A/N – Thanks to WannaBeBarbie for the cuddle idea below and for asking about Emma's self hitting issue from the last two stories to be explained.

Title: Precious Comfort

Summary: Emma tries hiding more than once as her Mama and Mal play a hard round of seeking. No one wins.

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Self soothing had never been her strong suit. Emma squeezed her fists, nails near cutting palms as she stared at the text from David canceling their dinner plans at the mansion set for later tonight. Snow was sick and or so David said. In need of at least seeing one of them she asked if just Neal and he could come and a text buzzed right back saying he promised all of them would another time. It wouldn't have bothered her as much if it wasn't the first time they were all supposed to have dinner together, Mal included, like a family at their house.

Red fingers loosened to twirl the soft ends of hair from her trim yesterday. Suggested date with Mal for a haircut, though she had refused to let the salon lady to do more than spray it down for her, and dinner at Happy's Bistro after serving her detention had been just the remedy to further bond with the Dragon after the folly of Monday. Emma scowled, wanting to throw her phone across the room as screen dimmed over David's name. Instead she pounded fists against the front of her bare legs. Hard a few times. Ringing in her ears, the deep muscle ache immediately eased the tension behind her eyes, though tears burned there.

A brief knock on an open door had Emma wiping at them before they fell and legs scooted further under desk to hide the marks rising there. Thick wall up. "What?"

Mal leaned in the door way, careful to not cross into personal space when Emma had yet to invite her in. "You've been quiet for a while and we wanted to know if you needed any help with homework."

"Nope." Sighing when that response earned only a growing look of concern.

"May I come in?"

Nodding, Emma pushed her homework folder over. "I'm done. Just reading tonight." Easing back against Mal's hand coming to rest on her shoulder, some anger left cracking the wall she had up in the rightness felt there.

Dragon eyes skimmed the folder, but gave more attention to the clearly agitated teen. Deciding to come right out with it, knowing by now Emma did better with a direct approach. "What's wrong?"

Pointing to her phone, Emma huffed. "They canceled." Face growing hot. "David said Snow's sick or something."

Or something rather. Brow furrowed as Mal recalled seeing Snow in the break room earlier that day, seemingly in good health, but with the pregnancy, sudden illness could have crept in. Leaning back against the desk, facing the girl. "I'm sorry to hear that darling. I know how much you were looking forward to this evening."

Sniffing as her defenses dropped, eyes blurred. "I was." Head rolled to the side and forward into the soft cotton of Mal's shirt. Fingers came to stroke her hair further easing her angst.

Heart pinched at that dejected tone and Mal simply held Emma for a minute before speaking. "Are they able to reschedule?"

Emma pulled back sniffing hard. "I asked, and he said he would later." Curls shook and she looked up, finding blue. "I don't get why they are being this way… I really needed tonight." Another knock had them both looking to the door.

Regina's face held masked upset, phone in hand as she noted her girl's disappointment. Left downstairs after Mal had went to check on Emma she had received the text from David and had wanted to be the one to give the news, but charming had apparently beaten her to it. Approaching, she took Emma into her arms in a side hug, silently soothing the tears that finally fell as Mal rubbed a small back. Concern grew as girl stiffened at touch before relaxing sensing right then that something else was wrong with Emma. Regina locked eyes with her Dragon; they held the partial answer to her question over the truth behind David's reason. She'd be making a phone call later inquiring about rescheduling and the Princess' health after Emma was in bed.

Emma dropped contact and arms crossed on top of the desk. Hiding pose. Going with her gut Regina gently pulled the child back by the shoulders and chair from the desk in one smooth motion. She took in the marks forming on tops of thighs pale hands tried to cover, red circles darkening to bruises. Queen, though subtle, inhaled sharply.

Summoning two gel ice packs Regina knelt and moving Emma's hands, rested the cool compresses on exposed skin. Lips tight as child relaxed at the sudden change of temperature. "Do you want to talk about it baby?"

A shrug and chin wobble. "I got mad and forgot to use my steps, but Mal talking to me helped and you." Flexing her hands as her skin went blissfully numb and added before being asked. "I'm done being mad though."

