Here is the second part to this fic. I'm sorry it took so long, I had the entire thing in my hea, but I lacked the time to actually write it down.
Enjoy!
The first time he sees her is rather unconventional. She steals from his carriage and he chases her on horseback before knocking her to the ground. When he whips her hood back to confront the thief, he is shocked that she is a girl.
She informs him that she is in fact a woman, and she proceeds to hit him across the chin with a rock.
She gets away and mounts her steed, and he watches her ride off. He rubs the mark on his face, knowing it will scar, as he yells that he will find her. After all, she has his mother's ring, and he will not let this woman take that from him.
As she rides away, she turns and shoots him a smile that starts a fire in his veins. He is angry at her, that much is true, but at the same time, he feels a spark of something that has never existed before. Something that he certainly doesn't feel for Abigail.
David begins to prepare to hunt down this mysterious bandit, and the entire time, he can't help but think about her. She was beautiful with her hair black as night, her skin white as snow, and her magnificent emerald eyes, and he longs to see her again.
He knows that he will get his ring back and they will part ways, and a small part of his heart breaks, even if he doesn't understand why.
He has no idea then that this bandit has stolen so much more than his ring.
After discovering that the thief is Snow White, he becomes even more motivated to find her. He catches her in a net, she gives him the nickname "Prince Charming", and he tells her to get his jewels back. She doesn't want to agree, but she comes around, even if she glares at him while he cuts her out of the net. They set off on what should be a simple journey, but it is far from that.
When the soldiers come after her, he shouldn't care. She stole from him, hit him with a rock, and pushed him in the river. However, despite all of that, he feels a need to save her. He just can't let her get hurt, and while he tells her that he was just being honorable, he knows deep down that isn't the full truth. He knows that she doesn't need saving, she has proven that she can take care of herself, but he still feels overwhelmingly protective of her, and he isn't sure why.
Then she saves him from the trolls, and he knows that he is lost to her. He is falling, and fast, and he isn't sure that he wants to stop it. For a moment, he even thinks that he sees a longing in her eyes as he stares at her on the bridge. But when she turns and walks away, he is reminded that there is no future with this woman, no matter how much he may want it.
Yet, when she suddenly puts his mother's ring on her finger, he is certain that she feels the same as he does. He can't bear the thought of parting with her already, and now, he is certain that he has strong and indescribable feelings for her. He sees a flash of hope in her gaze, but she quickly removes the ring, breaking the moment. His stomach drops, as he was wishing that she would return his feelings. Unfortunately, it seems that Snow White will jus be a memory of his.
They say their goodbyes, and he tells her that he will always find her. He tries to convey exactly what he means in those words, but he can see the doubt written across her face. She doesn't want to let him in, and he longs for a chance to change that.
He watches as she walks away, hoping that she will turn around. If she does, then he will know that she has developed feelings as well. But, she doesn't. His face falls, and he turns and heads back to his kingdom and the fiancé he can't stand. He feels defeated as he walks, and he tries to accept that he will never see those magnificent emerald eyes again.
He knows that his heart has broken, but that doesn't keep him from being completely in love with her, no matter what.
He can't let her fill her heart with darkness. She may not remember him and True Love's kiss may not have worked, but he still has to protect her. If she never loves him again, he will accept that, but he cannot let her kill the Queen. And so, he dives in front of her arrow. it hurts, but not as much as her not knowing him does.
She's angry, and she makes it very clear. However, he came to give her actions and words, and he is going to tell her how he feels. He professes his love, feeling a sting when she claims that she doesn't return it. He tells her that he is willing to die for her, and it breaks her heart when she questions it, her voice small.
And then, he feels her hand on his shoulder and another comes up to cup his face. His heart nearly stops when she brushes her lips against his. He doesn't move as she pulls away, and he hears a light gasp. When he opens his eyes, he sees a smile on her face and tears running down her cheeks, and she breathily whispers the name she gave him.
It suddenly hits him…she remembers. She knows who he is and by the look in her eyes, she loves him just as much as he loves her. As he kisses her over and over, he knows that he has never been this happy before. When he sent her that letter and she broke his heart, he had lost all hope for them. But since he decided to fight for her, he had been wishing that the look he saw in her eyes on the Troll Bridge was real. And now, he knows that there is love between them, and he wouldn't have it any other way.
