A/N: Sorry for the delay, hopefully the extra long chapter will make up for it!

Also, I saw a lovely drawing of young Regina inspired by this story on tumblr, and it disappeared before I could properly thank the artist. If you're still reading, I cannot tell you how thrilled I was by your work. Thank you!

"Good morning, Storybrooke Knights!"

Mary Margaret's voice burst over the sound system as she took control of Monday morning announcements from the Vice Principal. Now almost a natural in her command, she had certainly got more of the hang of it from when she had made her first announcement as President and the system had screeched in protest. That had been the one and only announcement from Mary Margaret that Regina found even partway tolerable. Ever since she had found the right modulation, Regina just tuned her out as best she could, sitting uncomfortably in her school-regulated gym uniform, trying to resist picking at the polyester.

"We're just under two weeks away from our prom fit for a fairytale," her voice crackled through the gym's speakers, "so make sure you pick up your tickets this week in the cafeteria during lunch period! Also, while you're there, you can place your first round votes for prom court from the list of nominees that will be made available today at lunch. See you all soon!"

Regina looked over to where some of the jocks were clapping David on the back—something half about Mary Margaret and half about the royalty nominations, she imagined. David, a regular Prince Charming, was practically a guarantee for prom court. Whatever they were ragging him about, she didn't much care…but she did consider…she did have to buy a ticket for prom at some point. Her ticket for prom. Because of Emma.

And she only had three periods to get through before English.

"Alright, everybody, off your butts!"

Sneakers scuffled the floor at Coach's command, students grudgingly getting to their feet.

Regina fell to the back, like she always did, hoping whatever activity the day had in store wouldn't be too dreadful, but this time, her focus was not only on avoiding attention but also in trying to keep her hand from going to her throat. The uniform didn't have the kind of coverage she wanted, and the make up she tried this morning didn't seem like enough.

Just three more periods.

Somehow, news of who had been nominated had made its way through the halls even before most people were down to lunch. Someone, likely someone handling the list through the prom committee, had caught Regina's name among the others and the news spread faster than ringworm on the wrestling team. Everyone wanted to know if it was true and more than a few theories had come up. The party, what everyone had imagined would be the gossip of the week, was only discussed in reference to Regina's rising social stature and Emma Swan apparently taking her under her wing.

Regina had seen more people whispering in the halls as she passed this morning, but she had assumed it was fallout from Neal, rumors reawakening, more reason to be afraid of her mother. But there was nothing she could do, as usual, so she held her head as high as she could and kept going, counting down the minutes until she would be safe again. Safe, in Emma's company. The idea was so foreign, but she couldn't shake it. Even if it was counter to the logic that these rumors might be about Emma, too, somehow, being with her new friend would make it better. And afterwards, the minutes to the end of the school day would be a much shorter count.

English had been exactly what she wanted, Emma seeming as happy to see her as she was to see Emma, even if there was a little more gaping from their classmates than usual. Regina tried to dismiss it as people realizing with the beginning of the new week that this wasn't a fluke—Emma Swan was actually sitting next to her because she wanted to.

But the moment they stepped into the hall after the bell rang, things had clearly changed.

People were staring, really staring, really talking amongst themselves about her and Emma, but Emma didn't seem dismayed in the least. She knew her friend was tough, but she still had to think that she wouldn't be comfortable being the topic of such blatant gossip. Not like this. But the general hubbub didn't really seem negative either. Their gazes were not inherently disdainful or dismissive, not like the way it could be when it was just about her. Regina didn't understand in the least, and she risked slowing just so she could lean in to ask softly "Emma, what's going on?"

Emma paused, at first confused by Regina's question, but soon picking up on what she was referring to, Emma was even more puzzled. She had heard about her own spot on the list that morning from Mary Margaret, and she had heard about Regina seconds later when Ruby had pushed for the truth. Of course she had already known—she had submitted the nomination after all, since Ruby hadn't prohibited her from doing it, but she really hadn't guessed it would be this big of a deal. There were something like twenty names on the list at this point, but apparently, the inclusion of Regina Mills was too big to ignore. But evidently not big enough to tell the girl herself. That explained why it hadn't come up at all—Emma had thought Regina too against the tradition to even care, but she hadn't even known. Regina had probably thought that all the extra attention was about the party…which was absolutely terrible. Emma felt her guilt level rise at the thought of how extra complicated she was making her friend's life.

