all mistakes are my own. mostly unbeta'd
EZEZEZEZEZ
Regina found Henry in the kitchen eating a bowl of cereal in his pajamas the next morning. They'd returned from Emma's house and Henry had gone straight to bed. She thought it might have been for the best due to his attitude. His sullen demeanour and pout told her that his attitude wasn't improved. She got herself a bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal before joining him at the table.
"Henry, we have to discuss your behaviour."
The boy sighed and barely hid his eyeroll which caused Regina to raise her eyebrow and shoot him a disapproving look.
"Young man, this attitude is unacceptable. I didn't raise you to behave this way. Emma is right. This cannot continue. You've been hurting me for a while now with your words and actions. I let it go because I felt I deserved it for my past, but we're no longer living in the past. You weren't even alive to know anything that happened. I am no longer that person. People change. I am still your mother. You are going to start treating me with respect. Do you understand?"
"Fine, but you're still the Evil Queen."
"Henry, I am your mother. You weren't even an idea in Emma's head when I was the Evil Queen. I've worked very hard to overcome those days and better myself. I won't have you treating me this way. I have done nothing but love you."
"You did something to Emma to make her this way. She was never mean before."
"I've done nothing to Emma. Emma decided for herself to rediscover who she is. She has told you herself that she's tried getting through to you before that she's not a doormat. You wouldn't listen. I didn't hurt Emma. You hurt her, Henry. You terrified a toddler. You intended to hurt an innocent little girl. You hurt Emma with your words. You caused Emma to bleed. That wasn't me."
Henry glared at her, dropping his spoon back into his bowl before crossing his arms over his chest.
"Emma and I are your mothers. We've stopped fighting and are working together to make your life happy and safe. This is what you wanted. This is why you brought Emma here. You wanted a family, and now you have one. Emma has been trying to tell you how lucky you are, Henry. Do you have any idea what happened to Emma when she made even the slightest mistake in a foster home? Were you listening to her at all? What do you think would have happened to her if she acted as you are doing?"
Hazel eyes widened in fear.
"You're going to give me away?"
"No, Henry, because I love you. Emma loves you. I am you mother. I'm trying to give you the best life I can. Emma isn't here for you, or so you can use her whenever you're mad at me. Emma is here for herself. She'd made that abundantly clear these last few weeks. You need to understand how blessed you are, Henry. Neither Emma nor I had good parents who loved us. You do. I know you know how to behave better than this."
"If I get rid of that thing she's housing, then she'll have to take me."
"Henry! Zelena is a real live little girl. You cannot hurt her. She's done nothing wrong. Emma has done nothing wrong in taking her in either. That is what good people do. You're all over this black and white concept of good and evil. Which side do you think harming an innocent child falls into?"
"She'd have picked me if it weren't for the brat! It should be me getting my own room and having Emma to myself. Emma is my mom."
"Henry, that's quite enough! Your mom wouldn't take you in with or without Zelena. She has said repeatedly to both me and you that your place is here with me. Emma birthed you, and that's so special, but I am your mother. You live with me. I take care of you. I love you, and I know deep down there's still my son that loves me too."
"She gave her her own room and all these new toys. That should be me!"
"Henry, you have all that and more right here. Emma lets you visit because she adores the polite, good little boy that she first met. No one likes or appreciates your behaviour or attitude these last few months. It has to stop. There are children in this world right now starving, dying of disease. There are children homeless, children abused. You have a home with more than enough food, endless toys and comics. You have two parents that love you with all their heart. Whatever is going on, you need to tell me so I can fix it."
"YOU! You are what's wrong! Emma was supposed to come and break the curse, and then take me far away so we could be a happy family with Snow White and Prince Charming. Everything is all wrong."
"I die in your fantasy then?"
"What? No!"
"The only way that scenario works is if someone kills me. I'd never willingly surrender my son. Emma is a good person, Henry. She initially stayed out of concern for your safety, but Emma has never taken you from me. She wouldn't do that. You chose to stay in Snow's apartment. Emma was tired of fighting you to go home, tired of fighting her parents, and tired of fighting in general. So, would you be happy if I was dead? Is that what you want?"
