"The truth will set us both free Emma," The Queen says, touching the mirror only to reveal the mayor, face deep in one of Emma's forgotten sweaters. Emma had wondered where it went but in her hurry to escape, left it behind. Now Regina sat sobbing into it in the privacy of her own bedroom. Trying like hell to reclaim a moment of sanity. A moment that her actions cost her months ago.

"Is she in pain?" Emma asks, tracing an invisible path down the brunette's cheek on the mirror.

"Yes."

"Good."

"Where do you think you're going?" The Queen asks, heading the blonde off before she can reach the stairway out of the vault.

"I'm going the hell home, with the sweet thought of her...your tears to soothe me to sleep. You wanted Robin, now enjoy the rest of your lives together." Shouldering by the Queen, Emma began to ascend the stairs.

"Correction, Regina wanted Robin...and you."

"I love to be the bearer of unwelcome news, but you don't get it both ways. You could have if you hadn't spent God knows how long sneaking around and lying to me. To me!" Emma snarled, turning on the steps and backing the Queen into the wall. "All you had to do was talk to me, but you didn't. I loved the darkest parts of you. Just like you loved all the damaged parts of me."

"Emma," The Queen had the gall to look appropriately pained. "I care for you. Regina said, she doesn't love you was a lie. That was a lie. And I, most certainly do."

"Oh please, you're just bored because she got rid of you too."

"Use your superpower if you're so sure."

Crossing her arms Emma did just that. And what she saw left her breathless. The amber eyes she was craving, looking at her with such affection. The look of love in them, of tenderness even. How was it possible with the Evil Queen who both was and was not Regina…Emma could not begin to explain. "You were trying to kill us all not that long ago."

"I was, and I truly tried to be happy for my other half. It's been a long time since anyone dared to challenge me so brashly. Once she accepted me, and then our son, I guess I thought…"

"We would live happily ever after?"

"Happier Ever After, perhaps."

"You warned me once, Saviors don't get happy endings," Emma muttered, from the opposite side of the stairwell.

"We are in control of our destinies."

"Are we? Because of I sure as shit would not have chosen this."

"I know that you're hurting. That the pain you feel is crimson and bleeding still. I'm not asking you to trust me, Emma."

"Then what do you want, Your Majesty?"

"An opportunity to earn that."

Steely jade eyes cut through every ounce of tension between them. Emma did not look the least bit like herself. She was thinner than usual, her eyes gaunt and filled with suspicion and anger rather than liveliness. Her golden mane weighed down from lack of washing, and exhaustion colored beneath her eyes. "Okay."

"Truly?"

A weak smirk fired in the Queen's general direction. "Truly."

"Long-term, I would like to court you."

"Be careful what you wish for." Emma responded, "Am I free to go now?"

"Yes…" The way pale skin scrunched between Emma's eyes it was clear she was awaiting a conclusion to that statement. "Might I run you a bath before you go?"

"Is this a ploy to get me to stay the night?" Emma asked. "I haven't been able to get out of bed for days."

"I can see that." The Queen said, with a chuckle.

"A bath would be nice, actually."

"Follow me."

Doing just that, but only because she wanted to and not because of the direction to do so, Emma was lead into another room. The tapestry on the walls matched her wounded heart. A fire roared to life, nestling them in comfortable shadows. The dark clawfoot tub, lightly steaming nearby. When the woman Regina once was turned around, she found Emma closer than expected.

"Might I ask one thing of you?" she asked with a nod. Reaching behind the Queen's head, for the pins holding her elaborate hairstyle in place, it all fell. Framing Queen magnificently. Emma swallowed over the lump in her throat. "I've wanted to do that for ages."

"Was it everything you hoped for?" Swallowing thickly again, Emma nodded. "Would you like some privacy?"

"You've seen it before."

"She has. I have not yet had the pleasure."

"Hmm," Emma shrugged, letting her jacket slide down her arms and then to the floor. Peeling the dirty AC/DC burnout shirt off and the tank top underneath that. The painted-on boots and skinny jeans were next to go. "You're awful…. quiet"

All she found when she turned was the Queen's back to her. Granting the privacy, she needs not ask for it. "Silence bothers you?"

