AN: Sorry for the delay between updates. This chapter is a little longer than others. Thanks for following! Feedback is greatly appreciated :)

It had been a long hard day at work for Emma Swan. A day that no amount of alcohol could make her forget. She spent the train ride home trying to wrap her head around what Henry had told her earlier that afternoon.

He explained to Emma, like he had before, that all the fairytale creatures were cursed to this land by the queen, destined to live out their lives in this realm without their happy endings. She had read the overview of each of Henry's sessions with Dr. Hopper and she still wasn't prepared the how in depth the delusions were.

What's so wrong with here? Emma recalled asking the boy. His cold green eyes stared at her blankly. She knew the answer. Here you can't always tell who's good and who's bad.

It was the blue fairy that helped him know the difference between the two. She came to him at first in a dream. Telling him that she would visit as soon as possible. That he had nothing to fear because soon he wouldn't be so alone. She told him about the curse, about Snow White, and about the child who would grow up to save them all. The Savior.

Snow White and Prince Charming were Emma's parents. The couple had only given her up so that she would become the hero she was meant to be. Henry didn't have an answer beyond a magical curse as to why she and her parents were so close in age.

Despite the fact that Emma knew it was all impossible, it still unnerved her. Being an orphan whose parents were unknown, Emma had spent much of her youth wondering who they are.

It was a truth that she lived with every day. Something in her stomach fluttered when Henry told her about Snow White and Prince Charming. She saw that same hope reflected in Henry's eyes when he told her she was his birth mother.

It was hard for her to break the news to him that she was not his mother. There was no way she could be. As convincing as Emma tried to be, the boy's delusional beliefs would let him have none of it. He told her that she'd given birth to him she just didn't remember it because she'd taken a memory erasing potion.

She couldn't blame him for hoping. She was fully grown adult woman but she still wondered about her parents. Emma couldn't seem to stop daydreaming about the name of a woman who her delusional young friend said was her mother, regardless of how unrealistic the possibility was.

Mary Margaret Blanchard: It was an unusual name, which made it difficult for Emma to forget. Henry's art teacher was the center of his fanciful delusions. A simple internet search for Mary Margaret Blanchard yielded disatisfying results.

Her name appeared in multiple articles about a year ago. She was noted as one of the artists to watch. Her gallery opening was slated to be the event of the year. It would have launched her career in the mainstream art world.

But at the last minute those sponsoring the gallery backed out. Within weeks her studio and the classes she taught her shut down permanently. The benefactor who pulled out at the last minute of course was none other than Mills Cider. Emma's stomach turned as she wondering what role Regina might played in the destruction of Henry's art teacher's reputation and future.

She knew she couldn't find out from the internet and she doubted Regina would tell her if she were to ask. Not that Emma expected Regina to convey every detail of the situation to her, but the more time she spent with the Mills, the more questions she had. It floated in the back of her mind as she missed her stop on the train.

She texted Ruby so that she knew she wasn't standing her up. After all that's gone on between them, the last thing their friendship needed was Ruby thinking Emma was a no show. As she walked toward the doors of Pandora's Box, she vowed to put work, the Mills family, and Mary Margaret Blanchard out of her mind. A few minutes to clear up the confusion and apologize to Ruby for being rude was all she would need. Then they could carry on their evening laughing and drinking without a single thought being wasted on work.

When she walked through the door Ruby looked up to her with a smile. It was the same wide smile she always donned but her friend wasn't alone. Just as luck would have it, Emma quickly found out forgetting about work for the evening wasn't going to be as easy as she hoped. A familiar face turned around to look at her. "Regina?" Emma blinked. "What are you doing here?"

The four of them sat at booth in Pandora's Box, chatting as the bar started to fill up with other patrons. Lacey's focus had completely surrendered to Ruby. She'd become completely oblivious to Regina's presence. If Regina was looking for support she wouldn't be getting it from Lacey.

"It sounds beautiful. Doesn't it, Em? " Ruby tapped Emma's knee desperately trying to get her to engage in the conversation."I bet Regina's seen all sorts of of amazing places."

"Sure," Emma made eye contact with Regina briefly but broke their gaze instantly.

"Paris is great," Regina added. "I spent a few summers there as a child."

