Chapter 1

Revenge. That's all Regina could ever think of. The vengeance inside her almost as powerful as her magic. It allowed her to go on after Daniel's death, even though it had felt impossible to do so at the time. The dark curse had given her a purpose, a reason to keep her head high. Enacting it had brought so much joy to her otherwise bleak life. Just knowing the person she hated most had everything ripped away from her had been the most important thing to Regina.

Then, that all changed. A tiny finger gripping to hers had given Regina's life more meaning than ever before. Loud, piercing screams had somehow warmed her heart, the owner of those screams returning something to Regina that she had long ago lost; hope.

She had sought this child out with malicious intentions, but not murderous ones. Of course her enemies thought she aimed to hurt this child and had not only sent her away to save themselves, but to save her, too.

But Regina never had any plans to kill the tiny saviour. No, she merely wanted to ensure the child would never find her way to Storybrooke. But fate had a sense of humour, it seems. One that Regina could finally appreciate.

The child would indeed find her way to their quaint, cursed town and in a way not even Regina could have predicted. Yes, her curse has gifted Regina with more than she anticipated. Snow White would not raise her child, that Regina already knew, but a delicious twist to the tale ensures that someone else would.

The saviour would indeed live up to her name, but not as Snow White had hoped. No, Emma would save someone quite different. Someone who has not known love for a long time, and who still has a lot of love to give. Regina.

Little legs nervously jiggle as Emma perches on her favourite stool in Granny's diner, her chin wobbling as she attempts to fight off tears that threaten to fall. She usually loves coming to Granny's, especially since it was a rare treat, but today Emma would rather be anywhere else.

Her beloved grilled cheese is placed in front of her, but Emma can't bring herself to eat it. Not even when Ruby slides it closer to her, an encouraging smile on the young woman's features.

"Come on, kid, you know you want it," Ruby says, her tone light and teasing. "I know it's your favourite. I've seen you almost inhale it lots of times," she grins. Emma shakes her head. She's not trying to be rude, her momma really doesn't like it when she's rude, but Emma really doesn't feel like eating right now.

"No thank you," Emma whispers. "I'm not hungry."

"Hmm. I don't think that's true," Ruby says as she sits down opposite Emma in the booth. "I think you're just nervous because you're in trouble, but you still have to eat." Green eyes widen, and Emma stares at the woman who sometimes babysits her. She likes Ruby, and trusts her. They always have fun together and Ruby always makes sure to sneak her some forbidden candy before dinner time.

"Momma's gonna be mad," Emma says, her little nose wrinkling.

"She is," Ruby nods. There's no point in lying to the little girl. "You know better than to leave the yard without your mom's permission, but I think she's going to be very happy to see you."

"Yeah?" Emma asks, cocking her head to the side.

"Yes," Ruby confirms. "Your mom would have been super worried when she couldn't find you. I bet she gives you a big hug when she gets here." Emma frowns at Ruby's words, suddenly feeling guilty for her little adventure out of the yard.

"I just wanted to explore," Emma murmurs. "I didn't mean to make her feel bad." Little fingers find a loose thread on her jeans, nervously fiddling.

"Your momma knows that," Ruby says, smiling reassuringly. "You should eat your grilled cheese because I bet your momma would feel better if she knows you're being taken cared of. Besides, you might have to eat vegetables if you have dinner at home," she adds in a conspiring whisper.

Green eyes widen comically and Ruby internally celebrates when the child finally starts eating. She knows Regina will likely disapprove of the choice of food, but Ruby's aim had been to comfort the child and food always does the trick.

It is not lost on Regina that the diner had suddenly emptied since she and Emma arrived, and it doesn't surprise her. Emma's lungs may be small, but they certainly work extremely well. It seems that, today, Emma's mission is to ensure her new mother didn't have one small moment of silence to enjoy.

Doctor Whale's advice, if one could call it that, had been mere common sense. Love and attention, and that's what Regina had been laying on Emma all day, but to not avail. A crying baby, as Whale had said, would do just that. It doesn't make the former queen feel any better, though.

