Disclaimer: I don't own Once Upon a time or its characters.

Author Notes: No one beta read this so, all mistakes are mine. This is an alternative universe that very loosely follows the original plot. This is my first time writing a gender-bend (Male) Regina, so I really hope you guys like it. In the same vein, please be advised that, though this is still a SQ pairing, this story will depict sexual scenes between a male and a female. if this is not your cup of tea, please don't read and don't leave nasty comments.

For those who follow my other story "It's not Prince Charming, it's White", I have not abandoned the story, OK? It will be finished. I'm just having a major case of writer's block and for the time being, I will focus on this one.

Chapter 1

One could say that life is defined by moments, either big or small moments that can drastically change the course of one's life. Mayor Regan Mills, also known as the Evil King by his enemies and the peasants that follow them, can attest to that statement. One moment is all it takes, to turn the world on its axis. Just one moment, to give life a new meaning and start to mend a broken heart, to shape one's priorities and leave the past behind and focus on tomorrow. One of this life changing moments, was when he was told he was going to have a son.

Intellectually, he knew the moment he became a sperm donor that he would help create at least one child, if not several. He had been fascinated by the many reproductive alternatives in existence when he first started to explore the new world his curse had taken him to. In the Enchanted forest, specially in Royal circles, continuing family lines is, perhaps, the most important thing. A woman who cannot bear children is seen as useless, damaged, a lesser being with no higher purpose whatsoever. A man whose seed is not fruitful is considered weak, someone be pitied and not as eligible for young maidens that have been prepared to take care of a family their whole lives.

But on this world, that is not a problem. Women can use anonymous or even known donors to have children, even if it means is not of their partner's blood. A couple can use a surrogate to carry their child if the female half is unable to do so. During one of his travels outside of Storybrooke, he decided to become a sperm donor, so hopefully someone might get the joy of having offspring and maybe, just maybe, his legacy wouldn't be just darkness and revenge. Maybe he would be someone's hope, even if it meant that he would never meet any of these children.

Which is why, when he got that fateful call, he was completely thrown off balance. It was just like any other day, boring and monotonous. Then his intercom beeped, and he answered without even glancing at it.

"What is it, Mrs. Thompson?" He asked in his usual smooth, commanding tone. His secretary, a nice older lady who had been his head housekeeper back when he was King, was accustomed to it so didn't bat an eyelid "Sorry for the interruption, Mr. Mayor, but you have an urgent call. They didn't want to give me any more information" She said, annoyed at being left in the dark.

Regan could hear her annoyed tone and smirked "I'll take the call, Mrs. Thompson. Patch them through" he instructed and picked up the receiver from his desk "This is Mayor Mills" he answered briskly.

The other person cleared their throat before speaking "Good morning, Mr. Mills. This is Jason Tanner calling from New England Cryogenic Center. It says on your file that you became a non-anonymous donor with us a few years ago, is that correct?" he asks in professional tone, though you could detect a hint of awkwardness too.

The former King swallowed hard. They weren't supposed to contact him "Indeed, I donated a couple of times. What is this about?" He said in a sternly, his already deep tone lowering further.

Mr. Tanner, sensing the danger on that tone, rushed to explain "We apologize for the inconvenience, Mr. Mills. But I'm afraid we have an unprecedented situation on our hands. As per our policies, we only contact our donors on behalf of any children they may have, once they reach the age of 18. However, one of our clients requested this of us and well, after hearing her story we thought it prudent to follow through. On November of last year, Miss Emma Swan, a resident from Boston, purchased a sample of your product for an at home insemination" he paused, taking a deep breath to prepare for the next part.

"Soon after that, Miss Swan was arrested and consequently convicted of several charges of petty theft. She will probably serve a year or two at most. However, a couple of months into her sentence she found out she was pregnant. It was later confirmed via ultrasound that the baby is a boy. It took her another two months to contact us. As we understand, there is no other parent in the picture, nor does she have any known relatives, biological or adoptive, that can care for her baby while she's in jail. As the only other biological link, she wants to know if you'd be willing to take custody of the child" He related bluntly, hoping against hope this doesn't backfire on him.