Then King George's army arrives, and they take him away. His Snow, he dares to think of her as that now, yells that she will find him, and he knows that she will.
He races on horseback through the woods, using his mother's ring to guide him to his love. He comes to a clearing, seeing several dwarves standing around a fallen tree. He dismounts, and his heart is ripped out of his chest when he is told that he is too late.
He presses his hands against her coffin lid as he gazes down at her. Snow is so beautiful, yet so still that it kills him. He longs to see those magnificent emerald eyes once more, but he knows that they are now closed forever. He feels tears running down his face as he asks the dwarves to open the lid, begging them to let him say goodbye.
He isn't sure what possesses him to, but he leans down and brushes his lips against his love's, knowing that this is the only way fitting for him to part from her. He is so focused on his grief that he is caught off guard when a burst of wind erupts. He pulls back and stares at his beloved, unsure of what is happening.
Snow gasps and her eyes fly open, and he feels complete happiness, something he thought he would never feel again. She's alive and he vows in that moment to never lose her again.
She looks up at him and states that he found her, and he is so glad that he did. He made that promise to her what feels like a lifetime ago, and he will always find her no matter what.
After she recovers, he sneaks her away for a private stroll away from the dwarves. They have hardly had any time together between losing and finding each other, and as they walk down the beach with her arm in his, he knows that he wants to walk like this for the rest of his days.
He tells her how he found her by using his mother's ring, and he promptly gets on one knee and asks her a question he has been thinking about since he met her. When she answers yes and holds out her hand, he slips the ring on her finger, never wanting it to leave.
They decide to take back their kingdoms together, and he is thrilled. He no longer wants to do anything without her, and he knows that she feels the same.
His mother is dying and he wants to hunt for more water, but she stops him. He wants to scream because he can't lose her, but he wants to make her last moments the best that he can. Snow seems to have the same idea, as she is suddenly asking Lancelot to marry them.
Despite how much his heart aches for his mother, he can't help but smile at his bride as they vow to love each other forever. Being Snow's husband is all that he wants, and as he kisses his new wife, his heart soars at the prospect of their life together.
His happiness doesn't last long, as his mother dies. As he cries over her body, he feels Snow wrap her arms around him, and he knows that he no longer has to go through anything alone.
He buries his mother alone, needing that time to grieve. Once he says his goodbyes, Snow joins him, offering her condolences. He finds a way to grin at her, as this is their wedding day, after all. He holds out his mother's necklace to her, wanting to hold it over her hand, and she seems reserved. For a second he thinks that she has something to tell him, until they hear a swinging over her palm.
The joy he sees on her face is extraordinary, as he can see how much being a mother means to her. He is thrilled himself, as the idea of one day holding Snow and his child in his arms is amazing. One day they will be parents together, and there is nothing he wants more.
And even though losing his mother today hurts, he still has a reason to smile.
He can barely stand hearing Snow's screams, and he wishes that he can take her pain from her. He holds her, willing as much strength as he can into her, as she brings their daughter into the world.
Emma's cries are the most beautiful sound he's ever heard, and Snow holding their baby is the most beautiful sight he's ever seen. Even though the curse is fast approaching and they have no idea what Regina will do, this is one of the most incredible moments of his life.
Emma is completely beautiful, just like her mother. She is so tiny and he feels like he has to protect her from everything, because she is his entire world. She already has him wrapped around her finger and her hold on his heart is unbreakable. He had no idea that being a father would feel like this, and he wouldn't trade it for the world.
No matter how wonderful this moment is, it comes to an end.
Snow tells him that he needs to take their baby to the wardrobe, and his heart shatters. She tells him that they are giving Emma her best chance, and he knows that there is no other choice. They are parents now, and their child must come first, even if it means giving her up.
He kisses her tiny forehead, and Snow says goodbye. He takes his daughter into his arms, for the first and most likely last time, and he looks at his wife. Her magnificent emerald eyes that he adores so much are filled with tears, and he can see her heart breaking. He kisses her, pouring every ounce of his love into it, and somehow he pulls away. He crosses the room and grabs his sword, preparing for whatever danger lurks outside. Emma fusses in his arms, and he cradles her, trying to make her know that he will protect her.
