#dr. Archie Hopper

[a-happy-beginning]

Captain Hook buying a ring. I mean, that alone shows progress. Look, Killian, you’re listening to your conscience now, and everyone sees that.

—Dr. Archie Hopper, Once Upon a Time, “Murder Most Foul”

[oautincorrectquotes]

Henry: I feel like Iron Man.

Archie: Explain.

Henry: Sad.

[anouatblog]

Ouat alignment chart

[shelbgrey]

- Archie "jiminy cricket" Hopper aesthetic

[petty-d4bblr]

Rewatching Criminal Minds: Suspect Behaviour after watching OUAT and realising Jiminy Cricket is the child abductor in ep 1....😳

[hjbirthdaywishes]

February 12, 2024

Happy 60 Birthday to Raphael Sbarge.

[martianbugsbunny]

Archie Hopper appreciation post! *heart eyes* He’s one of my fave OUAT characters. He’s gentle and kind and he tries to make other people’s lives better. His presence on screen gives me the same warm-and-fuzzies as a hot mug of tea, he just seems like the kind of guy who’s incredibly safe to be around and who really, deeply cares about others. And let’s not forget that he A) has great fashion sense, and B) is among the top three cutest guys on the show. Love. This. Man.

Archie smiling (v cute); also wearing that gorgeous jacket with the fun lapels and a rather dashing tie

Archie looking a bit disgruntled (v cute); wearing a cool hat (10/10), a stripey scarf, and a neat overcoat. Also another excellent tie

Archie looking intent, probably listening to somebody’s problems (v cute); lighting is excellent is this pic. Hits him just right! Love those tortoiseshell glasses, specially how they’re orangey and match his hair

Archie staring into the sky (v cute); looks great in the moonlight. Also got those neat gold spectacles, bc he’s in the Enchanted Forest. His eyes look stunning in this pic

[treatian]

The Chronicles of the Dark One: The Delicacies of Time

Chapter 44: A Happy Ending

"There are details!" she breathlessly exclaimed when she pulled away from him. The reality of a wedding tonight was settling in, romantic as he knew she'd find it, the planner within her was starting to overwhelm. "There are things that need done…people, announcements, at this hour-"

"I'll take care of all that," he promised with a shake of his head. "Marry me."

Her smile spread once more as she nodded. "What do you need me to do?"

"Prepare your vows? Meet me in an hour? I'll do the rest."

"Where?"

"The well," he answered without thinking. To him it was as normal as answering with "in a church" in this realm, but the more he thought about it…

It might have been a cheesy tradition in his old village, but it worked for them. The well was someplace special for them even here.

"The place we first kissed after the curse broke, after you came back to me. Give me a chance to make a promise to you there that I'll keep for the rest of our lives."

She beamed. Then nodded her head as her eyes glazed over with tears. "In an hour then," she answered, her voice choked with an emotion that he no longer thought was from grief but rather joy.

It was appropriate. He felt the shift too.

Quickly he leaned forward to kiss her, then moved away the second he managed to tear himself free, and left her in the library, knowing he'd see her soon. As much as he hated to do it without giving her the ring in his pocket, parting was necessary. The truth was that there were things that needed to be done if they intended to do this today, but not nearly as much as she thought.

People and announcements…those were wants. Not needs.

Needs for a marriage were quite simple.

They needed a place. And they had one. The well.

They needed an officiant, someone who could pronounce them officially husband and wife. He wasn't one for a Holy Man, but being who he was, he knew there was someone in town who was licensed in an official and legal capacity, who might not mind doing the deed.

He found Archie still at Granny's with the others. The man went pale when he pulled him aside to speak with him privately, not that he could blame him. Not only was he the Dark One, but he was also Mr. Gold, a man who never smiled unless something sinister was afoot, and yet he couldn't keep himself from smiling even now. But color returned to the man's cheeks as he explained the situation, as he told him that he knew he was friends with Belle and couldn't think of anyone else who might not only consider performing the wedding but might actually enjoy it. He expected a lecture from the cricket who prided himself on being a conscious to people who were acting against their own, but instead, he'd nodded his head and said, "I'd be honored."

A place secured, Archie preparing, the details given, a ring in his pocket already that he simply couldn't wait to give away, he realized that the list of "needs" had been fulfilled. Thirty minutes remaining didn't give him a lot of time to fulfill many "wants," but it allowed for some. He drove home quickly, changed suits, selected a steal gray tie and pocket square, then added a scarf for a bit of extra flair, and summoned a fresh white flower to fix to his lapel. Eighteen minutes to spare, he took the car and headed up into the back woods of the forest, where he knew of a spot to park his car for the well.

Archie was already there, Pongo in the backseat, he leaned against his car with a flashlight in hand. "Bit dark for a midnight wedding…I don't think there's any lighting at the well."

He couldn't be annoyed at the nitpicking. It was impossible. So instead, he answered that it wouldn't be a problem when they arrived, and the two of them began the short hike up to the well.