"They're just talking about the prom nominations, Regina. Don't worry."

Regina considered Emma's explanation—she supposed it made a little sense that Emma would be receiving extra attention, even if she couldn't remember this kind of buzz from previous years, but that didn't explain the focus that seemed to be on her…

"But why—"

"We're both on the list," Emma cut her off with a sympathetic smile. "Congratulations. You've got my vote," she teased.

"I—I am? How…" Regina faded off as she considered just what she wanted to ask. How had it happened, how did Emma know, how was she not aware that she had slipped into some sort of bizarro world where things were backwards.

Emma didn't know whether she should be enjoying Regina's adorable confusion or whether she should feel bad for clearly overwhelming her. She hadn't even considered that it might be like this, even after she had been relatively accepted by the popular crowd. She would have to prepare her for next week's results if everything kept going the way it was.

Emma was about to explain further when a newly plaster-armed Killian and Tink caught up with them.

"Congratulations, girls," Tink beamed, not bothering to hide the fact that she clearly had some sort of extra knowledge contributing to her enjoyment. Emma imagined that Regina would attribute it to Tink having made the list, too.

"What a wealth of options," Killian played along, apparently recovering from his injury with a boost from also making the list of nominations. "I believe there is only one truly deserving of my vote, however," he paused, surveying his group as they moved through the halls, Emma glaring, Tink trying to hide her anticipation, and Regina oddly distant.

"Clearly, only Regina is suited to be Queen," he declared.

Each girl's face snapped instantly into a new reaction—Emma grinning, Tink's nose wrinkled in light annoyance, and Regina wide-eyed.

"It is your name, after all, your Majesty."

This time Emma laughed in agreement, Tink nudged his good arm, and Regina scoffed, finally finding the humor in this reality.

"I suppose I wouldn't mind that nickname," Regina conceded. There were certainly worse things to be called, a few of which she had already experienced.

"That's a good enough reason for me, Tink agreed, genial even in the face of her boy—whatever-he-was's teasing. She would be voting for Regina anyway. She was rather pleased how this bet had turned out, for everyone.

"You ladies having lunch with us?" Killian asked as they made it through the cafeteria doors.

"Hey, Hook!"

Killian begrudgingly waved his bandaged hand towards the lax bro who had hollered from his table complete with some shadowboxing moves set to the cheers of his mates.

Apparently some other news from the party had made it through.

"This is all your fault," he grumbled at Emma.

"Yes!" Emma proclaimed laughing, "I will gladly take the blame. I told you Hook would stick!"

"I am much too dashing to be associated with that terrible cartoon," he protested, pouting.

"Actually, in the original play, he has bright blue eyes and the bearing of a king," Regina offered, not much caring for Killian's wounded ego, but enjoying the new nickname.

"Really?" The boy instantly changed his tune, much to the enjoyment of Tink and Emma.

"It's settled then," Emma laughed, "Hook it is."

"Oh no, Swan," he declared with a grin, "you can call me Captain."

"Yeah, not a chance," she scoffed.

Making it to the side of their usual table, Hook returned to his previous line of thought as the rest of the cafeteria filled in.

"So will we get Regina's lovely company while having to put up with you, Swan?"

Emma replied right away, not even leaving enough time for Regina to worry.

"Not today, sorry."

Tink pouted a little. She liked that things were going well, but she found herself missing Emma's company, and she really did want to get to know Regina better, too.

"Do we get you 7th at least?" She asked.

This time Emma was a little more hesitant. She wanted to spend the period with Regina, like they had the week before, but she didn't want to turn down her friends, and she didn't even know if Regina could spend the time with her. Or would want to.

"I don't know…" She hedged.

Tink immediately switched her attention at Emma's response, staring directly at Regina.

"Hey, Regina?"

"Yes?" Regina replied, trying to hide her wariness at the conversation's sudden change in focus.