"I'm sure where you're from is just as gorgeous," Ruby looked to Lacey offering a smile.

"Oh, it's not beautiful. Rather dull actually," Lacey shrugged. "It's a boring small village too far from Melbourne to be very exciting, but it's home."

"It must be nice to travel the world though," Ruby smiled at her. "I've never lived anywhere but here."

"There's nothing wrong with here," Lacey added at as took the bottom sip from her beer. "A lot more goes on right here than in other parts of the world. Besides the women here are simply stunning." Ruby bit the corner of her lip and blushed slightly as she smiled back at Lacey.

"I'm done with my drink and it looks like you're just about done with yours, Emma," Ruby tilted her head toward the bar. "Do you need another?" She was looking for private consultation with Emma. Hoping to find out more about the flirtatious Australian.

"I'm good for now," Emma said with a shake of her head.

"I'll go with you," Lacey said with a look to Ruby. It was a statement not a question. Ruby wasn't sure how to respond. Lacey took the girl's hand and lead her toward the bar. Ruby looked back to Emma wanting some type of protest. There was none.

"I'm sorry if we've intruded on your plans for the evening," Regina said, trying to understand why the blonde was so distant. Emma shrugged as she continued to stare blankly at the label of the bottle that was nearly in shreds as she picked away at it.

Regina gave Emma a quick, what she hoped was subtle, looking over. The plaid long sleeve shirt and vest ensemble was refreshingly different. "You look nice this evening," Regina dared admit with a reluctant smile. "I was beginning to wonder if all you owned were tank tops and t-shirts. This look suits you."

Emma's brain almost short circuited as she attempted to process a response. On one hand, there was beautiful woman sitting across from her, who probably never spent a moment in her life looking anything other than spectacular, that just complimented her appearance. On the other there, there was a woman, whose life is full of secrets. Secrets that have deeply impacted Henry's well being. "Uh, thanks," she finally managed.

A few moments of silence passed between them before Regina asked, "Is something wrong?"

"Henry told me that Snow White is my mother," Emma answered flatly.

"Unless toddlers can have children I find that extremely unlikely," Regina raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Mary Margaret Blanchard can't be much older than you."

"I googled her," Emma said flatly.

"Well, I hope that was enjoyable for the both of you," Regina quipped with devilish grin. Emma's green eyes narrowed, not enjoying the humor in the situation. "And what you found was tale as old as time?" She arched an eyebrow. "Big Corporation crushes the hopes of hopeful young artist."

"That's the jist of it," Emma nodded.

"Did your search yield results relating to her criminal record?" Regina asked, gave a knowing tilt of her head. "Did the articles you read inform you that Mary Margaret Blanchard was a common vandal?" Emma breathed in and out through her nostrils as she listened.

"David discovered her graffitiing the side of one of our office buildings," Regina exhaled. "He manages one of our bottling factories. He convinced Zelena not to press charges. Insisted that she was very talented and could more than work off her debt." Emma let out slight laugh. "Yes, I suppose that, in itself, should have been a red flag."

"My mother let Mary Margaret stay in the loft and use the studio space practically rent free," Regina said. "Teaching lessons and selling her paintings to pay back the damages she had caused. Which didn't take long because of how talented she was. She bonded quickly with Henry and he really enjoyed art lessons. But..."

"But when you found out she was was sleeping with your friend's husband you kicked her out," Emma chastised Regina.

"She was suppose to be making art and teaching children," Regina argued. "She clearly decided to use the place for other interests. So my mother terminated the lease."

"And David?" Emma scornfully scoffed.

"David's adultery is not my concern," Regina waved her hand. "He does still work for our company. However, he hasn't seen Henry since then. People, even adults, sometimes need to realize that there are consequences for their actions."

"I see," she felt her anger slipping away. "Why didn't you tell me this before?" Emma asked.

"I wasn't aware that it concerned you," Regina stated factually.

"It might have some bearing on Henry's psychosis. It sure as hell concerns me," Emma resolve in the matter. "I'm not looking for a scandal. I won't sell your family secrets to the tabloids. I can't help Henry if you don't trust me with the truth."

"I will trust you with the truth if you can stop vilifying me," Regina locked onto Emma's eyes; then they stared at each other. "Henry's delusions may paint a black and white picture but I assure you the truth is much more gray."

