A/N – Long one for you because I will NOT be posting Saturday - holiday weekend, so I hope you understand- Next chapter will be Tuesday Nov. 27th. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

For those of you following Mommy's Little Princess – I updated that yesterday because of the holiday this week. Enjoy!

TITLE - Definition

SUMMARY –

Mom (Deriv: Mama, Mommy)

– noun

1. Who loves you unconditionally 2. Character builder, heart healer 3. A person with the ability to smell mischief, hear the smallest of noises, and see out of the back of her head.

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Friday night and Halloween little Emma felt like she'd won the lottery. It was her absolute favorite-est holiday ever, ever, ever! New seven year old twirled in front of her full length mirror, taking in her costume. Eyes moved from the mirror to the Wonder Woman version hanging up near her closet for her counter part's party tomorrow night at Justina's. A split holiday, like her birthday had been last weekend, allowed for each of them to experience the day in full. Emma wiggled, enjoying how her costume moved with her. The doorbell rang and she bounced with delight, grabbing her pumpkin bucket and with a wave to Jasper, ran downstairs.

"I gots it! I gots it!" Feet pounded stairs and Emma made a beeline for the door, slipping right past her Mommy to jump for the high bolt, fingers just missed, but the strong arms lifting her up to undo the latch did not. Green found blue. "Thanks!"

"You're welcome darling and I know you're excited, but…"

"I know, no running." Emma jerked the door open with both hands as her feet were set on the floor again. She threw herself at Snow and David. "Guess what I am? Guess!"

Snow rolled her lips in and looked her daughter over carefully then found Dragon's amused eyes. "Um… Has she even had any candy yet?"

"No." Regina confirmed entering the foyer, accepting an embrace from Neal in his Batman costume. "And she knows to wait until we get home so we can do a candy check together, don't you Emma?"

Little green rolled sky high. "Yeah Mama, but guess what I am!" Bouncing Emma made a complete circle around the charming couple. Giggling when David swung her up high onto his back. Gripping his hair as she sat atop his shoulders she grinned over the adults.

"Let me see." David mused. "You are an angel?"

"Nope-rs. Try again." Emma encouraged.

"A bat?"

"Noooo! One more guess."

"A princess?"

Sighing Emma shook her head and knocked gently on his forehead. "Silly head. I'm a DRAGON QUEEN!" Roaring and leaning far over to show him her crown she did a half somersault from his shoulders. David's hands quickly caught her and guided her feet to the floor. Dressed in a warm wool purple body suit with sparkling green dragon like wings she had gotten for her birthday from Mommy and the cardboard crown she had insisted on making herself with fake rubies glued on it, Emma beamed, proud of her idea. Favorite purple converse with yellow socks made the outfit complete.

Snow played along. "Oh! Now I see it." Bowing. "Shall we be on our way your royal highness?"

Giggling again, Emma nodded and quickly took up her brother's hand as her Moms got coats on. Then remembering and winking at Snow. "What's that?" Pointing to the bag in Snow's hand.

Princess smirked and held it out. "Just a little something for Regina."

Queen looked at the bag and then back to Snow. "For me?"

"Yes, go on." Shaking the bag a little, Snow bit her lip. "Open it."

Taking the offered bag, Regina set it on the table by the door and looked inside.

Emma asked. "What is it Mama? Costumes?"

"Not quite baby." Regina pawed through the bag giving a positively tolerant look to Snow. Grumbling nearly inaudible. "Though that is debatable."

Mal wrapped an arm around Regina's waist and leaned in to get a look. Grimacing into her lover's shoulder, but ever polite. "What a sweet gift." Teasing tone to follow one only Regina knew. "Don't you think so Regina, dear?"

"Yes, very sweet." Queen pulled out one shirt of a few, holding the pink stretchy sparkly tunic with white flowers and doves out to the room. "Way too sweet."

Both children wrinkled their noses.

David coughed.

Snow blinked.

Mal waited.

Then they all burst out laughing.

Regina looked between all of them, finally catching the joke in the room and gave hearty chuckle followed by a small coughing fit that had Mal's brows knit briefly. "You all planned that didn't you?" Dropping the loud pink mess back in the bag.

"And you were ever the good sport, my love." Mal praised and kissed Regina's blushing cheek. Cheek a little too warm, but Regina laughed again drawing her focus elsewhere. Low and breathy. "It was my idea by the way."

