::::::::::

A/N – Two chapters left after this, including the epilogue. Enjoy! Fan-art for chapter on my Tumblr.

::::::::::

It was Tuesday evening just after a magic lesson and Emma was texting Justina on the couch as she half watched some mindless teen drama on TV. Regina sat across the way in the winged chair with a journal and spell book out on her lap working on what Emma assumed was the constant search for the potion that would let her shift at will. She had given up on the idea, now that her shifts were regulated; mind focused on her friends, school work, and the easy flow their life had taken since New Year Day. Regina assured if such a potion existed she would find it and wasn't so easily thrown off the hunt. Phone chiming brought eyes to the phone and Emma shot upright in her seat, fingers flying across the screen.

The sudden movement drew Regina's attention. Pausing in the middle of a lengthy Elfish translation she smiled fondly at how content Emma looked. 'This is how she should be.' The brunette confirmed. 'Enjoying this second chance. Not worrying over magic, potions, or Gold…'

Fingers paused texting. "Mama?"

"Hhmmm?"

"Please hear me aalllll the way out before you say no."

Regina's eyebrows arched in interest. She set the pen within journal pages and the spell book aside to give Emma her full attention. "I promise not to say no right away… just after."

Rolling eyes at the tease, Emma cracked a grin. "So Justina's birthday is tomorrow and since it's a school night her parents are letting her have a small party with one friend over and she invited me to spend the night. She's having a bigger party this weekend, but I'll be fun size by then and I won't be able to go. I reaaaallllyyy want to sleep over and it is not a shift night, so can I please?" Emma leaned forward, resting elbows on knees, hopeful.

Beginning to think the request through, Regina spoke her concerns. "It's a school night Emma and you have homework."

"Which I'll do first right when we get to her house after school and I'll even text you a picture so you can check it like always." Slow grin starting when the first word hadn't been no.

Coaching thoughts on what Emma was still responsible for, Regina further considered the request. "What about sleep and getting up on time?"

"Justina's mom makes her go to bed by 9:00 too." Eyes fought not to recline to the back of her head permanently at that similarity. "So I'll get plenty of sleep to be able to be up for school on time. I have an alarm on my cell. Her Mom would drive us in the morning." Knee bouncing. "Please Mama. I won't be this size again on a weekend for a while to sleep over otherwise. You can call her mom and everything."

"And everything?" A pleased inquiry.

"Maaammaa."

"Oh, I suppose." Arms were around her throat before she could blink.

"YES! THANK YOU!"

And just as quickly gone as Emma got sucked back into the phone. Deciding something Regina stood and turned off the TV. At the teen's wondering expression she nodded towards the foyer. "Go get your shoes and coat on. We have a birthday present to shop for and only an hour before the stores close." Happy teen feet thundered out of the room, giving a drive by kiss to a cheek in thanks.

They found a little trendy boutique still open and browsed the jewelry section. Emma had an idea of what she wanted to get for her friend, though nothing popped out at her right away. Regina helped, suggesting items for her to consider, but Emma's mind was elsewhere.

"What about these?" The Queen held up a gold hoop set.

"Nah, not right." Curls shook after a very brief glance.

Brunette blinked at the item and put it back. "What is wrong with them? They are classic."

"Exactly…" Grimacing. "They're like too normal and old-ish."

It was Regina's turn not to send eyes rolling. Never mind the fact she had a similar pair, thought real gold, tucked away in her vanity at home. They browsed for a few more minutes and she wondered. "Why so quiet all of a sudden?" Girl had talked her ear off in excitement the entire ride and up until they started looking around.

Shrugging. "Nothing really. I was thinking about that potion you keep looking for."

Rounding the earring stand to be closer. "I will find a solution Emma."

Green windows opened in that assurance. "I know and that's not it. I think I don't really mind so much anymore. The shifts are predictable and it doesn't seem that important is all."

Processing the possibilities unsaid and wrapping an arm around Emma. "I am still going to keep looking for you regardless and you may change your mind by the time I actually have an answer, which I feel I am close to."

A dimple showed when put like that. "Maybe so." Resting head on a shoulder, mind rolled. 'It might be nice to change at will or not at all.' Thought though, was stone cold sobering.

Fighting heat of tears at her brow, the idea of not having more time as they were, Regina swallowed thickly. Outside of their current pattern unless Emma chose to remain in a single younger state, which she didn't think her girl would; there would be no more helping with homework, bedtime stories, teaching milestones, or holding little bodies close. Small impish smiles or awkward, yet sweet conversations would be missed. She was used to three pairs of very different green eyes. Spoiled in the tether breaking since the do over spell, Gold's cruel cut of it a slow to realize gift. It was Emma's choice of course and she would honor whatever decision was made without influencing the outcome.

