He got looked at. The doctors are checking over him right now, but he's been in the infirmary for the last day and I don't know what's gonna happen to him. He looked really bad. He's like the only family I have. I should have done something. I should have warned him. I should have seen it coming. He's the better leader, he's the better fighter, and what's gonna happen if he's gone?

I'm sorry I don't mean to throw all this on you. I just don't know who to talk to right now. I usually talk to August but I can't. What if something happens to him? Neal says he's gonna be okay, but what if he's not? They train you for every situation and you're supposed to know every move, but it's not the same when it actually happens. When people die in front of you and you just have to keep going like nothing happened. Like these people that you're living with for years and years aren't worth anything when they're shot or worse. You're supposed to push it down and follow orders but god it was August.


October 30 2003

Emma I am so sorry. I truly hope that he's okay and that he recovers. If there's anything I can do - perhaps I can contact his hometown or any friends or family for him. He may need extensive medical attention. Maybe there's strings I can pull or anything.

Emma, I know you are scared right now, and I know this may get to you too little too late, but you are not alone. August is your family, yes, but there are others who care about you as well. Your team, even Henry and myself. We would all care if anything were to happen to you, so please do not do anything rash in your state.

You'll be home soon, Emma. Take care of yourself, and be safe.

Regina


November 12 2003

Hey,

August lost his leg. They sent him state-side to get looked at. He's probably gonna get honourably discharged. But I got to visit him before they shipped him home. He's dealing. But he's alive. He was joking about getting a prosthetic and how he could still kick my ass with it. But he's dealing.

You know, I don't know how I could ever have dealt with this, or deal with this actually, if I didn't get to write to you. I know that puts loads of pressure on you, and like, you could back out at any time, but it's nice to talk to someone in the real world. It makes me forget, for the few minutes I get to read your letters or for the time I spend writing to you, how exhausting the day is and how mentally draining it is. It's like a don't-ask-don't-tell policy around here, and it's just nice to know that the world doesn't suck when I talk to you.

I'm doing okay. It's been about month, and it's - honestly? I get kind of freaked out every time we go on patrol. It makes me more vigilant. My senses are heightened. I can anticipate attacks a hell of a lot better, but there's this niggling feeling in the back of my head that we just narrowly avoided something. I kind of took over August's place. It's not too different it's just, I'm now responsible for the lives of these ten men and women and I have to make sure they get home and I couldn't even do that for August. But I'm okay.

I got your birthday present. I gotta say, seeing a Swisstool in the box made me laugh, but thank you so much. You got it engraved and everything. I've never gotten a personalized gift before. I've seen it for a while now, but I get how you can get the people in your town to do what you want. If you're like this to a stranger, then the town must be your second baby.

Four moths and counting.

Emma


November 22 2003

Emma,

I'm glad to hear he's alive. I imagine it will be a difficult transition, but he has you as support when you get back home. I'm sure he's looking forward to seeing you again. I understand the pressures of added responsibilities. Though nowhere near your level, becoming a mother was a terrifying experience. You're suddenly responsible for this life. It's overwhelming. But they wouldn't have chosen you if they didn't believe you could do it. I would choose you to lead, and that is saying something, Ms. Swan. I am a Mayor after all.

It's comical you think me saintly. Many others would disagree with you. I try to keep my personal life and my work life separate, and I do that rather successfully. Alas, the reason why there are few friends in my life. I'm pleased you enjoyed your gift.

Be careful and stay safe.

Regina


December 24 2003

Regina,

I know it's been well over a month since you heard from me. It's been pretty crazy. I'm okay though. A good kind of crazy though. Actually we all kind of got a gift. I don't know if you watch wrestling, but WWE came over and put on a show for us, and I got a hug from Torrie Wilson and we talked for a bit when they were visiting around the camp. This won't get to you in time, but in the event you're able to get old episodes of Raw or Smackdown, maybe you'll catch my face.

And for the record, you do have a friend. Me.

Merry Christmas, Regina. Give the little man a hug from me.

Emma


January 15 2004

Emma,

I didn't expect such an establishment to honour the troops like that, but that's a splendid idea. That gives me ideas to encourage Storybrooke to be more proactive in their support. Unfortunately I didn't catch the program, but my reporter showed me a picture of her, and she's quite beautiful. I presume the rest of your camp are quite envious.

Henry sends multiple drawings this time. He's recently discovered Disney movies since he received Treasure Planet for Christmas. It isn't something I would have purchased for him, but I appreciate his enthusiasm for it. It's the older ones with the princesses in distress I hope he doesn't obsess over.

I hope you're well.

Regina

P.S. You were included in my few friends count.


March 29 2004

Hi!

Good news. I'm going home! Another division is making their circulation and they're basically just sending us home until they need us again. God, I've been waiting for this day for so long. I can't wait to see August. I can't wait drive my car again. And food! God, I've been craving fast food for so long.

Thank you, Regina, for making these last few years bearable. It'll be nice to have some relaxation.

Don't forget you're awesome.

Emma

Emma quickly jotted her name and sealed the envelope just as the final mail call was announced. She had dropped her letter in just in time before she navigated her way back to her own sector where the cot she had called home for the past year was bare once again. Gone were the drawings Henry had sent her and the few photographs she, August, and Neal had taken over the years. All her letters and gifts from Regina were packed safely away in her duffel. She worked quickly, anxious and excited, nervous that maybe if she didn't pack fast enough they would revoke her privilege of going home.

Home, Emma thought as she sat on her bed. She didn't have a place in her name other than her car, but the letters she sent to August told her that the blonde was welcome to stay with him in his Boston apartment. Maybe she would head there. Or maybe she would do a cross country trip, visiting the cities with just her and her car. She did have a month off after all. But as she thought back to the Storybrooke postcard that had once hung proudly on her wall, she wondered, maybe she could take a detour somewhere along the way.

Chapter 3

Chapter Notes

Disclaimer in Chapter One.

AN: So I lied. This is looking to extend past three chapters, though how many for sure, I haven't decided yet. Thank you all so much for your reviews, favourites, and alerts! My email acted up, so I may have missed replying to a handful of you, but I appreciate all your support! I got this chapter written because I was avoiding my responsibilities as a graduating university student. I hope you guys enjoy their first meeting!

"Attention, passengers. It is currently 11:54 AM, and we will be arriving in Boston Logan International Airport in approximately fifteen minutes. Please return to your seats and prepare for landing."

The ding of the intercom woke Emma from her sleep, and within seconds she was alert, already taking inventory of her fellow passengers who were either making their way back to their seats or telling their children to put away their GameBoys. The baby three rows behind her had quieted down sometime an hour ago, and the middle aged woman seated beside her had finished off her third round of the rosary. The woman had claimed to always be a nervous flyer, but she was anxious now more than ever yet found solace in sitting beside Emma who had yet to change out of her uniform.

It was too late now, anyway. They'd be landing in a couple minutes. Emma inhaled a deep breath and stared out the window where the runway was coming into focus. A small smile tugged at her lips when she realized she hadn't been back to the city in years. She had racked up months of leave being on reserve, but it wasn't until she was deployed did she feel the need to use them. The break from constant vigilance was much needed, and her commanders were relieved when she opted on going home for a month.