Title: 12 Days of Christmas - Day 9
Author: Shatterpath
Feedback address: shatterpath@shatterstorm.net
Date in Calendar: 18 December 2013
Fandom: Once Upon a Time
Pairing: Emma and Regina, eventually.
Rating: soft PG. Barely!
Date Written: December 2013
Word Count: still a work in progress!
Summary: (sing it with me now) For the Twelve Days of Christmas, my OUaT author gave to me...
Warnings: nope
Website: ShatterStorm Productions – Doggie Duo
Link to: http://bdkk.shatterstorm.net/
Archive: ShatterStorm Productions & AO3 only…all others ask for permission & we'll see…
Feedback: Constructive criticism is always welcome.
Advertisement: Part of the FSAC:DW13

Disclaimer: "Once Upon a Time," the characters, and situations depicted are the property of Adam Horowitz, Edward Kitsis, Kitsis/Horowitz, and ABC Studios. This piece of fan fiction was created for entertainment not monetary purposes. Previously unrecognized characters and places, and this story, are copyrighted to the author. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author. This site is in no way affiliated with "Once Upon a Time," ABC, or any representatives of the actors.

Author's Notes: I enjoyed the challenge of using the famous Christmas song for this! It took some finagling to get the verse titles right-- not to mention come up with an fic idea for a few of them-- but I enjoyed myself writing this. It was written just before the half-season finale, so keep that in mind. Much of my story will contradict the final ep.

Beta: ariestess

9 Lost Boys Dancing

"They're not so bad. Y'know, now that they aren't minions."

Amused by the statement, Emma looked over at her son, who was watching the former Lost Boys play in the park. They'd mostly responded well to some structure and positive feedback, though when they did revert back to wreaking havoc, they did it with relish. They reminded Emma of feral cats, wild, with their own rules, but so starved for affection that they would allow themselves to be domesticated. Well to a point anyway.

"Yet, you're hanging out with me over here," Emma mused neutrally and smiled just a bit when Henry gave her a long look. "There's that soccer ball of yours is in my trunk."

It was the right thing to say and Emma instantly produced her keys when Henry lit up at the idea. He raced off as the former Lost Boys semi-hesitantly approached. "Hello Sheriff."

The politeness was welcome and she grinned warmly, perking the boys up in response. "How have you guys been getting on?"

Like half-grown puppies starved for attention, they immediately started chattering on, vying for attention while still pretending to be aloof. It was rather adorable in an awkward tweeny sort of way, and Emma nodded along and paid them them the attention they craved. Then Henry returned with the soccer ball and Emma was instantly forgotten. She didn't mind in the least, happy to watch the whole lot of them race off into the grass to rough house.

"Is he safe?"

Only faintly surprised at her counterpart's quiet question, Emma turned her head to smile gently at Regina. "You're kidding, right? They adore him. He was the one that set in motion getting them freed. I'm more worried about Henry figuring that out and getting an ego about it. Knock that right out of him."

A smile played reluctantly around Regina's mouth as she rubbed her arms to try and warm up. The day was unexpectedly chilly and her sweater really wasn't adequate. Immediately, Emma noted the body language and snapped into action.

"Hey, you look cold. Here. I know it's not your style, but it will keep the breeze off you."

Before Regina could do more than open her mouth, the red leather jacket that was so much a part of Emma was settled over her torso, sweltering with body heat. "But you'll get chilled."

"I'm going to go play. I'll be fine. You can keep score."

With a wild, charming grin, Emma raced off with effortless grace and Regina hesitated only a moment before threading her arms into the jacket and zipping it around herself. It fit oddly here and there due to the differences in their builds, but it was... nice.