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A/N – Snow and Gold drama ahead…Feels and angst.

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Six year old Emma was in trouble.

Or at least the adults in front of her said she was. While the first day of school for her teen side last Friday had gone well and the first on Monday for her current pint size, the second day had fallen apart. She kicked her mismatched, now dirty, Converse back and forth as she tried to pay attention to what was being said to both Regina and Snow. Neal nudged her on the bench they shared and she returned a small half smile his way with a fist bump. Actually they were both in trouble, but it had all been worth it or so she thought until amber eyes found hers. Emma was reminded of the book she had read once called something along the lines of the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day and frowned when she realized she'd been having one of her very own.

It had all started that morning when she'd woken up too early in her excitement for the day to begin. She'd enjoyed school yesterday and couldn't wait to go again. Green took a long moment to register the early hour, but she was wide awake. She wanted her Mama and she was hungry.

Grabbing Stitchy she went to the master suite, popping head around the door like a little bunny out of a hole. Regina was curled up in the middle of the bed in the dark space. Forgetting herself and unable to ignore her stomach Emma took a running leap and landed right on top of her Keeper, causing a shriek and lights to magically flood the room. Startled hands grabbed for her, but she scooted away and began hopping on the bed with a big grin.

"Wake up Mama! Time for breakfast."

Regina blinked, and rubbed her face quickly at the rude awakening, automatically turning to get out of bed. "Emma…" Then her eyes took in the glow of 4:30 AM, two full hours before she had to be up for work and the child bouncing way to enthusiastically on her bed. With a groan she tucked her feet back under the covers and leaned back against the headboard.

"School today, huh?"

"Yes, later. Come here baby." Holding out her arms for Emma to fall into them. The girl snuggled in. "Did you have a bad dream?"

"Nu-huh."

Brows furrowed. "Then why—"

"I'm hungry and awake and I don't wanna sleep no more." Emma wiggled out from those arms and rolled to the end of the bed.

"Come here please." Patting the duvet nearby as the child rolled back and came to sit. A wrist flick summoned a yogurt with spoon. "Have this." As Emma ate she rested her eyes, nearly drifting back off until she felt a spoon poking her mouth. She cracked one eye open to a silly little smirk and ate a bite of the offered snack. "Thank you for sharing baby. Are you finished?"

Emma nodded letting her Keeper set aside the container and rolled away again. "Time to get ready?"

"No, it is much too early to be awake. Do you want to go back to sleep in your room, or lay with me?"

"Mmmmmm, play?"

"Not one of your choices. Your room or Mama's?"

Emma rolled to the end of the bed and hopped down, tucked herself under the duvet and crawled back up toward the head. When the covers were pulled back to reveal curious dark eyes Emma pounced forward with a roaring giggle like a lion cub. "Yours!"

"Alright my little cat, time to settle down." Regina wrapped Emma in the covers and curled up around the girl in her arms. Fingers snapping dimmed the lights. Running nails down a small back in a calming fashion, hand stilled after a few minutes and sleep returned to take her quickly.

Emma laid quietly counting sheep, then ducks, and swans, but she wasn't sleepy. Propping up on elbows she watched the Queen. "Mama?" A whispered test. "Maaammaaa?" A little louder.

Not a peep.

She grinned, carefully wriggling out of the embrace. Feet found the floor and skipped to the walk in closet. If Mama wouldn't play with her she would play Mama…

A few hours later Regina woke to a blaring alarm and much as she did earlier groaned, sitting up to turn off the annoying beep. It took a full minute to remember why she was so groggy and that a little one who should be next to her wasn't. Rubbing sleep away she went to the closet for her robe, sensor lights coming on automatically as she entered and froze. The clothes she'd laid out last night were missing, as were the red Jimmy Choos to go with it. Confused, she wrapped up against the morning chill and went to her en suite, frowning at the mess. Mascara streaks on the counter, lipstick tubes half opened and tested on tissues, and a brand new blush caked in the sink. The crowning glory was a big heart drawn on the mirror with little red lip prints inside.

