severely beaten, in the struggle a neighbor called the police, and an officer was killed. This has brought the Argentinians into the mix in terms of who wants Lily Page on trial.”

            “We don’t have extradition here, what will the council do?” Someone asked.

            “After her punishment with us is decided, we will then decide as a council if we would make an exception or not.” The person seemed satisfied as there was some murmuring, but it didn’t sound like anyone wanted her on their dime. Graham kept on going, but without much detail. Then Emma found herself in the spotlight. She had to stand up, and she had to talk about the beating in her apartment, and her intentions before the beating. She spoke about being sex trafficked in Uruguay and meeting Mazhar and how while she had avoided being raped at the brothel as Lily paid their way out. She hadn’t avoided it later with Mazhar, and how one time she was beaten so thoroughly she was out for a month. She woke up sore and bruised in a hospital, but as soon as she was awake, they were gone. She talked about the line of men in comparison to the one Lily had slept with until she got a positive test. And then there was the theft, she was practically shaking as she talked about being measured and starved on the way to Istanbul. Crawling through the weak vents and realizing this was not her.

            “Traitorous bitch!” Lily yelled at her. “Don’t worry Emma when, I’m out of here, I will fix you!” Emma pretty much ran behind Regina’s chair at that point. Regina motioned for them to move on. Emre spoke next and pleaded for his life, he wasn’t told all the details, but had come forward on his own, when news reached him of who they had robbed. He had his roots in the baby scheme, but all he had to do was keep his job and make sure there was a room free for use. He identified each man that he knew and their role. Each man was given a chance to plead his case, but it amounted to apologies at best or an appeal from Mazhar to Emma that he was always good to her and that it was all Lily’s idea. Lily said nothing only vowed to kill them all when she was free.

            “If anyone would like to speak on behalf of the accused stand now, and speak,” Regina announced. Maleficent stood and pleaded on behalf of Emma and her grandchild more so than Lily herself. She let the people see her pain over this situation. Red, Rodriguez, Granny, and a large chunk of the police force actually spoke in favor of pardoning Emma for various reasons. Emma was surprised when Regina stood up again.

            “I know, normally I should remain impartial, but as I am not the deciding figure here but a jury, I stand in place for my son, who I did not allow to be here. I plead for Emma, his mother, who he only just found. Emma on more than one occasion has proven herself a team player before she even realized it. She had every chance to rat me out to her superiors in an attempt to take Henry from me, but instead she showed kindness, understanding, and loyalty. I think a lot of us here can understand the toll abuse can take on one’s character.” Regina sat and more people spoke about leniency for Maleficent and Regina as well for inviting Lily to Underworld in the first place.

            “There should be some punishment,” Scarlett told them with her nose in the air.

            “Agreed, I do not expect to get off Scott-free,” Regina agreed. “If the pleading is done, we shall now select the jury. Jury please rise.” Several people rose, and Regina was careful not to choose people she knew were extremely loyal to her. Taking a mix of citizens who lived there and who did not but were more than eligible to be on a jury.

            “Juror 1, you may speak,” Regina said pointing to the woman she had chosen.

            “I think we can all agree that these thieves and sex traffickers would bring us no value that I can see. The rules are very clear, and no one has claimed them in the time they have been in our custody as family or spoken for them. Death for the thieves and torture for the sex traffickers.” Juror two stood up.

            “I do believe that Emre can prove himself to be a team player, no one spoke for him, but he spoke well for himself. I would like to take him on as my assistant.”

             “Please, please I can be a team player, I can be of value, I swear I was more afraid of you than the police. I’m only sixteen.”

            “A minor,” Regina said. “Remove Emre from the court, he’s my domain now, minors are not given to the jury.” An officer nodded and immediately removed Emre who looked relieved that he wasn’t going to be killed any time soon. Regina knew she’d send him to boot camp.

            “How do you find Emma Swan?” Regina asked when none of the jurors stood up to say more on the thieves or sex traffickers.

            “Emma Swan has been a model citizen since her arrival, she has respected our ways and even as an Interpol agent living here long term she never attempted to turn in, anyone whose crimes were not pardoned in a Non-U.S. state or territory. She has been everything that Lily has not been. I see no reason not to believe her version of events supported by the proof of her state, that she was coerced into the theft. Still, she has not paid anything for losing money 4, but I do believe that she will make good on her payments,” Juror three said.

            “I’m not convinced, but she was going to quit before and had plans to integrate in a little better. I would want her working on the farms or fishing boats as penance or maybe recycling.” There was some talk, but it was agreed that Emma would do time on the farms doing grunt work.

            “How do you find me?” Regina asked them.

            “Kill the bitch!” Lily yelled out. She was yanked roughly but not enough to topple her while pregnant.

            “We find you and Councilwoman Padovani guilty of perhaps squandering funds, we also believe that you need to work a little harder for the island and make you think twice.” Maleficent and Regina nodded, accepting their fate.

            “How do you find Lily Page?” Regina asked.

            “Guilty!” Someone yelled. The jurors actually stood close together now as they quietly discussed.

            “It would be against our laws to execute her or cause harm to her that would harm the fetus. Since she was not the mastermind, but rather a freeloader in the theft, we cannot put her up for death. Nor do we have any interest in keeping her locked up on taxpayer money, when she’s already stolen from us and put the bill on others.” There was a chorus of murmurs.

            “We beseech the council to make a onetime decision extradition to the highest bidder to ensure that we are paid, and she is not in our jail longer than necessary. We insist that the minor be removed from her care. She’s been careless enough with it. Afterwards she should be castrated as any male would be and sent to whomever to die or live is irrelevant to us.”

            “Very well, Ms. Swan, you can leave now, just go wait in my office,” Regina told her. Emma nodded and stood up.

            “EMMA!” Lily screeched. “Don’t you dare leave me here!” Emma looked back at her, but she kept putting one foot in front of the other until she was out the door. One of the officers she had made friends with took her to a small office that didn’t seem very used.

            “This is Regina’s office?”

            “Yes,” the officer answered. Emma sat but didn’t seem convinced, it was as sterile as her apartments with Lily had once been. This office was not in use.

 

             “Guards escort Lily Page back to her cell to await the birth of Mal’s grandchild, her final verdict will be delivered then. Until that point, she shall not have a hair on her head harmed.” They nodded and Lily was dragged out as she screamed at Emma to get her out of this or that she would kill them all especially her mother. Regina stood up and removed her judge’s robes. Scarlett also left with her nose in the air. Now that the trial was over in her view there was no need for her to be there.

            “I expect you two up early to fill your sentences for the next year,” Scarlet told them before she went.

            “Three months is enough you’ve paid the money,” juror seven told them.

            “Thank you for your leniency,” Regina said as she unzipped her judge’s robes and Crimson quickly took them from her. “Now that the jury has spoken, the Queen will speak.” Mazhar and the others gulped. “I don’t take kindly to thieves and rapists; it’s now time for you to pay. How will the accused thieves die?”

            “Hanging from an important building in Istanbul,” Someone cried.

            “Oh, a hanging with an improperly tied rope so that they struggle,” Maleficent said her eyes lighting up.

            “Oh no this is mine, you have sex traffickers to torture,” Red declared. Maleficent turned her gaze on them, and they practically peed themselves. “So it is that I do have a couple of new play toys.”

            “Fortunately for them, you don’t get to play until your punishment is over,” Regina reminded her. Maleficent pouted and pleaded with the jury to make a change to that stimulation, but she was refused.

            “Hang them, let everyone know that we will not be stolen from,” Regina told Red. Mazhar looked confused when he wasn’t dragged away.        

            “Oh no Mazhar, you’re with the sex traffickers, we’re going to make you wish we had hung you with a poor knot.” He gulped as they were also taken away. Court was adjourned officially for criminal proceedings.

            “While I have you, I would like to hear opinions on officially making Emma a citizen and allowing her to take up the position as Sheriff in order to improve our police force.” Rodriguez and the current Sheriff actually spoke about her qualities as an officer and why they thought it would be necessary for their image and protection. They discussed Emma for over an hour, but it was decided that when she either figured out or was told Regina was Queen and how she responded would be the final deciding factor. Until then she would be able to take up the mantel as Sheriff in order to attempt to successfully integrate her as well as let their police force gain valuable knowledge. When Regina eventually went to Emma she was curled up on the little couch and fast asleep. Regina bent down and gently shook her awake. Emma jumped of course, but she began to calm down when she realized it was Regina.

