Emma stood at the foot of the driveway. Beautiful marble stonework lined the walkway leading up to what would be Regina's home.

Emma stood back and admired it.

At first glance the huge house seemed rather plain, at least from the outside.
Spotless white siding, accompanied by a plethora of windows, all lined with black shutters. A perfect cookie cutter.
Where's the classic white Pickett fence?
Emma sarcastically wondered to herself, glancing around the front yard.

It did however, have a rather intriguing balcony...
Built just above the enormous front door sat a beautiful grand balcony.
Emma gently closed her eyes, turning her face up to the sky. The October air was crisp and chilly, but the sun rays where especially warm today. It was as if she could literally feel the sun's rays soaking into her skin.

Relaxing on that balcony every morning.. with a cup of coffee would be amazing.. Especially with Regina...

Emma's eyes suddenly shot open at the thought.
Shaking off the image her imagination painted for her, Emma began her stride toward the front door.

Knock it off, Emma. That's not why you're here.
She reminded herself as she made her way up the walkway.

Her eyes took in the luscious green of the grass in the yard, ever so perfectly manicured, as well as the white birch trees scattered amongst it. And, Just before reaching the front steps of the home, stood a beautiful fruit tree.

Regina always had a thing for apples.
Emma thought, smiling at the memory.

Standing now just inches from the front door, Emma took one last look at the address Regina had texted her, making sure she had the correct place.

This is definitely it..

Tucking her phone into her back pocket, Emma knocked on the door.
Stepping back, anticipating Regina to answer, she waited.

Emma could feel her heart racing. The quick and steady thumping of her heart felt like it was slamming itself against her chest as the seconds ticked by.

Lost in her thoughts again, the door flew open, catching Emma by surprise.

"Emma!" Regina said with a shocked expression, "Well, you certainly got here fast!"
"Oh, uh, yeah... I suppose I did." Emma replied bashfully.
She'd never tell Regina she did 90 on the freeway to get there.

"Please, come in." Regina moved away from the entrance to allow room for Emma to enter.
"Thank you for coming.."
"It's really fine, Regina." Emma replied, "There's no need to thank me."
Regina offered a small smile.

"Can I get you something to drink?" Regina asked, as they stood in the foyer, "Scotch? Rum? Perhaps a glass of wine?"
"Oh! I uh..." Emma stumbled over her words, "..I don't usually drink on the job..."
"Yes, yes of course," Regina answered, "but um, Do you mind if I do?"

Emma, confused now, replied "Do? Do what.."

"Have a drink? After these last 24 hours, I need something to calm my nerves!" Regina explained.

"Oh! Yes, of course, sorry." Emma said sheepishly, shaking her head.

Of course that's what Regina meant, wake up Emma! The detective reasoned with herself.

Stepping further into the house, Regina made her way to the foot of the den, where she kept her favorite bourbon at the ready.
As she began to fix herself a drink, she spoke; "You know, I don't drink often. Please don't get the wrong idea.." Regina glanced back at Emma, "It's just... times like these.. sometimes just the feeling of the warm burn from the bourbon serves as a welcomed distraction from the craziness of the world.."
Emma knew this feeling all too well. All those years ago after Regina stopped talking with her and refused to see her, her favorite bottle of rum helped to numb her pain every now and again.
"Honestly, I understand." Emma sighed, touching her fingertips to the base of her neck, "Actually, you know what? I think I will have a drink," Emma said, "My nerves could use some easing too.." she added, a nervous smile tucked in the corner of her lips.
Regina smiled, grabbing a second glass.
Emma watched as Regina's slender fingers wrapped themselves around the ice cubes, releasing the cold rocks into the glass, before pouring a few ounces of the golden brown liquid into it.
Regina swished the liquid and ice around the glass a few times before handing it to Emma.

"There you are, detective." Regina exclaimed, "Enjoy."
Emma took the cold glass from her, never taking her eyes off the woman.

"Thank you." Emma said, following her further into the den.
The room was absolutely enormous! It should have come to no surprise to Emma however, given the financial situation Regina grew up in, as well as being a part of such a wealthy family run business and all. Emma knew that Regina never had to want for anything.

The color theme on the outside of the mansion continued on the inside of the home.
Scattered, yet perfectly placed across the black and white marble floor, sat a beautiful antique Victorian sofa, nestled between two mahogany side tables. The windows surrounding the room were all dressed in velvety black and white damask curtains, reaching from the top of the enormous windows down to the floor. The antique parsons chair by the white fireplace matched the rich velvet curtains.

Regina gestured to the sofa, "Please, sit with me."

Emma sat down across from the fireplace where Regina stood, fidgeting with the clock on the mantle.