He was met with utter silence from the other end of the line and he nervously cleared his throat "Mr. Mills?"

Regan's grip on the receiver tightened, his eyes wide and unseeing as the implications of Mr. Tanner words looped through his mind. He swallowed hard "What happens if I don't take the baby?" He asked, feeling a bit lightheaded all the sudden.

Jason sighed "You are not obligated, under any circumstances, to step up as this child's parent, Mr. Mills and rest assured, your information will remain confidential should you choose, but, if you decide not to take him, Child Services will take custody of the baby and he will probably be put in foster care, until he is either adopted or a legal adult" He explained in a somber tone.

Regan closed his eyes and exhaled heavily. He never really put much thought about having children. While under his mother's thumb, it was expected that he would marry into a royal family line and produce heirs. When he fell in love with Danielle, those expectation transformed into a desire to have a family with the only woman he ever truly loved. But losing her at the hands of his own mother and forced to marry Queen Eva changed him and pushed away his desire of a loving family in favor of getting revenge against Snow White.

But now he was being offered the chance of being a father and he would be lying if he said the idea didn't appeal to him. But he was also scared, terrified actually. He would screw that kid up, for sure. What the hell did he know? His own parents were not exactly shining examples of good parenting. His mother was a cruel and ambitious woman, that only cared about wealth and power. His father was a kind and loving man, but lacking the courage to stand up against his wife and protect his only son.

Then, he was privy to Queen Eva's parenting style. While she didn't inflate Snow's ego nor did she spoiled her rotten, she was the Queen and more often than not, Snow was left on the care of nannies that catered to her every whim. His own life was a casualty of Snow White's bratty tendencies.

On the other hand, could he really ignore the existence of his son? Could he really walk away and live with the guilt and regret of abandoning his own flesh and blood, just to hope for the best?.

The answer was no, he couldn't.

He took a deep breath "If, I were to go through with this, what would I need to do?" he asks, biting his lip nervously.

"With your permission, we will release the pertinent information to Miss Swan, which she will provide to the hospital for the birth certificate and hospital record. Barring any unforeseen health issue, you will be free to take your boy home without any trouble" He paused "I know this is very overwhelming, Mr. Mills, but you can say no. There will be no legal consequences whatsoever" Mr. Tanner said.

Regan kept silent for several moments. He could feel the blood rushing through his ears, his mind going a mile a minute, going back and forth between the pros and cons of taking in a child. A silent battle of wills was raging between his logical mind and his heart.

I don't know anything about raising a child!

Nobody does, you will learn with time

I don't have the time

You will make time. The town will not fall without you dedicating your every waking moment to it

I don't know how to love

Yes, you do. You already love him. You did the moment Tanner told you Emma Swan was pregnant with your son

I don't want to be like my mother

You won't. You could never harm this boy or letting someone else do it.

I'm the Evil King

You were, once upon a time. Not anymore, not ever again.

There's not really a choice, is there? You would never let me walk away.

No, there isn't. You already know what you want to do. You will be fine; everything will work out.

"Mr. Tanner?"

"Yes, Mr. Mills?"

"I'll do it. Give whatever information you need to Miss Swan and tell her not to worry. Everything will work out" He said with more confidence than he really felt. Not going back now, though.

God help him.

After making sure his information was up to date, Mr. Tanner assured him he would take care of it and he would fax him the necessary release forms.

Before they finished the call, the Mayor had one last question "Mr. Tanner…Jason, why did you do this? I mean, why did you decide to help Miss Swan? You could have just told her no. Like you said, this is not usual protocol" he asked curiously.

