A/N – Gold's words take over Snow… Waves begin crashing.
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A headache was an understatement. Regina felt like hers was in a vice. She had always suffered from migraines for as long as she could remember. At this point in life she had a good handle on how to prevent and manage them. While the occurrence was rare enough, she felt one building over the course of the day and no amount of Excedrin or brief moments of focused relaxation attempts had helped.
Town Hall had been a nightmare the moment her heels set foot in the marbled halls. Her secretary had accidentally double booked a meeting with two cranky council members that both needed urgent attention. The phone had not stopped ringing between the other events scheduled that day; a ribbon cutting for the new hospital wing and a financial meeting with the town treasurer for an overview of the start of year budget. A last minute document signing Ashley thrust in front of her nearly made her late picking Emma up from school. Thoughts of bringing work home had made her stomach knot as she packed up her laptop, but she had to attempt to slim down her email inbox at the very least. She also needed a quiet half hour to close her eyes in a dark room to recoup, but she was seriously wondering if that was even possible with everything still to do that evening since leaving Emma's Kung-Fu class. Impatient fingers tapped the steering wheel waiting for the red light to change as Emma began round three of why it was beneficial to stay up later than 9:00 on a school night.
"I get up at 6:30 for school so that means I get nine and a half hours of sleep when I only need eight. If I stay up 'til ten I can get eight and half hours still." Blowing a bubble with her gum, Emma popped it with teeth and turned from the window to her Keeper.
"When I set that bedtime I did it because the minimum you need at this age is nine hours. That extra half hour makes all the difference if you wake in the night or have trouble falling asleep." The light finally changed and she turned down Mifflin Street.
Rolling eyes. "But that's only an hour difference between when I go to bed when I'm six and I'm eight years older now."
"Enough with the eye rolling please."
"Mama…"
Sighing at the whine, Regina pulled into the driveway and turned off the car. "Emma, we've been over this and I hear that you are displeased. We've tried adjusting this once before and you had such a hard time waking up the next morning. I am not changing my mind right now—" Before she could finish the car door slammed and Emma stomped up the walk.
With a rub to her forehead Queen followed inside after Emma keyed the door and quickly put away her things. When the TV came on in the living room she took a moment to roll her neck and take a breath. Calling from the archway did nothing but make the volume go up on the screen. Tired of being ignored she waved her hand magically turning off the TV. That motion had the teenager frantically pressing the power button before throwing down the remote on the couch when she realized she'd been temporarily spelled out.
"Mama, turn it back..." Pausing when she saw russet flash with warning.
"Time for homework and then you have a room to clean. You may watch after dinner if those things are finished." Pointing to the kitchen.
Emma wisely snatched her back pack up from where she had tossed it on the floor and headed into the kitchen to work. As she began her reading assignment, a small plate of sliced cucumbers and ranch was placed nearby for her snack. Mumbling a thank you as Regina left the room she nibbled and wrapped up the questions to go with the passage. Math took longer and she finished at half passed six just as her Keeper was starting to prep dinner. Stealing a cherry tomato from the cutting board with a sly grin to match the one she received in return Emma watched as a head of cabbage was chopped.
"I'm done. Can I go watch TV now?"
"After dinner if your room is cleaned up by then, remember?"
"Ugh, yeah." Shoving away from the counter, Emma started to stuff her papers back in her binder.
"Leave your homework out please. I'll check it once the meatloaf is in the oven."
"Maammaa." Groaning, she put the papers back on the counter. "You don't have to. I did it."
"I know you did and thank you. I'd still like to look it over like always." Regina was genuinely interested in what Emma was learning and it helped stay on top of any misconceptions before it became too hard for the girl to catch up if something was not understood. "Dinner will be ready by seven fifteen."
Complacently dramatic. "I'll be upstairs slaving away until then."
Once the salad was finished and the turkey meatloaf in the oven, Regina took a few minutes to go over the worksheets. Emma had gotten most of everything correct and she made a light note next to two math problems to discuss in the morning before school. With a half hour until dinner she summoned her lap top and began to make a small dent in her inbox.
A quarter after seven crept up quickly and after removing the meatloaf to cool she went upstairs to fetch Emma. Smiling as she heard humming coming down the hall, she lost it for a frown when she saw the lavender room still in the same disarray as it had been that morning. The teen was on the bed, headphones in ears, thumbing a book. She knocked loud enough for green eyes to dart up and a pale hand to wave her in as another yanked out headphones.
