Before Emma has the chance to react she's blinded by a flash of bright white light. The next thing she knows, her body temperature - which has spiked considerably over the last two seconds - has dropped painfully. After the dancing dots from her vision have cleared, she is able to determine the cause.
Her entire room - herself included - is buried in a five foot deep layer of snow.
"What the hell!? Elsa if this is your idea of announcing a surprise visit I'm going to have Regina fireball you back to Arendelle!" she shouts to no one in particular. Soon realising it's not Elsa's style; she lets out a huff trudging through the snow in an attempt to leave her room.
It takes 10 minutes of pulling at the bedroom door to finally manage to heave it open enough for her to literally fall through the gap. The door slams shut behind her, causing her to fall forward face first.
"What the heck is going on!?" Emma yells scrambling to stand, rubbing at her forehead and making her way downstairs. She walks into the kitchen hoping to grab some coffee when she sees Snow sitting at the kitchen island munching on a slice of toast. "Mom? What are you-"
"Emma!" Snow cries charging at Emma, squeezing her in an embrace and causing the poor Saviour to almost topple over. "You didn't come over to the loft last night so I figured you were tired and headed straight home. I thought I'd make you some breakfast, but you took so long to come downstairs..." she trails off, looking away sheepishly. Emma eyes the half-eaten plate of food, understanding her mother had eaten what she had cooked for her.
"Mom, how are you here? First I'm seeing doubles of myself and now this," Emma shakes her head at Snow's lost expression. "Ugh I need coffee," she grumbles moving over to where the coffee machine is on the worktop.
Well it should be there, but it isn't.
"Where's my coffee machine?" Emma asks aghast.
"What do you mean you're seeing double? Emma, are you drunk?" the blonde whips her head around to glare at Snow.
"Where. Is. The. Coffee. Machine?" she asks through gritted teeth, using both hands to point to the worktop where the coffee machine clearly is not.
Snow completely ignores her, "Not to worry Emma, I have the perfect cure. Do you have any ginger?" she asks in a chipper tone rummaging through the kitchen cabinets.
Emma feels the vein in her head throb.
It's too early for this.
Just as she's about to yell at her mother for messing with her coffee machine, a small gong sounds and there on the counter top of her kitchen island appears a half clothed Regina splayed out across it with a very fully clothed Emma's face pressed between her legs.
Emma hears a scream and then Snow shrieking "Oh my God, they're defiling the kitchen counter!"
Before she can tell her mother to calm down, she's once again blinded by a flash of light causing her to stumble back. The room begins to shake and tremor, the same as it would during an earthquake. Pots and pans are falling to the floor with a crash and Emma almost loses her balance.
"Hey! Hey we've got to go, it's not safe here!" she tries to get the attention of the two women currently preoccupied in other matters, but to no avail. It's as if they don't even know she's there, let alone that they're about to be buried in debris from an earthquake.
Large cracks appear in the ceiling above them and Emma is certain they'll become trapped if they don't get out of here now. She turns to look at her mother, but the woman seems more traumatised with the women on the counter top than the real danger. She huffs, grabbing her mother's wrist and running out of there as fast as she can.
Once outside, Snow slumps down into a ball against the front door on the porch and starts rocking backwards and forwards. Emma watches her mother and rolls her eyes; she wouldn't be surprised if Snow starts crying. Her mom is so dramatic; it really wasn't that bad.
The shaking and tremors have stopped now that she's outside, no trace of an earthquake ever happening at all. And Emma notices it was the same with the room incident, in that the snow had only materialised inside of her room. Knowing there's only one thing in common with both incidents, she racks her brain as to why she would keep seeing herself and Regina in such compromising positions.
Of course the Queen is an absolute smokeshow, anyone with eyes can see that she is exquisite, but that isn't the only likeable thing about the brunette. Her larger than life personality for one, she's so fierce and powerful and strong, all packed within a petite frame. And her heart, well her heart is such a delicate thing.
Regina gives so much of herself to those who she loves, from the very depths of her soul.
