#they only get together after Ariel can speak and tell the truth to Eric before they get romantically involved as a couple or start kissing

[gch1995]

I haven’t actually seen the live action remake, and I’m certainly not going to go see it in theaters. This is why, though. The director and writers are trying way too hard to be “progressive” by “fixing” what were never actually issues in the first place, and they’ve ruined the spirit of the animated film, the characters, and even the music as a result. Awkwafina is annoying as fuck as Scuttle, and not in the same charming and funny way that Buddy Hackett was as Scuttle in the role. I get that they couldn’t use Buddy Hackett to voice the character again since he’s been dead for some time now. However, they decided on using an actress who has an irritating voice, and decided to give her parts to sing in it.

Why? Even in the 1989 film, Scuttle wasn’t given a song because he was meant to be that annoyingly dim witted, but well-meaning friend. Jacob Tremblay sounded cute as Flounder. He actually sounded quite a bit like Jason Marin as a kid voicing the role in the 1989 film, but he also wasn’t a singer.

Of the voice actors playing Ariel’s sidekicks in the live action film, Daveed Diggs is the most competent at singing and rapping as Sebastian, but neither his singing nor his faux Jamaican accent are even half as impressive as Samuel E Wright’s spot onJamaican accent, and his rich baritone in Under the Sea and Kiss the Girl. I loved Daveed Diggs as Jefferson/Lafayette in Hamilton, but he’s clearly more of a rapper than a singer.

Growing up, Ariel was always my favorite Disney Princess, too, because she was the first one who actually had a well-rounded personality with both strengths and weaknesses that went beyond just being too kind and naive for her own good. She was adventurous, brave, bossy, distractible, impulsive, kind, naive, obsessive, misunderstood, protective of those she loved, sassy, and selfish at times. She was such a typical teenager, who was flawed, but still essentially a goodhearted person at heart. Before her, we had such impossibly goody-goody Disney Princesses

It also helped that the animation was beautiful, the cast was highly talented, the music was catchy, and the side characters were entertaining. Also, the fact that the animators actually used the model Sherri Stoner as a reference point to animate Ariel’s expression, hairstyle, and movements on screen made me love it even more. You can tell a lot of love, hard work, and passion went into animating The Little Mermaid movie, casting it, directing it, recreating these characters, and composing the music score.

In the 1989 film, Ariel already had a very active interest in exploring the humans on the surface world before she ever even saw Eric in the original Disney animated movie, so she had greater motivation than just a man from the beginning.

No, Ariel is not Bella Swan in her relationship with Edward Cullen from Twilight, or Anastasia Steele in her relationship with Christian Gray in 50 Shades of Gray. She is her own character with her own personality, hobbies, and motivations outside of just Eric.

Did Hallie Bailey, Rob Marshall, and the writers of the live action remake, even watch the opening introduction scene to Ariel’s character in the 1989 animated film at all? Did they even listen to Ariel’s lyrics in “Part of Your World” that was all about wanting to know what it was to be human, and to explore the world above?

The only thing I’m getting from all of them is a blatant disregard and disrespect of the 1989 animated classic film and its fans, so that they could turn it into a vehicle for a nonsensically and shallowly “progressive” political agenda to make money. It also sucks because I really wanted to be able to like Hallie Bailey playing the role of Ariel, and I do think it’s fucked up how there were racists in the audience bashing her for playing a character who doesn’t have to be any specific race to tell the story. Plus, she does have a beautiful, light, and soulful soprano voice that is reminiscent of Jodie Benson’s when singing Ariel’s songs and speaking at some points in the live action TLM.

Unfortunately, Hallie’s answers to questions about the movie and misinterpretation Ariel’s character in interviews and press conferences really made me dislike her for being the Mouse’s arrogant political agenda mouthpiece. Ariel’s race/ethnicity in the film doesn’t make her more or less of a relatable character because her skin color has nothing to do with the story, but Hallie is acting like the character being POC somehow made this huge thing that made her more relatable.

No, Ariel is a half fish half human girl with an exceedingly strict dad who trades her voice to get a chance to achieve her dream to be human. She is not Esmerelda, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, the Madrigal family in Encanto, or the Rivera family in Coco, who all have arcs, cultural backgrounds, plots, and storylines that directly relate to them often being POC who are of direct African American, Colombian, Chinese, Native American, Middle-Eastern, Mexican, or Romanian descent. Ariel could be black, white, Asian, or biracial, and you would still have the same character with the same personality and storyline of wanting to be able to feel free to be true to yourself without being belittled, misunderstood, restricted, or ignored all the time that pretty much anyone can relate to at some point in their lives. Moreover, she is spouting the same misinterpretation of Ariel’s character in the original Disney animated movie being all about trading her fins for a man, and needing to give Ariel more agency and personality in the live action outside of just that, and it made me dislike her because she also claims to be so in love with Ariel from The Little Mermaid animated movie from her childhood. Yet, she keeps trashing the character 1989 movie by blatantly misrepresenting her in interviews to brag about how she thinks the 2023 live action movie starring her in the role of Ariel is far superior for being more “nuanced” and “independent.” I get that the Mouse is likely also paying Hallie to promote the movie, but rather than stating that any fan who doesn’t like it is a “racist,” she could say I hope to live up to your expectations.” I get that Hallie’s young, but she’s still only around 4-5 years younger than me. Plus, she’s been a professional actress since her childhood. I feel like she should know better than to treat critics and fans of the Disney movie this way.

The same Ariel who fell in love with the human Prince Eric shortly after was already being complained about for never showing up to rehearsals to practice with her sisters in Sebastian’s concert and missed its premiere because she got sidetracked by exploring a sunken ship full of human artifacts, knick-knacks, and silverware, which she then took up to the surface to ask Scuttle questions about. Ariel was so into collecting and examining human things that *Flounder* actually had to be the one to warn her to swim away when they were about to be attacked by a shark because he was the only one paying attention.

Ariel sang her big “I want” number “Part of Your World” before she ever even saw Eric, and it had absolutely nothing to do with falling in love, banging, and getting married to a hot human guy. It was about wanting to explore the human world above and experience what it was like to be able to be able to move on two legs above the shore. She didn’t even know Eric existed at this point, and Ariel was already obsessed with the idea of being a part of the human world above for a while now.

When Triton found out that Ariel actually came into direct contact with a human, rescued him, and now loved him, she was actively risking her life from his perspective, regardless of his warnings and the potential consequences. No longer was it just this phase she’d get over, if he let her do her thing. From his perspective, Ariel was now actively risking her life by coming into direct contact with human beings, which is why he lost his shit on her in that grotto scene.

She wasn’t deliberately cruel or malicious, but Ariel was somewhat inconsiderate and selfish in her desire to explore the human world, which is why she finally does apologize at the end when she faces unexpected interference from Ursula.

Yeah, falling for Eric strengthened her preexisting desire to be human, but he wasn’t the only aspect of the human world that she longed to explore and experience. Moreover, even after she fell for Eric and rescued him, Ariel wasn’t really planning on leaving behind her family to go live with him by becoming a human behind their backs. Ariel was just planning to get Eric to notice her with Flounder’s help by splashing around to get him to notice her, so they could talk and get to know each other better. Triton destroying her entire collection of human things to “get through to her” after finding out she had fallen in love and rescued one, was the thing that pushed her to impulsively make the deal to be human with Ursula.

I hate how impossibly perfect they’ve made Ariel in this garbage live action remake to be more “progressive.” They’ve actually taken away her agency by having Ursula erase her memory of having to share TLK with Eric within three days to break the spell to remain human permanently. Not to mention the fact that making that stupid change does nothing to change the overall plot, anyway. Eric still starts to fall for Ariel, and almost kisses her. Ursula still disguises herself as Vanessa to try to stop Eric and Ariel from kissing, which logically couldn’t even be true love’s kiss under those circumstances where her mind “wanders” every time Eric tries to kiss her, anyway. Ariel is not allowed to be aware of the fact that she actually had feelings for Eric at one point. She’s only giving in because Eric is closest to her all the time in the live action, not because she feels something.

The only thing they’ve succeeded in doing by making that pointless plot change was actually creating a big power imbalance between their characters by putting Ariel in a position where she’ll feel pressured to fall for him instead of actually falling for Eric because now she doesn’t remember ever liking him in the first place, and gets confused, creeped out, and evasive every time he does try to kiss her as a result.

It’s also just an irritating message to me that so much of the media for those of us are Gen Z and younger Millennials has become so against portraying healthy heterosexual romantic relationships between men and women. No, you don’t have to be heterosexual, fall in love with a man, get married, and have kids with that guy to be a woman of value to the rest of the world. Now, it’s like we’re living in a society that is absolutely cynical and resentful towards seeing anyone developing, maintaining, and seeking committed and healthy heterosexual romances and lives, though. I’m glad the gay community can have the right to marry people they’re attracted to of the same sex as adults. I’m glad more women were brave enough to expose creepy and powerful male Hollywood actors, directors, and performers in the #MeToo movement. I’m glad no one has to feel pressured to fulfill gender stereotypes, if they don’t want to anymore. Just stop treating people who engage and follow heterosexual/heteronormative lives as “wrong” and “weak” in media because “how dare a woman ever actually feel romantically/sexually attracted to a man, and want him to make a move on her?”

Saying that a man was Ariel’s “only” motivation to sacrifice her fins, her voice, and her family to become human is completely untrue and a total misinterpretation of her character. Ariel dreamed of being human and exploring the world above to learn about them more long before she ever even saw him. She just happened to fall for a cute guy with a similarly adventurous, brave, kind, and passionate heart, who gave her an opportunity to be heard and understood.

This live action movie also really turned Ariel into this hyper feminist unbelievably strong woman trope who never needs to be rescued or supported by anyone else, especially another man. Now, she’s just another unbelievably competent, independent, self-reliant and strong Mary Sue, who never has any moments of vulnerability in this live action films that put her in a position where she needs to be rescued or supported by another character, especially if it happens to be a man. I’m so sick of female characters getting this sort of writing in modern day media. I’m so tired of these females characters who are written or rewritten to be impossibly resilient, resourceful, and self-reliant *all the time.* No, women shouldn’t *always* be portrayed as being clingy, dependent, and helpless in media either. In real life, no one would need to even have relationships to survive happily, if we were actually as impossibly one-dimensional in our capabilities, independence, strengths, and vulnerabilities. We’re much more emotionally and socially complex creatures who are supposed to display both strengths and vulnerabilities in equal measure.

The live action movie seems so intent on making Ariel look like she can accomplish everything by herself and doesn’t ever need any help from anyone else, especially not another man. It’s just a hyper-feminist interpretation of the character that I don’t like, and it’s not *just* in this scene at the ending where she kills Ursula instead of Eric in which they’ve made her such an impossibly competent, independent, and strong woman who can do anything and everything herself either.

Ariel magically being the one to kill Ursula instead of Eric when she is trying to kill her for revenge also undermines King Triton’s character development of getting over his xenophobia towards humans, and eventually being able to let his favorite youngest daughter go be with the right one, now trusting that she’ll be able to be safe. However, this live action movie doesn’t care about character development, storytelling, and the overarching theme of being able to let your children be true to themselves. It’s only about showing what a “Strong WAHMAN” Ariel is at the expense of all that.

In the “Kiss the Girl” scene of the 1989 animated film where Eric expresses that he feels bad not knowing Ariel’s name because she can’t speak, Sebastian is the one to whisper it in his ear to offer his aid because he still can speak and sing. In this live action version after less than three days on land, Ariel magically knows more about astronomy and constellation patterns in the sky than the average human land dweller will know in their entire lives. She comes up with a way to tell him her name is “Ariel” by showing him the constellation of Aries in the night sky, and gets him to say “Ariel” by moving his lips in the shape of her name with her hands. Yeah, I can see how that might look cute, but it also makes Ariel kind of look like a Mary Sue.

In the 1989 animated film, after Scuttle finds out about Vanessa actually being Ursula in disguise hypnotizing Eric to marry her with Ariel’s voice, he tells Ariel, Sebastian, and Flounder, and they plan an ambush to stop the impending wedding before the three days are up. Ariel tries to get to the site of the wedding as fast as she can to help with Flounder’s aid. However, she is still very new to using human legs, she really isn’t as fast or as strong of a swimmer without her fins, and Flounder is the one who helps get her there with a rope from a barrel tied between him and one of her legs. As a result, by the time she gets to the site of Eric’s wedding with Vanessa, Scuttle has already been doing his best to stall the vows until, and it’s a bit too late for Ariel to just intervene. That’s why Scuttle is the one to grab Vanessa’s necklace with his beak and break it, so that Ariel can get her voice back.

You might say that the scene where Ariel gets swam to the site of the wedding would be much more difficult to animate with a tiny fish, but what even was the point of Scuttle’s animal ambush to stop Vanessa/Ursula when Ariel decided to just get into a cat fight with her to rip off her seashell necklace and break it to get her voice back herself after Scuttle told them what was going on, anyway?

They also made it so that Ariel is the first one to notice the shark about to attack her and Flounder in the 2023 film in the opening scene when they’re exploring the sunken ship for human things at her insistence, which, is again, turning her into more of a Mary Sue. In the Disney animated 1989 film, Ariel does save Flounder’s life from the shark when he accidentally knocks himself out swimming away, but she’s not the first one to notice the shark behind them on the sunken ship. Flounder, her anxious companion, is the one to first notice the shark behind them posed for sneak attack when they are exploring the sunken ship at her insistence, and that’s when they quickly swim away. She was too caught up in collecting and examining human artifacts, knick knacks, and silverware to immediately notice that she an Flounder were about to be attacked by a shark.

It also is a moment that gives us insight into Ariel’s greatest character flaws in the 1989 animated film in her opening scene with Flounder when she isn’t the first one to notice the shark because she’s too distracted by her obsession with the world above to be considerate. Ariel’s essentially a good person at heart, who is brave and loyal enough to those she loves to always be there to bravely rescue them when she notices that they need her. However, she also is obsessive about her personal desires, dreams, and interests in exploring the world above to the point of distractibility, impulsivity, naïveté, and selfishness.

It’s just annoying to me. Ariel wasn’t a perpetually helpless and weak damsel-in-distress, who only wanted a man, and constantly needed to be spoon-fed in the 1989 animated film either, but she was still allowed to be rescued, be vulnerable, and have character flaws, too. She was an independent heroine with her own agency, personal interests, and hobbies. However, she also wasn’t this impossibly perfect female role model who never needed to be rescued and supported by others in moments of vulnerability either. Regardless of our strengths, just like real men need to be rescued by other people at times in moments of t vulnerability, there are times when those of us who are women need to be rescued by others in those moments too. Just because we were given equal rights as men, it doesn’t mean we need to be independent and strong all the time around them to be of value. It is just as problematic to portray women with no vulnerabilities as it is to portray men with no vulnerabilities in fiction.

Believe it or not, but presenting yourself as *completely* emotionally/physically invulnerable and self-reliant *all the time* in relationships with other people is just as much of a turn off as being exceedingly clingy, codependent, desperate, and helpless *all the time.* The point is to be able to have a healthy balance between independence and vulnerability in relationships with other people to be able to develop and maintain long-term and meaningful ones. You don’t want to be too clingy, desperate, and dependent on others to be rescued and supported by others *all the time,* if you can help it, because then you’ll never be able to grow and often push them away by suffocating them. However, you also won’t be able to develop and maintain deep and meaningful relationships with others, if you never can be vulnerable around them and rely on them for support in your times of need from time to time either.

That’s a major problem with how “strong “female characters keep getting portrayed in modern day media. Yes, having female characters with greater motivations than just romantic love for a man is important, but Ariel already did have previously established motivations to become human in secret from her family in the 1989 Disney animated film, anyway. She also had plenty of moments where she wasn’t just a damsel-in-distress for Eric, Flounder, Triton, Sebastian, and everyone else to rescue. Generally speaking, Eric was actually the dude-in-distress in their relationship who needed to be saved by Ariel in the 1989 animated film. He had one moment where he returned the favor to Ariel when she needed him to rescue her in the Disney animated movie, and it’s a critical moment of character development and storytelling in the movie that gives Triton the ability to finally understand that he can let his daughter go to live on the surface as a human with the right one by her side to protect her because Eric proved her right that not all human beings are barbarians.

It’s also just irritating to me how young women in modern day media keep getting portrayed as being so perfectly strong and self-reliant all the time, no matter the circumstances. We’re not allowed to be portrayed as being real people with meaningful friendships and relationships in which we can expect aid, consolation, and support from them in situations where we are vulnerable in return for having their back when they experience those moments of vulnerability by our side and need us, especially not those of us who are young women.

I just find that really frustrating with female characters in modern day media, like Ariel in this TLM live action remake, Mulan in the 2020 live action remake, Belle in the 2017 live action BATB remake, Bo Peep in Toy Story 4, Rey from the new Star Wars movies, Daenerys throughout much of GOT after S1, and so on. Just stop trying to portray female characters as impossibly strong female archetypes all the time, and focus on making them human instead. Those were some of the great things about fictional female characters like Ariel, Anna, Elsa, and Mulan. They were allowed to be both strong and vulnerable at different points around other people in relationships. They struggled to achieve some goals without help, but also had moments where they independently achieved their goals and saved others. They weren’t just these impossibly strong archetypes who never needed help.

Like, why do Eric, Sebastian, Flounder, and Scuttle even have to exist in this live action remake of TLM anymore, if Ariel is able to magically be so perfectly independent, intelligent, and resourceful all the time that she never needs them to support her in return? Just for the sake of appealing to nostalgia and creating comic relief.

@

And another thing.

The original The Little Mermaid is about understanding. One of the main plot devices is that the witch takes what from Ariel, ladies and gentlemen?

Her voice.

Ariel did not leave the sea “for a boy.”

Ariel left the sea to be understood. Because for the whole first part of the movie, we’re shown hints of what her life is already like, and how she’s tried to be understood but nobody’s listening or communicating.

She’s introduced by describing a ship as amazing and wonderful, while her fish friend clearly does not understand and wants to get out of there.

Even her best friend doesn’t share her love for another world.

Her first interaction with her father, count how many times he’s speaking over her.

He has this prejudice against humans, and because she’s disobeyed him, he won’t listen to any of her evidence that they may not all be bad.

Even when she has a voice and a cavern full of proof that humans aren’t all barbarians, her father won’t listen to her, so he can’t understand.

And the truth is, she doesn’t have that much proof. She knows that humans are clever and make “wonderful things,” and that’s what she bases her belief in them on. But those beautiful objects, and her pretty ideals, are not enough to make her abandon her family and culture and world.

When she sings and talks about why she wants to be Part of That World, it’s because she wants to understand it. And, subconsciously, Ariel also hopes to be understood up there. Where they make cool devices, and maybe daughters can stand instead of being reprimanded. There’s this hope for freedom and being known associated with the surface.

But it’s not until she meets Eric that those ideals are really, actually, proven true.

Ariel sees Eric out on the sea exploring instead of staying in a palace on his birthday. He gets a gift from the closest person to him, and it’s clear that even the closest person to him doesn’t understand his tastes—he doesn’t want an over-dramatic statue of himself. He sticks to his ideals in an argument that somewhere out there, is the right girl for him. But he doesn’t have to leave the argument in frustrated tears. In the end, he risks his life to not only watch out for his friend, but nearly dies going back to a burning ship to save his dog.

Eric personifies everything Ariel has always idealized about the Human World—AND he might understand her.

In her one observation of him, she finds out that he, a human, is:

A Prince, but nobody can tell him what to do.

More interested in activity and exploration than palace ceremony.

Unable to relate to his closest companions.

Handsome—beautiful, not a savage.

Criticized for “silly, romantic notions” but sticks to the idea of something wonderful out there in the great beyond.

Brave, self-sacrificial, and compassionate to animals.

Eric is, all at once, everything Ariel always hoped a human could be, and yet still so like herself. They have twin souls.

She’d rather be exploring human ships, he’d rather be out exploring the sea. She believes the surface world is good and beautiful, he believes in the girl of his dreams, no matter what anyone says. She has nobody who gets excited about new adventures, and he has nobody who gets excited about new adventures.

When she sees him, she falls in love not just with his upstanding character, or even the human world he represents—she falls in love with the hope that he might understand her in away nobody under the sea does.

Then the ironic thing is, she’s got to make him understand who she is and what she should mean to him without a voice. And unfortunately, that’s really hard because he is suddenly associating his dream girl with a voice and a magical rescue.

As close as they may get when she finally does meet him face to face and gets herself human legs, Ariel and Eric can’t be together until he knows who she is, for real. After all, how can love be true without understanding?

And we’re not DONE with understanding. Because even after he learns what and who she is and still commits to her and saves her and loves her, Ariel’s back to having a tail. She’s back to being in a world where he can’t be.

Except now, Triton is the one who understands. He finally sees what they’ll do for each other—and that Eric, ”savage, spineless, harpooning fish eater with no regard” saved his daughter. He sees that they love each other and are each worthy of the other’s love.

It’s not until Triton understands what Ariel has known and felt all along that he gives her human legs the right way.

That’s the point of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. “True love is found in understanding and sacrificing for one another.”

Triton had the sacrificing idea down, but he didn’t have understanding. Eric had understanding, but he didn’t have the chance to sacrifice for it.

Ariel has both. She understands that Eric’s world is not only barbaric, but beautiful, and she’s willing to sacrifice her tail to be understood in that world.

That is what this movie is all about. And because they’re probably willing to sacrifice critical scenes, like the Prince saving the day (which is important because it provides Triton with a new understanding of humans) or the girl leaving the ocean to be with the boy (which is important because what she really wants is to be understood) the creators of the Live Action Little Mermaid are going to miss the point and ruin the movie.

[let-it-raines]

How about showing them during and/or after the Yankee’s crappy 2020 season? As I’m not a Yankees fan (no, not even your lovely story could convert me!) I would enjoy some bad season angst with a heaping side of comfort coming from Emma. Thanks for considering! - jonirobinson64

Excuse me for having to send myself an ask. lol. Sometimes I do that when someone gives me a prompt not in my ask box. It helps me not forget it. Thanks @jonirobinson64 for being a sweetheart and a forever supporter of me! Here’s a little insight to that 2020 season ♥️ 

found on ao3 | here |

-/-

June 2020

“What the hell is wrong with all of you?” Al yells, throwing his clipboard down onto the ground. “Scarlet can’t hit, Fisher can’t catch a fucking ball because he’s too worried his wife is going to go into labor, and Jones has forgotten that the ball has to go over the plate! These are simple parts of the game! A five-year-old in Little League knows this!”

The locker room is silent except for the sound of uniforms being stripped off and feet shuffling across the floor. Al’s breathing is heavy, his chest heaving, and while Killian’s already showered and gone through his post-game routine, all he wants to do is go back out on the field and practice his pitches again.

That won’t screw up his shoulder or anything.

They’re losing a series against the Orioles.

They’ve owned the Orioles for his entire career. Hell, last year they barely lost a game to them. They were shutting them out and getting a ridiculous amount of runs, and now they can’t seem to string together two good plays against them.

Then again, that’s been happening against everyone.

This is the season from hell, and Killian has had some pretty shitty seasons before.

Coming down from the high of back-to-back World Series wins isn’t exactly the easiest thing in the world when they don’t even look like the same team they were when they won those Series.  

To be fair, King is gone. He’s with the Cardinals now, and Killian never thought he’d miss that asshole. He doesn’t. He treated Emma like shit, and Killian was constantly ready to knock his front teeth out, but he was a damn fine ball player.

He doesn’t want King back, not really, but a part of him thinks even Emma would take King being back in her vicinity if he could help them win a few more games.

“I’m in Maryland, and my wife is back in New York a week past her due date. I’m allowed to fucking worry,” Eric growls as he slams a t-shirt against the ground.

“You’re supposed to be focused on the ballgame and nothing else out there. We’re getting fucking embarrassed!”

“Hey,” Robin interrupts, standing from his locker and running his hand through his hair. “I get that we suck, Coach, and that you’re pissed. Trust me, we’re all pissed. But telling Eric he can’t worry about his wife and his kid is a load of shit.”

Al groans, placing his hands on his hips and looking up at the ceiling while his foot taps. He’s usually level-headed. He can get angry and upset, but it’s never been this bad. It’s never been him getting into their personal lives, and Killian can’t quite believe Rob is having to stand up and try to calm Al down.

What the hell is wrong with them?

“Do you guys know what’s being written about us? Half of it is articles about how we’re suddenly shitty at baseball and the other half of it is your personal lives. If I’m asked to give another statement on where Jones took his girlfriend to dinner or to comment on pictures of her in her bikini at the beach, I’m going to lose my goddamn mind.”

There’s a round of whistles across the locker room, and Killian really should have left as soon as his PT was over.

“Al,” he grits out, “I understand your frustration, but I suggest you hold your tongue. If there’s anyone in this room who should understand to tread carefully when talking about Emma, it’s you.”

“You know I didn’t mean it like that.”“Aye, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to get pissed off. I hate more than anyone that the only news about his team is how much we suck and my personal life, but that’s how it is right now. We’re not as good as we have been, and the other teams are better. Doing what we’re doing obviously isn’t going to cut it, and I don’t think making us all hate each other is going to make it any better.”

“You’ve got balls saying that to Al,” Will mutters under his breath as his knee hits against Killian’s.

“I’ve been putting up with this shit with Emma for a year and a half from everyone else. I’m not going to hear it from our coach. My personal life is none of anyone’s damn business.”

“Just go to the hotels” Al finally sighs. “I don’t know what to do or how to fix this, and apparently, none of you are going to let me yell at you tonight. Be at practice at ten. If you’re late, you’re running the field.”

“Aye, aye, Captain,” Will salutes only to get stared down by half the locker room.

The team spirit is obviously alive and well tonight.

“Do you guys want to get dinner?” Will asks as they walk out of the clubhouse hours later, warm downs done and press conferences unfortunately suffered though. They’re walking down the hallway to get to the loading bays so they can take a car back to the hotel, and Killian has no interest in going out for dinner.

“I want to get back to the hotel and call Ariel,” Eric sighs. “I honestly keep expecting to get a call that she’s at the hospital and that I need to be at the airport.”

“We’ll be home tomorrow,” Robin assures him. “If I know Ariel, she won’t have that kid before you get home.”

“As the only other man here with a child, I feel like you should know that’s not how it works.”

Robin chuckles. “You can hope.”

“I’m going to order in for dinner,” Killian says. “You can come to my room and do the same if you want.”Will actually snorts at that. “And spend more time with you when you’ve lost a game and someone has talked shit about your girlfriend? That’s like asking to be tortured.”

“Shut it, Scarlet.”“I only speak the truth.”“I think we all need a break from each other.” Robin opens up the door of the van that’s waiting on them. “After we share this ride.”

-/-

Emma’s on her laptop when he gets back to the hotel room. She’s already changed out of what she was wearing earlier, is in her pajamas, and has her makeup wiped off, and he knows better than to bother her while she’s writing her article on the game to the network. They’ve got her running circles and jumping through hoops this season as some kind of sick test to make sure she can handle being promoted to a regular in-booth commentator.

It’s fucking ridiculous. Of course she can handle it. She doesn’t need to run up extra reports and think pieces on top of working on the field and traveling full time with the team in order to prove herself when she’s already proven herself time and time again.

She’s doing more work now than she would ever do once she’s up in that booth.

This is not how this season was supposed to go. It was supposed to be better than this.

It was supposed to be better than the both of them running themselves far past their personal limits and still coming up short.

At least his arm doesn’t hurt.

Killian doesn’t believe in jinxes and superstitions, but thoughts like that should probably stay far away from his mind if he doesn’t want to get injured again. With all of the people watching him like a hawk, it’s not like he’d be able to hide it even if he wanted to.

He’s definitely learned that lesson.

Quietly, he puts his bag down on the table in the entryway of the room and goes into the bathroom in order to brush his teeth and wash his face. He wants to shave, but he didn’t bring his razor. Dammit. That’s all he really wants to do right now, to have some kind of control over something, anything.

His phone buzzes in his back pocket, and he pulls it out.

Liam: Addison wants you to know that she is not mad at you for losing.

Killian: So she’s lying to me now?

Liam: Oh, absolutely. She’s genuinely upset. We’ve got to get her a new hobby.

Killian: I think she’d be brilliant at soccer. I’m surprised she’s not already in a league.

Liam: We’ve got her signed up for the fall league.

Liam: You okay?

Killian huffs and turns the water in the sink off after splashing his face one more time.

Killian: I’m fine. Tired. Pissed off at how I played.

Liam: Fine and pissed off aren’t exactly the same.

Killian: I’m pissed off BUT fine.

Killian: It’s late. You should go to bed. I’ll call tomorrow before we fly home.

Liam: Don’t beat yourself up about any of it. I love you. Addy loves you, too.

Killian: I love you both.

Sighing, Killian opens the bathroom door and walks back into the hotel room, tugging his t-shirt off, tossing his phone onto the couch, and then grabbing the room service menu before laying down on the bed next to Emma.

“Have you eaten dinner, Swan?”

“I had a salad earlier.”

“You mean the salad we had at lunch?”

Emma’s brows furrow together, and she keeps on typing. “I’m not really sure. I had a salad at some point. I’m fine.”

Killian groans and reads through the menu before picking up the hotel phone and calling down for a plate of their grilled chicken rice with a side of steamed vegetables. It’s not at all what he wants, and when he orders to basket of fries that he tells himself is for Emma, he knows that he’ll end up eating them as well. It’s late, though, and the kitchen isn’t staffed as much as it usually is, so the man on the other end of the line tells him it could be anywhere between thirty minutes and an hour.

If he hadn’t eaten a little in the locker room, he’d probably bitch and moan over the wait team. He gets the wait. He does. He’s not about to complain over people trying their best, but damn what he would give for something other than a package of crackers to eat.

Emma keeps working, and Killian turns on the TV, putting it on mute as he flips through the channels. There are baseball games on what seems like every other one, but he eventually settles on some action movie he doesn’t know the name of and watches it in silence to the sound of Emma’s fingers clicking against the keyboard.

What a banner day.

Suddenly, Emma’s laptop clicks closed, and she places it on the foot of the bed before turning to him and placing her knees on either side of his thighs while her nails curl into his biceps and her lips move over the side of his neck, leaving hot, open-mouthed kisses.

Fuck, that feels fantastic.

She’s like magic when she’s like this, her lips heaven and the feel of her pressing down on top of him something even better, and Killian wraps his arm around her back as his hand sneaks up underneath her tank top while the other presses into the back of her thigh. He bloody loves when she sleeps in the pajama shorts like this, the material barely covering her skin.

Her mouth is hot against his neck and flames flicker down his spine as Emma keeps working his skin, nibbling before soothing the spots with her tongue, and when he palms her ass through her shorts, she rolls her hips into his like she’s trying to kill him with how good that feels.

“Are you trying to kill me, love?” he rasps as her tongue circles around the shell of his ear. He can feel his cock twitching in his sweatpants, and while he’s doing his best to ignore it, he can’t help but jut his hips up into hers for some friction.

“No.”

“Something damn near close then.”

Emma laughs into his ear as she rolls her hips over his, and she really is trying to kill him. He’s fine with letting her succeed tonight.

“Take off your pants, twenty-nine.”

“Well, when you say it like that…”

Emma pulls back from him and looks into his eyes. “What? Do you not want to?”

He juts his hips up into hers again. God, that friction feels good, but it’s not enough. “I very obviously want to.”

“Then what is it?”“It’s nothing.”“What? Are you too tired? Was the adrenaline of the game too much? Because I was fully ready to have some hate sex.”

“Darling, I don’t believe it’s hate sex unless you hate each other. I think it’d just be pissed off at the trajectory of the season, ESPN executives for making you jump through hoops they’d never make any man do, and the fucking Orioles.”

“That is too long. No one would ever say that.”

“Then pissed off sex.”

“Okay,” Emma sighs, leaning back even as her fingers curl into his chest hair. She’s always doing that, and he can’t say he minds. His right hand leaves her hip and moves to grab onto the chain around her neck, the cool metal soothing. “Then I was ready to have some pissed off sex.”

Killian chuckles and leans his head back against the headboard and closes his eyes. “Can we do a raincheck on that until we’re home and in our own bed? I’m exhausted. I didn’t realize I was exhausted until you said it, but I am.”

The exhaustion hit him like a ton of bricks, and even if he knows Emma would be fine doing all of the work this time, it’s not what he wants. It’s not going to be what she wants either.

“Rain check it is,” Emma promises. He doesn’t know she’s leaned forward until her mouth moves over his. “I hope we still have something to be pissed off about.”

“If this season keeps going how it’s going and if we keep ending up on every newsstand in New York, I think we’ll have something to be pissed off about.”

Emma pulls back, and her brows furrow. “Hey, don’t do that.”

His hand reaches up to tuck her hair behind her hair, thumb lingering against her cheek. “Do what?”

“You know exactly what you’re doing. You lost, and you’re about to go into some kind of downward spiral over it.”

“We’re horrible, Swan.”

“Yeah, you are.”

His thumb presses into her cheek while her hands fall away from his chest and land in her lap. “That makes me feel great.”

“If I said you weren’t horrible, you’d be pissed at me for lying.”

“You know what – ” Killian snaps his mouth shut, leaning back against the headboard and taking a deep breath. Emma is still on his lap, and he chokes back the hiss when she shifts. “I’m not going to fight with you on this, love. It’s not worth it.”

There’s fire in Emma’s eyes and he’s sure a fight on the tip of her tongue, but she leans back and shifts until she’s on her side of the bed again, pulling her knees to her chest.

“I’m sorry today was rough, twenty-nine. I’m sorry that the season sucks. Like, big time. I’m sorry that our life, ours, is something people think is their business. None of it is fair, and as much as I wish you were out there winning, it doesn’t make a difference in who you are. I’m not going to stop loving you just because you’re having a hard time.”

Killian huffs and lazily reaches forward until his fingers are intertwining with Emma’s. “Are you sure? You’ve only been dating me as a champion. This whole thing might go to hell now.”

“Don’t even say that.”“Why not? All I really want to do is impress you. Indefinitely or something. This isn’t very impressive.”

He’s pitying himself. He knows that. He wants to stop, but at the back of his mind, there are all those awful thoughts about not being good enough: for the team, for himself, for Emma.

God, he thinks all the time how he’s not good enough for her.

“If you think I’m only with you because you’re good at baseball, that’s the stupidest thought you’ve ever had. And I know how smart you are, twenty-nine. I’ve seen your engineering books. That’s not a degree for dummies.”

Killian chuckles. “To be fair, I don’t know what’s happening in those books either.”

“Liar.” Her hand squeezes his. “If you want to be pissed off, be pissed off. It’ll apparently come in hand for our sex life later. I’m just saying that the season sucking doesn’t mean you suck. As a ballplayer or human or boyfriend or whatever.”

“Those are some eloquent words there, Swan.”

Her eyes roll, but there’s a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. He can feel one tugging at his lips too.

“I lied when I said I wasn’t hungry earlier. I think it’s affecting how my brain works.”

“I ordered you fries. There weren’t any onion rings.”

“I heard. Should I go find a vending machine and get some more junk food? I know you don’t really want to eat your food.”

“Trying to watch my figure, love.”

“Shut up,” Emma groans, leaning forward and quickly kissing his cheek. “Where’s your wallet? I’m going to go get us snacks.”

“Why do you need my wallet for that?”

“Because I don’t have cash on me.”

“It’s in the safe.”

Emma nods and rolls off the bed, adjusting her shorts from where they’d risen to expose half of her ass. “Eating vending machine food in a hotel room is pretty much a tradition for us, you know?”

“So is having sex after you’ve seen me in a pool.”“That happened one time. That’s not enough for it to be a tradition.”

He moves his brows up and down. “We could make it happen more times.”

“Go take a shower, twenty-nine. A cold one. Room service is going to be here soon, and you haven’t calmed down from the almost hate sex.”

“Pissed off sex.”

She shakes her head, just slightly.

How the hell did he end up with someone like her?

“You’re ridiculous.”

“Get me some barbecue chips if they have them, yeah?”

Emma holds his wallet between her fingers. “Was already planning on it. I hear the guy paying makes damn good money even though his baseball team sucks.”

Killian throws a pillow at Emma, but she dodges it before slipping out of the room, the door clicking closed behind her.

Love of his life, that woman.

One day he’ll tell her so with something other than words.

