6101719: I know I said this was going to be up last night, and I am very sorry. I had to go to work last night and again this morning *gags* and then I had to write an essay. Fortunately, it wasn't the ten-thousand-word essay I thought it was going to be (only three, and I can't tell you HOW ecstatic I was to learn that). In other news, when I cut this movie in half I really cut it into 5.5k and 2k. So I had some bulking up to do. Here we are, regardless, and I hope it's good :) I've gotten so many follows and reviews it's been staggering. I feel so happy, and would like to thank every single one of you for all the smiles you've given me.

Without further ado, Snow White part two

Setting: same as last time.

It was quarter to seven, and groups of people began making their ways to spots for their vehicles or blankets, many more people than Emma had thought would come.

She spotted Mother Superior and another nun she didn't recognize beside the dwarves' cube van, and Geppetto and Pinocchio nearby as well, the woodcarver and Archie deep in friendly conversation. Gold and Belle were stationed near to one side, and Emma felt her heart warm to see Neal with them, looking like he was actually getting along with his father. She smiled and returned the wave Belle sent their way, catching the attention of Neal, who offered a small smile and wave himself, though not without pause. It seemed as if everything in Storybrooke was starting to come together again. Families reunited, enemies achieving a common ground, and here they all were, in one lot, and no one was in danger or worrying about a thing.

She turned back to the screen, noticing out of the corner of her eye that Hook was sitting rather oddly still. I guess not everything is perfect."Do you want popcorn or a drink or something?" She stood slowly, not wanting to leave the warmth of the blankets, though for refreshments she could do it.

Hook lifted his flask. "Already taken care of, thank you." His grin was somewhat lacking in its usual honest charm. "And I don't know what popcorn is."

Emma stopped abruptly. "Then you are having some. Granny's popcorn will change your life." He still wasn't at ease. I thought we just worked things out? What's up with him now? Emma walked away without another word, temporarily giving up on trying to sort Hook out.

Ruby, Granny, Mary Margaret and Henry were the only ones in the warehouse when Emma got there. The popcorn machine was empty, but Granny was in the process of making some more.

Emma knew better than to bother her while she was cooking, even if it was just popcorn. She turned to Ruby with a smile, asking about a bottled coke.

"Are you not getting one for Hook?" Emma noticed that despite the overflowing snacks in her son's arms, the mischief on his face was in plain sight. He looked expectant, as if he was disappointed in her for not getting anything for the pirate.

"He said he didn't want any." There was a slight look that passed between Ruby and Henry. "But he's never tried Granny's popcorn, so no matter what he says he's getting some of that."

"Well I'll make it a large then." Ruby said, sliding a piece of paper across to Granny. "I've been smelling the stuff for an hour, and it's been torture. You'll need lots for two people."

Henry nodded emphatically. "Mom will be waiting for me. See you around Ruby. Bye Emma." That look again. What is he up to? Emma watched her son's retreating back, utterly perplexed.

The mouth-watering aroma of Granny's popcorn started seeping into the air, as well as the tell-tale popping, like music to Emma's ears. She felt Mary Margaret sidle up beside her.

"So is it you or my grandson that I have to thank for this movie choice?"

"Oh, it was all Henry's idea." Emma declared. "But don't feel too picked on. I'm sure all our turns will come. He's got a whole box back at the loft, full of the old Disney movies." She smiled knowingly at her mother. "I have a feeling this is just the tip of the iceberg."

"You're probably right about that." Ruby affirmed. "He seemed so excited about the idea of a drive-in, I haven't seen him stop smiling all day. I have a suspicion that he'll be getting the dwarves and Granny to set this up as often as possible."

Mary Margaret shook her head, chuckling. "Well then I guess I'll just have to grin and bear it. What other movies does he have in there?"

Emma tried to recall some of the titles she'd seen while rifling through the box earlier that week. "Well Beauty and the Beast, which will probably be pretty interesting, and Pinocchio, and Aladdin, The Princess Bride, Cinderella, and lots more that I don't remember." Emma shrugged. "I recognised the classics mostly. There were a lot there that I've never seen either."

Mary Margaret sighed. "I love The Princess Bride. I haven't seen it in ages though. And I don't think I've seen any of the Disney movies."

"I guess that's the trouble with arriving in this world as an adult." Ruby said. "We missed out on a lot of the best parts of this world."

"Yeah, Disney does seem to be the highlight of most kids' childhoods." Emma agreed. "Henry's seen them all I think."

"Well he sure seems excited about this one." Granny plunked down a bucket of popcorn on the counter, tucking the bills Emma gave into her apron. "Does he have a favourite?"