Before he exits, he glances back at Snow one last time. Her lip is quivering, but he can see trust swimming in her gaze. She has faith that he will get their tiny baby girl to safety, and he silently promises that he will not fail.
Tears fill his eyes the second he leaves, as he can hear Snow's sobs loud and clear, her pain twisting his heart.
He fights off soldiers and is wounded, but he still makes it to the wardrobe. He places Emma inside and tells her goodbye before locking the door. He weakly tries to fight Regina's men, but he receives a fatal wound, and he falls to the floor.
He can feel himself losing consciousness, and the last thing he thinks about is Snow's magnificent emerald eyes that he will never see again.
He was leaving town after having broken Mary Margaret Blanchard's heart too many times, when he feels the curse being lifted. His memories rush back, and he immediately returns to town, determined to find his wife and daughter. He remembers thinking that he was dead on Emma's nursery floor, and now, he needs his family more than ever.
He is rushing down the street when he spots her, his beautiful Snow White. He spent time with her during the curse, but now, all he wants to do is lovingly kiss his wife.
He calls out to her, and then they are running towards each other. They meet in the middle of the street, and he gazes at her as if he can't believe she is real. He thought he would never see her again, but here she is. She is looking at him with the intensity and love he knows so well, and she professes that he found her.
They kiss, and he feels whole again. He knows that they are True Loves, and he is certain that his heart will always belong to her.
Emma is all grown up and so beautiful, and he can't pull his gaze from her. Snow takes their daughter into her arms, and he feels his heart constrict. His wife should have been able to be a mother for the past twenty eight years, but because of the curse, this is the first time she is holding her child since Emma was born.
He inches forward and tentatively pulls his not-so-little baby into his arms, tears rolling down his cheeks. He had almost died trying to protect her, and seeing her here now makes it all worth it. She's grown into an amazing woman, even if he can't take credit for any of it.
He glances at his wife, and he sees a mixture of emotions in her eyes. She is overjoyed about reuniting with their daughter, but he can see how deeply she feels the fact that they missed everything. He feels the same way.
He vows to himself, then and there, to be the father that Emma deserves and to start piecing their family back together. After all, despite everything, they had found each other.
He lost his wife and daughter, and he desperately fought to get them back. This led him to find himself in a burning room with Snow across from him, hoping she would break his curse. It doesn't work, and so he waits. He has complete faith in her, and he knows that she will find a way to wake him up.
And she does.
He is pulled from the torturous room with a kiss, and when he opens his eyes, he sees his wonderful Snow hovering over him. There are tears lining her cheeks, but as soon as he falls into her orbs, he sees love and relief.
She had found her way back to him, and she had broken his curse just as he had done for her.
He finds himself kissing her over and over again, each one a promise that they won't ever be parted again. He doesn't wish to lose her anymore, and he wants to make up for lost time right this second.
As it turns out, that doesn't exactly happen. The town is abuzz with Snow and Emma's return, and they are all quickly swept up into the celebrations. He loves spending time with his family and friends, he truly does, but he wants Snow all to himself. He can't tear his eyes away from her, as if he is worried that she will disappear out of thin air. She doesn't, and soon they have the time together that he knows she was as eager for as he.
They are interrupted by their daughter, scarring Emma in the process. Still, they laugh, and he silently promises her that they will have their time together. Soon.
However, as frustrated as he is, he wouldn't trade his family for the world.
The next few weeks are far from easy.
Emma finds Henry's father, a giant terrorizes the town only to later befriend them all, Snow kills Cora, August reverts back to a young boy, and he discovers that his wife asked Regina to kill her. It's too much to handle at times, especially knowing what his Snow is going through.
It is agonizing knowing how much pain Snow is in, but all he can do is watch her. He silently keeps an eye on her as she goes through her grief and remorse in her own way, and he is there the second that she needs him. It isn't easy, but for a moment, he has hope that he can slowly make everything right for his family.
He is incredibly wrong.
The town is moments from being destroyed, their only hope stolen by a pirate, and he is faced with the truth that they will all die. Just as he tries to wrap his head around it, he looks over at his child, his precious daughter. His heart breaks, and he knows that Snow feels the same.