Purring into an ear, Regina whispered back. "Really? Then you will pay for that, my dear Dragon."

"Oh I certainly hope too, my Queen." Mal winked. "In spades."

::::::::::::::

"Mom it's just an extra half hour later." Emma adjusted her Wonder Woman head band in the passenger mirror of the Royce. Satisfied with her appearance she snapped the visor up.

"8:30 is plenty late to be out at your age Emma. Her party is over at 8:00 anyway." Mal turned down Forrester Ave, giving a glance to the fuming girl.

"But can't you pick me up at 9:00 instead?"

"What is going on after the party that you need to stay longer than what we already agreed to?" A half hour extension on current curfew had already been granted. Questioning the reason to better understand.

"I told you I can't say, but it's important, like my social life will forever suck if you say no important. Please." Begging now as the car parked in front of Justina's. House decorated like a graveyard complete with tomb stones and ghosts hanging from trees. Zombies reaching out of the ground added to the overall creepiness.

"I'm concerned with the lack of details and if you can't share a little more with me, my answer will not change, so I will be right here to pick you up at 8:30." Mal confirmed, unhappy with how hard Emma was pushing the matter. Pouting so in full Wonder Woman attire wearing Regina's red lipstick Emma looked ever much like a young girl playing dress up instead of a new fourteen year old. Since that birthday Emma had been drawn deeper into the materialistic world and peer pressure of being a teenager. Patient she and Regina had been and with some concern that Emma had been relying a little too much on the opinions of friends lately. Treating them, in some cases, as if they were peers instead of parents.

"Fine." Opening the door Emma huffed. "But when I don't have friends anymore it will be your fault." Shoulder caught before she could exit the car she paused as was expected and calmed naturally under the touch.

"I'm sorry you do not like my answer and I hear you want extra time very much. That said, your attitude is not okay right now." Seeing green fire dim, Mal offered a small smile and a squeeze of hand. "I want you to go and have a wonderful time. I will see you at 8:30. Alright?"

"Yeah Mom." Relenting for the moment Emma got out. "Thanks for the ride."

"Emma?"

"What?" Turning around and looking back in at the red sweater held out to her. "Oh, thanks but I don't need it." Tossing it back on the seat and closing the door. Waving then as the Royce drove away, she made her way up the walkway. Spooky music pumped through hidden speakers behind cobwebs on the porch and before she could knock, the door opened and Emma was sucked inside the world of adolescence.

Costume party under full swing three hours passed all too quickly for Emma. Time broaching 8:30 she had a short window to make her choice to stay or go. Practical jokes not really her thing as she was now, but she felt unable to resist the chance to get back at her writing teacher for the detention she had gotten last spring. Emma had been more than all on board for a little payback when her friends broached her with the idea earlier this week. Well, one friend actually that had egged them all on. But the teacher who was quick to give detentions was known as a hard ass and would soon wonder why house and yard was covered in toilet paper.

Emma stuffed two rolls under her arm. She was among the last few guests hanging out in Justina's room. Parents in the basement busy cleaning up would not miss them for the time needed to get down the block and back from their mischief.

"You ready Emma?" Maeve nudged a distracted shoulder.

Emma gave her special grin only for the redhead. "Born ready. You?"

Since the dance they had been the most basic level of friends, but somehow over the last few months something had deepened between them. They found they had a lot in common. Maeve, adopted too, had spent time going from home to home before finding a family. First crush had morphed into a full blown friendship for Emma instead. Starting 8th grade had been more wonderful than she could have hoped. She found herself suddenly popular and enjoying the attention. Wanting to remain so sometimes meant doing things she was not all comfortable doing, like now with the prank. But a part of her still felt the teacher deserved some payback.

Hazel eyes sparkled. "This will be fun." Then looked at the room of others getting ready. "I just hope we don't get caught. My dad will not be happy with me."

Kenzie sat up from tying on a shoe. "Aw, is daddy's girl scared of getting in trouble?"

Red head blushed and said tightly. "I am not a daddy's girl anymore than you are K."

"Can it Kenzie." Emma cut in covering. "She's just got prank nerves." Truth was she did too.

Smirking as she stood, Kenize tucked a roll of toilet paper under arm. "If any of us should be nervous it's you Mills. Your parents would BBQ you alive if you got caught."

