"Jane's second birthday is next week and she is already acting like a 5 year old...! Doesn't that worry you a bit?"
"Not the slightest! My Janey is a learned young lady! If she excels the average learning ability then I'm perfectly fine with Jane being smart." Mulan and Aurora were discussing this matter as they snuggled close in bed. It was late and Jane was already asleep in her own small room beside their own. As Jane got bigger and smarter, faster than any child in Storybrooke, Mulan and Aurora had to move into the space across the hall for the extra room for Jane. Mulan felt Aurora's leg come up and overlap her own thigh, sliding closer to Mulan. "I just don't see the problem." Aurora sighed as she moved her head in the crook of Mulan's neck. Mulan felt the heaves of breaths Aurora took each time she spoke. "It's just...it isn't normal for a 2 year old to be gifted and learned like a 5 year old..." Mulan whispered, sighing as she spoke. They both were new to parenting and raising a child, but Mulan knew this wasn't right. "Next thing you know she'll be graduating high school at age 13...I just don't think that will be right..." Mulan spoke softly, her fingers gently massaging Aurora's head. Her fingers dug softly into the beautiful brown locks, gently brushing her hair as she massaged. Aurora slid her hands underneath Mulan's night shirt and kept them resting on her abdomen, feeling the warmth of Mulan on her fingertips. "I just don't know what to do..." Aurora confessed looking up toward the Warrior. She could barely see her lover, but knew where all her facial features were. Mulan felt Aurora's head look upward so she followed and looked down at Aurora. "Maybe we should ask Cinderella for some help...or maybe we can ask Emma and Regina...Maybe Dr. Hopper...?"
"I don't want to bring any doctor into the picture. Jane isn't sick!" Aurora huffed looking back toward the empty ceiling she was contently staring at before. "I never said Janey was sick. I'm just saying...maybe her mind is just growing faster than she is." Mulan focused her eyes at the bleak white walls as well, searching in her mind for any answer to this dilemma. Aurora began to close her eyes knowing the conversation would soon be over, "Tomorrow we will talk to Cinderella..." Aurora's voice faded as she drifted off to sleep. Mulan smiled knowing her Princess was tired and exhausted, so she kissed Aurora's head whispering, "Goodnight Princess." and soon both women fell asleep in each other's arms.
The next morning Jane was being rambunctious. She was running around the house refusing to go to school. Aurora was running after her with her jacket yelling at her, "Jane, you come here right now!" All Mulan heard from within the bathroom, as she exited the shower drying herself off, was Jane squealing in giggles and laughter. Mulan heard Jane's little footsteps near the bathroom door and the next thing she knew was Jane holding onto her own leg and she had the towel barely wrapped around her body. Aurora came running in panting with Jane's small jean jacket. "Miss Jane!" Aurora breathy shouted as she leaned against the door just glaring at Jane, who just looked up a frightened knowing she was now in trouble. Mulan let a small smile go past her, biting her lip as she watched Jane pitifully. Aurora was about to lose it. "Aurora, I'll dress her." Mulan spoke out, lifting her leg dragging Jane out of the bathroom. Mulan, as she slid past Aurora's small frame, gave her a tender kiss and told her, "You're doing your best honey." Aurora couldn't help but give a sigh of acceptance. Aurora handed Mulan the jacket as she just watched her lover do her part now. Mulan put on an over-sized shirt and sat Jane down on the bed. "Janey, dear." Mulan began to say, "Are you going to be a good girl?" Jane nodded her head wildly. "Why are you giving Mommy Aurora a hard time this morning?" Mulan asked softly, not mad at Jane just worried. Jane spoke in her squeaky voice, but oddly enough her voice sounded like a mixture of Aurora's tone and Mulan's seriousness. "All the other kids make fun of me." Jane told Mulan. Mulan looked at Jane confused and shocked, looking up at Aurora who stared afraid as well. Mulan gave Jane the attention again and she began to explain, "The older kids tell me I'm too small to be talking. They tell me I'm weird." Jane said a bit sad from the kids talking. Aurora, now kneeling next to Mulan, looked at Jane with all pity and worry. Mulan reached out and hugged Jane squeezing her tightly, "Oh no, darling. You aren't weird. Those big kids are jealous." Mulan retracted back looking right into Jane's eyes. "Those big kids are just jealous. That you are smarter than anyone there." Mulan smiled brushing her hand on Jane's forehead. "Y'know what?" Mulan asks softly, a grin coming across her face. "What?" Jane replied interested. "I used to be made fun of too when I was younger."
"Really?!" Jane asked in disbelief. "Yes. Do you know what I did to those kids?" Jane shook her head, "No."
"I showed all of them that I was better and stronger. I showed them the Warrior spirit." Mulan smiled looking toward Aurora who nodded in agreement. Jane's eyes wandered from Aurora then toward Mulan again, in agreement. "I have the Warrior spirit too!" Jane exclaims excited. "And what are you going to do?" Aurora asks reassuring Jane's excitement. "Show them I have the Warrior Spirit." Jane nodded in confirmation with more herself. "My little Princess." Aurora smiled giving Jane kisses. Mulan put Jane's jean jacket on while Aurora got her lunch ready. After everything was settled, both women strolled down the street bringing their child to school. Jane happily hugged them goodbye and before she headed off Aurora kneeled to Jane's height and told her strongly and determined, "You are a very special girl. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise." Aurora smiled knowing Jane's mood was uplifted. Aurora gave a hug and sent her off to play. Jane waved goodbye and happily ran toward the playground where all the children were before Elementary school had started. Aurora stood next to Mulan's side, leaning into her side. "I'm still worried..." Mulan whispered as they both watched Jane play naturally with the other kids. "She looks like a 5 year old..." Aurora confessed a bit sad of what Jane had told them that morning. Mulan wrapped her arms around Aurora replying softly, "We have to talk to someone about this..."
"Talk to whom?" A raspy voice asked slyly from behind both women. Mulan and Aurora like one body turned around surprised to find someone eavesdropping in their intimate moment. "Good morning."
"Good morning, Rumplestiltskin..." Mulan hesitantly bowed her head, giving him some respect.