            “Sorry…” Emma started, and Regina could see she didn’t know what to do with herself as if Regina was expecting her to do something.

            “Emma…it’s okay, I just wanted to let you know we can go home, and most importantly that you’re free.”

            “Free?” Emma asked.

            “Yes, Lily is going to have the baby, and then it was agreed upon that the Americans or the Argentinians could have her for a price. Otherwise, we would enact the death penalty. One way or another, she’s not going to bother you again.” Emma’s eyes filled with tears, and she just threw herself into Regina hugging her as she cried. Regina just managed to keep her balance.

            “I’m free,” she cried.

 

 

 

 

 

 

            “Mamá,” Henry said as she sat having her tea and dinner. She was exhausted, she was up at five in the morning to work on the farms every day since the trial, and she also spent at least two hours in the evening working to shovel plastics and trash that came in from the oceans. And on the weekends, it was a half day on the farms and a half day in the conservation factory. Maleficent was just as exhausted as her and already passed out. Emma was also being put through her pace, Rodriguez got her up even earlier for a run before she spent half the day on the farm, and the other half as an officer learning their ways and teaching. She had gladly joined their ranks when Regina told her, her knowledge would allow her to apply for citizenship and that there would be a test only if she could convince the people that she would make a good Sheriff. So, people needed to see her enforcing the law and becoming a better member of the community.

            “Sí, mi Cielo?” Regina asked. She used one arm to pull him close. He was already dressed for bed and probably should have been asleep already. While Maleficent had completely forgone dinner, Emma had started to opt for parts of a sandwich that she had just thrown into a bowl, but smelled Regina’s dinner and decided she rather could wait for it to warm up.

            “Why did you let her live?” Henry asked her. Regina paused in taking another drink in her tea and Emma choked on her pasta.

            “You mean Lily I presume?” Regina asked. He nodded.

            “We gotta protect Emma, why did you not kill her?” he asked.

            “Henry…murder isn’t the answer to everything,” Emma told him. He frowned.

            “Henry, our laws do not include taking the life of innocents involved in crimes committed by the guilty. Just as you would not be punished because of me, Mal’s grandchild, and your cousin will not be punished because of Lily.” Henry frowned.

            “Who cares about her or her child, she should die, for what she did to Emma,” Henry told them as tears appeared in his eyes.

            “Henry, you hacked the trial recordings, didn’t you?” Henry looked down and away despite his tears. “I put three firewalls on that, and you broke through every one of them?” Henry’s cheeks colored pink as he nodded. Regina huffed as she stared off for a moment.

            “So, the student is surpassing the master, it would seem I need to step up my game,” Regina teased him as she kissed his forehead. Henry couldn’t help the small smile that played on his lips at the praise. Emma, however, was red in the face and trying to bury her face in her food.

            “Henry…I…” Emma started.

            “It’s not your fault,” Henry told her and went over to hug her. “I just don’t want her to hurt you anymore.”

            “I know, kid, and she’s not. She will be gone soon, and I will be here, safe with you and your mom, Red, Mal, and even Graham.”

            “That’s right, so I don’t want you worrying after Emma, she’s healing remember.” Henry nodded.

            “I’m scared she’ll leave again,” Henry said.

            “She won’t, she’ll be sheriff soon, I’m sure,” Regina told him.

            “But it’s so much,” Henry said. “I just want to explode, I’m really mad and really scared.” Emma was in tears as Regina pulled him close.

            “Well only time can heal the fear for both of you, but I promise, I’m doing everything I can to make sure she’s got more reasons to stay than to go. I mean look at the police station, it’s practically her own temple, she’s like a Goddess there.” Henry chuckled as he nodded. “And you know she’s been working hard to help grow our food, and we both know how much she loves my cooking.” Henry giggled as if this was some huge secret.

            ‘As usual she knows just what to say,’ Emma thought. ‘I was never meant to be Henry’s mother without her.’

            “What about with how angry I feel?” Henry asked. “I know, I was a brat and had a lot of tantrums, but I was still angry.”

            “Oh honey, it’s okay you did your time, don’t dwell on anything, but the lessons you learned. You’re young, and what you went through emotionally was just as big as what Emma or I experienced during that time too or different times in our lives. You dealt with it the only way you knew how, unfortunately for us both, that meant tantrums.”

            “I know you said, but I still feel bad,” Henry said. “And angry and I don’t understand still why she had to hurt Emma.”

            “There’s no justification for it,” Regina replied. “But if we can take a logical standpoint, we know that sometimes, people who are abused as children often try to recreate or do harm to others to sort of justify to themselves and to their victims, what happen to them or it’s their attempt to make sense of it. It’s why we have such strict laws against abuse on the island or strong family laws. The thing about criminals is you don’t just grow up to be one, you get pushed to the end of your rope until you have nothing left to give. That pusher can range from socioeconomic reasons to abuse or rejection. A lot of people here have lost their family in different ways or been treated poorly. Underworld is the place for those of us who have come full circle.”

            “So, people here have hurt other people, because they were hurt?” Henry asked.

            “Yes, and no,” Regina answered. “Not everyone is like Lily, but it’s like I’ve always told you, being a criminal means that sometimes people get hurt. You don’t always want them too, but sometimes someone has to die.”

       “Which is why you shouldn’t be a criminal,” Emma told them both. “I know criminals live here, and you used to be a little delinquent too, but you have a surprisingly peaceful island. I don’t even see people arguing. And no way Lily could turn it around to come full circle to that.”     

            “Well, that’s because we settle problems once a year at an annual fight in the end of Autumn,” Regina quipped. “Then we all go drinking afterwards. No one is off limits unless injured, pregnant, or under the age of ten years old. Although two injured parties or two pregnant women could in theory fight it out if they chose.” Emma now sat up with her mouth hanging open.

            “Wow, I’ve heard everything,” Emma said shaking her head. “How do you even come up with this stuff?

            “We can’t take the credit, it’s an Indigenous Peruvian tradition that we took as our own,” Henry told her. “We learn about the original every year, and how the Queen ended up deciding to make use of this practice in the early days of Underworld’s creation.”

            “Who is the Queen?” Emma asked out of habit. “I thought she would be at the trial, but she was not.”

            “The Queen is everyone,” they replied.

            “The Queens is the council, the Queen is this island, and the Queen is her people,” Regina continued. Henry repositioned himself so that Regina could eat her food.

            “So, the Queen doesn’t have absolute power,” Emma stated hoping she had finally gotten a bit more information. Regina chewed her food and swallowed before speaking.

            “I wouldn’t say that we choose to consider each other, we choose to say that everyone is welcome during any trial, anyone may speak for or against the accused. Or you can speak for yourself or appoint someone if you aren’t eloquent. But on the flip side of that, when it comes to criminal activity that’s a completely different Queen and we all know what she wants.”

            “Death,” Henry said as mimicked cutting his throat.

            “So, who is the Queen?” Emma asked again as Regina tickled Henry a little to prompt him from fake dying.

            “I told you, it’s everyone,” Regina replied.

            “But you’ve been here since its inception, you said criminal money is as good as anybody’s money. So, you must know.” Regina didn’t say a word as she continued eating her dinner. “All right fine, I suppose, I will get to meet her when I am finally elected to Sheriff. That is a pretty high office, and I doubt she wouldn’t want to meet me for herself.” Regina only smiled at her a little.

            “I make you no promises that once you are appointed, anyone will be there,” Regina teased.

            “Regina, you and Henry better definitely be there, I won’t need much else,” Emma cried.

            “I don’t know we’d be really busy,” Regina lightly teased.

            “Regina!”  Emma exclaimed.

            “Henry’s got school, and you know for me it’s never ending at work,” Regina went on.

            “You’re the worst you know that, right?” Emma pouted as she crossed her arms. Regina and Henry chuckled. “If you won’t be there, maybe I should just quit, and become a bounty hunter, people come here all the time to sale or hide out.” Henry and Regina groaned.

            “Emma, that’s betrayal four here in the courts, you just escaped a death penalty, and now you want to jeopardize your citizenship and life over the chump change nations are offering? You can’t betray anyone now; you said you were a team player and that means following our laws.”

