Disclaimer: I don't own Once Upon a Time or it's characters, etc.

A/N: A mixture of moments/ideas I wanted to put in the Accidental Curse story. Short chapters, some link to others, some are just stand-alones. Enjoy.

Emma stood on Regina's doorstep holding the plastic buckets and spades. She figured that the other woman would have to forgive her if she brought her a present and she wasn't sure what sort of flowers Regina would like. Regina opened the front door and Emma quickly held out the peace offering before she could close it again or starting yelling at her.

"What is this?" Regina examined them, without taking them from Emma as though the bright red and blue plastic might suddenly attack her.

"Um, buckets and spades. For, you know, the beach? To build sandcastles and dig out shells."

"I'm aware of their function, Miss Swan. I took Henry to the beach when he was younger and let him mess about in the sand."

"I bet you didn't join in."

"Correct. I watched him play and ensured he had enough suntan cream to stop him from burning. He was allowed to paddle at the shallow end of the water and Graham would go with him to make sure he didn't go out too far."

"So you never built a sandcastle?"

"Of course not."

"I guess you never had these back in the Enchanted Forest, either." Emma waved the buckets and spades at her.

"So why do you have them now?"

"I wanted to apologise. I figured you'd never had something like this as a child and you might like to try it while everyone's asleep."

When Regina still didn't take them, Emma realised she would have to try harder.

"Look, they're a present. For you. Also, I wanted to practice in case one day Henry asks to go to the beach and build sandcastles. I thought you might like to join me and we could have a competition to see who can build the best one."

"A competition? What would we have for a prize?"

Emma grinned at her and quickly agreed to Regina's suggestion.

"I usually pack a picnic for Henry when we go to the beach. If you want I can make some sandwiches and snacks to take with us."

"I'll pack the lunch, you just go and get changed."

"Changed?"

Emma looked at the smart suit Regina was wearing. "Yes. Unless you want your nice clothes ruined by the sand?"

"I'll sit on the beach mat."

"Regina…" An idea suddenly occurred to Emma. "Don't you have any casual clothes?"

Regina lifted her chin at the idea. "Queen's do not have casual clothes, at least the type you mean."

"Really? So you've never worn jeans?"

Regina shuddered. "I saw the fashion magazines over the last few decades. Faded jeans, patches on jeans, jeans with holes in them…. I would rather wear my clothes and replace them if they become ruined."

"I dare you to come with me and try some on."

"Dare? Really?"

"Scared of a little denim?"

Regina's eyes flashed in anger. "What a pathetic attempt a reverse psychology, Miss. Swan."

"One pair. My choice. Then we can go to the beach."

"If…." Regina bit her bottom lip as she considered her options. "If you let me pick out something for you to try as well."

Emma held out her hand. "Deal."

Regina just smiled, picturing Emma wearing a smart, sophisticated dress. Perhaps she could sneak a picture on her mobile phone.