Another want he could accomplish…setting the mood.

With a sweep of his hands, he covered the well with glowing white candles that even made Archie gasp. "Ah…yes…well…that will work just fine."

Between the candles and the moon, it would indeed work just fine.

Seven minutes to spare.

If he knew Belle, she'd be right on time.

There was time enough to do something more, he knew. Time enough to fulfill another "want," but for the life of him, he couldn't think of anything that would be appropriate. His mind felt hazy. There was a lump that was somehow managing to swell in his throat. Concentration was beginning to feel impossible. But when he heard a branch break at four minutes to go and turned to see her step out of the clearing…

He couldn't think at all.

He could barely breathe looking at her.

Time slowed to a crawl as she walked toward him, a vision in white…in every single literal way he knew of.

It was true. That vision that he'd seen so long ago in the castle when he'd caught her after she'd fallen from the ladder, the vision that produced so many small little glimpses of a future he wasn't sure or hadn't wanted to believe were real…one of those visions had shown him this. Had shown him her. Dressed exactly like that.

On their wedding day.

It hadn't shown him Archie. It hadn't shown him Belle clinging to her father's arm, only her as she made her way to him, eyes fixed and nearly in tears already.

She was gorgeous. And he wasn't sure this was the best idea he'd ever had, or the worst because he'd taken so damn long to get to this place.

"It is my great honor to officiate this most lovely union," Archie began when they were toe to toe, and her father had stepped away. The shock of his voice had him glancing over at him, reminding him that they weren't alone at the moment. His mind seemed to keep forgetting that. It kept blocking out everyone and everything except her and that gaze of hers. "If you'd like to begin, your vows…" Archie prompted, glancing at her first as he realized…

A need that he'd forgotten…his vows.

"Rumpelstiltskin…" she began with a swallow. "This thing we have it's…it's never been easy. I've…I've lost you so many times," she cried, struggling to breathe through her emotions. Oh, he wanted to take her in his arms even then. "I've lost you to…to darkness, to weakness, and-and finally…to death. But now I realized…I realize that I have not spent my life losing you…I've spent my life finding you!"

Beautiful vows. Simple and elegant, just as she was. Just as he had difficulty being, especially when he went into something entirely unplanned and unprepared. How was he supposed to say anything half as good as that?

But then again…

There was nothing he could tell her she didn't already know. What had he said to her in the library? He wanted to make a promise to her that he'd actually keep. What was a vow if not a promise?

"Belle…" he began, doing his best to look at her and go back to that place where Archie and her father didn't exist. The things he wanted to tell her now were things he had only ever uttered to her in the privacy of their bedroom or the back of the shop. He blushed to think others might be witness to it, but that was the point after all. He just needed to block the others out so he could get them out of his mouth. It was just the two of them here at this well. It was the two of them making these promises. "When we met, I wasn't just unloved and unloving. I was an enemy of love. Love had only brought me pain. My walls were up, but you brought them down. You brought me home." He swallowed hard and tried not to be distracted as tears rolled down her cheeks. "You brought life into my life and chased away all the darkness. And I vow to you, I will never forget the distance between what I was and what I am."

That was it…the "want" he had time to provide for her. He wanted to do right by her, wanted to be everything that she wanted him to be. That was a vow, a promise that he wanted to keep. A gift that he could give…plus one other she didn't yet know about.

He glanced at Archie as he pulled the ring out of his pocket, more to let the cricket know he had it than to seek his permission, but he was happy when he nodded all the same. Her jaw dropped as she stared at it, and he reached for her hand to slip it over her finger.

"I owe more to you than I can ever say," he explained, settling it into place and feeling the magic solidify. "How you can see the man behind the monster…I will never know."

"But that monster's gone," she argued with absolute certainty. "And the man beneath him may be flawed…but we all are. And I love you for it," she insisted, squeezing his hands tighter in her own. "Sometimes the best book has the dustiest jacket. And sometimes the best teacup…is chipped!"

A small laugh spread over her face, taking him right back to one of their earliest interactions, when she'd dropped that cup, chipping it forever, and he'd made a not-so-funny joke that she'd still laughed at all the same. It was strange how a moment like that could evolve, the places it could lead to the challenges that would arrive to dismantle it. They'd conquered their demons, climbed their mountains, and come through the other side. And now there was only one thing left he could think to do.

Vows said, ring given, he stepped forward in front of that well, and the few there to witness it, and kissed her, proclaiming to all the world they were now and forever, finally, husband and wife.