She had read an article that said babies would often fall asleep during car rides, the constant motion soothing them into slumber. But that failed. The only time Emma sleeps is when she is in Regina's arms, but it is impossible for Regina to hold the baby at all times. Like now, for instance, she needs to eat, but Emma isn't allowing her the opportunity to do so.

"Madame Mayor?" Dark eyes spring upwards at the voice, immediately narrowing at the person who would dare speak to her.

"Yes?" Her tone is sharp, dripping with the ever constant disdain she feels for the inhabitants of her cursed town. Her eyes roll at the barely there outfit that Ruby is wearing, judgement seeping from her pores. She's ready to verbally spar with the younger woman, fully expecting the wolf to have an issue with her exceptionally loud child.

"Would you like me to hold her for you?" Ruby asks, attempting and failing to hide just how nervous the mayor makes her. Regina scowls, but her tired features don't quite do the trick this time around.

"And why, Miss Lucas, would I want that?" Regina asks, a disapproving gaze travelling up and down Ruby's clothes.

"Oh," Ruby is surprised by the malice, but perhaps she shouldn't be. "I guess I thought it would help," she shrugs. "It would at least give you a moment to yourself...allow you to eat." Regina eyes her suspiciously. Back in the enchanted forest this woman hated her, but Regina can't see any hatred in the earnest gaze.

"Why would you want to help me?" The question is simple, yet so loaded. Ruby doesn't notice it, though.

"You look like you need it." Another shrug, and Regina purses her lips. Her own mother would be disgusted with the lack of etiquette from Ruby.

"Well," Regina clears her throat, "I suppose you're right, Miss Lucas. I hope you know what you're doing," she warns, a dangerous glint in her dark eyes as she hands her precious bundle to Ruby. It takes her a few moments to stop staring at the woman holding her child and to actually start eating, and the majority of her attention still remains on Emma.

It's nice, though, to actually have some help. Even if it is only for a few moments. Perhaps, one day, she'll allow herself to fully trust someone in this town full of enemies. Perhaps...

"Emma!" Regina's heart is still pounding as she barrels into the diner, her eyes almost wild as they land on her child. Eager arms easily pull Emma from the booth and into a tight hug. "You scared me! You can't just leave, Emma." Her tone is scolding, but her shaky voice betrays the fear she felt.

"I'm sorry, Momma. I went on an adventure."

Upon hearing this, and seeing Emma is okay, full lips set in a firm line and dark eyes narrow. Regina lowers Emma back to her feet, her wrist cocking back to place a firm swat to a small backside.

Emma grimaces, reaching back to rub her butt, thankful that the diner is empty.

"Emma Mills, is that all you have to say for yourself?" Regina asks, her worry fading and quickly being replaced with anger. "An adventure?! How many times have I told you to stay in the yard?" Regina places her hands on her hips, an expectant eyebrow raising. "Well?"

"Lots of times, Momma," Emma mumbles, guiltily avoiding her mother's stern gaze.

"Emma, please look at me." Regina drops to one knee, her eyes searching Emma's. "I only want what is best for you. I want to keep you safe, and I can't do that if I don't know where you are, can I?"

"No, momma." Emma is extremely close to tears now and Regina sighs softly.

"Come here," she says, her arms barely opening in time to capture the small body that crashes into her.

"I'm sorry," Emma whimpers into her mother's neck.

"I know, dear. No more adventures out of the yard, alright?" Regina feels Emma nod and is satisfied for now. She usually would push for a verbal response, but understands that Emma is too upset for words right now.

Regina straightens up, Emma still in her arms as she looks around the empty diner. Aside from Ruby, of course, who is filling out paperwork in an attempt to give the mother and daughter some privacy.

"How much do I owe you?" Regina asks, nodding her head towards Emma's now empty plate.

"On the house," Ruby smiles. "Granny would kill me if I made her little favourite pay," she adds. Regina smiles warmly at the young woman. In the four years since she had enacted the curse, Ruby had somehow wormed her way into Regina's heart. Even her incessant shrugging doesn't seem to irritate her as much now.

Not that she would admit that out loud, of course.

More soon :)