Jason thought about it and smiled to himself "Most parents love their children, Mr. Mills, but not all of them have their best interests at heart. You see, a true parent, is the one that sacrifices everything for their children, at the cost of their own feelings or well being. Emma loves her child so much already, that she wants to give her baby the best chance possible and spare him the hell she herself has lived through, even if it means she will never see him again. That kind of selfless love is so rare and that made me feel like I needed to at least try for her" He said truthfully.

Regan understood more than he cared to admit. He knows his parents loved him, in their own way, but he wasn't their priority "Thank you, Jason. We'll be in touch" He said and hung up.

What followed were, in his opinion, both the shortest and longest months of his life. After Tanner faxed him the necessary forms about a week after the call, he was surprised when, just three weeks later, he got a letter from Massachusetts Correctional Facility.

He stared at the envelope for a while before he finally opened it. Inside there was a letter and a copy of the baby's sonogram. His eyes were wide with wonder, tracing the small blob with his finger. It was one thing to be told he would have a child; it was another thing to actually have proof. He carefully put it on the table before he unfolded the letter.

Dear Mr. Mills:

As you probably guessed, this is Emma Swan. It feels so weird to be writing this letter, but I bet it would be even weirder to receive it. Words cannot convey how grateful I am to you for agreeing to take my-our son in. I know this wasn't in your plans, I certainly didn't expect this outcome when I decided to have a child. I want you to know that I'm innocent of the crimes I'm accused of, this time at least, but then again, that's what everyone here says, so I don't expect you to believe me. Regardless of what you think of me, I need you to know I love our son with my whole heart and that's why I asked this of you. Being in the system is hell on earth, Mr. Mills, I speak from personal experience. I couldn't subject him to that, I hope you understand. Please don't let him think I abandoned him like the coward that was supposed to be his dad did. I hope you like the copy of the sonogram I sent, it just a blob, but it's our blob. By the time you get this I will be almost 6 months pregnant. They said my due date is august 15th, but I was told the hospital will notify you when it's time. I know I have no right to ask this of you, but I hope you let me meet him once I'm out. Of course, I'll understand if you don't. Should you find it in your heart to give me that chance, please let me know.

My best wishes,

Emma Swan

PS. I'll leave his naming to you, but I think Emmanuel is perfect for a middle name, wink wink.

He read it a couple of times, noticing a couple of smudges, probably from tears. She was doing a huge sacrifice. He could easily make it possible for her to never meet their child after the birth and a small part of him was urging him to do it. But another part, the bigger part, cared for this woman that was carrying their son. Whether she was guilty of her crimes or not, he was sure it was nothing compared to some of his deeds as the Evil King. So, acting impulsively, he wrote back to her.

After that, he devoted his time to learn whatever he could about parenting and to decorate the nursery. Rather than spend outrageous amounts of money, though he could afford it, he commissioned Marco to make the baby furniture. He can admit he went a bit overboard. Besides the crib and changing table, he also got a bookcase, rocking chair, a beautiful toy chest and of course, a rocking horse.

Then he made several trips to Portland to shop for anything he might need. Baby clothes, diapers, a car seat, stroller, stuffed toys and even one of those kangaroo baby carriers that he saw on TV. Every time, he got appreciative looks from women. Nothing better than the sight of an incredibly attractive man shopping for baby stuff.

By the time fall rolled around, he was as ready as he could be. He had already instructed Mrs. Thompson that he would be working from home for the foreseeable future, unless it was an emergency.

Then, it was show time.

On August 15th, an hour after he left work, he got the call that Emma Swan was in labor, and it seemed like things were progressing fast. Before he knew it, he was getting into his Mercedes, barely remembering to bring the car seat and overnight/baby bag. He just made a stop for gas and some awful gas station food, and he was back on the road. He made it to Massachusetts General Hospital about 4 hours later. By then it was 10 pm.

He ran inside, clearly out of breath "Excuse me, where is Emma Swan's room? I was told she was in labor" he said, eyes a bit wild and hair mussed. The nurse at the front desk took pity on him "Just a moment, please" she said, gesturing for him to wait while she called the maternity ward.