[nightwhispcrs]

✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ — here's my post-hiatus/new season starter call for my muses that could use more threads! at least some of these will have a fall/autumn theme and for my sanity many of them will probably be set at my muses' place of work.

adam newman, 33, senator & coffee shop owner — ( 1/3 ) drusilla

arnold novak, 28, socially awkward landscaper — ( 1/3 ) helaena targaryen

craig manning, 23, musician & photographer — ( 2/3 ) emily junk, nettles

gael martinez, 29, artist — (2/2 ) nie huaisang, kauul hilo

irina denali, 28, vampire esthetician law school student — ( 2/3 ) nettles, lucy westenra

dr. jack shephard, 35, spinal surgeon — ( 2/3 ) carlisle, pildo

jim hopper, 45, private investigator — ( 2/3 ) jihyo, joel miller

lenny pierce, appears 25, twilight oc hybrid — ( 1/2 ) astrid hofferson

michael guerin, appears 31, space alien cowboy — ( 2/3 ) jake wheeler, martin blackwood

monica geller — ( 1/1 ) dain aetos

naomi pierce, 34, luxuy smuggler socialite — ( 1/2 ) kenna

ramona flowers, 25, vintage store manager — ( 2/3 ) helaena targaryen, evie grimhilde

dr. reid oliver, 37, asshole neurosurgeon — ( 0/3 )

roman roy, 36, bar owner — ( 0/2 )

sarah walker, 29, cia agent — ( 3/3 ) mia winters, dale cooper, will graham

sue storm, 31, meterologist — (2/3 ) kate carter, yoon jisoo

violet baudelaire, 24, mechanical engineer — ( 1/3 ) archie kennedy

zoe rivas, 24, actress & wine bar host — ( 2/2 ) gina porter, jeremiah fisher

[anewkindofme]

can you classify dr. hopper/jiminy cricket?

I feel Archie is an obvious caregiver. He’s a therapist who would be amazing to a Little. He’d implement play therapy, sensory activities and read lots of books

Send me a character from fandoms on this list and I’ll classify them!

[amirajones]

The Princess and the runaway Princess pt. 13

I couldn't say how long I slept but it was the best sleep I ever had. Knowing I was in the one place no one would really catch me. Killian held me close which only added to my comfort as I slept. So waking to his devilishly handsome face only brought a smile.

"morning luv." Killian said

"morning." Amira said

Being with him was always good but I was being selfish with him. I knew where he was, where the ship was and the men were kept away for now. So when he kept on the ship I didn't really argue as I looked at my phone seeing two voicemails and nine missed calls from Regina. I put my phone to my ear listening to the voicemails.

"I don't know who you think you are now not showing up but trust me princess you better come in." Regina said on the first one which I deleted

"Ami where are you? Went by your apartment and the pier but I didn't see the ship. Call me as soon as you can sis." Snow said on the 2nd voicemail.

I didn't worry about Regina anymore and put the phone away. Killian came through the door placing a bag by me and I looked at him curiously.

"I talked to one of the men. They went and got you this under my orders so you dont starve. After all you have to eat considering things have changed." Killian said

I smiled knowing that was how things were as I looked in the bag. "You must of talked to Smee, he knows Ruby knows all my favorites." Amira said

"yes well Mr. Smee mentioned you took charge in my absence" Killian said

I merely shrugged as I ate. Truth I couldn't tell you how long I stayed there. I know sometimes I snuck off the ship to check out apartments and well to charge my phone.

After two months going on three and needing new clothes to plan my sister agreed to take me shopping for clothes that would fit. The outside world of Storybrooke suddenly didn't seem an issue to me. Once I had it I returned to the ship as I heard muffling cries and after changing I checked it out seeing Dr. Hopper.

"Archie?" Amira said knowing she just heard Snow say something about him being dead.

I carefully climbed down remembering my extra weight as I removed his gag. He seemed surprised to see me at first and well showing now but it took him time. I had a cup of water I reached for and offered it to him which he took a drink from it.

"Selena what are you doing here?" Archie asked

"I'm a pirate and my boyfriend is the Captain." Amira said "why are you here?"

"Cora, she kidnapped me so your boyfriend could interrogate me." Archie said

"Right the dark one. He's kept me out of the loop of it all." Amira said

I didn't get much time to talk to Archie as I was magically pulled out of there and Archie was gagged again. I looked just as Killian pulled me to him seeing Cora.

"Captain you need to keep this one on a leash." Cora said

"I'm nobody's pet Cora." Amira said

"why were you down there?" Killian asked

"I was offering him some water after all he can't tell you anything if he's dehydrated and starving!" Amira said and I walked away to his Cabin where he insisted I stayed.

Cora watched me walk away seeing the mood swings were setting in. She must of noticed I was at the three month mark maybe a little longer but I didn't care at all what she thought.

"are you making her see a doctor?" Cora asked Killian

"according to Selena the only doctor is Whales and she refuses to go see him. Says he creeps her out." Killian said

I assume in Killian's eyes he was getting everything he wanted. Working on his revenge, watching over me as our child was growing waiting for the day he or she would be here. The only down side was having Cora around.

Another few weeks passed each day Killian bringing in food one of the men bought from the diner. When Killian left me alone with Dr. Hopper I'd share some of it with him so he wasn't starved.