-/-

-/-

Tag list: @bluewildcatfanatic @killianswannn @dorisquinn​ @onepunintendid​ @authorarsinoe​ @stunningswan​ @eala-captian @galaxyzxstark @xellewoods @mariakov81 @ultraluckycatnd @royalswan @shey-starsfury​ @superchocovian​ @sals86 @iam2307 @ashley-knightingale @karenfrommisthaven @scientificapricot @captswanis4vr @ultimiflos @jamif @idristardis @nikkiemms @resident-of-storybrooke @tiganasummertree @bmbbcs4evr @onceuponaprincessworld @jennjenn615 @mayquita @captainsjedi @teamhook @notoriouscs @kmomof4 @ekr032-blog-blog​ @cs-forlife @andiirivera @jonirobinson64 @qualitycoffeethings​ @carpedzem​ @tornadoamy​ ​

[searchingwardrobes]

Happy birthday, @welllpthisishappening ! For your special day (I hear it is a big birthday?), I wanted to incorporate things you love into a fic. That includes baseball, and if my ignorant self made any errors, I apologize! Anyway, I hope you enjoy discovering some of your favorite things in this fic. I admire you tremendously as a talented writer and overall wonderful person, and I wish you the very best of birthdays!

Summary: Emma Swan doesn’t do friends with benefits - too many feelings involved. But best friends with a guy she slept with once? Well, that’s completely different. So they get jealous every now and then, that’s not feelings - right? Based on the song by the Gin Blossoms.

Rated T for adult situations and language

Words: Almost 6,000

Also on Ao3 and part of my Fandom Birthday Playlist

Tagging the usuals:@snowbellewells @jennjenn615 @kday426 @let-it-raines @teamhook@kmomof4 @bethacaciakay @profdanglaisstuff @resident-of-storybrooke @thislassishooked @tiganasummertree@whimsicallyenchantedrose @snidgetsafan @delirious-latenight-laughs @winterbaby89 @distant-rose@shireness-says @xhookswenchx @optomisticgirl @spartanguard @branlovestowrite

And you know it might not be that bad, you were the best I ever had. If I hadn’t blown the whole thing years ago, I might not be alone.

What’s the cliche? Something about not wasting time looking in the rearview mirror because that’s not where your headed? Of course, Emma Swan has always been difficult, so to speak, with life maxims. It isn’t that she’s intentionally trying to be cynical, it’s just . . . Is she the only one who ever thinks through these cute sayings? Because, yeah, out the front windshield is your destination, but who doesn’t use their rearview mirrors when driving? What if someone with road rage is kissing your bumper? And don’t people pass slow drivers? Kind of need your rearview mirrors for that.

Of course, there’s probably some saying about not speeding through life or staying in your lane . . . ok, now she’s probably muddling the driving metaphors.

The point is, Emma finds herself looking in her proverbial rearview mirror a lot. They say “what ifs” are pointless, but she’s got plenty of them anyway. Most are painful. What if my parents had kept me? What if Neal and I really had gotten to Tallahassee? What if I had held him, just for a minute?

But others make her grateful. What if Ruth hadn’t taken in an angry, pregnant teen? What if David hadn’t been all “instant big brother”? What if Ruby hadn’t been assigned the office right next to mine?

The one that plagues her the most, however, is What if I had never slept with Killian Jones? Not that the night itself wasn’t great - it was. Not that Killian didn’t graciously ignore the constant elephant in the room - he did. Not that they weren’t best friends despite it all - they were.

She just wondered sometimes . . . she wasn’t even sure, she just . . . wondered. Her sexual partners all fit into three categories: Neal (relationship), one night stands, and Killian, who was . . . what exactly? Her best friend she slept with that one time? The one night stand who became her best friend? Her best friend who just so happened to be a little drunk and sort of lonely at the exact same time she was a little drunk and sort of lonely?

None of their (mutual) friends knew about what happened between the maid of honor and the best man at David and Mary Margaret’s wedding. After all, she and Killian had never met until that weekend. It should have been a perfect one night stand situation - he lived in Seattle. As in, on the complete opposite side of the country. Then his college best friend had to go and get him a job at Storybook Biz.

Thanks a lot, David.

And just like that, her one night stand was across the hall every day at work. It should have been awkward.

Only it wasn’t. And now Emma’s constantly pondering that damn rearview mirror . . .

Tell me do you think it’d be alright if I could just crash here tonight? You see I’m in no shape for driving, and anyway, I’ve got no place to go.

Killian knocking at Emma’s door at a quarter to midnight wasn’t necessarily an oddity. But Killian knocking on her door at a quarter to midnight when he was supposed to be on a date? That wasn’t exactly common.

“Are you drunk?”

He stumbled past her, running his fingers through his already disheveled hair. “Only slightly.”

“I take it the date didn’t go well,” she muttered as she closed the door.

Killian kicked off his shoes and collapsed onto her couch without preamble. “I suppose it depends upon your point of view.” He flung his arm over his face wearily. Emma sat at the opposite end of the couch and propped his feet in her lap.

“Okay, Obi-Wan, enlighten me.”

His voice was muffled beneath his forearm. “Before the appetizers even arrived I knew everything I never wanted to know about Aladdin.”

“Which one, the cartoon or the new one with Will Smith?”

Killian chuckled as he caught her eye, his arm sliding up to rest on his forehead. “Jasmine’s ex.”

Emma’s eyebrows flew to her hairline. “Your date’s name was Jasmine, and her ex is Aladdin? Seriously?”

“I couldn’t make this up if I tried, love. Anyway, I suppose the evening ended well for them since I basically assisted in getting them back together. She raced out of the restaurant to meet him, leaving me with a platter of wontons.”

“Are you trying to date or run some sort of relationship rehab?” Emma asked as she propped a throw pillow on his feet and hugged it to her chest.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Emma shrugged. “This was your first date since Ariel, and you were only helping her make Eric jealous.”

“Which also worked, I’d like to point out.” He grabbed a fistful of his hair as a light seemed to dawn in his eyes. “You know, Swan, you may be onto a new career for me.”

Emma rolled her eyes and then smacked him in the stomach with the pillow. “Shut up. You better not abandon me to Scarlett. There would be bloodshed in the office.”

Killian grabbed the pillow, holding it just out of her reach as she tried to snatch it back. “Are you trying to say that I’m the most brilliant cover designer at SB?”

“No,” Emma huffed, lunging across Killian’s torso to finally get hold of the pillow, “I’m saying you’re much less of a dick than Scarlett.”

Though Killian was the best cover designer they had on staff, and everyone knew it. Including Killian.

“I’d also reconsider your dating choices,” Emma continued, shifting so she was wedged between him and the couch.

“Swan,” Killian groaned, “not this again. You haven’t liked anyone I’ve dated.”

“That’s not true!”

“You didn’t like Ursula.”

“She was too old for you.”

“Belle.”

“She was actually into Scarlett the whole time, and really, how many women can you say that about?”

“Zelena.”

“You didn’t like Zelena! You found an excuse to bail before the menus arrived.”

“Okay, she was scary. But what about Tink? You despised Tink.”

“Well of course. She calls herself Tink for God’s sake.”

He arched one brow at her, then tickled her feet until she kicked him lightly in the ribs. “Okay, I’ll concede, Tink was a little on the eccentric side.”

“You know, I see a pattern here. Jasmine, Ariel, Belle. Should I start calling you Prince Charming?”

Killian gave her his trademark grin, the one that was lopsided and slightly cocky. “I dated a woman named Tink, love, maybe you should call me Captain Hook.”

Emma barked a laugh and dug her toes into his collar bone. “With a perm and a waxed moustache?”

“I could pull it off.”

He probably could, the bastard. Emma swung her feet around and stood up with a grunt.

“I should probably get you some water and an aspirin.”

Killian took the throw pillow she’d discarded and placed it behind his head. “I didn’t have all that much to drink, honestly. Just thought I’d play it safe and crash here? The restaurant was only a block away.”

He gave her his best puppy dog face, and Emma rolled her eyes. “Fine.”

“And I didn’t have anything else to eat after the wontons.”

“I’ll make you a grilled cheese.” She was grumbling as she headed for the kitchen, but in truth she was glad he’d stopped by.

She was always glad when he stopped by. It had nothing to do with his bad date with Jasmine. Nothing at all.

“Only thing is,” Killian sighed as she pulled the frying pan out of her kitchen cabinet, “now I don’t have a date to the charity ball.”

“Oh,” Emma muttered as she got out the bread and cheese. She turned to get the plates, and smiled to see Killian already there, handing them to her. They moved about the kitchen with practiced ease until the sandwiches were ready. Killian grabbed some sodas from the fridge, and they headed back to the sofa.

“What about you, Swan?”

“What about me?” Emma asked, licking a drop of cheese off her finger.

Killian’s eyes darted to her lips, then he gave his head a slight shake. “Um, about the charity event next weekend.”

Several firms in the publishing industry were holding the event. The kickoff was the ball on Friday night, but there was also a charity baseball tournament on Saturday, and a carnival on Sunday. All of it was to raise money for a childhood literacy foundation. It was a pretty big deal for Storybook Biz to be involved. They were the only company participating that provided services to self-publishers, and exclusively in children’s and YA lit at that. It could put their relatively small company in the limelight, something that Regina was reminding them of on a constant basis. Complete participation was required.

“Well, believe it or not, Walsh agreed to go.”

Emma could see Killian’s adam’s apple as he swallowed, his eyes widening slightly.

“A third date, huh?”

Emma set her plate down with a thud on the coffee table. “What’s that tone?”

“There was no tone.”

“Yes there was.”

Killian sighed. “I just . . . think you could do better.”

You mean like you? The words were on the tip of her tongue before she swallowed them back. No need to shine a spotlight on that damn elephant.

“He’s a nice guy!”

“He looks like a monkey.”

“He does not. That’s ridiculous.” Emma shoved her sandwich in her mouth and chewed furiously. Walsh did have sort of a weird smile that when you thought about it . . . She suddenly found her Charlie’s Angels thrift store plate absurdly fascinating. She cringed when Killian practically crowed with laughter.

“You see it too, admit it! It’s the ears -”

“Now that’s the pot calling the kettle black, wouldn’t you say?” Emma teased, reaching over to tug on Killian’s elf shaped ears. They were adorable, actually, but she wasn’t about to tell him that.

The ear tugging escalated into a tickling/wresting match that involved pillows, Emma’s set of Jonas Brothers coasters, and using her Charlie’s Angels plates as frisbees. By the time they ended up in a heap on the couch, talk of dates was forgotten as they decided to binge watch Parks & Rec.

She absolutely did not care who he was taking to the charity ball anyway.

The past is gone but something might be found to take its place . . . Hey, jealousy.

When Walsh rang her apartment, Emma had to lift the skirts of her massive ball gown just to walk to the door. She was going to grumble and complain to her friends about the theme of this ball - An Enchanted Fairy Tale Evening - but secretly, she sort of liked this whole formal wear cosplay thing.

Except for what this corset was doing to her spleen.

“Walsh, what the hell?”

The man was standing there in the hallway wearing a black tux. He even had a corsage in a little plastic box like he was taking her to the prom.

He looked her up and down incredulously in a way that no woman wants to be looked at by a man taking her to a ball. His look was equivalent to the way a baby boomer rolled their eyes at a Potterhead dressed up for Dragon Con.

“I didn’t think you were serious about the themed thing.”

“Yes I was serious! Now we’re going to look ridiculous!”

“We will look ridiculous?”

His laugh died under Emma’s withering scowl. She grabbed her clutch and practically slammed her door behind her. “Let’s go.”

He never even told her she looked nice.

************************************************************

“Swan. You look . . . “

Emma gave Killian a quirk of her brow and a teasing smile as she curtsied somewhat awkwardly. “I know.”

“I mean . . . “ Killian walked around her (quite a feat, actually, the skirt was massive) admiring her at every angle, “you cut quite the figure in that dress, love, and red has always been my favorite color on you.”

Emma glanced at a scowling Walsh as Killian bent to kiss her hand. Well, it served him right. He should have gushed over her long before they arrived. Killian’s eyes met hers, and he winked.

“Okay, that’s enough pawing my date,” Walsh grumbled, giving Killian a slight shove. He flashed the other man a tight yet friendly smile to temper his words, but Walsh was clearly marking his territory. Emma crossed her arms over her chest before Walsh could tuck her hand into the crook of his arm. His jealousy was far from cute.

“Did Emma not tell you there was a theme?”

Walsh tilted his chin. “I’m a little past playing dress up.”

Emma’s jaw dropped, but Killian just chuckled. “Well, mate, looks like you’re the only one.”

He slapped Walsh on the shoulder just a tad harder than necessary and gave Emma another wink as he rejoined his date for the night. It was just Anna, who was practically his sister since Elsa married Liam, and the only reason she came with Killian tonight was because Kristoff came down with the flu.

Not that Emma cared who his date was, of course. However, she couldn’t deny how incredibly handsome he looked in a long, brown brocade coat with gold buttons and blue leather breeches. The white linen shirt beneath had just enough buttons undone to give him a rakish look, and she remembered their conversation about Prince Charming and Captain Hook. The man even had a gold sword at his hip.

“Could you, uh, get me a drink?” Emma asked Walsh, her throat dry.

The minute he was gone, there was a voice at Emma’s ear.

“If you stare at Killian any harder, he’s gonna burst into flames.”

Emma jumped, her heart giving a little lurch. “Shit, Rubes, don’t sneak up on me like that!”

“Not that I blame you,” Ruby continued with a smirk, “he makes a great prince, doesn’t he?”

Emma shook her head, but couldn’t help smiling at her friend. Ruby’s dress was your standard Renaissance festival garb, but what made her stand out was the crimson cape she’d draped over it. She also carried a little basket in lieu of a clutch.

“Little Red Riding Hood?”

Ruby’s bright red lips quirked in a flirty grin. “It’s a fairy tale.”

“So who’s your big bad wolf?”

Ruby rolled her eyes. “I came with Victor.”

“Rubes!”

“I’m between relationships, and I knew he would say yes.”

Emma shook her head, but before she could warn her friend any further regarding her on again, off again ex, Walsh was at her side with a flute of champagne.

“Thanks,” she told him, taking a sip.

“Hey, Walsh,” Ruby said, “I heard you were playing in the game tomorrow.”

Emma almost choked on her champagne. “You are?”

“Well, yeah,” he said with a shrug, “I’ve done some CPA work for Macmillan, and they were short a man. I was going to tell you.”

“Macmillan?” David asked as he walked up with Mary Margaret on his arm. They were dressed as Snow White and Prince Charming.

Naturally.

“SB is playing Macmillan in the first game.”

“Oh, well, be prepared for my girl to cheer against you.”

Emma gritted her teeth as Walsh planted a wet kiss to her cheek.

“She’s no one’s girl.” Killian’s eyes were laser focused on her as he joined the group, his jaw tight. Emma couldn’t decide if it was sweet or embarrassing. Walsh rocked back on his heels, chuckling nervously.

“Right, right, woman. I meant woman.”

“Woman,” Killian bit out sarcastically, his gaze still on Emma, “I don’t think your date understood the full meaning of my criticism, love.”

Emma stepped out of Walsh’s half-embrace before his fingers could dig any further into her waist. She stepped between him and Killian in what she hoped was a casual move.

“Why don’t we dance?” She widened her eyes slightly, hoping Killian would pick up on her silently begging him not to make a scene.

“He doesn’t get the first dance, I do!” Walsh’s voice rose slightly, indignant, as he grasped her by the elbow.

Emma saw Killian’s eyes flash, and she bit back a groan.

“Don’t grab her like that, mate.”

Emma was probably the only one who noticed the way he bit out that final word, and she was probably the only one who knew that his steely calm was way more dangerous than raising his voice would have been. She smoothly yanked her arm out of Walsh’s grasp and laid her hand gently on Killian’s shoulder.

“I can handle this,” she whispered.

“Hey!” Walsh snapped, his voice rising another octave. He knocked Emma’s hand off Killian’s shoulder, and that was the proverbial last straw. How had she not seen what an epic jerk this guy was until three dates in? She turned, fully prepared to slap Walsh across the face for daring to touch her yet again like he owned her.

Killian, however, beat her to it.

Faster than anyone could process it, Killian’s fist had connected with Walsh’s jaw, and the latter stumbled backwards before losing his balance and hitting the floor.

“Killian! What the hell?” Emma shouted, more because she’d missed her opportunity to hit Walsh herself than concern for her date. Then she noticed the hush fall over the room and saw the gaze of most of the party goers directed at them. She turned towards Killian then, her face burning with humiliation.

He was no longer looking at her, though, instead towering over Walsh with both fists clenched.

“You’re insane!” Walsh shouted at him, rubbing at his jaw. “She said you were her best friend, but clearly you’re fucking her too.”

Killian surely would have kicked the shit out of Walsh then, based on the fire in his eyes, but Regina chose that moment to step in. With the same terrifying grace she wielded so well in the office, she grasped both Emma and Killian by the upper arm with surprising strength.

“If I may have a word,” she hissed as she pulled them towards the ballroom entrance. Once in the hallway, she shoved them into the coatroom, slamming the door behind her. She turned to them then, leaning her back against the door and crossing her arms over her chest. She was dressed in a skin tight red velvet dress with a long train that pooled around her feet. Her blood red lipstick and blood red nails only added to the overall effect.

“I see you decided to go with Evil Queen instead of princess,” Killian quipped, “perfect choice, your majesty.”

“Shut it, Jones,” she snapped. If looks could kill, Emma was pretty sure she and Killian would have dropped dead right then. “Do you have any idea the groveling I had to do to get our company invited to this event? The last thing we need is you two causing a scene. Now either go back out there and be professional, or - “ Regina paused and smirked at the two of them, “fuck already and put us all out of our misery.”

She left then, leaving Emma red-faced with her jaw on the floor. Her hands fisted in her taffeta skirt, and she refused to even look at Killian. When he spoke, the teasing tone in his voice only made her angry.

“Little does she know -”

“Don’t. Even. Say it.”

Emma leveled him with a murderous glare of her own before stomping over to the door of the coat room. She tripped over her skirt in the process, which sort of ruined the whole tone she was going for, but she stubbornly squared her shoulders and reached for the doorknob. She threw a few more words at him over her shoulder, once again avoiding eye contact.

“Don’t follow me. Wait ten minutes and give me time to get Walsh out of here before you two go swinging your dicks around again.”

As she yanked the door open, Killian replied softly behind her, “As you wish.”

Cause all I really want is to be with you, feeling like I matter too. If I hadn’t blown the whole thing years ago, I might be here with you.

The only bright side to leaving the ball early with Walsh was that she actually got a good night’s sleep and didn’t have to worry about a hangover the next day.

And dumping Walsh - that was a bright side too.

A good night’s sleep with no hangover was definitely a positive when sitting in the bleachers in the blazing hot sun on a Saturday afternoon. She really couldn’t believe she was required to be here. At least the concession stand had decent onion rings.

“Emma!” Mary Margaret called out as she navigated the bleachers with a container of chili cheese fries in her hands.

“MM, thank God! I was starting to think I was the only one at SB who wasn’t in the game.”

“Well, to be honest,” Mary Margaret admitted as she took a seat next to Emma, “I would prefer to be out there. David is being a bit too overprotective right now.”

“Overprotective? Why?”

Mary Margaret beamed, a twinkle in her eye as she subtly rested her hand on her abdomen. Emma gasped.

“Are you serious?”

“You mean do I seriously have a Nolan bun in the oven? Yes, yes I do.”

Emma hugged her friend. “I’m so happy for you! I can’t believe David let you tell me.”

MM shrugged. “I told him if he was going to be this ridiculou, he better let me tell you the real reason I’m not in the game.”

Emma rolled her eyes. “Sounds like David. You’re not even showing, what could happen?”

“Please don’t ask your brother that question. He’ll give you a dozen scenarios, each one more ridiculous than the last. When I imagined him trailing behind me on the diamond like I might break, I decided to humor him rather than be humiliated. Besides, this morning sickness clearly isn’t fond of the heat. No one wants to see me puke all over the dugout.”

“Yet you’re eating chili cheese fries.” Emma arched both brows as she glanced from the greasy food, to her sister-in-law, and back again.

“There’s no rhyme or reason to morning sickness, Emma. This was the only thing on the menu that didn’t make me want to hurl. Oh, and fyi, I’d keep those onion rings downwind.”

“Thanks for the warning,” Emma quipped, moving her favorite junk food to her other side.

Mary Margaret waved to her husband, and David waved back. “That man looks so good in a baseball jersey.”

“Ew, sister here.”

Mary Margaret laughed around a cheesy fry. “Okay then, how do you think Killian looks in a baseball jersey?”

“I’m mad at him, if you haven’t noticed.”

“That has no bearing on how he looks in the damn uniform, Emma.”

The inning had just ended, and the SB players were returning to the dugout. Killian’s eyes fell on Emma’s, and he gave her a tentative smile and a small wave. Emma, her eyes safely hidden behind a large pair of sunglasses, ignored him. His way too expressive face made it clear that she may as well have shouted obscenities at him. She sighed.

“Can you just admit the man is madly in love with you?” MM groaned.

Emma had never been so thankful for sunglasses in her life. “Would everyone just stop? We’re close. Best friends. That’s it.”

“Right.”

“And not friends with benefits, despite what Rubes says. I don’t do that.”

“Oh, I know it,” MM deadpanned, “but don’t think everyone in the office hasn’t noticed the yearning looks and doey eyes.”

“I don’t yearn,” Emma muttered before shoving an onion ring in her mouth.

“Maybe, but he does.” Emma chanced a glance at MM. She was regarding her with a tender, almost pitying look on her face. She laid a hand on Emma’s arm. “And I think you’re just better at hiding it.”

“I don’t see any evidence that Killian is . . . is . . . “

“In love with you? God, you can’t even spit out the word!” MM gave a wry chuckle. “And no evidence? Are you insane? Every time there’s donuts in the break room, he makes sure to deliver a bear claw to your desk. With a note, I might add.”

“They’re just inside jokes, not love letters.” Emma snorted through her nose, but it came out somewhat pathetic.

“And last Valentine’s day,” MM continued, undeterred, “how many bags of conversation hearts did he go through to pick out every single one that said best friend?”

Emma couldn’t help smiling at the memory. “Ok, but it’s not like he picked out the ones that said True Love or Soulmate or something.”

“God, you are grasping at straws. You have to admit that -”

The crack of the bat resounded through the ball field, and Emma and MM abandoned their snacks and surged to their feet as Killian tossed the bat aside and ran towards first. They shouted and cheered as the MacMillan outfield ran to retrieve the ball and Killian rounded second.

“Oh no,” Emma whispered.

There, crowding third base, was Walsh.

“Is he allowed to do that?” MM asked.

Emma’s stomach protested all those onion rings as she saw the determined look on Killian’s face and Walsh’s stubborn stance. This was clearly not about baseball, but personal. A sickening feeling washed over her as Walsh leaned one shoulder forward just as Killian reached the base. Walsh drove his entire body into Killian, sending him sprawling to the dirt.

“What does he think this is, football?” MM screeched.

The blood drained from Emma’s face when Killian didn’t get up. She shoved her way down the bleachers, running full tilt out onto the field. The umpire was already heading that way, and play had ceased.

“What the hell, Walsh!” she screamed as she skid to her knees at Killian’s side. “This isn’t the fucking World Series!”

Part of her wanted to fling herself at the man and beat the crap out of him, but her desire to know that Killian was okay won out. She leaned over him, just as his eyes blinked open, squinting at the bright sun overhead.

“Hey, beautiful!” he said to her, his voice slurred, his eyes unfocused.

“Call 911!” Emma yelled at the players gathered around.

“Come on, Emma,” Will retorted, “it’s just a concussion.”

“Don’t argue with me, Scarlett, I swear to God! Just make the damn call!”

Killian started murmuring again, groping with his hand as if trying to find her. “I knew you cared - I mean, really cared. You love me, don’t you?”

Emma took his hand to still it’s frantic movements and held it tight. “Of course I do.”

“No,” he slurred, “I mean looooove.”

“911!” Emma barked, at who she didn’t care. Killian’s eyes were rolling back in his head, and why the hell did nobody but her care?

“Ems,” David said gently, “seriously, we’ll take him to the ER. No need for an ambulance.”

He and Robin each took Killian by the arm and helped him to his feet. Killian swayed and his head lolled. His eyes started to close, and Robin slapped his cheek a few times.

“Stay with me, mate.”

“Robin!” Killian crowed. “Did you know I love Emma?”

“Yes, Kil, I heard that.”

Emma glared at Ruby when she let out a snort. “Don’t even, Rubes!”

“What? I didn’t say a thing!”

Emma followed closely behind the men as they half walked, half dragged Killian across the baseball diamond and out to the parking lot. Mary Margaret was there, hovering around Killian like a mother bird.

“Watch his head!” she warned as they slid him into the back seat of her and David’s car. “Emma, stay back here with him.”

And just like that, Emma was in the back seat with Killian’s head in her lap. She kept having to slap his cheek to keep him awake. Without conscious thought, her fingers carded through his hair. Every time she patted his cheek, he mumbled more sappy, romantic nonsense. Thankfully, it was all G rated with no reference to the weekend they met. No need to tempt David to skip the hospital altogether.

“You know,” MM said with exaggerated thoughtfulness, “they say in moments like this, a person’s inhibitions are gone, enabling them to speak their truth.”

“Not the time, MM,” Emma told her through clenched teeth.

Mary Margaret just gave her a self-satisfied grin.

And you can trust me not to think, and not to sleep around. If you don’t expect too much from me, you might not be let down.

Emma sat in one of the uncomfortable hospital chairs made of molded plastic, shifting in a vain attempt to get comfortable. She kept clasping and unclasping her hands nervously. The look on Liam Jones’s face before going back to see his brother was worse than any look David had ever leveled at the men she had dated. It clearly said this is all your fault, Emma.

“Ignore Liam,” Elsa told her, putting a slender hand to her shoulder. “His overprotectiveness borders on insanity. How in the world could a concussion from a charity baseball game be your fault?”

Emma deflated, resting her head on Elsa’s shoulder. “No, in this case he’s right. It is my fault. If I had seen what a douchebag Walsh was earlier, Killian would have never punched him at the ball, and then Walsh would have never sent him crashing to the dirt.”

“Or,” Elsa amended, “you could have stopped pretending to be clueless and just accepted your feelings for Killian. Then you’d both quit making stupid decisions.”

Emma lifted her head from Elsa’s shoulder. “What is this? Can’t everyone cut me some slack?”

“We just all want you to be happy.”

“Who says dating Killian will make me happy? It could all blow up in our faces and then we don’t even have a friendship anymore.”

“Emma,” Elsa said gently, tucking a strand of hair behind her friend’s ear, “the deepest kind of love starts with friendship.”

Emma covered her face with both hands. Elsa didn’t know how it all started - no one did. When Killian had shown up at Storybook Biz with a cardboard box resting at his hip, Emma had played it cool. He probably thought she hated the night they’d spent together, or at the very least assumed it meant nothing to her. Now they were firmly stuck in the friend zone and she had no idea what to do about it.

Or maybe this concussion was a blessing in disguise? She groaned. For one, that was incredibly selfish of her, and for another, he most likely remembered nothing that he’d said to her.

“He’s asking for you.”

Emma rose quickly at the sound of Liam’s voice, then swayed at her sudden dizziness. She blinked to clear the spots in her vision. She suddenly realized she’d had no water since leaving the baseball field. Great, she was dehydrated and emotionally drained. Perfect.

“Take this and drink all of it,” Elsa commanded, pressing a water bottle into her hand. No wonder Elsa and MM had been blessed with husbands and babies. Taking care of people was embedded in their DNA.

Emma took a swig of the water as she headed down the hallway to Killian’s room. They had done an MRI already, confirming that it was a concussion, and a pretty severe one at that. He had been admitted to a room to stay overnight for observation. It made Emma sway again just thinking about it, and she took another sip of water to steady herself.

When she entered the room, Killian turned to her with a smile on his face. He looked odd in the hospital gown, his normal bravado toned down by the washed out, institutional garment. There was an IV in his hand, and sensors taped to his chest, and machines beeped. All of it combined to make tears spring to Emma’s eyes.

“Hey,” he told her, reaching out to take her hand as she neared the bed, “I���m fine.”

“No you’re not,” she choked out.

“Ok,” he conceded, “but I will be.”

She couldn’t speak, so she just squeezed his hand. He reached up with his free hand and scratched behind his ear.

“So about the stuff I said when I was . . . out of it.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” Emma assured him quickly, waving her hand as if swatting away so many flies. “You didn’t know what you were saying.”

Killian frowned as if her words hurt him. “Everything since I hit the ground is patchy, Emma, I’ll admit, but there’s one thing I do know. I was blabbering on about my feelings for you, all of which I definitely meant.”

Emma felt a sudden urge to run, but Killian tightened his grip on her hand, threading his fingers with hers. He held her hand a lot, but she gazed at their interlaced fingers as if she’d never seen them that way before.

“Now that those words are out, Emma, I refuse to take them back. I know that night at the wedding didn’t mean to you what it did to me, and I’m well aware that you deserve far better than the likes of me, but -”

“Excuse me?”

Killian blinked rapidly, his shock at her harsh tone clearly evident on his face. “Um . . . what?”

She pulled her hand away and crossed her arms over her chest. “Did you seriously just say that I deserve better than you?”

Killian’s gaze darted to the open door, as if hoping Liam would arrive and rescue him. “Uh . . . yes?”

“And did you also just say that the night we spent together meant nothing to me?”

Killian swallowed nervously, and Emma bit the inside of her cheek to keep the scowl on her face.

“I . . . yes, I said that, too.”

Emma propped her hands on her hips and tilted her chin. “I’ll have you know, Killian Jones, that I’ve replayed that night in my mind on numerous occasions.”

A half-smile quirked his lips. “Is that so?”

“Yes.”

He licked his bottom lip and arched one brow. “And why, may I ask, do you replay it so often?”

Emma gave him a half-smile of her own. “Because it was pretty damn good.”

Both of Killian’s brows rose. “Pretty good? Because I have to say, Emma Swan, that you’re the best I’ve ever had.”

Emma couldn’t stop the huge grin that split her face at that, and despite the IV and the narrow bed and all the beeping machinery, she launched herself at him. He caught her, successfully maneuvering all of the cords out of her way. She slanted her mouth over his, awkward and slightly sloppy. They both laughed, and Emma dug her fingers into his shoulders, resisting the urge to grab the back of his head. Damn concussion. She really loved his hair.

“You’re the best I’ve ever had, too,” Emma whispered against his collar bone. The hospital gown didn’t fit very well, and her lips met warm skin.

Killian reached up and buried his fingers in her hair. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

And when she said it, she didn’t hide against his chest or look away. She sat up, grasped his face with both hands and held his gaze. She let the words sink in, and then she pressed her lips to his again.

The past is gone, but something might be found to take its place.

[ravenwritesstuff]

Best Laid Plans (6/?)

Fandom: Frozen (modern AU, no magic) Pairings: Helsa, established Kristanna, Rapunzel/Eugene, lotsa frohana Rating: T for now, M later almost for sure A/N: Stop looking at me.

The multi-function table is loaded with pastries, fruit, and more bagels than Elsa remembers being in existence. Kristoff, Eugene, and Rapunzel all have their plates in front of them - Rapunzel's somehow the most full - and are conversing amicably with him.

The space is not large but it was designed to give an open, inviting feel. She had created it to make everyone feel welcome the second they entered the room and it seems her design has done just exactly that. She never once considered that could be a detriment until now.

“Elsa!” Rapunzel jumps up like she hadn't talked to her just moments before in the atrium. The rest of the eyes in the room track to her immediately. She does her best to ignore him. 

“I don't recall having a meeting scheduled this morning.” She feels that she is dripping on the stone-tile floor. “You will have to excuse my tardiness.” 

She doesn’t flinch meeting his gaze even as mascara stings her eyes. She bets it is running down her cheeks, too. To his credit he keeps his composure despite her rain-soaked appearance. Except not to his credit, because shouldn’t even be here. Of all the entitled bullshit she has ever encountered… 

She crosses her arms and looks at her employees.

“Thank you all for entertaining our guest at the expense of your other tasks, but you may go now. I will take it from here.” 

They get the point.

The trio are all gracious as they take their plates and leave (all of them grabbing a bit more from the generous spread before ducking out sheepishly). Elsa gives them her best facsimile of a smile as they exit. She shuts the door behind them with a definitive thud (though she knows that will do little to keep them from eavesdropping) before turning back to the root of this entire problem. The idea of her staff listening in makes her even more irritable. She hates being the center of attention. 

Still, she turns and meets his gaze. “Mister Westergaard.” 

He smiles. “Hans.”

He is seated on a cushioned bench that was custom built for the space. She half expects him to rest his elbows on the table and cradle his chin in his hands with his patronizing tone. She stiffens a bit, but tries not to acknowledge it.

She is a professional. She will at least see what he wants.

“I wasn’t expecting you.”

“You wouldn't let me take you to dinner so I brought you breakfast.”

She remembers their conversation after the dance, the granola bar she grabbed on the run, but also remembers her most ultimate truth and speaks the lie that must come from it: “I don't eat breakfast.”

“Everyone eats breakfast.”

“Well I don't.”

He scoffs, smile tugging at his wide mouth. 

“Doesn't take bubble baths. Doesn’t dance. Doesn't date. Doesn't eat breakfast.” He rattles off the list and she feels her ears turning pink. Had he really listened that closely? “I know for a fact that at least twenty five percent of those statements is patently untrue. It makes me wonder about the other seventy-five percent." He dangles the bait but she doesn't take it. He shifts. "So if you don't do all of those things, what do you do?”

“I run this company.”

He nods his head slowly, keeping his clever eyes trained on hers. “And you are in charge of planning all of the events put together by this company?”

It is a leading question. She knows it. Doesn't want to feed into it, but is uncertain how exactly to skate around it. 

“Anna and I are partners. Which of us take the lead on projects depends on what best fit our client's needs.” 

He leans forward then, just enough that she can smell ulterior intent even as he assumes a professional posture. 

“So your clients pick their point of contact. Interesting.”

She can feel him circling, and realization snaps his intent into place. She knows where this is leading, and a chill runs down her spine. If she had known he would be this persistent…

She presses forward, trying to correct her misstep. 

“In part. The team at E & A Events all have a say as well. It is a team operation. We all have different, but equally important, roles.” She doesn’t like where this conversation is going, but she won’t surrender even as she drips on the floor. Even if she wants to shove him out the door and force him out of her mind and life.

“Equal but different roles, fascinating. I’d love to know more.”

She had practically gift wrapped that segue for him. Instead of getting him out the door she was helping him dig trenches. She could kick herself for it.

“The inner workings really aren’t that important or interesting to most.”

“Try me. Let's start with the big blonde guy. Christopher.”

“Kristoff,” she is just a little too quick, enjoying correcting him just a bit too much, and his eyebrow flicks in amusement. “Just Kristoff.”

“My sincerest apologies. Kristoff. What does he do?”

“He supervises and creates special builds for our events. Stages, tables, altars, set pieces… he also coordinates event set-up and tear down logistics and coordinates all parties involved in that.”

“Fascinating,” he says and she believes him. He seems to hang off of her every word and that makes her nervous. “What else? What about that Rapunzel girl?”

“IT, admin, and graphic design. She can build you an event website with sign up funnels all customized around a graphics suite she creates from your concepts as well as facilitate any paper needs you may have from invitations to menus.”

He hardly lets her breathe: “And Eugene?” 

“Vendor liaison and customer service. He is excellent at negotiating with vendors to get you exactly what you want at a price that is fair for everyone as well as day-of coordinating.” 

He had already gotten a front row seat of Eugene’s flair for customer service two days ago at Eric and Ariel’s wedding. She is certain he will pick up how far she is underselling each team member and the extent of what they do just because of that, but he doesn’t mention it. He keeps right on with his line of questioning.

“Anna?” He keeps it short, like not letting her pause for even a moment, like he is quizzing her.

Two can play that game. “As Creative Director she does whatever I don't do.”

He smiles then like he knows something she doesn't, “and you. What is it that you do?”

She has given these answers ten thousand times, has recited them all from rote already, knows exactly how to answer his questions but the words catch in her throat. She cannot help but feel she is walking into some sort of trap and she does not want to be caught. She cannot afford to, for either of their sakes. 

