A/N: slightly shorter chapter so apologies there! I am going to try and use a lot of flashbacks to give an idea on their friendship. if any of you who are following would like a certain moment I could add to a flashback please let me know! Thanks for all the response so far! :)

Chapter 2

The following day, the castle was restored back to its usual scenery from the ball and it was back to business as usual for the tired Queen. Finding a moments peace, the brunette made her way to her newly planted tree and sat on the bench smiling at the thought of her generous friend.

"Thinking of last night are we dear?"

Regina glances over to see her mother approach with a surprised look, taking in the new decor to the garden. "Yes mother I was.."

The older woman lets out a 'hmm' and sits herself beside her daughter. "I see you enjoyed the company of your friend..it's a shame they live far now"

The brunette nods. "It doesn't matter mother, Emma said she will just add an extra visit"

Cora frowns. "Why on earth would she do that? She should be finding herself a husband..although with her mother as an example spouting out about finding the one, she will never marry. Couple more years and no one will want her"

Regina looks shocked. "Mother! Emma is the most sweetest, kindest person I know, anyone would be lucky to have her as their own"

The older woman raises an eyebrow to her daughter. "Is that so...dear I know you have been friends for many years but maybe now that you have gone up in the world, you should focus on ruling and not silly antics with a person who is of lower status"

The brunette stands not wanting to hear it and heads back inside rather furious. Walking towards her chambers as her now beloved spot has been temporarily corrupted, the Queen sits on her bed to think over what her mother had said. In a sudden confusion, Regina raises an eyebrow gulping. 'Why am I being so defensive? Emma can and has stood up to my mother on many occasion..'

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In the White kingdom, Emma was searching through her closet with her maid. "I cannot find it!"

Upon hearing her daughter's outburst, Snow walks inside the chamber with a curious look. Seeing only the back of her daughter as Emma was practically inside her closet, the Queen turned to the maid. "What has she lost this time?"

The maid gives a small smile. "A red dress your majesty"

Snow frowns as the princess resurfaces in a huff. "It is not any dress, it is Regina's favourite on me and her colour!"

The Queen bites her lip to prevent a smile as it goes unnoticed to Emma what she had just said. "Oh...I see. Never mind honey, I am sure when you see her next, in a couple months time need I remind...Regina will be happy to see you either way"

Emma nods slowly with a pout and sits on her ottoman. "I guess so..."

Snow smiles. "Besides if I remember rightly, Regina's favourite dress of yours was the midnight blue one you wore on your tenth birthday"

The blonde looks to her mother as she leaves, going red then smiles shyly. "I remember..."

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'Running through the hallway despite her mother's protests, Emma headed out towards her usual spot in the garden knowing full well, a guest awaited her. Stopping by the tree, the blonde looked across the other side at her brunette friend who was absentmindedly enjoying the flowers while clasping her hands together behind her back.

Young Emma grins and walks up behind her, touching the young brunette's hands lightly. Regina gasps in shock and turns around to face her automatically smiling at her princess friend's grin. "Emma!"

Emma lets out a giggle when the brunette hugs her tightly, slightly squishing her. "Hi Regina..."

The brunette pulls back and once again looks around curiously. "Where is everyone else?"

The blonde screws her face confused. "Everyone else? There is just you silly! Your my best friend and who I want to spend today with"

Regina smiles a little embarrassed. "But..you..are dressed so pretty. That is the best dress by far"

Emma looks down at herself wearing her midnight blue short sleeved dress that spread out evenly at the bottom with not too much ruffles. Her hair simply pulled back either side to allow her curls fall around her shoulders. "Thank you Regina.."

The brunette gestures with her head so the pair would walk to their spot under the tree. Sitting against the trunk, Regina passes over a small box. "Happy Birthday Emma"

Emma grins excitedly which even at only ten makes the brunette's heart swell. Watching the blonde take the box, Regina waits patiently for her to open with wide hopeful eyes. The blonde takes care with the ribbon and wraps it around her friends braid before lifting the lid of the box open. "Regina!"

The brunette looks worried for a moment then grows shy when Emma leans over to kiss her cheek. "I love it! Thank you"

Regina looks at her feet awkwardly because she is flushed. "I am glad..it is real silver..I sold my father's cufflinks"

Emma's mouth drops and passes the box back. "No! Regina get them back!"

The brunette shakes her head. "No you love your present Emma and daddy would be glad as he liked you..besides I am a woman I would never wear his cufflinks. Now they were put to good use"

The blonde shuffles closer on the bench and wraps an arm around her shoulder. "Regina you are the best friend anyone could ask for. Never forget it"

Regina smiles at her. "How could I with you around?"

Emma smiles cheekily and grabs her hand to hop off the seat. "Cake?"

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Smiling down while fiddling with her necklace, Emma brings the small pendant to her lips to kiss the tiny Swan. Over the years, the chain that had come with it grew too small but the blonde was insistent on always wearing it and finding it to be her lucky charm. Now she wears it on a long chain that can stay hidden in her clothing for fear of losing it. Looking towards her maid, Emma grins with an idea. "I need some new material for a dress..."

The maid smiles knowing exactly what the princess wants and nods before leaving the chamber. The blonde sighs happily, wishing it would soon be her next visit to see her friend despite knowing it will be a sad time for Regina.