"We will leave it at maybe then, my sweet girl."

::::::::::::::

"I still can't believe I got a yes." Emma pondered aloud as she lay on top of her new gray and purple striped sleeping bag that had been purchased in addition to the I-tunes gift card and mood changing earring set for Justina. She thumbed through a magazine on the floor of the green bed room. They had finished homework, dinner with cake, and presents an hour ago and still had a few before lights out.

"Stoked blondie." Justina grinned upside down from where her head hung off the end of a twin bed, reaching out a hand to play with the end of a long blonde curl. "You have great hair, you know that?" Flipping over and sitting up. "Hey I have an idea. I got some hair paint from my cousin for my birthday. It will show up okay my mine, but it would really pop on yours."

Taking to the idea, Emma sat back crossing her legs, fingers running thoughtfully through strands then deflating. "I'd be in a ton of trouble."

Smiling eyes. "Chill. It washes out. We can try it, take some pics and you can rinse it out in the morning before school. Problem solved. I'll do it too. Besides it'll be fun, no harm done."

Chewing a bottom lip. "It really washes out?"

"Way out. You in?" Rolling off the bed and waving Emma to follow into the adjoining bathroom.

Hopping up and cracking knuckles. "Way in. Let's do this."

Thirty minutes later rainbow colors swirled down the bathroom sink as Justina washed her hands. "Cool right?"

"I look totally different." Emma gathered the top half of her hair into a high ponytail, the bottom half was covered in a range of purple, blue, and red chunky stripes. The hair paint, a wet chalky substance, went on easy and once brushed through, dried quickly with no sticky residue.

Over the next hour they took a ton of pictures, playing with their looks by adding makeup, jewelry, and a range of wild clothes in their own version of fashion show. A knock and a reminder from Justina's mom had them both groaning, but complying with the request to get ready for bed. Emma piled her hair up in a messy bun to deal with in the morning, washed her face and slipped into her sleeping bag.

She tried to still her mind and relax, but anxiety began to steal thoughts. First night away from home nerves drowned out the high of fun; missing Mama and her own bed as the room grew dark and quiet. At the approaching nine o'clock hour a text brightened the dim screen of the phone near her head. Picture with a bright red smile came into view, a text message of love and sweet dreams that took her to rest with an easy heart.

:::::::::::

Morning dawned hard and rude to green eyes as the alarm beeped across the room and buzzed from her phone. Swiping the annoying thing off, lips smacked and grimaced over the sour taste from forgetting to brush her teeth. Arching her back in a deep stretch, Emma got up and turned off the beep machine by her friend's bed, shaking Justina's shoulder awake.

"Hey. You mind if I shower first?"

Mumbled as a pillow was pulled over a dark head. "Mmmmm, go for it."

Emma took her time, enjoying the hot water. Soaking her head with shampoo, she scrubbed, laughing as the colorful suds splashed at her feet. Rinsing she brought her hair over her shoulder to condition and frowned at the color still residing. Shrugging she tried shampoo again. More color whirled down the drain, but fainter and hair just still bright as before.

"Justina!" Emma poked her head out of the shower calling.

"Sup blondie." The teen yawned, going to the sink to brush her teeth.

Beginning to panic. "The color isn't coming out."

"What?" Dropping the toothbrush and reaching for the box of colors on the counter. "They're supposed to wash out…" Reading directions again. "Says right here." Tapping the front and turning the box, eyes growing big. "Shit!"

Emma gulped. "Please tell me that's not how deep in trouble I think we are."

Throwing the box in the trash. "There's a protection prep spray we were supposed to use first. Warning label said it'd be really hard to remove otherwise without a marathon shampoo session."

"We don't have time for that." Sliding down against the tub wall. "I'm dead."

"That makes two of us." Leaning against the counter. "Maybe we'll get lucky and they'll bury us in twin plots… BFF's and all." Idea brewing. "Hey, we only did the underside of our hair. Maybe we can pin it up tight against our necks and the top part will cover it up. If we wear beanies it might work until we have more time to wash it out after school."

"Yeah maybe." Standing up, Emma hurried to rinse and get out to give Justina a turn.