"Shall we take some time before bed and go over your strategy list or would you like to do it now?" Regina gave a choice of when, though it would be nonnegotiable that they would. The one they had created to help Emma with temper and self harm out bursts in the spelled reality was still a useful tool and one they had added too when this version had appeared before Christmas.

"Before bed please." Emma opened her desk drawer, extracting the sheet for later reference.

Kissing a forehead, thought came to Regina to distract from the recent upset and further help Emma calm down. "How about we have a picnic in the living room for dinner? That new Star Wars movie you want to see is available for rent and we could watch it together while we eat." Regina caught Mal's scheming look and nodded consent to the brewing idea in Dragon's head with a smile.

Green brightened. "That'd be fun. Can we move the table and put out pillows and blankets?"

Dragon fingers snapped with a grin. "I think we can do one better. Go down and take a look out back darling."

Teen moved slow, taking gel packs with as adults followed. Emma couldn't help but bounce on her heels, smile a mile wide when she peered through the glass sliding door in the kitchen that led to the back yard. Area transformed into an open air theater. Long low couch with blankets and pillows stretched across the grass with a low table in front decked with the dinner Regina had cooked. Strung lanterns and soft floating lights overhead gave the darkening twilight a warm glow. A huge screen floated at the end of the yard against the hedge, Star Wars logo on pause to a galaxy far, far away.

Turning and wrapping arms around two waists Emma beamed. "I call dibs on the middle seat!"

"An Emma sandwich for dinner it is then." Regina laughed. "Go get comfortable baby. We'll be right there." Watching girl dart across the lawn, she pulled Mal close, lips meeting over two full hearts. "You are some kind of wonderful my dear Dragon."

"She makes it easy, as do you my Queen." Brushing lips against red again, Mal turned to take in Emma arranging pillows. Chin tucked over dark hair. "I must admit, I am partial to torches and mobs when it comes to getting charming attention where it is needed."

Chiding. "Mal, do not start." And failing as a smirk took over at the very Enchanted Forest like visual. A sigh fell between them at the reality they had yet to face.

Dragon chuckled. "I'm kidding… sort of." Then grumpy at the thought of Emma being brushed off yet again. Hurt in green eyes pulled hard at her need to fix what was wrong. Remembering the marks on legs, Mal wondered. "How long has Emma been hurting herself that way?"

"As long as I have known her, but I suspect much longer." Regina tucked in tighter in the love of the arms holding her. "Though significantly less within the spelled reality and now that we are home again."

"Is that where her strategy list came from?" Familiar with Emma's steps and coping mechanisms she had been schooled in, but curious of origin.

"We developed it after a particularly intense episode one afternoon." Recalling having to put the little one in a safe hold, Regina explained. "She is capable of calming herself down with those supports, but still requires cues when she's stuck or in this case when things are sudden and her anger escalates too quickly for her to process."

Mal's heart stilled as dark thought crossed. "Has she ever self harmed in other ways?" Knowing a handful of teenagers who engaged in such behavior over the years that the school counselors had referred to the Cricket for support.

"Not that I know of, but I don't know everything." Regina wished she did about this version. Teen was slowly sharing more experiences from the first time this age. Past abuse Emma had endured was heavy there. The tether breaking keeping Emma an adult upon their return to real life had produced a neglected, angry, and hurt thirteen year old girl who craved attention, both positive and negative. It didn't matter in the beginning what kind of attention, but that was changing the more time went by as the girl learned affection would not be withdrawn due to misbehavior or overly increased due to it. "Let's join her before the food cools."

The women each sat on one side of Emma and with full plates and hearts the movie rolled. Halfway through Regina extended an arm and met Mal's, hands joining behind Emma.

Girl snuggled down at the motion, resting head in her Mama's lap and feet in the Dragon's as the Jedi fought on screen. Emma smiled as a hand gently massaged her foot and a different one ran through her hair, in love with the joint tender affection she was receiving.

Movie credits rolled hours later and so comfortable Emma made no move to get up. Grumbling her displeasure when Mama's hand tapped her hip. "Noooo." Snuggling in further. "Not yet Mama."

Grinning at Mal, Regina moved Emma's hair out of the way so she could better see a sweet face. Girl sleepy and time getting late she spoke again. "I know you are comfortable, but it is time to get ready for bed." Shower battle loomed ahead she was certain now and she wondered how much fight Emma would decide to put up tonight.

