#she met with henry behind his mother's back and talked badly of her in front of him

[natalinova]

rewatching ouat and wtf is wrong with emma idc how much you hate regina you don't turn a kid against their parent like that

[rbbalmung]

Pokemon SwSh GPL AU: Character Headcannons P1

(From this point on, I am calling this Pokemon Sword and Shield AU the GPL AU after the Galarian Pokemon League). Here are my character headcannons! I am going to give each character and age and a general ethnicity even though A) time will pass in this au and B) obviously there are no countries in Pokemon. I will be giving them an age based on when the AU starts, at the beginning on Gloria’s Pokemon League Journey. 

GLORIA:

-Age: 16

-Ethnicity: Half English, Half Japanese (English father, Japanese mother)

-General Headcannons: 

o  She is an introverted extrovert. She loves meeting new people and making new friends, but she is on the quiet side due to her troubled relationship with her father. 

o  Going off of that, her parents got a divorce when she was 6 years old because her father was negligent. She has not been in contact with him since he left, but he is at the base of some of her social anxiety. That is why she mostly speaks either in short sentences or not at all (going off her interactions in the game). 

o  The thing that makes Gloria stand out as a Pokemon trainer is that she can pick up on her opponents nuances just by examining them. For example, if her opponent’s breathing quickens, she knows that they are nervous and will resort to mainly attacks. That is why it is so hard for her to beat Leon: He has an emotionless mask during his battles.

o  She picked up this strategy by watching GPL battles throughout her childhood. Gloria was often put in front of the television set to distract her from her parents fighting, and since she had to put so much of her attention towards the matches, she picked up on a lot of people’s ticks. 

o  Gloria is very clingy to Hop. She finds comfort in being near him, so she is often latching onto his arm, hugging him from behind, or holding his hand. The closer she gets to people, the more she hangs onto them. This is rough with Bede and Bea, so it takes a bit of work on both their ends to make sure they’re not making the other party unhappy. 

o  Gloria is ridiculously brave. She will go into pretty much any situation, which is why she just goes along when asked to join the dojo/go on an expedition. 

o  Speaking of expeditions, she looks up to Peony as the father figure she never had. She doesn’t outwardly tell him this because A) her relationship with her father really messed her up and B) the fact that he is related to Rose makes her a little wary. She knows how much Rose messed up Bede and does not want to cause more grief. 

o  Speaking of Bede, they actually become really close friends after the League wraps up and during Rose’s trial. Bede is one of the only people that can emphasise with her social anxiety, and luckily for him, Gloria doesn’t give up on people. She has to work on not being clingy with him because he does not like being touched. 

o  Gloria is the first female champion! 

o. Victor exists in this au, but not until way after Gloria’s first year as champion. He is her half brother; her father eventually remarried in Stow-In-Side and had Victor a year-ish later (making him 7 years younger than Gloria). They do not reunite until she is 20 years old, but she accepts him as her brother easily (she knows how terrible their dad is). 

o  Gloria’s full name is Gloria Park. She does not have a middle name. 

(I took the most liberties with Gloria because she is the MC and the game doesn’t give toooo much of a character. I know a lot of people head cannon her as super extroverted and confident, but I preferred this take for this particular AU).

HOP:

-Age: 16

-Ethnicity: Half Spanish, Half Black (His mom is Spanish, his dad is black)

-General Headcannons: 

o  Hop’s dad died when he was 2 years old, so he doesn’t really remember him. He never really had a father figure since Leon left to become Champion when he was 6. That is where is anxiety is rooted: Both his father (who was a firefighter and treated like a hero after his death) and Leon’s success makes Hop feel like he has to do something grand to live up to them. 

o  Hop actually befriended Gloria through their love of Pokemon battles! His mum invited her mum over for dinner, and while his and Gloria’s interactions were stiff at best during dinner, they really clicked after when they began watching the game on the TV. They’ve been inseparable ever since. 

o  I headcannon that Hop has ADD. He practically never sits still and has a hard time paying attention to things unless he is hyper focused. Hop is really booksmart, he just has trouble focusing. He also doesn’t really see the point in maintaining his grades when he’s just going to become the new Champion.

o  He played soccer when he was little as an outlet for his ADD. He joined the GJPL (Galar Junior Pokemon League), but since he was in a small district, he never made it to the big times like Bede. He did manage to score fairly well with his wooloo, though, making him one of the MVPs in the 76th GPL.

o  Hop is a nickname. HIs full name is “Hipoltio Henry Hoffman”. (Henry was his father’s name).

o Like Gloria, Hop is a really touchy person. They kind of rubbed off on each other, so he shows affection by linking arms, bumping shoulders, ect. 

o  After the GPL wraps up and he gets asked to be Sonia’s assistant, she gives him the opportunity to study abroad until he graduates high school. He takes this opportunity and briefly moves to study other Pokemon in Johto. He does come back to visit in the summer, which is why he ends up on the Isle of Armor around the same time as Gloria. 

BEDE:

-Age: 17

-Ethnicity: White 

-Headcannons:

o   He never met his parents, but he was told he was taken away from them by child protective services. This made him really bitter from the get-go because they never came back for him.

o   Bede has abandonment issues, but in a different way from Gloria. While she is willing to let anyone in, he is more prone to shut everyone out. He only starts to open up when he realizes Gloria’s life isn’t as perfect as he originally guessed.

o   Bede reeeeaaaallllyyyy doesn’t like being touched. He got into a lot of fights in the orphanage when he was younger because of his short temper. That is barely the tip of the iceberg: There was a lot of shady things that happened at the orphanage that only stopped once Chairman Rose started showing interest in him. Bede doesn’t talk about this to anyone.

o  Bede participated in the GJPL and made it to the championships two years in a row! He got to travel to Hoenn for one of them and meet the champion there. This was what brought Rose’s attention to him. 

o  The reason Bede didn’t join the league at 16 was because Rose didn’t sponsor him yet. Because of this, he decided to challenge Raihan for his position as gym leader of Hammerlocke. Sufficed to say, Bede lost pretty badly. 

o  He was very convinced that Rose was going to adopt him, which made his dismissal ten times worse than it originally was. He eventually comes to term with the fact that the Chairman used him and threw him under the bus when he realised that he could get in trouble for destroying the monument. 

o  Opal becomes his guardian when he accepts his new role as the Fairy Gym Leader, but she officially adopts him about a year later. He isn’t very good at talking about his emotions, but he does care deeply for the old woman and her acceptance of him brought him to tears. 

o   Bede gave himself his middle name: Steven, after Hoenn’s Champion Steven Stone. His full name is Bede Steven Doe pre-adoption, and Bede Steven Waltz post-adoption. 

o  He is super prickly, but after becoming gym leader, Bede mellows out a little bit. He is still haughty and self absorbed, but he is not as outwardly rude about it. 

o  He ends up forming a lot of unlikely relationships after he settles in his position as gym leader. He and Bea get along really well because of their proximity and similar personalities, Gloria won’t let him not be her friend (he has a soft side for her), and Marnie is one of the less eccentric gym leaders that he likes to hang around with at group gatherings. 

MARNIE:

-Age: 16

-Ethnicity: White

-Headcannons:

o   Marnie is the youngest of 5 children, and she is the only girl. Therefore, she was always coddled by her family. One of the biggest reasons she joined the pokemon league was to prove her true worth to her family.

o   Out of all her siblings, she is the closest to Piers. She doesn’t agree with his opposition to dynamaxing, but they are both passionate about restoring glory to Spikemuth. He also spent the most time with her when they were growing up because her parents worked a lot (Spikemuth is a poverty-stricken town). 

o   Marnie is quite the little activist. It is a little ironic because she is incredibly soft-spoken and will swear up a storm at the same time. 

o   She gains a lot of fans during her GPL alongside Gloria because they are both favourites to become the first female champion. Instead of forming a bitter rivalry with her, Marnie elects to befriend Gloria because she reminds her of her friend, Primrose. 

o   Marnie LOVES shopping. She never really had the chance to leave Spikemuth growing up, so a lot of her free time when not participating in Pokemon battles is spent in boutiques. 

o   One of Marnie’s special skills is that she can see right through a person’s core. That is why she is initially kind to Gloria, Hop, and Bede. On the other hand, she and Piers both constantly talk shit about Chairman Rose. She isn’t really a fan of Leon either, but she knows that he is a good person so she tries to be nice.

o   Speaking of Leon (to some degree), she immediately decides to befriend Hop when she realises he is also the younger sibling of a famous Pokemon trainer. They bond over their similar roles in life and their shared love of music! (Hop really likes Piers’s music and freaks out when he gets to meet him). 

o   Marnie can play the guitar and the piano! If she didn’t become a gym leader, she could definitely see herself going into music. 

o  I head cannon that Marnie is bisexual, but she is not currently aware of it. I will definitely talk more about this later in the AU or if I actually get around to writing a one shot. 

o  Her full name is Marnie Isla Lewis. 

Next Part: Gym Leaders! 

[treatian]

The Chronicles of the Dark One:  Magical Loopholes

Chapter 58:  Unexpected Outcomes

They waited there at the top of the mountain, right by the well, for what was to come. They had to. This wasn't a sealed barrier, and it wasn't a brick wall over the portal into their world. It was a net. It was meant to catch anyone who came through and shift so much lightning and electricity through their bodies that they'd never survive the arrival. Whoever came through would be dead, but that also meant that there would be bodies. Likely the body of Cora, and this time he wanted to see it for himself instead of leaving it to chance. He wanted to be sure that Cora was dead and gone from this world, a threat no more. If that meant that he had to stay here for the next seven years, then that's what he'd-

Behind him, he heard footsteps over the crash and wind of the storm brewing inside the well. His stomach turned as he heard the faint call of "mom" and felt the wolf's familiar power, probably masked by the power in front of him, far too late. He'd felt Ruby leave the shop just before they'd struck up their trap, leaving the dwarves behind; if he was honest, he expected something like this if Regina was right and she had managed to put it together. But Henry had no magic. He hadn't realized that he'd left with Ruby. Not until now. He couldn't have planned for him being here now. And Regina…

Fuck.

"Mom?" he cried as she turned to realize he was there.

Her face fell, her back straightened. She'd been caught. She'd been caught by the worst person she could possibly be caught by. Regina was trying hard to be better, she'd said that herself and been conflicted with this from the start. Even he knew this was bad.

"You're not helping Emma and Mary Margaret, are you?" Henry asked in an accusatory tone.

Regina swallowed and then stepped closer to her son. "I'm helping you, Henry."

"What are you talking about?"

"You're going to kill them!" Ruby shrieked, glancing at the storm in the well. Ruby, Belle's friend. No matter how this ended now, it would surely be the end of his relationship with Belle. But if Ruby raised the alarm, if she stopped this from happening and Cora came through…

"Sorry, dearie," he raised his hand and flung her backward so that she hit her head and didn't rise. It was easy to do with Ruby after what she'd done to Belle. She wouldn't be hurt badly; she'd wake soon enough with her healing abilities. Fair was fair. But Henry…that was a far more difficult situation.

"Mom, what are you doing?" he begged.

"We can't let Cora come through the portal," she reasoned. "You have no idea what she would do to us."

"Emma and Mary Margaret are going to defeat her," the boy insisted. "They're the ones that are going to come through."

"Henry, your mother's right," he urged, knowing, full well, there was nothing he could ever say to make the boy stop believing or make this easier. He shuddered to think what might happen if Cora came through with Emma and Mary Margaret. He tried not to picture it. "It's going to be Cora."

"No. It won't. Good always defeats evil," he argued before turning back to Regina. "You should know that more than anyone."

"What I know is my mother will destroy everything I love, and that means you. And I can't let that happen," Regina stated.

"NO!" the boy roared. Then he turned his gaze on the well and took off toward it.

But he was a boy, not a knight or a sorcerer. There was nothing he could do to stop the magic inside the well, and there was nothing he could do against a full-grown adult. Regina caught him around the middle before he could make it too far. He wished, desperately, she'd do something to put the boy to sleep so they didn't have to endure the screams and so he didn't have to endure whatever came out of that well. But he fought her every step of the way. He screamed.

"You can't! Stop it! You can't! You're going to kill them! Please! No! They're going to make it through! We have to turn it off! You're going to kill them!"

His heart jumped into his throat when Henry managed to get free for a moment, but Regina pulled him back the moment he got to the well. With strength that only a mother could have, she whipped her boy around as if he were a sack of flowers and leaned down to look him in the eyes.

"Henry! What are you doing?"

"Emma and Mary Margaret are going to come through. I know it," he stated. "You said you wanted to change, to be better. This is how. You want me to have faith in you? Have faith in me."

There was a shift in Regina, a softening in her face that he hadn't seen in years, not since he'd first met her as a frightened little girl who didn't want to be married off so young. She was grown now, all the magic of her mother and the madness of the Evil Queen, but the clarity on her face now, brought about by Henry and his challenge…it scared him.

"Regina," he called as she turned away from Henry and approached the well. He couldn't do anything. The magic in the well was partly her magic. If he harmed her or killed her, there was no telling how the magic would react, if it would hold on long enough to kill Cora when she came through. And yet…he had a terrible feeling he knew exactly what she was planning on doing.

Fuck.

Before he could say or assume anything more, the girl had thrown her arms out over the electrified fishing net. She withdrew her magic from it, which would make it less fatal to her, but their magic was so intertwined there was no way to remove it without absorbing the shock. She was the sorceress, and it would hurt. It did hurt, obviously. Regina went ridged as she called it back into her body and took his own in with hers. It overpowered her. Her muscles went taut with the energy and spread wide as her head flipped back. There was a rumble, a shake in the ground that he recognized as a portal opening.

It was happening! It was now! If the magic held for just another minute, thirty seconds was all he needed, and Cora would be dead!

There was a flair of bluish-white light, and Regina was thrown back, away from the well, where she landed on the ground as if she were a ragdoll. The magic was spent. The Earth was quiet. He held his breath as he watched the well. No one emerged.

"No!" Henry cried, taking a step toward the well, watching it nearly as intently as he was. There was nothing. No one rising, but no splash of water from a body falling hard into the water below either. And then…

A heartbeat.

"I'm sorry, Henry," Regina cried. "I'm sorry."

Panic rushed through him as he realized…there was a heartbeat that wasn't accounted for. He readied his magic. He was going to have to check. He was going to have to-

He startled as a hand suddenly emerged on the side of the well.

Just one.

Female.

White…

His heart raced as a dark leather sleeve followed. Elbows hauled up a torso…

A familiar blonde Savior. And next to her, another set of hands.

A second heartbeat.

Emma reached down to help, and Mary Margaret emerged beside her, climbing to her feet.

"Mom?" Henry screamed.

"Henry!"

"Mom!" The girl launched herself off the well to hold the boy, and Mary Margaret followed. He watched the well. Waiting, trying to distinguish between heartbeats. His skin crawled as he waited for the other shoe to drop. "I missed you!"

"I missed you, too."

"I missed you so much."

He exchanged a glance with Regina and then looked back to the well as if expecting to have been wrong. But he wasn't. No one further came from the well. The women appeared unworried. If they'd shared the portal with Cora, then they would know. They'd be looking back over for her. But there was no one and not a single sign that there ever had been. The boy appeared to have been right.

He was shocked. Too shocked to participate in the reunion happening. He turned away and walked back to his car as Ruby woke.

[wistfulcynic]

And Beginnings (Their Way By Moonlight, epilogue)

SUMMARY: A new curse has fallen on Storybrooke and this time Emma is trapped inside it, deliberately separated from Henry and anyone else who might  help her break it. But what no one knows –including her own cursed self– is that she and Killian have the ability to share their dreams, and are working together in secret to find a way to break the curse and free everyone from a new and dangerous foe.

Rating: M

(chapter 18 on tumblr)

AO3 

-

And Beginnings: 

The next morning found Henry and Killian in the bookstore, their heads together over a stack of papers on the desk by the register, their attention laser-focused. 

“How about this one?” suggested Henry. 

Killian frowned. “Too small.” 

“It’s got two bedrooms! How much space do you think we need?” 

“Well, er—” Killian forced himself not to scratch behind his ear. “—um, we might want more. Someday.” 

Henry stared at him. “What for?” 

Killian scrambled for something to distract him. “What do you think of this one, lad? It’s a handsome dwelling, aye?” 

“Hmmm.” Henry peered at the listing. “It’s kinda far away.” 

“This is Storybrooke, nothing is ever that far away.” 

“Yeah, fair. But this one’s like halfway into the forest. And you know you’d prefer to live near the water.” 

“Ideally I would, but you can’t have everything.” 

They were so engrossed in poring over the real estate listings that they didn’t hear the door opening, or the person who opened it approaching them until she spoke. 

“How about this one?” 

Killian and Henry started in unison and looked up, surprise on both their faces. On Killian’s it twisted immediately into apprehension, but on Henry’s it bloomed into delight. 

“Belle!” he cried, jumping to his feet and throwing his arms around her. “I didn’t get to talk to you yesterday. How are you?”

“I’m fine, Henry.” Belle smiled and hugged him back. “Glad the curse is broken.” 

“Are you sure?” Henry looked earnestly at her. “Now that you remember—well…” 

“That Rumple is gone.” Belle nodded, a look of wistful sadness in her eyes. “Yeah. But I remember other things too. Like how in the Enchanted Forest Neal wanted to try a dangerous spell to bring Rumple back, but I convinced him not to. Rumple died a hero and that’s how I want to remember him. I’ve made my peace with it.” 

“And what about now?” Killian asked hesitantly. “What will you do?” 

“Well.” Belle turned to him, shoulders thrown back and face hard. “I seem to remember you offered me a job. Is that still on the table?” 

Killian’s tense shoulders relaxed, just a fraction. “Aye, of course it is, if you still want it. But are you sure you don’t want to go back to the library?” 

Belle shook her head. “Little John actually wants to stay on as the librarian. He got really into it during the curse and… well, let’s just say he’s made the library his own. He says that as long as he doesn’t have to sleep inside anymore he’s okay with spending eight hours a day with his books.” She chuckled. “I didn’t want to take that from him. Besides—” Her expression turned defiant. “I happen to love this store. I want to work here.” 

Killian relaxed still further and offered her a hesitant smile. “I want that too, lass. I wasn’t kidding when I said I’d need your help. This town won’t be needing perhaps quite so many books of magic anymore, but some lighter material would surely draw them in. I would greatly value your input on what to focus on for that.” 

Belle nodded. “Good, then we’re agreed. I can start right away.” She held out her hand and he shook it, holding on rather longer than necessary as he tried to find the words to express what he badly wanted her to understand. 

“Belle, I’m—” he realised he was still holding her hand and dropped it abruptly. “I’m sorry. For, er—” 

“Trying to kill me?” 

“Aye, that—” 

“Twice.” 

“Yes.” He could feel a hot flush spreading across his cheekbones. “I understand if you don’t forgive me, but please know that I am truly and deeply sorry for it.” 

“I don’t forgive you.”

Killian nodded, forcing an understanding smile even as his stomach sank in disappointment. “Of course, that’s—” 

“I don’t forgive you yet,” Belle amended. “But if you give me a raise and let me order the full complement of Georgette Heyer novels, well, I might consider it.” 

Killian’s mouth quirked in appreciation. She drove a hard bargain. “Twenty-five cents more an hour and would you consider Daphne du Maurier as an alterna—” 

“A dollar more and Georgette Heyer.” Belle crossed her arms firmly across her chest. 

“Fifty cents and Daphne du Maurier.” 

“Seventy-five cents and Daphne du Maurier, plus Georgette Heyer.” 

“Done.” 

They shook hands again and the smile Belle gave him was genuine. Killian felt the knot of guilty tension in his chest begin to loosen as he returned it. “I’ll go get the catalogs,” she said. “And—would you like a cup of tea?” 

“I’d love one.” 

As Belle retreated to the office upstairs, Henry turned to Killian with a frown. “That wasn’t a very good deal you struck,” he said. “You gave her the books she wanted and almost all the money.” 

“A good deal is one that brings you something of greater value than what you give up,” Killian replied. “And this one did precisely that.” 

“If you say so,” said Henry dubiously. “But hey, at least she found our house.” 

“She what?” 

Henry held up the listing Belle had indicated. “Look at it, it’s perfect.” 

Killian glanced at the small picture then did a double-take, snatched the paper from Henry’s hand and read it closely. “This is it, lad.” He put his hand on Henry’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “This is the one.” 

~

“Killian, where are we going?” Emma frowned as the truck turned a corner into a neighbourhood she couldn’t recall ever visiting before. She’d never really had a reason to, and she doubted Killian had either. 

“I told you.” 

“No, you said ‘It’s a surprise, love.’ Which is not helpful.” She scowled at him but he, infuriatingly, kept his eyes firmly on the road. 

“It is a surprise, though, and it would cease to be one if I told you what it was,” he pointed out, in that I-am-eminently-reasonable tone of voice that always seemed to get her dander up. 

“But why does it have to be a surprise,” she pressed, “why can’t—” 

“We’re here.” Killian interrupted loudly as he pulled the truck up to the curb.

Emma looked out the window. “Where?” There was nothing here but houses, and he’d parked in front of a tall, Victorian-style one painted a soft slate blue with white trim. A lovely house, in fact. But not one she recognised. 

Killian got out of the truck and hurried to her door, opening it with an exaggerated flourish that had her attempting to hide her grin behind a dramatic eye-roll, her irritation with him slipping away as though it had never been. 

“You’re so cheesy.” 

“Aye, love.” He offered her his arm and she threaded hers through it, letting him help her out of the truck. Arm in arm they walked through the gate in the white picket fence and up the steps onto the porch. 

Emma looked around, still confused. “Who lives here?” 

“Well, that is the question.” Killian removed a set of keys from his jacket pocket and unlocked the front door. “If you like it, perhaps we will.” 

He ushered a sputtering Emma through the door and stood back as she turned in a slow circle, taking in the high ceilings and hardwood floors, the tall windows with their view of the sea. 

“Well, love? What do you think?” 

“You really want to live here?” 

“Well, aye, if you do. We can’t stay in the apartment forever, it’s a squeeze a—” he was going to say ‘as it is,’ but stopped himself “—and a boy Henry’s age should really have his own room with actual walls. As should we.” 

“True.” 

“But if you don’t care for this house, there are others we could look at. I just—well, Henry and I—we thought you’d like this one.” 

“I do.” Emma turned to him, a bright smile on her lips and tears in her eyes. “I love it. It’s exactly the sort of house I—” she broke off with a small shake of her head. 

Killian drew her close, wiping her tears away with his thumb. “You what, love?” 

“The sort of house I dreamed of having when I was a kid,” she whispered. 

He  nodded. “Aye. It’s very different in style to the houses I knew as a lad, but in an odd way the feeling is the same. It’s what I wanted too. What we had, in part, before my mother died.” 

Emma snuggled against him with a little sigh, one arm squeezing tight around his waist as the hand of other came to rest lightly on her lower belly. Killian had always been skeptical of the notion of soulmates, and truthfully so was she. It seemed ridiculous, and so limiting, the idea that there was one person in all the universe and one person only that you were meant to be with. Yet the way she and Killian fit together, the similarities that bonded them and the differences that balanced them, and the sheer absurd improbability of the fact that they had even met—it was enough to challenge even the fiercest skepticism. 

But it didn’t matter. They had found each other, whatever the hows and the whys of it, and she knew that neither would ever again let the other go. This house was just the next step in the life they had fought so hard for, the one they deserved. The life she wanted so much and was no longer afraid to live. 

“Let’s do it,” she said. 

“Hmmm?” 

“Let’s buy the house. I love it. Let’s live here. I love you.” 

The smile that broke across his face was so full of happiness, her heart soared to see it. “I love you too,” he said, laughing as he scooped her up and twirled her around, kissing her breathless the moment he set her on her feet again. “I’ll call the realtor right now.”  