"Fair enough," Emma nodded. Emma opened her mouth to say something and then closed it again.

"Lacey seems rather determined to steal your girlfriend," Regina gestured to the two who were chatting at the bar waiting for their beverages.

"Ruby's not my girlfriend," Emma quickly corrected Regina.

"Really?" Regina asked skeptically. "Her possessive body lang-"

"We're just friends."

"If that wasn't the case before it surely will be by the end of the night," Regina glanced in their direction. The space between Lacey and Ruby narrowed. They appeared much more interested in one another than the bartender who was taking their orders.

"What are you doing here anyway?" Emma asked, eyeing the woman. Noticing just how out of place Regina looked in the bar.

"Doctor ordered recreational activities," she smiled slightly. "Exploring my interests outside of parenthood, etc, etc." She took a sip of her scotch.

"And your chose watching Lacey try to score?" Emma smirked. "Odd pastime, but to each their own."

"Actually, it was she was supposed to help me," Regina laughed. "But I think she had a change of plans the second she noticed your friend."

If the compliment caused a short circuit, this statement nearly caused Emma's brain to implode. "Wait," Emma mouth gaped open and her eyes widen. The thought hadn't even occurred to Emma. Actually it had several times but Emma figured it was wishful thinking. "You mean you're a les-"

"Don't," Regina shook her head. "I'm not." Emma felt her pounding heart in her chest. Her head was dizzy but it wasn't from the alcohol. "I mean to say, I don't label myself, lesbian. I think sexuality is much more complex than that archaic term. Don't you?"

"Not really," Emma answered through her confusion. "I personally really like lesbian."

"And why wouldn't you?" Lacey joined them back at the table, setting another bottle of Mills brand hard cider in front of Emma. "Figured you could you a fresh label to pick at." Emma gave a tight lipped nod to Lacey and wiped the shreds of paper from the other bottle onto the floor. "Someone once told me that was a sign of sexual frustration." Lacey remarked flippantly. Emma could feel the older woman's eyes on her skin as she tried to look anywhere but at Regina. Inadvertently, her eyes landed on Ruby.

"Emma, do you want to dance? Let's dance. We're dancing," Ruby didn't breathe between sentences. She spoke with urgency and grabbed Emma by the collar. The leggy brunette dragged her reluctant friend to the center of the dance floor.

They were in the middle of a small crowd out of earshot, but not out of sight of Regina and Lacey. "Regina seems...nice," that wasn't a word people used often to describe her and nice wasn't quite the word Ruby was searching for.

"Yeah," Emma said as she moved in time to the music. Next to but not touching her friend.

"You know when they first sat down across from me I thought they were trying to pick me up as couple," Ruby laughed as she leaned into her friend. "But I'm glad I was very wrong." Emma smiled as they danced beside one another, their arms were in close proximity but never touched.

"We're good here, right?" Ruby said. "You not freaked that I kissed you and I'm not mad that you completely blew me off afterwards."

"Yeah about that, I never really got to apologize," Emma leaned toward Ruby as they danced close. The music was loud, requiring the close proximity of their bodies as they talked.

"I'm over it, Ems, trust me," Ruby lips brushed Emma's ear. "Are you?" Emma nodded confidently. "Good." Ruby smiled. "Because I'm pretty into Lacey."

One lengthy techno house remix of Tegan and Sara later, Ruby was ready to return to Lacey. Ruby's body language was pure sex as she strutted back toward the quiet corner booth. There was an animalistic look in her eye when she caught Lacey staring at her from as they approached.

"Hey," Ruby said with smile when they made it back to the table.

"Hey yourself," Lacey smiled back. She was sitting alone.

"Where's Regina?" Emma asked. Lacey didn't break eye contact with Ruby, she just waved her hand in the direction of the exit.

Instead of waiting around to watch them stare at one another, Emma went to look for Regina. She stepped out of the bar and found Regina pacing with her phone glued to her hand.

"Not don't," Regina's heels clicked on the sidewalk as she talked. "He's a ten year old boy. Are you alright?"

A voice screamed out from the other end of the phone. Emma couldn't make out what was said but it obviously wasn't good. Regina felt her body relax when she noticed Emma watching her. "Just please don't call the police. I'll be right there."