A pang of regret shot through Emma's gut. She didn't know these sorts of things. It's what happens when you miss eleven years of a kid's life. She thought sadly. I'll just have to make up for lost time. "I don't know, actually. I guess we'll see what happens though, if he's trying to turn this movie night into a town-wide tradition."

"I think that's such a great idea." Mary Margaret looked out the door of the warehouse. "I mean look at all these people. Everyone's getting along, and we finally have some semblance of peace. It's what this town needs."

Ruby nodded. "I was just thinking that earlier today. Maybe someday we'll make it back to the enchanted forest, but until then Storybrooke's it." She leaned against the counter, propping her chin in her palm. "And this is the right kind of place to call home."

Leroy poked his head inside the door. "Movies about to start, if you ladies want to see the first bit then you'd better head back to your seats."

The movie was just beginning by the time Emma returned to the bug with two cokes (Henry had a point) and large popcorn. She took a small handful from the bucket and gave it to Hook. "Eat this. Tell me what you think." She watched intently as the captain threw back the kernels, eyebrows raising in surprised. "So? Worth it?"

Hook nodded, reaching for another handful. "A vast improvement over the last thing you told me to eat without asking questions."

Emma didn't have to ask him to clarify, knowing that he still hadn't forgiven her for the Buckley's. "Well I'm glad you like it." She handed him the coke. "In case the rum runs out."

Hook chuckled. "The rum never runs out. Enchantment is a beautiful thing." He punctuated with a swig from the flask, looking pleased with himself.

Emma rolled her eyes. "Then why did you say it was a 'bloody waste' when you poured the stuff on my hand on the beanstalk?"

The pirate looked smug. "It was a bloody waste. The first time I offer you rum and it's being poured through your fingers instead of your lovely lips."

Emma took another handful of popcorn. "Then the coke's insurance against your excuses to get drunk."

This time she got a full-out laugh. "I'll drink it if it should so please you love. Perhaps with a bit of rum."

"That's actually a real thing. Cuba Libre." Emma filled in. "You'll probably like it."

He popped the top off the bottle, throwing back a few swallows before looking up, eyes wide. "That's good stuff." He drank another few swigs. "I've changed my mind. I'll save the rum for another time."

Emma bit her lip to hide her smile. "Well it's not going anywhere."

Hook said nothing, and the opening credits were finishing, so Emma turned her attention to the screen. Mary Margaret and David were only a short distance to their right, Regina and Henry only just beyond them. There were probably close to a hundred people in the lot, which made Emma feel something oddly content in her chest. Henry had a way of bringing people together, not always even by trying very hard. And this was her family. Even Regina and Gold were her family. It was a wild combination, and volatile to say the least, but she couldn't remember a time being happier than with all these people around her.

Hook whistled. "Your father looks rather in touch with his feminine side." He commented happily. "That is a lovely outfit."

Emma laughed quietly, silently agreeing with his assessment of the prince on-screen. "Don't say that too loudly. He's just starting to like you."

"Oh I doubt that." Hook said dryly, reaching for another handful of popcorn. "He might tolerate me, but I have a long way to go before he'll trust me."

He noticed Emma's poignant stare without shame. "You saved his life, why wouldn't he trust you?"

"I saved his life by lying to him. I may have proved my good intentions, but there was no suggestion of honesty." He pulled back a swig of coke in a clear attempt to end the discussion.

Emma let it slide. "Well whatever the case may be, you insulting his cartoon self isn't going to get you any points."

"I won't even mention the lovely Regina."

Emma grinned before she could stop herself. "I sure hope Henry's placating her. Wait until you see her transform."

"I look forward to it." Hook grinned as he looked back at the screen. "She's come a long way since her heart-collecting days."

Emma looked at her son and Regina, laughing and snacking together from under the blanket on the back of David's truck. When did they move to sit with Mary Margaret and David? Emma wondered. She didn't much care. If anything she was pleasantly surprised, and as long as her son was happy, so was she. "She sure has." The fact that Regina felt comfortable enough to laugh around Emma's parents, the very couple she used to hate more than anyone in the world, was a huge sign of her change. Emma felt a smile on her face. Things could not be more perfect.

The next few minutes or so passed quietly, the odd bout of laughter rippling through the crowd, but otherwise the sound of munching on the wind was the only one outside of the movie.