~

Two weeks later…

It was almost a normal morning in Storybrooke. The new normal, a post-curse normal, the normal of erstwhile fairy tale characters living quiet lives in a small town on the coast of Maine. Prince Charming kissed Snow White goodbye before setting out for another day as the town’s acting sheriff. Snow sat a moment longer at the dining table to finish reading her newspaper, satisfied to find that nothing remarkable had occurred overnight, then headed to the mayor’s office—which was now purged all traces of its previous occupant and no longer featured anything of any shade of green. On her way there she met Grumpy—still her favourite of the seven dwarves despite his penchant for shouting—and the Merry Men as they trouped into town from their camp in the woods. Robin Hood himself she knew would join them after he finished his breakfast at Granny’s Diner with the Evil Queen. 

The Evil Queen who was at that moment lingering over her own goodbye kiss with Robin under the arch at the diner’s entrance, a faint flush brightening her cheeks when they finally broke apart. She watched as he strode away to greet his Merry Men then turned down a different street, to make yet another attempt at reconciling with her sister. Arriving at the loft apartment she was doing her best to share, she found the Wicked Witch of the West—for who else could be the Evil Queen’s secret half-sister?—seated at the table poking viciously at a bowl of corn flakes with a spoon. 

On the other side of town Rumplestiltskin’s son dropped his own son off at school then took the long way back to the pawn shop, passing by the bookstore in time to glimpse Belle through the window as she flipped the sign to announce that they were OPEN.

So far, so very nearly normal. 

When Charming arrived at the sheriff’s station he sighed as he looked around the quiet space, rather depressed at the prospect of another solitary day and wondering if Emma might consider hiring a second deputy. 

Snow assured Grumpy that she would let Emma know right away about the ‘excessively barking’ dog and that everything the combined power of the mayor’s office and the sheriff’s might do to deal with the situation would be done.

 Belle hummed as she rearranged the bookshelves to accommodate the new Georgette Heyer novels that had arrived the day before, a satisfied smile teasing the corners of her mouth as she imagined Killian’s reaction to them. 

“Any word from our dear Saviour and her very obedient lap-pirate?” the Wicked Witch sneered as the Evil Queen took a seat next to her and poured herself a cup of tea from the still-warm pot. 

“No,” she replied calmly. “And I don’t expect one either. I don’t even think they took their phones with them.” 

Some hours later dawn broke over the horizon of a distant land, a tiny green island set in a shimmering sea. It broke softly at first, gentle, hazy sunlight that gilded the surface of the turquoise water and warmed the sand ground soft and fine over countless years by the very waves now lapping at its edges. It shone on the palm trees bent heavy with coconuts and swaying in the salty breeze and woke the birds that nestled among them, gaining strength and heat as the sun climbed higher in the sky. The bright beams of it danced playfully up a path of rough-hewn boards leading from the beach and onto the porch of a ramshackle hut, slipping in through a window whose shutter was flung wide to welcome it and alighting finally upon a bed.

It was a narrow bed by necessity; the hut boasted only one room and though its other furnishings were sparse—a wooden table and chairs in one corner and a woven hammock strung across the other—there was simply no space in it for undue extravagance. Yet the bed made a good show of luxury, wrapped as it was in smooth white sheets and piled with pillows, swathed in gauzy curtains of mosquito netting draped over its four tall posts, both for elegant effect and the comfort and peace of its two still slumbering occupants: Emma the Swan Princess, daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, and her husband Killian Jones, better known to most as the pirate Captain Hook. 

They lay in a hopeless tangle of bare limbs and twisted sheets, twined around each other despite the muggy warmth of the early morning and the promise of heat to come. Should anyone happen to observe them, that person might remark on how impossible it seemed to achieve such a muddle, unless they had simply collapsed into it after a particularly energetic round of desert island sex, too worn out to unravel themselves before sleep overcame them. 

That person would not be mistaken. 

But there was no one to observe them, not for hundreds of miles—solitude being the primary appeal of honeymooning in an uninhabited place—and the truth of the matter was that they were making the very most of this rare circumstance and had barely put on clothes since their arrival on the island three days before. 

“Not sure why we even bothered to pack,” Emma had remarked the previous afternoon, and Killian had hummed his agreement against the sun-warmed skin of her thigh.

It was the sense of a day beginning that woke Killian as much as the dawn light did, but he knew that Emma would be sound asleep for a good few hours yet and so he made no move to rise. Instead, he lay still and just enjoyed the moment—the breeze and the birdsong, cool sheets and plump pillows and the softness of Emma’s skin, the scent of sunshine that still clung to it, the slight roughness left by dried saltwater in her hair. He dragged his nose across her cheek, breathing in deeply then out again on a soft sigh that ruffled the fine strands at her temple, a sigh of sheer contentment. Never before had he felt so relaxed, so peaceful or so happy.  

He was of course not foolish enough to believe that this happy could truly be ever after; it never really was, even in the fairy tales. There would still be struggle and conflict, challenges to face and disagreements over how to face them, bad moods and spats and tears and anger, sadness and even heartbreak. That was simply life, and life was something Killian Jones knew better than perhaps any other mortal in existence. For far too long he had known only the very worst of what that life could bring—bitter loss and hollow vengeance, loneliness and despair—and never believed he deserved anything better. Even now a part of him still struggled to grasp that what he had now was real, still waited for it all to be snatched away. Until Emma’s smile and the softness she reserved for him alone reassured him that this was his life and he did deserve it, the happiness of belonging and of family and of love. 

True love, the one fairy tale notion in which he wholeheartedly believed. 

Day broke fully as the sun crested the horizon and set out upon its arcing path across the sky. Killian ignored it. Even the scrupulously punctual naval officer that still dwelt within him blithely took no heed of the hours that passed as he drifted in and out of a gentle doze until finally Emma began to stir and stretch and mumble nonsense words as she slowly came awake. 

He nuzzled her nose with his and when her eyes fluttered open kissed her softly on the lips. She smiled into the kiss and twined her arms around his neck, her fingertips playing through his hair. 

“Morning,” she murmured when they broke apart. “I’m starving.” 

“Are you indeed,” he growled. “You do wear a man out, Swan, with your insatiable demands.” 

“Starving for food, I meant.”

“Mmm, are you sure about that?” 

The table in the corner began to shimmer faintly and food appeared on it, fresh pineapple and mango and rambutan, warm firi firi and cool iced coffee. By the magic of the local god—a friend of a friend of Ariel’s—the table, the hut, the island itself all had the power to sense the earnest wishes of those in residence there and grant them. 

“Yep,” said Emma, only a little smugly. “Pretty sure.” 

“It’s probably for the best,” observed Killian, sweeping the table with his own hungry gaze. “You just about wore me out last night.” 

“Breakfast first,” decreed Emma, “and then a swim. And then—” she let her fingertips dance down his chest and belly to drum a rhythmless beat on his lower abdomen. “—then we’ll see how worn out you actually are, old man.” 

~ 

It wasn’t until hours later, after they had eaten and been for a swim, as they were relaxing on the beach with the fierce rays of the tropical sun filtered through a shield of the island’s magic, that she told him. 

“So,” she said, attempting and wholly failing to appear casual. “Um.” 

Killian hid his smile. 

“Yes?” he asked, rolling over on his side to look at her. 

She sat up and curled her legs beneath her, her fingers tracing nervously through the sand. “I, ah, have something to tell you.” 

“Okay.” 

“Um.” 

He bit the inside of his cheek, forcing his face to remain impassive. “What is it, love?” 

“Uh.” Emma flushed, and not from the heat. “I, ah. I’m—” 

She glanced at him from the corner of her eye and he nodded encouragingly. “You’re what?” he prompted, every muscle held tense in anticipation. 

“I’m, ah—” 

Come on, Swan, he urged her in his head. You can do it. 

She took a deep breath. “I’m pregnant,” she burst out, and he let his smile spread wide across his face, fuelled by the explosion of pure joy in his chest. Emma didn’t notice; now that the dam was broken words were flooding out of her. “I’m about six weeks along, so it must have happened really soon after I got my memories back. What with the curse and all I just forgot about getting my IUD replaced. I went to see Dr Whale, which, ugh, but he confirmed the pregnancy and when we get home we’ll have to go for a scan, I don’t know if you know but they do this thing with like… a thing—” 

“An ultrasound, aye.” He had been in this realm more than long enough to be aware of such things but Emma barrelled on, hardly hearing him. 

“—and Killian you will love this technology, it actually lets you see the baby and then they give you a picture to take home afterwards. I had one with Henry—I mean kind of, it was a lot, well, blurrier back then, and of course I—well, it was different with Henry.” She frowned, squirming slightly. “I feel so bad about that, and honestly I’m a bit worried about how he’ll react to a baby brother or sister, but I—I can’t help it, babe, I’m so excited for this baby and—hey!” 

Her stream of words dissolved into laughter as he took her by the wrist and tugged her down, rolling until she was sprawled on top of him. “I’m excited too, darling,” he said, brushing her sandy hair back from her face. “And Henry will be as well. It’s brilliant news.” 

Her eyes narrowed in a suspicious frown. “You don’t seem very surprised.” 

“Don’t I?”

“You already knew!” she cried accusingly, slapping him in the chest. 

His already foolish grin widened still further. “I suspected.” 

“How? How could you possibly?” 

Killian slid his fingers into the damp tangle of her hair, his thumb stroking her cheekbone. “Emma, I am intimately acquainted with every inch of your body, and I notice when it changes.” 

“Are you saying my boobs are bigger?” 

He waggled his eyebrows at her. “Aye, among other things.”  

“Other things are bigger?” 

“No, other things have changed,” he soothed, stroking his wrist over the curve of her hip. “You’ve started taking naps in the afternoon and the smell of peanut butter makes you turn green. Your belly is softer. And you’re glowing.” 

She melted into his touch. “That’s just because I’m happy.” 

“Aye, love. Me too.” 

Emma sank her own fingers into his hair and kissed him, deep and intense with love. He gave a little moan in the back of his throat as he tightened his arms around her and she echoed it, rolling her hips against his hardening cock. 

“We’re too sandy,” she said against his lips. “I wish—” 

The air above them shimmered with magic and cool rain began to fall from the clear blue sky, straight and heavy as a shower. They laughed, scrambling to their feet and rinsing themselves off, lingering over the contours of each other’s skin until Emma deemed them sufficiently clean and grabbed his hand, pulling him back up the path and into the hut. 

They tumbled together onto the bed, rolling until she was atop him again, flushed and frantic as she writhed against him. “Killian, I—I want—” 

“Take it,” he growled. “Whatever you need. Your heart’s desire, Swan, that’s all I ever want to give you.” 

“You do,” she said, her hand on his cheek, her eyes intense on his. “You make me so happy, Killian. So happy.” 

“I love you,” he choked as she shifted her hips and took him inside her, grinding down hard and arching her back in that way he loved, taking him deep and squeezing him tight. “Emma—gods—I—” 

He gripped her thigh as she rode him, her head flung back so far the ends of her hair brushed his legs. She was glorious, his princess, his treasure, his love, and he needed her to come, now. 

“Please,” he gasped, pressing his stump against her clit. “Please, Emma—” 

She leaned forward, raking her nails across his chest and grinding herself against his wrist. “Harder,” she demanded as he felt her begin to flutter around him. “Harde-oh!” 

He flipped them over and thrust hard, deeper each time as she shuddered in release beneath him. He held out for as long as he could, determined to draw out her pleasure, until she grabbed him by the hair and kissed him and then with a choking groan he came deep within her. 

She held him until he caught his breath then followed when he rolled away, curling herself against his chest with a happy, sated sigh. Killian laid his hand flat against her belly, imagining his child in there beneath it, barely the size of a pea now but growing every day. He caught his breath, suddenly overwhelmed by the wonder of it all. It was one thing to suspect his wife was pregnant, quite another to hear it confirmed. Now it felt real.  

Emma placed her hand over his, twining their fingers together. “What are you thinking?” she asked. 

“Just thinking what our child will be like.” 

“Mmmm. Well, she’ll have dark hair.” 

“Or he’ll have blonde. Green eyes, of course.” 

“Oh of course. Or, you know, blue.” 

He chuckled. “Well that seems to have covered all available options.” 

“Do you care? What the baby looks like or if it’s a boy or a girl?” 

“Of course not. I love it so much already I won’t even mind if it looks like your father.” 

She sputtered, half indignant half amused, and he laughed and cuddled her closer. “Our child, Emma,” he said earnestly. “You and me in one person, a whole new person who will be us but also unique. It’s—I can’t even tell you how much I—” He shook his head helplessly, lost, for once, for words. 

She laid her hand on his cheek and leaned up to kiss him, softly and with complete understanding. 

“I know,” she whispered. “Me too.” 

~

…and another seven and a half months after that.

Emma began to groan before she even opened her eyes. Opening them felt like a chore anyway these days, much like getting out of bed, which was no longer something she could easily accomplish on her own. Instead she had to be hoisted—and yes, the word was hoisted despite Killian’s protests. If she got any bigger he would need actual slings and pulleys to extract her from the bed, she told him grumpily, scowling as he struggled not to laugh. 

She was still thrilled about the baby, beyond excited to meet their child, but she was seriously fucking fed up with being pregnant. 

Killian wanted her to take maternity leave, the one point on which he and her dad agreed one hundred percent, but as tempting as the idea was some mornings Emma knew she wouldn’t be able to spend weeks just sitting around at home or even in the bookstore with Killian, with nothing to do but twiddle her thumbs. 

“You could read,” Killian had said the week before, during a family meal at Granny’s. 

“Or knit?” Snow suggested. 

“Knit? Mom, have you met me?” 

“You could do that criminal justice course online,” said David. “One of us really ought to.” Ought to be actually qualified to do our jobs, he meant, but Emma was skeptical that a Land Without Magic certificate course would be that useful in training them for the kinds of things they faced daily in Storybrooke. 

“I’m not sure it’s really worth the trouble unless there’s an official procedure for dealing with magic-less ex-witches,” she pointed out. 

Zelena was still a problem. She was on house arrest, living with Regina in her new place—the old one holding a few too many unpleasant memories of her life under the curse and the loft uncomfortably small for the two of them plus Robin and his son, who now spent most nights there. Regina was trying hard, even her loudest detractors had to admit, doing her best to build a relationship with her sister while also gradually making amends for her own actions as the Evil Queen. It wasn’t an easy path, for either of them, but Regina was showing what Emma felt was pretty impressive determination and with Robin firmly behind her was happier than she had ever been. 

But Zelena…Emma still wasn’t sure what to make of her. She still sneered and sniped at everyone she met, grumbled constantly and made herself generally unpleasant while refusing flat-out to explain anything about how her curse had worked or how she’d managed to get her hands on the subtle knife, or who the knife-bearer was she’d stolen it from. She had entirely eclipsed Regina as the most hated person in town, even according to Leroy. And yet. Three days earlier when Emma was doing paperwork at the station Regina had appeared with a wry expression on her face and a small gift bag in her hand. 

“What’s this?” Emma asked, nonplussed when Regina handed the bag to her. 

“You’d probably better look for yourself,” Regina replied. “I—don’t really know how to explain it.” 

Emma peeked inside the bag and her jaw dropped. Slowly she withdrew a yellow cotton baby onesie, just a standard one you could buy from any store, but it had been embroidered all over with tiny white swans and silver hooks, clearly by hand. 

“Um,” she said. “Regina, I don’t—” 

“Oh, it’s not from me,” Regina drawled. “It’s from Zelena. It seems she’s taken up embroidery.” 

“Oh.” Emma gaped at the onesie, completely at a loss. It was strangely beautiful, and maybe it was just her crazy pregnancy hormones at work but she was genuinely touched by the gesture. “Thank you. Tell her I said thank you.” 

“She’s trying, you know,” said Regina. “It may not seem like it but she is.” 

“I know.” 

“And we didn’t know if you were having a shower or anything, so…” 

“Oh. Yeah. I’m not. I mean, Mom wants me to have one, but I just—” she shrugged. Parties weren’t really her thing, especially ones that seemed to involve ‘cakes’ made of diapers like the ones Snow kept trying to show her on Pinterest. 

Regina nodded. “I understand.” 

“Honestly, though, this is incredible.” Emma ran her thumb over one of the hooks, marvelling at how its elegant curve matched that of the swans’ necks. “I really am grateful, and please tell Zelena I said so.” 

Regina smiled. “I will.” 

So Zelena was a problem Emma wasn’t quite comfortable leaving in other people’s hands, and lacking anything she really wanted to do to fill her time she had determined to keep working and save her leave for when the baby was actually here. But no maternity leave meant she still had to go to work, and that meant getting out of bed. Hence the groaning. 

She felt Killian shift behind her a second before his warm hand slid over her hip, gripping it gently as he began to massage her lower back with his thumb and wrist. “Morning, love,” he said. “What aches today?”

“Everything,” grumbled Emma. “That feels so good though, don’t stop.” 

“Ah,” he teased. “How fondly I recall the days when you used to say that to me in rather different circumstances.” 

“Which is how I ended up like this,” she retorted, though his sleep-roughened voice made her skin tingle. “A back massage is really the least you can do.” 

He leaned closer and nuzzled her neck as his thumb soothed a particularly sore knot near her spine. “Anything you require, my love, as you know,” he said. 

“I know.” She sighed and stretched her legs as far as they could go, pointing her toes and arching her back. “Could you do my shoulders next?” 

“Of course.” 

Twenty minutes later she was marginally less achy and more relaxed, sitting up in bed sipping the coffee Killian had made for her and trying to pretend there was caffeine in it. He was cooking breakfast now, bacon from the mouthwatering smell of it, and in another few minutes he’d be back to hoist her out of bed and help her down the steep stairs, but for now she could sit and relax and—

“Da-ad!” Henry shouted from his bedroom down the hall. “Have you seen my Star Wars t-shirt?” 

“Which Star Wars t-shirt, exactly?” Killian called from the kitchen. “You own at least five.” 

Emma sighed, a short, irritated huff through her nose. How many times did she have to tell them not to shout across the house? 

“The blue one with the silver letters,” Henry yelled in reply. 

“I don’t think I’ve seen that one for a while.” 

“It’s not in my dresser, or in my closet, or—” 

“Have you checked under your bed?” Killian’s voice was much closer now and she could hear his footsteps on the stairs.

She could almost hear Henry’s eye roll. “Why would it be—oh. Found it!” 

“Do not put that on if it’s been buried under your bed for the gods only know how long.” Killian had arrived at Henry’s door but their conversation was still perfectly audible from all the way down the hall. Emma wondered if it was wrong to hope the baby was a girl so she’d have some respite from men in her house. 

“But I want to wear it today!” Henry whined. 

“Well, you can’t. Wear a different one, you’ve plenty to choose from.” 

“I want this one!” 

“Then you should have checked it was clean last night and not ten minutes before you have to leave for school. Now give it to me, and I’ll put it in the laundry. You can wear it tomorrow.” 

There was a long pause and Emma held her breath as she waited to hear Henry’s reply. Some day, she knew, Killian’s pirate captain voice would lose its battle for dominance with Henry’s teenage hormones, but apparently today was not that day. 

“Fine,” Henry grumbled. “I’ll wear the black one.” 

“No one will know the difference, I’m sure.” Killian didn’t even attempt to hide the amusement in his tone. 

“I will,” Henry retorted. 

A moment later Killian appeared in the doorway of their bedroom, the t-shirt draped over his shoulder. “Ready to get up, love?” 

“As I’ll ever be.” Emma drained the rest of her coffee and set the cup on the bedside table, then held out her hands. Killian grasped them firmly with his hand and prosthetic and balanced her as she struggled to her feet, wrapping his arms comfortingly around her when she was finally upright. She sighed against his shoulder—the one not occupied by a teenage boy’s dirty t-shirt—and leaned heavily into the comfort of his embrace. 

“I hate this,” she whined. 

“I know, love,” he said soothingly, rubbing gentle circles on her belly. “Only a month to go.” 

“I remember when that seemed like a short time.” 

“I wish you’d start your leave now,” he tried, for the hundredth or possibly millionth time. “You could sleep in—” 

“Killian, we’ve been over this.” 

“—I could reduce my hours at the bookstore. We could finish up the baby’s room and I could rub your feet—” 

“You do that anyway.” 

“I could do it for longer.” 

It wasn’t that the idea wasn’t tempting. She knew how badly he wanted her not to overtax herself, that he was worried about her taking unnecessary risks at work—despite the fact that she worked with her father who was if anything more overprotective than Killian. But still… “No. I’m not ready yet,” she said firmly. “I can’t sit at home doing nothing for that long. Once the baby comes I’ll take the leave, I promise, but until then—” 

“Two weeks before your due date,” he wheedled. 

“That’s still too long.” 

“One week then. Indulge me, Swan, you know I can’t help worrying about you.” 

Emma sighed. “All right, a week before.” She almost took the words back when she caught the triumphant glint in his eye and realised she’d been had.  

She gave an annoyed huff and he laughed. 

“Pirate,” she hissed. 

“Yo ho ho, my love.” 

~

When she got to the station David was already there, sipping a cup of coffee that looked delightfully caffeinated. Emma whimpered longingly at it, but he gave her his very finest stern dad look and handed her another steaming mug. 

“Regular?” she said hopefully. 

“Decaf.” 

“I hate you.” 

“I love you. And my unborn grandchild.” 

He followed her into her office, hovering behind her as she slowly lowered herself into her chair. His overprotectiveness was seriously annoying but also she kind of loved it. It was just such a dad thing to do. She leaned back in her chair, resting her feet on the stack of books beneath her desk with a relieved sigh.

“Speaking of the unborn, how’s Mom doing?” she asked, sipping the coffee. Nowhere near as good as Killian’s but still not bad. For decaf. 

“Good,” said David, grinning happily. “She was up at five this morning cleaning the kitchen. She says she’s got more energy than she knows what to do with.” Snow was nearing the end of her first trimester, still in the ‘glowing’ stage. Emma reminded herself that it was unhealthy to hate both her parents. 

“She could shoot some in my direction,” she grumbled. 

“I���m sure she would if she could,” said David sympathetically. “You know, if you wanted to start your leave—”  

“I don’t.” She glared at him over the rim of her cup and deliberately changed the subject. “Anything going on this morning I should know about?” 

David’s expression said plainly that he didn’t consider the subject changed in the slightest and they had a short, silent battle of wills before he answered her question. “Leroy up to his old tricks, but otherwise no reports.” 

“Good,” said Emma, settling deeper into her chair. “That’s good. Let’s hope it stays that way. I could use a quiet one.” 

The phone began to ring, ominously she thought, right as she finished speaking. Emma let her eyes fall shut, just for a moment, then braced herself and picked up the receiver. 

“Sheriff Jones. Yes. I—what? Whoa, wait, back up. Did you say an ice wall?” She widened her eyes at David, who nodded and grabbed his jacket. “Okay. We’ll be right there.” 

-

@thisonesatellite @ohmightydevviepuu @katie-dub​​​​ @kmomof4​​​​ @teamhook​​ @stahlop​​​​ @mariakov81​​​​ @snowbellewells​​​ @thejollyroger-writer​​ @jennjenn615​​ @tiganasummertree​​ @lfh1226-linda​​ @winterbaby89​​ @ultraluckycatnd​​ @resident-of-storybrooke​​

[littlebitshylittlebitangry]

Plots: written by me

You stare in shock at the small plastic card in the persons hand. You heard voices around you whisper, Some saying that it was fake, others that they must have threatened someone for it. You knew the first rumor was false, after all, your mother had one.....a license to obliterate. This person in front of you....they could do anything as long as it removed the target. You, yourself happen to hold a license to kill. As they person spoke to the guild leader all you could do was stare, you knew what someone had to go through to get that license, your mother told you. And all you could do was pity them. A cruel punishment is the training one must go through to achieve it. Still, you knew to respect them as you hit another guild member over the head for insulting them under their breath.