"your boyfriend seems determined." Archie said

"well I wouldn't expect anything less of him. Honestly I can see past the act he puts up. He's hurting inside." Amira said

I put my hand on my stomach sometimes and imagine the gender of the baby. Boy or girl I'd love it either way but I wanted a girl someday. That was my secret though.

"you must be very happy to be this far." Archie said

"I wish it was that easy. My father wouldn't approve of any of it." Amira said as she ate and sighed "he'd disown me for being pregnant let alone in love."

"I see that's why you're here. Your not here against your will but because you love your Captain." Archie said

"he taught me everything I know about being a pirate." Amira said

Archie and I had casual conversations. As much as I wanted to free him my vow of loyalty kept me from untying him. When Killian came in I left the area not leaving a single clue to what was going on. My only request was he leave Archie alive. I knew my time staying on the ship was limited in fact my sister ended up finding me a new apartment that I could get near hers with room to consider for a baby and if Killian didn't want to stay on the ship. I smiled knowing luckily my cursed self saved quite a bit of money aside for a new apartment. So I left the ship going to meet my sister and getting things set up for getting the apartment. I walked with Snow checking it out first to see if I'd like it.

"it's big enough for three people. I know you've been living with him." Snow said

"I can't exactly say no. I'd have everything I would need right here sort of." Amira said

"have you been to whale to check and see if the baby is healthy? Do you know how far along you are?" Snow asked

I didn't answer her more because I wasn't in the mood to argue. Whales was creepy in his own way nothing could change my mind on that. Snow could probably read the answers.

"you need to go see him at least once. I can find you a midwife to help out." Snow said

"No. I refuse to go to him." Amira said

After finalizing the apartment, Snow practically forced me to go see Whales. Even with refusing I could tell I was probably farther along then I thought. Still when we got to the hospital she insisted I be seen for a check up. They took us back to a room and I was more willing to let the nurses do their job than whales. Seeing my discomfort he instructed one of the nurses what to do as they took a look.

"well Selena, seems you have about a little less than four or three months." Dr. Whales said as he was looking "do you want to know the gender?"

Deep down I did want to know but I shook my head. Killian and I discussed it and he didn't want to know till the day the child arrived. If I found out then I would want to tell him. Snow talked with Whales though as she planned to have a baby shower she called it for me so I'd have things ready. Now that we knew time was limited it was best to make arrangements. After leaving there I didn't say a word to her much except taking the pictures with me to look at.

"it's amazing, isn't it? New life being created by you." Snow said

"yeah it is something." Amira said

Killian didn't have a phone so I went by the Jolly Roger. He was waiting outside it and saw me as he went to me hugging me close. I kissed him as a simple greeting.

"luv what's gotten into you?" Killian asked

"my sister helped me get an apartment. A different one it's closer to her." Amira said but as I watched him I seen it seemed he didn't like the idea of Snow being so close.

"you have me." Killian said

"I know but I'm progressed in my pregnancy. I can't stay on the ship, we need this to stay together. I have just one thing to ask don't get yourself killed." Amira said

Luckily I got Killian to agree to moving in to the apartment. He kept me sheltered from the chaos he was causing in town. Still when we walked in the apartment he looked around clearly not used to such things but I walked him through everything that came with an apartment. He noticed my laptop on the bed which he went over picking it up.

"what is this?" Killian asked

I walked over taking it from him "it's a laptop. It connects to something called the internet." Amira said

I knew he was up to something when he smiled at me. He missed me as he made me look at him.

"stay here." Killian said

He left, if I knew he was up to no good I would of tried to stop him. He knew what he had was important but stopping him from going after The dark one was impossible. I sat there waiting and looked over names but I knew Archie needed freed so I left the apartment going against his words taking my chances with Cora as I went on the ship and went below deck. I opened the place using my sword to free Archie and let him climb up.

"Thank you Selena." Archie said and I smiled at him

"time for you to go home Archie." Amira said

"you set me free. Won't you get in trouble?" Archie asked

"well I need advice. I was going to look over names but there's one name for a boy I was considering. My Captain had a brother." Amira said

"you are considering naming your baby after the brother? It's very sentimental." Archie said

I heard footsteps on the deck knowing there was no way Killian was there. I hesitated going up thinking it could of been Cora but when they came below deck I saw Belle.

"Belle" Amira said

"Hello Amira." Belle said and seen Archie "Archie you're alive?"

"he's been here the whole time. Why what's going on in town?" Amira asked

"well there was a funeral service. No one knew where to find you or we'd of told you." Belle said

I had to think that was why he was tied up with Cora showing up. I recalled that day well as the day Killian held me close till Cora left.

"I'm setting Archie free but I needed his assistance." Amira said

Archie soon left leaving me and Belle below deck. I previously told her about my alliance with the pirates and I didn't regret it one bit. It wasn't long though more movement could be heard and soon we both saw Killian.