At a time when she was all sharp edges and harsh words, Emma would often wonder how it could be that the woman was so magnetic and why she felt so drawn to her. But after years of being around the enigmatic woman; of fighting countless battles by her side, of gaining a trust so valuable that Emma feels like she's fought her entire lifetime to earn it, she truly began to understand that Regina's sharp edges and harsh words were her armour, and that underneath there is only softness.
It's for this very reason that Emma knew it wouldn't take her very long to fall for the alluring woman and she can't say when she was certain that she had. All she knows is that she did, but that still doesn't explain why she is seeing them like this.
Yes, this is part of what she wants; all relationships have an aspect of physical intimacy after all. But she also wants late night conversations, inside jokes and snuggles while watching a movie or lying in bed.
She wants a real relationship with Regina.
She wants to be able to cuddle into her every night.
And listen to her heartbeat.
And feel like she is truly home.
Snow's phone starts ringing and Emma is snapped out of her thoughts. Emma watches as Snow stares down at the phone in her lap making absolutely no move to pick it up, before scooping it up herself and answering it.
"Grandma! Where's ma?" Henry's panicked voice sounds from the other end.
"I'm here Henry, what's going on?"
"Ma, why is your phone switched off? I've tried calling you a dozen times," he asks hurriedly. Emma then remembers she'd forgotten to charge her phone when she got back last night. So fatigued that she'd drove straight home, not even stopping to visit her mom, dad and brother, and had collapsed in her bed.
"Crap! Sorry Henry the battery's dead."
"It's fine ma, how quick can you get to the mansion? Mom is currently fighti-"
"Say no more Henry we'll be there soon," Emma cuts the call, grabbing Snow's wrist and running to her car, thanking God she left her car keys in her jacket pocket.
She almost crashes the car when she realises what exactly Regina is up against. Promptly pulling up into the driveway and jumping out running across the front lawn of the mansion towards where she can see Regina being swarmed by a tiny army of...
... Smurfs.
She is so done with this day already.
She can see Henry attempting to shove some of the little blue beings away from Regina by hitting them with, is that a book? And lets out a groan wondering why on earth she still chooses to live in Storybrooke.
The Smurfs are going wild, seemingly hell-bent on focusing all of their energy on attacking one singular target – Regina. Emma can see they're so easily overpowering her, grabbing at her clothes and pulling her hair. She feels anger surge through her as she summons her magic.
How dare they do that to Regina?
As soon as her magic reaches her fingertips she sends it blasting forward. But other than causing her hands to glow brightly, attracting everyone's attention and causing the Smurfs to freeze as they eye Emma suspiciously, it does nothing to get rid of the pesky little beasts.
"What the hell is going on!?" she screeches furiously looking down at her hands; trying to figure out why her magic is playing up at a time when she needs it most.
"You're having problems with your magic too?" Regina asks bewildered. As if reminding the Smurfs that she is there, they snap their gaze back to her and resume pulling her hair and clothes.
"Can't we just stomp on them!?" Snow shouts running up behind Emma.
Before Emma can answer, a small gong sounds and there in the middle of the lawn appears Emma doing press-ups while Regina sits cross-legged on her back reading a book. Emma takes in the scene, feeling her heart skip a beat, but she isn't able to adore it for much longer as a bright white light flashes and suddenly a small cloud appears above the newly materialised Emma and Regina. A roar of thunder is heard before the cloud starts heavily raining, wait...
... Gumdrops, jellybeans and lollipops? So much so, that the pair can no longer be seen.
The Smurfs are over there in a flash, greedily gobbling up the candy and if they think that is the worst of it, they are very wrong indeed.
The Smurfs begin to multiply with each sweet they eat.
Brilliant.
This is just what they need.
Seeing no better opportunity, Emma makes a mad dash for Regina, clutches her wrist and runs into the house, hoping her mom and Henry follow.
Once safely in the living room, Emma dead bolts the front door and runs into the living room where Snow and Henry are now seated while Regina stands looking out of the window. She starts frantically pacing back and forth trying to understand just what on earth is happening today.
"Aren't Smurfs supposed to be the good guys? Why were they attacking you?" Emma runs her hands through her hair nervously. Regina follows Emma's movements for a minute then sighs.