"I would take your rage over your silence."

"Why is that?"

"Anger means you still think there is something worth fighting for." Emma answered, "I'm too weak to summon steps to get into the bath."

Stepping toward the blonde, eyes cautiously averted, The Queen offered her arm. She even provided just enough motivation that the water bubbled to provide that extra bit of relaxation. Next came the essential oils from her personal collection. Regina would not miss them. Not while she was busy committing herself to the misery of a Deadman returned and lamenting over love lost. This pain complicated further by the fact that unlike previous instances, Emma was very much alive.

Emma had been Regina's enemy, her close friend, the bearer of their son, her employee, and her lover. Without Emma, the mayor would have never met her beloved Robin. Nor would she have her precious son. Nor the restoration of her Not So Happy Ending. She would have none of it, The Queen was unsure which was worse. That Emma was still alive and breathing so close, yet so far. Or the fact that her former lover avoided her. Her money was on the former.

That was a type of loss enough to drive anyone mad.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

For some time, Emma remained with her knees to her chest, not saying a word. Allowing the gentle lulling of bubbling water to ease her tired body. Sleep had been elusive. Appetite even more so. The last time she felt such as this were entirely different circumstances. She had something to live for. Henry was growing in her body. She couldn't just quit. There was a future to consider. One that she had not thought possible. She was going to be a mother. Neal was nowhere in sight but good riddance.

Another man with his false words and even false bravado. He said what he needed to get what he wanted. God, she had been so naïve.

"Are you going to be sick? You don't look well." The Queen asked, putting her book down.

"Just thinking…"

"Thinking or plotting?"

"Thinking," Emma said softer, turning her head to capture a glance. "I haven't eaten much."

"I can magic some food when you've concluded your bath."

"What do you think about?" Emma sidestepped, always parrying with her words.

"When?"

"You have a lot of free time not being the mayor and not seeking ways to destroy everything you've built. So, what do you think about?"

"My Father. Henry. You."

"How you should have crushed the life from my minute's old body?"

"How loving me always manages to kill someone."

Huffing from the oversized tub Emma shook her head and washed one of her arms. "Being discarded like trash did this. Having to be in the same room with you, having to pretend I can't read every crinkle of your eyes, pretending like I never…. we never were anything. Knowing that he gets all of you. Killing me would have been the merciful thing to do."

There's a silence that follows her momentarily as she summons what strength she has left. "I will withstand agonizing loneliness, the crushing depression, and a wraith based on nothing more than knowing that Operation Cobra succeeded."

"To bring back the Happy Endings."

"Exactly."

"You think Robin is her Happy Ending?"

"Isn't he?"

"You're wrong if you think a man is our Happy Ending."

"Am I hallucinating right now?" Emma asked, allowing her head to lull to the side and get a better look at the Queen. Her wet hand, covering the one resting on the side of the tub.

"Real enough?"

"Yeah." She said, facing forward.

"May I wash your hair?"

"Seriously? I'm like the most disgusting I've ever been, and you want to wash my hair?" Emma asked, immediately dropping lower into the tub.

Sitting the novella on a nearby table the Queen assumed her position behind the blonde. Performing her work in silence as she gingerly wet the hot mess that was Emma Swan's hair. Delicately massaging the water through, watching gooseflesh rise on pale arms. She dares not comment though the urge was there. They needed this.

Summoning the bottle of Rosemary oil, she rubs it between her palms before deliciously diving into the blonde mane. Gathering the long locks, massaging Emma's scalp, and watching the way her chest had begun to steadily rise and fall. A satisfied sound tumbled from behind pale lips, but it was just enough to make out.

"I…love having my hair washed."

"Do you?" The Queen asked lightly.

"There was a commercial when I was a kid. Some advertisement for shampoo and it showed a mom and her baby. I always wanted to be that baby. No matter how hard I cried afterward, I forced myself to watch the entire thing."

"And now you have it." The Queen said, leading a stream of water through the blonde's hair.

There was a strangled, "Yeah." That followed her words.

"It's okay," Said the Queen, wrapping her arms around the naked blonde. Just beyond the outer rim of the bathtub.

Feeling the shuddering. Taking place with silent tears. "Why are you doing this to me?"