A sigh, apparently Emma's brain was in full on child mode this morning and enjoying the freedom without watchful eyes and that meant… Eyes grew and feet hurried downstairs.

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Emma giggled as she cracked the very last egg out of the new carton into a bowl and stirred it with a fork as she'd seen done a bazillion times. She stood on her stool near the stove, balancing carefully in the red shoes she was wearing, shoving up the long sleeves of the matching dress as she poured the eggs into a pan just as the toast popped up. Startled and with a squeak she lost her grip on the pan as a foot went sideways and slipped only to be caught around her middle before her head cracked. Egg yolks splattered a yellow Picasso layered between the stove and floor. The other shoe dropped as Emma was set down and spun to face her Keeper.

"Uh oh..."

"Is right… Emma the stove is off limits." At the sight of red lipstick around the perfect O gaping at her, Regina wanted to smile, but quickly lost the urge when she looked back to the burner.

"I was playing and I..." Eyes followed a finger pointing to the red light. "but…"

Regina turned off the stove and regarded the child with hands on her hips. "Are you allowed to use the burner or anything with a heating element without permission?"

Whine slipping out. "But I… I was playing Mama."

"Answer me please."

"No I'm not, but I was playing Mama." Pointing to red heels as if it was obvious.

Fingers pinched the bridge of her nose at Emma's sense of logic her decaffeinated brain had trouble registering and dropped as Regina finally took in the full picture. The girl was drowning in her expensive designer dress now stained. Make-up smeared on that cute proud face with the biggest puppy raccoon eyed stare batting lashes up at her. Three rooms a mess, eggs dripping onto her clean floor around their bare feet and Emma in need of a bath at 6:38 on a Tuesday morning.

"You were playing me?"

"Yeppers and I did good, huh?" Emma blew a red lipped kiss and then swept her fingers over the dress trying to smooth it, lipstick smearing the fabric in their wake.

Regina smiled internally at the pride in that voice and knelt down to take little sticky hands. "Yes, you got the look down just right, sweet one." A kiss in return. "However there is quite a mess left behind from your adventure this morning and the fact that you were cooking without me. Using the stove or anything hot by yourself is not allowed at this age."

Emma considered that rocking on her feet. "But tech-ic-ly I was you soooo…"

"No baby, pretending or not you know better. Remember when you burned your finger in our other life when you tried to make yourself breakfast?"

Nervous fidget. "Kinnndaa."

Brow arched. "I think you do and we talked about why using hot things without asking or without me is not allowed. Why is that a rule?"

"Cause I can get hurt or a fire might happen."

Nodding. "You had a natural consequence last time, this time you've earned a timeout and then we will get you cleaned up for school. If there is a next time it will be a reminder. You also need to ask before you play Mama again and get into my clothes and make up. Alright?" Standing and guiding little feet to the corner across the room with a pat to stay put.

"Yeah." Red pout as eyes faced a white wall and she considered her Keeper's words.

By the time Emma was called out of the corner the mess in the kitchen had been vanished away and she was hugged as she apologized into dark hair. Lifted to sit on the counter next to the sink and washed up as breakfast cooked, she squirmed as a warm cloth ran across her face.

"Bath? I want bubbles." Pink pout.

"You need one, but there isn't time if we do not want to be late. Hold still." Catching grubby hands and arms next. "Alright, upstairs and get dressed. Your uniform is hanging on the back of your desk chair." She lifted the child down as eyes found the clock, 6:54.

It was going to be a long day.

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'Gonna be a llooonnngg day.' Emma thought and yawned, slouching in her desk after being redirected a second time to pay attention.

Her thoughts drifted back to earlier that morning. After getting dressed she couldn't find red converse she wanted to wear to school and had to settle for her second choice of blue and purple mismatched ones. Her favorite butterfly barrette broke. They were running late and she had to settle for a ponytail instead of the braids she wanted. An omelet and fruit for breakfast when she'd wanted Coco-Puffs and her new backpack caught in the car door, ripping when she tried to pull it out and that was all before the first bell at 8:00.