"luv, you're supposed to be at the apartment." Killian said

"I had to ask Archie something. He's good with advise and it wasn't like he could tell you anything." Amira said

Belle was looking for something clearly something that was brought here earlier. I saw the Shaw on Killian's hook.

"looking for something?" Killian asked her

"that doesn't belong to you." Belle said

"oh,it does now." Killian said

I seen Belle run for a close Gun I didn't realize Belle had. Killian grabbed it first with a laugh as he pointed it at her but I moved infront of her.

"luv move." Killian said

"she's my friend. No." Amira said "she's the only one I had at the time. The shawl why do you have it?"

"if you must know it belonged to the dark one. He was going to use it to leave town." Killian said

"you could of destroyed it. Why didn't you?" Amira asked

He didn't have an answer for me so I came up with my own.

I shook my head "Milah." Amira said and I took Belle with me leaving the under part of the ship. Killian ran up after us and I didn't look at him.

"luv please." Killian said

"I won't fight with a ghost." Amira said as I let Belle go going off the ship. Belle went to get the shawl leaving with it while he was distracted. I didn't go to my apartment, I went to my sister practically crying as she comforted me. I thought we were past this, but anything when it came to Milah could get under my skin the wrong way when Killian tells me he loves me.

[a-happy-beginning]

Let me do it the way my conscience tells me to.

—Dr. Archie Hopper, Once Upon a Time, “That Still Small Voice”

[oautincorrectquotes]

Archie: So, tell me why you can't sleep at night.

Emma shaking: Does Mike Wazowski wink or blink?

[woodandwaxwings]

Glimpse Of Us (Henry Mills x Male Reader)

summary; Needless to say Henry and Y/n have been very close all their lives. But things change, and not always for the best. can be read as platonic or romantic but was intended to be romantic.(It seems like I only post angst or sorta sad fluff lol also my requests are VERY open as long as the character is on my masterlist) Might turn this into a full fic if y'all want me to.

Warnings; reader has black hair, ANGST, strangers to friends to secret crush

Word Count— 1,004

"You're in my spot," The young boy looked down from the stood he was seated on to the other boy around his age. "Henry, that's rude!" The woman next to him spoke as she kneeled next to her son and looked up at the other child as he swung his feet on the stool. "I'm so sorry about him." As she surveyed the boy she realized she had never seen him before, with his tussled black hair and fragile hands, he looked to be only seven, the same as her son. "I'm sorry sweetie, what's your name?" Regina asked as the stranger slid off the stool. "Y/n, and it's no problem, miss. I've got to get going anyway, my mom's expecting me." As he said that she noticed the bag of oatmeal that sat on the counter as the child brought it to his chest. Henry smiled as he climbed into the still-warm seat and his mother watched the mystery child leave. Henry furrowed his brows at the still half-full mug, "You forgot your drink!" He called out and the click of Y/n's black boots halted, "You can keep it." Henry nodded, unable to answer as the other boy's smile gave him a fuzzy feeling in his chest.

Y/n sat up on the frozen bench as he was blinded by the lights of a foreign yellow car. He brought his frost-nipped fingers to his eyes to block out the lights as a blonde woman and a hazy boy exited the car to speak with Archie Hopper. Henry looked between this blonde woman and the boy from Granny's before he made his decision to sit next to Y/n. "You running away again?" Henry asked, though he already knew the answer. "I just... needed some air." Henry shook his head, "You're gonna get in trouble again." Y/n let out a scoff through his nose, "I hate that place. And-" Y/n looked at his lap, "And I wanted to visit my mom." The truth was after Henry discovered the book Y/n was the first person he went to. At the time the orphaned boy was still just a stranger, but his page in the book and his unchanged name gave him a feeling that he could help him break the curse. Y/n looks up from his lap over into the doe eyes that were already on him, "You really think she can help us?" Both of their gazes snapped over to the blonde woman, supposedly Henry's mother, as she left Dr Hopper to join them on the bench. "I know it." Y/n smiled as he looked back at Henry, "You're lucky I trust your heart more than mine." Henry smiled at the boy next to him, their conversation ending as Emma joined them.