"It is for you, Dear." Daring a quick kiss to the woman's temple, The Queen did so. "This is all for you."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

In the bath, Emma remained for some time. Energy long since waned, growing tense in the Queen's arms. Focusing on anything but the feel of a lover lost embracing her backside. The chill in the water finally caught her attention.

With her body feeling fresh, no longer marred by the weight of the outside world. Her hair as free as her mind. At least in this moment, as she sat before the fire with some freshly brewed tea, and a robe made in the heavens.

A flicking of her wrist saw the robe hanging near the fire to dry and a change of clothes to take its place. Side by side they had enjoyed the warmth of the fireplace in silence. Emma's tears had dried, shortly after their arrival. Not a trace is seen, when the blonde rose.

A pale hand clasping The Queen's shoulder, pulling her amber eyes upward. Emma was on the verge of saying something, but the words were lodging in her throat. The gratefulness registering on her features was its own reward.

This time the Queen allowed the other woman to leave.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Two days passed for the Queen. She dared not venture into town, not until she could find a way to ensure that she and her counterpart would not be in the same place at once. By accepting the darkness and choosing to love herself, Regina had set them both free. That did not mean the same could be said for the citizens of Storybrooke. Their memories were long when it came to her sins. Something that given her past, she did earn.

"Knock, knock," Says the blonde as she descends the stairs.

"Fancy seeing you here."

"Yeah, well…Henry is looking for you."

"Looking for me?"

"I told him I would find you."

"How positively Charming."

"Ass."

"That will be Queen Ass to you."

Emma's eyes darkened but she made no movement, beyond a mirroring smirk. "You are his Mother. Kid just wants to know that you're alright."

"Hey Ma', I think I know how we can..." Henry said, clomping down the stairs and coming to a halt at the foot. "find Other Mom."

"Found her," Emma said, waving toward the Queen.

"Hello, Henry." She said, smoothing her gown as the victorious grin took over his face.

"You're here." He stated, gears working overtime in his mind, and his smile fell "In Storybrooke. But I thought I sent you somewhere to be happy."

"I- "she said, pausing just shy of their son.

"You know that we're stronger together." He finished, crooked grin winning his features over. It was infectious as she slowly matched him before embracing.

"You wanted to see me?"

"Yeah. I wanted to make sure that you were happy."

"Happiness is something we each must discover for ourselves. That responsibility does not lie with you."

"I won't write anything if that's what you're worried about."

"You're a good son, Henry." She said, as he held open his arms and they embraced.

"I had a good Mom."

"Doesn't get much better," Emma said, standing off to the side. "I'm gonna head into town. You two should talk."

She made her exit and Henry appeared pained. "Do you think I hurt her feelings?"

The Queen clucked her tongue and shook her head, smile firmly in place. "I don't believe that at all. Come, sit by the fire and tell me everything I've missed."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The next time the Queen see's Henry, he comes alone. "This looks serious."

"Ma' is barely holding on. She sent Grandpa in her place to the town meeting, or respond to my Mom's messages. Unless they have to do with me."

"Your Mother hurt her quite a bit."

"I know," He says, setting his backpack beside the chair he takes a seat in. Resting his head on a closed fist. "Mom is hurting now too."

"Now?" The Queen asks, leaning forward in her seat.

"She can't talk to anyone about it. Ma' was her best friend."

"It's an unfortunate situation for all parties."

"You weren't there when it happened. I mean, at first Ma' tried, she really did to be understanding. Then Mom started lying to her. I've never been in love with two people at the same time. Have you?"

"I have not."

"When Robin thought Zelena was Marian, he never stopped loving my Mom. I guess I thought to have that experience my Mom would be more understanding. To be honest when it was difficult. I know you're going to say it's more complicated than that…but is it truly? Or do we make things that way?"

"Both."

"I'm scared that Emma may do something. I'm scared that my Mom is resigning herself to less than she deserves. What if they never speak again?"

"Emma needs time to adjust. Regina needs time to assess what she has done. They'll speak again."

"Maybe." He said, pressing his hands to his mouth and staring into the fire. "I thought when my Mom accepted you as a part of herself things would go back to normal. Now I just don't know."