The kids in her class were friendly and Gabe was even in it, sitting to her left, but he didn't know her. Emma attempted conversation with him, but doing so when she was supposed to be listening. Here Mrs. Gold was not her teacher; instead the beauty was the school librarian. The girl missed the bubbly gentleness of that version in their spelled life. Her teacher here was also a friend of theirs and though patiently kind was no nonsense.

Emma watched as Kathryn Prince went through phonemic blends in a say repeat fashion before her pencil moved to write the sound. Regina had taken her last week to the school, like they had in their spelled life, so she could see the classroom and to speak with Ms. Prince. Adult side had been grateful that Kathryn was more than understanding of the situation and that there was a similar system set in place to be able to call Regina if something wasn't right or she needed to process something. It was barely noon and Emma had found herself in the chill chair in the back of the room twice for being snippy about not following directions, but not enough trouble to warrant a call that she knew of.

"Emma?"

"Huh?" Green eyes snapped to attention as she realized Ms. Prince was looking down at her.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah, just tired. Sorry." And she was also starting to regret not trying harder to go back to sleep when she'd been asked to that morning.

Thoughtful. "Would you like to lie down in the nurse's office after lunch to get some rest?"

Curls shook. "No thanks, I wanna have recess."

"Alright, but try to pay attention to the lesson okay?"

Emma nodded and she made more of an effort until the bell released them for lunch. She scrambled out of her seat and followed her class to the cafeteria, eager to dig into her lunch. Spotting Gabe at the first grade table she started toward him, but caught Neal's wave from across the room. Hesitating only for a moment before she made a beeline to him, dodging the bigger third graders looking down at her in curiosity. Her new Wonder Woman lunch bag slapped the table as she plopped down next to Neal, eyeing his food with a grin.

"What'd ya bring for lunch bro?"

"Cheese sandwich, fruit roll up and Oreos. You?" Peering over.

Emma dumped out her bag in response, quick to catch an orange Cutie rolling to the edge of the table.

He took in the star shaped turkey tomato sandwich with carrot sticks, thermos of milk, and a wrapped cinnamon cookie. His mouth watered. "Wanna trade cookies?"

"No, but I'll give you half for half?" While she liked Oreos, she loved cinnamon cookies, but wanted to share with Neal.

They broke and swapped, joked and laughed as they ate until a familiar face Emma had not missed came into view; Jason McFee. The boy she'd made bleed in a spelled reality was apparently just as much of a brat here as he was there. He was also Neal's friend.

Jason scowled at the blonde invader then back to Neal. "Since when did you resort to eating lunch with babies?"

Rolling his eyes as Emma bristled beside him. "She's not a baby, she's my sister. So relax. She's cool."

Emma puffed up at the compliment and glared back at the boy. "Yeah, and I've got skills. So don't try any funny business mister." She remembered all too well the lesson she'd learned from punching him, or another version of him. "I know Kung-Fu, but I use my words first."

"You're not supposed to sit here. This table is for third graders and I'm gonna tell if you don't scram." Crossing his arms in challenge, Jason smirked.

"Dude, that's a stupid rule. Besides I want her here. Back off." He couldn't figure out why his friend was being mean.

"Yeah back off dude!" Emma chimed in and reached for her half of the cinnamon cookie. It was snatched by a freckled hand and stuffed into the same mouth she'd once shoved dirt in. "Hey! That's mine!"

Swallowing. "Not anymore munchkin. Go sit with the rest of the lollipop guild."

Reddening at the insult, Emma took a deep breath. "No, stop being mean."

"Like this?" A hand spilled the rest of her milk onto the table, it rolled to the edge dripping on her new shoes. "Where are those skills munchkin?" Laughing.