Then Emma calls them "Mom" and "Dad" for the first time, and he feels pure joy even as his world crumbles. She leans into their arms, and he holds his wife and daughter against him. he wishes that he could protect them from this, but he can't.
He looks at his wife, his Snow, and he memorizes every detail of her. He lets himself drown in those magnificent emerald eyes, determined that this will be the last thing he ever sees.
However, just as quickly as the world almost ended, it doesn't. Emma helps Regina save them, and relief washes over him. But before they can celebrate, Henry goes missing, and they race to find him.
As Hook's ship heads through the portal on their rescue mission, he catches Snow's gaze. With one look, they promise each other that no matter what Neverland brings, their love will keep each other strong.
Neverland turns out to be his worst nightmare. Fighting with lost boys and learning that his daughter feels like an orphan would be trying enough, but he is poisoned. He thinks that he is going to die on the island, and it crushes him. He decides not to tell his family, and when Hook finds an antidote, he is thrilled that they will never know how close to death he was. That proves to be a mistake.
Snow is furious with him, and she has every right to be. She had barely confessed that she wanted another child with him, a desire he certainly shared, when he had to tell her that he can't leave the island. The hurt he instantly sees in her eyes stabs him in the heart, and he hates that he made her feel this way. He sees that he was wrong, and he desperately wishes that he can make it right.
When she speaks to him again, she tells him that he didn't believe in them. He is so ashamed. They have always shared everything and done everything together, and yet, he kept this from her. He had forgotten to have faith in them and their love, and it kills him that he hurt his wife so much. As she speaks there is clear anger in her eyes, but what shakes him is the fear he sees. Snow is afraid of losing him, and he almost made her go through that. He hates what he has done.
She accepts that their future looks like it will include staying in Neverland, and he loves her so much more for it. She is so willing to give up her own dreams in order just to be with him, and he marvels at how amazing of a woman she really is. He has no idea what will come with the rest of their quest on this island, but he is certain that he will never leave Snow out of anything again. He needs her, and she needs him. And he promises never to forget that ever again.
They make it home, and by some miracle, he lives. He drinks a potion from Rumplestiltskin, and suddenly, he has his life back. He will get to stay with his family, and Snow and he can start on their second child. It feels like a dream, and he really doesn't want to wake up.
Unfortunately, he does.
Another curse is headed their way, and he hates how powerless he feels. He can't protect his family, and it kills him. Knowing that Emma will drive over that town line and out of their lives is torture, because he can't imagine a world where he is separated from his daughter and grandson. He only just got them back, and he doesn't think that he is strong enough to lose them.
His heart aches as he watches his wife kiss their baby girl goodbye on the forehead. He is reminded of the first time she did that, and it hurt him just as much all those years ago. He wishes that they could give Emma more, knowing that she will forget them in just a moment. As Snow returns to his side, he watches his daughter, giving her the smallest of smiles before she turns to her car. He knows that it's a small gesture, but it's all he can do now.
The smoke is closing in on them as Emma's car travels over the town line, his heart going with her. Just before the curse consumes them, he turns to look at his wife, knowing that he will meet her eyes. He sees pure heartbreak, and he desperately wants to take it all away. He wants to chase down that yellow bug and bring his baby back, but he can't. He can see that Snow is struggling with the exact same thing.
He doesn't know what exactly this curse will bring, but he is confident that he will have Snow by his side through it all.
They are back in the Enchanted Forest. He wanted this for so long, but now he wishes that he was anywhere else. This doesn't feel like home. Even with Snow by his side, they are missing two members of their family, and it is impossible to feel complete. He spends many nights talking with his wife, and somehow, they find a way to start to heal.
Fighting the Wicked Witch keeps them occupied, by not so much that they can't conceive another child. When Snow tells him the news, he's happy, but also terrified. After all, he failed his other child, and he doesn't think that this one deserves him as a father.
He goes off in search of courage, and after an interaction with a princess in a tower, he finds that piece of himself again. When he tells Snow of his feelings that night she holds him and whispers words of love in his ear, and she makes him believe in their family once more. They start to build another nursery, and he finds a way to be happy, even for a moment.
Soon, his second child is threatened, and it is miserable. Snow and he have already been through this once before, and he desperately wishes that they could have a baby in peace. This witch, Zelena, has taken that from them, and he vows to do whatever it takes to keep his family safe.