"Do you have 7th period free today?" Tink continued.

"…Yes?"

"Want to come hang out with us? I know Hook can be annoying, but I promise it'll be a good time."

Tink cut off Hook's protest with an elbow to the ribs, her concentration still on Regina, who was now exchanging an inquisitive look with Emma. When Emma smiled and shrugged, Regina resumed her conversation with Tink.

Those two weren't subtle at all, Tink smiled to herself.

"I guess—"

"Great!" Tink confirmed, turning back to Emma. "Emma, will we see you 7th?"

Emma struggled to hold back her laugh at Tink's taking charge. It was hard to mess with her can-do when she broke it out.

"Yes."

"Good," Tink grinned. "Emma will take you to where we meet, Regina." She fixed Emma with a stare to confirm before making her exit.

"See you then!" She took her seat as she smiled goodbye and pulled out her lunch. Killian smirked at the show and did a little bow to Emma and Regina before taking a seat beside her.

Regina and Emma moved on towards the line with smiles of their own, Regina finding herself oddly interested in the cheerleader, even if she had somewhat questionable taste in men.

"Hey, Emma, hi, Regina!"

Even though the greetings were soft and light, they almost had the pair stopping where they were.

Ashley had called out in passing as she made her way to her own table, typical for Emma, whose day was filled with all sorts of random greetings from her peers. But for Regina—this was practically unheard of, especially outside of Emma. And it was the first time she had been acknowledged by an acquaintance in Emma's presence. She was holding her own.

Just as they were waving back and Regina thought she might recover, she heard another voice.

"Hi, Regina, Emma" Kathryn greeted as they crossed paths with some of the cheer team. And though the girls seemed surprised at Regina's inclusion, they also accepted it with little effort.

Regina may have been new to this upper echelon, but her integration had gotten somewhere quick.

Kathryn had passed without even needing Regina to respond, but Regina was starting to feel things slip. She was back to being noticed, but it was good? How could this possibly last? She didn't even know, well, how to feel about Kathryn. She was still angry but not? She would always miss the girl who she truly considered her first friend, and there were parts of it she understood, but…being ignored was just easier. She knew how to do that. And there was barely a month left of school.

Emma apparently noticed her dismay and leaned towards her in support.

"Just the line and we're home free," she whispered conspiratorially as she grabbed a tray.

"How am I supposed to keep all you blondes apart?" Regina teased uncertainly, picking up one of her own.

Emma did her best to hide her reaction to the tray beneath a chuckle at Regina's reply, especially when she saw Regina reaching for more and heavier food than she usually got. Once Regina caught her noticing, Emma made every effort to get her to "share" things outside of their usual fries. She didn't have to ask to know that something—something she knew all about—was up.

They moved as efficiently as they could, only getting one more hello until they reached the cafeteria doors. Right as they had the nearly empty halls in sight, however, Jefferson burst through right in front of them.

"Emma! Regina!" He proclaimed with increasing enthusiasm, "Congratulations to you both. What a difficult decision to make!"

Emma just put on a smile, hoping to edge around him in escape. Sometimes he wasn't so bad a guy, but sometimes he was just a little too nutty. And she really didn't want Regina to have to deal with it, especially after the stress of everything else.

Regina seemed to be thinking the same thing, not halting her forward progression, offering a less-than-sincere and entirely dismissive, "Thank you, Jefferson."

He stepped right in front of her, however, indifferent to her glare.

"Oh, no, Regina, hang on! I haven't gotten to congratulate you on something much more important," he paused leaning in. "Your new secret lover!"

It wasn't aggressive or even very loud, but Regina would've fried him on the spot if she could've, a rush of possibilities coursing through her mind. She didn't have to guess long at what he was referencing though, as his hand made its way up towards her neck.

She tensed before he could touch her, scowling him down but increasingly aware of Emma beside her.

"He give you those at the party?" He gestured just shy of her, smirking.

"Back off, douchewad," Emma practically growled. Normally she would dismiss him as being a tool, but harmless, since there wasn't anything glaringly mean-spirited in his idiocy, but something about him had her guard up, something she wanted to believe was entirely different from the rage she felt building in imagining why Regina had had to wear a turtleneck that day.