She takes a breath. “I am Director of Operations and work closely with the designated point of contact to an event that is both seamless and completely authentic to the person or organization putting it on as well as manage several day-to-day operations.”

He leans back and rubs a hand across his chin. He smiles: “I like listening to you talk.”

Her brain scrambles. She does not understand what any of that has to do with anything. She stays professional.

“Thank you.”

“Tell me something else. Anything. Anything at all...”

The sensation of just being a specimen, like a bug under a microscope, makes her anxious. His eyes skate the length of her body and she is suddenly hyper aware of how her once shapeless dress now clings to each curve, how her eyes sting with the mascara leaking into them, how each inch of her body is still dripping on the floor. He seems to notice her discomfort with a sardonic glee, the fight she is waging to not tighten her arms over her chest and hide, to seem relaxed.

“I have told you all I can possibly think to tell you, Mister Westergaard. Why don’t you enlighten me about the specifics of what brought you here this morning?” She turns the table, done beating around the bush. She won’t be made to stand trial, barefoot, with clammy skin, in her own office. "Because if conversation is why you are here I can guarantee you there are much easier and better places you can find it."

His smile falls a bit, but he catches himself. That all too human crack bleeds through and she thinks she has hurt him. She steels her insides against remorse as his cool and controlled exterior snaps back in place.

His smile now wolfish.

“I am launching an initiative," he makes a broad sweeping gesture with his arms. "And I wasn't going to make too much of a fuss, but you all changed my mind.” 

She expects him to continue but he doesn't. Instead he just watches her. She frowns.

"Mister Westergaard I don't know if I quite understand. We plan events - not initiatives. Perhaps you would be better served with a Public Relations firm or -"

"Those pieces are already in place." He smiles, just a bit crooked as if he has anticipated this rejection and has a counter prepared. “What I need is a party, and a good one, to draw the proper attention.” 

She cannot help but wonder just what a man like this considered to be proper attention, but pushing against him isn’t getting her what she wants. So she leans in. 

“Do you have a prospective date for this event?” 

Normally these questions would be answered before she ever saw the client in person. Normally there would be boards and sketches and swatches of color and timelines and menus all laid out in coordinating binders for the initial presentation - drawn up from the initial phone consult. Her clients didn’t like wasting time. Neither does she, but here she is.

He tells her and it is all she can do not to choke on her own disbelief. 

“That is only five weeks from now!” 

“Thirty nine days to be exact.” 

“Mister Westergaard - we have other clients, other events, that is hardly enough time to properly plan something of any size or scale. 

“Please. It’s Hans,” he stands, smoothing the front of his tailored slacks as he goes and her mouth goes dry. "And you're starting to make me think you aren't interested in taking this on." 

There is something a little too casual about how he stands, too relaxed, the drift of his eyes too lazy to be anything but sharply calculated. She can see it. She may not know him well, but she knows he isn’t one to leave something to chance. She didn’t bow to his charm so now he will prod her pride. It irks her to admit that it is working. 

“It isn’t that at all.”

“Then what is it?” 

She meets his gaze. The crisp lavender button down he wears brings out the green of his eyes and she knows if she was closer she would see the gold ring around his iris. Even with several feet between them she knows just how warm he would feel if she touched him, probably even warmer than she remembers with her rain chilled skin. She knows how he smells. The memory alone is enough to make her heart pound so hard that she is sure he can see her pulse in her throat.

He steps around the decadence-covered table and her calf cramps as she steels herself to not retreat. 

“This is my job, Mister Westergaard.” 

He comes closer, hands tucked into pockets. She stays, chin lifting.

“I’m aware.”

He stops a few feet in front of her, close enough now that all he would have to do is reach out and suddenly 

Her words come out on a gust of breath. “I am not a challenge. This is not some sort of game.”

He cocks his head. “I’m not playing any game.”

She searches his face, warning bells screaming that there must be a lie, but all she finds is that blindingly sincere humanity that scrambles her thoughts.

“I have other events, other clients -”

“So is it a ‘no’”? 

She swears he doesn’t move but he feels closer. The light in his eyes shifts and she cannot think. She cannot breathe. 

She remembers what Anna said.

This is bigger than what she wants.

A client like Hans Westergaard could establish their company for life - and even if she has disconnected from the length of that concept she knows what it means for others. She knows the firm needs this as impossible and inconceivable as it seems. 

“There will be some ground rules.” The fact she keeps the shake out of her voice is a moral victory. 

His brow quirks. “You want to set rules for something that isn’t a game? Interesting.”

She feels his humor like a contagious warmth spreading through her chest and nearly chokes at the weight. This was not what she wanted, what she expected from today...

“Any relationship we have will be business only. I cannot take you on as a client if you do not agree to that.”

His wide mouth pulls to the side enough to be just shy of a smile: “Are you implying that I would engage your services for anything other than professional reasons?”

His words sends heat flooding up her neck despite her soggy state. 

The same heat she sees in his cunning eyes, the same she knows she will feel if she touches him.

He is trying to fluster her and she knows it.

He is succeeding and he knows it. 

She forces her calm: a skill she has mastered over the years. 

"I am not implying anything. If we are to work together it is important we both handle ourselves in the appropriate manner." 

“Of course. Absolutely.” He smiles, shifting his weight into a casual posture. 

She knows she should ask about budget, about the theme, about the twenty five thousand things she clarifies with clients before even thinking about accepting them for their services - but she knows that this point none of that matters. At this point - all that matters is getting him out of her offices so she can think, work, breathe. 

So she agrees, “absolutely.” 

She takes the lead and extends a hand and he glances at it with a dark twinkle in his eye. He takes it is his and just as she expects his touch burns. 

It is all she can do to not catch her breath as they shake on an agreement she can hardly understand. 

She releases his hand as soon as she can, letting it sink back to her side as naturally as possible when all she wants is to yank it back and rub her palm on the cool damp fabric of her thigh. 

But they need this.

This is something bigger than herself and her own comfort. 

She has said ‘no’ to men before, has built those walls she has contrived to protect them from herself, but still those warning bells ring. Anna knows. She knows. This one is different.

But it is only thirty-nine days. What could happen?

The way he smiles at her across the space between them answers that question even if she chooses to ignore it.

[ previous ] [ next ]

[mendesnecessary]

A real-life fairytale -  Shawn Mendes one shot

A/N: Here am I after so long hihihi hope you guys like it, soon I’ll be releasing some of my drafts (there are a lot) and yeah, that’s it. If you like please reblog and give the heart on the post ❤️

Summary: Y/n and Shawn are attending the same event and finally they get to know each other properly, even if to the children they are Ariel and Eric.

Word count: 1.919 

Fame and charity were two things that they had in common at first. 

Fame because Shawn was a singer and y/n an actress.

Charity because they both loved to give their money to help others. 

And their good hearts are the reason why there are a lot of famous people walking around the orphanage that night. The two biggest donations coming from both of them. 

Y/n smooths her green and purple dress taking a deep breath once the car stops in the entrance of the event. Some cameras ready to take the best or worsts shots from her first appearance after one whole week away. A week that she took to enjoy her family and close friends after a long time filming a new movie. Safe to say that the audience was crazy about the new piece. 

Once her long hells click in the ground the flashes took place. 

"y/n, is it true that you and Nick Robinson are going to end as a couple in the new movie?” 

“How is your relationship with him off the cameras?”

“Turn around!” 

She takes a deep breath once again, stopping at the red carpet and smiling to the sea of people trying to take some shots and details of her dress and makeup. No worries about how she was felling, only trying to sell the image. 

“Are you excited to the fans reaction?”

“Here, y/n, look at here!!”

“Can you describe it with one word?!” 

She waves, wanting to get out of the carpet like never before. Y/n only needed to see some of the children she was helping, hear their laughs and be put inside the bubble of peace and love that was so normal around people with a simple life. 

And no, don’t get her wrong. Y/n loves who she is, the role she plays and the people she is able to meet, but with all the fame the things that seem so simple suddenly become so far out of reach. She only wishes they could see that underneath there’s an ordinary girl. 

Her manager points to the bottom of the carpet where a reporter waited for her waving sympathetically. Y/n turned around to show better her dress just like everyone was expecting and then walked to the interview. 

“Look who we got here!!!” Montana, a reporter that every once in a while used to interview y/n greeted her. “You look amazing tonight”

“Awe, thank you” a small and shy smile made the way to y/n’s lips.

“So, first things first. How are you feeling knowing that you were one of the biggest donations of the night?”

“Complete. Really, help others whenever you can is one of the things that renew your soul.” 

“What about the performances of tonight?” 

“I read that the Jonas Brothers are going to sing, that’s the only thing that matters for my old-Disney-addicted-heart.” she jokes and Montana lets a laugh scapes. "Also, I’m excited to watch Alessia Cara.”

“Now, going the movie scene, what should we expect for the new work that you’ve been working?” 

“A lot. We finished this month and even knowing about everything I was emotional at the end.” 

“So you guys heard, don’t forget to go to the movie theater with your tissue” the reporter turned to the cameraman winking to the audience.

The almost calm sea of photographers started to make noise again, catching the attention of Montana and y/n.

“Oh, prince charming just arrived” 

“And by prince charming, she means Shawn Mendes” y/n explains to the camera giving it a thumb up and holding back a giggle. 

“A real-life prince and I really mean it. Are you two friends?” Montana asks turning back to y/n.

“We never really talked, but he’s a great singer.” 

“BBC news is uniting you two, the perfect scenario,” she speaks before calling out Shawn’s name. 

“Hey, Montana” Shawn greets her with a big smile and does the same to y/n taking his time to appreciate her pretty face.  

“We got here two of the biggest donations of the night. How are you feeling about today, Shawn?” She starts at the camera but turns to the singer at the end.

“I’m really glad I can help, that’s the perfect thing to do after ending a world tour, somehow relaxes the mind. I don’t know how to put into words, but yeah...that’s it” 

“Now, going to the topic of friendship. Do you and y/n know each other?!” 

“Unfortunately, we don’t” he is fast to answer and look at her with something you could tell as a shy smile. “I mean, I know her but she doesn’t know me” he jokes.

“What do you mean?” Montana gives him a curious look.

“I follow her, she doesn’t follow me” 

“Wow, that’s cruel, Y/n!” 

“What?! But I do follow him on Spotify” y/n arches her eyebrows. 

“Y/n, you can’t flirt in the Spotify app, go follow him on Instagram!” Montana spills and suddenly y/n’s cheeks are getting a new color. 

Shawn laughs clapping his hand surprised about the guts in Montana to throw them at each other in front of a live interview.

“Our time is off, now you two go take some pics together and if the flirt thing works don’t forget to thanks us!” 

Y/n and Montana exchange kisses in each other cheeks and Shawn wave politely before looking at y/n. They both head to the middle of the red carpet again, this time side by side. Shawn holds her middle and she puts her hand in his chest looking for stability. Both smiling wide to the cameras and ignoring all the questions about a date. 

“How are you feeling after filming that blast of a movie?” Shawn asks while they walking inside the event leaving all the mess behind.

“You saw the trailer?! I almost got an injury behind the scenes and the whole story...damn I knew everything but still, in the end, I was emotional as fuck.” She confesses. You could feel the true and the excitement in her voice. Shawn was fast to notice how pure was her love with the job.

“I saw it of course! Can’t wait to watch it in the movie theater. Thank god I’m home from tour and can get prepared to be the first in the room, so that way I can’t get spoilers.” 

Y/n giggles.

“Oh, I was just going to tell you about the part when my ch...” 

His eyes go wide and y/n stops herself to laugh with the scene.

“Chill out, rock star, not gonna spoil” she bumps into him.

“We should watch it together”

“Are you inviting me to a date that includes watching myself in the movie theater?”

He couldn’t tell if she was joking or about to say no to him, but once his cheeks started to burn y/n giggles.

“Hell yeah, I’m in, but I thought we were going to flirt on Instagram first” her innocent smile catches her lips and before Shawn could answer something properly his manager showed up.

“There you are, let’s go, you’re performing now” 

“Go, rock star” 

Two famous models that y/n didn’t remember the name was opening the event, telling about how important the donations were and how happy the children got once they knew that their foster house was going to get reformed and they were meeting their idols. Once the speech is over Shawn walks in the stage, there are colorful balloons everywhere and he just gots all of her attention, not because he was wearing a simple button up white shirt, but because he was captivating...and well...he was staring at her once in a while. 

He sang two of three songs that got the kids and all the adults singing along and doing some dance moves before he ends up and call out the Jonas Brothers. They two danced some teenage years songs and even the new ones, and it was like that till the performances were over and the event take roll. 

Shawn and y/n were sitting in the ground playing with two little toddlers and their caregiver that had a huge smile on her face, he could tell that she was probably a fan of y/n.

He was thinking about more things to talk with her once they get to be alone again, but a girl walking closer got his attention.

“Hey there” Shawn smiles encouraging her to keep walking since her steps were somehow able to tell how shy she was. 

Once close enough she studies his face with wide eyes. Y/n got caught by the situation in front of her and watches.

“Oh my god, you are prince Eric, aren’t you?” she asks before another girl appears by her side.

“He got those things in the eyes, so it gots brown and we can’t discover that he is the real Eric.”

Shawn holds back a giggle realizing they talking about contact lenses.

“And she is Ariel! She’s Ariel, guys!!!” It’s time to a boy approaches pointing to y/n. 

“How are you breathing outside the sea?” the first girl asks curiously.

“Lena, haven’t you watched the full movie?! She got the kiss from the prince and become human and stuff” this one appears to have probably seven or eight years.

Y/n and Shawn exchange glances with each other, almost silence talking about what to do. Should they pretend to be a Disney couple and keep the flame inside the kid's heart, or should they tell them the truth?! 

The caregiver glances at the couple, holding one of the toddles and deciding that she could give them a lead of what would be good to the kids.

“Ariel” She called and y/n instinctively looked.

“SEE!!!!” One of the girls almost screamed. “She looked, she’s Ariel!” 

The caregiver nods and y/n giggles deciding to get into the real-life fairy tale. 

“Can I touch your hair?” the second girl asks approaching y/n with her hands stretched. 

“Of course, come here” she calls and the girl gives her a big smile sitting by her side, ignoring all the toys and focusing her attention in y/n’s red hair. She had the new color because of the movie and somehow she thought it went good, not wanting to go back to the natural strands once it was finished. 

Shawn notices that even her clothes were somehow remembering of the little mermaid. The green and purple dress just like the green tale of the little mermaid doll in one of the girl's hand. 

“Prince Eric, can you take us to meet the castle?!” 

“Yeah! A tea party with the other princesses. Call Belle and Adam, she’s my second favorite after Ariel and I don’t fear the beast anymore!!!” 

Shawn laughs giving the children a nod. 

That’s how their night at the foster house goes: pretending to be a Disney couple and nothing in the world could pay the glow in the kids’ eyes. 

“So you’re a great actor too for what I could see this night” y/n starts while they wait for her driver in the back exit of the orphanage. 

“You thought I was acting?! Well, I am pretty sure I’m your real-life prince, madam.” 

 She laughs at his cheese talk. 

“I’ll see you around, Eric”

“I hope so, Ariel” he kisses her cheeks and closes the car door. 

Later that night his cellphone buzzes informing new interactions on Instagram. Y/n had followed him and sent a DM.

“You know, like Montana said it is easier to flirt if I follow you back” 

Requests are open here and this is my masterlist 

Like and reblog if you like it!!! 

[sunaprincess7]

Isn’t it neat?

Hi everyone,

Another fic here - I know the James/Lily - Eric/Ariel thing has been done before but this is my take on it. Sorry if ‘you're all mermaid-ed out! Very little plot to this thing but I hope you all enjoy anyways :)

Summary: Lily Evans has been playing Ariel the mermaid at Disney World Orlando for six months. She's about to meet her new Prince Eric.

Rated T for language (also so much fluff and cheese you might perish!)

Fanfic link

AO3 link

“Does anyone have any primer?” Lily yelled to the dressing room behind her, “I’m out of my FX.”

“Here,” Mary yelled back amongst the throng of girls, chucking Lily her Smashbox version over the heads of Emmeline and Dorcas who both ducked.

“This’ll work?” Lily confirmed doubtfully, knowing that she didn’t really have any other option as she squirted the clear gel into her palm.

“Nothing is going to work in this heat, Lil,” Mary replied, now slathering her face with foundation. “But it’ll stay on for at least 6 hours. Then you might need to reapply.”

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, I hate this fucking dress,” Marlene, who was by far the most ready of any of them, moaned as she tugged the bright yellow taffeta monstrosity up around her hips.

“Hey, at least yours hasn’t got sleeves,” Dorcas retorted, from next to Lily, still in the process of pinning an auburn wig with pigtails onto her head.

“Oh please, you practically begged McGonagall to give you Anna!” Marlene replied, now pulling the dress up around her arms.

“It was winter then!” Dorcas said miserably, grabbing a matte mauve lipstick out of her makeup bag.

“Can we all just be happy that none of us is Minnie?” Mary inserted, in between violently attacking her face with a beauty blender.

The group of girls murmured in approval.

“Technically, you should be the happiest out of everyone, Lil,” Emmeline said, running a brush through her black wig as she puffed up the bun. “Sometimes they let you go out in a bikini.”

“Hey, none of you have ever worn that tail,” Lily replied, as she leaned into the mirror to draw on her eyebrows. “It’s heavy as hell. It might be worse than the dress. And they haven’t let me wear it in ages.”

“I think they figured out you were making all the dads a little too happy in that purple excuse for a bra,” Mary said lowly, causing their whole dressing room to laugh.

“Men are such trash,” Emmeline added.

“Speaking of trash, aren’t you meeting your new Eric today?” Marlene asked as she pulled white elbow gloves up over her arms.

“Later on tonight,” Lily said, “after the parade. And if he’s anything like the previous one, I think I might quit.”

Lily’s previous Eric had been the epitome of trash and was exactly who Marlene was referring to when she’d asked the question. Dave, or Prince Fuckboy as he was better known to the group, had spent his entire 6 months with the cast showing up late, being rude and, worst of all, sleeping his way through the Princess lineup.

After sleeping with Marlene, he’d made his way around Elsa, Tinkerbell and Jasmine, which was the unfortunate reason Bertha, Florence and Emma no longer sat with the rest of the girls. That drama had continued for at least a month until Prince Fuckboy realised everyone hated him and had quit.

“Apparently he’s a friend of Hook’s,” Dorcas told them.

“Hook?” Emmeline, who was the most recent addition to the cast, asked. “I don’t think I’ve met him.”

“Sirius Black,” Dorcas replied, as Lily smiled to herself, knowing that Dorcas’s usual rant about Sirius was coming. “And you don’t want to meet him. He’s totally method,” she continued, placing an unusual amount of disdain on the word method, “and speaks in a ridiculous English accent the entire time he’s here, even on breaks, and challenges everyone to duels all day. Fucking idiot.”

Lily couldn’t help but giggle. She was actually rather fond of Sirius’s approach to his work and suspected it had nothing to do with his devotion to acting but rather because he loved pretending to be a pirate all day.

“He is a fucking idiot and you know it,” Dorcas said to Lily when she saw her laughing.

“Well, at least he’s not another Prince Fuckboy,” Lily said, adding a slick of bright red lipstick before spritzing her whole face with setting spray. “And you have to admit, he’s a very good Hook.”

“As long as he hasn’t brought us another Dave to be Eric, we’ll be best friends,” Marlene smiled grimly. “How the hell am I the only one ready?” She asked forcefully, gloved hands on her hips.

“Because you don’t have to colour in your eyebrows to match your wig,” Lily replied, grabbing her long, curly ginger hair and twisting it onto her head.

“I can’t believe they still haven’t asked you to be Merida yet,” Mary observed, now pulling on Tiana’s light green velvet dress.

“Yeah, well in the nineties mermaids existed but not actual ginger people, apparently,” Lily said as she positioned the long red wig onto her head with ease. “That mermaid must’ve had some amazing hair dye down in Atlantis.”

“Hey, black people didn’t exist until 2010 apparently,” Mary added, fixing her own wig on. “And now there’s one black princess, there’ll obviously never be another one ever again.”

“Obviously,” Emmeline agreed, rolling her eyes. “Right, time to tie on this fucking awful sash,” she said before standing and moving to the costume rail, leaving Dorcas and Lily sitting at the mirrors.

“I’m still waiting on the animated world to admit lesbians exist,” Dorcas said to Lily with a wry shrug. “And don’t tell the boss, but I play everyday like I’m in love with Emma,” she winked, referring to their cast mate who played Jasmine.

“Amazing,” Lily laughed, looking around the dressing table for her aqua headpiece. “Does Emma know this?”

“Oh, she knows I think she’s hot as hell.”

Finished with her makeup and hair, Lily stood up to go and find her human dress, which was an unsightly aquamarine colour to match her headpiece.

“Are they ever going to let you back in the tail?” Dorcas asked, moving with Lily to grab her purple cape.

“They’re still working on the Grotto since the break-in,” Lily said, shuffling into her dress. “I think it’ll be open again in a few weeks.”

When she had first started at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Lily’s main role had been to sit in Ariel’s grotto and do meet and greets. She had her own float in the daily parade and occasionally appeared as a human walking around the park (when she was told to) or at Cinderella’s restaurant, but for the most part, wearing the tail in the grotto was her main duty. Then, around a month ago, some boys had broken in to the park, and wrecked her grotto, as well as a number of other attractions. Lily had been in human form ever since, which was killing her, because Ariel’s human dress was puffy, heavy and sweltering in the Orlando heat.

Not that she complained too much. She loved being Ariel and was delighted to be cast as her when she’d first started six months ago. A small part of Lily lived in perpetual fear of being recast. Which was ridiculous because it would definitely happen at some point and they were all warned not to get too attached to any particular character.

Lily had done her best to adhere to this warning but she’d adored Ariel as a child and as she’d gotten older, Ariel had remained her favourite Disney princess. And judging by the response she got from the little kids who came to the park, Ariel was still a very popular princess, even eighteen years after she’d first appeared in animated form.

In truth, Lily had loved every minute of working at Disney. The only bad time had been the appearance of Dave.

“I know I hate this dress,” Lily said quietly to Dorcas, “but I can live with it. I’m not sure I could live with another Dave.”

“Look, I know Black is an idiot, but I doubt he’s friends with jerks,” Dorcas reassured her pragmatically, checking her appearance in the mirror. “Are you nervous about meeting him? Don’t be nervous.”

“Well you spend a lot of time with your prince,” Lily observed, fixing the wig down over her dress. “And the kids freak out when they see you together so obviously McGonagall is always sending you out together. It’d be nice to be paired with someone you can stand. I mean, you get on with Dirk, right?”

“Yeah,” Dorcas responded, “I don’t think he knows I’m gay cause he’s always flirting with me, but we get on fine.”

“Poor Dirk.”

“I’ve seen his sister on Facebook, she’s cute” Dorcas said with a grin. “Maybe he’ll introduce us.”

“Girls!” They heard McGonagall call from the hallway, “it’s 8.55”

“Coming!” Lily called back, jumping up and down a few times to settle her skirt.

“Right,” Dorcas said with a swish of her cloak, “Time to be asked if I want to build a snowman ten thousand times.”

Letting her voice drift higher and adding in her signature Ariel warble, Lily followed Dorcas out of the dressing room, “you’re such a guppy, Anna,” she replied, saying goodbye to Lily Evans as she transformed into the little mermaid just as she reached the bright sunshine of the park.  

---------------------------

“I am fucking exhausted,” Marlene breathed, stripping off her gloves as they all trailed into the dressing room at 10pm that night. “And I hate teenaged boys.”

“Yeah, I saw some guys bothering you,” Mary replied, throwing herself down into her dressing room chair.

“Trying to get me to break character. Assholes. They were trying to film the whole thing and put it on Instagram,” Marlene spat.

“What were they doing?”

“Oh, the usual shit. Calling me a furry lover. I ignored them.”

“Good for you,” Lily said, inwardly wondering how soon she could get the metric tonne of foundation she had on off her face.

“At least you didn’t get dole whip spilled all over you,” Emmeline moaned, already taking off Mulan’s dress. “Costume are going to kill me. This is the fourth time in two weeks I’ve needed a new dress.”

“Ariel!” Sounded McGonagall’s voice from outside.

“I think she means me,” Lily whispered to them all with a wink as she slipped off her chair. Wincing as her weary feet touched the floor, Lily made her way to the hall.

When she entered the hallway, Lily saw McGonagall standing with her cherished clipboard and right beside her, a man who was undoubtedly Prince Eric.

All of the guys who played Princes at the park were good looking but Lily felt her stomach clench as she took in her new work husband. She could see why they had cast him as Eric. His black hair was thick and windswept and curled in at the edges of his lightly tanned skin. There was no way he’d be wearing a wig. As his eyes fell on her, he greeted her with a show stopping smile, and Lily couldn’t help but notice his strong jaw and gorgeous hazel eyes.

“James, this is Lily, or Ariel to you,” McGonagall said to the boy, now scribbling on the board. James opened his mouth to say something but their boss got there first, “you can smile, dance, hold hands whilst still and give her a two second hug,” she continued, briskly ticking the board as she listed each item, “but no kissing. At all. Ever.”

“Okay,” James nodded steadily, looking at McGonagall with slight apprehension.

“Make sure he doesn’t get lost,” she said to Lily abruptly before striding away.

“Is she always that scary?” He whispered, leaning into Lily as they both watched Minerva leave.

“I’m afraid so,” Lily told him with a weak smile, “she’s in charge of rules and makes sure we all follow them.”

“And we’re married, right?”

“Yes,” Lily nodded, trying not to stare at him too much.

“Wow. Can’t even kiss my wife. What a bummer,” James said with a deep sigh, causing Lily to laugh.

“Disney is strictly a PG place,” she said, “but waltzing is good fun. The kids love it.”

“They showed me during training,” James replied. “It took me a while to get it but I don’t think I’ll embarrass you.”

Lily laughed again as she leaned against the wall, “I’m a walking, talking fish woman. I doubt you are going to be what embarrasses me,” she smiled, trying not to blush when his eyes did a quick sweep of her outfit. “So, did McGonagall show you around?”

“I came down for the parade,” he responded, pushing his hands into his jeans as Lily noticed his sinewy tanned arms. He was going to look good in Eric’s white shirt. “It was great. You were great.”

“Thanks,” she said, “it’s pretty easy without Eric to be honest. I just sit there and smile and wave.”

“And with Eric?”

“Well, that’s when the hugging and the dancing and the hand-holding comes in,” Lily continued, giving him a little grin. “But it’s a 30 minute parade so trying to keep that going is difficult.”

“Especially when you hate your Eric, right?”

Lily blanched a little as James smiled guilty at her, “Sirius told me about the guy I’m replacing.”

“Yeah, well, he was a jackass,” Lily admitted, swishing her dress about a little. “And what’s worse, he made it really awkward for everyone here. We were all glad when he left.”

“Okay, well I promise to be absolutely nothing like him and then you won’t mind dancing with me for half an hour,” he suggested, his eyes twinkling as Lily’s stomach jumped again.

“Deal,” she agreed, hoping to sound as normal as possible. “So, when do you start?”

“Next week,” James told her happily, “they’re just sorting my contacts and then I’m good to go.”

“Cool,” Lily said, “well, it was really nice meeting you. I’m going to go take off this powder puff before I faint,” she closed, giving him another smile before she turned towards the dressing room door.

“Wait,” James called, stalling her in her step.

“Yeah?”

“You’re my Princess, right?” Lily laughed lightly as James blushed and corrected himself, “I mean, you’re who I’ll be working with? Going forward?”

“Yeah,” She replied, hearing a little shyness creep into her voice, “as long as I don’t get recast, I’m your Princess.”

-----------------------------

James, as it turned out, was an absolute dream to work with.

On Monday morning, he was there waiting for her as soon as she stepped out of the dressing room. In his white flowing shirt, red cumber-band, turned up trousers, boots and blue contacts, he looked both exactly like Eric and unreasonably hot.

They spent the whole day together and as predicted, all the kids adored both of them together. They both signed hundreds of autographs and took hundreds of photos and selfies, and when the parade started at nine o’clock, they had their first dance.

It wasn’t without a hitch, as they both stepped on each other’s toes several times but as long as their smiles stayed on, no one in the audience noticed.

“So, how’d I do?” James asked her, as they moved backstage and walked towards her dressing room.

“Really good,” Lily said a little breathlessly, noticing that they were still walking arm in arm, as though they were out in public.

“Sorry about the feet,” he whispered into her ear as they passed a stream of characters all hurrying to their dressing rooms.

“That’s okay,” she giggled, giving his arm a squeeze, “I stepped on your toes too.”

“Yeah but I’m a lot heavier than you are!”

“We’ll get better with practice,” Lily told him. “Oh and one other thing, next time a kid asks you about Sebastian or Flounder, technically you never met them, so next time just say they’re ‘friends of Ariel’.”

“Right,” James nodded, “and Sebastian is the lobster, yeah?”

Lily stopped walking and her hand fell away from his arm, “crab,” she corrected bluntly. “Sebastian is a crab.”

“Sure,” he smiled uneasily, letting his hands fall to his side. “A crab.”

Feeling very suspicious, Lily eyed James closely.

“They did teach you about Sebastian during training?”

“Yeah, they did, it’s just…”

“It’s just what?” She asked, feeling her eyes narrow.

“Well, it’s kind of hard to remember when…” he trailed off, not really looking at her.

“When?” Lily prompted.

“When you haven’t really seen what he looks like,” James finally said lowly, rubbing at the back of his neck.

“What?” She yelped, so loudly that Donald Duck and Goofy stopped to eye the two of them before moving on. “You haven’t seen The Little Mermaid? James, that’s like day one!”

“It was day five,” he disagreed weakly, obviously nervous due to her reaction. “I was ill so they said I could just watch it at home.”

“And?”

“And…I sort of…never did,” he admitted with a small shrug as Lily cursed him for being so attractive. It would be so much easier to be annoyed with him if she could stop staring at his gorgeous face.

“James, if McGonagall finds out you’ve never seen it, she will lose it!” Lily warned him, not wanting to picture the monumental explosion that would occur if that happened. What was worse: he’d probably get fired and then they’d need another new Eric and Lily couldn’t take the suspense of waiting to meet another new Prince. Plus, she was sort of growing fond of this one.

“Yeah, I got that impression when I met her.”

“I mean, you don’t even know how we met!” She persisted, shoving his shoulder lightly.

“I’m guessing in the sea?” He joked feebly, as Lily rolled her eyes.

“Unacceptable,” Lily said, folding her arms. “I am not letting you get fired over this.”

“Would you miss me, Princess?” James grinned, eyes sparkling.

“If you get fired they might bring Dave back,” Lily observed grimly, ignoring the flutter in her stomach that appeared when he obviously flirted with her, “and then I’d have to quit.”

“Okay, I will watch the movie…” James appeased her, shaking his head.

“Oh, you will watch that movie,” Lily ground out, stepping closer to him. “My number is on the staff call sheet. Text me your address. Next Sunday, I’m coming over and by the end of the day you will know the names, hair and fin colours of all my six sisters!”

------------------------

Of course, Lily hadn’t expected the teasing she ended up receiving from her fellow Princesses when she told them her weekend plans, which was probably quite naïve.

“You’re dating your Prince,” Marlene had giggled, Friday evening as they all de-wigged.

“I am not,” Lily protested ignoring their sceptical smirks. “I’m saving his job. And my sanity. Also, McGonagall changed the rules after Dave. No dating Princes! Remember?”

“Please,” Emmeline interjected dryly, “as if you haven’t noticed how hot he is.”

“Everyone has,” Mary said, saving Lily the trouble of dodging the question. “Did you see Bertha all over him in the canteen this afternoon?” She asked the group, as Lily felt her stomach twist unpleasantly. She hadn’t noticed that, being too preoccupied with the book she usually read at lunch.

“Yup,” Dorcas stated blithely, pulling off her wig to reveal flowing blonde hair with a fuchsia streak through it. “If he’s not careful, this is going to turn out to be another Prince Fuckboy sitch.”

“James is not Dave,” Lily inserted forcefully, taking off Ariel’s necklace and throwing it onto the counter. “He’s not going to behave like that.”

Embarrassed as she saw the girls exchanging knowing looks due to her outburst, Lily fixed an unconvincing smile onto her face. “He knows all about Dave and the drama and he’s aware of how horrible that all was,” she said calmly, “I doubt he’ll put us all through that again.”

Sensing an end to the conversation, Lily continued to unpin her wig, enjoying the wonderful feeling of removing the pins from her head. She undressed quickly and changed into her street uniform, before making her way to the door, saying goodbye to them all as she went.

“Well, we’re all here arguing over him,” she heard Emmeline say lowly to Marlene as she exited, “it sure feels like another Fuckboy situation.”

--------------------------------

Emmeline’s words from Friday night were still ringing in her ears as she walked to James’s apartment on Sunday afternoon. And of course, now she knew about Bertha, she had watched her all day Saturday doing the best she could to get James’s attention.

It shouldn’t have annoyed Lily and it was ridiculous that she felt in any way possessive of James. But watching Bertha flirt, smile and laugh her way through lunch with him stoked an ugly feeling in Lily that she soon recognised as jealousy.

Knowing that she needed to quell this before she herself was the instigator of drama, Lily resolved not to admire James anymore. In fact, as she crossed the street to the grey wooded building that she  thought was where he lived, Lily decided that she would not in any way fancy James and Bertha could have him if she liked.

Climbing the stairs and ringing the bell, Lily was happy in her determination…until James opened the door.

He was wearing glasses.

Fuck.

He had never worn glasses before. A bit like every other piece of clothing he decided to wear, the glasses looked unfairly good on him. She didn’t know what it was about them, but they finished his face beautifully – just in the way that she could picture taking them off to get a better look at his eyes. Maybe during a time when they were standing closer together. With as much energy as she could muster, Lily pushed this thought out of her head. She wasn’t allowed to date her cast mate.

Lily was about to apologise for standing awkwardly in silence in his doorway when she noticed that James seemed to be experiencing the same vocal block too, his eyes fixed on her.

“What?” She asked nervously, knowing that this wasn’t the most polite or graceful way to break the silence but she was desperate so it would have to do.

James swallowed, “oh, um…it’s nothing…it’s just…”

“Just?”

“Eh, your hair…and your, um…eyes,” he proceeded brokenly, his right hand slipping into his hair as Lily wondered what it would be like to run her fingers through it, “I’ve never seen you without…”

He trailed off again, his eyes doing another sweep of her face as Lily reminded herself to breathe.

“I can’t believe they make you wear a wig and contacts,” he finally managed after another swallow.

“Well, you know,” Lily shrugged, feeling her cheeks turn red, “I have to look like her,” she said, holding up the DVD box with Ariel on the front. “Ready for your homework?”

With a jerky smile, James brought her into his flat, closing the door after her.

“You know, I had to borrow a DVD player from my mom,” James said as he followed her into the living room.

“Well that’s your fault for getting rid of an essential piece of technology,” Lily scolded him, dropping her bag beside the couch before sitting down.

“Pfft,” James snorted, taking the DVD off her, “we definitely could’ve just streamed it.”

“My fair merlady,” Lily heard a booming voice echo from behind her, “welcome to our most humble abode.”

“Sirius,” Lily grinned, hoping off the couch and running around to greet him, as Sirius performed a deep bow before grabbing her hand and kissing the back of it.

“Captain Hook, Princess,” Sirius corrected politely in his flawless English accent.

“We spent an hour deciding if he could speak to you normally,” James said from behind them, not sounding impressed.

“You should not complain,” Sirius responded with an edge to his voice, “remember, it was I who provided the popped corn.”

“Are you joining us, Captain?” Lily asked.

“Alas, no,” Sirius replied, as James let out a ‘thank god’ over their shoulders. “I am expecting a duel with that wretched boy Pan this week and so must practice my fencing.”

“He’s going to the gym,” James translated as Lily heard the opening tones of the movie echo from the tv.

“Adieu, my dear,” Sirius called as he strode out of the apartment, gym bag in hand.

“I couldn’t live without him, but if I could, I would’ve killed him by now,” James said without prompting as Lily joined him on the couch.

“Shhhhh,” Lily hissed, poking him in the elbow, as the Disney castle appeared on the screen. “I can promise you there will be a quiz after this.”

James surprised Lily by being fairly quiet throughout the opening scenes of the movie, save for the occasional comment: “her father’s a dick,”… “he definitely looks like a lobster,” and various other observations which made her laugh.