Emma clenched her fists wanting to pop him, but opened her mouth to use her words instead. "I'll show you skills." She grabbed the condiment bottle from the middle of table. Letting a stream of ketchup fly over Jason's shoulder to the 4th grade table, she slapped the bottle into his hand just as a much bigger girl whirled around, red staining the back of a head. With a mischievous look at Neal Emma yelled at the top of her lungs. "FOOD FIGHT! JASON'S IT!" And ducked, pulling her brother under the table with her as food flew between 3rd and 4th. Ketchup, mustard, banana peels, milk, all hurled among shrieks, giggles, and yelling.

A whistle blew, then several and the fight slowed to a standstill.

"That was AWESOME!" Neal high-fived Emma under the table, then gulped as familiar eyes of his mother came into view.

"Neal, what on earth are you…" A closer look. "Emma?"

"Hi." Emma hunched shoulders up to her ears and waved up at Snow as she slowly crawled out from under the table behind her brother. Big grin forming at the sight of a pink faced Jason looking like a well dressed hotdog. She pointed to a green bottle on the floor. "Relish?"

"Stop." Snow stepped between them before the angry boy could take a swing. "Jason, go to the nurse to get cleaned up. Neal and Emma, Principal's office." Turning away to give directions to the lunch aides and other kids.

Green eyes watched her brother move to obey, but she stalled. "Why are we in trouble? Jason started it."

Snow hesitated at that questioning little face. "He will be joining you two in the office once he's cleaned up Emma. Go on with Neal."

Emma stomped her foot in response, but followed her brother, joining him on the bench in the front office. The Principal, Ms. Mal, interviewed them and was just finished questioning as Snow entered the office with Jason, now in a borrowed uniform, in tow.

Maleficent dipped her chin in greeting. "Ah, you're here… Have you phoned Regina yet? We need both of you so we can discuss the situation."

Snow looked between her two children and then back to those luminous eyes. "Regina?"

Dragon nodded with blonde brows high, holding up the school file with Emma's name on it. "Of course. She is the primary contact listed."

Tight smile. "I haven't yet… Please call her." The little blonde had perked up at the Mayor's name and Snow noted how those green eyes studied her carefully.

Long tapered fingers dialed a known number by heart, eyeing the Princess as the Queen's voice came, like sweet open sky, into ear. She explained the situation, eyes shifted to the child as a pink lipped groan escaped across the room. Mal sincerely felt for Emma, as Regina sounded less than pleased.

While she and the Queen had their differences in the past, both Savior and Regina had kept their word to help reunite her with Lily many years ago, despite Charming pretenses that the couple had nothing to do with Dragon being separated from daughter. Though she and Lily were closer now, distance made connecting hard. Lily preferred New York to Storybrooke while Mal liked the magical latter where she was free to change between forms. Mal had found a home and a passion for the children in the town where she oversaw them with love and high expectations. She had made her peace with Snow and David, but enjoyed the occasional dig she could get at their expense. Hints of former darkness still lurked inside and always would, but were tightly controlled.

Snow shook her head at Emma's moaning dramatics and watched as Dragon spoke with Queen. Her eyes fell to the open file on the desk, unable to help brushing over the contents. One acronym caught her gaze and she squinted at the letters IEP before the file snapped closed and was put away, complete with Mal's chiding look at being nosy.

Fifteen minutes later Emma was on the receiving end of displeased amber eyes as the details of the food fight was relayed by Neal, with Snow chiming in with what she knew. Disgruntled agreements and comments by Jason joined in under the guiding questions from Mal. Emma hadn't said a word and smashed her lips together harder when the Queen knelt to her level.

"Is that what happened in the cafeteria?" Regina frowned at the scowl on her girl's face. "Emma, answer me please."

Hands picked at the crest on her blazer. "Mostly… yeah, but I used my words like you said to instead of punching him like last time."

"Last time?" Snow interjected between them.

