Blossoming Friendship


Emma leaned against the counter, holding her head, patiently waiting for the coffee to finish brewing. Although she was exhausted and pleasantly sore, she had no regrets spending the entire day making love to Regina.

Between their demanding roles within the community and raising two children, quality time was sparse. And although they took advantage of every stolen moment, it felt good to finally be able to leisurely enjoy one another and rekindle their romance.

Taking her first sip of caffeine, Emma smiled, knowing she would sacrifice all the extra sleep time for one more moment in the older woman's arms.

"Late night?" Henry teased as he entered the kitchen.

"I could say the same for you. What time did you guys finally get in?"

"Sorry 'bout that. I know I promised we'd be back by midnight but we kinda had to make a detour first."

"Really? Where to?"

"Well your daughter's new friend needed a ride home."

"Eva met someone last night?"

"Yeah she did. And a cute one, if I must say."

"But weren't you guys hanging out with your friends? I'm sure she's met most of them already."

"We were. This girl just got into town with her parents."

"So she's from the Enchanted Forest."

"She told us last night that her family is here visiting friends."

"So what's this girl's name?"

"Melody. And I think she said she's from the kingdom of Atlantia."

Emma nearly choked.

"Did you just say Atlantia?!"

"Yeah, why?"

"Oh boy..." Emma pinched the bridge of her nose.

"What is it?" Henry stood beside his mother.

"Well...um...you see..."

"Spill it Ma."

"I think I know who her parents are."

"Great, do I know them?"

"You do kid. You met her mom when you were little."

"So she was here during the curse."

"Not exactly. She came over during the whole Pan fiasco."

"Wow, I can't think of who she is."

"Let me see if I can jog your memory. Her mom has a thing for fishes."

"What like she's into seafood?"

"No. More like she's lived with them most of her life."

Henry's eyes open wide.

"No... You can't mean..."

"Yeah I'm afraid so."

"But didn't she stab mom in the neck with a knife?"

"Actually, I believe it was a fork."

"And mom stole her voice."

"Yeah, but she did give it back. And she gave her back that bracelet so she could have legs."

"You have got to be freaking kidding me!" Henry exclaimed throwing his hands up.

"Hey, but that was a long time ago." Emma placated.

"Is there not one person in the Enchanted Forest that my mom hasn't tried to kill or has tried to kill her?"

"That's not nice kid. True, but still not nice."

"That's easy for you to say. How's Eva gonna feel about this?"

"Feel about what?" Evangeline asked as she strolled into the kitchen.

"Uh..." Henry stumbled.

"Cereal, sweetie. Your mom's running a little behind this morning so we don't have anything made." Emma smiled, trying to hide her nervousness.

"That's okay. I'm heading over to Granny's anyway." Evangeline replied.

"Really?"

"Yeah I'm meeting up with someone. That's okay, right?"

"Yes. That's fine."

"Can I catch a ride with you on your way to the station?"

"Sure. Why don't you get your stuff and meet me by the car?"

"Thanks Ma."

Evangeline snatched an apple from the basket on the counter before heading out the front door.

"Why didn't you say anything?" Henry exclaimed.

"Why didn't you?" Emma countered. "Okay, let's get a grip here. It may not be as bad as we think."

Henry gazed at her with one eyebrow raised.

"Don't give me that look. I can't stand it when your mom gives me that look."

"With good reason. It usually means you're in trouble." Henry sassed.

"Well kid, I'm not in any trouble at the moment. So instead of judging, I suggest you think of a way for us to break the news not only to your sister, but to your mother."

"Ohhh no. I'll gladly tell Eva. You can have the honor of telling Mom." Henry stated before grabbing his bag and leaving the kitchen.

"I'll remember this moment when you ask for my help with proposing to Paige!" Emma shouted.

Henry dipped his head back through the doorway.

"Unlike you, I have years before I need to face that problem. Bye."

Emma groaned before snatching her keys from the table and heading outside. She was not looking forward to speaking to Regina about their daughter's fraternization with the daughter of an ex-foe. And why was she suddenly overcome with a feeling of déjà vu?


"Oh come on Belle! I said I was sorry." Ruby pleaded.

Belle's head remained fixed on her book as she continued to ignore the wolf.

Ruby huffed before leaping over the counter and sitting in the chair just in front of her girlfriend.

Belle gasped as her book was yanked from her hands and she was forcefully pulled onto Ruby's lap. She turned her fiery eyes on the brunette, only to be met by the warmest and most beautiful brown eyes filled with nothing but regret. She shook her head, laughing, before cupping Ruby's cheek.

"You do know the sad puppy dog eyes are not always going to get you out of trouble." Belle stated.

"I know. But I really am sorry about this morning. I swear I thought I had locked the door." Ruby explained.

"Well, you didn't and now I have to face Granny knowing she saw me in that rather compromising position." Belle closed her eyes at the thought.

"Hey look at me." Ruby clutched Belle's chin. "Don't you worry about Grans. I bet she didn't see anything. The old coot wasn't even wearing her glasses."

"I'll have you know this old coot has got nothing wrong with her eyes. And her ears are working just fine. Thank you." Granny stated as she walked out from the kitchen.

