Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Jiminy Cricket was organizing files. He had his entire day planned; now that his morning sessions were over, he would lunch at Granny’s and then take Pongo on a long walk. Life in Storybrooke had become quieter, and he reviled in his meaningful work and predictable routines.

Until Mayor Mills walked in.

Regina, the former Evil Queen, was not a common occurrence in his office. Sure, there was that one happenstance years ago, but not since. So he was understandably taken aback at her knock on the ajar door. ‘’Regina. What can I do for you?’’

Regina stepped over the threshold. Hesitance could be discerned in her face, but her voice was as commanding as ever. ‘’I’ve come to talk to you,’’ she said, ‘’About a… family matter, I suppose.’’

Dr. Hopper was intrigued. ‘’Of course.’’ He gestured to his sofa. ‘’Please.’’

He seated himself in the armchair. Regina sat across from him. ‘’It’s not my family,’’ she explained, ‘’It’s the Charmings. There are… issues between them and Emma.’’

‘’I see. What kind of issues?’’

Regina sighed, for a moment looking so weary that Jiminy’s intrigue grew into concern. She began.

…

The first thing she noticed was how Emma and her parents were never in the same room.

Well, not never. But certainly not to the extent she was used to seeing the Charming family together. Perhaps most noticeable was how Hook was never with them. Now that wasn’t an exaggeration. Emma was always making an excuse for him; he was at the station, he was at the docks, he was running an errand for her. Regina didn’t think anything of it until Henry voiced a concern, and Robin echoed it.

‘’I haven’t seen him in ages. You don’t think something’s wrong, do you?’’

Regina did. And she was certain whatever was wrong with him, was also wrong with his wife.

Again, Emma was keeping distance from her parents. Or they were keeping distance from her. Regina kept catching off hand remarks they’d make, such as when it best for her to use or to not use her magic. They would make references to their time in Camelot and didn’t seem to notice the jolt that went through their daughter upon hearing them. Most alarming was when they referenced their ordeal in the Underworld. Regina didn’t think she was imagining the almost guilty yet angry look on Emma’s face, probably reimagining what her husband’s fate had been in that red smogged town.

Regina didn’t think Snow and David meant to be cruel; she had been the evil queen, she knew cruelty. She was once certain those two heroes didn’t have the means of being cruel in them. Their remarks were careless, thoughtless ones, ones made by people who didn’t have the same negative experience as others, who slept through the night without dreams and didn’t questions all the choices that led them to where they were today.

From what she saw, it seemed to Regina that Emma couldn’t say the same. 

Drama didn’t interest her unless she caused it, so she had no intention of getting in-between whatever the Charmings had going on. Henry was noticing it too, and as a result was spending more time with her, Robin, and Roland. If it weren’t for Emma putting off him staying over at her new house with herself and Hook, Regina would think the problem lay solely between her and her parents.

But, in addition to Henry being affected, it seemed fate determined that she would get involved. One day, she, Robin, the Charmings and their daughter were in the sheriff’s office. With all the magic involved in bringing the peoples from the Untold Stories, creatures of all kinds were stirring. Most were inconsequential and could easily be dealt with. Some were bigger, loving to cause property damage. This was all much to the chagrin of Storybrooke citizens, and as such the sheriff station had to step in.

‘’I don’t understand why there are so many,’’ Robin said. ‘’What is attracting these beasts here?’’

‘’With all the traveling from the Untold Stories, the wards between the realms are weakened,’’ Regina explained, ‘’Now more than ever.’’

‘’The people in that realm, and Camelot and the Underworld,’’ David remembered. ‘’Those would’ve weakened the wards, too.’’

‘’But most of them don’t seem to come from the Land Of Untold Stories,'' Robin continued, ''My men spotted them in the words. They said these ones seemed… different.’’

‘’Different how?’’ Snow pressed. ‘’Dark magic different?’’

Robin nodded. 

‘’It’s the Underworld,’’ Emma said. She’d been quiet for so long, it was startling to hear her speak. ‘’How we got there. Gold, and the magic he used. It’s what’s attracting these creatures.’’

‘’How do you know that?’’ Snow asked. 

Regina thought it over, something from their research coming back to her. ‘’She’s right. That would explain it.’’