Y/n stood anxiously at the front end of Killian's ship, knuckles lightening with his harsh grip on the ship's edge. "You're going to fall off if you go any farther up the wall," Snow said as she placed a gentle hand on the preteen's shoulder. "What if we don't make it in time?" He asked the elder woman, his gaze unmoving from the approaching horizon. "We're going to find him, Y/n." He nodded, "I know that. I'm afraid of how we'll find him." His gaze dropped from the golden sandy shores to the mermaid-riddled ocean. "I've been having these nightmares. They- they feel so real." He looked over to the dark-haired woman as he placed a hand below his left rib. "Henry, he- he's different. And then there's this strange pain in my stomach and suddenly I can't breathe. It's like the world is suffocating me in my own darkness." "You've been having visions?" Y/n turned around fully to face Regina. "You're mother had them too." Her shoes clicked against the wooden grain, "The way they're shown to her was very deceiving. They happened, just not the way she expected." Y/n turned back around, "So, you don't think they'll be bad?" He asked. "I think you should have hope that they'll be good." He nodded, their talk ending as the ship reached the shore.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Henry asked as he firmly grasped Y/n's hand. "Our world needs your mother more than it needs me. My soul has been tainted by darkness since I was born, nobody needs me." Henry sighed as Y/n pulled out of his grasp, his e/c eyes meeting his best friend's puppy dog brown ones. He smiled, "I'm not going to die, Henry. I promise," Those were the last words he had spoken to his friend before ending up at the docks in front of the Dark Swan. "You stole my title," Y/n joked as he approached the woman. "Didn't you know, there's only space for one black swan." The elder woman rolled her eyes, sending a wave of dark magic at the teen as he shifted into a swan, flying over the magic and onto the edge of the dock. This game of chase continued as Y/n began to grow tired of wasting time. "Emma!" Regina shouted out, distracting her allowing Y/n to grab ahold of the blade in her hand. The platinum-haired woman trusted the blade forward, the shift pushing him back a step. It wasn't until her son screamed as he pushed past her had she realized what she had done. With a ball of smoke, Emma had returned to her savior self, grabbing onto Henry before he lunged off the edge of the dock. "NO!" He screamed out at the splash of his best friend's body slamming into the sea. "Please, you promised! I need you. I love you," His voice cracked as his knees hit the dock, his vision blurring as his tears hit the surfacing air bubbles in the water. "No," He whispered, looking up at his adopted mother as she placed a cautious hand on his shoulder. "He promised."

[believingispowerfulmagic]

Reunited at Last

Summary: Regina Mills lives a very mediocre life in the small town of Storybrooke, Maine. An orphan, she has no family to speak of, hasn’t had a love life since her high school sweetheart dumped her and her landlord Mr. Gold won’t even let her have a pet. She works a menial job in the cannery though she dreams of owning a bakery. Her existence is a lonely and boring one…until a young girl knocks on her door and says she is Regina’s daughter.

Diana has a book of fairy tales that she claims are real and that everyone in the Storybrooke is cursed. Though she doesn’t believe her at first, Regina starts to read the book herself and finds herself slowly starting to believe. She enters a fight to get back her happiness, her friends and her family–even if it means taking on the powerful Mayor of Storybrooke.

Chapter 1: FFN | AO3 | Wattpad

Chapter 14: Decisions and Gossip

FFN | AO3 | Wattpad

Excerpt:

"Hello, Regina," Dr. Hopper said, ushering her into his office. "How are you?"

She scratched Pongo behind his ear, just where she learned he liked, before sitting down. "I'm good," she replied. "I've definitely been infected by the holiday spirit."

He chuckled. "You and most of the town."

"Christmas certainly has come to Storybrooke," she agreed, thinking of all the decorations that had gone up since her last session. Granny's Diner had covered its windows in fake snow as well as Christmas lights and decorations. And the town had hung its lights over Main Street already, though they weren't lit yet. That would happen during the upcoming weekend when Mayor Nolan would also light the town tree.

And even though Regina was still nervous around the town's mayor, she couldn't wait for the event. Especially since she was going with Rob and their friends.

"I believe you were decorating your house this weekend," Dr. Hopper said. "How did that go?"

"It went very well," she replied, brightening as she thought of the fun night she spent with her friends. "My house looks lovely and I have a bunch of great memories now. And I feel very relaxed."

He chuckled. "I'm glad to hear that. But did you try any other methods of self-care?"

She nodded. "I took a nice long bath with a bath bomb and some scented candles. I then put on some soft music and used a face mask. It felt heavenly."

"Good," he replied. "I hope you make it a regular practice."

"I will," she said, already vowing to do it again later that month.

He nodded, writing something down. "Now, in our last session, we were discussing your romantic history. And I get the feeling you wanted to discuss it for a reason."

"Yes," she replied, feeling nervous again. "There's someone I'm interested in."

"I had a feeling that was the case," Archie said. "Is it Rob?"

Surprise filled her as she nodded. "How did you figure it out?"

He chuckled. "Well, you tend to smile when you say his name and your expression softens. And I notice that you tend to separate him from the rest of your friends when talking about them."

"Oh," she said, unaware she had done that. "But yes, I do have feelings that are stronger than friendship for Rob."

"And I'm guessing you want to pursue these feelings?" he asked.

She sighed as Pongo jumped onto the couch and curled up next to her. "Yes, but I'm afraid I can't."

"And why not?"

"It's…complicated," she said, deciding that was the best word. "And you have to promise not to think I'm crazy."

He tilted his head. "That word doesn't exist in this room."

"I know," she replied. "But I still worry that you're going to think it. So can you promise and put me at ease? Please?"

"Okay," he said. "I promise."