You remember fighting for your life. You remember all the bullet wound in the stomach, your arms, your legs. Your refused to give up and kept fighting. You refused to give up. As fought you had yet to notice the enemy sneaking up behind you, until it was to late and they had you pinned down. All you could do was close your eyes and brace yourself for death. You welcomed it with open arms, You only hoped lord hades would welcome you with open arms. That was until a deep rumbling happened the ground shook violently as if something had angered it. The German solider on top of had a sword through his chest, one of deep black, one that gave off the feeling of Death. You opened yours eyes and smiled at the god before you. ‘Keep fighting child, I will be with you’. You grinned as he passed over a sword, one similar to his. Taking positions you and him charge at the German soldiers left in shock.

All you could do was stare at the woman? girl? God you don’t know at this point. “So, Your me from an alternate universe? And I’m the only one who can save it?” Your other self nodded Fasley. “Yes, only you”. You stare at her for a few seconds before banging your head on table, your other self stares at you. “Are you...okay?”. You lift your head slightly “No, but then again, I’m never okay. Let’s just go save the stupid multiverse”

All He could do was stare quietly, before tears softly fell from his eye. “Y-you were supposed to stop me I-Izuku.....W-why did-dn’t you?” Tomura held Izuku body closer to him. “You were meant to save the day! You could’ve stop me! So easily”. As tomura held Izuku closer, he could feel blood leaving izuku’s body. “Please” A silent beg, a lonely one. “Please wake up”. The lifelessness in izukus eyes showed everything. “ You died before I hit you......That means” Tomuras eyes harden. “The person behind you....Killed you”. Tomuras head turns down. “ And the only person near you.....was Bakugo Katsuki.....The one I must kill”

You didn’t mean to summon your cousin. You meant to summon you uncle in order to piss your dad off. As you stared at the young demon girl, Mary because why don’t you fucking name your child after the virgin mother?!?, You can’t help but wish you were her. She had something you dearly wished for, The support and love of a parent. Something you never got. “ Why’d you try to summon dad anyways?” At your cousin’s question, you froze. Fuck, how do you explain this. “My dad and I.........don’t really get along. I just” Fuck “I need to be away from him”. Question dance in the teens eye, along with confusion. “But don’t parents normally get along with kids.....unless” Your cousins eyes sharped “your father’s abusive”. Your silent, for a minute. “.....Emotionly muiltipuive is more like it” Her eyes are still sharp. “Any demon could whisk you away, Why my father?” You mumble something. “What was that, couldn’t hear you~?” “MY DAD IS YOUR UNCLE”. Silence enters the room as you cousin takes a few minutes and puts the peices together. She looks at you with anger, Sorrow and pity. “So, My brother really isn’t all that he says he is” You both look up and stare at Mary’s father, Satan.

“No, No, I assure you. The quest is slay the princess and save the dragon” Your brothers team stares at you in shock. “W-what?” You stare at him like he’s dumb. “That prick of a bastard princess kidnapped my dragon and stole him and I’m to slay her for doing that”. The rest of team is just staring at you and your brother. “ WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU HAVE A DRAGON, NO ONE LIKES THEM” “WELL IF PEOPLE CAN’T DEAL ME HAVING A DRAGON, I SUGGEST THEY GO ELSEWHERE!!”

You hid the young girl in your cloak as the guard ran past. “Marinette it’s ok to come out now” The young girl, Marinette, exits your cloak fallowed by three very anger kawmii. “Tikki, calm down” “Calm down Wazzi, how can I?!?” “Shut up both you so we don’t get caught!” You shook you head at the three and look at Marinette, This poor girl. All Because of liar declaring her a threat, she was nearly killed by your hands. But, you didn’t, You knew a true guardian from a false one. So you toke her the miracle box and fled the kingdom. Even now the guards from the kingdom are hunting you two down. You look down at the mirror in your hands. “Felix, wake up” A blond head shows up and glares at you. “You all got away from volo?” “Yes.....thank you for keeping the rest of them safe” felixs eyes soften slightly and turning to look at Marinette, who was talking with the kawmii. “She doesn’t deserve this”. You nod your head. “She truly doesn’t”

You think about the mans words. You wanted to join to badly, Your heart, Your body, Your soul, your spirit. It screams at you leave, to join them. But your mind brings up the point of ‘what of the kingdom?’. You meet the pirate captain again the next day after another ball, the second one before the wedding. You tell him of you inner conflict. He says this in return “If ye cannot think of this kingdom as yours then it’s worth ruling”. His word has sense, so much sense. As if the curtains had been ripped away revealing the world to you. The night after yet another ball, The one right before your wedding, You leave. This kingdom has not raised you, You raised yourself, it did not teach you, you taught yourself, it wants to decide your future? Why would you let it when it never helped you. You met the captain that night as you left. His crew had welcomed you with open arms and even now 15 years later, as you been found out as the missing Paris princess by the old kingdom. You don’t regret joining the captain. You don’t regret the years of happiness here. You don’t regret having your daughter with first mate, Henry. You don’t regret telling the crew of your past. You don’t regret telling your daughter to never stop fighting for what she dreams of.

My mother left us along time ago. She didn’t die, Heavens no! But she just left one day never coming back......Part of me hates her for that. I’m not a normal vampire by any means. A have a heart beat like her. When I was younger my parents thought I would be like my mother. No! I just had to Immortal to the sun! Stakes just had to have no effect on me! I’m the immoral to the Immortal. I have lived my life with this. I only wish for it to end. My mother left me because of this curse.

Marinette stares out at decaying landscape in front of her. Behind her Nightmare appears. “Why do you stare? What’s more left to look at. There’s nothing” “ There is” He Starr’s at her “What?” “You have had your moment, Dust has his, Even killer.......Yet I cannot Help but realize now and only now....I haven’t had mine and that is what Scares me” He stares at Marinette disgruntled. “What do you mean?” “there comes a moment in everyone’s life where the will do the most awful thing they have ever done and will ever do. And I hope with all my soul that moment as already past me. Because I have done horrible things and that scares me, It could be worse”

[stahlop]

Once Upon a Time 2x18 “Selfless, Brave, and True” Review

Reviews 1x01 1x02 1x03 1x04 1x05 1x06 1x07 1x08 1x09 1x10 1x11 1x12 1x13 1x14 1x15 1x16 1x17 1x18 1x19 1x20 1x21 1x22 2x01 2x02 2x03 2x04 2x05 2x06 2x07 2x08 2x09 2x10 2x11 2x12 2x13 2x14 2x15 2x16 2x17

Yeah, so I’m not a huge fan of this episode. We have no recourse from last week’s episode whatsoever, plus I don’t feel like August got his rightful comeuppance for what he did to Emma. He basically got a do over for finally doing the right thing after a lifetime of not doing the right thing. Plus, the whole Tamara thing is very convoluted. She happened to run into the one person from the EF, and then ran into Neal because she saw him talking to August later on? Or did she suspect Neal was magical too? And she happens to know Greg? It’s a lot of either coincidence or convoluted plotting. Also, I realized why I didn’t remember this episode very well, this episode came out on March 24th, 2013, the day my middle daughter was born. So I was probably in the newborn haze when I got around to watching the episode.

Summary: We see August’s desperation when his leg starts turning back into wood and ends up stealing money from a sick Tamara to try and save himself. In Storybrooke, Mary Margaret discovers August hiding out in the woods and she, Emma, and Marco spend their time looking for him after he runs away.

Opening: Trailer

New Characters:

Tamara: So we finally, truly meet Neal’s fiance. We got a small glimpse of her when she was introduced at the end of The Queen is Dead, but now we get to see that she’s a lot more than she says she is. In the past, we see her in Hong Kong, seeking out The Dragon to cure her from cancer. She and August run into each other in a bar where she idiotically shows him her money (why is she carrying $10,000 in small bills in an envelope in her bag and taking it out for anyone to see?), then leaves it with him to go take a phone call. She seems too trusting, but I have no reason to believe she knows who August is at this point. Since she seems to just be interested in taking out The Dragon when the time comes. August steals her money, of course, but she catches up with him later after he uses her money to get the elixir to fix his leg. She chases him through the streets and eventually his leg hurts him too badly and he falls and drops the elixir, which Tamara rightfully takes. Tamara goes to see The Dragon again and she wants the truth from him. He accuses her of being dishonest because she doesn’t actually have cancer. She’s been looking for magic. She’s analyzed the contents of the elixir he gave August and can’t find a single element in it that’s from our world. They go back and forth about magic and how he’s helping people with afflictions that can’t be fixed by science, and she basically decides that no one else can find him, so (with a look of trepidation) she pulls out a taser. The Dragon starts smoking and possibly changing into his true form but before he can complete the transformation, Tamara tases him and kills him? I’m still debating on what kind of taser could kill a magical being or if maybe he just left the body that he was using as The Dragon with all that smoke before Tamara tased him. Tamara picks up the picture of her grandmother that she’d given The Dragon as her personal item (besides the money), and leaves. We then see an exchange between August and Neal that Tamara is watching through her compact. After August takes off on his bike, Tamara walks toward Neal and gets him to bump into her, facilitating their first meeting and how she became his fiance. 

Tamara seems like the perfect, doting girlfriend when she arrives in Storybrooke. She tells the story of how she and Neal met when Henry asks. Neal ran into her and spilled her coffee all over her. He gave her his scarf to cover the stain and his number. She seems pretty okay with the fact that her fiance suddenly has a son he never knew about and that he’s now back in contact with his ex due to sudden fatherhood. She’s just very supportive all around. And that’s when Neal decides to tell her he’s from the Enchanted Forest. Tamara, of course, thinks Neal is insane. He gives her the storybook that Henry left, and Tamara is confused because it’s just a book of fairy tales. He shows her a picture of himself as a boy. Tamara thinks Neal is trying to break up with her for Emma. He tells her he is not, but Tamara doesn’t believe him. She tells him when he’s ready to be honest with her to come and find her. She plays the perfect girlfriend so well. Tamara overhears Mary Margaret telling Emma and Marco that she found August, that he’s completely wooden, and that he’s living in a trailer by the toll bridge. So she goes to pay him a visit. She mentions him being made of wood and August is surprised she can see him. And she says my thoughts exactly, she believed in The Dragon so of course she believes in magic. Tamara wants August to leave town, he owes her for what he did to her in Hong Kong. He wants her to explain how he found her, but she poses the more important questions, how is she there. August deduces the elixir worked for her cancer and Tamara says she has more in her apartment in New York, he just has to go get it. In return, he leaves Storybrooke and never return. Well, that’s not ominous or anything. August sees her engagement ring and realizes she’s Neal’s fiance. He accuses them of coming to Storybrooke to steal the magic, but Tamara says Neal has nothing to do with this (that should really be August’s first clue that Tamara isn’t on the up and up because what are the odds she met Neal randomly otherwise?). August again says he needs to know what she’s up to, but Tamara knows he’s all about self-preservation and gives him her car keys. August attempts to call Emma to warn her about Tamara, but she cuts the phone line. Tamara tells August she wanted him to save himself, and he tells her that’s what he’s trying to do. August basically tells her she won’t get away with what she’s doing, but he wastes too much time monologuing because she tases him. Tamara witnesses Mother Superior turning August back into a real boy and ‘realizes’ everything Neal told her is true. Neal gives her the out to go back to New York, but she says she wants to stay with him, and Neal thinks he’s so lucky to have met her. And then we find out that Tamara is the Her that Greg keeps calling and they make out in front of Greg’s open door at Granny’s.

The Dragon: We don’t really know much about him except that he’s magical, he’s not from this realm, he helps people that science has failed (as long as they pay), and no one has met the real him. He looks like he’s going to transform into something, but Tamara tases him before he can.

Character Observations:

August: In the past, we see how awful of a person August is. He seems to have wasted the $20,000 that he was supposed to give to Emma on moving to Thailand, drinking and living on the beach. He wakes up when his leg starts turning into wood. His girlfriend doesn’t see it. August decides he needs to see a doctor. And apparently he needs to go to Hong Kong to do it.The doctor thinks August is pulling his leg (ha!) when he tells him his leg is turning to wood, but then August decides stabbing his leg would prove his point. The doctor, clearly disturbed by his patient stabbing himself and not noticing that no blood came out of this stab wound, calls for security to take August to psych. August apparently didn’t think about the fact that if you’re not magically inclined no one can see you turning into wood and they will automatically think you’re crazy. So he runs off trying to escape from security. He’s grabbed from behind into a storage closet by Quon (as IMDB so helpfully told me, or Jianyu/Jason Mendoza from The Good Place), who heard him yelling about his situation and knows someone who can help him. August follows him to The Dragon’s waiting room, where he is a good Samaritan and picks up another patient’s phone, and it just so happens that patient is Tamara. August goes to see The Dragon and tries to test his abilities by showing him the wrong leg first. The Dragon knows it’s the other leg that ails him. August shows him the other leg and The Dragon sees that it’s turning to wood and calls him Pinocchio. August is unnerved that The Dragon knows who he is and asks if he’s from the Enchanted Forest. The Dragon never confirms, but tells him he’s asking the wrong questions. Which is, can The Dragon help him, and he can. But he needs a personal item and $10,000 dollars.  For the personal item, he wants the necklace string August has around his neck. It’s from the strings Geppetto used to bring him to life when he was just an inanimate puppet. He gives him until that night to bring him the money. August at a market looking at the lack of funds in his wallet. He sees Tamara in a bar and she invites him over for a drink. He sees all her money just sitting in her bag. When she tells him she has cancer, you can see the internal conflict going on in his mind about whether he can steal the money and technically kill her. When she leaves to take a phone call and asks him to watch her bag, well, I can understand where he might think that’s a valid reason to take it. I mean, that’s pretty dumb on her part. August goes to The Dragon and pays him the money and gets the elixir, but not after The Dragon tells him the turning to wood is just a symptom of a bigger problem that only August can cure himself. Now, if he’d been smart, he would’ve drank it in the waiting room or even on the steps, but no. He decides to go down the stairs, with his bum leg, and take a drink when he gets to the bottom. But Tamara catches up with him before he can take a drink. She chases him through the streets and eventually, his leg trips him up and he falls and drops the elixir. She takes it and leaves crying manbaby, August, in the streets of Hong Kong (okay, I get that he’s really crying over his life choices, but seriously, he looks so pathetic in this scene). August goes back to The Dragon a few days later but finds him dead. We later see August talking to Neal in New York, he’s telling Neal he’s turning back into wood and he has to go to Storybrooke to get Emma to break the curse so he stops it from killing him. He says he’ll send Neal a postcard when the curse is broken.

In Storybrooke, Mary Margaret comes across a completely wooden August hiding out in an abandoned trailer in the middle of the woods. Mary Margaret is understandably confused since the curse broke. August explains that when it broke he went from not being able to move, having been consumed by the wood, to being able to move again. It’s his punishment for not following the rules set out for him. Mary Margaret tries to convince him to come to town because Emma and Marco miss him (I seriously doubt Emma is missing him), and that Henry’s father is now there. August is hopeful that Emma and Neal are back together, but Mary Margaret informs him they aren’t and that Neal is engaged. August looks regretful about this and goes on a tirade about how hope basically sucks and it hits too close to home for Mary Margaret who is looking for redemption herself. She tries to convince him that everyone deserves a second chance, but August isn’t buying it because she’s Snow White who has never done anything that needed forgiveness (Mary Margaret must be really sick of everyone thinking she can do no wrong). He doesn’t want to go back and tells Mary Margaret not to tell anyone she saw him. Later on, there is knocking on his trailer door and it’s Tamara! He’s surprised he can see that he’s made of wood, even though she believed in the magic of The Dragon. She tells him she wants him to leave town, no questions asked, because he owes her, and she has some of the elixir left and she’ll let him have it. August realizes she’s Neal’s fiance and wonders if she and Neal are there to take or get rid of magic. Tamara assures him that Neal has nothing to do with this. He takes her car and drives out of town, but then he hits a bump and the picture of Tamara and her grandmother, that she had given to The Dragon, falls down from the sun visor. August realizes that Tamara must have killed The Dragon. He heads to the police station, desperate to find Emma, but she’s out in the woods looking for him. He somehow manages to call her from the ancient rotary phone in the station but Tamara cuts the phone lines before he can tell Emma about Tamara. He tells her he knows what she did to The Dragon and then monologues a bit about how he hasn’t led a good life and only he can cure that, and he won’t let her get away with whatever she’s doing. Which, ugh, just get out of their August before she, oops, too late. She tased you. August makes it outside just as Emma and crew get there, but he doesn’t manage to tell her anything before he dies. Mother Superior comes and Marco begs her to save him, and they decide that this one last bit of bravery is enough to make up for all his past misdeeds (he had to save Geppetto from Monstro the whale when he was little puppet to get turned into a real boy, and dying to try and get info to Emma is what saves him this time, what the hell?) so she turns him into a real boy. Yes, he is no longer August but back to being child Pinocchio. So now he gets his second chance and all the harm he caused Emma has been reset, because he doesn’t remember anything from being August.

Mary Margaret: She’s still depressed and in bed. She overhears David and Emma arguing about her and she finally decides to get out of bed. She packs a bag and decides she needs some alone time. David wants to come with her but she reminds him that he’s working with Anton in the bean fields and they might have a crop soon. David thinks they can just go back to the Enchanted Forest and forget about being in Storybrooke, but Mary Margaret says going back there will not erase what she’s done. She is doing some target practice in the woods (and listening to some Joan Jett while doing so) when she hears something in the woods and finds August (complete with broken arrow sticking out of his leg) in a trailer. She is confused that he is still wood after the curse broke, but August explains about how it’s his own punishment. Mary Margaret tries to convince him to come back to town, and let’s him know that Emma and Marco miss him (I think Mary Margaret is assuming about Emma, because I don’t think she would miss the person who helped put her in jail). She also lets him know that Henry’s father is back. You can see the confusion on her face when August mentions Neal’s name and hopes that they’re back together (since she doesn’t know the connection between them). He then goes on about redemption and mistakes made and how some things you just don’t come back from and of course, since Mary Margaret is going through the whole killing Cora guilt, she takes it personally. She tells August everyone deserves a second chance, but he goes on about how she’s perfect Snow White and never has to worry about those things. August was seven when the curse hit, what the hell does he know about Snow White except she was the queen? Seriously, does he know anything about her past, because if he did, he wouldn’t say such bullshit and make her feel bad. She’s on the verge of tears and then she tells him he needs to stop feeling sorry for himself (herself) and face the people in the town. August tells her to leave and tell no one that she saw him. Of course, Mary Margaret goes straight to Granny’s to go tell Emma and Marco she found him (with a detour of running into Regina who bates her by telling her the fish special is blackened sole). She tells them he’s completely wooden and that hopefully, Mother Superior will be able to turn him back. Mother Superior can’t help him, because he hasn’t been selfless, brave, and true. Mary Margaret argues that he should get another chance because they’ve all done things they aren’t proud of and Mother Superior agrees that if he can do things he needs to get back on the right path then she can change him. Mary Margaret tells Marco there’s still hope for August. Mary Margaret, Marco, and Emma head toward the trailer and Marco laments that this is all his fault. Mary Margaret tells him their children make their own decisions, but Marco finally confesses about the whole two people could go in the wardrobe and he sent Pinocchio to care for Emma. Mary Margaret is, understandably, upset because she could have gone with Emma and raised her. Marco apologizes and Mary Margaret slaps him (go Mary Margaret, I’ve been waiting for this confrontation and it did not disappoint). Emma is appalled at Mary Margaret’s behavior because Marco apologized (so what, she has the right to her emotions), Marco feels he deserved it, but Mary Margaret feels like she wasn’t in control of her actions and apologizes to Marco. She understands and would have done the same for Emma (she kind of did with sending her with supposedly no protection at all). It seems like they’re going to say more, but Mary Margaret notices they’ve arrived at August’s trailer. He’s not there when they go in. On their way back, Emma gets a phone call from August and they hightail it back to the station (and pick up Henry and David on the way?). August comes out and ‘dies’ and Mary Margaret is heartbroken because he didn’t get his second chance (projecting much Mary Margaret?). Luckily, Mother Superior is able to turn him back into Pinocchio and Mary Margaret is so relieved that he’s getting his second chance. Which means she’ll get a second chance. Mary Margaret finally comes clean to David about going to Regina. David is upset because Mary Margaret could have died, and Mary Margaret matter-of-factly tells him that’s what she had intended. She tells him that Regina ripped out her heart and found the dark spot. David wants to know why she didn’t say anything. She felt it would make it real; she wanted to believe redemption was possible. David reminds her that August got redeemed, but Mary Margaret reminds David that it cost August everything to do so. David tells her she’s not August and she’s not Regina, so there are other ways to redeem herself. Mary Margaret doesn’t understand how he can be so sure, but he says he knows her heart better than anyone, so that’s how he’s sure.

Emma/Neal/Henry: Emma is pissed that David is still coddling Mary Margaret when he makes her breakfast in bed. She thinks they need to haul her ass out of bed and get her to start living again. Emma tells him that the only one who can help Mary Margaret is Mary Margaret. She and Henry leave to go so Neal. When Henry leaves to go get some hot chocolates, Neal informs Emma that Tamara went into the storage closet and Hook wasn’t there, and Tamara was in the storage closet because she was getting things to come to Storybrooke. Emma is concerned about bringing an outsider in. Neal says he needs her. Emma says he needs to tell her about who he is and where he’s from and to stop lying to her. Neal wants Emma to stay, but Emma really doesn’t want to and gives the excuse of needing to go to the Sheriff’s station. He convinces her to stay (with bagels, it’s always about food with Emma). Cue awkward silence when Tamara, Neal, Emma, and Henry are all eating bagels. Henry finally asks how Neal and Tamara met to break the ice. Neal seems like he doesn’t know what to say so Tamara takes the reins and tells it. Emma tells her it sounds like fate (and that’s actually cutting because we know how she feels about that). Neal even looks at her like he knows she’s kind of being bitchy. Emma has to take Henry to David’s (is Henry helping work in the bean fields?), and Henry tells Neal to keep the story book he’d brought over. Neal decides to tell Tamara the truth and she doesn’t react kindly to it. She thinks he wants to dump her for Emma. She tells him when he wants to be honest to come find her. The one time Neal is honest it blows up in his face. Still no sympathy for him. Mary Margaret asks Emma and Marco to meet her at the diner. I’m not sure if Emma is truly concerned for August, or just worried about the fact that he’s completely wooden. They go see Mother Superior who tells them that August did come to her after the curse to change him back. Emma wants to know why she didn’t, and she explains that August basically made himself the way he was by not adhering to the rules. Emma, Marco, and Mary Margaret go to the woods to find August and Marco confesses his wrongdoings concerning the wardrobe. Emma is saddened when she sees how hurt Mary Margaret that she could have gone with Emma through the wardrobe. Emma is pretty shocked though when Mary Margaret slaps Marco. Emma looks like she doesn’t know how to handle the situation even after both Mary Margaret and Marco apologize to each other. Emma is really concerned when August tries to call and warn her about something but is cut off. She, Mary Margaret, Marco, David, and Henry go to the station where August collapses in Marco’s arms. He tries to warn Emma again but ‘dies’ before he can. Neal walks up right at this moment and Emma is freaking out that someone killed August. Henry thinks that Mother Superior will be able to save him since he was doing a selfless, brave, and true act. August gets turned back into Pinocchio and Emma hopes he can give her the info he was trying to give before he was changed, but he can’t. Emma is worried because obviously, someone in town killed August. Now I know she doesn’t know everyone in town, but my two guesses would be either Greg or Tamara because they don’t belong there. Anyway, Neal witnesses this whole thing too, as does Tamara who finally ‘believes’. Neal can’t believe he got so lucky to find a woman like her. He wasn’t, Tamara orchestrated their meeting, but he’s oblivious because he’s in ‘love’. Ugh. Back at the loft, Emma finally apologizes for lying to Henry about Neal and promises never to lie again (then tell him what an ass Neal is! She’s still lying by omission if Henry ever finds out.). Henry says he won’t push her away anymore and they hug and make up.