‘’Wonderful,’’ David grumbled. ‘’How do we send these beasts back where they belong in the Underworld? Where they can stay there?’’

‘’We fight them.’’ Regina nodded to Emma. ‘’Our magic should be enough.’’

‘’Should?’’ Emma echoed. ‘’Love a ‘should’.’’

They rose to gather what they needed, prepare to head into the woods. Regina’s ears pricked at Snow speaking to her daughter. ‘’Unless you don’t want to,’’ she said to her. ‘’If you don’t want to use your magic, you don’t have to.’’

‘’I’ll be fine, mom.’’

‘’If dark magic brought it here, than maybe you shouldn’t-‘’

Regina didn’t want to hear what came next. ‘’If dark magic brought it, her light magic will get rid of it,’’ she interjected. ‘’That’ all there is to it.’’

David came to his wife’s defense. ’’We’re just saying if Emma doesn’t want to use her magic-‘’

‘’Why wouldn’t she want to use her magic?’’

‘’Yeah,’’ Emma cut in. ‘’My magic is fine.’’

‘’Glad to hear it.’’ Regina finished shrugging on her coat. ‘’Otherwise I may have to look into rehiring. Are we ready?’’

The Charmings, with rather put out stares cast in her direction, exited the building. Emma trailed after, avoiding Regina’s look.

Regina waited a moment, staring after them as they disappeared down the hall. The bell above the door could be heard as they left, but she didn’t move from her spot. Behind her, Robin let out a long breath. ‘’Perhaps it’s just because we were talking about it,’’ he said, ‘’But it seems to me that that right there was-‘’

‘’Unnecessary?’’ Regina supplied. ‘’Insensitive? Bitchy?’’

‘’I was going to say rude,’’ Robin said, ‘’But those words apply as well.’’

‘’I don’t understand.’’ She turned to him. ‘’Do they not see what they’re doing to her? Mr. and Mrs. Optimism and Righteousness? How can they talk to her like that?’’

‘’What are you going to do?’’ 

‘’Me?’’ Regina scoffed. ‘’Why me?’’

‘’Well, someone has to do something.’’

‘’Why not you? You’re friends with the pirate.’’

‘’Regina, you’re family.’’

‘’You take that back.’’

‘’You’re Emma’s step-grandmother,’’ Robin said, looking pleased at Regina’s disgust. ‘’It’s your duty to get involved.’’

After informing her boyfriend she had more intention of jumping through flaming hoops into Maleficent’s Dragon mouth than getting into the Charming-Family-Feud, they went on their way. Regina hoped to forget the whole thing.

Until that night, when Henry came to her. ‘’Mom?’’ He crossed the kitchen to her. ‘’Mom, Emma won’t text me back.’’

He held out his phone. Regina placed the ice cream dishes she’d been getting from the cabinet on the counter and glanced at Henry’s screen. The last four texts were all from him, varying inquires about Emma and Hook and when he could see them. 

‘’She isn’t replying,’’ Henry said. ‘’I know you and Robin were talking the other day about how something might be up, and…’’

Regina didn’t want to get involved with Emma and her parents. But when her son came to her in worry? No one was allowed to worry him. 

So there she was that evening, on the porch of Emma’s and her one-handed true love’s house, getting involved. She knocked. When no answer came, she yelled; ‘’Let me in or I magic my way in.’’

A few seconds ticked by. Then the lock turned and an angry looking Emma opened the door. Angry, and weary looking. ‘’What?’’

‘’When our son texts you,’’ Regina said, ‘’You answer. It’s a very simple thing. I thought you would know that.’’

Emma sighed. She opened the door wider and let Regina in. 

A few minutes later, they were sitting at the kitchen table. ‘’I’m sorry I didn’t reply,’’ Emma explained. ‘’I didn’t mean to worry him. There’s just only so many ways I can tell him that he can’t come here right now.’’

‘’And why is that?’’ Regina pressed. She was getting a sense as to why; There was a stillness in the house, something palatable and dark. A faint use of magic. Everything looked hastily put together, furniture angled slightly wrong, missing decorations Regina could’ve sworn were there last time she visited. And finally, Emma looked exhausted, dark circles under the eyes that refused to meet Regina’s. 