Regina looked over and up, quietly annoyed at being interrupted. "That is a long story for another day." Back to green. "You did, but not appropriately. Yelling 'food fight' after you squirted ketchup across the room is not using your words. What else did I tell you to do?"

Squirming. "To tell an adult. But he spilled my milk first and took my cookie and ate it."

"He did and that was wrong. You were also wrong in how you responded and that is why you are sitting here in trouble. Do you understand that?"

Green narrowed. "I don't like it." Crossed arms.

Patient. "You don't have to like that idea, but you need to understand your role of responsibility in it. We will be talking about this and the timeouts you got in class today at home later tonight." Regina gently uncrossed little arms and cupped a chin as green questioned her. "Yes sweet one, I know all about those too."

Emma teared up, but kept her pout. "This day sucks."

Regina silently agreed, not wanting to have to discipline for a second time that same day as she stood and turned to the Mal with an apologetic look. "Has the cafeteria been cleaned up yet?"

"Not entirely." Snow answered instead. "I bet the lunch monitors could use some help. Three extra pairs of hands to be exact."

Mal nodded, internally rolling eyes at being answered for, but kept civil. "That sounds like a fair consequence before they go back to class."

"Mooomm." Neal spoke up. "I didn't throw food!"

"You didn't stop it either Neal." The Princess shook her head. "You know to get an adult and not encourage that behavior. The way you and Emma were high-fiving under the table when I found you says otherwise about your involvement."

"It wasn't his fault." Emma popped in to defend her brother. "Jason was being a jerk!"

"Emma." Stern from a red mouth.

Green snapped to brown. "He waaasss a JERK though!" Upset her Mama didn't see it her way.

"That is quite enough with the name calling." Regina held up her hand for silence as little lips pursed back. "We have also talked a lot about whining, tone, and being respectful recently." Reminding Emma of their discussion on rules.

"Is she always this argumentative?" Interrupting again in wonder, Snow leaned whispering her question.

Giving brief, but thoroughly irradiated eyes at the cut in. "Sometimes more so when she feels passionately that she's right about something." Regina sighed and looked back to Emma's simmering form with a much softer gaze. "Are you ready to speak nicely and go help clean up?"

"Can't MAKE me…. NOT gonna help!" Kicking the bench she sat on, Emma glared.

A brow rose again at the tone and shouted words. "You may help now or we will go home for a reminder first about listening and being respectful before coming back and you help anyway. Those are your choices."

"Don't wanna chat with yooouu!" Angry eyes and chin bobbing.

"We will be talking at some point today about your behavior at school." Kneeling back down to restate and give time to calm. "Is your choice to help now or are we going home for a little bit before we return?"

"Regina…" Disapproving, Snow cut in.

"This is between Emma and I, Snow." Having meant what she had discussed with Emma last week. The girl needed boundaries and all parts, including the pouting one right now, expected them to be reinforced.

A blonde head shook complete with a sniffle as words and actions caught up with the tears starting to leak. Emma wanted to go home, but not what came with that offer and she didn't want to work with Jason. The boy scowled at her from his spot across the room. Her words became tangled as the emotions of the day got the better of her and she couldn't explain it, but she hoped her eyes could so she gave them to brown.

"Noooo." Clogged.

Regina recognized Emma's plea for help in that stubborn little wet face before standing and lifting a clingy child to her hip. "May we use your office for a few minutes Mal?"

"Be my guest." Dragon gestured down the hall and watched heels turn that way.

"Noooo talk." Emma kicked out her legs in frustration over her scrambled words, further trying to explain her lack of them.

"Regina! You can't just—"

"Snow, this is not what you think." The Queen assured and kept walking, soothing the child as she went.

In the privacy of the small, but neat office Regina sat in one of the chairs opposite the desk with Emma curled up on her lap. The girl fought back tears as the Queen pulled a tissue from her purse.

"No 'minder Maamaa?" She blew into the tissue at her nose.

