Author's Note: Red Charming.

Chapter 1

David sat in Granny's diner feeling like the weight of the world was on his shoulders. His wife and daughter got sucked through a portal. His grandson was living with him now. Not to mention, he now had a town to run while dealing with his father, King George.

He thought once the curse broke, his family could move forward. He felt like a fool believing things would get easier. He just wanted his family back in his arms.

He noticed Ruby walk over to his table. "How are you doing?" she asked concerned.

"Well to be expected," he answered.

Ruby gave him a gentle smile. "I'm here for you anytime." He thanked her and continued trying to come up with ways to get his family back.

He sighed in frustration when he heard his voice. "Looking a little lost," George said.

David narrowed his eyes at his pathetic excuse of a father. "I'm fine. Why are you here?"

George chuckled and David wanted to punch him in the face. "Granny's diner is a public establishment."

David rolled his eyes. "Why are you sitting here across from me?"

"Well, I came to see how the Good Shepherd turned Prince Charming was faring. It must be a little overwhelming these days. First, the curse breaks and then you're reunited with your family only for it to fall through the cracks, literally. I'm surprised you haven't caved under the pressure. However, in case you do, I'll be glad to pick up the pieces."

David leaned back in the booth. "You would like that. You would like to prove I have no clue what I'm doing. What makes you think this town will want you to "rule" over me? You are selfish, ungrateful-

"Is that anyway to talk to your beloved father?" He leaned over. "I took you from rags to riches. I made you who you are. It was all my doing to transform you into the beloved prince. The way I see it, you owe me."

David couldn't believe this man had the audacity to say such a thing. "Owe you? You've done nothing but rip my family apart. You tried to kill the woman I love. You deserted me and my mother."

George scoffed. "Right, your mother. It's a shame she couldn't see the man you've become. I wonder what she would have to say about all of this. I guess it's a good thing she's dead."

David nearly clocked the man but Ruby stepped up to the table. "Is there anything I can get for you?" she asked with a fake smile plastered across her face.

"No thank you wolf," George said. "I'll be going." He got up and turned to David. "I'll get what I want one way or another."

He faced Ruby again and smirked before walking out the door. Ruby gagged a little. "I can't believe he's your father."

"Neither can I," he said in exasperation. "Can we talk about something else?"

Ruby sat in the now vacant spot. "How's Henry doing?"

"He misses Emma and Snow. He's living with me now. Regina let him move out surprisingly. She said she wants to redeem herself."

Ruby snorted. "I'm sure," she said sarcastically.

"We'll see how well that goes," David said.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Ruby asked.

"Unless you can open a portal and bring my wife and child home," he replied.

Her smile was full of sadness and regret. "I miss Snow too. She's my best friend. I guess Emma would be sort of like my niece."

"We definitely would have made you her aunt," David said.

"Ruby! Get in here!" Granny yelled from the kitchen.

Ruby chuckled. "I better go before Granny has a coronary with all that yelling."

She got up to walk away but David held her wrist. "Thank you."

"No problem," she said walking off. David paid for his bill and walked out of the diner. Unbeknownst to him, George sat in his car thinking of ways to destroy his son.