She didn’t respond to the question at first. Regina posed another; ‘’Where’s Hook? He hasn’t been around.’’

This respond was automatic; ‘’He’s at the docks.’’

‘’He’s always at the docks,’’ Regina countered. ‘’Does he live there still?’’

‘’He’s not always at the docks.’’

‘’He’s never here, with you.’’

‘’Yes, he is.’’

‘’Emma-‘’

‘’It’s complicated, okay?’’ Emma snapped. Except behind the anger, she sounded very close to tears. 

Regina waited, letting the pause prompt Emma where she could not. 

‘’It’s… it’s been hard,’’ Emma finally said. ‘’Everything since the Underworld. Since Camelot. Since…’’

‘’Being the Dark Ones,’’ Regina said.

Emma nodded. ‘’Killian… he hasn’t slept through the night since getting back.’’

‘’And you?’’

‘’And I…’’ Emma shrugged. ‘’I don’t really know if I sleep.’’

She rested her chin in her hands, successfully hiding her mouth with her sleeve. Regina let the silence settle again before asking, ‘’What else?’’

‘’There’s nothing else.’’

‘’Bull.’’

‘’Regina-‘’

‘’You wouldn’t be avoiding Henry unless something was wrong. So what’s wrong?’’

Regina waited. Emma then confessed; ‘’We still see them. The Dark Ones. Not like before,’’ she added hastily, correctly guessing Regina’s start. ‘’Most of them… well, they’re pissed at Killian for not bringing them back.’’

‘’As you do,’’ Regina muttered. 

‘’They’re here, at home, all the time. They follow me. They talk. We can’t get them to go away. We can’t make them…’’ Emma shook her head. ‘’We can’t forget any of it.’’

Snow’s and David’s remarks rang in Regina’s ears. ‘’And being reminded doesn’t help.’’ Emma’s eyes flitted to the side, perhaps feeling guilty at Regina’s meaning. ‘’Maybe there’s something Gold-‘’

‘’I went to Gold,’’ Emma admitted. ‘’They don’t bother him the same way they bother us. Besides, he said that Killian and I are different, the first Dark One’s to survive being the Dark One. We’re in uncharted territory. There’s no magical cure for this.’’

Regina learned back in her chair, frustration at the situation rising in her. At the best of times, Gold irked her, but given his re-becoming the Dark One, especially in light of everything Emma and Hook did to be rid of it, made him an even greater annoyance in her life. And that was saying something. Before she could say anything else, Emma spoke; ‘’You meant my parents just now, right?’’

‘’About their ‘reminders’ to you?’’ Regina scoffed. ‘’Yeah, not them being helpful, is it?’’

Emma nodded. ‘’So it’s not just me. They’re being-’’

‘’Assess,’’ Regina finished. ‘’Complete asses. Is that why Hook isn’t around? He can’t take it?’’

‘’No. He takes it too well. It’s hard to watch, honestly.’’

Regina couldn’t lie and say she hadn’t noticed a bit of a history when it came to their treatment of Hook, especially when he first came to Storybrooke. There was a time she even compared his treatment by Snow and Charming to her own situation. And with everything that happened, him giving into the darkness and ending up in the Underworld…

‘’They haven’t forgiven him,’’ Emma said, ‘’They haven’t forgiven me.’’

‘’For what?’’ Regina asked. 

‘’For what happened. For him becoming the Dark One. For me turning him into the Dark One. For going to the Underworld and brining him back. They haven’t forgiven me. They might not.’’

Regina leaned across the table, her voice dangerously low. ‘’You did what you had to to save the man you loved,’’ she reminded her. ‘’You did for Hook what they would’ve done in a heartbeat for themselves.’’

‘’I know.’’ Emma’s eyes finally met her’s, and Regina was startled to find them bright with tears. ‘’But it’s not okay to them. Because it was for Hook. Because it was for me.’’

She turned away then, and all previous thoughts of not getting involved were gone from Regina’s head. Emma Swan was sitting, crying at her kitchen table because her parents harbored resentment against her for doing something they themselves would’ve done in her place. And she was only in this place because of her attempt to save her, Regina, from the Darkness.

Screw that.

‘’Apologize to Henry for me,’’ Emma said, doing a remarkable job of sounding like she hadn’t been close to tears mere moments ago. ‘’Tell him… Tell him something he’ll understand.’’