"It's not a curse Henry."

"Won't know until you have tried True Love's kiss." He said flippantly.

"I think I'm the last person in this town that Emma Swan wants to kiss."

"I wouldn't bet on that."

"Care to make a wager?" The Queen asked, leaning forward with a Cheshire grin.

"I've been warned about making deals without adult supervision."

"A fact with which I am well aquatinted."

"You're on, Mom," Henry said, extending a hand in offering.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Coming to a stop in the cemetery Emma silently talked herself into and out of the idea she had hatched in the wee hours of the morning. Too little sleep, the lack of appetite, and the amount of alcohol were all contributing factors. Right now, they were all she had to hold it together. Parking near Neal's final resting place always seemed so unreal. Holding him as he passed did nothing to solidify that his body rested here.

"The Queen never left Storybrooke." She began, soft droplets of rain began falling. "I don't know if you maybe called in another favor with the Big Guy Upstairs or something. She's gonna look out for Henry. You don't have to worry."

Setting down the 6 pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon, a crooked smile left her lips. "In case you need a cold one, where you're at."

Remembering Neverland and how the words," I was relieved," had left her mouth when Emma believed Neal to be gone the first time. Shame stabbed her in the gut. Like always though, Emma 'The Lone Wolf' Swan kept putting one foot in front of the other. The only surefire way to get anywhere worth going.

Looking up the road there was no sign of the Mercedes. Standing at the tomb of Regina's father always humbled Emma. This man had many flaws but loving her had never been one of them. The way Regina loving Henry had not. Sighing she lightly touched the stone, "Please watch over her."

The stone moved away, and Emma found the Queen in much the same area as before, the room off to the West of the vault. "The Princess has returned. To what do I owe the pleasure?" The Queen said, sipping cider from a glass. Beside it the empty decanter signaling, it was far from the first glass.

"I…" Emma tried but amber eyes danced with flames and her smile stole any sense she wanted to make.

"You…?" The Queen asked, rising slowly. Holding up a single finger as she finished the last of her glass and tossed it behind her. "Miss me?"

"You aren't dead."

"Mmmm, no." The Queen purred, drawing nearer. "Disappointed?"

"What? No. Just you should not be living in the ground."

"Emma, Dear you are making even less sense than normal."

"I don't want you to live here anymore. Not when you have someplace to go."

"What place would that be?" Asked the Queen, head tilted to the side curiously.

"I- "Emma couldn't catch her breath. Emma could not bear the thought of any version of Regina, living in the ground. "This isn't a place for the living."

"Whoever told you I was alive?"

"Regina, please…"

The use of her name stunned.

"Where would you have me go?" She asked, softer than Emma had heard her speak since that night she had been on the receiving end of the bath treatment.

Flustered, Emma turned pink. "My house. There is a spare room, but you can make the whole thing whatever you want. I just…don't want you here anymore. I can't think about you living here."

"You want me to move in with you?"

"Stay with me. I-I can move in with my parents, they just bought a house."

Brushing a stray blonde strand back into place with her fingertips the Queen studied her. "I don't want you to leave your home, Emma."

"It's not my home," she answered, eyes averted. That shrunken look that did little to suite she was returning. Threatening to swallow the blonde woman whole.

Holding out a coin purse, Regina filled it with gold from their realm, slipping it into Emma's hand. "To cover my expenses."

"You'll come with me?" Emma asked, slack-jawed.

"My sweet girl needs someone to look after her."

"Oh yeah?"

"It is bath time is it not?"

"I showered," Came the response. And then the careful attempt at trying to recall when that last was. God, she was a mess.

"Did you wash your hair?"

"No."

"Hmm," The Queen said, feeling Emma follow her up the stairs and patiently wait as she placed a chaste kiss on Daddy's tomb.

"I can do that if it bothers you," Emma informed. The feelings of weakness overwhelmingly to please the former monarch bordered on making her nauseous.

"I should think not Princess. Whatever will I do?"

"You don't have to- "

"I want to," The Queen stated, summoning an umbrella, and extending her arm. Emma stared at it for a long time before accepting, looping her arm through and shutting the door behind her.

