Here for SQ

The first session (this one), Henry has to ask a million times before his Moms say yes. It’s an operation with Ruby, who jumps on the chance to use it to get Emma to drop her guard around Regina (bc it’s SO obvious that the two of them like each other, they’re just stubborn)

Ruby asks Henry for help deciding on a class, and after joking she should be a circle of the moon Druid (so she can transform into a Dire Wolf at will), he suggests the classic Wood Elf Rogue (bc he wants to balance the party with some big hitters, but also it’ll be funny watching Ruby try to sneak around rather than be the centre of attention). It turns out later that his Ma finds Rogue Ruby very distracting. She brings two real daggers to the first session

Emma decides she’s gonna be a male barbarian (there’s some allure to being allowed to Lose Her Shit, and if it gives her an excuse to wind Regina up by going bare chested with binder tape, she’s not one to turn it down). She’s just about read enough on Reddit to pick up Goliath as a good race

Regina accepts reluctantly, but only after she knows Emma has already said yes (can’t let the side down). She refuses to dress up, but does read the entire PHB cover to cover, and decides that makes her a Wizard). @cinnonym gets kudos for this addendum when Emma asks why she wouldn’t go for the sorcerer (born into magic): “I put in the *work* ms swan, i didn't simply wake up with true love magic handed to me." She chooses to play a Tiefling, because “they’re so misunderstood [read: they’re hot, Emma]”

Henry’s grandparents aren’t so sure on Role Play. Idk, I’m not a Snow fan tbh so in my mind she’s the kind of person who thinks video games are sinful, and Corrupting her Grandson, and refuses on principle. But really it’s just a cover for the fact she’d be out of her comfort zone being anything other than herself. And David is torn, because it sounds Really Fun, but ultimately stands with Snow

So Ruby ropes Granny in, and she plays an elder gnome Druid (this is actually based on a friend of mine’s epic character Bob the Chef), who’s adventuring in the search of exotic ingredients for his signature bakes. He casts bonfire all the time by throwing magical cupcakes on the ground and testing their effect (like fireworks) on colour and consistency of flame

Mulan is the last to join, after Emma spends weeks moaning that Snow’s being a spoil sport (ignoring the fact she herself took days to say yes). She’s not entirely sure, but after talking to Ruby, decides to play a human Bard (multilclass w a fighter, probably) who grew up in a super strict training academy for Girls With Promise (or some uncomfortable name like that) and now wants to learn how to make people laugh/smile/dance rather than tearing them down. Again, thanks to @cinnonym for their excellent suggestions

Right, so Henry designs a one-shot where they’re breaking into the Evil Sorceress’ castle for evidence at a wider plot to overthrow the Good Kingdom. Everyone apart from Regina finds it hilarious that it’s so obviously her old castle they’re breaking into. Regina doesn’t really notice, too lost in Getting Into Character and in the view to her left of Emma’s chest on full display

It’s classic D&D theme with a dungeon crawl, ability to sneak around obstacles. But Emma is true to barbarian form, and her character bursts in like he owns the place, much to Regina and Ruby’s consternation. As a party, they start as a complete disaster

Regina literally cannot stop looking at Emma, and Emma’s using the fact she’s cosplaying as a man to flirt with her. She’s not even subtle

At some point a couple hours in, Emma offers to get everyone a drink/snack from Regina’s kitchen. Cue some snarky comment about how Emma would get lost in there with so much glassware for the breaking. So Regina accompanies her

And they are gone. For a full twenty minutes. Everyone just sits at the table wondering whether to say something

They come back, blushing, after Henry shouts through and interrupts whatever was happening

But here’s the thing. There’s not a hair out of place. No lipstick moved. So Ruby and Henry’s Operation has failed

Still, they’re even less subtle about checking each other out for the rest of the day. And Regina is the one who begs Henry for a follow up before anyone else can ask (because she enjoyed The Game. Of course. No ulterior motives)

So there is a follow-up, but Snow and David join, and there’s a long waiting list, because it turns out Henry (with his marvellous imagination) is FANTASTIC at role playing and running the sessions

So it becomes an extension of Family Dinners, allowing Regina and the Charmings to air some of their differences under the guise of role playing

And about three or four sessions in, Regina arrives in full tiefling get up. And Emma’s barbarian becomes single-syllable only (which isn’t not in character, but it’s painfully obvious why)

To the point the next session they are both conspicuously half an hour late, arriving at the diner hastily dressed and unable to look at each other, so maybe the operation is a success after all