“He’s a crab and you best remember that,” she warned.

“As if it matters…”

“Shhhh,” she quieted him again, knowing what was coming as Ariel swam towards the surface and fireworks exploded from the ship. “Oh my god,” she breathed as Eric came into view, his dog Max bounding around the deck. “This is the best part of the movie.”

“You think he’s attractive?” James asked, sounding unimpressed and she could tell he was watching her.

“Eh…yeah, I’m not blind,” Lily answered emphatically

“I suppose he’s alright…for a cartoon,” James retorted and she couldn’t help but smile at his miffed tone.

“Disney have a really random record of drawing ridiculously hot people,” she told him, still enjoying the view of Eric. “Besides, you should take it as a compliment,” she added thoughtlessly, cringing when she realised what she had said.

“Oh, so, because you think he’s hot that must mean you think I am?” James replied, sounding remarkably happier as he turned his whole body to her.

Trying to regain her composure, Lily shrugged, “Eric is generally regarded as one of the better looking Disney Princes…by everyone.”

With a brief grin, James felt silent and turned back to the movie.

“He’s clearly a shit sailor if his ship is sinking.”

“He’s a Prince and there was a storm…what do you want him to do?”

They watched in silence until the moment when Ariel had rescued Eric and was trying to revive him on the shore. As she sang to him, Lily unconsciously started to sing along quietly, as she had been doing ever since she had first watched the movie.

To her left, she heard a soft noise which broke her out of her daydream.

“Sorry,” she said, looking over to James to see him watching her again. “Old habit.”

“Don’t be,” he replied kindly, a crooked smile about his mouth, “you can sing.”

“Thanks,” she said awkwardly, not really knowing what to say.

“Why don’t you sing at work?”

“We’re not allowed,” Lily advised, “we’re specifically told not to sing. Did you pay attention at all during training?”

With a guilty shrug, James replied, “I still don’t get why you can’t sing.”

“I guess they want the kids to hear the songs the way they remember them,” she went on, “which I understand. I know I play her but Jodi Benson will always be Ariel to me.”

“Oh, she’s going to do something stupid to be with the stupid hot Prince, isn’t she?” James winced now watching the movie again.

“Can you blame her?”

The movie continued and James revelled in his correct prediction, yelling loudly at Ariel not to sign Ursula’s contract much to Lily’s amusement.

“There is no way in hell that would be legally binding!”

Now feeling a bit bolder, Lily sang her way through the rest of the songs with James laughing along until they both fell quiet at ‘Kiss the Girl”.

“Noooooo!” James howled when Flotsam and Jetsam overturned the boat Eric and Ariel were sitting in. “Fuck those eels!”

Nearly crying with laughter, Lily patted him on the arm, “I hate those things,” she consoled.

“I have never been so annoyed,” he announced, glaring at the television screen. “Why didn’t they just kiss?!”

“We’re only just half way through the movie, they couldn’t kiss now.”

James sat and pouted unhappily as the movie went on, only making another noise when Vanessa – Ursula’s human alter ego – appeared, “hello,” he let out lowly, his eyebrows dancing, as she slinked onto the screen.

“Hey!” Lily cried, feeling an unwarranted level of outrage. “Don’t you ‘hello’ her! She’s evil! She’s trying to distract you from Ariel. You can’t find her attractive!”

“Oh, so you can think cartoon Eric is hot but I can’t think evil Ariel is?”

“Eric is hot but he’s not evil! If Eric had an evil twin, I wouldn’t be ‘hello-ing’ all over him!”

“Look, you can’t deny she’s good looking,” James placated her, gesturing to Vanessa on the screen as Lily harrumphed, “but will it make you feel better if I say she’s not a patch on Ariel?”

“All I am asking is that you show a little loyalty to your wife,” Lily said evenly. “That witch has her voice!”

“I cannot believe we are arguing over which cartoon is hotter.”

“Well, you work at Disney now, Potter. Get used to it.”

Again, they fell silent as the movie played on and they watched as Ursula was discovered, defeated and Eric and Ariel married in their happily ever after.

“You know, you’re right. I didn’t like Vanessa so much by the end,” James conceded lowly, stretching out now that the film was over.

“Told you,” Lily gloated. “And at least now, if McGonagall asks, you can honestly say you’ve watched it.”

“Very true,” he agreed, “and I now also know the names of all assorted sentient fish and crustaceans. Thanks for taking the time to make sure I don’t get fired,” he smiled earnestly.

“You’re welcome,” she replied, hoping to sound normal as her heart started to thud against her chest.

“Did you do this with Dave?” He asked, fixing her with a look that wasn’t helping Lily at all.

Lily laughed, “no,” she breathed. “But I’m sure Dave watched the movie during training.”

“Bad luck, Dave.”

Her stomach now tingling, Lily knew she had to remove herself from his couch before she found herself in a tricky position.

“I should go,” she smiled tightly, getting to her feet to remove the DVD.

“Okay,” James said, moving after her. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning?”

“Yeah,” she said, walking towards the door. “As long as you can recognise me.”

“As if I’d forget you, Princess,” he winked, making Lily curse herself for flirting with him when she had promised she wouldn’t. “Unless, Vanessa is there, of course.”

She had just enough time to yelp in outrage before he closed the door cackling.

------------------

Working with James was easy. Working with James whilst trying not to fancy him was not so easy.

“Even with the blue contacts in he looks good,” she overheard Mary observe.

“His real eyes are nicer though,” Emmeline replied and all the girls in their dressing room agreed.

“You’re being awfully quiet, Evans,” Marlene cut in, sweeping past Lily’s dressing space whilst Lily was unbuttoning her gown.

“I’m not being quiet, I’m trying to get out of this stupid dress so I can go home!” Lily stressed, inwardly knowing that the reason she was dying to go home was so she wouldn’t have to hear them talk about James.

“Oh, don’t be in such a huff!” Marlene retorted, turning Lily around to do her buttons for her. “No one here actually fancies him. Except you. And Bertha, of course.”

“I do not fancy him,” Lily replied, despising how childish and ridiculous she sounded. “I agree he has nice eyes, but he’s my cast mate and that’s all.”

“Poor James,” Marlene said, giggling along with the rest of the girls, “he’ll be devastated to hear that.”

“Oh, would you stop?” Lily hissed. “You’re just talking nonsense now!”

“You can’t see the way he looks at you up on that float, I can!”

“I don’t know if you’re aware, but being a good actor is one of the requirements to work here. As is keeping your mitts off your fellow employees!”

“Sorry to interrupt what is clearly an important conversation,” Dorcas cut in dryly, “but has McGonagall spoken to you all about this Buzzfeed thing?”

“Yes,” Mary replied as the rest of the group all echoed her. “It’s this Sunday, we’re bringing our own costumes but there’ll be hair and makeup there.”

“And why are we doing this again?”

“More advertising apparently,” Mary told her as she hung up her costume. “Buzzfeed are obsessed with the Princesses so they want some shoot to show us all off to their readers.”

“Sounds wonderful,” Dorcas droned, rolling her eyes. “All I needed was an excuse to spend another day dressed for the alpines.”

“Are the guys coming?” Emmeline asked, now styling her own hair.

“Yes, we are,” a voice sounded from outset the dressing room as they all jumped, “also, can I come in? I need to speak to Lily.”

Eyes widening when she realised it was James, Lily yelled back, “just a minute,” as she started to undress quickly. “If he heard what any of you said, I will put fairy dust in all of your wig caps,” she hissed quietly, eyeballing them all before pulling on her shorts and t-shirt.

“Drama queen,” Marlene shot back, striding to the dressing room door and pulling it open once Lily was dressed. “Enter at your own peril, Potter,” she greeted James, “everyone is feeling very Princessey today.

Ignoring Marlene, Lily walked towards James. “What?” She asked very abruptly, seizing up inwardly at her rudeness but she could feel the eyes of the rest of the group on them.

James watched her a bit uncertainly before beginning, “so, one day, I will manage this dance without injuring you,” he half-laughed, folding him arms, presumably from her forced coldness.

“It’s fine, James,” she sighed, not at him, but because of the total silence in the dressing room as they talked.

“Maybe you guys should practice,” Emmeline put in cheerfully and Marlene exchanged a grin with her.

Lily shot her a look.

“Actually, that was what I was going to suggest,” James replied awkwardly, hand in his hair. “Unless, you have somewhere to be?”

“She has nowhere to be,” Marlene smiled, walking back to her own table. “I know because we have big plans to go home and watch Queer Eye at mine.”

Knowing that she wasn’t getting out of this without a serious amount of effort and really not wanting to offend James anymore than she probably already had, Lily didn’t bother to object. And they did need to practice.

“Great,” James smiled, still sounding a little uncertain.

Walking towards him, Lily let her hands drift upwards, one to his shoulder and the other into his waiting hand.

“We don’t have to…here,” he said to her quietly, as his arm came around her waist.

“It’s fine,” Lily reassured again, giving him a tight smile. At least this way, her cast mates could see there wasn’t anything there.

But as he pulled her a little closer and their chests met, Lily felt her heart start to beat rapidly. Did he always hold her this closely?

“You move forward first,” she said lowly, stealing herself with the hand on his shoulder.

“Yeah,” he confirmed, equally quiet.

After a short pause, Lily counted them in, her eyes on their feet.

They managed the first set of four…and then the second. And then the third. But then James stopped.

“You can do it fine in here,” she observed, giving him a small smile.

“Well, it’s not exactly parade conditions,” Dorcas pointed out.

“Would you…” James started, before stopping.

“What?”

“I need you to look at me,” he told her with a reluctant smile, “I think I’ve worked out that’s where the problem is.”

Lily felt, rather than saw, their audience exchange looks.

“Okay,” she agreed after a deep breath. And as she counted them in, she raised her eyes to lock on his.

After two moves, James stood on her left foot.

“Try again,” Lily said immediately, not wanting to give anyone a chance to comment.

She counted once more and they moved back, side, forward, side…She raised her eyes to his and immediately, James tripped.

“Shit, sorry,” he breathed, eyes and arms dropping away from her as his face coloured red.

“It’s okay,” Lily said kindly, unable to stop the butterflies swarming in her stomach.

“Evans is known for her amazing eyes,” Dorcas interjected pleasantly, “I wouldn’t beat yourself up, Potter.”

“Then how come it still happens when you’ve got contacts in?” James asked lightly, quietly enough that only he and Lily could hear. And then he gave her one of those smiles that made her all her limbs feel weak.

“I don’t have to look at you,” Lily offered as a solution.

James shook his head, “no, we’re in love,” he replied quickly before realisation crept onto his face and he laughed steadily amongst the titters in the room, “Eric and Ariel are in love,” he clarified modestly, not really looking at her. “When you’re in love, you look at each other.”

Their eyes met again.

“Exactly like that,” Marlene cut through and though Lily kept her eyes on James, she could tell her friend was grinning. “You guys are such great actors.”

Between that remark and the thudding of her heart, Lily had to move away.

“Maybe we can practice at lunch tomorrow,” she suggested, walking away from him.

“Yeah,” he agreed, “that sounds good. I won’t take up more of your time now.”

“Bye James,” Emmeline called and Lily heard the dressing room door close over her shoulder.

“Wow, Lil’,” Marlene started, “practice at lunchtime tomorrow. What a great way to stop Bertha from getting anywhere near him.”

Lily chucked her beauty blender at her.

-----------------------------

As it turned out, Lily did not see James at lunchtime the next day.

She had awoken in the middle of the night with a fever which, at the time she had related to the rather interesting dream he had been having about James. But, by the next morning, she had a permanent lump stuck in her throat, found it hard to swallow and felt weak and cold all over.

After she called in sick to McGonagall, she just about made it to the doctors without fainting. Upon hearing the hoarseness in her voice, it took the doctor all of three minutes to diagnose her with laryngitis.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if your voice goes completely,” was her final word as Lily traipsed out of the office. “Should be over in two weeks. Plenty of bed rest, lots of water and no talking, okay?”

It occurred to Lily as she made her way home that she probably still could go into work if she wanted. That’s what Sirius would do. If she was method, that’s what she’d do too.

Unfortunately, her fever and dizziness overtook her before she was able to even progress that thought and Lily was again lucky to make it to her bed in time to pass out for the rest of the day.

When she woke up again on Tuesday night, she found several messages on her phone from Marlene and Dorcas objecting to her sick day and demanding that she return to work tomorrow. Lily let them know she was ill and probably wouldn’t be in for the rest of the week before promptly falling asleep again.

It wasn’t until Sunday morning, when she had progressed to being able to make herself soup and toast, that Lily was reminded of the Buzzfeed article.

She was busy peering over the toaster wondering when it would pop, when her phone rang.

Answering it before remembering that she couldn’t talk, Lily jumped to hear James’s voice at the end of the line.

“Hello?” His voice echoed down the telephone, “hello? Lily? I’m not sure if this is a voicemail…”

Lily was contemplating hanging up and sending him a text to explain when James continued to talk.

“Marlene said you were sick…I’m sorry for ringing you when you’re not well but…well, we’re down at this Buzzfeed thing and McGonagall has assigned Bertha to be Ariel…”

Lily nearly dropped the phone.

“…and well…this is stupid…but it sort of feels like Vanessa is here instead of Ariel. And I remembered what you said about loyalty to my wife so…so I just wanted to say that. And to say it feels weird doing this without you.”

She held onto the counter, nearly breathless to hear what he would say next.

“Anyway, if you can get here…I know you’re sick so don’t if you can’t…but if you can, we could do the shoot with the real Ariel. So yeah. That’s all I wanted to say. Bye.”

By the time the toast had popped, Lily had brushed her hair, teeth and was downstairs waiting on her uber.

---------------------------------

“I thought you were sick!”

Marlene was the first to greet her after she had made it into the photo shoot.

She’d already had to use her phone to type out her issue for the security guard and doorman and so she just handed it to Marlene, note already open.

“You’ve lost your voice?’’

Lily nodded.

“Brilliant!” Marlene laughed, “do you need me to explain forks too?”

Lily glared at her until Marlene relented and took her by the arm.

“They were going to let Bertha do Ariel – of course she was dying to – but now you’re here, there’s no way they’ll go to the bother of changing her from Elsa to Ariel,” Marlene chatted as she guided Lily through the studio.

As they walked Lily observed Dorcas and Dirk, arm in arm in the setting of a snowy mountain.

“I’ll sort this with McGonagall,” Marlene continued as they walked to the make-up and hair area, “you just get ready. They’re doing you and James after B&B so you still have a while to go.”

Marlene brought her up to a man who was in the middle of styling Mary’s hair.

“This is Lily, Fabian,” she announced.

“Lily!” Mary greeted, sounding a bit giddy.

“She’s Ariel. She’s lost her voice,” Marlene said loudly, as Fabian and Mary regarded her with amazement.

“Oh my God,” Fabian said, his hands falling away from Mary’s hair. “Really?”

Lily nodded exaggeratedly, struggling not to roll her eyes.

“You’re not contagious are you?” Mary asked uncertainty, after her smile had faded.

“Benjy!” Fabian yelled, saving Lily the trouble of telling Mary she might be but she wasn’t going to let an infectious disease stop her from saving Ariel from Bertha. “Get over here!”

A skinny blond man in glasses sauntered over to the group, leaving behind the photographer he had been speaking with.

“Yeah?”

“This is Ariel,” Fabian informed him excitedly, clapping Lily on the shoulder.

“Nice to meet you,” Benjy said pleasantly, holding out his hand. “I’m Buzzfeed’s social editor.”

“Ben, she can’t answer you.”

“Oh yeah?”

“She’s lost her voice,” Fabian managed, practically buzzing with the news.

Suddenly Benji’s whole face changed, from slightly stressed young reporter to the same fevered astounded expression that Fabian was wearing.

“No shit,” he breathed, “really?”

Lily nodded.

“You can’t talk at all?”

Lily shook her head, feeling more and more sympathy with Ariel with each passing minute.

“Fucking brilliant,” Benji celebrated, grabbing her shoulders.

“You should film this,” Fabian announced, moving back to Mary and beginning to work on her hair again. “That would be amazing.”

“Yes, yes, yes,” Benji agreed, “would you mind?”

“You should probably check with McGonagall first,” Marlene suggested, pointing at their manager who was giving directions to the photographer whilst Dorcas fanned herself.

“Sure, sure,” the journalist noted, not sounding too concerned, “will someone get her into her costume,” he called, as he strode back across the room. “I want to do this asap.”

Thinking that she might hurry the process along by putting on her own wig, Lily erased the note on her phone and simply typed out ‘wig?’ before showing it to Marlene.

“What does she want?” Fabian asked absentmindedly.

“She wants to know where her wig is,” Marlene answered, causing Fabian to swivel away from Mary again in outrage.

“They make you wear a wig?!”

After Fabian had recovered from realising Lily wasn’t allowed to have her natural hair, he decided to take matters into his own hands.

“I’m in charge of the shoot styling, and I say, you’re using your own hair.”

Not really in a position to argue, Lily had watched as they transformed her hair from a curly, frizzy nightmare to long, flowing and bouncing waves that fell perfectly around her face and over her shoulders. She’d never seen her hair look so good. And sure, it wasn’t Ariel’s colour, but it was close.

Whilst her hair was being transformed, another stylist had appeared to apply her make up. Lily was used to wearing Ariel’s make up but she wasn’t used to having it tweaked to suit her own eye colour. It was the smallest of changes to the eyeshadow but suddenly, the make up fit her perfectly. As she watched herself in the mirror, it was as though she was somewhere halfway between herself and her cartoon counterpart.

“You look amazing,” Fabian appraised, still playing with the ends of her hair. “I can’t wait to see you in the tail.”

Not having heard this news before, Lily’s whole face lit up – her eyebrows jumping into her hairline.

“She gets the wear the tail?” Dorcas yelped, appearing out of nowhere and into Lily’s mirror.

“Of course!” Fabian said, causing Dorcas to clap. “We’re doing the scene after Ariel rescues Eric and brings him to the beach. You can’t be a mermaid without your tail!”

Finally pleased with her hair, Fabian moved away to Emma with one final squeeze of Lily’s shoulders.

“James Potter is about to lose his damn mind,” Dorcas whispered into Lily’s ear as they both grinned.

With this thought ringing in her ears, Lily made her way to the costume section to look for her tail. Finding Ariel’s costume wasn’t hard and she found putting on the bra and top part of her tail like slipping into an old pair of pyjamas.

“Ariel! We’re ready for you.”

Hearing the photographer calling her, Lily managed to signal to Dorcas (now in her civilian clothes) and hand her the fin.

“Here, I’ll walk with you,” she said, taking Lily’s elbow to help her balance.

They moved slowly and steadily towards the main stage and in the distance, Lily saw James, in full costume, lying down on the set, eyes towards the ceiling.

Her heart gave a quick thump.

“You really like him,” Dorcas observed quietly, squeezing Lily’s arm. “Your whole breathing changed when you saw him,” she explained, after Lily gave her a questioning look.

Ignoring that, and not really caring that Dorcas was right, Lily continued to wiggle her way to the set.

“Ariel has arrived,” Dorcas announced to the room, shocking Lily and causing all the heads in the room to snap to her.

And just as James lifted his head to see her, suddenly Dorcas was nowhere to be found.

“Wow,” she heard him breathe as their eyes met and she saw the look of pure attraction come onto his face.

“She looks good, right Potter?” Dorcas called teasingly, and Lily quickly became aware that not only were they being watched, but Benji was currently filming with a handheld camera.

“I can’t believe I’m getting paid to do this,” James responded softly, his eyes never moving from hers as the room laughed.  

“Oh my god, they’re not together, are they?”she heard Benji say to Dorcas.

“Okay, Ariel, if you could just lie down beside Eric,” the photographer cut in.

Feeling a little ridiculous as she wobbled over to James, Lily just about managed to get to her knees when James’s arms came up to her elbows to steady her. With effort, she placed her body in between his arm and his elbow, head hanging over his. “Hi,” he said lowly to her, in his own sweet tone and Lily could only smile. “Marlene tells me you’ve lost your voice?”

She nodded earnestly and he smiled in response, causing her to blush when he pushed one side of her hair over her shoulder.

“So…was that you on the phone earlier or...?”

Again, Lily nodded.

“Right,” James coughed, “sorry for calling. I just…”

Managing to interrupt him by shaking her head, Lily gave his forearm a quick squeeze.

“Anna, can you attach her tail?” The photographer asked Dorcas.

“I’m on it!”

“Right, so everyone knows the scene. Eric is passed out, Ariel, you’ve just saved him from death. He’s the most beautiful human you’ve ever seen and this is where you decide you’ll do whatever it takes to be with him.”

Lily nodded to acknowledge she’d heard as she held up her feet for Dorcas.

“Just smile, play with his hair…you know – the usual.”

With one final look, James let his head fall backwards and his eyes close.

“Music!” The photographer called and Lily heard the refrain of ‘Part of Your World’ sweep around the room.

Deciding that the only way to do this without her heart beating out of her chest was to be completely method, Lily did her best to pretend that no one else was in the room as her hands moved to James’s hair. The quirk of the left side of his mouth was the only sign on James’s face that she had touched him.

Smiling down at him, Lily flipped her tail and moved her fingers down past his eyebrow, over his cheekbone and down to his jaw, suppressing a full grin when James inhaled deeply.

In the distance, she could hear the sound of the camera clicking furiously.

“Okay, Eric, we’re going to try a few with you awake, so open your eyes.”

Lily’s breathing skipped when her eyes met James’s hazel ones and she almost forgot she was supposed to be acting.

“Heh,” the odd sound he made before swallowing thickly.

Lily looked at him quizzically.

“I’ve just remembered how we get your voice back,” he explained, eyes pouring into hers as the music swelled and his hand drifted into her hair.

She probably should have stopped him, given that they were surrounded by all of their work colleagues, but with absolutely no desire to, Lily’s eyes fluttered closed as their lips met.

He kissed her tenderly and so softly that Lily, wanting more of him, pressed herself down against him as James’s left arm encircled her waist. She revelled in the feeling of his lips against hers, her hair falling down around them and shading them from the eyes of the rest of the room.

It was only after silence rang out around them as the music stopped that they broke apart, eyes meeting each other again. Lily couldn’t help the small smile that crept onto her face when she saw the look James was giving her.

He had just swept her hair behind her ear, when a loud wolf-whistle echoed around the set.

“Well, did it work?” Marlene shrieked, removing her hands from her mouth.

With a quick glance at James, Lily tried to speak…and what came out was a garbled, hoarse cough and the most horrid sound she had ever made.

The entire room exploded in laughter, except for James who was still smiling up at her.

“Oh well,” he said quietly, nudging her nose with his, “guess we’ll just have to keep trying.”

And then Lily remembered that McGonagall was in the room. And oh fuck, James had just kissed her in front of her boss.

Gesturing for someone to come and take the tail and help her up, Lily tried to look everywhere but James whilst also avoiding McGonagall as well.

“I got you,” she heard Marlene say from behind her and soon after her feet were free. “Dressing room?” She asked urgently, as she helped Lily to her feet. “That was the hottest fucking kiss I have ever seen,” Marlene told her quietly, as they stumbled towards the back.

Lily had so many questions running through her head – mainly did McGonagall look like she was going to eat them alive – that she wasn’t able to focus on how great the kiss had been.

When they reached the backstage area, she lowered herself into her seat and tried not to panic.

“Look, don’t freak out,” Marlene reassured her, catching sight of Lily’s expression, “you can say you were just acting.”

Lily was about to respond when she saw James coming after them, jogging lightly.

“On a scale of one to ten, how stupid was that?” He asked, seemingly directing the query at Marlene but looking at Lily.

“Probably a ten,” Marlene answered.

“Can I have a minute to chat with Lily, please?”

“Nope, you’ll need me to translate.”

Lily squeezed her arm and Marlene sighed.

“Okay, fine, but I want all the details later, you hear?”

As Marlene left, Lily felt her heart start to beat rapidly again. Fuck, she liked this boy way too much. Enough that she was endangering her job just to kiss him.

“Okay, it kind of sucks that you can’t talk,” James started, pulling a seat around to face her, “because I can’t tell if you’re mad or not. Are you?”

Not able to stop a smile appearing at his nervous bashfulness, Lily shook her head.

“Good,” he breathed, breaking out into a grin, “because I’ve been thinking about kissing you for three weeks and I really want to do it again.”

Feeling the butterflies swooping around her stomach, Lily’s smile widened.

“I checked the staff rules a couple of weeks ago” James continued, letting his hand come out to fall onto hers, “and apparently, I can’t ask you out.”

Again, Lily nodded.

“So, basically what I wanted to check was if it would be coming on too strong to quit and then ask you out?”

“Yes, it would be, Potter,” a voice said as they both jumped. “I would have at least suggested starting some form of clandestine relationship before resorting to quitting,” Minerva said, glaring down at them both, “or I would have before you kissed Evans in front of the entire cast.”

“Eh, yeah, sorry about that…”

“And stop looking so worried, Evans,” she continued briskly, “no one is going to quit.”

“What?” James asked, his hand still firm on top of hers.

“The rule about dating was put in place after the Dave debacle,” McGonagall explained, “to deter similar behaviour and to prevent us losing half the cast. We’re not going to fire either of you for dating each other. Particularly, when you’ve been driving the entire Park insane with your ridiculous flirting.”

“We weren’t that ridiculous,” James said quietly, looking a bit peeved.

“I’m also assured by Benji that the footage of you both this afternoon is certain to go ‘totally viral’ – it would be illogical for Disney to fire it’s two most popular cast mates.”

“Right,” he noted, his eyes meeting Lily’s. “Does that mean we can kiss in the Park?”

“Not a chance, Potter,” Minerva replied, “you’ll have to help Evans get her voice back on your own time.” And with that, and a wink, she swept away, back towards the set where Jasmine was scolding Aladdin.

“Worth a shot,” James grinned, standing up. Eyes dancing, he leant forward and pressed a quick but meaningful kiss to her lips. “Well that seems to be that sorted,” he said against her lips, pulling back a little to let his forehead fall against hers, “so, what do you think, Evans? Go out with me?”

Still reeling from the surprise kiss, and with her hand clasping his, Lily smiled up at him.

“Yes.”

[hitchell-mope]

Ok I’ve been working on something for years that I hope to make it into a tv show one day but probably can’t because once upon a time beat me to it

So imagine

Michael darling single handedly stopped a war that was never meant to end at the cost of his life and to correct “something” the universe sees fit to tear open a hole in the fabric of reality which all cartoons bleed through. Disney Pixar Simpson’s marvel dc blue sky laika everything you can think of are now inhabiting the real world the only humans left are Wendy darling and her close family and friends

Disney’s taken over Great Britain and Ireland. Mickey and Minnie are the king and queen until they see fit to retire

Simpson’s are now in Hollywood Bart is filthy stinking rich and the Whitehouse is his mansion

So on and so forth

Main characters

Jane Ophelia Emerson: now known as Jaime aster blonde hair blue eyes around 5 foot 8 inches. Has magic like the whole of her mothers side of the family. Unlocks it when she meets Peter Pan for the first time. Like her mother and grandmother before her she fell for him hard. So imagine the bitterness when she discovers she wasn’t the first to fall for him and she won’t be the last seeing as he’s fated to be her son in law. She stops her and her friends physical aging process when she’s 16 because she’s terrified of growing up and having to leave everything behind. Gets married to three guys. James pleiades Hawkins from treasure planet. An evil bisexualversion of superman she was forced to create out of two variations of kryptonite (black and pink). William smees illegitimate son that he got from a hooker on the neverland pier. Padraic hutchins. And together they’ve adopted three kids not much younger then them. Youngest to oldest. Timothy Tiberius Turner. Horrid Henry. Alice Liddell. Preferred drink is olive oil until she decides to stop aging then she goes all out on the booze. She really does not like using mjolnir but that’s exactly why she can use it. She killed her own cousin after Peter Pan was taken advantage of. Speaks how she was raised. Posh. But the angrier she gets the more common she sounds.

James pleiades Hawkins: nicknamed Plei shoulder length brown hair turquoise eyes five foot nine. Space cadet. Made a little mistake in that he wished he had magic when holding an empty lamp. This means he’s now a genie but he can appear normal except when angered and he turns an olive green. His lamp stays hidden in Jaime’s blood stream. Very protective of his kids. From montressor but speaks with a middling California accent

Kal: under duress Jaime creates him by combining black and pink kryptonite (according to what I’ve read black turns him evil and somehow pink turns him gay I don’t know why so please don’t ask) so imagine a five foot eleven inch evil bisexual superman built like a tank flirting with anyone he sees. There are limits. He cannot go after anyone younger then Jaime or older then Wendy. Or anyone she is directly related to. Has a side thing going with she hulk (cause of that man of steel woman of Kleenex problem). Looks so much like Clark Kent (blue eyes jet black hair) that once the bitterness has subsided they eventually declare themselves twins. Actually talks with a Kansas accent (it’s a pet peeve of mine) hair goes to his shoulder blades

Padraic Hutchins: five foot ten. Mixed race but unless he showed you a picture of his father (mr smee who is like really white) you wouldn’t be able to tell. Dark black skin (think terry crews) dark blonde waist length hair. Emerald green eyes. Met Jaime when he was working as cabin boy (and hooks personal stool master) on the Jolly Roger. Jaime offered him a deal. Sword fight just him and her. She wins he becomes her butler and all that entails. He wins she becomes his butler and all that entails. It comes to a stalemate. He decides to go with her though. (If you had to wipe hooks ass wouldn’t you leave given a chance) invents a new method of killing when getting revenge on a racist homophobic cop in Springfield. He may look like terry crews but speaks like Katie McGrath (his accent is Dublin posh)

Merida: jaimes best friend. Scottish. Really really curly bright orange hair halfway down her back. Grey blue eyes. 5”8. Harsh rivalry with Clarabelle cow Clarabelle keeps calling her fat by accident. She is not fat. The slightly barrel like figure she has is pure muscle. Moved in with Jaime after an absolutely blow out fight with her mother and hasn’t looked back since. Met Parker through tragedy. The were on an excursion with the parr children and dash died in front of her. Completely destroyed her for months. Tried to change everything about herself to feel better. None of it worked. Cut and straightened her hair. Tried to lose weight (just became addicted to caffeine). She even gave up archery (which if you know her is a serious cause for concern). And through it all Parker was there

Peter Benjamin Parker: the group calls him Parker because there are one too many Peters in the world and they needed to differentiate. Brown hair that grows out to his chin. Brown eyes. 5”9. Splits himself so he can have a somewhat normal life. There is now three of him. The original with Merida. Petey living with aunt may. Spider-Man. Parker actually grows to like the venom suit and through magic is actually able to control it. Realised he was bi when he kissed Padraic to cheer him up after Kal was being a jackass. Then harry arrived. Still has his native New York accent but it interchanges with a British accent after he’s lived in Kensington for some time.

Melody: Danish princess. Daughter of Ariel and Eric. Granddaughter of king triton. Black hair blue eyes. 5”8. Has a thing for blonde men. Was attracted to Cody before he told her he was asexual then she layed off him. Eventually gets with zephyr. Non practicing catholic except in one respect. Jaime gave her her own trident. Loves to swim. She’ll shrink herself down and use a wine glass if she has to. Always wears her hair in a ponytail

Zephyr: French Romani. Blonde shoulder length hair in a pageboy style cut. Green blue eyes. 5”9. Always wears the outfit he had on in his film only now it’s in an older more mature style. Smitten with melody when they met but she had a thing for Cody so he couldn’t say anything. He just got steadily more drunk. Scarily flexible. Likes to hang from chandeliers with his toes. Bit like a blonde Dick Grayson. Non practicing catholic in the same way melody is.

Cody Anderson: Swedish but has spent a lot of time in Australia. 5”11. Blonde hair long enough to braid. Keeps it in a man bun 90% of the time. Asexual. Much rather run climb or play video games then date or sleep with someone. Poor thing has been conscripted as Kals wingman. He absolutely hates it. He just tells the intended targets the truth and if Kal can’t seal the deal on his own merits it’s not Cody’s problem. Apparently can survive on one hour sleep.

Alice Liddell: one of Jaime Plei Kal and Padraics adoptive children. 12 years old. 5”5. Reality warper. Mostly this means she can make a portal to wonderland through any surface. But then she gets magic and all bets are off. Adopted because we birth parents were about to have her committed to an asylum because she kept insisting wonderland is real (it is of course but they have literal Victorian sensibilities and to them Alice has cracked) favourite Dad is Plei. Blonde hair half way down her back. Blue eyes. Actually does look like Jaime a little bit except Jaime’s hair is more of a tawny gold colour and Alice’s is more yellow. Like Jaime defies the dumb blonde stereotype. Uses her powers in very creative ways. Eventually ditches the pinafore

“Horrid” henry: except not really. His biological parents are just jackasses who scapegoat him so the worm is the professed golden child. Reddish brown hair and definitely fulfils the firey redhead stereotype. But manages to use it in helpful ways after Henry’s his own magic. Loves his chemistry set. Many a stink bomb was made from it. 5”4. 11 years old. Green eyes. Favourite Dad is Kal. Again like Zephyr, he always wears the same outfit. Adopted because Jaime could see that he was miserable at his own house and was always happiest when she was babysitting him.

Timothy Tiberius Turner: brown hair blue eyes pink hat. Still has his fairy godparents because Jorgen Von strangle is terrified of Jaime (the girl unionised death). Not stupid per-say but he doesn’t think things through. Favourite Dad is Padraic. Adopted after Jaime went to talk to his fairies and saw his babysitter strapping him to a torture wheel. Definitely the baby of the group being 10 years old

Harry Osborn: 5”9. Black hair blue eyes. Bi. Enters a relationship with Parker and Merida. Hung up on Parker for longer then he’d care to admit. But always believed (as Parker did) that he was straight. Strikes up an odd friendship with Jaime over the “Peters who have ruined their lives” (Parker and Pan) the only difference Osborn is now with his Peter and Jaime doesn’t love her one anymore. He revels in the fact Parker feels the need to protect him and their respective positions in the relationship have changed. Was dying before he used magic to cure the unknown disease that would ravage his body. Couldn’t use his fortune to find a cure because his fathers will stipulates that he’d be disinherited if he tried to cure himself. That and he wanted to defend himself properly should the need arise

Ashton Darling: Jaime’s cousin born in the same hospital month day and the exact same time. Shoulder length tawny gold hair blue eyes same height as Jaime. It’s a running gag that he and Jaime look so much alike they could easily be the same person cloned and don’t think that before puberty when her hair was shorter they didn’t pull pull a twin switch. They even have the same taste in men. Fictional with bright eyes. Expected a bigger reaction from Jaime when he came out to her. She knew and they carried on as normal. Eventually starts dating Jack Frost from rise of the guardians. His parents are fans of that 70’s show. His younger brother is called Topher

Jack Frost: pure white hair blue eyes. 5”9. Always in the same outfit. Guardian of fun. Has a sibling like rivalry with Elsa. She thinks he’s annoying and he thinks she’s boring despite them having the same powers. In Jack Elsa sees what she could have had. Yes Jack was lonely but he made the best of it for centuries and he had people to talk to (North toothania bunnymund and Sandy) whereas Elsa retreated into herself scared of going near others. Though they come to an understanding and when Jaime gives the shovel talk to Jack Elsa gives the shovel talk to Ashton. Ashton and Jack met in similar circumstances to Merida and Parker except the Ashton and Jack’s weren’t nearly as tragic as Merida and Parker

Taran: 13 years old. 5”6. Red hair green eyes. Dalbens ward but somehow ends up staying at Jaime’s (admittedly insanely cavernous) flat more then necessary and everyone knows why except him. Alice has taken a shine to him. He doesn’t quite know why. Gurgis still attached to his hip. He and Eilonwy drifted apart but they are still friends. Has next to no idea what’s going on more than half the time

Felicia Hardy: old friend of Harry and Parker. The friend that would not leave. Her father died and she still is not over it. Cinnamon colour hair hazel eyes. 5”8. Hapless. That is until the symbiote infects her and almost starts a war with the galactic federation.

Johnny Storm: like Parker the group just call him storm. 5”9. Mid length spiky blonde hair. Blue eyes. The human torch. Enters the group by happenstance. Works at Oscorp on an intern. When Parker took the fall for what Felicia was blamed for harry had a bit of a panic attack demanding that he and Parker weren’t separated again so to assuage him Parker takes him on a holiday in a private suite in the death hotel. But then Storm arrives with this contract he needs harry to sign and it escalates from there so now Merida has three boyfriends who are also dating each other one of which is in intergalactic jail.