They meet with Rumple and then visit Glinda, learning that the dark curse needs to be recast. Regina can't do it, and he isn't angry with her. He is more frustrated with how difficult this is, when he has an idea. There is someone who can cast it, even if she won't like it one bit. He knows how hard it is going to be, but he tells his wife to sacrifice his heart to cast the curse.
Snow doesn't like it at all, and she tells him that they will find another way. He wishes that they could, but he isn't surprised to find himself standing beside a cauldron with no other options.
He feels peace, surprisingly. Yes, he is heartbroken that he won't see Emma and Henry again and that he will not meet his second child. But, he is doing this for his family, and it is a sacrifice that he is completely willing to make. He does not want to leave Snow, but he is certain that she will be a wonderful mother and that she will keep his memory alive. He knows that losing him will hurt her, but she is the strongest person he knows, and he has faith that she will lead their family perfectly. Besides, he doesn't know what death will bring, but he promised to love her for all eternity, so he is certain that he will see her again.
He looks at his wife, his Snow, and he sees the grief in her eyes. Those magnificent emerald eyes that have never ceased to completely captivate him. He yearns to look into those eyes for the rest of his life, as short as that may be. She states that she can't lose him, and he tells her that will never happen. Their hearts are one and they always have been one, and he will always be with her. Whether that is in the love in their children's eyes or the steady beating of her heart, he will always be with her.
She tells him that she has loved him since the first moment she saw him. He feels the same. He remembers that thief all those years ago that grinned as she rode away, and he knows without a doubt that he completely fell for her in that moment. She stole his ring that day, a ring that would later rest on her finger forever, but in reality, she took so much more. She stole his very soul, and his heart became hers. And now, because of that fact, she is going to have to crush it.
He says that he will love her until his last moment, and he means it so completely. He knows that they don't have much time left, but he intends to spend every second of it pouring his heart out to his True Love.
Regina rips his heart out. It hurts, but not as much as leaving his family does. He can see on Snow's face that she feels it within her, and he aches for the agony that he is putting his love through. His heart, glowing bright and beating, is placed in her hand. He can't help but think how fitting this is, as that is where it has always belonged.
She tells him that she loves him more than anything. He knows that she wants this to be the last thing that he hears, and he loves her so much for it. She doesn't want him to leave without being completely certain of how deep her feelings are for him. She is so beautiful as she utters those words, and it gives him the strength to make this sacrifice.
He knows how hard this is for her. He offers her a small smile and tells her that she has to crush his heart. He hopes that he can give her even a little bit of strength at the end, since he can't take this burden from her.
As she moves to hold his heart over the cauldron, she takes his hand. She never closes her eyes, rather, she captures his gaze and refuses to let it go. He knows that they only have a few moments left, and they will spend them connected as much as they can.
He stares into the eyes he knows and loves so much, and he sees their life flash between them. The adoration and heartbreak they have experienced, the joy and sorrow, everything. Every moment with her by his side is like a dream, because that is what it is. Having a life with Snow is a dream come true and a million granted wishes, and he is so thankful for every moment that he has had with her. He pours all the love that he has in his gaze, as he wants her to have it until they will be reunited again.
She starts to squeeze his heart, and he focused on memorizing her eyes as his world goes black. He feels himself fall to the ground, and with one final breath, he feels his heart become dust.
He is swimming in nothing and pure darkness for what seems like a second and an eternity at the same time. He feels trapped, like he doesn't belong here, but that doesn't last long.
He feels a surge of love as the beating of a heart fills him up, and he takes a breath as his eyes fly open.
He doesn't know what has happened, but his wife is lying next to him with tears on her cheeks and her mouth morphed into a smile. She tells him over and over that he's okay, and as he feels his heart beat, he knows that Snow has saved him. He should have never doubted that his stubborn bandit bride would find a way to bring him back. If it is possible, he loves her even more.
He finds himself drowning in her eyes, and he is so glad that he has the chance to do so again.
Their memories are taken from them, Emma returns home, Zelena goes after his wife, Neal is killed, and Cora's ghost attacks Snow. So much happens, and every moment he focuses on protecting his family. However, when their memories return, he takes a moment to be completely happy. His Snow split her own heart to save him, and he loves her so much for it. They really are one, and she is his everything.