Emma took notice of the bowl of ruby red apples on the coffee table. No doubt they were freshly picked from the apple tree out front.
"So," Emma began, breaking the silence, "Your son, Henry? He's about... eleven years old, you said?"
"Twelve, actually." Regina corrected her, taking a seat in the parsons chair, "Emma, before we begin, let me just start by saying thank you. Although you say it's no big deal, it certainly is to me. I know I'm the last person you want to help right now.. and, I truly cannot express just how thankful I am that you're willing to do this."
Emma paused a moment before responding. Seconds later, looking back at Regina she replied, "The past is the past, Regina. I only want to do what's right, and Henry has absolutely nothing to do with what happened between us."

Regina adverted her eyes away from the blonde as she sipped her bourbon. Emma was right, but still.. knowing how much she'd hurt Emma years ago never sat well with her, contrary to belief.

Taking a small note pad and pen from the pocket of her jacket, Emma cleared her throat and got down to business; "Ok. So, tell me about Henry. What does he look like, for example."
"He's such a beautiful child Emma..." Regina replied, her cheeks beginning to flush, "brown hair, like mine. Light brown eyes.. fair skin, like yours actually... always grinning that big joyful smile of his.. He always has hope in his beautiful brown eyes."
Regina paused to watch, as Emma feverishly scribbled in her notepad.
"His hopeful expression always reminded me of you, Emma. How you would often have the same look in your eyes, when we were children."
Emma suddenly stopped writing and stole a look from Regina. Emma could see she was fighting back tears through her smile. Regina's eyes began to puff; The salty liquid welling up at the outline of her beautiful eyes..
There was so much left unsaid between them, about their past. But, Emma wasn't quite sure that now was the best time to bring that up. Not with Regina's emotions running so high.

Not really sure how to respond, she asked "Do you have any photos of Henry?"
"Oh yes, of course!" Quickly shaking off the tears, Regina stood up from her seat, placing her now empty glass on the fireplace mantle and reached for her phone. Sitting down next to Emma now, she opened the photos app and scrolled through a few, finally settling on one; "Um, so This is the most recent photo I have of him. School picture day was just a few weeks ago.."
Taking the phone from Regina, Emma gazed at the picture of Henry.

"This photo is perfect. We can use it to post 'Missing Child' posters around the city, if that's alright with you?"
"Oh yes! Absolutely!"
"Regina, Can you text this photo to my phone?"
"Consider it done."

"Can you tell me what Henry was wearing when he went missing? Any detail you can remember would help. Statistics show, children that are abducted are often found wearing the same clothes they wore when they reportedly went missing."
Regina thought for a minute, gently rubbing her chin, "Honestly Emma, I don't know. Henry was with my husband at the time.. but, perhaps I can find out."

"Husband?" Emma asked with raised eyebrows. Her eyes quickly darting to Regina's manicured hands, searching for evidence of a ring.

"Yes.. well, soon to be ex-husband."

"I see. I didn't know you were married."

Regina offered a small smile. "Yes, technically I am. Although, we've been separated for months now. Henry splits his time between the two of us. He was staying with him at the time, so he could've been wearing any of the clothes he keeps there, at Robin's apartment."

"Ok.." Emma tapped the pen on her knee as she thought. "So... Robin, is it? He's Henry's father?"

"Yes." Regina replied.

"I see, ok.." Emma continued her note taking as she spoke.

Confused at Emma's reaction, Regina asked, "Oh? Is that important somehow?"

"Well.." Emma began, thinking very carefully about her words, "In some cases, it's been known that one of the spouses will abduct the child.. sometimes in fear that they will be denied custody in a divorce. Or sometimes even for a desperate attempt to win the other person back."

"What?? That's crazy!" Regina answered back, shocked. "Honestly Emma, I really don't think Robin has anything to do with this. After all, he was the one who called the police. When I met up with him that day, he was just as upset and heartbroken as I was."

"Perhaps," Emma admitted, "But we can't rule things off the table until we know for sure... Do you have any photos of him? Of Robin?"

"I'm sure I do.." Regina again scrolled through her photos on her phone,
"Here's one. This was taken by my sister, Zelena. This was the day we took Henry home from the hospital."

"Robin absolutely loves Henry." Regina beamed.

"Yes," Emma replied looking at the photo, "I can see it in his face."

A few moments of silence stood between them now. Neither woman really knew what to say or how to say it. The awkwardness was becoming increasingly uncomfortable.

"...Emma, I just-"

"No, please.. let me." Emma replied, cutting Regina's words off completely, "When we were kids.. everything was so much easier. Nothing else mattered in the world except whatever game we were playing at the time.. As adults.. things are so much different. Harder."