Greg/Regina: These two meet in Granny’s while Greg is eating a piece of apple pie (appropriate). Regina wants to thank him for calling about Henry. He has a soft spot for little kids in trouble. Regina thinks he looks familiar and can’t figure out why. He jokes about her possibly having been in PA, but she hasn’t. She’s happier than we’ve ever seen her for just talking to a stranger. She tells him not to hesitate to ask her for anything during his visit. Regina goes to leave and runs into Mary Margaret who looks like a deer in headlights when they run into each other. Regina goes all devious looking when she suggests the fish special, blackened sole. Greg goes back to his room later and finds Regina there. She’s finally figured out that he’s Owen from all those years ago. She still has the lanyard he gave her from all those years ago. She’s admiring how grown up he is. She even tries to lovingly touch his face, but he backs away from that gesture, pretty disgusted. Greg comments how he recognized her right away, because she looks exactly the same. Regina plays it off as if she does juice cleanses.  Right.  She says he could have come to her and told him why he was there. Greg thinks she should know why he’s there, but Regina says she has no idea. Greg says he’s looking for his father. Regina seems shocked, she claims he left shortly after Greg did and she never saw him again. Greg doesn’t believe her, because that would mean his father abandoned him. Regina swears it’s the truth. He tells her people just don’t disappear (um, I think a lot of people with missing children and relatives would disagree with you on that, and that has nothing to do with a fantastical town), but Regina says little boys tend to have overactive imaginations. He gets defensive and tells her he’s not a little boy anymore and he’s not leaving without his father. Regina says he is and she’ll let Granny know he’s checking out tomorrow. Greg asks what happens if he doesn’t leave. Regina says that sometimes people do disappear. Later that night, Greg gets a call from Her and then a knock on his door. It’s Tamara, and she is Her. They don’t have much time because Neal is in the shower, so they start making out. Ew.

Questions:

How are the beans almost ready to harvest when it took them 100 years in the Enchanted Forest?

Why does August go to a doctor in Hong Kong when he’s in Thailand? They aren’t anywhere near each other. It’s a 7 hour flight from Phuket to Hong Kong.

Is Quon just hanging around hospitals listening in on private doctor/patient conversations in case he can send someone to The Dragon? Is that his job? Scrounging up sickly or dying people, who hopefully have money, so The Dragon can cure them?

Where did this trailer come from that August is staying in?

Is there any rhyme or reason to the story book? There’s a picture of the Mad Hatter, Hansel and Gretel, and then Bae all in a row.

Why is there a picture of young Bae in the storybook? Doesn’t the storybook only cover the fairy tales in the years directly preceding the curse? 

Why was Tamara wearing a headscarf and sunglasses in the waiting room of The Dragon, but not later when August runs into her for a drink? I know, it was supposed to be so we didn’t recognize her, but it makes no sense that she’d be hiding her identity in an indoor room and not out in a public, outdoor bar.

Why does The Dragon need a personal item? Does that have something to do with the magic?

How the hell did Tamara find August’s trailer? I know she overheard it was near the toll bridge, but David got lost going there in The Shepherd and he’d been there before. How did Tamara find this area without asking anyone (or maybe Greg helped her out since he’d been hiking out there in Welcome to Storybrooke).

Why does The Dragon have Tamara’s photo of her and her grandmother sitting out on his table? He doesn’t have any other personal items out? Did he know August had stolen the money and had it out as a possible guilt trip to see if he’d do the right thing? Or was it just for plot purposes?

If Tamara drove to Storybrooke, how was she going to explain her car missing to Neal when she gave August her car keys and told him not to come back?

How is August getting food? Does he need to eat? There are food wrappers on his counter, so it seems like he does.

So, is Tamara a scientist of some sort? How does she have access to the most sophisticated techniques to analyze the elixir?

How high is the voltage on that taser that it kills a magical being? Or is it a magic taser? That would be ironic if she killed a magical being with a magical taser.

Any ideas on who The Dragon really is? (Spoiler alert: we never find out) I’m going with Mushu because of the red smoke.

Was The Dragon not seeing anyone the day Tamara tased him? Where were the people in the waiting room? Where was his assistant, the guy that brought August there in the first place?

How did Tamara know August came back to Storybrooke and was at the sheriff’s station? Was she tracking him somehow. Does she have a tracker on her car?

How did August find Neal in New York? Last time he saw him was in Canada. Or were they keeping in touch all this time in case the curse broke?

Also, why was Neal so surprised about Emma finding him when he a) knew the curse was starting to break, and b) had received a postcard from August once it had broken?

I have so many questions concerning Tamara and Neal’s meeting. Was she in New York to go after August but decided to go after Neal instead because they knew each other? Did she know Neal had a magical background and that’s why she orchestrated their meeting? Was she using Neal to get August but found a bigger gold mine instead? Did she know about Storybrooke and everyone in it since we know she and Greg are together? 

Observations:

It’s October 24th when August’s leg turns back into wood, and the newspaper from Welcome to Storybrooke was dated October 23rd, meaning Emma’s birthday is definitely October 23rd. Which is when the Pilot aired.

August’s clock says 8:15 when his leg turns to wood. He is in Phuket, Thailand, which is 11 hours ahead of Maine. If it had been 8:15 at night when Emma decided to stay in Storybrooke, then it should have been 7:15 the next morning in Phuket, not 8:15. And also it should have been the 25th of October since it’s the following morning.

Neal and Tamara are looking at the picture of young Bae in the story book, but when they close the book it’s on the picture of Snow and Charming’s wedding.

Mary Margaret’s expression when she runs into Regina at Granny’s is the exact same expression she had in Welcome to Storybrooke when she would run into Regina on the street.

Wood doesn’t conduct electricity. Now, assuming August is completely wood and doesn’t have any water in him like most humans have, Tamara’s taser must be magical.

August tells Neal he’ll send him a postcard when this is all over. Neal had asked August to send him a postcard when things changed in Tallahassee and Neal actually received a postcard from August in Broken.

Oh, look, we went from August having dark brown hair and blue eyes to Pinocchio having red hair and brown eyes.

So, yeah. That was that episode. We finally found out what happened to August after the curse broke. We found out he really is a douchebag. I mean, he stole the $20,000 Neal gave him to give to Emma, and then he stole the $10,000 Tamara had for her cure (even if she wasn’t really sick). He is not brave, not truthful, and very selfish, and yet he gets to live his life over again. Whatever. We find out that Tamara is working with Greg and apparently wants magic in some way. Really, the only good thing about this episode was Mary Margaret getting out of her funk with target practice.

Please leave comments and reblog! Let me know if you’d like to be tagged in future reviews.

@searchingwardrobes @thisonesatellite @justbecauseyoubelievesomething @laschatzi @profdanglaisstuff @mariakov81​ @lfh1226-linda​

[charlemange1]

Ask of the Lesser (Frankenstein/Lovecraft Works): 8.1 Did I Solicit Thee from Darkness to Promote Me?

There was a time before pain had settled over my life like a thick fog. A time before Victor’s creature and Mama’s death, when I barely came up to Victor’s knees and spent my days charging though the woodland and whacking apart pond reeds that I pretended were incoming invaders. I had been prancing around the lakefront all morning when Mama kindly requested I stop chasing chickens and fetch Victor from the depths of our villa. I found him in the small stone room he always played in.

“Vic-tor, Mama says that Henry’ll arrive soon. She wants you and Elizabeth to be ready for him!”

Victor nodded absently from behind his table as he stirred the liquid inside one of several bowls.

“Do you not want to play?” My head tipped to the side.

“Of course I do,” Victor said, though his shoulder’s hunched. “But Henry and Elizabeth would rather recite poetry and paint the mountains. It is good fun, but shallow! Why not discover why paint changes color or heavens’ secrets that only the mountains know?” Victor’s stirring lessened. “They do not understand. No one does.”

“Oh, I cannot stand poetry either!” I chimed. “That man Papa had speak the other night was a great snooze. I think your little bowls and vials are quite fine, though I cannot say I understand em’.”

Victor’s stirring spoon clattered to the ground. He looked at me for the first time. “Truly?”

“Uh-huh,” I said with a finger up my nose.

“You can be my assistant, then!” Victor’s hands clapped together and he shoved a wooden stepping stool beside the table so I could watch him. I scrambled up and he handed me a bronze spoon and a bowl of reddish liquid.

“Now, do not drink these chemicals, Ernest. This is dangerous alchemy!”

“What are we doing?” I breathed in excitement.

“Turning lead into gold,” Victor said in his best serious tone, though his smile broke through. “Mother would love it if we brought her a golden necklace made all by ourselves!”

“Yeah!” I chirped, and Victor’s smile widened.

“Like this, Ernest,” Victor said, churning the liquid in his own bowl. My attempt to replicate him sent the liquid splashing carelessly over the rim. Victor’s hands gently took hold of mine and guided my stirring until I had gotten the rhythm down.

“You are a natural,” Victor grinned. “It is nice having someone to play with.”

My cheeks flushed with heat, making me notice how cold the cellar was.

“It is chilly,” I remarked, glancing at the open window high above us. “Could you close that?”

“I am afraid not,” Victor explained. “These fumes are suffocating and will build up if they cannot escape.” Victor pointed to a badly rusted fire poker and a flaking steel bucket in the corner. “See how the lingering chemicals can devour the strongest material known to man? Fear not though, as long as we have sufficient air flow, no harm shall come to us.”

“You are brilliant,” my eyes widened.

Victor’s reply was cut off by Mama’s faint voice announcing Henry’s arrival. Victor immediately set down his spoon and began shutting the lids on his containers, whistling a little tune to himself. He gave me the honor of closing the last one while he strained upwards to shut the window.

“We must do this again, Ernest,” Victor said as I followed him into the hall. The rusted hinges creaked as he shut the door behind us. “Once the chemicals have the proper consistency, we may add lead and move onto the next step!” He paused and gave me a very serious look. “I must ask that you do not enter this place without me. Alchemy is a dangerous art if not handled properly.”

“Okay,” I nodded, charged with excitement at this secret project for Mama as we rushed up the stairs to the main room.

Victor met Elizabeth and Henry at the front door. Though I was too young to join them, Victor assured me that I would be old enough before I knew it! From the window, I watched the trio’s departure with a creeping loneliness. Chasing chickens did not appeal to me anymore. My legs carried me back down the twisting stairway to Victor’s little stone lab. Each bit I yanked the hefty door open the rusted hinges squeaked. Thankfully, I could squeeze inside with only a few inches of leeway. Yes, Victor had said I should not come here alone, but I was a natural at stirring, he had said so himself! How happy would Victor be to return and find himself ahead in his research! I popped the lids off the surrounding chemicals as I searched for the one I had been stirring before.

A chilly draft swept by me accompanied by a great bang. I turned to see the door had shut. Hopping off the stepping stool, I bounded over to yank it open. The rusted knob disintegrated between my fingers, turning to dust in my hand from the continuous chemical exposure.

The surrounding fumes were thick in the air, and I rushed to open the window. My fingers strained upward, but even with the stool; I was too short. Too little. The peaceful blue of Switzerland’s sky rivaled my panic as I banged my fists against the wooden door. My voice grew hoarse as I screamed for Victor to save me. I screamed and screamed but no one came. No one ever came down here but Victor. I sunk to my knees by the door. The fumes were overpowering, pumping their poison into me as my shouts faded to whimpers.

I do not know how much time passed until the door swung open and inaudible cries reached me from where I had collapsed.

“He is here! Mother, he is down here,” Victor shouted, and I felt his arms carry me into the hallway. “Ernest, say something! Little brother? Talk to us!”

“Fetch a nurse,” Elizabeth whispered. My vision flickered between black nothingness and the vibrant colors of reality. The frantic screaming around me seemed to come from someplace far, far away.

My head bobbed as new hands tore me from Victor’s grasp. I recognized Mama’s voice as she cradled me.

“His face is blue! Oh Lord, Lord do something!”

“What happened here?” Papa’s voice came somewhere close to my ear.

The blurry shapes of Victor and his friends came into view. Victor was clutching his mouth, horror struck as Elizabeth stroked his shoulder. He stepped forward.

“Father, he was locked in my lab,” Victor croaked, nearly in tears. “The chemicals…”

“What have you done?” Mama’s shriek split the air. She was always so calm and nurturing to us, Victor adored her. But seeing me unresponsive seemed to momentarily tip her off the edge. “I told you to be careful with those chemicals! You would leave your little brother alone with your supplies? How could you be so irresponsible? You killed him! You killed your baby brother!”

Victor’s face had turned deathly white. “I, I...”

“Take him upstairs, he needs fresh air,” Papa ordered. Mama clutched me to her chest, as though her life could replenish mine. My head rolled over her shoulder as she rushed up the stairs. I watched the quickly fading figures left behind as Elizabeth touched Victor’s arm.

“She is in hysterics. She knows not what she says, Victor.”

But Victor was not listening. His horrified eyes were fixed on me with such an intensity that I could feel their gaze long after we had rounded the corner.

I never completely recovered from the incident. My coordination became sloppy and my constitution for academics nonexistent. Illness struck me easier too, and planned trips across Europe were canceled in favor of a more permanent lifestyle in Belrive. Being a child, I adapted well enough, but that look never left Victor’s eyes. It lingered with each unnecessary hour he spent trying to explain the schoolwork and dance theory everyone else had forgone teaching me, or every stone he threw at those laughing faces when I could not keep up. He stayed in his room for longer periods too. Only Elizabeth and Mama could draw him outside, so much did they mean to him.

Then Elizabeth sickened, and Mama died tending to her. Shortly after the funeral, he made arrangements to depart for Ingolstadt. I caught him just as he was stepping out the door with a suitcase of carelessly packed clothing poking out the sides. His shoulders shook when I called to him.

“Must you leave so soon, Victor?”

“What use am I here?” Victor muttered. “I failed to fix Mother, just as I failed to fix you.”

“It was never up to you what Mama’s fate would be,” I pleaded. I needed him to stay! How precious ‘stay’ was. “God decides these things.”

“The god spoken of in Geneva’s pulpits is benevolent and good!” Victor whirled on me. “Whatever governs this world is insensitive. Uncaring! No God of love would let Mother slip away, not when she was doing his good work by caring for others!” Victor shook his head. “What right have I to enjoyment while she rots in the ground and you are, are,” Victor turned away. “How can any of us claim happiness when we could sicken at any moment? All I hear is ticking, a countdown until everyone I have left follows her!” Victor’s voice dropped. “Modern medicine can cure disease, surely there exists a remedy for death? Some elixir for immortality as the ancient alchemists claimed? If so, I will not find it within these walls of tortured memories, but I will find it, Ernest.”

“Let me come with you, then,” I said, leaning forward on my cane. “I can help!”

“You must remain here where it is safe.”

“But—”

“No Ernest! You are too weak,” Victors’ eyes radiated hatred. Self-hatred. “Too weak, and it is all my fault!”

My Fault.

It had been forever since that day. I had tried to repress it. To forget. If I had never messed with Victor’s chemicals, if I had not crippled myself, Victor would not have that guilt and the urge to tamper with life and perfect it. Maybe I had not whispered to him to create that creature, but I had set him on the path to inevitable destruction, and when he had come to me, begging for help, I had called him mad and drove my own creation away to die alone.

The memory repeated over and over in the pits of that cosmic creature’s unearthly yellow eyes. Then the eyes blinked, and I awoke.

[hanalwayssolo]

more of sam drake and darcy please? 1, 3, 18, 38, 39, 40!

Hi!! Oh god here we go again, I’m so sorry for missing this!! This is a bit lengthy so ahhhh I’m sorry for getting carried away!!

1. How do they fall asleep? Wake up? Any daily rituals? 

Sam tends to fall asleep while reading; Darcy is the one who usually pries it out of his hands and sets it on their bedside table, and then she rests herself on his chest to sleep. I know how this might seem so uncomfortable, but weirdly enough, he is quite comfortable when she sleeps on his chest, anything that lets him hold her close. And when either of them wakes up far apart, they always tend to scoot back to each other. 

As for daily rituals, Darcy does this really thorough skincare routine every night that Sam enjoys watching. He finds this like some sort of sorcery. At some point, she drags Sam to do it with her, and he obliges out of curiosity. Turns out… it’s a whole lot of fun. (He’s even managed to do his own research that he learns which skincare products he can get for her, and for this Darcy is surprised and immensely grateful.)

Putting the rest under the cut! (Because there’s one question that is too smutty, so heads up kids)

Send me a ship and a number and I’ll tell you

3. Are they open about their relationship? How do they feel about public displays of affection? 

I hope I’m understanding this question right because I’m going to take this as something that is not being in an open relationship, which is a very different thing, but rather how comfortable they are being together and with other people knowing that they’re actually a couple. So. 

When they first started dating—and by first started dating, I mean when they first came across each other sixteen years ago in that fateful London gig—they weren’t really high key announcing that they were seeing each other, but their loved ones knew that something was going on. No one could believe they actually got together because they have been at each other’s throats from the very first time they met. Sully was the only one who sensed that these two idiots will fall in love with each other sooner or later, and goddamn he was right. 

At any rate, Darcy’s family knew about Sam and already had the chance to meet and get to know him; besides, he took great interest in apprenticing for Darcy’s mother, Greta, who was a renowned archaeologist who had worked with his mother. (Sam did not know this at the time.) Nathan and Sully knew about them, too, and Nathan often teased how they fight like an old married couple. However, the two of them had little grasp as to how serious Sam really was about Darcy. When Sam decided to stay behind the UK after their gig in the meantime, they both thought it was solely because of the apprenticeship Greta had offered him to take under her tutelage. (Nate was offered a place, too, but he had other plans.) Little did they know that he really was staying for Darcy. (Nate would only come to find out about this part sixteen years later, when Sam revealed that he lived with Darcy for a year until Nathan called about a significant lead on Henry Avery, which then reunited them both to Panama. Though this is all a story best saved for a different time.)

Meanwhile, years later after they have reunited and Sam is working hard to win her back—and he does win her back—they started seeing each other in secret because they couldn’t quite know how Darcy’s kids would deal with this lmao

18. What are their dates like? How long do/did they date? Do they ever feel the need to take a break from each other?

Their dates are mostly going to galleries and museums, and dinners to their usual cafés or restaurants. On special occasions, Darcy likes taking Sam to art events and historical sites that are not open to the public (perks of her job and having an archaeologist for a mother), while Sam enjoys taking her to the beach or on a road trip to the countryside. But their most favourite really is their museum dates. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s where they get to trade stories and get to talk about their shared love for history and culture while poking fun of completely lewd paintings and statues. And they do take a break from each other’s company, too. Sam knows and is completely aware of how introverted Darcy is, so he respects her need for space from time to time.

38. What are they like in the bedroom? Any kinks/fetishes/turn-ons? Anything they won’t do? 

They are a mess in the bedroom, and by mess, I mean they can go from soft and sensual to rough and fuck-your-brains-out kind of lovemaking in the next. It’s like flipping a switch: one minute Sam is all vanilla, but then Darcy says something explicitly dirty—which she rarely does, so this always takes him by surprise—like “you make me so dripping wet,” or “god, you are just so big inside me,” and he just fucking loses it. As for what gets them turned on, Sam just really likes it when he sees Darcy in her lingerie, or if she ever wears his shirt; meanwhile, the way to Darcy’s wetness is with words, so she really likes it when Sam talks dirty, a game in which he is far more superior. (He does it even when they’re in public, or while buying the groceries, or while casually taking a walk in the park that Darcy hates Sam for it because she cannot deal being so hot and bothered in broad daylight, for fuck’s sake.)

Also, they’re creative and adventurous in giving each other pleasure, too, and they’re always willing to explore how they can spice things up in bed. However, to some extent, Sam has reservations on BDSM because the last thing he’d want to do is to hurt Darcy in any way, regardless if it’s only roleplay. Absolutely no slapping, no choking, no reenacting of any form of physical violence whatsoever. (This is mainly because of what Darcy has been through in her past marriage, so yeah. You get the idea.) But… if she’s the one in control and the one to tie him up, well, that he won’t mind at all.

39. Who initiated the relationship? Who kissed who first? When did they realize they were in love? 

Sam initiated the relationship because he is ballsy like that. It’s also him who kissed first, and it just happened when he was watching her staring at a Rembrandt painting like it’s the most beautiful thing in the world, her mouth open in wonder, and she looked so happy and more beautiful than the masterpiece in front of them and he thought, “God, I want so badly to kiss her right now,” and so he did. And she did not object. She had been wanting to kiss him, too. That was also the time he realized he was in love with her.

40. Any special memories? Do they have a special place they like to go to? 

They have a lot, actually. But one of their very special places is on a beach in East Sussex where Sam took her on a date sixteen years ago and asked her to be his girl.

[carelessgraces]

MAIN CROSSOVER VERSE – DRAGON AGE

HISTORY tw: abuse, death

She was a delicate child, clever and soft and always aware of her surroundings. Born in the height of summer and raised in the palace at Seleny, Astoria was a surprise, and a blessing – the result of a brief but passionate affair between Veronica Grimani, the daughter of Seleny’s merchant prince and his assumed heir, and Henry Greengrass, the Bann of the Storm Coast. (He might have followed her back to Antiva, his own lands be damned, were it not for the wife and daughter waiting for him to return from his trip to Denerim, already months longer than he had intended.)

(She had her mother’s eyes and nose, her grandmother’s cheekbones, her grandfather’s laugh. The thick red curls, the source of her greatest vanity, were a gift from her father, a reminder that even with her roots planted firmly in Antiva, she was a daughter of Ferelden.)

Her tutors thought her a promising student, and found her well-equipped to learn – more than that, they discovered early on that she had a knack for learning things she shouldn’t, and she could talk her way out of anything. As she grew, she developed an interest in politics, compounded by a natural skill; catching sight of this, her grandfather began to augment her education. Where she was once gently ushered from Alessandro’s study while he conducted business, she was invited to remain and observe quietly; where her training had been conducted to prepare her for life as a lady of wealth and status, it shifted to prepare her for life as the heir to Seleny itself. She was taught to understand politics, philosophy, history, economics, theology – and combat, as well, assigned a Crow, Lorenzo, from the House under her grandfather’s command as a guard. (He trained her, too – first only in defense, and later, without her grandfather’s permission, with blades, with poisons and grenades, with everything she could need to defend herself should she one day take her grandfather’s seat.)

Death touched the Grimani family when Ileana, Astoria’s grandmother, caught a fever while in Minrathous, negotiating a treaty. The treaty was put on hold and Ileana was accompanied by her niece and nephew back onto the road, where she perished and was cremated. The whole of the family was devastated by the loss – Alessandro withdrew to his study, where he kept his wife’s urn; Veronica took up the business of running the city, more in a desire to have something to do than any interest of her own in ruling; and Astoria turned to her newly-met cousins, a pair of siblings who had been named her godparents before they relocated to Tevinter. 

Evander and Elyssa took an immediate interest in Astoria and her education, and offered to remain in Seleny to train her, teaching her ancient history at first – and, as Astoria and her godparents grew closer, they asked that Astoria be allowed to attend lessons without being accompanied by her guard. (Surely, a chaperone was unnecessary – where would Astoria be safer than in her own home?) Weeks before Astoria’s fifteenth birthday, the reason for such a request was unveiled, and Elyssa – an apostate and blood mage – placed Astoria under a thrall, claiming that she intended to teach Astoria to withstand the call and command of blood magic. 