An excuse stumbled from pink lips. "I was just taking a little break."
"From what? This room has not been touched." Hands on hips as eyes took in the clothing littering the floor and spilling out of the closet, disheveled bookcase and desk. "You have been up here forty five minutes."
Emma got up. "I'll do it now. I only meant to chill for awhile." Bending to pick up a pair of shoes.
"Dinner is ready. You will have to do it after."
"Already?" Catching the clock. "But my show will be by the time we are done eating." Frustrated, she followed downstairs.
Patient. "I will DVR it for you and if there is time after your shower you may watch it before bed."
Nose wrinkled. "I don't need a shower."
"Yes, you do. Your hair needs washing since you skipped it last night in the bath." Confirming the case as she handed Emma silverware and napkins to set the table as she began dishing dinner. While the little girl loved baths and the adult version often used all the hot water possible, this version often avoided both without much coaxing.
"But I can just wear a hat tomorrow."
"Emma please." Hands rested on counter, fingers tapping. "I have a headache right now and would appreciate your cooperation without further argument."
Eyes went to the ceiling briefly before getting a stern look. At the ache in brown eyes attitude dropped. "Sorry."
Dinner, as usual, lightened Emma's mood and she enjoyed the meal between stories about the latest drama in the Junior High wing. Regina chimed in with a question or two between bites, glad that the blonde was getting used to school. Overall the new routine was working well and there had been a noticeable difference in all sides. While this version was still struggling to adjust to everything, the other two had found peace in the consistency. After clearing her place Emma went to tackle her room while the Queen set the TV to record the show as promised.
Dishes finished shortly, Regina worked on her email and was looking forward to a hot bath and bed after Emma was asleep. She worked steadily until a little after 8:00 and once again went upstairs to see the progress on the bedroom. Fatigue was replaced with annoyance as the room was only half finished and the teenager sitting cross legged on the floor on a cell phone.
Knocking. "Emma?"
Not looking up as fingers flew texting. "What's up?"
"I should ask you the same question." Leaning in the door frame with crossed arms as green eyes flicked up. "This room should have been done by now and have taken no more than twenty minutes. I've been patient with you all evening. Please put the phone down and finish up. I'll be back in ten and your room needs to be done." She left down the hall after receiving an acknowledgement to begin prepping clothing for the next day. Returning promptly remaining patience left when it was clear Emma had not moved. "Give me your phone please."
"Why?" Emma's chin jerked up in question, but one glace at the firm look had her standing up to hand over the distracting device.
"It is getting late. Finish hanging up those clothes, straighten your desk and school things for tomorrow." Walking deeper into the room she sat on the purple bench to supervise, done with the attempts to delay.
"But…"
"No Emma. Get moving."
Muttering the girl obeyed and had everything squared away in less than five minutes. Turning to the Queen with a scowl and gesturing to the clean room. "There, happy now?"
"Come here."
Emma slowly walked over to stand by the bench. "Can I have my phone back?"
"In the morning, you have no need of it until then." Regina pocketed the electronic and stood up, taking Emma's hands in her own. "I do not care for your sass nor the extent you have been arguing with me tonight. This is your last warning. That being said, thank you for finishing your room. It looks much better. Go take your shower. We will have just enough time to braid your hair before bed, if you would like." Another nightly habit they both enjoyed.
Face warming. "You said I could watch my show."
Correcting. "If there was time, which you chose not to use well with all the stalling to avoid your task. You may watch it tomorrow evening. Right now it is nearly your bedtime."
"So. Not. Fair!" Emma pulled away. "Ugh! I'm not a little kid and I shouldn't have to go to bed so early."
Grumbling and losing some attitude as she was sent out of the room with a pat of warning. She showered as quickly as she could, frustrated that her hair always took so long to wash. Dripping and wrapped in a towel, she went back to her room to find PJs laid out. After changing into the yellow long sleeved shirt and red flannel pants she sat in a huffing heap on the bed just as the Queen returned. Without being asked, Emma turned around as the brunette sat and relaxed some as her hair was brushed and braided.