"I don't know Emma. I was lo-trying to figure something out, when they just showed up out of nowhere." Emma stops her pacing; she doesn't miss the odd tone in the Queen's voice.
"What were you trying to figure out Regina?" she asks calmly, turning to face Regina. Emma doesn't suspect Regina. No, no way. But she knows the brunette can be temperamental even on the best of days and especially in times of high stress – which this is – so she doesn't want to risk making Regina angry.
"Nothing Emma," Regina blurts out quickly, "But what's happening with your magic?" She doesn't want to tell Emma that she thinks she saw them both half clothed pressed up against the tree in her backyard; kissing. And that it made her get all hot and bothered for a second, before hearing a screech coming from the front lawn where she was then attacked by a tiny evil army of blue.
No. She doesn't want to tell Emma that.
She doesn't know what Emma's feelings towards her are, but she doubts they're anything more than platonic. Beautiful; scarred Emma who is so pure and so good it makes Regina ache with a longing she didn't think was possible to feel. She so very badly wants to be someone who is worthy of Emma.
But how can she be when the blonde is a literal epitome of goodness?
She had craved love her entire life, for someone to care about her enough to not cause her pain. First from her mother who never saw her as good enough, who used and abused her in whichever way she deemed fit. Then from a boy who was too kind but was snatched away from her too quickly. Then from a King who saw her as nothing more than an object. And then from a teacher who saw her as nothing more than a pawn.
She started to believe that perhaps something was wrong with her. That maybe she truly was unworthy of the love she so desperately desired. Out of that desperation she drew her power and crafted her armour – The Evil Queen. And so love became a weakness, love became the enemy; she stripped herself of her vulnerabilities and locked her heart away.
It was only when she met Henry that she was taught the true meaning of unconditional love, and that being vulnerable with somebody you love is not a weakness but rather it is strength. As Henry began to drift away from her, she began to realise that even loving the right person can sometimes be painful.
It hurts because it matters. But that pain is nothing compared to the love you gain and are free to give.
This understanding helped her to begin to open up her heart and before she knew it, it no longer belonged to the rusty worn chest in which she had locked it in, but rather to a woman with sea-green eyes and long blonde hair. A woman who brought so much love into her life simply by existing, who filled Regina's heart with hope and aspiration and never failed to support and believe in her.
That was Emma.
Oh how she wishes she was her Emma.
Emma notices the faraway look in Regina's eyes and the soft blush covering her cheeks and becomes even more confused, but decides to let it go for the sake of her sanity. "I'm not sure what's happening with my magic, I just feel... drained. I don't seem to have enough juice to zap anything."
"Same," Regina agrees absentmindedly.
"Maybe we should go and ask Gold," Snow offers quietly, still feeling slightly out of sorts with what she had just witnessed in Emma's kitchen. Before anyone can say anything more, a small gong sounds for the umpteenth time that day and there appears another version of Emma and Regina slow dancing in Regina's living room. Regina feels herself swoon at the sight; she turns to look at Emma and observes a red hue spreading across her lovely pale skin.
In an instant, they're being blinded by a bright white flash, followed by a large explosion of yellow and then before they know it, the entire living room is overflowing with...
... Minions from Despicable Me?
Oh no, the vein in Regina's forehead is making an appearance and Emma knows it won't be long before the Queen herself will explode. The Minions are jumping around the room making a racket, before they turn completely silent as their eyes fall upon the coffee table beside where Regina stands.
Emma, Henry, Regina and Snow all look over at the coffee table immediately realising what it is that the Minions are looking at. As soon as the thought clicks, they hear a chorus of "Ba-naa-naa!" before the Minions start running towards the table.
Regina has had enough of this; is absolutely furious that something crazy is happening once again. In an instant she grabs the bunch of bananas from the fruit bowl on top of the coffee table holding them up high in the air. This causes the herd of Minions to freeze and study her. She stares them down defiantly.
She will not stand for this.
She is a Queen for goodness sake.