Drying her hair took longer than she would have liked. They helped each other pin up the underside of their hair with bobby pins in several small tight buns. Wearing a borrowed grey beanie, Emma threw on her uniform and packed up her stuff. The ride to school was full of Justina's little sister chatting away and Emma made sure to thank Mrs. Wood for having her when they were dropped off. Feeling more confident at getting their idea past one adult, Emma answered a good morning text from Regina, assuring she had fun, ate breakfast and was at school. After storing her sleeping bag and overnight stuff in her locker she nearly forgot about her hair in the busy span of the day until after school.

Lugging her stuff to the Benz she flashed a bright smile in greeting. Throwing her stuff in the back seat she bear hugged her Keeper, singing. "I had the best-best-bestest time Mama!"

Kissing hello and starting the car Regina smiled. "Did she like the present you picked out?"

Buckling up. "Yeah, she wore the earrings today and we picked out some new music for her I-pod last night with the gift card." Emma answered, looking out the window as they went in the opposite direction of what she expected. "Um… where are we going?"

"You have Kung-Fu today." Reminding with a side glance. "I have your uniform in your gym bag in the back. Next time, please remember to put your used ones in the wash after practice, not back in the bag. I swear a fungi farm could have grown fat, happy, and old in there."

Laughing Emma agreed, and then sobered as she thought through the pending session. Uniforms were strict at the studio and there was no way she'd get away with wearing a hat. "Um, can we just go home?"

Concern answered. "Are you feeling alright?"

"Yeah, but…" Valid excuse failing.

"Did you get enough sleep last night?" Wondering if fatigue was a factor of the request.

"I did. I just…" She wanted to go, so that wouldn't do. Lying was out altogether. Sighing. "Never mind."

"You love Kung-Fu. Did something happen at school?"

"No Mama. Forget I said anything."

Upon arrival, Emma grabbed her bag and made a beeline for the bathroom to change. Leaving her thick curtain of hair down covered the carefully pinned colors if she didn't turn too suddenly. It was risky without the hat to secure everything, but left with little choice she forced a smile and went to the mat to warm up. Posture ridged and limbs stiff, she moved through the first set of exercises. Mulan came over twice correcting her stature and modeling correct pose again for what Emma was to do. An eye roll earned her a silent warning from the instructor and another with a comment halfway through the class when they were partnered for pad work had her sent to observe the remainder of the class.

Across the room Regina watched not amused at the third redirection from Mulan. Emma sat with head down, palms covering face before the teen sat up and their eyes met. Green pleaded with her to leave and waited for a summons to depart. Regina shook her head and the girl pouted, arms crossing. She refused to shorten the instructor's sentence by taking Emma home before the class was over. Greatly respecting the tight ship Mulan ran, the girl would have to learn the hard way today as sometimes was the case. Noticing something else, she kept eyes lingering long enough for Emma to squirm under them. The moment class was dismissed the blonde shot up and jogged across the mats reaching for shoes.

"Not just yet, sweet girl." Standing Regina gestured toward the instructor. "Go make your amends please."

Sighing Emma nodded and went back toward the teacher, annoyed, but receptive to the question answer routine over her attitude she'd experienced only a few times. Returning to her Keeper when apologies were done, she slipped on her coat and footwear before following heels out to the car.

Regina stole a glance at the slumped form in the passenger seat. "I couldn't help but notice your new colorful addition while you were sitting out."

Growing warm, green eyes didn't leave the window. "What do you mean?"

Cutting directly across feigned ignorance. "Care to explain to me why your hair looks like you lost a paint war with Rainbow Brite?"

Lips rolled in, still not looking over. "Not really." Then suddenly curious. "Is she a real character?"

Scoffing. "Hardly." Refocusing with a pointed look. "Is it permanent?"

"It wasn't supposta be." Emma turned. "The box said it would wash out right away, but there was this protective spray we should have used before." Shrugging. "I tried washing it out this morning, three times, but…"

"I see." Thinking what she wanted to do about the matter. "Well, it looks like I am teaching you how to do an extraction spell tonight after your homework." It was time for another magic lesson anyway and personalizing it would help the content stick. Turning the Benz onto Mifflin Street she saw Emma's conflicted look. "What is the matter?"

"I thought you'd be more upset with me is all."

"It was a mistake Emma. I'm not upset. You did not purposefully set out to achieve this result. Intentions make a difference where your actions are concerned." Pulling into park in the driveway.

Grateful smile. "Thanks Mama. We were just messing around and dressing up."

"I do expect to see any pictures of your daring fashion adventure though as payment for my leniency." Teasing smirk.