There are a multitude of alternate realities that are accessed through a full length mirror in Jaime’s flat. Some have diffoerent circumstances or flipped morality/genders or different outcomes. For example

Different circumstances: Clark crashed into the Wayne’s greenhouses and the shock set off Martha’s labour. Clark married a one Diana prince and had two children. Oliver Kingston Wayne and Barry Allen Wayne. Bruce is the drink uncle who accidentally joined a big brother program and Clark is making damned sure Bruce is honouringthe commitment. Oliver dances at a club to be self sufficient. Barry meanwhile is obsessed with chemistry. Clark stayed home with a sick Alfred that fateful night and has never forgiven himself. So he became superman to make sure something like that never happens to anyone else. Bruce however became a preteen alcoholic. Chardonnay is his drink of choice. Their pool cleaner a mr Arthur curry and their chauffeur is a mr Hal Jordan

Different outcome: Professor farnsworth took over New New York with an army of bending units aided by his insane son Phillip. Leela is Phillips personal slave. An impoverished Amy Wong is his public slave (Leela is a sewer mutant). Carol Walt Larry and Igner are incarcerated for trying to throw a coup

Flipped morality: Snow White, jealous of her fathers affection for his new wife, killed her father and blamed grimhilde for it. She learned dark magic and killed the queen in a mirror storm then took over the kingdom with only seven diamond armoured dwarfs. All when she was fourteen.

Flipped gender: Cendrillon used as servant in his own home until he’s able to go to the ball aided by his fairy godfather. The princess saved him with a glass slipper

You get the idea

The characters relation ships with their parents:

Jaime and Wendy had a major falling out because Wendy kept trying to put her solutions in alignment with Jaime’s problems. Eventually Jaime moved next door into a flat in Mickey and Minnie’s castle. And now Jaime’s the queen. Wendy is 5”10 tawny gold hair almost always in a bun. Blue eyes and always dressed in blue. Mid to late forties. Edward Emerson. Think Henry cavil in prime superman mode greying at the temples in either army fatigues or black denim. One year older than Wendy. Besides George he is the only mortal in the family and being mortal he can use a magic wand (no one quite knows why only mortals can use wands)

Plei’s mother Sarah looks the same as in the film. Now you need to go through trauma for your magic to settle. And Plei’s trauma is seeing his father Leland a gain in god know how long. It does not go well

Kal have a rivalry with Clark because Kal sees Clark as a wimp who is wasting his powers on helping people and Clark thinks Kal is a no good miscreant. Their parents though treat Kal the same way they treat Clark. Doesn’t matter if he’s a close W he’s their son. In return Kal values them and does not hate them like he hates Kal (high praise in deed)

Smee just wants Padraic to be happy and if that means Padraic being in England in an entirely different dimension then so be it.

Elinor got impatient with Merida taking so long to choose a suitor and then Merida decided to try and find a boyfriend from non options (read as she doesn’t love the clans sons). So they had a hard he blow out fight which led to Merida moving in with Jaime and she’s barely looked back since

May doesn’t know Parker is no longer st school and he is not planning on telling her. And besides she’s got Benji

Ariel and Eric know everything and as long as melody isn’t hurt they’re fine with it

Phoebus and Esmeralda are just like Ariel and Eric

Cody’s mother isn’t in the picture anymore

Alice’s parents tried to have her committed so their relationship is next to nonexistent

Henry’s is his parents scapegoat so his brother retains a veneer of so called “perfection”

Timmy’s parents are negligent and let him be babysat by a psychopath who repeatedly tries to kill him. His fairy god parents are crazy but at least they care

Norman put a stipulation in his will that if harry seeks a cure then he will be disinherited. So try to gage their relationship from that

John darling came out as bi and his wife couldn’t handle it so she divorced him and took Ashton and Topher to New York. John remarries Casey mulligan. Casey is actually Jamie’s ex husband (don’t get worried it was some stupid new law that all marriages in England are legal. Including playground marriages. Jaime and Casey’s happenedwhen she was five and he was nine). So they got a quickie divorce. And as it turns out Casey has a son from his ex girlfriend. Casey junior (get it?). So now John is a 42 year old divorcee remarried to a twenty year old with a 10 month old step son and two teenage children. Annalise got remarried to Ashton’s high school crush, his Australian swim coach

Jack’s family died a couple centuries ago so what accounts for his family are the guardians a boy who remembers him less and less every year. Elsa who sees him as who she could have been and Anna who just wants everybody to get along. Then there’s kristoff who just wants peace

Taran still goes to see Dalben henwen fflewder and eilonwy when he can

Felicia’s last words to her father were “piss off” so she desperate to make amends with his ghost

Well you know about the fantastic four.

Jaime has become a children’s advocate. Simple stuff like babysitting and making sure the recess gang isn’t split up. But she isn’t up to date on slang so when a mourning 13 year old Angelica pickles drunk dials her, Jaime has no idea what’s the girls saying. And she takes it upon herself to punish the “evil children” ie DW Reed, 3 year old Angelica Pickles, manny heffley, Francine nebulon the children the make their older siblings lives a living hell.

Simpson’s:

Jaime aged up the child population of Springfield by ten years. Barts twenty Lisa’s eighteen Maggies twelve and so on. She also given them special powers. Bart has super speed Lisa HAD telekinesis (she abused it so she losed it. Painful rhyme I know) Maggie has electrokinesis milhouse can ghost through objects Nelson can put national monuments on his pinky nail. Ralph can bend reality to his will. Sherri can teleport Terri can fly. That sort of thing. Though some have non active powers. Moe can not die no matter how hard he tries. Homer and barney have regenerative livers (so they can be sozzled all the time) Bart has inherited Montys fortune and company

[katie-dub]

December 15 (3/3)

Emma and Killian have been friends forever, but will everything change when Emma gets dumped by Neal and turns to her best friend for support?

So once upon a time I totally failed at completing my CS Secret Santa fic in a reasonable time frame and poor @ladyfirefly had to wait forever to find out how the story ends. I hope this is at least a little bit worth it!

Also for @dreadpirateemma - happy birthday and thanks for your enthusiasm! ;)

AO3

Part 1 Part 2

December 15 2008

Killian watched as Emma and Henry charged around the park together. Henry was dressed in an Iron Man suit, blasting unseen enemies out of his path while he dragged his giggling mother to safety.

He smiled at them wistfully, already anticipating the day when some man would swoop in and steal Emma’s heart. He may think of Henry as his, but in truth, he was nothing more than the boy’s mother’s best friend.

He had foolishly allowed himself to hope that his time had come last year when they had kissed under the mistletoe. When his beautiful friend dragged him home and into her bed. When she had stripped him bare and made love to him all night long. It had been like coming home, a divine night of pleasure, all of his dreams come true.

And yet when he woke up in the morning, she had been distant and cold. When he asked her what was wrong she wouldn’t look at him. “Killian - I - I don’t regret what we did. But it has to be a one time thing.”

He had been too stunned and heartbroken to speak.

Later Liam’s words “a man unwilling to fight for what he wants deserves what he gets” echoed through Killian’s mind. But he knew his Emma, if she had said no fighting would surely just push her further away. He’d rather have her as a friend than not be in her life at all. So he pushed down his feelings and acted as nothing more than her best friend.

“Killian Jones is that you?” A bright, female voice called from behind him, he turned slowly around to see Ariel, a pretty redhead who he hadn’t seen for years. He grinned at the sight of her.

“Ariel! It’s so good to see you!” He strode over to her and wrapped her in a hug, “how are you?”

“I’m good thanks! Eric and I came back to see our families and share our news.” She pulled back and wiggled the fingers of her left hand in front of him indicating the sparkling diamond ring on her finger. He pulled her in for another - even bigger - hug.

“Congratulations, lass! I’m so glad you’re still together after all this time - and you’re stronger than ever!” He said when they finally broke apart.

“And you!” Ariel nodded behind him, indicating that she’d seen Henry and Emma, “I’m so glad you two finally got together.”

Killian looked back towards Emma, feeling his heart ache at what he was about to say.

“Oh. Um, no, it’s not like that.”

“What? You and Emma aren’t a couple? But last time I saw you, you two looked very…” Ariel paused, “together.”

Killian scratched behind his ear, uncomfortable with yet another reminder of what had happened last year. “I didn’t realise you were in Storybrooke last year, lass. No -”

“I wasn’t.” Ariel cut him off, looking confused, he looked back, equally bewildered. “What are you talking about?” she asked.

“What are you talking about?” Killian countered. Ariel looked embarrassed.

“That college party back in 2000? I walked in on you and Emma - well - you know…” she trailed off, blushing a little.

“I really don’t.” Killian tried to take his mind back - he thought it might have been the night Emma and Neal broke up, but he couldn’t really remember anything beyond rum and regret.

“What? How could you forget having sex with your best friend?”

Killian’s jaw dropped and his eyes flew wide open. He needed to respond to this frankly ridiculous question, the only problem was he seemed to have forgotten how to speak. And even if he could, he wasn’t entirely certain he could remember any words. For someone as loquacious as him, it was frankly embarrassing.

“I - er - we - um -”

“Oh! You really don’t remember? I - well, I walked in on the two of you in a bedroom and - well -” Ariel had turned as red as her hair, Killian was sure he must be the same colour.

“Is there - is there any chance you mistook someone else for us?” He was trying to sort out the muddled mess of his emotions. This couldn’t be true. And yet, Emma’s kisses last year had felt strangely familiar… He shook his head, and searched Ariel’s face, looking for the lie, “Maybe we weren’t doing - what you think we were?”

“Killian, it was definitely you. There was -” Ariel took a deep breath, “you were moaning each other’s names and you were very naked. Please don’t make me talk about this, it was embarrassing enough at the time. Does it really matter if you - did stuff - 8 years ago?”

8 years ago. And Henry was 7. Born almost exactly 9 months after that bloody party, in fact.

Suddenly it all made sense.

Neal had always been adamant that Henry couldn’t be his. Killian had seen this as nothing more than evidence of what a bloody wanker he was, but now he saw the truth of it. Henry must be Killian’s own son. Emma herself had told him she didn’t trust what the doctors told her about dates, because they just didn’t quite add up.

He turned to stare at the boy in awe - finding himself searching Henry for obvious clues to his true parentage.

At least he could be certain of one thing: Emma couldn’t remember the night either. He didn’t believe for one second that she would have kept the knowledge from him - especially in light of the consequences - if she knew.

But, oh God, how could he tell her? How could he reveal that he was probably - a voice inside whispered “definitely” - Henry’s father now? He remembered the way things had been between them last year: the unspoken agreement that they were never again to speak of such things had been all that rescued their friendship.

He felt a hand on his arm that made him jump; he had forgotten that Ariel was beside him. He glanced at her and saw a sympathetic smile on her face. “If you want to be with her, you should tell her how you feel.”

“I can’t hurt our boy -” the truth of those words hit him: Henry really was theirs.

“Love is worth it, Killian.” He bit his lip to avoid saying anything rude or aggressive to Ariel. He knew she meant well, it’s just that sometimes she was so naive.

“I’ll leave you to it.” He doesn’t pay attention as she goes. This friend from years past who’s just come and shattered his understanding of life.

He’s Henry’s father.

How could he ever explain this?

***

“OK, what's wrong? You've been acting weird ever since the park, just spit it out.” Emma crossed her arms over her chest and fixed him with her “don't fuck with me” look.

Killian knew the moment had come to tell her what Ariel had said. He just wished he knew how she would react. Or rather, he wished he didn't know Emma well enough to know that she would shut him out in response. He scratched at his ear nervously and took a deep breath to calm him.

“I saw Ariel at the park, love. She had quite the curious tale for me, but I believe she told me the truth and if she did it has interesting ramifications.”

Killian watched as Emma rolled her eyes at him. “Ramifications? I thought I told you to just spit it out.”

“Well, she told me that she saw us.. Being intimate.” Killian watched as a horrified look of confusion crossed over Emma's face. “Not last year, love, the night that we drank all the rum and forgot everything that happened? It was about 8 years ago, right about when Henry was conceived if the doctors and his birthday are to be believed. ”

His heart pounded as he watched her connect the dots of what he was saying. Her eyes were filling with wonder, but there was a hard, distrustful edge to her gaze.

“You think you are Henry's dad?”

“Would that be so terrible, love?”

He watched her struggle to respond and however much he knew that this was a strange and confusing situation to be in, he couldn't help but feel hurt by her reaction. He knew she needed time, he wasn't even sure what he was feeling right now, but the longer she sat in silence, the more his dread grew.

“Should I go stay with Liam for a few days?” he asked cautiously, hoping it was the right play.

“What?” she snapped, burning him with her enraged glare. “You find out Henry's allegedly yours and all you can think to do is run away? You're no better than Neal.”

Her words were like a knife to his heart and they ignited an instant rage in him.

“How could you equate me wanting to give you a little bit of space to cope with some news that changes our entire relationship with the way that wanker treated you? I have loved you for half my bloody life - and I know that makes you want to run as far and as fast away from me as possible right now. I don't want you to, I need you to stay, so I thought - hoped - that if I gave you the time you need to process this that maybe you wouldn't want to run. That maybe I could be good enough to keep my place in your life. In our son’s life.” He runs his fingers through his hair feeling quite deranged. “Bloody hell, love. Have I ever given you reason to think I would leave you? I have raised Henry like a son and you think now I know he really is mine -”

“We don't know that.”

Killian was startled by her harsh words, and simply stared at her incredulously. “What?”

“We don't know you’re Henry's dad. We have someone's memories of a party years ago.”

“Fine.” He couldn’t argue with her logic, and he had to know the truth himself. There was the only thing they could do that really made sense. “Let's get a paternity test then, love.”

Emma doesn't look at him when she finally, quietly replies, “good. But, right now, I think you should go stay with Liam.”

Killian stormed off to collect the essentials for a few days at his brothers. Before he left he turned to look at Emma. She was curled into a ball looking sad and alone.

“Henry is my boy and I will love him just the same, whatever the test says, Emma. I'll come by tomorrow to see him.” She avoided his gaze but nodded to show she'd heard him. He felt a lump in his throat and a tightness in his chest as he opened the door and stepped out, feeling like he was already halfway out of his family's life.

December 15 2009

“So, Emma, what did you ask Santa for this year? Killian naked in your bed?”

Emma looked up at the sound of Ruby's voice. “What?”

“Why am I not surprised that just the mere mention of a naked Killian was enough to bring you back to us? You were miles away.”

“Sorry, I just…” She rubbed her temples, unable to articulate her feelings. “I have things on my mind.”

She had Killian on her mind.

This past year had been a minefield, one that almost had torn their friendship apart. She knew finding out he was Henry’s dad should have brought them closer together, but it scared the shit out of her.

She tried to convince herself that it was all concern for Henry that made her wary. But she knew really that it was her own heart she was worried for. They had always danced around their feelings because it was easier than losing each other. At some point she just figured, if they were meant to be they would have worked it out long ago.

Now though, she could see how irrevocably this man was entwined with her life. She couldn’t even remember a time when she hadn’t loved him and somehow knowing that they had this bond just cemented how much power he had over her happiness.

So she did what she always did in these situations: she ran. At least this time it was only metaphorically.

She’d pulled back from him, found more excuses to hang out outside their apartment, went out on dates. She’d stayed friendly with him but put her walls up between them to protect herself from his rejection.

That was when she noticed her friends all staring at her.

Ruby had a wolfish grin and an evil gleam in her eye, Mary Margaret was full of concern, Elsa just sat appraising her thoughtfully.

“Sorry, did you guys say something?”

It was Elsa who finally spoke up. “Is everything ok with you and Killian? He… he’s seemed really down and kind of distracted for a while now.” She looked like she was struggling over whether or not to say anything more. “Honestly, Emma? He seems heartbroken.”

Emma dropped her head to her hands with a sigh. She hated to think that Killian was hurting - and more to the point: she was the cause.

“If I tell you guys something, do you promise not to tell anyone?” She murmured into her hands before looking up at her friends who were all nodding. She caught Mary Margaret’s eye. “I mean it Mary Margaret, you cannot breathe a word of this to anyone. Including your charming husband.”

Mary Margaret wrinkled her nose in disgust, but agreed.

“Killian’s Henry’s dad.”

It was almost funny to watch the identical looks of shock that appeared on their faces.

It was Ruby who recovered first. “Hold up: you’re telling us you banged Killian…” she paused, clearly counting, “9 years ago and we’re only just hearing about it now? What was he like?”

“I don’t - I can’t actually remember it.”

Ruby grimaced. “Nothing to write home about? Damn, Captain Innuendo’s all talk? That is a shame.”

Emma rolled her eyes but couldn’t help laughing. “Neither of us remember it Ruby. We drank all the rum in Storybrooke the night it happened. We only recently found out about this.” She saw identical looks of confusion directed her way, but the shame she felt when Killian had first shared the news hadn’t died. “Please don’t make me explain. We found out Henry’s our son this year and things have been weird between us ever since. End of story.”

“Why are they weird?” Ruby demanded, insisting on all the gossip in that unique way of hers. If she wasn’t such a wonderful friend, Emma often thought she might throttle Ruby. “Did you make things weird, Emma Swan?”

“Well … I … This is just … weird. People don’t normally find out they accidentally had a child with their best friend who they secretly love -”

“It’s not a secret, Emma.” Ruby cut in. “Except maybe to Killian.”

Emma took a deep breath, she had to make them all understand. “Look, I’m not great in relationships and I … I don’t want either of us to get hurt.”

“OK, Emma, you know I love you.” Emma closed her eyes at Elsa’s words. “But, speaking as your friend I have to say: you’re hurting yourself. And I know you don’t want to hear it, but as Killian’s sister in law, I know you’re hurting him too. He hasn’t said a word about this to me or Liam, but he always wears his heart on his sleeve and we know he’s in pain.”

Emma opened her mouth to object, but Elsa held one finger up to stop her.

“The worst part about all of this is Emma, there’s no reason for all of this. I know you’re scared to be hurt, but you’re already hurt. You worry about people leaving you? Well, when has Killian ever done that? Because as far as I know, he offered you a home and a father for your child and stayed with you for year after year when he thought Henry was someone else’s child. Emma, there aren’t many grown men who would do that and he was only a teenager!”

“But…” Emma tried feebly.

Elsa shook her head. “No, Emma. No. You don’t have to be with Killian if you don’t want to, but you have to know, he adores you and Henry and he would do anything for you. Whether you want him or not, just please, please, be his friend again.”

Emma clenched her jaw to force the tears that pricked her eyes not to fall down her cheek. “I don’t want to just be his friend.”

“Well, then go be more! Love is worth it, Emma! You have to fight for it!” Mary Margaret patted Emma’s hand, her kind eyes gleaming with happiness.

“OK, but if it all goes wrong, you guys better pick up the pieces.” She glared at all her friends, despite feeling lighter than she had in months.

“We won’t have to,” Elsa said, looking at Emma with pride, “now go put Killian out of his misery. Please, Liam’s sick of his moping.”

Emma jumped up and ran to the door.

“Good luck with banging your bestie!” Ruby called after her, “and don’t forget we want all the details tomorrow!”

***

It didn’t take Emma long to get home, but it seemed like an age, now that she’d finally decided to be brave, she needed to do it right away, before she lost her nerve.

She opened the door to their apartment and saw Killian sat on their couch. He looked up at her, surprised by her sudden appearance, before dropping his gaze to the floor and moving as if to leave the room.

She ran over to him and caught him by the hand. He spun around to look at her, confused by her actions. He studied her face, searching for a clue as to what she was thinking.

“I love you, Killian.” Emma blurted the words out, then winced at how abrupt they were.

She needn’t have worried. Killian gazed at her in wonder before his face slowly broke out into a dazzling grin. He looked stunned and ecstatic all at once.

“Is this - is this real, love, or have I had had too much rum?”

She grabbed his shirt and pulled his lips down to hers, determined to prove to him just how real it was. When they broke apart for breath she could see tears welling up in his eyes.

“Killian?” she whispered, alarmed, wiping the tears away before they could fall.

“I’m ok, love. I’m just - you’ve just made me so happy. I love you, Emma Swan, I’ve loved you for so long and -”

Emma pounced on his lips, cutting him off before he could say another word.

December 15 2010

Killian and Emma were sitting side by side, wrapping presents for their son, occasionally stealing kisses from each other while they worked. Killian still couldn’t quite believe that this was all real. After all this time, after so many years of pining, his best friend, his wonderful, darling Emma, was really and truly his.

As he placed the last label on the last of the gifts, he pulled Emma into his side, sighing with contentment as she curled into him.

Then, not a moment later, Emma jumped up and ran out the room.

Killian followed her, alarmed by her sudden escape. He found her bent over the toilet being violently sick. Instantly he was on his knees beside her, holding her hair out of her face and gently rubbing her back.

When she was finally done, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead, which was damp with sweat. “Is everything alright, love?” He murmured into her hair, trying not to show just how panicky he felt at the sight of his Emma, his brave, strong lass, so ill.

“Um… Yeah. Although, could you get me some water? And maybe give me a minute to myself? You promised that we’d watch Elf tonight, maybe you could get that lined up for me?”

Killian pulled back and looked at her, searching for any sign of what might be wrong. She looked pale and weak, but she gave him a small smile and looked meaningfully at the door. He laughed at that - if she was well enough to kick him out, he knew she was ok.

Emma came back out into the room just as he had finished scrolling past the trailers on the DVD. She didn’t come to sit with him, but hovered near the hallway, bouncing on her toes and looking excited. He cocked one eyebrow at her and gestured for her to join him on the couch. She stayed on the spot, looking ready to explode.

“Are you going to come and sit down with me, love? I promise I won’t bite… unless you want me to” He ran his tongue over his lips salaciously.

“No.” Emma said breathlessly, ignoring his OTT moves. “I’ve got some news and it’s good but…” She looked away, biting her lip nervously.

“But?” Killian walked over to her and cocked his head, raising one eyebrow at her strange behaviour. “What is it? You know you can tell me anything.”

“I know why I was sick. I thought I’ve known for a few days now, but now I know for sure. I’m pregnant!” Emma spoke in a rush, pulling the positive test from behind her back as she spoke.

Killian was stunned. The thought made him deliriously happy, so to see her excited face floored him. “You’re - you’re pregnant?”

Emma’s face fell. “Oh. I thought that you’d be happy about it. I -”

Killian cursed himself for not making it clear how happy that news made him. He threw his arms around her, lifting her up and kissing her soundly until she pulled back with a giggle. “I am so happy, Emma, I love you so, so much.”

December 15 2011

Emma held her precious little girl close to her, knowing that she should put the sleeping babe down and get some more sleep before she was needed again later.

But sometimes while she was the only one awake in the dark, she just liked to hold her tiny baby and marvel at how perfect she was, at how perfect this was. She listened to the soft chorus of her baby’s breaths joining that of her daddy’s as he slept soundly beside them.

When did she get so lucky?

It had never been this good in Henry’s early life - a fact that made her want to cry with both happiness and guilt. She had Killian by her side then too, but not like this.

Sometimes she could kick herself for her foolishness, for all the pain she put them through. But sometimes, sometimes she let herself accept that they took the path that they had to take to wind up here. They fought for their love and they won.

She stifled a yawn and finally accepted that she needed sleep. Gently she placed her daughter into the crib with a soft kiss. She snuggled back into Killian’s side and even in sleep he reached out to pull her close.

She closed her eyes, feeling more content than she ever hoped she would be, grateful to have found her happy beginning with her true love at last.

[swanqueeneverafter]

29. Ariel, Pt.3

Neverland. Present. Inside Echo Cave. (Emma, Mary Margaret, David and Hook enter. On the other side of the cave, locked in a cage and unreachable because of a gap in the cave floor, is Neal.) Neal: “Emma!” Emma: “Neal.” Mary Margaret: “It must be a hundred feet across.” David: “Even if we fashioned some sort of rope, there's nothing to attach it to. No way to swing over.” Emma: “So what do we do?” Hook: “I told you what needs to be done. Consider this the moment of truth, literally. Now... who wants to kick things off?” Emma: “So, what? Someone tells their secret and they sprout wings?” Hook: “I don't know the particulars, only what I've been told.” David: “Well, how do you know it'll work?” (Hook takes a deep breath and turns to face Neal.) Hook: “There's only one way to find out, I suppose. (He turns back to face everyone:) I fancy Emma.” (Emma rolls her eyes.) David: “I warned you about that, Hook.” Mary Margaret: “David, now is not the time.” Emma: “How is that your darkest secret?” Hook: “It's not a small thing for me, I assure you. My secret is, I never thought I'd be capable of letting go of my first love... of my Milah... to believe that I could find someone else. That is, until I met you.” (The ground quakes and a large chunk of rock grows from the floor, forming a partial bridge to reach the part of the gave where Neal is.) David: “Uh... Mary Margaret...” Mary Margaret: “No, no, no. Me next. Ever since the curse broke, since we found each other, since we found Emma... And all of that happiness, there is something I haven't wanted to admit. Our daughter is a beautiful, smart, amazing woman whom I love very much, and of whom I could not be more proud. But she's all grown up. And... As much as I wanna pretend I'm okay with that, I'm not. We missed it, David. What we have with her is unique, but it's not what I wanted. We were cheated out of everything... her first step, her first word, her first smile. We missed it all.” David: “What are you saying?” Mary Margaret: “When we get off this island and get back to Storybrooke, I want another go at it. I wanna have another baby.” (The ground quakes and the bridge extends.) David: “Nothing in this world would make me happier, and I know with all my heart that you would make... An amazing mother. But it can never happen... At least not with me.”

Mary Margaret: “What do you mean?” David: “When Hook and I went to search for the sextant, he was really taking me to find a cure.” Mary Margaret: “A cure for what?” David: “Dreamshade.” Mary Margaret: “The lost boys, the arrow... you pushed me out of the way–” David: “–I wasn't fast enough. I was hit. Hook was able to find a cure, but it comes at a price. I can't leave Neverland. If I do, I'll die.” (The bridge finishes forming. Emma unsheathes her sword and carefully walks across. Half-way across, when she's sure it's sturdy, she runs the rest of the way and bends down to face Neal.) Emma: “You okay?” Neal: “Yeah. But Henry...” Emma: “I... It's okay. We're gonna take care of him. Just need to get you out of there first.” (She takes her sword and starts hacking at the bamboo bars, though she does no damage.) Neal: “Wha... Emma, Emma, Emma, Emma! (Emma stops:) You know that's not how this works. It's okay. You can tell me anything.”

Emma: (Kneels beside the cage and takes a deep breath:) “When Mary Margaret told me you might be here, and that you might still be alive, I knew I should be happy, but I wasn't. I know I told you back in Storybrooke that I forgive you for what happened between us, but I can’t. (Glances back at Mary Margaret before continuing:) My mom was so eager for us to find you and I didn't understand why until now. From the moment I saw you in New York, in the instant you stepped back in my life, I knew. I knew I'd never be able to feel the way I did about you like I did before. I know I should try to forgive you and I thought I could, at least for Henry’s sake, but I just can’t. There’s just too much pain, too much anger there. And my secret... Is that I’m terrified that I’ll never be able to fully forgive my parents for abandoning me like you did, for choosing each other, over me. Which is why I was hoping that this was a trick. I was hoping you were dead... (Tears falling:) Because it would be easier to put you behind me than to have another person in my life to remind me that I’m dispensable. To feel that at any moment I can be replaced. I didn’t want to face all the pain that I went through all over again.” (The bars of the cage dissolve, and Neal gets out and hugs Emma.) Outside Echo Cave. (As everyone emerges from the cave, Neal turns to face them all.) Neal: “Thank you.” David: “Well, don't thank us yet. We still have to save Henry.” Hook: “We found your star map, so the real question is, do you know how to get off this island?” Neal: “Well, if we can find Henry, I can get us home.” Hook: “Let's go get Tinker Bell and... retrieve the boy.” (He, Mary Margaret and David walk ahead, as Emma and Neal stay behind.) Emma: “You all right?” Neal: “Yeah, I'm fine.” Emma: “About what I said...” Neal: “Hey. Hey, Emma, it's okay.” Emma: “No, it's not. I wish I could change how I feel more than anything, but... I can't. I'm sorry.” Neal: “Don't be. After everything I've put you through, you don't ever have to apologize to me about how you feel. Hey, I'm glad you told me. I have a secret, too, Emma. I'm never gonna stop trying to make it up to you. Never.” (Neal walks away, and Hook is hiding behind the brush, having listened to the entire conversation. Transition to Mary Margaret and David up ahead.) David: (To Mary Margaret:) “Look, I know I should've told you...” Mary Margaret: “Don't. Just... not now.”

Maritime Kingdom. Past. The Beach. (Ariel is in the water, and Snow White crawls onto the shore.) Ariel: “I am so sorry, Snow. Are you okay?” Snow White: (She takes a deep breath:) “Yeah. I'm fine! But you need to go.” Ariel: “What?” Snow White: “Eric... tell him the truth. Go to him.” Ariel: “The caravan is probably long gone by now, and we're miles from the docks.” Snow White: “I saw how he looked at you at the ball. He'll wait as long as possible.” Ariel: “You think he's still there?” Snow White: “There is only one way to find out. Go!” Ariel: “Thank you, Snow!” Snow White: “Go! Just go!” (Ariel dives underwater.) Maritime Kingdom. Past. At The Castle. (Prince Eric is waiting on a balcony.) Man: “Your Highness... It's time.” Prince Eric: “Just a little longer.” (Ariel pops her head out of the water and sees Eric standing there waiting.) Ariel: (She moves her mouth to speak the following, but no noise comes out:) “Eric! (She touches her throat:) Eric! Eric? Eric? (Unable to hear her, Eric walks away) No, please, no, Eric!” (Eric leaves and Ariel shakes her head.) Evil Queen: “I told you there'd be no second chances. (Ariel looks up at the docks, where the Evil Queen is standing, looking down at her. The Evil Queen takes a seat:) Hmm? (Ariel touches her throat:) Oh, that. Your voice. I took it. The only thing worse about telling your prince how you feel and rejecting you is... Never telling him at all. Never knowing. Never even having... a chance at true love. That's right, dear. He's gone. Time to swim back home... Little mermaid.” (Ariel dives back underwater.) Enchanted Forest. Past. In The Dark Castle. (The Evil Queen is walking and then stops when she hears a voice coming from a full-length mirror.) Ursula: “Hello, Regina.” Evil Queen: “You. You're real?” Ursula: (Her tentacles emerge from the mirror and she wraps them tightly around the Evil Queen:) “Next time you claim to be me, you'll find out just how real I am.” Evil Queen: (As the tentacles tighten:) “Oh!” Ursula: “Don't ever do that again.” (She withdraws her tentacles.)

Neverland. Present. The Beach. (Regina and Gold are walking along the shore. Regina stops when she sees a conch, and picks it up.) Gold: “If you think summoning a giant squid is the answer, I've already tried that.” Regina: “Oh, you've had fun, haven't you? I have no intention of ordering calamari. (Regina whispers into the conch. Ariel surfaces from the water:) Hello, Ariel. Long time.” Gold: “It's true mermaids can travel across realms. But they can't be trusted.” Regina: “This one can. We have history together.” Gold: “Well, that would explain the distasteful look on her face.” Regina: “And now she's going to help us.” Ariel: (She mouths "no") Regina: “Oh, right, your voice.” (She waves her hand.) Ariel: “Why would I help you?” Regina: “Because I can give you what you want. (She puts out her hand, and the same bracelet from years ago appears in Ariel's hand:) I can give you legs, Ariel, and this time, control over them. But more importantly, I can give you what you need most.” Ariel: “What?” Regina: “The place I'm sending you... among its residents... is your Prince Eric.” Ariel: “What's the name of this place?” Regina: “Storybrooke.” Storybrooke. Five Days Ago... Mr. Gold: “You have to stay here.” Belle: “No! W... why? I... I... I wanna help.” Mr. Gold: “Well, Tamara wasn't working alone. Others will follow. (Hands Belle a small scroll:) It's a cloaking spell. It will shield the town, making it impossible for anyone to find.” Belle: “Well, then how... how will you find your way back to me? You're not coming back, are you?” Mr. Gold: “The prophecy. The boy is my undoing. But he's also my grandson. I must save him.” Belle: (Voice breaking:) “I understand. I also know... that the future isn't always what it seems. I will see you again.” Cut To: (Belle watches the Jolly Roger as it sinks into the portal to Neverland and disappears.) Leroy: (Running up:) “They did it! (Laughs:) They saved us! (Notices Belle:) They did save us, didn't they? Tears of joy?” Archie: “Belle, what is it?” Mother Superior: “Are you okay? What happened? Where is everyone?” Belle: “They stopped the trigger device. The woman who came... Tamara... she kidnapped Henry and took him through a portal.” Mother Superior: “A portal? To where?” Belle: “I... I don't know. Everyone else followed them on Hook's ship.” Leroy: “Why'd you stay behind?” Belle: “Because I had to.” (Pulls the scroll out of her pocket.) Mother Superior: (Steps forward and reads it:) “It's a cloaking spell. Why?” Belle: “Because Rumple said... He said others were coming.” Cut To: Somewhere Outside Storybrooke. (Two pale faced men drive along the road towards Storybrooke.)

Storybrooke. Mines. (The group from the docks now gather in the mines.) Leroy: “Who exactly does Gold think is coming?” Belle: “He didn't say specifically.” Archie: “Well, let's not panic. I mean, for all we know, it's a precaution. Right?” Belle: “Well, he... he did say they're working with the people who tried to destroy the town.” Leroy: “Can we panic now?” Archie: “Yeah. Sure. Maybe just a little.” Belle: “We'll be fine as long as we get this up in time.” Leroy: “Careful, sister. Mines are a dangerous place.” Belle: “Fairy dust.” Mother Superior: “It runs through the walls. We just need to open up a vein, and that'll carry the magic through town.” Leroy: “No time for whistlin', boys. Let's get swingin'.” (The Dwarves get to work mining for fairy dust.) Outside Storybrooke. (The two men drive ever closer toward Storybrooke’s town line.) Storybrooke. Mines. Leroy: “Halt! (Belle steps forward and readies the spell. She hesitates:) What is it?” Belle: “I... I've never cast a spell before. (Turns to Mother Superior:) Maybe you should do this.” Mother Superior: “No. Mr. Gold entrusted this task to you for a reason. You just need to believe in yourself.” Belle: (Whispers:) “Okay.” (She pours the vial’s contents into the exposed vein of fairy dust. Nothing happens.) Leroy: “You might wanna believe a little harder.” (Suddenly a trail of dust and light shoots from the vein, flowing out of the mines and throughout the town.) Outside Storybrooke. (The two men notice the protection spell falling over the town and speed up towards the line. They barely make it through and beyond the town line albeit without their car’s rear bumper.) Neverland. Present. (Mr. Gold is drawing rudimentary directions to Storybrooke in the sand.) Ariel: “That's Storybrooke?” Mr. Gold: “Can you get there?” Ariel: “It's far. I'll have to cross over realms. But yes, I can make it.” Mr. Gold: “If all went according to plan, (Leans down and picks up a seashell:) Storybrooke... will be surrounded by a cloaking spell. When you arrive, surface close to the shore. Then you're inside its bounds.” Ariel: “And what would you like me to bring back?” Mr. Gold: “An object to help us defeat Pan.” Ariel: “Well, I'm gonna need a little more than that to go on.” Mr. Gold: “No, I'm sorry. (Walking towards her:) Pan has ears everywhere. We can't risk telling you.” (He waves his hand over the shell, causing it to glow.) Ariel: “Then how?” Mr. Gold: “Find a woman named Belle, and then give her this. (Tosses it to the mermaid:) She'll know exactly what to do.” Ariel: “Belle. Storybrooke. Got it. (To Regina:) And Eric? Where will I find him in this new world?” Regina: “Well, that comes after you've succeeded. Incentives are important. The bracelet will only give you legs for 24 hours.” Ariel: “How do I know you'll uphold your end of the bargain when I'm back?” Regina: “Guess you'll just have to trust me.” (Ariel turns and dives into the water.)