Proceeding back to the bug in silence, Emma opened the passenger door first. Then she accepted the umbrella before the Queen leaned across and unlocked her door. Emma sat there in silence for a few moments. Only the sound of the rain to fill the vehicle. "My job isn't done yet."

"Villains don't get Happy Endings."

"Savior's and Villains have that in common then," She said, starting the car.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The ride home is quiet. Emma was busy with the intricacies of driving and took an unnecessarily long way to get them home. Her phone buzzed, and she handed it to her passenger. "Still remember how to work one of those?"

"You have five unread messages from Regina, two from Henry, and one from your Father. Where shall I start?"

"Henry's," Emma answered, taking a right-hand turn.

"Can I move in with you? Please."

"Regina will NEVER allow that," Emma said and saw that the woman beside her began typing. "No! Don't say that. I was thinking out loud."

"My apologies."

"We'll come back to that. What about Dad's message?"

"He wants to know if you're joining them for dinner in their new house."

"Go back to Henry's message, and tell him we will talk about it over dinner at my parents."

"What are you going to tell him?" she asked, turning in her seat to study the disheveled blonde.

"Legally speaking, I have no right to Henry. If she doesn't give the okay, we could end up in court."

"I don't think you have to worry about that Dear." The Queen responds quietly, eyes skimming the phone still. "It says here that Henry broached the subject with her this morning, and she thinks it's a good idea. She hates it, but understands that things are a little rough at home."

White-knuckling the steering wheel, Emma parks along the curb to her house. Sitting on the steps was their son and his backpack, patiently awaiting their arrival. "Lose your key?"

"I like listening to the rain," he said, curiously looking at the duo.

"Oh, um, I invited her to stay here," Emma said, with a relieved look.

"You're going to stay in Storybrook?" He asked

"It appears so." The Queen answered.

"You will like it here. Saturday mornings are PJ days. Em' and I veg in front of the tv and watch cartoons for a while. If you want to join us."

"We'll need to get her some clothes," Emma informed.

"Mom has tons of clothes she'll never…."

"I'm not the Mayor," The Queen answered. "thankfully, I can forgo the power suits that position so often requires."

"For tonight, I hope sweatpants and a tee work, Your Majesty."

"They sound lovely."

Though he said nothing, Emma could read Henry's smile. "What is a boy to do? Three Mother's. You'll never get away with anything now Kid."

He smirked and damned if he didn't look just like his Mother. "Technically, this one and I go way back. Right after I escaped from prison. I was on the run for a few weeks, but she showed up, right on time."

"Guess the pigeon took a while to get the message to her," Emma teased, slinging an arm over his shoulder.

"It was a raven." He corrected with a jesting elbow to her ribs. "Official bird of House Mills."

"He is your son." Emma tossed at The Queen, as she unlocked the house. "Pick any room you like."

"You mentioned a spare…"

"There isn't a bed. Until then, I'll throw my bedding in the wash and get you fresh sheets. I gotta go do this family dinner thing really quick."

"I'll stick with Mom," Henry offered, "Grandma's making chili."

"With the noodles?"

"Yup."

She groaned, "And I can't drag you with me?"

"Not a chance. We'll order pizza and by the time you get back, there will be some. Maybe there won't."

Henry had known exactly what he was doing. He was a slick little shit, but he was her slick little shit. Even as Emma left the two of them alone, she knew he was in good hands. In what they had believed to be their last moments together, The Queen and Henry came to understand one another.

The poor kid had to do that a lot since the breaking of the curse. Monsters attacking their city, his mother's, repeatedly kidnapped. Emma was just grateful that with the Last Battle, went the monsters. Henry didn't know it, but his Mother's knew he had nightmares about those experiences.

Usually, they did too. Not frequently, but just enough to remind them how fragile life was. How fragile all of this was. No, Emma couldn't think about that now as she made way to the farmhouse her parents purchased. Neal was the first to greet her as he hopped down the steps and ran to the bug.

"Emma!"

"Neally!" She said, twirling him in her arms to a volcano of giggles.

"She's here," David called from behind the screen door. Planting a kiss on Emma's head as she passed by with Neal.

"Hi, Dad."

"Emma," Snow White says happily. "so glad you could make it."

