Regina's life had changed when you entered it. After Emma had won the final battle, things had finally, truly calmed down. There were no more villains, no more great evils coming to face them. Just.. peace. And it was nice for Regina, for a while. But after Henry left, it quickly became rather lonely. That's where you came in.

You had known Regina for years now. You had accompanied Emma when she'd first brought Henry home to Storybrooke. Despite her initial hostility, the two of you always seemed to catch each other's attention somehow. But it took years for you to finally address the feelings that you both so clearly held for one another. And it happened right when Regina needed it most.

Yet, she couldn't help wishing you'd met when you were younger. Before lovers. As she put on lipstick ready to go and meet your parents at a family dinner. She was a completely different person from the girl who grew up in the Enchanted Forest. Her voice had grown harsh and cold, and she'd gained a whole new title. Her change had been the product of years of pain and suffering that Regina could never forget.

Of course Regina nervous to meet your parents back in Boston. But she'd be damned if it showed. She stared at the house you'd grown up in, feeling your hand squeeze her's reassuringly. Inside, she observed all the photographs in their wooden frames on the walls; family photos.

The dinner went well – your parents loved Regina, of course – until Regina moved her hand to grab something, accidentally knocking over the expensive wine. Panic flooded her senses, and her hands fumbled to pick it up and clean the spillage, apologising. But all she heard was laughter. Was that how this was supposed to happen?

On the way out, your mother told Regina she was always welcome to visit, and to take second helpings next time they had dinner together. You said your goodbyes, then started walking towards your car to drive back to Storybrooke. Regina was silent, her gaze distant, like her thoughts were far away.