Regina knew what she meant; Tell him something he’ll believe, but not the truth. Something he won’t think he needs to try and fix. Ironically, Regina was prepared to do the fixing.

She left soon after, closing the door behind her and descending the porch steps. She was just in time to see the elusive pirate approach, a Granny’s to-go bag in his hand. ‘’Regina,’’ he greeted, suspicion lying in his tone.

‘’Hello,’’ she greeted back. She studied him, searching for the same clues in his demeanor as she saw in Emma’s; same mistrust at her presence, same marks of exhaustion in his face. ‘’I was just leaving.’’

He nodded and moved past her. On the path, Regina paused one moment to turn back and say something; ‘’Hook?’’

‘’What?’’ 

‘’You know if you and Emma were to ever need anything, you can call.’’

Her tone was the same factual, impersonal tone she always had, the one that made her seem in-command yet unconcerned. But given all she just learned from Emma, the offer was genuine. Perhaps Hook deduced what Emma had shared, or perhaps it was what she hadn’t that made Hook freeze, study her a moment, before giving a singular nod of acknowledgement.

Regina nodded back and turned on her way. She was halfway down the next block when she let out a breath she hadn’t realize she’d been holding. Her mind wondered what was going on back at the house she’d just left, if Emma and Killian were sitting in the dark alone or with the Dark One’s badgering them for company. She wondered what else they hadn’t said, such as why certain things were out of place, what the Dark Ones were saying to them, and if it had anything to do with why Emma looked so guilty and why Hook wasn’t wearing his hook.

One thing at a time. She knew what she could do next. The next step after getting involved was meddling. So, now it was time to meddle. 

…

‘’Emma and Killian are navigating the post trauma of all they went through,’’ Jiminy said, ‘’And Emma’s parents are unknowingly contributing to their stress?’’

Regina rolled her eyes. ‘’That’s a fancy way of saying they’re being intesntivie asses about it, but sure. If that puts it in perspective for you.’’

‘’Did you confront them?’’ Jiminy asked. ‘’Do they mean to treat Emma and Killian in such a manner, or are they just unaware?’’

‘’That’s up for interpretation.’’ Regina leaned back with a huff, preparing to continue. ‘’And no, I didn’t confront them. Not right away….’’

‘’Why not?’’

Regina explained.

…

Several days passed from the incident she relayed above. Their time was busy being spent tracking down the monsters and looking into ways to best seal the wards between the realms and keep their town safe. Emma began making it a habit to catch Henry at Granny’s before he went to school, long enough to share a donut before going with Regina on the daily hunt. She had it down to a science, Regina thought, the amount of time it took her so as to best avoid her mother and father. 

As long as Emma wasn’t confronting the issue, Regina went back on her previous thinking and reverted to her decision of staying out of it. Even though Emma appeared more and more withdrawn, and Hook was nowhere to be seen, surely it wasn’t her place to get involved? If anyone should be doing anything, it was Snow and David, who claimed to love their family so much yet were apparently oblivious to their penchant for pushing them away.

Or maybe Hook and Emma were pushing them away? It wasn’t clear to Regina. So, staying out of it it was. 

Until Zelena spoke up.

Regina lived happily in her mansion with her son, Roland, Robin, and rather frequently little Robbie. Zelena popped in and out as she liked. Usually, at the times that were most awkward for Regina. 

This day, Robin and Regina were discussing the monsters, how they’d happily cut down a number of them, and how pleased they were at this because killing them was quite draining. ‘’It’s as thought they feast on the magic you have,’’ Regina explained. ‘’Maybe that’s what brought them to Storybrooke; the magic that’s different here than in any other realm.’'

‘’Then don’t use magic on them at all,’’ Zelena interjected from where she’d been listening at the table. ‘’Just rip put their hearts. Should be easy enough. Lord knows you’ve done it before.’’

Regina rolled her eyes. ’’Why would we rip out their hearts?’’ 

‘’Why wouldn’t you?’’ Zelena crossed her legs. ‘’It’s easy enough. And the Swans could help now, couldn’t they? They’ve ripped out hearts, surely. When they were Dark Ones, at least.’’

