When Emma arrived at Regina's mansion, the first thing she saw was that the front windows had been broken into. She clutched at the steering wheel as anger washed through her. She sometimes wondered how these townspeople were under the leadership of Snow when they themselves were incompetent fools prone to violence.

She got out of the car, gun placed in her holster and flashlight in hand. The porch lights were off but the lights inside were on, giving her some light so there was no need to turn the flashlight on. She approached the front of the house and saw a flicker of red on the side of it. She flicked on her flashlight and shined it at the wall. Sure enough, spray painted in red were the words, Kill the Queen! Cut her throat and spill her blood! Emma sighed and lowered the flashlight as she went to knock on the door.

The door opened before she could even raise her hand as if Regina had been watching her the entire time. Regina stood there, self consciously rubbing her arm.

"Thank you for coming Emma" She said softly, sounding ashamed for asking for help.

"No problem Regina" Emma offered a smile. "I saw what they did to your house. Did they do anything inside?"

"No" Regina shook her head. "Thank god"

"And Henry?"

"Still sound asleep" Regina cocked her head in the direction of Henry's room. "Surprised he didn't hear the sound of shattering glass"

Emma looked down at the windows. Glass had sprayed from the shattered window, showering the floor in tiny, glittering pieces of glass.

"Let me help you clean up" Her tone told Regina that it wasn't an offer.

"Thanks. Um, I'll get the vacuum" Regina went to get the object and Emma looked down to see a rock amidst the glass. She put on some gloves and picked it up. It was about the size of her hand. Taking a plastic bag from her back pocket, she placed it inside and sealed it. Regina came back seconds later and looked down at the bag.

"You think you'll get prints off that?" She asked doubtfully.

"I hope" Emma said. "The person who did this was dumb enough to vandalize the mayor's house. I doubt he was smart enough to put on gloves before throwing the rock"

Regina chuckled. She handed the vacuum over and Emma placed the bag on the table. "Thanks"

The vacuuming didn't take long and once done, Regina offered Emma a drink.

"I should head home. My mom is probably worried" Honestly, thinking of spending more time with Regina than necessary felt strange and awkward.

"Please" Regina insisted. "After all you did, I should really repay you somehow" Maybe if she managed to keep Emma long enough that she couldn't go home, she would feel safer.

Emma sighed. "Okay. One drink"

Regina nodded and led the way into the parlor. Emma sat down on the soft couch as Regina poured them both drinks.

"Once again, thank you for coming" Regina handed Emma her glass. "I'm sure you were in the middle of something more important than this"

"Not really" Emma took a small sip. The liquor hit the back of her throat with a vengeance and she sighed at the familiar burn. "And even if I was, I would come anyway"

"Why?" Regina couldn't help but express her curiosity. Anyone could say, "Because you were in trouble!" but she wanted the Emma Swan explanation.

"Because you're my friend and you were in trouble"

"Friend..." Regina tested the word on her tongue. It felt foreign. "I'm your friend"

"Yes Regina" Emma groaned. "How many times do I have to say it?"

"Excuse me Emma but I'm not familiar with the concept of friendship" Regina snapped. Never, no matter what would she allow herself to be looked at as a fool.

"Sorry, sorry" Emma put her hands up in surrender. "I didn't mean it like that"

Regina sighed and rubbed her temples. "I should be the one to apologize. I usually don't snap that easily"

"You're just tired" Emma was now too nervous to add her own thoughts. Scared. "If you want me to, I can show you a few concepts of friendship"

"Like braiding my hair?" Regina said with a mock smile. "Giving me makeovers and complementing my outfits?"

"That is more for teenagers" Emma objected with a wince. The thought of doing that with Regina was just cringe worthy. "I'm thinking more like having lunch. Just the two of us. Going for walks in the park or down by the beach. Or just hanging out here and drinking"

"I guess we could do things like that" Regina muttered.

"Great" Emma's head was beginning to get a bit foggy. "I should head out now. Thanks for the drink and I'll call you anytime you want to hang out"

"Wait!" Regina stood up rapidly. At Emma's startled and confused look, she steadied herself. "I mean, it's already late and you seem a bit out of it. You shouldn't drive home alone"

"Then poof me there" Emma suggested.

Regina was torn. She didn't know what to do now.

Emma caught sight of Regina's fearful and pained expression and her heart broke at the sight. "Actually, you're right. I'll stay for the night. I would rather not have to explain all this to my mom right now"

"Right" Regina said, suppressing her relief. "I'll get the guest room set up for you"

"Don't bother" Emma waved her off. "I'll just sleep on the couch"

"Are you sure?" Regina said. "It won't take long"

"I insist. Besides if anyone tries anything again, I'll be right there to get them"

That did sound like a good idea. "Fine. Just let me get you some blankets and a pillow"

They walked out of the parlor and went separate ways. Emma to the living room to collapse on the couch and Regina to get a pillow and blanket. Once Regina was out of sight, Emma looked at the front door and held up her hand. Eyes shut tight, she concentrated hard.

Emotion is magic.

The words of the now long gone imp forever embedded in her mind came forth and so did a tingling sensation in her hand. She opened her eyes and saw a barrier of pulsing white light slowly diminish into nothingness. She smiled, proud of her accomplishments so far in practicing her magic.

Regina came back with the pillow and blanket. If she felt the magic around them, she didn't say anything.

"Here" She handed them over.

"Thanks"

"Need anything else?"

"No. I'm good"

"Okay. Good night Emma"

"Good night Regina"