They visit Neal's grave, and his heart breaks for his daughter and grandson. That doesn't last, as his wife goes into labor.
He wishes that for once Snow and he could have a baby without threats surrounding them. Despite everything, he stays with his wife and holds her hand through the delivery. He knows that their friends and family will do everything in their power to protect them, and so he focuses on being there as his wife brings their baby into the world.
When his son is born, he is completely happy. Their little boy is perfect in every single way, and as soon as he holds his tiny baby in his arms, he feels overwhelming love for him. His smile doesn't leave his face as he brings the baby over to Snow. They wrap their child up together, and her faces lights up as she pulls their child into her arms. He is so unbelievably happy, and so is she.
Zelena ruins it all.
She takes their son, and he hears his wife's anguished screams again. He remembers them from when he had to take Emma to the wardrobe, and it kills him that his wife has to feel this pain once more. Having their second child taken shakes him to his core, and he vows to get him back no matter what.
He goes to a barn to confront Zelena with Emma, Hook, Regina, and Robin. He isn't sure of a lot that happens, as his attention remains on the basket with his son and his magicless daughter. Somehow, the witch is defeated, and he holds his baby once more.
As he looks down at the little bundle, he thinks of his wife and the look that will be in her eyes when he brings their son back to her.
When he walks into her hospital room, their eyes immediately lock. He can tell that Snow has a million questions for him, but he tells her everything that matters with just his gaze. Their baby boy is okay, and he is bringing him back to her.
Placing their child in her arms feels perfect, and he is so glad that he gets the chance to do so. His gaze shifts between her and their son, and the love he feels in her heart in his chest in completely consuming. It's an addicting feeling, and he never wants to lose it.
Emma and Henry meet their brother and uncle, and he is so glad that his family is now complete. A year ago, he had thought that they had been shattered, but now, all of the pieces are back together. As they should be. He keeps stealing glances with his wife, and he can see that she feels exactly the same.
When Snow and he are finally alone, they spend all their time just looking at their little boy. They count his fingers and toes multiple times, and continue to marvel at just how perfect he really is, just like his big sister.
He keeps looking at his wife, as motherhood is one of the most beautiful things about her. He can see utter adoration in her eyes, and it just makes him fall for her even harder. She has had that look since the moment Emma existed, and he knows that it will never fade.
She is an incredible mother, after all.
They decide to have a ceremony to announce their son's name and introduce him to the world. His heart breaks a little for Emma, as she should have had the same.
They talk about names for a while, and when one is suggested, he knows, without a doubt that it is completely perfect.
Neal.
He looks at his wife, and he can tell that she feels the same.
Their potluck at Granny's is tonight, and he is excited. After everything that has happened, he is looking forward to having a night to just celebrate the fact that their family is whole and together. Whether Emma decides to leave or not, for this night, he has his entire family. He wouldn't want it any other way.
Snow is getting dressed, and he takes a moment to rock his son in his arms. He quietly tells Neal stories about his wife, as he wants his little boy to know for certain how wonderful of a mother he has. As he speaks, he feels someone watching him, and he turns to lock his gaze with Snow's.
He can see so much swimming in her eyes, and he returns it all. He recalls every glance and word that have passed between them. He knows every expression that has been written across her face and he has her eyes completely memorized.
The woman who stole his ring and his heart had quickly become his world. His Snow White is everything to him, and he wouldn't have it any other way. She is his wife and his constant, his best friend and greatest confidant. She is the beautiful mother of their amazing and perfect son and daughter. All he had ever wanted was to find love, and he considers himself beyond lucky to have found her. Every day he marvels at the fact that he has a soulmate that he falls in love with every moment that he is with her. They share a heart, her heart, and their souls are completely entwined for all eternity. He had never really understood what True Love was, but now, he knows that he has it with his bandit, his princess, his lover, his wife.
He gives her a small smile. "What are you looking at, Snow?" he asks, confident that he is already certain of the answer.
"You," she says, her eyes and voice filled with love. And he knows, without a doubt, exactly what she means.
I hoped you all liked the second, and last, part to this story!
Thanks for reading!