"Would not." Shifting from foot to foot Emma bristled. "They're cool. Remember back to my birthday party and the sleepover. We destroyed the living room with that popcorn pillow fight. Your pillow broke that lamp even and they didn't bat an eyelash." In truth that had been the case at the time in front of her friends. Afterward, when her friends had left, Emma had gotten the 'be more careful speech', but that had been it. Kenzie seemed to think about her words and then threw one more statement that made her head spin.

"But they aren't your real parents. I bet you could do anything you wanted and they wouldn't care."

"K stop it." Maeve nudged the brunette as Justina did the same.

"What? I bet she gets away with everything." Not taking the hint. "Or are you too scared to take the lead tonight?" Holding up a single egg from the bag of them pointedly.

Emma burned inside, but said nothing. Challenge there and never one to back down from one, especially when her family was involved she strode right up to the brunette. Breathing thick through her nose, she snatched the bag from Kenzie. Time much too close for her liking and still she gave a sharp shake of her head in answer. Lead she would the small group of girls she had come to call her friends and headed out the back door, running down the dark street just as a car turned onto the block far behind them.

Pulling up to the Wood house Mal waited a little passed 8:30 to go ring the bell. Door opening and Justina's mother calling for Emma with no appearance of or other remaining children for that matter sent her senses on high alert. Nose twitched and cinnamon melon came under down wind. Turning, she smelled mischief somewhere south. As Mr. Wood went to get his coat to help look, Mal promised she could indeed find the children faster than he. Best to wait least they return before she did.

Going to the Royce and taking up Emma's discarded sweater from the front seat Mal cast a simple locator spell. Personal object glowing ahead she quickly followed in the Royce. She didn't have to go too far. Windows down, Mal heard them first. Parking immediately she continued up around the corner on foot, sweater now on the ground became tangled in her heels at the edge of a familiar yard.

Bending to retrieve the item Mal shook it out and took a deep breath to keep her calm as a roll of white streamed over the branches of a tree and back again as four girls played catch. One of them hers. The one holding something up and throwing. A sick splat hit the side of a pristine house and slid down the siding. Egg. The smell clear and her frown deepened. They seemed to sense her displeasure, and then her presence as all of them stopped animation simultaneously.

Justina squinted in the dark and then eyes bugged whispering. "Emma! Please tell me that is not our Principal."

Rock in gut forming, Emma whispered. "Okay I won't."

Kenzie stepped closer and pointed. "Isn't that your—"

"Yep." Emma agreed and shrank further as the night seemed to grow colder closing in on them as Dragon approached.

"We are so dead." Maeve hid the TP roll she was holding behind her back in reality of their actions.

"And buried." Emma deadpanned and turned to a paling Kenzie with a knowing look as if to say 'see I told you I don't get away with everything' and forced her feet to begin meeting her parent halfway across the yard they had just decorated. She paused a good distance away from her friends, arms crossing against the rising chill in the air. Emma knew she was in the wrong, but she wasn't going to come off as a Mommy's girl either, as she might if it was just the two of them.

Stopping in front of Emma, Mal took a long moment to take in the mood filling the space between them. A glance over Emma's head to the watching group of girls and then back to the one that belonged to her. A shiver went through Emma. Quiet still, she draped the red sweater in hand around little shoulders, resting warm hands there.

Emma thought better of shrugging off the gesture; she couldn't move much under those hands even if she wanted too. "Mom, we were just messing around." Trying to also diffuse the pending bomb she sensed about to be pulled with a Dragon claw. Looking away when blue simply shifted between her eyes she lamed another go. "It was a joke." Chin was taken quicker than she could blink.

"Vandalism is not a joke Emma and that is exactly what you and your friends have chosen to do tonight." Mal began a much longer discussion they'd have later. Adding a touch of scold when green flashed back as a chin pulled away from her hand. Tone low and only heard between them. "Do not start with me young lady. You are in enough trouble as it is."

Stepping around Emma and moving toward the other girls Mal had them corralled and sitting under the tree they had deformed within seconds, Emma included. Clear by the dark windows and lack of a car that no one was home in the house. Cell out she began calling parents starting with Justina's as all the girl's moaned in protest. One call down a few minutes later she caught Emma's pink face and angry glare. Thumb paused on phone screen and instead of round two of another phone call Emma decided to ring the bell for round two between them.