Frightened and determined to prove to herself that she was safe, Astoria began to ask questions shortly before her birthday. Her curiosity was punished violently by Evander, the first of many of his lessons. The pretense of training and good will were dropped, Astoria effectively terrorized into silence. For months, this continued, Astoria’s periods of lucidity increasing only when Elyssa began to take her terror for granted, and the more she listened, the more she learned: her godparents had been contacted by the merchant prince in Treviso, promised the aid of his own House of Crows for overthrowing the Grimani. They would take Seleny for themselves – and Astoria, under their control, had been for months giving them the means to do this.

She confronted them – and was beaten, badly, for her disobedience, the incident reported to her grandfather and mother as the result of an attack and attempted robbery while the three were in the city. The family retreated to their vineyard while Astoria recovered, and she acted quickly, certain that she wouldn’t long have the opportunity. 

It happened quickly: a carefully laid trail, made just clumsy enough to be seen; trust in the Crow who had been her protector for years; certainty in her godparents’ tempers. She taunted them, threatened them, and when Evander lifted his hand to strike Astoria, he was killed by her guard. Elyssa managed to escape, but only just, and Astoria was gathered into Lorenzo’s grasp and brought quickly to safety. 

Adjusting to Seleny again proved more difficult than Astoria could have guessed. Angry with her mother and grandfather for not seeing what was being done to her sooner, she finally asked that she be allowed to attend university in Val Royeaux, where she could study and prepare to inherit her grandfather’s titles. He agreed, officially naming her his heir and promising to send her once Elyssa was found; he was as good as his word, and the preparations were made for her to relocate, with Lorenzo remaining as her guard and her grandfather and uncle accompanying her to Orlais. 

She showed immense promise in her studies, relieved to be far from the site of such recent tragedy and to have a chance at independence. Within two years she was training as a bard under the youngest daughter of the Duc de Savrenne, her uncle’s betrothed; she established herself as a welcome addition to the Orlesian court, attending even royally-patronised salons and taking one of her classmates, a Marcher lord a year older, as her on-again, off-again lover. During holidays from the university she went to the Storm Coast to spend weeks with her father and sister, getting to know the Bannorn or urging her family to take her to Denerim so she could get to know the Ferelden court as well.

After five years of study Astoria agreed to return home; her mother came to Orlais to travel with her, intending that their first stop be Redcliffe, where Veronica would meet the Arl to establish new trade alliances and try her luck at arranging a union between Astoria and the Bann. 

And then, the dead rose.

TIMELINE

1 SOLACE 9:08 Astoria is born in Seleny, Antiva, to Veronica Grimani and an unidentified father, later revealed to be Henry Greengrass, Bann of the Storm Coast.

WINTER 9:19 Astoria’s education is expanded to prepare her to become Merchant Princess after her grandfather’s death. She is assigned a guard from among the Crows under his command – Lorenzo, who begins training her in combat and defense.

SPRING - SUMMER 9:22 Ileana Grimani, Merchant Princess of Seleny and Astoria’s grandmother, contracts a fever while visiting Minrathous. She dies on the road, and her ashes are returned to her family by her niece and nephew, Evander and Elyssa, also Astoria’s godparents. They remain in Seleny and begin to take part in Astoria’s education.

SPRING 9:23 Lorenzo, concerned by the request that he no longer chaperone Astoria in her lessons, begins training her in secret as a dual-wield rogue.

SUMMER 9:23 Weeks before her fifteenth birthday, Astoria is placed under Elyssa’s thrall, allegedly to teach her to throw off a blood mage’s control, and sworn to secrecy. When she presses for more information, Evander strikes her, and the pretense of training and good will are dropped when the three are in private. 

SPRING 9:24 After months of Elyssa’s “training,” Elyssa begins to take for granted that Astoria has been terrorized into silence. Astoria learns the real motives behind her godparents’ visit and begins planning a way to get rid of them for good, risking her life to do so. When Evander beats her badly enough to threaten her life, the family retires to their vineyard, where Astoria arranges their death by goading Evander into striking her in front of Lorenzo. Lorenzo kills Evander and, months later, kills Elyssa.

AUTUMN 9:24 Astoria is named heir to Seleny and travels to Val Royeaux, where she begins studying at the university. Her uncle remains in Orlais, looking to secure an advantageous match for himself, angry that he’s been passed over. Astoria exchanges letters with her mother while at university, but will not see her, and instead stays with her father in Storm Coast for holidays.

SPRING 9:26 Astoria begins training as a bard under the Lady Isabeau de Savrenne, the youngest daughter of the Duc de Savrenne and her uncle’s betrothed. 

EARLY 9:30 After completing five years of intensive study at the university, and becoming well versed in the Game – including as a regular attendee of numerous royally-sponsored salons, and the on-again, off-again lover of Lord Iain Blackwood of Starkhaven, another student – Astoria sees her mother for the first time since she left Seleny. When Lord Blackwood marries another woman, Astoria agrees to return to Antiva with her mother. Astoria, Lorenzo, and Veronica pass through Redcliffe together, and are trapped there when the dead rise.

9:30 – 9:31 Astoria risks her life to save her mother and Lorenzo, who are trapped in the castle, allying with the Warden to do so. She remains in Ferelden to help defeat the blight, and Lorenzo agrees to accompany her mother back to Antiva.

9:31 – 9:34 If Alistair is king, and they have a good relationship, Astoria spends a year with him in Denerim, helping him grow accustomed to his new political role, before moving to spend time with her father. If he is not, Astoria goes directly to her father’s Bannorn.

LATE 9:34 Astoria hears news that her grandfather has fallen ill, and returns to Seleny, inviting her father to come with her.

SPRING 9:35 Astoria’s grandfather dies, and Astoria takes the role of Merchant Princess of Seleny and Gonfaloniere di Giustizia of the Signoria at age twenty-six. 

9:38 Following the uprising in Kirkwall, Astoria opens Seleny to mage refugees, many of whom settle in the countryside, and takes on templars in the city guard. The experiment works well – she hand-selects templars to ensure that they will follow her command and punishes those who do not swiftly and without mercy. She holds a tight rein on the city, punishing any mages who enact violence on the civilians with equal speed. Through her careful management, she is able to maintain control of the city and establish peace.

9:41 Astoria attends the conclave at the request of Divine Justinia, having been invited due to her success in Seleny.

GENERAL STATISTICS

CLASS Rogue. SPECIALIZATION Assassin, Bard (DA:O), Shadow (DA:A); Assassin, Shadow (DA2), Tempest (Inquisition)

Note: As Astoria has already trained in assassin skills, by Inquisition she is willing to take on another specialization. She will use the same number of skill points as any Inquisitor or Companion, but will have both trees available to her. 

WEAPON Dual-wield, usually sword and dagger. SPECIAL SKILLS Coercion, Poison Making, Stealing, Survival. 

COMPANION STATISTICS

ORIGINS

PERSONAL QUEST

INQUISITION

PERSONAL QUEST ( Under Construction )

INQUISITOR STATISTICS

EXPLORING THEDAS

Redcliffe Inner Sanctum reached, Crossroads secured, gained cultists’ allegiance;

Crestwood Closed lake’s rift, captured Caer Bronach;

Western Approach Claimed Griffon Wing’s Keep;

Hissing Wastes Explored Dwarven ruins;

Emerald Graves Fairbanks revealed to be noble, Fairbanks defeated the Freeman;

Emprise du Lion Michel de Chevin recruited, Imshael killed, captured Suledin Keep.

MAJOR QUESTS

THE WRATH OF HEAVEN Accepted being chosen by Andraste.

CHAMPIONS OF THE JUST Inquisitor went to Theirinfall Redoubt, templars allied; Ser Barris is alive, promoted to Knight Commander.

IN YOUR HEART SHALL BURN Declared for faith.

HERE LIES THE ABYSS Allied with the Wardens, Hawke left in the Fade.

Note: Astoria will leave Hawke in the Fade due to her affection for Alistair and respect for the Warden order. However, if she and Hawke have developed a close relationship, she will leave Stroud or Loghain in the Fade over Hawke. She will not leave Alistair under any circumstances.

WICKED EYES AND WICKED HEARTS Celene killed, Briala rules through Gaspard, Grand Duchess Floriane recruited.

WHAT PRIDE HAD WROUGHT Respected temple traditions and allied with guards, Morrigan drank from the Well of Sorrows ( unless Velanna or Merrill, or another elven advisor willing to drink from the Well, is present ).

DOOM UPON ALL THE WORLD Cassandra made Divine.

JUDGMENT AT SKYHOLD A recruiting judge.

CALPERNIA Past investigated.

JAWS OF HAKKON Discovered and met Ameridan, shared the truth about American, hunted down the Nox Morta, the dragon was slain, earned a legend-mark from the Avvar.

COMPANIONS

BLACKWALL Recruited and stayed, left prison as Rainier, pardoned by the Inquisition;

CASSANDRA Received and read Tome, Seeker order rebuilt;

COLE Recruited and stayed, made more human;

CULLEN Encouraged not to use lyrium;

DORIAN Recruited and stayed, met and did not reconcile with father;

IRON BULL Recruited, Chargers saved, became Tal-Vashoth;

JOSEPHINE Supported to do favors for the Du Paraquettes;

LELIANA Steeled;

SERA Recruited and left, killed Haramond;

SOLAS Freed his friend;

VARRIC Tracked Red Lyrium source;

VIVIENNE Recruited, given snowy wyvern heart.

IMPORTANT NOTES —

The Greengrasses, Mac Eanraigs, and Couslands

On the Structure of Seleny

On Lorenzo and House Vescovi

[orionwhispers]

Tommy’s Girl ♡

(A/N - This is some kind of random pointless drabble that formed after a weird dream type thing I had, basically Michael pining over his cousins girl. It’s probably terrible but I enjoyed writing it, sorry for my absence and DLM will be coming soon, love you guys!!!)

No matter how many cigarettes he smoked, how many fancy suits adorned his skin or the number of shots he downed at the Garrison, Michael had once been Henry, a country boy who rode his bay mare through rolling fields, tended to the vegetable patch and played football with his friends until the apricot sun settled behind the trees. He knew he was destined for a life beyond the country and Birmingham was a chance for an escape and a new beginning, but that didn't stop him from finding solace in something that reminded him of the familiarity and comfort of his upbringing, and that was you, his cousin Tommy’s young wife.

He tried to put on a brave front, but meeting Polly was hard. Abandoning everything he knew for a life in the gloomy streets of Birmingham, immersing himself in the illegal and dangerous business that followed the Shelby family like a black cloud. He admired and respected his cousins immensely, and as much as he longed for the adrenaline and power that came with the Blinders, he couldn’t help feeling like a goldfish amongst Great Whites. That was part of the reason why he became so close to you.

You were soft spoken and kind, but more than capable of holding your own in a family meeting, discussing business as if it was second nature, but maintaining calm and collected against the rivalling voices. He could easily admit that at first he was confused by you, only a handful of years his senior and married to the toughest Gang Leader in England, petite and pretty, like a rose growing amongst a vine of thorns. He soon realised he had deeply underestimated you, knowing to never mistake your kindness for weakness, and quickly learning how you had the ruthless Thomas Shelby wrapped around your finger.

Out of everyone, he found you the easiest to confide in, appreciating your unbiased nature and honest humour, knowing better than anyone the hardships that came with the Shelby’s. Whenever the Blinders had business that an overprotective Tommy or Polly wouldn’t allow either of you to attend, it wasn’t uncommon for the two of you to drink tea in the garden, laughing and sharing stories under the stars.

At first, Polly was delighted. Overjoyed that her son had found someone to confide in, no matter how hard she tried she knew that after all these years things wouldn’t immediately slot back into place, it would take time and patience. Secretly, she was glad he had chosen you to talk to, you and Polly were very close, and she trusted you with her son completely. She knew that the brothers had good intentions, but she believed you were a much better influence. As they days passed into weeks and her beloved son began to settle into the family business and open up more, she started to notice a change.

It started off small. Subtle glances from across the room, the hint of a smile whenever your name was brought up in conversation, lingering touches as you passed him a glass full of whisky that mirrored the deep blush on the apples of his cheeks. She wasn’t even sure he knew he was doing it, that unconscious kind of ‘puppy love’ that swept you up out of the blue, she was sure he just liked the attention of a pretty girl, your sweet soul able to make any man weak at the knees, but she knew that it was solely one sided and it made her heart ache. She so badly wanted to tell him to stop, that you were beyond enamoured with your husband, never once glancing at another man in that way, but she had just got him back and she was terrified that any kind of words of warning would push him away.

The night of the bar fight with Isaiah, adrenaline coursing through his freshly battered body, his cousins set the rival pub alight and he slunk through the darkness towards your house. 

“It was insane, I’ve never felt anything like it.”

His words tore through the night as you shook your head with reluctant laughter, wiping antiseptic across the cut on his jaw, apologising as he winced at the stinging pain.

“Your mother is going to go bloody mental.”

He shook his head, sparking a new cigarette as you raised a brow at his fresh habit, rolling your eyes and soaking a cotton round in alcohol.

“She’ll be alright.”

You took his head between your palms, inspecting the wounds with curious and careful eyes, completely oblivious to the shocks your touch sent through his skin. You tutted at the flaming lavender bruise forming beneath his eye, careful not to irritate his injuries you met his line of sight.

“You really have to start taking care of yourself, Michael.”

A few hours later, he returned to his mothers house, opening the door as quietly as he could muster but, to no surprise Polly was already curled up in one of the plush armchairs, anxiously awaiting her son’s return. Her first instinct was to question him, especially as she noticed the crimson marks darkening on his face, but most startling to her was the shy secret smile on the edge of his cut lips. It didn’t take her long to put two and two together as she saw the faint reminder of antiseptic cream on his skin, and her overprotective mothering words got caught in her throat, knowing exactly where her son had been. She pulled a faux smile onto her mouth, greeting him as she rang the bell for the maid to make a cup of tea, taking a moment to collect her thoughts. She knew Tommy loved his cousin and herself, but she wasn’t sure how much longer Tom would accept his lovestruck behaviour, when it came to you, Tommy was ruthless.

The business with Campbell and Sabini was occupying most of Tommy’s thoughts, and he had spent the past week or so travelling from Birmingham to London, dealing with whatever situation arose next. As his car bounced along the country roads, as always, his thoughts trailed back to you, thanking God that he had survived another day - and was able to go home to the woman he adored.

Tommy was not oblivious to Michaels infatuation, finding the teens admiration amusing at first. He knew just how easy it was to be enamoured by you, knowing the allure that radiated off your body was just as sweet as the perfume that lingered on your neck. In fact, he found it rather ego boosting, feeding the over possessive side in him as he knew that in a room full of people you would always go to him, and he felt self assured in the fact that the most beautiful girl in the whole of England was safely hanging off his arm.

That didn’t mean that he would ever let it go out of hand, he allowed the glances and sly smiles, the inside jokes and occasional hand brushing when Michael handed you paperwork, but in the end his dominant side always took over. An arm slung around your waist in ownership, his hand covering yours at family dinners, sly teasing kisses over your neck and collarbone at nights in the Garrison. You would always laugh and blush at the affection, knowing how Tommy could get, relishing in the attention, because to you, nothing was out of the ordinary.

The secret competition between the cousins was bubbling like a pot left on high heat, unbeknownst to you. Nobody would admit what was happening, leaving them to their own devices, there were more important things to deal with than their childish game. Neither would ever confirm their thoughts, Tommy remaining the cool and composed Alpha and Michael pretending not to notice his heart clenching as you broke into a wide smile whenever you saw your husband, bliss and unclouded adoration radiating off you.

The high that came with being a newly anointed Peaky Blinder was unmatched to any drug, and the excitement and thrill of the business meant that Michael was temporarily immune to the nagging doubt in his stomach. He had managed to convince himself that the feelings he had for you stemmed from pure friendship, he knew you thought of him as a younger brother and he continually drilled that statement into his head. That didn’t stop him however from spending as much time as possible with you.

With Tommy refusing to allow you to get involved with the current affairs over fears for your safety you spent the majority of your free time with Michael and Isaiah, forming a three musketeers type group, laughing and roaming the city streets like children. Mornings were spent in the crook of his office, perched on the edge of his desk and teasing him, throwing wads of paper from across the room. You’d bound into the Garrison, buying a round to celebrate his first successful week as the official accountant, clinking the glasses together and relishing in the mutual happiness that surrounded you all. All very mundane things, but he couldn’t swallow the thought that seeing you was his favourite part of the day.

Watching you announce yourself as you opened the door of his office, faking irritation as you rifled through his papers, watching the light bounce of your features as you tilted your head, breaking into peals of laughter. Curled up in the armchair in the living room, jotting down numbers, tongue between your lips, slowly meeting his gaze with a sleepy smile, hair messy and tousled. Your nose crinkling and eyes shining as you chuckled at Isaiah’s crude humour, snorting and coughing on your drink as he reached the punchline. It was those moments of solitude that he allowed his mind to wander. He could imagine that the two of you were in a different situation, no ties to the Shelby family, just two friends cherishing each others company. He could imagine how different life would be, imagining all your smiles and kind words were directed and devoted to him solely, rather than your gangster Husband who would most likely pistol whip him for the thoughts that filled his brain.

Reality would always hit though, as the night faded to an ebony black and you drained the last of your glasses, hiccuping from the long gulps of alcohol you had downed. Tendrils of hair failing from your up-do, your drunken eyes matching the glow of the twilight. Isaiah would roll his eyes, holding you close as he lifted up your giggling frame, gesturing to Michael for support.

“C’mon, let’s get you home. I don’t really feel like getting shot by Tommy, he almost had my balls last time and we were only five minutes later than promised!”

He’d plaster on a fake smile as Tommy opened the door, watching as the gangster rolled his ocean eyes with faux annoyance as you clambered into his arms, mumbling drunkly. He’d thank the teens, giving his cousin a small look that contained unspoken communication as he wrapped a strong arm around your shoulder, unable to contain the adoration he held for you in your intoxicated state. He’d return home, climb into bed, thankful for the ambush of sleep that would clear his mind, and the day would restart.

He knew he couldn’t tell you how he really felt and it made him feel sick when he realised that you would never feel the same. He couldn’t help the tug of his heart or the hitch in his breath when he saw you, the envy swimming in his stomach when you kissed Tommy with head spinning passion, but he was trying. Above everything he was grateful for your friendship, still trusting you with his darkest secrets and personal fears, thankful that his hidden feelings hadn’t ruined the bond that you two shared. In a room full of beautiful women his eyes always trailed to you first, watching you captivate everyone around you with just your presence, illuminating the room like a beacon of light. He knew how happy you were though, and that feeling overpowered the others in his mind.

He watched the deadly Thomas Shelby turn from a pit bull into a kitten around you, that kind of dopey love that would usually twist his stomach into a sea of nausea. He was glad you were happy, it radiated and flowed through you every time you were with your husband and despite his inner turmoil, he was glad. One day, perhaps he would find a girl he would love like that, blurring his mind and vision. He would get over you though, fall in love, get married and be happy, but you would always be the first girl that properly broke his heart.

[justanoutlawfic]

Back To You: Chapt. 2

Story Summary: 5 years ago, Belle left Storybrooke and became a New York Times Bestselling Author. Now, she's returning to Storybrooke to try to convince her husband to finally give her the divorce she's been begging for. However, the longer she spends in town...the more she realizes...maybe that's not what she wants anymore.

Chapter Summary: A look back into the happy times of Sampson and Belle’s relationship. In the present, Neal visits his dad so they can have a talk.

Also on AO3

7 Years Ago

 Belle stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her dress a final time. This wasn’t how she pictured her wedding as a little girl, there was supposed to be a big cake and the church her parents were married in. Sampson had already had the big wedding though, with Milah. He had said he’d be more than willing to do it again, but Belle could tell it wasn’t really what he wanted deep down. So, she had agreed to a simple backyard wedding at his place, with just her parents, his son, daughter-in-law and grandson present.

 She allowed her mind to wander back to the first time she had ever met him. She had been living in Storybrooke for about half her life, yet had never ran into the mysterious lawyer/pawnshop owner. A little after her 19th birthday, she returned from college and her roommate, Emma, decided to introduce her to her future father-in-law. Sampson was handsome, older and she fell head over heels instantly.

 Most of the town didn’t get what she saw in him, her father included. They missed the days when she dated Gaston Theroux, despite not knowing how unhappy she was in that relationship. Sampson made her smile, he respected her studies. She’d come home from Boston U every other weekend and he’d come visit her on the alternating ones. The proposal came the day she returned from her graduation and she couldn’t wait to become Mrs. Gold.

 “Honey,” Colette stepped into the room and paused, taking in her daughter’s dress. “You look beautiful.”

“Thanks, Mama.” Belle turned to her and smiled. “You okay?”

“I’m fine. As long as this is really what you want.”

 Belle had to hold back a sigh. She loved her mother more than life itself, but they had such different ideas about the future. Belle wanted to be an author, but felt she could do it in Storybrooke. Colette wanted her daughter to leave this small town and never look back. Getting married so young is what she had done and now she was miserable. Belle didn’t plan to be, though. Sampson Gold was not Moe French. They were going to be happy, they were going to build a life together.

 “It is.” Belle took her hands. “I love Sampson and he loves me. You don’t have to worry about me anymore.”

Colette let out a sigh. “Oh my darling Belle,” she whispered, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. “Once you become a mother, you’ll learn that you always worry about your child.”

Moe walked in, interrupting the precious moment between mother and daughter. “Are you ready yet?”

“Yes, Dad.” Belle cleared her throat and walked over to him, taking his arm.

“Not too late to run.”

She rolled her eyes. While Colette worried about Belle’s safety, Moe just hated Sampson because he owned eighty percent of the properties in town, his flower shop included. “I’m not running.”

“I better go take my seat,” Colette said. “See you out there.”

 She left the room and Moe reluctantly escorted his daughter down the stairs and into the backyard. She didn’t even see the other people there, just her groom. He was wearing a tux instead of a suit that day and looked just as dashing as ever. When Moe finally let her go, she took hold of his hands and stared into his eyes. This was her future, this was what she wanted. Sampson was supportive, he cared about her and her dreams. He wanted her to become a successful author. They’d be Storybrooke’s power couple.

 She could hear their ordained friend, Archie, go through the vows, but she only listened hard enough to know when to say “I do.” She silently thanked him for leaving out the “If anyone has any objections” bit, not wanting to tempt fate with her parents.

 “By the power invested in me by the state of Maine, I now pronounce you two husband and wife,” Archie said. “Sampson, you may kiss your bride.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice,” he said with a bit of glee in his eye.

 He leaned in, kissing her and Belle deepened it, throwing her arms around his neck. It was official, she was now and forever, Mrs. Gold.

 Present Day

Emma made her way into the house, ruffling her son’s head as she walked past him. Henry was such a reading buff, it surprised her. She and Neal were more art than book people, but somehow the 10 year old could go through a dozen of them a week. She was proud of him, nonetheless, it was fun to brag to her friends that while most kids would be out causing trouble, her son could be found with his nose buried in a book. The first time she did that with Ruby, she realized she was becoming her own mother with her art…but strangely, she didn’t mind.

 She entered the kitchen and pecked her husband on the lips. He grinned and handed her the cup of coffee in his hands. “What’d Dad say?”

“He’s got no problem watching the kid.”

“Awesome.”

“But um, Belle was there.”

Neal arched an eyebrow. “Seriously?”

Emma nodded. “She came to get him to sign the divorce papers…I thought they were already divorced. Didn’t you tell me that?”

“I told you that Belle sent them to him.”

“Neal.”

He sighed. “I knew what you’d say, you’d bug him to sign them.”

“Well, it’s what she wants.”