Emma felt completely taken by the story she'd seen so many times as a child. Maybe it was because it was her mother being pictured in the film, instead of just some fictional fairytale princess. Or maybe it was the way a simple story (and not a completely accurate one) had the ability to bring a whole town together. She looked over at Gold, Belle and Neal. She couldn't remember ever seeing the shop owner so happy, and Neal looked completely relaxed, something he hadn't really had time for since arriving in Storybrooke. Emma knew that the situation with Tamara had taken its toll on him, and she knew that he was doing his best to cope with it, despite the awkwardness of the situation. Emma knew what it was like to have a broken heart. She didn't wish that on anyone, even Neal.

She noticed Hook watching her, and turned to give him a questioning look. "What's up?"

A muscle in his brow twitched slightly. "Nothing to concern yourself with darling."

Emma frowned. "That sounds an awful lot like something. Are you going to tell me?"

Hook said nothing for a long moment. Just when Emma was sure he wasn't going to stop acting like a teenage girl, he began. "I've encountered a slight problem since arriving in Storybrooke." The look on his face was completely unimpressed with this situation, him explaining himself to Emma, and she could see that plain as day. He'd bared his heart enough.

"Okay… a problem with what?" Emma knew he was honest about such things, and was counting on it.

"There is a certain… trait, present in Storybrooke, largely to do with your family, your son in particular. I have no problem with the boy, but you understand how Henry seems to have become the darling of the entire population." Another drink. "It presents a barrier of sorts around those close to him. A barrier rather difficult to cross, particularly for a one-handed pirate with a drinking problem."

The offhanded remark hit Emma square between the eyes. She remembered the impression she had gotten on his ship when she'd come to invite him to the movie night. Loneliness. As much as he had denied it earlier, even when she was offering help, she now knew it was true. More than loneliness, she realised. He's an outcast. She hadn't been wrong. He was feeling forcibly kept from the town and its occupants, and had been for some time now, while Emma had done nothing much about it but offer him entrance, as if it was her lack of invitation that was stopping him. As if that was enough. Before she lost her nerve, she slipped her hand between his and the flask, entwining her fingers with his. "I'm sorry Hook."

He laughed mirthlessly, though her unexpected gesture seemed to have brought a bit of colour back to his humour. "It's not your fault love. I'm the one who invaded with a murderous, heart-thieving witch as my companion, only to cement my reputation by shooting Belle and tormenting the cricket as my prisoner. You said as much yourself."

Emma felt her heart sinking. She knew he was telling the truth, and that was what hurt the most. He had done all sorts of horrible things, and all of Storybrooke knew about them. And she had reminded him of that. And the good he'd done, to save Henry in Neverland, he'd done without hardly a pair of eyes to notice them. But I noticed, Emma thought. And if I know there's good here, then maybe it's my job to vouch for it. "You're not the man you used to be." She squeezed his hand once before extracting it and reaching for the popcorn. "You saved my father, and helped me save my son. Even if no one saw that, it means that you're not all bad. I said that before too, if you were listening."

Hook said nothing, watching the screen intently. Snow White was in the process of cleaning up the dwarves' cottage, whistling and singing all the while. In many ways, he felt like that's what he'd been trying to do with the Jolly Roger in the past week. As if all he needed was a clean ship to get the clean slate he needed. It seemed fresh starts were a little harder to come by than he'd foolishly believed.

And yet, here was this woman beside him, who knew all the reasons why he didn't deserve a fresh start, and yet was willing to give him one. The lost girl. If anyone knew about new beginnings, it was Emma Swan. It was one of the reasons Hook had grown to love her as he did. Perhaps he hadn't told her, in as many words, but he had made his feelings clear enough back in Neverland. And despite the fact that she hadn't made her station clear on the issue, despite the fact that she still obviously held some feelings for Henry's father, and despite the fact that she never spoke of that moment they had shared back in the jungle, Hook knew that there was hope. And hope was something he could fight for. Hope for revenge had driven him for hundreds of years, but hope for love could certainly outlast even that.

He looked at Emma, snuggled warmly beneath the same blankets that had kept the cold from him the night previous. He could fight for her. And if it took him twice as long as it had to come to peace with Rumplestiltskin, he would fight. She was worth it.

"I was listening, love."

She smiled softly. "Good."

The rest of the movie lasted in amiable silence between them. Emma noticed a few looks here and there from other groups, wondering about the pirate and the savior snuggled together under a blanket, but Emma didn't care. She'd made up her mind. If her family was the heart of this town the way Hook suggested, her family would be the ones to accept Hook first.

"Once there was a princess."

"Was the princess you?"

"And she fell in love."

"Was it hard to do?"

"It was very easy! Anyone could see that the prince was charming, the only one for me."

"Was he strong, and handsome?"

"Was he big and tall?"