"Mom. Quit making it a big deal. Let us pick it up and just go. You don't hafta—" Pausing when Maeve's elbow caught her ribs.

"Emma its okay." Redhead tried to calm her friend, knowing how passionate Emma got at times. They had been friends long enough that she knew the woman in front of them did not tolerate back talk. Her own parents didn't either.

Mal softened her ready reply at how protective Maeve was over Emma. "It is not up for discussion." Continuing to call the next parent, just as Justina's dad came into sight within the yard. Nodding to him and gesturing to the tree she began explaining the scenario to another parent on the line as he left with his daughter in tow. Near ending the call Emma bounded over and waited for her to be finished, foot tapping very much in her space. Patient Mal finished up and gave eyes to her child.

Emma now very much wished she wasn't in trouble and that her Mom was responding more like how it had been at her party with the lamp. Lamp an accident and this very much not so, but still embarrassed that her Mom was being un-cool about this. Ever one to be for most things, even when she was in trouble for some infraction. Mom was the cool one over Mama. The easy going one most of the time and why not now, Emma didn't like it. Mom was supposed to be her friend.

"Why are you being this way?" Arms hugged her middle as Emma asked and was suddenly grateful for the sweater her Mom had insisted she wear.

"This way?" Mal questioned, wanting clarity on exactly what Emma was inferring, that little face flashing with too many emotions for her to pin point the one asking.

"Like this. Calling everyone out. I led them, this was my fault."

"I appreciate you wanting to take responsibility for yourself Emma, but this is not just about you my darling. Now please go back and sit. We will leave once everyone is picked up."

"But you're making a big deal out of nothing, though." Emma challenged and did again. "I thought you were the cool one."

Getting wind now of what this upset was Mal schooled her face, tone clear on just who she was to Emma. "Go sit please."

Grumbling Emma huffed. "And that sucks right now."

With a different direction since her original one had not been followed, Mal spoke. "I am sorry you feel that way and now you may go wait in the car." Gesturing to the Royce some ten yards away.

Not expecting that response, Emma traded her original words thought for a hot question. "Like what in timeout? I'm not a little kid anymore." Pulling what rank she thought she had acquired on her birthday last weekend.

"Just to wait." Mal explained. "Besides it's warmer there and you are clearly freezing." Emma only one without a proper coat. Not wanting to embarrass her child, but clear that this was not up for discussion. "Go on."

"You can't just..." Trailing when blue eyes leaned down seeming to make a clear point of getting on her level.

"Right now Emma Swan Mills." Full cue used to make her point and grateful then even when Emma made a show of rolling eyes and going to the car. Still the child had not shouted or used more than an irritated tone. Progress had been made the last several months and in that she was proud of Emma.

Standing to her full height Mal made quick work of finishing her calls and then waited until all the girls had been picked up. Sending a group text after to all the parents of children involved that she would connect with the home owner and if anyone thought appropriate that she would be here the following morning supervising as her own child began cleaning up the mess made. Finally finished she went to the car. Mal could feel the heat rolling off Emma in waves and decided to let the matter be for the moment as they began making their way home.

Ten minutes into their drive Mal drummed her fingers impatiently on the steering wheel at the light. Eyes glanced at the dash clock and lips tightened at the time. 9:13 blared red in the silence. Glancing over at the fuming teen, she shook her head slightly at Emma's glare her way.

"What?" Asked in a tone Emma more than knew better on, she slouched in seat as her Mom's mouth twitched. "Seriously. What?"

"You know exactly what." Light changing Mal continued driving, mind drenched in what had transpired since going to pick Emma up from the party.

"It's not like she didn't deserve it." Mumbling as if to justify, but inside her gut cramped over what she had done. Wrong she had been and knew it. Glad they had been caught before more eggs flew. Emma was not happy with herself in the least.

Dragon decided not to give that comment legs in the moment. Sensing a mixed undercurrent in Emma's tone. There would be plenty to discuss once they were home. Emma had sulked in the car refusing to say anything else about the matter and nor elaborating save for the occasional tapping of a foot during their drive. Pulling into the mansion Mal got out as did teen who slammed the car door hard, rattling the windows. Rolling her shoulders to keep her calm, Dragon keyed them into the house where girl decided to finally let go.