"Yeah, all I have is time." She forces a smile but does not miss the way her parents look to one another. Though leaving out much surrounding the break-up with Regina, she had a feeling that they knew more than they commented on. Talking just was not Emma's style. Sharing her heartache was not bringing back what they shared.

It wasn't going to allow her to grow from it and move on. Neither of her parents could relate in any sense of the word to what she was experiencing. Truth told, she didn't want to worry them either. After all the near misses with the latest and greatest big bad's, they were just happy to have her in their lives. David and Snow White didn't ask for much these days. Only the occasional family dinners and all holidays.

"Will you sit by me?" Neal asked, "Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

"You got it, Kid," Emma responded to a high five, as Neal pushed his seat close to hers.

"Does that remind you of anyone David?" Snow White asked, placing chili in a few bowls.

"No. Should it?" he asked

"Wait, was this during the time he was in a coma? Because I have to say, not fair Mom." Emma teased.

"Oh, I forgot about that."

"Completely forgettable Mary Margaret."

"Now that's just rude," Snow White responded, casting a sideways glance at her daughter. Happily serving her family. When they each had their portion, she stood back for a moment and took it all in. David caught her in a moment of contemplation when her eyes paused on their adult child.

"It's alright, Mama." He said

"Just imagining."

"Emma…" Neal whined before he devoured a spoonful of chili. "I come stay with you sometime?"

"Anytime, Kid. You know I love when you do."

"Okay!" he says, bumping their fists before they make explosion sounds and giggle.

And Snow White nor Prince Charming share the previous conversation, instead reveling in the fact that Emma was slowly returning to them. Just the way she had after twenty-eight years. After that, a few months hardly seemed like anything to worry about.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Returning home, Emma found Henry researching on the computer and The Queen enjoying the same novel from a few days ago. Making her way down the hall to her room she sent everything to the wash with a flick of her wrists. A secondary flick brought a fresh set of everything and perfectly turned down the bed. Not that she would if she were the one to sleep in it tonight, but it was a necessary evil.

Magic did have its uses when you could make a dingy room fresh again with so little effort. Not to mention anytime you wanted to rearrange it took minutes rather than hours. Settling beside Henry at the kitchen table, Emma waited.

"Yes?" Henry said, sensing her presence.

"You know you're more than welcome to stay here but I have to ask why you're choosing now to move out?"

"You need me."

"Henry your mother and I both need you."

"Mom has Robin and Roland. She won't even notice I'm gone."

"That is not fair."

"Life isn't fair." He said, clicking faster on the mouse.

"Pause the game." Doing so he flicked teenaged green eyes at her. Full of attitude and yet compliant. "You are the only person, in this world or any other, that will never have to doubt being loved by two people."

"It's just…everything changed. One minute we were so happy, just the three of us. The next Robin was back. You were leaving. Being at home is just weird."

"I know, Kid. But everything your Mother worked toward was to be the kind of woman she could be proud of. The kind of woman her son could be proud of. Her son. Not Roland. Not Robin. Not Emma Swan."

He sighed, "I know. I know."

"Stay here but take your Mother to breakfast or lunch."

"Okay." He said, leaning back in his chair. "You aren't mad, are you?"

"Not a chance kid. Your heart is in the right place, but the execution sucks." Emma messed up his hair before making her way to where The Queen was reading.

"Was it as dreadful as you expected?" She asked, not glancing up from the book.

"As flavorless, at least."

"Oh goody. There is a pizza in the refrigerator for you."

"Thanks. Your room is ready. You can magic your things to it, at least until I get a bed ordered for your room."

Nodding to indicate she heard, The Queen sat her book in her lap. "Henry suggested a name change so that I can begin my new life."

"It can't hurt."

"We were thinking Roni."

"We?"

"Yes."

Shaking her head, Emma stood in the doorway of the room. "Is there anything you wouldn't do for that boy?"

"I have yet to discover it," Roni said as Emma came into the room.

Halting in front of the woman adorned in one of her many precious gowns, and held out her hand. "That is why you were chosen. It's nice to meet you, Roni. I'm Emma."

"The pleasure is all mine," Roni said, shaking the offered pale hand.

"Welcome to your home away from home then Roni."