Belle slapped Ruby across the arm before jumping off her lap. Ruby winced, rubbing her arm and glaring at her grandmother.

Granny placed freshly baked items on the counter, walked passed her annoyed granddaughter and stood in front of Belle.

Belle hung her head low, readying herself for the lecture the older woman would no doubt be giving her. Instead, she felt a soft but strong hand clasp her shoulder, giving it a squeeze.

"You listen here young lady. Although the last thing I wanted to see this morning was you and my granddaughter locked in some kind of naked game of twister, there ain't nothing to be ashamed about. I was young once, so I know what I'm talking about. Besides, you are the best thing to happen to my Ruby. I have never seen that girl smile so much in my life. And for that, I'm thankful." Granny announced before placing a kiss on the younger woman's cheek.

"Thank you Granny, but I'm pretty lucky too." Belle smiled.

"Glad to hear it. Now, since that's all settled, can you please forgive the girl so she can get back to work? I have a diner to run." Granny declared as she leaned over to smack Ruby lightly upside her head. "And you remember to lock your door. Show your woman a little respect. I raised you better than that." Then she walked back into the kitchen.

"Ow! Sheesh Grans, I got it." Ruby exclaimed as she rubbed the painful spot.

Belle reached out and placed her hand gently against Ruby's head, kneading her fingers against her scalp.

"Granny sure knows how to get her point across."

"That she does. And I've got the bruises to prove it."

"So, I guess I overreacted."

Ruby circled her arms around the other woman's waist, pulling her in close.

"You had every right to. I was careless and promise to never put you in a situation like that again."

Belle placed her arms around Ruby's shoulders before leaning in for a kiss.

Ruby moaned at the touch.

"Before we were interrupted, I was very much enjoying myself." Belle smirked.

"Well how about we continue where we left off later on tonight."

"I look forward to it."

"Ruby!" Granny shouted.

"Sorry babe. Gotta go." Ruby laughed before running to the back.

Belle shook her head, smiling, and returned to reading her book.


The two young women walked towards the docks and, finding a bench, took a seat.

Pulling out the sandwiches from the bag, Evangeline handed one to Melody.

"So what did you say this was again?" Melody asked as she un-wrapped the paper.

"A grilled cheese. It's my Ma's favorite even though my Mom hates that she eats so many of them." Evangeline laughed.

Melody smiled before taking a bite. Her eyes closed as the warm cheese melted in her mouth. She had never tasted anything so delicious.

"I told you they were good." Evangeline said before taking her own bite.

"Who would have guessed something so simple could be so tasty?"

Melody took another bite before turning in her seat to face Evangeline.

"So what else do you have?" Melody asked as she peered into the bag.

Evangeline laughed before retrieving two root beer sodas. Popping the top, she handed the bottle over.

"Brace yourself to be knocked outta your seat." Evangeline smiled.


The bell above the door rang as the Sheriff walked into the diner. She waved hello to Belle before taking a seat at the counter.

"Hey Rubes, can I get my usual?"

"Sure Emma. Coming right up."

Ruby grabbed a bear claw from the pastry dish and poured a large cup of coffee.

"So who was the little hottie with Eva this morning?" Ruby snickered as she wiped down the counter.

"You saw them? Damn, I hung back at the station to give her some privacy. Nothing kills a teenager's coolness then having your mom lurking in the background."

"Yeah I get it." Ruby agreed, pointing towards Granny. "But they just left. So who is she?" Ruby leaned forward as if sharing a secret.

"Henry said they met at the bonfire. If you can believe it, she's Ariel's kid."

"Really? What a small world."

"Rubes, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure, shoot."

"So does time go differently in the Enchanted Forest? Cause Ariel's kid is kinda grown don't you think?"

"Now that you mention it, they have only been gone from Storybrooke a couple of years."

Belle stepped up putting her hand on Ruby's arm.

"To answer your question, some realms do vary in their time frame in relation to this world. Some I have heard go slower, while others move rather quickly. But I don't believe the Enchanted Forest is one of them."

"So how do you explain Ariel having a teenage daughter?"

"Well I have read that in some species of mermaid, the female children grow to adulthood within a span of two or three years. It provides their clans with a better opportunity in keeping their numbers plentiful."

"So you're telling me my daughter is with a fish?!" Emma exclaimed.

"Emma!" Ruby shouted. "She's not a fish."

Emma raised her eyebrow.

"Well technically, she isn't a fish. More like a porpoise." Belle replied.

"Belle you're not helping. Emma breathe." Ruby came around and rubbed her hand on Emma's back. "And why are you so upset about it? You're best friends with a werewolf."

"I'm not upset. I'm actually concerned."

"Why?" Belle asked.

Emma uttered one word that explained it all.

"Regina."


Evangeline laughed as she wiped the tear from her eye.

"So what happened next?"

"Well what else could I do but get back up and continue the silly dance. Mind you, I held the dress up the entire time." Melody giggled.

Evangeline laughed again before taking a drink from her soda. She could not imagine having to dance at a ball after having your gown ripped by a prince who clumsily got tangled up in it, sending you both to the floor. She admired Melody for her bravery to lift herself from the ground and proceed as if nothing ever happened.