"I can't believe you busted us like that. It was so embarrassing!" Spinning on her heel to regard her Mom with arms crossed.

Blue eyes warned. "Emma you need to keep your voice down. Your Mama is—"

"Mal? Emma?" Queen called softly from living room.

Closing eyes, Dragon sighed. "Resting." Finishing lamely. Regina had been feeling less than well and when she had left to pick up Emma her love was wrapped in blankets on the couch sleeping after nursing tea and classic movies most of the day.

Losing some steam, Emma winced and followed her Mom into the living room. Glassy amber eyes tried smiling at her and she felt worse under them for the trouble she had caused and suspected her Mama was unaware of yet. "Sorry I woke you Mama." Sincere and soft as she gave a small hug hello. Then needing to get away from the concern growing there she tried to slip out of the room, but her hand was caught.

"Not so fast my darling girl." Mal directed and sighed at the hardness returning her look. "We need to discuss a few things. Go on into—"

"There's nothing to talk about expect how you ruined my social life." Ever dramatic in her upset Emma wanted to pull her hand away, but need didn't let her.

"Now you may go to your room to calm down." Mal shook her head once at Regina's silent question over Emma's upset.

"You can't just send me to my room." Trying to keep her tone in check and her foot from stomping. Emma succeeded in one of them. "I'm not a child anymore."

Mal countered with a raised brow. "No, you are my child. Now go up to your room. I'll be up to speak with you soon."

"I don't want to."

Regina watched this unfold, wondering at the why of it and tried to help. Tired and voice strained against a cough wanting to come. "You need to listen to Mom right now Emma. Make a good choice."

Done with the night and who she thought was her friend anger finally getting the better of her in spite of repeated efforts to contain it. Emma mumbled directly quoting one of the girl's in their little clique. "I can't when she's being bitchy about it." As quickly as it was said, she regretted it. Eyes growing wide as what had slipped and bit her tongue as blue flashed fire and amber ones closed stone cold to the room.

"Emma…" Regina began chiding and forced herself to take a mental and emotional step back to allow Mal to handle this. Dragon was more than capable and this upset, between them. Why they were home so late she was unsure, but Emma's immediate behavior needed one attention first. Turning around on the couch and away from the scene, she tried to get comfortable again under the blankets as she left them to it, more than trusting her mate to settle their wayward girl.

Mal had been called a lot of things in her long life. Some of them deserved, some most foul, others that made her laugh at the poor fool that had dared do so. But none of them had affected her quite this way. Word from Emma cut her heart and she knew, knew, it was not personal. Had been said in a hot moment hard fought to contain for Emma. Mad and expressing so, inappropriately even, her child was sharing a feeling with her; rationale spoke clearly.

She understood.

Still, like it had before many months ago when she had first heard a vile word leave Emma's lips, it jarred her. She would tolerate a lot of things, much more so in some of their tougher moments with their child than Regina ever would. But this and at her for who she was to Emma, provoked one response. Maternal. All of these thoughts flickered across the front of her mind in a single moment.

Emma paled as her hand was taken before she could think of why; temperate authority led her reluctant feet to the stairs. Heart skipped a beat. "Mom?" No answer but the unyielding hold of their joined palms made it beat faster. So she tried again. "Mom?"

"Yes. I am Emma."

And Emma was moved along in such a way that movement anywhere but forward was impossible. Upstairs. Down the hall. Past her bathroom. Destination clearing, tears filled her eyes at mega level she had screwed up. Mom's Office came into view, one she was not allowed in unaccompanied. Door opened and she was taken inside. Green skimmed the room she was rarely in; warm earth tones and blue walls she'd helped paint invited a sense of relaxation and openness, but her stomach flipped instead for the reason of being escorted here. Different than the dark woods and sense of seriousness her Mama's Study held, being brought to this room for misbehavior was not something she would willingly choose.

Mom was a rare one to give more than a talking to or timeout. The consequence many months ago each little side of her had gotten in this room had been more than a deterrent to not provoke Dragon to do so again. It was never done in anger and never harshly, quite the opposite. It was the very matter of fact manner the reminder she'd earned was given that always had her ceasing to push the moment she realized she had crossed that line. Line lay with her full name at the site of her prank and crossed with one copied foul term she didn't believe in the least.

