Sequel to Born in Hell

Counseling

A few days after getting back from the Underworld, Emma drove the twins to her parents. Her mother met her outside to help get the babies out of the car. "Who's ready to see grandma?" Vicky reached her arms toward Snow and smiled at her. Snow held her and kissed her cheek. "This one still refuses to walk, doesn't she?"

At that moment, three-year-old Neal came running out the front door. "Emma!" He ran to hug his big sister. "You're back!"

Snow tried helping Vicky to her feet, but she was too content with sitting on the sidewalk. She fussed and reached her arms for her grandma to carry her. "I think this one misses her grandma."

"We still haven't seen any sign of Hades," Emma informed her mother. She waved her hand over Esperanza's, her other daughter's, car seat. The straps did not release the baby, but further tangled her arms and legs. "Zelena says he disappeared after coming through the portal, so keep your eyes peeled." After much struggle, she finally unbuckled Fe from the car manually. "Thanks again for taking the twins."

"Oh, it's my pleasure, Ems. Let's get inside; Tori needs a diaper change." Snow held Tori while Emma carried Fe through the door while Neal followed close behind. Once inside, Fe wanted to be put down so she could walk around the house. Snow changed Victoria's diaper. "We'll take the girls for as long as you need. Your father's got everything covered at the station as well. You can go back to work when you're ready." She looked at her daughter, who was staring off into space. "Are you alright?"

Emma sank to the couch and burst into tears. "None of it made a difference!"

"No." Snow sat down beside her. "No, it made all the difference in the world. You saved Killian from spending an eternity of torture by Hades. That's nothing short of heroic." She gently rubbed her daughter's back.

Vicky crawled to Emma's feet, and the blonde picked her up in her arms. The baby hugged her comfortingly as Emma sobbed.

"What time is the appointment?" Snow asked.

Emma checked the time on her phone. Shit. "I have to go." She kissed her daughters goodbye before giving her brother and mother a hug. "Thank Dad for me for covering my shift."

"I will," Snow replied.

* * *

Regina checked her phone for the fourth time that hour. That idiot's always late! She did not need to turn her head to recognize the lead-footed boots thudding down the hall outside the door.

"I swear, they make those car seats magic-proof," Emma said as she entered the office and plopped down in the chair beside Regina.

The brunette looked away from her, not wanting to make eye contact.

Archie, who sat on the other side of his desk, cleared his throat, "So... both of you expressed interest in seeking counseling for couples therapy because lately, you haven't been on the same page, is that right?"

Regina addressed Archie as if Emma were not present. "She won't talk to me. She just mopes around all the time. Not going to work."

"And how does that make you feel, Regina?" Archie asked.

The brunette took a deep breath. "Unappreciated. I'm left to run both the town and my household while she still hasn't gone back to work."

"That's 'cause I've been through a lot, Regina," Emma growled. "And I do help around the house. I've never refused to change a diaper or get up in the middle of the night when a baby's crying."

"And Emma," Archie spoke softly. "Do you appreciate all the work that your wife is doing?"

"Of course, I do!" Emma shouted defensively. "I'm just not..." She turned her head to face the wall. "Happy." Tears fell from her eyes.