Upon realising that Regina will not, in fact, give them a 'ba-naa-naa' the Minions immediately throw a fit and start trashing her living room, tearing into her upholstery; smashing her vases and ornaments. Regina gasps and feels faint at the sight. Emma knows they only have a small opening to make a quick exit while the Minions are distracted.
"Come on, let's get out of here," she whispers as Snow and Henry get up and run out. "Just give them the bananas Regina and let's go," she says taking hold of Regina's wrist and heading for the door.
This is getting ridiculous.
Regina - totally not one for being petty - keeps hold of the banana bunch, pulling it tighter towards her chest, and follows the blonde outside.
The Queen quickly comes to realise how big of a mistake she has made when she looks back and finds that the Minions are following her out. She knows she should just let go of the banana bunch, but dammit she refuses to give in.
Damn this gaggle of yellow.
And damn her stubbornness.
She picks up her pace, stopping when she sees her entire front lawn is now flooded in blue – the Smurfs having multiplied by at least 10 times and continuing to do so.
With the yellow Minions behind them and the blue Smurfs in front, the group are trapped. They frantically search around for an escape, but see only one clear option. "We have to get to the Bug," Emma says racking her brains for an idea on how they can get there. Upon seeing that his mom has so clearly brought out the banana bunch as revenge against the Minions for vandalising her living room, Henry has an idea.
"Quick mom, throw the bananas over there," he points in the general direction of the Bug, almost giving Emma a heart attack when she sees what Henry is referring to. She quickly turns to Regina with pleading eyes. "It'll be fine ma, I'm sure they won't harm your Bug, they just want a banana," Henry reassures. Regina nods, hoping that Henry is right as she throws the bananas towards the edge of the driveway.
The Minions immediately make a break for the bananas, unintentionally stomping on some of the Smurfs on their way over, causing them to glow white and then turn into blue sparkly dust before disappearing.
"I told you we should've just stepped on them!" Snow shouts.
"Mom, we are not Smurf killers!" Emma yells back, watching as the Minions end up making an odd pathway for them. "Henry you were right, now come on before they decide to go crazy again."
...SQ...
As usual Gold is more than happy to offer his assistance.
It had been hard at first, to take the help he offered so willingly without giving something in return. Years of being around The Dark One and his dealings meant it was difficult to trust that he wouldn't betray them in an instant, or try to wipe them out entirely if that meant he could obtain more power.
But the man that now stood before them was not the man they once knew.
After the failed attempt of writing a whole new story where villains win, The Darkness almost completely destroyed Rumple's heart. But the Apprentice was able to exorcise The Darkness out of him and into the hat - leaving his heart a blank slate.
In the following months, the citizens of Storybrooke began to witness an entirely new side to the once slippery; traitorous man. Where he was previously deceitful, now he was honest; where he was formerly selfish, now he was kind. It took some time but the town grew to trust the man and though he no longer has power, he still proves to be incredibly helpful with his extensive knowledge of magic.
Something that - in this town - is very deeply valued and absolutely essential.
As Regina, Gold, Snow and Emma sift through magical tomes trying to figure out the rhyme and reason of it all, Henry sits pondering in thought.
There is something quite familiar about all of this, something he's missing.
He can feel it just within his grasp.
But what?
And then it hits him.
He jumps up from the small stool he had been perched on, "I-I think that happened in the story I was reading yesterday." The other occupants in the shop all turn towards him.
"A bunch of yellow pill shaped blobs tearing up my upholstery? Henry what on earth have you been reading?" Regina asks studying her son; raising an eyebrow in thought. Henry suppresses a laugh, knowing his mother will never forgive those Minions for what they did to her living room.
"No mom. Not that. Though you should know by now with how many times we've watched Despicable Me with baby Neal that you never get between a minion and a banana. You did kind of provoke them," he teases.
"Whose side are you on Henry?" Regina asks in mock indignation and Henry chuckles.
"I'm talking about you guys, on the lawn with the press ups; then slow dancing. Both of those things happened in the stories I read," his eyebrows knit together. "I'm not sure how though and I don't remember anything about Smurfs and Minions," he adds quietly.