Turning over on her back so her head was right on her Mama lap looking up. "Can I just go right to bed?"

Patience answered. "Shower first."

Emma glared and suddenly pulled away, sitting up. Words to explain her upset not available and she further frowned when Mal tried to be helpful.

"Would you like some help with your hair tonight?" Dragon sensed that was the root of Emma's upset in some way. She had helped wash the tumble of wild curly hair in the sink before, after an especially heated exchange over the matter between Emma and Queen one evening, gently suggesting to Regina to let her handle it. It had worked that night and she thought it might again.

"I don't need help! Especially yours." Biting in her hurt and standing to walk off. "I'm not a baby either." Wrist caught, Emma tried to twist away, but was pulled to stand between her Mama's knees.

"Nor were we implying that Emma." Regina rested her hands on wiggling hips.

Avoiding amber eyes seeking understanding Emma tried again to back away. She was allowed a few needed inches of space, but held to attention and was suddenly glad of how well her Mama knew all her tricks for avoidance. Even so she spat. "My hair's finnnne. Besides it got wet at the hair place yesterday!"

Emma's dislike for the shower and especially for washing hair was ever a concern for the Queen. They had talked at length over the issue many different times and so never got to the reason behind the continued battle. She had tried being patient in prompts and to give plenty of choices over things like which bathroom to use; different times of day to shower, and bought a range of bathing products stuffed in very full pantry for Emma to pick from.

Incentives had also done nothing in the past but cause more frustration for both of them; an example being a short lived sticker chart for twice in a row without a fight could earn a range of things from extra time allowed to stay up to an increase in allowance only had Emma digging in heels more. Much to Regina's dissatisfaction the only thing that seemed to get Emma's compliance was the exact opposite of what she felt in her heart the matter needed; firm redirection.

And frustrated over the repeated issue between them Regina went with what she knew worked. "Your hair is not fine at the moment and neither is how you are choosing to speak to Mal and I."

"I don't wanna to wash it!" Foot stomped. "I will when I need to, and you being on my case like a harda—" Wincing when a knowing hand found her bottom. Slight sting stalled her running mouth in favor of scowling, though with much less vigor than she had been doing.

"Don't you dare finish that sentence my girl." Regina warned, hand still resting where it corrected and patting once more now for emphasis. "How you are expressing your upset with me is not appropriate. I give you plenty of choices over many things and this is not one of them. Your hair will be washed tonight and a shower had to keep your body healthy. I will not negotiate your health with you at all." Softer now that Emma seemed to be thinking on her words. "Now would you like some help with your hair or would you like to do it yourself?"

Steam over the issue vaporizing, Emma dropped her chin to chest under the scolding and mulled over her options.

Ever helpful after getting a nod from Regina, Dragon added. "Your Mama could brush it out for you and we can get it finished quickly in the bathroom sink if that is easier for you darling." Well deep on this issue, her concern over Emma's dislike for it only grew when hurt in green flashed back and returned to hiding as child gave a slow nod.

"Okay… thanks." Emma accepted the offer and then launched at Regina for a much needed hug. "I'm sorry Mama." As she always was when she caused the displeased tone she had been on the receiving end of. Wishing she was ready to share why, but she just couldn't. Not that. Never that ever with anyone.

"Thank you baby." Queen rubbed a back and nodded to the back door. "Go on inside and upstairs. We'll be right up to help."

Fight had gotten her some time and attention Emma didn't know how to ask for. Some nights this particular buried monster in her past remained docile, other times like tonight it reared a head so ugly she pushed against the love around her to the point of getting a negative response. Still it was attention to a matter she knew she needed help with, but had no words for. Their presence or one of them in the bathroom on such a night always brought the reassurance needed in that confined space when her thoughts tended to get dark and she had no desire to become lost to them.

Watching Emma go Regina leaned forward, resting forearms on knees as her head dropped. Salt stung the corners of her eyes. She knew, knew, there was something Emma was hiding. A past demon, a past something and try as she had all these months to bare it in a patient loving way Emma usually responded to, her girl remained tight lipped. Hating to be firm when she knew Emma was hurting, it seemed her only tool at the moment to keep some peace on this struggle.