"What's wrong?" Emma looked Regina in the eyes. It was dark out and they were feet away from one another, but even from where they stood Emma could see a heavy worry painted in Regina's brown eyes.

"It's Henry, he's had another outburst " Regina tried to hide the frantic tone in her voice. "Somehow, he managed to trap my sister in my bathroom and refuses to let her out."

"Trapped how?" Emma closed the distance between them.

"She won't say," Regina hung her head and took a deep breath. "I need to get home. Before she makes matters worse."

"I'm coming with you," Emma offered.

"That's really not necessary, Emma," Regina looked to Emma, knowing the psych tech was coming with her regardless of what she said. "I should let Lacey know I'm leaving."

"There's no need," Emma scratched the back of her neck. "Something tells me she won't even notice we're gone."

The debate over who was sober enough to drive ended in Emma failing to recite the ABCs backwards. A task she was pretty sure she wouldn't successfully complete sober. Despite having two high balls of scotch, Regina was the most efficient driver Emma had ever rode with.

Regina kept a steady speed, six miles above the speed limit. They made their way out of the city quickly. Clenched knuckles gripped the steering wheel of her Mercedes Benz so tightly that they were turning white.

Out of the corner of her eye, Regina noticed Emma's hand lift from her own lap. It hovered slightly, avoiding contact. Comfort was what she was looking to offer but she couldn't decide on the appropriate place. There was a lump in the back of Regina's throat as she watched the hand fall back into Emma's lap.

"It'll be ok, ya know?" Emma quietly spoke.

"No, Miss Swan, I do not know," Regina's voice waivered as she spoke. "I don't know anything." Emma wanted to say something else but wasn't sure what would help in this situation. Instead, she sat quietly.

"Whose car is that?" Regina asked staring that the blue van that sat in her spot.

Emma swallowed hard; she recognized it right away. "That looks an awful lot like the Storybrooke facility van," she admitted. Regina's eyes widened at Emma's words.

Her hands were clenched in a tight fist as she stepped toward the house. Emma followed closely behind. As they got near they saw two men staring at the door.

"Are you the owner of this house?" One of the men approached Regina. He glared toward Emma, "Emma?"

"Robert," she responded with a nod.

"Yes, I am the owner of this home," Regina glared. "What the hell are you two doing here?"

"It's a pleasure to see you again," Killian smiled at Regina as he stepped toward them. "Isn't tonight your night off, Swan?"

"It was," Emma gave a tight lipped smile to her friend.

The shorter man cleared his throat and straightened his posture. "I simply ask because we received an emergency page from this residence."

"Then why are you standing at the front door?" Emma gave her colleagues a puzzled look.

"As you know, we are prohibited to enter a locked home without written or verbal permission from the owner," Robert's crossed arms rested on his large belly.

"Permission denied," Regina unlocked the door and crossed the threshold. "Are you coming, Miss Swan?"

Killian stifled a laugh as his friend shot him a glare. She followed the woman into her home. When she turned back, she noticed Killian's watchful, concerned eyes following them. If she need help she would have it.

Their large mansion home was quiet. It usually was. But this was different. This quiet was accompanied by a terrible feeling in Regina's gut. She was on the verge of panic as they searched the downstairs. Regina called out for her son and her sister but no one answered

The 'everything will be alright' attitude and laidback posture that Emma usually carried were completely gone. The blonde's body was visually tense. From her quiet sure steps to her locked jaw, her eyes were wide as she scanned the surroundings.

They walked side by side, in silence, as they made it up the large spiral staircase. Henry's door was slightly cracked; Emma pushed it open further. She walked through first after looking to Regina for permission.

Disturbing images lined the walls of the boys room. Drawings that belong in the darker section of his storybook had been ripped out and lined the walls, mounted by tacks or knives.

"You might not want to come in here," Emma turned and stood between Regina and the door. Regina reared back at the ridiculous notion and pushed past Emma who stood in the doorway.

The images hit her hard in the chest, knocking the wind out of her. There was one on the wall near the window that particularly drew her attention. Regina walked straight back, her eyes locked exclusively on it. Emma was decked in a full suit of armor. Regina was wrapped in her embrace. Her head rolled back and Emma leaned toward her. It looked they were about to kiss.