"Emma, I don't really understand what you're-"

"Regina. I just want you to know that I'm happy for you. I'm genuinely happy that you found someone that makes you happy. I've never wanted anything more than that, especially for you."

"Thank you, Emma." Regina replied slowly, "But I'm not quite sure you understand.."

"I do, Regina. I understand completely."

"Do you?" Regina answered. Her patience quickly running thin at Emma's assumptions, "Because it certainly doesn't seem like it."

After a slight pause, Emma continued, "I understand that you met Robin, fell in love, had a family with him... I know you wanted to move on with your life, Regina, and I'm happy for you that you did."

"Move on.. Emma, what on earth-"

"It was hard then, but, maybe it was for the best that your mother put an end to what we had.. after all, truthfully speaking, I could never give you what Robin was able to give you; a son."

Regina's confusion quickly turned to anger, "Excuse me??!"

"What?"

"That is not why I was with Robin! Perhaps, Ms. Swan, you don't really know me at all!"

"Regina, please, I wasn't trying to offend you-"

"Well, congratulations Emma; you did!"

"I'm sorry.. I-" Emma stammered.
"Truly, I didn't come over here to fight with you, Regina.. honest. It's the last thing I want to do."

"I see." Regina replied, tight lipped.

"I mean it." Emma continued, "You were my best friend. You were the only person in my life that I know I'd move mountains for.."

"Emma.." Regina tried to interject.

"Running into you at the bar.." Emma went on, "Just the scent of your intoxicating perfume was enough to make all those feelings come rushing back. Feelings I had buried years ago."

Taking her breath in, Regina replied; "I know it's not easy. That's why I was trying to thank you before.. Emma, you're the bravest, strongest woman I know. I wouldn't have asked for your help if I knew this would all be too much for you."

"Thank you." Emma replied with a small smile. "That means a lot."

"It's been so long since we've seen each other. It seems there has been a lot that's happened in our lives since then." Regina noted.

"Yeah, I'll say.." Emma replied, staring down into her empty glass.

"There's something I should tell you about Henry, Emma.." Regina began, "That boy is something like a miracle-"

Just then, Regina's phone began to ring, diverting her attention from the conversation, "I'm sorry, I have to take this."

Emma waved her off letting her know it was no big deal.

"Hello, mother?" Regina said into her phone.

"Regina dear, what are you doing? Did you go to the police station?" Her mother asked, "We've been waiting to hear what you've found out."

"Um, what do you mean, 'we' mother?"

"Robin and I, of course." Cora answered, "He's at the office with me. Where are you?"

"I'm home, mother. Listen, I went to the police this morning and spoke with them about putting together a search party, but they refused to help."
Regina could imagine her mother rolling her eyes with frustration.

"Mmmm, I see." Cora replied, "I knew I should've gone with you..."

"It's ok, really. Actually, Emma is going to help. I know she will find my Henry." Regina explained.

"Emma??" Cora questioned, "Emma..."

"You remember mother, Emma Swan. My best friend growing up?" Regina looked to Emma when she said this, offering a gentle smile.

"Oh. Yes, I see." Cora remembered, "I thought that girl moved away. What could she possibly do to help?"

"Emma is a detective now." Regina informed her, "Solving puzzles is what she does for a living."

"Mmmhmm. Well, when you're finished playing childish games, come into the office," Cora answered back bitterly. "Your husband needs you."

Regina's phone went dark, indicating that Cora hung up. Regina sighed.

"Is everything alright?" Emma asked concerned.

"Yes, I think so." Regina answered, trying to convince not only Emma, but also herself.

"Alright," Emma added, "You were telling me something about Henry before.."

"Perhaps that is a story for another time." Regina replied, "For the moment, it's not important. But Emma, you must understand something. I was never 'in love' with Robin."

"Oh." Emma replied, "So... I guess I don't understand, I mean, why did you marry him?"

Regina paused before answering. It was now her turn to think carefully about her words. Taking a deep breath in, and blinking hard to fight back tears, she attempted to explain herself.

"I was never truly in love with him. After you and I stopped talking, I locked myself away from society and buried myself in my studies and work."

Pausing again, Regina stood up and made her way back to the liquor cabinet, this time retrieving the bottle of bourbon and bringing it back to the den.

Pouring herself another drink, she continued; "Robin was an intern at my father's law firm. That's how we met. We quickly became very close. Honestly... I think I was craving affection at the time, having missed what we had so very much. Along with those feelings, and the fact that I could see my mother was so happy to see me spend so much time with him. I understand that I was also seeking her approval, whether I want to admit that to myself or not."