"Relax, Emma, I'm just trying to congratulate Regina on getting some, it's all good."

Regina was still fuming, her tray practically bending under the force of her grip, but she felt more secure. He had said "he". He hadn't—all this defending was going to get Emma in trouble. If he had even insinuated that Emma was her lover—everything would've gone to pieces for both of them, both at school and if Cora found out...she couldn't let Emma get them out of this. But she didn't know how.

"Too bad we can't congratulate you instead."

Emma hadn't known what she would've done next either, but neither girl expected the new voice drawing in on their conversation.

"Sorry, Jeff, maybe one day you'll be evolved enough to have an actual human be interested," Ruby shot back, having wormed her way into the group by draping her arm over Emma's shoulders. "Now scram."

Jefferson, just as surprised by Ruby's appearance and at a loss for words in the face of a spot on insult and three glaring women, just sneered and walked away.

The trio watched him go, making his way to his own table that was staring in hopes of a report. Things weren't over, but they were better. Ruby had helped in ways that Regina couldn't have managed.

"Now that was something," Emma praised, impressed by her friend's skills. "How the hell do you pull that off, Rubes."

"What?" Ruby dismissed, not much hiding her own pride. "You know I have crazy good hearing."

She smirked, pleased with herself, and dropped her arm from Emma to move towards Regina. She occupied the space Jefferson had, respecting Regina's space but clearly siding with her.

"Plus," Ruby leaned in, half-whispering, "you guys looked super uncomfortable. I'm not an idiot."

"You aren't at all," Regina found she had to agree. "Thank you, Ruby."

"Anytime, Regina. It was my pleasure."

Regina couldn't help returning Ruby's smile. Even this friend of Mary Margaret's…apparently Ruby really had meant what she said at the bonfire. A friend of Emma's was one of hers. And that meant…was Regina really becoming part of a group?

"Now go on, you crazy kids!" Ruby shooed, in a manner not unlike her grandmother. "Go enjoy your lunch!"

Lunch had been entirely uneventful once they made it to their room, safe in the solitude. Emma had even managed to make Regina laugh, her new favorite thing, if only for the challenge on days like this. Regina deserved it, especially with how Emma was shaking up her life. She was going to put her best effort into making up for it. Not that it was a burden at all—she really felt she could help make Regina happy, and she liked it. Not just for the sake of it, even—her mood was almost co-dependent on Regina's.

They made two plans in their time together. First, that Emma would pick Regina up from science and take her to the hall where they'd spend the free period with Tink and Hook. Second, Emma would be accompanying her from Gold's office to her house this afternoon after their respective practice and work. Regina challenged her on the second, saying Emma was bound to get sick of spending time with her. Emma somehow held back the part where she didn't ever see that happening to insist that they were doing off-campus distance training today, and it would be the perfect cool-down.

Regina gave her a look but didn't protest any further, and Emma left their lunch with a smile, running both of their trays back down to spare Regina the crowds, and thinking her 6th period stats was going to feel impossibly long.

Just one period.

She had been right about suffering through math, but now she was pacing the nearly cleared out science hallway waiting for Regina. She had told her the classroom number, but Emma hadn't wanted to interrupt anything. Regina's class had been one of the last ones to clear out after the bell, but there wasn't any sign of the girl herself yet. Finally, Emma got impatient and popped her head in.

Regina was at a worktable with her teacher, watching some fancy glassware set-up intently as he went through a process. Suddenly, the water turned a brilliant blue, and Regina's face lit up.

Emma's instant thought was that it could only be described as adorable.

Emma only caught bits and pieces of her explanation of the reaction, the teacher's delight in his student's enthusiasm, and the hurried thank you she gave him as she checked her watch and turned to the door.

Spotting Emma, though, her energy instantly shifted into something shyer. Still glad to see Emma, but maybe embarrassed from her giddiness over the experiment. Emma hated it. Regina should take pride in being able to understand that kind of stuff. She had barely made it through chemistry herself. And to actually like doing it? That was something to be admired.