"No! I love you." Chestnut eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"You haven't shown me you love me at all for a year, Henry, especially in the past months. You haven't shown Emma you love her either. Just because we are used to violence, doesn't mean we like it or want it. What are you going to do about it?"
"I -I'm sorry, Mom. I can be better."
"I know you can. You are grounded for two weeks. It's school and straight home. No video games or comics for a month."
Henry hung his head. "Okay."
"You're also going back to Dr. Hopper. I don't know where all this rage and malice is coming from, but it isn't healthy. You're attacking the people you claim to love most, and for no better reason than you're not getting a fantasy come to life. Emma cares for the little girl very much. It's clear to see. If you hurt that little girl, you hurt Emma. You also hurt and disappoint me. It's taken me a long time to realize, but I know now that violence solves nothing. Embrace Zelena. She's here to stay."
It took all Henry's effort not to glare at his mother. She was siding with the brat that was keeping his other mother from him. It wasn't fair! He wasn't crazy! The curse breaking was proof of that, so it was stupid to make him go see Dr. Hopper. He had to come up with a plan to get rid of the girl and to make Emma see she was his mom too. It was possible to have everything he wanted. Henry was sure of it.
EZEZEZEZEZEZEZEZEZ
Emma loved the kid's clothing sections. She'd never had the opportunity growing up to have new clothes. She'd only gotten donations or hand me downs. Having Zelena meant she could spoil the little girl and get to buy her all new clothes. Zelena could be her little doll.
There were so many choices from both the girls and boys' sections. Looking from the packed closet down to the toddler, she found the little girl studying her and decided it might be beneficial to teach her how to dress herself, at least pick out her own clothes.
"Okay, kid. What do you want to wear today?"
Tiny shoulders shrugged as blue eyes blinked up at her.
"It's fun to pick out your clothes. Would it help if I picked out my own clothes first?"
At the little nod, Emma scooped up Zelena and carried her to her bedroom. She set the little girl down on her bed before opening her drawers.
"See, you need underwear, a bottom, and a top. If you're not wearing sandals, you need socks too."
Emma showed Zelena each item she picked out before using magic to switch into the clothes.
Zelena followed Emma back to her room, staring at the drawers Emma opened for her to pick out items.
It took some convincing, but Zelena finally picked out some clothes. They absolutely did not go together, but Emma wasn't about to tell her. She wanted to foster independence, not crush her little spirit.
Emma took Zelena all over town on errands. The last stop of the day was the grocery store. So far no one had commented on the toddler's appearance. Emma hoped to zip in and zip out.
Things never go to plan with a toddler. Emma was quickly figuring that out. She was halfway through shopping when Zelena disappeared on her. Frantically looking around, Emma saw a tiny head full of red curls jetting around the corner of the aisle.
The blonde dropped the box of chicken helper into the cart before chasing after the toddler. She found Zelena trying climb the open fridge section where the puddings were. Just as Emma was approaching, Snow made it over to Zelena.
Shit! Emma doubled her speed and made it over to where Zelena was inside the cooler.
"You're not supposed to be in there. See, Emma! This is why you're not ready to be a mother. You can't even keep an eye on her long enough to make sure she's not misbehaving."
Zelena's bottom lip jutted out in a pout. "Me good! Right, Emmama?"
"Yes, baby. You're so good! I know how hard it is to wait to get something you want, but you need to tell me if you want something so we can get it together, okay? You scared me when you took off."
"Sowwy. You love me?"
"To the moon, kid. Did you want the pudding?"
Zelena nodded and pointed to the tapioca pudding up in the middle shelf, too tall for the little one to reach. Emma grabbed a few packs since it was her favourite too, and dropped them into the cart.
"Emma, are you even listening to me? I am your mother! You need to respect me!"
"Oh my god! Seriously? You think birthing me constitutes being a mother? I at least take care of my son. I try and set rules that you undermine. I discipline him. I make sure he's fed and has a safe place to sleep. You wouldn't know how to be a mother if a guidebook bit you in the ass!"