Neverland. Pan’s Camp. (Pan and Felix sit around the campfire, whittling.) Felix: (Notices as Pan twitches:) "What is it?” Pan: (Exhales deeply:) “Someone's leaving Neverland.” Felix: “Where? How shall we stop them?” Pan: “Oh, It's too late. Don't worry, Felix. We simply need to get word to our friends on the ground.” Felix: “In Storybrooke?” Pan: “They can handle this. All it does is move up our timetable a touch. We need to get Henry ready. (Stands:) And I need to have a chat with our friend in the other cage.” Neverland. Operation Henry Camp. Emma: “Pan's shadow? That's your way off the island?” Neal: “Unfortunately, it's the only way.” David: “Oh. We thought you learned how to navigate the stars.” Neal: “I do know how to navigate the stars, but I can't fly.” Mary Margaret: “I'm guessing that's where the shadow comes in.” Neal: “That's why we have to capture it.” Emma: “Capture it? We've never been within ten feet of Pan unless he wanted us to be. Sneaking up on him to steal his shadow? That sounds insane.” Hook: “Except Pan's shadow is rarely with him. It's an entity unto itself. It can carry out his will from miles away.” David: “What does that mean for us?” Neal: “It means we can get his shadow without having to be anywhere near Pan... as long as we know where to look. I know where to look.” Emma: (Stands:) “Okay. You and I are on shadow duty.” Hook: “As am I. This trek won't be easy. You could use another veteran of the island.” Neal: “Thanks, man.” David: “Well, in the meantime, we'll give Tinker Bell a heads up, see if she can make good on her promise to get us into Pan's camp.” Emma: “Okay, we meet back at Tink's. Then we get Henry and get the hell back to Storybrooke.” David: “Okay.” (Neal, Emma & Hook head off in one direction as David offers a hand to Mary Margaret. She ignores him, stands and walks away. He sighs deeply and follows.)

[mbtizone]

Snow White/Mary Margaret Blanchard (Once Upon a Time): ISFP

Dominant Introverted Feeling [Fi]: Snow operates by her own, personalized code of morality. She has a strong sense of right and wrong, and holds people to high standards of conduct. She rebuffs David’s advances for a while because he’s married and it’s not right for them to see each other and rejects him multiple times before eventually caving. She justifies their affair because they’re supposed to be together. It’s meant to be! However, she does value honesty and persuades David to come clean with Kathryn. Though he tells her he did as she asked, Mary Margaret later finds out that he lied, and feels deeply betrayed. When the entire town turns against her and sees her as a homewrecker, it hurts because that’s not who Mary Margaret is. She is a kind, person with morals. Snow typically wants to do something to deal with her feelings. When she’s struggling to get over Charming, she seeks out Rumplestiltskin to help her get rid of her pain. She always tries to take the high road, regardless of what Regina does to her, because she views herself as good. She strives to be better than her nemesis and she can be very hard on herself when she falls short of the idealized image she has of herself. She values freedom and has a fondness for birds. She emphasizes to her class that they are building homes, not cages. Snow is virtuous, helpful, and gracious. She cares very deeply for people and has a warm, compassionate nature. When she’s on date with Dr. Wale and notices that he’s checking out Ruby while she’s speaking, she promptly ends the date. She knows who she is and what she wants and doesn’t waste her time with people who don’t appreciate her. Because she believes so strongly in being truthful, she doesn’t agree with lying to spare people’s feelings. In addition to trying to convince David to tell Kathryn about their affair, she also encourages Emma to tell Ava and Nicholas the truth about their father, and feels that Emma should also be honest with Henry about his. Snow tries to get Ariel to tell Eric the truth about who she really is as well. She isolates herself in the Enchanted Forest after meeting Charming and deals with her feelings about his wedding privately. Snow doesn’t come out and directly ask Red about him because she doesn’t want to discuss it openly. When Mary Margaret and David wake up from the curse ten years in, they get close to reuniting with Emma, but Snow is unable to go through with it knowing that it would doom everyone else in Storybrooke and she can’t bring herself to act so selfishly.

Auxiliary Extroverted Sensing [Se]: When Charming and Abigail are riding through the forest, Snow cuts down a tree in order to block their path, causing a diversion which allows her to steal from them. She is opportunistic and resourceful, using whatever happens to be available to her to get the job done. She is extremely capable of handling herself out in the wilderness and lives a life on the run for a long time. Snow tends to deal with her feelings by acting impetuously. Whether it’s finding Rumplestiltskin to help her get over Charming, or quasi-stalking David when he decides to give his marriage another chance after “remembering” her. When Mary Margaret finds a trapped dove, she becomes determined to get it back to the rest of it’s flock, putting herself at risk to do so (Fi-Se). Mary Margaret impulsively starts seeing David behind Kathryn’s back, even though she knows it isn’t right. She reminds him that they shouldn’t be doing what they’re doing and genuinely feels badly about it, but she can’t seem to control her urges. Snow White is good at physical combat, archery, and rides horses from a young age. She enjoys having adventures and doesn’t mind tasking risks. Danger can be exciting and fun.

Tertiary Introverted Intuition [Ni]: Mary Margaret is proven to have an appreciation of symbolism. When she first speaks to Emma about the book she gave Henry, she tells her that everyone knows those stories because they are a way of making sense of the world we live in. She gives Henry the book as a symbol of hope and to allow his imagination to flourish. Snow maintains hope in even the most dismal situations and always believes that she (and the people she loves) will get their happy endings one way or another, even though she sometimes experiences temporary feelings of pessimism and doubt. Sometimes, she can get stuck and see only one way out of things. David can’t leave Neverland, so she’ll just have to stay behind and live there with him. She doesn’t always know how, but she keeps the faith that, one way or another, things will work themselves out. Although she doesn’t know Abigail or Charming, she is immediately about to discern that he isn’t marrying her for love. She guesses that they are only marrying to unite their two kingdoms in an effort to prevent war, with no knowledge of their situation whatsoever. Mary Margaret doesn’t usually entertain multiple possibilities – she typically has one gut feeling and goes with it. She knows how it will end if she begins a secret relationship with David (Ni), but she even knowing what the outcome will be, she does it anyway (Se). Her instincts about people are often pretty good. Even though she barely knows Emma, she feels a connection to her and trusts her implicitly. She also believes that Regina does have the ability to change and become a force for good.

Inferior Extroverted Thinking [Te]: It’s difficult for Mary Margaret to put her feelings aside. She does what’s right or what’s moral, not what makes the most logical sense. Under stress, she can second guess her ethical decisions, noting how they never get her anywhere, which can lead her to make decisions based on what is rational instead (deciding that she needs to kill Cora or taking a potion to forget Charming). Snow usually likes to have a plan and can strategize when she needs to. Although she doesn’t feel good about it, she’s capable of putting aside her morals to do what she needs to do. She lives as a bandit for a while because of the price on her head, and sells family heirlooms in order to survive. After spending such a long time hiding from Regina, Snow decides that she will take back her kingdom with Charming by her side and wages war.

Note: I constantly see her typed as an INFP (and, in some cases, ISFJ), but there is virtually no Ne or Si in her. I think people just get an INFP “sense” from her without really looking for concrete evidence to actually support it. I think Se/Ni is fairly obvious in her.

Enneagram: 9w1 2w1 6w5 So/Sx

Quotes:

Mary Margaret: As we build our bird houses remember what you’re making is a home, not a cage. The bird is free and will do what it will. This is for them, not us. They’re loyal creatures. If you love them and they love you, they will always find you.

Mary Margaret: As you know, Henry is a special boy. So smart, so creative, and as you might be aware… lonely. He needed it. Regina: What he needs is a dose of reality.

Emma: How’s a book supposed to help? Mary Margaret: What do you think stories are for? These stories… the classics. There’s a reason we all know them. They’re a way for us to deal with our world. A world that doesn’t always make sense. See, Henry hasn’t had the easiest life. Emma: Yeah, she’s kind of a hard-ass. Mary Margaret: No, it’s more than her. He’s like any adopted child. He wrestles with that most basic question they all inevitably face – “Why would anyone give me away?” I am so sorry. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean in any way to judge you. Emma: It’s okay. Mary Margaret: Look, I gave the book to him because I wanted Henry to have the most important thing anyone can have… hope. Believing in even the possibility of a happy ending is a very powerful thing. Emma: You know where he is, don’t you? Mary Margaret: You might want to check his castle.

Mary Margaret: I want kids, marriage, true love. I want it all. But that, of course, is wildly inappropriate for me to discuss on a first date.

Snow White: The nag with the bad attitude? That’s what this is about? Prince Charming: She’s my fiancé. Snow White: Good luck with that. You must be getting something impressive to have agreed to that union. Prince Charming: Excuse me? Snow White: I know how this works. True love? It doesn’t exist. It’s all arranged marriages and business transactions. There’s no such thing as love at first sight or first kiss. Let me guess. Her kingdom wants to take over yours, and this – what, a last-ditch effort to avoid war? Prince Charming: This is not a takeover. It-It’s a merger and quite frankly, it’s none of your business.

Emma: He doesn’t want the kids. Mary Margaret: And you don’t want to tell them. Emma: I can’t. Because all I’ll be telling them is that false hope I gave them is exactly that. Mary Margaret: The truth can be painful, Emma, but it can also be cathartic.

Snow White: Thank you. So…. How are things back in the world? Red: Come on. Ask what you really want. Snow White: I don’t know what you mean. [Red gives her a look] Okay, fine. Tell me. Red: The wedding’s happening. Prince James is marrying Midas’ daughter… in two days’ time. You okay? Snow White: I just thought, the longer I was out here, the easier it would be to for get him, but… Instead, all I do is think about him. Red: I’m sorry. Snow White: I wish there was a way to get him out of my head. [Red makes a face] What? Is there? Red: Of course not. I mean, that would– Snow White: Red, what do you know? Come on, I helped you when no one else would. What do you know?

Snow White: I need a cure. Rumplestiltskin: What ails you, doll? Snow White: A broken heart. Rumplestiltskin: Ah, the most painful of afflictions. Well, I’m afraid if you want me to make him love you, no can do, and nothing can. Snow White: No, that’s not the problem. We can’t be together. Rumplestiltskin: Well, that I can help you with. [He removes a vial from his pocket and fills it with water from the lake. In his hand, the water turns a cloudy white] Snow White: That’ll do it? Rumplestiltskin: Not yet. No two loves are… exactly alike. We must make this… [Pulls some hair from her head] Personal! Snow White: Aah! So, if I drink that, I’ll no longer love him? Rumplestiltskin: The next time you see the object of your grief, you won’t even remember who he is. Snow White: I won’t remember him? Rumplestiltskin: Love is the most powerful magic. So the cure must be… extreme. Snow White: “Extreme” sounds like an understatement. Rumplestiltskin: Don’t doubt yourself now, dearie. Love makes us sick, haunts our dreams, destroys our days. Love… has killed more than any disease. This cure is a gift.

Dr. Thatcher: Well, the good news is, no broken bones. She was just a little dehydrated, but I got her some fluids, and she should be just fine. Mary Margaret: And the bad news? Dr. Thatcher: Well, this is a North Atlantic dove. It’s a migratory species, very unique among American doves. Now, they tend to form strong monogamous bonds, meaning– Mary Margaret: If I don’t get her back to her flock, she’ll be alone forever. Dr. Thatcher: Well, it’s… It’s a long shot, but the alternative… She’ll heal, but she won’t be happy here. Mary Margaret: I’ll take my chances. Thank you, doctor. Dr. Thatcher: You’re welcome. Good luck. David: Mary Margaret, there’s a storm coming. You really shouldn’t be out there. Mary Margaret: Well, the storm is coming tomorrow, and if I wait, she could be lost forever, completely alone. No one deserves that. David: Then let me drive you. Mary Margaret: I don’t need your help David, I’ll be fine.

Mary Margaret: Believing in even the possibility of a happy ending is a powerful thing, but living with that kind of belief… That’s the most powerful thing of all.

Emma: Mary Margaret. So, how’s your day going? Mary Margaret: Henry’s fine. Emma: That’s not what I asked you. You sure? Mary Margaret: Really. He’s his normal self. Regina won’t keep you separated forever. When people are supposed to be together, they find a way [She looks over at David, who smiles at her.]

Mary Margaret: Girls’ night’s really working out for you. Ashley: Thought it would make me feel better. But the truth is…I need a “be with my guy night”. But he’s never around. And I’m at home with the baby all day. I mean, what’s the point of being together if we’re not together? Mary Margaret: I get it. Loving someone you can’t be with…it’s a terrible, terrible burden.

Mary Margaret: Who did this? David: I don’t know. I’m sorry, I don’t know how any of this happened. Mary Margaret: You don’t know? Really? David: Mary Margaret, I can’t control what other people do. Mary Margaret: No, but you can control what you do, and you lied. And now everyone is calling me a tramp. David: Who told her? Mary Margaret: That is exactly the wrong question. The real question is why didn’t you do what we discussed? Why didn’t you tell her? David: I thought we could spare her feelings. Mary Margaret: Right. You thought. Not we. You. And we discussed this. David: I didn’t want anyone to get hurt. Mary Margaret: Now everyone is hurt. We had an understanding. We had an agreement. But you not only lied to her, you lied to me.

Emma: You think this is about what happened with David? Mary Margaret: Oh, I know it is. A few of them told me as much. I’ve never…been a homewrecker before. Emma: It’s gonna roll over. You made a mistake with David. It happens. You don’t have to do charity to win people’s hearts back. Mary Margaret: I have to do something. And this is the best I can do. I’ve ruined my life.

Emma: [amazed, after Mary Margaret has shot the ogre in the eye] When was the last time you shot an arrow? Mary Margaret: Twenty-eight years ago. Guess it’s like riding a bike. Emma: Yeah, but… how did you know you could hit that? Mary Margaret: I didn’t.

Mary Margaret: I had a lot of fun today. David: Fun? Almost getting killed is fun? Mary Margaret: Yeah. I missed our adventures! David: Me too. It was kind of fun.

David: You know, we could do this all the time. When the beans grow, we could go back. Everyone could go home. Mary Margaret: I don’t know. David: What don’t you know? Mary Margaret: Home is where our family is. And that’s here.

[Cora has willfully killed Johanna, Snow’s former servant, as a show of force] Mary Margaret: I followed the same rule my entire life. Hold on to goodness. It’s what my mother taught me. How many more lives is following that lesson going to take away from me? David: You can’t let Cora make you lose faith in who you are, someone who does the right thing. Now, it’s exactly what she wants. Mary Margaret: I made the “right” decision when I stopped Regina’s execution all those years ago? When it could’ve saved us all of this heartache. I made the “right” decision, when I sent Emma through the wardrobe alone, and we didn’t see her first steps? I made the “right” decision, when I let my own mother die from Cora’s poison. David: And we keep beating them. Mary Margaret: At what cost? All I want is our happy ending. It’s time. We’ve earned it.

Mary Margaret: We keep thinking that people will change. What if that’s wrong? What if *I’m* the one who has to change? David: Change how? Mary Margaret: I’m going to kill Cora.

Mary Margaret: I gave the book to him because I wanted Henry to have the most important thing anyone can have. Hope. Believing in even the possibility of a happy ending is a very powerful thing.

Mary Margaret: Kill me. Regina: What? Mary Margaret: Regina, we have been fighting for so long. It’s cost us so much. It has to end before anyone else dies. So, please… just do it. Regina: [shakes her head] Henry would never forgive me. But you know what my problem is? I never learn from my mistakes. [She rips out Mary Margaret’s heart]

Mary Margaret: [referring to August] Who was that? Emma: I don’t know yet. Mary Margaret: Yet? So you’re going to find out? Emma: It’s nothing. Mary Margaret: Nothing with you means something, because if it were nothing, we wouldn’t be talking about it.

Mary Margaret: You ever walk into a situation where you know exactly what’s going to happen… and then you go into it anyway? And then when what you’re afraid of happens… you kick yourself, because you should have known better. But that’s just who you are – so you keep punishing yourself.

Mary Margaret: We’re going to win this fight, you know. Good always defeats evil. Emma: You sound like Henry. Mary Margaret: Guess optimism runs in the family. Emma: I think it skipped a generation.

David: I know what happened to Queen Eva, and I have zero problem with Cora dying for it, but not by your hand and not out of vengeance. Mary Margaret: Why? David: Because you wouldn’t be able to live with yourself. You have the purest heart of anyone I have ever known. That’s who you are, and that’s who you’re gonna stay.

Mary Margaret: This book somehow arrived. Was it given to me? Did I forget about it? I don’t know. But there it was. And do you know what I saw when I looked inside? Hope. Henry: Looks like fairy tales to me. Mary Margaret: And what exactly do you think fairy tales are? They are a reminder that our lives will get better if we just hold on to hope. Your happy ending may not be what you expect; but that is what will make it so special.

[David is asking Mary Margaret if she had been involved in Kathryn’s murder] Mary Margaret: When your phone records came back, when I found you wandering in the woods, when everyone thought you killed Kathryn, I stood by you. I never once doubted you. And now that everything is pointing to me… you actually think I am capable of that kind of evil? Get… out.

Mary Margaret: So you don’t want people to rely on you, but you took your son. Now, that sounds like a stable home for him. What the hell is wrong with you? Emma: I want what’s best for him. Mary Margaret: And running is what’s best for him? Or is that what’s best for you? You’re reverting, Emma, into the person you were before you got here; and I thought you’d changed. Emma: You thought wrong. Mary Margaret: Well, regardless, you have to do what’s right for Henry now. Emma: What’s that? Mary Margaret: Oh, I don’t know. You’re his mother. That’s your job, so you figure it out.

Sidney: Sometimes doing a bad thing for a good reason is OK, right? Mary Margaret: Yeah. I mean, maybe you’re doing something wrong, but if it’s what’s meant to be, if it’s what’s right, does that really make you a bad person?

Mary Margaret: You’re just protecting yourself – with that wall you put up. Emma: Just because I don’t get emotional over men. Mary Margaret: You don’t get emotional over men? Ah, the floral abuse tells a different story. Emma: What story is that? Mary Margaret: The one that’s obvious to everyone except apparently you, that you have feelings for Graham. Emma: Come on! Mary Margaret: There’s that wall. Emma: That’s not a wall. Mary Margaret: Really? Emma: There’s nothing wrong with being cautious. Mary Margaret: Oh, true. True. But Emma, that wall of yours – it may keep out pain; but it also may keep out love.

Mary Margaret: Because when you betray the people you love, when you make them see the worst parts of you, what you’ve done changes everything. There’s no going back. You’ve shattered the bonds you worked so hard to forge. And the stronger those bonds once were, the more difficult they are to put back together… If they can be repaired at all.

Snow White: I went to the Blue Fairy, and begged her to help, to save you with magic. But what she gave me? It… it was dark magic – a candle that could restore your life… by taking away someone else’s. It was the only way. But I couldn’t do it. I’m sorry. I could’ve healed you. But I was too afraid. [she sobs] Queen Eva: Snow, that wasn’t fear. That was strength. Strength… to resist darkness. I am so proud of you.

Snow White: Stop trying to talk me out of this. The castle is secure. I’m going. Grumpy: Keep the little knife between your tuffets. Snow White: I promised I would come alone and unarmed. It’s a parley. There are rules. Red: You’re too noble for your own good. Snow White: I’m not. But enough of you have risked your lives because of something that’s between the Queen and me. I will not let anyone else get hurt because of me.

Snow White: I’m no queen. I’m no leader. I’m just a girl who lost her parents, ran away into the woods, and became a bandit.

Snow White/Mary Margaret Blanchard (Once Upon a Time): ISFP was originally published on MBTI Zone

[faithandfairies]

Mirror, Mirror Reflecting Me

So...

I have a lot of thoughts all jumbled up in my mind but I’m going to try and put them to the page as coherently as I can. Since figuring out the true OUAT story is hard but I feel like I do so a little more every day.

Oh, also Spoilers for the book Regina Rising.

This all started when I was thinking about the whole “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall” bit. And then I thought about how in the original stories the only person Snow’s stepmother can see in the mirror is Snow herself, only for the image to fade away to her own reflection every time a vision ends.

I also kept thinking about how on the show Regina steadfastly blames Snow for how her life turned out, never herself. Or more accurately, never the person she is. Which forms a stark contrast to the OUAT book Regina Rising where Regina pretty much blames everyone for what goes wrong so to speak. But the thing that stuck with me is that she also clearly says that she mostly blames herself.

I also keep thinking about how the person Regina always hated most was herself.

(x)

But actually the people we see her hating most in the past are Snow and the Evil Queen. On top of that, aside from Snow the only other person Regina really and truly blames for her life is the Evil Queen. And she always addresses the Evil Queen as a separate person. Dissociating from her. We only really know it’s her because the name Regina is used to address her by others around her. And more notably, the Evil Queen looks exactly like Regina.

Another thing that struck me in the book is that riding accident, the one Snow has that Regina saves her from? Regina herself has one at almost the exact same age as Snow. Which is...odd, to say the least.

(x)

But the thing that just drives it all home is the way in which Regina ends up explaining using the mirror to Emma. Notable is also that any mirror can be used. We see through Emma that you don’t actually need a genie to be able to “look in a mirror” the way Regina does.

Regina basically tells Emma to look within and search for what she wants to see. The dreamcatcher, interestingly enough, is used in a pretty similar way. A device that helps you track down memories, see them as if they happened yesterday. Another thing that’s interesting is that we actually see Regina use the mirror for that exact same purpose. To track down a memory she’s forgotten about-the one where she orders Marian’s execution-but I digress.

All of this leads me to believe that Regina is Snow. Or rather Snow is Regina. A younger version of her. I always thought it was odd that in the book a younger Regina has the maturity to take responsibility for her own actions but that an older Regina doesn’t. I agree events led her to dissociate.

(x)

She basically split herself into different versions that she could blame separately for how her life turned out. (Or at least compartmentalized.) Another one of them being Sydney. Another person we actually see Regina blame for taking her orders. When Sydney acts based on Regina’s orders she ends up leaving him in the dust to save her own hide. Telling Emma he acted of his own accord.

It’s also interesting that with Sydney locked away in season 1 Regina’s manipulative antics calm considerably, until the nightmare of her own demise that leads to the poison apple that is. I think he represents part of her shady side. A more modern version of the Evil Queen. Regina’s sidekick that wants her approval as badly as the Evil Queen. It’s also interesting that we see Sydney work with Ingrid, the Snow Queen, in order to get her approval, betraying Regina and who she wants to be. It feels like a throwback to Regina’s time with Cora in season 2. An inside look at Regina’s state of mind when Cora came to town. Two parts of her at war with each other. The part that wants to be Emma’s friend but doesn’t have that option in season 2 and the part that wants her mother’s approval but all her mother wants is power and for Regina to leave her be using Regina’s mirror, her memories to manipulate her and everyone else (The Snow Queen-Sydney dynamic).

It also makes sense then that when Emma offers Regina friendship and she accepts, Sydney leaves town.

(x)

Having the dynamic between Sydney and Regina in early season 4 keeping in mind that Sydney, just like the Evil Queen, is a reflection of Regina, someone she no longer wants to be is also beautiful. Because you get to basically see her look in the mirror and be entirely uncomfortable with what/ who she sees in more ways than one. Looking in the actual mirror and seeing the Evil Queen at work and then looking away from the mirror only to be met with Sydney and all the evil he wants to help her accomplish. You almost see her realize that neither of those people is someone she wants to be anymore.

(x)

I think this is Regina’s face right after Sydney shows her the memory of ordering Marian’s death

And then she chooses a different path. We also see her defend Emma to Sydney, who Sydney seems completely impartial to. As in he really doesn’t seem to care whether Emma lives or dies, not that Regina ever suggests death to Emma.

I also love the idea of Sydney being another version of Regina because nothing screams about Regina “I’m a person of color” more than her, a person of color, looking in the mirror and having a without a doubt black person looking back at her.

(x)

Sydney running the newspaper The Daily Mirror in Storybrooke also drives home the point that what Regina sees in her mirror when looking at herself isn’t necessarily the truth, or the whole truth. Since Sydney wasn’t fixed on printing the truth and media in general usually isn’t.

And then Sydney putting together a mirror to get back to the real world as we learn in season 6 also makes sense. Because what all the mirrors in the mirror world have in common is that the people in the mirror world can’t see their own reflection in them. Sydney spent decades looking upon Regina’s face without being able to look upon his own. And I wonder if you spend so long looking at another person and you look at each other instead of yourself you mirror each other and forget who you are or were individually. Sydney became dependent on Regina and she became dependent on him.

So it makes sense that for him to break free he had to fashion a mirror that would allow him to see himself, his own reflection instead of someone else’s. To be his own mirror instead of someone else’s. And it makes sense then that it was Regina who was able to place another shard to make the mirror more whole.

(x)

Because in the end Sydney is still a reflection of her, even if just one. In order to break free Regina had to stop trying to reflect others, stop just reacting to them and let them tell her who she was. Instead she had to figure out who she truly was on her own. She needed to realize that she was so much more than she’d been seeing. That there was so much to love about herself. Stop focusing on and hating who she had been and make peace with her past, so she could focus on who she had become and on growing even more. She needed to repair the mirror she broke several times over out of hate for herself. Which she did.

So basically I think that what you can mostly see in the mirror is yourself. And while looking in the mirror that can involve memories of your life. Because while looking at who you are you remember who you used to be. There is a Dutch song called “Spiegelbeeld”, literally meaning “Reflection” or more literally “Mirror Image” on this. A young girl, twenty years old, looking in the mirror remembering her life up to that point and reminiscing on how fast it went. Regina as the Evil Queen mostly plagued by memories of her younger self, Snow. Furious every time she remembers another in her eyes stupid thing Snow did. Wanting her dead for ruining her life. Which also explains Regina’s self-destructive and at times (bordering on) suicidal behavior.

Which also makes me wonder, logically you can only “remember a memory” or in this case see one in the mirror if you were there yourself. And I think the same might go for the ones in the dreamcatcher. I think that might be why Regina seems surprised that Emma can see Regina’s memory of losing Daniel. Because she’s not supposed to be able to. She wasn’t there. Only, maybe she was. And they are remembering it together.

EDIT:

And I think this would also mean that all the moments Regina, or rather the Evil Queen, sees right before she truly starts singing  in the musical episode? They have to have been moments she was a part of herself. That means not only is she represented by Snow, but also by Pinocchio and Grumpy. All moments she can see in her mirrors that she therefore had to have been a part of. Grumpy, because like Regina he went from “Dreamy” to “Grumpy”. Pinocchio, because like Regina he adored a father that didn’t protect him and practically deserted him when he most needed him. It also underlines the point that looking at Pinocchio’s story, Regina isn’t biologically Henry Sr.’s even though he loved her like she was. And from Grumpy’s point of view, Regina loved someone she wasn’t allowed to and not being allowed to be with them destroyed her dreamy disposition and left her grumpy. Which is literally what happened with her love for Daniel.

End of EDIT

Which brings me to another thing.  

Emma’s first “memory in the mirror” is of Ariel with Eric, “happy together”. Which confirms to me that Ariel is actually Emma. Or a representation of her. Gay, a mermaid, as Shady has said multiple times, but wanted to be straight.

(x)

A+ way to decide who to be with. Angular chin. Oh, my stars. He’s a guy. He’ll do.

Which makes me think that Eric could be Neal. We also see in the same moment that Regina is trying to convince Emma that what she’s seeing (in the mirror) is not real. Happiness that’s an illusion, perchance? At the time Emma believes Hook has been honest with her and it’s this “honesty” that marks the true start of her letting him in.

Regina can’t convince her, because the mirror doesn’t lie. Only we’ve seen that the dreamcatcher can. Memories can be altered, like parts of a video recording being erased. And as Ingrid explained, sometimes they don’t have to. Because we often tend to remember things more fondly than they used to be.

We also see Ariel try to tell Eric that she is a mermaid only he turns into Jafar. Right before we know it’s actually Jafar we get a distinct anti-mermaid vibe from him. Or should I say anti-lesbian? That is the first reaction we see from Eric. And even after we know it’s actually Jafar that reaction is hard to fake. Not to mention that in Storybrooke when Ariel finds Eric again he’s cutting up fish.  Which really drives home the point that Eric won’t be good for the mer-part of Ariel’s mer-maid.

We also see Jafar trick Jasmine. Which makes me wonder who Jafar is supposed to represent. Given other parts of the story I would say Jafar represents Cora. Or possibly Rumple? But anyway, when Jasmine finds Ariel again she’s still with Eric only he’s allowing her to be her mermaid self. At least that’s what she says. At the same time Ariel’s surroundings of a poor man’s shack by some beach with only forks and spoons fashioned into an alarm system as protection and Eric nowhere in sight tells me that Ariel’s life with Eric that’s supposed to be that of a princess or Queen surrounded by glamour isn’t so glamorous no matter what she says.

Another thing that really speaks to the memory thing and the importance of putting all these separate parts of the story played out by all these different characters (different versions of Emma and Regina) together is the voice that was taken away.

That story is told at least three times-actually four if you count Ursula’s voice being taken away by her father which is an interesting twist on all the others but I don’t want to think about what that means- on the show that I’ve counted in three different ways, with things overlapping.

First off, in my opinion Ariel represents Emma and Jasmine represents Regina.

The first way it’s told is Ariel wanting to see Eric, but saving Snow’s life first and therefore meeting her first. She tells Snow she met him a year ago and saved his life.

Snow helps her meet him. In my opinion Snow is Regina. Or part of Regina. The part that just wants Ariel/Emma to be happy.

Ariel and Eric meet again and it’s starting to look like Ariel/ Emma will get her happy ending.

The thing is the Evil Queen? She’s never wanted anyone other than herself to be happy. She’s the part of Regina that gets jealous and is more than just a princess singing in the woods that pays no mind to all the things she’s lost and all the ways in which she’s been hurt. She’s angry Snow that wanted to kill a bird for singing because her true love was gone, off to be with another.

So the Evil Queen sabotages Ariel/ Emma’s happy ending by taking away her voice. Her ability to tell Eric she loves him.

(x)

As she does so she’s also nostalgic, telling Ariel that there’s nothing worse than not being able to tell someone you love that you love them. And you get the sense she’s talking about herself. As in her not being able to tell someone that she loves them.

We then see Ariel get her voice stolen and Jasmine retrieve it for her. Which tells me that Regina probably took Emma’s voice somehow-as in somehow kept Emma from telling Neal? she loved him, but she at some point also gave it back and tried to help Ariel/Emma find Eric/Neal. Which is when the magic carpet ride happens.

It’s funny (only it’s not) because this fits Emma and Regina so well. Because the most potentially romantic moments between Regina and Emma happen while they’re either helping each other chase men, have men waiting for them in the background like shadows or are mourning the loss of men while trying to get them back.

Then there is the third time. When David and Snow, David being a version of Emma and Snow being a version of Regina, both try to convince the Evil Queen (another version of Regina) that love is the most powerful magic of all.

She doesn’t want to hear it. In fact, she clearly sings that love will leave you burned. Talking about Daniel perhaps? Or Tink? Or Mal? All possibly representing Emma. The only one I’m not completely sure of is Mal. And yet...

Oh yeah, Regina ends up taking Snow and David’s voices away with Zelena’s help. Zelena both probably being Regina’s actual sister and a personification of Regina’s self-destructive streak just like the Evil Queen is. Of course there’s so much more to it than that, like the sexual abuse, which I’m not getting into this time.

This also tells me that Regina didn’t just take Emma’s voice away, but her own. And it makes me wonder if this version of events is more about Regina manipulating events so that she couldn’t  be with Emma, ignoring her own inner voice that actually wanted to be with Emma.

In the end I think an updated list is needed of whom I believe represent Emma and Regina

Characters representing Regina: the Evil Queen, young Regina, posing as the old hag, posing as Ursula, Mulan, teenage Lily, Pinocchio, Archie, Grumpy, Belle (sometimes), Hook? (sometimes-especially when it comes to their backgrounds and how they feel about it and their tendency to go after those Rumple loves), the Black Fairy (sometimes), Jasmine, Snow, August, Sydney, Edmund-the Count of Monte Cristo (enticed by the Evil Queen to do her bidding, to poison Snow who represents her innocence-eventually banished to the Land of Untold Stories with his handmaiden when he chooses her), Tiny, Dorothy, Cruella, Elsa, the Snow Queen (I think Elsa and the Snow Queen represent different stages of Regina-Elsa being Regina under her mother’s thumb even after she became Queen, the Snow Queen the full descent of Regina into making Cora her own inner voice and making herself see the worst in people, not trusting her own shadow anymore), Clorinda(the not-so-evil stepsister), Will, Gaston?, Lancelot, Merlin?

Characters representing Emma: Daniel, Aurora, Tink, Belle, Merida?, Robin (as Emma is/ as the thief she used to be), Graham Humbert?, Marian (Emma’s savior aspect/image), Claire (from the book), Mal, Ursula, Aladdin (Emma’s savior/ thief part), Ariel, David, Charlotte (The handmaiden), James, Jack (Jacqueline), Ruby, Gideon, Ashley, Tamara, Kathryn Midas, Geppetto, Owen, Greg, Milah?, Hook (when it comes to their approach to life-lying about who they are to get what they think they want), adult Lily?, Anna, Zelena, the Black Fairy?, Guinevere, Nimue?, Grace?, Violet?

I actually thought that Grace might be Emma’s mother. Who would also be Anita. And might be Cora. But I just realized that Ruby and Grace wear their hair in a similar side braid. 

(x)

Ruby

(x)

Grace

And to be honest Grace fits Emma. The stuffed rabbit. The losing a parent. Is it possible that Emma’s father went to jail and Emma was raised by her grandmother? I’m still not sure Grace isn’t Emma’s mother. But I now won’t be surprised if she’s actually Emma herself. Ruby’s father is also conveniently never mentioned. Instead Ruby is raised by her grandmother who waits at the door with a shotgun or crossbow every full moon.

Also, for good measure, characters representing Rumple: Jefferson, Neal Cassidy(Henry’s father), Prince Philip, Ogre (Emma said she dated a few, it’s the villain only Rumple was able to defeat and Snow once told Regina it’s easy to run things when the only villain you have to worry about is yourself, Belle was the only one who saw good in a young ogre just as she did in Rumple), dr. Whale(Recently they also had Rumple and Emma’s backstories parallel), Prince Eric, Jafar, Hook(Rumple losing Milah to his dark side-the way Lacey was only attracted to Dark Rumple-then making her pay for it), Archie’s father?, King Midas(King Midas=Hook-both have a missing left hand, the fact that he can turn everything to gold connects him to Rumple-the dragon threat is probably lesbianism-As long as the threat of a woman his daughter might want to be with isn’t vanquished his daughter won’t want to marry a man-the Evil Queen crashing his party in the past, him in the background as Emma and the Evil Queen meet at said party), Hades, possibly Emma’s biological grandfather (Ruby is Emma, Anita is Ruby’s biological mother, Anita means Grace.  Grace is Jefferson’s daughter. Jefferson is Rumple. Rumple might also be older Geppetto, given that Regina is Pinocchio. Geppetto and Granny are often seen together. Granny and Rumple were possibly a couple and Emma’s grandparents. This would also explain the connection of Regina as Emma’s stepgrandmother connection), Walsh (The Wizard of Oz), the Scarecrow?, Arthur, Hook?, Cinderella’s prince(Emma’s prince?) 

Characters representing Cora:

Anita Lucas?, The Snow Queen?, Archie’s mother, Milah?

Man Regina possibly ended up with: Graham Humbert, King Leopold?, Sheriff of Nottingham, King George-his story about his wife drinking a potion that made her infertile is Regina’s story and Snow’s (but King George gave Snow’s hers) while Regina drank hers to make sure her mother wouldn’t be able to take advantage of any child-bearing ability she may have had. I’m also wondering if King George could possibly also be Emma, because Emma is Geppetto and Geppetto is the other character that speaks of his wife being unable to bear children. That makes two characters, Charming and Geppetto who seem to represent Emma and whose wives weren’t able to have children. King George would be the third.

(There’s also an interesting parallel between Anita and Milah. With Milah ending up as the girl of a pirate captain, Hook. And Anita being leader of a wolf pack and having Quinn, who looks like Hook, as her second in command. But with Milah also being Rumple’s ex-wife...)

Although Anita’s gravestone also bore a half moon. One that I think Rumple ended up giving to Henry in the form of a necklace to be able to be able to navigate in the nightmare sleep curse world. The half moon was also a mark found on the Black Fairy, a pendant/scale of Mal’s and a mark that complemented Lily’s star mark.)

