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Chapter 4

"Mal, I just can't do this." Emma said, trying not to wine, but feeling the tears in her eyes. She was ashamed, no matter what Mal and Regina told her, and was waiting for the day they decided she was too stupid to be with them.

Mal raised a brow at this – it wasn't Mama or Mistress, it was her name. "Emma honey, take a deep breath." She knew the blonde was stressed as numbers seemed to be the hardest for her. "Put the pencil down, close your eyes and take deep breaths."

Emma put the pencil down, closed her eyes, but when she went to take a breath, she let out a sob she couldn't stop. It broke Mal's heart and she quickly went to Emma, putting an arm around her. Emma tried swallowing her tears with the lump in her throat. "I'm sorry." She whispered, not daring to open her eyes. "I'm just so stupid and I know I'm not good enough for you and Regina."

Mal sighed and pulled Emma's chair out so she could face her. Cupping her cheeks, she waited until the watery green eyes opened. "You are not stupid, my love. You are so smart in so many things. Look at how far you've come in reading in just a few weeks, and you're a geography pro. Emma, numbers are hard for some people, but that doesn't make you stupid. Moreover, Regina and I would never think you're not good enough for us." She wiped Emma's tears. "It breaks my heart to see you get so down on yourself, Emma. It's not your fault that you had subpar schooling because the damned foster system failed you."

"I just feel so stupid." Emma admitted, more tears filling her eyes. "There are kids out there who can do this, but I can't. Sure, I picked up on adding and subtracting okay, and I'm not even that bad at multiplying, but this division bullshit is getting the better of me."

Mal smirked and tapped Emma's lip. "Language." She grinned when Emma looked down with pink cheeks. "Now, you just said it yourself, Emma. You did pick up and adding and subtracting and multiplication. You may not be as fast as you'd like to be, but you'll get there. My love, please try to give yourself a break."

Emma gave a nod, starting to calm down. Mal could see her slipping and she smiled as she stroked her hair. "Mama? Is school done yet?"

Mal smiled softly. "It is for today. But tomorrow, we are getting this done no matter how long it takes." She said and gave Emma's cheek a firm but not too hard slap. "That's for your language; you know better."

"Yes Mama. I'm sorry." She looked down. "Do I still get to see Anna or am I in too much trouble?"

"Oh my sweet girl, of course you're going to see Anna. In fact, Sara and Anna should be here soon."

Emma cuddled closer to her Mama. "Do you hafta go?"

"Unfortunately, yes." Mal said, holding Emma close. "I'll only be gone a couple days and Mommy will be with you. She couldn't take you into work today, but she took the next few days off."

"I love mommy, but I don't want you to go." Emma said, nestling her head in Mal's neck.

"I know baby girl, but I have to. You take care of your mommy while I'm gone." She tapped Emma's nose. "It's important you take care of her."

"I will Mama. I'll be a good girl."

Mal's fingers caressed Emma's ass. "Hmm. I'm not sure I believe you. I know how much my little Princess enjoys her punishments."

Emma smirked a bit and kissed Mal's neck. "I don't know what you're talking about, Mama." She said with all the innocents she could muster.

Mal chuckled at this and closed her eyes to Emma's kisses. "You love your Majesty's whips, Princess and her paddles, and Mama's hands." She smirked when she felt Emma grind down on her leg. "You like bending over Mama's knees and presenting yourself to us. You also like being tied to the table and letting your wetness drip of the edge as the whip smacks against your ass."

Emma ground down more and whimpered a bit, her core soaking. "Emma said a naughty word. Emma needs a spanking."

Mal smirked and ran her hand along Emma's ass. "As much as I agree, we don't have time Princess. Sara and Anna will be here…" and at that moment, the doorbell rang causing both women to inwardly groan. "I'll go get it."

Emma whined. "Mama I'm all…" she pushed her legs together and pouted at Mal's smirk.

"You're just gonna have to wait for Mommy to take care of that." She said, tapping Emma's nose. "Come on now, let's not be rude."

The two made their way downstairs and when Mal opened the door, Emma quickly forgot her discomfort and smiled wide. "Anna!"

Anna smiled back and waived before Sara gave her a nod and she came in and hugged Emma excitedly. "Hi Emma! I'm so excited to see your house since you've seen mine!"

Sara and Mal chuckled as they greeted each other, and Sara came in. "Anna sweetheart, shoes off please." She reminded her Little one.

"Sorry Mama and Ms. Dracon." Anna said and took her shoes off.

"Honey, I've told you to call me Mal and it's okay. No harm done."

"Mama, can I show Anna my day room?"

"Yes baby. Be good."