"All done sweet girl. Into bed." Standing and pulling down the covers Regina waited as a theatrical sigh came from her charge settling under the blanket. "I love you baby. Sweet dreams." Kissing a cheek as Emma turned from her with a muttered 'night'. Letting it go, Regina adjusted the lights and quietly left the room.
Emma waited ten minutes and tossed off the duvet. If the Queen had a headache a bath was sure to follow. That meant an undisturbed hour where she could catch her half hour show downstairs and still get back to bed without being caught. Quietly she tiptoed to her door and listened. At the sound of water running she eased into the hallway and to the landing.
With an impish smirk she decided to take the fast way by sliding down the banister. Having done this a few times undetected it always gave a thrill. She went a little too fast around the last curve, losing her grip and footing to get off, falling in a heap on her arm.
Groaning, she stood up and flexed her muscles, nearly yelping at a sharp pain in her left wrist. More gently she tried again and though there were fewer aches she cradled it to her stomach trying to rub it away. Not thinking much of it and losing precious time, Emma stopped to get an ice pack from the fridge. She easily found her show on the recording list and cuddled up with the couch throw blanket to watch. The ice numbed the sharp ache to a dull throb over a half hour as Emma turned off the TV. With a yawn she went back to the kitchen to drop off the ice pack. At the base of the stairs she heard a creak from above and froze. Slow eyes followed the trail of light coming from the top landing on a quiet unreadable Queen wrapped in a gray robe and slippers.
"It's not what you think Mama…" Biting her lip at thee failing excuse.
"Oh I believe this is exactly what I think young lady." Tone leaving no room for argument. "Upstairs now please."
Sour at getting caught, Emma trudged up the steps. Feet hastened to her room by a swat as she passed and Regina followed on her heels. Diving for the bed, she got under the covers careful of her wrist. The Queen came to sit on the side.
Dark eyes assessed. "Care to explain your late night adventure?"
"Not really." Guilty ones looked away.
"Mmhhmm." Brushing a stray curl away from a pale cheek. "Since you have missed nearly an hour of rest you will be making it up tomorrow, either in the form of a nap after school or early bedtime. In the morning you may let me know your choice."
Sulking, but thoughtful. "How'd you even know I was up?"
"I always check on you before I go to sleep and from your empty bed two and two were not hard to piece together." Leaning down to kiss a forehead. "Good night sweet girl."
"G'night Mama." Turning over and snuggling down. The room darkened and she winced, wrist pinched as she adjusted further to get comfortable before finally drifting off.
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Way too soon the swan alarm blared and Emma automatically slapped it, yelping as her wrist protested. Sitting up, she rolled up her sleeve. There was bruising and some swelling beginning on her lower forearm that wrapped around to the front of her hand. Her heart sank, knowing she probably needed some kind of medical attention. The thought of a doctor's office or hospital made her shiver. While the little version had made progress with this fear, right now she was swallowing down the bile pushing to spill.
She'd been to plenty of emergency rooms as a kid for worse injuries and every time doctors had let her walk out the door with the same person who had put her there in the first place. As a foster kid the standard question was always asked if she'd been abused and she could never get the words out to admit that she needed help, eyes had begged as her body certainly had, but lips couldn't say the phrase that would rip her out of another home. As crappy as most of her situations were, they were familiar after a time, behaviors of the adults became predictable and Emma was really good at avoiding slaps to the face and running if she was being chased with something. Not every foster had been physical with her or abusive, though most had been. Some fosters were kind and she had genuinely been thankful they had been, but something always led to her being taken out of the home. Starting over with new houses and people had always thrown her off balance and being hyperventilate until she gained her footing was exhausting.
Regina would take her to urgent care at the very least, possibly the emergency room. She wasn't scared of getting in trouble or her Keeper being upset with her. Not in the least. The fear rested solely with the person in the white coat and too many past faces turned the other way. With one hand fingers began to undo the fuzzy braid from sleep as thoughts shifted.
Now, she wasn't the same damaged girl. She was safe and fiercely loved. No one would take her away again and Regina, she knew, wouldn't allow it unless it was something Emma desired. A blur of adult thoughts flew in offering more rational comfort, but drowned in valid emotions based on experience of age. Moaning as her mind and nausea settled, Emma forced herself to get up and dress for school, struggling with the buttons on her blouse, but managing. It took twice as long to get ready and she was so focused on trying to keep her wrist immobile that she nearly jumped out of her skin as a knock sounded.