It was a very intimate pose, or at least Regina thought so. As she got closer, she noticed blood dripping from the queen's neck. The arm of the Savior that wasn't on the queen's back clutched as small dagger. Regina pursed her lips as she fought off tears.

"Jesus," the blonde's voice coming from behind her caused her to jump slightly. "Some of these photos are hung pretty high." Emma tried to draw Regina's attention away from the drawing. "Do you think he jumped to pin these here?"

Regina took a deep breath, "My son knows exactly where to find the step ladder."

"Lets find your sister," Emma gently pulled Regina away from the picture and back into the hallway.

The bathroom door was blocked across the entrance by two 2x4s. Nailed in the exact way that Emma had taught them earlier. "Zelena?" Regina called through the other side of the door.

"I'm here," a voice grumbled from the other side of the door. "What on earth took you so long?" Emma reach for the door knob and pulled really hard. The outward opening door wouldn't budge against boards that held it shut. "I've obviously tried that already."

Emma looked around the room for a hammer. She found it stashed under the bed. Regina watched as she quickly pried the nails out and removed the boards. When the door opened Zelena walked out in a bathrobe.

There were no need for introduction. Zelena and Emma established who the other one was."Midnight is an unusual time for a therapy session is it not?"

"Where is Henry?" Regina asked, wasting no time.

"I put him to bed and everything was perfectly normal. Then, I got in the bath. A few minutes later, I heard a banging noise followed by some shouting. I quickly got out of the tub but couldn't open the door," Zelena told the story halfheartedly. She dropped her robe and pulled on the pants that she had laid out on the bed. Emma's eyes shot to the ceiling and a grimace formed on Regina's face. Her sister had many positive attributes but modesty was never one of them.

"Any idea where he might be now?" Emma's eyes were still affixed to the ceiling despite the fact that Zelena was completely dressed.

"No," Zelena answered. A loud bang sounded from downstairs. It reminded Emma of when she put firecrackers in the oven of one of her foster homes. "What was that?"

"Henry," Regina and Emma said at the same time. The brunette rushed out of the door without a second thought.

"Regina, wait!" It was no use, she was already halfway down the stairs when Emma called out to her. Emma made her way down the stairs with Zelena close behind her. The smell of smoke hit her nostrils as they reached the bottom of the stairs. It was definitely coming from the kitchen.

"Henry," she heard Regina shout and then immediately cough.

"Get outside," Emma commanded Zelena. She started to argue but was met with a steely look in Emma's eyes and headed toward the front door.

Whatever fire there was had already been put out in the seconds it took Emma to make it to the kitchen. Regina clutched the extinguisher in her hands. The cabinet in which the microwave oven set was badly charred. The microwave would probably never work again, but it and the cabinets were replaceable.

"Are you alright?" Emma stepped toward Regina, observing the fire extinguisher tightly gripped in Regina's finger.

"Henry's not here," she spoke to herself. "But he can't be far." Emma took the extinguisher from Regina's hand and set it floor next to her. Emma gestured her head toward the door that led to the back yard. Regina nodded.

They found Henry pretending to be asleep at the front door of his half built fort. His fake snore was so loud they could hear it the second they stepped outside. "Wake up, sleepy head," Emma nudged him on the shoulder. Henry let out a dramatic yawn as he sat up.

"Oh, Emma when did you get here?" Henry smiled.

"Cut the act, kid," Emma shook her head. "We saw your redecorating job. Want to explain?"

"We'll discuss your room later," Regina said. "Henry, what have I told you about using the microwave by yourself?"

"Or about barricading your family members into bathroom?" Emma added, confused by Regina's choice in battles.

"My bedroom?" Henry looked to Regina and then to Emma, a confused look crossed his eyes. "Barricade? What are you talking about?"

"Now is not the time for more lies," Regina snapped. "Next you'll claim you didn't use the microwave."

Henry hung his head, "Ok, that was me but i was hungry and I couldn't find Aunt Zelena anywhere?"

"And you were eating in the middle of the night because?" Emma asked as she scratched the back of her neck. She wanted to believe Henry, but the timing of his story was a little too coincidental.

"I was hungry," he reiterated his his hands on the side of his face. "I can eat whenever I want I'm not a gremlin."