Emma took Anna's hand and started up the steps before stopping and turning. "You'll come say goodbye, right?"

Mal smiled softly. "Of course I will." She sighed as she watched Emma go and then looked at Sara. "I hate that I have to do this. She was abandoned so many times in foster care that I think me going on this trip has triggered some PTSD about that. The only thing I can do is tell her I'll be back and follow through, but it hurts to know she's scared about it."

"You're right Mal. That is about all you can do but it's a good thing to do." The two sat at the counter in the kitchen. "You're newer to this lifestyle but I'm sure you've grasped that different 'Littles' are that way for different reasons, but the one thing most of them have in common is that they've experienced at least one traumatic event in their childhood. From what you, Regina, and even Emma has told me, she's terrified of being "sent back", and scared of not being good enough. Honestly, the only way to show her those things aren't true is doing what you're doing."

"I know but it breaks my heart. The other day when she was in her adult headspace, she was telling us that she always has those fears – being rejected, being abandoned, having the other foot fall because it always did – but she said this is the first relationship where she can actually talk about it and she doesn't feel judged. That, honestly, makes me sadder. That she would have tried expressing herself to a partner who basically made her feel like crap for feeling like that." Mal shook her head. "No matter what headspace she's in, we're really working on the fact that it's okay to feel however we all feel, and we can express that in healthy ways. It makes me so mad that she's never been able to do that before."

"Well I think it's great that you three found each other. I think you all help each other with different needs."

"I couldn't agree more." Mal said with a smile. "So, I suppose I should give you the tour before I have to head out." Mal showed Sara all the important parts of the house, even if she'd only be here a few hours before Regina got home. They ended in Emma's nursery/playroom where the girls were. "Anna, do you think you can keep playing with that while I take Emma to my room for just a few minutes?"

"Yes Ms. Dra…I mean Mal." Anna said with a smile.

Emma grew quiet and kept her eyes to the floor as she slowly followed Mal into their bedroom. Mal sat down and pulled Emma onto her lap, lifting her chin. "No being sad, Emma. I'll be back in three days and everything will be just as it has been."

Emma stuck her bottom lip out. "Mama don't go."

"Mama has to go, sweetheart, but Mama will be back. Mama isn't leaving you forever, Emma. Mommy will be here with you while I'm gone." Mal rubbed Emma's back. "If you're a good girl, we'll take you to the Club House on Friday. Remember?"

"It's Fairy Garden night." Emma said, trying not to smile from excitement. "Mommy said I can be a Fairy Princess."

"That's right, baby girl. But only if you're good while Mama is gone."

Emma gave a nod. "I'll be good but I'm still sad. Is it naughty to be sad?" Her green eyes looked at Mal, not wanting to be a bad girl.

Mal hated the fear she saw there, and she swiftly kissed Emma. "It's not bad to be sad my love." She said, stroking her cheek. "I know that you've had a lot of people leave you and you're scared it's going to happen again. I get that and it's okay to be scared, but I swear to you, I'm not leaving you. I promise you that I'll be back, and we'll all be okay."

Emma sniffed and nodded. "Okay Mama. I love you so much."

"I love you too." Mal said, kissing her again. "Come on, how about you help Mama with her bags."

The two brought Mal's bags downstairs where Sara and Anna joined Emma in saying bye to Mal. When she left, Emma felt too sad to play and instead, Sara put a movie on.

"I hate that I have to go, Regina, but I do." Mal said, kissing her.

"I know, my love. It's okay. Emma is upset, but we will be fine. I'm trying to get done from here early today so I can just go be with her. Cuddle her and all that."

"All that crap you swore you didn't like?" Mal asked with a grin.

"I can't help it. She did something to me." Regina said with a chuckle. "You both did." She looped one of Mal's curls around her finger. "I'm going to miss you."

"I'll miss you so much, Regina." Mal sighed. "You and Emma have fun, okay? Don't worry that I'm not here."

"It won't be the same." Regina said, stroking Mal's cheek. "Drive carefully okay?"

"You know I will. The time will fly by."

Emma was watching the door, an unrealistic part of her afraid Regina wouldn't come home and she'd be abandoned again. "Emma sweetheart, Mommy Gina is on her way home." Sara said, rubbing her back.

Emma looked down. "Sorry." She mumbled.

"Why are you sorry?"

Emma looked at Anna. "I haven't been a great friend and I'm worrying so much."

Anna came over and took Emma's hand. "It's okay. You're sad today. I'd be sad too if it was my Mommy."

