Weird feelings

Ali asked for a oneshot of a pre-teen Emma talking to Red about her first crush.

"Hey kiddo!" Red said, walking happily into her goddaughter's room. "Your mom says you've been very good with your lessons this week, so you can take the day off and we can spend some time together! That sound good to you?" Emma gave a small smile in return. This immediately made Red worried, normally Emma loved spending time with her.

"Yeah. That sounds nice Auntie Red." She said less than enthusiastically.

"You don't sound so sure. You ok?" Red asked her, coming over and wrapping an arm around her shoulder. Emma nodded against her aunt's arm.

"Yeah. I just don't feel so good." Emma responded.

"Well that's not so good. What's the matter sweetie?"

"My tummy feels all weird. And I keep going really warm and my heart goes really fast." Red was concerned. She wasn't sure what was wrong.

"Well, how about we go for a walk in the garden to see if some fresh air will help?" She suggested. Emma shook her head furiously at the suggestion.

"No!" She said, alarmed. "No, Jacob will be there. It always seems to get worse when Jacob's there." She told her aunt. Red smiled in realisation. Now it all made sense. Jacob was the new gardener's assistant. He wasn't much older than Emma, maybe three or four years. Emma clearly had her first crush.

"Emma, I don't think you're feeling unwell." Red explained to her. "Your tummy going all weird, feeling warm, that's not you being unwell honey. I think you've got your first crush." Emma went scarlet.

"Oh." She mumbled, embarrassed. Red hugged her close.

"Aww, my little Emma is growing up!" She said proudly. "Don't get embarrassed, it's nothing to be embarrassed about. I do think he's maybe a little old for you so maybe let this one go. It'll pass I promise. And soon enough you'll find someone your own age." Red had to hold back a laugh. Soon enough Red would discretely tell Snow about Emma so they could have a little chat about it. And of course Snow would tell Charming. Poor Charming, he was going to have a heart attack.