"No reminder. That is not why we are sitting here baby. You need a quiet space away from others to calm down so I can help you. Mama realizes that you didn't mean to not listen to me." Assuring now that she understood it was not defiance in response to her prompts to adjust behavior coming from Emma in the main office.

Emma snuggled into her favorite spot under a chin. "Tangled up inside."

"I see that baby. Right now I need to understand how you're feeling so I can help you make a good choice. Why don't you want to help clean up?"

"He's being mean, like before and I don't wanna be by him." A yawn tore through pink lips.

"I imagine you don't. It has been a long day, hasn't it?"

Little nod and more tears as words finally returned. "He called me munchkin and I'm not and he ate my cookie you made for me and made fun of me and the milk messed up my new shoe." Dropping her chin to chest. "And I wanna be friends with Gabe 'gain, and M-Ms. Prince isn't Ms. Gold and I tried to listen and 'member to be good and I forgot and gots timeouts and my backpack ripped and my barrette broke and…" Crying as was pulled in closer and kissed.

"Oh my poor baby. That sounds like a very long and very tough day."

"Un-huh, it was."

"Sometimes we have those and they are no fun at all."

A hiccup. "You too?"

"Me too, but you know what?"

"What?"

"No matter how bad one day seems we always get another one. Tomorrow is a new day, a clean start and we get to try again."

Sniffling. "I like that idea."

"Until then, here is what we are going to do with the rest of this one." Lifting a chin. "We are going to have a small change of plans and not because of the food fight, but because you are tired. By the time you are done helping to clean up it will be near time for school to be over. We will go right home, no Town Hall or Kung-Fu today, you will do your homework, we will talk more about your choices at school over dinner, your bedtime routine and lights out by 7:00."

Emma rubbed her eyes. "Bubbles in bath?"

"Yes bubbles." Smiling when the child did in response.

"Mama, what's my con'quence from you?"

Regina thought for a moment about Emma's words as the child played with her necklace and the fullness of the day through six year old eyes. "I think cleaning up the mess you helped make and apologizing to the lunch monitors is enough along with the apology you will be making to the girl you squirted ketchup on."

"I can do that. I'll work hard to show I'm sorry."

"Let's go share that with Ms. Mal and start to turn this day back around." She lifted Emma to stand up and hand in hand they left the office. As they walked back into the main one Regina came to a ridged halt as she took in the two new additions and the lack of a Dragon having a conversation in the far corner of the office waiting room. Breath hitched as a leering glance and a crooked smile came her way. The day just got worse.

"Hello dearies."

"Mrs. Gold!" Emma brightened seeing her former teacher, happy memories gave her tunnel vision and she pulled on the hand holding hers to go give a hug.

"Emma." Firmer than she meant to be, but Regina's tone stilled little feet enough for green eyes to take in the whole room. The child immediately took a step back and hid face in her black coat at the site of Gold. She rested a consoling hand on the back of a blonde head.

"Regina?" Snow questioned the sharp tone and the hand holding her daughter's, sensing the tension between the Dark One and Queen.

"Let it go Snow."

A cane rapped the floor with a laugh. "Should you Snow? A little edgy aren't you Queenie and poor Emma, are those tears in her eyes again." Baiting the Princess was so easy. He revealed Snow's uncertain eyes as his shredded the Queen. "How is the little Savior? I've been worried since you made her cry the other day in my shop."

"Regina… what is he talking about?" Taking a step toward Emma, Snow crossed her arms.

Brown eyes flashed and shifted to comforting warmth when she cupped Emma's face to look up. "Baby I need you to go with Neal and clean up. Remember to make your apologies. Snow will go with to talk to the lunch aides. Are you alright to do that for me?"

Uncertain, Emma shifted side to side. "You'll stay at school?"

"I'll come find you in a few minutes."

Emma mulled over the idea and shrank back when Gold eyes rested on her. Flashes of her last encounter with him made her heart pound. She hugged the leg she clung to, but his mean eyes more than made her ready to be out of the room. "Okay, but hurry." Taking Neal's hand she scurried ahead of Snow out of the office.