Mal let go of Emma's hand once across the threshold and shut the door behind them. Taking one clear and long look at the suddenly quiet girl staring back she kept her resolve in spite of pleading doe eyes. Heels moved across the room.

"Mom—"

Going right to her desk Mal pulled her arm less chair out to the middle of the office.

"I didn't…"

And sat. Dragon pointed to her feet. "Come here."

"But," sniffling as firm blue willed her to get moving, "Mommy… I didn't mean it."

Mal's heart pulled at the very edges of the fresh cut there, feeling the vulnerable plea in that rare used term between them as Emma was now. Mom for everything at this age, save the few times it slipped into the other affection when child had displeased in some way. Still she remained resolute. "Come here." Softly repeating and crooking a finger, waiting for Emma to obey.

"Mommy please." Trying again and slowly complying.

When feet were where they were beckoned Mal took a moment to really look at her child and take a deep breath. A quick inventory of her own emotions followed and she realized she needed a minute before they spoke, suspecting Emma did as well. Connection too. She rested her hands on either side of Emma's arms as she gave direction. "We each need a few quiet minutes to think. I'd like you to stand just there." Indicating the corner near the window. "I will call for you when your time is up."

"But…"

"We will speak in a little bit. Go on." Gently turning the child around.

Obeying Emma went and stood across the room. She wanted to explain. Wanted to apologize, but the eyes she could feel on her were veiled when she had been looking and she couldn't tell what was being felt there. Was Mom mad? Hurt? Both? And which was worse? She felt terrible for what had slipped. Meant none of it, least of all that word. She would explain that. All of it and maybe… Sighing, Emma rested her head against the wall in brief. Rule known. Clear as day and she knew better. Knew the expectations. She stared at the wall and began to sniffle.

As Mal watched Emma thinking she took several more deep breaths. Never one to lose her temper and certainly not with those she loved, though it had been sparked much quicker than usual. The perfect storm of frustration, upset, hurt and worry had provoked her into taking up Emma by the hand downstairs and all but marching her child up here. Now here she thought through her choice. Had she responded to Emma's words or reacted? There was a definite difference in her mind and processing that now, Mal was glad of the time to take a step back and think. Several minutes passed in silence and emotions settled, she was ready on her end to begin their conversation. She suspected by Emma's fidgeting the girl was too.

Calling. "Emma." And waiting until teen feet were right back in place in front of her. Taking up two hands Mal began. "What did I promise you the next time I heard you cursing at someone?"

Tears rimmed hot against Emma's lids as she began to lose the last bit of her fight. She suddenly did not feel so grown up standing at these knees and in the wake of her word of choice she knew excuses would not be accepted. "I'm sorry." Wiggling some as hands went to her waist.

"I'm waiting for your answer."

Whispering as one tear fell. "A reminder."

"And such language on its own is one thing; directed at me, it is more than unacceptable. Are we first clear on that matter?"

Nodding quickly and then remembering her words. "Yes Mom."

"This rule is rather simple Emma and one you well know better on. I will not be disrespected in such a way by you. I do not deserve to be spoken to like that or referred to using that word." Mal kept scolding tone away from her speech and neutrality in place. "We are going to discuss this matter now and then tomorrow we will address the vandalism." Original plan of doing the latter until this came about was now out, as Emma needed her attention in a different way.

Ducking chin and mumbling. "That was a just a joke though."

"Look at me." Patient.

Emma's eyes peeked up through lashes.

"That is not what we are discussing right now and I only brought up that issue this moment to be clear that your pending consequence has nothing to do with your earlier choice tonight. After we are done with the current issue you will be going straight to bed." Snapping fingers Mal magically changed Emma from costume into a well loved pair of purple star covered flannel PJs to emphasize the fact. Teen's face now free of costume makeup and pout, Emma once again looked like the sweet little girl she had tucked right into her heart ages ago and as such, she would not accept the actions displayed downstairs. Not when their child was more than capable of achieving their expectations for behavior. "The manner in which you spoke downstairs ties right into how you were speaking to me earlier tonight before the party. It seems I need to make a point of going over my role with you."

"Mooom, you don't hafta." Ducking her face, teeth caught her bottom lip.