“I know, I know. And to be honest, if I were him and had messed up so badly with you…I’d be willing to give you whatever. He has his reasons, though.”

“And they are?”

“That, I don’t know. I used to think that he didn’t want to be the man with two divorces, but he squashed that. Deep down, he just loves her.”

Emma frowned. “I get that, I do. Why did they even split up anyway? I know your dad was having some problems, but she was willing to be by his side.”

“Sometimes there’s only so much that a person can put up with. We didn’t see how bad he got until the accident. Belle lived with him every day.” He let out another sigh. “I better go talk to him.”

 Neal took Emma’s bug out and headed the 5 minutes down the road to his father’s. For so long, they were all each other had. Milah and Sampson divorced when Neal was 10 and his mother’s presence in his life was sporadic at best, especially after she got remarried to a navy captain. Which meant it was his father that supported him when Emma got pregnant when the two were only 19. He gave his blessing for their wedding and helped them with Henry, alongside Mary Margaret and David Swan.

 Which meant that Neal had no problem stepping up and helping his own father after everything went wrong. Even before Belle left, he must’ve spent a week at their house after the tragedy, trying to keep everything together. Then when she was gone and his father got hurt, he moved in with Neal and Emma temporarily so they could help take care of him. Sampson would never be alone, not if Neal had anything to say about it.

 Even if it sometimes was the opposite of what his father wanted.

 Gold was doing some paperwork when Neal walked in. He didn’t even have to look up to know it was his son. “Emma told you.”

“I would’ve figured it out eventually.” He plopped down across from him. “So, did you sign them?”

“What do you think?”

“Papa.”

Gold looked up. “Neal.”

“This is what she wants,” he said gently. “Don’t you think you should give it to her? It’s been 5 years.”

“I can’t. I can’t just sign this and let it be over.”

Neal frowned. “I know you love her,” he whispered. “Sometimes, that’s just not enough.”

“If I could see a sign, that this is really what she wanted…if I could feel it in my bones…then I’d sign.”

“What’s that going to take? Don’t you want her to be happy?”

“Of course I do! That’s all I ever wanted!”

“Then maybe that requires letting her go.”

 Gold looked down at his paperwork and blinked a couple of times. The truth was, he knew that Belle was happy. She had been happy before he screwed up and then when she left, she was happy again. And that hurt, because he knew there was no one else to blame but himself.

 6 Years Ago

They lived in a state of married bliss for a year. They had sex with the doors open, in almost every room of the house. The two were like rabbits, barely able to keep their hands off one another. He took her on a honeymoon to Europe so she could see some of the best libraries and read amazing literature. Back home, they went on a date night at least once a week, it was newlywed bliss and he never wanted it to go away.

 On their anniversary, he arrived home that night with a bottle of wine, a single red rose and a beautifully wrapped box. He found her waiting on him in the den, looking beautiful in her emerald green dress with some jewels on the neckline. She stood on her tiptoes, kissing him passionately for a moment. When she pulled away from him, she accepted the wine and set it down, before sniffing the rose and looking to find a vase to put it in.

 “I made reservations at the Italian place,” she said as she filled the crystal vase with water. “I didn’t feel much like leaving town, I hope that’s okay.”

“Whatever you want, it’s your anniversary.”

“Our anniversary.” She turned to him and saw the wrapped package in his hands. “Is that for me?”

“Do I have another lovely, sexy wife it could belong to?”

Belle giggled and accepted it from him, opening it to find a leather jewelry box. Upon flipping it open, she discovered a beautiful diamond necklace, her eyes widening. “Oh, Sampson…”

“I think it goes perfectly with your dress.”

“I love it, but it’s…it’s too much.”

“Nothing could ever be enough for you.”

 He held back her hair and clasped the necklace around her neck. She gave him another kiss before disappearing into the other room, only to return a moment later with three packages of her own. The first two included a silk tie set and a glass of his favorite whiskey. The last one, however, was the box he had put her engagement ring in. He cocked an eyebrow and flipped it open, finding a pacifier inside. Slowly, he tilted his head.

 “Belle…”

“I found out this morning,” she whispered. “It…it happened.”

 The two had been trying since their honeymoon to have a child. Yes, Gold had his son and he loved him, but he knew how badly Belle wanted to be a mother and there was no way he would deny her that. Besides, he had always wanted more children. Even if in this case, they’d be younger than his grandson. Still, nothing had seemed to work. Belle was getting nervous and had actually been making plans to talk to a specialist.

 There was no need for that now.

 “We’re going to have a baby,” he said, in awe.

Belle nodded. “We’re going to have a baby.”

 He swooped her into his arms, landing a kiss to her lips before resuming hugging her tightly. She hugged him tighter, tears of joy falling down both of their faces.

[crestfalien]

The Whole Family

5 July 2022.

It was finally the nerve-wrecking day where Fransesca and Christine would be introduced to the family for the first time. Even in the past, Clayton never introduced her properly to his family or if that’s what he thought. Fransesca never met them and so did the opposite, so the expectation was pretty high today especially to the parents.

With Claudius being close behind the public’s eyes with the woman as their children were in the same class and Henry was actually a colleague of hers in NAFA, it turns out that she actually met everyone already. Even Vincent himself.

Talk about coincidence, or was it actually fated? All the meetings that she had with each of them but not the parents.

Christine was excited, but Fransesca was clearly nervous. It’s only been days since they moved into his house and Fransesca would say that it's the same kind of nervousness for her, but this one was bigger than what she thought it would be. She never thought that meeting the whole family at the same place would be this big.

Dressed in white knee-length dress and heels, she looked refined and beautiful. Her daughter, Christine, wore the same. The mother and daughter really shook him with the similarities that both had; they were each other’s splitting image for sure.

Standing in front of the main door to the mansion, Clayton smiled and held his daughter’s hand tight while Fransesca again, stood behind him. Today’s main attention should be Christine as the granddaughter to the family and not her. She knew that meeting his parents would be a disaster, at least that’s what she had in mind at this point.

Though Clayton told her that his parents were very welcoming and will understand what happened between them in the past, her guts said the opposite. She knew something was yet to come and she knew how this would end up. This dinner would end up. But instead of saying what she had in mind, she kept it in silence just for herself.

“Ready?” asked Clayton to Christine, which the little girl nodded. He turned his head back to Fransesca only to see the woman looking pale from the nervousness. He could see it that the woman was literally shaking from being nervous. Clayton couldn’t understand the real reason why she was shaking so badly right now.

“Fransesca?” he called her softly as he then held her hands and looked into her eyes. He saw her fears there. The kind of fear he never saw from her. He never saw her like that before and he knew that something happened inside her mind. Something that is troubling her mind and heart.

“Everything will be okay.”

He tried to calm her down though he felt like he failed to do so. Fransesca was seen troubled and uncomfortable, though she knew she needed to go through this thing. “What if it's not?” she asked him in which the man quickly shook his head and hugged her for some seconds. “Everything will be okay. I promise you, Fransesca. I promise you one thing and this should be it.”

Fransesca nodded her head and walked behind the man as they then entered the mansion, straight to the dining room where everyone was already there. She could see Claudius, Henry, his parents, and even Vincent there— sitting quietly beside his father as Christine and him greeted each other with a smile on their faces.

“Ma, Pa, everyone, this is Catharina Christine Clementine. Christine, my daughter. My biological daughter,” he proudly introduced his daughter to everyone in the room. Christine then bowed to everyone and smiled as she now took her chance to introduce herself to everyone in the room; his uncles, friend slash cousin, and then her grandparents.

David welcomed her with a warm smile while Gertrude welcomed her own granddaughter with a slight smile she forced herself to. “Hello everyone, my name is Christine.” she introduced herself politely before she sat on a chair where Clayton pointed at. Then, Fransesca was left to be introduced. Clayton gestured to the woman to take some steps forward when he noticed that the woman was shaking again.

“This is Fransesca, the one that I've been in love with for years. Mother to my own daughter. She’s now a professor at NAFA and NUS. Her father is Anderson Rhee.” he introduced the woman who received everyone’s warm smiles but not Gertrude’s.

Fransesca bowed. “I’m sorry for interrupting today’s dinner. My name is Fransesca Adelaidine Rhee, mother to Christine.” she said as she bowed deeply in front of everyone and gave them her slight smile. Clayton caressed her back gently, trying to calm the woman down. As she exchanged gaze with the old woman, Fransesca unintentionally… automatically, took some steps back.

“A woman like that shouldn't be here, don’t you think so?”

Upon hearing the sentence that slipped from the old woman’s lips, Fransesca bit her lower lips and bowed again, which caused a change in the atmosphere. Clayton then let Fransesca sit next to her daughter, as then he took his seat on the other side of his daughter. Right straight in front of his mother who looked at her in huge dislike.

“Now that everyone’s here, let's enjoy our dinner. To welcome Fransesca and Christine into the family!” David smiled as he raised his glass for a toast, in which they then toasted to the new members of the Kingsley family. Again, except Gertrude who treated her as cold as she could.

Fransesca helped her daughter then with the food while she answered some questions that David asked her, regarding her work life and some praises for raising such a beautiful daughter alone all these times.

“I apologize, on behalf of everyone in the family, for not knowing about her presence and existence, Fransesca. I apologize to you as well, princess. Grandpa would like to spend some time with you.” David said to both women in front of him. “Grandpa, I’ll be very happy to play and get to know you more.” replied the young girl cheerfully.

Meanwhile, Gertrude looked at the woman as if she wanted to kill Fransesca right at that very moment. The hatred and anger she has towards the mother of one built up. She took the wine glass near her and splashed it right on her face, causing Fransesca to quickly push her chair backwards.

All the attention was now fixated on the two. David quickly stopped his wife from doing anything more than what she had done to the single mother. Clayton quickly protected his beloved, including Christine. Her dress was soaked in red wine and her face was wet. 

“Mama, enough!”

“I’ve told you not to bring her here! This woman changed you and turned you into a nightmare! Your life turned upside down because of this devil you protected. Oh, this child? Are you really sure that she’s your child or she’s just the same as her mother? You really think that the woman you loved cares for you? She slept with another businessman just for money even after she gave birth to Christine!” Gertrude blurted out all that she wanted to say. The truth that she knew, but painful for everyone, including Christine herself.

Pictures were seen on the table and Clayton shook his head. He turned his head at Fransesca for an explanation where her eyes were filled with tears.

“Mama, you really hate her, don’t you? So what if she did in the past? She was thrown away from her family because of her daughter. She’s pregnant with Christine! She did everything by herself and made sure to provide her daughter with all that she needed!” Claudius finally interrupted. Something that he never did but he felt like he should.

Fransesca felt ashamed in front of everyone.

“This is going out of the limits, mama. She did what she needed to for her daughter and I’m sure she has a reason why she did that, if it turns out to be true.” Henry then joined in to protect Fransesca and Christine. Clayton left confused about what he felt as he found out about one thing Fransesca never told him. Why would she sleep with someone else? He’s okay with it, but why she never tell him? Of someone she ever loved after his leave?

David quickly apologized to Fransesca and Christine before he took his wife into her room, leaving the room with only them there. The kids and the grandchildren.

“Clay, take them home. Take your Christine and Fransesca home.” Henry told him, in which Clayton quickly nodded. He tried to help with the wine soaked dress but he couldn’t say anything to the woman. Even after they were in the car, they didn’t talk at all. 

Christine was left silent after she saw the pictures of her mother being with a man, in an inappropriate dress. She was seen kissing the man and even seducing the man she never knew the identity of. As much as she wanted to deny it, she couldn’t. That person in the pictures was her mother.

As they arrived back at his house, Clayton smiled at Fransesca.

“Go get some rest. I’m sorry that I broke my promise.” he whispered. Fransesca shook her head and smiled slightly at him. “I’m going to leave tomorrow. I’ll let Christine stay with you instead.” she replied weakly as she entered her room and was never to be seen again for the rest of the night.

“Fransesc—”

“Christine,” Clayton called her softly. He knew that the sudden fact must’ve surprised the young girl. He tried to calm his daughter down first. “Let’s talk about it later, okay? I’ll try to discuss the matter with your mother first. Remember, she must’ve had her reason.”

Christine nodded her head, trying to stay positive as she knew her mother more than anyone else. She knew that her mother won’t do things like that as she became the witness to her life. After Christine entered her room, Clayton walked himself into the mini bar and drank a bottle of soju from the fridge. He sat himself on the couch and wondered.

“I feel like I don’t know you anymore at this point, Fransesca. What are the things that you hide from me? What else?”

END OF THE WHOLE FAMILY.

[swanqueeneverafter]

55. Wish You Were Here, Pt.2

Enchanted Forest. Past. The Dark Castle. (Belle is cleaning the silverware as Rumplestiltskin enters.) Belle: “Rumplestiltskin, you're back. I, uh... I did the wash, and I polished the silver like you asked.” Rumplestiltskin: “Good. Now you can take care of this.” (He deposits a bassinet on the long table.) Belle: (As the baby cries:) “A baby? But where... where did it come from? What... where are its parents?” Rumplestiltskin: “They no longer matter. The child's mine now.” Belle: (The baby’s crying continues:) “Y-yours? What you... you stole him?” Rumplestiltskin: “Yes. Scandalous, isn't it?” Belle: (Picks up the baby and cradles it in her arms:) “Shh. It's okay. Shh. Oh, shh. What kind of beast steals a child from its parents? I mean... (Sighs:) What happened to you that made you like this?” Rumplestiltskin: “You'd do best to stop asking so many questions. (Searches for a scroll:) Ahh, there it is. I have work to do. I'm not to be disturbed.” Belle: “Well, at least tell me his name so I can soothe him. Or did you not even bother to find out?” Rumplestiltskin: “Why would I? A name's a special thing. You don't waste it on something you've no intention of becoming... a-attached to.” Belle: “What do you mean? What do you plan on doing with this child?” Rumplestiltskin: (Avoiding the question:) “I shall be back at sundown. Don't think about trying to hide it. I'll find out. (As Belle starts to protest:) Ah!” (Belle falls silent as the Dark One leaves the room.) Storybrooke Library. Present. (Belle is in the library, trying to find a way to stop her husband.) Belle: (Reading book titles:) “Goldman's ‘Treatise on the Metaphysics of Magic.’ Talbot's ‘The White Sorcerer's Way.’ What's this? Huh. I've never seen you before. (Pulling the book off the shelf, she opens it:) ‘Follow the strand.’ The strand of what?” (She closes the book to notice a red strand of rope that now lays on the floor. Bending over to pick it up, she begins to follow where the strand leads.) Dream World. (Suddenly, Belle finds herself inside a cave. Walking deeper inside the cave, the red strand eventually leads her to the Shears of Destiny. As she reaches for them however, they disappear.) Belle: (Finally taking in her surroundings:) “I'm in the dream world again.” Son: (Standing behind her:) “Our dream world. (As Belle turns to face him:) Hello, Mother.” Belle: “My son. (Chuckles, approaching:) It's really you again.” (They embrace.) Son: “Yes. I've come to warn you. (They part:) The glowing thread you followed is the strand of my fate. It's what my father plans to cut with these shears as soon as I'm born.” Belle: “I-I'm trying to stop him, but I don't know how.” Son: “You know the answer to saving me is already inside you. It's right here in front of you. You just have to be willing to see it. And do so quickly, or any hope of protecting me will be cut short. Just like my fate.” (Belle’s son holds up the Shears and cuts the red strand in front of her, waking her up. Belle finds herself back in the library.)

Granny’s Diner. (Snow White and Jasmine share a booth as they go over the class grades.) Snow White: “Look at these grades. I think they're finally getting it. (Jasmine says nothing, looking downbeat:) Is something wrong?” Jasmine: “I feel silly saying anything with all you're going through.” Snow White: “No. It's okay. We're friends.” Jasmine: “Aladdin. He might have found something to help locate Agrabah. A genie lamp. I don't know how much you know about it...” Snow White: “I know a little bit. My father found one once.” Jasmine: “Then you know how unpredictable genies can be, how all their wishes come with a price.” Snow White: “And you're worried about what the price could be if you wish to find Agrabah.” Jasmine: “What am I to do?” Snow White: “Don't you remember the story you told me the first day we met? About the princess who didn't embrace being the hero she was meant to be?” Jasmine: “You mean the story about me?” Snow White: “Yes, I do. It is never too late to be a hero, Jasmine. This might be your chance.” Zelena’s Farmhouse. (Zelena cradles baby Robin in her arms as the Evil Queen enters.) Evil Queen: “Knock, knock.” Zelena: “Ooh! Look who it is! Your Evil Auntie! Would you like to hold her? I think she misses you.” Evil Queen: “Oh, no. That's okay. In fact, I was hoping to catch you during nap time.” Zelena: “Why's that? Why are you here?” Evil Queen: “Gold sent me. Seems he wants you out of the way pretty badly.” Zelena: “Hmm. So, what now?” Evil Queen: “Oh, nothing you need worry about. I just came to warn you and to let you know that my partnership with Rumplestiltskin is coming to an end.” Zelena: “Really?” Evil Queen: “Of course. Family is everything, Zelena. Besides, I just may have found someone better to team with. Talk soon, sis.” (The Evil Queen blows a kiss and disappears in a cloud of smoke.) Enchanted Forest. Past. Dark Castle. (Belle reads to the baby from her favourite book.) Belle: “ ‘Gideon was unafraid. He drew his sword and turned to face the evil Sorcerer, ready to save the people he loved.’ (Baby coos:) You really like this, don't you? So did I, when I was little. This is the first book that my mother ever read to me. I used to tell her that when I grew up, I was going to be a strong, brave hero, just like Gideon in the book. Maybe you could grow up to be like him someday. Wouldn't that be wonderful? Of course, you'll only get the chance to if we can figure out what Rumplestiltskin is planning before the sun goes down and he takes you away. Which, now that I've calmed you down, maybe we can do that.” (Belle lifts the baby in the bassinet and leaves the room.)

Storybrooke Library. Present. (Belle is still pouring over books as Mr. Gold appears beside her.) Belle: (Backing away:) “Look, I know you want me back, Rumple. But this... this isn’t the way.” Mr. Gold: “I know. But I cannot lose another son, Belle. I won't. Not if I can stop it.” (Belle continues to back away from him, running towards the elevator. The gold cuff on her arm glowing brightly.) Enchanted Forest. Past. Dark Castle. (Belle, with baby in tow, enters the library. Crossing the room, she places the baby down and notices what Rumplestiltskin has been working on.) Belle: “This is fairy language. (Picks up a quill and piece of parchment and begins to transcribe:) It's an incantation for someone called... The Black Fairy. But what would Rumplestiltskin want from her, and what does that have to do with why he took you?” (The baby cries as Rumplestiltskin appears beside Belle.) Rumplestiltskin: “That's for me to know... (Taking the transcription and walking away:) And you never to find out.” Belle: “No. You knew I was going to do this.” Rumplestiltskin: “Not only did I know. I was planning on it. You really think I left the tower door open by accident? I don't speak fairy. But why do I need to when I have you?” Belle: “No. I will not let you hurt this baby.” (Belle gasps as the bassinet containing the child is magicked into the Dark One’s hand.) Rumplestiltskin: “The child is no longer your concern. I think you should stay here for a while. Don't want you getting any ideas about trying to stop me.” (Rumplestiltskin walks away, slamming the door shut behind him. Running to the door, Belle tries to escape but finds herself locked in.)

Storybrooke Library. Present. (Belle runs into the elevator and attempts to close the doors before Mr. Gold stops her.) Belle: (Sighs:) “Why... why are you doing this?” Mr. Gold: “After all this time, you must know. I will never be the man you think I can be.” Belle: “It... it doesn't have to be like that.” Mr. Gold: “I'm afraid it does. When we met, I told you I was a difficult man to love. But more than that, I think... I think I'm a man no one can love. But this son, with him, I can start over. Maybe he can love me.” Belle: “Not like this. Don't give up, Rumple. I... I never wanted you to be perfect. I just wanted you to try.” Mr. Gold: “I have. And look what's happened. I've only ever pushed you away. Now, uh... I-I'm afraid all I really have... is magic.” Belle: “And it may get you your son. But you know there's a price. You won't just push me away again. You'll lose me forever. Is that a price that you're willing to pay?” (Mr. Gold considers her words and, after a moment, turns and leaves the library.) Blanchard Apartment. (Jasmine pulls the lamp out of her bag as Snow watches her.) Snow White: “You ready?” Jasmine: (Breathes deeply:) “I am. (Snow walks to stand beside Henry as Aladdin watches Jasmine rub the lamp. A yellow cloud escapes the lamp, along with two metal cuffs, which clank to the floor:) I don't understand. (As Aladdin picks up the cuffs:) Where's the genie?” Henry: “He's been freed.” Jasmine: “But without a genie, I can't use a wish to get back to Agrabah.” Aladdin: (Looking down at the cuffs:) “Actually, I think you will.” (Aladdin slips one of the cuffs onto his wrists.) Jasmine: “What are you doing? You'll be a prisoner of the lamp.” Aladdin: “It's not such a bad life. Sure, some genies are insufferable, but I knew a pretty great one once. And he's been free for a while now, so... Maybe I can be like him. (Jasmine drops her head, unsure about this:) Hey, hey. (Lifting her head with his fingers:) Either way... let's say we find out.” (Aladdin steps backwards and places the second cuff on his other wrist. The yellow cloud surrounds him and Aladdin disappears inside the lamp.)

Mr. Gold’s Shop. (Mr. Gold stands behind the counter of his shop as the Evil Queen enters.) Mr. Gold: “Let me guess, you didn’t kill your sister.” Evil Queen: “You didn’t really expect me to kill my own flesh and blood for you, did you? No, you were just angry because Zelena tried to help Belle escape. Honestly, I don’t know what the bookworm is so worried about. She clearly has you wrapped around her little finger. She gave you some speech about ‘the man in the beast’, or whatever she claims to see in you and you backed off. Even if you were the person Belle wants you to be today, how long will that really last? Soon enough, she'll realize, as she always does, that's not who you really are. But this time, she'll have a child to protect. And she'll do what she should have way back when. She'll go and take the boy with her. (Laughing:) And you'll be alone, just as it was the first time. With Baelfire.” Mr. Gold: “You want to know what failure looks like? Take a look in the mirror. Do not dare question me again. Now go. We're done.” (Wordlessly, the Evil Queen turns and leaves the shop.) Deep In The Woods. (The Evil Queen paces the floor.) Evil Queen: “Rumplestiltskin’s gone too far this time. He tried to pit me against my own sister just so he could then go and back down from his wife.” Dr. Facilier: “The power of the Darkness was clearly the only thing keeping that man strong, my Queen.” Evil Queen: “Oh, he’s still a force to be reckoned with, but I agree that he’s lost that killer instinct.” Dr. Facilier: “The spirits of the Dark Ones speak to me from the other side, my Queen, they have told me what must be done. Let me prove my worth to you once more.” Evil Queen: (Considers:) “Hm. Well, your idea to curse Snow and Charming’s heart was ingenious. All right, what do the Dark Ones suggest?” Enchanted Forest. Past. Dark Castle Library. (Belle is still trapped in the library, trying to escape when she sees a light blue glow coming from under the door.) Belle: “Hello? Hello? Is someone out there? Please, I... I need help! Hello? I... Hello? (Belle opens the door’s peep hole and the Blue fairy flies through it into the room:) You're a... a fairy.” Blue Fairy: (Panting, transforming to her full size:) “I'm Blue. And by the looks of things, you're another soul held captive by the Dark One.” Belle: “Yeah, and... and I need you to get me out of here. Rumplestiltskin has a child who's in great danger.” Blue Fairy: “I know. That's why I'm here. I came as soon as I sensed the fairy incantations being read. We have to stop him before he can use it to summon The Black Fairy.” Belle: “Why? I thought that all fairies were good.” Blue Fairy: “Well, she used to be good once.” Belle: “What happened?” Blue Fairy: (Sighs:) “No one knows exactly. Just that her heart blackened and she stopped defending the children that she was meant to protect. She started stealing them instead. Which means that child is in grave danger. Rumple is trying to use it to lure her.” Belle: “But why? What could possibly be so important that he'd want from her?” Blue Fairy: “I wish I knew. But, right now, we just need to get you free so that you can save that child.” Belle: “What? Me? But I... I don't have magic.” Blue Fairy: “Well, that's precisely why it has to be you. My magic can't save him. (The Blue Fairy uses her wand to open the door:) Hurry! There's not much time.” Belle: “Wish me luck. I'm going to need it.” (Belle turns and runs out the door.)