Balking Emma swung her bag to a shoulder and followed inside. "Nu-huh, those are password protected."

"Uh-huh." Regina tossed an exaggerated and very Emma response back.

Emma rolled her eyes laughing. "Nope."

"Yep." Red lips popping the 'p' as the girl often did.

"Mama!"

::::::::::::::

The Friday on the eve of Regina's birthday a few weeks later Ruby stood on the mansion's porch at dusk. She fingered the heavy brass skeleton key Regina handed over to gain her wolf entrance into Gold's protected shop. "So the ward is against humans?"

"More specifically against me, but yes. You will be able to pass in and out undetected, especially with this key. It will unlock any door, magically sealed or not." Regina crossed her arms against the chill and the pending plan to take place once the full moon began its ascent with the approaching night. Snow had kept up the proposed charade around town and Gold seemed to believe the tears and depression, appearing almost disgusted according to Snow's frequent updates via text.

Emma finding the key several weeks ago in the vault wall had been an unexpected gift. Once the curse broke she'd lost access to her keys in a raid on Town Hall. Her office had been destroyed and tagged, things stolen, the huge ring of skeleton keys among them. Henry had taken the master key in Ruby's hand all those years ago in a fit of ten year old anger and through Emma's mischief it had made its way back to her.

Like Savior like son.

"Granny should be here soon to watch Emma." Ruby assured. She was beyond ready to shut Gold down and get a chance to mend things with Belle. She didn't understand all that was going on, but was able to read between Regina's cryptic speech and clues to know there was a lot riding on her ability to achieve the goal of tonight.

"Maammaa?" Emma's crackled moan came from the living room.

Regina waved Ruby inside and shut the door, quickly returning to find the little girl she'd left bundled in blankets on the couch suddenly in the archway hugging her legs. "Come here sweet one." Lifting Emma, a ragged wet cough rang in her ear.

"Mama, throat hurts and tummy and head and my feet and even my fingernails." Glassy green eyes blinked miserably over a flushed pink pout. "My hair hurts too."

"I know baby, it's nearly time for another dose of medicine. Do you want to watch your movie? I set up Lilo and Stitch for you."

"Noooo, only want you." Emma tightened her hold around Keeper's neck, resting a hot cheek against a shoulder.

Ruby bent to pick up the dropped blankets on the floor when her phone buzzed. Checking with a frown, she replied and gave apologetic eyes to Regina. "That was Granny. There was a grease fire at the diner. She's fine, and it's out, but the fire-department is going need her for a while." She winced. As each moment passed closer to the approach of dusk she felt each hair on her skin beginning to lift and bones began to ache, signaling her shift would soon begin. "I can do this on my own. You need to stay with Emma."

Shaking her head, Regina was adamant. "You need a lookout and at the very least what protection I can offer you."

"No go Mama!" Kicking out her legs, Emma whined shrilly, tears starting.

"Shhhhh. Baby, I'm right here." Conflicted over leaving the sick child, but time was not on their side. This war with Gold needed to end this weekend with Emma only having two more days in this shift cycle for her full plan to work. Pulling out her phone, she texted an SOS message before dialing plan B. The phone rang twice before blue smoke cleared revealing a grinning Dragon.

With a sweeping flourish of a bow, Mal fluttered lashes. "Sorry I'm late."

Smirking as she rubbed Emma's back after a particularly nasty round of coughing. "That's my line dear and you are right on time."

"Awww, how is the little darling?" Mal practically cooed, eyes melting when a little mouth tried to smile at her.

"Hi." Emma waved then hid her face back in dark hair.

Catching a blue question. "She's not feeling well and I need you to watch her for a few—"

"Want Mama!" Emma shouted hoarsely and began to cry. "Mama no go!"

Dragon arched a blonde brow. "Regina I don't think that is an option. Let me go with Ruby tonight."

The Queen hesitated at that offer. A tremendous amount of guilt rested there. She felt responsible for the blood oath to protect Emma and the plan to play out to regain her powers to stand a fighting chance with Gold. Asking Ruby for help was one thing. Belle's involvement and their friendship brought balance to the asking. Mal risking self for her was something else entirely and she wasn't sure what. That is what gave her heart the most unrest, but also the most reassurance.

"Mal, it's complicated at best, but I cannot ask you to do that."

Little bundle whined and squirmed in between. "I want yooou."

"Hush baby." Soothing softly so she could think.

"You are not asking, Regina." Mal turned to the waitress, gesturing to the front door. "I am telling." Ruby went ahead and she paused to look over shoulder. "We will return by midnight. Focus on Emma."