Yanking down her shirt cuff and throwing her hand behind her back. "Come in."
Opening the door Regina brightly greeted. "Good morning, I'm just making sure you are up. Breakfast is ready." Thoughtful eyes took in the disheveled curls and sleepy face laced with ache. "Are you feeling alright?" Stepping into the room and reaching automatically to feel a forehead.
Emma tolerated the fever check. "I'm not sick, just tired."
Not completely buying the excuse, Regina decided to leave it alone for now. "Have you decided if you want a nap later or to go to bed early?"
"You pick." Said without tone and looking away as another red wave made her breath hitch. Covering by grabbing the hairbrush on her dresser and beginning to pull it through hair with her good hand. "Can I please have my phone back?"
"It is on the counter downstairs. I charged it for you, as well." That response was not expected and only further had Regina questioning the strange behavior. "Are you sure you are alright Emma?"
"Yep I'll be right down." Forcing a smile as she side stepped to closet for shoes.
A brow rose. "What is behind your back?"
"Nothing." Dropping her hand to side in proof.
The Queen frowned further and left the room to return to the kitchen, sure by now that Emma was hiding something when no protest or bargaining attempt to get out of the promised consequence for last night was forthcoming. Emma always pushed back over a given redirection and that lacking raised a red flag. After she plated waffles and berries she set dishes out on the counter.
Heavy feet announced the sleepy teenager. The girl sat and immediately began eating, though slower than normal. Observing closely out the corner of her eye, Regina set a bowl of homemade whipped cream with spoon out. As Emma was bringing a fork to mouth left hand started toward the bowl and dropped in favor of setting the fork aside instead to reach for the spoon. Gently Regina caught that right hand hovering over the bowl and held out her free one with a pointed look.
Emma's stomach cramped. "What?"
"Let me see your other hand please."
Squirming. "Why?"
"Because I know you and something is wrong. Give it here." Fingers curled beckoning. "It's alright."
Tears forming, Emma slowly lifted her left hand, jerking it back with a hiss as she rotated it wrong. Regina moved to her side immediately, carefully unbuttoning the blouse cuff before she could blink.
"Oh baby…" Taking in the discoloration and swelling, fingers snapped, summoning a cold gel ice pack and ace wrap. "Are you able to move your fingers?" Relieved that it didn't appear to be broken when Emma wiggled all digits. "How did you do this?" She began to coil the wrap around that slim forearm to support the joint, careful not to make it too tight.
Wincing. "I fell last night sliding down the banister."
Pausing briefly at the visual before continuing. "Emma that is dangerous."
"I got the memo on that right here." Glancing up and shrugging. "I won't do it again Mama. It just seemed like a good idea at the time."
As she secured the wrap with a metal clip, Regina moved the injured wrist to rest on the ice pack. Gently. "After breakfast we need to get you checked out." Not missing that way Emma withdrew at that suggestion. She suspected, but needed to ask. "Why didn't you tell me last night baby?"
"Cause…"
"You know I'm not upset and you're not in any trouble, right?"
Nodding. "I know, that's not it. I just wanted to avoid doctors." Green pleaded. "Can you use magic to heal it?"
Cupping both cheeks at the fear welling there. "I want to Emma, but healing magic is different, more complex and with our current situation, I need every ounce of magic in case of an emergency." She couldn't afford to be down for a day or possibly two with the price her body would pay to heal this injury. The girl was hurt, but this was not an urgent situation, had it been Emma would be healed by now, price be damned.
"Please Mama." Beginning to cry and crumbling more as those thumbs wiped tears away and she was drawn in for a hug. Logically she understood her Keeper's reasoning, but it still sucked. "I don't wanna go."
"I know sweet girl." Consoling with a kiss as tears slowed. "We will be in and out before you know it. Whale owes me for upping the timeline of the hospital wing opening. You will receive the very best care and attention as quickly as possible."
Relaxing at that news. "You'll stay with me?"
"For as long as you need me I'll be right by your side."