"My father was mortified by it all. My mother simply excused me to my room for the rest of the event."

"And what about the prince?"

"Oh, I heard he married some princess from the neighboring kingdom. They are happily raising clumsy children of their own." Melody smirked.

Evangeline shook her head smiling.

"Well aside from that, your kingdom sounds beautiful. I have never been out of Storybrooke. I can't wait until the day I can hop a portal and visit some different land."

"Well when you do get the chance, I hope you will come visit me." Melody replied, placing her hand atop of Evangeline's.

"I'd like that." Evangeline said, placing her hand over Melody's, squeezing it lightly.

Evangeline and Melody remained staring at one another, neither able to tear their gaze away. Then, shaking her head, Melody removed her hand.

"So tell me, are you really the daughter of the infamous Evil Queen?"

"Yeah, I am. Does that bother you?"

"Are you kidding me? Your family is the epitome of true love's magic." Melody declared. "Look at your mothers, the Evil Queen and the Savior. They were once sworn enemies and now are together in wedded bliss. And what about your grandparents? The Dark One and the deadly Queen of Hearts. Both set upon the road of redemption for the sake of their families. Not to mention your other grandparents are Snow White and Prince Charming."

"I never thought of it like that. To me, they're just family."

"A family you should be proud of. You come from a magnificent, royal line and will no doubt make a great Queen one day."

Evangeline blushed at the praise.

"Thanks. But I'm a long way away from that. What about you, princess? Will I soon be genuflecting when I see you?" Evangeline teased.

"Sadly, I can't say. It all depends..."

"Depends on what?"

"Whether my father finds a suitable match for me. I will receive my crown the day of my wedding." Melody replied sadly.

"You're not serious? The only way you get to be Queen is if you're married? And your Dad picks who it is?" Evangeline exclaimed.

"Yes. It's the way it has always been done."

"Well it's wrong. You should marry someone you love, not 'cause someone tells you to." Evangeline felt outraged.

"Not all of us can be as lucky as your mothers."

Melody stood from the bench and walked towards the pier railing. She leaned against it, suddenly feeling a heavy weight on her shoulders. Gazing out across the water, she wished she could leap in and leave all her cares behind.

Evangeline watched the young woman, clearly overcome by their conversation and the truth of an unchangeable future. Her heart broke for her new friend at the same time as it seethed with anger. In spending just these few moments with her, Evangeline already knew that she was someone who deserved all the happiness life could bring. She definitely did not deserve to be used as a pawn in anyone's bid for a throne. Taking a deep breath, Evangeline released her anger before walking over to stand beside Melody.

"How about we promise not to talk about arranged marriages, royal families, or the Enchanted Forest, and just enjoy the rest of the time you're here in Storybrooke? Deal?" Evangeline held out her hand, her eyes shining with hope.

Nudging the girl on the shoulder, Melody laughed before shaking her hand.

"Deal."


"Emma, I don't believe Regina is going to care much if Melody is a mermaid or not. She was good friends with a dragon after all." Belle explained.

"It's not the fact that this girl could be a mermaid, but the whole Enchanted Forest thing. Regina was dead set on raising Eva away from all of that. She wanted a normal life for her daughter." Emma replied.

"I understand Emma. But that's kinda hard, what with being surrounded by fairy tale characters, don't you think?" Ruby questioned.

"I told her that. But you have to understand, she has so many bad memories connected with that place that I can see where she's coming from." Emma stated.

"It's very admirable that Regina would want her daughter to not go through any untold hurt. But Emma, you and I both know you can't stop fate." Belle said sadly.

Emma nodded her head. She knew very well that, no matter what you did, fate would always find a way to kick you where it hurt most. She just wished that, for once, it would turn the other way when it concerned her daughter.


"I had a wonderful day with you." Melody said as she walked beside Evangeline towards her cottage.

"So did I." Evangeline replied.

Melody stopped and turned towards Evangeline.

"I am not familiar with this world's customs, so forgive me if I am out of line when I ask this, but... can we see each other again?" Melody rushed shyly.

Evangeline's cheeks hurt from the impossibly large smile on her face.

"I was just about to ask you the same thing."

"I'm so glad you enjoy my company as much as I do yours."

"Why wouldn't I? You're great."

"Well I think you are pretty amazing too. And I have so few friends at home, that finding someone I can be myself with is like a wish come true."

"To be honest, I feel the same way. Most of the other kids I know are my brother's friends. It's nice to have a friend of my own."

"And I am yours... your friend, I mean." Melody blushed at the slip of her words.

Evangeline felt her own cheeks flame.

"So, how about tomorrow then?" Evangeline said.

"Tomorrow sounds perfect. Should we meet again at the diner at, say, ten o'clock?" Melody replied as she retrieved the key from her pocket.

"Ten is fine. And I promise to dazzle you with another of this world's famous foods." Evangeline winked.

"I look forward to it. Have a good night Eva." Melody said as she entered the house.

"Night Melody." Evangeline replied before pumping her fist in the air celebrating as she all but skipped down the street.