Welcome to my newest fic! Henry is touring his first college campus, but he's got other plans as well...
"Guys, I'm only a sophomore in high school," Henry complained.
"You can never start too early," Regina replied.
"Yeah, kid. We want you to love wherever you choose to go," Emma added, "now get in. If we're going to make it before it gets really late we need to get going."
"I'm pretty sure I already like it there," Henry tried to reason.
"You've never even seen the place," Emma countered.
"I know you wanted to go see a movie and spend the night with Nick, Ava, and Paige this weekend, but I promise you can go next weekend," Regina told him. Henry realized he wasn't going to win against both of his moms and gave in. The three of them climbed into Regina's benz and started toward the airport.
After the flight to Chicago, the family checked into their booked hotel. They spent the night and woke up bright and early to drive to West University for their ten o' clock campus tour. When they arrived at the admission office, they were assigned a Gecko Guide with short, bright teal hair.
"Hi! My name is Mau, I'm a junior English Major here at West. I'm minoring in LGBTQ studies. What are you looking at for your major?" Mau asked.
"Writing, actually," Henry told her.
"Cool! We have fiction, non-fiction, poetry, screen-writing, and even playwriting," she informed him, "why don't you all introduce yourselves and we can get started?"
"I'm Henry, this is my mom Regina and my other mom Emma. We live in Maine," Henry supplied.
"Awesome! I have two moms, too. We live in Ohio. They just got married about a year ago when the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage should be legal everywhere. But, Maine legalized it earlier, right?" Mau asked curiously. She seemed to be talking a lot, but they figured it was because she was minoring in that LGBTQ studies.
"Yes, Maine did legalize it earlier, however, Emma and I's relationship... isn't like that," Regina said carefully.
"Oh!" Mau blushed profusely, "sorry. Sometimes I just assume."
"Hey, fair assumption, we're both Henry's moms," Emma assured her, playfully punching Henry's arm. Mau smiled, grateful that they weren't offended.
The tour consisted of West Hall, East Hall, the dining hall, the two buildings for dorms, the University Center, the performing arts building, the science building, and finally Sampson House where all of the english classes took place.
"This is definitely my favorite building," Henry said, beaming.
"A lot of us english majors find this place to be homey," Mau agreed, "is there anywhere else you'd like to go? Any questions?"
Henry, Emma, and Regina all asked a few last minute questions about things like financial aid, meal plans, and classes.
"Is there any way I could ask you a few things about being a creative writing major?" Henry inquired.
"Sure!" Mau exclaimed.
"Henry, we're going to go back to the building with the study abroad program. Being... an author you will probably need to travel," Regina said, hinting at his new duty of being The Author. Henry nodded.
"Okay," he said.
"You can just go out those doors there and across the street. That's the building you're looking for. The study abroad office is on the second floor," Mau informed them.
"Thanks," Emma said as they started for the building. Henry and Mau sat down together.
"What would you like to know?" Maureen asked.
"I know there are requirements, but can you walk me through the specifics?" Henry inquired.
"Sure!" Mau agreed. The two talked for another good half an hour about minoring, classes, and requirements.
"I am curious as to why a gecko," Henry confessed.
"The truth is, the person picking out the mascot was confused about the difference between a gecko and a chameleon."
"That's actually pretty funny," Henry said. He then paused, thinking about what to say next. "So... what's it like? Having two moms and all. I mean, I have two, but they aren't together. Do you think it's different?"
"I guess it probably is a bit. Do you all live together?" Mau questioned. Henry shook his head.
"No. They live pretty close, though," Henry paused, "honestly, I think they'd be good for each other."
"Well, they seem to have good chemistry and an understanding of each other," Mau commented, "maybe they'll see it one day." She leaned in, "and between you and me, you could always help them see it." Henry grinned.
"You know, I think you're right," he agreed, "we're here for another day or so. Wanna join me in an operation?" It was Mau's turn to grin.
"You know, my best friend and I used to play spies all the time. I'm totally in," she replied, "and I know exactly how to do it."
"Great," Henry exclaimed, "Operation Swan Queen is a go."
Henry and his operations. :) Tell me what you think!