LbN: 100 Days of AUs. Random prompt "Thank You".

The argument had been going on for hours, and Regina had a raging headache. She'd known it was going to be fireworks the minute she got to her office, and had sent Henry home. Now, the Charmings were arguing with their pirate mascot over…something. She'd lost her understanding of the conversation somewhere around the whole "Dracula is the new cupcake artist at the town bakery" thing.

"Alright, enough!" Emma finally yelled.

Regina looked up, and could see the same frustration she felt written on the blonde's face.

"I agree…with Regina," Emma said. She held her hands up to ward of the chorus of disbelief. "She's right. We don't even know that the rumors are true. We need to figure out what's going on before we grab the torch and pitchforks."

Killian stormed out, and after some muttered conversation, so did Emma's parents.

"Thank you," Regina groaned once they were gone.

Emma smiled. "Yeah, well…if Nosferatu comes after me, you better back me up."

"Of course."

It was cold. And then hot. And then cold again. Regina sniffled, and burrowed under the covers again. She was a damn queen! With enough magic in her pinkie toe to take down Voldemort in a duel. The flu should flee in terror.

"Hey there."

Regina peeked out from under the covers. "Mi-th Th-wan."

"Stop that," Emma said. "You sound horrible. Henry told me you were sick."

"No-ding I can' handle."

"Uh huh… well, just in case, I brought you some chicken soup." She pulled a large plastic container out of a paper bag, and decanted some soup into a bowl. "And some cough syrup that'll knock you out. And some Airwaves."

"Wuzz'at?"

"Gum. Try some."

She gave the small blue tablet a suspicious look, before popping it into her mouth. It took exactly three chews before her nose started to run, and it felt like steam was coming out of her ears.

"They're imported - really clear you out," Emma said cheerfully.

"'ank 'ou…"

"You're welcome. Eat your soup."

Years of working on her stoic detachment was currently coming in handy. She was desperately trying not to smile as Emma ranted.

"And it's not like I had a stake and crucifix in my hands! I just wanted to…."

Regina's lips twitched slightly as she followed the narrative. Tiny pops and flashes of purple smoke were escaping the Savior's notice, but the Queen was focused on them.

"I didn't even know there was such a thing as a reformed vampire! His slogan is the cheesiest thing in the world, by the way… My cupcakes don't suck…"

"Mmmhmm," Regina said, shifting in her chair slightly.

"Anyway, he said he'd just moved to Storybrooke because - Regina! Are you even listening to me?"

"Miss Swan, did you know that you tend to talk with your hands?"

Emma looked at her, perplexed, before looking down at the desk. "Jeez!"

She'd conjured about seven teacups, a dozen roses, four plastic straws, a baby chicken, and a rubber duck. With a wave, she vanished the cornucopia and gave Regina a sheepish smile.

"Thank you," Regina said. "I don't think Henry needed a pet chicken."

"He's sleeping," Emma said, coming out of Henry's room. "I guess being kidnapped by the reformed vampire's not-so-reformed family takes a lot out of a kid."

"I imagine," Regina said.

They stood in silence for a long moment.

"I should go. Gotta be up early to deal with the fallout."

"Wait," Regina said. "You could stay. We could…watch a movie or something. I don't know about you, but I'm not going to be able to sleep for a while."

Emma smiled and nodded. "Okay."