‘’Zelena,’’ Robin warned. Regina instinctively looked to the living room; no, Henry and the kids were outside.

‘’What? They have. Or, Emma has.’’ Zelena looked thoughtful. ‘’I don’t know whether the captain has. I wonder if being one handed makes it hard to get the right grip on the heart…’’

‘’What are you doing?’’ Regina asked, used to her sister’s way of speaking by now. ‘’What do you want to say?’’

Zelena batted her eyelashes. ‘’I’m just discussing the happy couple. Their pros, their cons, their love of darkness. It’s all the rage now.’’

‘’What?’’ Robin asked.

‘’Emma and Hook and their relationship,’’ Zelena expanded, thrilled she’d piqued their interest. ‘’You two don’t talk as discreetly as you think you do. Besides, any fool can see that Mummy and Daddy Charming aren’t thrilled with their acquisition of a son-in-law who went dark. Despite of course, their daughter having been the influence.’’

Regina’s heart sank. ‘’You’ve noticed it too.’’

‘’Of course I have,’’ Zelena sniffed. ‘’Grew up with looks and words like that, didn’t I? Now now, don’t look like that,’’ she said upon seeing Regina’s expression, ‘’If it’s any consolation, they are doing a very bad job of it. If they want to properly blame their daughter, they need to be more direct. Maybe some shouting… Or I know! How about they just ignore her hard and good for a couple months? That seems more their style. They’re halfway there already, if we’re honest about it.’’

The image of Emma conveying her belief that her parents would never forgive her replayed in Regina’s mind. If even Zelena could see it, it was worse than she thought. ‘’You are not helpful.’’

‘’I never claimed to be. However, I’m not tacky. I would like points for having a nice open discussion rather than gossiping in public forums about the scandal that is the daughter of true love.’’

‘’Excuse you?’’

Zelena’s mouth twitched; a wicked smile, having her audience where she wanted them. ‘’Oh yes. It seems that many townspeople are a little judgmental of Snow White’s and Prince Charming’s daughter marrying a good for nothing pirate who went Dark and wanted to kill them all. Very old fashioned. And not very open of them, if I do say so.’’

This was the last straw to Regina. So not only were Snow and David oblivious to their daughter’s struggles, they were also allowing their subjects to pass judgment on them? This was too much.

Regina stormed to the door. ‘’Regina!’’ Robin called after her.

‘’I’ll watch the kids, shall I?’’ Zelena quipped lightly as Robin followed.

…

‘’Zelena’s observation on the situation compelled you to confront Snow and David?’’

‘’That makes it sound like I value her opinion.’’ The disgust in Regina’s voice told Jiminy everything about her opinion on that take. ‘’It was more the fact that if the Wicked Witch of the West thought the Charmings were going overboard, then it wasn’t my imagination.’’

‘’Perhaps Zelena was simply echoing what she heard you and Robin speaking about, showing you she was one your side.’’

‘’Hey, am I here for my family or Emma’s?’’ Regina snapped. 

‘’Of course.’’ Jiminy raised his hands in defeat. ‘’So, how did talking to Snow and David go?’’

Regina paused, but instead of in thought, it felt to Jiminy it was more in hesitancy and maybe even embarrassment.

…

‘’Do you really think this is a good idea?’’ Robin asked as he and Regina ascended the steps tot he Charming’s loft.

‘’Of course it is. It was your idea,’’ She reminded him.

‘’No, my idea was you helping your family sort it out.’’

‘’This is how I help. And we are not family.’’

‘’Maybe I shouldn’t be here.’’

‘’You have to be here.’’

‘’Why?’’

‘’Because we are in a relationship. If we were family -which we’re not-  but if we were, because of said relationship you would have to help ‘sort it out’. So, by your own argument, you have to come.’’

‘’For someone who doesn’t consider this a family issue, you sure are treating it as one.’’

Regina glared at him as she raised her hand to knock. Robin caught her arm. ‘’I know you’re angry,’’ he said softly, ‘’but let’s remember to be cvil. Diplomatic. Arguments are rarely resolved by adding more anger.’’ 

She gave a huff but nodded. They knocked on the door. It soon swung open.