            “Oh, so I shouldn’t tell people that “Claire”, I mean Red is the Red Assassin?” Emma asked with a slight grin. Henry and Regina didn’t blink an eye. “I knew you knew.”

            “Is this supposed to be news?” Henry asked. “I thought we were just teasing, but I didn’t know we were trying to drop information bombs.” Regina and Emma had to chuckle at him.

            “No, honey, Emma was teasing yes about the betrayal, but she also saw an opportunity to see how many secrets we’d tell her,” Regina told him. “Although, I put large quotes on Red being a secret.” Henry nodded.

            “Oooh, that’s a good trick, Emma, I didn’t even know what you were doing. You have to teach me how to do that.”

            “No, not until you’re older,” Regina told him. “Like thirty.”  Henry’s eyes went wide.

            “Oh, but Mamá, that’s so far.” Regina chuckled as she finished her food.

            “Before I forget, did you want anything specific for your birthday?” Regina asked. “Maybe you’re missing something you used to have in France or from the U.S.?”

             “My birthday, no forget about my birthday, you’ve done more than enough for me, I’ll spend the rest of my life paying you back.”

            “You don’t owe me anything,” Regina told her drinking the last of her tea and taking her dishes into the kitchen. When she came back Henry was trying to list things she might want.

            “No, you two get my birthday out of your heads,” Emma told them both firmly. “I’m just happy to be a live for one, and to be in a place where I have people that care about me, genuinely.”

            “All right, I mean if that’s what you want,” Henry sighed as if this was the most boring thing in the world. Regina nodded in agreement, but they both had evil grins on their faces.

            “What have you done?” Emma asked as Henry faked a yawn.

            “Mamá, tuck me in?” Henry asked Regina. She nodded.

            “Oh, but of course my little prince, I think I will even join you; I’m exhausted and could use your cuddles.” Emma glared at them but took her own things to the kitchen. When she got up to Henry’s room, they were waiting for her and cuddled up to Henry on the opposite side of Regina. Emma had to smile at them as they slept a little later, was it only a year ago that something like this would have seemed so impossible. She made a promise to herself that not only was she going to do her best as Henry’s mother, but she was also going to be Regina’s girlfriend and hopefully her wife one day.

 

 

            “Emma, Emma,” Regina called. Emma yawned and woke up.

            “What, what’s wrong?” Emma asked. Regina chuckled. “Oh, shit did I sleep in, I’m late.”

            “You’re not late, you got your birthday off remember, now get up and get dressed, come downstairs.” Regina tossed Emma’s first pair of birthday pajamas onto her head. Naturally they matched her and Henry’s birthday pajamas for that year, Henry hadn’t worn his yet, but he’d forgone a celebration all together with friends, wanting all the attention on Emma. Tradition dictated that she and Henry be dressed in the matching pajamas. Henry had thought about scrapping their old design to put yellow VW bugs on them, but Regina told him, that Emma wanted to be blend in rather than stand out.

            “What the…” Emma said.

            “Hurry up, Emma,” Regina said before quickly leaving the room and going downstairs. Downstairs, Henry was practically bouncing as they waited for Emma. They’d made Emma’s favorite French toast with homemade maple walnut syrup, topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries, and a side of eggs and sausage. To drink there was freshly squeezed orange juice. 

            “Mooom,” Henry called up the stairs. He had yet to call her that consistently on purpose. Regina and he had talked about it, and he had expressed wanting to use it for Emma more often or rather all the time. It had taken Regina a few days, but she had finally agreed to share the title. It was at this point they heard rushing, a cry that sounded like she had hurt herself, and a thump that may have been the wall.

            “Oh Emma,” Regina sighed in exasperation. Henry chuckled as he waited at the bottom of the stairs. Finally, though, Emma appeared dressed in her birthday pajamas with a big smile they hadn’t seen in ages. They smiled back just as big.

            “Oh, you look pretty,” Regina complimented as she held up the polaroid camera with a grin and snapped a photo. Emma blushed at the compliment.

            “Come on it’s time for your official birthday photo in front of the fireplace,” Henry declared.  He pulled her the rest of the way down the stairs, and she gasped when she saw their old family photo up. They had mentioned that they took it down, because Henry broke down into sobs every time while she was gone. She wiped her tears and after she composed herself, she was able to smile for the camera.

            “All right now together,” Regina said. She put a timer on and before her and Henry hurried and gathered around Emma, but Henry just ended up toppling them, and they laughed at the photo, but managed a more composed one after.

            “Oh, before we start on your birthday breakfast, first surprise.”

            “First, this has to be the third by now,” Emma said turning to look at Regina, but then she realized that there was a board next to Henry’s marking his height and age.”

            “Mom, I’m sorry we had to hack your medical records, but we needed your height,” Henry told her. “Mom and I worked on it late at night sometimes or really early, when I got into trouble.” He put large quotes in the air, and Emma remembered he’d done something to warrant early morning wake ups to go work with the wolves, but apparently that had all been a ruse. Regina also woke up that early to do her time, but Emma woke up at a reasonable hour, because of her health, she was still recovering, and Dr. Whale had said the goal wasn’t to kill Emma.

            “We managed to track your height from birth, because you were measured, your height, weight, and age are all consistently recorded because of the scientists until the age of five, but then you had yearly checkups until about 16, but girls usually stop growing by then, so I didn’t record it, so that if you are the same, we could make it a fresh mark, just like Henry.” Emma was absolutely sobbing now.

            “Come on Emma, I didn’t do any of my birthday stuff, so that I could do it with you,” Henry grinned.

            “Oh, which reminds me before I forget young man, my birthday picture of you.” Henry giggled and posed for it before Regina took the time to measure Henry.

            “Hey, no tippy toes young man, heels to the wall,” Regina teasingly scolded. Henry gave a huff but did so and frowned when he lost a few inches. Emma had to chuckle and watch Regina measure and mark it accordingly with pencil for now. And then it was her turn, she stood on the tips of her toes just like Henry and Regina huffed and scolded her lightly before complaining she would need a stool at this point to reach Emma. Emma had to laugh when Regina did in fact get a stool to boost herself the few inches to make sure she had a clear line, and Emma’s age of 27. Regina took a tape measure though to get the actual number and record them for both Henry and Emma.

            “You’ll be happy to know, you grew an inch more than what was recorded at sixteen,” Regina told her as they went over to the table that was filled with her favorite breakfast.

            “I am, oh where’s Mal and Red?” Emma asked seeing their places weren’t set. “Or Graham for that matter, there’s food.” Henry and Regina chuckled.

            “Henry requested that it be just the three of us because it’s your first birthday with us, and so I could have the day off they’re covering for me.”

            “Oh, what about school?” Emma asked, looking at Henry.

            “He’s been excused, we did all of his work last night after you were in bed, so he won’t be behind, and he can relax today.” Emma nodded with a smile. They served Emma first and they all dug in.

            “Oh, Graham’s going to be so jealous, you really outdid yourselves this morning, they’re the best batch you ever made,” Emma complimented.

            “All Henry, I just watched,” Regina said.

            “Very good Henry.” Henry beamed at them knowing that Regina had given a little more help than she said. As they were finishing up their meal, Emma noted that Henry was once again bouncing with excitement. She wondered if they had more surprises or if he was just happy eating as Regina referred to it.

            “Do I look like that when I eat?” Emma asked Regina.

            “You bounce more especially if it’s really good in your opinion, and it always is,” Regina laughed. Emma chuckled.

            “So, what are we doing for charity today?” Emma asked them, knowing that it wasn’t just something they did on Henry’s birthday, but Regina’s as well. And if they were staying true to form, they would be doing something on her birthday too.

            “Ah well, as you know Henry’s go to is Operation Smile, we did that on his actual birthday already because we agreed it wouldn’t be fair to make them wait when they may potentially be expecting his yearly donation.” Emma nodded.

            “Yes, I’m very glad you didn’t not give to them on account of me,” Emma said. “I wouldn’t have felt right about that.” Henry nodded.

            “Yeah, mom explained to me that even though we weren’t really in contact with them like some big donors, that they had taken notice to the date and amount, and probably had plans. I didn’t want to delay treatment for some children on accident.”