"What were you working on?"

Regina ducked her head, still self-conscious of her geeky pursuit. "Nothing important. Sorry to keep you waiting."

"Are you kidding? We totally could've stayed if you wanted. You really looked like you knew what you were doing."

Regina still didn't understand Emma's acceptance, but she had decided to challenge herself to accept it in return. She wasn't going to try to hide. At least not intentionally. Not everything.

"No, we were finished—Mr. Blake was just demonstrating part of tomorrow's lab, so I could try a more complex version."

"More complex? Aren't you already in AP?" Emma asked in disbelief.

"I…like a challenge, I guess."

"And wicked hard science."

Regina smiled with Emma's emphasis, for once not feeling the ache that usually came with the words that followed. "Yes, I know, I'm a nerd."

"No way," Emma protested. This should definitely be considered cool. "You're like a baby Scully!"

Regina almost gasped.

"You watch The X-Files?"

"Uh, yeah," Emma confirmed, "Mulder is a badass. Plus, he's foxy." She smiled as Regina grimaced. "Bad pun?"

"I think you mean Scully is a badass," Regina prodded, her delight rising.

"Okay, okay, definitely," Emma conceded, her smile growing. She was probably a little more into the show than was socially acceptable for "cool kids" but with Regina…she could be a little more her.

"So, Scully, you looking to be a doctor or an FBI agent?"

Emma could see that same light in Regina's eyes from before, not knowing whether this time it was for Regina's hopes and dreams or simply for the comparison to the fictional woman she admired.

"Actually," Regina admitted softly, tucking a stray hair behind her ear, "I'd want to be both."

"Really?" Emma asked, surprised but beginning to see it. "I'd thought you'd be more into politics," she thought aloud, considering Regina's work in Student Government and for Gold and her aptitude in English and public speaking. But the moment the words left her mouth, the spark in Regina's eyes flickered out and Emma knew—Regina didn't want to be a politician, but someone else wanted Regina to be one. Regina wanted to be Scully. And Emma wanted that, too.

"I kind of might like to be an agent…or just in law enforcement in general," Emma confessed. As much as it seemed a normal sort of aspiration, it was a little bit touchy for her. She had had a few run-ins with the law before she came to Storybrooke, and while they were all minor and had been expunged on her 18th birthday, she still held the sense that a misfit like her must be lacking.

Regina seemed to consider her a moment, taking her in as they meandered through the halls, a bit of her cheer returning. "I could see that. Agent Swan."

Emma picked up a bit of swagger, Regina's approval truly meaning something to her, and dropped her voice.

"What do you say, Mills, you want to believe?" She imitated.

"You're the only one I trust, Swan."

They were playing a game, but both knew there was a great deal of truth underneath it. And Emma ached at the idea that trust might be broken. But it was too late now. She maneuvered away from it, Regina glad to avoid any sort of tension.

"Did you see this week's?" Emma asked.

"No!" Regina exclaimed, "Don't tell me!" She calmed as she realized Emma had no intention of spoiling anything and she was getting over-excited about a silly television show. "I have it recorded," she offered, thinking of how she had spent her Sunday night instead.

"You'll like it," Emma pledged. "Heavy on the Scully."

"Good," Regina smirked. "I'll let you know once I catch up."

As they rounded the corner, they caught sight of Hook and Tink already sitting against the lockers, rather close, if Emma thought about it.

"We have to go see the movie together, deal?" She asked as they drew near, hoping to lend some support as Regina readied herself for the group. "No one else is psyched like I am."

Regina smiled.

"Deal."

"Emma Swan, I am not running with you." Regina would've been scowling if it weren't for the smile she was trying to hide at the sight of Emma loping circles around her like a golden retriever, trying to keep up her heart rate.

"Come on, just a little jog!" Emma pleaded in between breaths.

Regina raised an eyebrow.

"Do these shoes look like they were meant for jogging."

"No," Emma acknowledged, trying to hold back a laugh at Regina's sass. She had changed into something much more professional for her work at Gold's offices, and she was right, the shoes did not look in the least bit comfortable. Nice, yes. Comfortable, no way.

