Break a Leg

             If there had been a strain in Henry’s and Regina’s relationship before it was absent for now. Henry was the first to sign Regina’s cast and when he had insisted on climbing up in bed to sit next to her she had felt her heart almost explode with happiness.

             Regina discreetly glanced at Emma and noted that she had perched herself in the doorway. How many doorways had Emma stood in and how much rejection had she endured before the doorway became her go to space, assured that entering was almost certainly a mistake? Regina noticed that her eyes would linger on Henry and Regina but with no signs of jealousy. She just seemed happy that Henry was happy.

                Regina marveled that Emma’s magic had worked perfectly. She hadn’t felt pain since the first bit of warmth and she wondered if the ankle was still broken. But with Henry warm in her arms for the first time in years she didn’t care if the cast stayed on forever.

                “We are going to head out Regina.” Snow’s voice was tired, “We are so glad you are ok and we hope you still want to come to family gatherings even after this happened…”

                “I had a lovely time.” Regina struggled to keep all tone of sarcasm from her voice, “Accidents do happen and how would anyone know that the horse would startle like that? Maybe I can host the next?”

                Snow face showed that she was stunned with the warmth of Regina’s reply and she gushed. “We would love that!” She moved toward the bed as if to hug Regina when she saw Regina’s expression harden. “Never mind, too soon.” She diverted and motioned for Charming to lift the sleeping Henry, “We’ll be by to check on you and you have my number if you need anything.”

                “I’m sure I’ll have everything I require, thank you.” Regina was still completely stunned that Snow had tried to hug her. These people are completely ridiculous, you try to kill them over and over and over again and they still want to hug you?

                She saw Emma step back as if she were leaving too and Regina felt a bit of panic. What the heck is that about?

               “Emma” Regina blurted, bringing curious eyes back to the doorway. Ms. Swan you idiot!  “Ms. Swan, we need to talk about the responsibilities of the Sheriff while I’m incapacitated.”

               “It’s really late.” Emma glanced at her phone, 2 am. “I can come by in the morning if you like.” Her voice was hesitant, “You probably need your sleep.”

               “I’m perfectly fine right now.” Regina pointedly looked at the chair closest to her bed. “If you wouldn’t mind we can handle it now.”

                Emma hesitated at the doorway but when Regina raised her eyebrows curiously Emma found herself inside sinking into the chair.

               As Regina started listing the things that needed to be managed Emma tried, really tried, to stay awake but found her mind being lulled to sleep by the softness of Regina’s voice. When her eyes drifted closed she missed the mayor’s satisfied smile.