            “I’m proud of you for being able to understand that even though you were really sad,” Emma told him. He smiled big at her. Regina smiled too, Emma was learning to say more to Henry that she was proud of him for thinking things through and doing the things that would sit right with his conscious.

            “Since Henry has his personal one, you should think about and tell me what your personal charity will be.” Emma nodded.

            “Who is yours, you never said on your birthday, I mean we gave blood, but…” Emma trailed off.

            “Oh, typically Human Rights Campaign, but I started a charity, that basically goes to impoverished, indigenous, or tribal communities and they talk about women’s rights and health. And I send a doctor for the entire community. And my last thing is I look for a charity making moves on Domestic Violence and donate to them. Other than that, I have a website where people can apply for my birthday grant. I typically grant them all.”

            “Wow, that’s really nice,” Emma said.

            “I have a lot of money that would otherwise sit there,” Regina shrugged. “I cannot possibly spend it all in my lifetime.”

            “Grandma could,” Henry snickered. Regina laughed.

            “That is true, I’m amazed at the way she burns through money, probably because she thinks the faucet is never ending, you wouldn’t think it, but the woman does in fact know how to save what she has.”

            “I think this year, I want to do something for domestic violence, but maybe something for foster kids as well.” Regina nodded.

            “Well settle on it, since this is your champion cause, but in the meantime, there was something else I created in your name.” Emma looked up surprised as she had been in thought on the matter.

            “Oh?” Emma asked.

            “It’s my idea too,” Henry grinned. She smiled at him.

            “We created the Swan Scholarship for higher education among the teens that we took in…” Emma was looking confused. “Oh right, you were gone before you heard about it.”  Emma frowned at the memory of Lily taking her from her family for what she hoped was the last time.

            “So, we made a deal with America, we built boarding schools for homeless or foster LGBTQIA youth, and they teach them how to build and fix our sanitation equipment, to help America make good on some of their environmental promises. But not everyone wants to do that, but it’s a means to an end, and secures their future. So far after our assessment we’ll be sponsoring two people to business school and one towards a doctorate. I don’t want to force them into a job they don’t like and, like you, they’re probably looking for a new family. So, we gave them the Swan way, and as long as they meet the requirements which is studying hard, we will pay the entire way until they are stable enough to live on their own.”

            “If the Swan way was meant as an apology for accidentally getting me put out on the street, apology accepted. Well, it was already accepted because you were the only one sorry, but this…this is better.” Emma hugged them both.

            “I suppose it is, I couldn’t be the person you needed back then, but I’m gonna do what someone should have done for you. What I would have done had I known.” Emma was practically sobbing.

            “So, what else is there, I know you too well by now,” Emma said to Henry who was now grinning very big.

            “Well to be fair, I made the plans last year before Lily brought the diamonds,” Henry pouted. Emma chuckled and waited patiently as she kissed his cheek. “Flying lessons!” Emma’s eyes went wide as Henry’s excitement could no longer be contained and his pout was gone. “I remembered what you said about wanting to become a pilot once, and I just thought you might actually like to fly. We both have our first lesson today, but I bought you lots more.” Emma was practically jumping with Henry in excitement.

            “Did you sneak and get me something too?” Emma asked Regina after she had swung him around in a circle.

            “Well, technically I’m paying for the flying lessons,” Regina laughed making them laugh as well. “But no, my gift to you is this day, all alone with Henry, and grilled cheese for lunch with your favorite, my sun dried tomatoes. Plus, I know how much you love my Chile Verde, and I got some bomb tomatillos yesterday.”

            “Wait what, for the first time you’re giving Henry and I alone time, that is not in this house where you’re technically nearby anyway?” Emma asked to be sure she was not dreaming. Today had been too good already. Henry had called her mom; they’d given her thoughtful gifts already. Regina nodded. Emma cheered out loud in delight. “I’m sorry, please don’t think I wouldn’t want you to join us, but I don’t wanna stand in your way of making magic in the kitchen. You know that would be really cruel on my part after all you’ve done.”

            “To whom?” Regina laughed. “Me or you?” Emma only grinned at her.

            “Obviously to my sweet baby boy, who loves your Chile Verde,” Emma replied diplomatically while pulling a laughing Henry close. 

            “Very funny,” Regina pretended to pout, and all Emma wanted to do was kiss the cute pout away, but she did not. “You two should get ready anyway, you’ll be late for your date. Your lunches will be waiting at the beach when you’re done flying.” They both hurried up the stairs to get ready after Emma read her birthday cards, there were more than she was expecting. There were the ones from Graham, Red, Henry, Regina, Mal, Ingrid, and Granny. What she wasn’t expecting were the ones from her co-workers at the police station. She was so used to jealous co-workers and maybe her two friends at work. In this case her friend was Rodriguez, but it was clear she had more than she realized. Also, she’d apparently endeared herself to the people she worked with at the farm, and Sergeant Dauntless.

            Regina also got changed into a pair of shorts and a top as she mentally went over if she had everything ready to go, or to cook. She packed up the sun dried tomatoes, cheese, and bread slices. Someone came to pick them up since they would be in charge of the grill. Emma would no doubt become distracted and burn everything. She kissed Henry goodbye as they were getting ready to leave.

            “What no goodbye kiss for me?” Emma asked jokingly, but behind that there was a hint of hope. Regina chuckled and kissed her cheek. She turned to Henry.

            “You make sure Emma behaves herself, and doesn’t get into too much trouble, yeah?” Henry laughed and nodded.

            “I’ll keep my eye on her, don’t worry,” Henry laughed.

            “Ha, ha very funny, I’m good when I don’t have supervision,” Emma laughed.

            “Right, but remember Ms. Swan, you are parenting now, not friending.” Emma saluted her and knew that she would look after Henry. Regina trusted them to get onto a plane after all and fly it. Henry opened the door, and they all came face to face with Tink. Emma’s stomach sank at the sight of her, and now she would spend her whole birthday thinking about Tink being with Regina in the way she wanted too. Emma’s hands balled into fists and her shoulders tensed.

            “Hi Tink,” Henry greeted.

            “Hi Henry, how are you today?” Tink asked him.

            “Good, Mom and I are going flying,” Henry grinned.

            “Oh, that sounds cool, what are you doing today for your birthday Emma?” Tink asked. Emma nearly growled.

            “No, I meant Emma,” Henry corrected. “Mom’s staying home to cook for us.” He grinned at that.

            “Oh well that sounds really lovely,” Tink replied. “Happy Birthday, Emma, but it seems it is already very happy.”

            “It was,” Emma grumbled not really replying. Regina patted her back gently.

            “Tink, what brings you over, is something wrong?” Regina asked.

            “Ah yes, there’s some work related stuff that I need to run by you, super important, I know you weren’t at the morning meeting, but I just want to make sure you know about it at least.” Regina huffed.

            “No, no work today, I will look at it tomorrow, if it was that important, I would have already been informed.” Tink huffed but walked away and Emma’s smile returned to see her go. She initiated another round of hugs and a kiss to her delight as she’d been about to protest after Henry got a second kiss but not her. Regina waved them off and shut the door before she just closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and enjoyed the feeling of being alone in her house for the first time in weeks.  

            “Rose Green Tinker is at the door,” The computer announced with Regina’s voice as the bell rang.

            “Seriously,” Regina huffed. She turned on her heel and opened the door to reveal that Tink was back. She came in and immediately wrapped her arms around Regina’s neck. They hadn’t seen each other sexually since brunch, if not a little before that because Regina was either on the farm, in the conservatory, working, or parenting. She was not at all wasting sleep hours on Tink when she was exhausted. The sex wasn’t so good she’d stay up for it, she had Red or Maleficent for that. When she thought about it there were a few other flings on the island that were better. Tink was just a consistent distraction until she wasn’t. Regina had assumed she was pissed at her for saying once again they were not dating and finally just gave up on being more than a sexual fling. So, when she hadn’t texted or called Regina, she hadn’t texted or called.

            “Tink, what are you doing?” Regina asked, getting her arms from around her and stepping out of her embrace.

            “You haven’t been to see me, text me, or call me,” Tink pouted. “So, I thought I had best come see you.”

            “Yes, because you and I are not on the same page and you keep telling people you’re my girlfriend,” Regina reminded her. Tink continued to pout.