Six year old Neal stared up at them. The combination of being in the Underworld, the Land of Untold Stories, and the Villains and Heroes Storybook had caused time to pass differently for many citizens of Storybrooke. The youngest of the population such as Neal, Robin, Phillip, and others who were born in this land were affected more so. While people like Regina and Neal’s parents didn’t look a day older, they were growing like weeds. It was humorous, however, to see this child’s resemblance to his parents; Snow’s delicate face and David’s brown hair, better kept than the former shepherd ever kept his. 

‘’Hi,’’ Neal said. ‘’Is Robin with you?’’

‘’Hello,’’ Regina greeted. ‘’Not today I’m afraid. Are your parents here?’’

‘’Mom!’’ Neal immediately shouted. ‘’Ms. Mill’s is here!’’ He then darted off, clearly busy.

Regina and Robin entered. Snow and David emerged from the other room. ‘’Hey,’’ David said upon seeing them. ‘’What’s going on? More monsters?’’

Regina opened her mouth to reply but felt Robin’s fingers tap her wrist. Right, diplomacy. She wasn’t sure what he thought she was about to say, but he wouldn’t be wrong in guessing it wouldn’t be a good start to this conversation. As the Evil Queen, she definitely wasn’t about treading lightly on troubling topics. She had to exercise caution. ‘’No, no monsters,’’ she answered David. ‘’Have you spoken to your daughter lately?’’ There, blunt and to the point; that was more her style. 

David and Snow exchanged a glance. Good, they weren’t complete idiots. ‘’You mean other than seeing her everyday?’’ Snow asked. Well, Regina could see she wasn’t the only one exercising caution.

‘’Yes, other than work. I mean have you really seen her? Or her husband, for that matter?’’

‘’Talked to her about what, Regina?’’ David asked, eyebrow raised.

‘’I don’t know. Talked to her about things other than light references to when she was consumed by darkness and went on a trip to save her true love from death?’’

Okay, treading lightly was over with. Regina knew that even before Robin gave a sigh. ‘’Doing great,’’ he muttered. He spotted Neal on the stairs. ‘’Hey! You want to show me those legos you and Robbie were building?’’

Robin successfully ushered the young boy up the stairs, slightly if not entirely out of earshot. ‘’What are you implying, Regina?’’ Snow asked. ‘’Has Emma said something to you? Is she okay?’’

‘’Of course she’s not okay!’’ Regina rolled her eyes. ‘’My god, her parents keep making snide remarks every chance they get about her magic and the events that almost caused her and her husband to lose their lives. Permanently. Would you be okay?’’

‘’If Emma’s upset, she can come to us,’’ David interjected. 

‘’No, she can’t.’’ Regina shook her head. ‘’You don’t see what you’re doing to her? Do you really not see how she’s avoiding you?’’

‘’We know.’’ Snow’s tone was bitter, etched in sadness. ‘’We have tried reaching out. We know she’s pushing us away, but… we don’t know why.’’

‘’Don’t you? Could it be because she went through something terrible and feels like you blame her for it?’’

‘’We do not blame her!’’

‘’Don’t tell me that!’’ Regina gestured to the door. ‘’Go tell her! Tell her husband! Tell your subjects! You waited so long for your family to be reunited, start being united!’’

‘’And who’s fault is that?’’ David snapped. 

‘’Mine.’’ Unlike Emma, Regina didn’t have the same guilty conscience; she had long made pease with all she’d done. ‘’And yet, I’m the one bringing this to your attention. You should know what its like,’’ she turned to Snow, ‘’When you’ve done something horrible that had to be done. What it’s like to sit with that, to feel unworthy of all the good things in life. Emma and Hook are in that place right now, and if you don’t do something to make them understand you don’t blame them or hate them for it, they will stop looking to you for absolution.’’

Snow’s eyes looked away at Regina’s words. A thought pricked her mind; was it in shame for her reference to her murder of Cora, or something else? ‘’Unless… unless you do blame them.’’

‘’Don’t be ridiculous,’’ David said in anger. But Snow still did not meet Regina’s eyes.

She scoffed. She knew her step-daughter too well sometimes. ‘’Whatever. I’m done meddling now.’’ She turned on her heel and went out the door, enjoying the slam behind her. 