Lifting a chin right back up. "Oh I disagree my darling. I think I need to take a moment to make definitions clear for you." Squeezing a hand when teen sniffled. "I am your Mom first and your friend second. Regardless, how you speak to me and me to you matters; with respect on both our parts. It is also my responsibility and your Mama's, to give and re-enforce boundaries that you need to grow into a responsible adult." Searching those eyes for clarity. "Do you understand me?"

"Yeah… I mean yes." Correcting to the more formal under the eyes that held hers. Emma squirmed as heat pricked her temples.

Softer in tone now that she had Emma's full focus, Mal questioned. "Darling, what were you even thinking downstairs when you said that to me?"

Blushing. "I wasn't."

Disagreeing. "I think you may have felt very upset with me to have said what you did and I'd like to understand your feelings." Mal redirected.

"I was mad." Agreeing as thumbs stroked assuring circles on the backs of her hands. Emma sighed. "I didn't mean what I said though. Not to you." Shrugging a single shoulder up to her ear, she dropped it hard.

"What about how you said it?" Wondering if Emma could articulate the difference she'd picked up there.

Teeth caught a bottom lip brief in thought. Nodding. "Maybe for how I said it, yeah. Some… But I heard my friends say that before and tonight Kenzie said some stuff and… it just slipped out. I was describing how it felt, not calling you that. I would never call you that Mom."

Mal nodded, accepting that possibility. "I noticed that you seem to care a lot about what your friends do and say lately. Is that accurate?"

"Kinda yeah. They're my friends. Of course I care what they think."

Root of the issue, possibly both of the night, now exposed begged another question, so Mal asked. "And what do you think about your choice of words?"

Wincing. "They sucked. I mean… I know other better ones to use to show you I'm upset instead."

Mal agreed. "You do and next time I expect you to use them." Confirming there would, in fact, be future times Emma was angry at her. Seeing green dim she reassured what thoughts were sure to be spinning in that head. "You may be mad all you want to at me or even Mama and we expect you to be at times. How you show us that matters. Even so, we love you no matter what and that will never, ever change. Do you hear me?"

Tears slipped again and Emma reached for a neck, pulled in to sit by forgiving arms for a hug, she sniffed hard. "Yeah, I do. I'm sorry."

"I see that darling." Rubbing a back in circles. "What did Kenzie say that had you so upset?" Feeling this needed airing now rather than later.

"That you and Mama aren't my real parents." Biting her lip at the very idea of that not being the case. Emma knew it wasn't true, but to hear it from someone she thought was her friend was hard. Suddenly she didn't want to be friends with someone that could ever think that of her or her family. Maybe it was time to step away from that influence. Idea easier to consider in these arms.

Mal knew Emma well enough that her child hadn't believed a word of what had been said. Still sensitive feelings had been hurt, she could see that. "I'm sorry she said that darling. That is not true in the least, you know that."

"Yeah, I do." Emma wiped her eye as she felt a kiss on top of her head. "She said that and then that that's why you let me get away with everything. Like the lamp breaking at my party."

"I see." A small smile bowed as Mal remembered that night. "And do I or Mama let you get away with everything?" A quick shake of the head nestled under her chin made that smile grow. "And why is that my darling?"

"Cause you love me." Emma rested well in that truth. Accountable she would be held in such a way that she would grow up to be her best self and even now when she had crossed a line, she wouldn't have it any other way.

"We do. So much and now it is time to begin putting this issue behind us." Patting a back and drawing Emma up to stand again in front of her. "Why have you earned this reminder from me?"

Toes curled as a bottom lip stuck out naturally. "Cause I cussed at you and I know better ways to tell you that I'm upset instead of what I said or how I did."

"Yes and doing so will always get you this exact attention from me." Mal drew Emma across her lap. She refused to allow Emma to be disrespectful or grow into one of those teenagers who treated their parents as a friend. She was not Emma's friend, Mom first to all versions. And as such she got right to the point as she always did. Mal wrapped an arm securing girl to her lap and in one sweep lowered PJ pants to knees.

"Mooommm." Emma kicked both legs up in brief protest and down. Only success being to fling the loose pants across the room. She winced as her attention went immediately to the hand beginning the lesson.