The Princess' eyes narrowed back at her as there was now no choice but to follow little feet. Regina sighed as she turned to Gold. "What are you doing here and what was that about?" She snapped, his game too fresh in mind.

Crooked smile. "Just bringing my wife her lunch." Handing the take out from Granny's to Belle, he leaned in to nuzzle a soft cheek, eyes never leaving the Queen's.

"Rumple, I'm at work." Belle blushed like a crushing school girl.

Anger bubbling, Regina felt sick.

"I can't help it my love. Tonight I must feast on your beauty." Stealing a kiss from a dimpled cheek as Belle left down the hall. He gave a hungry look before turning and coming to a stop within inches of the seething Queen. Eyes drifted down to see that royal fist clenching flames it could no longer summon. "In case you're thinking of trying anything foolish to get your magic, I've warded my shop." Snarling when red lips curled. "I'm also planting seeds that will flower in the right charming head." Backing away. "I suggest you keep Emma close while you can." Wicked grin. "Your move, dearie."

Regina shook as he slithered out of the room and turned sharply, nearly colliding with Mal in the doorway leading to the other hall. Files flew and papers scattered between them.

Swallowing her upset down. "I'm so sorry Mal." Regina knelt to help pick up the mess.

"Quite all right." Fingers brushed accidentally over the Queen's and she hesitated before reaching away for another pile. "I had to take a phone call, so I stepped out. Is Emma alright?"

"Yes, she just needed a quiet space to calm down for a few minutes." Standing and handing the pile over. "Both she and Neal are in the cafeteria cleaning up now."

Mal studied the flustered brunette. "You are good with her like this, you always were before too." Reflecting back to when they had been in a relationship. "She was adorably guilty when I called you earlier. Those eyes of hers are so expressive."

"They are." Softening. "Thank you for calling me."

"Snow didn't seem too keen on the idea, but didn't give me any fuss." A brow quirked up at the shadows passing over brown. "Let me know if you'd like my eyes on Snow too as well as on the little one, both sides of her. I support what you are doing for Emma and as your friend… I'm here for both of you." Mal brushed a hand down an arm and squeezed before letting go.

Regina tucked hair behind her ear and cleared a throat. "I'd like that and for the record, Gold should not be anywhere near Emma."

"Is the Dark One up to mischief again?" When the Queen didn't answer Mal simply nodded. "I see. I will keep a close eye, don't fret."

Regina smiled tightly in thanks and turned to go when a hand on her shoulder stopped heels. Breath hitched, eyes closed at that familiar feather light touch. Stomach flipped and heart fluttered. Remembering feelings and words she had tucked away long ago. The Dragon had known her darkness, accepted her at her most foul moments in the Enchanted Forest. Friends turned enemies, then friends to budding lovers. Regina had not been able to let go of her first lost love enough to let Mal in and now…

"Mal… Please."

"Regina."

The Queen opened her eyes at the soft command in that tone. They were both dominant women, powerful in their own right, together at their full strength impossible to stop. More than stubborn to a fault and they agreed to disagree on a good day. Still, she gave pause and allowed her ears to hear what was said and unsaid.

"If you are ever ready." Squeezing again. "I'm still here."

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"Regina, what the hell was that?" Snow whispered fiercely to the approach of heels, eyes supervising the children cleaning up in the cafeteria.

"A game of his." Heels shifted and rested against the wall near a white covered shoulder that cornered hers.

"That's not what I mean. Emma practically ran from you out of that room. He said you made Emma cry and you were sharp with her back there. I know you guys have this… thing between you, but was that really necessary?"

"It was for what it was and for the record Emma needed a quiet moment to calm down not what you are insinuating took place." Gold's seeds of doubt had taken root much too quickly for her taste.