Relieved, she said: "It has to do with the storybook. I think Rob is really Robin Hood and Miriam is really Maid Marian. And if that's the case, then they are meant to be together - not him and me."

He paused, looking up at her. "So do you believe the storybook is real?"

"I don't know," she replied honestly. "Some days I do, some days I don't. But lately, the days I do are starting to outnumber the days I don't."

"Do you think Miriam has feelings for Rob?" Archie asked.

She shrugged. "Miriam says they are only friends and they don't seem to act like they have any feelings for each other."

He nodded. "And do you think Rob might return your feelings?"

"I don't know," she replied honestly again. "I don't know if what he's doing means he has feelings for me or if he's just being a good friend, you know? I just don't have enough experience with friendships or romances to know the difference."

"I think that's a very good observation," he replied. "Do you want to discuss it now?"

She took a deep breath. "I think so."

"Okay," he said. "Tell me more about your friendship with Robin."

"Well, he's always willing to help me out but he's like that with everyone else," she started.

Dr. Hopper held up his hand. "Let's not compare your relationship with him to his with anyone else. Let's just focus on yours."

She nodded. "Okay."

"Good," he replied, leaning back in his chair again. "I apologize for interrupting you. Please proceed."

"Thank you," she said, playing with Pongo's ear as he rested his head on her lap. "Well, as I said, he is always willing to help me. And he is a really good listener. He's the only other person I've told about my search for my possibly missing child."

Dr. Hopper paused his writing as he tilted his head. "That's a big deal."

"I know," Regina said. "But I just felt so comfortable talking with him about it and he's been so supportive. It felt really good."

"That's good," Dr. Hopper assured her. "Trust is important in any relationship, either platonic or romantic."

That gave Regina pause as she continued to pet Pongo, thinking through her interactions with Rob to see if he had confided anything to her in return. Unable to think of anything, she admitted: "I just don't know if Rob trusts me the same way I trust him."

"He may not," Dr. Hopper said. "We all build trust at different paces. It doesn't mean your friendship isn't strong."

"I guess," she replied, her heart sinking. "I just hope I'm not reading too much into Rob's actions."

Dr. Hopper nodded. "That's an understandable concern."

"Do you have any recommendations?" she asked him, hoping he would be able to help her with her conundrum.

"I do," he replied. "It's going to be simple but sound hard - you should talk to him."

Regina frowned, nodding. "You're right. That does sound hard. What if he doesn't like me that way? What if I scare him off and he decides he doesn't want to be my friend anymore?"

"That is a risk you're going to have to take," he replied. "And it's not one you have to take right away. You can continue to build a friendship with him so that when you do have the discussion about your feelings, you can be more confident that he isn't going to stop being your friend."

"I guess that makes sense," she said slowly. "And I can better sort out my feelings to make sure it isn't just infatuation because of the attention he's showing me."

He nodded. "I think that's a very wise thing to do to make sure you're not mistaking friendship for something more."

She chewed her lip before asking: "Do you think that's what I'm doing now?"

"No, I don't," he replied. "You're not claiming that Rob is in love with you. Rather, you are approaching this maturely with your head and heart in the right place."

"Thank you," she said, glancing at the clock. "How much time do we have left?"

Archie glanced at his watch. "We're about halfway through. Why?"

"Because you skipped over the other part I'm worried about," she said. "The part about the storybook depicting Rob and Miriam as Robin Hood and Maid Marian."

"I did," he agreed. "I didn't think it was as important."

She pressed her lips together, her stomach turning. "Because you thought it was crazy?"

He shook his head. "I told you that word doesn't exist here."

"Then let's talk about it," she pressed. "Let's talk about the fact that Robin Hood and Maid Marian look like Rob and Miriam."

"Okay," he said, nodding. "You're right. This clearly bothers you and I apologize for dismissing it. Let's talk about why it bothers you."

She bit her lip, glad he was finally discussing it with her. Regina considered her answer before responding. "Because the more I read the book, the more I find myself believing Diana's theory about the curse. So if I am the Queen in the book, then Robin Hood plays an important role in that story but I don't think he is the man I end up falling in love with."

Dr. Hopper took off his glasses, studying her without them. "Are you certain the book is real?"

"Not completely, if I'm honest," she replied. "It still seems too fantastical to be completely true. But there are just so many coincidences that I can't just disregard them anymore. I mean, Rob Locke? Sounds pretty similar to Robin of Locksley. And Miriam Woods? Miriam is similar to Marian and she did live in the forest. If you had to modernize those names and try to hide their true identity while still winking at them, those are good choices."

"That is one way to look at it," he agreed. "Or perhaps their names inspired the illustrator to choose them when designing Robin Hood and Maid Marian."

She sighed, nodding. "I thought of that too. That's why I feel so torn."

"I understand," he said, glancing at the clock with a sigh. "Unfortunately, our time is over. We can continue discussing this at your next session."

"Okay," she replied, starting to stand. "Thank you."