Wilting as sting registered in more than just her behind Emma didn't continue fighting, accepting her place as tears held back in her earlier anger surfaced. Word between them resounding even more, and so aware now of the silly why behind her action Emma sank down in it. After all Mal, now Mom, had come to mean to her she had kicked back right where it would hurt in the moment downstairs, tested perhaps even; again a heart that now called hers home. One that loved her like Mama did and accepted all sides of her without question, always with open arms, especially when she was less than perfect. Emma felt more than deserving of her current position.

Three in, Emma sucked in a breath as one reminder in particular caught the underside of her right cheek. Mom's hand a bit heavier than Mama's and never failed to get her complete attention where it needed to be. Crying beginning as her legs got a life of their own, hers were caught by one long one to keep from kicking and as she was pulled further over Dragon's knee. Secure there and feeling more than safe, Emma gave in fully to her tears and heart blown wide open, she let go and cried.

Hand continued for a few more to keep tears needing to be, free flowing, but well short of the usual base of twice her age. Expecting more, but crying too hard to ask why of the early pause she was righted immediately, cradled rather; tucked right into where she belonged. Emma realized, she truly did belong, moment sun bright, just as it had been when she realized she belonged to her Mama for the first time.

"There's my darling girl." Mal kissed a tear stream flowing and then the other, easily lifting Emma and moving them to the sofa. Sitting, she gently rubbed a back and held the weeping girl clinging to her blouse. Murmuring affections as Emma further calmed in her arms.

Pushing against warmth she so needed in her vulnerable realization Emma tried to share her thoughts running. "How can you even… I was horrible …" Turning face to hide in a chest as new tears took over.

"Hey, there will be none of that." Gently firm as she cupped Emma's face, Mal waited for wet eyes on hers. "You bring such joy to my life, sweetheart. I love you and only want what's best for you. Sometimes that means being where we are right now and I expect us to be at times because you are growing up and learning boundaries."

Hiccuping once as she took a deep breath, Emma took those words to heart. "I love you too." More tears, slower ones as that affirmation soothed her. "I'm sorry, really sorry."

"I know my little love." Mal kissed again, a temple, holding firmer still.

Minutes passed as their hearts began to find a common pattern again, air cleared between them. Emma loosened her fist from clutching a shirt, but did not let go. "How come you stopped so soon?" Fussing as a tissue came out of nowhere for her runny nose. Held there unrelenting, she blew and allowed her face to be wiped clear of her upset.

"Only what you needed Emma, no more or less. Enough to let go as you did is always enough." Explaining Mal vanished the used tissue and took up a chin. "This time it just happened to be sooner rather than later." Which she, and knew Regina, preferred to always be the case. Taken to task as she done was now more infrequent the last several months, as it should be, the more Emma knew of their undivided love and commitment. Girl usually did not require as much anymore. Last reminder being well over three months ago showed how much Emma was growing up, but still needed careful attention on occasions when a line was crossed.

Yawning Emma settled back into her Mom, cherishing the moment of close comfort for several more minutes before she was helped up to stand. Helped back into her PJ pants summoned with a snap of fingers, she savored one more hug as she was given directions.

"Go say good night to Mama, brush your teeth and meet me in your room. I'll be right there to tuck you in darling."

Feet moved to obey, but teen stalled in the doorway.

"What is it?" Tilting chin in question.

Emma started to shrug, but found her words under concerned eyes. "How much trouble am I in for the other thing?"

A brow rose. "We need to talk through your thoughts behind the matter before you spend your Sunday morning helping to clean up the mess and apologize."

"Am I grounded then?"

Mal considered. "I need to discuss that with Mama still darling and we will all talk more in the morning."

A small nod and feeling much better Emma went downstairs. Quiet as she approached the living room, she found her Mama sound asleep. Curled in exhaustion with arms wrapped around the new life growing. As was so often done for her, Emma drew the blanket up over the slumbering form and gave a sweet kiss goodnight. Hurrying back upstairs she stopped off at her bathroom to clean up and then went right to her room. Mom was waiting, curtains drawn and covers back ready. Getting in and laying back she calmed even more as fingers stroked her cheek and brow. Touch feather light relaxing.

As sleep seeped in, Emma's last need of the day was a tender tether between them. "Stay Mommy?"

Melting, Mal's finger paused as blue cradled the closing green question. "Yes, my darling, rest now. I'm right here."

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A/N – A few more left. I'd love to hear from you, as always! Thanks!

Next time – Time jump. Baby shower. Snow gives a special gift. Emma makes a decision.