And Regina was. In the waiting room, through the initial check in, exam, and X-ray's. Emma managed to swallow the pills Whale gave her upon arrival and was already feeling the effects dulling the ache in her wrist. Within an hour, the blonde had a wrist guard on and a prescription for an anti-inflammatory and pain relief called into the pharmacy to pick up. A minor sprain that would heal in a week or so. Regina made sure to get two additional wrist guards; sure the injury would transfer after a shift. They had learned that with the cut on the girl's finger weeks back in the loft.
Emma swung her legs from where she sat on a padded table checking out the new red addition to her wrist as Regina finished getting aftercare instructions from Whale. The medicine she was on was making her sleepy and she lay back on the table to rest her eyes. Green popped open a few minutes later when a cool hand brushed her cheek.
"Do I havta go to school?"
"Not today." Grinning at the instant smile on that sweet face. "You can come with me and rest in the office. I'll scan and e-mail in your homework from last night and request what you'll miss."
Grumbling. "Awwww. But my wrist hurts."
"I know baby, but you can still write and use your tablet with your dominant hand later after you rest awhile. I need to go fill out and sign a few papers for Dr. Whale. Would you like to come or do you want to lay here for a bit?"
Considering with a yawn. Anxiety was gone and fatigue was all that remained. Having Regina's support and presence had made all the difference in this experience. "Rest here. I'm good, now that stuff's done and we can go."
"I will be ten minutes." With a stroke to curls she left down the hall, pulling the curtain across the entrance of the three partial walls closed.
As heels left Emma tried to ignore the sounds of the hospital, but her mind wouldn't disengage enough to sleep. Sighing, she got up and began to explore the small space. Curious at what was in the cabinets along the back wall she started to peek into a few when she recognized a strained, but sweet voice outside. Edging up to the curtain she pulled it back to see Snow pacing across the way on the phone, two cubicles down. Wondering what the Princess was here for she tried to catch the conversation, but couldn't. Wanting to avoid contact after the debacle of Sunday she started to tug the curtain back into place right when the woman spun around and eyes locked on her.
"Emma? What are you doing here? You should be in school." Shocked to see her daughter Snow advanced quickly, pausing when the girl took a step back.
Rolling green eyes were still full of Snow's questions from their pharmacy encounter. "Chillax. I have an excuse." Holding up her wrist. "What's yours?"
Eyes never leaving the wrist guard. "Neal got hit in the nose with a basketball in PE this morning. There was a lot of blood and he's in X-rays right now. I was just calling David at the station." Swallowing hard with a nod to the new red addition. "What happened?"
"Oh, nothing really." Rubbing an arm and looking away, sad for her brother and how rude she'd come across initially. "I fell."
"You fell…" Crossing arms as Gold planted seedlings dug deeper in mind. "How?"
Already done with the inquisition that felt too familiar in more ways than one, Emma began shutting down. "I'm not trying to be rude, but it's not your business. I'm fine."
Taking a step forward. "Emma, you can tell me… We agreed to be more open with each other, remember?"
Mulling that over. She had promised to try, but right now Snow's words were setting her teeth on edge. "Yeah."
Tone concerned as twisted thoughts not all her own made roots under dark pixie cut ones. "Did Regina do something?"
Blonde brows furrowed, nose wrinkling. "What do you mean?"
Snow sighed, looking both ways down the hall before speaking. Low and ridged. "Did she punish you?"
"Not this again…" Misunderstanding the question. 'How many times do I havta tell her that I'm more than fine, safe, and happy. Ugh!' A shoe wanted to stomp, but tapped repeatedly instead. "If I tell you will you leave me alone about it?"
Nodding hastily. "Of course." She would do no such thing. All of her cursed memories of teacher training for signs of abuse were kicking in. Emma wouldn't look at her, was avoiding questions, shying away from her touch, seemed anxious, and using age old excuses to explain being hurt. 'Gold has been right. I need to get Emma away from Regina today.'
Emma hugged herself staring at the floor to avoid losing her temper, thoroughly tired of Snow digging into her business. "I snuck out of bed last night to watch my show. I got caught so I have to go to bed early because of that tonight."
Snow blinked hard, having expected a much different answer. "Are-are you sure that's all that happened?" Pointing to the injured wrist.
'When are you going to start listening to me?!' Emma screamed in mind and counted to five before answering. Annoyed at having to repeat again. "I told you I fell." All the questions and not being believed again while in this sterile setting was sending her spiraling into the beginnings of a trigger.