"I am your mother! This thing you're doing playing house with her is only going to wind up hurting both of you. We all know you're not capable of taking care of yourself. If it weren't for Regina, Henry would be absolutely wild." Snow spotted Regina and pulled her over. "Tell her!"
"Tell who what, Snow? I don't have time for these games. Emma?"
Emma scooped Zelena up and stroked the little girl's hair. "She wants you to tell me I am a horribly irresponsible person incapable of caring for anyone, and I should listen to her because she's my mother."
Regina scoffed. "Snow, you realize that you threw away your daughter like yesterday's trash on the word of the Dark One. You saddled your second brat with a full time nanny, because your neighbours called the sheriff one too many times after you constantly left him home alone. He's an infant. Ms. Swan is the far more capable mother here."
Snow glared. "Mark my words, Emma. You're going to find yourself underwater soon and having to give her up. I was queen. I know people, and you're not a mother."
"Then I can take away that you won't be having Henry over anymore if Emma isn't a mother."
"No, she won't. I no longer live with them. Consider it endangering Henry's safety if he's over there. I'd be happy to arrest her."
"Henry is welcome anytime." Snow stormed away, leaving Regina alone with Emma and Zelena.
"They never were the brightest. I wouldn't take it personally. Snow is in the same bad mother category that Cora was."
Emma gave her a small smile. "I don't want her words to hurt. I never really felt like they were my parents, but it still sucks."
Regina nodded, appraising both adult and child. She stopped short on the child's attire. The toddler was in camo pants, a neon purple shirt with Wall-E on it, and red converse high tops.
"Interesting fashion choice, Ms. Swan. Perhaps you should visit a kindergarten and relearn what colors complement each other."
"Hardy har har. I let Zelena pick out her own clothes. Foster some responsibility, independence, and sense of accomplishment in her. She looks awesome! Doesn't she?"
Emma raised a challenging brow at Regina, daring her to tell a toddler anything negative.
"Erm, yes. You look cute, little one." Regina cleared her throat and looked away, not being able to handle twin sets of blue eyes on her.
"Say thank you, baby."
Regina was shocked that Emma was trying for manners. Emma so often didn't exhibit any, and didn't scold Henry if he didn't use them, that Regina was positive the blonde didn't have any. A tiny thank you emerged, muffled by Emma's neck.
"Ms. Swan, we need to talk tonight. What time does she go to bed?"
A blonde brow raised in question. "Uh, I try for seven, seven thirty. Why?"
"I'll be over at nine."
Regina turned and walked away, leaving Emma and Zelena staring after her.
"Don't ever grow up, kid. Adults are complicated."
EZEZEZEZEZ
Emma had bathed and put Zelena to bed. She finally got the little one to sleep after three stories, six hugs, and four goodnight kisses. Regina arrived at five after nine, poofing in rather than knocking.
"Running late, Madam Mayor? How very human of you."
"I had to put more spells than normal around your son's room. He did not take our talk well."
Handing Regina a glass of wine, Emma shrugged. "Kid needs a good kick in the ass. You okay?"
Both women sat down on the couch, sipping their drinks.
"I put him back in therapy."
"Kid is gonna hate that. How serious do you think he's going to take it?"
Regina sighed. "I don't know, Ms. Swan. I just don't know what to do with him. I still need struggle with my own anger. I can't have Henry following my footsteps. I mean, he assaulted you. who knows what he'll do the next time he angers."
"It's not your fault, Regina. You haven't been the Evil Queen in three decades. Sure, you might be a bitch, but you're not evil. Henry is acting out because my parents give him whatever he asks for. He hasn't faced consequences for his actions before. This is going to be an adjustment for both of you."
"He wants to get rid of Zelena."
The words were whispered so quietly Emma thought she might have imagined them.
"What?"
"Henry wants to get rid of Zelena."
Emma's gaze narrowed. "Explain immediately."
"I don't know any details. I don't know if he wants to just have her out of your life, or out of Storybrooke. I don't know if he wants to hurt her or what. I'm honestly frightened. She's a sweet little girl, and Henry isn't thinking clearly."