Regina’s (little/foster) sister?-Zelena, Anna (Elsa’s little sister), Will’s little sister, Marian?(a ghost of a past misdeed being brought back to life/ representative of Regina’s guilt over her sister’s death/ betrayal of her sister), Emma?

I just realized that in Regina Rising there is no mention of a sister, but there is a supposedly random moment of Regina wanting to go skating. It’s one of the only times that Cora’s kindness with Regina is shown. But it also goes south when Cora gets angry over no one wanting to lend her daughter skates (because she doesn’t have hers with her) and turns into a nightmare when she makes the ice break to punish the children. And Regina blames herself.

(also added to the list)

But, um, this brings up another thing. Emma. Emma parallels Anna. Her name, by the way, was supposed to be Anna. They just ended up changing it in the end. But there’s something else. Emma, Robin and Marian almost get killed by a Snow Monster Regina ends up destroying. Emma almost freezes to death with Elsa right there as well. And Snow ends up completely ignoring it when she gets home. There’s also the peculiar fact that Emma who is reserved at best becomes fast friends with Elsa almost immediately. After almost freezing to death Emma spends the entire season 4 looking like death warmed up or something. The first half of it she looks pale and her hair always looks wet. And it doesn’t get much better in the second half. Then she basically gives up her life and in season 5 she basically looks like a moving corpse, both in her appearance and the robotic way she moves as the full Dark One. So is Emma the sister? Were Emma and Regina sisters at one point? Foster sisters? I mean, there’s also the fact that Lily tells Emma’s new foster parents that she and Emma were foster sisters at one point. What if she wasn’t lying? And Emma told Henry that she was taken in then given back by her foster family when she was three. In Frozen Anna has her accident around her third year. There’s also the fact that Regina almost dies as a child, only to be healed by Zelena. So did a near drowning accident lead to Emma and Regina losing each other as children?

Is that when their promise to each other of “I’ll always find you.” was born?

*I especially love the Ursula-Cruella dynamic because their story hides in plain sight and reveals so much about Emma and Regina. Cruella murdering every father she has, looking for all the world as a neglected little girl, literally kept on a tight leash by her mother. No one ever questions why she ends up killing every new “father”. Regina asks Henry once “Is your new father bothering you?” and she looks ready to kill Hook. She even tells Henry that she’s been where he is. Even though it’s easy for her to throw it on her own experience as a new stepmom. But if you really think about it that doesn’t quite fit, does it? Cruella ends up romancing a man whom she doesn’t love (or at the very least doesn’t want to love) but who considers himself in love with her, to get away from her mother. It doesn’t quite work and she kills her mother instead. There’s the dark image, supposedly being a ruthless killer, only she can’t actually hurt anyone. She’s defenseless. Except for being able to control animals, which makes me wonder about her own “inner animal” so to speak. We specifically see her control a dragon, dogs and insects/bugs. She also goes by the name “pound puppy”, which is another way to say unwanted and rejected, caged dog. Ursula is half octopus. When we first meet Cruella she looks like she married for money. But the marriage has gone south with the husband ending up in jail it seems.

She and Ursula get along great. There’s history and so much familiarity there but it’s never explored. There’s even the mirror of Emma and Regina on one end of the phone and Cruella and Ursula on the other end with Gold thrown in to tell us that he’s important to their story. There’s also the mirror of the 4 of them positioned perfectly behind each other at opposite sides of the town line, like some kind of limited edition set.

Ursula on the other hand gets her voice taken away by her father and Hook (working together), automatically trapping her in a life she doesn’t want. The life she wants involving making her voice heard. Hook promises to protect her only to betray her and do exactly what she was trying to keep from happening. Another interesting thing is that unlike Cruella she is basically living at the bottom of the food chain. She lives off of Ramen noodles and spends her days in the aquarium feeding fishes or something. (Which connects her to Ariel. It also makes sense if Ursula is Ariel, since when Ariel called for Ursula she didn’t come. In her place was Regina dressed up as Ursula.) Rumple comes and promises Ursula the world, both her and Cruella and doesn’t deliver. Cruella ends up dead, killed by Emma. Wasn’t it Rumple’s plan for the savior to defeat the Evil Queen? Maneuvering Regina into a position of faux power, grooming her, just so it could be her undoing? Ursula gets her voice back but not due to Rumple. 

So, yes, hiding in plain sight.

Also, possible proof that Claire (from the book Regina Rising) and Mal are truly the same person.

(x)

(x)

I looked up the description in the book(pg20): the ring Claire wore on a silver chain around her neck-a garish, masculine ring, designed to look like a dragon claw curving possessively around a large dark-red stone-

Straight from the book. And get this. While Regina is studying the ring she wonders whether Claire got it from a guy, like a guy that showed romantic interest in her. 

As we know that stone and claw on the show is a rattle. A rattle Mal meant to give to Lily. In the book it belonged to Claire’s late brother.

I also think there was a wedding. As in someone, either Emma or Regina did get married (in the past). We both see Regina preparing for a wedding and Snow get married only for it to be interrupted by the Evil Queen, basically telling her her happiness won’t last.We also see that Regina doesn’t immediately become the Evil Queen. Once she’s used magic to banish her mother she seems to have a shot at freedom. So does Snow, after banishing the Evil Queen. So I think that’s Snow’s marriage. Regina returning to her young, naive hopeful self, all while her angry self is whispering in the back of her mind that her happiness won’t last. I wonder if that’s why we never see Regina’s marriage to Leopold. Because we are supposed to view that marriage through Snow and Charming. The epitome of true love.

Only I don’t think they were. Their “true love” got crushed by the appearance of the Evil Queen, quite literally when she crushed the sapling representing it.

Now here I think is where it gets tricky. I think David represents Emma.

But, and this is a big but, in the Enchanted Forest David had also taken his brother’s place as prince/ future King.

So then I thought about the season 4 AU, with Evil Snow married to David, but David not being her true love. And it made me think that that is another part of the story. A more accurate depiction of Snow’s/Regina’s relationship with her husband. Regina married someone she thought would make her happy, David, after she and her mother accidentally? on purpose? chased Emma(James) away.

Regina’s story with Daniel tells us she was a victim. But her story with Snow, Ariel, a bunch of other people tells us she had a hand in her own undoing. Her self-destructive streak at play possibly. Or self-preservation/ holding onto dignity and pride/ wanting revenge. I wouldn’t be surprised if Regina actually joined forces with her mother to hurt another (probably for hurting her) and only ended up hurting herself more in the process. It’s happened before.

Evil Snow to me is the bridge between Snow/ Young Regina and the Evil Queen. Evil Snow took her unhappiness out on David. Commandeering him by holding his heart.

(x)

There’s a good chance he had it coming. I think that David/James’ actual personality? At least the one he originally might have shown Regina/Snow? That’s possibly closer to whom Snow/ Regina’s husband truly/originally was. Or at least Regina believed it. And she didn’t forgive him for his actions when he presented himself that way. Wonderful in the eyes of the people including his father. Privately a horrible person. We also know that in the end Regina kills Leopold. And I’m not saying that Regina wasn’t a victim in any of this. She was. But she definitely got the upper hand at some point as separate tellings of her story let us know.

So I think the timeline as far as who Regina is/was goes:

Young Regina/(young) Snow-->young Queen Regina/married princess Snow (to James or David?-who at least isn’t what she thought he’d be)--> Queen Regina/ genie Sydney/ Evil Snow-->Evil Queen/ Sydney (Dead James/David(looking at Regina having killed Leopold), dead Henry Sr.(also looking at dead Leopold)-Evil Snow also happened to want Henry dead)-->Madam Mayor Regina/Sydney--> Regina

Of course Snow is actually David’s true love. And they are true love because Snow represents Regina and David represents Emma.

But Snow/James?

It’s interesting that we never actually see Snow marrying David. She marries Charming who introduced himself to her as James. And that wedding didn’t even finish properly. And after they find each other again we never see them renew their vows or anything. I think their wedding rings just magically appear on their fingers.

So maybe not a wedding but an engagement?

Snow and James/David did get engaged. So did Regina and Daniel.

Thinking about James’ story I’m also wondering if James doesn’t also represent Emma. Only some of the worst parts of her.

Think about it. His story with the giants. leaving Jacqueline in the dust as he goes down the beanstalk with their treasure. That is exactly what Emma ends up doing to Hook. The only difference is that Jaqcueline was already dying due to a “battle wound” and if she hadn’t been James’d certainly left her to giants who would have killed her. Tiny, on the other hand was a relatively gentle giant who respected Emma. So while she’d left Hook behind Tiny was kind enough to keep his word and not kill Hook.

Personally I’m starting to think that James truly represents Emma or Jacqueline represents Emma or both. Or Emma is the Jacqueline to Neal’s James while Emma is the James to Regina’s Tiny, possibly Regina’s first impression of Emma. Which funnily enough fits Snow’s first impression of Charming. Tiny, I think, represents Regina. The tiny giant who doesn’t quite belong in her own world trying to find one with Emma and her partner in crime only to be betrayed.

Which once again points to Regina and Emma’s story being one of love and betrayal. Possibly love followed by betrayal or betrayal followed by love followed by more betrayal. Accidentally or on purpose or both.

Maybe from Regina’s side Regina presenting herself as someone she’s not so Emma will like her or telling little white lies to win Emma’s friendship and keep her in her life, manipulating the situation as we saw Lily do with Emma and Regina do with young Owen and a long list of others. On Emma’s end possibly rolling into Regina’s life as the thief and con artist she might have already been, very likely with Neal, to make Regina their mark. Playing Regina, being Regina’s friend to get her to give them what they want as we saw James and Jack tag team Tiny.  As we also saw Greg and Tamara tag team Regina.  Which, if you think about it in this scenario makes Greg Neal since he’s looking for his father who had an association with Regina. So he’s looking for Rumple. That means Tamara is Emma. Tamara also had a grandmother, which is even more confirmation that at some point Emma had a grandmother that most likely loved her. It also explains why Hook hasn’t paid for standing by as Regina was being tortured yet, since it was actually Emma. This happened ages ago and might not have been this kind of torture in this context. Emma most likely already paid her dues. Hook was just another version of Emma present. And at this point in time Regina loves Emma too much to make her pay for that.

(x)

Also Emma probably changed her mind on conning/hurting Regina as she falls in love with her. And as Regina falls in love with her.

(x)

But when they discover each other’s betrayal things change. Emma gets left in the dirt by her partner to face the consequences on her own. Most likely due to Regina manipulating Neal to do so, since her beef is with Emma not him and she wants Emma to pay. In the meantime Emma is pregnant and she gets thrown in jail. We did see James and jack sleep together so they even covered that part.

(x)

They even gave us Emma climbing the beanstalk.

Regina is once again alone, even more alone than before as we saw with Tiny. She’s surrounded by treasure, the Queen of her castle, yet she’s alone and therefore unhappy. Any family she had is gone.

As Tiny returns, there’s also something about Regina feeding him a mushroom that makes him big and vicious that connects the two (Regina and Tiny). Regina also being of small build. The fact that she does so while working with Cora is interesting.

The other thing that is interesting is that Tiny only wants to listen to Emma. He calms down once he believes he could get the chance to talk to her. On the other hand, he does not want to deal with Snow or David, pretty much chasing them so he can kill them. He certainly doesn’t want to deal with James. He’s furious once he realizes he can’t speak with Emma because she’s left town. At the same Regina at some point at the start of working with Cora shows up to Snow’s apartment to get Henry. Only to hear Emma and Henry have left town. I will forever be convinced that had Emma been in town and tried to reason with Regina she would have been able to. Whereas Regina wanted nothing to do with Snow or Charming and by the time Emma returned a lot of the ground she’d gained with Regina had been lost. Only to be rebuilt when she went looking for Regina as she was getting tortured by Tamara and Greg.

I was also thinking about the dual nature of Regina/Leopold and Snow/Leopold.

Which once again makes me wonder if the wedding wasn’t more symbolic than anything. Or that there was truly a dual nature to it.

Again, we never really see Regina married to Leopold. She talks about being married but we never actually see her interact with Leopold.

What we see in later years is her father by her side, never standing up to her. While she’s still incredibly lonely.

The two things she complains about when it comes to her marriage to Leopold.

She feels lonely, trapped in the castle. She’s not free.

Leopold dotes on Snow. He never says no to her, gives into her every whim. Which sounds like a description of Henry Sr. and Regina’s relationship.

(x)

Even Snow in this moment looks like Regina on her wedding day. And if you forget for even a moment that they are father and daughter it truly looks like vows being exchanged at a wedding

(x)

When she talks about Snow and Leopold’s relationship her resentment is clear. And her resentment comes from not protecting her from herself and a life with him. Indulging her every whim, never being strong enough to stand up to her.

But also the creepiness of what little we see of Leopold and Snow’s relationship along with Regina’s actual marriage to Leopold speaks of possible sexual abuse. Then again, Regina/Rumple’s relationship hits you in the face with it. Which makes sense since Rumple was a father figure to Regina, a mentor.

I’m still not convinced that what this show is about isn’t a cult Regina was most likely born into while Emma came into it later

(x)

[thisisevenharderthannamingablog]

A Wondrous Adventure (2/4)

OUaT/Captain Swan

S6 canon divergence

6000 words

Swearing and implied sex

AO3 / Ch 1 on Tumblr

Author’s Note: This is my attempt to make 6b what I wanted it to be – a celebration of my favorite in-show couple. The divergence began in “Murder Most Foul”. This chapter continues to follow Emma and Killian, who reach Agrabah and continue trying to get home.

Props to @ripplestitchskein for zippy beta-reading. :)

Aladdin and Jasmine stared at each other, then at the golden cuffs on the floor.

“What just happened?” he said.

“I kissed you. And....”

“And the curse broke. I’m not a genie anymore.”

“Looks like true love.” Not normally one to get misty-eyed, Emma couldn’t help sneaking a smile at Killian. “Well done. Now that Agrabah’s back, though, can I ask where it is?” She looked around the house.

“Not far from here,” Ariel assured her, the other two being far too wrapped up in one another’s eyes to answer. “A day’s swim, maybe.”

“At mermaid speed?” Killian frowned. “It may take us somewhat longer. And we have yet to repair the Nautilus.”

“This is taking so long.” Emma sighed and looked at the ceiling. More of Ariel’s collected objects hung from the rafters, along with fishing nets, baskets of fruit, and jugs of wine. “I just wish we had some way to get in touch with them.” She realized what she had said and gave Aladdin a nervous look, but he appeared to be truly de-genified. Jasmine said something to him about her father that made him laugh.

“Really?” Ariel brightened and started going through her shelves. “I might have something that will work. Killian, do you still have that seashell?”

“One of them. The other got broken. Very usefully, mind,” he added.

“That should do fine. I’m not sure if this will work across realms, though. It’s worth a try.” She rummaged for a few more minutes and came up with a shell strung on a cord. She handed it to Emma.

“A magic seashell? Like the one you gave Belle?” Emma looked from mermaid to pirate. “If it needs another piece to talk to, where’s the other half of yours?”

“In my chest at home.”

“Oh.” Emma deflated. “Doesn’t seem likely that anyone will hear it in there, even if it does work.”

“Maybe not, but there’s nothing lost in making the attempt.” Killian squeezed her hand.

“True. At this point, I’d take a carrier pigeon.” She lifted the shell to her mouth and thought hard about her family. “Hello? Can anyone hear me? It’s Emma. Hello?” No response. “Damn.” She missed their house, missed her son, and her heart ached at the thought of what they must all be going through, not knowing anything other than that she and Killian had vanished without a trace. Her parents would still be trading days and nights, always alone, taking care of Neal, trying not to give up hope. She would have to do the same. “I guess we can keep trying at different times of day, and stuff. Or check the mirror and see if anyone is around there ever.”

“That’s the spirit!” Ariel patted her on the shoulder. “Keep the shell.”

“I just want them to know we’re okay.”

“Then we’d best be getting back to the Nautilus,” Killian said. “The sooner we get to Agrabah, the sooner we all get home.”

“Yes, let’s. Everyone in the city must be very confused,” Jasmine said. “My poor father, it’s been so long.” Her voice faltered; Aladdin squeezed her hand.

“Are you sure you won’t stay for supper?” Eric invited. “I’m quite a good cook with fish these days, and there’s plenty of fruit.”

“Love to, but we have a submarine to catch. Thank you for the shell,” Emma said. “And keep an eye on Jafar, I guess. And maybe these, while you’re at it.” She picked up the golden cuffs and handed them to Ariel.

“Oooh, they’re pretty.” She gave them a speculative look but didn’t actually put one on . “I don’t think I would like being a genie, though. My collections wouldn’t fit inside a lamp. And don’t worry, we’ll make sure Jafar doesn’t go anywhere,” Ariel added. “He can sit in that bottle and stew for a century or so if he wants to.” She placed the bottle back on its shelf among a dozen similar containers, differing mainly in their degree of corrosion after being plucked from the ocean floor. “Perfect! It really makes the group, doesn’t it? Although perhaps just one or two more…. For balance? What do you think?” she asked Eric.

“Thanks for the shell. We’ll try to visit again,” Emma said, and put on the shell-necklace. The four of them headed back to the shore where the Nautilus waited.

To pass the hours of the journey, Emma borrowed paper and pens from their long-suffering host and set to making notes. It was an unfamiliar business, and slow. She might receive or create a file of information on a target or lately some minor crime, but she seldom had to put it all together from raw facts. Killian had offered once to be of assistance, which she refused. Since then he had occupied the organ bench, picking out sparse melodies while Emma muttered and scribbled. After a half hour, she had not made much progress.

Rumple > Dark Curse > Final Battle?

Merlin (was he a Savior?)  > Author > pen?

Emotion = magic; love?

Why only some magic?

Saviors >  villains > saviors > villains (storybooks?)

The last was underlined three times and circled. It refused to tell her anything new no matter how long she stared at it.

“Dammit!” Emma wiped her hand across the table; papers whirled to the floor. Killian looked up but didn’t comment. Emma sighed and started picking them up again as Aladdin came in.

“Uh… hi,” he said. “Sorry to interrupt.”

“You’re not interrupting. This is probably a waste of time.”

“What is all this?” He bent down to help her pick up the rest of the notes.

“What we know about Saviors. Except I think it’s turned into ‘everything we know about magic,’ which is turns out is fuck all.” She waved a scrap of paper with a scribbled genealogy of Enchanted Forest royalty. “This realm is lousy at history.”

“Don’t think I can be much help with that, sorry.” From the direction of his glance, Emma thought that perhaps he had been hoping to talk to Killian.

“This isn’t getting me anywhere anyway. But you and I ought to talk some time. You’re the only other Savior I’ve ever met.”

“Yeah, um. About that? I don’t even understand why that trick with the ring worked. Of course, I didn’t understand why it worked before the Shears, so nothing lost really.”

“I think it has something to do with destiny. Or maybe fate.” Emma frowned.

“Same thing, surely.”

“I don’t know. Maybe.” She wrote that down, too.

“Fate acts upon us,” Killian said, playing a few random notes. “Destiny is the end toward which it moves us.”

“Very gnomic. Bravo. The hell does that mean?” Aladdin asked.

“It means that we cannot refuse Fate,” he said, “but it is not Fate alone, but also our own actions that bring us to, or away from, Destiny.”

“Very neat,” Emma said. “So using the shears is the ultimate act of refusal. But it doesn’t end our ability to act.”

“I guess.” Aladdin shrugged. “What is it you’re trying to do with all of this, then?”

“Figure out how saviors work. If I’m going to get back home just to walk into some kind of ‘final battle,’ whether that’s with Gideon -- again -- or whoever, I want to know why. Never liked the thought of being toyed with by universal forces.”

Aladdin shrugged. “Jafar was still defeated, even though it wasn’t by me. And you’ve faced a fair number of villains by now? I’m not sure this is a situation with rules, so to speak.”

“Maybe not.” Emma chewed on the end of her pen. “Gold made it sound like I was a Savior because of the curse. But we’ve had curses since then with no saviors. In the Wish World, that version of him said that saviors show up because villains exist, but Jafar had been around for a long while before you became a Savior. Regina was Evil Queening it for years before I was even born. Plenty of people never got saved there.”

Killian closed up the organ and turned around. “This might be a stretch, love, but is it possible that the Dark One was not entirely truthful? Nor might Jafar have been with our friend.”

“You think?” Emma sighed. “Good point. I give up. Maybe we’re not supposed to understand it.”

“If we are, then I’m certain you will in time,” Kilian said.

“I’ll leave you two to talk. I’m going back to our room, gonna try the shell one more time before we make land.”

“Hello, this is Emma,” she said for the dozenth time that day. Their tiny cabin was already more familiar than she wanted it to be, and she paced to the extent that she could. She had the message down by heart, having repeated it every two hours since they left Ariel. “I don’t know if anyone can hear me, but we’re trying to get home, and--”

“Mom?!” The voice came very faint and muffled. Metal clacked, and the chest’s hinges creaked. “Mom?”

“Henry! Henry, where are you?” Emma brought the shell closer to her ear, hoping to hear more. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I came home to get some clothes, and I heard a voice and thought someone broke in or something. Mom, is that really you?”

“Yes, kid, it’s me.”

“Prove it. Back in New York, what was my favorite deli?”

“Smart.” Caught between laughter and tears, Emma recited the address. “It’s so good to hear you.”

“Yeah. Where are you? What happened? You guys just disappeared, your dad thought Nemo kidnapped you or something.”

“Long story, we’re in the Enchanted Forest -- ocean -- Gideon sent us all here -- but we’re getting back just as fast as we can. Is everybody okay? What’s going on at home?”

“Things are okay here. Mom and the Evil Queen came to an understanding.”

“They… what the hell does that mean?”

“Mom, language. They had a fight a couple days ago, and then Regina used the Shears of Destiny so they’re not bound together any more, and then they made up, and the Evil Queen went to the Wish World to get a new beginning. And Mom’s still trying to find a way to break the sleeping curse.”

“To the wish world? What?” Emma sat down at the little folding desk. “If they’re friends now, why didn’t Regina just ask her how to break it?” She did not ask, so is one of them still good and the other evil now, or are they both half and half, or what? And how much do I have to worry about her, or them, when I’m worlds away and can’t do anything about it?

“She said she doesn’t know. It’s a curse, it’s not supposed to be broken. But she’s doing her best. Uh, everything else is quiet? Whatever Gideon’s up to, he’s not doing it very fast. And Mr Gold is too worried about what he’s up to, to make any other trouble for the town.”

“Glad to hear it. Look, we’re on our way to Agrabah right now, with any luck we’ll be back in a few days. Just sit tight, okay?”

“Will do. Everybody’s going to be so relieved to know you’re okay.”

Emma bit her lip. “Wait -- you can tell your grandparents and Regina about this, but that’s it, okay? If Gideon’s been slacking off because he thinks we’re out of the picture for good, there’s no reason to let slip to him that we’re heading home. He might do something drastic.”

“Oh. Good point. Should I even tell them, then?”

“Yeah. Yeah, kid, you gotta. It’s not fair to keep them in the dark when they have so much else to deal with. But don’t tell Leroy, or anybody who might talk to Gideon. Not even Belle. Okay?”

“Okay. Say hi to Killian, and to Liam and the crew for me.”

“I’ll do that. Love you.”

“I love you, mom.”

The Nautilus docked at the tiny coastal town that served as the port for the kingdom of Agrabah. Once they were convinced that the vessel was not a sea monster, the dwellers proved quite talkative. Half the them tried to tell the newcomers that the city was gone, that the road they meant to take led nowhere but a featureless stretch of hills and a tiny spring; the other half cheerfully tried to sell them supplies for a much longer journey than they expected. As for Jasmine’s claimed identity, the princess had been missing nearly as long as the city, and the Savior was a rumor unseen in a generation.

“This is not the welcome I was hoping for,” Jasmine confessed. “They don’t even know that it was my fault the city vanished to begin with!”

“Not yours, Jafar’s. And at least they’re not trying to stop us.” Emma shrugged and checked the supplies.

“They’re not even sure you’re real!” She appealed to Aladdin. “Doesn’t that bother you?”  

“Always wanted to be a legend.” He grinned. “And I suspect they haven’t been paying any taxes these past thirty years. Perhaps we should not be surprised by the reaction.”

They readied themselves for the overland journey to the capital. Nemo left Liam in command, and came along to oversee the purchase of the needed materials to repair his ship.

“Any other mission I would entrust to him,” Nemo said, almost seeming apologetic as they set out. “But no one knows this vessel better than I do, and her needs are exacting.”

“I’m sure my father will be delighted to see you,” Jasmine said. “His best artisans will be at your command.”

“And they will receive fair payment for their work.”

“It would be an honor, for all that you’ve done for our realm.”

Emma adjusted her new hat against the sun, which was already oppressive, and tried not to sigh at this well-mannered one-upsmanship. She glanced back at Killian, who had shed his black leather coat as his only concession to the climate. He smiled at her, but looked deep in thought, so she applied her attention to the trail ahead. Though it had not been used in many years, the route was still well-marked, rutted by wagons and pack animals of centuries.

“It is beautiful,” Emma had to admit when the lights of Agrabah came into view. “But I think I was expecting something bigger.” The sultan’s palace didn’t dominate the skyline; it was the only thing visible on it. The entire “city” was smaller than Storybrooke, a walled, tree-rich garden tucked at the base of a range of dry hills.

“My father’s wealth is unparalleled,” Jasmine said. “Agrabah is a city of artisans, jewelers, and poets.”

“And thieves,” Aladdin said amiably.

“You’re not a thief anymore.”

Aladdin slipped his arm around her waist. “Perhaps this is all but an elaborate plot to make off with the crown jewels?”

“A successful one, if so, and the thief should be congratulated.”

Emma glanced at Killian and murmured, “I don’t think we’re this cute. Are we?”

“Better to ask an outside opinion, I suspect.” He grinned.

“Absolutely not.” She looked at Nemo, some ways ahead of them. “Been a little while since we got a royal reception anywhere.”

“Unexpected though it may be, this voyage is not without its recompenses.”

“Just like old times? This land does look a bit like where we found the beanstalk.” Her Enchanted Forest geography remained hazy, and she had no idea how far they actually were from that land, from Aurora’s kingdom or her parents’.

“I hope you’ll find no reason to knock me unconscious. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” She wiped the oncoming melancholy away.

“Swan….”

“Just I found myself thinking about all of the empty houses here. All of the places people used to live. Anton’s family are gone. My parents’ kingdom is gone. I guess no one in Storybrooke wants to come back here, now, not like they used to right after the first curse. Maybe somebody else has moved in. They would have a lot of work to do, the place was a wreck when I saw it.”

“I can’t see you coveting a castle, love.”

“Ugh, I don’t. We already have more bedrooms than we need. It’s just being here makes me think about how much has been lost. I’ll never see it the way it should have been, only now that it’s all ruined. I don’t know.” She looked at him. “Are you happy in Storybrooke?”

“I’m happy anywhere you are.”

She pulled a face. “You’re a hopeless romantic. If we could go anywhere in all the worlds, as a family, where would you want to go?”

He looked nonplussed, a rare event. “I’ve never been tied to any particular place, never gave any thought to settling down until quite recently. The Jolly Roger has always been my fixed point, if you will. But if you insist,” he added, “I’ll consider it.”

Their reception at the city was quite different from that in the port. As far as those within the capital were concerned, the time under Jafar’s spell had passed in an eyeblink. There had been witnesses outside Agrabrah, however, herders with flocks in the hills who had witnessed their return. Word had quickly spread within the city that they had been catapulted into the future. The city guards welcomed Jasmine with relieved affection and Aladdin with surprise.

“Your Highness, what happened?” the boldest of them asked. “Was it Jafar? Are we under attack?”

“I can’t explain now,” Jasmine said, “but we’re quite safe from him. I’m sure my father will send out word at once regarding what has happened, once I’ve spoken with him. Please, I need to see him quickly.”

The new arrivals made haste to the palace with an escort of guards clearing the way. They found the court buzzing with confused activity, most of it martial in nature as the Sultan’s elite guard prepared to defend the city against whatever threat might appear. They whisked the five new arrivals into the palace interior, a graceful and pleasant series of rooms. Artful arrangements of corridors, greenery, and fountains created cooling breezes, perfumed by the flowers that grew in profusion throughout the city and the palace grounds. Emma could pick out Jasmine’s namesake and cedar, and found herself wishing she knew the names of more of them, that she could bring a bit of this with her. She didn’t know the first thing about plants, but she had a yard now, and roots of her own.

Jasmine’s father was a plump man with a brilliant smile, dressed all in white. He and his councilors took the matter of having been frozen in time inside a diamond for a few decades in surprising stride, but they had a great many questions about Jafar -- and while they were all more than pleased to have their Savior back, Emma thought there was a whiff of paternal dismay in the air at Aladdin’s abrupt-to-them rise in Jasmine’s estimation.

“I guess it really is a matter of what you’re used to,” Emma said. She felt extraneous to the conversation, and had withdrawn to the background while Nemo and the Sultan got into yet another mutual appreciation contest.

“Absolutely. Much like electricity that way.” Killian leaned in close to her and added, “I fear that more than one of these fellows trading fine compliments with the captain would mount an expedition to retrieve Jafar’s bottle this very night, if they knew where it resided.”

“I think it’s pretty safe where it is. Eric’s got a navy, which I suspect Agrabah does not. And I doubt anyone wants to piss off Ariel’s people.”

“Mermaid wars are ugly, true. What’s the word, Your Highness?” he asked as Jasmine and Nemo rejoined them.

“Messengers are going out now to find what you will require to return to Storybrooke. At least for tonight, my father hopes that you will accept our hospitality.”

“Naturally, I would be honored.” Nemo gave her a slight bow.

“Of course we will,” Emma said. “It will be nice to sleep in a real bed again.”

Killian, bless him, kept a straight face.

One of Jasmine’s ladies-in-waiting showed Emma to her room. It was spacious and cool, and the painted tiles and silken hangings were red and gold. Doves cooed outside in the evening air.

“I hope this is satisfactory, Your Highness? One of the servants will be right outside if you need anything.”

“You really don’t need to--” Uppermost in Emma’s mind was that fact that she and no one else was clearly intended to occupy the room, and Killian’s was two doors down. She probably ought to have expected it in this realm, but that didn’t make it any less annoying.

“Oh, but I must! We so seldom have foreign guests.” The woman’s eyes crinkled with her smile. “And you’ve had a long journey, as I hear. Was it very hazardous?”

Emma had to stop and think about that. “About average for this realm, I’d say. Hungry krakens, evil genies, friendly mermaids. Just let me brush some of the dust off.”

That minor annoyance aside, Emma did feel better after a chance to clean up, and she found herself enjoying the evening when they all met again. The sultan and his court knew how to entertain guests on short notice; soft music played, and the food was sublime. If most of the conversation was about local politics and also thirty years out of date, at least she didn’t have to worry about making a contribution and could just enjoy the chance to relax.

“Happier now?” Killian asked over the iced fruits at the end of the meal. The tide of conversation had turned toward Captain Nemo at the far side of the vast table.

“Yeah. Just thinking how weird it is that I’m the only one in the room who’s never been stuck in time. But this is nice.” Emma glanced around the hall. One of the servants caught her eye and started forward, and she had to shake her head to forestall them. “I mean, I’ll probably never get used to all of the fuss, but it’s okay once in a while.”

“Some fuss is be expected when a stray princess arrives at one’s door.”

“Just for being born. It’s not like I had anything to do with it really.”

“Perhaps, but even if you weren’t, you’ve surely earned accolades commensurate with the attention.” Killian gave her a look that warmed her like sunlight. “You’re a duly elected authority in your own world. Dragon-slayer, curse-breaker, defeater of giants, swordswoman, and a sorceress of unmatched puissance. What else?” He touched his lip with his tongue as he thought, which Emma considered unfair. “Outwitted Peter Pan, escaped the dungeons of the Evil Queen, fought the minions of the Wicked Witch.”

“Are you writing my resume? You should get some honors, too, Captain. Pretty sure most of that stuff was a team effort.” She very much wanted to play with his hair, that bit of curl at the nape of his neck, and get back at him for the lip thing, but they were sort of in public; she settled for leaning closer. “Speaking of which, don’t we have a tradition of dancing whenever we visit this realm? I suppose there won’t be any tonight. They did put all of this together on short notice.”

“That they did.” He dropped his voice lower, so even she could barely hear him. “Perhaps we could arrange for some later, to make up for the lack.”

Separate rooms be damned. “You’re on. See you at midnight?”

“I’ll leave a lamp burning.”

Emma had just settled down to a very impatient two hours of waiting when when a quiet knock sounded on her door. She found Jasmine and the promised servant in the hall.

“What is it? Trouble?” Emma scanned the shadows for any hint of a threat.

“No, no, I just… I needed someone to talk to. May I come in?” Jasmine had changed out of her Storybrooke clothes for dinner and back into what must be her own usual dress, beautiful blue and gold. Her hair was unbound, so she must have been abound to retire for the night. Emma had stuck with her own clothes rather than try climbing over balconies in a silk nightshirt.

“Sure.” Emma stood aside. “What’s up?”

“I feel terribly awkward asking you about this.” Jasmine paced from the door to the balcony and back again. “I’ve been away so long, living among strangers. For all my friends and ladies here, it has only been a few hours. It’s all familiar and so terribly alien. I suppose I should have expected that.”

“Sometimes coming home is the hardest thing imaginable,” Emma said.

“It is. But there’s something else. Um. Aladdin.” Jasmine sat down.

“Oh? I thought you two were getting along.” Emma dragged a second chair around to face Jasmine’s.

“Oh, we are! It’s amazing.” She smiled, but then sat forward with an earnest frown. “It’s just, well. True love? Really? I never really thought about it.”

“Feels like a lot of pressure to live up to?”

“Yes.”

Emma grimaced. “You really want my mom for this conversation. I’m not exactly an expert at love.”

“You certainly could have fooled me. And a few other people.”

Emma gave her a blank look.

“You have no idea how much you’re spoken of in Storybrooke, do you.” Jasmine raised a fine eyebrow. “Both of you.”

“I… guess I do not.” She found the idea more than a little unnerving. “But if you’re here for relationship advice, the point is that I am like way, way out of my depth.” She sat down with a sigh. “I mean, I can tell you that it doesn’t make things easy? You’ll still be the same people, still be scared or angry. I love Killian, and I know he loves me, but that doesn’t change that we’re here right now because we had a big fight the other day.” Jasmine looked shocked; Emma shrugged. “The thing is, you can’t spend your whole life with the dial turned up to eleven all the time? Even with love. Can’t be dying for each other every day. Life settles back. What makes it real is working through the day to day stuff.” She cast around for a way to explain as Jasmine looked dubious. “It’s like my dad says. He’s always talking about how important the little ordinary moments are, and -- hell, he and my mom argue all the time, shared heart or not. Usually, anyway, when they’re not cursed. But they love each other, so they sit down and work it out later. Does that make sense?”

“I suppose so.”

“Look, you loved him before, right? And he loved you. So what’s different now? Other than that you know how he kisses.”

“I’m not sure. I did love him, before, but I was so afraid for so long. It’s hard to set that aside, and yet -- it’s as if my perspective changed, in that moment. When we kissed. I know I’m the same, that he’s the same, but… I see him differently, now.”

“Yeah.” Emma smiled at her own memories. “That probably won’t be the last time it happens.”

“Oh, it already hasn’t been.” Jasmine leaned forward with her elbows on her knees. “That was the other thing I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Perspective?”

“No.” She laughed. “Kissing. And, well, other things.”

“Oh?” Emma must have looked surprised; Jasmine blushed.

“In previous years, I’ve had neither time nor interest in dalliance with any of the court here,” she explained. “And in the Land of Untold Stories there are no new beginnings. So I find myself with little guidance in these matters.”  

“Got it.” Emma smiled. “Now here, I can probably be a lot more helpful than my mother would be. Bring on the questions.”

Jasmine left looking a good deal more thoughtful than she had upon arrival. Emma wished her luck, and went out to her balcony. The courtyard below lay in alternating blocks of moonlight and shadows. A few torches moved where guards patrolled the iron gates. Most of the palace windows went dark as she waited. The sound of drums and flutes drifted up from the city, where the last of the revelers were determined to last out the night, celebrating release from their strange prison. Agrabah’s rulers were evidently of a more sober cast than her people.