Zelena’s Farmhouse. Present. (Regina and Zelena have a little chat.) Zelena: “So, what brings you here? If you’ve come to apologise-” Regina: (Scoffs:) “I didn't come here to apologize. Truth is, I thought I'd find some magic here to help with the Evil Queen’s sleeping curse.” Zelena: “You mean you came here to steal from me?” Regina: “Well, was I supposed to think you'd share?” Zelena: “Well, if you must know, I’ve been helping people, actually. I sent Roland and the rest of Robin’s gang back to the Enchanted forest and would’ve done the same for Belle if not for Rumplestiltskin. I am trying here. I mean, what about forgiveness? What about redemption? You've been forgiven! You've grown. You've changed!”  Regina: “You chose the Evil Queen over me, Zelena. You see what she’s done and yet you still defend her.” Zelena: “She is my sister. She accepts me for what I am, not what I could be.” Regina: “She’s is manipulating you, Zelena, it’s what she does. The sooner you realise that, the better off we’ll all be.” Zelena: “And then what, I’m left alone again? Admit it, you and your friends don’t really want me around. Even after killing Hades, you still don’t trust me.” Regina: “Robin trusted you. He believed you could change. For the sake of your daughter, he was willing to forgive what you did to him and give you another chance, and all that did was get him killed. Well I will not allow you to endanger the people I love. I cannot trust you with the Evil Queen living here.” Granny’s Diner. (Belle speaks with Emma at the diner.) Granny: (Handing a cup to Belle:) “Here you go. One cup of chamomile. It soothes the soul.” Belle: “Thanks, Granny. (To Emma, continuing:) I... I know I should be relieved...” (Belle sips her tea.) Emma: “Well, no one's gonna blame you for still worrying. Gold did the right thing today. That doesn't mean he'll do the same tomorrow. (Belle drops the tea cup and it shatters on the floor:) Belle? What is it? Are you okay?” Belle: “The tea. (Gasps:) Aah! No! (Belle’s stomach begins to expand rapidly:) No. No. This can't... This can't be happening! Please, no! (Gasps:) No!” Enchanted Forest. Past. Forest Clearing. (Rumplestiltskin places the baby in the bassinet down on the ground and begins to speak to the heavens.) Rumplestiltskin: “Let the night sky tremble, as the Dark Star shall fall. Awake, Black Fairy, and heed my call.” (The baby cries as the Black Fairy descends from the sky.)

Rumplestiltskin: (As the Black Fairy begins to approach:) “I'm afraid I can't let you get a hold of that baby. Not yet, anyway.” Black Fairy: “Who dares summon me?” Rumplestiltskin: (Throws squid ink onto her, causing her to become immobilised:) “Squid ink. Nasty stuff.” Black Fairy: “Rumplestiltskin.” Rumplestiltskin: “So you know who I am.” Black Fairy: “Oh, who hasn't heard of the Dark One? And if you've heard of me, you know that squid ink won't hold me long.” Rumplestiltskin: “Oh, I know. That's why... (Draws his dagger:) I have this.” Black Fairy: “And how exactly do you plan on using that?” Rumplestiltskin: “Well, that all depends on how you answer one simple question. You steal babies. Steal them from their mothers' arms. So, why, of all the babies, in all of the realms, why did you abandon the one child who was actually yours?” Black Fairy: “No. No. It can't be.” Rumplestiltskin: “Oh, I'm afraid it can be... Mother. That's right. Rumplestiltskin is your son. Of course, you would know that... Had you bothered to even give me a name. And now you are gonna answer my question. Why did you abandon me?” Black Fairy: (Begins to laugh:) “Funny that the Dark One should ask such a thing. Sometimes you have to choose power over love. (Rumplestiltskin is distracted by Belle coming to save the baby. As the squid ink wears off, the Black Fairy grabs him:) Time's up. No more answers for you today. Guess you'll just have to keep on wondering. (Laughs and shoves him to the ground:) Son!” (The Black Fairy turns and escapes into the night sky.) Belle: (Steps forward, holding the baby:) “I understand now. I mean, you didn't deserve what she did. But sacrificing the life of an innocent child is not the answer. No matter how much pain you're in.” Rumplestiltskin: “No one knows anything about my pain.” (He disappears in a cloud of smoke, leaving Belle holding the baby.)

[lilacmoon83]

Dreaming Out Loud

Also on Fanfiction.net and A03

Chapter 58: Walking the Wire

They entered the loft, after a very nice evening at Granny's.

"All right, kid. Shower and then bed," Emma told him, as she ushered him off into the bathroom. Snow smiled and sighed, as she looked forward to decompressing. She felt her husband's arms around her waist and leaned back against him. He kissed her hair and was very much looking forward to sweeping her behind the curtain where their bed was for some much needed alone time. But as his phone rang, he realized their bliss would be interrupted and any time alone would have to wait.

"What is it, Leroy?" he asked, as he answered and then pulled the phone away, as Leroy proceeded to scream in his ear.

"Whoa...calm down and take a breath!" David said into the phone, as he continued to listen to the dwarf talk a mile a minute and his expression slowly become more and more concerned.

"All right Leroy, stay put. We'll be right there," David said, as he hung up the phone.

"What's happened?" Snow asked, as he looked at the three of them.

"There's been an accident at the town line," he stated.

"An accident?" Emma asked, raising an eyebrow.

"A car crashed into a tree just inside the town line...a car coming from outside Storybrooke," he announced gravely. Emma closed her eyes, as some of the fears she had earlier were suddenly ringing true. Snow swallowed nervously.

"So there's nothing keeping people out anymore," she realized.

"No...just in I guess, unless you're us or you've had your ties to the curse magically removed like you two," Persephone deduced.

"We need to go...Leroy already called an ambulance. The man in the car is alive, but injured and unconscious," David said. Emma nodded.

"I'm coming with you both," Snow said, as she looked to her mother.

"Do you mind watching Henry?" she asked. Persephone smiled.

"Of course not...but please be careful, all of you," she implored. They nodded, as Emma headed out and her parents followed suit.

~*~

Neal stepped out of the bathroom in a pair of pajama pants and a tank top, as he rubbed a towel through his damp hair. His phone began ringing and he answered it, seeing as it was Tamara.

"Hey babe," he answered.

"Hi...I was just getting ready to go to bed when I decided that I need to hear your voice first," she cooed sweetly. He smiled and instantly felt guilty about his earlier musings about Emma. This just confirmed what he already knew. He had moved on with Tamara and things between he and Emma were over.

"Yeah...I miss you," he offered.

"How are things there?" Tamara pried.

"Good actually...really good. I had dinner with my son at the diner. I met Emma's parents and they were great. They didn't try to kill me, even though they'd have reason to," he mentioned.

"Honey...Emma wasn't innocent in your past. Surely they know that," Tamara said sweetly. He had told her about his criminal past and how he had once had a partner in crime. When he told her that he also now had a son, she had asked if Henry's mother was the woman he loved and had done the Bonnie and Clyde act with. So he had explained to her that she was and that in a moment of poor judgment, he left her holding the bag to save himself, carefully omitting key facts. He thought she might react badly to his actions, but surprisingly she didn't blame him. She didn't say it aloud, but she kind of got the feeling that she had the impression that it was Emma that was the bad influence on him or maybe that was what she needed to tell herself.

"Yeah...I think so. They're definitely not what I expected. You know me...it took me forever to propose to you and even then I've always been skeptical about marriage as a whole," he mentioned.

"And now that's changed?" she asked curiously.

"Actually...yes," he admitted.

"Well...do tell," she said with a pleasant note in her tone. He snorted. Admitting that he might be wrong about marriage was something she'd never let him live down.

"I don't know...they weren't like any married couple I'd ever met. Emma said they've been married for almost thirty years and yet they're like newlyweds. But I guess it was more than that. They were just so in sync, you know? And I realized...that man, I really want that," he said.

"Sounds like it's true love," she mentioned.

"Definitely...and it's what I want to strive to have with you...a marriage like that. It wasn't just the love, but the trust and sincerity between them. I realized that I know that I have that with you and that I can't wait to marry you," he admitted.

"Well...I am definitely going to have meet Henry's grandparents for sure," she mentioned.

"I actually did talk to Emma about that. We were thinking about a trip back with me to New York soon, you know, so you can meet Henry," he said.

"Actually...I have a bit of a confession to make and I hope you're not angry," Tamara replied.

"Why would I be angry?" he asked.

"Well...I have a bunch of vacation days built up so I put in for my time and I was going to drive up to Storybrooke and surprise you tomorrow," she confessed. His eyebrows shot up into his hair.

"Tomorrow?" he asked, trying not to sound panicked.

"Yeah...I thought a romantic getaway in Maine with my fiance sounded like a great vacation," she said. He sighed.

"Are you mad?" she asked and he could hear the wince in her voice.

"Of course not...I just need to run this by Emma. I have to tell you, she got really weirded out when I told her about you getting me a family law attorney," he replied.

"Oh...well please tell her that I didn't mean to scare her. I just want you to get your fair share of rights when it comes to Henry," she said.

"I know and I will. Emma and I are working it out. Her parents are being great too and I was in the same room as my Dad tonight without trying to escape," he replied.

"So you've worked things out with him too?" she asked with a hopeful note in her voice.

"Not entirely, but I think we might actually be able to get there. It's kind of weird, but in a good way, but Emma's parents are actually really good friends with my Dad and his girlfriend. Which is even weirder," he explained.

"They sound like one big happy family," she said and if he noticed the hint of jealousy in her voice, he didn't show it, though there was now an awkward silence between them.

"So...what time do you think you might be here?" he asked.

"I actually have an early flight to Portland and then I'll have a rental waiting for me. I should be rolling in around mid morning, so I'll call you when I hit the city limits," she said. He chuckled.

"Try town limits, sweetie. Storybrooke is not very big...there's no Starbucks or even fast food joint from what I've seen," he warned.

"Just a quaint small town diner, I'm guessing?" she asked.

"Yeah...the food is good though, so you won't starve," he joked.

"I can't wait...I'll see you tomorrow," she said.

"Okay...goodnight," he said, as they hung up and he immediately dialed Emma. She was going kill him when she found out that his fiance was taking it upon herself to drive to Storybrooke, but it would be worse if she found out when Tamara got there tomorrow.

"Hey...can I call you back? I've kind of got a serious situation going on here," Emma answered.

"Uh sure...is everything okay?" he asked.

"I hope so...it's kind of a police matter," she replied.

"That's fine. I need to talk to you about something, but it can wait. Is breakfast still on for morning?" he asked.

"Yeah...it should be. Hopefully this is nothing," she replied.

"Okay...see you in the morning," Neal said, as they hung up. Maybe this was better. He could tell Emma about Tamara's visit while in the presence of their son and her parents. She wouldn't kill him in front of them...right?

~*~

Jefferson peered out at the town through his telescope. While he had his daughter back and his life was better now that it had ever been, complete with family and friends, he still felt the need to keep an eye on the town. After all, now that he had things like family and friends, he felt the overwhelming need to protect them. And not just Grace, which was very new for him. After so long of looking out only for himself and Grace, he almost found it odd in caring about other people at all. But his time without Grace and subsequently, his sometimes unlikely and odd friendship with Prince Charming and the Dark One had made him look at the world very differently.

Protecting your own and looking out for those in your circle was a trait both David and Gold shared, though Charming was more likely to see to the protection of others out of the goodness of his heart, which was why the occupation of Sheriff's Deputy was perfect for him. As for Gold, his approach to protecting those he cared for and loved always had a more selfish note, but had often seen the hero and anti-hero not only team up, but develop an amiable relationship. Of course this was only possible, because they both had a good amount of respect for each other. Jefferson had been allowed into this circle and he was still getting used to such acceptance at times.

He was sure it was more toleration on Gold's part, though he had always done good work for him in the past. But with David, it was real friendship. The Prince was undoubtedly a good man; the kind that Jefferson would have once thought would never tolerate him, let alone befriend him. As he got to know David and watched him with Emma, he found himself envious. He had a wonderful relationship with a daughter that obviously adored him and it was definitely reciprocated. And so David became the kind of father that Jefferson aspired to be, despite failings in the past. It was David's encouragement that helped him find the courage he needed to reunite with his daughter and thanks to Grace's sweet, forgiving nature, she never once blamed him for leaving her, understanding that it was never intentional and that he had made mistakes. So the fact that he had the urgency to still keep watch over their town to protect their families should have come as no surprise to him. And what he saw tonight, he didn't like at one bit.

"Amy…" he called, knowing she would be just finishing tucking Grace in.

"Is something wrong?" she asked, poking her head into the room.

"I hope not...but it looks like there might be some trouble. Can you stay here with Grace? I think I need to go see David," he said. She nodded.

"Of course...what's happened? What do you see?" she asked. He sighed.

"Well...first I saw Regina talking to someone suspicious earlier, but I think that might have to wait. There's something else...something bigger," he said in a worried tone, as he stepped away from the telescope and let her see for herself. She pulled away.

"An accident at the town line?" she asked. He nodded.

"Except I saw it happen," he replied.

"The car that crashed came from outside Storybrooke," he revealed. Her eyes widened and she nodded, understanding exactly why he needed to go.

"Yeah...you should go," she urged and he headed out. He was sure David and Emma knew by now, but he still felt the need to join his friends, likely at the hospital, if for no other reason than to offer support, not to mention Regina's little meeting with the mysterious man earlier was definitely something noteworthy of mentioning.

~*~

The scene at the town line was one of chaos, as the lights of the ambulance flashed. They arrived with the cruiser's lights flashing as well and the three of them got out to inspect the scene. The paramedics had extracted the injured man from the car and had him on the stretcher. They watched them perform a quick vital check.

"Do you think he'll make it?" Emma asked.

"He's got a concussion and we think some internal bleeding. If he gets right into surgery though, he has a good chance," the paramedic responded.

"Okay...get going and call the hospital on the way. Have them page Whale and make sure he's ready," Emma ordered, as they loaded him into the ambulance, while she examined the car and her father knelt down, trying to find any skid marks.

"There's no skid marks, like this guy didn't even try to break," David reported, as he joined Emma at the car with Snow's hand in his.

"That would be really odd, if not for this," Emma replied, as she picked up an open bottle from the passenger seat with a glove.

"Drunk driver…" David said bitterly and Snow squeezed his hand. She knew drinking was a touchy subject with her husband. Sure, he was no stranger to enjoying a social drink and they had gotten tipsy together plenty of times. But David never drank regularly or alone for that matter. He had always vowed that he would never be like his father and let drinking hurt his family or take him from them.

"Looks like it...that might be in our favor though," Emma said.

"How so?" Snow asked.

"Well...he likely won't remember anything and because I could easily have reason to charge him with all kinds of things, I can pressure him to leave town quickly instead, once he's healed," Emma replied. David nodded.

"Yeah...leave town or go to jail. I'm sure he won't be able to leave here fast enough," he agreed. She nodded.

"We should probably get to the hospital," she said. He nodded.

"I'll have Leroy and Happy process the rest of the scene and tape it off," David said, as he let go of Snow's hand, kissed her cheek, and then went to give instructions to Leroy. Snow sighed.

"You okay?" Emma asked. She nodded.

"Just glad that this is probably just a freak accident," Snow replied. Emma snorted.

"Yeah and not some nosy tourist or worse," she agreed. With the dwarves knowing what to do, David rejoined them and they got back into the cruiser, before driving back into town with the hospital being their intended destination.

~*~

"Paging Dr. Whale…" the nurse said over the intercom. Whale heard it, as he continued to drink from his flask. Since his experience with reviving Daniel, he had slowly slipped into a depression. The procedure had worked, but similarly to the way it had when he attempted it on his brother back in his land. Even if ever did find a way back to his world, the likelihood that Gerhardt could be brought back as anything other than a monster was not truly possible. It was a harsh reality for him to accept. He was a doctor and yet even his gifted hands could not save him.

"Paging Dr. Whale…" the nurse called over the intercom again, as he took another swig from his flask. He supposed he should answer the page, but he couldn't find it in himself to move. Unfortunately for him, Red's wolf nose wouldn't keep him hidden.

"Hey...we've been looking for you," she said.

"So I hear," he deadpanned.

"There was a situation at the town line. There's a man that needs surgery or he's going to die," Red informed him.

"Who is it?" he asked curiously.

"I...I don't know. David said he came from...outside town," she replied. Her perked up at that with intrigue. That was definitely different and maybe a little exciting.

"All right...take me to the patient," he said, as he stumbled back inside. Red watched him go wearily. When David found out that their only surgeon was drunk off his ass, he was going to flip out.

~*~

Snow and David followed Emma into the hospital, hand in hand. The lobby was fairly vacant, though they were surprised to see Gold, Belle, and Jefferson there.

"Hi...I didn't expect to see you two here," Snow mentioned.

"Leroy called us and told us what happened," she said, as she looked around.

"Is it true that the car that crashed came from outside town?" she asked. Snow nodded.

"Great...I wonder how many other people Leroy has blabbed to," David said irritably. Snow winced, as she saw several people now curiously milling about the lobby.

"Probably more than we hoped," she mentioned.

"That's it...I'm gonna muzzle him," David said.

"David…" Snow chided.

"I don't know, muzzling him sounds pretty good," Emma agreed. Snow gave her a look.

"I know Leroy has a big mouth, but I don't think muzzling him is the answer," she reasoned.

"I beg to differ, but he's lucky, because I don't happen to have a muzzle," David said. Gold was silent still and poofed a muzzle into existence, before handing it to the prince. He smirked.

"Thanks...this will work," he said, as Snow gave him a stern look.

"No…" she chided. He frowned, though it looked more like a pout to Snow and she had to bite back a smile.

"Fine…" he grumbled, as he looked to Jefferson.

"I suppose he blabbed to you too," David said.

"Actually no...I sort of saw it happen through my telescope," Jefferson admitted.

"You're still using that thing?" Emma asked.

"Yes, but not in a creepy way," he replied.

"I'm just...you know looking out for the town...for us," he said. David smirked.

"And we appreciate that," he said. Jefferson was about to tell him what else he had seen, but it would have to wait, as Whale walked toward them.

"Whoa...get a whiff of him," Jefferson commented.

"Drunk…" David hissed.

"Not drunk...just buzzed," he corrected.

"There's a man being prepped for surgery and you've been hitting the sauce? He could die!" David snapped, as Snow put her hand on his arm to calm him.

"Well...maybe that wouldn't exactly be the worst thing," Whale replied Snow's mouth dropped open.

"How can you say that?" she squeaked.

"Because I'm not a naive little Princess that goes around planting snowdrops and thinking Evil Queens can be redeemed," he shot back. David lunged toward him, but was held back by Snow and Jefferson.

"That's it...I'm gonna rip your head off, Whale!" the prince growled.

"No you won't...the princess has you on a short leash," he goaded.

"Oh, that has to be the booze talking, because it's making you say some really stupid things. I've seen this guy fight and he'll destroy you...easily," Jefferson warned. Whale still seemed un-bothered by it all.

"Look...I'll operate if that's really what you want me to do, but it seems to me that saving an outsider could come back to bite us all," Whale reasoned.

"He's right...we've all see the movies," Leroy agreed, as he arrived.

"Yeah...I have no desire to end up in a lab somewhere or as a circus attraction," Happy commented.

"Guys...calm down, that's not going to happen. The guy was drunk. We save him, keep him isolated while he recovers and then I tell him that I'll let him off easy if he agrees to leave town. With jail time hanging over his head, he'll be eager to oblige," Emma reasoned.

"Since when is anything ever that simple for us?" Leroy questioned.

"The dwarf does have a valid point," Rumple commented.

"Rumple…" Belle chided.

"She's right...this is a human being we're talking about. Suppose we do the unthinkable and let him die. Do you really think it ends there?" Snow asked, as they were all silent.

"This man could have a wife or partner...he could have children or people that care about him. Do I have to tell you that his death could draw all the wrong people into town?" she questioned.

"She's right...a missing person's case could draw authorities...even FBI. Trust me, we don't want to go there," Emma added.

"Get some coffee quickly and then scrub up, Doctor," David ordered. He put his hands up and walked away, intending to follow orders.

"I sure hope you know what you're doing," Leroy grumbled. Snow sighed and turned in his arms, as he hugged her close.

"I guess we just wait now," David said to her, as he kissed her hair. She hummed in response.

"Yeah...the coffee at the nurse's station is really bad and I know you and Em have all kinds of paperwork to do. Let me run down to the cafeteria and get us some real coffee," she offered. He smiled and pecked her on the lips.

"That'd be great," he agreed. She smiled.

"I'll be back soon," she replied, as she kissed him again and headed for the elevator, as David stayed to deal with this situation.

"Here are the patient's personal effects, Your Highness," the desk nurse addressed him and handed him the clear plastic bag.

"Thank you," he replied, as he took out the wallet.

"ID?" Emma asked. He nodded.

"Greg Mendell. It's a Pennsylvania driver's license," he said, showing it to her.

"He's a ways from home…" she mentioned, as she took out the phone.

"Do you think that's suspicious?" he asked. She shrugged.

"Maybe...but then again he could just be a tourist too or traveling on business. If he was drunk, he could have easily veered off course," she replied.

"Is that what your gut is telling you?" he asked. She sighed.

"No...my gut is telling me to get him the hell out of this town as soon as he's well enough," she replied. He nodded and put his arm around her, as he kissed her hair.

"Everything's going to be fine...you think you can crack into his phone with that thing you do?" he asked. She smiled, still loving her father's general bewilderment when it came to most technology.

"You mean this?" she asked, as she held up a USB device that was attached to her keys and inserted it into the phone. She "did her thing" as he always called it and bypassed the password.

"We're in," she said, as she looked through his photos, which was some scenery and a lot of pictures of food.

"Well...he likes to take pictures of his food," she commented.

"It kind of seems like he's on vacation," David surmised.

"Maybe…" she said, as the phone started ringing and the name on the caller ID simply said "her".

"Her…" he said.

"Could be a girlfriend or wife…" Emma guessed.

"Do we answer it?" he asked.

"And say what? If this is a girlfriend or wife and we tell her that Greg was in an accident, then we have another stranger coming to town," she replied. He nodded.

"Yeah, I guess you're right…" he agreed.

"For now, we just wait and hope we can get him to leave when he's well enough," she replied, as she looked at him and then watched him look over toward the elevator.

"Dad?" she questioned and started to get worried when he put a hand to his heart.

"Dad…" she said, a note of panic in her voice.

"Something's wrong…" he uttered.

"Are you in pain?" Emma asked, but he shook his head.

"Not me...something's wrong with your mother. She's in trouble!" he cried, as his blue eyes were wide with fear and he took off running for the elevator. Emma followed him frantically, as he hit the button, but found it unresponsive.

"Why isn't this working?!" he cried, as he slammed his fist on the controls.

"Dad...calm down. Let's take the stairs!" Emma called, as she tugged him along toward the stairwell.