"Ah, there he is," Zelena said, pointing the two men from Storybrooke in Henry's direction.

"Alright, Henry," Killian spoke quietly and approached slowly. "We're going to need you to come with us."

"Mom, Emma?" Henry's voice shook, the two men approached. "What's happening?"

"You're not taking my son anywhere," Regina said as she stepped between the two men and the boy. "He's fine now." Uncertainty trembled in her voice.

"I'm afraid when you sign on for services from Dr. Hopper you signed the clause that included admission for Henry should he cause harm to himself or others," Robert spoke like a walking textbook.

"Guardians have final say in admittance," Emma swallowed as she looked to Regina. "Always."

"Sis, with all that has happened tonight," Zelena touched her sister's arm. "I mean those pictures on the wall were awful, weren't they?"

Regina jaw clenched and she nodded slowly, "Perhaps, you're right."

"I hate you," Henry shouted as he kicked his mother in the shin and darted across the backyard. Emma and her two colleagues chased after him. Robert stopped running first ;the large man was winded quicky. Killian and Emma followed Henry to the front of the house.

Emma was close, just a step behind the boy. "Henry, slow down no one is going to hurt you."

"Liar," The boy shouted. He neared the street and Emma had to take action. She leaped toward him, catching him by the waist a few feet from the street. He turned toward her with tears in his eyes. "I thought you were different but you're not."

"Henry, I'm just trying to help you," Emma said as she wrestled the boy who was wiggling underneath her.

"You're not. You only see things your way," Henry reached up to her face. "You'll never believe." His nails dig deep in her cheeks. It wasn't the first time she'd been scratched and it wouldn't be the last but it hurt more. It caught her off guard and she let her grip go. Luckily, Killian was there to grab him.

Emma, Regina and Zelena watched from the front porch as Henry was placed inside a van and drove away by Robert and Killian. "Visiting hours start at 10 am tomorrow," Emma informed Regina, who nodded in response.

She hadn't said much since she agreed to admit Henry. It was a tough decision and one that wouldn't help her sleep at night. That much was for sure.

"Well, this has all been quite an ordeal. Hasn't it?" Zelena's question was rhetorical. "Can I give you a ride back into the city, Emma?"

Emma was just about to say sure when Regina interjected, "I'll take Miss Swan home later."

"Are you sure?" Zelena gave her sister a puzzled glance. "I'd love to get a chance to know our hero." The smile she gave Emma then sent a shiver down her spine. It wasn't outwardly threatening but it made her uneasy. It was easy for Emma to see why Henry saw his Aunt as the Wicked Witch.

"That really won't be necessary," Regina said taking her sister by the arm and leading her to her car. "I've already asked too much of you this evening." Zelena nodded as she got in the driver seat.

Emma stood by the door as Regina reproached, "You don't have to drive me home, you know. I can walk to the train station."

"Emma," Regina sighed heavily. "If Zelena tucked Henry into bed and nothing was wrong at that time, when was it that she saw Henry's drawings pinned to his wall?"

She looked Regina and watched the wheels turn in the woman's head. "Regina, no," Emma said. "You can't believe that your sister would-"

"We were raised to do whatever it takes to get what we want," Regina looked to Emma. "And you said yourself some of those were pinned much too high for Henry to reach. Besides, he would never tear his book apart. You must know that."

The evidence was piling up quickly. Emma bit the side of her cheek. "I'm sorry," was the only thing she could think of to say. "But why? Henry's having enough problems holding it together on his own what could she have to gain from staging an outbreak? "

"If I knew the answer to that question I wouldn't have sent my son to Storybrooke tonight," Regina sighed.

Emma slowly nodded. "You've had an incredibly long day. I'm going to head home so you can get some rest." She turned slowly and headed down the main walk.

"Don't go," Regina said and Emma froze in her tracks. "Henry's gone. There's no telling when Lacey will get back. There are enough beds here. You shouldn't have to walk home at this time of night. After all, your day has been just as long as mine"

Emma turned back to look at Regina. She made it sound like she was doing Emma a favor but there was a glimpse of worry and self doubt behind Regina's eyes. It dawned on Emma that Regina might have never spent a night alone in this house. "Sure, of course, I'll find somewhere to crash," she replied with a smile as she followed her back into her home.