"Mmm, you always had." Emma said.

"Anyway, one thing naturally led to another and before I knew it, mother was planning this beautiful grand wedding for us. And honestly Emma, it was the happiest I'd seen her since daddy died, you know?"

Regina quickly downed another mouthful of bourbon then continued, "I uh, I know you aren't very found of her."

"No." Emma quipped without hesitation.

"I understand. I don't expect you to be."

"Regina," Emma started, frustration building within her, "When will you ever step out from under Cora's finger!? For Christ's sake, she's the one who ended our relationship! She's the one who ended our friendship!! And now, you're telling me she basically arranged your marriage! Honestly Regina, When will enough be enough??"

"She only wants the best for me.." Regina pleaded.

"Clearly not, Regina. How is guilting you into a loveless marriage 'the best' for you?" Emma questioned.

The awkwardly sudden argument was quickly interrupted by the sound of glass breaking. Regina gasped as Emma eyes were drawn to the glass Regina had been holding.

"Regina! Oh my God, are you ok??"

"I.. I don't know, I-" Regina stammered, somewhat coming out of her trans-like state.

"What happened?"

Looking down at her hands, Regina was met with shards of broken glass in place of the cup she had been holding. The hot, searing pain of her wound drew a wince on her face, as the blood ran through her fingers, staining her clothes.

Quickly, Emma ran to her. Taking Regina's hand in hers, she helped to remove any of the remaining glass Regina was holding on to.

"Emma-"

"Hold still, Regina. I've got this."

The flow of blood seemed to worsen with every shard of glass Emma removed.

"Fuck, it hurts!"

"I know, you're cut pretty bad Regina."
Emma acknowledged, taking care not to worsen the situation.
Frantically, Emma shimmied out of her leather jacket, allowing it fall to the floor. Hastily, she then removed the white tee shirt she'd been wearing and began to wrap it around Regina's bleeding hand.
Regina allowed her eyes to fall to Emma's creamy white skin. Her cleavage peeking out from the low cut tank top she wore under the shirt was a welcomed distraction.

"There's a first aid kit in the bathroom, just down the hall." Regina said.

"You're gonna need more than a band aid for this," Emma assured her, adjusting the soft, cotton material around the wound. "Keep applying pressure so the bleeding stops."

"Yes, I can see that, Ms. Swan. There is gauze and a few other things in the kit that can be used."

"Ok, I'll be right back. Keep applying pressure!"

Minutes after Emma retrieved what she needed to properly take care of Regina's wounded hand, Emma began to work. Taking extra care not to make it any worse or cause Regina more discomfort.

"Thank you, Emma. I honestly don't know what came over me.."

"Stress." Emma answered, "but it's ok. We're going to take care of this, and we are going to find Henry. I promise you that."

Emma finished tending to Regina's wound moments later.
"There we go, all set." She smiled, trying her best to stay positive. Especially for Regina's sake.
As Emma began to clean up the bandage wrappings, broken glass and ice from the floor, Regina reached for her hand, taking hold of it.

Caught by surprise, Emma paused, first glancing at their hands, and then moving her eyes to Regina's face.

The pain in her eyes was almost too much for Emma to bare.

"Emma-"
"Regina, listen I-"

Running over Emma words, Regina blurted out, "Will you stay the night? Here. With me. Please."

Emma's eyes went wide at Regina's request, "Wait, what?"

"Perhaps I am being too forward, I'm sorry. But Emma.."

"Do you really think that's a good idea right now?" Emma said, practically forcing her words out.

"I- I know, but nothing needs to happen.." Regina pleaded, "...you could sleep on the sofa. Or I could sleep on the sofa, you can have the bed. It doesn't matter, really.."

There was absolutely nothing Emma wanted more than to spend the night with Regina, however, given the circumstances, she could see how vulnerable Regina was. The last thing she wanted was for Regina to wake up in the morning beside her, full of regret.

Pulling away from Regina's grip slowly, Emma continued, "I should go..."

"Yes, of course. You're right Emma."
Regina replied through a nervous smile.

"Perhaps another time." Emma offered, as she picked up her jacket, putting it on over her tank top.

"Mmm hmm."  Nervous still, and fighting back tears, Regina looked away.

"Thank you for the photos, and the information. I'll have these missing persons signs complete ASAP." Emma assured her, making her way to the door, Regina following.

"As I've said before Emma, I truly cannot thank you enough."

"Anytime Regina." Emma replied, "If you need anything at all, call me."

As the door clicked shut behind her, Emma made her way back to her car. Her face starting to crumble, as tears began rolling down her cheeks, finally allowing the emotional rollercoaster of the day take hold.