"Henry what are you talking about? Why would there be stories written about us?" Emma asks confused. "Wait, you're saying these things happened in the storybook, do you think it was telling you the future?" she immediately feels fuzzy, her heart skipping a beat, becoming overwhelmed with a feeling that feels a lot like... yearning.
Regina doesn't miss Emma's reaction, what does that mean? She feels her heart begin to pound.
Could it be true?
Is the book really telling the future?
Hope begins bubbling in her chest, enough to make her feel like she's drowning in it. She feels herself falter when she catches the look on Henry's face.
"Henry what is it?" she hurries out, hoping to keep the desperation out of her voice. By now Henry's face is turning red and he keeps glancing around the room. "Henry?" he swallows darting his gaze between his mothers who are occupying either side of the room; then looking down at the floor.
"Okay, but you have to promise me that you won't get mad. I- I just... wantedyoubothtogettogethersostartedreadingfanfictoplanideasforoperationswanqueen," he rushes out, then hesitantly looks up and at the look of confusion on his blonde mothers face and then irritation on his brunette mother's face, he lets out a deep sigh. "Okay, I just... I wanted you both to get together so I started reading fanfic to plan ideas for Operation SwanQueen."
"You wanted to do what?" Regina asks at the same time as Emma mutters quietly,
"Send me the links kid."
Regina glares over at Emma, "Emma, focus."
"Right, sorry," Emma mumbles, motioning for them to continue.
"Henry, explain," Regina commands eyeing him with a stern look. Henry sighs, are his moms both really that oblivious?
He looks between them; then groans inwardly – yes, yes they are.
"Oh come on mom. The whole world can see that you both have feelings for one another. I got tired of waiting for you both to figure it out."
"But why would people go to such lengths as to write fanfiction about Emma and Regina?" Snow asks confused.
"Snow dear, isn't it obvious? Some of us just are that fabulous," Regina points out nonchalantly, "But that is beside the point. Henry, what made you think this would be a good idea?"
"Wait you don't think this is a good idea?" Emma asks, a sinking feeling wedging itself deep within her chest.
"Do you?"
"I asked you first," Emma shoots back, trying to keep her voice calm and controlled. She understands then, why - after all this time - even though there is nothing holding her back, she has never broached such a topic with Regina. The idea that the Queen doesn't feel the same way is simply too frightening, and losing her - if Emma ever admits her feelings – even more so. Still, this conversation is broaching that topic far too closely and Emma is overcome with feelings of fear, anxiety and anger.
Regina sighs, "Now is not the time or place to be talking about this," she glances over at Snow and Gold before looking back at Emma, hoping the blonde understands her meaning.
The truth is, Regina absolutely loves the idea - maybe not Henry playing matchmaker - but the thought that Emma might also perhaps be onboard with the idea of them makes her feel warm and pleasant. But she can't get into it right now, at least not with Gold and Snow present and listening in. And even more so not at a time when things are going crazy in Storybrooke. She rolls her eyes inwardly at that, when aren't things going crazy in Storybrooke? Regardless, it will have to be a discussion for later, preferably with a drink in hand, or several bottles.
"See, you even bicker like an old married couple," Henry chimes in before Emma can say anything more.
Attempting to change the topic of conversation Regina asks, "Gold, why are these stories coming to life?"
"No idea. But it would have to be some very powerful magic to bring something non-existent into this world," he looks over at Henry, smiling knowingly. Henry catches the look and scrunches his eyebrows together.
What is that supposed to mean?
He searches his brain thoroughly, remembers the ink spill; thinks back to bright flashes and sparks in his room while he slept, but waking to find nothing out of place and suspecting it was all just a dream. And then he remembers dabbing at the ink with the pen nib and-
Wait.
No.
No way.
That's not possible.
Except it absolutely is.
"Um, now that you mention it... I may have accidentally brought the fanfictions to life?" Henry says unsure.
"What!?" Regina roars, her forehead vein once again making a guest appearance today.
Henry gulps.
Oh crap.
...SQ...
Disclaimer: No smurfs or minions were harmed during the writing of this fanfiction :)