…

‘’Yes, I know it wasn’t very diplomatic,’’ Regina said before Jiminy could point it out, ‘’But I was mad. After all, Emma only ended up being the Dark One because of me. Everything that transpired afterwards is a direct result of her sacrificing herself for me.’’

‘’I see.’’ Jiminy studied her a moment. ‘’You know, it sounds like the main reason for your getting involved in this situation in the first place stems from your gratefulness and perhaps guilt at Emma’s actions to save you.’’

‘’My, oh wise cricket, you think so?’’ Regina rested the urge to burn the office down. ‘’My god, you must be a psychiatrist or something to make an insight so deep!’’

Jiminy, used to worse outbursts, let the comment slide. ‘’What do you think happened after you left?’’

‘’I don’t know.’’ Regina shifted in her seat. ‘’Robin mentioned something…’’

…

Robin feared his maneuver to get Neal out of the situation wasn’t very successful. The Charming’s loft was rather small, and sound traveled well. But the boy pretended very well not to hear and amused Robin with his Lego contraptions. After hearing the door slam, Robin said his goodbyes and went down the stairs. 

Snow wasn’t insight. David was pouring a drink; not a good sign for two o’clock in the afternoon. ‘’That went well, I see,’’ Robin commented aloud.

‘’I do not blame my daughter,’’ David hissed.

‘’I didn’t say you did.’’ Robin watched the man down his drink and pour another one. ‘’But surely you can understand that perhaps Emma might fear so.’’

‘’She knows she can talk to us.’’

‘’Forgive me, mate, but as I seem to recall, your daughter grew up in a very isolated manner; she isn’t used to being able to come to people. With all she went through, she may have forgotten that fact.’’

David leaned on the counter, looking much like he did in those weeks in Camelot; angry, worried, and all for his daughter. And just like then, Robin couldn’t help but feel his worry for Emma might lead to actions that weren’t best for her. He decided a different approach; ‘’Look, all I’m saying, and what I believe Regina was trying to say in her own way, that as parents, we sometimes need to make the first step. Even if its a misunderstanding or something deeper, our job is to be there for our kids. And remind them that we’re there. Whatever Emma and Killian are going through, I’m sure they just need some help and a little time. That shouldn’t be hard to give, compared to all the magic and things we’ve done for others in the past, right?’’

After a moment’s pause, Robin was relieved to see David nod. ‘’Yeah. You’re right. Thank you.’’

‘’Anytime.’’ Snow had not emerged. Robin wondered if she were waiting for him to be gone. ‘’I’ll see you. Goodbye.’’

…

Jiminy thought carefully over his word choice before speaking. ‘’Regina, you seem very concerned about Emma and Killian and how Mary Margret and David are treating them.’’ Regina stared aloofly, but did not contradict. ‘’However, what you’ve told me so far, while far from a healthy family dynamic, doesn’t seem that alarming by your standards. I understand your worry- and forgive me if I’m wrong- but I don’t believe that’s the reason you came here.’’ He leaned forward. ‘’Why are you really here?’’

Regina flicked a stray hair out of place from her face, now seemingly thinking over her next words carefully. ‘’All of what I just told you ties into what’s happening now,’’ she said. ‘’And I think its only going to get worse.’’

‘’How so?’’

The office door suddenly opened. David stood there, looking like he had garnered his courage to walk in but was now stopped in surprise at seeing Regina. ‘’Regina?’’

‘’David?’’

‘’Hello,’’ Jiminy greeted. ‘’Won’t you come in?’’

David slowly did so, eyeing the doctor and Regina suspiciously. ‘’Am I… interrupting?’’

‘’Yes,’’ Regina muttered.

‘’Perhaps,’’ Jiminy said. He took a professional leap of judgment. ‘’Unless you’re here about the same thing?’’

Regina glared daggers at him. But David looked abashed. He gave a heavy sigh. ‘’I… think so. You were right,’’ he admitted to Regina. ‘’I was… I am being…’’

Reginia nodded sagely. ‘’An insensitive ass.’’

‘’That,’’ David agreed. ‘’I am that. I would like to stop being that before I do more damage.’’

‘’More damage?’’ Regina echoed.

David looked uncomfortable. Jiminy gestured to the sofa. Seating himself on the arm, and with the Evil Queen’s icy stare fixed on him, he told them what happened.