"No, don't! Do not write off his want to hurt her because he is angry and cannot deal with it. This is the story of every murderer out there. Zelena is two years old. She cannot defend herself. Our son is intending to hurt my daughter. He's already hurt me, even if it wasn't intentional. I need to know if it's safe to return to work, or if I need to recommend him to GPS monitoring."
"You're being a bit dramatic, Ms. Swan. This is Henry, not some punk I'm sure you ran into in your youth -"
Emma interrupted. "Exactly, this is worse! My son wants to hurt my daughter because he's jealous. This town has magic he knows how to access. I can deal with regular kids any day. Henry has your smarts and my determination. If he truly wants to hurt her, I need to be as prepared as possible. What protection spells can I use to keep her safe?"
"None that won't hurt Henry. I honestly hope he won't act on it. I'm going to try and keep him in line. I'm not above disciplining him anymore."
Emma's phone rang, cutting off their conversation.
'Sheriff Swan.'
'Emma? This is Morgan Lake, from Storybrooke High."
'Hi, Ms. Lake. What can I do for you?'
'I'm sorry for the late hour, but our board meeting just finished. It's official tomorrow, but I wanted to tell you welcome to the art department.'
'Seriously? Thank you so much! I will need two weeks notice, but I can't wait! Thank you!'
'Of course! I'll be in touch more this coming week with all the details. Have a nice night, Emma.'
'You too, Ms. Lake.'
Regina watched as Emma bounced around the living room as she spoke to whomever it was on the phone. Her mood was instantly elevated and her eyes sparkled. Regina honestly didn't know if she'd ever seen Emma this happy in the entire year she'd been here. Wait, two weeks notice?
"Miss Swan, you're quitting your job. Were you going to tell me?"
Emma spun to face the mayor. "Considering I literally just found out I got a new job, let me just call you right now and tell you I'm giving my notice."
"Sheriff is not an easy role to fill. Who do you suggest replaces you? Certainly not your father."
"No! He'd abuse his power, especially unhelpful if we need intervention with Henry. I say get Mulan in with Ruby as her main deputy. Ashley has been wanting to be head waitress for months now. Mulan hates Snow, so there's no worrying about that, and she's a badass warrior."
"Eloquent as ever. What do you think you're qualified to do?"
"You should know from your bloodhound that I have a degree in fine arts. Lydia recommended me for her old job. That was the principal telling me the board just approved my hire."
"Why are you leaving? Do you need a raise or new computers in the office?"
"Regina, this isn't about you. I never wanted the sheriff position. I took a job bounty hunting to pay for school, and as a way not to be unemployed. I like art. It makes me happy. Now I can do what I love every day, and pass that on to others. Why would I pass this up?"
Regina was about to reply when Zelena ran out into the living room, dragging her blanket with her. She ran right to Emma and crashed into her legs, arms locking around them.
"Small fry, what are you doing up?"
"Miss you. Night night with me?"
Emma scooped her up and stroked the bed mussed curls into some sense of order.
"Of course I will come lay with you. Emmama has some good news."
"More stowy?"
The blonde laughed and tickled the toddler's stomach.
"I read you three stories already. Remember Miss Lydia?" Zelena nodded as she giggled and squirmed. "She's going to have her baby, so I'm going to takeover her job. That means I get normal hours so I can take care of you better. I'll never miss stories or goodnight kisses."
"Neber?"
"Never! I need my Leni kisses!"
Emma covered Zelena's face in kisses as the toddler giggled and shrieked with happiness. Little arms wrapped around her neck before Zelena gave Emma a kiss.
"Love you, Emmama."
The words warmed Emma's heart. This was honestly the lottery ten times over for her.
"Love you too, kiddo!"
Regina sighed as she watched the scene. This had been her and Henry once, and it made her heart ache terribly for what she'd lost. She poofed herself home to think about how she was going to go about getting that back. Nothing was too far lost until it ceased to exist. Her comeback from her Evil Queen days was proof of that. Seeing Emma with the little girl made her more determined than ever to get her Henry back.