            “Come on, you don’t have to be shy, I know, I know I should have maybe discussed it with you more, but I wanna be your girlfriend, why can’t I?” Regina let out a breath as she thought about her answer.

            “To be honest…”

            “Ugh, it’s because Emma is back, isn’t it?” Tink accused. Regina rolled her eyes.

            “What does my desire or rather lack thereof for wanting you as a girlfriend have to do with Emma?” Regina asked.

            “You’re always doing everything for her, whatever she needs, but when I tell you I need you, you ignore me.”

            “Because you don’t need me, you just want to have sex,” Regina replied.

            “Not true, you never want to do anything except have sex. You never take me out or let me take you out. You won’t come say hi to my mom unless you randomly see her on the street. I wanted you to meet my sister and the kids, but still you had some excuse. And all of that since Emma’s return.”

            “You didn’t ask before Emma’s return, and I’m not your girlfriend nor do I want to be paraded around as such.” Tink looked down and let out a breath.

             “Look, let’s not fight we can hash it out another time, but today is your day off right, you’ve been working so hard. I just wanted to come over and help you relax.” Tink moved forward and kissed Regina. Regina took a step back.

            “I have a lot to do today with dinner and cleaning.”

            “Let me help you,” Tink said. “Come on, you don’t even give me a chance, please.”

            “Fine, fine you can clean up, but then you really need to go, I had a bath planned and I want to read my book and enjoy the time I have left in my house alone. Be done by the time I get the food cooking.” Regina turned and went into the kitchen. Tink came in with the breakfast dishes and she packed away the leftovers for tomorrow and loaded the dishwasher before she disappeared again. Once she had the Chile Verde simmering on low, because she loved to stew it all day, she made pineapple rum cake. She changed it up though to make it more like a birthday cake. She used rum butter cream frosting for the inside instead of the glaze she normally made as well as fresh pineapples that had been cooked in the glaze and baked with each cake layer. Then she topped it with yellow butter cream frosting, making sure to do the first layer to catch all the crumbs and placing it in the refrigerator. While she was waiting, Tink was vacuuming, so she ran her bath, set up her book, and her favorite candy, her chocopologies, and set out proper candles. She went back into the kitchen and cleaned up all the extras while running the dishwasher.

            She added another layer for frosting making it a smooth surface on all sides as she followed a youtube video. She watched it every time she made Henry’s cakes because they had to be perfect. She had already made and decorated a smaller cake in red and gold for him last night. He had insisted that the cake only be for Emma, but she wouldn’t leave him out as she wanted to celebrate that he was ten years old. Once she had it smooth, she covered the outside in coconut, but frosting swirls on the edges. She used a blow torch to caramelize the pineapple slices she had cut into a duck and dipped in the usual glaze. She placed each one carefully into the swirls with a toothpick. She used the rum icing to write Happy Birthday, Emma. As an afterthought to fill some space between each swirl she made Frangipani flowers from the yellow and brown frosting.

            “Perfect,” Regina grinned. She put Emma’s cake away to stay cool, she had cleared out all the space. She put the finishing touches on Henry’s cake as well and put it away. She checked on her Chile Verde, grateful that her tub would keep her bath heated. She finished cleaning her kitchen and looked at her watch. She had lost two hours, but that was expected. At least with Tink having done the cleaning, she could decorate quickly and enjoy her bath.

            “Huh, was sure she’d say goodbye,” Regina muttered. She quickly pulled the decoration out of her office and set up. She headed up the stairs ready for her bath. When she went into her bedroom though she immediately frowned seeing Tink’s things were in her room, but she wasn’t in her bed. She went over to her bathroom and opened the door to find Tink already in the bath, reading on her phone, and eating her chocopologies.

            “Oh, hey baby, finally ready to join me in the bath?” Tink grinned.

            “I said alone, I wanted to enjoy it alone,” Regina said annoyed that her candles had been lit all this time and she wasn’t even enjoying it, or the water that had clearly splashed on her book, which was now on the floor, and worse of all for her it was her chocopologies. Tink was eating thousand dollar chocolate truffles that she didn’t buy with frequency. These were her treat to herself, and the things were delicious. “Please tell me you just started eating my chocolate, because that’s the only way I’m going to not be mad.” Tink picked up the box and looked in and gave her a nervous smile.

            “Oops, I must not have noticed how many I ate,” Tink said.  Regina ran a hand over her face.

            “Are you kidding me, there were six and they cost 250 dollars a truffle, and you ate them all.”

            “Sorry, you took too long,” Tink pouted.

            “Just get out of the bath and go home,” Regina said as her emergency ring rang. She turned and took her phone out of her pocket. She answered. “What!” While she was downstairs, she angrily found the second box that she hoped and prayed Henry hadn’t found. He’d found it a few times already, and now Tink. She handled the crisis and hung up once more. She walked back out taking a deep breath now that she had her second box. Tink was slowly coming downstairs to her annoyance, but she wasn’t going back up and Tink was getting the fuck out of her house.

             “Tink hurry up!” Regina called. Tink huffed but came down just as her phone rang again. Regina sighed and looked to see who it was. It wasn’t her emergency so she would ignore it, but she couldn’t help looking to see who it was. She saw Emma’s name appear and immediately answered.

            “Hi Emma, is everything all right, are you two having fun?” Regina asked thinking maybe Emma had a panic attack, sometimes she called her just to hear her voice and ground herself. She didn’t worry about the plane though because they had a very experienced pilot with them.

            “Uh no, no, the plane crashed into a reef, the pilot is unconscious, Henry is trapped, I can’t get his leg out!” Emma screamed.

            “Mamá!” Henry cried. 

            “I’m coming!” Regina screamed as she stood up and hurried to get her shoes and jacket on.

            “What’s happening?” Tink asked.

            “Stay here, watch the food please, so my house doesn’t burn down while I go save them from drowning.” Tink’s eyes went wide as she nodded. Regina was gone and calling the fire department on the way. Soon there was rescue team up in the air in helicopters as they used a beacon from the plane to locate them. Regina paced the landing strip at the hospital not knowing what state they would be in when they arrived.

            “We’ve got them.” She heard on the radio. “They’re all alive.” The pilot seemed to have the most severe injuries, and Emma the least. Henry’s leg was broken, but he was breathing and conscious. As soon as they were at the hospital, they were all rushed in.

            “Emma lay down,” Regina ordered. She was now dressed in scrubs from the hospital and meant to be getting warm.

            “I can’t, I want to go with Henry,” Emma said.

            “You bring the blanket, and one of those warmies,” Dr. Whale told her seeing she wouldn’t stay. Emma did so and once she was well wrapped they took Henry to another room where they could reset and cast his leg. Regina blocked his view and spoke to him only in Spanish as he cried, and Emma also told him it was going to be all right as a nurse lay on his lower half and Dr. Whale pulled everything back into alignment. Regina was in tears with him and no matter how much pain, he kept insisting that he didn’t want drugs to go to sleep because it was Emma’s birthday.

            “Kid forget about my birthday; we’re just going to go home now and relax okay. It’s not like there’s a party.” Henry looked away not wanting to ruin the surprise. “No, how many people did you invite?”

            “It’s not a huge party, we knew you weren’t ready, but just the essentials plus Rodriguez,” Regina told her. 

            “Sweet pea,” Maleficent called from the door.

            “Auntie Mal,” he cried and literally shook off Regina and Emma.

            “Should I be as offended as I feel?” Emma asked making Red chuckle as she came into the room with a limping Graham.

            “Yeah, we all suffer like this,” Red said before she got her hug in.

            “We’ll be broken leg buddies,” Graham told Henry. “And look Killian drew me a peg leg.”

            “Oh, that’s cool,” Henry said cuddled up to Maleficent. “Will we sign it like my arm cast?” They all nodded that they would do that, but after Killian agreed to draw on his cast.

            “Come on, let’s get you home and into bed,” Regina told him. “I’m keeping pain medication on hand, after a certain point, you will have no choice, understand?”

            “Sí mamá,” Henry said. They were helping him out of bed and into a wheelchair when Tink ran in looking panicked.

            “I just heard on the news; Henry, are you okay?” She asked. Regina rolled her eyes at Tink but didn’t begrudge her asking because she’d always been friendly to Henry.