At last, a bell far off in the palace tolled midnight. Emma stretched and looked to her right. In between her room and Killian’s, Aladdin’s lamps had gone out some time ago. She considered using magic to get over there for half an instant, then decided that it would be cheating. It wasn’t that far from one pierced stone railing to the next, and the stone walls with their profusion of decorative carving offered plenty of handholds.

Emma swung a leg over the railing before she could have any second thoughts and started working her way across the gap. She had done a lot more risky things than this, she reminded herself, and for less reason. It was actually kind of fun. She made it to Aladdin’s balcony and stopped to catch her breath. No one stirred beyond the balcony curtains; he must already be asleep. She crept across the polished stone and repeated her maneuver on the other side, then peeked through the curtains to make sure that she did have the right room.

Inside, a lamp was still burning as promised. Killian lay stretched out in a chair near it, paging through a book. He had his sleeves rolled up, hook set aside for the night, a languid shadow all in black. He glanced up and smiled as Emma came in.

“I hoped that was you.” He started to get up, but she shook her head and joined him on the chaise, her gaze locked to his. Perspective shifts; light changes. Under a cold blue New York sky (maybe I do trust him), his eyes had been too honest for her to bear them for long. They were a little wide now, questioning her silence or her expression.

“Just enjoying the moment,” Emma said. “And the view.” On a gray morning in Neverland (maybe I do want him), she had wondered what else a mouth might do that kissed like that. She bent her head to his now; anticipatory warmth unfurled within her. She traced his lips with her finger and laughed when he captured her. A conversation in kisses followed. They wandered often -- she nibbled on his lower lip and felt his pulse quicken; he explored every sensitized inch of her neck until her breath came shallow  -- and then returned to where they had begun, a gentle question and reply.

Other lights and other skies meant other changes, meant a candlelit ballroom (maybe I do love him) and firelight and unaccustomed comfort grief. He moved his hand to cradle the back of Emma’s head. She melted down against him, rested her forehead against his and reached out to snuff the lamp.

“Leave it,” Killian said. “I thought you said something about bed.”

“We’ll get to the bed, promise.” She slid her hands under his shirt. Maybe this place wasn’t so bad.

In the morning they went out into the city. It would be two days before the artisans there could craft the parts Nemo required. Nemo himself would be supervising the work, and politely hinted that the others would only be in the way. Jasmine and Aladdin were meeting with her father and his advisors, trying to figure out how to reestablish the city’s authority after decades of absence.

“I don’t think we have much to add to that,” she said to Killian after breakfast in one of the palace’s tiny graceful salons. Fresh fruit, nuts, and some kind of honey pastry had left her feeling optimistic about the day. “I’m going to go stir crazy if we stay in here, unless maybe that’s the coffee talking, this stuff is incredible. It’s pretty, but I’ve had more than enough of being cooped up on the way here.”

“Alas, it does seem that we have little to offer Jasmine’s family. What have you in mind? The gardens are famous, I understand.” Killian gestured toward the nearest window, a tiny china cup almost invisible in his hand. Brightly colored birds flitted through the trees.

“Then we’ll do that. And we should take a look around the city, since we have some time to kill. Buy some souvenirs. Catch a play, or something. I mean, I know this isn’t New York, but it’s the capital. Must be something to do.”

“I’m happy to see you put aside worry for a time. This is a fine land in which to seek distraction.”  

The square beyond the palace gates was already crowded. They walked from there to the city gates, where a thin stream of new arrivals made their way past the resolute guards. The ancient road had a destination again, and word was spreading quickly. Young folk stared in wonder at a city that to them was a legend come to life, and their parents were little less amazed to see the capital and its people unchanged despite the years that had passed in the outside world. Two foreigners passed without any notice whatsoever.

In between pauses to watch the street performers and admire the city’s gardens (which she had to agree were of surpassing beauty), Emma watched Killian and wondered what was going on. He seemed to be looking for something, and twice wandered off out of sight while she considered some vendor’s wares.

“Is there anyone you know in this town?” she asked eventually, having found a scarf that her mother would like.

“I doubt it.” He quirked an eyebrow. “If I do, it’s probably no one I want to see.”

“It’s just that you seem to be looking into every door we pass since we got to the market.”

“Ah. Sorry. There was a shop I quite liked, somewhere in this quarter of the city.” He waved. “I forget exactly where. Probably long gone.”

“What do you want to buy?” That made sense, particular as she knew him to be about his clothes and gear.

“Stone is loose in one of these rings. It’s not terribly important.”

Emma suspected that was not the entire truth, but he wore a hint of a smile that reassured her; she let it drop and settled for enjoying the morning.

As mid-day approached and the heat grew intense, the crowds dwindled away. The two of them following the general migration indoors, and found one of the many low, white-walled refuges that lined the side streets around the market square. They shared some dried fruit and the sturdy local beer and speculated on events at home.

“Two more days, and then however long it takes to actually fix things.” Emma sighed. “I would have liked this visit if it was a real vacation.”

“Aye. But we’re doing all we can.”

She reached out and took his hand, and a comfortable silence fell. After a while Killian shifted to lean closer to her, though he kept his hand loose in hers. She heard him take a breath that sounded like a decision.

“This might not be the best time, but I’d like to ask you something,” he said.

Emma braced herself. “Go ahead.”  

“What was it like, when you became the Dark One.”

She blinked, trying to read his expression; he didn’t look upset, just thoughtful, so she tried not to get defensive. “Terrifying.” He nodded. She sought more words, though they were slow in coming. “I was utterly alone. I didn’t know where I was, what I was, how long it would last -- it felt like hours. I guess it’s what being born would be like, if you knew it was happening. Um.”

“Hm. I wonder if it’s different every time. If it knew that loneliness was a way in.”

“Probably.” She took a fortifying breath. “So… it wasn’t like that for you, then, was it.”

“Not exactly like, no.” He was quiet for so long that Emma wondered if he regretted broaching the subject. “The Darkness was new to you, and so it took some time for it to find a crack into which it might force a lever. With me, well. I was an old companion. Every moment of fury or despair was easily found to be relived there in that vault.”

“Re… lived?” He was always precise with his words.

“Aye.”

“Oh.” Her voice shrank. “Milah?”

“And my brother, and others.” He shrugged. “I’ve lived with the memories for centuries, they have little power to wound these days -- individually. All together turned out to be a different matter.”

“I think I understand. I--”

“This isn’t an effort to make you feel guilty, Emma. I just wanted to explain why I… succumbed, the other day. And I’m doing that because, well, there’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you, and I thought--”

Henry’s voice came from the shell Emma wore on a cord around her neck. “Mom? Mom, are you there?”

“Yeah kid, what is it?” She gave Killian a helpless look; his expression sharpened into concern, and Emma could see him shift into guard mode, watching the rest of the room to ensure they hadn’t attracted undue attention. She lowered her voice and spoke into the shell.  “We’re kind of in public right now.”

“You gotta get home right away.”

“We’re getting there as fast as we can, but--”

“It’s your parents. Something’s happened.”

End of Chapter 2

[wesortoflivetogether]

So I don’t remember it being mentioned in the episode (but I have the memory of a potato, so that doesn’t really help my case), but most of y’all seem to be assuming that all of this takes place within a day of the previous episode, and Emma immediately gave up on Killian. I don’t think that that’s the case. A few days could have easily passed before Snow woke David, maybe in a similar vein to how he waited to wake her up while Emma was in the Wishverse, as Snow was unsure how he’d take the news of Hook killing his dad. A few days could also have easily passed between Killian, Liam II, and Nemo beginning their hunt for the kraken and actually finding one, along with Jasmine and Aladdin (he does say that they’re extremely rare). I mean, we all know how fucked up the timeline of this show is. I wouldn’t be surprised if the episode wasn’t presented in chronological order. Say it happens like this:

— Snow meets Killian at the docks and, without realising it, convinces him to stay in Storybrooke. — Emma gets home and is sad to see that Killian isn’t there. — Killian boards the Nautilus to say his farewells to Nemo and Liam, only to be ambushed by Gideon, who sends the Nautilus away from Storybrooke. — As Gideon opens a portal to the Enchanted Forest, Emma turns out the lights in her house and goes to bed, praying that he’ll be there in the morning. — Killian and the crew of the Nautilus arrive in the Enchanted Forest and, upon a learning that there’s no kraken’s blood left, suggests they go hunting for one. — As Killian continues to relentlessly search for kraken’s blood, Emma wakes up to find that Killian is still missing.  — She goes to the docks to find him, but doesn’t see him anywhere.  — She asks around, and Leroy tells her that she saw him boarding the Nautilus and it setting sail. — She then goes to Snow for comfort (who would then probably have involved Regina), and tells her everything, about their fight and her handing back the ring and how he killed David’s father. — Snow then tells her that she saw Killian that night, with a full backpack, which Snow had initially written off as nothing. This is probably what ruins Emma’s faith that something may be off and that he may come back yet.  — Snow and Regina, knowing this, probably talk amongst themselves, trying to decide on what to do. Perhaps Regina tries a locator spell on something of Killian’s, and it just leads them to the sea, indicating that he has left the realm (like it did with Eric’s cloak WAY back in 3x17, I think). — They break this news to Emma, which further crushes her resolve. — Emma spends a few days with Henry to try and take her mind off things as Hook continues to search desperately for any kraken sightings, eventually uncovering strange activity in a lake not too far from the Evil Queen’s Castle in the Enchanted Forest. — Upon arriving there, he is both pleased and disappointed to find Aladdin and Jasmine; he’s pleased to see them, but disappointed that they ruined his chances of finding a way back to Emma by doing...something to the kraken? (IDRK what the fuck was going on with the CGI, but whatever...) — Jasmine and Aladdin board the Nautilus, and tell Killian about Jafar. Meanwhile, Emma and David are preparing to go on patrol when Regina stops by the sheriff’s station to suggest a girl’s night out with herself, Emma, and Snow in an effort to get Emma to open up. — The Nautilus heads towards Hangman’s Island as Emma packs Killian’s things into a box (which she can’t bring herself to get rid of entirely, as perhaps she’s trying to hold on to some faith that he’ll find his way home to her, and instead asks Henry to put it in the shed, maybe because she doesn’t know if she’s ready to do that quite yet). — Emma is called to investigate a fight in Aesop’s Tables, where she finds that it was all a plan by Regina and Snow to get her to unwind and get her mind off Killian’s “abandoning” of her. — Killian, Aladdin, Jasmine, Nemo, and Liam II are transported to Hangman’s Island by Jasmine’s wish, and Killian says goodbye to Nemo and Liam (ugh i wasnt ready for that scene), as Drunk!Snow entertains Emma back in Storybrooke. — Jasmine faces Jafar on her own while Emma opens up to the bartender at Aesop’s Tables. — Emma spends some more time with Regina and Snow as Jasmine and Aladdin finally share True Love’s Kiss and bring Killian and Ariel to Agrabah. — Emma gets home and decides that, after speaking with the bartender, she’s ready to face the fact of what she believes has happened, and brings the box out to the shed, only for Killian to attempt to call her on her shellphone make contact with her, to tell her the truth, and to tell her that he loves her. — Then, Gideon shows up and explains his plan to Emma, and blackmails her into helping him.

That’s just how I personally watched the episode. Again, I might not recall them mentioning that this all happened within a day of the last episode, please tell me if they did say that. Also, please don’t get me wrong, this episode was not perfect by any standards (I won’t even get into how Gideon’s plan is the fuckest-uppest plan I’ve ever seen), but I am a sucker for Jaladdin, so I enjoyed the episode. Oh, also Ariel gave me more life in this episode than I have ever gotten from actual oxygen. Obviously, there are still some issues with CS right now, but I think we can all agree that things should start getting better from now on.... right? I mean, we’ve got a reunion, a second proposal, a wedding, precious sheriff cinnamon rolling together, hugs and nuzzling, etc.

[swanqueeneverafter]

29. Ariel, Pt.1

Enchanted Forest. Past. (Snow White is running through the woods from two of the Evil Queen’s guards. They spot her and begin to chase her.) Guards: “Hurry! After her! Stop!” Snow White: (She stops running when she reaches the edge of a cliff:) “Uhh! Oh! Really?“ Guard 1: “You're a long way from home, Snow White. Did you really think you could hide from the queen here?” Snow White: “Actually, yes.” Guard 1: (As he and the second guard unsheathe their swords:) “Well, don't worry. We're here to take you back. The queen is eager to see you again.” Snow White: “Not gonna happen.” (Goes to the edge of cliff.) Guard 1: “No, no, no! Wait!” (The guards run towards the edge of the cliff to get her, but she jumps off before they can catch her. The guards watch as Snow White hits the water. Under the water, a pair of arms grab her and bring her to the surface of the water. When Snow’s pulled up to the surface she gasps for air. She swims around to face her savior.) Snow White: “Thank you.” Ariel: “No problem. You might wanna try diving in calmer waters next time.” (Snow White looks down at the water and notices Ariel has a tail.) Snow White: “You're a...” Ariel: “Yeah. I'm a mermaid. Name's Ariel.”

Neverland. Present. At The Operation Cobra Rescue/Henry Camp. (Emma is standing in front of an unlit campfire, concentrating. Regina is teaching Emma how to harness her magic as the Charmings watch on.) Regina: “Focus. Concentrate.” Emma: “It's kind of hard when you're talking in my ear.” Regina: “And when the wind blows or it's raining, or... if your parents are watching you. Yes, concentration's hard. That's the point. You have to find your anger and use it to focus.” Mary Margaret: (Speaking up:) “No. There has to be a way without going dark.” Regina: “And what would you know about using magic?” Emma: (To Mary Margaret:) “Regina’s right. Gold told me that magic is about emotion. That I have to remember who I’m using it for and that’ll help me control it." Regina: “That’s exactly right. (Circling Emma:) You have to take all your emotions. All of your anger, all your love, all your hate. And push it way down into the pit of your stomach then let it explode-” Mary Margaret: (Speaking up again:) “You learned your magic from the Dark One. Your magic is evil, Emma’s doesn’t have to be.” Regina: “You're such a pathetic goody two shoes.” Mary Margaret: “And you're a monster.” Emma: (Glaring at her mother:) “That’s ENOUGH!” (Mary Margaret falls silent, subconsciously squeezing David’s arm at this reprimand from her daughter.) Regina: (With a satisfied smile:) “...Smell that?” Emma: “What?” Regina: “Smoke.” (Emma looks at the campfire, which has now lit. Emma kneels by the fire watching as it grows while Regina takes a seat, pleased by Emma’s progress.)

David: (Sighs, quietly to Snow:) “This is a bad idea.” Mary Margaret: “No, she has it in her. She should learn to use it. We just have to trust her.” (Despite her words, Snow watches the two women as they continue practicing with an uneasy eye.) David: “Yeah, it's not Emma I don't trust.” (Hook enters.) Hook: (To Mary Margaret and David:) “We need to talk. Pan paid me a visit. He, uh... He told me that Neal is alive, that he's on this very island.” Mary Margaret: (Shakes her head:) “Emma saw him. He was shot. He fell through a portal. No one could survive that.” Hook: “Well, he did, and now he's here. Pan said he took him from this very camp while we were off in Baelfire’s cave.” Mary Margaret: “According to Pan, if he's telling the truth.” David: “And, uh, why would he tell you? What does he hope to gain?” Hook: (Bows his head, thinking:) “Who knows why he does anything? He has his reasons, but it's a sure bet they're not good ones.” Mary Margaret: (Looks around camp:) “He's telling the truth. (Walks over to a broken branch:) Tracks... and a scuffle. Someone was here while we were gone. We have to tell her.” David: “No, no, no. If this is a game, we can't raise Emma’s hopes.” Hook: “He's right. Either way, telling her is what Pan wants, which is why we shouldn't do it.” Mary Margaret: “You want to find him without letting her know?” Hook: “Why hurt her unnecessarily?” Mary Margaret: “I've never lied to her before.” Hook: “You're not lying. You're just keeping a secret until confirmation.” Mary Margaret: “Secrets always seem to keep us from the people we really care about.” David: “And sometimes secrets protect the people we love.”

Enchanted Forest. Past. (Snow and Ariel are by the shore.) Ariel: “What on earth would possess you to jump like that?” Snow White: “You ever been chased by an evil queen?” Ariel: “I can't say that I have.” Snow White: “Makes you do crazy things.” Ariel: “Well, that I know.” Snow White: “Are you on the run from someone?” Ariel: “More like on the run to someone.” Snow White: “What's his name? Come on. The one thing that makes everyone crazy is love.” Ariel: “Eric. He's a prince in this kingdom.” Snow White: “So wait. He... Lives on land? He's human?” Ariel: “Okay. Here's the thing. About a year ago, his ship wrecked, and I rescued him. I do that. He was unconscious. We never spoke, but... When I looked at his face, I just... I knew.” Snow White: “Love at first sight.” Ariel: “It sounds dumb. I know.” Snow White: “No. It doesn't sound dumb at all. (As Ariel empties her bag on the ground:) Interesting.” Ariel: “I collect things... And I found this. (Shows her a piece of paper:) There's a ball at his castle tonight... the annual under the sea celebration honoring the sea goddess Ursula... And I was hoping to meet him there.” Snow White: “How are you planning on doing that? With a tail? (Ariel lifts herself fully out of the water. As she does, her tail transforms into two very human legs:) How did you do that?” Ariel: “You really know nothing of your mermaid mythology, do you?” Snow White: “Uh, probably about as much as you know about people mythology, I think.” Ariel: “Good point. Well, anyway, every year at the highest tide, the legend says that the sea goddess Ursula grants our kind with the ability to walk on dry land until the next high tide.” Snow White: “Which is when?” Ariel: “Twelve hours. Enough time for dinner and dancing and...” Snow White: “Twelve hours? Why don't you ask this Ursula for a little more time?” Ariel: “Well, no one's seen her in a thousand years. She's a bit of a myth.” Snow White: “Well, myth or no myth, you saved my life. The least I can do is help you find the love of yours.” Ariel: “Thank you. But can you keep a secret?” Snow White: “Mm-hmm.” Ariel: “I'm a mermaid.” Snow White: “Yeah, I got that.” Ariel: “But Eric doesn't know that. So... Can we just maybe... Keep that under the sea for now?” Snow White: “Isn't that something he eventually needs to find out?” Ariel: “Just let him fall for me first, okay?” Snow White: “Okay. Your secret's safe with me.” Neverland. Present. (Hook, David & Mary Margaret are preparing to go look for Neal.) Mary Margaret: “If we're gonna hide this, we need a good cover story.” David: “Done.” Hook: “That's not a problem.” (Emma & Regina approach.) Emma: “Where are you guys going?” Hook and David (at the same time): “Firewood. To get water.” Emma: “Guys, what's going on?” Mary Margaret: “Neal's alive.” Emma: “Neal i... is... Alive?” Mary Margaret: “Maybe. (To David and Hook:) Sorry, she deserved to know.”

Neverland. Gold’s Camp. (Gold sits, deep in concentration when Pan appears.) Peter Pan: “You can't see the future here. (Gold flinches and opens his eyes:) It's impossible to see the future in a place where time stands still.” Gold: “I may not see the future here, but I can make one happen.” Peter Pan: “Was that a threat? (He scoffs:) And here I made you your favourite breakfast... eggs in a basket. I thought you could use it. You looked a little down in the dumps.” Gold: “I'm fine.” Peter Pan: “Sure you are, Rumple. You lost your son, Neal. Again. And Henry's unattainable because... Well, you'd have to go through me, and we both know you can't. You still like the yolk runny, don't you?” Gold: “What do you want?” Peter Pan: “Well, if you won't eat, then I will. (Takes a bite of food:) I'm just trying to point out the silver lining in your cloudy life.” Gold: “That by killing you, all our troubles end?” Peter Pan: “We both know that's not going to happen, because the only way to do that is for you to die, too. You can go, leave the island.” Gold: "And abandon my son? And Henry? I don't think so.” Peter Pan: “Look, even if you did save them... which you won't... what would be the point? They'll never forgive you for all the horrible things you've done.” Gold: “You don't know that.” Peter Pan: “Have you forgiven your father? ...You see my point? Back to that silver lining... you have a nice girl waiting for you back in Storybrooke. Belle, is it? Stop this foolishness and go back to her. Make a new start. She looks fertile. Maybe a new child? You and I both know that's the only future for you... Assuming you want to live. Enjoy the eggs.” Neverland. Operation Henry Camp. (Regina, Emma and the others are debating at the camp.) Regina: “This is a waste of time. He's toying with us.” Mary Margaret: “I don't think so. (Walks over to the tracks as the others follow:) Look. More scuffling. Someone was definitely resisting.” Emma: “How do we know that means Neal?” Mary Margaret: “Well, it means someone was fighting for his life.”

Regina: “Are you really going to fall for this? (Sees that Emma is unsure, looks to Mary Margaret who shakes her head disapprovingly:) Fine. You wanna follow the Evil Munchkin's dirt road? Be my guest.” Emma: (As Regina begins to leave:) “Wait. Where are you going?” Regina: “To save our son.” Emma: “We need to stick together.” Regina: (She laughs:) “No, we don't. You may be prepared to risk Henry's life to go running after your ex boyfriend on some fool's errand, but I'm not. I'm tired of waiting around.” (She leaves.) Emma: (Turns to Mary Margaret:) “What if she's right? Pan could be lying.” Mary Margaret: “Just because it seems too good to be true doesn't mean it is. Don't give up. You owe it to Henry to find out if his father's still alive, and you owe it to yourself.” Emma: “What is that supposed to mean?” Hook: “Ladies, I hate to intrude, but are we going to look for Neal or not?” (Emma studies her mother for a long moment, as if trying to read her thoughts. Eventually, Emma nods and the quartet head off in search of Neal.)

[swanqueeneverafter]

29. Ariel, Pt.2

Maritime Kingdom. Past. Inside Maritime Castle. (Snow White and Ariel are both wearing ball gowns.) Ariel: “Wow! It's even better than I imagined. Do I look okay? Is this how people dress?” Snow White: “You look fantastic.” Ariel: “Does it fit right? Because it just feels a little...” Snow White: “Tight? It's a corset. It's supposed to be.” Ariel: “How do you know all these things?” Snow White: “In another life, I was a princess.” Ariel: “Well, perhaps you'll be one again.” Snow White: “I doubt it. But tonight, you can be. (Ariel laughs softly. Snow White picks up a fork:) Remember what I taught you. (She shows Ariel the fork:) What's this?” Ariel: “Mini-trident. ...Salad-trident?” Snow White: “Fork. Salad fork. (Ariel pockets the fork:) Oh. It's really not that valuable.” (The Prince appears at the top of the staircase.) Snow White: “There. Look. Is that him?” Ariel: (She laughs:) “Yes. That's him. He's just as I remembered. Less wet... But more handsome.” (Their eyes meet and they smile at each other.) Snow White: (Whispers:) “Go to him.” Ariel: “Just... walk over there?” Snow White: “Love at first sight doesn't need much prompting.” (She pushes Ariel forward. Ariel walks over toward Prince Eric but trips over her own feet) Ariel: “Oh! Uhh!” (Eric approaches her.) Prince Eric: “Would you like to dance? (He holds out a hand and helps Ariel stand:) Might be easier than walking.” Ariel: (She laughs nervously:) “No one's dancing.” Prince Eric: “Well, that's one of the perks of being the prince. If I want to dance, (He holds out his hand:) I can. (He nods to the musicians and music starts to play:) I'm Eric.” Ariel: “Ariel.” Prince Eric: “You look familiar. (He bows and she curtsies:) Have we met?” Ariel: “I don't think so.” Prince Eric: (A look of realisation forms on his face. He takes her hand and they begin to dance:) “I know where it's from.” Ariel: “Where?” Prince Eric: “I was in a shipwreck. I nearly drowned. Someone saved me. I didn't see them, but... I've had a recurring dream since then, of a face. Your face.” Ariel: “That can't be. I'm new in town, so... How could I have possibly saved you?” Prince Eric: “I know. Ursula's the one who saved me. And in doing so, she showed me a vision of my future. That's the face I saw. That's you.” Ariel: “Ursula is just a myth.” Prince Eric: “Is she? 'Cause you're right here in front of me. Now what brings you to our kingdom?” Ariel: “Well... I wanna see the world.” Prince Eric: “Then you and I have something in common. I'm leaving in the morning... a grand expedition... to do just that.” Ariel: “What?” Prince Eric: “I've been planning it for years. This shall be my final Ursula ball, for tomorrow, I'm exploring the unknown lands... the desert from this realm to Agrabah.” Ariel: “You're actually doing it. I've always wanted to see the world.” Prince Eric: “Then come. I see it in your eyes. You want to. Unless I've misread things.” Ariel: “No. Um, I mean... Yes. I mean no.” Prince Eric: “I'm pressuring you. That's unfair. How about this? Tomorrow morning, I'll wait for you. If you show up, I'll be filled with joy. If you don't, well... I may be heartbroken, but I'll understand. So nice to meet you, Ariel.” (He bows and she curtsies, and the crowd applauds. Ariel walks away toward Snow White and a full length mirror.) Evil Queen's Palace. (The Evil Queen and the two guards from earlier that were chasing Snow White are looking into the Magic Mirror at Snow White speaking to Ariel.) Evil Queen: (Disgusted:) “Ugh.” Guard 1: “That's the woman that rescued Snow White. The red hair. It's unmistakable. I thought she had a tail, but yes, I'm sure.” Evil Queen: “Next time you let someone fall to their death, make sure they're actually dead.” Guard 1: “She looked dead.” Evil Queen: (Turning to him:) “No. Death looks more like this...” (She flicks her wrist and the guard's neck snaps, and he drops dead.) Guard 2: “Sh-shall I lead more knights after Snow White?” Evil Queen: “You boys have proved unequal to the task. (She is about to kill him, but then her face changes and she smiles:) ...No. I've got a new idea.”

Neverland. Present. (Peter Pan is looking through a telescope with Felix standing beside him. Through the telescope Peter sees Mary Margaret, Emma, and the others heading through the woods.) Peter Pan: “Look at them go. So determined to find their missing friend.” Felix: “Speaking of that friend... What should we do with Neal?” Peter Pan: “It's time to move him. Take him to the Echo Cave. (Felix gestures to several Lost Boys, signalling for them to lower Neal's cage:) The game is about to get interesting.” Neverland. Mr. Gold’s Camp. (Mr. Gold sits staring at the doll in his hands, as Belle appears beside him.) Belle: “You don't know what to do, do you?” Gold: “No, I don't.” Belle: “Come home to Storybrooke.” Gold: “And just leave... Henry, my family behind?” Belle: “Come with me, and we can start a new family. Our own family. That's what I want. Don't you?” Gold: “No, you... you can't want anything. You're just a figment of my sub-conscious.” Belle: “No. No. I'm really here. Take my hand. Believe in our love, and we can go back. Take it, Rumple. Please. Come home to me.” (Belle starts choking, and Regina approaches, her hand stretched out as she chokes Belle with her magic.) Regina: “Enough of this.” Gold: (Runs over to her:) “Regina!” Regina: “Are you really going to fall for this?” Belle: “Rumple, st... stop her.” Regina: “Don't listen to him.” Gold: “What are you doing?” Regina: “Showing you the truth.” Belle: (Belle collapses:) “Aah!” Gold: “No!” (Gold starts to move toward Belle but Regina stops him.) Regina: “Look who you're really dealing with.” (Belle is consumed by a cloud of smoke and it is revealed to actually be the Shadow, which then flies away.) Gold: “Pan.”

Neverland. Elsewhere. (The foursome are travelling through the jungle. Hook & David trail behind as Emma begins to talk to Mary Margaret.) Emma: “Why are you so keen for Neal to be alive?” Mary Margaret: “What do you mean? Aren’t you?” Emma: “If he's still alive, sure. I mean he knows how to get off this island.” Mary Margaret: “And that’s all? (Stops and turns to face her:) Emma, I get what you're doing, you know. You don't want to open yourself up to the hope that he's alive, but you should.” Emma: “Why?” Mary Margaret: “Because you deserve a happy ending, Emma. And happy endings always start with hope.” Maritime Kingdom. Past. (Snow White and Ariel are sitting on a bench in the ballroom, talking to one another.) Ariel: “This was a terrible, terrible mistake.” Snow White: “You met him. It's a start.” Ariel: “More like an end. I can't ask him to give up his dream for someone he just met.” Snow White: “Maybe you're the dream.” Ariel: “Maybe. But I can't make him choose. It's not right.” Snow White: “You can't make him choose? Or you don't want to make him choose? You're afraid.” Ariel: “Of what?” Snow White: “Of his choice.” Ariel: “There is nothing about any of this... that's easy.” Snow White: “So take my advice. Do the hard thing. Be honest. No secrets. Open your heart to love. It is so worth the risk, even if you get hurt. Then you'll know... you'll know you tried.” Ariel: “I just need some time to think.” Snow White: “Well, you have three hours. So I'll be here if you need me.” (They take each other's hands, and then Ariel walks away.) Maritime Kingdom. Past. By The Ocean Shore. (Ariel, in her human form, is back in her regular clothes and standing by the water.) Ariel: “What should I do? That's right, I'm talking to you, Ursula, mythical goddess of the sea. Eric thought you brought us together, but we both know that's lie, so... Tell me, between girlfriends, what do I do? Nothing, huh? Well, what should I expect from a long-dead myth? You gave me legs, but that's it, right? No answers? Thanks... for nothin'. (The Evil Queen emerges from the water. She has tentacles like an octopus':) Ursula?” Evil Queen: “Hello... Ariel.”

Neverland. Mr. Gold’s Camp. Present. Regina: “What is this? Amateur hour? Did you really believe that was Belle?” Gold: “Why are you here?” Regina: “Well, for starters, it appears I'm saving your ass. You were about to be Pan's lunch.” Gold: “Oh, what do you care?” Regina: “I care because I've been camping with the Charmings for days and getting nowhere. If we're gonna get Henry, I need you. I need Rumpelstiltskin.” Gold: “Well, the problem, dearie, is that Rumpelstiltskin can only stop Pan by dying.” Regina: “You're not gonna die at anyone's hands but my own. We're the two most powerful practitioners of magic who have ever lived. The Evil Queen and the Dark One joining forces? I'd say we can find another way to handle one smug teenager.” Gold: “You've never faced him. I have. And I know what killing him requires. And that is–my life.” Regina: “Well, as much as I want to, maybe we don't have to kill him. If that's the case, then... Maybe we can find another way... something to contain him, some other fate.” Gold: “A fate worse than death.” Regina: “Now we're talkin'. There's my malevolent imp. Is there a spell you know? Something we can enact?” Gold: “No. But back in my shop, I might have just the thing.” Regina: “Well, why didn't you bring it with you in the first place?” Gold: “Because I came here to kill him and die in the process!” Regina: (She laughs:) “Well, I could've told you that wasn't gonna happen. You forget, dear. I've known you a long time. I know all about your survival instincts.” Gold: “Yeah, well, they just kicked in.” Regina: “Good. So now we just need a change of plans. We need to get back to your shop, pick up this magical item, and then all of our problems are solved.” Gold: “Crossing realms? Is that all?” Regina: “Yes. That's all.” Maritime Kingdom. Past. (Ariel is on the beach, staring at the Evil Queen, who is disguised as Ursula.) Ariel: “You're... real.” Evil Queen: (She laughs:) “As real as the legs you're standing on.” Ariel: “I'm sorry if I was rude before. I...” Evil Queen: “My dear sweet child. Don't fret. I understand. But you're also in luck. I can help with your... dilemma.” Ariel: “With Prince Eric? I have to tell him the truth, don't I?” Evil Queen: “Bah! Your friend was mistaken.” Ariel: “Are you sure?” Evil Queen: “Of course I'm sure. If you tell him the truth... that you're from two different worlds... he won't accept that. Or you.” Ariel: “How is this helping again?” Evil Queen: “What if I told you that you could keep your... legs? That you can walk on land, be a part of his world... Forever, without ever telling him your secret, that you're a mermaid? Would you be interested?” Ariel: “Of course.” (The Evil Queen chuckles to herself.) Maritime Kingdom. Past. At The Docks. (Snow White is sitting at the edge of the docks, when Ariel runs up to her.) Snow White: “What is it? What happened?” Ariel: “Something amazing. And not just for me, but for the both of us.” Snow White: “What are you talking about?” Ariel: “I received a gift... a gift that will allow me to spend the rest of my life with Eric, and a way for you to escape your evil queen.” Snow White: “How is that possible?” Ariel: “Look.” (Pulls out a bracelet and puts it on Snow White's wrist.) Snow White: “What are you doing?” Ariel: “This is no ordinary bracelet. (A dark green smoke forms around Snow White's legs:) Look.” Snow White: “Ohh.” Ariel: (She helps Snow White sit down:) “Here.” Snow White: “What's happening? Oh! Oh!” (Snow’s legs transform into a mermaid's tail. She starts to fall, but Ariel helps her to stay upright.) Ariel: “You're a mermaid.” Snow White: “Ariel... What have you done?”

Ariel: “The bracelet is magic. I got it from Ursula. By wearing it, you get my tail, and I can keep my legs. That's the price, but it's a good price. Don't you see? You can escape. You can travel to my land... a land where the evil queen cannot follow. And you can have a life, a wonderful life, under the sea.” Snow White: “Ursula gave you the bracelet?” Ariel: “Yes.” Snow White: “Ursula is a myth. She hasn't existed for thousands of years. She's not real.” Ariel: “Yes, she is.” Evil Queen: (Approaching:) “Actually... It's not entirely true.” Ariel: “What's going on?” Evil Queen: “Well, well, well. Look at the catch of the day.” Ariel: “Ursula?” Snow White: “No, this isn't Ursula. This is Regina, the Evil Queen.” Neverland. Present. Outside Of Echo Cave. Mary Margaret: “The tracks lead directly into that cave. This must be where Pan is keeping Neal.” David: “If the cave is some sort of prison, why aren't there any guards posted to stop us?” Hook: “Because this prison doesn't require guards. (Sighs:) Echo cave.” Mary Margaret: “You know it?” Hook: “All too well. I lost half my crew inside those rock walls. The only way to rescue someone from inside is to reveal a secret.” Mary Margaret: “A secret? That's all?” Hook: “Your darkest secret. Echo cave derives its name from an old saying... ‘the deeper the lie, the more truth in its echo.’ The cave demands that you reveal a truth about yourself. A secret you would never admit to anyone.” Emma: “This is ridiculous.” Hook: “Don't kill the messenger, luv.” Emma: “Even if we spill our guts, how do we know Neal's still alive in there?” Hook: “Because this is what Pan wants. He wants us to rescue him.” David: “Why?” Hook: “So that we reveal our secrets. He believes once we do, our secrets will destroy us.”

Maritime Kingdom. Past. At The Docks. Evil Queen: “Having trouble with your fin?” Snow White: “I'll figure it out!” Ariel: “Snow, the bracelet.” (Snow White attempts to remove the bracelet.) Evil Queen: “The wearer can't take it off. Oh. Did I leave that detail out? For once, Snow, you won't be able to run away.” Ariel: “You tricked me?” Evil Queen: “You went to a long-dead octopus for advice, and you're going to blame me for your problems?” Ariel: “This is wrong.” Evil Queen: (As Ariel goes to help Snow:)  “Unh-unh-unh. Sorry, dear. You're not helping her.” Snow White: “Ariel, get out of here.” Evil Queen: “For once we're in agreement. Get out of here, mermaid!” Ariel: “Not if you're gonna hurt my friend.” Evil Queen: “You have a choice. Your friend's going to be hurt either way. The real question is whether you're going to join her. Or are you going to run off and get your happy ending? Hmm? Go on. There are no second chances.” Snow White: “It's okay, Ariel. I can't keep running forever. You have a chance at happiness. That's something the queen will never have. Eric is going to leave any moment. Go to him.” Evil Queen: “Listen to her, Ariel! Are you really going to give up the love of your life...? For a friend?” Ariel: “I'm sorry.” (She walks away.) Evil Queen: “Now... Where were we? Oh, right. The catch of the day.” (She uses her magic to start choking snow White, who gasps for air. Ariel runs up and stabs the Evil Queen in the neck with a fork. Regina cries out in pain, and Ariel runs to Snow White, takes the bracelet off, and throws it into the ocean.) Snow White: “What are you doing?” (Her tail changes back into legs, and Ariel regains her tail.) Ariel: “Hold your breath.” (She dives into the water with Snow White, and they swim away to safety.)