"Mal—" Before Regina could finish the front door closed and Emma stilled in her arms. Heart clenched, pounding as emotions buzzed within the hive of mind. Queen bee whispered, guiding worker feelings to settle. 'She always knows just what I need to hear. Why am I still pushing her way?' Kissing Emma she moved to the couch to sit with the child cuddled on her lap. 'Maybe it is time to try again. I've made peace with Daniel's memories, the chaos with Gold will be over soon, and Mal is… Mal.' Flawed yet perfect in match.

"Mama Stitchy please and movie?" Emma begged, turning in lap to face the TV as her stuffed friend was summoned and the movie began playing. Little hands pushed the blanket being draped across her legs away. "Too hot."

Regina summoned a skin thermometer and ran it across a forehead. Beeping it read 101.2. A wrist flick brought a fresh pair of cotton PJs and a damp cloth. Pausing the movie, she stood Emma up and removed the fleece pants and top. A quick wipe down to flushed skin and new lighter garments brought some relief to a small face.

"Better baby?"

"Un-huh, 'specially cause I don't havta wear that wrist guard anymore. It was itchy." Glad when she was able to start going without it last week. A tiny plastic cup was brought to her lips and she scowled, but drank the medicine knowing better than to try and fight the inevitable. Her favorite yellow mug with honey tea followed and she climbed back up to snuggle into the best spot in the whole world.

Hours passed with broth soup with toast, Pedialyte, small naps and more medicine between coughing fits and tears. Emma wouldn't give up her spot on a lap until close to midnight. Regina settled the girl on the couch under a blanket once a deep sleep came and moved to the kitchen to get some water. Sipping in the quiet of night she felt a familiar magical static in air and set her glass down as Mal and the wolf appeared in a puff of blue smoke.

"Are you…" Queen started as the wolf padded over, a purple filled bottle held delicately between jaws capable of crushing bone. Yellow eyes unblinking, fur nodded once, wet nose nudging a hand. Regina took the bottle, eyes taking in sure blue with question.

"We are both more than fine Regina and Gold none the wiser. I took the liberty of replacing what we took with a glamour spell. Should buy us at least a day, maybe two to finish this." Mal moved to scratch big furry ears and set the borrowed skeleton key on the counter. "That came in very handy."

The use of we wasn't lost on royal ears. Regina's blood began to sing, magic trapped in spelled glass yearned to flow through the veins of home. Ruby whined and licked a shaking tan hand. Kneeling and resting her forehead against a great furry brow, Regina hugged a strong neck. "Thank you Ruby." Standing she waved her wrist and pointed to the living room. "There is a new fire in the grate and a plate of lamb with some water right in front of it waiting for you. Go warm up and eat." The wolf left with a peppy step and a soft yip in thanks.

Dragon went to the counter, removing two wine glasses. Tapered fingers snapped conjuring a fine quality Malbec and worked foil with cork off the neck of a green bottle. Pouring two scarlet streams, she handed one stem to the Queen and clinked hers in a toast of a mission well done. Old times nostalgic of teamwork, desire, and a common beat of heart; beckoned within elastic love filling the space between them.

Careful to respect the quiet reflection coating the room, Mal tasted more than one red victory. A sip first for both of them, then almost chaste burgundy brushed a cheek close to the corner of a mouth. Regina sweetly ducked a chin after, teeth catching bottom lip with the smallest smile full of promises possible. The clock in the hall chimed the stroke of midnight as their eyes answered the same question.

"Well then…" Mal set both their glasses aside and lifted a royal hand, carefully taking the top off the glass bottle housing long missed magic. "Additional cheers to your birthday and many, many more my Queen."

For Regina, draining the contents felt like slipping on a favorite shirt, an old friend after hours when the day was done. One that saw better days and the most ragged. Soft, warm, ripped and torn, purple popped heady on her tongue, slick down, down, and spread like liquid silk fire through layers of muscle and skin. Neck cords stretched and fingers flexed summoning missed strength and power to tips. Flames danced within her palms and in a puff of smoke she moved from one side of the room and back again and again with sweet laughter, nectar to the senses, in her wake. Done testing, arms found the neck of the Dragon and Queen rode the waves of joyful relief wrapped in the security she had missed and in the possibility of so much more looking right back.

::::::::::::::::::

A/N – Phase one done! Thoughts?

Next time – A sneak peak at what life could be like if Regina embraces a possible change and phase two of Operation Shut Down Gold…