As she left her home office to attend to Henry, Regina was unaware that she had made a new, and arguably her first, friend in Private Emma Swan. She had no idea how often in the coming months she would frequent the post office for new stamps and envelopes as she would be sharing tales of Henry's growth, revealing personal stories of her youth, and being a confidant to Emma when the days got too tiring or when the fear of being shipped to Iraq caught up with her. As Regina lifted Henry out of his crib, pressing a kiss and rouging his chubby cheek, she laid him on the change table, blissfully unaware that after three years of correspondence, she and Emma would finally meet.



Chapter 2

Chapter Notes

Disclaimer in Chapter One.

AN: Thank you all so much for the great response! For those of you that had read the first chapter when I originally posted, I updated it with a bit more accuracy for Emma. She was originally a technician but she's now infantry. It doesn't take away from the whole plot, but it does give a bit more info on Emma's military life. I encourage you to re-read it, but it's not absolutely necessary. Again, big thanks to tjemd, RedReader1, and Jules-Day for pointing that out. Again, there's probably gonna be inaccuracies. This chapter is 98% letters, so there will be time jumps that aren't shown - no way was I going to skim over three years of their burgeoning relationship. I hope you guys like it!

January 12 2002

Hey,

Haha I hope him drooling isn't your ultimate decision maker when it comes to deciding whether to raise the taxes of your town. If you do that then you'll definitely be the ultimate crime boss.

I think the perks of being here is that I get to eat pretty good food since I'm not much of a cook myself. Growing up I used to just stock up on Mr. Noodles and hide them in my stuff. It's a good thing I know how to heat water. I like reading too. I didn't bring any books up here with me, but the last thing I read was Stephen King. Read any good books lately?

I'm sorry about your parents, but I'm glad you have Henry now. He sounds like an angel, even with the spit up. I bet Santa was extra nice to him for Christmas.

Can I just say that you must have some power if you can get the sheriff to come in and baby-proof your house? The people must love you.

Hope you're doing well.

Emma


January 16 2002

Private Swan,

My, my, if I'm not mistaken I suspect you think me crooked. Oh the audacity.

Stephen King novels appear to be something we have in common. I was worried I would have to take an interest in army knives. I've recently finished Different Seasons though it has taken quite a few months what with Henry and all. I suppose the last thing I truly read was Green Eggs and Ham. Henry enjoys the colours in Dr. Seuss books. And the voices I make for the characters. He is particularly fond of my Lorax impersonation.

Santa may have went a little overboard. Most of the things he received are now in storage since he can't play with them yet. Though he's taken significantly with the boxes they came in.

I don't know about them loving me, but he didn't object. Perhaps you're right in thinking I'm a crime boss.

I wish you well, Ms. Swan.

Sincerely,

Regina Mills


February 4 2002

Hi Regina,

I'm doing okay. It's tiring most days, but I like reading your letters.

That is awesome that Henry is standing on his own! Geez, wasn't the kid just crawling around like yesterday? You might need higher gates if the kid turns out to be a climber. Soon he's gonna start walking and talking and then he's going to hit the double digits and then starting high school and driving and dating. Well. Good luck with that!

I'm kidding, he will be your baby boy forever.

So does the mayor of Storybrooke have a string of dates lined up for Valentine's Day? Or do you and Henry's dad do something small on your own?

From,

Emma


February 10 2002

Private Swan,

You must be wanting to give me a heart attack. Henry growing up? That's absurd. But yes, he was crawling one day and next thing I know he's pulled himself up with the coffee table and is taking tentative steps along it. We've been working on walking on his own, but as soon as his clutch is gone he sinks to his knees and scurries away. I have no idea how toddlers crawl around on their knees all day. Henry insists I join him at his level, and I'm sorely regretting my hardwood flooring.

Henry is actually adopted, so I very much doubt I'll be spending time with his biological father. I never did do much for the holiday. Perhaps you've found someone to share it with at base?

Henry and I did indulge in some cake for my birthday last week, so I suppose that counts for something.

Sincerely,

Regina Mills


February 17 2002

Hi,

It was your birthday and you didn't tell me? Happy birthday! I hope you and Henry had a good day together. I wish I could give you a present or an army knife or something. What would you want if you could have anything?

God, no. Valentine's Day is not for me. Not yet anyway.

I had an inkling that was the case but I wasn't sure. I was in foster care myself for forever, and I know how much it means to a kid when they get adopted. You're pretty awesome, you know that? What made you want to adopt?

Emma


March 1 2002

Private Swan,

Awesome? That's a word that isn't generally associated with me. It's appreciated nonetheless. I've always wanted to be a mother, and I had been engaged once, but it ended quite tragically. It was an easy decision to want to adopt, and I never regretted it regardless of the midnight feedings and the teething. Henry's my world.

I used to horseback ride in my childhood with my father. I haven't gone back since his death. I know it's unrealistic of me to wish someone back from the grave, but that would be the closest thing that could happen in actuality that I would wish as a birthday gift - to go back to the stables.

I think Henry is beginning to say his first word. It's a string of M's so far, but he's close. He'll be turning one in April. Planning a birthday party for a one-year old is more stressful than handling a town's budget. Angry citizens are starting to look more attractive than deciding on a Reptile Man or a Magic Show.

Stay well.

Sincerely,

Regina Mills


March 12 2002

Hi,

You know I'm not always gonna be a Private forever. I'm gonna get promoted soon. You can call me Emma if you wanted. No pressure.

Horses. Wow. Some kids skip rope. Others play sports. And you ride horses. Why am I not surprised? My city girl is showing, sorry. I saw some of those cop horses in New York a couple times when I was 14, and they are totally bigger in real life.

Is it weird that I'm feeling secondhand oldness as the kid gets older? He's turning one already? Damn.

Emma


April 16 2002

Dear Emma,

It's Henry's birthday today. It won't be when this letter arrived to you, but I just wanted to share that with you. He drew you another picture. Red seems to be his favourite colour.

What's more exciting is that he said his first word just the other day. I told him we had a letter from you, and he babbled for a moment but said "Mama"! Now that's all he'll say. I love it.

I hope you're doing well.

Sincerely,

Regina


April 20 2002

Holy crap, that's awesome! Look at the little guy all growing up. Sure he wasn't trying to say my name? I'm kidding, I'm kidding. I hope you got that on tape or something. I've added his picture to my wall of fame. The kid is showing some progress. You really should put him in some art classes when he grows up. Did he end up liking that clown you ordered or did he freak out like every child naturally does? I warned you. Clowns are scary. You've read It. You should know.

I attempted to draw him in the corner blowing out his candles. It's actually not good. Do me a favour and burn that corner of the letter when you get it. Leave no evidence behind of my lack of artistic skills.

Tell Henry I say happy birthday.

Emma


April 26 2002

Dear Emma,

He appreciated the gesture. I'm sorry, soldier, but I'm going to have to keep your drawing. You never know when blackmail may come in handy. Don't attempt your crime boss comment. It's getting old, dear.

You were right. The children were terrified of the clown. Henry clung to me and remained that way all party. It also didn't help the man hired to dress up for the party was thoroughly hungover by the time he arrived. His clown-like tendencies were quite evident in real life. I assumed his personality would transfer well for a child's birthday. Clearly I was wrong. I will not be making that mistake again. Magic show it is next year.