The door opened and Emma looked up, smiling to see Regina. She ran to her and flung her arms around her, nuzzling into her neck. Regina was a bit surprised but hugged Emma back. "Well hello to you too, baby girl."

Sara smiled softly. "Someone has been a little down since her Mama left."

Regina gave a nod. "I see." She kissed the side of Emma's head. "Mommy's here now." She smiled at Sara. "I hope she wasn't any trouble."

"Not at all. Like I said, just a bit subdued. I think she needs a night with her Mommy." She smiled at Anna. "I think we should get going sweet pea."

"You don't have to rush off." Regina stated, though Emma would not let go of her.

"It's fine. Anna and I have some shopping to do for Fairy night. It was nice to see you, Emma."

"Yes, thank you for letting me play with your toys and watch movies." Anna said.

Emma smiled at them, not letting go of Regina. "Thanks for coming over."

Regina slid her hand into Emma's so they could walk their guests to the door. Reluctantly, Emma took the hint and stood back, her hand still in Regina's. After they said goodbye, Regina looked over at Emma, noticing how she almost seemed scared. "Emma honey? What's wrong?"

Emma sniffed. "Please don't be mad, Mommy. I wasn't a good friend today because I was really sad about Mama."

"Oh honey, I'm not mad at all. I know you're sad and a little scared that she won't come back. I understand that, Emma, and I'm not upset about that." She smirked a bit. "I am, however, a little upset that my princess used a naughty word with Mama earlier today." She said, running her fingers along Emma's cheek and to her chin, holding it.

"Mama told you?" Emma asked, finally looking into Regina's eyes. "I said I was sorry."

"I know and I also know that Mama didn't have time to punish you." She locked eyes with Emma. "I need to make sure you understand that this is for the language, not because you were sad."

Emma swallowed and nodded. "I understand. It's okay to be sad, but it's not okay to say naughty words."

"That's exactly right." Regina said, running her fingers through Emma's hair. "Now, come in the kitchen so I can make dinner while you have your punishment?"

Emma pouted a little. "Mama was gonna spank. Why can't you spank me?"

Regina winked. "Because you like it so much. Come on baby girl."

The two went to the kitchen and once there, Emma went to the stool in the corner, knowing she'd have to sit on it. She crossed her arms and sat down, pouting. Regina smirked and gave her a few seconds before clearing her throat. "Emma, that's not how we sit in the naughty corner."

Emma slumped and then stood, stripping off all her clothes before sitting back on the stool. "Mommy, I don't think my arms can do it."

"Well, that's too bad." Regina said, digging through the fridge. "You know the rules. Would you prefer to have some soap in your mouth?"

"No mommy." Emma said and put her hands up above her head.

"That's my good girl." Regina said, sipping her wine and admiring Emma's physique. "Mommy likes watching your muscles when you take your punishment." Emma licked her lips and shuffled a bit as Regina's husky tone made her wet. She knew better than to say anything just yet however. Regina smirked. "Are you getting the stool all wet?"

"I can't help it, Mommy. Your voice makes my tummy all funny."

Regina startled Emma by running her hands on her sides and over her breasts. "I think it may be time for a new punishment. Wait here, sweetie, keep your arms up."

"Yes, Mommy." Emma said, feeling anticipation running through her. A few moments later, she heard Regina coming back and bit her lip as a blindfold was placed over her eyes. "Mommy?"

"It's me, sweetheart. Stand for me, oh and you can put your arms down now." Regina then led Emma over to the counter, having her lean forward on it. "Now, you know the rules. No cumming until I say so." Regina strapped the vibrator around Emma's hips and between her legs, resting it on her clit. She set the timer for their pizza and as she closed the oven door, she turned the vibrator on. Emma moaned, laying her head on her arms on the counter. "How long, Mommy?"

Regina smirked and smacked Emma's ass. "What did I tell you?"

"Until you say." Emma said, groaning. "Sorry, Mommy."

Regina ran her nails up and down Emma's ass. "It's okay. I forgot just what an amazing ass my baby girl has." She pushed herself against Emma, reaching down and turning the vibration higher. "Does my baby want to cum yet?"

Emma moaned, pushing back against Regina. "Yes. Please. Please Mommy."

Regina cupped Emma's breasts. "Not yet." She purred, kissing Emma's neck. "Beg mommy."

"Please." Emma panted. "Please mommy let me cum. Please I…I…" Emma knew she wasn't meant to win this game, but she always did try. However, her body jerked hard as she came, and she felt Regina chuckling against her skin.

"You're just a naughty girl." Regina said, smacking Emma's ass.

"I tried Mommy." Emma whined. "I really tried."

"Trying and succeeding are two different things." Regina explained, squeezing Emma's ass.