            “We were just leaving,” Emma said as she crossed her arms.

            “Oh right, Henry should be in bed.” They left the hospital after checking on the pilot, he would survive. Emma told them what happened.

            “You know it was that stupid plane, he wouldn’t take me to Argentina in. He said no long flights, but it had been doing fine going to Tahiti or something and it was a good plane to learn on,” Regina muttered. She could see that her and Emma would need to talk because she was clearly freaking out.

            “Uncle Graham, will Killian be back tonight?” Henry asked.

            “I think so, he had to pick up your aunt, and I’m pretty sure he took the fast boat out, so will be back in record time.” Henry smiled as they pushed him out of the hospital. They didn’t want him walking. In front they were met by a pod that easily allowed Henry to roll into it and get the front seat. There were benches on the side for everyone else. Regina scanned her bracelet.

            “Home,” Regina said. The pod doors closed, and they headed back to her place as she fussed over making sure Henry was secure.

            “Honey you are shaking, I promise I won’t give you the full dose.” Henry frowned and grunted as Emma pushed him towards the door. “I know my prince, but you won’t miss anything I promise.” He sighed and nodded. They made Emma at least go in first and she was very happy with the decoration. Once Henry was inside Regina transferred him to the couch as he cried that he did not want to be in bed. She brought over the cushion ottoman that usually went with her armchair and put his leg up. He grimaced but was more upset when she squirted Tylenol into his mouth.

            “Oh, you didn’t say it was this,” he grumbled. Regina chuckled and shrugged. She put her coat away and went upstairs to get him a warm pair of pajamas. She ended up finding his shorts to his space paranoid pajamas and grabbing her leg warmers and fuzzy socks followed by his robe.

            “You can go home now,” Emma told Tink.

            “All right, arms up,” Regina said.

            “Tink can you please turn around,” Henry said.

            “What for, you haven’t got anything I don’t know about,” Tink told him.

            “If you don’t want to be slapped, I suggest you respect his request for privacy,” Maleficent told her annoyed. Tink immediately turned around. Regina helped Henry change clothes as Red lit a fire to bring more warmth into the living room. Regina spread the couch blanket over him and Emma.

            “What’s that smell?” Emma asked. Regina stood up straight and immediately turned towards the kitchen.

            “My food!” Regina hurried into the kitchen as Tink, Emma, Red, and Maleficent followed her. She turned down the fire, which was higher than she had left it. She noted her floor was sticky and there was hints of yellow frosting and glass. She immediately turned to the refrigerator and found Emma’s cake gone.

            “Where is her cake?” Regina asked turning on Tink.

            “It fell out of the refrigerator when I was grabbing a glass of milk,” Tink told her. “I must have accidentally knocked the fire up and didn’t see. The computer was telling me the news so after I cleaned up, I ran to the hospital.”

            “Get out now, you weren’t invited to the party, so please leave,” Regina said.

            “Oh, but baby I’m here…” Tink was cut off by Maleficent dragging her out by the hair. Regina checked the food, but it was clearly ruined as it was stuck to the bottom of her pot. Emma had never seen Regina angrily throw away food until that very moment and found the remnants of Emma’s cake.

            “Damn it,” Regina growled.

            “Regina it’s okay really, I don’t need…”

            “No, all will be well I can remake the cake, I’ll just clear out the freezer for cooling purposes, I can do this, I just…I just…” Regina looked around her kitchen.

            “No, what about dinner, you take ages to cook Chile Verde. We can order out from Granny’s or something.” Regina gave a cry of frustration and broke the glass that Tink had apparently used for milk. Emma jumped and took a step back.

            “I’m sorry,” Regina said taking several deep breaths trying to calm down. She did not want Granny’s for dinner, she wanted her Chile Verde. It was literally her favorite dish, and she had been planning her next few lunches and dinners. She loved it so much she literally let Henry have a sandwich or anything else he decided to experiment with in the kitchen depending on his mood. Red moved closer and hugged Regina tight.

            “I know you don’t want Granny’s, but you’ve done a lot today, and you were already exhausted yesterday. Red rocked side to side and Emma wished she had been able to just hug Regina and help her calm down.

            “No, I will make tacos that’s quick, I want my own cooking at least, and I’ll grab some mini cakes from the bakery, only Henry’s is left and it’s a personal sized one.”

            “Moms?” Henry called. They came back out of the kitchen.

            “Dinner is ruined, I’m making tacos, and so is Emma’s cake, I don’t have time to make a new one,” Regina told him. He frowned.

            “Is that why Auntie Mal dragged Tink out by her hair?” They nodded. “Good, you worked so hard on it.”

            “I did, it was probably my best work yet.”

            “Aww, I’m sorry mamá,” he gave her a hug. “But I’m extra sorry about Chile Verde, I know you love it.” Regina nodded.

            “It’s your favorite?” Emma asked surprised.

            “She never makes Chile Verde for other people, Mom, just herself,” Henry chuckled. Regina smirked.

            “Hey, I thought it was my birthday,” Emma huffed.

            “Yes, well I did put my heart and talent into your cake, at least I’ll have a picture to remember it bye.” She showed them.

            “Oh no, it was perfect,” Emma said getting tears in her eyes.

            “I can’t believe she hates you that much,” Regina muttered. “She had one job after ruining my day. Keep my house from burning down while I saved you two from dying.”

            “Why was she even here,” Maleficent as she sat.

            “Work,” Regina said making large quotes and rolling her eyes. “Since she bothered me, I made her clean to save me time, and then she like snuck upstairs, got in my bath, and ate my chocopologies.”

            “Tink wants to be your girlfriend, but she sure is stupid, only I’m allowed to do that,” Henry laughed.

            “You aren’t allowed, you just call your grandmother to defend you when I get mad,” Regina reminded him. He gave her a kiss in response. “Seriously if Emma hadn’t called in that moment, I maybe would have drowned her today.”

            “Ah darn, Henry why did you have to get your leg stuck, it could have bought us a few minutes,” Emma quipped. They all laughed knowing Emma was joking, and Regina potentially might have committed murder. After a moment Regina went to the store and was upset to find Tink buying all the tomatillos. She waited outside for Regina asking her to apologize for Maleficent and to invite her back if she wanted to remake the dish.

            “Fuck off Tink, you didn’t ruin dinner for Emma, you ruined it for me, Chile Verde is my favorite. Matter of fact, you just ruined my whole day.” Tink got mad and smashed the tomatillos on the ground. Regina walked away shaking her head. When she got back home, Rodriguez had arrived while Red and Maleficent had set up refreshments. Ingrid was in the door behind her as well as Granny who helped her in the kitchen. She plated the small cakes she had picked up, a little something of everyone’s favorite. Henry’s cake became the centerpiece, but he insisted on putting Emma’s candles in the cake too and Regina managed to at least add an ‘and Emma’ to the Happy Birthday.

            “Are we still waiting for anyone?” Emma asked as they gave her presents like a custom made monopoly game with sixteen monopolies on it. It was Emma’s favorite game and she wanted to play immediately. Before anyone could answer the doorbell rang.

            “If I’m not mistaken that might be your last present or it’s just Robin, you know he always brings Roland around to win me over.” Everyone nodded.

            ‘Emma’s last present at the door,’ the computer announced in Emma’s voice.

            “Guys, no you’ve done so much,” Emma said even as she bounced to the door. They chuckled at her. Emma opened the door and frowned.

            “Uh guys, my present is Robin and Zelena arguing?” They all looked confused and those that could came over to the door. Graham and Henry watched from the couch. Roland immediately came in giving everyone a hug.

            “Happy Birthday, Emma,” Roland grinned before going in and exclaiming over Henry’s broken leg.

            “Zelena, Robin, what is going on?” Red called out. They both paused and seemed to realize they were being watched.

            “I’ve been looking for this asshole the entire time, and he’s been here with you?” Zelena asked upset.

            “This, this is the guy that fathered my niece?” Regina asked her in disbelief. “The one who left you a note at an empty apartment saying he had gone back to his wife?”

            “Yes, this would be that asshole,” Zelena said. “So, I’m guessing you didn’t tell her how you treat women?”

            “Wow Robin, this is low, I knew you were sleazy,” Regina told him as she glared. “And you told me, your wife was dead.”