There seemed to be no pattern to when Emma decided to fight her and she had been looking diligently for one. Sometimes child would push hard like tonight, other times only a little and still some nights not at all. Complete conundrum at best and she was drowning in it. Mal's hand on her shoulder caused a sharp intake of breath of present and she gave damp eyes to her lover, now partner more and more. Their foreheads touched.

"I'm worried about her Mal."

"Me too." Dragon agreed. "We need to stay patient and express our concern when she pushes, but she will eventually come around Regina. She needs some more time, but she knows our expectations and those are helping her stay grounded when she gets upset like this."

Truth there eased Regina's heart some as she sat back. "I have no idea why she gets so upset about it and she refuses to say why, repeats 'it's nothing' and it's 'her choice' and it is her choice to a point, but if I let it go, she will not shower once through her entire shift cycle and three days at her age is not healthy."

She had asked Emma's adult side about the matter and that version had gone quiet and adamant that she was not sure why teen side was fighting so. Regina countered that claim only once and realized by the wide hurt way Emma had looked back at her that the adult either really had no clue or something long repressed had been forgotten. Suspecting the latter Queen had dropped the issue. If a memory, a bad one had been repressed to the point of forgetting then that meant the girl upstairs did, in fact, remember. Sensing too it must not have happened too long ago before this version of Emma had appeared. Time moving as she stewed in this thought she couldn't leave Emma waiting anymore.

Evening turned around from there and helped in the bathroom, with their book read after as was ritual; Emma went to sleep in a much happier mood. Regina had stayed, lying along a little back until girl fell asleep. Retiring to the master bedroom, Mal in the en suite prepping for bed, she settled on the lounger by the window. Phone to ear, she tried David's cell, getting him just before his went to voicemail.

"Regina, hi… I was going to call you." David's voice rose over the squeals of Neal in the background.

"I got your text saying Snow was ill and I just wanted to check in." Queen leaned back, crossing ankles and arms as she listened.

David explained. "Just a stomach bug probably, but she's feeling better, resting now and off her feet just in case. Thanks for asking."

"Glad to hear it. I know she has had a tough trimester."

"She has…" His tone thinned as he took a long breath. "How is Emma?"

Resting head back and studying the ceiling. Regina gave the truth. "Honestly, she was really upset at the cancellation." Eyes darted to the bathroom door cracking open as Mal emerged wrapped in a towel, fresh from shower. "When would be a good time to reschedule for dinner here?"

"I need to talk to Snow and I'll get back to you."

Sensing something was off, Regina stiffened. "David, I'm getting the feeling there is something you are not saying." Uneasy as the diner conversation last had with him came to mind. "This behavior isn't like either of you. Ever since Emma's shifts you two have been eager to spend time with her and now it's sporadic at best." Though, she lost some nerves as Mal came to stand behind the lounger. Long fingers began to massage her shoulders. Appreciative for the anchor, Regina leaned into them.

David gave a hesitant pause as something in the background shuffled. "And we still are eager to spend time with her, of course."

"Then what…" Losing words as his fully registered. Regina's mouth gaped, ocean deep in shock, before closing. Finally, understanding. "I see."

He sighed. "Regina it's not like that. We are not judging your lifestyle."

Regina couldn't help the heat in tone. "My lifestyle. Really?" Soothing hands above squeezed once at her sharpening manner.

David stumbled. "Some—Many of our best friends are gay. It's not that… The last few months have been hard on us. I'm trying here. It's not easy being the middle man."

Calm kept, thought barely Regina tried to explain. "There is no middle David. Things have been hard on Emma too. This back and forth with you both wears on her. She needs consistency and to be able to depend on the ones who love her to follow through when they commit, even when life gets in the way. Especially then." Speaking to more than just the recently missed dinner, but to several lacking and canceled engagements in past months since her and Mal had resumed their relationship. "She is the child here. You both are the adults. This is not fair to her."

"I get that. Snow and I both do." David, guilt ridden evident, pleaded his perspective. "But Regina it has been hard watching by the way side and not having our daughter with us. We know and respect that is what she wants, but it still hurts." Bone bared, he drilled right to the marrow of the issue.