About ten nerve wracking minutes later, another nurse walked over and smiled at him "Follow me, Mr. Mills, your son is already here" she said brightly. Regan's heart started to pound like crazy. The closer they got, the more he felt he was having a heart attack. Then they stopped and the nurse went inside the nursery and walked back holding a small bundle in her arms.

She carefully placed him in his arms "Meet your son, Mr. Mills. I have to say; he is one of the most beautiful babies I've ever seen" she said with a genuine smile.

She wasn't wrong. One could tell at first glance; he would get his father's olive skin and most of his Latino features. His soft baby hair was brown, a few shades lighter than his own. However, the eyes were all his mother. A breathtaking shade of green, like the luscious forests that surrounded his old kingdom. He had a cute little chin, with a small cleft on it, also from his mother. Regan couldn't stop staring at him, so small and fragile, but so beautiful. Unbidden, a smile grew on his face and he knew in that moment, after just a few seconds, that he would devote his whole life to this baby. For the first time since his descent into darkness, the black surrounding the former Evil King's heart cracked, and between the fisures, it could be seen shining bright red with unconditional love for this tiny being in his arms.

The nurse grinned, always pleased when watching new parents meet their babies "He is completely healthy, 21 inches, 7 pounds and 8 ounces" she informed him happily.

He lifted his head briefly, barely able to look away "What about his mother? Is she OK?" he asked, feeling the sudden need to thank her. The nurse sighed "Miss Swan is sleeping. Poor thing will be taken back to jail right after it's safe to do it. She barely kissed his forehead before she asked for him to be taken away. I think it was too hard for her too look at him and know she needed to let him go" she said sadly.

Regan swallowed, feeling bad for her. He looked back at his son and admitted to himself that she was strong as hell, probably more than him. Just a few minutes of holding him and he already felt like he would tear the world apart if he were to lose him. The nurse went to retrieve something and came back holding a clipboard "Have you decided on a name? Miss Swan did tell us you would do it".

He didn't even think about it "Henry. Henry Emmanuel Mills" he said proudly. The nurse wrote it down and regretfully reached for the baby "This little one needs to go back to his bassinet. You can take him home tomorrow and we will have the paperwork ready" she said. He reluctantly let him go and watched as she carried him back to the nursery.

Before he left, he called the nurse back "Please tell Emma that I'm grateful, that I will take care of him and…" he trailed off, biting his lip before repeating the words he told to Mr. Tanner months ago "Everything will work out" he finished. The nurse smiled at him and nodded "I will, Mr. Mills. And let me just tell you, you will make an amazing father" she told him genuinely.

He finally left the hospital, looking for a nearby hotel to spend the night. He could barely sleep that night, but he did manage a few hours. The next morning, after a warm shower and some breakfast, he felt more human and after checking out, made his way to the hospital. True to her word the nurse had everything ready, discharge papers, birth certificate, a copy of Henry's baby hand print and footprint and a copy of the birth record.

After settling everything, he thanked the nurse and finally left the hospital, gently carrying his precious cargo to the car and strapping him in his car seat. Henry was wearing an adorable blue onesie with teddy bears and a blue baby cap. Regan looked at his son through the rear-view mirror for a long moment and smiled "Tu eres mi mundo ahora, pequeño. No voy a dejar que nadie te haga daño, te lo prometo. Vamos a casa" He told his son in his native language.

He turned his gaze back on the road and started the long drive home.

There you have it, folks! next chapter will feature Emma's side of the story. As you probably noticed, a bit of Spanish was introduced in this chapter. I've always seen Regan/Regina as half latino. I'll leave the translation bellow. Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

"Tu eres mi mundo ahora, pequeño. No voy a dejar que nadie te haga daño, te lo prometo. Vamos a casa"- "You are my world now, little one. I won't let anyone hurt you, I promise. Let's go home"