            “Dead to me, same difference,” Robin shrugged. “The divorce was just finalized last week.”

            “You asked me to marry you a week and a half ago!” Regina raged at the audacity and the lies. She wondered if he could even see the insanity in the situation. He nodded.

            “You asked my little sister to marry you!” Zelena screamed as Lena began to cry.

            “Well, she’s a lady, I knew she was what I was looking for, and ladies don’t kiss and sleep around before marriage. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be screaming at me about an illegitimate child.”

            “That illegitimate child you’re talking about is my niece, you would be so lucky to have her be a part of your life,” Regina snapped. “I think you know now that you aren’t invited to stick around.” Robin sighed and for all his being an asshole, he took it way better than Tink.

            “All right, just text me when you want me to pick up Roland, but I’ll put the presents down first. Henry’s is pretty big although don’t know how much use it will be after I heard the news.”

            “Fine,” Regina said. They let him in, and he put the presents down before saying goodbye to Roland.

            “Rol, that’s your baby sister for real, so don’t forget to get to know her better.”

            “I know Lena already daddy, but I’m glad, she’s, my sister.” He grinned at Lena who was now in Regina’s arms. She cooed at Roland because she did know him well. Robin nodded and went on his way without hassle.

            “Ugh stupid bastard,” Zelena grumbled before she turned to Emma. “Emma, sorry to make a scene, Happy Birthday, pet.” They kissed cheeks and Zelena got settled. “Don’t relax too much mom will be around to steal your thunder.”

             “Wait but what about my present?” Emma asked still confused on what the intention was. “Don’t tell me Cora was my present.”

            “Not even remotely,” Neal said from the door. He was standing with Killian who was grinning and filming properly as planned.

            “NEAL!” Emma exclaimed. They hugged each other tightly. “How did you get here?”

            “Flew in, I was trying everything to track you down, when Regina reported you were back. So, I hacked Evil Regal and she got in touch with me properly and invited me for your birthday. I agreed to be out of reach.” He made large air quotes.

            “This is the best last surprise, I hope.” She looked at Regina and Henry.

             “Listen, I’ve done all that my son has asked of me, you get no more from me,” Regina said. Emma chuckled.

            “Killian can you do my leg like Graham’s?”

            “Sure, but not tonight, I’ve got to get home for Milah, maybe tomorrow.” Henry nodded happily. Once Killian was gone, Neal put his bag down, he had a hotel room to go to after this, but they had come straight over. He took off his jacket and hung it up when he came back everyone paused as Henry loudly gasped.

            “No!” Henry cried. “How dare you bring a German football shirt in this house, and a Neuer one at that.”

            “Eww,” Regina said blocking Neal from view for Lena.

            “Messi all the way,” Henry said.

            “Whoa, no son of mine is rooting for Argentina…” Neal replied back with a frown, but now they were all dead silent.

            “Oh my God,” Emma cried putting her head in her hands as she turned red.

            “He is my dad?” Henry asked his voice small. Regina felt cold rage inside as she handed her niece back to Zelena before she accidentally hurt her. Today, was just throwing all the punches at her. She just got Emma settled and nearly integrated and now she had to worry about Neal taking Henry. Regina wasn’t sure Neal would live to get the chance to attempt to take her son from her as Emma had in the beginning. And if Emma suddenly decided to side with him, well there was going to be hell to pay.

            “I’m sorry, please forgive me Henry. I wanted to tell you the truth I did, but I wanted to talk to Regina first about it. I know you were asking more questions and I was dodging them. God this is more uncomfortable than I imagined.” Graham sighed as he pulled out his gun and loaded it.

            “Whoa, whoa, whoa, I’m not a threat,” Neal cried out as he held his hands up. “If Emma is cool, I am cool.”

            “No, no,” Emma said standing up and blocking Neal. “He’s not interested in taking Henry, that’s why I lied, because he wasn’t interested in getting to know Henry as his dad.”

            “Yeah, I’m not, what’s that you told Emma, friend until further notice, well that’s all I want. I didn’t want to be a dad and of course I would have helped Emma, but she was gushing about him, so I decided in the end that I would like to know him as a person. Especially after I realized that he might have been gone again, and then Emma was gone, and he was all I had left of her. I was scared she’d end up dead.” Regina stood up. “But I friend only if you allow it and if he wants!”

            “I want that in writing and formally signed by a lawyer,” Regina told him. He nodded.

            “Sure, as long as you agree we can friend, if he wants.”

            “Henry and I will discuss it,” Regina agreed. “Graham, put your gun away, and Red put your sword away.”

            “Aww man,” Red said. Neal and Emma’s eyes went wide as they hadn’t even seen her move.

            “No, Graham shoot him, he’s a Neuer fan,” Henry huffed more than upset.

            “Really buddy, come on?” Neal asked. “I’m not like douchebag Robin, I can change.”

             “Uh huh, there’s a game tomorrow with Argentina and Germany prove to me Graham should let you live then.”

            “I have no problem doing as he asks,” Graham told him. “Damn Neuer fans are like a bad rash, you have to be gotten rid of.” Neal gulped.

            “I’ll go change shirts, where’s the guest bathroom?” They all pointed.

            “Can’t believe he walked in wearing Neuer of all people,” Regina grumbled.

            “That’s your biggest pet peeve?” Emma asked them as they got back to the game.

            “Well, he agreed to sign away his rights, which means I don’t have to fight with him. So yeah, that’s my biggest problem,” Regina told her.

            “If he’s not going to try and take me from my home and family, then I won’t worry either,” Henry told her. Emma nodded in understanding.

            “Well, I can’t say that I understand your fascination with Messi, but the USA women’s soccer team always has my support,” Zelena told them making them all laugh. Neal came back, and a few more gifts from others were given to Emma. Finally, dinnertime was enjoyed by everyone except Regina, because it wasn’t what she was looking forward too. Cora arrived in time for cake and gave Henry something extra expensive and managed to make Regina feel bad for allowing her only grandson to get hurt and remind her that he shouldn’t be her only grandson.

            “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,” They sang. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR EMMA AND HENRY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!” Then they switched to Spanish before they both blew out their candles. Henry cut the cake in half so that Emma had birthday cake. Regina was upset, but at least the day was ending with her family smiling including her mother.

            “Do you want your baby tonight?” Zelena asked. Regina chuckled and nodded.

            “Yes, but I can’t, they’ll let Emma stay home to care for Henry not me,” Regina huffed. “But as soon as I can, I’ve got matching outfits for her and me to celebrate.

            “Regina, goddamn it, it’s not okay that you’re all over my Facebook and Instagram with matching outfits when she’s, my daughter.”

            “Oh my god fine, a lady never makes a scene dear, if you need to be lame, I got you one too,” Regina replied.

            “Thank you, all I’m asking for, every time I get us matching it’s lame in comparison, because I’m exhausted taking care of her.”

            “Lies, mother takes more,” Regina replied. They glared at their mother who was holding a sleeping Lena and cuddled with Henry as he read her the latest comic, she had bought him.

            “The jealousy is astounding from you two really,” Maleficent laughed as she cleaned up. Zelena eventually went home with Cora and Lena. Graham drove with Neal to the hotel.

            “I’m home with Granny tonight, she misses me,” Red told them. She kissed Maleficent and Regina goodnight and even managed to get a kiss on the cheek with Emma. She glared at Rodriguez though who blushed and left quickly after a hug. Ingrid chuckled and told Red not to frighten Rodriguez so much.

            “All right, time for bed, my prince,” Regina told him once Robin had picked up a half asleep Roland. She gave him his pain medication not that he enjoyed it much before she carried him upstairs. Emma followed as Henry grumbled about Tink not liking Emma and always excluding her.

            “Don’t even worry about her,” Regina told him. “Do not be concerned with her wanting more than mom stuff from me.”

            “Mom stuff?” Emma asked confused and hurt.

            “Sex, Emma,” Henry whispered making her cheeks tinge pink a little.

            “Henry don’t tease your mother,” Regina scolded lightly. He gave her a small smile and Emma relaxed hearing he was just teasing her.  

            “I like her better when she was just your friend, you don’t need to do mom stuff with her you know, I don’t want her to be your girlfriend or anyone.”

             “Kid, it’s not that simple,” Emma told him.