~*~

Snow hummed that familiar tune she always did softly, as she waited for the elevator to take her down to the first floor where the cafeteria was. It had been a long night and they were definitely going to need good coffee to get through it. She was a little worried about the presence of this stranger, but confident that Emma could convince him that it was in his best interest to leave sooner rather than later when he was well enough. After all, she would be well within her right as Sheriff to charge him with several crimes and send him out of Storybrooke anyway. If he really was just a tourist or passerby, she was sure he would take the good deal her daughter was prepared to offer. She smiled when she thought about her husband and daughter as the town's law enforcement. Protecting people was hardwired into her husband and their daughter was so much like him that it made her heart swell with pride and love. Charming, despite being raised as a shepherd, had become a natural Knight in their land and she knew that if they had raised Emma in their land, she would have followed in her father's footsteps. Law enforcement was this world's version of that, sort of and so it came as no surprise to her that it was the perfect profession for both of them.

As the numbers ticked down, the elevator suddenly came to a halt. She thought at first it was because someone else was going to get on, but soon realized that it was between floors. She pressed the button for her floor a couple more times, but nothing happened. Sensing that something wasn't quite right, she was about to press the emergency button when the elevator plummeted toward the ground floor. She screamed and fell to the floor of the elevator and feared for her life once the elevator reached the bottom floor at the speed. But she noticed it started to slow slightly and she stood up, as it came to a halt again. The door dinged and opened, as she found herself in the basement hospital ward. She peered out and noticed empty, stark white hallways. She didn't panic, but instead hurried through the halls, hoping to find the exit. But as she rounded the first corner, she bumped into a man.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry…" he said.

"That's okay...can you just point me toward the exit? I need to get back to the first floor," Snow said, with an edge of frantic in her voice.

"Oh, I don't think you're going anywhere, Princess," he said dangerously. Snow looked up at him and though she didn't recognize him, she was sensing something unmistakably sinister from him. She kneed him in the groin and tore away from him, but suddenly found herself frozen in place. The man groaned in pain and stumbled toward her, as Regina appeared before her as well.

"Definitely the daughter of Persephone," Hermes growled.

"Regina…" Snow uttered.

"Why?" she asked tearfully.

"Why?!" Regina growled.

"You have the nerve to ask me why after what your mother did to mine?" she hissed.

"She did it to protect us...even you…" Snow cried, as she struggled to move.

"No...she did it to protect her precious Snow White...it's always about you," Regina countered, as she caressed Snow's fair face, while she struggled to move.

"And the only way to make her pay for what she did is through you," the former Queen added. Snow's eyes flicked to the man beside her.

"Yes...I'm sure you are wondering about my part in this. I am Hermes and I have been sent by Hades for a very specific purpose, Princess," he goaded, as he grabbed her arm.

"Wait…" Regina called, halting him. There was a flash of hope in Snow's eyes at that.

"What do you mean?" Hermes questioned.

"Not here...if I know her husband, he's already felt that something is off and we probably only have minutes before he's tearing this hospital apart," Regina warned.

"How would he know?" Hermes questioned. The former Queen rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"Because true love...I don't know how to explain it, but when she bit into my poison apple, he somehow felt it all the way back at my palace. And even if magic does work differently here, he may still get impressions if she's in mortal danger. Let's not take that chance," Regina replied.

"I guess we can relocate to do what needs to be done," he agreed. Snow's eyes were wide with fear.

"Charming!" she called out, as they disappeared in a puff of magical smoke.

[elegant-phff]

Five.Impromptu Brunch

Two weeks before filming

Being famous has both pros and cons.Pros being you get to do what you love,you have a large platform to express your opinons,to make a difference,you get to attend red carpets,you work alongside really famous people and obviously to get a lot of money.On the other hand,there are a lot of cons as well.When you are famous,you are being watched 24/7,everything that you do is dissected,everything to say is a big deal,the people you hangout with and the clothes you wear are all so important.

Since the people you hangout around also get pictured with you,they also end up getting famous.Not much though,your fandom's FBI fangirls just find that person's entire bio data.Some people use this 'con' in their own advantage.I have had childhood school friends who didn't give a fuck about me care so much after I got casted in Age of Ultron.That is ladies and gentlemen,the definition of a fake friend.

Because of that con,now I am sitting in front of two of my childhood 'friends' that I haven't seen since my A'levels.

"So,how has life been going?"One of my friends,Felicity said batting her eyelashes.She was the type of girl in school who'd date guys three years her senior and was unfortunately the popular girl."Really great actually,I am going to be busy soon but trying to enjoy the leisure for the time being,"I replied sipping my iced tea.If she was going to ask about my life,I will sure as hell make sure she knows how great of a life I am leading.

They were the type of people who'd make you feel bad about your life but I was having none of that."OH guys!!Did I tell you?I have a boyfriend!"Suzanna,the other girl exclaimed.Suzanna was the girl who'd run around Felicity like a slave to become popular.She had a tendency to make sure that the attention was always on her,at this moment I didn't really mind the trait.

"Oh really who is it?"I asked with my voice suggestively raised.My curiosity was so fake that you could detect it from miles away but the girls were too dumb to understand.

"His name is Christian Harvy and he is the CEO of a really successful travelling agency,"Suzanna flaunted.I resisted rolling my eyes.God I wanted to get out of here so badly."You got yourself a good one,Suz,"Felicity winked."What about you,Alexa?"Suzanna turned to me."What about me?"I asked obliviously.As I was munching on my scone,I could sense both their eyes on me.I swear,I saw Suzanna scoff at me but I decided to ignore it."You got anyone special in your life,Alexa?"She finally asked,raising one of her filled eyebrows."Neh,I don't have time for a relationship right now,"I replied uninterested."Come on,I bet Henry has moved on,you should too!"Felicity said waving her arms around like a maniac.I clenched my jaws and curled up my fists to resist myself from saying something foul to them.

They knew I didn't like bring Henry into conversations,the wound was still fresh.It was true though,he has moved on with a model.

"Karen Scott is it?"Suzanna asked."Yeah that's her!"Felicity confirmed."She is so gorgeous,I mean she has legs for days,her tan is perfect and her figure is to die for!'She added.I scoffed trying to hide my self consiousness.Sensing my discomfort,or as I thought so,Suzanna began,"Oh Alexa,don't worry.Even though Karen is drop dead gorgeous,you will get there soon.If you try to lose a couple of pounds."She gave my scone a dirty look and before I could give a snarky reply my phone rang.I quickly excused myself and thanked whoever was calling me.

"Hello?"I answered without looking who it was."Uhmm,Alex?"The person on the other side of the phone asked.I realised that it was Harry."Oh Harry,what a surprise...wasn't expecting a call from you,"I replied.He chuckled,"Yeah,sorry about that.I hope I am not disturbing you or anything."

"NO!Not at all..."I answered way too quickly."Well,You know how we had a brunch planned next week?"Harry asked."Yeah..."I dragged not quite sure where this was going."Yeah,well something came up for them and they were wondering if you are free right now and if we could meet up,"He finished hesitantly."I know this is very short notice-"

"I am in,"I said before he could finish."W-what?You sure,I could just tell them no,you know,"He hastily replied."I know but I have nothing to do and it would be better than sitting with two fake ass friends trying to make me feel bad about myself,"I rambled.I could hear a faint on the other side."Bad day huh?"He asked.I laughed,"You have no idea."

"Now tell me where do I have to escape?"I inquired."Kensington Palace,your name will be on the guest list and I will probably be there to pick you up,"He said."Okay,I will see you then,"I finished."See you,"He said before hanging up.

"Sorry girls,something came up I gotta go,"I walked up to the table and tried to hide the happiness in my voice by pouting."Uh no!We will meet soon,right?"Felicity asked,too upset that she didn't get enough media coverage."Maybe,"I menaced before leaving the cafe.On my way out I was bombarded with paparazzis.I have no idea how they got go know about my location but well,I was with two attention seeking bitches so I wouldn't be surprised.

I made my way to Kensington Palace in my Audi R8.It felt odd going to a palace to meet your friends."Well Alexa don't forget you ain't normal,"I reminded myself.As I reached the gate of Kensington Palace,I kindly smiled and introduced myself."Their Royal HIghnesses are waiting for you,Ma'am,"I guard said.I only nodded,having no idea what to say.As I entered inside the palace area I saw a man,which was apparently Harry,in dad jeans,a sweatshirt,a cap and a pair of Ray Bans."Hello dad!"I joked as I got out of the car."Don't you mean Daddy?"He smirked.I rolled my eyes and pretended to barf."You never stop with your dirty mind,do you Wales?"I asked as he guided me inside."Do you even know me?I never stop!"He chuckled and I joined in.

We finally made it to William and Kate's apartment and I was greeted with licks from their dog,Lupo."Down boy!"William chuckled."It's fine Will!I love getting love from pups!"I replied squatting down to scratch behind Lupo's ears."With the speed that he is growing he wouldn't be a puppy for much longer,"Kate joked emerging from their 'apartment'.I jumped onto my feet and  hugged her,"Kate!"The guys laughed at our reunion."I have missed you little Alexa,"Kate exclaimed."So have I!"I responded way too dramatically."Girls,calm down would you?It's not like you haven't met each other in three years,"Harry joked with his hands in his pockets.I rolled my eyes."Honestly are we gonna spend the entire time at the doorstep?Alexandra come in!"William guided me inside.

"Mummy!"A small voice emerged from the inside.A sleepy George arrived at the living room where we were situated."OH darling,how was your nap?"Kate cooed placing him on her lap.I smiled at their interaction.George rubbed his eyes tiredly and looked around.His eyes landed on Harry and he jumped from his mother's lap,"UNCLE HARRY!"We all laughed.

"Hey there bud!Did you miss me?"Harry asked George,tickling his small tummy and placed him on his lap instead.George nodded his head furiously.His eyes met mine and he frowned,trying to recollect who I was.Harry then took it upon himself to introduce us."Georgie..."Harry said grabbing the little boy's attention."Yes?"He answered curiously."You see this pretty lady here?"Harry continued,pointing his finger at me blushed,not being good at taking compliments.George nodded eagerly and smiled at me."She is mine,Mum's and Papa's friend.Say hello!"Harry said.George got out of Harry's lap and came up to me."Hello,My name is George!"He introduced himself in his cute voice.I practically 'awwed' out loud and introduced myself,"Hi George,I am Alexandra but you can call me Alexa."George gave me a toothy smile and asked,"Can I hug you?"I swear I almost cried at that moment.I nodded and he hugged me tightly.God that kid was soft."You are as cuddly as a teddy bear!"George exclaimed happily.I heard two 'awws' coming those were from Kate and Harry,William only grinning."I have been told but now that compliment is my prize possession,"I said in a serious tone.Everyone laughed out loud.

Soon George had to leave.I found out that Charlotte was with her grandparents and so will George now.We emerged back into our weird banter."So how is your sister?"Kate asked.I had told her about Summer's pregnancy after her unnecessary emotional breakdown over hating chocolate chip cookies.'Is this normal?'I had asked her completely petrified by Summer's breakdown.Apparently,it was completely normal."She is going great,the morning sickness is gone now,"I replied sipping my Earl Grey."That's great,morning sickness is absolutely terrible,"Kate made a disgusted face as if reminiscing memories."I can only imagine,"I chuckled."When is she due though?"Kate asked."Uhmm...November I believe,"I replied."Right after I finish filming,thankfully I will be in  States to visit,"I added.Kate nodded in realization.

Upon hearing about filming Harry raised his voice,"I am Team Iron man for sure,"He raised his eyes suggestively at me.William was quick to join in,"I am definitely Team Cap!"The brothers started fighting about which team is better and Kate added,"YOU JUST CAUSED A CIVIL WAR!"I laughed out loud."Wow the royal family has chosen sides while Scarlet Witch has no idea which team she is going to be in,"I put my hands on my chest dramatically.

Awhile later,brunch was served and we made small talk throughout it.

When it was time for me to leave,Harry escorted me to my car.As we reached my Audi I turned to Harry and said,"Thank you,"He looked puzzled,"What for?"I thought for a while and let out a chuckle,"No idea but thank you."

"Well then,anything for you ma'am,"He winked.

[stozzierr]

He Floats Too

a/n: okay so! this one is not a request, but something that has been swimming around my noggin for a while. the prompt for this one is “what if richie floated instead of beverly?” now, here me out, there’s a couple stories like this on AO3 already (kudos to those writers) but it’s all reddie. me, being a slut for stozier, decided to change it up a little and have stan kiss richie. so enjoy!

ps: the ending got a little rushed and sloppy because i got tired and i apologize. i think it’s fine, though

warnings: mentions of blood, stan’s special scene where everyone cried, and of course, clowns. don’t worry it’s fluffy towards the end

ship: stozier

word count: 2.4 k

Richie Tozier, with his anger from the “incident” three weeks ago reduced to a dull grumpiness (he hadn’t talked to Bill since then, so that helped a lot), slammed his fingers down on the buttons of the machine. If he could juuuust beat his high score before he had to go home-

“Hey, kid.” Richie flinched at the sudden voice and swiveled around quickly. He’d been so on-edge since his adventures in Neibolt, that any noise could be that fucking clown coming to chomp on his brains.

To his surprise and luck, it wasn’t a clown. It was just Elliot, someone who worked at the ticket counter and who Richie made a small friendship with. The 17-year-old was known for just up and leaving in the middle of his shift, but seeing as Elliot was alone without Marcus at the counter with him, it was a little odd for him to be leaving now.

Elliot tossed his keys at the glasses-clad boy and a grin manifested on his oily, acne-ridden face. “Lock up for me when you’re done, got it?” With that, Elliot sauntered off, pulling a cigarette- or possibly a joint?- from his pocket as he went behind the arcade.

It was now that Richie realized he was completely alone in the arcade. He was used to being alone, at home. Not here. Why here, where did all the kids go? Not like they all went missing. Yeah, bad joke, and Richie felt bad for thinking it.

Nevertheless, he turned back to his game, which he was on the verge of losing for not paying attention to it for that brief interaction with Elliot. He put his game face on and began to aggressively tap on the red and blue buttons, lip pulled between his obnoxious teeth in concentration. Almost there, almost there, almost winning!-

“No! Aw, you dipshit!” Richie cried out when he saw his character KO, bottom lip jutting out in a pout. Damn it. He gave a small kick to the machine, bitter about the loss, before he turned around to leave.

Two strong, gloved hands wrapped around his throat. Before him stood Pennywise, a grin on it’s face that gave his worst nightmares a run for their money.

Black-bellied whistling-duck. Check.

Pink-footed goose. Check.

Black brant. Check.

‘That’s the last of them,’ Stanley Uris thought to himself as he stood up from his spot at the nearby pond. It was an extremely pleasant day in the middle of August, and a perfect time to go bird watching. But, he’d checked off all the birds he was hoping to see, and some repeats he’d already seen. Not that the repeats weren’t beautiful, he loves their beauty, he just got all he was looking for today.

He stole a quick look at his watch. 12:34. 26 minutes until he had to meet Richie. He smiled softly at the thought of the wild boy with wild hair. Always so wild, that boy. Stan felt his cheeks tinge a light pink at the thought of his wild smile, and he shook his head. Not the time. He could think about his smile when the two finally met up.

This outing between the two was planned two weeks ago, after the Bar Mitzvah. In Stan’s mind, it was like a date. They’d go see Honey, I Shrunk The Kids (Stan’s choice. Richie wanted to go see A Nightmare On Elm Street 5, but Stan was too much of a wuss. Not to mention, they didn’t do well with scary things, especially with recent events), then get milkshakes, and then spend the night in Richie’s house. It was a great event for Stan that they planned forever ago. Hell, Richie called him three days ago to confirm the plans.

As Stan began to work out the best seating for the two where they could see the movie, and Stan could steal glances at Richie while he was enthralled in the movie, he hopped onto his bike and took a leisurely ride towards his house.

Coming up on the side of the road was Maggie Tozier, which surprised him. She was usually at home or partying with friends, not stapling pieces of paper to a telephone post. The next odd thing that caught Stan off guard was her soft cries escaping her lips as she stared at the paper. Stanley felt a deep pit in his stomach begin to form, and he slowed down to a stop next to her. She was like a second mother to him, after all, and he hated seeing her (or her son) upset.

“Mrs. Tozier..?” Stanley spoke quietly, looking up at her with worried eyes. What could be so upsetting that she’s crying?

She turned around a little bit to look at him with glasses-clad eyes, just like her son. Her face was blotchy and the tears that pooled at the corners of her eyes like pearls were threatening to fall again.

“Oh, Stan.. Stan, he’s missing..” She wrapped her thin arms around him quietly, tears falling again to accompany the sobs. Stan went rigid. No, that’s not possible, he’d just talked to not three days ago! He took a look up at the paper stapled to the post only to find Richie’s smiling face staring back at him.

Almost mechanically, Stan adjusted himself on his bike. “It’s okay, Mrs. Tozier. He’ll come back. He always does.” When Maggie unwrapped her arms from Stan’s shoulders, the boy sped off in the direction of the Denbroughs. He had to have a talk with a certain Stuttering Bill.

Clink. Clink. Clink. Clink.

Bill Denbrough let out a sigh and broke out of his conversation with Beverly Marsh. Tears had streamed down the girl’s face as she ranted about what happened with her father, involving inappropriate touches followed by a toilet seat. Now wasn’t a great time for pebbles being thrown at his window.

The two young teens approached the window and were surprised to see Stanley Uris standing there, a worried look on his face. Bill opened it up. “Stan?” Bev called out, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. He had a crumpled piece of paper in his hand, and what it was, they didn’t know.

“It got Richie.” Stan said simply, fighting back tears of his own.

“What got Richie?” Bill drawled in annoyance. He still didn’t want anything to do with Richie, after the words that were said 3 weeks ago.

“It, Bill!” Stanley shouted up at him, a stray tear falling off his cheek. He held up the paper in his hand to reveal a missing persons poster, the words “YOU DIE IF YOU TRY” scrawled over Richie’s smiling face with blood. The look of annoyance on Bill’s face was wiped off fairly quickly. When he tried to look at Beverly, she was already climbing out the window. A silent decision was made as Bill ran downstairs to his phone to call Eddie, Ben, and Mike.

The losers club had to band together again to get their Trashmouth back, wherever he may be.

Drip. Drip. Drip-drip.

Richie blinked his eyes open as he felt a stick substance drip onto his face and stream down his neck. “Ow, fuck…” He gently touched his temples, pain sparking from the area and zipping all around his head. It took him a minute to realize where he was and what he was lying on, and once he realized it was the wet concrete of the sewer, he scrambled himself up…

Only to stumble back to his knees.

He let out a small string of curses and stood himself back up again, this time leaning against the walls for support. One of the lenses of his glasses were missing, the other cracked beyond repair. His dad was gonna kill him for breaking the glasses so badly when he got home. If he got home.

A large pile of toys and children’s clothes were piled up in a huge mound in front of him, with a large box-like structure set up in the bottom. Richie knew it was part of the circus, but what it was called, he was unsure of. He just had to get away. As he tried prying open the nearest door he saw, a loud voice suddenly shot out from the speakers attached to the box-thingy. “Step right up, Richie! Step riiiiiight up!”

“Oh, what the fuck..” Richie muttered to himself and slowly turned around to stare at the box.

“Come change, come float! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll cheer, you’ll die!” Richie’s blood ran cold, but it wasn’t out of fear. He was not afraid of this bastard anymore. “Introducing, Pennywise! The daaancing clown!”

The box suddenly kicked open, sparks flying up in some sort of grand gesture. Pennywise stood there for a moment, looking.. scared itself. It began to dance for Richie, it’s legs coming up and kicking in an, admittedly, hilarious manner.

Richie couldn’t stop himself. He began to laugh at the scene in front of him, which only made the clown more distraught. Thinking Pennywise was distracted, Richie made a split-second decision and tried to run for his life, still giggling. His giggling ceased when It hopped down from it’s podium and grabbed the young boy by the neck.

Rich gasped for air, legs kicking wildly in an attempt to free himself while It laughed in his face. “I’m not afraid of you..” He choked out, large eyes glaring at the creature holding him. Pennywise leaned It’s head forward and sniffed, recoiling at the lack of fear. It glared at Richie for a moment, before a smirk appeared on it’s makeup-painted lips.

“But you will be.” It began to open it’s jaw, wider than ever seen before. Richie’s head was held in place so he had to stare down into it’s never-ending maw. At the back of the throat held three, swirling bright lights. Lights that sucked him in further, and further…

Pennywise slowly let go of the child, watching him float up up up…

Teeth. So many teeth, all latched around his face.

After gathering the gang and barging into Neibolt, Mike had been attacked by Henry (wherever that bastard came from) and Stan had been taken away from  the group only to end up with Judith’s teeth wrapped around his head. It was horrifying, and he could see everything, everything that It would become, would give birth to, so many of It-

“Stanley!” He heard Eddie’s muffled voice somewhere in the distance, muffled yet shrill. Everything moved so damn quickly. It was gone but people began touching him, yelling in his face, so he yelled back.

“You aren’t my friends! You took me into Neibolt, you aren’t my friends!!” He cried out in fear, legs pulling to hug his chest. He was so scared, so damn scared. He shouldn’t have been by now, they weren’t as afraid of him. Why couldn’t he be strong like them? Strong like Beverly. Strong like Bill.

Strong like Richie.

Speaking of his wild friend, wild wild wild, he was nowhere to be found. That scared him worse. What if Richie was already dead what if he was next-

Bill had disappeared a while ago, hellbent on avenging his brother like the crazy suicidal bitch he was. The group stumbled there way after him, like lost sheep following their master. They all yelled a chorus of “Richie!” “Trashmouth, where are you?!” in attempts of finding the wild wild wild boy, if he was still able to be found.

Eddie and Beverly, at the front of the pack, stumbled to a stop. “Oh my god..” Eddie mumbled, patting his pockets frantically for an inhaler that wasn’t there. Beverly surged forward, still. “Help me get him down!”

Mike, who let Stan lean on him for support, made sure he was okay before he ran off to go help Beverly and Eddie, with Ben right behind him.

Stanley had to, of course, follow them. Why shouldn’t he follow them? Richie was there. If they could find Richie they could go home-

Oh. Oh that’s where he was.

Richie, suspended in the air with his head tipped backwards, was too high for one person alone to get. Eddie climbed on top of Ben’s shoulders and took a leap, managing to catch onto Richie’s sneaker. The Losers minus Bill managed to pull Richie down, and Eddie nearly gagged at the sight of his face.

His face was wet with sewage water, curls knotted in a horrible mess, and neck red with hand prints. And his eyes, god, his eyes. They were milky white and devoid of any life. Stan nearly burst into tears.

“Richie.. Richie!” Stan called to him uselessly, worming through the Losers to get to him. “Why isn’t he responding.. Why isn’t he saying anything, what’s wrong with him?!” The group remained silent, which provided even more frustration onto Stan.

Stanley thought back to everything he’d done with Richie. Everything he wanted to do. He wanted to hold his hand, hug him, kiss him, dance with him at prom. He wanted everything. And now, he had nothing.

If this was his last chance to do something, he was going to take it. Stop being the pussy he was, man up, and do it, even if Richie was dirty, so dirty. He grasped Richie by the cheeks and let their lips collide.

It wasn’t a perfect first kiss. Hell, it wasn’t even good. Inexperienced, rushed. Richie’s lips were cold and unresponsive. But it was enough for Stan. Noises of confusion circled around him but he wasn’t focused on that. He stared at Richie’s dead face for a moment, hope flushing out of him quickly… Until the boy burst to life.

He blinked blindly for a moment before staring Stan in the face. A watery smile crossed both their faces. “Jesus, fuck.. Stan the Man..”

“Trashmouth..”

They finally had a desperate, proper kiss that had all the losers giving little cheers for them. It was short lived as they heard a little boy’s voice, a little boy that went missing a year ago, begin to speak to Bill in the distance.

It was time to kill this fucking clown. Together.