Memories of an evil mask playing at affection in another realm decades ago flapped against the walls of a heart. Snow jabbed a finger into a royal shoulder. "Did you hurt Emma, like he implied? I swear to Hades if you—"

"No and if you will kindly not point a finger in the wrong direction I will explain what I can to you."

A hissy huff. "Fine. Explain."

Regina leaned her head back taking a deep breath. "Do you remember that night we were looking for Emma years ago and we were walking down the road following her foot prints and we were talking about good and evil?"

"Seriously?" Standing tall and crossing arms. "You're taking a trip down memory lane right now when—"

"Take the hero cotton out of your ears Snow White and just listen to me as one mother to another, for Emma." Eyes pierced for understanding, then closed finding the memory again. "You told me that people are not all evil nor are they all good. That things… people are not ever that simple."

Nodding, but chin lifting in challenge. "I did, but what does that have to do with anything?"

"I was so sure back then that I understood the line between heroes and villains. That you would forever be a hero and I a villain. That free will meant nothing in regards to being able to change when it is in fact everything. I never forgot your words about choices and making the right ones, the good ones in order to find my piece of happiness."

"You remember all that?" Softening the edge slightly, Snow relaxed her arms. "From me?"

Smiling. "Don't go melting yourself." Brows rose. "It surprised me too, dear."

Rolling eyes. "Was I right?"

"You were. I did find happiness in repairing my relationship with Henry and in the one Emma and I share, and too in learning to love myself."

Frowning. "How does Gold factor into that?"

"A game of heroes and villains. Someone playing hero by using happiness to mask free will so they will no longer be a villain. It's twisted logic, but someone wears it well and I am not talking about myself, dear." Turning to hold green eyes. "You understand that people are shades of grey and you believed that I could redeem myself even in my darkest moments. Emma believes in me. I need you to hold onto that belief you are questioning and trust that I would never harm Emma. Do not open the old door of blind self-righteous heroism. I am not the woman I once was, nor will I ever be again."

"Regina…" Pensive confusion.

"You are far from the idiot I sometimes called you and even then I meant it with affection. Use your brain and not your heart right now. Think about my words."

"Okay, I will." Conflicted over two sets of them on the scale before her. "Should I be worried?"

Regina continued to explain best she could. "Be watchful of Emma at school. I am counting on your eyes here and David's at the station. She is not to be alone with Gold and she knows that. If she ever is, it will not be by her choice. I cannot be in two places at once."

"At once for what?"

"Remember my words, Emma's belief if nothing else, when you doubt my motives."

Suspicious in spite of herself. "Speaking of motives, why didn't you tell me Emma had an IEP when we had her school discussion? That is a big deal."

Brown eyes closed with a sigh. Some things never change. "Because that is Emma's personal business to tell."

"But what's it for? I could help."

"Emma needs to be in on that conversation. I suggest letting her come to you when she's ready to share." Regina smile came back as little feet approached and arms claimed her waist. Neal did the same to Snow.

Wondering, Emma looked up. "All done! Can we go home now?"

"We need to get your backpack first. You did a great job in here working together." Kissing the top of head and teasing. "Maybe when we get home you can do the same to your room?"

Green widened wrinkling a nose. "Nu-huh, my arms need a nap. Sides, I have homework. Then bubbles! You said!"

Chuckling. "So I did sweet one. Say goodbye to Snow and Neal."

Emma stepped away, looking up at the woman hugging her brother and joined in, wrapping arms around both of them. "See ya later, alligators!"

Those willing arms were not something Snow thought she'd ever have around her again until a few weeks ago. Resting a hand on her daughter's back, her eyes shined. "After a while crocodile." The child pulled away flashing a smile, returned happily to the Queen and waved. Despite words from red lips she couldn't help but linger on the accusing ones from Gold.

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A/N – What did you think?

Next time – Ruby seeks advice from Regina and Emma. A sweet comical coming out happens over dinner. Queen and Wolf make a plan to pan for Gold. Emma has a foretelling dream…