            “Yeah, if I ever choose to have a girlfriend, it’s because I will need more, and Tink just isn’t equipped to give me the more I need even if I can give her the more, she needs.” Henry nodded as he was thinking they got him tucked in.

            “Well, I don’t want you to end up with a Lily or Emma to go back to Lily, so why don’t you two give each other more?” They both blushed.

            “It’s not that easy, Henry,” Emma murmured. “You don’t just decide to do mom stuff and more to someone. There has to be some attraction first.”

            “Why wouldn’t you be attracted to one another?” Henry asked.

            “Because we’re two very different people,” Regina told her. “I’m well organized and Emma is a…I mean disorganized.”

            “Yeah, she’s like the store Hugo Boss and I’m a Walmart.”

            “No, you’re at least a Macy’s without Lily hanging onto you,” Regina told her.

            “Thank you, I think” Emma told her. Regina nodded as if she were very kind for her assessment.

            “I don’t get your store references,” Henry told them on purpose. “Violet’s really organized and I’m not, she still really likes me.”

            “Emma’s a goodie two shoes and I like to bend rules,” Regina told him.

             “But I thought you said you liked that about her,” Henry pointed out. Regina blushed a little.

            “Okay maybe I said that, but that does not guarantee a romantic attraction. We’re friends now, which is good for you, but that doesn’t automatically mean you will fall in love someone.”

            “But you had an epic dance together and then you rescued her from the fire breathing dragon so named Lily, and all the stories say that that is a recipe for love.” They laughed.

            “Life isn’t a fairy tale Henry, you don’t just meet someone look into their eyes and say I love you,” Emma told him even as she met Regina’s eyes. They both looked away from one another quickly.        

            “Why not, you would be so lucky to love my mom. Look at her, she’s kind, beautiful, extremely smart, and a great mother,” Henry said motioning to Regina. Regina couldn’t help but smile at him. He turned on her next though. “No smiling you would also be so lucky as to love my mom, she has so much love to give and not enough people to give it too. And she’s just as kind, beautiful, and smart.” It was Emma’s turn to feel pride for Henry although they were both a little bit embarrassed at being told off by him.  

            “I agree, Henry, we’d both be very lucky, but right now that’s really not in the cards for us,” Regina replied. “Someone else might be for us both.”

            “No!” He cried. “I don’t want that; I won’t allow it.”

            “Henry be reasonable, I have to be happy in other ways too,” Emma told him. “And Regina also has a right to be happy.” Henry was very stubborn about it until he kicked them out of his room, saying he was too upset with them to cuddle.

            “Uh well that ended well,” Regina grumbled.

            “Yeah, I didn’t realize how much being called a bad mother hurt.” Regina nodded her agreement.

            “It’s worse when they’re three and saying it, you just want them to be happy and love them, and then they tell you you’re doing a shit job,” Regina sighed.

            “Well want to nurse our wounds over more cake?” Emma asked.  Regina thought about it and remembered she had more chocopologies somewhere. She hoped they had just fallen somewhere or Tink put them back. Perhaps she could end the night on a higher note.

            “Sure, but I’m going to change first.” Regina went to her bedroom. “Mal, do you want to join us for more cake?”

            “Enjoy dear, I’m stuffed and exhausted, how you are still standing I don’t know,” Maleficent said.

            “Yeah, you best get all the sleep you can before you have a baby.” Maleficent nodded and Regina got changed. She was downstairs before Emma who by the time she came down, Regina was looking under furniture.

            “Uh…did you lose something?” Emma asked. Regina looked like maybe she didn’t want to say.

            “A gold box filled with chocolate covered French truffles, called chocopologies,” Regina told her as she sat up.

            “Oh, are they really expensive?” Emma asked. Regina nodded. “It was like a gold box, and inside had a gold bag?”

            “Yes, you’ve seen it?” Regina asked.

            “No, but Tink was mentioning it to me, she said you bought it for her and you to share in the bath.” Regina made a face and scoffed.

            “She wishes I dropped that kind of cash on her,” Regina grumbled and went into the kitchen, searching everywhere she may have possibly put it and then she relented and texted Tink to ask where she had put it. She was greeted by a photo of Tink eating one naked and a message that said come over if you want them. Regina wrote back that she didn’t want them that bad but expected to be paid back for both boxes.

            “Didn’t find them?” Emma asked.

            “No,” Regina grumbled.

            “Should I leave?” Emma asked frowning.

            “No, I’m sorry, I’m grumpy and it’s your birthday and we had a nice time in the end. I just….” Regina let out a breath as she grabbed two cake plates, and some milk from the refrigerator that she warmed up in a saucepan with honey. Emma waited and looked at Regina expectantly. “I didn’t send you out with Henry as some big grand trust gesture. I do trust you, not to say I don’t. But since you initially left and all the things that then happened after that. I’ve been just working constantly from becoming a country, construction, Henry being needy or bratty, watching over Mal to help her stay sober, now paying for my mistakes on the farm and conservatory. Tink was supposed to be the thing that distracted me, but she’s become more of another burden being jealous and clingy over you. And I just needed time for me alone in my house with zero obligations. Well as close to zero as I could get.”

            “I’m sorry, you also stay up and comfort me sometimes,” Emma murmured.

            “No, no do not feel bad for needing me, I would say the same to Mal. I don’t regret being there for people I consider family, but I can’t say that I don’t miss having a day here or there where I can relax without other people nearby.” Emma nodded.

            “I get it, to be honest sometimes I think there’s too many people here, you included and it’s your house.” They chuckled at each other. Regina poured the milk into two mugs as Emma grabbed the cake and led them out to the balcony. They hadn’t sat out on it in a bit at night.

            “Don’t feel too bad, I’ve been planning this day for weeks before I found you in Turkey. Henry was well actually it was likely wishful thinking, but I had planned on sending him out with Robin and Roland. Roland seemed to be able to get him out of his mood and play with him, but if I hadn’t been able to keep my promise and bring you home for your birthday...he would have been a terror I know it.”

            “God, I hate that I caused him so much pain,” Emma said as she paused in eating cake.

            “It wasn’t you, he had his moments, but nothing was like after he got your bloody shirt and the necklace. That was too much for him, and the letter. It took hours of dissecting the letter for him to see that it was all Lily.”  Regina let out a breath. “I’ll always hate her for that, for terrorizing him and you like that.”

            “So, you never got your alone time?” Emma asked. Regina shook her head.

            “Not even one minute, she was back as soon as you two left,” Regina said rolling her eyes. “I hate that she knows she’s not allowed over here even before you came back. Worse she had the audacity to eat my chocolates, do you know how long I’ve been hiding those two boxes successfully from YOUR kid.” Emma out right laughed when Regina said your kid for the first time. “I’ve made such a mistake refining his palette, he always goes for the good stuff.”

            “Yeah, that’s all on me, especially now that you two have forcibly developed my palette,” Emma replied.

            “Agreed this is one hundred percent your fault, Ms. Swan,” Regina huffed. Emma laughed some more and let Regina blame her that Henry was consuming all the food, because who was she kidding, she and Neal had definitely passed that trait on.

            “If it makes you feel better this is the best birthday I’ve had since I was four years old when Ingrid threw me this big party. I don’t remember it all, but I was happy in the photos. After that, no one bothered, except for a cupcake at lunch on my birthday, but everyone got that because we were boarding.”

            “You didn’t have friends?” Regina asked.

            “I did, but I was still the weird geek, we just are kind of acquaintances now, they didn’t understand at the time why I had to really buckle down and graduate early. And then I was on the street, and lost contact until I moved to France. And the only person I would consider a close friend, died shortly after.”

             “Was she the third picture you kept in your badge?” Regina asked. Emma nodded and looked out over the water.

            “I don’t want to talk about it.” Regina only nodded.

            “You know I’ll fly you to any island to see a therapist you know.” Emma nodded.

            “I know, but I’m fine. I just want to be here with you and Henry, Mal, Red, Graham, Zelena, Lena, and dare I say even Cora.”

            “Don’t you dare put that evil on me Emma,” Regina declared. Emma laughed so hard she got tears in her eyes. This was how she wanted to spend every night, sitting on the balcony and laughing with Regina.

Notes:

Please feel free to review, I know I'm going to incite some strong emotions.