"If this happened last night, why are you just now in urgent care?" In Snow's mind it didn't add up. It was time to step in.
Before Emma could answer she gratefully heard her name being called down the hallway as heels approached. Feet automatically moved toward the calm in that voice. She nearly stumbled when Snow grabbed her good arm pulling her back. Jarred at being handled so suddenly and heart beginning to pound, Emma was slammed into the past. Adult hands, too many of them, crawled over her skin. Marking, bruising, tugging her apart right now, no not now Emma… Breathe, just breathe, but she couldn't. A pinched whimper escaped as green blew wide open searching for an anchor as flood waters rushed in.
"It's okay you are not going with her Emma." Snow's assurances only further dumped buckets on the frozen blonde as flecks of Gold swirled in her eyes. Her words seemed to snap something in her daughter and she tried to put the now struggling girl behind her as the Queen quickened steps.
"Snow!" Lightening from a regal voice ricocheted as lights flickered overhead. "Take your hand off of her now." A bulb burst sparking overhead in Regina's wake, natural elemental fire magic waking after a long winter's nap at seeing that hand on her girl.
Emma tried to move toward the comfort coming her way as anxiety returned full force. This was a bad dream and she wanted to wake up right now. She was confused over Snow's words and actions. That delicate bridge of trust they had started to build was shaking violently. Triggered eyes found the matching ones of the stranger trying to rip her away from the only home she'd known. Past and present began to blur again. Yelling and pulling harder toward the Queen. "Mama!"
Stunned by Emma's shout and the magic charged air, Snow lost her grip and the teen was able to slip out. She nearly losing her footing as Converse hurried over toward the Queen. She didn't understand why her daughter's arms were thrown around that waist with such want and abandon as scared angry tears threatened her from young green eyes. A smallest shadow of doubt crossed her mind over her prior speculation as dark eyes took over, looking right through her.
"Regina—"
"No. You do not get to speak." The brunette inhaled sharply in the thick pause between them as Snow glared. Looking at down at a teary Emma clinging to her waist. "I need to know exactly what happened sweet girl." Regina lifted a chin, tone gentle. "You are safe and I'm right here. Try for me." Prompting when Emma stuttered. Heat filled the space around them as facts spilled from a pink mouth. Snow tried to interrupt, but a regal hand held up allowed the girl to finish. "Go wait for me just outside of the door baby. You'll still see me right through the window. I'll be right there." With a kiss and gesturing down the hall.
With great reluctance and a hard glare at Snow, Emma obeyed. Once the door closed russet eyes tore through the Princess. Voice hard and low. "I warned you in the loft if you ever crossed the line again—"
"Of course she acted the way she did. She doesn't want to piss you off so you'll hurt her again. You're the one who abused—" Snow slapped her hand to her throat, trying to speak, panicking when she couldn't.
"Enough interrupting." Ice in tone. "It is my turn to speak." Two fingers stayed together, sealing off Snow's voice box, but not airway wanting her message to be clear. "You have crossed a serious line with your actions and you are about to cross another with your false accusations. I always keep my promises. Nod if you remember what I said to you in the loft after Emma was triggered?"
A slow nod as eyes misted at that memory. The stolen necklace, forcing Emma to talk, the little girl running, the bathroom, the screaming… Her child broken and crying in the Queen's arms. Shoulders began to shake with un-shed tears. 'What have I done? But Gold said…' Head dropping forward as some clarity came, as an aching heart battled with logic. 'But Regina said… And Emma said…'
"You are throwing away a precious chance to mend your relationship with her." Words cut from a sharp tongue. "I am done understanding, coaxing, and encouraging her to open up to you only for you to crush her trust again and again. She deserves so much more, all of her." One step closer. "I will not stand in her way if she chooses to engage again with you as an adult. That choice is always hers and I will support that." Amber stripped the surface of wet green away. "However, you have lost the privilege of engaging with any of her counter parts for the immediate future until you can prove to me and more importantly to her that you respect her boundaries. Are we clear?"
Face pink as those words fully registered and the price she would pay for her hand and jump to judgment was defined. Eyes leaking, Snow managed one single nod. Hard lesson delivered, she was left to marinate in words she longed to forget.
Finally understood, Regina released her spell and turned to leave. Eyes on the door window framing the tear streaked face of the child eager for solace. Steps thundered away from the begging Princess calling her name.