"But," Emma protested, "You can fast walk? It's good for my cool-down!" She half whined, knowing she wasn't going to get anywhere.

"Maybe you should've thought this one through before you insisted on walking me home. You do remember the walking part, right?" Regina didn't budge, walking at her usual pace, which was quite brisk to begin with. Emma would have to make the most out of her situation.

And she did, stopping with the circles to jog by Regina's side, trying to lift her knees higher to compensate for the slower pacing.

But before long, Regina's amusement burst through her lips in a blast of air, not quite to a laugh, but enough for Emma to acknowledge how ridiculous she looked. Normal walking would be fine for today.

The rest of the way was taken up in conversation—Emma really was impressed at the amount of time they could spend together and never lack for things to say. Generally she had limits for her interactions. Neal had been the first and only person she had understood wanting to spend all her time with—until Regina. Things were hardly perfect, but Emma felt the need building with each moment she spent with her new friend. She wanted to learn all about her. She wanted to make up for lost time.

They took a little bit of a shortcut through the woods with Regina promising it would be worth it, even in her heels, and when they ended up in the Mills' backyard, Emma had to agree. It was a beautiful clearing, complete with professionally cared for shrubbery, but off to the side, nearly on the edge of the forest, sat a sprawling sort of tree with its leaves just filling in that really caught Emma's attention.

"What's the deal with that tree?"

"It's my apple tree," Regina replied.

"No way, like you can actually go apple picking in your backyard?"

Regina smiled at Emma's enthusiasm, bemoaning that it wasn't apple season this very moment. But, she was instantly struck with another idea.

"Do you like applesauce?"

Emma tilted her head. "I'm pretty sure if it's food, I like it."

Regina raised her eyebrows. "That doesn't always seem to apply to things with nutritional content."

"Hey!" Emma protested in good cheer. "Alright, fine," she allowed. "I do like applesauce though."

Regina did not let Emma's anticipation go unnoticed. She tried to hide a smile, biting her lip as she looked around.

"Wait right here."

Emma did exactly as asked as she watched Regina run off and disappear through what looked to be a cellar door.

She didn't have to wait long before Regina reemerged, carrying something behind her back.

"Homemade applesauce," she pronounced, offering Emma a bell jar with Regina's precise handwriting clear on the lid marking a date from that October, "This year's batch. Sorry you didn't get to pick them yourself."

"Whoa," Emma cradled the jar in her hands, pleased not only by the gift but that Regina went out of her way to let Emma experience something important to her. She looked up to meet Regina's expectant and twinkling eyes. "Thank you!"

Regina's smile was so bright Emma had to return her gaze to the jar. And then, she couldn't resist.

"How do you like them apples?"

"Oh god, Emma," Regina burst in dismay.

"Admit it," Emma laughed, "You think I'm funny."

"Stealing movie dialogue?" Regina half groaned, half chuckled. "I don't think so. You're going to have to do better."

The laughter fading away, they stood, neither wanting truly to leave, both knowing it was time.

"I should probably get inside," Regina offered, always aware of her mother's constant presence.

"Yeah, of course," Emma accepted. "See you tomorrow."

"Thank you for walking me," Regina spoke as Emma started to move away. "Don't forget to stretch."

"Yeah, I won't." Emma chuckled as she already felt her legs tensing. But she didn't want to leave quite yet.

"Hey, Regina?" She paused, gathering herself as she got Regina's full attention. "I know you have to be back early on weeknights, but you think we could hang out after school sometime this week? Like for real?"

Regina fought to find her words. She was always thrown by Emma's bumbling sweetness. "I would like to, but don't you have practice?"

"Thursday's off before the meet—can you do Thursday?"

Regina considered. She had plans for Thursday, but the more she thought about it, the more she thought she might be better off with Emma included in them.

"Thursday it is, then."

Emma's smile let her know that she absolutely had made the right decision.

"And since I know I'm going to have to remind you a million times before then," Regina added slyly, "Be sure to wear jeans. And sneakers or boots if you can."

"Why, what're we doing?" Emma questioned, intrigued.

Regina smiled before turning and walking to the door. "You'll see."