Some Days

It was Henry's idea, but everyone had instantly jumped onto the bandwagon. Regina should come and spend a family day with Snow, Emma, Henry and Red. Regina, reluctantly, agreed once Henry had begged her for two days solid. They made sure it was a day Emma was a decent age, which unfortunately meant it was arranged on the day, but thankfully for all, it was a weekend, so no-one but Red was working, and Granny had a soft spot for Emma, so there was no problem there.

The Saturday morning was clean and crisp, Emma was fifteen, dressed in jeans, a baggy jumper and a backwards cap. Snow had rented a family sized car so they all could fit, and they were planning to go to LazerTag, then for a meal at Granny's then go for a movie. Normal family stuff, nothing that would stress anyone out too much.

Henry happily climbed into the back of the car with Red. Emma got carsick easy if she was in the back, so there were no arguments from anyone, not even Regina, since she got to sit next to Henry, who felt like her only friend in this entire fruitless endeavour.

They arrived at LazerTag and Emma was first out the car, bending over and taking deep breaths. Snow rubbed her back gently until Emma straightened, looking sullen and just nodding. The headed inside and got kitted out, divided into a team of two and a team of three. Regina and Emma vs. Snow, Red and Henry. The two teams split up and although she was slightly scared of Regina, Emma stuck close to her side, a little more afraid of the dark and smoky arena, knowing that somewhere in here were people who wanted to shoot her, granted not with bullets, but still.

Regina couldn't help but smile as Emma clung to her side tightly, literally holding onto Regina's arm. She couldn't bring herself to shake the girl off and now she was spending time with her, she could see how this wasn't actually all that bad. The two of them took cover in a sheltered corner and tried to come up with a battle plan.

"Henry's their weakest link... we go for him, then Mom, then Red." Emma said quietly, chewing her lip. Regina nodded along.

"Alright, so if you go one way and I go the other, the second you see movement, start firing. We can't hit each other, right?" Emma nodded and stood slowly, still chewing her lip as she pulled her hood up so her face was covered. 'Smart girl' Regina thought as they split up.

Emma was shaking as she made her way through the maze of Styrofoam, meeting Regina's eye as they surrounded the three. Emma fired at Henry from behind a block before they even realised what was happening. Regina took down Snow and both fired at Red together before Regina grabbed Emma's arm, pulling her away through the maze and back to the safety of their sheltered corner. Emma was laughing breathlessly, bright eyed and face flushed in excitement. Regina smiled at the childlike enthusiasm written across the younger girls face.

Needless to say, Regina and Emma won easily, high-fiving and bouncing together when they were announced the winners before entering a tender yet slightly awkward hug. Regina offered to drive back and Snow nodded. As they drove, Regina spoke quietly.

"I'm sorry... I don't know if you remember but... I'm sorry for invading your mind with magic. I guess... I didn't understand." Emma chewed her lip and stared at the other woman before nodding.

"I don't remember... but thanks, whatever, y'know?" She replied, smiling softly at Regina.

By the end of the day, the two were almost inseparable, laughing and joking together as if they were the best of friends. And when Emma fell asleep in the car on the way home, it was Regina who offered to carry her up the stairs.