Chapter 12: Mastermind

A/N: Now for the confrontation and the revelation of a not so diabolical plan.

Disclaimer is the same as in chapter 1

Emma and Regina found themselves in front of Henry's door. Regina was determined, but Emma was unsure as to what was going on in her girlfriend's mind. Regina rapped hard on the door and yelled for her brother.

"Henry, it's me, Regina. let me in. Emma and I need to talk to you," Regina shouted.

"Gina, what's this about?" Henry asked as he opened the door. Emma just gave her girlfriend a questioning look meaning she was just as curious as Henry. Regina just pushed her way into the door with a determined look on her face. Regina began searching until she found the red book.

"Explain!" she commanded imperiously as she threw the book on the bad, doing her best to try and avoid hitting Neal who was still sitting there.

"That's my diary, Gina." Henry responded. Regina just looked down at it and realized the back cover was facing up.

"Oh, really Henry, is your diary actually called 'Operation Swan Queen?'" Regina shot back as she turned the book over to reveal the title.

"Operation Swan Queen, what the hell is Operation Swan Queen," Emma pondering before realization hit her. "Regina, don't you get it?" she said before pointing to herself. "Swan" she then pointed to Regina and said "Queen". "it has to do with us. Alright, start talking kid."

"it was something we did to help you, Gina." Henry responded.

"What do you mean 'we', Henry? Who helped you with whatever this is?" Regina asked sternly. Henry looks to Neal, who just smiles sheepishly.

"I'm sorry Emmy, I just wanted to help you be happy. We knew we had something one day at school." Neal explained. Henry then took over and began to tell the story.

Flashback

8-year-old Henry was sitting at a table in the school courtyard when Neal came up to him.

"Hey Henry, what are you up to?" Neal asked in his usual cheerful tone.

"Oh, hey Neal, I'm just trying to help my sister," he responded in a dejected tone. He knew his task was far from possible even at the tender age of 8.

"Oh, Gina, yeah she's nice. What are you helping her with?" Neal asked with interest.

"She's been sad, but then it seems she gets on her computer and she's happy for a little." Henry responded before continuing. "I want her to be happy all the time."

End Flashback

"Then I saw you typing on your computer one day Emmy." Neal continued. "I saw you writing to a girl named TheReginaMills."

Flashback

"Henry," Neal said as he ran up to his friend. "I know how to make Gina happy." He concludes.

"what are you talking about Neal?" Henry asked.

"She should meet my sister Emma." Neal responds. "Emma sends her nice messages every day, and if anyone can make Gina happy, Emma can." Henry smiled, but then his smile faltered.

"Wait a minute, you don't have a sister." Henry responded.

"Yeah I do. Mom and dad brought home a girl named Emma Swan and said she was my new sister." Neal responded. Henry had heard of this type of thing happening before, so it made sense.

"That makes sense. The only problem is that mom keeps her on a short leash and makes her focus only on her music, so we have to get around that. Alright, Neal if you'll help me Operation Swan Queen is a go." Henry said confidently.

End Flashback

"So, your plan was to get us together?" Regina asked.

"At least to make you be friends, yes." Henry replied guiltily.

"So, wait, Henry proposed the contest?" Emma asked.

"You know, come to think of it he did." Regina recalled.

Flashback

it was dinner time at the Mills house. Henry and Neal had already plotted out what they were going to do for Operation Swan Queen, and now it was Henry's move.

"Mom, wouldn't it be a great idea if Regina did something cool for her fans?" Henry asked in mock thought that Cora couldn't detect. Cora took on a serious expression, but not one of malice since she knew her son was young and naïve.

"Henry, you know better. Regina needs to focus on her music." Cora dismissed.

"Mom, I read stuff. I have seen what some people say about her, and evil queen is one of the only ones I can actually repeat at the table." Henry said half-jokingly.

Cora, I do believe that Regina could stand to have some interaction with her fans. It might do her some good." Henry Sr. said, adding to his son's suggestion.

"Hmm, that evil queen garbage is a bit annoying to read. I suppose I'll call Mr. Gold and see what we can come up with." Cora conceded.

End Flashback

"So that's how the contest came to be." Henry said having confirmed what Regina had already put together.

"It got hard when I heard Emmy wasn't doing the contest, but I got Lilly to write a letter when I told her what Emma was thinking."

"And that's why she took my letter. You told me about the contest in advance because it was something you and Henry already knew about. You must have told her to take it in the event I wouldn't enter." Emma concluded. Regina and Emma looked at each other and nodded in agreement. They could not be mad at their brothers because they found something wonderful. Eventually they went to Cora and asked her if they could all go back to the Nolan residence for another night with Henry included this time. She said yes on the condition that Regina return home the next afternoon to discus her songbook. Eventually, they all got back to the Nolan's and Mary-Margaret and David were more than happy to have the Mills children there. Henry and Neal went up to Neal's room and Emma and Regina stayed downstairs to discuss the opportunity for Emma with her parents.

"Mom, Dad there is something Regina and I need to ask you." Emma began nervously. Mary-Margaret and David nodded for her to continue, but it was Regina who chimed in.

"I have invited Emma to come on tour with me as my new singer. She was great during Rock Band, and I need that kind of talent by my side." Mary-Margaret and David looked at each other before David spoke.

"It seems like a wonderful opportunity, but would she be safe? What about her education?"

"I assure you that as her girlfriend I promise to keep her safe, and my mother will make sure she has a good education as she has done with me." Regina answered with confidence. The Nolan's looked at each other before dismissing themselves to the other room to deliberate.

A/N: And that is a good spot to end it. Bronxny22 you were right it was Henry and Neal. Henry was obvious, but how did you guess Neal? Anyway, new chapter coming soon.