A/n: I know, I'm a horrible person for not updating and it being such a short chapter. Although the first few chapters will be up and down, it'll settle down (but not too much) so keep faith!
Although she thought that the mayor was playing with her, Emma started to feel guilty. She had been seen around town with a knee brace, most likely due to her fall earlier that week. The blonde was conflicted, though, because she knew that Regina would use the injury to her advantage by publicly claiming that she had been assaulted by the town's sheriff… right?
But rather than making a statement, she almost acted as if she was trying to hide her subtle limp and cringes whenever she took the stairs. The only interaction Emma had with the woman was when her secretary dropped off an unusually small stack of paperwork for the week. Ruby mentioned to her that her rival had almost seemed timid when she interacted with other townsfolk, which began to alarm them as well, not that they were complaining.
Even Henry had eased off the 'my mom's an evil queen' bit. Emma knew the mayor didn't fall that hard, but her dramatic change in character set her on edge. She understood it could all be some elaborate plot- but now even thinking those words was growing outrageous.
After she and Mary Margaret got home the day Regina fell, Emma received a harsh scolding and a short period of silent treatment. At first, Emma was enraged that her roommate didn't take her side. Although she had only been in town for 6 weeks, she felt a connection with her. Even if they were complete strangers, Emma still held the mindset that an enemy of an enemy is a friend, and with that logic Mary Margaret was wrong. But it didn't take Emma too long to realize how crazy she sounded, and soon after that she began trying to find ways to show the mayor her sympathy.
She finished all of her paperwork, even the stack from the previous week, and turned it in within three days. Emma couldn't hide the fact that she was proud of herself; she did just set a new personal record. But as she bounded into the mayor's office, Regina didn't look past her brown leather boots before she continued furiously scribbling in a notepad. Emma placed the heavy stack of police reports on her desk with an emphasized grunt, but received little more than a sideways glance and a mumbled Thank you, Swan.
Emma went out of her way to do favors for the woman, while still trying to remain anonymous. She noticed the Mercedes was parked by an empty meter, and rather than administering a ticket, she administered a few quarters into the rusty box. While in the gas station, she noticed the same car and, knowing only one pump was in order, filled it with an extra $20. Emma wasn't sure why the guilt was getting to her, but the whole town seemed to tread lightly whenever she was near. She even spoke to Henry that afternoon in the diner about it after he stopped pushing Operation Cobra.
"So, kid, how's your mom?" Most days he would swear that Emma was his mom, but today he simply shrugged and sat with a grimace on his lips.
"She's different." It seemed that his overactive imagination was failing her now, when she needed answers the most. He did tell her that she was more distant, but would still read him comics if he asked her to, "so she can't be that bad."
Emma was glad that this wasn't affecting Henry, but still decided not to let him have his usual sundae, knowing that it would save Regina a headache.
From the moment she set foot into town, Emma was aware of Regina- mostly because she had to be. They berated each other relentlessly and it absorbed most of her time to plan attacks on the woman, and yet she found herself taking time to ease her daily life.
She hadn't let Mary Margaret know of her knew plan to fix things with the mayor, because it seemed slightly premature even in her mind- but Emma couldn't stand waiting. She needed to do something. Her thoughts were still whirling as the woman on her mind entered the diner.
"Oh Henry- and… Miss Swan. I suppose I should be used to these outings by now."
Emma was surprised as she found an apology at the tip of her tongue rather than a sassy remark. She did feel sorry for her, but had no intention of letting her know that.
"Hi mom! I really wanted a grilled cheese. I hope that's okay…"
Henry's tentative remark distracted Regina and a warm smile opened up her face- Emma noticed Henry was the only person who ever received that smile.
"Well, as long as you finish your asparagus tonight, dear."
Henry made a noise as if he were about to vomit, but giggled nonetheless. Ruby brought over another round of hot cocoa for the sheriff and whispered good luck as her eyes motioned to the mother and son beside her.
Then something odd happened, Regina sat down beside Henry and joined the two at the bar. She even ordered a lemon water and kept up a smile as Henry went into detail describing the difference between Marvel and DC comics. Emma was about to sip her cocoa but a sharp and bitter taste made her choke, spit, and dribble the warm liquid from her mouth.
"Ew!" Henry leapt away from the blonde before starting to giggle while Regina simply handed her a napkin with a placid smile and vacant eyes. Before Emma could collect herself to explain, Regina let Henry know it was time to go. All she could do was toss a lame wave over her shoulder to Henry and continue trying to soak up the liquid from her white tank.
As the mayor passed, she hesitated briefly- but long enough to whisper, I would lend you something, but you ruined my last blouse.
Emma felt the mixture of regret and confusion sink to the bottom of her stomach as she watched the brunette leave.
She hadn't noticed Regina slipped a few drops of vinegar in her cocoa, or the extra lock of hair that now sat by her feet. But Mary Margaret witnessed the whole thing- even the ink pen Regina slipped into her jacket pocket, a pen that was leaking.
The pixie was ashamed of herself and embarrassed due to her, now inaccurate, defense of the mayor and rejection of her friend.
"Emma, we need to talk."