"Will I be punished?"

Regina ran her nails down Emma's back, loving the rippling of her muscles. "Do you think you deserve a punishment?"

"I tried, Mommy." Emma whimpered.

"I know, but that's not what I asked you."

Emma sighed. "Yes, Mommy. I deserve a punishment."

Regina kissed Emma's neck. "This is one time we disagree. You did amazing, my love, and dinner's almost ready. Why don't you go shower, get your cute little onesies on and come back down to join me?"

Emma smiled and turned, hugging Regina. "Thank you, Mommy."

Regina pulled Emma into a kiss. "I love you, baby girl."

Emma kissed her back with a smile. "I love you, too."

After dinner, the two cuddled on the sofa watching some TV show Regina was into while Emma just enjoyed being with Regina. In bed that night, Emma sighed as she rolled over again. "I want Mama. The bed feels weird without her."

Regina shifted and chuckled as she saw Emma on her stomach. She softly rubbed her back and started humming. "She'll be back before you know it."

Emma paced in front of the window in the living room, one eye outside and the other on the clock. Regina came in and smiled softly. "Honey, she'll be home any minute. She called me when she was about an hour away and that was almost an hour ago." She patted the sofa next to her. "Come sit and let's work on your math."

Emma huffed and put the pencil down. "Mommy, it's been a long time. Where's Mama?"

The truth was Regina was a bit concerned as well. There had been no more texts or calls and Mal should have been back twenty minutes ago. "Let me try calling her." Regina said and got her phone out. However, before she could dial, her phone rang. Her heart dropped when she saw it was Graham calling. "Hello?"

"Regina it's Graham. I um…I'm at the hospital. There's been an accident."

Regina stood, her hand going to her chest. "No. Is she…is she okay?"

"She's in a coma. Got hit by a drunk driver and her car flipped before hitting the side of a building. Regina, she was lucky, but you and Emma should probably come see her."

Regina's eyes filled with tears as she looked at Emma who was watching her with wide, scared eyes. "We'll be there. Thank you, Graham." Regina hung up the phone and took Emma's hands. "Emma honey, can you be big for a bit?"

Emma closed her eyes, took a few breaths, and opened them once she was out of her headspace. "What's wrong?"

"There's been an accident, Emma. Graham said Mal is in a coma."

Emma held Regina in her arms as tears filled her eyes. "Can we go see her?"

"Right now." Regina said. "Emma, I know this is hard and I know you're terrified but…"

"You need me. I get it, Regina, I swear I do." Emma gave a small smile before going to get their shoes. When she came back, she kept her eyes on the floor. "I'm sorry, Regina. It's all my fault."

"What are you talking about, sweetheart? You weren't the one driving drunk."

"No but…Regina, everyone I have ever loved has either left me or been taken from me. I put you and her at risk just by being with you."

"Okay, enough of that. Emma, it isn't your fault, and I will spend the rest of my life making sure you understand that. For now, though let's go see Mal."

Emma was quiet as they drove to the hospital, a bit calmer than Regina, it was decided she would drive. Once there, however, Regina took control and Emma found herself following wordlessly. "Yes, Madam Mayor, you and Emma are on the approved list. Right this way."

Regina went in the room first and when Emma did, she stopped at the sight. "Mal…" She whispered, her hand over her mouth. Her head was screaming 'Mama!' but she knew Regina needed her in this moment.

When the nurse left, Regina sat next to Mal, leaving the chair next to her for Emma. "Baby, I need you to come back to us." She said, tears falling. Emma sat and took Regina's hand. "Emma and I love you so much."

"Can she hear you?" Emma asked, wiping her eyes.

"I don't know, but I'm acting like she can." She took Emma's hand. "Why don't you try it?"

Emma sniffed and looked at Mal, taking her hand with her free one. "Mam…Mal, you promised me you'd come back. You promised. You can't leave now."

Regina rubbed Emma's back, knowing this was hard for her too. "Honey, you can say Mama. I'm sorry I made you get out of your headspace."

"It's okay. I wanna be here for you and for her but I feel so worthless. I don't know what to do." She looked at Regina. "I can't lose her."

"Me neither, my love, but if you'd rather be little right now, I understand."

The two stayed for a few hours, talking to Mal, watching TV with Mal, both wanting their Dragon to wake up. They weren't allowed to stay overnight, so they did go home and cuddled up. "Regina, she'll be okay? Right?"

Regina sniffed, loving the change in being in Emma's arms. "She better be. I love her too damn much. I love you, too."

"I love you so much, Regina."

The two lay together, but neither one was able to sleep much that night.