"There was nobody like him, anywhere at all."

"Did he say he loved ya?"

"Did he steal a kiss?"

"He was so romantic, I could not resist…

Someday, my prince will come,

Someday, we'll meet again,

And away to his castle we'll go,

To be happy forever, I know.

Someday, when spring is here,

We'll find our love again,

And the birds will sing,

And wedding bells will ring,

Someday, when my dreams come true."

Emma looked over at her parents, her heart twisting at the sight of Mary Margaret's head on David's shoulder. She turned back to the screen, at the dwarves enraptured by Snow White's beautiful singing. They deserve that kind of happy ending. Emma thought. 'Happy forever' and all that. She looked over again at her parents and almost gasped aloud. It was a private moment, one not even Henry and Regina noticed.

Emma's eyes were wide. No way. No way no way no way. A smile lit up her face, and a deep sigh escaped her lips.

They deserve it.

Hook gave her a quizzical look at her strange behavior, but Emma didn't care. She didn't care about almost anything in those moments.

She found herself sighing a lot more after that, the whole movie taking on a new light. She wasn't emotional, she never really had been, but something about seeing the dwarves crying over that glass coffin got her. Snow White—her mother—laying still as dead inside of it… she found herself squeezing the empty coke bottle to avoid embarrassing herself. Happy endings were such a blessing.

"So what did you think?"

Emma looked up at her son peering over the hood of her car. "I loved it." Her smile was nothing if not genuine.

"It's cool watching it when you know everyone. Henry leaned on the yellow bug, looking almost dreamy. "Even if it was wrong."

Regina appeared behind the boy at that moment, and Emma's smile faded. Uh oh… "Hey… what did you think?"

The woman offered a small smile. "Well, no one seems to hate me now more than before, so it wasn't as bad as it could have been."

Emma resisted laughing nervously. "I'm glad. Disney sure takes things to extremes." Not the brightest of comments.

Hook stood. "And there seems to be a theme of who gets the worst of it." He tilted his head slightly. "Your majesty."

Regina crinkled her nose slightly. "Yes… well needless to say, I think we're both looking forward to Stiltskin's moment in the spotlight."

Hook grinned wickedly. "Small mercies."

"Okay… well it was nice talking to you." Henry smiled at Emma and Hook in turn. "See you guys tomorrow. Come on Mom." He took Regina's hand, steering her back towards their vehicle.

"Quite a lad." Hook mused. He turned to Emma, eyebrows raised, gesturing to the bug. "Shall we?"

Emma kept her blanket wrapped around her shoulders for the drive back to the docks. It was a clear night, which made for beautiful stars, but nasty temperatures.

Hook exited the car just outside of the Jolly Roger, bowing slightly to Emma as she handed him the blanket. "Keep it darling. It's a valuable piece to have."

Emma said nothing, just wrapped it back around her shoulders.

"Thank you for inviting me, Emma." His gaze was trained right on her, and she couldn't quite meet it.

She fidgeted. "You're welcome." Her name in his mouth was a breathy thing, and it never ceased to give her a strange feeling. "I'll make sure to tell you when the next one is."

"I should like that."

Emma shifted her weight, looking down. Her mind was in turmoil, and this pirate was completely not helping.

"Emma darling," Hook tipped up her chin, forcing her to meet his cool blue stare. "what's the matter?"

A forced smile. "Nothing."

He frowned. "I was nothing less than honest with you. I ask only the same thing."

Her gut twisted. "I thought I was the one with the superpower?" She tried to laugh.

"Emma."

She didn't look away. She wanted to, but that was childish. "Nothing's really wrong. I just have a lot to think about."

The cool metal of his rings moved to her cheek, her ear. "As do I, love."

No one moved. The stars themselves held their breath. The spell was broken after an eternity when Hook moved.

His lips had just touched her when Emma woke. All she could see was Mary Margaret and David, on the back of the pickup truck, snuggling close.

His hand moving to her stomach, hers over his, the shared look between them. That smile. That this-is-the-truest-love-in-all-the-realms smile.

Emma pulled back more forcefully than necessary. Was that what she had with Hook?

She looked up at the man, sure by the look in his eyes that he saw right through her. Did he know how worried she was? Worrying that she would never be able to risk things like her parents could? Worried she was never going to be able to love someone so much?

"Goodnight, love."

Emma felt her throat stinging. I told him it was a one-time thing. He had no right—

Hook's retreating back stared back at her defiantly, despite its rejection. He was risking things too.

Despite not being an emotional person, there was a single tear on Emma's cheek as she walked through her front door five minutes later.