Face in palm, Regina took a deep breath. "I know." And she did, the hurt and loss felt there. "And I'm trying to advocate for her to have time with you both and I have this entire time. Emma is ready and she wants, needs, time with you." Swallowing hurt. "If the issue is my relationship and you both spending time with Emma when she is with Mal and I... then we need to reconsider how time is structured so that this is made right for her and so you all can continue reconnecting."

Wilting at the gift of understanding, David apologized. "I'm sorry Regina. I thought we were both on the same page and ready, but Snow is not herself and it will pass. She's accepting of you and respects what you and Emma have. The addition of Mal is way over her head right now. She feels replaced again."

"And you, David?" Regina needed to ask.

"Not as much, no, I feel like I'm stuck in the middle trying to support my wife and ensure my daughter isn't hurt and I am failing miserably at both."

Warmth took Regina's skin for a walk as eyes glistened a second time that night. "Alright we can revisit a family dinner and engagements all together in the future when everyone is ready." She appreciated his honesty and heart in the matter, but still. "Just do Emma a favor and do not commit to something further only to cancel. This pattern cannot continue and I will step in if it does. It is not healthy for her."

"I can do that… We just need some time, Regina… May we have her over tomorrow? I'm off and I can pick her up from school with Neal, she can stay for dinner and I'll bring her back by 7:00."

Clearing throat, Regina's eyes closed and tears slipped. "Six thirty would be better. Emma has homework and needs time to settle down before bed at 8:00." Little one would be present tomorrow and would love time to play with the boy. That version of Emma would be less perceptive to the lack of herself or Mal to the invitation for now, anyway. Overall that would not sit well with any part of Emma. Situation delicate and a field of landmines currently at best.

"I'll make sure she is back by then…" David confirmed. "Thanks Regina."

Queen felt more was unsaid, but apology evident within his lack of words. "I need to go. Tell Snow I hope she feels better soon." Her words too full.

Call ended, phone dropped as a royal heart did and Mal came to sit next to her Queen, fallen. Dark hair wove between her long fingers, stroking the head resting in her lap. "They will come around eventually Regina."

"Will they?" Wiping a cheek and curling up tight on the lounger in need of comfort, Regina let worry speak. "Because every time I think we have made progress we get kicked back ten feet. It is not fair to Emma. And I understand where they are coming from, I really do, but sometimes I wish…" Reflecting on when she had revealed the possibility of the do over spell to adult Emma and being asked to take on the role of caregiver in that life. "My original intent was for it to have been Snow and David to raise Emma in her second chance, but she had her reasons for not wanting that." Turning to lay facing Mal's stomach as she further unwound under calming hands.

"And now?" Dragon questioned more unsaid.

"Now I wouldn't think twice of taking that role if time could rewind. I was uncertain over the idea back then, but willing to give Emma what she needed." Deep breath. "Now I cannot imagine anything different."

Mal nodded, eyes holding amber ones. "You always do. Give her what she needs, even if it tears on your heart to do so in this case with Snow and David."

Cracking as more tears rolled. "She's my girl and right now, my little girl is hurting and confused again because adults in her life cannot decide if they are coming or going." More complicated than that, Regina knew, but needed to vent the very basics of the matter. "It's selfish of me, but I sometimes wish they did not have a claim on her. That she belonged entirely to me, blood and all." Admitting for the first time, a secret desire in spite of her logical understanding that the many sides of Emma needed all of them in different ways. She'd never act on it, but giving it a voice calmed her heart.

Mal watched tears slow in great understanding. "I think you are beautifully selfish in your love for all the right reasons my Queen." Stroking a cheek as Regina seemed to seek some kind of humor from her in wait to break the heavy moment. "And besides, you are too precious as a Mama bear all riled up."

Corners of her mouth bowed in a laugh, though brief. Regina scoffed suddenly pensive again. "I have never been called precious anything in my entire life."

Then serious Dragon corrected. "To me, you always have been."

That tone never failed to get her full attention and quiet need asked after the hurt of the day. "Really?"

Mal's thumb gently trailed the bottom of Regina's full red lip. "Really and truly my precious, precious Queen."

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A/N – Thoughts?

Next time – Regina is pensive over a needed talk with Emma. A bake sale and a drawing change things for all of them. Mal and Emma further bond.