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Later that evening as a Queen and Swan were processing the events of the day safely within the walls of their home, Snow was falling apart in hers. She hadn't told David of the mess she was in with Emma or the guardrails that Regina had set in place temporarily, but she had cried in his arms before claiming to need some air. Thoughts swirled from the past several weeks. All the progress she'd made with Emma and even Regina was tearing at the seams. She wasn't even entirely sure why she'd grabbed Emma, only that for a few minutes she'd let her bleeding heart and doubts run away with her. Walking mindless through town, or maybe not, she stopped at an old door with an open sign. Something drew her hand to the knob and she entered, bell ringing overhead.
Gold cracked an inviting grin. "I've been expecting you dearie and I've just the thing for that troubled heart of yours since we last spoke… Listen carefully…"
Snow did and with such hunger to mend the breaking bridge that she missed the treadles of magic floating between her ears, just as before on the day he came to the school. Pulling a bag from her pocket, she handed over what he had asked her to retrieve. Slick, he whispered half truths and promises of what she wanted to hear. She left with hope, a potion in her pocket, and a plan to get Emma away from Regina once and for all.
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At the mansion Emma sat in bed quietly mulling over their discussion about Snow and the temporary line halting engagement that Regina had drawn on her behalf as she played with the charms on her bracelet. She was relieved in a way. Though they had not gotten to the point of spending one on one time with each other when she was any size but an adult, they had been getting close. Today had put a serious hold on that progress and she was grateful that Regina had been there to snap Snow out of it. Something nagged at her brain. The way Snow had looked at her hadn't been right. Almost as if… Knocking and the door moving caught her eye as the Queen entered to say goodnight.
Emma grimaced at the pink liquid prescription in a clear cup she was handed, but downed it without protest as a glass of water was offered to chase it.
"Did you remember your charm?" Setting the water on the nightstand Regina came to sit on the side of the bed. "It's a shift night."
"I forgot, thanks." Un-clipping the initial heart and setting it in the little bowl near the water. She settled down under the covers as she was tucked in. "Mama I was thinking about Snow again and what we talked about… I don't know how much of what happened was her fault."
Regina focused on smoothing the blankets as she gathered her thoughts around this new idea. "How so sweet girl?"
"She seemed weird and desperate…" Rolling her eyes at how desperate. "More so than normal for her."
"You were awfully upset by the time I got to you and she was too." Brushing curls back, thinking that might have something to do with this new perception.
"That's not it." Shrugging as dark eyes studied her. "I'm not sure, but I just have a funny feeling."
Considering the other alternatives some tension left as Regina remembered how convincing Gold could be to the right ear, especially with magic as an influential tool. Emma was also intuitive and that should not be dismissed. She'd been so focused on getting the teen calmed down and taken care of she hadn't allowed her mind to go there yet. She nodded once in agreement.
"Perhaps not. I want you to leave that to me to figure out and deal with, alright?"
"Okay…" Biting a lower lip, wanting to help.
Knowing that look well. "Emma, I mean it."
"I know and I understand you." Answering in full before she was asked. Wondering, she gave green back to brown. "Does what she did mean that I won't be able to see David and Neal when I'm this size? Little me is supposed to play with Neal tomorrow at the loft, remember?"
"I do and not at all baby. I told you that. We are simply on pause when it comes to you and her. I will call David and work out the details for you to see Neal tomorrow."
Faltering under the desire to keep trying for progress. "But if it's not her fault then why can't we all keep on like we have been?" She'd been enjoying the occasional dinner at the loft or meetings in the park when she'd been six to play with Neal while the adults talked. It felt wrong to go backwards.
"Her fault or not, we all need some time to think. I need time to look into your idea and if she was somehow being manipulated today by magic or something else, then that could be dangerous going forward and I won't have you exposed to that." Bending to kiss a cheek, pulling back to shift between green. Soft and serious. "This is one of those times where the choice is mine and you are to heed me every step of the way."
Trusting and letting go. "I will Mama."
"Good girl."
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A/N – Aw, Snow… one step forward and three steps back… Dang Gold.
Next time – Little Emma and Mal have a talk. Snow sees an opportunity and seemingly tries to reconcile with Regina and Emma pays the price. Queen and Dragon begin to reconnect.