He stood as well. "If I can say one more thing before our time is truly up. Don't stress about whether or not you're meant to be with Rob. Just continue building the relationship and enjoy the holidays. Okay?"

"I think I can do that," she said, feeling as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. "Thank you."

"Good," Archie said. "Now, I hope you don't mind that our next appointment won't be until the New Year, do you?"

She shook her head. "I'm honestly busy until New Year with orders so that works."

They reached his desk and he opened his calendar. "I like it when everything sorts itself out. How does January fifth sound?"

"It sounds good," she replied, pulling out her little calendar to add it. "Same time?"

He nodded, writing her into his calendar. Archie then looked up and held out his hand. "If I don't see you, have a happy holiday."

She shook his hand. "You too."

Pongo then pushed against her free hand and she chuckled, scratching behind his ear. "Happy holidays to you too, Pongo," she cooed.

"He's definitely going to have a happy holiday," Archie said. "I tend to spoil him."

"Good," she replied, straightening up again. "He deserves it."

Dr. Hopper laughed as he nodded. "Yes, he does."

She wished him a happy holiday again before leaving the office, heading down the stairs to the front door. Regina stepped out into the cold air, shivering as a few flakes of snow hit her coat. Wrapping her scarf tighter around her neck, she started to walk back home as she hoped it only flurried until she was safe inside. She was likely going to have to start driving even though the office was close to her house as the winter was only going to get worse. And she definitely didn't want to get caught in a storm.

As she turned the corner onto her block, she thought of Archie's words to her. She decided not to worry about what the story in the book meant for her own life. For far too long, she had let outside forces control her life. But not this time. She was going to continue to be Rob's friend and see where their relationship went from there, no matter what the book said.

Nothing was going to control her and keep her from living her life ever again.

[naivesilver]

Your icon doesn't make this sound threatening at all @melon14 I swear asjkdhakjshjfhjfhajkh

Jokes aside, I've already given this AU some basic groundwork in this post, but:

the kids' ages will necessarily vary a lot more than they do in EAH canon to better fit show events - Ramona, Ash and Maddie are among the oldest, and Apple is slightly older than the twins, a fact which she will occasionally lord over Raven;

Apple and Raven having genuine schoolyard drama going on is so funny to me. Like, what are they feuding over? Who Henry loves more as a little sister figure? Their mothers' war? If One Direction was better than Nirvana? Nobody fucking knows, especially not their dads;

(on a more serious note though, Apple has an inner conflict nearly as complicated as her canon self - sure, no one is telling her to follow some fixed destiny guidelines here, but the pressure of having a family filled with heroes and Certified Good PeopleTM might still get to her. Moreover, Emma's jealousy was off the charts when she was born, even though Snow tries to pretend it never happened;)

I'D FORGOTTEN OUAT HAD FRANKENSTEIN WALKING AROUND CAN WE BRANCH OUT INTO MONSTER HIGH TOO????? Because I'd be STOKED to have Francesca "Frankie" Whale show up as a consequence of her dad's actions (also Jekyll and Hyde are there so like...Hyde Serum!Jackson and Holt when);

Sparrow is a mama's boy while Raven is a daddy's girl and it SHOWS;

you know that meme with the lizard and its offspring that goes "children this is dirt" "dirt?" "dirt?" "dirt?"? That's Ruby with her babies on Wolfstime. Mama wolf running through the woods and teaching her pups things while Dorothy has some time to herself;

they're all very protective of Cedar, regardless of any squabble or picked side. Raven, Maddie and Cerise are protective of Cedar, Apple is protective of Cedar, Sparrow is protective of Cedar, even though he usually doesn't give his sister's friends the time of the day. Basically everyone took one (1) glance at this tiny, shy puppet girl and was immediately flooded with love;

that definitely includes the adults in her life, BTW. Of course daddy adores her and grandpa is beyond thrilled, but the moment Dr Archie Jiminy Hopper realizes that this kid is nothing like young Geppetto and Pinocchio and is instead sweet, quiet and capable of staying put when she's asked to? He's sold. He'd have loved her no matter what, but at least Cedar's behavior won't give him a heart attack before he's 50;

I still think that Cedar should have that wood gene show up in the worst possible moment, but it'd probably be an innate trait of hers rather than the result of Blue's active intervention. HOWEVER, what Blue would most definitely do is try to imply that Cedar did something to deserve what's happening to her, which is nearly as bad imho;

not that that would fly with August, honestly. He's barely convinced by the fact that he deserved his various punishments - you mean to tell him that his little girl, who's been deemed extremely pleasant to have around by just about everyone she meets, has somehow committed some sort of sin and is being puppet-ified as a result? Are you shitting him? This is gonna give him the catharsis arc OUAT never bothered to send his way, alright;

finally, there's a ton of characters I still haven't managed to work in, like Farrah, Faybelle or just any other male character, so if anyone has better ideas, let me know please I'm begging you these kids are so complicated adjshjkfhk